In-vivo examination device using endoscope

Abstract

To support examination by analyzing, in real time, gas 30 emitted from a diseased region inside a living body.SOLUTION: When a predetermined range inside a living body is sequentially examined using an endoscope 12, gas 30 near an objective lens 16 of the endoscope 12 is continuously suctioned by a suction device 22 from start to end of the examination. An analysis device 50 executes, in parallel with the examination, processing for detecting specific components contained in the suctioned gas 30 or detecting component changes. A recording device 58 identifies and records a location where a specific component is detected or a location where a component change is detected in an in-vivo image photographed by the endoscope 12, and notifies an examiner of the detected specific component or the location during the examination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for assisting a doctor in performing an examination using an endoscope when examining the inside of a living body. [Background technology]

[0002] For the purpose of pathological diagnosis of suspected tissue, a technology has been introduced in which a laser beam is irradiated onto the suspected tissue in the living body using an endoscope, and the evaporated gas is aspirated and analyzed using a gas chromatography device. This allows for the rapid detection of tissue suspected of cancer, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-68683 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The device described in the above document first finds the suspected tissue with an endoscope, then irradiates the tissue with a laser to detect the gas that is generated. Therefore, the suspected tissue must first be found. Then, the laser is irradiated to damage the surface, and then it is determined whether or not it is a cancer cell.

[0005] However, this requires advanced techniques and careful attention to find the suspect tissue, and the gas analysis takes time. There is also a risk that the laser may damage healthy tissue. The present invention was made to solve these problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The following configurations are means for solving the above problems.

[0007] <Configuration 1> a suction device that sucks gas generated inside a living body through a suction tube from an intake port provided near an objective lens at the tip of the endoscope; an analyzing device that, when sequentially inspecting predetermined areas within a living body using an endoscope, continuously aspirates gas in a location close to the objective lens of the endoscope from the start of the inspection to the end of the inspection, and detects specific components contained in the aspirated gas or detects changes in the components in parallel with the inspection; and a recording device that determines and records the location where the specific component or the component change is detected in the image of the inside of the living body taken by the endoscope.

[0008] <Configuration 2> a suction device that sucks gas generated inside a living body through a suction tube from an intake port provided near an objective lens at the tip of the endoscope; an analyzing device that, when sequentially inspecting predetermined areas within a living body using an endoscope, continuously aspirates gas in a location close to the objective lens of the endoscope from the start of the inspection to the end of the inspection, and detects specific components contained in the aspirated gas or detects changes in the components in parallel with the inspection; An in-vivo examination device using an endoscope, characterized in that it is equipped with a reporting device that reports the results to a doctor operating the endoscope when the above-mentioned specific component is detected or a change in component is detected during examination using the endoscope.

[0009] <Configuration 3> An in-vivo examination device using an endoscope according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that it is equipped with an air supply device that supplies air equivalent to the amount of gas to be aspirated through an air supply tube built into the endoscope to an air supply port located in front of or behind the objective lens of the endoscope, the air being directed in a direction that prevents the air from being blown directly toward the area to be examined inside the living body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] <Effects of Configuration 1> Gases emitted from diseased areas within the body are aspirated in parallel with endoscopic examination and analyzed in real time, making it possible to identify images of diseased areas that could not be detected by images alone. <Effects of Configuration 2> During an endoscopic examination, the system automatically detects areas where gas different from other areas is being emitted and notifies the doctor, thereby supporting the doctor's diagnosis. <Effects of Configuration 3> Gas is continuously aspirated from the tip of the endoscope, so air is blown in from a distance in front or behind the endoscope to prevent it from being blown directly toward the area being examined. The surrounding air flow can also be adjusted to assist in aspirating gas. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main part of the endoscope. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the analysis operation of the device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail for each example. [Example]

[0013] This invention provides a device for acquiring and analyzing specific gases emitted from diseased areas such as cancer cells in the human body. While it depends on the type of diseased area, there are many cases where diseased areas emit specific gases that differ from those emitted by surrounding healthy areas. This detection can be used to find diseased areas that cannot be identified by images alone.

[0014] The specific gas type can be identified based on the results of repeated collection and analysis of gases generated from the same diseased area in clinical trials. The gas may contain specific components not normally present, or may be a unique combination of several components. The components of the collected gas can be determined and further quantitatively analyzed, and compared with the gas in the surrounding normal tissue to determine the presence or absence of the specific component.

[0015] When analyzing gases using a gas chromatograph, it takes time to obtain analysis results after the endoscopy is completed. The device of the present invention utilizes a device that instantly analyzes the components of acquired gases. When sequentially examining specific areas within a living body, the device continuously acquires gas from the examination site from the start of the endoscopic examination to the end of the examination, and determines the presence or absence of specific components in real time. The device detects areas where gas containing specific components is being generated without damaging the area being examined. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device with this function.

[0016] The specific structure of the device will be explained using Figure 1. This device uses an endoscope 12 having an appearance similar to that described in Patent Document 1, for example. This endoscope 12 contains an optical fiber 14, the tip of which is fitted with an objective lens 16. An image of the area to be examined can be acquired through the objective lens 16 and displayed on a monitor 13. The doctor operating the endoscope 12 can also view the area to be examined with the naked eye through the eyepiece.

[0017] The endoscope 12 used in the present invention incorporates a suction tube 20 and an airflow adjustment tube 19 along the optical fiber 14. An air intake port 18 of the suction tube 20 is located close to the objective lens 16 at the tip of the endoscope 12. Gas generated at the area to be examined is sucked into a suction device 22 from the air intake port 18 through the suction tube 20.

[0018] The suction tube 20 is connected to a suction device 22 arranged outside the endoscope 12. The suction device 22 includes an air pump 24 and an air filter 26. The air pump 24 has the function of sending gas sucked in through the suction tube 20 to the analysis device 50. Meanwhile, the air filter 26 has the function of sending purified air from an air outlet 28 through an air flow adjustment tube 19 inside the endoscope 12 to the area around the inspection target.

[0019] If the endoscope 12 continues to suck gas from the suction device 22, there is a risk that the area around the area to be examined will become decompressed. Therefore, purified air is sent through the airflow adjustment tube 19. However, if the air supply port 28 is located adjacent to the air intake port 18, there is a risk that gas generated from the area to be examined will be dispersed. Therefore, the air supply port 28 is located in front of or behind the objective lens 16 of the endoscope 12, in a location that will not adversely affect the air intake around the area to be examined. The operation of this will be explained later using Figure 2. Air equivalent to the amount of gas sucked through the air intake port 18 is sent into the living body from this air supply port 28.

[0020] The drawn gas 30 is analyzed using, for example, an analytical device manufactured by TOFWERK Corporation. The structure of this device is as shown in Figure 1. This device operates on the principle of a well-known time-of-flight mass spectrometer.

[0021] First, in the introduction device 46 of the analysis device 50, the analytes (component A 32, component B 34, component C 36) contained in the aspirated gas 30 are bonded with the reagent ions 38. For example, HO is used as the reagent ions 38. These are collided with the analytes to combine them, generating ionized polar particles A 40, polar particles B 42, and polar particles C 44.

[0022] In this example, the analyte has component A32 with the highest mass number and component C36 with the lowest mass number. Reagent ions 38 are prepared to generate such polar particles. Depending on the type of analyte, various other reagent ions can be used. This is known in time-of-flight mass spectrometry technology and will not be described in further detail.

[0023] These polar particles A40, polar particles B42, and polar particles C44 are sent into a chamber 47 whose pressure has been reduced using a vacuum pump 48. Inside the chamber 47, an electric field is formed from a gate 51 toward a reflector 52. The ionized polar particles fly through the chamber 47, turn around at the reflector 52, and then reach a detector 54 where they are detected.

[0024] In a time-of-flight mass spectrometer, polar particle A 40, which has the smallest mass number, flies through chamber 47 and is detected first by detector 54. Polar particle B 42, which has the largest mass number, is detected last by detector 54. A discriminator 56 determines the mass number of each component calculated from the time of flight within the chamber and identifies the substance name.

[0025] Recording device 58 records the discrimination result of discriminator 56. It takes, for example, about 0.1 seconds for the substance name of the component contained in the gas inhaled from the introduction device to be determined. That is, analysis of the gas inhaled from suction tube 20 can be performed every 0.1 seconds and recorded in recording device 58. Therefore, from the start to the end of the in vivo examination using endoscope 12, gas component analysis can be performed almost continuously in appearance, and the results can be output in real time.

[0026] For example, near areas where cancer cells exist, gas 30 with a specific component different from that of other areas can be obtained. Therefore, the area where the specific component is detected can be determined to be the area where cancer cells exist. Other various disease areas can also be detected in the same way.

[0027] For example, when performing an examination using the endoscope 12, the external image of the area being examined obtained through the eyepiece 16 may not be enough to accurately detect the presence or location of cancer cells. This device can detect specific components from trace amounts of gas at the location where cancer cells are present, thereby supporting medical examinations. In addition, this device can analyze and record the types and distribution of intestinal bacteria specific to each individual, which can be used for health management and diagnosis. [Example]

[0028] For accurate real-time analysis, the above-described analyzer 50 is required to inhale approximately 100 milliliters of gas 30 per minute. A device such as that described in Patent Document 1 is sufficient for temporarily collecting very small amounts of gas. An air outlet 28 or the like is not required. However, if the gas 30 is to be continuously inhaled and analyzed in real time, it is desirable to continuously supply purified air into the living body in a volume equivalent to the inhaled gas.

[0029] Furthermore, as described above, if air is sent toward the area where gas is being drawn in through the air inlet 18, the gas 30 in the area to be analyzed will be dispersed. Therefore, as described above, the air outlet 28 should be positioned in front of or behind the eyepiece 16. Furthermore, in the example of Figure 1, it is preferable to exhaust the air in the opposite direction to the eyepiece 16. It is preferable to at least avoid a direction toward the area to be examined.

[0030] As briefly explained in FIG. 1, FIG. 2(a) shows an example in which the air supply port 28 of the air flow adjustment tube 19 is arranged behind the objective lens of the endoscope. FIG. 2(b) shows an example in which the air flow adjustment tube 19 protrudes and the air supply port 28 is arranged in front of the objective lens 16 of the endoscope.

[0031] In either case, air is blown into the living body at a position slightly away from the objective lens so as not to be blown directly toward the area to be examined. In the example of Figure 2(a), air is blown backward from the air outlet 28 or in a direction approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the endoscope 12. In the example of Figure 2(b), air is blown further forward, in the opposite direction from the objective lens 16 of the endoscope.

[0032] Since gas is continuously sucked from the tip of the endoscope 12, by sending in an appropriate amount of air, it is possible to prevent the surrounding area from becoming decompressed, and this has the effect of regulating the flow of air in the surrounding area.

[0033] 2(a), if air is discharged from the air outlet 28 further forward beyond the endoscope 12, the inside of the living body is a nearly sealed space, so an air flow is generated that returns toward the area to be examined, as shown by the arrow in the figure. This flow is gentle, and has the effect of regulating the surrounding air flow and collecting gas generated from the area to be examined toward the air intake 18.

[0034] Figure 3 shows the analysis results of gases detected continuously during endoscopic examination. In the example shown in this figure, a specific component is detected at two locations. A large change in that component is detected when comparing the detection results at the previous and next locations. In each graph in the figure, the vertical axis represents the detection level (amount) of the component, and the horizontal axis represents the mass number.

[0035] The analysis results can confirm how much of a specific mass component was detected. Alternatively, if the components are clearly different from those before and after, it can be determined that some kind of abnormality has occurred. By identifying the location where the analysis results were obtained and linking the detection results to the captured image 64, the area where the gas is being emitted and the detected components can be clearly recorded and reported to a doctor.

[0036] Furthermore, because analysis can be performed in real time while the endoscope is being examined, if a specific component is detected or if a change in component is detected by comparing the results with those before and after, the physician operating the endoscope can be notified immediately, for example by sounding a buzzer using the notification device 60 (Fig. 1). This allows the physician to examine the area in more detail and perform a more accurate examination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 12 Endoscopy 13 Monitors 14 Optical Fiber 16 Objective Lenses 18 Air intake 19 Airflow adjustment tube 20 suction tube 22 Suction device 24 Air pump 26 Air filter 28 Air outlet 30 Gas 32 Component A 34 Component B 36 Component C 38 Regent Ion 40 Polar Particle A 42 Polar particle B 44 Polar particle C 46 Introduction Device 47 Chamber 48 Vacuum Pump 50 Analyzer Gate 51 52 Reflector 54 detector 56 Discriminator 58 Recording Devices 60 Notification device 64 images 66 Areas to be inspected

Claims

1. a suction device that sucks gas generated inside a living body through a suction tube from an intake port provided near an objective lens at the tip of the endoscope; an analyzing device that, when sequentially inspecting predetermined areas within a living body using an endoscope, continuously aspirates gas in a location close to the objective lens of the endoscope from the start of the inspection to the end of the inspection, and detects specific components contained in the aspirated gas or detects changes in the components in parallel with the inspection; and a recording device that determines and records the location where the specific component or the component change is detected in the image of the inside of the living body taken by the endoscope.

2. a suction device that sucks gas generated inside a living body through a suction tube from an intake port provided near an objective lens at the tip of the endoscope; an analyzing device that, when sequentially inspecting predetermined areas within a living body using an endoscope, continuously aspirates gas in a location close to the objective lens of the endoscope from the start of the inspection to the end of the inspection, and detects specific components contained in the aspirated gas or detects changes in the components in parallel with the inspection; An in-vivo examination device using an endoscope, characterized in that it is equipped with a reporting device that reports the results to a doctor operating the endoscope when the above-mentioned specific component is detected or a change in component is detected during examination using the endoscope.

3. 3. An in-vivo examination device using an endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is provided with an air supply device that supplies air equivalent to the amount of gas to be aspirated through an air supply tube built into the endoscope to an air supply port located in front of or behind the objective lens of the endoscope, the air being oriented in a direction such that the air is not blown directly toward the area to be examined inside the living body.

Images