Patent Publication Number: US-2011054307-A1

Title: Medical apparatus containing device, discarding device and method of use of medical apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/145,587, filed Jun. 25, 2008, by Akio UCHIYAMA, entitled MEDICAL APPARATUS CONTAINING DEVICE, DISCARDING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE OF MEDICAL APPARATUS, which is a Continuation application of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2006/326140, filed Dec. 27, 2006, which was published under PCT Article 21(2) in Japanese. 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-375531, filed Dec. 27, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a medical apparatus containing device which contains a medical apparatus that incorporates a magnet, to a discarding device, and to a method of use of a medical apparatus. In particular, the invention relates to a capsule medical apparatus containing device which contains a capsule medical apparatus that incorporates a magnet. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A capsule-type endoscope is generally known, which is ingested by a subject who is an examined body and which observes (examines) the inside of a tubular organ in the body, for instance, the inside (body cavity) of the organ such as the esophagus, stomach or small intestine. Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2004-255174 (patent document 1) discloses a capsule-type endoscope of a magnetic guidance type in which a capsule-type endoscope is guided in a desired direction to a desired position in the body by a magnetic guidance system which generates a magnetic field. 
     The pamphlet of International Publication 01/35813 (patent document 2) discloses a structure wherein a package for controlling the driving of a capsule endoscope is provided, and the capsule endoscope is contained in this package. A reed switch, which is turned on/off by an external magnetic field, is included in the capsule endoscope. A permanent magnet, which supplies the external magnetic field, is included in the package. Specifically, the reed switch, which is included in the capsule endoscope, is configured to be kept in the OFF state in an environment in which a magnetic field of a predetermined strength or more is applied, and to be turned on when the intensity of the external magnetic field lowers. Thus, in the state in which the capsule endoscope is contained in the package, the capsule endoscope is not driven. When the capsule endoscope is to be ingested, the capsule endoscope is taken out of the package. Thereby, the capsule endoscope is isolated from the permanent magnet and becomes free from the influence of the magnetic force. Thus, the driving of the capsule endoscope is started. With this structure, in the state in which the capsule endoscope is contained in the package, the driving of the capsule endoscope is prevented. After the capsule endoscope is taken out of the package, capture of an image by an image pickup function of the capsule endoscope and transmission of an image signal by a wireless function are performed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, a medical apparatus containing device which contains a medical apparatus which incorporates a magnet, comprising: positioning means for positioning the medical apparatus; and a magnetic body which is so disposed as to guide a magnetic field, which is generated from the magnet of the medical apparatus that is positioned by the positioning means, from one magnetic pole to the other magnetic pole. 
     In the above-described structure, when the capsule medical apparatus is set in the containing device which contains the medical apparatus which incorporates the magnet, the capsule medical apparatus is positioned in a predetermined set position by the positioning means. In this state, the magnetic field, which is generated from the magnet of the capsule medical apparatus, is guided from one magnetic pole of the magnet of the capsule medical apparatus to the other magnetic pole via the magnetic body of the containing device. 
     Preferably, the magnetic body is formed as a thin film. 
     Preferably, the thin film is coated with a resin material. 
     Preferably, an adhesive member is attached to the resin material, and the resin material is attached to at least one of the medical apparatus and the medical apparatus containing device. 
     Preferably, the magnetic body is positioned to at least one of the medical apparatus and the medical apparatus containing device by an attractive force acting between the magnetic body and the magnet. 
     Preferably, the medical apparatus is a capsule medical apparatus. 
     Preferably, the capsule medical apparatus is a capsule endoscope. 
     According to second aspect of the present invention, a medical apparatus containing device comprising: a container case which contains a medical apparatus which incorporates a magnet; positioning means for positioning the medical apparatus in the container case; and magnetic force reduction preventing means for preventing reduction in magnetic force of the magnet, the magnetic force reduction preventing means being disposed at a position that is away from the magnet and corresponds to the magnet of the medical apparatus which is positioned and contained in the container case. 
     Preferably, the magnetic force reduction preventing means includes a magnetic body which is disposed at a position that corresponds to the magnet of the medical apparatus, which is positioned and contained in the container case, in a state in which the magnetic body surrounds the magnet, and the magnetic body is so disposed as to guide a magnetic field, which is generated from the magnet, from one magnetic pole to the other magnetic pole. 
     Preferably, the magnetic body is composed of a U-shaped member which is formed in a U shape, the U-shaped member is disposed on the container case in a vicinity of the respective magnetic poles of the magnet, and the magnetic force reduction preventing means forms a magnetic circuit between the U-shaped member and the magnet, thereby decreasing a magnetic field which leaks from the magnet to an outside of the container case, and preventing reduction in magnetic force of the magnet. 
     Preferably, the medical apparatus is a capsule medical apparatus, the container case includes an outer case having a first hold portion with a recess shape, which holds a part of the capsule medical apparatus, and an inner case having a second hold portion with a recess shape, which holds another part of the capsule medical apparatus, and the magnetic body is mounted on an outside of at least one of the first hold portion of the outer case and the second hold portion of the inner case. 
     Preferably, the magnetic body is formed as a thin film. 
     Preferably, the thin film is coated with a resin material. 
     Preferably, an adhesive member is attached to the resin material, and the resin material is attached to at least one of the medical apparatus and the medical apparatus containing device. 
     Preferably, the magnetic body is positioned to at least one of the medical apparatus and the medical apparatus containing device by an attractive force acting between the magnetic body and the magnet. 
     Preferably, the medical apparatus is a capsule medical apparatus. 
     According to third aspect of the present invention, a method of use of a medical apparatus, comprising: a step of keeping a magnetic body, which guides magnetic force lines from one magnetic pole to the other magnetic pole of a magnet which is provided in the medical apparatus, in a vicinity of the medical apparatus; a step of increasing a distance between the magnetic body and the magnet; and a step of inserting the medical apparatus into a body cavity. 
     According to forth aspect of the present invention, a method of use of a medical apparatus, comprising: a step of keeping a magnetic body, which forms a magnetic circuit for guiding magnetic force lines from one magnetic pole to the other magnetic pole of a magnet which is provided in the medical apparatus, in a vicinity of the medical apparatus; a step of cutting off the magnetic circuit; and a step of inserting the medical apparatus into a body cavity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the structure of a container case of a capsule endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the state in which a sterile sheet is removed from the container case of the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view showing an outer case of the container case of the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view showing the outer case of the container case of the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view showing an inner case of the container case of the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view showing the inner case of the container case of the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the state in which the capsule endoscope is contained in the container case of the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the state in which a capsule endoscope is contained in a container case of the capsule endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a transverse cross-sectional view showing the state of attachment of a magnetic body which is attached to the container case of the capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a modification of the magnetic body which is attached to the container case of the capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the state in which a capsule endoscope is contained in a container case of the capsule endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the capsule endoscope according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a transverse cross-sectional view showing the state of attachment of a magnetic body which is attached to the container case of the capsule endoscope according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view that schematically shows the structure of a discarding device of capsule endoscopes for magnetic guidance; and 
         FIG. 16  is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between a heating temperature of the magnet and a demagnetization ratio. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 1  shows a container case (containing device)  40  of a capsule medical apparatus according to the present embodiment. The container case  40  contains an ingestion-type capsule endoscope  1  (see  FIG. 8 ) which is a magnetic guidance type capsule medical apparatus that includes a magnet. 
     The capsule endoscope  1  is configured as shown in  FIG. 8 . Specifically, the capsule endoscope  1  includes a sealed container  2  which is an armor case. The sealed container  2  has such a size as to permit ingestion by a human, and includes a substantially hemispherical front end cover  2   a  and a cylindrical body cover  2   b . The front end cover  2   a  and the body cover  2   b  are elastically engaged, and the inside is liquid-tightly sealed, and thus the armor case is formed. 
     The front end cover  2   a  has a substantially hemispherical dome shape, and a rear side of the dome is opened in a circular shape. The distal end cover  2   a  is formed of a transparent material having transparency or light transmissivity, for example, a synthetic resin material, such as cycloolefin polymer or polycarbonate, which is preferable in ensuring optical performance and strength. 
     The body cover  2   b  is positioned at the rear end of the front end cover  2   a  and is a member for covering structural elements of the capsule endoscope  1  such as illumination means, image pickup means, a battery and wireless transmission means, which will be described later. The body cover  2   b  is configured such that a circular cylindrical body portion  2   b   1  and a substantially hemispherical dome-shaped rear end portion  2   b   2  are integrally formed, and a front side of the body portion  2   b   1  is opened in a circular shape. The body cover  2   b  is formed of an opaque synthetic resin material, such as polysulfone, which is preferable in ensuring strength. 
     In the inside of the sealed container  2 , a battery  4  is disposed at a substantially central position between the front end cover  2   a  and the dome-shaped rear end portion  2   b   2 . An observation unit  5  is disposed on the front end cover  2   a  side of the battery  4 , and a communication unit  6  is disposed on the dome-shaped rear end portion  2  side of the battery  4 . 
     In the observation unit  5 , a support member  7  is disposed at a position spaced apart from and opposed to an inner peripheral surface of the front end cover  2   a . A lens  8  of an observation optical system is disposed at a substantially central position of the support member  7 , and a plurality of light-emitting elements  9  such as LEDs, which emit illumination light for illuminating, for instance, an examined body part in a body cavity, are disposed around the lens  8 . A solid image pickup element  10  such as a CCD or a CMOS (hereinafter represented by CCD  10 ), which receives reflective light of the illumination light and captures an image of the examined body part, is disposed behind the lens  8 . An image processing circuit  11  and a power supply circuit  12  are disposed behind the CCD  10 . 
     Further, a coil (magnetic induction coil)  14 , which has a maximum outside dimension that is slightly less than the inside diameter of the sealed container  2 , is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of a mold member  13  in which the image processing circuit  11  and a power supply circuit  12  are buried. A magnetic body  15 , which has a function of converging an externally applied magnetic field within the coil  14 , is disposed inside the coil  14 . A capacitor  16  is connected to the coil  14 , thereby forming a resonant circuit. A material with high saturation flux density and high magnetic permeability, such as an amorphous magnetic body or FINEMET™, is suitable for the magnetic body  15 . If a material, which is formed in a thin film, is used as the magnetic body  15 , the volume of the magnetic body  15  can advantageously be reduced when the magnetic body  15  is disposed within the capsule endoscope  1 . The coil  14  may be an air-core coil which does not have the magnetic body  15 . 
     On the communication unit  6  side, a printed board  17  is disposed at a position spaced apart from and opposed to an inner peripheral surface of the dome-shaped rear end portion  2   b   2 . An RF transmission circuit  18  is disposed on the back surface of the printed board  17 . The RF transmission circuit  18  modulates, for example, image information, which is acquired by the CCD  10  and is output from the image processing circuit  11 , into an RF signal, and transmits the RF signal. 
     An antenna  19 , which is connected to the transmission circuit  18  and radiates radio waves of the RF signal, and an optical switch  20  are disposed on the front surface of the printed board  17 . The antenna  19  is disposed at a substantially central position of the printed board  17 . 
     The optical switch  20  has sensitivity to, e.g. infrared. At least a part of the dome-shaped rear end portion  2   b   2  of the body cover  2   b  of the sealed container  2 , which is near the optical switch  20 , is formed of such a material as to pass infrared at a wavelength to which the optical switch  20  has sensitivity. If infrared is radiated from an infrared emission device (not shown) to the optical switch  20 , power supply to the image processing circuit  11  of the capsule endoscope  1  is started from the battery  4  via the power supply circuit  12 . The circuit of the optical switch  20  is configured to perform a toggle operation. The capsule endoscope  1  is configured to be kept in the ON state if infrared is once radiated. Besides, such a structure may additionally be provided that when infrared is radiated once again in the ON state, the capsule endoscope  1  is turned off. 
     When power is supplied to the capsule endoscope  1 , the light-emitting element  9  and CCD  10  are driven. An image of a living body tissue in the body cavity, which is illuminated by the light-emitting element  9 , is focused on the CCD  10  through the transparent dome of the front end cover  2   a  and the lens  8 , and is thus acquired. The acquired image is properly processed by the image processing circuit  11 , sent to the transmission circuit  18 , and transmitted from the antenna  19 . 
     A discoid (coin-shaped or cylindrical) magnet  21 , which is used for magnetic guidance, is disposed at a part interposed between the battery  4  and the transmission circuit  18 . This magnet  21  is magnetized in the radial direction of the capsule endoscope  1 . The magnet  21  is disposed such that its magnetic poles are positioned in a direction perpendicular to the major axis direction of the capsule endoscope  1 . The angle between the direction of magnetization of the magnet  21  and the direction of the antenna  19  that is connected to the transmission circuit  18  is 90°. This establishes the condition that the magnetic field, which is generated from the magnet  21 , is incident at the position of the antenna  19  with a displacement of 90° relative to the direction of the antenna  19 . Thereby, the influence on the antenna  19  by the magnetic field from the magnet  21  can be suppressed to a low level. Even if the direction of the antenna  19  and the direction of magnetization of the magnet  21  are positioned with a slight displacement from 90°, the effect of suppressing the influence of the magnetic field on the antenna  19  hardly varies. 
     A shield member  22  is inserted between the magnet  21  and the transmission circuit  18 . The shield member  22  is formed of a magnetic material and has the effect of attracting the magnetic field in the vicinity of the antenna  19 . Thereby, the strength of the magnetic field, which is incident on the antenna  19 , can be reduced. As a result, the influence of the magnetic field on the structural elements (transmission circuit  18 , antenna  19 ) for wireless communication can be suppressed to a low level, and stable wireless communication can be realized. In the meantime, the battery  4  is held by a heat-shrinkable tube  23 . The shield  22  may be dispensed with, if the influence of the magnetic field on the antenna  19  can already be suppressed to a low level (if the strength of transmission from the antenna  19  can be secured), for example, by setting the angle between the direction of the magnetic poles of the magnet  21  and the direction of the antenna  19  at about 90°, thereby to suppress the influence of the magnetic field from the magnet  12  on the antenna  19  to a low level. 
     The capsule medical apparatus container case  40  according to the present embodiment is used in order to keep the sterile state of the capsule endoscope  1  which is sterilized prior to use. As is shown in  FIG. 1 , the container case  40  includes an outer case  41  which is a blister pack that is formed of an outer container section which is capable of containing the capsule endoscope  1 ; an inner case  42  which is an inner lid section; and a sterile sheet  43 . The inner case  42 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , is provided in the outer case  41  and serves as an inner container section for holding the capsule endoscope  1  between the inner case  42  and the outer case  41 . The sterile sheet  43  is provided on upper surfaces of the inner case  42  and outer case  41 , and closes the opening of the outer case  41 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the container case  40  shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  is a side view of the container case  40 .  FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional structure of the container case  40 . As shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the outer case  41  includes a circular cylindrical portion  41   a  and a tongue-shaped tab portion  41   b  which is provided on a part of an upper opening edge of the circular cylindrical portion  41   a . An edge portion  41   c  is provided on the upper opening edge of the circular cylindrical portion  41   a  and the outer periphery of the tab portion  41   b . In addition, a plurality of projection portions  41   d  each having a substantially semi-circular columnar shape, which are projected from the inside toward the outside of the circular columnar portion  41   a , are provided on the peripheral surface of the circular cylindrical portion  41   a.    
     The projection portion  41   d  is formed of a projection having a substantially semi-circular columnar shape, which is provided in a longitudinal direction of the circular cylindrical portion  41   a . The projection portion  41   d  has a diameter which is greatest at an upper end (the opening side of the circular cylindrical portion  41   a ) and gradually decreases toward a lower end (bottom surface  41   e  side). The projection portions  41   d  are disposed in the longitudinal direction of the circular cylindrical portion  41   a  at substantially equal intervals. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the outer case  41  of the container case  40  includes a capsule endoscope support base  41   e  having a bottomed circular cylindrical shape, which is formed to be recessed inward from the upper opening edge portion of the circular cylindrical portion  41   a . At a lower end portion of the capsule endoscope support base  41   e , an inner bottom portion  41   f , which is bent in parallel to the upper edge portion and is formed in a disc shape, is formed. Further, a first hold portion (positioning means)  41   g  having a recess shape, which holds a part of the capsule endoscope  1 , is formed at a central part of the inner bottom portion  41   f . The first hold portion  41   g  is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape. The dome-shaped rear end portion  2   b   2 , which constitutes the body cover  2   b  of the capsule endoscope  1 , is inserted and held in the first hold portion  41   g.    
       FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  show the inner case  42 . The inner case  42  includes a bottomed circular cylindrical portion  42   a  and a tongue-shaped tab portion  42   b  which is provided on a part of an upper opening edge of the circular cylindrical portion  42   a . An edge portion  42   c , which is continuous with the tab portion  42   b , is provided on the upper opening edge of the circular cylindrical portion  42   a . In addition, a plurality of projection portions  42   d  each having a substantially semi-circular columnar shape, which are projected from the inside toward the outside of the circular cylindrical portion  42   a , are provided on the peripheral surface of the circular cylindrical portion  42   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the circular cylindrical portion  42   a  has a bottom surface  42   e . A second hold portion (positioning means)  42   f , which has an upwardly recessed shape for holding the capsule endoscope  1 , is formed at a central part of the bottom surface  42   e . The second hold portion  42   f  is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape. The second hold portion  42   f  is configured to have an inside diameter that is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the capsule endoscope  1 . A plurality of engaging claws  42   g , four engaging claws  42   g  in this embodiment, which project inward, are formed on an inner peripheral surface of a lower end part of the second hold portion  42   f . When the dome-shaped front end cover  2   a  of the capsule endoscope  1  is inserted in the second hold portion  42   f , the dome-shaped front end cover  2   a  is supported and held by the four engaging claws  42   g.    
     The tab portion  42   b  of the inner case  42  is formed of a substantially triangular plate-shaped member whose upper surface is smaller in size than the tab portion  41   b  of the outer case  41 , thereby to enable easy holding. The tab portion  42   b  is formed integral with the edge portion  42   c  provided at the upper opening edge of the circular cylindrical portion  42   a . The tab portion  42   b  is configured to be contactable with the tab portion  41   b  of the outer case  41  when the inner case  42  is accommodated in the outer casing  41 . 
     The edge portion  42   c  is provided on the upper opening edge of the circular cylindrical portion  42   a  and is configured to be contactable with the upper opening edge of the outer case  41  when the inner case  42  is accommodated in the outer case  41 . In addition, the thickness of the tab portion  42   b  and edge portion  42   c  is set to be less than the thickness of the edge portion  41   c  of the outer case  41 . When the inner case  42  is accommodated in the outer case  41 , if the sterile sheet  43  is attached to the edge portion  41   c , the entirety of the inner case  42  including the tab portion  42   b  and edge portion  42   c  is contained in the outer case  41 . 
     The projection portion  42   d  is formed of a projection having a substantially semi-circular columnar shape, which is provided in a longitudinal direction of the circular cylindrical portion  42   a . The projection portions  42   d  are disposed in the longitudinal direction of the circular cylindrical portion  42   a  at substantially equal intervals. The projection portion  42   d  has an opened upper end and a semi-dome-shaped bottom surface formed at a lower end thereof. In this embodiment, five projection portions  42   d  are disposed on the peripheral surface of the circular cylindrical portion  42   a  at substantially equal intervals. The projection portions  42   d  are configured such that in the state in which the inner case  42  is accommodated in the outer case  41  and the tab portions  41   b  and  42   b  are put in contact, most projecting parts of the projection portions  42   d  can be put in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the circular cylindrical portion  41   a  at positions not opposed to the projection portions  41   d  of the outer case  41 , thereby preventing looseness of the inner case  42  in the outer case  41 . 
     In the case where the capsule endoscope  1  is contained in the container case  40 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , the capsule endoscope  1  is contained in the state in which the front end cover  2   a  of the capsule endoscope  1  is positioned upward. At this time, the dome-shaped rear end portion  2   b   2  of the body cover  2   b  of the capsule endoscope  1  is inserted and held in the first hold portion  41   g  of the outer case  41 , and the dome-shaped front end cover  2   a  of the capsule endoscope  1  is inserted and held in the second hold portion  42   f  of the inner case  42 . 
     Further, in the present embodiment, a magnetic body  44 , which forms magnetic force reduction preventing means for the magnet  21  of the capsule endoscope  1 , is adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the first hold portion  41   g  of the outer case  41 . The magnetic body  44  is composed of a U-shaped member which is formed in a U shape. The respective end portions of the U-shaped member of the magnetic body  44  are disposed near the respective magnetic poles of the magnet  21  of the capsule endoscope  1  that is contained in the container case  40 . In the state in which the capsule endoscope  1  is contained in the container case  40 , the U-shaped member of the magnetic body  44  is disposed at a position that is away from the magnet  21  and corresponds to the magnet  21  of the capsule endoscope  1  which is positioned and contained in the container case  40 . The magnet  21  and the magnetic body  44  constitute a magnetic circuit  45  so as to connect the N pole and S pole of the magnet  21 , as indicated by a broken line in  FIG. 7 . Thereby, the magnetic field, which leaks from the magnet  21  to the outside of the container case  40 , can greatly be decreased, and the reduction in magnetic force of the magnet  21  can be prevented. 
     With the above-described structure, the following advantageous effects can be obtained. Specifically, in the container case  40  of the magnetic guidance type capsule endoscope  1  according to the present embodiment, the magnetic body  44 , which forms magnetic force reduction preventing means for the magnet  21  of the capsule endoscope  1 , is adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the first hold portion  41   g  of the outer case  41 . When the capsule endoscope  1 , which includes the magnet  21 , is set in the container case  40  of the capsule endoscope  1 , the capsule endoscope  1  is positioned in the set position in the state in which the dome-shaped rear end portion  2   b   2  of the body cover  2   b  of the capsule endoscope  1  is inserted and held in the first hold portion  41   g  of the outer case  41  and the dome-shaped front end cover  2   a  of the capsule endoscope  1  is inserted and held in the second hold portion  42   f  of the inner case  42 . Thereby, the U-shaped member of the magnetic body  44  can be disposed at a position that is away from the magnet  21  and corresponds to the magnet  21  of the capsule endoscope  1  which is positioned and contained in the container case  40 , and the magnetic circuit  45  can be formed between the U-shaped member of the magnetic body  44  and the respective magnetic poles of the magnet  21 . Thereby, the magnetic field, which is generated from the magnet  21  of the capsule endoscope  1 , is guided from one of the magnetic poles of the magnet  21  of the capsule endoscope  1  to the other magnetic pole via the U-shaped member of the magnetic body  44  in the container case  40 , and the amount of the magnetic field of the magnet  21 , which leaks out of the container case  40 , can greatly be decreased. As a result, the reduction in magnetic force of the magnet  21  of the capsule endoscope  1 , which is contained in the container case  40 , can be prevented, and a package of the capsule endoscope  1  with good keeping can be provided. In addition, even in the case where the capsule endoscope  1  is kept in the container case  40  for a long time, the reduction in magnetic force of the magnet  21  can be prevented. 
     In the container case  40  of the magnetic guidance type capsule endoscope  1  of the present embodiment, since the amount of the magnetic field of the magnet  21  of the capsule endoscope  1 , which leaks out of the container case  40 , can greatly be decreased, a metallic object on the outside of the container case  40  can be prevented from being attracted to the container case  40  side. 
     Unlike the prior art, even in the case where a plurality of magnetic guidance type capsule endoscopes  1 , which are contained in the container cases  40  of the present embodiment, are stored side by side, it is possible to prevent strong attractive force from acting between the capsule endoscopes  1  due to the magnetic fields of magnets  21  leaking out of the container cases  40 , and the efficiency in storage can be improved. 
     The magnetic body  44  of the above-described U-shaped member may have such a cap shape as to cover the hemispherical first hold portion  41   g  of the outer case  41 . In this case, infrared can be radiated through the outer case  41 , thereby to operate the optical switch  20  of the capsule endoscope  1 . Thus, in the example of the magnetic body  44  of the U-shaped member, since the optical switch  20  of the capsule endoscope  1  can be operated in the state in which the capsule endoscope  1  is contained in the container case  40 , the operability is advantageously excellent. 
     In the present embodiment, the magnetic body  44  is adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the first hold portion  41   g  of the outer case  41 , but the adhesion may be omitted. Even if the magnetic body  44  is not adhered, the magnetic body  44  rests at a position where the amount of leak of magnetic field to the outside decreases due to the attractive force acting between the magnetic body  44  and the magnet  21  (the magnetic body  44  is attached to the outer case  41  by the magnetic attractive force). In this case, the first hold portion and second hold portion are used in order to fix the capsule endoscope. In other words, the first hold portion and the second hold portion function as fixing means. With this structure, the precision at the time of containing the capsule endoscope  1  in the outer case  41  and inner case  42  may be lowered, and the work of containing can be made easier. Moreover, the work for adhering the magnetic body  44  can be omitted. Besides, the same advantageous effect of suppressing the amount of leak of magnetic field to the outside can be obtained. 
       FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  show a second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the structure of the magnetic body  44  of the outer case  41  according to the first embodiment (see  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 8 ) is altered as follows. 
     Specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , the magnetic body  44  of the U-shaped member of the outer case  41  is replaced with a circular cylindrical magnetic body  51  which is configured to be covered on the hemispherical first hold portion  41   g  of the outer case  41 . In this case, the circular cylindrical magnetic body  51  is configured to have a length of the circular cylinder, which is greater than the length of the magnet  21  in the direction of the magnetic poles, relative to the magnet  21  of the capsule endoscope  1 . In the present embodiment, too, the same advantageous effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. 
       FIG. 11  shows a modification of the magnetic body  51  which is attached to the container case  40  of the capsule endoscope  1  according to the second embodiment. In the present modification, the circular cylindrical magnetic body  51  is replaced with a substantially U-shaped magnetic body  52 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , which is configured to be covered on the hemispherical first hold portion  41   g  of the outer case  41 . 
     In the present modification, the U-shaped member of the magnetic body  52  is disposed at a position that is away from the magnet  21  and corresponds to the magnet  21  of the capsule endoscope  1  which is positioned at the set position of the container case  40  and contained in the container case  40 , and the magnetic circuit  45  can be formed between the U-shaped member of the magnetic body  52  and the respective magnetic poles of the magnet  21 . Therefore, with this modification, too, the same advantageous effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. 
       FIG. 12  to  FIG. 14  show a third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the capsule endoscope  1  of the first embodiment (see  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 8 ) is replaced with a capsule endoscope  61  having a different structure, and a container case  62  for this capsule endoscope  61  is provided. The other structural parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same parts as in the first embodiment are denoted by like reference numerals and a description is omitted. 
     Specifically, in the capsule endoscope  61  of the present embodiment, a circular cylindrical magnet  35 , as shown in  FIG. 14 , is provided as the magnet that is used for magnetic guidance of the capsule endoscope  61 . The magnet  35  is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the mold member  13  in which the image processing circuit  11  and power supply circuit  12  of the capsule endoscope  61  are molded. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the magnet  35  is disposed such that their magnetic poles are arranged in the major axis direction of the capsule endoscope  61 . 
     Further, in the capsule endoscope  61  of the present embodiment, two coils  31  and  32  are substituted for the coil  14  for detecting the position of the capsule endoscope  1  of the first embodiment. These two coils  31  and  32  are disposed in a part between the battery  4  and the transmission circuit  18 . The two coils  31  and  32  are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other. The two coils  31  and  32  do not necessarily intersect at 90°, and may interest at a proper angle. Capacitors  32  and  33  are connected to the two coils  31  and  32 , thereby forming resonant circuits, respectively. 
     In the container case  62  of the present embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 14 , a circular cylindrical magnetic body  63  is disposed on the outer periphery of the second hold portion  42   f  of the inner case  42 . The magnetic body  63 , as shown in  FIG. 12 , is configured to have a length of the circular cylinder, which is greater than the length of the magnet  61  in the direction of the magnetic poles, relative to the magnet  61  of the capsule endoscope  61 . 
     The following advantageous effects can be obtained by the above-described structure. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the circular cylindrical magnetic body  63  is disposed on the outside of the inner case  42  of the container case  62  which is a package of the capsule endoscope  61 . The capsule endoscope  61  is contained inside the inner case  42  of the container case  62 . The circular cylindrical magnetic body  63  is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the second hold portion  42   f  of the inner case  42  of the container case  62 . With this structure, the magnetic body  63  and the magnet  35  constitute a magnetic circuit so as to connect the N pole and S pole of the magnet  35 , and the amount of the magnetic field of the magnet  35 , which leaks to the outside, can greatly be decreased, and the reduction in magnetic force of the magnet  35  can be prevented. Thereby, the reduction in package of the container case  62  of the capsule endoscope  61  and the improvement in portability can be achieved. 
     A double coated adhesive tape, for instance, is attached to the magnetic body  63 , and the magnetic body  63  may be configured to be adhered to the capsule endoscope  61 . In this case, the magnetic body  63  is detached before the capsule endoscope  61  is used. 
     Without attaching the double coated adhesive tape (adhesive member) to the magnetic body  63 , the magnetic body  63  may be attached to the capsule medical apparatus  61  by making use of attractive force acting between the magnetic body  35  and the magnetic body  63 . In this case, too, the magnetic body  63  is detached before the capsule endoscope  61  is used. A resin material may be coated on the magnetic body  63 . Besides, the magnetic body  63  may be configured to be sandwiched (laminated) between or covered with resin films (resin material). 
       FIG. 15  shows a discarding device  71  which demagnetizes the magnet  21  for magnetic guidance of the capsule endoscope  1 , and discards the capsule endoscope  1 . A plurality of discarding cases  72 , three discarding cases  72  in this example, are accommodated in the discarding device  71 . 
     The discarding case  72  includes a bottomed circular cylindrical case body  72   a  which contains the capsule endoscope  1  that has been used, and a cover body  72   b  which closes an upper opening portion of the case body  72   a . The capsule endoscope  1 , which is taken out of the body cavity, is contained the discarding case  72  in the state in which the capsule endoscope  1  is not cleaned. 
     The discarding device  71  is provided with a heat insulation container  73 . The heat insulation container  73  includes a container body  74  having an opening in its upper surface, and a cover body  75  which closes the upper opening portion of the container body  74 . The container body  74  has a three-layer structure comprising a stainless container  76  that is an inner container, a heat insulation layer  77 , and an armor member  78  that is an outer container. Similarly, the cover body  75  has a three-layer structure comprising a stainless cover  79  that is an inner cover, a heat insulation layer  80 , and an armor member  81  that is an outer cover. 
     One end portion of the cover body  75  is rotatably coupled to one end portion of the heat insulation container  73  via a hinge portion  82 . Thereby, the upper opening portion of the heat insulation container  73  can be closed and opened by the rotating operation of the cover body  75  about the hinge portion  82 . The other end portion of the cover body  75  is disengageably engaged with the other end portion of the heat insulation container  73  via a lock device  83 . The cover body  75  is fixed to the heat insulation container  73  by the lock device  83  in the state in which the cover body  75  is moved to the position where the cover body  75  airtightly closes the upper opening portion of the heat insulation container  73 . 
     A first isolation chamber  88 , which is isolated from the inside of the heat insulation container  73 , is formed between the stainless container  76  of the heat insulation container  73  and the heat insulation layer  77 . In addition, a second isolation chamber  89 , which is isolated, is formed between the heat insulation layer  77  and the armor member  78 . A heater  84 , which is fixed to a bottom surface of the stainless container  76 , and a plurality of temperature sensors  85  are provided in the first isolation chamber  88 . 
     A control device  86  of the discarding device  71  is provided in the second isolation chamber  89 . The heater  84  and plural temperature sensors  85  are connected to the control device  86 . A switch  87  of the discarding device  71  is attached to the surface of the cover body  75 . The switch  87  is connected to the control device  86 . 
     Next, the operation of the discarding device  71  having the above-described structure is described. The heat insulation chamber  73  of the discarding device  71  with the above-described structure has such a size as to be able to accommodate a plurality of discarding cases  72  at a time, and a discarding process for a plurality of capsule endoscopes  1  can be performed at a time. 
     When the discarding device  71  is used, plural discarding cases  72  are contained in the heat insulation container  73 . In the state in which the discarding cases  72  storing the capsule endoscopes  1  are contained in the discarding device  71 , the cover body  75  is closed. In the state in which the cover body  75  is fixed to the heat insulation container  73 , the cover body  75  is locked by the lock device  83 . 
     In this state, when the switch  87  is operated, the control device  86  operates the heater  84  and heats the inside of the stainless container  76 . The temperature of the stainless container  76  is monitored by the temperature sensors  85 , and a temperature control is executed by the control device  86 . For example, the temperature in the heat insulation container  73  is controlled at, e.g. 150° C. At this time, demagnetization of the magnet  21  in the capsule endoscope  1  begins at about 100° C., as shown in a temperature characteristic graph of  FIG. 16 , and the magnet  21  is substantially demagnetized at about 150° C. 
     After the temperature in the stainless container  76  is kept at high temperatures for a predetermined time, the control device  86  stops heating by the heater  84 . In this state, the control device  86  controls the lock device  83  so that the lock device  83  of the cover body  75  may not be opened by an operation from outside. 
     Thereafter, the temperature in the stainless container  76  is monitored by the temperature sensors  85 . After confirming the state in which the temperature has lowered to, e.g. about 40° C., the control device  86  unlocks the lock device  83  of the cover body  75 . Thereby, the cover is set in the state in which the cover can be opened by the operator. In this state, the operator opens the cover body  75 , takes out the capsule endoscopes  1  from the stainless container  76  and discards them. 
     The following advantageous effects can be obtained by the discarding device  71  with the above-described structure. Specifically, the used capsule endoscopes  1  are contained in the discarding cases  72 , and stored in the discarding device  71 . In this state, a heating process is executed to keep the temperature in the stainless container  76  at high temperatures of about 150° C. Thereby, in the state in which the magnetic force of the magnet  21  of the capsule endoscope  1  is eliminated or greatly decreased, the capsule endoscope  1  can be discarded. This prevents the phenomenon that a metallic object is attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet  21  of the capsule endoscope  1  for magnetic guidance, resulting in difficulty in discarding. Therefore, the efficiency in discarding of the capsule endoscope  1  is enhanced. 
     In the present embodiment, the heating temperature is set at about 150° C., but the heating temperature may be set on the basis of the temperature characteristics of the magnet  21  or the temperature characteristics of the armor or structural part of the capsule endoscope  1 . To be more specific, a material having a Curie temperature, which is lower than the heat resistance temperature of the armor or structural part of the capsule endoscope  1 , is used as the material of the magnet  21 . The heat resistance temperature of the armor or structural part of the capsule endoscope  1  is, for example, a temperature at which the resin material of the armor is not softened. The heating by the discarding device is performed as a work for discarding the magnet  21  provided in the capsule endoscope  1  that is so designed as to meet this condition. The heating temperature at this time is set to be higher than the Curie temperature of the magnet  21  and to be lower than the heat resistance temperature of the armor or structural part of the capsule endoscope  1 . Thereby, the magnet  21  can be demagnetized and the state in which the shape of the capsule endoscope  1  is unchanged can be maintained. This makes the discarding easier. The discarding container shown in this embodiment is usable for the medical apparatus containing devices shown in the preceding embodiments. 
     The description of the embodiments of the present invention has been directed to the use of the capsule endoscopes. However, the embodiments are applicable to, for instance, endoscopes apparatuses incorporating magnets or catheters incorporating magnets. If a magnetic body is disposed in the vicinity of a part of an endoscope apparatus case, where that portion of an endoscope insertion section, which incorporates a magnet, is stored, it becomes possible to suppress radiation of magnetic field from the magnet to the space to a low level even in the endoscope apparatus incorporating the magnet, and the same advantageous effects can be obtained. 
     Alternatively, a magnetic body may be adhered to an outer surface in the vicinity of that portion of the insertion section of the endoscope apparatus, which incorporates the magnet. In this case, the magnetic body is removed from the endoscope apparatus at a time of use. In this case, too, the same advantageous effects can be obtained, that is, the radiation of magnetic field from the magnet to the space can be suppressed to a low level, and the reduction in magnetic force of the magnet can be suppressed. 
     In the case of a catheter incorporating a magnet, the magnetic body may be configured to be disposed in the vicinity of a part of a container device that contains the catheter, where that part of an insertion section of the catheter, which is inserted in the body and which includes the magnet, is stored. In this case, too, the same advantageous effects can be obtained, that is, the radiation of magnetic field from the magnet to the space can be suppressed to a low level, and the reduction in magnetic force of the magnet can be suppressed. 
     Alternatively, the magnetic body may be configured to be adhered to the vicinity of that part of the insertion section of the catheter, which is inserted in the body and in which the magnet is disposed. In this case, too, the same advantageous effects can be obtained, that is, the radiation of magnetic field from the magnet to the space can be suppressed to a low level, and the reduction in magnetic force of the magnet can be suppressed. 
     Furthermore, the invention is applicable to a container device for an instrument which is attached to a distal end of an endoscope and which incorporates a magnet. In this case, the container device may be configured to contain, in place of the capsule endoscope  1  of the first to third embodiment, the instrument which is attached to the distal end of the endoscope and which incorporates the magnet. In this case, too, the same advantageous effects can be obtained, that is, the radiation of magnetic field from the magnet to the space can be suppressed to a low level, and the reduction in magnetic force of the magnet can be suppressed. 
     The invention is also applicable to a container device for an instrument which is stayed in a body cavity, for example, a tissue of the stomach or intestine, and which is composed of a magnet or incorporates a magnet. This instrument, after stayed, can pull the tissue, where the instrument is stayed, by a magnetic field from outside of the body, and endoscopic treatment can be performed in the state in which the tissue is pulled. In this case, the container device may be configured to contain, in place of the capsule endoscope  1  of the first to third embodiment, the instrument which is attached to the distal end of the endoscope and which incorporates the magnet. In this case, too, the same advantageous effects can be obtained, that is, the radiation of magnetic field from the magnet to the space can be suppressed to a low level, and the reduction in magnetic force of the magnet can be suppressed. 
     As regards the discarding device, the discarding device is applicable not only to the capsule endoscopes, but also to the catheter, the instrument which is attached to the distal end of the endoscope and which incorporates the magnet, or the instrument which is stayed in the body cavity, for example, the tissue of the stomach or intestine, and which is composed of the magnet or incorporates the magnet. In this case, the magnet of the medical apparatus (the catheter, the instrument which is attached to the distal end of the endoscope and which incorporates the magnet, or the instrument which is stayed in the body cavity, for example, the tissue of the stomach or intestine, and which is composed of the magnet or incorporates the magnet) can be demagnetized, and the discarding of the medical apparatus can be made easier. 
     Not only in the structure wherein a magnet is disposed in a medical apparatus but also in the structure wherein a magnet is attached to a medical apparatus container device, a magnetic body may be disposed in the vicinity of the magnet. Thereby, spreading of the magnetic field, which is generated from the magnet, can advantageously be suppressed. Specifically, this structure is applicable to a medical apparatus container section for a medical apparatus, the operation mode of which varies between the state in which the magnet is present near the medical apparatus and the state in which the magnet is not present near the medical apparatus. In this case, the magnetic body may be provided on that side of the magnet, which is opposite to the medical apparatus. The magnetic force, which is generated from the magnet, is radiated to the capsule side, and the operation mode of the capsule can be maintained in the state in which the magnet is present near the capsule. In this state, since the magnetic body is present on that side of the magnet, which is opposite to the medical apparatus, the magnetic force from the magnet penetrates the magnetic body and does not easily leak to the outside. 
     Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     Other characteristic technical matters of the present invention are described below. 
     Note 
     (Item 1) A capsule medical apparatus containing device for containing a capsule medical apparatus which incorporates a magnet, comprising positioning means for positioning the capsule medical apparatus, and a magnetic body which is so disposed as to guide a magnetic field, which is generated from the magnet of the capsule medical apparatus that is positioned by the positioning means, from one magnetic pole to the other magnetic pole. 
     (Item 2) A discarding device comprising a heat insulation container which contains a plurality of discarding cases each accommodating a capsule endoscope including a magnet, and heating means for performing a heating process to vary a temperature in the heat insulation container to a temperature of a state in which a magnetic force of the magnet is eliminated or greatly decreased, wherein the magnet of the capsule endoscope is demagnetized and then discarded. 
     The present invention is effective in a technical field of a capsule medical apparatus containing device which contains a magnetic guidance type capsule endoscope, and in a technique field of manufacture of the capsule medical apparatus containing device.