Ultrasonic endoscope

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of ultrasonic endoscope capable of puncturing with smaller puncture angle. Ultrasonic endoscope has: front end (34), is configured to the front end side of insertion part (12) extending along Y direction;Ultrasonic transducer (50), emits ultrasonic wave towards Z direction Z (+) direction side;Erect platform (70), is configured to the position more on Y (-) direction side than ultrasonic transducer (50) and is set to be rotatable between erect position and flat position;And observation window (40), is configured to the position more on Y (-) direction side than erect platform (70), in Z direction, from Z (+) direction side, observation window (40) in Z direction Z (+) direction side end portion of erect platform (70) when erect platform (70) is located in flat position, erect platform (70) in Z direction Z (+) direction side end portion and ultrasonic transducer (50) in Z direction Z (+) direction side end portion are sequentially configured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an ultrasonic endoscope, and more particularly to an ultrasonic endoscope having an ultrasonic transducer at the front end of the insertion portion. Background Technology

[0002] As an ultrasonic endoscope, there is a known ultrasonic endoscope that has a convex ultrasonic transducer at the front end of the insertion part and a treatment device outlet is provided at the base end side of the ultrasonic transducer in the front end (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In examinations using the aforementioned ultrasonic endoscope, for example, while acquiring an ultrasonic image of the target site via an ultrasonic transducer, a puncture needle (treatment device) extending into the patient's body through the treatment device insertion channel and treatment device outlet is inserted into the target site to collect cells. At this time, the treatment device changes its outlet direction by the undulating motion of the standing platform housed within the standing platform's receiving section, thus treating the desired location.

[0004] Furthermore, at the front end of the insertion section, in addition to the ultrasonic transducer and the standing platform, there is also an observation window for observing the part to be treated, an illumination window for emitting illumination light toward the part to be treated, and an air and water supply nozzle for spraying cleaning water or air toward the observation window, etc.

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 179909

[0006] Typically, the anterior endoscope is arranged from its front end to its base end in the following order: ultrasonic transducer, stage, and viewing window. This arrangement ensures that at least a portion of the ultrasonic transducer and stage are reflected in the endoscopic image captured through the viewing window. This improves the visual recognition of the puncture needle and enhances puncture stability based on the shortened needle insertion distance.

[0007] However, in the configuration described above, the ultrasonic transducer and the erecting platform are positioned close to each other, so it is necessary to ensure that the puncture needle guided and led out by the erecting platform does not come into contact with the ultrasonic transducer. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the tilt angle of the erecting platform in its collapsed position, but with this configuration, there is a problem that it is not possible to achieve the desired puncture angle (shallow angle). Utility Model Content

[0008] This invention was made in view of this situation, and its purpose is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope that can perform punctures at a smaller puncture angle.

[0009] The ultrasonic endoscope according to the first aspect of this utility model includes: a front end portion disposed at the front end of an insertion portion extending along the long axis direction; an ultrasonic transducer disposed at the front end portion and emitting ultrasonic waves toward a side orthogonal to the long axis direction; a standing stage disposed at a position further along the long axis direction than the ultrasonic transducer and configured to rotate freely between an upright position and a folded position; and an observation window disposed at a position further along the long axis direction than the standing stage and observing the subject body; in the first direction, the end of the observation window on one side of the first direction, the end of the standing stage on one side of the first direction when the standing stage is in the folded position, and the end of the ultrasonic transducer on one side of the first direction are sequentially disposed from one side.

[0010] The ultrasonic endoscope according to the second aspect of this utility model, in the first aspect, has a first region at the front end where an ultrasonic transducer is provided, and a second region at the base end where a support platform and an observation window are provided, located further along the long axis direction than the first region. On the opposite side of one side in the first direction, i.e. the other side, the first bottom part of the first region and the second bottom part of the second region are respectively provided, with the first bottom part located on the other side further along the first direction than the second bottom part.

[0011] In the third aspect of this utility model, the ultrasonic endoscope, when viewed from a second direction orthogonal to both the long axis and the first direction, forms an angle of less than 1 degree between the first central axis of the first region and the second central axis of the second region.

[0012] In the fourth aspect of this utility model, the ultrasonic endoscope, when viewed from the second direction in the third aspect, has an angle of less than 1 degree between the surface direction of the first bottom surface and the long axis direction.

[0013] The ultrasonic endoscope according to the fifth aspect of this utility model has a balloon groove at its front end in any of the second to fourth aspects. The balloon groove is disposed between the first region and the second region and is used to install a balloon covering the ultrasonic transducer.

[0014] In the fifth embodiment, the ultrasonic endoscope according to the sixth embodiment of this utility model has a groove region on the other side of the first direction in the balloon groove, which is composed of a pair of groove side faces facing each other in the long axis direction. One of the groove side faces, the first groove side face, is located at the base end side in the long axis direction of the first region, and the other, the second groove side face, is located at the front end side in the long axis direction of the second region. The first groove side face extends further to the other side in the first direction than the second groove side face.

[0015] In any of the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention, the ultrasonic transducer of the seventh embodiment of the present invention is a convex shape in which multiple ultrasonic transducers are arranged in an arc shape along the long axis, and the standing platform is disposed outside the ultrasonic scanning range of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0016] The ultrasonic endoscope involved in the eighth aspect of this utility model has an ultrasonic scanning range of less than 180 degrees for the ultrasonic transducer in any of the first to seventh aspects.

[0017] Utility Model Effect

[0018] According to this invention, puncture can be performed at a smaller puncture angle. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the ultrasonic endoscope of this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view showing the appearance of the front-end components.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a side view of the front end component indicating the puncture direction of the puncture needle.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a side view of the front part showing the height of the first and second regions.

[0023] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing other structures of the front-end component.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of the balloon groove.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a side view of the front-end component, indicating the range of the ultrasonic scanning.

[0026] Symbol explanation:

[0027] 1-Ultrasonic endoscope, 10-Operating section, 12-Insertion section, 14-Universal plug rope, 16-Angle button, 18-Upright operating lever, 20-Air / water supply button, 22-Suction button, 24-Device inlet, 30-Flexible section, 32-Bend section, 34-Front end, 36-Front end component, 36A-Illumination window mounting surface, 36B-Illumination window mounting surface, 36C-Observation window mounting surface, 36D-Nozzle mounting surface, 40-Observation window, 40A-Upper edge, 42A-Illumination window, 42B-Illumination window, 44-Air / water supply nozzle, 46-Opening, 50-Ultrasonic transducer 52-Ultrasonic transceiver surface, 52A-Top, 54-Outer shell, 54A-Bottom surface, 60-Standing platform receiving section, 61-Standing platform receiving space, 62-Device outlet, 70-Standing platform, 70A-Front end, 70B-Device guide surface, 72-Rotation shaft, 80-Puncture needle, 100-Ultrasonic observation section, 110-Endoscopic observation section, 112-Main body component, 112A-Bottom surface, 120-Balloon groove, 122-Groove area, 124-Groove side surface, 126-Groove side surface, 150-First region, 160-Second region, W-Ultrasonic scanning range. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] [Overall structure of an ultrasonic endoscope]

[0030] Figure 1 This is an overall view of the ultrasonic endoscope (hereinafter referred to as "endoscope") 1 according to the embodiments of this utility model.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment includes an operating section 10 for the surgeon to hold and perform various operations, an insertion section 12 for insertion into the patient's body cavity, and a universal plug 14. The endoscope 1 is connected to a system structure device including a processor device and a light source device (not shown) via the universal plug 14.

[0032] The operating unit 10 is equipped with various operating components operated by the surgeon, such as a pair of angle buttons 16, a lifting operating lever 18, an air / water supply button 20, and a suction button 22.

[0033] Furthermore, the operating unit 10 is provided with a treatment device inlet 24 on its front end side. The treatment device introduced through the treatment device inlet 24 is inserted into the treatment device insertion channel that passes through the interior of the insertion unit 12.

[0034] The insertion portion 12 extends from the front end of the operating portion 10 along its long axis and is generally constructed in a narrow, elongated shape. The insertion portion 12 has a flexible portion 30, a curved portion 32, and a front end portion 34 sequentially from the base end side toward the front end side. Furthermore, the insertion portion 12 is one example of the insertion portion of this utility model, and the front end portion 34 is one example of the front end portion of this utility model.

[0035] The flexible portion 30 occupies most of the area from the base end of the insertion portion 12 and has flexibility to bend in any direction. When the insertion portion 12 is inserted into the body cavity, the flexible portion 30 bends along the insertion path within the body cavity.

[0036] The bending portion 32 is bent in both the vertical and horizontal directions by rotating a pair of bend knobs 16 on the operating part 10. By bending the bending portion 32, the front end portion 34 can be oriented in the desired direction.

[0037] The front end portion 34 has a front end component 36 described later (see reference). Figure 2 The front end component 36 is disposed on the front end side of the insertion part 12. The front end component 36 has an ultrasonic observation part 100 on its front end side and an endoscope observation part 110 on the base end side of the ultrasonic observation part 100.

[0038] Figure 1 The universal plug cord 14 shown contains internal components such as an ultrasonic cable, a power cable, a light guide, and a fluid hose. A connector (not shown) is provided at one end of the universal plug cord 14. By connecting this connector to the aforementioned system structure device, control signals, power, illumination light, liquids, and gases required for the operation of the endoscope 1 are supplied from the system structure device to the endoscope 1. Furthermore, in addition to the aforementioned internal components, the insertion section 12 also contains internal components such as a treatment instrument insertion channel, a bending operation line, and a standing platform operation line.

[0039] Ultrasonic image data and endoscopic image data acquired by endoscope 1 (ultrasonic viewing unit 100 and endoscopic viewing unit 110) are transmitted from endoscope 1 to the system structure device. The data transmitted to the system structure device are processed by the system structure device and displayed as ultrasonic images and endoscopic images on the display (not shown).

[0040] Next, refer to Figure 2 The structure of the front end 34 (front end component 36) will be described. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the front end component 36, illustrating the state of the standing platform 70 in the collapsed position, as described later.

[0041] In the following description of the structure of each part of the front-end component 36, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system of X, Y, and Z will be used for ease of explanation. In the figure, the Z direction refers to the vertical direction, the Z(+) direction refers to the upper direction, and the Z(-) direction refers to the lower direction. Furthermore, the X direction in the figure refers to the direction perpendicular to the Z direction, the X(+) direction refers to the left direction, and the X(-) direction refers to the right direction. Also, the Y direction in the figure refers to the direction perpendicular to both the Z and X directions, the Y(+) direction refers to the front-end side direction, and the Y(-) direction refers to the base-end side direction. Additionally, each of the above directions refers to the direction when the ultrasonic transducer 50's ultrasonic transceiver surface 52 is facing upwards when viewed from the front-end side.

[0042] Furthermore, the Y direction corresponds to the major axis direction of the insertion part of this utility model (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the "major axis direction"). Also, the Z direction corresponds to the first direction of this utility model, the Z(+) direction side corresponds to one side of the first direction of this utility model, and the Z(-) direction side corresponds to the other side of the first direction of this utility model.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the front end component 36 has an ultrasonic observation section 100 and an endoscopic observation section 110 disposed on the Y(-) direction side (base end side) of the ultrasonic observation section 100.

[0044] The ultrasonic observation section 100 and the endoscopic observation section 110 are connected to each other via a balloon groove 120 formed between the ultrasonic observation section 100 and the endoscopic observation section 110. The balloon groove 120 is formed over a circumferential area around the Y direction (major axis direction). A balloon covering the ultrasonic transducer 50 is mounted on the balloon groove 120. Furthermore, the balloon groove 120 is an example of the balloon groove of this invention.

[0045] The ultrasonic observation unit 100 has an ultrasonic transducer 50, which is held by a housing 54.

[0046] The ultrasonic transducer 50 is a convex transducer in which multiple ultrasonic transducers are arranged in an arc shape along the Y direction (major axis direction). The upper surface (the surface on the Z(+) direction side) of the ultrasonic transducer 50 is configured as an ultrasonic transceiver surface 52, from which ultrasonic waves are emitted toward the Z(+) direction side (one side of the first direction). Specifically, when viewed from the X direction, the ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transceiver surface 52 (multiple ultrasonic transducers) perform a fan-shaped scan (convex surface scan) from the oblique rearward (Y(-) direction side and Z(+) direction side) to the oblique frontward (Y(+) direction side and Z(+) direction side). Moreover, the emission direction of the ultrasonic waves in this scan at least includes the Z(+) direction component. In addition, as long as the emission direction of most of the ultrasonic waves in the scan includes the Z(+) direction component, the emission direction of a portion of the ultrasonic waves may not include the Z(+) direction component (for example, directions that include the Y(+) direction component or the Z(-) direction component). The ultrasonic transducer 50 configured in this way acquires data for generating ultrasonic images. Furthermore, the ultrasonic transducer 50 is located at the front end 34, which is an example of the ultrasonic transducer of this invention.

[0047] The endoscopic viewing section 110 has a main body component 112 configured as a generally cylindrical shape. The main body component 112 is made of insulating materials such as methacrylic acid resin, polyphenylsulfone resin, polyetherimide resin, polyetheretherketone resin, and plastics such as polycarbonate.

[0048] The main body component 112 includes an observation window 40 for observing the test body, illumination windows 42A and 42B for illuminating the test body, and air and water nozzles 44 for cleaning the observation window 40. The observation window 40 is positioned further towards the Y(-) direction side (base end side) than the standing platform 70. Furthermore, the observation window 40 is an example of the observation window of this utility model.

[0049] The main body component 112 has an erecting platform receiving portion 60 inside, which accommodates the erecting platform 70. This erecting platform receiving portion 60 has a rectangular opening 46 when viewed from the Z(+) direction side. The opening 46 is formed in the main body component 112 opening towards the Z(+) direction side. In this embodiment, the opening direction of the opening 46 is a direction that includes only the Z(+) direction side when viewed from the X direction (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the XY plane). Furthermore, the opening direction of the opening 46 is only required to include at least the Z(+) direction side; for example, it could be a direction that faces diagonally forward when viewed from the X direction (i.e., a direction that includes both the Z(+) and Y(+) direction sides).

[0050] Treatment instruments such as puncture needles are extended from the opening 46 to the outside of the front end component 36. The treatment instrument is extended into the ultrasonic scanning range of the ultrasonic transducer 50. Furthermore, a stand-up receiving portion 60 is provided on the lower side (Z(-) direction side) of the opening 46.

[0051] A treatment device outlet 62, communicating with the standing platform receiving space 61 of the standing platform receiving section 60, is provided on the Y(-) direction side (base end side) of the standing platform receiving section 60. The treatment device outlet 62 is disposed in the insertion section 12 (see reference) via a through-hole. Figure 1 The treatment device insertion channel is connected to the treatment device inlet 24 of the operation unit 10. Thus, the treatment device inserted from the treatment device inlet 24 is guided from the treatment device outlet 62 to the standing platform receiving space 61 via the treatment device insertion channel.

[0052] The standing platform 70 is housed within the standing platform receiving space 61 of the standing platform receiving section 60. The standing platform 70 is positioned further towards the Y(-) direction than the ultrasonic transducer 50. The standing platform 70 is configured to rotate freely about a rotation axis 72 arranged along the X direction, rotating between an upright position and a collapsed position. The upright position refers to the position of the standing platform 70 when its front end side (the side opposite to the rotation axis 72) moves to the end position on the Y(-) direction side within its rotatable range (i.e., the position in which the standing platform 70 is upright facing the Z(+) direction side). The collapsed position refers to the position of the standing platform 70 when its front end side moves to the end position on the Y(+) direction side within its rotatable range (i.e., the position in which the standing platform 70 is collapsed facing the Y(+) direction side).

[0053] The standing table 70 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel and has a treatment device guide surface 70B on its upper surface. The treatment device guided to the standing table receiving part 60 is guided along the treatment device guide surface 70B and is led outward from the opening 46 of the standing table receiving part 60.

[0054] The erecting platform 70 thus constructed operates the erecting lever 18 (see reference). Figure 1 When in motion, the platform moves between the upright position and the collapsed position with the rotation axis 72 as the center (undulating motion). For example, by operating the upright operating lever 18, the uprighting platform 70 is moved to adjust the uprighting angle of the platform 70 from the collapsed position, thereby changing the discharge direction (discharge angle) of the treatment device guided by the treatment device guide surface 70B of the uprighting platform 70 and discharged from the opening 46. In addition, the uprighting platform 70 is an example of the uprighting platform of this utility model.

[0055] like Figure 2As shown, illumination windows 42A and 42B are respectively disposed on illumination window mounting surfaces 36A and 36B provided on the main body component 112. Light emitting sections constituting the illumination unit are housed inside illumination windows 42A and 42B. These light emitting sections are connected to a light source device via light guides. Illumination light transmitted from the light source device via the light guides shines from each light emitting section through illumination windows 42A and 42B onto the area to be treated.

[0056] An observation window 40 is disposed on an observation window mounting surface 36C provided on the main body component 112. An imaging system unit is housed inside the observation window 40, which includes an imaging optical system, a solid-state imaging element, and a circuit board constituting the imaging unit (camera unit). Light (reflected light) from the object being treated, illuminated by illumination windows 42A and 42B, is taken into the observation window 40 and imaged into an observation image by the imaging optical system in the solid-state imaging element. Data for generating endoscopic images is acquired by the imaging unit. Furthermore, the observation window 40 is an example of the observation window of this invention.

[0057] An air / water supply nozzle 44 is disposed on a nozzle mounting surface 36D provided on the main body component 112. The air / water supply button 20 is operated (see reference). Figure 1 When the air or water nozzle 44 sprays water or other cleaning fluid or air (fluid) toward the observation window 40, the observation window 40 is cleaned.

[0058] In addition, inside the main body component 112, besides the aforementioned camera unit, there is also an ultrasonic cable connected to the ultrasonic transducer 50, and a standing platform unit, etc. The standing platform unit is formed by modularizing the standing platform 70, the standing platform support part that rotates and supports the standing platform 70, and the drive mechanism for rotating the standing platform 70 as an integrated component, and constitutes the aforementioned standing platform receiving part 60.

[0059] However, in ultrasonic endoscopy, it is required to avoid contact with the ultrasonic transducer while inserting the puncture needle to the treatment site at a shallow puncture angle. Therefore, in order to meet the above requirements, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment has the following structure.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a side view of the front end component 36 as viewed from the X(-) direction. Figure 3 In the middle, the standing platform 70 is in the fallen position, and the puncture needle 80 guided and led out by the standing platform 70 is represented by a double-dotted line.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the endoscope 1 has an ultrasonic transducer 50, a standing stage 70, and an observation window 40 arranged sequentially in the front end component 36 from the Y(+) direction side (front end side) towards the Y(-) direction side (base end side).

[0062] Further, in the present embodiment, with the configuration described above, in the Z direction, the end portion of the observation window 40 on the Z(+) direction side, the end portion of the standing table 70 on the Z(+) direction side when the standing table 70 is in the fallen position, and the end portion of the ultrasonic transducer 50 on the Z(+) direction side are arranged in order from the Z(+) direction side.

[0063] Further, regarding the above configuration, for example, when the position of the bottom surface portion 112A of the main body member 112 in the Z direction is taken as a reference height position, and the direction from the reference position toward the Z(+) direction side in the Z direction is defined as the height direction, it can also be stated that the ultrasonic transducer 50, the standing table 70 and the observation window 40 have the following height relationship.

[0064] That is, when the height of the top portion 52A of the ultrasonic transmission / reception surface 52, which is the highest position of the ultrasonic transducer 50 (the distance from the bottom surface portion 112A to the top portion 52A) is taken as a first height H1, the height of the front end portion 70A of the standing table 70, which is the highest position of the standing table 70 when the standing table 70 is in the fallen position (the distance from the bottom surface portion 112A to the front end portion 70A) is taken as a second height H2, and the height of the upper edge portion 40A of the observation window 40, which is the highest position of the observation window 40 (the distance from the bottom surface portion 112A to the upper edge portion 40A) is taken as a third height H3, the relationship that the second height H2 is higher than the first height H1 and lower than the third height H3 (H1<H2<H3) is satisfied.

[0065] In addition, as an example, each of the above heights H1, H2 and H3 is expressed as a height when the bottom surface portion 112A of the main body member 112 is used as a reference position (reference height), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any position in the Z direction may be used as a reference. For example, the bottom surface portion 54A of the housing 54 may also be used as the reference position.

[0066] As described above, in the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, the positions of the end portions on the Z(+) direction side in the Z direction of the ultrasonic transducer 50, the standing table 70 and the observation window 40 are configured to satisfy the above relationship. According to this configuration, a part of each of the puncture needle 80 and the ultrasonic transducer 50 can be captured in an endoscopic image acquired through the observation window 40. Thereby, improvement in the visibility of the puncture needle 80 and puncture stability achieved by shortening the insertion distance of the puncture needle 80 can be achieved.

[0067] Furthermore, in the endoscope 1 of this embodiment, the end of the ultrasonic transducer 50 on the Z(+) direction side in the Z direction is located closer to the Z(-) direction side than the end of the standing platform 70 on the Z(+) direction side in the Z direction when the standing platform 70 is in the collapsed position (i.e., the first height H1 is lower than the second height H2 (H1 < H2)). Based on this relationship, for example, compared to the case where the end of the ultrasonic transducer 50 on the Z(+) direction side is located closer to the Z(+) direction side than the end of the standing platform 70 on the Z(+) direction side when the platform 70 is in the collapsed position (i.e., the relationship between the first height H1 and the second height H2 is H1≥H2), the tilt angle θ1 (the tilt angle of the standing platform 70 relative to the Y direction (major axis direction)) of the collapsed position of the platform 70 can be reduced by the angle corresponding to the distance between the end in the Z direction (i.e., the difference between the first height H1 and the second height H2 (Δh(H2-H1))). Therefore, the puncture angle of the puncture needle 80 guided by the treatment instrument guide surface 70B of the platform 70 can be reduced (become shallower).

[0068] Therefore, according to the endoscope 1 of this embodiment, by configuring the positions of the ultrasonic transducer 50, the standing platform 70 and the observation window 40 to satisfy the above relationship, puncture can be performed at a smaller puncture angle.

[0069] Next, refer to Figure 4 Here is an example of how to implement the above structure. Figure 4 This is a side view of the front end component 36 as seen from the X(-) direction. Additionally, for ease of explanation, Figure 4 From Figure 3 The diagram shown has removed information indicating the height relationships between the various parts.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, the front end component 36 has a first region 150 where an ultrasonic transducer 50 is provided and a second region 160 located further from the first region 150 in the Y (-) direction (base end side) and provided with a stand 70 and an observation window 40.

[0071] Region 150 includes an ultrasonic observation unit 100 (reference) Figure 2 Region 2 160 includes endoscopic viewing section 110 (reference) Figure 2 In addition, region 150 and region 160 are examples of region 1 and region 2 of this utility model, respectively.

[0072] Furthermore, in the front end component 36, the bottom part 54A of the outer shell 54 and the bottom part 112A of the main body component 112 are respectively arranged on the Z(-) direction side in the Z direction, with the bottom part 54A being arranged on the Z(-) direction side in the Z direction further than the bottom part 112A.

[0073] Specifically, only the outer shell 54, located on the Y(+) direction side further than the balloon groove 120, is offset from the main body 112 in the Z(-) direction, and the bottom portion 54A of the outer shell 54 is offset from the bottom portion 112A of the main body 112 in the Z(-) direction by at least Δh (reference). Figure 3 Configure the quantity of ).

[0074] By adopting the structure described above, even without miniaturizing the ultrasonic transducer 50, it is easy to achieve a structure in which the positions of the ultrasonic transducer 50, the standing platform 70, and the observation window 40 satisfy the aforementioned relationship. Therefore, the tilt angle θ1 of the standing platform 70 in the collapsed position can be reduced (see reference). Figure 3 Furthermore, it can reduce the puncture angle of the puncture needle 80 (make it shallower). In addition, the bottom part 54A of the outer shell 54 is an example of the first bottom part of the first region of this utility model, and the bottom part 112A of the main body 112 is an example of the second bottom part of the second region of this utility model.

[0075] Furthermore, with the above structure, the puncture angle of the puncture needle 80 can be reduced without increasing the diameter of the tip 34. A comparative example will be given below for illustration.

[0076] <Comparative Example>

[0077] Here, as an example, the front ends of the bottom surfaces 54A and 112A of the outer casing 54 and the main body component 112, which are at the same height in the Z direction, are taken as the front ends of the comparative example.

[0078] In the comparative example, to reduce the puncture angle of the puncture needle 80 without miniaturizing the ultrasonic transducer 50, the height position of the rotation axis 72 of the standing platform 70 needs to be offset towards the Z(+) direction. This avoids contact with the ultrasonic transducer 50 while reducing the tilt angle θ1 of the standing platform 70 in the collapsed position (see reference). Figure 3 Therefore, the puncture angle of the puncture needle 80 can be reduced. However, on the other hand, regarding the front end of the comparative example, the front end member 36 is correspondingly coarsened by the amount by which the rotation shaft 72 is offset in the Z(+) direction to reduce the puncture angle of the puncture needle 80, which results in the coarsening of the front end.

[0079] <This example>

[0080] Compared to the comparative example, the front end 34 of this example has a structure in which the bottom part 54A of the housing 54 is positioned further in the Z(-) direction than the bottom part 112A of the main body 112, thus avoiding the thickening of the front end part 36. As a result, the puncture angle of the puncture needle 80 can be reduced while avoiding the thickening of the front end 34.

[0081] Regarding ultrasound endoscopes, from the perspective of reducing patient burden and minimizing incidental complications, a smaller diameter at the tip is desirable. However, due to the multiple functions of ultrasound endoscopes, achieving a smaller tip diameter presents a challenge. In particular, ultrasound endoscopes equipped with ultrasound transducers require the placement of large internal components such as the camera unit, ultrasound cable, and stage unit within the internal space of the tip, making tip diameter reduction difficult.

[0082] Thus, even for ultrasonic endoscopes where it is difficult to reduce the diameter of the front end, since the endoscope 1 of this embodiment adopts a structure in which the bottom part 54A of the housing 54 is positioned at the front end 34 further on the Z (-) direction side than the bottom part 112A of the main body 112, puncture can be performed at a smaller puncture angle without increasing the diameter of the front end 34.

[0083] Next, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 Here are some preferred configurations of the front-end component 36 in this example.

[0084] <Configuration relationship between region 150 and region 260>

[0085] Figure 5 This is a side view of the front end component 36 as viewed from the X(-) direction. For example... Figure 5 As shown, a first region 150 including an ultrasound observation section 100 and a second region 160 including an endoscope observation section 110 are arranged across a balloon groove 120. Furthermore, as described above, the bottom surface 54A of the first region 150 is located further to the Z(-) direction side (the other side) than the bottom surface 112A of the second region 160. The preferred configuration relationship between the first region 150 and the second region 160 will be explained based on their respective central axes 150A and 160A.

[0086] Here, the central axis 150A is a straight line passing through the center of the highest point (height direction) of the bottom surface 54A and the ultrasonic transceiver surface 52, and is parallel to the surface direction SD1 of the bottom surface 54A. Furthermore, the central axis 160A is a straight line passing through the center of the highest point (height direction) of the bottom surface 112A and the main body component 112, and is parallel to the surface direction SD2 of the bottom surface 112A. Central axes 150A and 160A are examples of the first central axis of the first region and the second central axis of the second region of this invention, respectively.

[0087] In the front end portion 34, the angle between the central axis 150A of the first region 150 and the central axis 160A of the second region 160 is preferably less than 1 degree. By setting it to less than 1 degree, when the front end portion 34 is inserted into the body cavity, it is possible to prevent the first region 150, including the ultrasound observation section 100, from pressing into the body cavity.

[0088] Figure 5 VA, VB, and VC represent examples of the angles formed by central axes 150°A and 160°A, and each angle is different. Figure 5 In this context, the angle is defined as the angle between the central axis 160A and the Y direction, and the central axis 150A relative to the central axis 160A.

[0089] exist Figure 5 In VA, central axes 150A and 160A are parallel to the Y direction. In this structure, the angle between central axes 150A and 160A is 0 degrees.

[0090] exist Figure 5 In the VB, the central axis 150A is tilted relative to the Y direction, and in the Z direction, the Y(+) side is lower than the Y(-) side. In this structure, the angle of the central axis 150A relative to the central axis 160A is 1 degree.

[0091] exist Figure 5 In the VC, the central axis 150A is inclined relative to the Y direction, and the Y(+) direction side is higher than the Y(-) direction side in the Z direction. In this structure, the angle of the central axis 150A relative to the central axis 160A is 1 degree.

[0092] Figure 5 In VA, VB and VC, the angle between the central axis 150A and the central axis 160A is less than 1 degree.

[0093] Next, the preferred relationship between the insertion direction ID and the surface direction SD1 of the bottom part 54A will be explained. The insertion direction ID is the direction in which the front part 34 is inserted into the body cavity. As shown by the arrow, the surface direction SD1 of the bottom part 54A is the direction extending along the Y direction. The angle between the insertion direction ID and the surface direction SD1 of the bottom part 54A is preferably less than 1 degree. By setting it to less than 1 degree, when the front part 34 is inserted into the body cavity, it is possible to avoid the ultrasonic transceiver surface 52 or the bottom part 54A pressing against the body cavity wall.

[0094] In addition, Figure 5 In VA, VB, and VC, the angle between the insertion direction ID and the face direction SD1 of the bottom surface 54A is less than 1 degree. Figure 5The example illustrates the case where the central axis 150A is parallel to the surface direction SD1 of the bottom surface 54A, but the central axis 150A and the surface direction SD1 of the bottom surface 54A may not be parallel.

[0095] <Balloon Groove 120>

[0096] Figure 6 Viewed from the X(-) direction side Figure 3 An enlarged view of the balloon groove 120 shown. (As shown) Figure 6 As shown, the groove region 122 on the Z(-) direction side of the balloon groove 120 is composed of a pair of groove side portions 124 and 126 facing each other in the Y direction. Furthermore, of the pair of groove side portions 124 and 126, groove side portion 124 is located on the Y(-) direction side (base end side) of the first region 150, and groove side portion 126 is located on the Y(+) direction side (front end side) of the second region 160. Groove side portion 124 extends further in the Z(-) direction than groove side portion 126. Additionally, groove side portions 124 and 126 are examples of the first and second groove side portions of this invention, respectively.

[0097] When the balloon is installed at the front end 34, in the convex endoscope 1, the ultrasonic transceiver surface 52 is formed by a surface that curves towards the Z(+) direction (upper side), so the depth of the upper side of the balloon groove 120 does not affect the installation of the balloon. On the other hand, since the bottom part 54A of the Z(-) direction side (lower side) of the housing 54 is formed by a generally flat surface, the depth of the lower side of the balloon groove 120 becomes shallow, making it difficult to install the balloon.

[0098] However, in this example, by positioning the bottom portion 54A further along the Z(-) direction than the bottom portion 112A, the groove side portion 124 can extend further along the Z(-) direction than the groove side portion 126. This increases the depth D of the balloon groove 120 in the Z(-) direction and improves balloon installation.

[0099] <Positioning of the 70-degree stand>

[0100] Figure 7 This is a side view of the front end 34 of the ultrasonic transducer 50, which represents the ultrasonic scanning range W.

[0101] like Figure 7 As shown, the stage 70 is positioned outside the ultrasonic scanning range W of the ultrasonic transducer 50. Additionally, in Figure 7 The image shows the standing platform 70 in the collapsed position, but even in the standing position, the standing platform 70 is positioned outside the ultrasonic scanning range W.

[0102] This prevents the standing platform 70 from encroaching on the ultrasonic scanning range W of the ultrasonic transducer 50. Furthermore, Figure 7 The ultrasonic scanning range W of the ultrasonic transducer 50 shown is approximately 180 degrees, but the ultrasonic scanning range W can be less than 180 degrees, and is preferably more than 90 degrees. Furthermore, the opening angle θ2 of the ultrasonic wave emitted from the ultrasonic transducer 50 is defined as the ultrasonic scanning range W.

[0103] <Other>

[0104] The endoscope 1 of this embodiment aims to reduce the puncture angle of the puncture needle 80; in other words, a large puncture angle is not required. This also reduces the rotation angle of the rod built into the main body component 112 for rotating the operating stage 70. When the rotation angle of the rod is large, the tip 34 is correspondingly enlarged; however, in this example, the rotation angle of the rod can be reduced, thus enabling the tip 34 to be made smaller.

[0105] The ultrasonic endoscope involved in this embodiment has been described above, but the present invention may be modified or modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic endoscope, characterized in that, have: The front end is located on the front end side of the insertion portion that extends along the long axis. An ultrasonic transducer is disposed at the front end and emits ultrasonic waves toward a side in a first direction orthogonal to the long axis direction; An erecting platform is positioned at the base end of the ultrasonic transducer, closer to the long axis, and is configured to rotate freely between an erected position and a collapsed position. and An observation window is positioned at the base end, which is further along the long axis than the erecting platform, to observe the body under test. In the first direction, the end of the observation window in the first direction, the end of the standing platform in the first direction when the standing platform is in the fallen position, and the end of the ultrasonic transducer in the first direction are arranged sequentially from one side.

2. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end portion has a first region where the ultrasonic transducer is disposed and a second region located on the base end side further along the long axis than the first region, where the standing platform and the observation window are disposed. On the opposite side of the first direction, i.e., the other side, the first bottom surface of the first region and the second bottom surface of the second region are respectively disposed. The first bottom surface is positioned on the other side of the first direction, which is further away from the second bottom surface than the first bottom surface.

3. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that, When viewed from a second direction orthogonal to both the major axis and the first direction, the angle between the first central axis of the first region and the second central axis of the second region is less than 1 degree.

4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, When viewed from the second direction, the angle between the surface direction of the first bottom surface and the long axis direction is less than 1 degree.

5. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The front end has a balloon groove, which is located between the first region and the second region and is used to install a balloon covering the ultrasonic transducer.

6. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that, The groove region on the other side of the first direction in the balloon groove is formed by a pair of groove side faces facing each other in the long axis direction. One of the pair of groove side faces is a first groove side face located at the base end side in the long axis direction of the first region, and the other is a second groove side face located at the front end side in the long axis direction of the second region. The first groove side portion is formed by extending further toward the other side in the first direction than the second groove side portion.

7. The ultrasonic endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The ultrasonic transducer is a convex shape in which multiple ultrasonic transducers are arranged in an arc shape along the long axis. The standing platform is positioned outside the ultrasonic scanning range of the ultrasonic transducer.

8. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ultrasonic scanning range of the ultrasonic transducer is below 180 degrees.

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