Ultrasonic endoscope and distal end unit thereof

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic endoscope and its distal end unit capable of depicting an ultrasonic image at the proximal end of an ultrasonic transducer.SOLUTION: The outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion main body (distal end rigid portion 34) includes a first surface (continuous flat surface 90) that is provided on the proximal end side of the ultrasonic transducer (50) and extends along the longitudinal axis (38) of the insertion section (12), a second surface (convex surface 84) that is provided on the proximal end side of the first surface and is located on one side of a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis with respect to the first surface, and a stepped surface (85) that connects the proximal end side of the first surface and the distal end side of the second surface, in a case where a first intersection point is an intersection point between a tangential line which is in contact with the ultrasonic transducer and is in contact with the stepped surface at a position closest to the one direction side with respect to the stepped surface and the ultrasonic transducer, the first intersection point is included in a range of one third of the effective angle on the proximal end side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic endoscope and a tip unit thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Known ultrasound endoscopes include those equipped with an electronically scanned ultrasound transducer (also called an ultrasound transducer array or ultrasound unit) in a rigid tip section (tip unit) that constitutes the tip of the insertion section of the endoscope. While obtaining ultrasound images of a lesion (which may be an observation site, an examination site, or a medical examination site) using the ultrasound transducer, a puncture needle is introduced through a treatment tool channel and from a treatment tool outlet in the rigid tip section into the lesion to sample cellular tissue from the lesion. For example, when sampling cellular tissue from a bronchial lymph node, a puncture needle is inserted into the lymph node while obtaining ultrasound images of the lymph node using the ultrasound endoscope.

[0003] When observing lymph nodes using ultrasound, if there is a gap between the ultrasound transducer and the bronchial wall, ultrasound cannot be transmitted through air, and images of the lymph nodes cannot be obtained. Therefore, in order to obtain clear ultrasound images of lymph nodes without using a balloon, the ultrasound transducer must be placed in close contact with the bronchial wall.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses an ultrasonic endoscope in which the angle between the center line of the ultrasonic scanning range (effective angle) and the long axis (longitudinal axis) of the rigid tip portion is specified so that ultrasonic scanning can be performed on lymph nodes both close and far from the bronchial wall.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses an ultrasonic endoscope in which the tip of the rigid tip section to which the ultrasonic transducer is attached is tilted forward (inclined) on the side opposite to the side where the outlet for the treatment tool (puncture needle, etc.) is formed, for the same purpose as the invention described in Patent Document 1. Patent Documents 3 and 4 disclose ultrasonic endoscopes in which the tip of the rigid tip section is tilted forward, similar to the invention described in Patent Document 2, in order to improve insertability or reduce the insertion force of the puncture needle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-306489 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-354597 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2012 / 067010 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-143985 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The insertion section and its rigid tip section of an ultrasonic endoscope are being made thinner to reduce the burden on the patient and improve insertability. However, when the rigid tip section is made thinner, it becomes important in the ultrasonic endoscopic procedure to visualize ultrasonic images using the proximal end of the ultrasonic transducer, i.e., the end closest to the outlet through which the puncture needle (treatment tool) is introduced. In this case, it is necessary to increase the contact area of ​​the proximal end of the ultrasonic transducer with the bronchial wall, but the above-mentioned patent documents do not disclose or suggest this at all.

[0008] In the ultrasonic endoscopes described in Patent Documents 2 to 4, the tip of the rigid tip section is tilted forward, making it easier for the base end of the ultrasonic transducer to come into contact with the bronchial wall. However, even in this case, it is unclear whether the area where the base end of the ultrasonic transducer comes into contact with the bronchial wall can be increased depending on the angle of forward tilt of the tip of the rigid tip section.

[0009] Furthermore, depending on the forward tilt angle, the distal end of the rigid distal end portion may protrude outward beyond the outer periphery of the proximal end portion, which may affect operability such as the insertability of the insertion portion. Furthermore, it is necessary to secure an area for the electrical wiring of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0010] Furthermore, if only the tip of the rigid tip section is tilted forward, the protruding angle of the puncture needle relative to the imaging surface of the ultrasonic transducer becomes steeper, resulting in a deeper puncture depth of the puncture needle into the lymph node. This may result in lymph nodes that were previously puncturable becoming impossible to puncture. To maintain the relative angle between the ultrasonic transducer and the puncture needle, the angle of the treatment tool conduit provided within the tip section must be made more gradual. In this case, the tip section becomes longer, which may affect operability, such as the ease of insertion of the insertion section.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope and a tip unit thereof that can reliably produce ultrasonic images at the proximal end of the ultrasonic transducer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] An ultrasonic endoscope for achieving the object of the present invention comprises a tip body provided on the tip side of an insertion section and an ultrasonic transducer provided on the tip side of the tip body, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the tip body includes a first surface provided on the base end side of the ultrasonic transducer and along the longitudinal axis of the insertion section, a second surface provided on the base end side of the first surface and along the longitudinal axis, the second surface being located on one side of the first surface in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a step surface connecting the base end side of the first surface and the tip side of the second surface, wherein the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the first direction is defined as the second direction, the angle indicating the irradiation range of ultrasound emitted from the ultrasonic transducer when the tip body is viewed from the second direction side is defined as the effective angle, and when the intersection of the ultrasonic transducer with a tangent line that is tangent to the ultrasonic transducer and at a position furthest to one side of the step surface is defined as the first intersection point, the first intersection point is included within the range of the base end side 1 / 3 of the effective angle. It is more preferable that the first intersection point is included within the range of the base end side 1 / 4 of the effective angle.

[0013] According to this ultrasonic endoscope, the contact area of ​​the proximal end of the ultrasonic transducer with the wall surface can be increased, so that an ultrasonic image can be reliably drawn at this proximal end.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic endoscope includes an outlet provided on the outer peripheral surface of a tip body, opening in one direction and through which a treatment tool is introduced, a conduit connected to the outlet within the tip body and through which the treatment tool is inserted, and an observation window for an observation optical system provided on a stepped surface, wherein when the tip body is viewed from the second direction, a second intersection, which is the intersection of the center line of the tip of the conduit connected to the outlet and the tangent line, is located closer to the base end of the tip body than the first intersection, thereby allowing the treatment tool introduced through the outlet to be observed by the observation optical system.

[0015] In an ultrasonic endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention, the second intersection is located between the ultrasonic transducer and the step surface, which allows the treatment tool introduced through the introduction port to be observed by the observation optical system.

[0016] An ultrasonic endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention includes an outlet provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tip body, opening in one direction and through which a treatment tool is introduced, and a conduit connected to the outlet within the tip body and through which the treatment tool is inserted, wherein when the tip body is viewed from the second direction, the angle between the longitudinal axis and the distal end of the conduit is 20° to 35°, thereby ensuring operability such as insertability of the ultrasonic endoscope and preventing an increase in the load applied to the conduit from the treatment tool.

[0017] In an ultrasonic endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention, the distal end of the conduit has a first distal end connected to the outlet and a second distal end provided on the proximal side of the first distal end, and when the distal end body is viewed from the second direction, a first angle formed between the longitudinal axis and the first distal end is 20° to 35°, and a second angle formed between the longitudinal axis and the second distal end is 5° to 20° and is smaller than the first angle. This ensures operability, such as insertability, of the ultrasonic endoscope and prevents an increase in the load applied to the conduit from a treatment tool.

[0018] In an ultrasonic endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention, when the distal end body is viewed from the second direction, the angle formed by the center line of the effective angle and the distal end of the duct is 15° to 60°, which allows the treatment tool to be inserted at an appropriate angle relative to the imaging surface of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0019] In an ultrasonic endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention, an observation window for the observation optical system is provided on the stepped surface, and the ultrasonic transducer is included in the field of view of the observation optical system, so that the contact of the ultrasonic transducer with the wall surface can be observed by the observation optical system.

[0020] In an ultrasonic endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention, when the distal end body is viewed from the second direction, the center point of the observation window is located on one side of the ultrasonic transducer, which allows the contact of the ultrasonic transducer with the wall surface to be observed using the observation optical system.

[0021] In an ultrasonic endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention, an observation window for the observation optical system and an illumination window for the illumination optical system are provided on the stepped surface.

[0022] An ultrasonic endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention includes an outlet opening in the first surface through which a treatment tool is led out, and an observation window for an observation optical system provided in the stepped surface, whereby the treatment tool led out from the outlet can be observed by the observation optical system.

[0023] In an ultrasonic endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention, the tip body includes an ultrasonic mounting section having an ultrasonic transducer mounted thereon, a first surface forming section provided on the proximal side of the ultrasonic mounting section and having a first surface, a main body section provided on the proximal side of the first surface forming section and having a second surface, and a protrusion provided on at least the ultrasonic mounting section and protruding in another direction opposite to the one direction side of the main body section. This allows only the ultrasonic transducer to be tilted forward with respect to the longitudinal axis without tilting the tip or the entire tip body forward with respect to the longitudinal axis, thereby ensuring the insertability of the tip body (insertion section).

[0024] In another aspect of the ultrasonic endoscope of the present invention, an outlet through which a treatment tool is discharged opens on the first surface, and a protrusion is formed from the opening area of ​​the outlet to the tip side of the ultrasonic mounting portion when the tip body is viewed from the second direction side.

[0025] In an ultrasonic endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention, when the tip body is viewed from the second direction, the protrusion has two or more inclined surfaces with different inclination angles relative to the longitudinal axis from the base end side to the tip end side of the protrusion, and the inclination angles of the inclined surfaces gradually decrease toward the tip end of the protrusion, thereby reducing the burden on the patient.

[0026] In an ultrasonic endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention, an outlet through which a treatment tool is led out is open on a first surface, and when the tip portion main body is viewed from the second direction side, the position of the outlet in the first direction is aligned with the position of the apex of the ultrasonic transducer in the first direction, so that clearance is reliably secured between the tip of the treatment tool led out from the outlet and the ultrasonic transducer.

[0027] In an ultrasonic endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention, the tip body includes an ultrasonic mounting portion having an ultrasonic transducer attached thereto, a first surface forming portion provided on the proximal end side of the ultrasonic mounting portion and having a first surface and a treatment tool outlet formed on the first surface, and a main body portion provided on the proximal end side of the first surface forming portion and having a second surface, wherein when the tip body is viewed from the first direction side, the width of the ultrasonic mounting portion in the second direction is smaller than the width of the first surface forming portion in the second direction, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the ultrasonic mounting portion and improve insertability.

[0028] An ultrasonic endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention has a connecting inclined surface that connects the base end side of the ultrasonic attachment portion and the tip end side of the first surface forming portion.

[0029] A tip unit for achieving the object of the present invention is a tip unit of an ultrasonic endoscope comprising a tip body provided on the tip side of an insertion section of an ultrasonic endoscope and an ultrasonic transducer provided on the tip side of the tip body, wherein the outer surface of the tip body includes a first surface provided on the base end side of the ultrasonic transducer and along the longitudinal axis of the insertion section, a second surface provided on the base end side of the first surface and along the longitudinal axis, the second surface being along the longitudinal axis and located on one side of the first surface in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a step surface connecting the base end side of the first surface and the tip side of the second surface, wherein the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the first direction is defined as the second direction, the angle indicating the irradiation range of ultrasound emitted from the ultrasonic transducer when the tip body is viewed from the second direction side is defined as the effective angle, and when the intersection of the ultrasonic transducer with a tangent line that is tangent to the ultrasonic transducer and at a position furthest to one side of the step surface is defined as the first intersection point, the first intersection point is included within a range of the base end 1 / 3 of the effective angle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] The present invention can reliably generate an ultrasonic image at the proximal end of the ultrasonic transducer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall view of an ultrasonic endoscope (endoscope). [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a distal end rigid portion of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the distal end rigid portion of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end rigid portion of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the distal end rigid portion including a tangent line. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view of the tip rigid portion including a tangent line. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end rigid portion of an endoscope according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end rigid portion of an endoscope according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end rigid portion of an endoscope according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end rigid portion of an endoscope according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating puncturing a lymph node with a puncture needle. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end rigid portion of an endoscope according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a top view of the distal end rigid portion of the endoscope according to the first to sixth embodiments. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a top view showing a modified example of the distal end rigid portion of the endoscope according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end rigid portion of an endoscope according to a seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] An ultrasonic endoscope 1 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] [Overall Configuration of Ultrasonic Endoscope of First Embodiment] Figure 1 is an overall view of an ultrasonic endoscope 1. As shown in Figure 1, the ultrasonic endoscope 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "endoscope 1") is used to collect cellular tissue from a lesion (which may also be an observation site, an examination site, or a medical examination site). In this embodiment, a bronchial lymph node will be used as an example of the lesion.

[0034] The endoscope 1 is composed of an operation section 10 that is held by the practitioner to perform various operations, an insertion section 12 that is inserted into the patient's body, and a universal cord 14. The endoscope 1 is connected via the universal cord 14 to system component devices such as a processor device and a light source device (not shown) that constitute an endoscope system.

[0035] The operation unit 10 is provided with various operation members that are operated by the practitioner, such as an angle lever 16 and a suction button 22, the operation of which will be described later as appropriate.

[0036] The operation section 10 is also provided with a treatment tool introduction port 24 for inserting a treatment tool into a treatment tool insertion channel 23 (see FIG. 4) that passes through the insertion section 12.

[0037] The insertion section 12 extends from the tip of the operating section 10 and is formed in a long shape with a small diameter as a whole. The insertion section 12 is composed of, in order from the base end side to the tip end side, a flexible section 30, a bending section 32, and a tip rigid section 34 (corresponding to the tip section main body and tip unit of the present invention) which is the tip section.

[0038] The flexible section 30 occupies the majority of the proximal end side of the insertion section 12 and has flexibility that allows it to bend in any direction. When the insertion section 12 is inserted into a body cavity, the flexible section 30 bends along the insertion path into the body cavity.

[0039] The bending portion 32 is configured to bend in the vertical direction (A2 direction) by rotating the angle lever 16 of the operating unit 10 in the A1 direction, and by bending the bending portion 32, the tip rigid portion 34 can be directed in the desired direction.

[0040] The tip rigid portion 34 will be described in detail using Figures 2 to 4 below, and is equipped with an observation optical system 40 and an illumination optical system 44 for taking observation images of the inside of the body, an ultrasonic transducer 50 for acquiring ultrasonic images, and an outlet 52 for guiding the treatment tool inserted from the treatment tool inlet 24.

[0041] The universal cord 14 contains a signal cable 54, a signal cable 56, and a light guide 58, the details of which are shown in Figures 3 and 4 described below. A connector is provided at an end (not shown) of the universal cord 14. This connector is connected to predetermined system component devices that constitute an endoscope system, such as a processor device and a light source device. As a result, the system component devices supply the endoscope 1 with power, control signals, illumination light, and the like required for operating the endoscope 1. Conversely, data of observation images acquired by the observation optical system 40 and data of ultrasound images acquired by the ultrasound transducer 50 are transmitted from the endoscope 1 to the system component devices. The observation images and ultrasound images transmitted to the system component devices are displayed on a monitor so that they can be observed by a practitioner, etc.

[0042] The configuration of the operating unit 10 is not limited to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. A pair of angle knobs may be provided instead of the angle lever 16, and the bending portion 32 may be bent in the up-down and left-right directions by rotating the pair of angle knobs. Also, an air / water supply button may be provided on the operating unit 10, and a gas such as air and a cleaning liquid may be supplied to the rigid tip portion 34 by operating the air / water supply button.

[0043] [Configuration of the tip rigid portion of the first embodiment] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the distal end rigid portion 34 of the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the distal end rigid portion 34 of the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end rigid portion 34 of the first embodiment.

[0044] The Z direction in the drawings is a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 38 of the distal end rigid portion 34 (insertion portion 12). The Z(+) direction side of the Z direction in the drawings is the distal end side of the distal end rigid portion 34, and the Z(-) direction side is the proximal end side of the distal end rigid portion 34. The Y direction in the drawings corresponds to the first direction of the present invention, which is perpendicular to the Z direction, and in this embodiment, is the up-down direction in each drawing. The Y(+) direction side, which is one side of this Y direction, is the upward direction in the drawings, and the Y(-) direction side, which is the other side opposite to the one side of the Y direction, is the downward direction in the drawings. The X direction in the drawings corresponds to the second direction of the present invention, which is perpendicular to both the Z direction and the Y direction.

[0045] 2 to 4, the tip rigid section 34 is configured by combining an ultrasound block component 60, a channel block component 70, and an optical system block component 80 (see FIG. 3 in particular). When the block components are combined, the tip rigid section 34 comprises, from the tip side to the base end side of the tip rigid section 34, an ultrasound attachment section 34a, an outlet forming section 34b (corresponding to the first surface forming section of the present invention), and a main body section 34c (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0046] The ultrasound block component 60 is formed from an insulating material having insulating properties, for example, a resin material such as a plastic, such as polysulfone or polyetherimide. From its distal end toward its proximal end, the ultrasound block component 60 includes an ultrasound mounting portion 34a and an optical system block component mounting portion 62 (see FIG. 3). The ultrasound mounting portion 34a and the optical system block component mounting portion 62 are integrally formed.

[0047] When the distal end rigid portion 34 is viewed from the X direction side (corresponding to the second direction side of the present invention), the ultrasonic transducer 50 is attached to the ultrasonic attachment portion 34a in a position tilted forward (inclined) in the Y (-) direction with respect to the longitudinal axis 38. This ultrasonic transducer 50 is a convex type having an ultrasonic transmission / reception surface in which ultrasonic vibrators that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves are arranged in a curved shape along the direction of the longitudinal axis 38. This ultrasonic transducer 50 acquires data for generating an ultrasonic image of a lymph node. Note that the number of ultrasonic vibrators that make up the ultrasonic transducer 50 is not limited.

[0048] Furthermore, when the distal end rigid portion 34 is viewed from the X direction side, the optical system block component mounting portion 62 extends from the Y(-) direction side region of the proximal end of the ultrasound mounting portion 34a toward the proximal end side [Z(-) direction side] of the ultrasound mounting portion 34a. Furthermore, a locking portion 64 that locks with a locked portion 73 of a channel block component 70 (described later) is formed in the Y(+) direction side region of the proximal end of the ultrasound mounting portion 34a (see FIG. 4). The locking portion 64 has, for example, a locking claw that forms a snap fit.

[0049] The optical system block component mounting portion 62 has a generally semi-cylindrical shape corresponding to the Y(-) direction split portion, i.e., the lower half split portion, of the two split portions obtained by splitting the outlet forming portion 34b and the main body portion 34c in the Y direction (upper and lower halves) (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the optical system block component mounting portion 62 has a mounting portion opening 65 that opens to the Y(+) direction side.

[0050] The mounting portion opening 65 is formed parallel to the XZ plane and along the Z direction. Inside the mounting portion opening 65 of the optical system block component mounting portion 62, a signal cable 54 is arranged, which connects the ultrasonic transducer 50 to the above-described system component device.

[0051] The optical system block component mounting portion 62 is formed with a pair of guide portions 66 that form a mounting portion opening 65 and extend in the Z(-) direction along the mounting portion opening 65. An optical system block component 80 (described below) is mounted to the pair of guide portions 66 while sliding in the Z direction. In this way, the optical system block component 80 is mounted to the optical system block component mounting portion 62, i.e., the ultrasound block component 60, via the pair of guide portions 66.

[0052] The channel block component 70, together with the optical system block component 80 described below, constitutes the outlet forming portion 34b, and is made of a known metal material. The channel block component 70 has a treatment tool outlet 52 that opens on the Y(+) direction side, and a substantially rectangular opening forming surface 71 that is parallel to the XZ plane in which the outlet 52 opens and that extends along the Z direction (including the longitudinal axis 38, the same applies below). In this embodiment, a puncture needle 100 used to collect lymph node tissue will be described as an example of the treatment tool.

[0053] A pair of flange surfaces 72 parallel to the XZ plane are formed along the Z direction at both ends of the opening forming surface 71 in the X direction (see FIG. 3). The pair of flange surfaces 72 are used to attach the channel block component 70 to the optical system block component 80, and extend outward (in the X direction) from both ends of the opening forming surface 71 in the X direction.

[0054] Furthermore, a locked portion 73 that engages with the locking portion 64 of the ultrasonic mounting portion 34a is formed on the tip side of the channel block component 70 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The locked portion 73 has, for example, an engagement hole that engages with the locking claw of the locking portion 64.

[0055] An intra-block duct 74 is formed inside the channel block component 70. The intra-block duct 74, together with the treatment tool insertion channel 23, constitutes the duct of the present invention. The distal end side of this intra-block duct 74 is connected to the outlet 52, and the proximal end side of the intra-block duct 74 is connected to the treatment tool insertion channel 23 inserted through the insertion section 12. As a result, the distal end of the puncture needle 100 inserted from the treatment tool introduction port 24 is guided to the outlet 52 via the treatment tool insertion channel 23 and the intra-block duct 74, and then led out from the outlet 52 to the outside.

[0056] The optical system block component 80 is made of a resin material, similar to the ultrasound block component 60. The optical system block component 80 has a shape corresponding to the divided part on the Y(+) direction side, i.e., the divided part on the upper half side, of the two divided parts obtained by dividing the outlet forming part 34b and the main body part 34c in the Y direction (upper and lower halves).

[0057] The optical system block component 80 includes a pair of channel block component mounting portions 81 and an optical system housing portion 82, which are spaced apart in the X direction from the distal end toward the proximal end (see FIG. 3). The pair of channel block component mounting portions 81 and the optical system housing portion 82 are integrally formed.

[0058] When the optical system block component 80 is viewed from the X-direction side, the pair of channel block component mounting portions 81 extend from a position one step lower than the vertex on the Y(+) direction side of the optical system storage section 82, i.e., from a position on the Y(-) direction side of the vertex, to the tip side [Z(+) direction side] of the optical system storage section 82.

[0059] A space for attaching the channel block component 70 is secured between the pair of channel block component attachment portions 81. A pair of flat surfaces 81a and a pair of support surfaces 81b are formed at the ends of the pair of channel block component attachment portions 81 on the Y(+) direction side (see FIG. 3). The pair of flat surfaces 81a are parallel to the XZ plane and have a shape along the Z direction.

[0060] The pair of support surfaces 81b are parallel to the pair of flat surfaces 81a. The pair of support surfaces 81b are shifted toward the space from the pair of flat surfaces 81a, and are positioned lower in the Y(-) direction than the pair of flat surfaces 81a by the thickness of the pair of flange surfaces 72 in the Y direction.

[0061] The pair of support surfaces 81b support the pair of flange surfaces 72 from both sides in the X direction. Therefore, the channel block component 70 is supported between the pair of channel block component mounting portions 81 so as to be slidable in the Z direction via the pair of flange surfaces 72 and the pair of support surfaces 81b. This allows the channel block component 70 to be mounted on the optical system block component 80 while sliding in the Z direction. The channel block component 70 is then adhesively fixed to the optical system block component 80.

[0062] When the channel block component 70 is attached to the optical system block component 80, the opening forming surface 71 and the pair of flat surfaces 81a form a continuous flat surface 90 (corresponding to the first surface of the present invention) (see FIG. 2). The continuous flat surface 90 is a surface parallel to the XZ plane and along the Z direction, and constitutes part of the outer circumferential surface of the tip rigid portion 34. In this embodiment, the outlet 52 opens within the flat continuous flat surface 90, but it may also open within a surface (first surface) of various shapes such as a curved surface, an inclined surface, or an uneven surface.

[0063] The optical system housing section 82 has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape and has a convex surface 84 and a stepped surface 85. The convex surface 84 corresponds to the second surface of the present invention and constitutes part of the outer peripheral surface of the tip rigid section 34 (optical system housing section 82). This convex surface 84 is located on the Y(+) direction side of the continuous plane 90 and has a shape along the Z direction. Note that the convex surface 84 may also be formed into various shapes such as a curved surface, an inclined surface, or an uneven surface.

[0064] The step surface 85 is an inclined surface that connects the base end side of the continuous flat surface 90 and the tip side of the convex surface 84, and constitutes part of the outer peripheral surface of the tip rigid portion 34. Note that the inclined surface here also includes a vertical surface with an inclination angle of 90° with respect to the Z direction.

[0065] The step surface 85 is provided with an observation window 40 a of the observation optical system 40 and illumination windows 44 a of the pair of illumination optical systems 44 .

[0066] The observation optical system 40 includes an observation window 40a provided in the stepped surface 85, and a lens system 40b and an image pickup element 40c provided in the optical system housing portion 82. The image pickup element 40c is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, and captures an observation image captured from the observation window 40a via the lens system 40b. The image pickup element 40c then outputs an image pickup signal of the observation image to the system configuration device via a signal cable 56 inserted inside the insertion portion 12.

[0067] The illumination optical systems 44 are provided on both sides of the observation optical system 40 in the X direction, and include illumination windows 44a provided in the step surface 85 and light guides 58 inserted into the insertion section 12. The exit ends of the light guides 58 are disposed behind each illumination window 44a. As a result, illumination light supplied from the system component to each light guide 58 is emitted from each illumination window 44a.

[0068] With the channel block component 70 attached, the optical system block component 80 is attached by sliding it in the Z direction relative to the optical system block component attachment portion 62 of the ultrasound block component 60 via the pair of guide portions 66. At this time, the locking portion 64 of the ultrasound attachment portion 34a locks the locked portion 73 of the channel block component 70. This restricts movement of the channel block component 70 and the optical system block component 80 in the Z direction relative to the ultrasound block component 60, and the channel block component 70 is assembled to the ultrasound block component 60.

[0069] Furthermore, the distal end of the bending portion 32 is fitted and fixed to the proximal end of both the optical system housing portion 82 and the optical system block component mounting portion 62 (see FIG. 4). As a result, the optical system housing portion 82 and the optical system block component mounting portion 62 are held inseparably in the Y direction by the bending portion 32. As a result, the optical system block component 80 is assembled to the ultrasound block component 60.

[0070] As described above, the ultrasound block component 60, the channel block component 70, and the optical system block component 80 are combined to form the distal end rigid portion 34. In this distal end rigid portion 34, the ultrasound transducer 50, the outlet 52, and the stepped surface 85 (observation window 40a) are arranged in this order from the distal end toward the proximal end. That is, the outlet 52 is arranged between the ultrasound transducer 50 and the observation window 40a. Therefore, the puncture of the lymph node from the bronchial wall by the puncture needle 100 can be observed with the observation optical system 40.

[0071] The distal end rigid portion 34 of this embodiment has a shape that can increase the contact area of ​​the base end portion on the Z(-) direction side of the ultrasonic transducer 50 with the bronchial wall surface, i.e., the base end portion on the outlet 52 side from which the puncture needle 100 is led out, when an ultrasonic image of a lymph node is obtained using the endoscope 1. This shape will be specifically described below.

[0072] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the tip rigid portion 34 including the tangent line LT. Fig. 6 is a side view of the tip rigid portion 34 including the tangent line LT. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, in this embodiment, the shape of the tip rigid portion 34 that can increase the contact area of ​​the base end of the ultrasonic transducer 50 with the bronchial wall surface is defined using the tangent line LT and the effective angle θ1 of the ultrasonic transducer 50.

[0073] The tangent line LT is a line that is tangent to the ultrasonic transducer 50 and is tangent to the step surface 85 at a position (vertex) closest to the Y(+) direction side. Here, the point where the tangent line LT is tangent to the ultrasonic transducer 50 is defined as a tangent point P1 (corresponding to the first intersection point of the present invention), and the point where the tangent line LT is tangent to the step surface 85 is defined as a tangent point P2.

[0074] The effective angle θ1 of the ultrasonic transducer 50 is an angle that indicates the irradiation range R1 of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transducer 50 when the distal end rigid portion 34 is viewed from the X-direction side. Also, the dashed dotted line R1a in Fig. 6 indicates the boundary of the range of 1 / 3 (θ2 = 1 / 3 × θ1) from the base end side [Z(-) direction side] of the effective angle θ1.

[0075] 6, when the tip rigid portion 34 is viewed from the X direction, when the tip rigid portion 34 is brought into contact with the bronchial wall surface, contact points P1 and P2 come into contact with the bronchial wall surface, as indicated by the tangent line LT. In this case, the region of the tip rigid portion 34 between contact points P1 and P2 is an area that is difficult to contact with the bronchial wall surface, and conversely, the area distal to contact point P1 is an area that is easy to contact with the bronchial wall surface. Therefore, the area distal to contact point P1 of the base end of the ultrasonic transducer 50 is easy to contact with the bronchial wall surface, and conversely, the area proximal to contact point P1 is difficult to contact with the bronchial wall surface.

[0076] Therefore, in this embodiment, the shape of the tip rigid portion 34 is adjusted so that the contact point P1 is included in the range of 1 / 3 of the effective angle θ1 on the proximal side (the range of angle θ2 in the figure). This adjustment of the shape of the tip rigid portion 34 includes adjustment of the shape, attachment position, and posture of the ultrasonic transducer 50, and adjustment of the shape, formation position, and inclination angle of the step surface 85. It is more preferable that the contact point P1 be included in the range of 1 / 4 of the effective angle θ1 on the proximal side.

[0077] By adjusting the shape of the tip rigid portion 34 in this way, when the tip rigid portion 34 is brought into contact with the bronchial wall surface and when the tip rigid portion 34 is viewed from the X-direction side, the region of the base end of the ultrasonic transducer 50 between the dashed dotted line R1a and the contact point P1 can be reliably brought into contact with the bronchial wall surface (see FIG. 6). That is, a portion of the base end of the ultrasonic transducer 50 can be reliably brought into contact with the bronchial wall surface. As a result, the contact area of ​​the base end of the ultrasonic transducer 50 with the bronchial wall surface can be increased.

[0078] Furthermore, by adjusting the shape of the tip rigid portion 34 so that the position of the contact point P1 is shifted further toward the base end [Z(-) direction], the contact area of ​​the base end of the ultrasonic transducer 50 with the bronchial wall surface can be further increased.

[0079] As described above, in the first embodiment, by adjusting the shape of the tip rigid portion 34 so that the contact point P1 is included in the range of 1 / 3 of the base end side of the effective angle θ1 of the ultrasonic transducer 50 when the tip rigid portion 34 is viewed from the X direction side, it is possible to reliably increase the contact area of ​​the base end portion of the ultrasonic transducer 50 with the bronchial wall surface. This makes it possible to reliably depict ultrasonic images of lymph nodes using the base end portion of the ultrasonic transducer 50.

[0080] [Second embodiment] Next, the tip rigid section 34 of the endoscope 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The tip rigid section 34 of this second embodiment ensures operability, such as the ease of insertion of the endoscope 1, by shortening the length of the tip rigid section 34 through adjustment of the shape (angle) of the intra-block conduit 74, reduces the insertion force of the puncture needle 100, and prevents an increase in the load applied to the channel block component 70 from the puncture needle 100. Note that the tip rigid section 34 of the second embodiment has basically the same configuration as the tip rigid section 34 of the first embodiment, and therefore, components that are identical in function or configuration to those of the first embodiment above will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, and a description of the same effects as those of the first embodiment above will also be omitted.

[0081] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the tip rigid portion 34 of the endoscope 1 of the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the block internal conduit 74 has a shape that is bent in two stages when the tip rigid portion 34 is viewed from the X direction side. Specifically, the block internal conduit 74 is composed of a first conduit 74a and a second conduit 74b.

[0082] The first conduit 74a corresponds to the distal end and first distal end of the conduit of the present invention, and is connected to the outlet 52 within the channel block component 70. The second conduit 74b corresponds to the second distal end of the present invention, and is provided on the proximal end side of the first conduit 74a. The distal end of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 is connected to the second conduit 74b.

[0083] The angle θ3 (corresponding to the first angle of the present invention) formed between the center line L2A of the first conduit 74a and the longitudinal axis 38 is set to 20° to 35°. Here, the smaller the angle θ3, the longer the length of the intra-block conduit 74 from the distal end of the treatment instrument insertion channel 23 to the outlet 52 becomes, and therefore the longer the distal end rigid portion 34 becomes, which may affect the operability, such as the insertability, of the endoscope 1. Conversely, the larger the angle θ3, the greater the load applied to the channel block component 70 from the puncture needle 100 inserted through the intra-block conduit 74 becomes. For this reason, in the second embodiment, the angle θ3 is set to 20° to 35°.

[0084] The angle θ4 (corresponding to the second angle of the present invention) formed between the center line L2B of the second conduit 74b and the longitudinal axis 38 is set to be 5° to 20° and smaller than the angle θ3. If the angle θ4 of the second conduit 74b were set to be the same as the angle θ3 of the first conduit 74a, the width of the intra-block conduit 74 in the Y direction would increase, i.e., the thickness of the tip rigid section 34 in the Y direction would increase, resulting in a thicker tip diameter and possibly affecting the operability, such as the ease of insertion, of the endoscope 1. Therefore, by making the angle θ4 of the second conduit 74b smaller than the angle θ3 of the first conduit 74a, the increase in the thickness of the tip rigid section 34 in the Y direction is suppressed.

[0085] As described above, in the second embodiment, by setting the angle θ3 to 20° to 35°, operability such as the insertability of the endoscope 1 is ensured by shortening the length of the tip rigid portion 34, and an increase in the load applied from the puncture needle 100 to the channel block component 70 is prevented. Also, by setting the angle θ4 to 5° to 20° and smaller than the angle θ3, operability such as the insertability of the endoscope 1 is ensured. Furthermore, by bending the intra-block conduit 74 in two stages, the insertion force of the puncture needle 100 can be reduced compared to when the intra-block conduit 74 is bent in one stage.

[0086] [Third embodiment] Next, the distal end rigid section 34 of the endoscope 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the distal end rigid section 34 of each of the above embodiments, the ultrasonic transducer 50, the outlet 52, and the stepped surface 85 (observation window 40a) are arranged from the distal end toward the proximal end, making it possible to observe with the observation optical system 40 the puncture of the lymph node from the bronchial wall surface by the puncture needle 100.

[0087] In contrast, the tip rigid section 34 of the third embodiment specifically defines conditions for enabling the above-mentioned puncture of the lymph node to be reliably observed by the observation optical system 40. Note that the tip rigid section 34 of the third embodiment has basically the same configuration as the tip rigid section 34 of each of the above embodiments, and therefore, components that are the same in function or configuration as those of each of the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, and a description of the same effects as those of each of the above embodiments will also be omitted.

[0088] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the tip rigid section 34 of the endoscope 1 of the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, when the tip rigid section 34 is viewed from the X direction side, an intersection P3 (corresponding to the second intersection according to the present invention) between the tangent line LT and the center line L2A of the first conduit 74a is located at a position closer to the base end of the tip rigid section 34 than the contact point P1, more preferably within the range W between the ultrasonic transducer 50 and the observation window 40a. Note that if the outlet 52 opens closer to the base end of the tip rigid section 34 than the step surface 85 (observation window 40a), the intersection P3 will be located closer to the base end of the tip rigid section 34 than the contact point P1.

[0089] Intersection P3 corresponds to the position where the puncture needle 100, led out from the outlet 52, starts to puncture the lymph node from the bronchial wall when the ultrasonic transducer 50 is in contact with the bronchial wall. By positioning intersection P3 within range W, i.e., in front of the observation window 40a, the puncture of the lymph node from the bronchial wall by the puncture needle 100 can be reliably observed by the observation optical system 40.

[0090] [Fourth embodiment] Next, the tip rigid section 34 of the endoscope 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The tip rigid section 34 of this fourth embodiment makes it possible to observe the contact of the ultrasonic transducer 50 with the bronchial wall surface using the observation optical system 40. Note that the tip rigid section 34 of the fourth embodiment has basically the same configuration as the tip rigid section 34 of each of the above-described embodiments, and therefore, components that are identical in function or configuration to those of the above-described embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, and a description of the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments will also be omitted.

[0091] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the tip rigid section 34 of the endoscope 1 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, in the tip rigid section 34 of the fourth embodiment, when viewed from the X direction, the ultrasonic transducer 50, particularly its base end, is included in the field of view of the observation optical system 40 indicated by the symbol VA. This allows the observation optical system 40 to observe the contact of the ultrasonic transducer 50, particularly its base end, with the bronchial wall surface.

[0092] Furthermore, in the distal end rigid portion 34 of the fourth embodiment, when viewed from the X direction side, as indicated by the arrow A and the dashed-dotted line L3 in the figure, the center point C of the observation window 40a is located on the Y(+) direction side of the ultrasonic transducer 50. This allows the ultrasonic transducer 50 to be included within the field of view of the observation optical system 40, as described above, making it possible to observe the contact of the ultrasonic transducer 50 with the bronchial wall surface.

[0093] [Fifth embodiment] Next, the tip rigid section 34 of the endoscope 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The tip rigid section 34 of this fifth embodiment enables the puncture needle 100 to be inserted at an appropriate angle relative to the imaging surface (lymph node 200) of the ultrasound transducer 50. Note that the tip rigid section 34 of the fifth embodiment has basically the same configuration as the tip rigid sections 34 of the above-described embodiments, and therefore, components that are identical in function or configuration to those of the above-described embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, and a description of the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments will also be omitted.

[0094] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tip rigid portion 34 of the endoscope 1 of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram simply illustrating the puncture of a lymph node 200 by a puncture needle 100. In Fig. 11, the symbol DA indicates the diameter of the lymph node 200, which is set to φ20 mm, for example. Furthermore, the symbol d indicates the distance in the Z direction between the base end of the ultrasonic transducer 50 and the puncture needle 100 (the center of the outlet 52), which is set to 5 mm, for example. Furthermore, in Fig. 11, the effective angle θ1 is set to 90°, for example.

[0095] 10 and 11, the shape of the tip rigid portion 34 of the fifth embodiment is adjusted so that the angle θ5 between the center line L4 of the effective angle θ1 of the ultrasonic transducer 50 and the center line L2A of the first duct 74a is θ5 = 10° to 60° when viewed from the X-direction. Specifically, the position and orientation of the ultrasonic transducer 50 and the angle θ3 of the first duct 74a (see FIG. 7) are adjusted. This allows the insertion angle of the puncture needle 100 with respect to the visualization surface (lymph node 200) of the ultrasonic transducer 50 to be adjusted to θ5, preventing the insertion angle of the puncture needle 100 with respect to this visualization surface from becoming too steep or too shallow. As a result, the puncture needle 100 can be inserted at an appropriate angle with respect to the visualization surface of the ultrasonic transducer 50.

[0096] [Sixth embodiment] Next, the tip rigid section 34 of the endoscope 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The tip rigid section 34 of this sixth embodiment aims to ensure ease of insertion of the tip rigid section 34 and reduce the burden on the patient. Note that the tip rigid section 34 of the sixth embodiment has basically the same configuration as the tip rigid section 34 of each of the above-described embodiments, and therefore, components that are identical in function or configuration to those of the above-described embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, and a description of the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments will also be omitted.

[0097] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the tip rigid section 34 of the endoscope 1 of the sixth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, the tip rigid section 34 of the sixth embodiment has a protruding section 63 that protrudes further in the Y(-) direction than the main body section 34c when viewed from the X direction. Specifically, the protruding section 63 is formed in the opening region of the outlet 52 in the outlet forming section 34b of the tip rigid section 34, for example, from the center of the outlet 52 indicated by the center line L5 to the tip side of the ultrasound mounting section 34a.

[0098] The protrusion 63 may be formed from any position in the opening region of the outlet 52 to the tip side of the ultrasonic attachment portion 34a. The protrusion 63 may also be formed only on the ultrasonic attachment portion 34a. That is, the protrusion 63 only needs to be formed on at least the ultrasonic attachment portion 34a.

[0099] The height Δh of the protrusion 63 is set to, for example, 2.7 mm. By providing the protrusion 63 at least on the ultrasound mounting section 34a in this way, it is possible to tilt only the ultrasound transducer 50 forward at an angle θ6 (θ6≧110°) in the Y(-) direction with respect to the longitudinal axis 38, without tilting the tip or the entire tip rigid section 34 forward in the Y(-) direction with respect to the longitudinal axis 38. This makes it easier to bring the base end of the ultrasound transducer 50 into contact with the bronchial wall surface.

[0100] Here, if the tip or the entire tip rigid portion 34 were tilted forward significantly, the insertability of the tip rigid portion 34 (insertion portion 12) would deteriorate, but in the sixth embodiment, only the ultrasonic transducer 50 can be tilted forward, improving insertability. As a result, the insertability of the tip rigid portion 34 (insertion portion 12) into the patient's body is improved.

[0101] Furthermore, when the distal end rigid portion 34 is viewed from the X direction side, the protruding portion 63 has two inclined surfaces 63a, 63b that have different inclination angles with respect to the longitudinal axis 38 from the base end side to the distal end side of the protruding portion 63. Of the inclined surfaces 63a, 63b, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 63a on the distal end side is smaller than the inclination angle of the inclined surface 63b on the base end side.

[0102] By forming the inclined surfaces 63a and 63b, which are flat surfaces, on the protruding portion 63 in this manner, the contact area between the protruding portion 63 and the inner wall surface of the body, such as the bronchial wall surface, is increased, thereby reducing the contact pressure of the protruding portion 63 on the inner wall surface of the body. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the inclined surface 63a on the tip side is formed approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 38, so that the contact pressure of the protruding portion 63 on the inner wall surface of the body can be further reduced. As a result, the burden on the patient can be further reduced.

[0103] In the sixth embodiment, two inclined surfaces 63a, 63b are formed on the protruding portion 63, but three or more inclined surfaces may be formed. In this case, too, the inclination angle of each inclined surface gradually decreases toward the tip side of the protruding portion 63. In addition, it is preferable that the inclined surface closest to the tip side is formed approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 38.

[0104] Fig. 13 is a top view of the tip rigid section 34 of the endoscope 1 of the first to sixth embodiments. Fig. 14 is a top view showing a modified example of the tip rigid section 34 of the endoscope 1 of the sixth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, in the tip rigid section 34 of each of the above embodiments, the ultrasound attachment section 34a and the outlet forming section 34b have approximately the same width in the X direction when viewed from the Y(+) direction side (corresponding to the first direction side of the present invention).

[0105] 14, in a modification of the distal end rigid portion 34 of the sixth embodiment, the width WX1 (e.g., 5.7 mm) in the X direction of the ultrasound attachment portion 34a is smaller than the width WX2 (e.g., 6.4 mm) in the X direction of the outlet forming portion 34b when viewed from the Y(+) direction. Also, by making the width WX1 smaller than the width WX2, the distal end rigid portion 34 has an inclined surface 34d (corresponding to the connecting inclined surface of the present invention) that connects the base end side of the ultrasound attachment portion 34a and the distal end side of the outlet forming portion 34b.

[0106] By narrowing the width WX1 of the ultrasound mounting portion 34a in this way, only the ultrasound mounting portion 34a can be made smaller and inserted into the peripheral bronchi. Furthermore, by forming an inclined surface 34d between the ultrasound mounting portion 34a and the outlet forming portion 34b, insertability can be ensured even when only the ultrasound mounting portion 34a is made smaller.

[0107] [Seventh embodiment] Next, the distal end rigid section 34 of the endoscope 1 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. In each of the above embodiments, the distal end rigid section 34 is not provided with a balloon, nor with a projection, groove, or duct for attaching the balloon, so that the diameter and length of the distal end rigid section 34 in the Z direction can be reduced. As a result, each of the above embodiments improves the insertability of the insertion section 12, reduces the burden on the patient, and ensures sterilization in a sterilizer for cleaning and disinfecting. However, in this case, there is a risk that the puncture needle 100 led out of the lead-out port 52 may come close to the ultrasonic transducer 50.

[0108] Therefore, the tip rigid section 34 of the seventh embodiment has a shape that can ensure clearance between the puncture needle 100 led out from the lead-out port 52 and the ultrasonic transducer 50. The tip rigid section 34 of the seventh embodiment has basically the same configuration as the tip rigid section 34 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, so that parts that are the same in function or configuration as those of each of the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, and description of the same effects as those of each of the above-mentioned embodiments will also be omitted.

[0109] 15 is a cross-sectional view of the tip rigid section 34 of the endoscope 1 of the seventh embodiment. As shown in Fig. 15, when viewed from the X direction, the tip rigid section 34 of the seventh embodiment has the Y direction position of the lead-out port 52 aligned with the position of the apex P4 on the Y(+) direction side of the ultrasonic transducer 50, as indicated by the dashed-dotted line L6 in the figure. As a result, the tip of the puncture needle 100 led out of the lead-out port 52 passes through a position on the Y(+) direction side of the apex P4 of the ultrasonic transducer 50, ensuring a clearance between the tip of the puncture needle 100 and the ultrasonic transducer 50. As a result, interference of the puncture needle 100 with the ultrasonic transducer 50 can be reliably prevented.

[0110] [others] In each of the above embodiments, an endoscope 1 that does not have a balloon conduit in the rigid tip portion 34 has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to an endoscope 1 that has a balloon conduit in the rigid tip portion 34.

[0111] In the above embodiments, the tip rigid section 34 is configured by combining an ultrasound block component 60, a channel block component 70, and an optical system block component 80, but it may be configured by four or more block components. Furthermore, some or all of the block components may be integrally formed. Therefore, the present invention is applicable to various types of tip rigid sections 34 having an ultrasound attachment section 34a, an outlet forming section 34b, and a main body section 34c.

[0112] In each of the above embodiments, when the tip rigid portion 34 is viewed from the X-direction side, the outlet 52 is provided between the ultrasonic transducer 50 and the step surface 85 (observation window 40a), but the outlet 52 may also be provided on the base end side of the step surface 85 (observation window 40a).

[0113] In the above embodiment, an endoscope 1 (ultrasound bronchoscope) for inspecting bronchial lymph nodes has been described as an example, but the endoscope 1 of the present invention is not limited to ultrasonic bronchoscopes and can also be applied to ultrasonic gastroenteroscopes. That is, the present invention is also applicable to various ultrasonic endoscopes and the rigid tip section 34 (tip unit) provided at the tip side of the insertion section 12 thereof. Furthermore, the type of treatment tool used in the ultrasonic endoscope is not limited to the puncture needle 100, and various known treatment tools can be used. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to ultrasonic endoscopes and their rigid tip sections that do not have an observation optical system 40 and an illumination optical system 44. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1. Ultrasound endoscope (endoscope) 10 Control section 12 Insertion section 14 Universal Code 16 Angle lever 22 Suction button 23 Treatment tool insertion channel 24 Treatment tool introduction port 30 Soft part 32 Curved section 34 Tip rigid part 34a Ultrasonic mounting part 34b Outlet forming part 34c Main body 34d slope 38 Longitudinal axis 40 Observation optical system 40a Observation window 40b lens system 40c image sensor 44 Illumination optical system 44a Lighting window 50 Ultrasonic Transducer 52 Outlet 54 Signal Cable 56 Signal cable 58 Light Guide 60 Ultrasonic Block Parts 62 Optical block component mounting section 63 Protrusion 63a Slope 63b Slope 64 Locking part 65 Mounting opening 66 Guide part 70 Channel Block Parts 71 Aperture forming surface 72 flange surface 73 Locked part 74 Block internal pipeline 74a 1st pipeline 74b 2nd pipeline 80 Optical block parts 81 Channel block part mounting section 81a plane 81b Support surface 82 Optical system storage section 84 Convex 85 Step surface 90 Continuous Plane 100 puncture needle 200 lymph nodes C center point DA diameter d-spacing L2A center line L2B center line L4 center line L5 center line L6 dashed line LT tangent P1 contact P2 contact P3 intersection P4 Vertex R1 Irradiation Range W Range WX1,WX2 width Δh height θ1 effective angle θ2 angle θ3 angle θ4 angle θ5 angle θ6 angle

Claims

1. An ultrasonic endoscope comprising: a distal end body provided at the distal end of an insertion section; and an ultrasonic transducer provided at the distal end of the distal end body, The outer peripheral surface of the tip body is a first surface provided on a proximal end side of the ultrasonic transducer and extending along a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion; a second surface provided on a base end side of the first surface, the second surface being along the longitudinal axis and positioned on one side of the first surface in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a step surface connecting a base end side of the first surface and a tip end side of the second surface; Including, an ultrasonic endoscope in which, when a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the first direction is defined as a second direction, an angle indicating the irradiation range of ultrasound emitted from the ultrasonic transducer when the tip portion main body is viewed from the second direction side is defined as an effective angle, and a first intersection point is defined as an intersection point between the ultrasonic transducer and a tangent line that is tangent to the ultrasonic transducer and to the step surface at a position closest to the one direction side, the first intersection point is included within a range of 1 / 3 of the base end side of the effective angle.

2. an outlet provided on an outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion body, opening to the one direction side and through which a treatment tool is led out; a conduit connected to the outlet in the distal end portion body and through which the treatment tool is inserted; an observation window for an observation optical system provided on the step surface; Equipped with 2. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, when the tip body is viewed from the second direction, a second intersection point, which is an intersection point between a center line of the tip of the conduit connected to the outlet and the tangent line, is located closer to the base end of the tip body than the first intersection point.

3. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2 , wherein the second intersection is located between the ultrasonic transducer and the step surface.

4. an outlet provided on an outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion body, opening to the one direction side and through which a treatment tool is led out; a conduit connected to the outlet in the distal end portion body and through which the treatment tool is inserted; Equipped with 4. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein an angle between the longitudinal axis and the distal end of the conduit is between 20° and 35° when the distal end body is viewed from the second direction side.

5. a distal end portion of the conduit has a first distal end portion connected to the outlet and a second distal end portion provided on a proximal end side of the first distal end portion, 5. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, wherein, when the tip portion main body is viewed from the second direction, a first angle formed between the longitudinal axis and the first tip portion is 20° to 35°, and a second angle formed between the longitudinal axis and the second tip portion is 5° to 20° and is an angle smaller than the first angle.

6. 6. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 2, wherein when the tip portion main body is viewed from the second direction side, an angle formed between a center line of the effective angle and the tip portion of the conduit is 15° to 60°.

7. an observation window for an observation optical system is provided on the step surface; 7. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is included within a field of view of the observation optical system.

8. 8. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 7, wherein when the tip body is viewed from the second direction side, the center point of the observation window is located on the one direction side of the ultrasonic transducer.

9. 9. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein an observation window for an observation optical system and an illumination window for an illumination optical system are provided on the step surface.

10. an outlet opening on the first surface through which a treatment tool is led out; an observation window for an observation optical system provided on the step surface; The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 , further comprising:

11. The tip body is an ultrasonic mounting portion to which the ultrasonic transducer is attached; a first surface forming portion provided on a proximal end side of the ultrasound attachment portion and having the first surface; a main body portion provided on a base end side of the first surface forming portion and having the second surface; a protrusion provided at least on the ultrasonic mounting portion and protruding beyond the main body portion in another direction opposite to the one direction; The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1 , further comprising:

12. an outlet through which a treatment tool is led out is opened on the first surface; 12. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 11, wherein the protrusion is formed from an opening region of the outlet to a distal end side of the ultrasonic attachment portion when the distal end body is viewed from the second direction side.

13. When the distal end portion main body is viewed from the second direction side, the protrusion has two or more inclined surfaces having different inclination angles with respect to the longitudinal axis from the base end side to the distal end side of the protrusion, 13. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 11, wherein the angle of inclination of the inclined surface gradually decreases toward the tip end of the protruding portion.

14. an outlet through which a treatment tool is led out is opened on the first surface; 14. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, when the tip portion main body is viewed from the second direction side, the position of the outlet in the first direction and the position of the apex of the ultrasonic transducer in the first direction are aligned.

15. The tip body is an ultrasonic mounting portion to which the ultrasonic transducer is attached; a first surface forming portion provided on a proximal end side of the ultrasound attachment portion and having the first surface and a treatment tool outlet formed on the first surface; a main body portion provided on a base end side of the first surface forming portion and having the second surface; Equipped with 15. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein when the tip body is viewed from the first direction, the width of the ultrasonic mounting portion in the second direction is smaller than the width of the first surface forming portion in the second direction.

16. The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 15, further comprising a connecting inclined surface that connects the base end side of the ultrasonic attachment portion and the tip end side of the first surface forming portion.

17. A tip unit of an ultrasonic endoscope includes a tip body provided at the tip side of an insertion section of the ultrasonic endoscope, and an ultrasonic transducer provided at the tip side of the tip body, The outer peripheral surface of the tip body is a first surface provided on a proximal end side of the ultrasonic transducer and extending along a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion; a second surface provided on a base end side of the first surface, along the longitudinal axis, and positioned on one side of the first surface in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a step surface connecting a base end side of the first surface and a tip end side of the second surface; Including, a tip unit of an ultrasonic endoscope, wherein a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the first direction is defined as a second direction, an angle indicating the irradiation range of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic transducer when the tip body is viewed from the second direction side is defined as an effective angle, and a first intersection point is defined as an intersection point between the ultrasonic transducer and a tangent line that is tangent to the ultrasonic transducer and to the step surface at a position closest to the one direction side, and the ultrasonic transducer, and the first intersection point is included within a range of 1 / 3 of the base end side of the effective angle.

Images