System

Abstract

Provided is a system for improving the efficiency of an examination or treatment using an endoscope. A treatment system (20) is provided with: a tubular member (31) having a hollow section (31S) therein and having an ultrasonic transducer (32A) provided on the outer periphery of the hollow section (31S) in a tip section (31A); and an operation handle (50) including a support member (55) that supports the base end portion (31B) of the tubular member (31), and a connection portion (51) that can be connected to the treatment tool introduction port (112) of the endoscope (1) in a state in which the tubular member (31) is inserted from the distal end portion (31A) side into the treatment tool introduction port (112). The tubular member (31) has a base end opening (3 (1) 1A) in at least the base end surface (311) of the base end surface (311) and the tip end surface (312) in the axial direction, the base end opening (3 (1) 1A) connecting to the hollow portion (31S).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for use with an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a transseptal insertion device comprising: a sheath having at least one hollow portion defined inside; one or more positioning balloons connected to the distal end of the sheath; and a piercing portion movably disposed within the hollow portion.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes a medical device that induces controlled necrosis at a target site within the body. The medical device comprises: an elongated component having a base portion, an end portion, and at least one hollow portion therein that is in fluid communication with a cooling fluid; a plurality of dissection tips connected to the end of the elongated component and configured to contact and dissect tissue; and an ultrasonic probe for controlling the depth of penetration of the plurality of dissection tips into the tissue.

[0004] Patent document 3 describes a system that includes a probe that deploys at least one needle into tissue.

[0005] Patent document 4 describes a camera assembly comprising: a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a cavity; and a camera transducer coupled to the distal end of the shaft.

[0006] Patent document 5 describes a treatment probe comprising: a handle; a probe body; an image source, which is combined with the probe body; and an ablation element configured to be combined with the probe body and ablate the target tissue.

[0007] Patent document 6 describes a system comprising: a camera component having a camera handle division, a camera shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a camera transducer at the distal end of the camera shaft; and a needle component having a needle handle division, a needle shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, and a needle structure disposed on or within the needle shaft in a reciprocating manner.

[0008] Previous technical documents

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-548739

[0011] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 4653734

[0012] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 6674432

[0013] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-525124

[0014] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-518385

[0015] Patent document 6: Japanese Patent No. 6243910. Summary of the Invention

[0016] -The technical problem that the invention aims to solve-

[0017] In this invention, a technique is provided that can improve the efficiency of examinations or procedures using endoscopes.

[0018] -Means used to solve technical problems-

[0019] One aspect of the present invention comprises: a tubular component having a hollow portion inside, and an ultrasonic transducer disposed on the outer periphery of the hollow portion at one end; and a device comprising a first support portion supporting the other end of the tubular component and a connecting portion capable of connecting to the end-device inlet when the tubular component is inserted into the end-device inlet of an endoscope from the one end side, wherein the tubular component has at least a first opening connected to the hollow portion on the first end face of the other end side in the axial direction and a second end face of the other end side.

[0020] One aspect of the processing method of the present invention comprises: a first step, preparing a tubular component having a hollow interior, wherein an ultrasonic transducer is disposed on the outer periphery of the hollow interior at one end of the tubular component, and an opening connected to the hollow interior is provided on the end face of the other end in the axial direction; a second step, inserting a processing instrument through the opening into the hollow interior; a third step, inserting the tubular component with the processing instrument inserted into a subject body, and aligning the ultrasonic transducer with the target area of ​​the subject body based on the output of the ultrasonic transducer; a fourth step, maintaining the position of the processing area while the target area, the ultrasonic transducer, and the processing part of the processing instrument are aligned, moving the tubular component to the other end side to expose the processing part from the hollow interior; and a fifth step, after the fourth step, driving the processing part to process the target area.

[0021] -Invention Effects-

[0022] According to the technology of the present invention, the efficiency of examinations or procedures using endoscopes can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic structure of an endoscope device 100, which is one aspect of the technology of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 It means from Figure 1The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the treatment system 20 used by inserting the treatment instrument inlet 112 of the endoscope 1 through the treatment instrument channel of the endoscope 1.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of the range X in the image.

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shown is taken from the CC direction.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of the range Y in the image.

[0028] Figure 6 This indicates that the control department 33 is from Figure 3 The diagram shows the state in which the tube-shaped component 31 is moved toward the base end.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified example of the first limiting part.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the ultrasonic probe 30 and the treatment probe 40 are positioned at the front end 10C of the endoscope.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the treatment method.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the treatment method.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a diagram representing the first variant of the processing system 20, and is related to... Figure 3 The corresponding diagram.

[0034] Figure 12 This is a diagram representing the second variation of the processing system 20, which is related to... Figure 3 The corresponding diagram.

[0035] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the cross-section viewed from the DD direction. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a schematic structure of an endoscope device 100, which is one aspect of the technology of the present invention. The endoscope device 100 includes: an endoscope 1; a main body 2, comprising a light source device 4 and a processor device 5 connected to the endoscope 1; and a display device 7 for displaying photographic images acquired through the endoscope 1, etc. Figure 1 In the example, endoscope 1 is a bronchoscope, but it is not limited to this.

[0037] The endoscope 1 includes: an insertion part 10 that is inserted into the body of the patient and is a long strip-shaped instrument extending in one direction; an operation part 11 provided with operation components for performing observation mode switching, image storage, forceps operation, suction operation, etc., provided at the base end of the insertion part 10; an angle control lever 12 provided adjacent to the operation part 11; and a universal plug 13, including a connector part 13A that connects the endoscope 1 to the connector connection part 4A of the light source device 4 for easy attachment and detachment.

[0038] The operating section 11 is provided with a treatment instrument inlet 112 for introducing treatment instruments for collecting living tissues such as cells or polyps. Additionally, although in Figure 1 The details are omitted, but various channels, such as treatment instrument channels and suction channels, are provided inside the operation unit 11 and the insertion unit 10 for inserting treatment instruments introduced from the treatment instrument inlet 112. The operation unit 11 includes a suction button 11A, etc. A suction hose (not shown) is connected to the suction button 11A, and this suction hose is connected to a suction device. When the suction button 11A is operated, fluid or the like is aspirated from the tip of the endoscope 1 into the suction hose and recovered by the suction device.

[0039] The insertion part 10 is composed of a flexible soft part 10A, a curved part 10B provided at the front end of the soft part 10A, and a front end part 10C that is harder than the soft part 10A provided at the front end of the curved part 10B. An imaging element and an imaging optical system are built into the front end part 10C of the endoscope.

[0040] The bending part 10B is configured to bend in the up-down direction (A2 direction) by rotating the angle control lever 12 of the operation part 11 in the A1 direction. By bending the bending part 10B, the front end of the endoscope 10C can be oriented in the desired direction.

[0041] Inside the endoscope 1, a light guide, consisting of multiple bundled optical fibers, is provided from the endoscope tip 10C of the insertion section 10 to the connector section 13A. Light generated by the light source device 4 is guided from the connector section 13A to the light guide and then to the endoscope tip 10C, illuminating the subject through the illumination window provided at the endoscope tip 10C.

[0042] Furthermore, the structure of endoscope 1 is an example and is not limited to... Figure 1 The structure shown.

[0043] Figure 2 It means from Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the treatment system 20 used when the treatment instrument inlet 112 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the treatment instrument channel of the endoscope 1. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of the range X in the image. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shown is taken from the CC direction. Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of the range Y in the image.

[0044] The treatment system 20 includes: an ultrasonic probe 30, which is a long strip-shaped device extending in one direction; a treatment probe 40, which is a long strip-shaped treatment device extending in one direction; and an operating handle 50 configured to support the ultrasonic probe 30 and the treatment probe 40.

[0045] The ultrasonic probe 30 includes a tubular component 31, which consists of a hollow portion 31S having, for example, a cylindrical shape inside (see reference). Figure 3 and Figure 5 It is composed of resins or elastomers, etc. For example... Figure 3 As shown, an ultrasonic transceiver 32 is provided on the outer periphery of the hollow portion 31S at one end, i.e., the front end portion 31A, in the axial direction of the tubular component 31. Figure 4 As shown, the ultrasonic transceiver 32 is preferably arranged in a ring shape when viewed along the axial direction of the tubular component 31. The ultrasonic transceiver 32 does not necessarily need to be arranged in a ring shape when viewed along the axial direction of the tubular component 31; for example, it can be arranged in an arc shape (C-shaped or semi-circular, etc.). By arranging the ultrasonic transceiver 32 in a ring shape, an ultrasonic image of the subject within a 360-degree range around the front end 31A can be easily obtained based on the echo received by the ultrasonic transceiver 32.

[0046] The ultrasonic transceiver unit 32 includes: a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 32A (in) Figure 4 (Only a portion is shown in the figure), arranged circumferentially along the front end portion 31A of the tubular member 31; and the acoustic matching layer and acoustic lens, etc., are omitted from the figure. The shape of the ultrasonic transducer 32A in top view along its vibration direction is, for example, rectangular. The ultrasonic transducer 32A is arranged at the front end portion 31A, for example, with its length direction along the axial direction of the tubular member 31.

[0047] A wiring assembly electrically connected to the ultrasonic transceiver 32 is provided on the wall of the tubular component 31. This wiring assembly extends to the vicinity of the other end of the tubular component 31, i.e., the base end 31B. Figure 2 As shown, a generally T-shaped holding part 33 is fixed near the base end 31B of the tubular component 31, and the aforementioned wiring assembly extends into the interior of the holding part 33. This wiring assembly is connected to an ultrasonic probe control device 300 that controls the ultrasonic transceiver unit 32 and generates and displays ultrasonic images.

[0048] like Figure 3As shown, a front opening 312A connected to the hollow portion 31S is provided on the end face 312, i.e., the front end face 312, on one end side in the axial direction of the tubular component 31. Figure 5 As shown, a base end opening 311A ​​connected to the hollow part 31S is provided on the end face 311 on the other end side in the axial direction of the tubular component 31, i.e., the base end face 311.

[0049] The treatment probe 40 is a treatment device having a treatment section 41 at its front end and capable of freezing the tissue of the subject through the treatment section 41. The treatment probe 40 preferably uses a probe in which the treatment section 41 is made of metal, for example, and which utilizes the Joule-Thomson effect to cool the treatment section 41. The treatment probe 40 can, for example, use a freezing probe (registered trademark).

[0050] The treatment probe 40 is used with the ultrasonic probe 30 inserted through the base opening 311A ​​into the hollow portion 31S. The treatment probe 40 is connected to a treatment probe control device 400 that performs various controls such as driving the treatment unit 41 (injection of cooling gas). The inner diameter of the tubular component 31 is preferably configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the treatment probe 40.

[0051] The operating handle 50 is a long, thin cylindrical shape with a receiving space that can accommodate a portion of the ultrasonic probe 30. The operating handle 50 has a cylindrical connecting part 51 at its front end, which can be connected to the metal mold 112A provided in the treatment instrument inlet 112 of the endoscope 1 by fitting or the like.

[0052] The operating handle 50 also has a cylindrical shaft member 52, supported by a connecting portion 51 and extending to the side opposite to the connecting portion 51. The shaft member 52 has a flange portion 52a at its end on the side of the connecting portion 51 and a flange portion 52b at its end on the side opposite to the connecting portion 51. The flange portion 52a is inserted into and fixed within the connecting portion 51. A tubular member 31 extends through the entire interior of the shaft member 52. The tubular member 31, located further forward than the flange portion 52a of the shaft member 52, passes through the interior of the connecting portion 51 and is inserted into the metal die 112A connected to the connecting portion 51.

[0053] When using the treatment system 20, the ultrasonic probe 30, which extends to the outside of the connection part 51, is inserted from its front end 31A into the treatment instrument channel 1A of the endoscope 1 via the metal mold 112A. In this state, the connection part 51 is connected to the metal mold 112A. The connection part 51 is configured to connect to the treatment instrument inlet 112 when the tubular member 31 is inserted from the front end 31A side into the treatment instrument inlet 112 of the endoscope 1.

[0054] The operating handle 50 also includes a cylindrical slider 53, which is slidably connected to the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 52a and flange portion 52b in the shaft member 52 along the axial direction of the shaft member 52. An opening is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the slider 53 at the end on the connecting portion 51 side. A fixing member 57, such as a screw, is inserted into this opening to fix (lock) the relative position of the slider 53 with respect to the shaft member 52. When the locking based on the fixing member 57 is released, the slider 53 is configured to abut against the flange portion 52b on its inner wall. Figure 2 The position shown is within a distance L1 between the position where the end face of the connecting part 51 abuts against the connecting part 51 and the position where the connecting part 51 abuts against the connecting part 51.

[0055] On the slider 53, in a state where the end face on the connecting portion 51 abuts against the flange portion 52a (the position of the shaft member 52 in this state is indicated by the dashed line in the figure), an opening 53K is provided on the outer peripheral surface further from the base end than where the flange portion 52b is located. A holding portion 33 is provided at the location where the opening 53K is provided. A portion of the holding portion 33 protrudes outward from the opening 53K. The holding portion 33 is fixed to the tubular member 31.

[0056] Inside the slider 53, a cylindrical support member 55 is provided next to the base end side of the gripping portion 33. The support member 55 supports the gripping portion 33 or the base end 31B of the tubular member 31 fixed to the gripping portion 33, for example, by means of a magnet. The support member 55 has a flange portion 55a at its front end. The internal space of the slider 53, closer to the base end side than the gripping portion 33, narrows in two stages towards the base end side, with the base end side of the support member 55 inserted at the narrowest point. On the inner wall of the slider 53, a stepped portion 53b and a stepped portion 53a are sequentially arranged from the front end side closer to the base end side than the flange portion 55a. A force-applying portion 53c, such as a spring, is provided between the flange portion 55a and the stepped portion 53a of the support member 55 to apply force to the flange portion 55a towards the front end side. The support member 55 is configured to be able to... Figure 2 The initial position shown is moved to the position where the flange 55a abuts against the stepped portion 53b. For example, by having the operator hold the handle 33 and move it towards... Figure 2 Moving to the right in the middle allows the tubular component 31 (i.e., the ultrasonic probe 30) fixed to the gripping part 33 and the support part 55 to move only a distance L2 in the axial direction of the tubular component 31.

[0057] A support member 56 for supporting the treatment probe 40 is provided in the slider 53, closer to the base end than the support member 55. The support member 56 is made of annular rubber or the like, fitted into an opening provided on the base end face of the slider 53, through which the treatment probe 40 can be inserted. The hollow part of the support member 56 is reduced by tightening screws or the like (not shown), thereby fixing and supporting the inserted treatment probe 40. The treatment probe 40, inserted through the support member 56, is inserted through the hollow part 31S of the tubular member 31 via the support member 55, and extends to the front end of the tubular member 31.

[0058] In the treatment system 20, the ultrasonic probe 30 and the grip 33 are preferably configured to be detachable from the operating handle 50. When using the treatment system 20, first, prepare an assembly including the ultrasonic probe 30 and the grip 33 fixed thereto, and insert this assembly into the interior of the slider 53 through the opening 53K. Then, insert the ultrasonic probe 30 sequentially through the slider 53, the shaft member 52, and the connecting part 51 from its front end side, with most of the ultrasonic probe 30 exposed to the outside from the connecting part 51. Furthermore, the base end 31B of the grip 33 or the tubular member 31 can be fixed to the support member 55 by magnets, adhesives, or locking structures. The treatment system 20 may also be a structure where the operating handle 50, the ultrasonic probe 30, and the grip 33 are integrated, and only the treatment probe 40 can be attached and detached.

[0059] Next, the treatment probe 40 is inserted into the support member 56 from the treatment section 41 side, and then inserted into the hollow portion 31S of the tubular member 31 supported by the support member 55. Then, to become... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the tip of the treatment probe 40 is inserted through the tip of the tubular component 31. Figure 3 In the example, when viewed radially along the tubular component 31, the ultrasonic transceiver 32 and the processing unit 41 have an overlapping portion, and the position of the ultrasonic transceiver 32 in the axial direction of the tubular component 31 is approximately the same as the position of the processing unit 41.

[0060] And, as Figure 3 As shown, the treatment probe 40 is supported by the support member 56 with the treatment section 41 retracted from the front opening 312A into the hollow section 31S. The gripping section 33 and the support member 55, which are fixed to the ultrasonic probe 30, can move along the axial direction within the slider 53. Therefore, if the gripping section 33 moves from... Figure 2 Moving the position shown by a distance L2 towards the base end allows the ultrasonic probe 30 to move a distance L2 relative to the treatment probe 40.

[0061] Figure 6 This indicates that the control department 33 is from Figure 3 The diagram shows the state in which the tubular member 31 is moved towards its base end. This is achieved by the gripping part 33 from... Figure 2 The position shown is moved a distance L2 towards the base end, as shown. Figure 6 As shown, the treatment section 41 can be positioned so that it protrudes from the front opening 312A toward the outside of the hollow section 31S. In this way, the support member 55 and the support member 56 support the tubular member 31 and the treatment probe 40 in a manner that allows the relative position of the treatment section 41 of the treatment probe 40 and the front end face 312 of the tubular member 31 to be changed.

[0062] The support member 55 can only move between its initial position and its position abutting against the stepped portion 53b. That is, the amount of protrusion of the handling portion 41 from the hollow portion 31S is limited by the support member 55, the force-applying portion 53c, and the stepped portion 53b. The support member 55, the force-applying portion 53c, and the stepped portion 53b constitute the first limiting part.

[0063] Furthermore, the limitation on the amount of protrusion of the treatment unit 41 from the hollow part 31S can be achieved not only through the operating handle 50, but also through the front end of the ultrasonic probe 30 and the treatment probe 40. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, an annular protrusion 31T can be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the front end portion 31A of the tubular component 31, and a protrusion 40T that can abut against the protrusion 31T can be provided on the outer circumferential surface near the treatment portion 41 of the treatment probe 40. If the holding portion 33 moves and the tubular component 31 moves towards... Figure 7 When the part moves to the right, the protrusion of the processing part 41 from the hollow part 31S becomes maximum when the protrusion 31T and the protrusion 40T are in contact, thus limiting the amount of protrusion. Figure 7 In the structure shown, the first limiting part is composed of the protrusion 31T and the protrusion 40T.

[0064] Furthermore, the operating handle 50 can be configured such that by fixing the position of the support member 55 (the support position of the tubular member 31) and moving the position of the support member 56 (the support position of the treatment probe 40), the relative position of the treatment portion 41 of the treatment probe 40 and the front end face 312 of the tubular member 31 can be changed. The operating handle 50 can be configured such that by moving the positions of the support member 55 and the support member 56 respectively, the relative position of the treatment portion 41 of the treatment probe 40 and the front end face 312 of the tubular member 31 can be changed.

[0065] The probe 40 is inserted into the ultrasonic probe 30 to obtain the result. Figure 3 After the ultrasonic transceiver 32 and the treatment unit 41 are aligned as shown, the ultrasonic probe 30, with the treatment probe 40 inserted, is inserted from its front end into the treatment device inlet 112, and then the connecting part 51 is connected to the treatment device inlet 112. In this state, as... Figure 8As shown, the ultrasonic probe 30 and the treatment probe 40 are recessed to a position closer to the interior of the endoscope front end 10C than the treatment device outlet 10Ca formed on the end face of the endoscope front end 10C.

[0066] If in Figure 8 In the shown state, when the slider 53 is moved along the shaft member 52, even without the holding part 33 moving relative to the slider 53, the position of the support member 55 in the slider 53 remains unchanged due to the force applied by the force application part 53c. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe 30 and the treatment probe 40 can move simultaneously. As a result, the ultrasonic probe 30 and the treatment probe 40 can protrude from the treatment device outlet 10Ca, or the ultrasonic probe 30 and the treatment probe 40 can retract to the treatment device outlet 10Ca. Thus, the moving mechanism, consisting of the shaft member 52, the slider 53, the force application part 53c, the support member 55, and the support member 56, moves the tubular member 31 and the treatment probe 40 along the axial direction of the tubular member 31 while maintaining the relative position of the front end face 312 and the treatment part 41.

[0067] The slider 53 can only move between the position abutting against the connecting part 51 and the position abutting against the flange part 52b. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the ultrasonic probe 30 and the treatment probe 40 from the treatment device outlet 10Ca is limited by the shaft member 52, the slider 53, and the connecting part 51. The shaft member 52, the slider 53, and the connecting part 51 constitute the second limiting part.

[0068] An example of a procedure using the endoscope 1 and procedure system 20 configured as described above will be described. First, the surgeon inserts the insertion part 10 of the endoscope 1 into the bronchus of the patient and moves the tip 10C of the endoscope to the desired location. Then, the ultrasound probe 30 and procedure probe 40 of the procedure system 20, prepared as described above, are inserted into the procedure instrument inlet 112, and the connecting part 51 is connected to the procedure instrument inlet 112. Alternatively, the procedure system 20 can be installed on the endoscope 1 before the endoscope 1 is inserted into the patient.

[0069] Next, the surgeon slides the slider 53, causing the ultrasound probe 30 and treatment probe 40 to protrude from the treatment device outlet 10Ca and advance into the bronchus. While confirming the ultrasound images generated based on the output of each ultrasound transceiver 32A of the ultrasound transceiver 32, the surgeon aligns the ultrasound transceiver 32 with the target site P of the bronchus OS (see reference). Figure 9 ).exist Figure 9 In the state shown, the target part P is aligned with the ultrasonic transducer 32A and the processing part 41.

[0070] Next, in Figure 9In the indicated state, the surgeon slides the holding part 33 towards the base, as shown. Figure 10 As shown, while maintaining the position of the treatment section 41, the tubular member 31 is moved toward the base end 31B side, thereby exposing the treatment section 41 from the hollow section 31S.

[0071] Next, the surgeon drives the treatment unit 41 to treat the target area P. That is, the treatment unit 41 is cooled to freeze the target area P. Then, the surgeon holds... Figure 10 With the ultrasonic probe 30 and treatment probe 40 in the positional relationship shown, the connecting part 51 is removed from the treatment device inlet 112, the ultrasonic probe 30 and treatment probe 40 are pulled out from the treatment device inlet 112, and the frozen tissue is collected.

[0072] Thus, according to the treatment system 20, even narrow areas such as the bronchi that cannot be observed in the endoscope 1 can be located by searching for the target site P using the ultrasound probe 30, and the target site P can be treated (tissue collection) by the treatment unit 41 without removing the ultrasound probe 30 from the endoscope 1. For example, there is no need to insert the ultrasound probe into the treatment instrument channel of the endoscope 1 to search for the target site P, then remove the ultrasound probe from the treatment instrument channel, insert the treatment probe into the treatment instrument channel, advance the treatment unit to the position of the target site P, and perform the treatment in that state (ultrasound probe and treatment probe replacement operation). Therefore, treatment can be performed simply and efficiently.

[0073] Furthermore, by arranging the ultrasonic transceiver 32 and the processing unit 41 in approximately the same position, in Figure 10 In the state shown, the target area P is aligned with the treatment unit 41. Therefore, the target area P identified in the ultrasound image can be accurately treated. Furthermore, compared to searching for the target area using radiation, the use of ultrasound eliminates the influence on the subject and reduces the cost of treatment.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the treatment system 20, with the treatment unit 41 retracted to the hollow section 31S, the ultrasonic probe 30 and the treatment probe 40 can be inserted into the treatment instrument channel, thus protecting the treatment unit 41. Additionally, in Figure 3 In the example, the entire treatment unit 41 is recessed from the front opening 312A into the hollow portion 31S. However, it can also be configured such that a portion of the treatment unit 41 is located outside the hollow portion 31S, with the treatment probe 40 supported by the support member 56. In this case, protection of most of the treatment unit 41 can also be achieved.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the treatment system 20, since the treatment probe 40 can be inserted into or removed relative to the ultrasonic probe 30, commercially available probes can be used as treatment probe 40, thereby reducing the system's implementation cost. In the treatment system 20, the operating handle 50 and the ultrasonic probe 30 can be cleaned and reused, while the treatment probe 40 can be designed as a disposable consumable. Alternatively, the ultrasonic probe 30 can be cleaned and disinfected for reuse, while the operating handle 50 and the treatment probe 40 can be designed as disposable consumables.

[0076] Figure 11 This is a diagram representing the first variant of the processing system 20, and is related to... Figure 3 The corresponding diagram. In Figure 11 In the modified example shown, with the ultrasonic probe 30 and the treatment probe 40 supported by the operating handle 50, the treatment section 41 protrudes from the front opening 312A to the outside of the hollow section 31S. Furthermore, in this modified example, the support member 55 is changed to a structure that cannot move along the axial direction of the tubular member 31.

[0077] In use Figure 11 In the case of the treatment system 20 shown, after aligning the ultrasonic transceiver 32 with the target area P, the slider 53 is moved slightly towards the base end side, and the treatment unit 41 is moved to the position where the ultrasonic transceiver 32 is located. In this state, the treatment unit 41 is driven to freeze the target area P.

[0078] exist Figure 11 In the modified example shown, by providing a mechanism that allows the slider 53 to move only a distance equal to the distance between the treatment unit 41 and the ultrasonic transceiver unit 32 towards the base end (e.g., by adding a scale to the slider 53), the target part P can be treated more accurately.

[0079] Furthermore, the aforementioned treatment probe 40 is not limited to a probe capable of freezing and collecting tissue; probes that collect tissue using other methods can also be used. For example, the treatment section 41 can be modified into a brush-shaped treatment section. In this case, for example, by configuring a structure in which the brush is folded to the extent that it can pass through the hollow section 31S under normal conditions, and unfolds and extends to a position that can contact the target area P during treatment, it is possible to accommodate both the insertion of the treatment probe 40 into the ultrasonic probe 30 and the collection of tissue.

[0080] Furthermore, the treatment section 41 can also be configured as pliers. In this case, for example, by configuring the pliers to be folded to the extent that they can pass through the hollow section 31S under normal conditions, and to unfold and extend to a position that can contact the target area P during treatment, it is possible to accommodate both the insertion of the treatment probe 40 into the ultrasonic probe 30 and the collection of tissue.

[0081] Figure 12This is a diagram representing the second variation of the processing system 20, which is related to... Figure 3 The corresponding diagram. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of the DD direction. In Figure 12 In the variant examples shown, except for the points that are changed to the following structure, and... Figure 2 The structures shown are identical: the hollow portion 31S of the tubular component 31 is closed at the front end face 312; next to the ultrasonic transceiver 32 in the front end portion 31A of the tubular component 31 (in Figure 12 In the example, a heat-conducting component 34 is provided along the outer periphery (next to the front face 312); a treatment part 41 is connected to the heat-conducting component 34; and a support component 55 cannot move along the axial direction of the tubular component 31.

[0082] like Figure 13 As shown, the heat-conducting component 34 is ring-shaped with its outer surface exposed. The receiving part 41 is inserted into the hollow part of the heat-conducting component 34 and fixed to the heat-conducting component 34 by fitting or bonding.

[0083] In addition, Figure 12 In the illustrated variation, it is assumed that the treatment system 20 is sold in a state where the ultrasonic probe 30, operating handle 50, and treatment probe 40 are assembled. However, the heat-conducting component 34 and the portion of the tubular component 31 further forward can also be configured as separate components, such as... Figure 11 As shown, after inserting the treatment probe 40 through the ultrasonic probe 30, the assembly is embedded in the treatment section 41, thereby obtaining... Figure 12 The structure of the modified example shown.

[0084] Figure 12 The method of using the modified processing system 20 shown is the same as Figure 11 The usage method shown is the same. Figure 12 In the structure shown, if the treatment section 41 is cooled, the cooling heat is transferred to the heat-conducting component 34, and the tissue surrounding the heat-conducting component 34 is frozen. Therefore, with Figure 3 or Figure 11 The structure shown also allows for the freezing and collection of tissue.

[0085] In addition, Figure 12 Alternatively, the structure can be configured such that the heat-conducting component 34 is positioned next to the base end side of the ultrasonic transceiver 32, and the processing unit 41 is connected to the heat-conducting component 34. For example... Figure 12 As shown, based on the structure in which a heat-conducting component 34 is provided between the front end face 312 and the ultrasonic transceiver 32, even when the ultrasonic probe 30 and the treatment probe 40 protrude to the maximum extent from the treatment device outlet 10Ca, the part observed through the ultrasonic transceiver 32 can be accurately frozen.

[0086] As explained above, at least the following items are described in this specification. Hereinafter, constituent elements corresponding to the above embodiments are shown in parentheses, but the scope is not limited thereto. (1)

[0088] A system (processing system 20) comprising:

[0089] A tubular component (tubular component 31) has a hollow portion (hollow portion 31S) inside, and an ultrasonic transducer (ultrasonic transducer 32A) is provided on the outer periphery of the hollow portion at one end (front end 31A); and

[0090] The device (operating handle 50) includes a first support part (support member 55) that supports the other end (base end 31B) of the tubular member and a connecting part (connecting part 51) that can be connected to the treatment device inlet when the tubular member is inserted from the one end side into the treatment device inlet (treatment device inlet 112) of the endoscope (endoscope 1).

[0091] The tubular component has at least one first opening (base end opening 311A) on the first end face (base end face 311) on the other end side and on the second end face (front end face 312) on the other end side in the axial direction. (2)

[0093] According to the system described in (1), wherein,

[0094] A second opening (front opening 312A) connected to the hollow portion is provided on the second end face of the tubular component. (3)

[0096] According to the system described in (2), wherein,

[0097] The device includes a second support (support member 56) that supports the treatment device (treatment probe 40) inserted through the hollow part.

[0098] The first support and the second support support support the tubular component and the treatment device in such a way that the relative position of the treatment part (treatment part 41) of the treatment device and the second end face of the tubular component can be changed. (4)

[0100] According to the system described in (3), wherein,

[0101] The aforementioned relative positions include the state in which the aforementioned processing part protrudes from the aforementioned second opening toward the outside of the aforementioned hollow part, and the state in which at least a portion of the aforementioned processing part retracts from the aforementioned second opening toward the inside of the aforementioned hollow part. (5)

[0103] According to the system described in (4), it has:

[0104] The first limiting part restricts the amount of the aforementioned processing part from protruding from the aforementioned hollow part. (6)

[0106] The system according to any one of (1) to (5) further comprises:

[0107] A treatment device (treatment probe 40) is inserted through the hollow part.

[0108] The aforementioned treatment equipment is capable of freezing tissues. (7)

[0110] According to any one of (2) to (5), wherein,

[0111] The device includes a second support (support member 56) that supports a treatment device (treatment probe 40) inserted through the hollow part.

[0112] The second support portion supports the treatment device when the treatment portion (treatment portion 41) of the treatment device protrudes from the second opening to the outside of the hollow portion. (8)

[0114] The system according to any one of (3) to (5) and (7), wherein,

[0115] The device includes a moving mechanism that moves the tubular component and the treatment device along the axial direction while connected to the inlet of the treatment device and maintaining the relative position of the second end face and the treatment part. (9)

[0117] According to the system described in (8), wherein,

[0118] The aforementioned moving mechanism includes a second limiting part, which limits the amount by which the tubular component and the treatment device protrude from the treatment device outlet (treatment device outlet 10Ca) on the front end face of the endoscope. (10)

[0120] The system according to any one of (1) to (5) further comprises:

[0121] A treatment device (treatment probe 40) is inserted through the hollow part.

[0122] The aforementioned treatment equipment is capable of freezing tissue.

[0123] At one end of the tubular component, a heat-conducting component (heat-conducting component 34) is provided along the outer periphery next to the axial direction of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0124] The treatment section (treatment section 41) is connected to the aforementioned treatment device via the aforementioned heat-conducting component. (11)

[0126] According to the system described in (10), wherein,

[0127] The hollow portion of the tubular component is closed in the second end face. (12)

[0129] According to the system described in (11), wherein,

[0130] The aforementioned heat-conducting component is disposed between the aforementioned ultrasonic transducer and the aforementioned second end face. (13)

[0132] According to any one of (1) to (12), wherein,

[0133] A plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged circumferentially around one end of the tubular component. (14)

[0135] A method of disposal, comprising:

[0136] In the first step, a tubular component (tubular component 31) with a hollow part (hollow part 31S) is prepared. An ultrasonic transducer (ultrasonic transducer 32A) is provided on the outer periphery of the hollow part at one end (front end 31A) of the tubular component, and an opening (base end opening 311A) is provided on the end face of the other end (base end 31B) in the axial direction to connect with the hollow part.

[0137] In the second step, the treatment device (treatment probe 40) is inserted through the opening into the hollow part.

[0138] In the third step, the tubular component with the ultrasonic transducer and the treatment part (treatment part 41) of the treatment device aligned is inserted into the body of the test subject, and the ultrasonic transducer is aligned with the target part (target part P) of the test subject based on the output of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0139] In the fourth step, with the target area, the ultrasonic transducer, and the treatment section (treatment section 41) in alignment, the position of the treatment section is maintained, and the tubular component is moved towards the other end (base end 31B) so that the treatment section is exposed from the hollow portion; and

[0140] The fifth step involves driving the processing unit to process the object part after the fourth step. (15)

[0142] According to the treatment method described in (14), wherein,

[0143] The aforementioned treatment apparatus is capable of freezing tissues within the aforementioned treatment unit.

[0144] The above-described treatment method includes a sixth step after the fifth step, in which the treatment apparatus and the tubular component are moved to collect the frozen tissue.

[0145] The various embodiments have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this example, which is obvious. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope described in the technical solution, and it should be understood that these modifications or alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the constituent elements in the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0146] Furthermore, this application is based on Japanese patent application filed on September 29, 2023 (Japanese Patent Application 2023-169871), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0147] Symbol Explanation

[0148] 1-Endoscope, L1, L2-Distance, 1A-Device access channel, 2-Main body, 4-Light source device, 4A-Connector connection, 5-Processor device, 7-Display device, 10-Insertion part, 10A-Soft part, 10B-Bending part, 10C-Endoscope tip, 10Ca-Device outlet, 11-Operating part, 11A-Suction button, 12-Angle control lever, 13-Universal plug cord, 13A-Connector part, 20-Device system, 30-Ultrasonic probe, 31-Tube component, 31A-Tip, 31B-Base, 31S-Hollow part, 31T, 40T-Protrusion, 32-Ultrasonic transceiver, 3 2A-Ultrasonic transducer, 33-Holding part, 34-Heat-conducting component, 40-Treatment probe, 41-Treatment part, 50-Operating handle, 51-Connecting part, 52-Shaft component, 52a, 52b, 55a-Flange part, 53-Slider, 53K-Opening, 53a, 53b-Stepped part, 53c-Force-applying part, 55, 56-Supporting component, 57-Fixing component, 100-Endoscope device, 112-Treatment instrument inlet, 112A-Metal mouthpiece, 300-Ultrasonic probe control device, 311-Base end face, 311A-Base end opening, 312-Front end face, 312A-Front end opening, 400-Treatment probe control device.

Claims

1. A system that possesses: A tubular component having a hollow interior, and an ultrasonic transducer disposed on the outer periphery of the hollow interior at one end; and The device includes a first support portion supporting the other end of the tubular component and a connecting portion capable of connecting to the instrument inlet of the endoscope when the tubular component is inserted from the one end side into the instrument inlet. The tubular component has at least one first opening connected to the hollow portion on the first end face, which is on the first end face and the second end face on the other end face in the axial direction.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, A second opening connected to the hollow portion is provided on the second end face of the tubular component.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The device includes a second support portion that supports a treatment instrument inserted through the hollow portion. The first support and the second support support the tubular component and the treatment device in a manner that allows for changing the relative position of the treatment portion of the treatment device and the second end face of the tubular component.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The relative positions include the state in which the treatment part protrudes from the second opening toward the outside of the hollow part, and the state in which at least a portion of the treatment part retracts from the second opening toward the inside of the hollow part.

5. The system according to claim 4, comprising: The first limiting part limits the amount of the processing part protruding from the hollow part.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: A treatment device inserted through the hollow portion. The treatment device is capable of freezing tissue.

7. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The device includes a second support portion that supports a treatment instrument inserted through the hollow portion. The second support portion supports the treatment device when the treatment portion of the treatment device protrudes from the second opening toward the outside of the hollow portion.

8. The system according to any one of claims 3 to 5 and 7, wherein, The device includes a moving mechanism that moves the tubular component and the treatment device along the axial direction while connected to the inlet of the treatment device and maintaining the relative position of the second end face with the treatment part.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The moving mechanism includes a second limiting portion that limits the amount by which the tubular component and the treatment device protrude from the treatment device outlet on the front end face of the endoscope.

10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A treatment device inserted through the hollow portion. The treatment device is capable of freezing tissue. At one end of the tubular component, a heat-conducting component is provided along the outer periphery next to the axial direction of the ultrasonic transducer. The treatment section is connected to the treatment device via the heat-conducting component.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The hollow portion of the tubular component is closed in the second end face.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The heat-conducting component is disposed between the ultrasonic transducer and the second end face.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 10 to 12, wherein, A plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged circumferentially around one end of the tubular component.

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