Balloon for endoscope, balloon unit for endoscope, and endoscope

Abstract

The utility model provides a balloon for an endoscope, a balloon unit for the endoscope and the endoscope, wherein the fixing performance of an insertion part of the endoscope relative to a tail end part main body is improved. A balloon (110) for an endoscope is provided with: a cover body (120) which has a bottomed cylindrical shape in which the distal end side is closed and the base end side is open, which includes a bulging part that can bulge by storing an ultrasonic propagation medium, and which is attached to the distal end body and covers an ultrasonic transducer; a fixing body (124) that is provided closer to the base end side than the cover body (120) and that is fixed to a section to be fixed of the endoscope insertion section; and a connecting body (122) which connects the cover body (120) and the fixing body (124).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an endoscope balloon installed on a terminal end body of an endoscope insertion portion, an endoscope balloon unit and an endoscope. Background Art

[0002] An ultrasonic endoscope has an ultrasonic transducer mounted on the distal end of the endoscope's insertion section, which is inserted into the body cavity of a subject. The ultrasonic transducer transmits ultrasonic waves toward the observed area within the body cavity, receives echo signals reflected from the observed area, and outputs electrical signals corresponding to the received echo signals to an ultrasonic observation device. The ultrasonic observation device then performs various signal processing and displays the resulting ultrasonic tomographic image on a monitor or other device.

[0003] If air is present between the ultrasonic transducer and the observed area, the ultrasonic wave and echo signals will be significantly attenuated. Therefore, an ultrasonic propagation medium, such as water or oil, is required between the ultrasonic transducer and the observed area. Therefore, a stretchable balloon is attached to the distal end of the endoscope insertion section. The ultrasonic propagation medium is then injected into the balloon, causing it to expand and contact the observed area. This expels air from between the ultrasonic transducer and the observed area, thus preventing attenuation of the ultrasonic wave and echo signals.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a balloon having a two-layer structure comprising an inner portion and an outer portion. With this balloon, the space defined between the inner and outer portions serves as a reservoir for storing ultrasonic propagation medium. This makes it easier to ensure the liquid-tightness of the reservoir, compared to a conventional balloon structure in which the reservoir is formed by the space between the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion unit and the balloon.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-47488

[0006] The balloon disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a type of balloon that has a bottomed cylindrical shape with a closed distal end and an open proximal end, and is installed by covering the balloon from the distal end of the terminal body. However, this balloon has a problem: the two vertical walls arranged on either side of the terminal body, which hold the ultrasonic transducer, are clamped from the outside to secure it to the terminal body, thus failing to achieve sufficient securing force. In particular, in lumens such as the bronchi and pharyngeal cavity, where the inner diameter is narrow, when the endoscope insertion portion is removed from the lumen, the contact between the balloon and the lumen applies a load in the direction of the balloon's upward movement, potentially causing the balloon to fall out. Utility Model Content

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope balloon, an endoscope balloon unit, and an endoscope, which improve the fixability of an endoscope insertion portion with respect to a distal end portion body.

[0008] The present utility model includes the following utility models.

[0009] The endoscopic balloon involved in the first embodiment is an endoscopic balloon that covers an ultrasonic transducer provided on the terminal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope, and comprises: a cover body having a bottomed cylindrical shape with the terminal side in the first direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope being closed and the base end side in the first direction being open, including a bulging portion that can bulge by storing an ultrasonic propagation medium, and is installed on the terminal end portion and covers the ultrasonic transducer; a fixing body that is provided at a fixed portion that is closer to the base end side than the cover body and fixed to the insertion portion of the endoscope; and a connecting body that connects the cover body and the fixing body.

[0010] In the endoscope balloon according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the fixing body is fixed in close contact with the fixed portion.

[0011] In the endoscope balloon according to the third aspect, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the fixing body is formed of a tubular body having a penetration path in the first direction, and the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body is fixed to the fixed portion.

[0012] In the endoscope balloon according to a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the opening of the cover is provided at a position intersecting with the extending direction of the axis of the penetration path.

[0013] In the endoscope balloon according to a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the fixing body is fixed to the terminal portion main body as the fixed portion.

[0014] The endoscope balloon according to a sixth aspect is any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the endoscope insertion portion has a curved portion on the proximal end side of the distal portion body, and the fixing body is fixed to the curved portion as the fixed portion.

[0015] In the endoscope balloon according to a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the cover includes a cover fixing portion fixed to the distal portion body.

[0016] In the endoscope balloon according to the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the cover fixing portion includes a pair of fixing surfaces facing each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the pair of fixing surfaces elastically sandwiches the distal end portion body.

[0017] The endoscope balloon according to a ninth aspect is one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the distal portion body has a treatment instrument lead-out port, and the connector has a groove shape provided to open a side provided with the treatment instrument lead-out port.

[0018] In any one of the first to ninth modes, the endoscopic balloon according to the tenth mode comprises a cover having an inner portion, an outer portion covering the inner portion, and a storage portion storing an ultrasonic propagation medium between the inner portion and the outer portion, the outer portion having a bulge at a position facing the vibrator of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0019] In the endoscope balloon according to the eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect, the inner portion, the connector, and the fixing body are formed as an integral body.

[0020] In the endoscope balloon according to a twelfth aspect, in the tenth aspect or the eleventh aspect, the connector has a communication port that communicates with the storage portion.

[0021] The endoscope balloon unit involved in the 13th mode comprises: any endoscope balloon of the 1st to 12th modes; an accessory component that can be freely loaded and unloaded on an operating portion connected to the base end side of the endoscope insertion portion and has a supply and discharge port for supplying and discharging an ultrasonic propagation medium; and a pipeline component that transports the ultrasonic propagation medium between the accessory component and the endoscope balloon.

[0022] An endoscope according to a fourteenth aspect is an endoscope to which the endoscope balloon unit according to the thirteenth aspect is attached.

[0023] Utility model effect

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the fixability of the distal end portion to the main body of the endoscope insertion portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an endoscope device.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the terminal body.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the main body of the terminal part.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a balloon unit.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional image of the balloon.

[0030] Figure 6 It is from Figure 5 Stereoscopic images of the balloon when viewed from different angles.

[0031] Figure 7 It is from Figure 5 and Figure 6 Stereoscopic images of the balloon when viewed from different angles.

[0032] Figure 8 is a side view of the balloon.

[0033] Figure 9 It is an exploded perspective view of the balloon.

[0034] Figure 10 It is from Figure 9 Exploded perspective views of the balloon from different angles.

[0035] Figure 11 It is a side sectional view of the cover body.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a state in which the bulging portion of the outer portion bulges outward when the ultrasonic wave propagation medium is supplied to the storage portion.

[0037] Figure 13 It is a diagram for explaining a method of attaching the balloon to the terminal body.

[0038] Figure 14 It is a perspective view of the accessory component involved in the first structural example.

[0039] Figure 15 It is from Figure 14 Perspective views of the accessory component according to the first structural example when viewed from different angles.

[0040] Figure 16 This is a top view of the accessory component according to the first structural example.

[0041] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the main structure of the main portion of the operating section of the endoscope (the periphery of the reduced diameter portion).

[0042] Figure 18 It is a perspective view showing a state in which the accessory component according to the first structural example is attached to the operating portion of the endoscope.

[0043] Figure 19 It is a perspective view of the accessory component involved in the second structural example.

[0044] Figure 20 It is from Figure 19 Perspective views of the accessory component according to the second structural example when viewed from different angles.

[0045] Figure 21 It is a top view of the accessory component involved in the second structural example.

[0046] Figure 22 It is a perspective view showing a state in which the accessory component according to the second structural example is attached to the operating portion of the endoscope.

[0047] Explanation of symbols

[0048] 10-Endoscope, 12-Endoscope Insertion Port, 14-Operating Port, 16-Universal Cord, 18-Angle Control Lever, 20-Suction Button, 22-Disposal Instrument Introduction Port, 24-Reduced Diameter Portion, 26-Step Portion, 26a-Inclined Surface, 27-Proximal Side Adjacent Surface, 30-Tip Section Body, 32-Bend Portion, 34-Flexible Portion, 36-Longitudinal Axis, 40-Ultrasonic Mounting Portion, 42-Delivery Port Forming Portion, 44-Main Body, 50-Ultrasonic Transducer, 52-Vibrator Surface, 53-Signal Cable, 54-Standing Wall Portion, 56-Opening Forming Surface, 58-Disposal Instrument Lead-out port, 60-pipeline, 62-treatment instrument insertion channel, 64-observation optical system, 64a-observation window, 64b-lens system, 64c-imaging element, 66-illumination optical system, 66a-illumination window, 68-optical system accommodating portion, 70-convex surface, 72-stepped surface, 74-signal cable, 76-light guide, 90-puncture needle, 100-balloon unit, 110-balloon, 112-longitudinal axis, 120-cover body, 122-connector, 124-fixing body, 126-opening portion, 128-cover body space portion, 130-outer portion, 132 -Inner part, 134-Left side, 135-Right side, 136-Inclined side, 137-Bottom, 138-Outer opening, 139-Outer space, 140-Groove, 142-Integrated part, 144-Left side, 145-Right side, 146-Inclined side, 147-Bottom, 148-Inner opening, 149-Inner space, 150-Storage part, 152-Connecting path, 154-Bulging part, 156-Through path, 158-Fixed surface, 160-Left side, 162-Right side, 164-Bottom Part, 166-opening window, 168-connecting body space part, 170-wall thickness part, 172-inclined surface, 174-hose connection port, 200-accessory part, 200A-accessory part, 200B-accessory part, 202-end opening, 204-base end opening, 206-insertion slit, 208-protrusion, 210-position deviation prevention part, 212-supply and discharge port, 213-Luer joint, 214-supply and discharge port, 216-opening window, 218-handle part, 220-groove part, 222-base end wall part, 300-hose, 310-syringe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] [Ultrasound Endoscopy]

[0051] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the ultrasonic endoscope 10. Figure 1As shown, an ultrasonic endoscope 10 (hereinafter referred to as “endoscope 10 ”) is an ultrasonic bronchoscope used for collecting cell tissue from a lesion (which may also be an observation site, an inspection site, or a diagnosis site).

[0052] The endoscope 10 includes an insertion portion 12 (hereinafter referred to as the "endoscope insertion portion 12"), which is inserted into the patient's body; an operating portion 14 connected to the proximal end of the endoscope insertion portion 12 and gripped by the operating surgeon to perform various operations; and a universal cord 16, one end of which is connected to the operating portion 14.

[0053] The operating section 14 is provided with various operating components operated by the operating surgeon, for example, an angle lever 18 and a suction button 20 .

[0054] Furthermore, a treatment instrument introduction port 22 into which a treatment instrument is inserted is provided in the operation portion 14. The treatment instrument introduction port 22 is connected to a treatment instrument insertion channel 62 (see FIG. Figure 3 ) connected.

[0055] Although not shown in the figure, an ultrasound connector connected to the ultrasound processor, an endoscope connector connected to the endoscope processor, and a light source connector connected to the light source device are provided at the other end of the universal cord 16. The endoscope 10 is detachably connected to the ultrasound processor, the endoscope processor, and the light source device via these connectors.

[0056] A cylindrical reduced diameter portion 24 is provided on the distal end side of the operating portion 14 (the side where the endoscope insertion portion 12 is provided) and is reduced in diameter toward the endoscope insertion portion 12 side (the distal end side). The endoscope insertion portion 12 is connected to the distal end side of the reduced diameter portion 24, and the reduced diameter portion 24 functions as a bending prevention member. In addition, an accessory member 200 (see FIG. 1 ) described later is detachably mounted on the reduced diameter portion 24 of the operating portion 14. Figure 18 and Figure 22 ).

[0057] The endoscope insertion portion 12 extends from the distal end of the operating portion 14 and is formed into an elongated, narrow shape. The endoscope insertion portion 12 is composed, in order from the distal end toward the proximal end, of a distal portion body 30, a bending portion 32, and a flexible portion 34. The structure of the distal portion body 30 will be described later.

[0058] The bending portion 32 is bent in the vertical direction by rotating the angle control lever 18 of the operation portion 14. By this bending operation, the distal end portion body 30 can be directed in a desired direction.

[0059] The soft portion 34 occupies most of the endoscope insertion portion 12 and has flexibility to bend in any direction. When the endoscope insertion portion 12 is inserted into a body cavity, the soft portion 34 bends along the insertion path into the body cavity.

[0060] [Tip body]

[0061] Next, the structure of the terminal portion main body 30 will be described. Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the terminal portion main body 30 . Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal body 30. Figure 2 In FIG, a puncture needle 90 is shown as an example of a treatment instrument led out from the treatment instrument lead-out port 58 of the distal end body 30 .

[0062] In the following description, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system consisting of mutually orthogonal X-, Y-, and Z-axes may be used. The Z direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis 36 of the distal end body 30 (endoscope insertion portion 12). Hereinafter, the Z(+) direction side is also referred to as the distal end side, and the Z(-) direction side, which is opposite to the Z(+) direction side, is also referred to as the proximal end side. Furthermore, the Y direction is the vertical direction when viewing the distal end body 30 from the distal end side (Z(+) direction side), with the ultrasonic transducer 50 and treatment instrument outlet 58 facing upward. Hereinafter, the Y(+) direction side is also referred to as the upper side, and the Y(-) direction side is also referred to as the lower side. Furthermore, the X direction is the horizontal direction when viewing the distal end body 30 from the distal end side (Z(+) direction side), with the ultrasonic transducer 50 and treatment instrument outlet 58 facing upward. Hereinafter, the X(+) direction side is also referred to as the left side, and the X(-) direction side is also referred to as the right side.

[0063] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the distal portion body 30 includes an ultrasonic mounting portion 40 , a guide port forming portion 42 , and a main body portion 44 from the distal end side toward the proximal end side of the distal portion body 30 .

[0064] When viewing the distal end body 30 from the left-right direction (X direction), the ultrasonic transducer 50 is mounted on the ultrasonic mounting portion 40 with the ultrasonic transducer 50 tilted (inclined) downward (Y(-) direction) relative to the longitudinal axis 36. The ultrasonic transducer 50 is a convex transducer surface 52 having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in an arcuate pattern along the longitudinal axis 36 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. Each ultrasonic transducer transmits ultrasonic waves toward the living body and receives ultrasonic echoes reflected by living tissue. The ultrasonic echo signals received by each ultrasonic transducer are transmitted to the ultrasonic processor device via a signal cable 53.

[0065] The ultrasonic mounting portion 40 is provided with a pair of upright walls 54 primarily formed of surfaces perpendicular to the X-direction (including substantially perpendicular surfaces, the same shall apply hereinafter). The pair of upright walls 54 are spaced apart and opposed in the width direction (X-direction) of the terminal body 30 (ultrasonic mounting portion 40), with the ultrasonic transducer 50 positioned therebetween. Specifically, when viewing the terminal body 30 from the tip side (the Z(+) direction), the upright walls 54 are provided on either side of the ultrasonic transducer 50. Furthermore, when viewing the terminal body 30 from above (the Y(+) direction), the distance between the pair of upright walls 54 (the distance in the X-direction) is shorter than the width (the distance in the X-direction) of the remaining portions of the terminal body 30 (the outlet-forming portion 42 and the main body 44).

[0066] Similar to the ultrasonic transducer 50, the outlet-forming portion 42 is provided with an opening-forming surface 56 that faces upward (in the Y(+) direction). The opening-forming surface 56 is formed by a surface perpendicular to the Y direction and has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above. The opening-forming surface 56 constitutes a portion of the outer circumference (external surface) of the terminal body 30.

[0067] The opening forming surface 56 is provided with a treatment instrument outlet 58 that opens upward (Y(+) direction side). The treatment instrument outlet 58 is a treatment instrument (in the Y(+) direction side) that is inserted from the treatment instrument introduction port 22. Figure 2 In the figure, the distal end of the puncture needle 90 is shown leading outward. In addition, in this embodiment, the treatment instrument lead-out port 58 opens in the planar opening-forming surface 56, but may also open in various shapes such as a curved surface, an inclined surface, or a concave-convex surface.

[0068] A conduit 60 is formed within the outlet-forming portion 42 and the main body 44. The distal end of the conduit 60 is connected to the treatment instrument outlet 58, and the proximal end of the conduit 60 is connected to a treatment instrument insertion channel 62 that is inserted through the endoscope insertion portion 12. Thus, the distal end of a treatment instrument (puncture needle 90) inserted through the treatment instrument introduction port 22 is guided to the treatment instrument outlet 58 via the treatment instrument insertion channel 62 and conduit 60, and then guided to the outside of the treatment instrument outlet 58.

[0069] The main body 44 includes an optical system housing 68 in which the observation optical system 64 and the illumination optical system 66 are located. The optical system housing 68 has a generally semi-cylindrical shape and includes a convex surface 70 and a stepped surface 72. The convex surface 70 constitutes a portion of the outer circumference of the distal end body 30 (optical system housing 68). The convex surface 70 is located above the opening-forming surface 56 (in the Y(+) direction) and is formed of a curved surface (a portion of the cylindrical shape) having a predetermined length in the direction of the longitudinal axis 36 (in the Z direction). The convex surface 70 can also be formed in various shapes, such as a curved surface, an inclined surface, or a concave-convex surface.

[0070] Step surface 72 is an inclined surface connecting the base end of opening-forming surface 56 and the distal end of convex surface 70, and constitutes a portion of the outer peripheral surface of distal end portion body 30. The inclined surface herein also includes a vertical surface inclined at an angle of 90° relative to the direction of longitudinal axis 36 (Z direction).

[0071] The step surface 72 is provided with an observation window 64 a of the observation optical system 64 and a pair of illumination windows 66 a of the illumination optical system 66 .

[0072] The observation optical system 64 includes an observation window 64a provided on the stepped surface 72, a lens system 64b, and an imaging element 64c housed within the optical system housing 68. The imaging element 64c is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor that captures an observation image captured through the observation window 64a via the lens system 64b. The imaging element 64c then outputs an image signal of the observation image to system components via a signal cable 74 inserted into the endoscope insertion portion 12.

[0073] When viewing the distal end portion main body 30 from the distal end side, the illumination optical system 66 is disposed on both sides of the observation optical system 64 in the left-right direction (X direction), and includes illumination windows 66a provided on the stepped surface 72 and light guides 76 inserted into the endoscope insertion portion 12. An emission end of the light guide 76 is disposed behind each illumination window 66a. Thus, illumination light supplied from the light source device to each light guide 76 is emitted from each illumination window 66a.

[0074] As described above, the ultrasonic transducer 50, the treatment instrument outlet 58, and the stepped surface 72 (observation window 64a) are arranged in this order from the distal end toward the proximal end of the distal end body 30. Specifically, the treatment instrument outlet 58 is positioned between the ultrasonic transducer 50 and the observation window 64a. Therefore, the observation optical system 64 can observe the puncture site performed by the puncture needle 90.

[0075] [Balloon unit]

[0076] Figure 4 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a balloon unit 100 for an endoscope (hereinafter referred to as "balloon unit 100"). The balloon unit 100 is an external balloon unit that can be attached to and detached from the endoscope 10. Figure 4As shown, the balloon unit 100 includes an endoscope balloon 110 (hereinafter referred to as “balloon 110 ”), an attachment 200 , and a hose 300 . The hose 300 is a conduit member that conveys an ultrasonic wave propagation medium between the balloon 110 and the attachment 200 .

[0077] When the balloon unit 100 is attached to the endoscope 10, the balloon 110 is attached to the distal end body 30, and the accessory component 200 is attached to the operating portion 14. The hose 300 is attached to the outer surface of the endoscope insertion portion 12 along the longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion portion 12 (along the longitudinal axis 36), for example, using medical tape. The method for securing the hose 300 to the endoscope insertion portion 12 is not limited to medical tape; other methods such as mounting bands, tight wraps, or sutures may also be used.

[0078] [Balloon]

[0079] Next, the structure of the balloon 110 will be described. In the following description, similar to the distal end body 30 described above, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system consisting of mutually orthogonal X-, Y-, and Z-axes will sometimes be used. When the balloon 110 is attached to the distal end body 30, the X-, Y-, and Z-axes of the balloon 110 coincide with those of the distal end body 30, respectively. The Z-direction is the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 112 of the balloon 110. Hereinafter, the Z(+) direction side will also be referred to as the distal end side, and the Z(-) direction side, opposite to the Z(+) direction side, will also be referred to as the proximal end side. Furthermore, the Y-direction is the vertical direction when viewing the balloon 110 from the distal end side (Z(+) direction side) with the open window 166 of the balloon 110 facing upward. Hereinafter, the Y(+) direction side will also be referred to as the upper side, and the Y(-) direction side will also be referred to as the lower side. The X direction is the left-right direction when viewing the balloon 110 from the distal end (Z(+) direction side) with the open window 166 of the balloon 110 facing upward. Hereinafter, the X(+) direction side is also referred to as the left side, and the X(-) direction side is also referred to as the right side.

[0080] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the balloon 110 . Figure 6 It is from Figure 5 Stereoscopic views of the balloon 110 when viewed from different angles. Figure 7 It is from Figure 5 and Figure 6 Stereoscopic views of the balloon 110 when viewed from different angles. Figure 8 is a side view of balloon 110.

[0081] like Figures 5 to 8As shown, the balloon 110 covers the ultrasonic transducer 50 provided in the distal end portion 30 of the endoscope insertion portion 12. The balloon 110 has an overall cylindrical shape that matches the shape of the distal end portion 30 and is formed to extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis 112 (the Z direction). The balloon 110 includes a cover 120, a connector 122, and a fixing body 124 in this order from the distal end toward the proximal end.

[0082] <Mask>

[0083] The cover 120 is a portion disposed on the distal end side (Z(+) direction side) of the balloon 110. The cover 120 has a closed distal end side (Z(+) direction side) in the Z direction (corresponding to the first direction) corresponding to the longitudinal direction (direction of the longitudinal axis 36) of the endoscope insertion portion 12 and an opening 126 formed on the proximal end side (Z(-) direction side) (see FIG. Figure 6 ) has a bottomed cylindrical shape. A housing space 128 for accommodating the ultrasonic mounting portion 40 is provided within the housing 120. The housing space 128 has substantially the same shape (similar shape) as the ultrasonic mounting portion 40 and communicates with the opening 126. The housing space 128 constitutes a portion of the space within the balloon 110 for accommodating the distal end portion 30.

[0084] Here, the structure of the cover body 120 will be described in detail.

[0085] Figure 9 It is an exploded perspective view of the balloon 110 . Figure 10 It is from Figure 9 Exploded perspective views of the balloon 110 when viewed from different angles. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the cover 120 of the balloon 110 is constructed as a two-layer structure in which an outer portion 130 and an inner portion 132 overlap each other.

[0086] The outer portion 130 is formed of an elastic material such as silicone rubber and is disposed outside the housing 120. The outer portion 130 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape by a left side surface 134, a right side surface 135, an inclined surface 136, and a bottom surface 137. Specifically, the distal end of the outer portion 130 is sealed by the left side surface 134, the right side surface 135, the inclined surface 136, and the bottom surface 137, and an outer opening 138 is provided at its base end. Within the outer portion 130, an outer space 139 is provided for accommodating the inner portion 132. The outer space 139 communicates with the outer opening 138.

[0087] The left side face portion 134 and the right side face portion 135 are respectively located on the left and right sides of the outer portion 130 and are primarily composed of surfaces perpendicular to the X-direction. When the balloon 110 is mounted on the distal end portion body 30, the left side face portion 134 and the right side face portion 135 are respectively located at positions opposing the upright wall portion 54 of the distal end portion body 30 (ultrasound mounting portion 40). Furthermore, the proximal ends of the left side face portion 134 and the right side face portion 135 each follow the shape of the opposing upright wall portion 54, with the gap between the left side face portion 134 and the right side face portion 135 increasing as they approach the proximal end. (The same applies to the inner portion 132, described later.)

[0088] The inclined surface portion 136 is located on the upper side (Y(+) direction) of the outer portion 130. The inclined surface portion 136 has a shape that mimics the transducer surface 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 50. Specifically, the inclined surface portion 136 is inclined so that its normal curves as it approaches the distal end, tilting from the upper side toward the distal end. When the balloon 110 is attached to the distal portion body 30, the inclined surface portion 136 is located opposite the transducer surface 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 50.

[0089] The bottom portion 137 is located on the lower side (Y(-) direction side) of the outer portion 130. The bottom portion 137 is connected to the left side portion 134 and the right side portion 135 on both sides in the left-right direction (X direction), and is connected to the inclined portion 136 on the distal end side. The distal end side portion of the bottom portion 137 is formed by a surface perpendicular to the Y direction, and the proximal end portion is formed by an inclined surface having a normal line including components in the lower and proximal directions (see FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 ). In addition, a groove portion 140 constituting a communication path described later is provided at the base end side portion of the bottom portion 137 (see Figure 10 ).

[0090] The inner portion 132 is formed of an elastic material such as silicone rubber and is disposed inside the outer portion 130 on the housing 120. The inner portion 132 is formed as an integral part 142 with the connecting body 122 and the fixing body 124. The inner portion 132 is a portion forming the distal end of the integral part 142.

[0091] The inner portion 132 has the same shape (similar shape) as the outer portion 130. Specifically, the inner portion 132 has a bottomed cylindrical shape formed by the left side surface 144, the right side surface 145, the inclined surface 146, and the bottom surface 147. Furthermore, the inner portion 132 and the outer portion 130 may have partially different shapes (non-similar shapes) as long as they are substantially the same shape.

[0092] The distal end of the inner portion 132 is closed by a left side surface portion 144, a right side surface portion 145, an inclined surface portion 146, and a bottom surface portion 147. In addition, an inner opening portion 148 (see FIG. 1 ) is provided at the proximal end of the inner portion 132. Figure 10 ). Inner opening 148 corresponds to opening 126 of cover 120. An inner space 149 is provided within inner portion 132, defined by left side surface 144, right side surface 145, inclined surface 146, and bottom surface 147. Inner space 149 communicates with inner opening 148. Inner space 149 corresponds to cover space 128 of cover 120.

[0093] The structures (configuration and orientation) of the left side surface 144, the right side surface 145, the inclined surface 146 and the bottom surface 147 in the inner portion 132 are respectively the same as those of the left side surface 134, the right side surface 135, the inclined surface 136 and the bottom surface 137 in the outer portion 130, so their descriptions are omitted to avoid duplication.

[0094] The left side surface 144 and the right side surface 145 constitute the cover fixing portion fixed to the terminal body 30, and each includes fixing surfaces that face each other in the X direction (corresponding to the second direction). The left side surface 144 and the right side surface 145 elastically hold the terminal body 30 between these fixing surfaces.

[0095] Before the balloon 110 is attached to the distal end body 30, the distance between the left side surface 144 and the right side surface 145 of the inner portion 132 (the distance in the X direction) is approximately 10% to 20% smaller than the distance between the pair of upright walls 54 (the distance in the X direction). Consequently, when the balloon 110 is attached to the distal end body 30 and the ultrasonic wave attachment portion 40 is accommodated within the inner space 149 (the cover space 128), the elastic force (contraction force) acting in the direction in which the left side surface 144 and the right side surface 145 approach each other secures the left side surface 144 and the right side surface 145 in close contact with their corresponding upright walls 54.

[0096] The cover body 120 is formed by overlapping the outer side portion 130 on the outer side of the inner side portion 132 thus formed. Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, after the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132 are aligned relative to each other, the inner portion 132 is accommodated in the outer space 139 via the outer opening 138 of the outer portion 130, so that the left side 134, right side 135, inclined surface 136, and bottom surface 137 of the outer portion 130 are respectively opposed to the left side 144, right side 145, inclined surface 146, and bottom surface 147 of the inner portion 132. At this point, the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132 are bonded together and integrated at their respective base ends (Z(-) direction sides), which serve as their respective openings. This forms the cover body 120 with a two-layer structure, formed by overlapping the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132.

[0097] Figure 11 1 is a side sectional view of the cover body 120. Figure 11 As shown, the cover 120 has an outer portion 130 and an inner portion 132 bonded together on the opening side (base end side), thereby forming an internal space (enclosed space) in the gap between the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132. This internal space serves as a storage portion 150 storing an ultrasonic wave propagation medium.

[0098] The reservoir 150 is provided in the gap between the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132. Specifically, the reservoir 150 is formed by the spaces between the inclined surface 136 and bottom surface 137 of the outer portion 130 and the corresponding inclined surface 146 and bottom surface 147 of the inner portion 132. These spaces are interconnected at the distal end. Furthermore, the left side 134 and right side 135 of the outer portion 130 are fully bonded to the corresponding left side 144 and right side 145 of the inner portion 132, with no gap between them.

[0099] In the cover body 120, the groove portion 140 (refer to Figure 10 ) and the bottom surface portion 147 of the inner portion 132. A communication passage 152 is provided between the inner portion 132 and the bottom surface portion 147. One end of the communication passage 152 is communicated with the storage portion 150. The other end of the communication passage 152 is communicated with a hose connection port 174 described later.

[0100] In the inclined surface 136 of the outer portion 130, at least the area facing the transducer surface 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 50 forms a bulge 154 that tends to bulge outward relative to the other areas (including the left side surface 134, the right side surface 135, and the bottom surface 137). The bulge 154 is configured to be thinner than the other areas. The bulge 154 can be provided only in the area facing the transducer surface 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 50 in the inclined surface 136 of the outer portion 130, or it can be provided throughout the entire inclined surface 136.

[0101] Furthermore, to suppress bulging other than bulging portion 154, a bulging restriction portion (a thick wall portion or an adhesive portion) as disclosed in Patent Document 1 may be provided around bulging portion 154, for example. When the ultrasonic propagation medium is supplied to reservoir 150, the bulging restriction portion suppresses bulging other than bulging portion 154. The specific structure of the bulging restriction portion is well known and therefore will not be described here.

[0102] Figure 12 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the bulging portion 154 of the outer portion 130 bulges outward when the ultrasonic wave propagation medium is supplied to the storage portion 150. Figure 12 As shown, when the ultrasonic propagation medium is supplied from the hose 300 connected to the hose connection port 174 to the storage portion 150 via the communication path 152, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 As shown by the thick arrows, the ultrasonic propagation medium passes through the reservoir 150 on the lower side (bottom surface 147 side) of the inner portion 132, and is collected in the reservoir 150 on the upper side (inclined surface 146 side) of the inner portion 132 (i.e., the reservoir 150 at the position where the bulging portion 154 of the outer portion 130 is provided), and the bulging portion 154 bulges outward. In addition, when the ultrasonic propagation medium is supplied to the reservoir 150, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 As shown, the bottom surface portion 137 of the outer portion 130 also bulges outward, but the amount of bulging is smaller than that of the bulging portion 154 of the outer portion 130 .

[0103] With the mask 120 thus constructed, a reservoir 150 storing an ultrasonic wave propagation medium is provided in the gap between the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132. A bulging portion 154 is provided on the outer portion 130. This bulging portion 154 is located in the region facing the transducer surface 52 of the ultrasonic transducer 50 and is more likely to bulge than other regions. Thus, the ultrasonic wave propagation medium stored in the reservoir 150 suppresses bulging of regions other than the bulging portion 154 in the outer portion 130, and the bulging portion 154 bulges outward further than other regions. Consequently, the distal end body 30, with the balloon 110 attached, can be inserted into the lumen of a bronchial tube.

[0104] Furthermore, in the cover body 120, the gap between the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132 will become the reservoir 150, so a predetermined gap is preferably provided between the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132. Furthermore, to prevent the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132 from adhering to each other, the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132 may be made of different materials. In either case, the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132 can be prevented from adhering to each other.

[0105] <Fixed body>

[0106] Next, the structure of the fixed body 124 will be described.

[0107] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the fixed body 124 is located on the proximal side (Z(-) direction) of the balloon 110. The fixed body 124 is composed of a cylindrical body having a through passage 156 extending in the Z direction. The through passage 156 has a size (inner diameter) large enough to allow the distal end body 30 to pass through, and the opening 126 of the cover 120 is provided at a position intersecting the direction in which the axis of the through passage 156 extends. The through passage 156 constitutes a portion of the space for accommodating the distal end body 30 within the balloon 110. A fixing surface 158 (the inner circumferential surface of the through passage 156) is provided inside the fixed body 124 and is fixed to the proximal end of the distal end body 30 (at least closer to the proximal side than the stepped surface 72 of the outlet-forming portion 42). The proximal end of the distal end body 30 is an example of a "fixed portion" in the present invention.

[0108] The fixing body 124 constitutes a part of the above-mentioned integrally formed object 142, and is formed integrally with the inner portion 132 and the connecting body 122. Like the inner portion 132, the fixing body 124 is formed of an elastic material such as silicone rubber.

[0109] The inner diameter of the fixing body 124 (the inner diameter of the through-passage 156) is approximately 10% to 20% smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal end portion of the distal end portion body 30. Therefore, when the distal end portion body 30 is inserted through the through-passage 156 of the fixing body 124 and the fixing body 124 is fixed to the proximal end portion of the distal end portion body 30, the fixing body 124 is tightly fixed to the proximal end portion of the distal end portion body 30 due to the elastic force of the fixing body 124 in the direction of its diameter reduction.

[0110] In addition, in this specification, close fixation means fixing in a state of close contact with each other without a gap. If the fixing body 124 is fixed to the base end of the terminal body 30, close fixation is not required. For example, a gap may be formed in a portion between the fixing surface 158 of the fixing body 124 and the base end of the terminal body 30. However, from the perspective of reliably fixing the balloon 110 relative to the terminal body 30, it is preferred that the fixing body 124 is closely fixed throughout the entire circumference of the base end of the terminal body 30.

[0111] like Figure 8As shown, the length L1 of the fixing body 124 (length in the Z direction) is preferably within a range of 30% to 90% of the length L2 of the cover 120 (length in the Z direction). In this example, the length L1 of the fixing body 124 is approximately 50% of the length L2 of the cover 120. By having the fixing body 124 within this length range, the area over which the fixing body 124 is fixed (preferably in close contact) to the proximal end portion of the distal end body 30 is increased, thereby improving the fixation of the balloon 110 to the distal end body 30.

[0112] The position (Z-direction position) of the fixing body 124 in the balloon 110 is preferably set within a range of at least 20 mm (millimeter, hereinafter referred to as "millimeter position") and no more than 60 mm from the distal end of the balloon 110 (cover 120). Increasing the distance (Z-direction distance) between the fixing body 124 and the cover 120 can improve the securing force of the balloon 110 to the distal end body 30. On the other hand, if the distance between the fixing body 124 and the cover 120 is too long, attaching and detaching the balloon 110 from the distal end body 30 will require time and effort. Therefore, the position of the fixing body 124 in the balloon 110 is preferably set within the above range. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the proximal end of the distal end body 30 is shown as an example of the portion of the endoscope insertion portion 12 to which the fixing body 124 is attached. However, this is not limiting; the curved portion 32 (preferably the distal end of the curved portion 32) may also be used.

[0113] <Connector>

[0114] Next, the structure of the connecting body 122 will be described.

[0115] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the connector 122 is a portion disposed between the cover 120 and the fixing body 124 in the balloon 110. The connector 122 connects the cover 120 (the inner portion 132) and the fixing body 124 to each other.

[0116] The connecting body 122 constitutes a part of the above-mentioned integrally formed object 142, and is formed integrally with the inner portion 132 and the fixing body 124. Like the inner portion 132, the connecting body 122 is formed of an elastic material such as silicone rubber.

[0117] Connector 122 has a groove shape with an open top (Y(+) direction side) and extends in the direction (Z direction) of longitudinal axis 112. Connector 122 has a U-shaped cross section (XY cross section) perpendicular to longitudinal axis 112.

[0118] The connector 122 is composed of a left side surface 160, a right side surface 162, and a bottom surface 164, with an open window 166 provided on the upper side. A connector space 168 is defined within the connector 122 by the left side surface 160, the right side surface 162, and the bottom surface 164. The connector space 168 communicates with the open window 166. Furthermore, the distal end of the connector space 168 communicates with the cover space 128 via the opening 126, and the proximal end communicates with the through-path 156.

[0119] The connector space 168 constitutes a portion of the space for accommodating the distal end body 30 within the balloon 110 and serves as a space for accommodating the lead-out port forming portion 42 and the main body 44 of the distal end body 30. Furthermore, when the balloon 110 is attached to the distal end body 30, the opening window 166 of the connector 122 exposes the treatment instrument lead-out port 58, the observation window 64a, and the illumination windows 66a to the outside.

[0120] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the terminal side of the bottom portion 164 of the connecting body 122 has a wall thickness portion 170 formed with a thicker wall thickness than the base end side. Compared with the base end side portion of the connecting body 122, the wall thickness portion 170 is formed to protrude downward (Z (-) direction side), and an inclined surface 172 having a normal line including components in the lower side and base end directions is provided on the base end side of the wall thickness portion 170. A hose connection port 174 is formed on the inclined surface 172. The hose connection port 174 is connected to the storage portion 150 of the cover body 120 via the connecting path 152. In addition, the hose connection port 174 can also be provided on the cover body 120 instead of the connecting body 122. The hose connection port 174 is the portion to which the hose 300 is connected (refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 ), which is an example of a “communication port” of the present utility model.

[0121] In this embodiment, the connector 122 is preferably configured as a groove-like structure with a left side surface 160, a right side surface 162, and a bottom surface 164, with an open window 166 provided on the top. However, this is not limiting. Any other shape besides a groove-like structure is acceptable as long as it can connect the cover 120 (inner portion 132) and the fixed body 124. For example, the connector 122 may include one or two of the left side surface 160, the right side surface 162, and the bottom surface 164. Furthermore, the left side surface 160, the right side surface 162, and the bottom surface 164 are formed in a planar shape along the outer circumference of the terminal body 30, but this is not limiting. For example, they may be in a strip or rod shape. Furthermore, slits or small holes may be provided in portions of the left side surface 160, the right side surface 162, and the bottom surface 164.

[0122] [How to install the balloon]

[0123] Figure 13 It is a diagram for explaining a method of attaching the balloon 110 to the terminal body 30 . Figure 13 XIIA represents a state before the balloon 110 is installed relative to the terminal body 30, Figure 13 XIIIB shows a state where the balloon 110 is mounted on the distal end body 30 .

[0124] When the balloon 110 is mounted on the distal end body 30, first, Figure 13 As shown in FIG. XIIA, the distal end body 30 and the balloon 110 are arranged in a substantially straight line. At this time, the relative positions of the balloon 110 and the distal end body 30 are aligned so that the proximal end side of the balloon 110 (the side where the fixing body 124 is arranged) and the distal end side of the distal end body 30 (the side where the ultrasonic transducer 50 is arranged) face each other.

[0125] Next, the balloon 110 is pushed straight into the distal end body 30 so that the distal end body 30 is inserted into the through passage 156 of the balloon 110 (fixed body 124). Furthermore, if the balloon 110 is further pushed until the ultrasonic mounting portion 40 of the distal end body 30 is accommodated in the cover space 128 of the cover 120, Figure 13 As shown in FIG11B , the balloon 110 is now attached to the distal end body 30. In this state, the outlet-forming portion 42 of the distal end body 30 is accommodated in the connector space 168 of the connector 122. Furthermore, the fixing body 124 of the balloon 110 is fixed to the proximal end of the distal end body 30 (at least closer to the proximal end than the stepped surface 72 of the outlet-forming portion 42). At this point, the fixing body 124 of the balloon 110 is tightly fixed to the proximal end of the distal end body 30 by the elastic force in the direction of diameter reduction, thereby improving the fixation of the balloon 110 relative to the distal end body 30.

[0126] Furthermore, when the balloon 110 is mounted on the terminal portion main body 30, in addition to being fixed by the fixing body 124 of the balloon 110, the ultrasonic mounting portion 40 is elastically clamped by a pair of side portions (the left side portion 144 and the right side portion 145 of the inner portion 132) separated and opposed in the left and right directions (X direction) in the cover body 120, thereby fixing the cover body 120 in a state of being in close contact with the vertical wall portion 54 of the ultrasonic mounting portion 40.

[0127] <Balloon Effect>

[0128] According to the balloon 110 of this embodiment constructed as described above, it comprises: a cover body 120, a two-layer structure formed by overlapping an outer portion 130 and an inner portion 132; and a fixing body 124, which is connected to the cover body 120 via a connecting body 122, and has a structure in which the fixing body 124 is fixed to the fixed portion (the terminal portion main body 30 or the curved portion 32) of the endoscope insertion portion 12, thereby enabling the fixation of the balloon 110 relative to the terminal portion main body 30 to be improved.

[0129] In addition, in addition to being fixed by the fixing body 124, the balloon 110 of this embodiment also has a structure for fixing the ultrasonic mounting portion 40 by elastically clamping a pair of side portions (left side portion 144 and right side portion 145) separated and opposed to each other in the left and right directions (X direction) of the cover body 120, thereby ensuring a fixation that complements the above-mentioned effect and is further stable.

[0130] In addition, this embodiment shows a configuration having two structures: fixation by the fixing body 124 and fixation by the pair of side surfaces of the cover 120. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and fixation by the fixing body 124 alone may be employed. In this case, the distance (the distance in the X direction) between the pair of side surfaces of the cover 120 is set so that the pair of side surfaces weakly sandwich the ultrasonic mounting portion 40 or are in contact with the pair of side surfaces.

[0131] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover body 120 is shown as having a two-layer structure formed by overlapping the outer portion 130 and the inner portion 132. However, this is not limiting. If a storage portion 150 for storing the ultrasonic propagation medium is provided within the cover body 120, the cover body 120 may also be composed of three or more layers. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the entire cover body 120 is composed of a two-layer structure, but this is not limiting. Alternatively, only a portion of the cover body 120 may be composed of two (or three or more) layers.

[0132] [Accessory parts]

[0133] Next, the structure of the accessory component 200 will be described. In the following description, the accessory component according to the first configuration example is denoted by reference numeral 200A, and the accessory component according to the second configuration example is denoted by reference numeral 200B. Furthermore, when these accessory components 200A and 200B are collectively referred to as accessory components, they are referred to as accessory component 200.

[0134] <First structural example>

[0135] Figure 14 It is a perspective view of the accessory component 200A according to the first structural example. Figure 15 It is from Figure 14 A perspective view of the accessory component 200A according to the first structural example when viewed from different angles. Figure 16It is a top view of the accessory component 200A according to the first structural example. Figure 17 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a main portion of the operating portion 14 of the endoscope 10 (the peripheral portion of the reduced diameter portion 24 ).

[0136] like Figures 14 to 16 As shown, the accessory member 200A according to the first structural example has a Figure 14 The accessory member 200A has a distal end opening 202 provided on the distal end side and a proximal end opening 204 provided on the proximal end side.

[0137] An insertion slit 206 for passing the reduced diameter portion 24 of the operating portion 14 is provided on the side surface of the attachment member 200A. The insertion slit 206 extends along the axial direction of the attachment member 200A from the distal end opening 202 to the proximal end opening 204. The opening width of the insertion slit 206 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the reduced diameter portion 24 of the operating portion 14. The insertion slit 206 is elastically deformed, causing the opening width of the insertion slit 206 to expand and contract, allowing the reduced diameter portion 24 of the operating portion 14 to pass through the insertion slit 206.

[0138] A protrusion 208 is provided on the base end of the accessory component 200A. The protrusion 208 protrudes further toward the base end than the rest of the accessory component 200A, extending over a portion of the circumference (less than 180 degrees). Like the other parts of the accessory component 200A, the protrusion 208 has a shape that forms a portion of the outer circumference of a conical cylinder. A positional misalignment prevention portion 210 is provided on the inner surface of the protrusion 208, forming a convex shape inwardly along the circumferential direction.

[0139] On the other hand, Figure 17 As shown, a convex step 26 is provided on the proximal portion of the reduced diameter portion 24 of the operating portion 14. Step 26 is annularly arranged along the circumference of the side surface of the reduced diameter portion 24. Furthermore, step 26 is formed so as to expand at an obtuse angle toward the distal end. In other words, the angle θ between the inclined surface 26a of the step 26 and the proximal adjacent surface 27 adjacent to the proximal end of the step 26 is an obtuse angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0140] The positional deviation preventing portion 210 is a portion that engages with the stepped portion 26 configured as described above from the proximal side when the accessory 200A is attached to the reduced diameter portion 24 of the operating portion 14 , and prevents positional deviation of the accessory 200A toward the distal side relative to the operating portion 14 .

[0141] The accessory component 200A is provided with a supply and discharge port 212. The other end of the hose 300 is connected to the supply and discharge port 212. The supply and discharge port 212 is provided with a luer connector 213. The luer connector 213 is cylindrical in shape and has a supply and discharge port 214. The supply and discharge port 214 is connected to the hose 300 via an internal pipe (not shown) of the supply and discharge port 212. As a result, if the ultrasonic wave propagation medium is introduced from the syringe 310 (refer to the reference figure) connected to the luer connector 213 of the supply and discharge port 212, the ultrasonic wave propagation medium will be injected into the syringe 310. Figure 18 ) is supplied to the supply and discharge port 214, the ultrasonic propagation medium is transported to the balloon 110 through the hose 300 and stored in the reservoir 150 of the balloon 110. Furthermore, when suction is performed from the syringe 310, the ultrasonic propagation medium in the reservoir 150 is discharged through the hose 300 and recovered into the syringe 310 via the supply and discharge port 214.

[0142] Two opening windows 216 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the accessory member 200A. These opening windows 216 extend through the side surface of the accessory member 200A. This allows the operating portion 14 (reduced diameter portion 24) to be visually recognized through the two opening windows 216. Alternatively, the accessory member 200A may not have the two opening windows 216.

[0143] The accessory member 200A includes a pair of handles 218 provided on both sides (two edges) of the insertion slit 206. The pair of handles 218 are bent in directions away from each other (in directions expanding outward) (see FIG. Figure 16 The pair of handles 218 are portions that can be easily hooked with the fingers of a user's hand in order to elastically adjust the opening width of the insertion slit 206 when attaching or detaching the accessory member 200A to or from the operation unit 14 .

[0144] Figure 18 2 is a perspective view showing a state where the accessory component 200A is mounted on the operating portion 14 of the endoscope 10. Figure 18 In FIG. 1 , reference numeral 310 denotes a syringe connected to the supply and discharge port 214 of the supply and discharge port 212 .

[0145] When the accessory member 200A is mounted on the operating portion 14, the user hooks his fingers on the pair of handles 218 of the accessory member 200A and elastically widens the opening width of the insertion slit 206, thereby allowing the reduced diameter portion 24 of the operating portion 14 to pass through the insertion slit 206. Figure 18 As shown, the accessory component 200A can be easily attached to the operating portion 14 .

[0146] When the accessory member 200A is attached to the operating portion 14 , the positional deviation preventing portion 210 engages with the step portion 26 provided on the operating portion 14 , thereby preventing the accessory member 200A from being positionally deviated toward the distal end relative to the operating portion 14 .

[0147] When removing the accessory part 200A from the operating portion 14, the user hooks his fingers on the pair of handle parts 218 of the accessory part 200A in the same manner as when installing it, and sets the opening width of the insertion slit 206 to an elastically widened state, thereby making it possible to easily remove the accessory part 200A from the operating portion 14 through the insertion slit 206.

[0148] <Second structural example>

[0149] Figure 19 It is a perspective view of the accessory component 200B according to the second structural example. Figure 20 It is from Figure 19 A perspective view of the accessory component 200B according to the second structural example when viewed from a different angle. Figure 21 2 is a top view of the accessory component 200B according to the second structural example. Figures 19 to 21 In FIG. 1 , the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the accessory component 200A according to the first structural example.

[0150] like Figures 19 to 21 As shown, similarly to the accessory member 200A according to the first configuration example, the accessory member 200B according to the second configuration example has a structure that increases as it moves toward the distal end ( Figure 19 The accessory 200B has a generally tapered cylindrical shape with a tapered diameter (below the lower side) and includes a distal opening 202, a proximal opening 204, an insertion slit 206, a positional deviation prevention portion 210, a supply and discharge port 212 (including the supply and discharge port 214), and a pair of handles 218. The components of the accessory 200B share the same structure as the accessory 200A, so only the differences will be described, and the remaining descriptions will be omitted.

[0151] When viewed along the axis of the supply and discharge port 214, the attachment member 200B has a generally H-shaped shape, opening toward both the distal end and the proximal end. Specifically, the attachment member 200B has a pair of grooves 220 on the distal and proximal ends, each of which is formed by cutting a portion of the conical cylindrical outer surface into a rectangular shape. Each groove 220 opens toward the distal opening 202 and the proximal opening 204, respectively.

[0152] The attachment member 200B includes a pair of proximal wall surfaces 222 constituting the proximal opening 204. The pair of proximal wall surfaces 222 are provided at positions sandwiched between the groove 220 and the insertion slit 206 on the proximal side and at positions facing each other.

[0153] Positional deviation preventing portions 210 convexly formed inwardly in the circumferential direction are provided on the inner surface of each base end wall surface portion 222. That is, in the accessory member 200B, positional deviation preventing portions 210 are provided at two locations inside the base end opening 204.

[0154] Figure 22 2 is a perspective view showing a state where the accessory component 200B is mounted on the operating portion 14 of the endoscope 10. Figure 22 As shown, the accessory component 200B is attached to the reduced diameter portion 24 of the operating portion 14 of the endoscope 10 .

[0155] Similar to the accessory component 200A according to the first configuration example, the accessory component 200B according to the second configuration example includes a pair of handles 218 on either side of the insertion slit 206. This facilitates attachment and detachment (installation and removal) of the accessory component 200B relative to the operating portion 14. Furthermore, the positional deviation prevention portion 210 prevents the accessory component 200B from being displaced toward the distal end after the accessory component 200B is attached to the operating portion 14.

[0156] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, in order to engage the position deviation prevention portion 210 of the accessory component 200 (200A, 200B) with respect to the operating portion 14, a convex step portion 26 is provided on the portion on the base end side of the reduced diameter portion 24, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a circumferential groove portion may be provided relative to the reduced diameter portion 24 so that the position deviation prevention portion 210 engages with the groove portion.

[0157] As mentioned above, although embodiment of the present invention was demonstrated, the present invention is not limited to the said example, It is a matter of course that various improvements or modifications can be made within the range which does not deviate from the meaning of the present invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope balloon, characterized in that: The endoscope balloon covers an ultrasonic transducer provided on a distal end portion main body of an endoscope insertion portion, and includes: a cover having a bottomed cylindrical shape with a distal end side in a first direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion portion being closed and a proximal end side in the first direction being open, including a bulging portion capable of bulging by storing an ultrasonic propagation medium, and being attached to the distal end portion body and covering the ultrasonic transducer; a fixing body provided on the proximal end side of the cover body and fixed to a fixed portion of the endoscope insertion portion; and A connecting body connects the cover body and the fixing body.

2. The endoscopic balloon according to claim 1, wherein The fixing body is fixed in close contact with the fixed portion.

3. The endoscopic balloon according to claim 1, wherein The fixed body is composed of a cylindrical body having a through path in the first direction. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body is fixed to the fixed portion.

4. The endoscopic balloon according to claim 3, wherein: The opening of the cover is provided at a position intersecting with an extending direction of an axis of the through-path.

5. The endoscopic balloon according to claim 1, wherein The fixing body is fixed to the terminal portion main body serving as the fixed portion.

6. The endoscopic balloon according to claim 1, wherein The endoscope insertion portion has a curved portion on the base end side of the distal end body. The fixing body is fixed to the bent portion serving as the fixed portion.

7. The endoscopic balloon according to claim 1, wherein The cover body has a cover body fixing portion fixed to the terminal portion main body.

8. The endoscopic balloon according to claim 7, wherein: The cover fixing portion includes a pair of fixing surfaces facing each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the pair of fixing surfaces elastically sandwich the terminal portion body.

9. The endoscopic balloon according to claim 1, wherein The terminal body has a treatment instrument outlet. The connecting body has a groove shape provided to open a side where the treatment instrument outlet is provided.

10. The endoscopic balloon according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The cover body has: medial part; an outer portion covering the inner portion; and a storage portion storing the ultrasonic wave propagation medium between the inner portion and the outer portion, The outer portion has the bulging portion at a position facing the vibrator surface of the ultrasonic transducer.

11. The endoscopic balloon according to claim 10, wherein: The inner portion, the connecting body and the fixing body are formed as an integral body.

12. The endoscopic balloon according to claim 10, wherein The connecting body has a communication port communicating with the storage portion.

13. A balloon unit for endoscope, characterized in that: have: The endoscopic balloon according to any one of claims 1 to 12; an accessory component that is detachably attached to an operation portion connected to the proximal end side of the endoscope insertion portion and has a supply and discharge port for supplying and discharging the ultrasonic propagation medium; and The conduit member transports the ultrasonic wave propagation medium between the accessory member and the endoscope balloon.

14. An endoscope, characterized in that: The endoscope balloon unit according to claim 13 is mounted.

Images