Insertion support tool

Abstract

To provide an insertion support tool including a grip part that is improved in usability.SOLUTION: An overtube 10 includes: an overtube body 70; and a tubular grip part 80 connected to a proximal end side of the overtube body 70 and including an insertion port 82 communicated to an insertion tube line 11. The overtube 10 has a shape that is formed by flattening at least part of an outer peripheral surface 90 of the grip part 80 in cross-sectional view when being viewed from a direction orthogonal to a direction of a central axis A of the grip part 80 of the overtube 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an insertion aid that is inserted into a body together with an insertion section of an endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] In the medical field, a procedure is performed in which the insertion part of an endoscope is inserted into the digestive tract (also called a hollow organ), such as the large intestine or small intestine, to observe the inner wall surface of the digestive tract, and to perform diagnosis, treatment, etc. The digestive tract, such as the large intestine and small intestine, is curved in a complex manner, and simply pushing the insertion part of the endoscope in makes it difficult to transmit force to the tip of the insertion part, making it difficult to insert the endoscope deep into the tract.

[0003] Therefore, an insertion aid (also called an overtube) has been used to guide the insertion portion of an endoscope into the body. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose an insertion aid provided with an expandable and contractable balloon at the tip of the insertion aid.

[0004] According to such an insertion aid with a balloon, the inflation and deflation of the balloon can be individually controlled by supplying and suctioning air into the balloon from the balloon control device. This allows the insertion part to be inserted deep into the complexly curved digestive tract by alternately inserting the insertion part and the insertion aid while temporarily fixing the balloon of the insertion aid to the digestive tract at a predetermined timing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-136740 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2020 / 049913 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, in an insertion aid used to guide the insertion portion of an endoscope, an insertion operation is performed in which the insertion portion and the insertion aid are alternately inserted, and a retraction operation is performed in which the insertion portion and the insertion aid are retracted toward the hand side. These operations are performed by an operator or a caregiver while holding the grip of the insertion aid. For this reason, it is required that the grip of the insertion aid be improved in terms of usability, such as ease of gripping, finger contact, and ease of twisting, for the operator or caregiver.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an insertion aid having improved usability of a gripping portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is an insertion aid comprising: a tube body to be inserted into a body cavity and having an insertion channel through which an endoscope insertion portion can be inserted; and a tubular gripping portion connected to the base end side of the tube body and having an insertion opening communicating with the insertion channel, wherein at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the gripping portion is flattened in a cross-sectional view taken from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the gripping portion.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, the outer circumferential surface of the grip portion has at least two surfaces that face each other in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and that are flattened.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer circumferential surface of the grip portion has a shape in which four faces that face each other in pairs in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction are flattened.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the grip portion has a pair of sides facing each other, and a pair of arc portions connecting the ends of the pair of sides.

[0012] In one aspect of the invention, the side portion is an arcuate curve having a larger radius of curvature than the arc portion.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the sides are straight lines.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, the connection portion between the side portion and the arc portion has a rounded shape without corners.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, the grip portion comprises a first tubular portion provided on the side of the tube body, and a second tubular portion provided on the opposite side of the first tubular portion from the tube body and having an outer shape smaller than that of the first tubular portion, and the outer peripheral surface of at least one of the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion has a pair of side portions and a pair of arc portions.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, the outer circumferential surface of each of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion has a pair of side portions and a pair of arc portions.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion and the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion have shapes similar to each other in a cross-sectional view taken from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, the second cylindrical portion has an axial length shorter than that of the first cylindrical portion.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, the gripping portion is provided on the side of the second cylindrical portion opposite the side of the first cylindrical portion, has a funnel-shaped outer shape that widens toward the side opposite the first cylindrical portion, and is equipped with an insertion port forming portion in which an insertion port is formed.

[0020] In one aspect of the present invention, the outer circumferential surface of each of the first cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion, and the insertion opening forming portion has a pair of side portions and a pair of arc portions.

[0021] In one aspect of the present invention, in a cross-sectional view taken from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion, the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion, and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port forming portion have shapes similar to each other.

[0022] In one aspect of the present invention, a flange portion having an outer diameter larger than the first and second cylindrical portions is provided between the first and second cylindrical portions.

[0023] In one aspect of the present invention, the insertion port forming portion is provided with a leak prevention valve that prevents liquid from flowing out of the insertion port through the insertion pipeline.

[0024] In one aspect of the present invention, in a cross-sectional view taken from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the outer circumferential surface of the grip portion has a shape whose curvature changes continuously along the circumferential direction. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the usability of the grip portion of the insertion aid. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the tip of the insertion section. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the overtube as viewed from the base end side. [Diagram 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the gripping portion as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first and second cylindrical portions as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a view of the insertion port forming portion as viewed from the base end side in the axial direction. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation using an overtube. [Figure 9] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a grip portion according to a modified example, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. FIG. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining an assembly structure of an overtube. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram for explaining an assembly structure of a balloon air supply tube and a liquid supply tube. FIG. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram for explaining an assembly structure of a balloon air supply tube and a liquid supply tube. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram for explaining an assembly structure of a balloon air supply tube and a liquid supply tube. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the overtube according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus 1 having an overtube 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] 1, the endoscope device 1 includes an endoscope 14, an overtube 10, and a balloon control device 100. An endoscope for the lower digestive tract is exemplified as the endoscope 14, but other endoscopes such as for the upper digestive tract can also be used.

[0030] [Endoscope] The endoscope 14 includes a hand-operated operating section 16 and an insertion section 18 connected to the hand-operated operating section 16. A universal cable 20 is connected to the hand-operated operating section 16. Although not shown, the universal cable 20 includes a signal cable, a light guide, and an air supply tube. A connector 21 connected to a light source device 24 is provided at the tip of the universal cable 20. The light source device 24 is electrically connected to a processor 30. The light source device 24 and the connector 21 can transmit and receive control signals and image signals by optical communication. The light source device 24 transmits the control signals and the like transmitted and received by optical communication to the processor 30 via the connector 21. The light source device 24 wirelessly supplies power for driving the endoscope 14 via the connector 21. A monitor 60 is connected to the processor 30. The insertion section 18 is an example of an endoscope insertion section of the present invention.

[0031] The handheld operation unit 16 is also provided with an air / water supply button 32, a suction button 34, and a shutter button 36, as well as a pair of angle knobs 38, 38, and a forceps insertion section 39. The connector 21 is further provided with a balloon air supply port 42 for supplying air to a balloon 40 (described later) and for suctioning air from the balloon 40. Note that the "air" referred to here is gas for inflating the balloon 40 (including a balloon 78 described later), and the type (components) of the air is not particularly limited.

[0032] The insertion section 18 has, from the base end side to the tip end side of the insertion section 18, a flexible section 44, a bending section 46, and a tip section 48. The bending section 46 is remotely operated to be bent by rotating a pair of angle knobs 38, 38 provided on the hand operation section 16. This allows the tip surface 50 of the tip section 48 to be oriented in a desired direction.

[0033] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the tip portion 48 of the insertion portion 18. As shown in FIG.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end surface 50 of the distal end portion 48 has an observation window 52, ​​a pair of illumination windows 54, 54, an air / water supply nozzle 56, and a forceps port 58. An imaging element (not shown) is provided behind the observation window 52 in the distal end portion 48. An observation image is formed on the imaging element and photoelectrically converted. A signal cable (not shown) is connected to the imaging element, and this signal cable is inserted through the insertion portion 18, the handheld operation unit 16, and the universal cable 20 shown in FIG. 1, extended to the connector 21, and connected to the light source device 24. An electric signal representing the observation image photoelectrically converted by the imaging element is output from the light source device 24 to the processor 30, where it is appropriately processed and then output to the monitor 60. As a result, the observation image is displayed on the monitor 60.

[0035] The exit ends of light guides (not shown) are disposed behind the pair of illumination windows 54, 54 within the tip portion 48. The incident end of each light guide is connected to the light source device 24 (see FIG. 1). As a result, illumination light supplied from the light source device 24 to the incident end of each light guide is irradiated from the exit end of each light guide through the pair of illumination windows 54, 54 to the site to be observed.

[0036] An air supply suction port 62 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion 48. This air supply suction port 62 is connected to the balloon air supply port 42 via various tubes and the like (not shown) that are inserted from the inside of the insertion portion 18 to the connector 21 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, when air is supplied from the balloon air supply port 42, the air is blown out from the air supply suction port 62 via the above-mentioned tubes and the like. Also, when air is sucked from the balloon air supply port 42, air is sucked from the air supply suction port 62 via the above-mentioned tubes and the like.

[0037] A balloon 40 made of various elastic materials or the like is detachably attached to the tip 48 of the insertion section 18. The balloon 40 includes a central bulging section 40C and attachment sections 40A, 40B on the tip and base ends. The balloon 40 has the attachment sections 40A, 40B fixed to the tip 48 by a known method with the air supply suction port 62 disposed inside the bulging section 40C. In the balloon 40 configured in this manner, the bulging section 40C expands into a substantially spherical shape when air is blown out from the air supply suction port 62, and the bulging section 40C contracts when air is sucked in from the air supply suction port 62.

[0038] [Overtube] Fig. 3 is a side view of the overtube 10. Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the overtube 10 as viewed from the base end side.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the overtube 10 has an overtube main body 70. The overtube main body 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape from various flexible materials or the like. The outer shape of the overtube main body 70 has a substantially constant size along the direction of the central axis A. A first insertion duct 71 is formed inside the overtube main body 70 along the direction of the central axis A. The inner circumferential surface of the first insertion duct 71 of the overtube main body 70 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the insertion section 18.

[0040] A tubular gripping part 80 that is gripped by an operator is connected to the base end side of the overtube main body 70. Inside the gripping part 80, a second insertion duct 81 is formed along the central axis A direction. An insertion port 82 that communicates with the second insertion duct 81 is formed on the base end side of the gripping part 80. By connecting the overtube main body 70 and the gripping part 80, the first insertion duct 71 and the second insertion duct 81 communicate with each other, and an insertion duct 11 is formed. The insertion port 82 communicates with the insertion duct 11 of the overtube 10. The insertion part 18 is movable along the central axis A direction inside the insertion duct 11. In this specification, the "tip" or "tip side" refers to the side in the direction of insertion into the body cavity, and the "base end" or "base end side" refers to the opposite side to the "tip" or "tip side". The overtube 10 is an example of an insertion aid of the present invention. The overtube main body 70 is an example of a tube main body of the present invention. The gripping portion 80 is an example of a gripping portion of the present invention. The insertion conduit 11 is an example of an insertion conduit of the present invention. The insertion port 82 is an example of an insertion port of the present invention. The direction of the central axis A is an example of an axial direction of the present invention.

[0041] A balloon 78 made of various elastic materials is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the tip side of the overtube main body 70. In addition, an air supply / exhaust pipe line (not shown) is formed along the central axis A direction between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the overtube main body 70. The air supply / exhaust pipe line opens on the outer peripheral surface located inside the balloon 78 as an air supply / suction port (not shown) for the balloon 78.

[0042] A balloon air supply pipe 93 communicating with the air supply / exhaust pipe is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the gripping portion 80. The balloon air supply pipe 93 is composed of a balloon air supply port 93A and a balloon air supply tube 93B.

[0043] The balloon air supply port 93A is connected to the balloon control device 100 via a tube 106 (see FIG. 1). When the balloon control device 100 is driven to supply air to the balloon air supply port 93A, the air is blown out from the air supply suction port via the balloon air supply tube 93B and the air supply and exhaust pipe of the overtube main body 70. This causes the balloon 78 to expand. Also, when air is sucked in by the balloon control device 100, the air inside the balloon 78 is sucked in from the air supply suction port via the air supply and exhaust pipe. This causes the balloon 78 to deflate.

[0044] 1, the balloon control device 100 is connected to the balloon air supply port 42 of the endoscope 14 via a tube 104, and is also connected to the balloon air supply tube 93 of the overtube main body 70 via a tube 106. A hand switch 102 is also connected to the balloon control device 100. In response to a control signal from the hand switch 102, the balloon control device 100 supplies air to each of the balloons 40, 78, and sucks air from within each of the balloons 40, 78. This causes each of the balloons 40, 78 to inflate and deflate individually.

[0045] A liquid supply tube 94 for supplying a lubricant such as water to the insertion channel 11 of the overtube 10 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the gripping portion 80. The liquid supply tube 94 is composed of a liquid supply port 94A and a liquid supply tube 94B. A lubricant supplying means (not shown) such as a syringe is connected to the liquid supply port 94A. The lubricant supplied from the liquid supply tube 94 reduces friction between the inner circumferential surface of the insertion channel 11 of the overtube 10 and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 18 (of the endoscope 14) inserted into the insertion channel 11.

[0046] <Gripping part> The gripping portion 80 is configured in a cylindrical shape from various hard materials. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the gripping portion 80 includes, in order from the tip side to the base end side, a first cylindrical portion 84, a second cylindrical portion 85, and an insertion port forming portion 86. The first cylindrical portion 84 has a cylindrical shape. The first cylindrical portion 84 is located on the base end side of the overtube main body 70. The first cylindrical portion 84 is an example of the first cylindrical portion of the present invention.

[0047] The second cylindrical portion 85 is cylindrical, and is provided on the base end side (the side opposite to the overtube main body 70) of the first cylindrical portion 84. The second cylindrical portion 85 has a larger outer diameter than the first cylindrical portion 84. The second cylindrical portion 85 is an example of the second cylindrical portion of the present invention.

[0048] The grip portion 80 has a flange portion 87 between the first cylindrical portion 84 and the second cylindrical portion 85, the flange portion 87 having an outer shape larger than the first cylindrical portion 84 and the second cylindrical portion 85. The flange portion 87 is an example of the flange portion of the present invention.

[0049] The flange portion 87 is a portion that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surfaces of the first cylindrical portion 84 and the second cylindrical portion 85, and is formed in a disk shape around the entire circumference of the grip portion 80.

[0050] The insertion port forming portion 86 is provided on the base end side (opposite the first cylindrical portion 84 side) of the second cylindrical portion 85. The insertion port forming portion 86 has a funnel-shaped outer shape that widens in diameter from the tip side (the first cylindrical portion 84 side) of the insertion port forming portion 86 toward the base end side (the opposite side to the first cylindrical portion 84 side). An insertion port 82 is formed on the base end side of the insertion port forming portion 86. The insertion port forming portion 86 is one example of the insertion port forming portion of the present invention.

[0051] The base end side of the insertion port forming part 86 is constituted by a base end cap 88. The base end cap 88 has an outer shape of the same shape as the funnel-shaped maximum diameter part of the insertion port forming part 86. The base end cap 88 has an opening that becomes the insertion port 82. A protrusion 96 that serves as a mark when attaching the base end cap 88 to the insertion port forming part 86 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the base end cap 88 (see Figs. 11 and 12 described later). In addition, a leak prevention valve 89 is provided inside the base end cap 88. The leak prevention valve 89 is a valve member provided to prevent bodily fluids (liquids) that flow from the tip side of the insertion tube 11 into the inside of the overtube 10 from flowing out of the insertion port 82 when the insertion part 18 is inserted into the insertion tube 11 of the overtube 10 and inserted into the body. The leak prevention valve 89 is made of an elastic member, and an opening 89A for inserting the insertion part 18 is formed in the center thereof. The leak prevention valve 89 comes into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 18 when the insertion portion 18 is inserted into the insertion conduit 11, thereby preventing the outflow of bodily fluids through the insertion conduit 11. The leak prevention valve 89 is one example of a leak prevention valve of the present invention.

[0052] <Grip outer surface shape> Next, the shape of the outer circumferential surface 90 of the grip portion 80, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described. The grip portion 80 in this embodiment is composed of a first tubular portion 84, a second tubular portion 85, and an insertion opening forming portion 86, and the shapes of the outer circumferential surfaces of each portion are similar to each other. Hereinafter, when describing common features of the shapes of the outer circumferential surfaces of each portion (first tubular portion 84, second tubular portion 85, and insertion opening forming portion 86) constituting the grip portion 80, they will be collectively referred to as the outer circumferential surface 90 of the grip portion 80.

[0053] 5 is a diagram for explaining the shape of the outer peripheral surface 90 of the grip portion 80, and is a cross-sectional view of the grip portion 80 viewed from a direction perpendicular to the direction of the central axis A. In FIG. 5, the solid line indicates the outer peripheral surface 90 of the grip portion 80. In addition, the two-dot chain line indicates a circumscribing circle C that circumscribes the outer peripheral surface 90 of the grip portion 80.

[0054] 5, when the outer peripheral surface 90 of the gripping portion 80 is divided into four regions at equal intervals (every 90 degrees) in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis A, the four surfaces present in each region, a first surface 90A, a second surface 90B, a third surface 90C, and a fourth surface 90D, are convex toward the outside and are formed at positions slightly shifted toward the central axis A from the circumscribing circle C. In other words, the outer peripheral surface 90 of the gripping portion 80 is divided into four regions (surfaces) in the circumferential direction, each of which is flattened with respect to the circumscribing circle C.

[0055] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, a portion of each of the first surface 90A, the second surface 90B, the third surface 90C, and the fourth surface 90D constituting the outer peripheral surface 90 (the central portion of each surface in Fig. 5) is located closer to the central axis A by distances L1, L2, L3, and L4 compared to the circumscribing circle C. In this specification, "flattened" refers to a state in which at least a portion (four surfaces in this example) of the outer peripheral surface 90 of the gripping portion 80 is shifted toward the central axis A from the circumscribing circle C that circumscribes the outer peripheral surface 90 of the gripping portion 80 (however, this does not include a state in which the portion is concave toward the central axis A).

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 5, the outer peripheral surface 90 of the gripping portion 80 is configured in a flattened shape with four surfaces that face each other in pairs (a pair of the first surface 90A and the third surface 90C, and a pair of the second surface 90B and the fourth surface 90D) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the central axis A.

[0057] By providing the outer peripheral surface 90 of the gripping portion 80 with each of the flattened surfaces (first surface 90A, second surface 90B, third surface 90C, and fourth surface 90D) that are flattened as described above, the contact area between the outer peripheral surface 90 and the fingers of the surgeon or caregiver during work is increased. Also, in the outer peripheral surface 90 of the gripping portion 80, the boundary portion (connecting portion) connecting the adjacent flattened surfaces has a smaller radius of curvature than the flattened surfaces, making it easier for the fingers to hook onto the outer peripheral surface 90.

[0058] In the outer peripheral surface 90 of the gripping portion 80, the distances L1, L2, L3, and L4 between each flattened surface and the circumscribed circle C are the same. The distances L1, L2, L3, and L4 may be partially or entirely different. For example, the distances L1 and L3 between the opposing first surface 90A and third surface 90C may be equal (L1=L3), and the distances L2 and L4 between the opposing second surface 90B and fourth surface 90D may be equal (L2=L4), and the paired distances may be different (L1≠L2).

[0059] <First cylindrical portion, second cylindrical portion, and insertion port forming portion> The shapes of the outer circumferential surfaces of the first cylindrical portion 84, the second cylindrical portion 85 and the insertion opening forming portion 86 will be described.

[0060] 6-1 in Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 6-1 in Fig. 3) of the first cylindrical portion 84 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the direction of the central axis A. 6-2 in Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 6-2 in Fig. 3) of the second cylindrical portion 85 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the direction of the central axis A.

[0061] In FIG. 6-1, the shape of the first outer peripheral surface 840 of the first cylindrical portion 84 is shown by a normal vector NV and a curvature envelope CE. The normal vector NV is a vector perpendicular to the first outer peripheral surface 840. The length of the normal vector NV indicates the magnitude of the curvature at the point from which the normal vector NV is derived. That is, when the length of the normal vector NV is long, it indicates that the curvature at that point is large (the radius of curvature is small), and when the length of the normal vector NV is short, it indicates that the curvature at that point is small (the radius of curvature is large). The curvature envelope CE is a diagram showing the relative magnitude of the curvature of the first outer peripheral surface 840, and represents the change in the curvature of the first outer peripheral surface 840.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 6-1, the first outer peripheral surface 840 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a line passing through the central axis A, and is configured with a shape in which the curvature changes continuously along the circumferential direction. The first outer peripheral surface 840 is configured with four flattened surfaces, and includes a pair of mutually opposing side portions 840A and 840C, and a pair of arc portions 840B and 840D. The pair of arc portions 840B and 840D connect the ends of the pair of side portions 840A and 840C.

[0063] 6-2 in Fig. 6, similarly to Fig. 6-1, the shape of the second outer peripheral surface 850 of the second cylindrical portion 85 is shown by a normal vector NV and a curvature envelope CE. The second outer peripheral surface 850 of the second cylindrical portion 85 is configured to have a shape similar to the first outer peripheral surface 840 of the first cylindrical portion 84 described above, and has a shape relatively smaller than the first outer peripheral surface 840.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 6-2, the second outer peripheral surface 850 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a line passing through the central axis A, and is configured with a shape in which the curvature changes continuously along the circumferential direction. The second outer peripheral surface 850 is configured with four flattened surfaces, and includes a pair of mutually opposing side portions 850A and 850C, and a pair of arc portions 850B and 850D. The pair of arc portions 850B and 850D connect the ends of the pair of side portions 850A and 850C.

[0065] The first outer peripheral surface 840 of the first cylindrical portion 84 is an example of an outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion of the present invention. The second outer peripheral surface 850 of the second cylindrical portion 85 is an example of an outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion of the present invention. The pair of opposing side portions 840A and 840C and the pair of opposing side portions 850A and 850C are an example of a pair of opposing side portions of the present invention. The pair of arc portions 840B and 840D and the pair of arc portions 850B and 850D are an example of a pair of arc portions of the present invention.

[0066] The radius of curvature of a first outer peripheral surface 840 (a pair of arc-shaped sides 840A and 840C, and a pair of arc portions 840B and 840D) of the first cylindrical portion 84 is preferably within a range of 6.0 mm to 15.0 mm. The radius of curvature of a second outer peripheral surface 850 (a pair of arc-shaped sides 850A and 850C, and a pair of arc portions 850B and 850D) of the second cylindrical portion 85 is preferably within a range of 4.0 mm to 13.0 mm.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a view of the insertion port forming portion 86 as viewed from the base end side in the direction of the central axis A. As described above, the base end of the insertion port forming portion 86 is formed by the base end cap 88, and is formed in a similar shape to the first outer peripheral surface 840 of the first cylindrical portion 84 and the second outer peripheral surface 850 of the second cylindrical portion 85. The outer peripheral surface 860 of the insertion port forming portion 86 has a shape that is line-symmetrical with respect to a straight line passing through the central axis A, and is formed in a shape in which the curvature changes continuously along the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral surface 860 of the insertion port forming portion 86 is formed by four flattened surfaces, and includes a pair of side portions 860A and 860C, and a pair of arc portions 860B and 860D. The pair of side portions 860A and 860C are an example of a pair of side portions of the present invention. The pair of arc portions 860B and 860D are an example of a pair of arc portions of the present invention.

[0068] In the gripping portion 80 of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6-1, on the first outer surface 840 of the first tubular portion 84, a connecting portion 840E (indicated by a circle), which is the boundary portion between the side portions (side portions 840A and 840C) and the arc portions (arc portions 840B and 840D), has a greater curvature than the side portions and the arc portions, and has a rounded shape without corners.

[0069] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6-2, on the second outer surface 850 of the second tubular portion 85, a connecting portion 850E, which is the boundary portion between the side portion (side portions 850A and 850C) and the arc portion (arc portions 850B and 850D), has a greater curvature than the side portions and the arc portion, and has a rounded shape without corners.

[0070] 7, in the outer peripheral surface 860 of the insertion opening forming portion 86, a connecting portion 860E, which is a boundary portion between a side portion (side portions 860A and 860C) and an arc portion (arc portions 860B and 860D), has a curvature larger than that of the side portions and the arc portions, and has a rounded shape without corners. The connecting portions 840E, 850E, and 860E are examples of the connecting portions of the present invention.

[0071] The respective outer dimensions and lengths of the first tubular portion 84, the second tubular portion 85, the flange portion 87, and the insertion opening forming portion 86 can preferably fall within the following ranges.

[0072] The outer shape of the first cylindrical portion 84 is larger than the outer shape of the overtube main body 70, and has a substantially constant size along the central axis A. Specifically, the maximum diameter (diameter of the circumscribing circle) of the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 84 is larger than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface (cylindrical surface) of the overtube main body 70, and is, for example, 10 mm or more and 40 mm or less, and preferably 15 mm or more and 25 mm or less (more preferably 17 mm or more and 20 mm or less). Moreover, the length of the first cylindrical portion 84 in the central axis A direction is, for example, 20 mm or more and 100 mm or less, and preferably 35 mm or more and 60 mm or less (more preferably 40 mm or more and 50 mm or less).

[0073] The outer shape of the second cylindrical portion 85 is smaller than that of the first cylindrical portion 84, and has a substantially constant size along the central axis A direction. The second cylindrical portion 85 has a shorter length along the central axis A direction than the first cylindrical portion 84. Specifically, the maximum diameter (diameter of the circumscribed circle) of the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 85 is smaller than the maximum diameter (diameter of the circumscribed circle) of the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 84, and is, for example, 8 mm or more and 30 mm or less, and preferably 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less (more preferably 12 mm or more and 16 mm or less). The length of the second cylindrical portion 85 along the central axis A direction is, for example, 5 mm or more and 50 mm or less, and preferably 8 mm or more and 30 mm or less (more preferably 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less).

[0074] The outer diameter of the circular outer edge portion of the flange portion 87 is larger than the maximum diameter (diameter of the circumscribing circle) of the first cylindrical portion 84 and the second cylindrical portion 85, and is, for example, 12 mm or more and 50 mm or less, preferably 14 mm or more and 30 mm or less (more preferably 16 mm or more and 25 mm or less).

[0075] The outer shape of the base end (base end cap 88) of the insertion port forming portion 86 is larger than the maximum diameter (diameter of the circumscribing circle) of the first cylindrical portion 84 and the second cylindrical portion 85, and is preferably larger than the outer diameter of the circular outer edge portion of the flange portion 87. Specifically, the maximum diameter (diameter of the circumscribing circle) of the outer peripheral surface of the base end of the insertion port forming portion 86 is larger than the maximum diameter (diameter of the circumscribing circle) of the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 84 and the second cylindrical portion 85, and is, for example, 15 mm or more and 50 mm or less, and preferably 18 mm or more and 40 mm or less (more preferably 20 mm or more and 30 mm or less). Moreover, the length of the insertion port forming portion 86 in the direction of the central axis A is, for example, 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less, and preferably 7 mm or more and 20 mm or less (more preferably 8 mm or more and 12 mm or less).

[0076] In the embodiment of the gripping portion 80, the side portions 840A and 840C of the first outer peripheral surface 840, the side portions 850A and 850C of the second outer peripheral surface 850, and the side portions 860A and 860C of the outer peripheral surface 860 are each formed by an arc-shaped curve, but this configuration is not limited thereto, and some or all of them may be formed by straight lines.

[0077] Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation performed by an operator or an assistant gripping the gripping portion 80 of the overtube 10. 8-1 in Fig. 8 shows a state when an operator H1 performs an operation to retract the overtube 10 toward the hand side. As a prerequisite for the retraction operation, the balloon 78 of the overtube main body 70 and the balloon 40 of the insertion portion 18 are inflated and fixed in the intestine.

[0078] With the balloons 40 and 78 inflated, the surgeon H1 performs an operation to fold the intestine by pulling both the overtube main body 70 and the insertion part 18 in the direction of the arrow. When performing the retraction operation, the surgeon H1 grasps the second tube part 85 with his fingers (thumb and index finger). Then, he grasps the insertion part 18 with the other fingers and palm and pulls them together. As described above, the second outer circumferential surface 850 (not shown) of the second tube part 85 is flattened, so that the contact area with the fingers is large. In addition, in the second outer circumferential surface 850, the boundary part (connecting part) connecting the adjacent flattened surfaces has a larger curvature (smaller radius of curvature) than the flattened surfaces, so that the fingers can easily get caught on the second outer circumferential surface 850. In addition, since an insertion port forming portion 86 is formed on the base end side of the second tubular portion 85, the surgeon's fingers can easily hook onto the enlarged portion of the insertion port forming portion 86, making it easier for the surgeon H1 to pull the overtube 10 and the insertion portion 18.

[0079] 8-2 shows a state in which the surgeon H1 and the assistant H2 perform an insertion operation to insert the insertion portion 18 into the overtube 10. As a prerequisite for the insertion operation, the overtube 10 is fixed in the intestine by the inflated balloon 78.

[0080] During the pushing operation, the surgeon H1 grasps the insertion portion 18 with the balloon deflated between his fingers and palm. The surgeon H1 pushes the insertion portion 18 in the direction of the arrow. The assistant H2 grasps the first tube portion 84 with his fingers (thumb, index finger, and middle finger) to prevent the overtube 10 from moving. Since the first outer peripheral surface 840 (not shown) of the first tube portion 84 is flattened as described above, the contact area with the fingers is increased, and the assistant H2 can firmly grasp the gripping portion 80. At this time, the fingers of the assistant H2 come into contact with the flange portion 87, and the gripping portion 80 does not easily slip off the palm of the assistant H2, so that the gripping state becomes stable.

[0081] 8, the first tube portion 84 is held by the caregiver H2 with his / her fingers (thumb, index finger, and middle finger), so it is preferable that it is long in the direction of the central axis A and has a large outer shape. On the other hand, the second tube portion 85 is held by the surgeon with his / her fingers (thumb and index finger), so it is preferable that it is short in the direction of the central axis A and has a small outer shape.

[0082] According to the embodiment of the overtube 10 configured as described above, the outer peripheral surface 90 (first outer peripheral surface 840, second outer peripheral surface 850, and outer peripheral surface 860) of the gripping portion 80 has a flattened surface, so that the area of ​​contact with the fingers of an operator or caregiver when gripping the gripping portion 80 is increased, making it easier for the operator or caregiver to grip the gripping portion 80 with their fingers. Therefore, the gripping portion 80 is easier for the operator or caregiver to grip, feel with the fingers, and twist, improving the usability of the gripping portion 80.

[0083] <Modifications of the outer peripheral surface of the gripping portion> In the above embodiment, a configuration was shown in which the outer peripheral surface 90 of the gripping portion 80 (first outer peripheral surface 840, second outer peripheral surface 850, and outer peripheral surface 860) has four flattened surfaces, but this is not limited to this, and at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface 90 may be flattened.

[0084] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a grip part according to a modification, seen from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. In the modification shown in Fig. 9-1, an outer peripheral surface 90 of a grip part 80A has a flattened surface only on a first surface 90A. The surfaces of the outer peripheral surface 90 other than the first surface 90A are not flattened and coincide with the circumscribed circle C.

[0085] In the modified example shown in Fig. 9-2 of the gripping portion 80B, the first surface 90A and the third surface 90C facing each other are flattened surfaces. The surfaces of the outer peripheral surface 90 other than the first surface 90A and the third surface 90C are not flattened and coincide with the circumscribed circle C.

[0086] Even in these modified examples in which at least a portion of the outer surface 90 of the gripping portion 80B is flattened, the surgeon or caregiver can easily grip the gripping portion 80, feel the fingers thereon, and twist it, thereby improving the usability of the gripping portion 80.

[0087] In addition, in the above embodiment, as one preferred aspect, a configuration is shown in which the first outer peripheral surface 840, the second outer peripheral surface 850, and the outer peripheral surface 860 corresponding to the outer peripheral surface 90 of the gripping portion 80 have similar shapes to each other, but this is not limited to the above, and some or all of these may have non-similar shapes.

[0088] <Overtube assembly structure> Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the assembly structure of the overtube 10. In Fig. 10, 10-1 is a diagram showing the state before the gripping portion 80 is assembled, and 10-2 is a diagram showing the state after the gripping portion 80 is assembled.

[0089] 10, the grip portion 80 includes a first member 110, a second member 120, and a base end cap 88. The first member 110 includes, in order from the tip side to the base end side, a first main body portion 110A and a first flange portion 110B. The first member 110 is configured by integrally molding the first main body portion 110A and the first flange portion 110B. The first member 110 has a sleeve-like shape in which an insertion passage 110C is formed to penetrate in the direction of the central axis A.

[0090] The first main body portion 110A has a cylindrical outer shape. Since the first main body portion 110A becomes the first cylindrical portion 84 after assembly, at least a part of the outer circumferential surface has the shape (flattened shape) shown in FIG. 6-1 in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the central axis A direction.

[0091] The first flange portion 110B is provided on the base end side of the first main body portion 110A. The first flange portion 110B has a shape that gradually increases in diameter toward the base end side.

[0092] The second member 120 has, in order from the tip side to the base side, a first fitting portion 120A, a second fitting portion 120B, a second flange portion 120C, a second main body portion 120D, and an expanded diameter portion 120E. The second member 120 is configured by integrally molding the first fitting portion 120A, the second fitting portion 120B, the second flange portion 120C, the second main body portion 120D, and the expanded diameter portion 120E. The second member 120 has a through passage 120F that penetrates in the direction of the central axis A.

[0093] The first fitting portion 120A has a cylindrical shape. The first fitting portion 120A is a portion that is fitted into the first insertion duct 71 of the overtube main body 70. By this fitting, the grip portion 80 and the overtube main body 70 are connected.

[0094] The second fitting portion 120B is disposed on the base end side of the first fitting portion 120A and has a cylindrical shape. The second fitting portion 120B has a larger outer shape than the first fitting portion 120A. The second fitting portion 120B is a portion that is fitted into the fitting passage 110C of the first member 110. By this fitting, the first member 110 and the second member 120 are connected.

[0095] The second flange portion 120C is disposed on the base end side of the second fitting portion 120B, protrudes from the second fitting portion 120B in the outer diameter direction, and has a shape that gradually reduces in diameter toward the base end. After the grip portion 80 is assembled, the first flange portion 110B and the second flange portion 120C become the flange portion 87.

[0096] The second main body portion 120D is disposed on the base end side of the second flange portion 120C and has a cylindrical shape. The outer shape of the second main body portion 120D is smaller than the outer shape of the first main body portion 110A of the first member 110. The second main body portion 120D is a portion that becomes the second tubular portion 85 after the grip portion 80 is assembled. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the second main body portion 120D has the shape (flattened shape) shown in 6-2 of FIG.

[0097] The expanded diameter section 120E is disposed on the base end side of the second main body section 120D, and has a funnel-shaped outer shape that gradually expands in diameter toward the base end. The expanded diameter section 120E is a portion that becomes the insertion port forming section 86 after assembly of the grip section 80. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the expanded diameter section 120E has the shape (flattened shape) shown in FIG. 7. A cylindrical base end cap attachment section is provided on the base end side of the expanded diameter section 120, and a base end cap 88 is attached to the outer periphery of the base end cap attachment section.

[0098] <Assembly structure of balloon air supply pipe and liquid supply pipe> The assembly structure of the balloon air supply tube 93 and the liquid supply tube 94 will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. As shown in Figure 11, the balloon air supply tube 93 and the liquid supply tube 94 are led out from the flange portion 87 of the gripping portion 80. Specifically, the balloon air supply tube 93B and the liquid supply tube 94B are led out to the outside from an opening 87A formed in the base end side surface of the flange portion 87. Since the balloon air supply tube 93B and the liquid supply tube 94B are housed within the opening 87A, the balloon air supply tube 93B and the liquid supply tube 94B are prevented from being displaced from the gripping portion 80.

[0099] FIG. 12 shows a state in which the first member 110 (not shown) is removed from the overtube 10 of FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 12, a through hole 120G communicating with the insertion duct 11 of the overtube 10 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second fitting portion 120B of the second member 120. A metal pipe 94C is attached to the end of the base end side (opposite to the liquid supply port 94A) of the liquid supply tube 94B. The metal pipe 94C is inserted into the through hole 120G and communicates with the insertion duct 11. The metal pipe 94C has a shape bent toward the side of the insertion duct 11. A lubricant such as water is supplied to the insertion duct 11 via the liquid supply port 94A, the liquid supply tube 94B, and the metal pipe 94C.

[0100] A metal pipe 93C is attached to the end of the base end side (opposite the balloon air supply port 93A) of the balloon air supply tube 93B. The metal pipe 93C is inserted into the air supply and exhaust pipe 72 provided in the overtube main body 70. The metal pipe 93C has a substantially linear shape. Air is supplied to or exhausted from the balloon 78 via the balloon air supply port 93A, the balloon air supply tube 93B, the metal pipe 94C, and the air supply and exhaust pipe 72.

[0101] A groove 120H through which the balloon air supply tube 93B and the liquid supply tube 94B pass is formed in the second flange portion 120C of the second member 120. The groove 120H of the second member 120 and the first flange portion 110B of the first member 110 form an opening 87A (see FIG. 11).

[0102] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a part of the second member 120 and the metal pipes 93C and 94C. As shown in FIG. 13, a step 120I is formed along the central axis A direction on the outer circumferential surface of the second fitting portion 120B. The step 120I is disposed at a position where the circumferential position is the same as that of the groove 120H. The step 120I is a rectangular area recessed inward (toward the central axis A) compared to other parts of the second fitting portion 120B. The balloon air supply tube 93B and the liquid supply tube 94B are housed in the step 120I. The step 120I has an elongated portion corresponding to the shape of the metal pipes 93C and 94C. The step 120I can suppress misalignment of the metal pipes 93C and 94C.

[0103] The stepped portion 120I is provided with a wall portion 120J formed in the circumferential center portion (direction around the central axis A) along the direction of the central axis A. The wall portion 120J separates and positions the balloon air supply tube 93B and the liquid supply tube 94B.

[0104] Although the insertion aid according to the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention may be improved or modified in several ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1...Endoscope device 10…Overtube 11...Pipeline 14. Endoscope 16...Handheld operation section 18…Insertion part 20…Universal cable 21…Connector 24...Light source device 30…Processor 32…Air / water supply button 34…Suction button 36...Shutter button 38...Angle knob 39…Forceps insertion section 40…Balloon 40A…Mounting part 40B…Mounting part 40C…bulge 42…Balloon air outlet 44…Soft part 46…Bend 48...Tip 50…Tip surface 52...Observation window 54…Lighting window 56…Air and water supply nozzle 58…Forceps opening 60…Monitor 62…Air supply suction port 70…Overtube body 71…First insertion pipe 72...Air supply and exhaust pipe 78…Balloon 80...Gripping part 80A…Gripping part 80B…Gripping part 81...Second insertion pipe 82…Insertion port 84...First cylindrical part 85...Second cylinder part 86…Insertion port forming section 87…Flange section 87A…Aperture 88…Base end cap 89...Leak prevention valve 89A…Aperture 90...Outer surface 90A…First page 90B…Second side 90C…Side 3 90D…4th side 93…Balloon air supply pipe 93A…Balloon air outlet 93B…Balloon air supply tube 93C…Metal pipe 94…Liquid supply pipe 94A…Liquid supply port 94B…Liquid supply tube 94C…Metal pipe 96…Protrusion 100...Balloon control device 102…Hand switch 104…Tube 106…Tube 110…Part 1 110A…1st main body 110B…Part 1 Furuinka 110C…Embedded Road 120…Part 2 120A…1st embedded part 120B…Second embedded part 120C…Part 2 Furacon 120D…2nd body part 120E…Extension section 120F…Guantong Road 120G…Through hole 120H…Ditch 120I...step difference part 120J…Wall 840…1st outer surface 840A…Department 840B…Arc 840C…Department 840D…arc 840E…Connection Department 850…2nd outer surface 850A…Department 850B…Arc 850C…Department 850D…arc 850E…Connection 860…Outer surface 860A…Department 860B…Arc 860C…Department 860D…arc 860E…Connection A…Center axis CE…Curvature Envelope H1…Operator H2…mediator L1…Distance L2…Distance L3…distance L4…distance NV...Normal line ベクトル C…External yen

Claims

1. a tube body having an insertion channel through which an endoscope insertion section can be inserted and which is inserted into a body cavity; a tubular gripping portion connected to a base end side of the tube body and having an insertion port communicating with the insertion tube; An insertion aid comprising: In a cross-sectional view taken from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the gripping portion, at least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the gripping portion is flattened. Insertion aid.

2. At least two surfaces of the outer circumferential surface of the gripping portion that face each other in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction have the flattened shape. The insertion aid according to claim 1 .

3. The outer circumferential surface of the gripping portion has four faces that face each other in pairs in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and have the flattened shape. The insertion aid according to claim 2.

4. The outer peripheral surface of the grip portion has a pair of side portions facing each other and a pair of arc portions connecting the ends of the pair of side portions. The insertion aid according to claim 1 .

5. The insertion aid according to claim 4 , wherein the side portion is an arc-shaped curve having a larger radius of curvature than the arc portion.

6. The insertion aid according to claim 4 , wherein the side portions are straight lines.

7. A connection portion between the side portion and the arc portion has a rounded shape without corners. The insertion aid according to claim 4.

8. The gripping portion is A first cylindrical portion provided on the side of the tube main body; a second cylindrical portion provided on the opposite side of the first cylindrical portion from the tube body and having an outer shape smaller than an outer shape of the first cylindrical portion; Equipped with At least one of the outer circumferential surfaces of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion has the pair of side portions and the pair of arc portions. The insertion aid according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. Each of the outer circumferential surfaces of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion has the pair of side portions and the pair of arc portions. The insertion aid according to claim 8.

10. In a cross-sectional view taken from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, an outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion and an outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion have similar shapes. The insertion aid according to claim 9.

11. The insertion aid according to claim 8 , wherein the second tubular portion has a length in the axial direction shorter than that of the first tubular portion.

12. The gripping portion is provided on the second cylindrical portion on the opposite side to the first cylindrical portion, and has a funnel-shaped outer shape with a diameter expanding toward the opposite side to the first cylindrical portion, and includes an insertion opening forming portion in which the insertion opening is formed. The insertion aid according to claim 8.

13. an outer circumferential surface of each of the first cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion, and the insertion port forming portion has the pair of side portions and the pair of arc portions; The insertion aid according to claim 12.

14. In a cross-sectional view taken from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, an outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion, an outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion, and an outer peripheral surface of the insertion port forming portion have shapes similar to each other. The insertion aid according to claim 13.

15. The insertion aid according to claim 8 , further comprising a flange portion between the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion, the flange portion having an outer shape larger than the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion.

16. The insertion aid according to claim 12 , wherein the insertion port forming portion is provided with a leak prevention valve that prevents liquid from flowing out of the insertion port through the insertion pipe.

17. The insertion aid according to claim 1 , wherein, in a cross-sectional view taken from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, an outer circumferential surface of the gripping portion has a shape whose curvature changes continuously along the circumferential direction.

18. The gripping portion is A first cylindrical portion provided on the side of the tube main body; a second cylindrical portion provided on the opposite side of the first cylindrical portion from the tube body and having an outer shape smaller than an outer shape of the first cylindrical portion; Equipped with At least one of the outer circumferential surfaces of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion has a pair of side portions and the pair of arc portions. An insertion aid according to claim 17.

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