Medical device and method of positioning a medical device and an instrument

Abstract

A medical device has an insertion section, a treatment instrument channel provided inside the insertion section along an insertion axis from a proximal end to a distal end of the insertion section for the treatment instrument to be inserted therethrough, and a channel operation knob that transmits an operation force to the treatment instrument channel, the treatment instrument channel having a second coil section that changes a cross-sectional area of an inside of the treatment instrument channel in a direction intersecting the insertion axis in correspondence with an operation of the channel operation knob.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a medical device with a treatment device channel and a method for positioning the treatment device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, medical devices such as endoscopes were widely used in the medical field. Endoscopes allow for the observation and treatment of specific areas by inserting a thin, elongated insertion section into the body. Treatment of the examined area is generally performed by inserting various instruments into the instrument channels located within the insertion section.

[0003] Furthermore, it is well known in endoscopes that the treatment instrument channel is also used as an aspiration channel for bodily fluids, cleaning fluids, and biological tissues generated during treatment (see, for example, International Publication No. WO2020 / 162565). In such endoscopes, it is particularly desirable to maximize the inner diameter of the treatment instrument channel.

[0004] However, when the inner diameter of the treatment device channel is set to be sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the shaft of various treatment devices, the shaft of the treatment device is prone to deflection inside the treatment device channel. Furthermore, when such shaft deflection occurs, the operation of the end effector located at the front end of the shaft becomes unstable, and the operability of the treatment device may sometimes decrease.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for positioning medical devices and treatment instruments, which can improve the operability of treatment instruments inserted into the treatment instrument channel. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A medical device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an insertion portion inserted into a subject; a treatment instrument channel disposed in the insertion portion along an insertion axis extending from a base end to a front end for insertion of a treatment instrument; an elastic member disposed in at least a portion of the treatment instrument channel; and a channel operating member that transmits an operating force to the elastic member, the elastic member correspondingly causing a change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior of the treatment instrument channel in a direction intersecting the insertion axis.

[0007] Another aspect of the medical device of the present invention includes: an insertion portion inserted into a subject; a treatment instrument channel disposed in the insertion portion along an insertion axis extending from a base end to a front end for insertion of a treatment instrument; an elastic member disposed in at least a portion of the treatment instrument channel; and a channel operating member that transmits an operating force in a torsional or traction direction to the treatment instrument channel, the elastic member being deformed by the operating force in the torsional or traction direction to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior of the treatment instrument channel in a direction intersecting the insertion axis.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention involves a method for positioning the treatment device of the medical device by inserting the treatment device into a predetermined position in the treatment device channel and operating the channel operating member to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of the interior of the treatment device channel. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 The first embodiment is shown in a schematic diagram of the endoscope.

[0010] Figure 2 The first embodiment is shown as a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the operating section and the insertion section when the diameter of the treatment device channel is not reduced.

[0011] Figure 3 The first embodiment is shown as a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the operating section and the insertion section when the diameter of the treatment device channel is reduced.

[0012] Figure 4 The first embodiment is an exploded perspective view of the channel operating mechanism.

[0013] Figure 5 The first embodiment is a perspective view of the channel operation mechanism after the slider has been removed.

[0014] Figure 6 The first embodiment is a perspective view of the channel operating mechanism without narrowing the diameter of the treatment device channel.

[0015] Figure 7 The first embodiment is a perspective view of the channel operating mechanism when the diameter of the treatment device channel is reduced.

[0016] Figure 8 The first embodiment is a perspective view of a channel operating mechanism when the channel of the treatment device is narrowed and locked.

[0017] Figure 9 The first embodiment is illustrated by a flowchart showing a method for positioning a treatment device.

[0018] Figure 10 The second embodiment is an exploded perspective view of the channel operating mechanism.

[0019] Figure 11 The second embodiment is a perspective view of the channel operation mechanism after the slider has been removed.

[0020] Figure 12 The second embodiment is a perspective view of the channel operating mechanism without narrowing the diameter of the treatment device channel.

[0021] Figure 13The second embodiment is a perspective view of the channel operating mechanism when the diameter of the treatment device channel is reduced.

[0022] Figure 14 The second embodiment is a perspective view of the channel operating mechanism when the treatment device channel is narrowed and locked. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-9 The first embodiment of the present invention is relevant. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the endoscopic system. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings used in the following description, the scale varies for each component to ensure that each component is identifiable on the drawing. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the number of components, shapes, size ratios, and relative positions of the components shown in these drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 The endoscope 1 shown as a medical device is, for example, a disposable endoscope. The endoscope 1 has an insertion part 5, an operating part 6, and a universal cable 7.

[0025] The insertion part 5 has a front end portion 10, a bend portion 11, and a flexible tube portion 12. These front end portions 10, bend portions 11, and flexible tube portions 12 are arranged sequentially from the front end side along the insertion axis O from the front end side to the base end side of the insertion part 5.

[0026] The front end 10 includes, for example, an illumination optics system 15 (illumination unit), a camera unit 16, a nozzle 17, and a treatment device channel 19 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 ) front side opening 18.

[0027] The illumination optical system 15, for example, directs illumination light from a light source device (not shown) via a light guide toward the subject.

[0028] The camera unit 16 includes a camera optical system and a camera element. The camera optical system images reflected light from the subject into an optical image. The camera element captures the optical image formed by the camera optical system and generates an image signal. The image signal generated by the camera element is output via a signal cable connected to the camera unit.

[0029] Nozzle 17 is connected to a gas / liquid delivery channel (not shown) inserted into insertion part 5. The tip of nozzle 17 points towards the objective lens positioned at the front end of the imaging optical system. Thus, nozzle 17 can eject gas or liquid supplied from the gas / liquid delivery channel onto the objective lens.

[0030] The front opening 18 connects to the front end of the treatment device channel 19 located inside the insertion part 5 along the insertion axis O (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 The front opening 18 is an opening for the front end (end actuator 8a) of the treatment instrument 8, which is inserted into the treatment instrument channel 19 from the operating section 6, to protrude outwards towards the front end 10. This allows the surgeon or similar personnel to use the treatment instrument 8 to perform various treatments on the subject. Furthermore, the treatment instrument channel 19 also functions as an aspiration tubing for aspirating bodily fluids, cleaning solutions, and biological tissues from the subject. In addition, the inner diameter of the treatment instrument channel 19, which also functions as an aspiration tubing, is set to be sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 8b of the treatment instrument 8.

[0031] The bending portion 11 is configured to bend in four directions: up, down, left, and right. When the bending portion 11 is bent, the direction of the front end portion 10 changes. As a result, the observation direction of the imaging unit 16 changes. Furthermore, the bending portion 11 is also bent to improve the insertion capability of the insertion portion 5 within the subject. While a configuration where the bending portion 11 can bend in four directions is described here, a configuration where it can bend in two directions is also possible. Additionally, the endoscope 1 may also be a type that does not have the bending portion 11.

[0032] The flexible tube section 12 is a soft tube section that flexes in accordance with the shape of the subject into which the insertion section 5 is inserted. Here, a flexible endoscope having the flexible tube section 12 is taken as an example of endoscope 1, but endoscope 1 may also be a rigid endoscope having a rigid tube section.

[0033] The operating part 6 is connected to the base end of the insertion part 5. The operating part 6 has a gripping part 6a that can be held by hand by a surgical operator or the like.

[0034] In addition, the operating part 6 has a curved operating lever 20, an air / liquid delivery button 21, a suction button 22, and multiple push-button switches 23 on the side closer to the base of the holding part 6a.

[0035] The bending operating lever 20 is an operating component used to bend the bending section 11.

[0036] The gas or liquid supply button 21 is an operation button used to supply gas or liquid to the objective lens of the camera unit 16 from the nozzle 17.

[0037] The suction button 22 is an operation button for suctioning the object to be suctioned through the front opening 18 provided at the front end 10 via the treatment device channel 19.

[0038] The push-button switch 23 can be arbitrarily assigned operations for performing various functions of the endoscope 1. For example, operations related to the camera function can be assigned to the push-button switch 23.

[0039] Additionally, the operating unit 6 has a connector 25 for inserting a processing device on the front end side compared to the holding unit 6a. Inside the operating unit 6, the connector 25 is connected via a relay member 26 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 The connector 25 is connected to the instrument channel 19. Thus, the surgeon or other operator can insert various instruments 8 from the connector 25 into the instrument channel 19. Examples of instruments 8 inserted from the connector 25 include biopsy forceps, high-frequency snares, etc.

[0040] Additionally, the operating section 6 has a channel operation knob 27 as a channel operation member and a slider 28 as a fixing member on the front side of the connector 25. The slider 28 is a fixing member that can fix the rotational position of the channel operation knob 27.

[0041] The channel operation knob 27 is supported on the operation section 6, for example, in a state where it can rotate about the insertion shaft O. The slider 28 is supported on the operation section 6, for example, in a state where it can move forward and backward along the axial direction of the insertion shaft O. These channel operation knobs 27 and sliders 28 constitute a channel operation mechanism 30 (described later) for changing the inner diameter of the treatment device channel 19.

[0042] A universal cable 7 extends from the base of the operating unit 6, for example. This universal cable 7 is a connecting cable used to connect the endoscope 1 to a light source device, processor, liquid delivery tank, and suction pump (all not shown). Therefore, the aforementioned light guide, signal cable, gas / liquid delivery channel, and suction channel are inserted inside the universal cable 7.

[0043] An endoscope connector 7a is provided at the protruding end of the general cable 7. The endoscope connector 7a can be connected to various devices, such as light source devices with air supply pumps, processors, liquid delivery tanks, and suction pumps (not shown).

[0044] Next, refer to Figures 2 to 8 The composition of the treatment device channel 19 and the channel operating mechanism 30 is explained in detail.

[0045] The processing device channel 19 of this embodiment has, for example, a coil 31 formed by winding metal or other wires around it, and an outer sheath 32 covering the outer periphery of the coil 31.

[0046] The coil 31 has a first coil portion 31a and a second coil portion 31b as an elastic member.

[0047] The first coil portion 31a is formed, for example, by winding the wire at a tight, gapless interval. This first coil portion 31a is disposed, for example, inside the operating portion 6 and inside the flexible tube portion 12 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 ).

[0048] The second coil portion 31b is formed, for example, continuously on the front end side of the first coil portion 31a using the same wire as that forming the first coil portion 31a. This second coil portion 31b is formed by winding the wire at a wider spacing than that of the first coil portion 31a. This second coil portion 31b is disposed, for example, inside the bend portion 11 and the front end portion 10 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 That is, the second coil portion 31b is positioned on the front end side of the flexible tube portion 12.

[0049] This makes the second coil portion 31b, formed by winding the wire at a larger spacing, more elastically deformable than the first coil portion 31a.

[0050] Therefore, when a rotational force in the positive (torsional) direction relative to the winding direction of the wire is applied to the coil 31, the inner diameter of the second coil portion 31b decreases. That is, the second coil portion 31b changes in a direction that reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior of the treatment device channel 19 in the direction intersecting the insertion shaft O.

[0051] Conversely, when a rotational force is applied to coil 31 in the opposite direction (a direction that will loosen the twist) relative to the winding direction of the wire, the inner diameter of the second coil portion 31b expands to its original inner diameter. That is, the second coil portion 31b changes in the direction that expands the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior of the treatment device channel 19 in the direction intersecting the insertion shaft O to its original cross-sectional area.

[0052] The outer sheath 32 includes, for example, a flexible resin tube. The outer sheath 32 ensures the watertightness of the disposal device channel 19 by integrally covering the outer circumference of the first coil portion 31a and the second coil portion 31b.

[0053] The front end of the treatment device channel 19 thus constructed is fixed to the front end 10 in a non-rotatable state.

[0054] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the channel operation mechanism 30 is configured to include a channel operation knob 27, a slider 28, and a movable cylinder 29.

[0055] The channel operation knob 27 has: a knob body 27a, which is cylindrical; a plurality of ribs 27b protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the knob body 27a; and a rack 27c disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the knob body 27a.

[0056] The knob body 27a fits into the first outer peripheral surface 35a formed in the frame 35 of the operation part 6. Through this fit, the knob body 27a is supported in the operation part 6 in a state that allows it to rotate about the insertion shaft O.

[0057] Multiple ribs 27b extend axially along the insertion shaft O. These ribs 27b are arranged at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the knob body 27a.

[0058] The rack 27c extends along the inner circumferential surface of the knob body 27a about the axis of the insertion shaft O. The rack 27c protrudes into the interior of the operating part 6, for example, through a slit formed in the frame 35.

[0059] The slider 28 is configured to have a cylindrical slider body 28a and a locking member 28b.

[0060] The slider body 28a has, for example, an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the knob body 27a. Additionally, a key 28c extending axially from the insertion shaft O is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the slider body 28a.

[0061] The slider body 28a fits into the second outer peripheral surface 35b formed on the frame 35. Here, the second outer peripheral surface 35b is formed on the base end side of the frame 35 at a position adjacent to the first outer peripheral surface 35a. In addition, a keyway 35d extending axially in the insertion shaft O is provided on the second outer peripheral surface 35b.

[0062] The key 28c of the slider body 28a engages with the keyway 35d. Thus, the slider body 28a can be in the engaged position (see reference 6) with its rotation restricted relative to the operating part 6. Figure 3 ) and return location (refer to Figure 2 The knob can move forward or backward between the inner and outer circumferences of the knob body 27a. The entering position is when it enters the inner circumference of the knob body 27a. The returning position is when it returns to the inner circumference of the knob body 27a.

[0063] The locking member 28b is supported on the slider body 28a via a support member 28d protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the slider body 28a. Thus, the locking member 28b is positioned at a distance from the outer peripheral surface of the slider body 28a.

[0064] When the slider body 28a moves to the engaged position, the locking member 28b inserts between a pair of ribs 27b on the outer periphery of the channel operation knob 27. Thus, the locking member 28b restricts the rotation of the channel operation knob 27.

[0065] On the other hand, when the slider body 28a moves to the retracted position, the locking member 28b disengages from between the pair of ribs 27b. Thus, the locking member 28b allows rotation of the channel operation knob 27.

[0066] The movable cylinder 29 is configured to have a cylindrical body 29a and a small gear 29b disposed on the outer periphery of the body 29a.

[0067] The front end of the cylinder body 29a is liquid-tightly connected to the base end of the treatment device channel 19 in a non-rotatable state.

[0068] On the other hand, the base end of the cylinder body 29a is supported by the relay member 26 and can rotate freely.

[0069] Here, for example, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the relay member 26 includes, for example, a first branch pipe 26a, a second branch pipe 26b, and a third branch pipe 26c. Through these first branch pipes 26a to third branch pipes 26c, the relay member 26 includes rigid branch pipes with a three-way structure. Specifically, in the relay member 26 of this embodiment, the first branch pipe 26a is connected to the connector 25, the second branch pipe 26b is connected to the treatment device channel 19, and the third branch pipe 26c is connected to the suction button 22 via the suction pipe 22a. The second branch pipe 26b extends parallel to the insertion shaft O, for example, in a position biased relative to the insertion shaft O in a predetermined direction (the direction in which the rack 27c is arranged).

[0070] The base end of the cylinder body 29a is liquid-tightly connected to the second branch pipe 26b in a rotatable state. Furthermore, through this connection, the second branch pipe 26b rotatably supports the base end of the treatment device channel 19.

[0071] When the cylinder body 29a is connected to the second branch pipe 26b, the pinion 29b meshes with the rack 27c of the channel operation knob 27. As a result, the rotational force of the channel operation knob 27 is transmitted to the base end of the treatment device channel 19 via the movable cylinder 29.

[0072] Furthermore, when the rotational force of the coil 31 in the surrounding direction is transmitted to the base end side of the treatment device channel 19, this rotational force acts strongly on the side of the second coil portion 31b, which has a thicker coil than the first coil portion 31a. As a result, the inner radial diameter of the second coil portion 31b is elastically deformed. That is, in the part of the insertion portion 5 near the front end of the flexible tube portion 12, the cross-sectional area inside the treatment device channel 19 in the direction intersecting the insertion axis O changes in a reduced manner.

[0073] On the other hand, when a rotational force in the opposite direction to the winding direction of the coil 31 is transmitted to the base end of the treatment device channel 19, the inner diameter of the second coil portion 31b, which has been reduced in diameter, will return to the direction of expansion. That is, in the part of the insertion portion 5 that is closer to the front end of the flexible tube portion 12, the cross-sectional area inside the treatment device channel 19 in the direction intersecting the insertion axis O changes in an expanding manner.

[0074] Next, according to Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the positioning method of the treatment device 8 using the endoscope 1 constructed in this way.

[0075] During the positioning of the treatment device 8, the surgical operator inserts the treatment device 8 into the treatment device channel 19 via the connector 25 of the operating part 6 (step S1). This insertion of the treatment device 8 is performed at least until the end effector 8a of the treatment device 8 moves to a position in the treatment device channel 19 closer to the front end than the second coil portion 31b (see reference). Figure 2 For example, the insertion of the treatment device 8 is performed until the end effector 8a of the treatment device 8 enters the field of view of the camera unit 16.

[0076] Then, the end effector 8a of the treatment device 8 enters the field of view of the camera unit 16 (step S2: yes).

[0077] Then, the surgical operator rotates the channel operation knob 27 in the forward direction of the coil 31 (step S3).

[0078] The rotational force applied to the channel operation knob 27 is transmitted to the base end of the treatment device channel 19 via the rack 27c and pinion 29b. Consequently, the rotational force in the torsional (compression) direction is transmitted to the second coil section 31b, and the inner diameter of the second coil section 31b (i.e., the inner diameter of the treatment device channel 19) is reduced (see reference). Figure 3 , Figure 7 ).

[0079] Then, the surgeon locks the rotation position of the channel operation knob 27 (step S4). That is, the surgeon moves the slider 28 to the side of the channel operation knob 27 and inserts the locking member 28b between the pair of ribs 27b. As a result, even after the surgeon removes his hand from the channel operation knob 27, the inner diameter of the second coil portion 31b is maintained in a reduced state.

[0080] By reducing the inner diameter of the second coil portion 31b, the shaft 8b of the treatment device 8 is positioned near the center inside the treatment device channel 19 at the front end side of the insertion portion 5. Therefore, even when the inner diameter of the treatment device channel 19 is sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 8b of the treatment device 8, deflection of the shaft 8b at the front end side of the insertion portion 5 is corrected. Consequently, the operation of the end effector 8a is stable, and approaching the object portion within the body of the test device becomes easier.

[0081] Then, the surgical operator performs the procedure using the treatment instrument 8 (step S5). When the procedure is completed (step S6: Yes), the surgical operator releases the lock of the channel operation knob 27 (step S7). That is, the surgical operator moves the slider 28 to the side opposite to the channel operation knob 27, causing the locking member 28b to retract between the pair of ribs 27b.

[0082] Then, the surgical operator rotates the channel operation knob 27 in the opposite direction to the circumferential direction of the coil 31 (step S8). The rotational force of the channel operation knob 27 is transmitted to the base end of the treatment instrument channel 19 via the rack 27c and pinion 29b. As a result, the rotational force in the direction of retraction (relieving the compression) is transmitted to the second coil portion 31b, and the inner diameter of the second coil portion 31b (i.e., the inner diameter of the treatment instrument channel 19) expands to its original inner diameter (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 6 ).

[0083] Afterwards, the surgical operator removes the treatment instrument 8 from the treatment instrument channel 19 (step S9). At this time, since the inner diameter of the second coil portion 31b has been expanded to the original inner diameter, the treatment instrument 8 can be easily removed from the treatment instrument channel 19.

[0084] The endoscope 1 in this embodiment includes: a treatment instrument channel 19 disposed inside the insertion portion 5 along an insertion axis O extending from the base end to the front end of the insertion portion 5, through which a treatment instrument 8 is inserted; and a channel operation knob 27 that transmits operating force to the treatment instrument channel 19. Furthermore, the treatment instrument channel 19 has a second coil portion 31b, which, in accordance with the operation of the channel operation knob 27, changes the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior of the treatment instrument channel 19 in the direction intersecting the insertion axis O. These configurations improve the operability of the treatment instrument 8 inserted into the treatment instrument channel 19.

[0085] That is, by reducing the inner diameter of the front end of the treatment device channel 19, the shaft 8b of the treatment device 8 can be positioned near the center of the treatment device channel 19 at the front end of the insertion part 5. Therefore, even when the inner diameter of the treatment device channel 19 is sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 8b, the deflection of the shaft 8b can be corrected to improve the operability of the treatment device 8.

[0086] The treatment device channel 19 is constructed with an outer sheath 32 covering the outer periphery of the coil 31. However, it is also possible to replace the outer sheath 32 with a flexible resin tube placed inside the coil 31. That is, an inner sheath can be formed on the coil 31 instead of the outer sheath 32. Even in this case, the same effect can be achieved while ensuring the watertightness of the treatment device channel 19.

[0087] Next, refer to Figures 10-14The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Here, the first embodiment described above illustrates a configuration in which the inner diameter of the treatment device channel 19 is reduced by applying a force in the torsional direction to the treatment device channel 19. In contrast, this embodiment describes a configuration in which the inner diameter of the treatment device channel 19 is reduced by applying a force in the traction direction to the treatment device channel 19. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as in the above embodiment, and descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0088] like Figures 10-14 As shown, in this embodiment, the treatment device channel 19 includes, for example, a resin tube. The treatment device channel 19 has a first tube portion 50a and a second tube portion 50b, which serves as an elastic member.

[0089] The first tube section 50a is, for example, disposed inside the operating section 6 and inside the flexible tube section 12.

[0090] The second tube portion 50b is continuously formed on the front end side of the first tube portion 50a. This second tube portion 50b is more flexible than the first tube portion 50a. The flexibility of the second tube portion 50b can be achieved, for example, by forming a wall thickness thinner than that of the first tube portion 50a. Alternatively, the flexibility of the second tube portion 50b can be achieved, for example, by using a resin raw material different from that of the first tube portion 50a for two-color molding of the treatment device channel 19. The second tube portion 50b thus formed is disposed, for example, inside the curved portion 11 and the front end portion 10.

[0091] Furthermore, the channel operation knob 27 constituting the channel operation mechanism 30 has a cam groove 27d on its inner circumferential surface instead of a rack 27c. This cam groove 27d is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the insertion shaft O.

[0092] In addition, the base end of the cylinder body 29a constituting the movable cylinder 29 is liquid-tightly connected to the second branch pipe 26b in a state that allows it to move forward and backward along the direction of the insertion shaft O.

[0093] Additionally, a pin 29c is provided on the outer periphery of the cylinder body 29a to replace the pinion 29b. When the cylinder body 29a is connected to the second branch pipe 26b, the pin 29c engages with the cam groove 27d.

[0094] Through this engagement, when the channel operation knob 27 is operated around the axis of the insertion shaft O, the rotational force of the channel operation knob 27 is converted into an axial force of the insertion shaft O and then transmitted to the movable cylinder 29.

[0095] That is, the movable cylinder 29 moves forward or backward along the direction of the traction or loosening disposal device channel 19 according to the rotation direction of the channel operation knob 27.

[0096] Then, when the force in the traction direction is transmitted to the treatment device channel 19 via the movable cylinder 29, the second tube 50b extends axially in the insertion shaft O. Through this extension, the inner diameter of the second tube 50b is reduced (see reference). Figure 13 Furthermore, by moving the slider 28 to the side of the channel operation knob 27, the locking member 28b is inserted between a pair of ribs 27b, which maintains the reduced diameter state of the second tube 50b (see reference). Figure 14 ).

[0097] On the other hand, when the traction of the movable cylinder 29 on the treatment device channel 19 is relaxed, the second tube 50b contracts axially in the insertion shaft O. Through this contraction, the inner diameter of the second tube 50b expands to its original inner diameter (see reference). Figure 12 ).

[0098] According to this implementation method, it can achieve approximately the same effect as the first implementation method described above.

[0099] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications or alterations can be made, which are also within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0100] For example, although it is explained that the cross-sectional area of ​​the treatment device channel is reduced for positioning of the treatment device, it can also be configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the treatment device channel is increased (changed) for suction or the like.

[0101] Furthermore, as a method to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the treatment device channel, it is not limited to reducing the diameter equally in the radial direction. The same effect can be achieved by reducing the diameter only in one specific direction.

[0102] For example, in the embodiments described above, the configuration of an endoscope was illustrated as an example of a medical device, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention can also be applied to the outer sheath, which is also a medical device. That is, by applying the instrument channel of each of the above embodiments to the instrument channel of the outer sheath, substantially the same effect as the above embodiments can be achieved.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the configuration of a disposable endoscope was described as an example of an endoscope, but the endoscope is certainly not limited to disposable endoscopes.

[0104] Alternatively, the configurations of the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined.

Claims

1. A medical device, characterized in that, Include: An insertion part, which is inserted into the subject; A treatment device channel is provided in the insertion part along an insertion axis extending from the base end to the front end of the insertion part for insertion of a treatment device. The treatment device channel has a non-deformable portion that is continuous along the insertion axis and a deformable portion that is continuously formed on the front end side of the non-deformable portion. The deformable portion is more deformable than the non-deformable portion. The deformable portion is an elastic member, and the elastic member is provided in at least a portion of the treatment device channel. as well as The channel operating component transmits operating force to the elastic component. The elastic member is a coil formed by winding wire. Corresponding to the operating force, a rotational force in the forward or reverse direction relative to the winding direction is transmitted to the coil, causing the coil to elastically deform. As a result, the elastic member causes a change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the treatment device channel in the direction intersecting the insertion axis.

2. The medical device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic member deforms in response to the operating force. The cross-sectional area of ​​the treatment device channel changes due to the deformation of the elastic member.

3. The medical device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direction intersecting the insertion axis is the direction orthogonal to the insertion axis.

4. The medical device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The channel operating member transmits the rotational operation of rotating about the insertion shaft to the treatment device channel.

5. The medical device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also has a fixing member that can fix the rotational position of the channel operating member.

6. The medical device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insertion portion has: a front end portion having an opening for extending the treatment device inserted into the treatment device channel; a bend portion disposed at the base end of the front end portion; and a flexible tube portion disposed at the base end of the bend portion. The elastic member is located on the front end side of the flexible tube section.

7. The medical device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: An illumination unit that illuminates the subject of examination; and The camera unit captures images of the subject.

8. A medical device, characterized in that, Include: An insertion part, which is inserted into the subject; A treatment device channel, which is disposed in the insertion part along an insertion axis extending from the base end to the front end of the insertion part, for insertion of the treatment device; and The channel operating component transmits a torsional operating force to the channel of the treatment device. The treatment device channel has a continuous non-deformable portion along the insertion axis and a continuously formed deformable portion at the front end of the non-deformable portion, the deformable portion being more deformable than the non-deformable portion, the deformable portion being an elastic member, and the elastic member being disposed in at least a portion of the treatment device channel. The elastic member is a coil formed by winding wire. Corresponding to the torsional operating force, a rotational force in the positive or negative direction relative to the winding direction is transmitted to the coil, and the elastic member undergoes elastic deformation, thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the treatment device channel in the direction intersecting the insertion axis.

9. A method for positioning a treatment device, comprising a method for positioning a treatment device using the medical device of claim 1, characterized in that, Insert the treatment device into the designated position in the treatment device channel. Operate the channel operating member to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of the interior of the treatment device channel.

10. The positioning method for the treatment device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The diameter of the treatment device channel is reduced midway along its length axis.

11. The positioning method for the treatment device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of the interior of the treatment device channel is reduced by transmitting a torsional operating force to the treatment device channel.

12. The positioning method for the treatment device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The operating force in the torsional direction is transmitted to the treatment device channel by rotating the channel operating member.

13. The positioning method for the treatment device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The specified position is such that the end effector of the treatment device is positioned at a position closer to the front end than the position where the cross-sectional area is reduced.

14. The positioning method for the treatment device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The specified position is one in which the end effector of the treatment device is positioned within the field of view of the camera unit, which is positioned at the front end of the insertion part.

Images