Patent ID: 12185919

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to drawings. The drawings are schematic views, and it is noted that a relationship between a thickness and a width of respective members, a ratio of the thickness of each member and the like are different from corresponding relationship, ratio and the like of actual members. It goes without saying that portions with different dimensional relationships and ratios are included in the respective drawings.

In the embodiments described hereinafter, description is made by taking an endoscope apparatus for medical use as one example of an endoscope apparatus.

First Embodiment

FIG.1is a view schematically showing an endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment in a state where an insertion section of an endoscope is inserted into an object.FIG.2is a view schematically showing a modification where a balloon shown inFIG.1is mounted on a sheath which covers an outer periphery of the insertion section.

As shown inFIG.1, the endoscope apparatus50is constituted of an endoscope1, a closed space forming member70and a peripheral device90.

The endoscope1includes: an insertion section5which is inserted into, for example, an intestine H of a large intestine which is an object from a distal end side of the insertion section5; and an operation section6which is continuously connected to a proximal end of the insertion section5in a longitudinal direction N.

The endoscope1further includes: a universal cord7which is extended from the operation section6; and a connector8which is provided on an extended end of the universal cord7.

A flow passage20which communicates with an inside of the intestine H, and allows a liquid R for cleaning to flow into the intestine H is formed in the insertion section5.

In the embodiment, the flow passage20is also formed in the operation section6, and is connected to a pump30outside the endoscope1.

Alternatively, the flow passage20may be formed such that the flow passage20is formed in the universal cord7and the connector8and the connector8is connected to the pump30.

A distal end of the flow passage20in the longitudinal direction N opens as an opening20kat a distal end surface5sof the insertion section5.

The flow passage20injects the liquid R into the intestine H from the opening20kin a direction in the longitudinal direction N, more specifically, frontward in the longitudinal direction N (hereinafter, simply referred to as “frontward”).

The closed space forming member70is configured to form a closed space M in at least a portion of the intestine H such that the liquid R injected from the opening20kis retained in the intestine H.

As one specific example, in the embodiment, the closed space forming member70is provided for sealing a region of the intestine H where waste S such as food residues adhere to the intestine H from other portions of the intestine H. The closed space forming member70is constituted of balloons71,72which are inflatable and deflatable by drive control using a controller40.

The balloon71is disposed in the intestine H protruding frontward from the distal end surface5sof the insertion section5.

More specifically, the balloon71is disposed in the intestine H frontward with respect to the distal end surface5sby way of a balloon catheter which passes through a treatment instrument insertion channel not shown which is formed in the insertion section5or the like. Note that other known methods may be used as a method of arranging the balloon71.

In the embodiment, the balloon72is mounted on an outer periphery5gof the insertion section5at a position on a proximal end side in the longitudinal direction N with respect to a distal end side portion of the insertion section5.

Alternatively, the balloon72may be mounted on an outer peripheral surface80gof a sheath80which covers the outer periphery of the insertion section5and is inserted into the intestine H with the insertion section5.

When air is supplied to the balloons71,72from an air feeding device60described later by drive control using the controller40, the balloons71,72are inflated in the intestine H and are brought into contact with an intestine wall W. Accordingly, the balloons71,72form the previously mentioned closed space M in the intestine H. The control of the balloons may be performed by an external air feeding device other than the controller40and the air feeding device60.

The peripheral device90includes the pump30, the controller40and the air feeding device60.

The pump30is a pump which can supply air A and a liquid R into the flow passage20, and is connected to a liquid supply source30r. The pump30has a function of supplying the liquid R from the liquid supply source30rto the closed space M through the flow passage20, and of recovering the liquid R from the closed space M toward a liquid discharge opening30ewhich constitutes a fluid discharge passage through the flow passage20.

In a state where the liquid R is retained in the closed space M, the pump30automatically performs pressurization and depressurization of the flow passage20and the liquid R in the closed space M a plurality of times through the flow passage20. In other words, the pump30is operated so as to make the liquid R for cleaning flow into and out from the closed space M a plurality of times.

In the embodiment, the flow passage20is configured to function as; a first flow passage21configured to feed a liquid R to the closed space M; a second flow passage22used for pressurization and depressurization of the liquid R retained in the closed space M by the pump30; and a third flow passage23configured to discharge the liquid R from the closed space M.

In other words, in the embodiment, the first flow passage21, the second flow passage22and the third flow passage23are integrally formed.

In this manner, in the embodiment, one flow passage20also functions as the third flow passage23which constitutes a fluid discharge passage which allows the liquid R in the closed space M to which the pressurization and the depressurization are applied a plurality of times through the flow passage20to flow out to the outside of the object, more specifically, to the outside of the endoscope1, with the waste S in the closed space M.

The third flow passage23may also function as the previously mentioned treatment instrument insertion channel.

The fluid discharge passage may have other configurations provided that the fluid discharge passage can discharge the liquid R in the closed space M to the outside of the object. For example, the fluid discharge passage may be formed in a conduit for suction which is inserted into the sheath80(described previously) with the insertion section5.

The controller40controls driving of the pump30. More specifically, the controller40controls driving of the pump30such that a liquid R is retained in the closed space M and the flow passage20, pressurization and depressurization of the liquid R in the closed space M are performed through the flow passage20so that the liquid R flows into and out from the closed space M a plurality of times.

The controller40controls driving of the pump30by suitably adjusting at least one of a number of times that the pressurization and the depressurization of the closed space M in which the liquid R is retained are performed through the flow passage20, a speed of the pressurization and the depressurization, a time period during which the pressurization and the depressurization are performed, and a strength of a pressure applied to the closed space M during the pressurization or the depressurization.

More specifically, the controller40controls driving of the pump30such that repetition of the pressurization and the depressurization applied to the closed space M is not slow, that is, 1 cycle per 1 second, for example.

The controller40may control driving of the pump30such that an amount of liquid R which is used for the pressurization and the depressurization of the closed space M is determined using a pressure value of the pump30as a reference.

A ratio between pressurization and depressurization during the pressurization and the depressurization of the closed space M may be determined depending on the manner of removing the waste S in the closed space M from the intestine wall W.

More specifically, in order to apply forces in a plurality of directions to the waste S in the closed space M, a ratio of pressurization and a ratio of depressurization may be set to the same ratio. In order to remove the waste S from the intestine wall W by a liquid feeding force, an amount of pressurization may be set larger than an amount of depressurization. In order to remove the waste S from the intestine wall W by a suction force, an amount of depressurization may be set larger than an amount of pressurization.

As described previously, the controller40controls inflation and deflation of the balloons71,72by controlling driving of the air feeding device60.

Other components of the endoscope apparatus50are substantially equivalent to the corresponding components of the conventional endoscope apparatuses and hence, the detailed description of such other components is omitted.

Next, the operation for removing the waste S in an intestine H using the endoscope apparatus50which has the above described configuration is described with reference toFIG.3toFIG.7.

FIG.3is a view schematically showing a state where the insertion section shown inFIG.1is inserted into an intestine.FIG.4is a view schematically showing a state where the closed space is formed in the intestine shown inFIG.3by the balloons.FIG.5is a view schematically showing a state where a liquid is retained in the closed space shown inFIG.4.FIG.6is a view schematically showing a state where the pressurization and the depressurization of the liquid in the closed space are performed in the state where the liquid is retained in the closed space shown inFIG.5.FIG.7is a view schematically showing a mode where the liquid retained in the closed space shown inFIG.6is discharged.

In cleaning the waste S in an intestine H using the endoscope apparatus50according to the embodiment, first, as shown inFIG.3, a step of inserting the insertion section5is performed where the insertion section5is inserted into the intestine H from a distal end side of the insertion section5.

Next, as shown inFIG.4, using the previously mentioned method, the balloons71,72are arranged at positions in a region of the intestine H where the waste S adhere to the intestine H as described previously with reference toFIG.4.

Then, the balloons71,72are inflated with air fed from the air feeding device60by drive control performed by the controller40, and the balloons71,72are brought into contact with an intestine wall W.

As a result, a step of forming a closed space M is performed. In the step, the closed space M is formed by the balloons71,72, and the liquid R is retained in the intestine H.

Next, as shown inFIG.5, a step of supplying the liquid R to the closed space M is performed. In the step, the controller40controls driving of the pump30so as to flow the liquid R from the liquid supply source30rinto the closed space M through the flow passage20. Then, a step of retaining the liquid R in the closed space M is performed.

Next, as shown inFIG.6, in a state where the liquid R is retained in the closed space M, a step of performing pressurization and depressurization of the liquid R is performed. In the step, the pressurization and depressurization of the liquid R in the closed space M are performed a plurality of times by the pump30in accordance with drive control performed by the controller40.

In such steps, as if a person fills his/her mouth with a liquid, closes his/her mouth, and gargles with the liquid, the liquid R flows into and out from the closed space M a plurality of times by performing pressurization and depressurization of the liquid R in the closed space M a plurality of times. In this manner, a flow direction of the liquid R in the closed space M changes continuously and hence, it is possible to apply a strong waste removing force to the waste S which firmly adhere to the intestine wall W by way of the liquid R. As a result, the waste S are peeled off from the intestine wall W and are mixed in the liquid R.

Finally, a step of discharging the liquid R to the outside of the endoscope1is performed. In the step, with drive control of the pump30performed by the controller40, the liquid R retained in the closed space M to which pressurization and depressurization are applied a plurality of times through the flow passage20is made to flow out to the outside of the endoscope1from the liquid discharge opening30ewith the waste S mixed in the liquid R.

The liquid R discharged from the liquid discharge opening30eis discharged to a tank or the like not shown with the waste S.

In this manner, in the embodiment, the endoscope apparatus50includes the closed space forming member70which forms the closed space M in the region of the intestine H where the waste S adhere to the intestine H. In the endoscope apparatus50, in a state where the liquid R is retained in the closed space M, in accordance with drive control performed by the controller40, the pump30performs the pressurization and the depressurization of the liquid R in the closed space M a plurality of times through the flow passage20, then, discharges the liquid R in the closed space M to the outside from the liquid discharge opening30ethrough the flow passage20with the waste S which are mixed in the liquid R.

Compared to the configuration of a conventional endoscope apparatus where a supply of a liquid R to waste S and the suction of the liquid R are repeatedly performed until the waste S are removed, the configuration of the endoscope apparatus according to the embodiment can remove waste adhering to an intestine wall W with a smaller amount of liquid. More specifically, by feeding a liquid to the closed space M only once and by making use of the water flow generated by applying the pressurization and depressurization to the liquid R in the closed space M, it is possible to remove with certainty the waste which adhere to the intestine wall W within a short time.

With such a configuration, unlike the conventional endoscope apparatuses, it is unnecessary to increase a diameter of an air supply conduit and a diameter of a liquid supply conduit in order to increase a supply pressure of the fluid supplied to the waste S, to use pressure resistant conduits each having a large wall thickness as the air supply conduit and the liquid supply conduit, or to increase a size of the air feeding device and a size of an liquid feeding device so as to increase a supply capacity. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the increase of a diameter of the insertion section5and the increase of a size of the endoscope apparatus50.

In the embodiment, the first flow passage21for supplying the liquid R to the closed space M, the second flow passage22used for pressurization and depressurization of the liquid R in the closed space M, and the third flow passage23used for discharging the liquid R from the closed space M are formed integrally as the flow passage20.

With such a configuration, it is possible to allow the insertion section5to have a small diameter compared to a case where the flow passages21to23are separately disposed in the insertion section5.

From the above, it is possible to provide the endoscope apparatus50having the configuration where the endoscope apparatus50can remove waste within a short time with a small amount of fluid to be supplied while preventing size increase of the endoscope apparatus and maintaining a small diameter of the insertion section5. It is also possible to provide the method of operating the endoscope apparatus50.

Second Embodiment

FIG.8is a view schematically showing an endoscope apparatus according to a second embodiment in a state where an insertion section of an endoscope is inserted into an object.

A configuration of the endoscope apparatus according to the second embodiment differs from the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment described with reference toFIG.1toFIG.7with respect to a point that a valve is disposed in a flow passage.

Accordingly, only different points which make the second embodiment differ from the first embodiment are described. Components substantially equivalent to the components of the first embodiment are given with the same symbols, and the description of such components is omitted.

As shown inFIG.8, in the endoscope apparatus50of the embodiment, the valve75is disposed in a flow passage20formed in the endoscope1. When the pressurization and the depressurization of a liquid R in a closed space M described in the first embodiment is performed by a pump30, the valve75shuts the flow of a liquid R so as to prevent the liquid R from flowing out of an object through the flow passage20. In other words, in the flow passage20, the valve75is positioned between the closed space M and the pump30.

The valve75sways frontward and rearward in a longitudinal direction N by air A supplied in the flow passage20on an upstream side with respect to the valve75from the pump30along with the pressurization and the depressurization of the flow passage20performed by the pump30.

As a result, in the same manner as the above-mentioned first embodiment, the pressurization and the depressurization are applied to the liquid R in the closed space M a plurality of times through the valve75.

In such a configuration, the supply and the discharge of the liquid R to and from the closed space M may be performed using, for example, the first flow passage21and the third flow passage23disposed in the sheath80described previously.

In the embodiment, a controller40may control driving of the pump30such that an amount of the liquid R used for pressurization and depressurization of the closed space M is determined using a moving amount of the valve75as a reference.

Other components are equivalent to the corresponding components of the first embodiment described above.

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the liquid R sucked from an opening20kfrom erroneously flowing into the pump30by the valve75during the repeated pressurization and depressurization of the liquid R in the closed space M performed using the pump30. Other advantageous effects acquired by the second embodiment are equivalent to the advantageous effects acquired by the first embodiment described above.

Hereinafter, modifications are described with reference toFIG.9toFIG.11.

FIG.9is a view showing a modification of the flow passage shown inFIG.1where the flow passage is constituted of a fourth flow passage which is functionally shared by a first flow passage and a second flow passage, and a third flow passage branched from the fourth flow passage.FIG.10is a view showing a modification of the flow passage shown inFIG.1where the flow passage is constituted of a fifth flow passage which is functionally shared by a second flow passage and a third flow passage, and a first flow passage branched from the fifth flow passage.FIG.11is a view showing a modification of the flow passage shown inFIG.1where the flow passage is constituted of a second flow passage, a first flow passage branched from the second flow passage, and a third flow passage branched from the second flow passage.

In the above mentioned first and second embodiments, the configuration is described where one flow passage20is formed so as to function as the first flow passage21, the second flow passage22and the third flow passage23.

The present embodiment is not limited to such a configuration. As shown inFIG.9, the flow passage20may be constituted of: the fourth flow passage24which is functionally shared by the first flow passage21and the second flow passage22; and the third flow passage23which is branched from the fourth flow passage24and is connected to a pump33for suction. The pump33for suction includes a liquid discharge opening33ewhich constitutes a fluid discharge passage. The fourth flow passage24is connected to a pump34which is used for supplying a liquid R from a fluid supply source34rand for pressurization and depressurization of the liquid R in a closed space M.

In such a configuration, the third flow passage23and a portion of the fourth flow passage24downstream of a merging point where the fourth flow passage24merges with the third flow passage23constitutes a fluid discharge passage.

In such a configuration, for example, by constituting the third flow passage23as a separably disposable tube, only the third flow passage23which is contaminated by suction after cleaning the closed space M can be easily discarded and replaced.

In a configuration obtained by providing the valve75in the second embodiment to the configuration shown inFIG.9, the valve75may be disposed in the fourth flow passage24.

As shown inFIG.10, the flow passage20may be constituted of, the fifth flow passage25which is functionally shared by the third flow passage23and the second flow passage22; and the first flow passage21which is branched from the fifth flow passage25and to which a pump31for supplying liquid which is connected to a liquid supply source31ris connected. The fifth flow passage25is connected to a pump35which discharges a liquid R from a liquid discharge opening35ewhich constitutes a fluid discharge passage and is used for pressurization and depressurization of the liquid R in the closed space M.

In a configuration obtained by providing the valve75in the second embodiment to the configuration shown inFIG.10, the valve75may be disposed in the fifth flow passage25. In such a configuration, the fifth flow passage25constitutes a fluid discharge passage.

As shown inFIG.11, the flow passage20may be constituted of: the second flow passage22which is connected to a pump32used for pressurization and depressurization of a liquid R in a closed space M; the first flow passage21which is branched from the second flow passage22and is connected to a pump31for supplying liquid; and the third flow passage23which is branched from the second flow passage22and is connected to a pump33for discharging liquid having the liquid discharge opening33e.

In a configuration obtained by providing the valve75in the second embodiment to the configuration shown inFIG.11, the valve75may be disposed in the second flow passage22.

In such a configuration, the third flow passage23and a portion of the second flow passage22downstream of a merging point where the first flow passage21and the third flow passage23merge with the second flow passage22constitute a fluid discharge passage.

In other words, at least some of the first flow passage21, the second flow passage22and the third flow passage23may be formed as a separate flow passage.

At least one of the first flow passage21and the third flow passage23may be branched from an intermediate portion of the second flow passage22.

The branched configuration where the first flow passage21and the third flow passage23are branched from the second flow passage22is not limited to the configurations shown inFIG.9toFIG.11described above, and various configurations can be considered. The above-mentioned first and second embodiments are applicable to the branched configurations shown inFIG.9toFIG.11and all other various branched configurations.

Hereinafter, another modification is described with reference toFIG.12.FIG.12is a view showing a modification where the third flow passage shown inFIG.9is not branched from a fourth flow passage and is formed separately from the fourth flow passage.

As shown inFIG.12, a first flow passage21and a second flow passage22may be provided integrally as the fourth flow passage24, and a third flow passage23may not be branched from the fourth flow passage24, and may be provided separately from the fourth flow passage24.

In other words, the third flow passage23may be provided separately from the fourth flow passage24which has an opening24kat a distal end surface5sso as to have an opening23kat the distal end surface5s.

In such a configuration, the third flow passage23used for suction is provided as a single flow passage. Accordingly, as described previously, the third flow passage23may also function as a treatment instrument insertion conduit having a treatment instrument insertion opening23i.

Although not shown, the second flow passage22and the third flow passage23may be provided integrally as the fifth flow passage25, and the first flow passage21may be provided separately from the fifth flow passage25. Alternatively, one flow passage may function as the first flow passage21and the third flow passage23, and the second flow passage22may be provided separately from the one flow passage.

Hereinafter, still another modification is described with reference toFIG.13.FIG.13is a view showing a modification of the flow passage shown inFIG.1where a flow passage is constituted of first to third flow passages which are formed independently from each other.

As shown inFIG.13, the flow passage20may be constituted of the first flow passage21to the third flow passage23which are formed as separate flow passages respectively. The first flow passage21to the third flow passage23respectively include openings21kto23kat a distal end surface5s, and are respectively connected to pumps31to33.

Hereinafter, still another modification is described.

In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the case is exemplified where the closed space forming member70is constituted of the balloons71,72. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The closed space forming member70may be constituted of only the balloon71, or only the balloon72provided that the closed space M which can retain the liquid R can be formed in the intestine H. The present invention is also applicable to a case where the closed space M can be formed in the intestine H without using the closed space forming member70.

Hereinafter, still another modification is described.

As the above-mentioned method of removing the waste S using the endoscope apparatus50, various methods may be adopted.

More specifically, in a case where an excessively large amount of waste S adheres to an intestine H, the following method may be adopted. First, in the same manner as the prior art, the feeding of a liquid to waste S and the suction of the liquid are repeatedly performed so as to dissolve soft portions of the waste S and, then, the method which is previously described in the first or second embodiment is repeatedly performed so as to remove the waste S.

Alternatively, first, a liquid, a liquid mixed with air, or a liquid, an acceleration force of which is increased by air, is supplied to waste S and, then, in a case where the waste S still cannot be removed from an intestine wall W, the method which is previously described in the first or second embodiment may be repeatedly performed so as to remove the waste S.

The above-mentioned first and second embodiments are also applicable to combinations obtained by combining the embodiments with other various kinds of methods of removing waste S.

In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the case is exemplified where the insertion section5is inserted into the intestine H of a large intestine. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case. It goes without saying that the present invention is applicable to a case where the insertion section5is inserted into a body cavity other than the intestine and cleaning of waste in the body cavity is performed.

In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, an endoscope apparatus for medical use having functions such as removing the food residue adhering to the inner wall of the large intestine is exemplified as the endoscope apparatus50. However, the present invention is not limited to such an endoscope apparatus. It goes without saying that the present invention is applicable to an endoscope apparatus for industrial use having functions such as removing waste strongly adhering to an inside of a conduit.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope apparatus having a configuration in which the endoscope apparatus can remove waste quickly with a small amount of fluid to be supplied while preventing the endoscope apparatus from increasing in size and maintaining a small diameter of the insertion section. According to the present invention, it is also possible to provide a method of operating the endoscope apparatus.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist or concept of the present invention read from claims, the entire specification, and drawings.