Endoscope and method for the application of a camera assembly in an endoscope

Abstract

Split endoscope with an endoscope body (1) with a control unit having a handle section (15) and a camera channel (10) open at least on the proximal side, and a camera assembly (3) adapted to be temporarily inserted with its distal side forward into the camera channel (10), wherein the camera assembly (3) has a camera (31) on its distal side, wherein a recess is provided in the proximal area of ​​the handle section (15) as a connection element (12) for mounting an electronic carrier (A), wherein the recess is formed in the housing section of the endoscope body (1), wherein the electronic carrier (A) has a mounting element (2), wherein the camera assembly (3) is supported on the mounting element (2), wherein the shape of the mounting element (2) is adapted so that the mounting element (2) is placed in the recess (12) on the endoscope body (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a divisible endoscope comprising an endoscope body and a camera assembly. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for incorporating a camera assembly into an endoscope.

[0002] To make the examination site visible to the operator (doctor), endoscopes have a light source and a camera at the distal end.

[0003] Both rigid and flexible endoscopes therefore use a light source and a camera.

[0004] After use, the endoscope undergoes reprocessing. This process must reliably prevent the transmission of all microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, worms, and spores. Reprocessing begins with manual cleaning of the endoscope to completely remove any organic material or chemical residues. Following cleaning, it is disinfected or sterilized mechanically.

[0005] German patent application DE 20 2009 001 741 U1 discloses a kit for an endoscope. The kit includes a handle. The handle can be connected to a probe that has a camera at its distal end. Furthermore, the handle can include a catheter with a shaft. The probe with the camera can be inserted into the catheter.

[0006] German patent DE 44 10 821 A1 discloses a device for observing a body cavity. This device can be inserted into a body cavity via a trocar. The device has a protective sleeve. A camera can be inserted into the protective sleeve.

[0007] German patent DE 10 2010 022 430 A1 discloses a viewing device for an endoscope. The endoscope has a handling device. The handling device includes a light-sensitive sensor with a lens at an observation window.

[0008] US 2010 / 0210905 A1 discloses an endoscope with an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism has a tightly wound coil for an imaging unit.

[0009] JP 2015 002858 A discloses a so-called parent-child endoscope system comprising a child endoscope and a parent endoscope. The child endoscope has an insertion section with an imaging element. The parent endoscope has an access point for an insertion section of the child endoscope.

[0010] JP 2009 153924 A shows an endoscope with an opening into which a viewing system is inserted. The viewing system has a photographic module on the distal side.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to create a cost-effective endoscope that also further reduces the transmission of germs.

[0012] This problem is solved by an endoscope having the features of claim 1. A method for using a camera assembly in an endoscope is described in claim 8. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] Thus, a divisible endoscope has been created, comprising an endoscope body with a camera channel open at least on the proximal side, and a camera assembly adapted to be temporarily inserted into the camera channel with its distal side first. The camera assembly has a camera on its distal side.

[0014] Such a divisible endoscope achieves the separation of an endoscope into a part consisting of an endoscope body with an integrated camera channel, and a part containing the camera. The part of the endoscope body with the channel can be manufactured cost-effectively. The part with the camera is relatively expensive due to the camera components. Thus, the invention provides a way to design the more cost-effective part of the endoscope body with the channel as a single-use part and the more expensive part with the camera as a reusable part.

[0015] The camera channel can be sealed on the distal side. This prevents germs from entering the camera channel. A camera assembly inserted into the camera channel is therefore not exposed to contamination with germs.

[0016] The camera channel can be sealed at the distal end by a disc made of transparent material. The camera channel can also have a lens at the distal end. Thus, a camera assembly inserted into the camera channel can exhibit excellent camera function despite the seal at the distal end.

[0017] The camera assembly can have a lighting device on its distal side. This allows the camera and lighting device to be integrated into the camera assembly. Both the camera and the lighting device can be designed as separate components or as an integrated, reusable unit.

[0018] The endoscope body can have a connection element on its proximal side to which a mounting element provided on the proximal side of the camera assembly can be attached. This allows the camera assembly to be reattached to the endoscope body in a removable manner when the camera assembly is inserted inside the endoscope body. This enables the camera assembly to be quickly and safely reattached to the endoscope body.

[0019] In the procedure for applying a camera assembly in an endoscope, a separate camera assembly is temporarily inserted with its distal side forward into a camera channel of an endoscope.

[0020] After the endoscope has been used once, the camera assembly is pulled out of the endoscope and the endoscope is disposed of.

[0021] The camera assembly is temporarily inserted into a new endoscope that has a camera channel.

[0022] The aspects of the present invention explained above can be suitably combined. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an endoscope according to the invention of a first embodiment in a state in which an endoscope body 1 and an electronic carrier A are separated. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the endoscope of the first embodiment according to the invention in a state in which the electronic carrier A is inserted into the endoscope body 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the endoscope of the first embodiment according to the invention in a state in which the electronic carrier A is inserted into the endoscope body 1. Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the endoscope according to the invention of the first embodiment in a fully assembled state. Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective transparent view of a distal end section of an endoscope with a camera channel of the first embodiment, wherein no camera is yet arranged in the camera channel. Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective transparent view of the distal end section of the endoscope of the first embodiment with a camera arranged therein. Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective external view of the distal end section of the endoscope of the first embodiment with a camera arranged therein.

[0023] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the drawings and by way of exemplary embodiments. Example 1

[0024] First, with reference to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 describes a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 4 each shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an endoscope body 1 and an electronics carrier A. More precisely, it shows Fig. 1 a state in which the endoscope body 1 and the electronic carrier A are separated. Fig. Figure 2 shows how the electronic carrier A is installed in the endoscope body 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows how the electronic carrier A is installed in the endoscope body 1. Finally, it shows Fig. 4 the state in which the electronic carrier A is fully mounted on the endoscope body 1.

[0026] The endoscope body 1 is a basic endoscope body that typically comprises the basic elements of an endoscope, usually made of plastic. The endoscope body 1 includes a control unit and an insertion section 18. The control unit is located on the proximal side, and the insertion section 18 is located on the distal side of the endoscope 1. The control unit has a working channel inlet 17 and an adjustment knob 16 for bending an endoscope angulation section at the distal end of the insertion section 18. Furthermore, the control unit is provided with a handle 15 by which the operator holds the endoscope 1.

[0027] In the proximal area of ​​the handle section 15, a recess is provided as a connection element 12 for mounting the electronic carrier A. The recess of the connection element 12 is formed in the housing section of the endoscope body 1. The shape of the connection element 12 on the endoscope body 1 is not restricted and only needs to allow the mounting of the electronic carrier A.

[0028] In the area of ​​the recess of the connecting element 12, an access opening for a camera channel 10 is formed in the housing section of the endoscope body 1. This access opening for the camera channel 10 forms the proximal end of the camera channel 10. The camera channel 10 extends from its proximal end through the interior of the endoscope body 1 to the distal end of the insertion section 18. The camera channel 10 serves to accommodate a camera assembly 3 described below. The length of the camera channel 10 corresponds to the length of the camera assembly 3.

[0029] The electronic carrier A has a housing section element designed as a mounting element 2. The mounting element 2 forms a counterpart to the recess of the connection element 12 on the endoscope body 1. The mounting element 2 is thus adapted to be inserted into the recess of the connection element 12 on the endoscope body 1. The shape of the mounting element 2 is not restricted and only needs to allow the electronic carrier A to be attached to the connection element 12 on the endoscope body 1.

[0030] For example, the connecting element 12 may have an outer shape on the endoscope body 1 which is provided with indentations or grooves, wherein the mounting element 2 has an inner shape which is adapted to this outer shape of the connecting element 12 and can be placed on it, see Fig. 1. The internal shape of the mounting element 2 may be provided with protrusions or ribs at the positions corresponding to the locations of the notches or grooves of the connecting element 12, which may engage in the notches or grooves of the connecting element 12.

[0031] The mounting element 2 is attached to the connection element 12 of the endoscope body 1 by means of fasteners. For example, the connection element 12 of the endoscope body 1 has fastening locations such as threaded holes 12A into which fasteners such as screws 2A are screwed. In the present example, corresponding bores are provided in the wall of the mounting element 2 through which the screws 2A are inserted into the threaded holes 12A and tightened, see the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4.

[0032] The camera assembly 3 is supported on the mounting element 2. The camera assembly 3 extends distally from the mounting element 2. The camera assembly 3 consists of an elastic signal cable, at the distal end of which a camera body 31 is arranged. At least one LED, preferably two or more LEDs, is provided on the camera body 31 as a lighting device. The signal cable can be designed as a single cable integrating the cable for the camera body 31 and the cable for the LED. Alternatively, the cable for the camera body 31 and the cable for the LED can be provided separately and run parallel to each other distally from the mounting element 2.

[0033] Furthermore, a signal cable 4 is provided on the proximal side of the mounting element 2, which is connected within the mounting element 2 to the signal line of the camera assembly 3. On the proximal side, the signal cable 4 is connected to a video processor, a display device, and the like.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the electronic carrier A is mounted on the endoscope body 1 by first inserting the distal end of the camera assembly 3 into the proximal access opening of the camera channel 10. Then, the camera assembly 3 is pushed into the camera channel 10. Finally, the mounting element 2 is attached to the connection element 12 of the endoscope body 1 by means of the fasteners 2A, 12A, see Figure 2. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Now the endoscope is ready for use.

[0035] The Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 7 shows the distal end of the endoscope body 1, i.e., the distal end of the insertion section 18. To gain a better understanding of the invention, the following is shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 of the introductory section 18 is shown transparently.

[0036] In the insertion section 18, the camera channel 10, two irrigation channels 200 and one working channel 210 extend parallel to the axis of the insertion section 18. The two irrigation channels 200 and the working channel 210 are open at the distal end of the insertion section 18.

[0037] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the camera channel 10 in the endoscope body 1 has an inner wall 11. The camera assembly 3 is guided within the inner wall 11 in the camera channel 10.

[0038] At the distal end of the camera channel 10, a distal end wall 110 is provided, forming a sealed distal end of the camera channel 10. The distal end wall 110 of the camera channel 10 can be flush with the distal end wall of the insertion section 18 on its distal side.

[0039] A disc 111 made of transparent material is arranged in the distal end wall 110. The disc 111 can be made of glass or plastic. When the camera assembly 3 is inserted into the camera channel 10, the distal end of the camera assembly 3 rests against the proximal side of the distal end wall 110. The camera body 31 is positioned against the disc 111.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment, the camera body 31 is configured such that the actual camera is located at the axial center of the camera body 31 and points towards the distal side by means of a camera window 311. The camera window 311 is arranged centrally at the distal end of the camera body 31. An illumination area 313 is provided on the outer circumference of the distal end of the camera body 31. One or more LEDs or optical fibers, etc., can be provided in the illumination area 313. To prevent direct light from entering the camera window 311 from the illumination area 313, a shield 312 is provided on the outer circumference of the camera window 311.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 7 shows how the camera window 311 can be viewed through the glass 111. Application example

[0042] A specific application example is described below.

[0043] An electronic carrier A is temporarily mounted on an endoscope body 1 by an operator (physician) or technician such that the camera assembly 3 is inserted with its distal side first into a camera channel 10 of the endoscope body 1. The endoscope, thus prepared, is then used as intended.

[0044] After a single use of the endoscope, the camera assembly 3 is pulled out of the endoscope body 1. The endoscope body 1 is then disposed of.

[0045] The electronic carrier A with the camera assembly 3 is cleaned and temporarily mounted on a new endoscope body 1, with the camera assembly 3 being inserted into the camera channel 10 of the new endoscope body 1. Effects of the embodiment

[0046] The endoscope is designed as a detachable endoscope. The electronics carrier A, containing the camera assembly 3, can be separated from and reattached to the endoscope body 1. The endoscope body 1 is made of cost-effective plastic. The more expensive electronic components are integrated into the electronics carrier A, which contains the camera assembly 3. This allows the endoscope body 1 to be designed and used as a single-use unit. The electronics carrier A, containing the camera assembly 3, can be removed from a used endoscope body 1; the used endoscope body 1 can be disposed of; and the electronics carrier A, containing the camera assembly 3, can be inserted into a new endoscope body 1. This separates the more expensive and less expensive parts of the endoscope, allowing the more expensive parts to be reused and the less expensive parts to be disposed of.

[0047] Camera channel 10 is closed at its distal end and laterally along its entire length. Thus, camera channel 10 is completely sealed off from areas of the endoscope where contamination can occur. Only the proximal end remains open, preventing contamination.

[0048] With the present invention, only the electronic carrier A with the camera assembly 3 needs to be cleaned after use. This makes the endoscope itself lighter and easier to clean. Cross-contamination from patient to patient can be prevented even more effectively.

[0049] Even if the endoscope body 1 has a geometrically complex Albarran lever on the distal side, this no longer poses a cleaning problem, as this part can be disposed of after a single use. Example 2

[0050] A second embodiment of the present invention, which is not shown in the drawings, is described below.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the distal end of the camera channel 10 is sealed by a distal end wall 110. In the second embodiment, the distal end of the camera channel 10 is open. That is, the distal end wall 110 of the first embodiment is omitted.

[0052] The camera body 31, without the lens 111, is thus positioned at the distal end of the camera channel 10 so that it points directly in the distal direction. Therefore, the light transmission is not obstructed by an end wall.

[0053] The camera body 31 has a seal on its outer circumference. When the camera assembly 3 is inserted into the camera channel 10, the seal provided on the outer circumference of the camera body 31 seals the camera channel 10. In other words, when the camera assembly 3 is inserted into the camera channel 10, the seal is located between the outer circumference of the camera body 31 and the inner circumference of the inner wall 11 of the camera channel 10.

[0054] Preferably, the camera body 31 has a common assembly, the camera window 311, with a lens on its distal side. This lens can, of course, also be omitted. Alternatives

[0055] In embodiment 1, the disc 111 made of transparent material is arranged in the distal end wall 110. In other words, the entire distal end wall 110 is formed of transparent material.

[0056] Alternatively, the distal end wall 110 is also made of transparent material, but has a lens shape at the point opposite the camera window 311 in the first embodiment. Thus, in this alternative, a lens is integrated centrally into the disk 111.

[0057] In embodiment 1, the distal end of the camera channel 10 is configured such that, when the camera assembly 3 is inserted into the camera channel 10, the camera body 31 is directed distally. Alternatively, the distal end of the camera channel 10 can be directed laterally. In this case, when the camera assembly 3 is inserted into the camera channel 10, the camera body 31 is directed laterally and is effectively obstructed by a laterally arranged wall made of transparent material.

[0058] The mounting element 2 can have an actuation switch for the camera body 31. The actuation switch can operate the camera. Another actuation switch can operate the lighting area.

[0059] In embodiment 1, the illumination area is part of the camera assembly 31. The invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the camera assembly 31 is configured such that the camera body 31 is provided without an illumination device at its distal end. A separate illumination device (LED) can then be provided at a suitable position on the distal region of the endoscope body 1.

[0060] In embodiment 1, the mounting element 2 is attached to the connection element 12 of the endoscope body 1 by means of fasteners (screws 2A in threaded holes 12A). The fasteners (screws 2A in threaded holes 12A) can be omitted. Alternatively, the mounting element 2 can be clipped onto the connection element 12 of the endoscope body 1 in such a way that it is held securely on the endoscope body 1.

[0061] The present invention is applicable to both rigid and flexible endoscopes. Furthermore, the present invention is applicable to endoscopes where the camera is directed forward (i.e., distally) as well as to endoscopes where the camera is directed to the side (i.e., laterally). The principle of the present invention can even be used in any type of endoscopic application. Reference symbol list 1 Endoscope body 2 Mounting element 2A Fasteners 3 Camera assembly 4 signal cables 10 camera channels 11 inner wall of the camera channel 12 Connection element 12A Mounting point 15 Handle section 16 control knob 17 Working channel inlet 18 Introductory section 31 camera bodies 110 distal end wall of the camera canal 111 Disc made of transparent material 200 flushing channel 210 working channel 311 camera windows 312 Shielding 313 Lighting area A Electronic carrier

Claims

[1] Split endoscope with an endoscope body (1) with a control unit having a handle section (15) and a camera channel (10) open at least on the proximal side, and a camera assembly (3) adapted to be temporarily inserted with its distal side forward into the camera channel (10), wherein the camera assembly (3) has a camera (31) on its distal side, wherein a recess is provided in the proximal area of ​​the handle section (15) as a connection element (12) for mounting an electronic carrier (A), wherein the recess is formed in the housing section of the endoscope body (1), wherein the electronic carrier (A) has a mounting element (2), wherein the camera assembly (3) is supported on the mounting element (2), wherein the shape of the mounting element (2) is adapted so that the mounting element (2) is placed in the recess (12) on the endoscope body (1). [2] Split endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the camera channel (10) is sealed at the distal side. [3] Split endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the camera channel (10) is sealed at the distal side by a disc (111) made of transparent material. [4] Split endoscope according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the camera channel (10) has a lens on the distal side. [5] Split endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the camera assembly (3) has a lighting device (313) on its distal side. [6] Split endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the endoscope body (1) has a connection element (12) on the proximal side, on which a mounting element (2) provided on the proximal side of the camera assembly (3) can be mounted in order to reattach the camera assembly (3) to the endoscope body (1) in a removable manner when the camera assembly (3) is inserted into the endoscope body (1). [7] Split endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit is provided with a working channel inlet (17), and an access opening for the camera channel (10) is formed proximal to the working channel inlet (17) on the handle section (15) of the endoscope body (1), wherein the access opening for the camera channel (10) is formed in the area of ​​the connection element (12). [8] Method for using a camera assembly (3) in an endoscope, wherein a separate camera assembly (3) is temporarily inserted with its distal side forward into a camera channel (10) of an endoscope equipped with a control unit, characterized by , that the separate camera assembly (3) is inserted into the camera channel (10) such that a mounting element (2) with an electronic carrier (A) of the inserted camera assembly (3) is placed in a recess as a connection element (12) for mounting an electronic carrier (A) in the proximal area of ​​the handle section (15) of the endoscope body (1), wherein the recess is formed in the housing section of the endoscope body (1), and wherein the shape of the mounting element (2) is adapted to the recess (12) on the endoscope body (1). [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein after the single use of the endoscope the camera assembly (3) is withdrawn from the endoscope and the endoscope is disposed of. [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the camera assembly (3) is temporarily inserted into a new endoscope having a camera channel (10).

Images