Balloon with Mounting Fixture, Package, and Balloon Mounting Method

Abstract

The present invention provides a balloon with an installation jig, a packaging body, and a balloon installation method that can reduce the burden on workers when installing the balloon on the insertion portion of an endoscope. The balloon with the installation jig includes an installation jig and a balloon for installing the balloon on the insertion portion of the endoscope. The balloon has a first cylindrical portion provided at one end of the balloon, a second cylindrical portion provided at the other end of the balloon, and a balloon body disposed between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. The installation jig includes a first ring body and a second ring body having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion of the endoscope. The first ring body is configured to elastically deform the first cylindrical portion to a state where the diameter is enlarged compared to the natural state outside the first ring body, and the second ring body is configured to elastically deform the second cylindrical portion to a state where the diameter is enlarged compared to the natural state outside the second ring body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a balloon with a mounting jig, a package, and a balloon mounting method, and particularly to a technique for mounting a balloon on an insertion portion of an endoscope. Background Art

[0002] In the medical field, an endoscope having a balloon mounted on the outer periphery of an insertion portion thereof is used for insertion into a curved intestine such as the small intestine or the large intestine and for performing operations such as observation, diagnosis, and treatment of the inner wall surface.

[0003] An endoscope balloon is generally made of an elastomer such as rubber. Both end portions of the balloon are formed by cylindrical portions, and the diameter of the cylindrical portions is smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion portion of the endoscope in a natural state. When mounting the balloon, it is necessary to insert the insertion portion of the endoscope into the balloon while expanding the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the balloon.

[0004] So far, a solution for reducing the work load when mounting a balloon on an insertion portion of an endoscope has been proposed (Patent Document 1).

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-193000

[0006] In Patent Document 1, a mounting jig for mounting a balloon on an insertion portion of an endoscope is mounted on the cylindrical portion of the balloon. When a worker mounts the balloon on the insertion portion of the endoscope, the worker manually pinches the mounting jig to expand the diameter of the cylindrical portion.

[0007] However, the work of inserting and passing through the insertion portion of the endoscope while expanding the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the balloon by the mounting jig is cumbersome, and the mounting work requires labor and time. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a balloon with a mounting jig, a package, and a balloon mounting method that can reduce the work load of mounting a balloon on an insertion portion of an endoscope.

[0009] The balloon with a mounting jig according to the first aspect of the present invention is a balloon having a mounting jig for mounting the balloon on the insertion portion of an endoscope and the balloon with the mounting jig. The balloon includes: a first cylindrical portion provided at one end of the balloon; a second cylindrical portion provided at the other end of the balloon; and a balloon body disposed between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. The mounting jig includes a first ring body and a second ring body having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion of the endoscope. The first ring body is configured to elastically deform the first cylindrical portion to a state where the diameter is enlarged compared to the natural state outside the first ring body, and the second ring body is configured to elastically deform the second cylindrical portion to a state where the diameter is enlarged compared to the natural state outside the second ring body. The first aspect can reduce the burden on the staff when mounting the balloon on the insertion portion of the endoscope.

[0010] In the second aspect of the present invention, it includes: a cylindrical first balloon fixing member whose diameter is enlarged on the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion by the first ring body; and a cylindrical second balloon fixing member whose diameter is enlarged on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion by the second ring body. The second aspect can reduce the burden on the staff when mounting the first balloon fixing member and the second balloon fixing member on the outer periphery of the balloon.

[0011] In the third aspect of the present invention, the first ring body is composed of a plurality of separable components, and the second ring body is composed of a plurality of separable components. The third aspect can reduce the burden on the staff when disassembling the mounting jig from the balloon.

[0012] In the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first ring body has a first gripping portion protruding to the outside of the first cylindrical portion, and the second ring body has a second gripping portion protruding to the outside of the second cylindrical portion. The fourth aspect can make the operation of gripping the first ring body and the second ring body with fingers or the like easier.

[0013] In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the mounting jig includes a connecting member connecting the first ring body and the second ring body. The fifth aspect can define the positional relationship between the first ring body and the second ring body.

[0014] In the sixth aspect of the present invention, the mounting jig is an integrally formed body integrally formed by the first ring body, the second ring body, and the connecting member. The sixth aspect makes it easier to manufacture the mounting jig.

[0015] In the seventh aspect of the present invention, one of the first ring body and the second ring body has an abutting portion that reduces the diameter of the inner diameter. The seventh aspect makes it easier to determine the position of the insertion portion of the endoscope and makes it easier to determine the positional relationship between the insertion portion and the balloon.

[0016] In the eighth aspect of the present invention, a through-hole is formed in at least one of the first annular body and the second annular body, and the interior of one of the first annular body and the second annular body can be visually recognized through the through-hole. The eighth aspect makes it easy to confirm the position of the insertion portion of the endoscope within the first annular body or the second annular body.

[0017] In the ninth aspect of the present invention, the mounting jig is made of at least one resin material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer synthetic resin, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyamideimide, polysulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride. The ninth aspect specifies the preferred material for the mounting jig.

[0018] The package of the tenth aspect of the present invention includes: the balloon with the mounting jig described above; and a container for accommodating the balloon with the mounting jig. The tenth aspect makes the transportation, storage, and operation of the balloon with the mounting jig easier.

[0019] In the balloon mounting method of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the balloon with the mounting jig described above is prepared; the insertion portion of the endoscope is inserted from the second annular body into the first annular body; the mounting jig is detached from the balloon with the mounting jig, and the balloon is mounted on the insertion portion of the endoscope. The eleventh aspect can reduce the burden on the staff when mounting the balloon on the insertion portion of the endoscope.

[0020] Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, the burden on the staff when mounting the balloon on the insertion portion of the endoscope can be reduced. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of an endoscope system using a balloon.

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the front end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope.

[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the balloon with the mounting jig.

[0025] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the balloon with the mounting jig cut along a plane in the longitudinal direction of the balloon Figure 3 of the balloon with the mounting jig.

[0026] Figure 5 is an external view of the mounting jig before assembly as observed from the outside of the first annular body and the second annular body.

[0027] Figure 6 is an external view of the mounting jig before assembly as observed from the inside of the first annular body and the second annular body.

[0028] Figure 7It is a perspective view of the mounting jig after assembly.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the balloon with the mounting jig of the modified example.

[0030] Figure 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of the package.

[0031] Figure 10 It is an explanatory diagram showing a balloon mounting method using the balloon with the mounting jig.

[0032] Figure 11 It is an explanatory diagram showing a balloon mounting method using the balloon with the mounting jig.

[0033] Figure 12 It is an explanatory diagram showing a balloon mounting method using the balloon with the mounting jig.

[0034] Figure 13 It is an explanatory diagram showing a balloon mounting method using the balloon with the mounting jig.

[0035] Figure 14 It is an explanatory diagram showing a balloon mounting method using the balloon with the mounting jig.

[0036] Figure 15 It is an explanatory diagram showing a balloon mounting method using the balloon with the mounting jig.

[0037] Figure 16 It is an explanatory diagram showing a balloon mounting method using the balloon with the mounting jig.

[0038] Figure 17 It is an explanatory diagram showing a balloon mounting method using the balloon with the mounting jig.

[0039] Figure 18 It is a perspective view of the preferred mode of the balloon with the mounting jig.

[0040] Figure 19 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the balloon with the mounting jig cut along a plane in the longitudinal direction of the balloon Figure 18 of the balloon with the mounting jig.

[0041] Figure 20 It is a front view of the mounting jig before assembly in the balloon with the mounting jig as viewed from the inside of the first annular body and the second annular body for Figure 18 the balloon with the mounting jig.

[0042] Figure 21 It is a perspective view of the balloon for an ultrasonic endoscope.

[0043] Figure 22 It is a perspective view of the balloon with the mounting jig of another mode.

[0044] Symbol Explanation

[0045] 1 - Endoscope system, 10 - Endoscope, 12 - Insertion section, 14 - Operation section, 16 - Universal cord, 18 - Light source connector, 20 - Light source device, 22 - Cable, 24 - Processor connector, 26 - Processor device, 28 - Air supply and water supply button, 30 - Suction button, 32 - Shutter button, 34 - Function switching button, 36 - Bending knob, 38 - Balloon air supply port, 40 - Flexible section, 42 - Bending section, 44 - Front end section, 45 - Front end face, 46 - Forceps opening, 48 - Air supply and water supply connector, 49 - Suction connector, 50 - Monitor, 52 - Observation window, 54 - Lighting window, 56 - Air supply and water supply nozzle, 58 - Forceps outlet, 60 - Balloon, 60A - First cylindrical section, 60B - Second cylindrical section, 60C - Balloon body, 61 - First balloon fixing member, 62 - Second balloon fixing member, 64 - Vent hole, 70 - Balloon control device, 72 - Device main body, 73 - Backflow prevention unit, 74 - Manual switch, 75 - Hose, 76 - Pressure display section, 77 - Cord, 78 - Balloon dedicated monitor, 80 - Mounting jig, 81 - First ring body, 81A - First component, 81B - Second component, 82 - Second ring body, 82A - First component, 82B - Second component, 83 - Outer opening, 84 - Connecting member, 84A - First straight section, 84B - Second straight section, 84C - Third straight section, 85 - Inner opening, 86 - First auxiliary connecting member, 86A - Cutout, 87 - Outer opening, 88 - Second auxiliary connecting member, 88A - Cutout, 89 - Inner opening, 90 - First gripping section, 92 - Second gripping section, 94 - Through hole, 99 - Contact section, 100 - Balloon with mounting jig, 120 - Package, 122 - Container, 130 - Balloon, 130A - First cylindrical section, 130B - Second cylindrical section, 130C - Balloon body, 150 - Balloon with mounting jig, Ax1 - Axis, Ax2 - Axis, SW1 - Power switch, SW2 - Stop switch. Detailed Embodiment

[0046] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the balloon with a mounting jig will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification, the numerical range indicated by "~" means a range including the numerical values described before and after "~" as the lower limit value and the upper limit value.

[0047] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a balloon mounted using a balloon with a mounting jig, and is a structural diagram of an endoscope system using the balloon. As Figure 1 shown, the endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 10, a balloon 60, and a balloon control device 70.

[0048] The endoscope 10 includes an operation unit 14 and an insertion unit 12 that is connected to the operation unit 14 and inserted into the body. A universal cord 16 is connected to the operation unit 14, and a light source connector 18 is provided at the front end of the universal cord 16. The light source connector 18 is detachably connected to a light source device 20. The light source connector 18 transmits illumination light to an illumination optical system (not shown) provided at the front end of the insertion unit 12. Further, a processor connector 24 is connected to the light source connector 18 via a cable 22. The processor connector 24 is detachably connected to a processor device 26.

[0049] An air / water supply button 28, a suction button 30, a shutter button 32, and a function switching button 34 are arranged in parallel on the operation unit 14, and a pair of angulation knobs 36, 36 are provided.

[0050] The insertion unit 12 is composed of a flexible section 40, a bending section 42, and a distal end section 44 in this order from the operation unit 14 side. The flexible section 40 is formed by sleeving a mesh on the outer periphery of a spirally wound metal plate and covering its outer periphery, and the flexible section 40 has sufficient flexibility.

[0051] The bending section 42 is remotely bent by operating the angulation knobs 36, 36 of the operation unit 14. For example, the bending section 42 is rotatably connected to a plurality of cylindrical annular members by pins. A plurality of operation wires are inserted through the inside of the annular members and guided to the pins, and by pushing and pulling the operation wires, the annular members rotate relative to each other and the bending section 42 is bent. By bending the bending section 42, the distal end section 44 can be oriented in a desired direction.

[0052] As Figure 2 shown, an observation window 52, an illumination window 54, an air / water supply nozzle 56, and a forceps outlet 58 are provided on the front end face of the distal end section 44 of the insertion unit 12 of the endoscope 10. The observation window 52 is disposed at the center on one side of the front end face 45. Two illumination windows 54 are arranged at positions symmetric with respect to the observation window 52.

[0053] Behind the observation window 52, an objective optical system for reading an image of an observation site inside the body and an imaging element for photographing an image of the observation site are provided. The imaging element is constituted by, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, or the like. The imaging element is connected to the processor device 26 through a signal cable (not shown). The signal cable is inserted through the insertion portion 12, the operation portion 14, and the general-purpose cord 16 and extended to the processor connector 24. The image of the observation site read from the observation window 52 is formed on the light-receiving surface of the imaging element and converted into a photographed signal. The processor device 26 performs various image processes on the photographed signal received from the imaging element through the signal cable and converts it into a video signal. The video signal is displayed as an observation image on the monitor 50 connected by the cable (reference Figure 1 ).

[0054] At the rear of the illumination window 54, an exit end of a light guide member (not shown) is arranged. The light guide member guides illumination light from the illumination light source of the light source device 20. The light guide member is inserted through the insertion portion 12, the operation portion 14, and the general-purpose cord 16 and extended to the light source connector 18. An incident end of the light guide member is arranged inside the light source connector 18. The illumination light guided by the light guide member is irradiated toward the observation site inside the body through the illumination window 54.

[0055] The air supply and water supply nozzle 56 provided at the front end portion 44 communicates with a valve (not shown) operated by the air supply and water supply button 28. The valve communicates with the air supply and water supply connector 48 provided at the light source connector 18. An air supply and water supply mechanism (not shown) for supplying air and water is connected to the air supply and water supply connector 48. Therefore, by operating the air supply and water supply button 28, air or water is jetted from the air supply and water supply nozzle 56 toward the observation window 52.

[0056] The forceps outlet 58 provided at the front end portion 44 communicates with the forceps opening 46. By inserting a treatment instrument such as forceps through the forceps opening 46, the treatment instrument can be led out from the forceps outlet 58. The forceps outlet 58 communicates with a valve (not shown) operated by the suction button 30, and the valve is connected to the suction connector 49 of the light source connector 18. By connecting a suction mechanism (not shown) to the suction connector 49 and operating it with the suction button 30, a diseased part or the like is suctioned from the forceps outlet 58.

[0057] A balloon 60 is detachably mounted on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10. The balloon 60 is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. The balloon 60 includes a first cylindrical portion 60A that is reduced at one of its two ends, a second cylindrical portion 60B that is reduced at the other end, and a balloon main body 60C disposed between the first cylindrical portion 60A and the second cylindrical portion 60B.

[0058] The balloon 60 is disposed at a specified mounting position (for example, from the distal end portion 44 to the bending portion 42) by inserting the insertion portion 12 therethrough. The first cylindrical portion 60A and the second cylindrical portion 60B are formed with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10 in a natural state. When the balloon 60 is mounted on the insertion portion 12, the elastic force of the first cylindrical portion 60A and the elastic force of the second cylindrical portion 60B act toward the radially inner side of the insertion portion 12. By the elastic force, the balloon 60 is held at a specified position of the insertion portion 12.

[0059] Fixing rubber of a first balloon fixing member 61 having a cylindrical shape is embedded on the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion 60A, and fixing rubber of a second balloon fixing member 62 having a cylindrical shape is embedded on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 60B. The balloon 60 is fixed to the insertion portion 12 by the first balloon fixing member 61 and the second balloon fixing member 62.

[0060] An air vent hole 64 is formed on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 12 that is the mounting position of the balloon 60. The air vent hole 64 communicates with Figure 1 a balloon air supply port 38 provided in the operation portion 14 as shown. The balloon air supply port 38 is connected to a balloon control device 70 via a hose 75 (refer to Figure 1 ). By air supply and air suction of the balloon control device 70, the balloon 60 is inflated and deflated. By supplying air to the balloon 60, the balloon main body 60C expands into a substantially spherical shape, and by sucking air, the balloon main body 60C adheres to the outer periphery of the insertion portion 12.

[0061] As Figure 1 shown, the balloon control device 70 includes a device main body 72 and a remote control manual switch 74. A power switch SW1, a stop switch SW2, and a pressure display portion 76 are provided on the front surface of the device main body 72. The pressure display portion 76 is a panel that displays the pressure value of the balloon 60, and when an abnormality such as balloon breakage occurs, an error code is displayed on the pressure display portion 76.

[0062] A hose 75 for supplying air to and sucking air from the balloon 60 is connected to the front surface of the device main body 72. A backflow prevention unit 73 for preventing the backflow of body fluids when the balloon 60 is damaged is provided at the connection portion between the hose 75 and the device main body 72. The backflow prevention unit 73 is constituted by assembling a gas-liquid separation filter inside a hollow disk-shaped housing (not shown) detachably attached to the device main body 72. The filter prevents liquid from flowing into the device main body 72.

[0063] On the other hand, various switches are provided in the manual switch 74. For example, a stop switch identical to the stop switch SW2 on the device main body 72 side, an ON / OFF switch for instructing the pressurization and depressurization of the balloon 60, a pose switch for maintaining the pressure of the balloon 60, etc. are provided. The manual switch 74 is electrically connected to the device main body 72 via a cord 77. In addition, although not shown in Figure 1 it, a display unit for indicating the air supply state or the exhaust state of the balloon 60 is provided in the manual switch 74.

[0064] The balloon control device 70 supplies air to the balloon 60 to expand it, and controls the air pressure to a constant value to keep the balloon 60 in an expanded state. And, it sucks air from the balloon 60 to contract it, and controls the air pressure to a constant value to keep the balloon 60 in a contracted state.

[0065] The balloon control device 70 is connected to a balloon dedicated monitor 78, and when expanding and contracting the balloon 60, the pressure value or the expansion and contraction state of the balloon 60 is displayed on the balloon dedicated monitor 78. The pressure value or the expansion and contraction state of the balloon 60 may also be superimposed on the observation image of the endoscope 10 and displayed on the monitor 50.

[0066] As an example of the operation method of the endoscope system 1, the insertion portion 12 is gradually inserted in a pushing manner, and the balloon 60 is inflated as needed to fix the insertion portion 12 in the body (e.g., the large intestine). Moreover, after pulling out the insertion portion 12 to simplify the tube shape in the body (e.g., the large intestine), the balloon 60 is contracted to further insert the insertion portion 12 deep into the intestine. For example, the insertion portion 12 is inserted from the anus of the subject, and when the front end of the insertion portion 12 passes through the sigmoid colon, the balloon 60 is inflated to fix the insertion portion 12 to the intestine, and the insertion portion 12 is pulled out to make the sigmoid colon approximately straight. Then, the balloon 60 is contracted, and the front end of the insertion portion 12 is inserted deep into the intestine. The insertion portion 12 can be inserted deep into the intestine. In addition, a double-balloon type endoscope system using the above-described endoscope 10 and an insertion assist device with a balloon (not shown) can be preferably used.

[0067] Next, a balloon with a mounting jig involved in the embodiment will be described. The balloon with a mounting jig is used to easily mount the balloon 60 on the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10. The inner diameters of the first cylindrical portion 60A and the second cylindrical portion 60B of the balloon 60 are smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 12 in the natural state, and it is difficult to insert and penetrate the insertion portion 12 in the natural state. By using the balloon with a mounting jig according to the present invention, the burden on the staff when inserting the balloon 60 into the insertion portion 12 can be reduced. The natural state refers to a state without external force. In the natural state, the first cylindrical portion 60A and the second cylindrical portion 60B are in a state of not being inflated and not being contracted.

[0068] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the balloon 100 with a mounting jig. As Figure 3 shown, the balloon 100 with a mounting jig includes a balloon 60 and a mounting jig 80 for mounting the balloon 60.

[0069] As described above, the balloon 60 includes a first cylindrical portion 60A provided at one end, a second cylindrical portion 60B provided at the other end, and a balloon body 60C disposed between the first cylindrical portion 60A and the second cylindrical portion 60B.

[0070] The mounting jig 80 includes a first ring body 81 and a second ring body 82 having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 12 (not shown) of the endoscope 10. The first ring body 81 is configured to elastically deform the first cylindrical portion 60A to a state where the diameter is larger than the natural state toward the outside of the first ring body 81. The second ring body 82 is configured to elastically deform the second cylindrical portion 60B to a state where the diameter is larger than the natural state toward the outside of the second ring body 82. The first ring body 81 has an outer opening 83 and an inner opening 85 at both ends, and the outer opening 83 and the inner opening 85 communicate with each other inside the first ring body 81. Similarly, the second ring body 82 has an outer opening 87 and an inner opening 89 at both ends, and the outer opening 87 and the inner opening 89 communicate with each other inside the second ring body 82. The first ring body 81 and the second ring body 82 are disposed at positions where the inner opening 85 and the inner opening 89 face each other.

[0071] A plurality of through holes 94 are formed on the outer periphery of the first ring body 81. Through the through holes 94, the inside of the first ring body 81 can be visually recognized from the outside. As a result, the position of the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10 can be confirmed from the outside of the first ring body 81. In the embodiment, the through holes 94 are formed in the first ring body 81, but the through holes 94 may be formed in at least one of the first ring body 81 and the second ring body 82.

[0072] The mounting jig 80 includes two connecting members 84 that connect the first annular body 81 and the second annular body 82. The connecting member 84 is composed of three straight portions and has a U-shaped configuration as a whole. The first straight portion 84A is orthogonal to the axis Ax1 of the first annular body 81 and is connected to the first annular body 81 at one end side. The second straight portion 84B is orthogonal to the axis Ax2 of the second annular body 82, is parallel to the first straight portion 84A, and is connected to the second annular body 82 at one end side. The third straight portion 84C connects the other end of the first straight portion 84A and the other end of the second straight portion 84B. The connecting member 84 can define the postures of the first annular body 81 and the second annular body 82 respectively and the distance between the first annular body 81 and the second annular body 82. However, the shape and the number of the connecting member 84 are not particularly limited. It is preferable that the axis Ax1 of the first annular body 81 coincides with the axis Ax2 of the second annular body 82.

[0073] In the embodiment, the first annular body 81 is composed of a first component 81A and a second component 81B that can be divided. The first component 81A and the second component 81B are formed by dividing the first annular body 81 with a plane including the axis Ax1 of the first annular body 81.

[0074] Similarly, the second annular body 82 is composed of a first component 82A and a second component 82B that can be divided. The first component 82A and the second component 82B are formed by dividing the second annular body 82 with a plane including the axis Ax2 of the second annular body 82.

[0075] The first component 81A that constitutes the first annular body 81 is connected to the first straight portion 84A, and the first component 82A that constitutes the second annular body 82 is connected to the second straight portion 84B. The mounting jig 80 further includes two first auxiliary connecting members 86 that connect the connecting member 84 and the second component 81B and two second auxiliary connecting members 88 that connect the connecting member 84 and the second component 82B. Through the first auxiliary connecting member 86 and the second auxiliary connecting member 88, the second component 81B and the second component 82B that can be formed separately are connected to the connecting member 84.

[0076] The first annular body 81 includes two first gripping portions 90 in total, one provided on the first component 81A and protruding outward along the axis Ax1 direction, and the other provided on the second component 81B and protruding outward along the axis Ax1 direction. The second annular body 82 includes two second gripping portions 92 in total, one provided on the first component 82A and protruding outward along the axis Ax2 direction, and the other provided on the second component 81B and protruding outward along the axis Ax2 direction. Protruding outward means extending from the outer opening 83 of the first annular body 81 to the side opposite to the balloon 60, and also means extending from the outer opening 87 of the second annular body 82 to the side opposite to the balloon 60.

[0077] The mounting fixture 80 is preferably made of at least one resin material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer synthetic resin, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyamideimide, polysulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride. The resin material is not limited to these resin materials, and a resin material that can be sterilized by radiation, has a relatively small coefficient of friction, and a relatively large flexural strength is preferred.

[0078] The mounting fixture 80 is preferably an integrally formed body integrally formed of at least a first ring body 81, a second ring body 82, and a connecting member 84. The operation of the mounting fixture 80 becomes easier.

[0079] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the balloon with the mounting fixture 100 cut along the plane in the longitudinal direction of the balloon 60. As Figure 3 shown, the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 60A of the balloon 60 is enlarged by the first ring body 81, and the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 60B of the balloon 60 is enlarged by the second ring body 82. Figure 4 shown, the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 60A of the balloon 60 is enlarged along almost the entire length L1 of the length along the axis Ax1 by the first ring body 81. The first cylindrical portion 60A only needs to have its diameter enlarged by at least more than half of the length L1 by the first ring body 81. Through the second ring body 82, the diameter is enlarged along almost the entire length L2 of the length along the axis Ax2. The second cylindrical portion 60B only needs to have its diameter enlarged by at least more than half of the length L2 by the second ring body 82. The first ring body 81 and the second ring body 82 can extend into the interior of the balloon main body 60C.

[0080] Next, the mounting fixture 80 will be described.

[0081] is an external view of the mounting fixture 80 before assembly, observing the first ring body 81 and the second ring body 82 from the outside. Figure 5 is an external view of the mounting fixture 80 before assembly, observing the first ring body 81 and the second ring body 82 from the inside. Figure 6 is an external view of the mounting fixture 80 before assembly, observing the first ring body 81 and the second ring body 82 from the inside.

[0082] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, in the state before forming the first ring body 81, the first member 81A and the second member 81B are in a state where the portions forming the inner opening 85 face each other and the portions forming the outer opening 83 face in opposite directions.

[0083] Similarly, in the state before forming the second ring body 82, the first member 82A and the second member 82B are in a state where the portions forming the inner opening 89 face each other and the portions forming the outer opening 87 face in opposite directions.

[0084] Notches 86A are respectively formed on the two first auxiliary connecting members 86. The notches 86A function in the same way as hinges, and the first auxiliary connecting members 86 can be bent based on the notches 86A. The bent first auxiliary connecting members 86 undergo plastic deformation.

[0085] Notches 88A are respectively formed on the two second auxiliary connecting members 88. The notches 88A function in the same way as hinges, and the second auxiliary connecting members 88 can be bent based on the notches 88A. The bent second auxiliary connecting members 88 undergo plastic deformation.

[0086] As Figure 7 shown, the first auxiliary connecting member 86 is bent based on the notch 86A, and the first member 81A and the second member 81B are arranged at positions facing each other on the inner side to form the first ring body 81. Similarly, the second auxiliary connecting member 88 is bent based on the notch 88A, and the first member 82A and the second member 82B form the second ring body 82. In this state, the first ring body 81 is inserted into the first cylindrical portion 60A of the balloon 60 (not shown), whereby the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 60A is enlarged. The second ring body 82 is inserted into the second cylindrical portion 60B of the balloon 60 (not shown), whereby the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 60B is enlarged.

[0087] On the other hand, due to the elastic force of the first cylindrical portion 60A, the positional relationship between the first member 81A and the second member 81B is fixed, thus forming the first ring body 81. Due to the elastic force of the second cylindrical portion 60B, the positional relationship between the first member 82A and the second member 82B is fixed, thus forming the second ring body 82 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0088] Figure 8 is Figure 3 a modified example of the balloon 100 with a mounting jig as shown. Figure 8 The balloon 100 with a mounting jig has a cylindrical first balloon fixing member 61 whose diameter is enlarged by the first ring body 81 on the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion 60A. It has a cylindrical second balloon fixing member 62 whose diameter is enlarged by the second ring body 82 on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 60B. Since the balloon 100 with a mounting jig has the first balloon fixing member 61 and the second balloon fixing member 62, when the balloon 60 is mounted on the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10, the first balloon fixing member 61 and the second balloon fixing member 62 can be mounted. In addition, for ease of understanding, the first balloon fixing member 61 and the second balloon fixing member 62 are sometimes colored and shown. However, the first balloon fixing member 61 and the second balloon fixing member 62 can be set to the same color as the balloon 60 or a different color.

[0089] The first annular body 81 expands the diameters of the first cylindrical portion 60A and the first balloon fixing member 61 against the elastic forces of the first cylindrical portion 60A and the first balloon fixing member 61. The second annular body 82 expands the diameters of the second cylindrical portion 60B and the second balloon fixing member 62 against the elastic forces of the second cylindrical portion 60B and the second balloon fixing member 62.

[0090] Figure 9 is a schematic structural diagram of the package. As Figure 9 shown, the package 120 includes a balloon 100 with a mounting jig and a container 122 that houses the balloon 100 with the mounting jig. The container 122 is constituted by a sterilization bag, for example. The package 120 is provided for the medical field. The staff opens the container 122 and takes out the balloon 100 with the mounting jig. Since the mounting jig 80 is mounted on the balloon 60, the burden on the staff when mounting the mounting jig 80 on the balloon 60 can be reduced.

[0091] The form of the container 122 is not particularly limited as long as it can accommodate the balloon 100 with the mounting jig. For example, the container can be in the form of a blister package.

[0092] Next, with reference to Figures 10 to 17 a balloon mounting method using the balloon 100 with the mounting jig will be described.

[0093] As Figure 10 shown, prepare the balloon 100 with the mounting jig taken out from the container 122 (not shown). Figure 10 The balloon 100 with the mounting jig shown has a first balloon fixing member 61 and a second balloon fixing member 62. The insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10 is relatively moved in the direction from the second annular body 82 to the first annular body 81 of the mounting jig 80.

[0094] As Figure 11 shown, insert the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10 into the second annular body 82 and the first annular body 81. Since the inner diameters of the first annular body 81 and the second annular body 82 are larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10, the staff can easily insert the insertion portion 12 into the first annular body 81 and the second annular body 82. Since the diameters of the first cylindrical portion 60A and the second cylindrical portion 60B of the balloon 60 have already been expanded, the staff does not need to perform the work of expanding the diameters of the first cylindrical portion 60A and the second cylindrical portion 60B while mounting them on the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10.

[0095] As Figure 12 shown, hold the two first holding portions 90 of the first annular body 81 with fingers (not shown) respectively. Apply a force in the direction indicated by the thick arrow to the two first holding portions 90.

[0096] As Figure 13As shown, a force in the direction indicated by the thick arrow is further applied to move the first member 81A and the second member 81B in the separating direction. The first member 81A is connected to the connecting member 84, and the second member 81B is connected to the first auxiliary connecting member 86 bent at the cutout 86A. Therefore, the second member 81B moves significantly more than the first member 81A.

[0097] As Figure 14 shown, if the first member 81A and the second member 81B are further moved in the separating direction, then as the second member 81B moves, the first auxiliary connecting member 86 is cut at the cutout 86A. The second member 81B is completely separated from the mounting jig 80. A part of the first cylindrical portion 60A whose diameter is enlarged by the second member 81B and a part of the first balloon fixing member 61 are narrowed by the elastic force in their respective diameter-reducing directions.

[0098] As Figure 15 shown, a part of the first cylindrical portion 60A fits closely on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 12. A part of the first balloon fixing member 61 fits closely on the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion 60A.

[0099] As Figure 16 shown, a part of the first cylindrical portion 60A and a part of the first balloon fixing member 61 are pressed against the outer periphery of the insertion portion 12 with a finger (not shown) so that the first cylindrical portion 60A and the first balloon fixing member 61 do not fall off from the insertion portion 12. On the other hand, a force in the direction of the thick arrow is applied to the first gripping portion 90 of the first member 81A. The first member 81A is pulled out from the first cylindrical portion 60A of the balloon 60. As Figure 17 shown, the first ring body 81 is detached from the balloon 60. Another part of the first cylindrical portion 60A whose diameter is enlarged by the first member 81A and another part of the first balloon fixing member 61 are narrowed by the elastic force in their respective diameter-reducing directions. The first cylindrical portion 60A fits closely on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 12. The first balloon fixing member 61 fits closely on the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion 60A.

[0100] Figures 12 to 17 The operations shown are performed on the second cylindrical portion 60B, the second balloon fixing member 62, and the second ring body 82. The second gripping portion 92 is gripped, and the first member 82A and the second member 82B constituting the second ring body 82 are moved in the separating direction. The second member 82B is detached, and then the first member 82A is detached. Finally, the second ring body 82 is detached from the balloon 60. The second cylindrical portion 60B fits closely on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 12. The second balloon fixing member 62 fits closely on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 60B.

[0101] Through the above process, the mounting jig 80 is detached from the balloon 100 with the mounting jig, and the balloon 60 is mounted on the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10. In the embodiment, since the balloon 100 with the mounting jig is pre-equipped with the balloon 60, the mounting jig 80, the first balloon fixing member 61, and the second balloon fixing member 62, the workload of the staff can be reduced. Further, the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 60A of the balloon 60 and the first balloon fixing member 61 is enlarged by the first ring body 81 of the mounting jig 80, and the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 60B of the balloon 60 and the second balloon fixing member 62 is enlarged by the second ring body 82 of the mounting jig 80. Since the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10 can be easily inserted into the balloon 60, the burden on the staff when mounting the balloon 60 on the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10 can be reduced.

[0102] In Figures 12 to 17 the case where the balloon 100 with the mounting jig is provided with the first balloon fixing member 61 and the second balloon fixing member 62 has been described. When the balloon 100 with the mounting jig does not have the first balloon fixing member 61 and the second balloon fixing member 62, for example, after mounting the balloon 60 on the insertion portion 12, using the mounting device described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-126526, the first balloon fixing member 61 can be mounted on the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion 60A, and the second balloon fixing member 62 can be mounted on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 60B. The balloon 60 is fixed to the insertion portion 12 by the first balloon fixing member 61 and the second balloon fixing member 62 mounted by the mounting device.

[0103] When the first balloon fixing member 61 and the second balloon fixing member 62 are not used, the balloon 60 is fixed to the insertion portion 12 by fastening the outer peripheries of the first cylindrical portion 60A and the second cylindrical portion 60B with a thin wire.

[0104] Figures 18 to 20 is a diagram showing a preferred mode of the balloon 100 with the mounting jig. As Figure 18 shown, the first ring body 81 is provided with an abutting portion 99 that reduces the diameter of its inner diameter. The abutting portion 99 makes the inner diameter of the first ring body 81 smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10. The abutting portion 99 does not block the inside of the first ring body 81. Therefore, as Figure 18 shown, the staff can visually recognize the front end of the insertion portion 12.

[0105] As Figure 19 shown, the front end of the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10 inserted from the inside 85 of the first ring body 81 contacts the abutting portion 99. The insertion portion 12 stays inside the first ring body 81. The abutting portion 99 can easily determine the positional relationship among the insertion portion 12, the first cylindrical portion 60A, and the first balloon fixing member 61. By the abutting portion 99, the staff does not need to adjust the positional relationship, reducing the burden on the staff.

[0106] As Figure 20 shown, the abutting portions 99 are respectively provided inside the first member 81A and the second member 81B that constitute the first annular body 81. The abutting portions 99 only need to exist in at least one of the first member 81A and the second member 81B.

[0107] The balloon in the balloon 100 for the belt mounting jig is not particularly limited. For example, it is possible to apply Figure 21 the balloon for an ultrasonic endoscope as shown. As Figure 21 shown, the balloon 130 for an ultrasonic endoscope includes a first cylindrical portion 130A, a second cylindrical portion 130B, and a balloon main body 130C disposed between the first cylindrical portion 130A and the second cylindrical portion 130B. The first cylindrical portion 130A and the second cylindrical portion 130B of the balloon 130 are also referred to as balloon rings and are inserted into a balloon mounting groove provided in the insertion portion of an ultrasonic endoscope (not shown).

[0108] By installing a ring body (not shown) constituting the mounting jig on the first cylindrical portion 130A and the second cylindrical portion 130B of the balloon 130, the diameters of the first cylindrical portion 130A and the second cylindrical portion 130B are enlarged. The burden on the staff when mounting the balloon 130 on the insertion portion of the ultrasonic endoscope can be reduced.

[0109] In addition, in the balloon 130 for an ultrasonic endoscope, the first balloon fixing member 61 and the second balloon fixing member 62 are not applicable.

[0110] The present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and it is natural that various improvements or modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0111] For example, as Figure 22 shown, the balloon 150 with a belt mounting jig includes a balloon 60 and a mounting jig 80 constituted by a first annular body 81 and a second annular body 82. The diameter of the first cylindrical portion 60A of the balloon 60 is enlarged by the first annular body 81 having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10. The diameter of the second cylindrical portion 60B of the balloon 60 is enlarged by the second annular body 82 having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10. The burden on the staff when mounting the balloon 60 on the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10 can be reduced.

[0112] The balloon 150 with a belt mounting jig can individually or in combination have the following preferred modes.

[0113] The balloon 150 with the mounting jig preferably includes a first balloon fixing member (not shown) that expands in diameter through the first annular body 81 on the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion 60A and a second balloon fixing member (not shown) that expands in diameter through the second annular body 82 on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 60B.

[0114] In the mounting jig 80 of the balloon 150 with the mounting jig, the first annular body 81 can be composed of a plurality of separable members, and the second annular body 82 can be composed of a plurality of separable members. In addition, it is preferable to provide a first gripping portion on the first annular body 81 and a second gripping portion on the second annular body 82.

[0115] The mounting jig 80 of the balloon 150 with the mounting jig preferably includes a connecting member (not shown) that connects the first annular body 81 and the second annular body 82. In addition, it is preferably an integrally formed body integrally formed by the first annular body 81, the second annular body 82, and the connecting member (not shown).

[0116] In the mounting jig 80 of the balloon 150 with the mounting jig, it is preferable that one of the first annular body 81 and the second annular body 82 has an abutting portion that reduces the diameter of the inner diameter.

[0117] In the mounting jig 80 of the balloon 150 with the mounting jig, it is preferable that a through hole is formed in at least one of the first annular body 81 and the second annular body 82, and the inside of one of the first annular body 81 and the second annular body 82 can be visually recognized through the through hole.

[0118] Preferably, a packaging body is composed of the balloon 150 with the mounting jig or the balloon 150 with the mounting jig having a preferred mode and a container that houses the balloon 150 with the mounting jig.

Claims

1. A balloon with an installation fixture, which includes an installation fixture for installing the balloon on the insertion part of an endoscope and the balloon, wherein, the balloon has: a first cylindrical part provided at one end of the balloon; a second cylindrical part provided at the other end of the balloon; and a balloon body disposed between the first cylindrical part and the second cylindrical part, the installation fixture includes a first ring body and a second ring body having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the insertion part of the endoscope, the first ring body is configured to elastically deform the first cylindrical part to the outside of the first ring body to a state where the diameter is larger than the natural state, the second ring body is configured to elastically deform the second cylindrical part to the outside of the second ring body to a state where the diameter is larger than the natural state, the balloon with the installation fixture includes: a cylindrical first balloon fixing member that expands in diameter through the first ring body on the outer periphery of the first cylindrical part; and a cylindrical second balloon fixing member that expands in diameter through the second ring body on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical part.

2. The balloon with the installation fixture according to claim 1, wherein, the first ring body is composed of a plurality of separable components, and the second ring body is composed of a plurality of separable components.

3. The balloon with the installation fixture according to claim 2, wherein, the first ring body has a first gripping part protruding to the outside of the first cylindrical part, and the second ring body has a second gripping part protruding to the outside of the second cylindrical part.

4. The balloon with the installation fixture according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the installation fixture includes a connecting member connecting the first ring body and the second ring body.

5. The balloon with the installation fixture according to claim 4, wherein, the installation fixture is an integrally formed body integrally formed by the first ring body, the second ring body and the connecting member.

6. The balloon with the installation fixture according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, one of the first ring body and the second ring body has an abutting part that reduces the diameter of the inner diameter.

7. The balloon with the installation fixture according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, a through hole is formed in at least one of the first ring body and the second ring body, and the inside of one of the first ring body and the second ring body can be visually recognized through the through hole.

8. The balloon with the installation fixture according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the installation fixture is made of at least one resin material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyamideimide, polysulfone, polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinyl chloride.

9. A packaging body, wherein, It includes: the balloon with the installation fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and a container for accommodating the balloon with the installation fixture.

10. A balloon installation method, wherein, prepare the balloon with the installation fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 8; insert the insertion part of the endoscope from the second ring body into the first ring body; remove the installation fixture from the balloon with the installation fixture and install the balloon on the insertion part of the endoscope.

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