Endoscopic treatment instruments

Abstract

We provide endoscopic treatment instruments. [Solution] An endoscopic treatment instrument comprising: a treatment member having a treatment section at its tip and extending in a first direction; a housing member for housing the treatment member; a first operating section of the treatment section provided on the base end side of the treatment member; and a columnar second operating section connected to the base end side of the housing member and movable relative to the first operating section in the first direction, wherein the second operating section includes a gripping section having a first and second surface aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third and fourth surface aligned in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions as its outer circumferential surfaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , ,

[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment instrument for an endoscope.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, there is described an endoscopic treatment instrument including a treatment instrument body extending in a first direction with a tip portion configured to be openable and closable, an operation member provided on the proximal end side of the treatment instrument body for opening and closing the tip portion, a cylindrical housing member that houses the treatment instrument body inside and has a through hole through which a fluid can be supplied, and the housing member and the treatment instrument body are configured to be relatively movable in the first direction so as to be able to take a first state in which the treatment instrument body protrudes from a first opening on the distal end side of the housing member and a second state in which at least a part of the protruding range of the treatment instrument body in the first state is retracted to the proximal end side of the first opening.

[0003] In Patent Document 2, there is described an endoscopic treatment instrument including an insertion unit having a long flexible insertion portion, an operation unit connected to the base portion of the insertion unit, and a tip action portion provided near the tip portion of the insertion portion of the insertion unit.

[0004] In Patent Document 3, there is described an endoscopic treatment instrument including a hand-held operation portion on which an operator slidable along the axial direction of a shaft-shaped operation body is mounted, a flexible portion having a proximal end connected to the distal end portion of the shaft-shaped operation body, a treatment portion provided at the distal end of the flexible portion and actuated via an operation wire by the reciprocating sliding of the operator along the axial direction of the shaft-shaped operation body, and an engagement hole formed with a pair of flange portions on the operator and formed such that the treatment portion can penetrate at least one of the flange portions.

[0005] In Patent Document 4, there is described a surgical treatment instrument including an insertion portion, a treatment portion provided at the tip portion of the insertion portion and configured to be openable and closable and rotatable with respect to the axis of the insertion portion, and a hand operation portion provided at the proximal end portion of the insertion portion and configured to be openable and closable and rotatable with respect to the axis of the insertion portion.

[0006] Patent Document 5 describes a puncture device comprising a puncture needle and an operating unit that moves the puncture needle in the axial direction and is detachable from an ultrasound endoscope, wherein the operating unit includes a gripping member that is interlocked with the puncture needle, a first member connected to the gripping member and movable relative to the gripping member in the axial direction, and a regulating member that restricts the relative distance that can be moved between the first member and the gripping member, and the outer circumferential surface of the gripping member includes a pair of first planes arranged opposite to each other in a first direction and a pair of second planes arranged opposite to each other in a second direction that intersects the first direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-4890 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-143174 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-165006 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-10196 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-125645 [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An endoscopic treatment instrument according to one embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure comprises a treatment member having a treatment portion at its tip and extending in a first direction, a housing member for housing the treatment member, a first operating portion of the treatment portion provided on the base end side of the treatment member, and a second operating portion connected to the base end side of the housing member and movable relative to the first operating portion in the first direction, wherein the second operating portion includes a gripping portion having a first and second surface facing a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third and fourth surface facing a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions as its outer circumferential surfaces. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a system including an endoscopic treatment instrument 1, which is one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the treatment member 20. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the treatment member 20. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the shaft support member 221. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the shaft support member 221 from a different direction than in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration example of the operating unit 50. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the state after operating the control unit 50 shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a preferred example of the external shape of the operating section 50. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the operating unit 50 from a different direction. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is a side view of the operating unit 50 as seen from the left side. [Figure 11] Figure 8 is a plan view of the operating unit 50 as seen from above. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operating section 50 shown in Figure 8. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operating unit 50 shown in Figure 8, but different from that shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow BB. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system including an endoscopic treatment instrument 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system shown in FIG. 1 includes an endoscopic treatment instrument 1, a liquid supply device 100 that supplies a liquid such as water or a locally injected liquid, a supply pipe 101 that connects the endoscopic treatment instrument 1 and the liquid supply device 100, a high-frequency power source 200, a cable 201 that connects the endoscopic treatment instrument 1 and the high-frequency power source 200, a counter electrode 203 attached to a treatment target (for example, a human body), and a cable 202 that connects the high-frequency power source 200 and the counter electrode 203.

[0011] The endoscopic treatment instrument 1 is inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel of an endoscope (not shown) and used. Hereinafter, in the endoscopic treatment instrument 1 in a state of being inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel, the outlet side of the treatment instrument insertion channel is described as the distal end side, and the inlet side of the treatment instrument insertion channel is described as the proximal end side. The direction along the axis of the treatment instrument insertion channel of the endoscope is described as the axial direction. The axial direction constitutes the first direction. This axial direction is the same as the direction along the axis CL of the endoscopic treatment instrument 1.

[0012] The endoscopic treatment instrument 1 has a treatment portion 21 that can be opened and closed and a support portion 22 (see FIG. 2) that supports the proximal end side of the treatment portion 21 on the distal end side, a treatment member 20 that extends in the axial direction, a cylindrical housing member 30 that extends in the axial direction through which the treatment member 20 is inserted, and an operation portion 50 provided on the proximal end side of the housing member 30 that performs an opening and closing operation of the treatment portion 21 and a change operation of the axial position of the housing member 30.

[0013] The housing member 30 has flexibility and is inserted into the treatment instrument channel of the endoscope.

[0014] The operating unit 50 includes a tip member 40 fixed to the base end of the housing member 30, a cable connection part 41 provided on the base end side of the tip member 40 and having a connection terminal 41A for electrical connection with the cable 201, a slider 42 constituting a slide part provided on the base end side of the cable connection part 41, and a finger rest part 43 provided on the base end side of the slider 42. The slider 42 is configured to be axially movable relative to the finger rest part 43. The slider 42 and the finger rest part 43 constitute a first operating unit for operating the treatment unit 21. The tip member 40 is configured to be axially movable relative to the slider 42 and the finger rest part 43 and constitutes a second operating unit for axial movement of the housing member 30. The treatment unit 20 is configured to be axially movable relative to the housing member 30 in conjunction with the axial relative movement of these first and second operating units. The tip member 40 is provided with a liquid supply section 40Ah which is connected to the supply pipe 101.

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the treatment member 20. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the treatment member 20.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the treatment member 20 comprises a treatment section 21 provided at the tip end, a support section 22 that supports the base end of the treatment section 21, and a connecting section 23 that connects the treatment section 21 and the operating section 50.

[0017] The treatment section 21 has a sawtooth-shaped uneven surface 21a on its inner side and is equipped with a pair of claw sections 21A and 21B that can be opened and closed around an opening / closing shaft 21C that extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0018] Figure 2 shows the forward direction Fr, which is the direction from the proximal end to the tip of the endoscopic instrument 1, and the backward direction Rr, which is the opposite direction to the forward direction Fr. Figure 2 shows the rightward direction R, which is one of the opening and closing directions of the claw portions 21A and 21B, and the leftward direction L, which is the other of these opening and closing directions. Figure 2 shows the upward direction U, which is one of the directions perpendicular to the opening and closing directions of the claw portions 21A and 21B, and the downward direction D, which is the other of these perpendicular directions.

[0019] The forward direction Fr and the rear direction Rr are collectively referred to as the front-rear direction. The front-rear direction is synonymous with the axial direction as described above. The right direction R and the left direction L are collectively referred to as the left-right direction. The upward direction U and the downward direction D are collectively referred to as the up-down direction. The front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction intersect with each other. The front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction may be perpendicular to each other. The front-rear direction constitutes the first direction, the up-down direction constitutes the second direction, and the left-right direction constitutes the third direction.

[0020] The support section 22 includes a shaft support member 221 that supports the opening / closing shaft 21C of the treatment section 21, and a connecting member 222 that connects the shaft support member 221 and the connecting section 23. The shaft support member 221 has a roughly U-shape when viewed in the left-right direction. The connecting member 222 is cylindrical with its axis extending in the front-rear direction.

[0021] Figure 4 is a magnified perspective view of the shaft support member 221. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the shaft support member 221 from a different direction than that shown in Figure 4.

[0022] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the shaft support member 221 comprises an upper shaft support portion 221A and a lower shaft support portion 221B that are arranged vertically and support the opening / closing shaft 21C at their tip ends, an annular portion 221C that is annular in the front-rear direction and provided on the base end side of the upper shaft support portion 221A and the lower shaft support portion 221B, and a cylindrical extension portion 221D that extends from around the opening on the base end side of the annular portion 221C toward the base end.

[0023] The upper shaft support portion 221A and the lower shaft support portion 221B each have thickness in the vertical direction and are composed of curved plate-like structures that curve away from the axis CL. The extended portion 221D is configured to have a smaller diameter than the annular portion 221C.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the base ends of the claw portions 21A and 21B are positioned and supported between the upper shaft support portion 221A and the lower shaft support portion 221B.

[0025] The support portion 22 further includes a connecting member 222 that connects the shaft support member 221 and the connecting portion 23, as shown in Figure 3. The connecting member 222 is configured as a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The extended portion 221D of the shaft support member 221 is inserted through the connecting member 222 from the tip side, and the connecting member 222 and the extended portion 221D are fixed inside the connecting member 222.

[0026] The connecting portion 23 comprises a pair of link rods 23A, the tip of which is supported by the claw portion 21A and the claw portion 21B respectively; an operating wire 23C extending from the operating portion 50 to the base end of the link rod 23A; and a cylindrical member 23B that internally supports the tip of the operating wire 23C. The pair of link rods 23A protrude from the support portion 22 towards the base end, passing through the annular portion 221C, the extended portion 221D, and the connecting member 222 from between the upper shaft support portion 221A and the lower shaft support portion 221B. The link rods 23A are inserted into the cylindrical member 23B and fixed to the tip surface of the operating wire 23C inside the cylindrical member 23B.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the connecting portion 23 includes a coil sleeve 23D consisting of a tightly wound coil provided on the base end of the link rod 23A, a cylindrical member 23B, and the outer circumference of the operating wire 23C, and a covering member 23E that covers the tip end of the coil sleeve 23D. The coil sleeve 23D and the covering member 23E constitute a covering portion that covers the operating wire 23C. The tip of the coil sleeve 23D is fixed inside the connecting member 222. The base end of the coil sleeve 23D is fixed inside the tip member 40 shown in Figure 1. When the operating wire 23C moves in the front-rear direction, the link mechanism of the pair of link rods 23A is activated, and the claw portions 21A and 21B are opened and closed.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, a gap is formed between the left and right ends of the upper shaft support portion 221A and the left and right ends of the lower shaft support portion 221B to prevent interference between the base ends of the claw portions 21A and 21B and the link rod 23A when the claw portions 21A and 21B are opened and closed.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the annular portion 221C is provided with a groove 221E that extends in the front-rear direction in a portion of the circumferential direction.

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration example of the operating section 50. The tip member 40 is a columnar shape extending in the axial direction, such as a cylindrical or rectangular tube, and is fixed to the housing member 30 at its tip, so that the inside of the housing member 30 and the inside of the tip member 40 are in communication.

[0031] A connector member 40A is provided inside the tip member 40, fixed to the tip member 40. The connector member 40A has a roughly T-shaped cross-section and has a first straight portion extending in the vertical direction and a second straight portion extending from approximately the center of the first straight portion in the vertical direction toward the tip. The second straight portion is provided with a through hole that penetrates from front to back, and this through hole communicates with the interior of the housing member 30 at the tip end and with the interior of the tip member 40 at the base end. Inside the lower part of the through hole in the first straight portion of the connector member 40A, there is a liquid supply section 40Ah, which is composed of a hole that connects this through hole to the outside. When liquid is supplied from the liquid supply device 100 with the supply pipe 101 connected to the liquid supply section 40Ah, this liquid is supplied to the housing member 30 via the through hole in the connector member 40A. The liquid supply section 40Ah constitutes a connection section that can be connected to the liquid supply device 100 as an external device.

[0032] Inside the tip member 40, there is an O-ring 40C, which serves as a sealing member and is provided on the base end side of the connector member 40A, and a flanged cylindrical connector member 40D, which is provided on the base end side of the O-ring 40C. The O-ring 40C is sandwiched between the inner wall of the tip member 40 and the outer surface of the base end side of the connector member 40A.

[0033] Of the connection portion 23 of the treatment member 20, the operating wire 23C and the coil sleeve 23D have their base ends located inside the tip member 40. The coil sleeve 23D extends from the position of the connecting member 222 to a position slightly closer to the base end than the O-ring 40C. The operating wire 23C extends even further towards the base end than the base end of the coil sleeve 23D, passing through the inside of the connector member 40D and extending further towards the base end than the connector member 40D. The connector member 40D is configured to be movable relative to the tip member 40 and the connector member 40A in the front-rear direction.

[0034] An O-ring 40E is provided on the inner circumference of the connector member 40D between it and the operating wire 23C, acting as a sealing member. The O-rings 40C and 40E are positioned on the proximal end side of the internal space of the connector member 40A into which liquid flows from the liquid supply section 40Ah. The O-rings 40C and 40E firmly prevent the liquid supplied to the inside of the connector member 40A from moving into the space on the proximal end side of the connector member 40A in the tip member 40. Inside the connector member 40D, a fixing member 40F is provided on the proximal end side of the O-ring 40E to fix the O-ring 40E in place.

[0035] The cable connection portion 41 is composed of a cylindrical member through which an operating wire 23C extending from the connector member 40D toward its base end is inserted, and its tip is supported by the base end of the connector member 40D. The cable connection portion 41 and the connector member 40D are connected so as not to move relative to each other in the front-rear direction, but so as to be able to rotate relative to each other around the axis CL. The connection terminal 41A is electrically connected to the operating wire 23C inserted through the cable connection portion 41.

[0036] The finger rest portion 43 comprises an annular portion 431 having a finger rest hole 431A with an axis extending in the left-right direction, and a shaft portion 432 extending from the annular portion 431 toward the tip. The shaft portion 432 is supported inside the cable connection portion 41 at its base end. The cable connection portion 41 and the finger rest portion 43 are connected so as not to move relative to each other in the front-rear direction, and so as to be rotatable relative to each other about an axis CL.

[0037] The slider 42 is provided on the outer circumference of the cable connection portion 41 and the shaft portion 432 of the finger rest portion 43, straddling them, and is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the cable connection portion 41 and the finger rest portion 43. The slider 42 and the cable connection portion 41 are connected so as to be rotatable relative to each other around the axis CL. The slider 42 and the finger rest portion 43 are connected so as not to be rotatable relative to each other around the axis CL. The operating wire 23C, inserted through the cable connection portion 41 from the tip side, is inserted inside the shaft portion 432 of the finger rest portion 43, and is fixed to the wire fixing portion 42A of the slider 42 in the cavity 43A inside the shaft portion 432.

[0038] The endoscopic treatment instrument 1 is configured to be able to assume two states: a protruding state in which the treatment section 21 protrudes from the tip-side opening 30h of the housing member 30, and a retracted state in which the entire protruding range of the treatment section 21 from the tip-side opening 30h in the protruding state is retracted to the proximal end side of the tip-side opening 30h. In the protruding state, the treatment section 21 protrudes from the tip-side opening 30h to the extent that it can be opened to its maximum extent. Figure 6 shows the retracted state.

[0039] When using the endoscopic treatment instrument 1, in the retracted state shown in Figure 6, for example, while maintaining the front-to-back position of the finger rest 43, the tip member 40 is moved toward the base end. As a result of this operation, as shown in Figure 7, the tip member 40, the connector member 40A, and the O-ring 40C move toward the base end relative to the connector member 40D and the cable connection part 41. Consequently, although the front-to-back position of the treatment member 20 remains unchanged, the tip of the housing member 30 moves toward the base end, resulting in a protruding state.

[0040] In this protruding state, moving the slider 42 in the forward and backward direction relative to the cable connection part 41 and the finger rest part 43 causes the operating wire 23C to move in the forward and backward direction. The movement of the operating wire 23C opens and closes the treatment part 21, making it possible to excise the lesion.

[0041] The physician opens and closes the treatment section 21 using the operating section 50, and after excising the lesion with the treatment section 21, moves, for example, the housing member 30 and the tip member 40 toward the tip, and houses the entire treatment section 21 in the housing member 30. After that, the physician withdraws the endoscopic treatment instrument 1 from the endoscope. Procedures such as ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection) are performed by following these steps.

[0042] In the above-described protruding state, when the finger rest portion 43 is rotated around the axis CL, the slider 42 rotates together with the finger rest portion 43, and the operating wire 23C fixed to the wire fixing portion 42A of the slider 42 rotates. When the operating wire 23C rotates, the link rod 23A fixed to it also rotates. Therefore, the orientation of the treatment portion 21 can be flexibly changed by rotating it in the protruding state.

[0043] The cable connection section 41 is rotatable relative to the connector member 40D, the slider 42, and the finger rest 43. Therefore, for example, when performing a rotational operation to rotate the finger rest 43 while gripping the tip member 40, it is possible to prevent the cable connection section 41 from following this rotation. Since the cable 201 is connected to the cable connection section 41, the cable 201 does not need to rotate as the cable connection section 41 does not rotate, allowing for efficient treatment using the endoscopic treatment instrument 1.

[0044] Furthermore, even if you want to change the position of the cable 201, the cable connection part 41 can rotate relative to the connector member 40D, so the position of the cable 201 can be changed while maintaining the position of the tip member 40.

[0045] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a preferred example of the external shape of the operating section 50. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the operating section 50 shown in Figure 8 from a different direction. Figure 10 is a side view of the operating section 50 shown in Figure 8, viewed from the left side. Figure 11 is a top view of the operating section 50 shown in Figure 8, viewed from above. Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow AA in Figure 11. Figure 13 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the operating section 50 shown in Figure 8, showing a cross-section passing through axis CL and perpendicular to the left-right direction. Figure 14 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the operating section 50 shown in Figure 8, showing a cross-section passing through axis CL and perpendicular to the up-down direction. Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow BB in Figure 11. In Figures 12 to 15, the internal structure unrelated to the external shape of the operating section 50 is simplified in the illustrations.

[0046] <End component> The tip member 40 of the operating section 50 shown in Figure 8 is configured as a gripping section that is held by the user's hand. The external shape of the tip member 40 is non-cylindrical, resembling a roughly rectangular prism with rounded corners. In other words, the outer edge shape of the cross-section perpendicular to the axis CL of the tip member 40 is non-circular.

[0047] More specifically, the tip member 40 has an upper surface 40U and a lower surface 40d (see Figure 10) that face each other in the vertical direction, and a right surface 40R and a left surface 40L (see Figure 11) that face each other in the horizontal direction, as its outer circumferential surfaces.

[0048] As shown in Figure 12, the upper surface 40U and the lower surface 40d are composed of curved surfaces that bulge in the direction away from each other. Similarly, the right surface 40R and the left surface 40L are composed of curved surfaces that bulge in the direction away from each other. Figure 12 shows a virtual circle V passing through both end edges of the upper surface 40U, the lower surface 40d, the right surface 40R, and the left surface 40L. The upper surface 40U, the lower surface 40d, the right surface 40R, and the left surface 40L are each composed of a bulge that is located inside the virtual circle V.

[0049] As shown in Figure 12, the outer circumferential surface of the tip member 40 further includes connecting surfaces C1, C2, C3, and C4, which are curved surfaces that bulge away from the axis CL, connecting the upper surface 40U and lower surface 40d with the right surface 40R and left surface 40L. The upper surface 40U and the left surface 40L are connected by connecting surface C1. The upper surface 40U and the right surface 40R are connected by connecting surface C2. The right surface 40R and the lower surface 40d are connected by connecting surface C3. The lower surface 40d and the left surface 40L are connected by connecting surface C4.

[0050] The connecting surfaces C1, C2, C3, and C4 have a greater curvature than the upper surface 40U, the lower surface 40d, the right surface 40R, and the left surface 40L. In the example in Figure 12, the connecting surfaces C1, C2, C3, and C4 are each composed of curved surfaces that bulge outward from the virtual circle V.

[0051] In the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the tip member 40, the lengths of the upper surface 40U, lower surface 40d, right surface 40R, and left surface 40L are greater than the lengths of the connecting surfaces C1, C2, C3, and C4, respectively.

[0052] One of the upper surface 40U and the lower surface 40d constitutes the first surface of the second operating section, and the other of the upper surface 40U and the lower surface 40d constitutes the second surface of the second operating section. One of the right surface 40R and the left surface 40L constitutes the third surface of the second operating section, and the other of the right surface 40R and the left surface 40L constitutes the fourth surface of the second operating section. The connecting surfaces C1, C2, C3, and C4 constitute the fifth surface of the second operating section.

[0053] The upper surface 40U and the lower surface 40d are preferably point-symmetrical with respect to the axis CL. The right surface 40R and the left surface 40L are preferably point-symmetrical with respect to the axis CL.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 12, the upper surface 40U and the lower surface 40d are point-symmetric, and the right surface 40R and the left surface 40L are also point-symmetric. Furthermore, when the upper surface 40U and the lower surface 40d are rotated 90 degrees or 270 degrees around the axis CL as the center of rotation, they overlap with the right surface 40R and the left surface 40L. In other words, when viewed in the axial direction, the upper surface 40U and the lower surface 40d, and the right surface 40R and the left surface 40L, have shapes that are 90 degrees or 270 degrees rotationally symmetric with respect to the axis CL as the axis of symmetry.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 12, the lengths of the upper surface 40U, lower surface 40d, right surface 40R, and left surface 40L in the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the tip member 40 are the same, but they may be different. For example, the lengths of the upper surface 40U and lower surface 40d may be the same, and the lengths of the right surface 40R and left surface 40L may be the same, while the lengths of the upper surface 40U and lower surface 40d may be different from the lengths of the right surface 40R and left surface 40L.

[0056] Thus, the outer circumferential surface of the tip member 40 comprises two surfaces facing each other vertically and two surfaces facing each other horizontally. With this configuration, when the upper surface 40U and lower surface 40d, or the right surface 40R and left surface 40L of the tip member 40 are grasped by, for example, two fingers, the contact area between each finger and the outer circumferential surface can be increased. As a result, the tip member 40 can be held securely.

[0057] In particular, if the lengths of the upper surface 40U, lower surface 40d, right surface 40R, and left surface 40L in the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the tip member 40 are greater than the lengths of the connecting surfaces C1, C2, C3, and C4, the contact area can be increased, and the tip member 40 can be securely held.

[0058] Furthermore, because the upper surface 40U, lower surface 40d, right surface 40R, and left surface 40L are located inside the virtual circle V, the contact area can be made larger compared to a configuration in which the tip member 40 is cylindrical, thereby enabling secure holding of the tip member 40.

[0059] Furthermore, when the tip member 40 is gripped by hand, the connecting surfaces C1, C2, C3, and C4 that make up the corners of the tip member 40 will fit the joints of the fingers. As a result, the tip member 40 will not slip, and a stable hold will be possible.

[0060] Furthermore, because the connecting surfaces C1, C2, C3, and C4 are curved, when gripping the tip member 40 with the hand, the feel against the inside of the hand is soft, reducing the burden during operation.

[0061] Furthermore, whether the tip member 40 is grasped with two fingers or held in the hand, the shape of the top surface 40U, bottom surface 40d, right surface 40R, and left surface 40L bulges outward, making the grip feel softer and reducing the burden during operation.

[0062] Furthermore, because the outer surface of the tip member 40 has a rotationally symmetrical shape, it is possible to grip it in a similar state from any angle, thereby reducing the burden during operation.

[0063] Furthermore, the upper surface 40U and the lower surface 40d may each be composed of, for example, surfaces that are at least partially perpendicular to the vertical direction. Similarly, the right surface 40R and the left surface 40L may each be composed of, for example, surfaces that are at least partially perpendicular to the vertical direction. Even with this configuration, the effect of being able to firmly grip the tip member 40 can be obtained.

[0064] Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of the tip member 40 may be configured without connection surfaces C1, C2, C3, and C4. In other words, the right end of the upper surface 40U may be directly connected to the upper end of the right surface 40R, the lower end of the right surface 40R may be directly connected to the right end of the lower surface 40d, the left end of the lower surface 40d may be directly connected to the lower end of the left surface 40L, and the upper end of the left surface 40L may be directly connected to the left end of the upper surface 40U. Even with this configuration, the effect of being able to firmly grip the tip member 40 can be obtained.

[0065] As shown in Figure 10, a liquid supply section 40Ah is provided on the lower surface 40d. On the upper surface 40U opposite to the lower surface 40d, a finger grip section 40B is provided at a position opposite the liquid supply section 40Ah in the vertical direction. The finger grip section 40B is composed of a curved and recessed surface toward the lower surface 40d.

[0066] When gripping the tip member 40, it is assumed that the user will grasp the tip member 40 by pinching the supply pipe 101 connected to the liquid supply unit 40Ah with two fingers other than the thumb, and then placing the thumb against the upper surface 40U. In such a case, having a finger grip portion 40B on the opposite side of the liquid supply unit 40Ah makes it easier to hold the tip member 40 stably by hooking the thumb onto the finger grip portion 40B. In particular, having the finger grip portion 40B in a position opposite the liquid supply unit 40Ah means that when the supply pipe 101 is pinched with two fingers, the finger grip portion 40B is naturally positioned where the thumb should be, allowing for smooth operation of the tip member 40.

[0067] Note that the positions of the liquid supply section 40Ah and the finger grip section 40B may be reversed. Also, the liquid supply section 40Ah may be provided on either the left side 40L or the right side 40R. In this case, the finger grip section 40B may be provided on the other side of the left side 40L or right side 40R.

[0068] The tip member 40 is assumed to be entirely composed of a gripping portion, but is not limited to this. For example, a gripping portion with the same configuration as the tip member 40 shown in Figure 8 may be provided only in a portion of the tip member 40 in the front-rear direction.

[0069] <Slider> As shown in Figures 8 to 11, the slider 42 has a shape resembling a truncated pyramid with a rectangular base and rounded corners, with two recesses 421 and 422 for gripping with fingers. The recesses 421 and 422 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0070] There are, for example, a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation for operating the slider 42 and the finger rest 43. In the first operation, the thumb is inserted into the hole 431A and hooked onto the ring portion 431, and one of the other two fingers (for example, the index finger and middle finger) is hooked onto the recess 421 and the other onto the recess 422. In this state, the two fingers and the thumb are moved closer together or further apart. This causes the slider 42, the cable connection portion 41, and the finger rest 43 to move relative to each other back and forth.

[0071] In the second operation, place, for example, your thumb on the left side of the slider 42 and, for example, your index finger on the right side of the slider 42, and grasp the slider 42 with your thumb and index finger. Also, grip the finger rest 43 with the remaining three fingers and your palm. While maintaining the position of the finger rest 43, move your thumb and index finger back and forth. This will move the slider 42 back and forth.

[0072] In the third operation, position your thumb, for example, across the recess 421 on the upper surface of the slider 42, and hook your index finger, for example, into the lower recess 422 of the slider 42, then pinch the slider 42 with your thumb and index finger. Also, grip the finger rest 43 with your other three fingers and palm. While maintaining the position of the finger rest 43, move your thumb and index finger back and forth. This will move the slider 42 back and forth.

[0073] As shown in Figure 10, the slider 42 includes a first portion P1 with a vertical length of a first length, a second portion P2 located on the tip side of the first portion P1 and having a vertical length greater than the first length, and a third portion P3 located on the base side of the first portion P1 and having a vertical length greater than the first length.

[0074] In the vertical direction, the lengths of the third part P3 and the second part P2 are different, with the third part P3 being longer than the second part P2. With this configuration, when bringing the two fingers and thumb closer together during the first operation, the contact area between the pads of the two fingers hooked onto the slider 42 and the third part P3 can be increased, improving operability. On the other hand, when moving the two fingers and thumb further apart, the contact area between the backs of the two fingers and the second part P2 can be reduced. Since the backs of the fingers are harder than the pads of the fingers, reducing the contact area with the second part P2 softens the feel during operation. As a result, operability can be improved. Furthermore, when performing the second operation, it becomes easier to hook the index finger onto the third part P3, improving operability.

[0075] In the front-to-back direction, the lengths of the third part P3 and the second part P2 are different, with the length of the second part P2 being greater than the length of the third part P3. This configuration allows for a reduction in the front-to-back length of the slider 42, thereby reducing its weight, while ensuring engagement force between the slider 42 and the cable connection part 41 and the finger rest part 43. The reduced weight of the slider 42 improves operability. Furthermore, when performing the second operation, the area on which the thumb can make contact increases, enabling stable holding and operation.

[0076] As shown in Figure 13, the vertical length L4 of the base end in the front-to-back direction of the second part P2 is greater than the vertical length L3 of the tip end in the front-to-back direction of the second part P2. This configuration allows for a reduction in the weight of the slider 42. Furthermore, when performing the second operation, the contact area with the thumb can be increased, enabling stable holding and operation.

[0077] As shown in Figures 8 to 11, the left-right surface of the second portion P2 is provided with a tip projection 425 extending in the vertical direction at the end on the first portion P1 side. In addition, the left-right surface of the third portion P3 is provided with a base projection 426 extending in the vertical direction at the end on the finger rest 43 side.

[0078] The presence of the tip side projection 425 and the base side projection 426 allows the thumb and index finger to hook onto the tip side projection 425 and the base side projection 426 when performing the second operation, enabling stable holding and operation. Note that the tip side projection 425 and the base side projection 426 do not necessarily have to be both provided; either one may be provided. Furthermore, the tip side projection 425 and the base side projection 426 may be provided on only one of the two surfaces in the left-right direction. In addition, projections extending in the vertical direction may be provided on the left-right surface of the first part P1.

[0079] The outer edge shape of the cross-section perpendicular to the axis CL of the first part P1 of the slider 42 is non-circular. More specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the first part P1 of the slider 42 includes an upper surface 421A and a lower surface 422A (see Figures 10 and 13) facing each other in the vertical direction, and a right surface 424 and a left surface 423 (see Figure 14) facing each other in the horizontal direction. The upper surface 421A constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 421, and the lower surface 422A constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 422.

[0080] One of the upper surface 421A and the lower surface 422A constitutes the first surface of the first part of the sliding section, and the other of the upper surface 421A and the lower surface 422A constitutes the second surface of the first part of the sliding section. One of the right surface 424 and the left surface 423 constitutes the third surface of the first part of the sliding section, and the other of the right surface 424 and the left surface 423 constitutes the fourth surface of the first part of the sliding section.

[0081] As shown in Figure 15, the upper surface 421A and the lower surface 422A are each composed of curved surfaces that bulge outwards from each other. If we consider a virtual circle passing through both end edges of the upper surface 421A and the lower surface 422A, the upper surface 421A and the lower surface 422A are each composed of a bulge that is located inside this virtual circle. Because the upper surface 421A and the lower surface 422A are composed of curved surfaces, the parts that come into contact with the sides of the two fingers when performing the first operation are curved, which makes the feel softer and improves operability.

[0082] Furthermore, the upper surface 421A and the lower surface 422A may each have a configuration in which at least a portion of them includes a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction. Even with such a configuration, the feel of the fingers when performing the first operation can be made softer compared to the case where the outer edge shape of the cross-section of the first part P1 is circular, thereby improving operability.

[0083] The left surface 423 and the right surface 424 have different shapes from the top surface 421A and the bottom surface 422A, and in the example shown in Figure 15, they are composed of surfaces perpendicular to the left-right direction. The left surface 423 and the right surface 424 do not necessarily have to be entirely perpendicular to the left-right direction; they may have a shape in which only a part is perpendicular to the left-right direction. By having the left surface 423 and the right surface 424 composed of surfaces perpendicular to the left-right direction, the thumb can be stably positioned on the left surface 423 or the right surface 424 when performing a second operation, thereby improving operability.

[0084] The upper surface 421A and the lower surface 422A have a point-symmetric shape with respect to the axis CL. The right surface 424 and the left surface 423 also have a point-symmetric shape with respect to the axis CL. With this configuration, the operability can be kept the same regardless of the direction of the slider 42 in any of the first, second, or third operations.

[0085] The areas of the upper surface 421A and lower surface 422A when viewed in the vertical direction are different from the areas of the left surface 423 and right surface 424 when viewed in the horizontal direction. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the areas of the upper surface 421A and lower surface 422A when viewed in the vertical direction are larger than the areas of the left surface 423 and right surface 424 when viewed in the horizontal direction. The larger areas of the upper surface 421A and lower surface 422A allow for a firm separation of the two fingers during the first operation, improving operability. The left surface 423 and right surface 424 are sized to allow contact with a portion of the thumb during the second operation, thereby ensuring the depth of the recesses 421 and 422 and improving operability during the first operation.

[0086] The left-right lengths L2 of the upper surface 421A and the lower surface 422A (see Figure 11) are different from the up-down lengths L1 of the left surface 423 and the right surface 424 (see Figure 10). As shown in Figures 10 and 11, length L2 is greater than length L1. The larger length L2 allows for a firm separation of the two fingers during the first operation, improving operability. Length L1 is made large enough to allow contact with a part of the thumb during the second operation, thereby ensuring the depth of the recesses 421 and 422 and improving operability during the first operation.

[0087] As shown in Figure 13, the boundary B1 between the upper surface 421A and the base end surface 427 of the second portion P2, the boundary B3 between the upper surface 421A and the tip end surface 428 of the third portion P3, the boundary B2 between the lower surface 422A and the base end surface 427 of the second portion P2, and the boundary B4 between the lower surface 422A and the tip end surface 428 of the third portion P3 are each configured with an R shape.

[0088] Thus, the R-shape of boundaries B1, B2, B3, and B4 makes the finger contact softer when performing the first operation, thereby improving operability. Furthermore, when rotating the slider 42 and finger rest 43 while performing the first operation, the finger contact is also softer, further improving operability.

[0089] Furthermore, boundaries B1 and B2 may be rounded (R-shaped), while boundaries B3 and B4 may be angular (angular).

[0090] As shown in Figure 13, the hole 431A has an oval shape that extends vertically. With this configuration, the hole 431A is shaped similarly to the shape of the thumb that is inserted during the first operation, so that the pad of the thumb makes contact with the inner surface of the annular portion 431 over a wide area. As a result, operability can be improved. In addition, the thumb can be inserted and removed smoothly, and for example, switching between the first and second operations can be done smoothly.

[0091] In this specification, "symmetry" is interpreted as substantive symmetry and may include errors based on common social understanding.

[0092] As explained above, this specification contains at least the following information:

[0093] (1) A treatment member having a treatment section at its tip and extending in a first direction, A housing member for housing the above-mentioned treatment member, The first operating part of the treatment portion is provided on the base end side of the treatment member, The housing member is connected to the base end and comprises a second operating part that is movable relative to the first operating part in the first direction, The above-mentioned second operating section includes a gripping section having a first and second surface facing a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third and fourth surface facing a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, as its outer circumferential surfaces.

[0094] (2) (1) Endoscopic treatment instrument as described above, The outer circumferential surface of the gripping portion includes a fifth surface, which is composed of a curved surface connecting the first and second surfaces with the third and fourth surfaces, in an endoscopic treatment instrument.

[0095] (3) (2) Endoscopic treatment instrument as described above, The first and second surfaces described above are curved surfaces that bulge outwards from each other. The third and fourth surfaces described above are curved surfaces that bulge outwards from each other. The fifth surface described above has a greater curvature than the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces described above, and is an endoscopic treatment instrument.

[0096] (4) (2) or (3) the endoscopic treatment instrument, An endoscopic treatment instrument wherein, in the circumferential direction of the outer surface, the lengths of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface are greater than the length of the fifth surface.

[0097] (5) An endoscopic treatment instrument described in any one of (1) to (4), An endoscopic instrument in which, when viewed in the first direction, a virtual circle is set passing through both ends of the first surface, both ends of the second surface, both ends of the third surface, and both ends of the fourth surface, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface are located inside the virtual circle.

[0098] (6) An endoscopic treatment instrument described in any one of (1) to (5), The first and second surfaces described above have similarity-symmetrical shapes. The third and fourth surfaces described above have similar point-symmetrical shapes; this is an endoscopic treatment instrument.

[0099] (7) (6) Endoscopic treatment instrument as described above, An endoscopic treatment instrument in which the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces described above have a similar rotationally symmetric shape.

[0100] (8) An endoscopic instrument described in any one of (1) to (7), An endoscopic treatment instrument in which the entirety of the second operating section described above is composed of the gripping section described above.

[0101] (9) An endoscopic treatment instrument described in any one of (1) to (8), The second operating section described above is an endoscopic treatment instrument, wherein one of the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces is equipped with a connection part that can be connected to an external device.

[0102] (10) (9) Endoscopic treatment instrument as described above, The above-mentioned second operating section is an endoscopic treatment instrument that has a finger grip on the side opposite to the side on which the connecting section is provided, among the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces.

[0103] (11) (10) Endoscopic treatment instrument, The above-mentioned connecting portion and the above-mentioned finger grip portion are provided in positions opposite to each other in the second direction, in an endoscopic treatment instrument.

[0104] (12) (10) or (11) endoscopic treatment instrument, The above-mentioned finger grip portion is an endoscopic treatment instrument, in which the surface curved toward the side on which the above-mentioned connection portion is provided.

[0105] (13) An endoscopic treatment instrument described in any one of (1) to (12), The above-mentioned first operating section is an endoscopic treatment instrument that performs the opening and closing operation of the above-mentioned treatment section.

[0106] (14) An endoscopic treatment instrument described in any one of (1) to (13), The above-mentioned treatment member is an endoscopic treatment instrument that moves relative to the housing member in conjunction with the relative movement of the first operating part and the second operating part.

[0107] (15) An endoscopic treatment instrument described in any one of (1) to (14), The above-mentioned treatment member is an endoscopic treatment instrument that includes a wire connected to the treatment part and a covering part that covers the wire.

[0108] (16) An endoscopic treatment instrument described in any one of (1) to (15), The first operating section described above is an endoscopic treatment instrument provided on the proximal end side of the second operating section described above.

[0109] (17) An endoscopic instrument described in any one of (1) to (16), The outer circumferential surface of the first operating section includes at least one of two surfaces facing the second direction and two surfaces facing the third direction, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the first operating section includes at least one of these two surfaces. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1 Endoscopic treatment instruments 20 Treatment components 21 Treatment Department 21A,21B Claw part 21C Opening / Closing Shaft 21a Serrated uneven surface 22 Support part 23 Connection part 23A Link Rod 23B Cylindrical member 23C Operating Wire 23D Coil Sleeve 23E Covering material 30 Containing member 30h Tip side opening 40 Tip member 40A, 40D Connector Components 40B Finger grip 40C, 40E O-rings 40F Fixing Member 40L,423 Left side 40R,424 Right side 40U,421A top surface 40d,422A bottom surface 40Ah liquid supply section 41 Cable connection section 41A Connection terminal 42 Slider 42A Wire fixing section 43 Finger rest 43A Cavity 50 Control section 100 Liquid supply device 101 Supply pipe 200 High frequency power supply 201,202 Cables 203 Counter electrode 221 Axle support member 221A Upper shaft support part 221B Lower shaft support part 221C,431 Annular section 221D Extension 221E Groove 222 Connecting Components 421,422 concavity 425 Tip lateral protrusion 426 Basement lateral protrusion 427, 428 431A Hole 432 Shaft C1,C2,C3,C4 interface Part 1, Page 1 Part 2, Page 2 Part 3, Page 3 L1,L2,L3,L4 longさ B1, B2, B3, B4 levels

Claims

1. A treatment member having a treatment section at its tip and extending in a first direction, A housing member for housing the aforementioned treatment member, The first operating part of the treatment portion is provided on the base end side of the treatment member, The housing member is connected to the base end and comprises a second operating part that is movable relative to the first operating part in the first direction, The second operating section includes a gripping section having a first and second surface facing a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third and fourth surface facing a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, as its outer circumferential surfaces.

2. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to claim 1, The outer circumferential surface of the gripping portion includes a fifth surface, which is composed of a curved surface connecting the first and second surfaces with the third and fourth surfaces, in an endoscopic treatment instrument.

3. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to claim 2, The first surface and the second surface are curved surfaces that bulge outwards from each other. The third and fourth surfaces are curved surfaces that bulge outwards from each other. The fifth surface has a greater curvature than the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces, and is an endoscopic treatment instrument.

4. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to claim 2, An endoscopic treatment instrument wherein, in the circumferential direction of the outer surface, the lengths of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface are greater than the length of the fifth surface.

5. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An endoscopic treatment instrument in which, when viewed in the first direction, a virtual circle is set that passes through both ends of the first surface, both ends of the second surface, both ends of the third surface, and both ends of the fourth surface, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface are located inside the virtual circle.

6. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first and second surfaces have a point-symmetric shape. The third and fourth surfaces are point-symmetrical in shape, and this is an endoscopic treatment instrument.

7. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to claim 6, An endoscopic treatment instrument in which the first and second surfaces, and the third and fourth surfaces, have a rotationally symmetrical shape.

8. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An endoscopic treatment instrument in which the entirety of the second operating section is composed of the gripping section.

9. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The second operating section is an endoscopic treatment instrument, wherein one of the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces is equipped with a connection part that can be connected to an external device.

10. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to claim 9, The second operating section is an endoscopic treatment instrument, wherein the first surface, second surface, third surface, and fourth surface are provided with a finger grip on the surface opposite to the surface on which the connecting portion is provided.

11. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to claim 10, The connecting portion and the finger grip portion are provided in positions opposite to each other in the second direction, in an endoscopic treatment instrument.

12. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to claim 10, The aforementioned finger grip portion is composed of a curved surface on the side where the connecting portion is provided, in an endoscopic treatment instrument.

13. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first operating section is used to open and close the treatment section, and the device is an endoscopic treatment instrument.

14. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The treatment member is an endoscopic treatment instrument that moves relative to the housing member in conjunction with the relative movement of the first operating unit and the second operating unit.

15. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The treatment member includes a wire connected to the treatment part and a covering part that covers the wire, wherein the treatment instrument is an endoscopic treatment instrument.

16. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first operating section is an endoscopic treatment instrument provided on the proximal end side of the second operating section.

17. An endoscopic treatment instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The outer circumferential surface of the first operating section includes at least one of two surfaces facing the second direction and two surfaces facing the third direction, wherein the endoscopic treatment instrument.

Images