Removing tool and removing system

Abstract

To provide a remover having high operability.SOLUTION: A remover for removing attachments attached in a conduit of a treatment instrument for an endoscope, includes a bottomed cylindrical body having open one end, and a slender part formed extendedly from the bottom of a hollow part to the opening side of the hollow part in the hollow part of the bottomed cylindrical body, and insertable into the conduit. The hollow part of the bottomed cylindrical body is expanded from the bottom side toward the opening.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a removal tool and a removal system.

Background Art

[0002] In endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), an endoscopic treatment instrument equipped with a high-frequency knife that passes a high-frequency current to excise mucosa and the like is used.

[0003] In this type of endoscopic treatment instrument, for example, hemoglobin, proteins, etc. thermally coagulated by cauterization with a high-frequency knife may adhere to the inside of the pipeline of the endoscopic treatment instrument. There is a risk of clogging the pipeline due to this deposit. Therefore, an operator removes the deposit from inside the pipeline using, for example, a removal tool (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An operator manually sets a removal tool inside the pipeline of a precise and small endoscopic treatment instrument and removes the deposit adhering to the inside of the pipeline. Therefore, high operability is required for the removal tool.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a removal tool and a removal system with high operability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The removing tool according to an embodiment of the present invention removes deposits adhering to the inside of the conduit of the endoscopic treatment tool, and includes a bottomed cylindrical body having one end opened, and an elongated portion formed to extend from the bottom of the hollow portion to the opening side of the hollow portion within the hollow portion of the bottomed cylindrical body and capable of being inserted into the conduit. The hollow portion of the bottomed cylindrical body expands from the bottom side toward the opening.

[0008] The removing tool according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of slits are formed to divide the side surface of the bottomed cylindrical body into a plurality in the direction around the axis of the bottomed cylindrical body. In such a configuration, when the endoscopic treatment tool is inserted into the hollow portion and pressed against it, the portion of the bottomed cylindrical body located between the slits elastically deforms, and the hollow portion expands from the bottom side toward the opening.

[0009] The removing tool according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an exterior portion that holds the bottomed cylindrical body. In this case, the bottomed cylindrical body has, for example, higher flexibility than the exterior portion.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the hollow portion of the bottomed cylindrical body may include a tapered portion that expands continuously or stepwise from the bottom side toward the opening.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the bottomed cylindrical body is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, and includes a constricted portion where the outer diameter is narrower at the central portion than at the end portion in the axial direction of the bottomed cylindrical body.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the bottomed cylindrical body is formed of a material that transmits light in at least a part of the visible wavelength range, for example.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, an edge portion may be formed on the side surface of the elongated portion.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the tip of the elongated portion has, for example, a tapered shape.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hollow portion of the bottomed cylindrical body has a circular orthogonal cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction of the bottomed cylindrical body, and the elongated portion may be arranged in the hollow portion so as to pass through the center of the circle and extend along the axial direction.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hollow portion of the bottomed cylindrical body has a circular orthogonal cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction of the bottomed cylindrical body, and the elongated portion may be arranged in the hollow portion so as to pass through a position deviated from the center of the circle and extend along the axial direction.

[0017] The removal system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the removal tool according to any of the above and an endoscopic treatment tool inserted into the removal tool. In the removal system, a mark indicating the amount to be inserted into the removal tool is attached to the endoscopic treatment tool.

[0018] The removal tool according to one embodiment of the present invention is for removing deposits adhering to the inside of the conduit of the endoscopic treatment tool, and includes a bottomed cylindrical body having one end open, and an elongated portion formed to extend from the bottom of the hollow portion toward the opening side of the hollow portion within the hollow portion of the bottomed cylindrical body and insertable into the conduit. The hollow portion of the bottomed cylindrical body has a circular orthogonal cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction of the bottomed cylindrical body, and the elongated portion is arranged in the hollow portion so as to pass through a position deviated from the center of the circle and extend along the axial direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a removal tool and a removal system with high operability are provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15A

Figure 15B

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19A

Figure 19B

Figure 19C

Figure 19D

Figure 20A

Figure 20B

[0021] Hereinafter, a removal tool and a removal system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] The removal tool according to this embodiment removes deposits adhering to the inside of the pipeline of the endoscopic treatment instrument. The removal system includes the removal tool and the endoscopic treatment instrument. The operation of removing deposits by the removal tool is performed by, for example, an operator (doctor) or other medical staff (physician assistant, nurse, etc.). The person who performs the operation of removing deposits by the removal tool is collectively referred to as an operator.

[0023] [Example 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a removal tool 1 according to Example 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the removal tool 1 as viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the removal tool 1. FIG. 4 is an overall view of an endoscopic treatment instrument 2 inserted into the removal tool 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the tip portion 2A of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 is inserted into the removal tool 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which deposits B (hemoglobin, protein, etc. thermally coagulated by cauterization) adhering to the pipeline 2B of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 are removed.

[0024] The removing instrument 1 includes a housing 10, a rod-shaped part 20, and a base 30. The housing 10 is a bottomed cylindrical body with one end open, and a hollow part 12 is formed therein. The tip part 2A of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 is inserted into the hollow part 12 by an operator through the opening 12A of the hollow part 12.

[0025] The housing 10 is, for example, a resin molded product and is formed of, for example, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer) or polycarbonate. The housing 10 may be formed of a material that transmits light in at least a part of the visible wavelength range so that an operator can visually observe the rod-shaped part 20 provided in the hollow part 12 and the tip part 2A of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 inserted into the hollow part 12, and is, for example, a transparent body or a translucent body. Hereinafter, the "material that transmits light in at least a part of the visible wavelength range" is referred to as a "transparent material".

[0026] The housing 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape. An axis, which is a line on the central axis of the housing 10, is denoted by the symbol AX. In the following description, the axial direction AX of the housing 10 is defined as the Z direction, and two directions that are orthogonal to the Z direction and orthogonal to each other are defined as the X direction and the Y direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction that are orthogonal to each other form a left-handed system.

[0027] The housing 10 has a cylindrical outer appearance with a constriction in the central part in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the housing 10 has an outer shape including a constricted part 14 where the outer diameter narrows at the central part rather than at the end part in the axial direction AX. Since the housing 10 has an outer shape including the constricted part 14, it is easier for an operator to grip the housing 10 (in other words, the removing instrument 1).

[0028] The hollow part 12 of the housing 10 has a shape in which a cross section orthogonal to the axial direction AX (specifically, an XY cross section) is circular. The rod-shaped part 20 is disposed in the hollow part 12 having a circular XY cross section.

[0029] The rod-shaped part 20 is an example of an elongated part inserted into the conduit 2B of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2. The rod-shaped part 20 is formed in the hollow part 12 so as to extend from the bottom 12B of the hollow part 12 toward the opening 12A side.

[0030] Specifically, the rod-shaped portion 20 is an elongated cylindrical metal component, for example, formed of SUS304. The root portion of the rod-shaped portion 20 is embedded in the base 30. The rod-shaped portion 20 and the base 30 are inserted into a through-hole portion 10B formed in the proximal end portion 10A of the housing 10 and fixed with an adhesive or the like.

[0031] The rod-shaped portion 20 penetrates through the through-hole portion 10B and is arranged to extend coaxially with the axis AX (in other words, passing through the center of the circular cross-section of the hollow portion 12 and along the direction of the axis AX) within the hollow portion 12. Among the rod-shaped portion 20, the portion extending coaxially with the axis AX within the hollow portion 12 is longer than the total length of the pipeline 2B of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2.

[0032] The outer diameter of the rod-shaped portion 20 is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipeline 2B of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2. Therefore, the operator can insert the rod-shaped portion 20 into the pipeline 2B.

[0033] Here, the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 will be described.

[0034] The endoscopic treatment instrument 2 is, for example, a treatment instrument used in ESD, and a high-frequency knife 2C is provided at its distal end portion 2A. According to the operation on the operation portion 2D, the protruding amount of the high-frequency knife 2C with respect to the distal end face 2Aa of the distal end portion 2A changes. The operator performing the procedure operates the operation portion 2D according to the procedure content (marking, local injection, incision, peeling, hemostasis, etc.) and protrudes the high-frequency knife 2C from the distal end face 2Aa by an appropriate amount.

[0035] A pipeline 2B, which is a through-passage, is formed in the high-frequency knife 2C. The pipeline 2B is arranged coaxially with the tubular distal end portion 2A. The pipeline 2B communicates with the subsequent flow path 2E. For example, a water supply pump or a suction pump is connected to the proximal end of the flow path 2E.

[0036] When the water supply pump is connected to the proximal end of the flow path 2E, for example, a liquid (such as a cleaning liquid or a chemical solution) is supplied into the flow path 2E by the water supply pump. The liquid supplied into the flow path 2E is jetted to the outside from the tip of the high-frequency knife 2C via the flow path 2E and the pipe line 2B. Thereby, for example, a chemical solution can be injected into the submucosa layer, or an adherent substance (blood or mucus) adhering to the body cavity can be removed.

[0037] When the suction pump is connected to the proximal end of the flow path 2E, for example, an adherent substance adhering to the body cavity is sucked into the pipe line 2B. The adherent substance sucked into the pipe line 2B is put into a container or the like provided in the suction pump via the flow path 2E.

[0038] In the pipe line 2B having such a role, hemoglobin, protein, etc. thermally coagulated by cauterization with the high-frequency knife 2C may adhere. For example, by pumping a liquid or a gas into the pipe line 2B using the water supply pump or the suction pump, a certain amount of adherent substances can be removed from the pipe line 2B. However, it is difficult to remove the adherent substances that have completely solidified in the pipe line 2B only by such pumping. Further, the inner diameter of the pipe line 2B is extremely thin, for example, about 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. Therefore, the pipe line 2B is likely to be clogged with adherent substances. When the pipe line 2B is clogged, it becomes difficult to pump a liquid or a gas into the pipe line 2B itself, and thus it becomes more difficult to remove the adherent substances.

[0039] Therefore, the operator removes the adherent substances in the pipe line 2B using the removing tool 1. The removal operation of the adherent substances using the removing tool 1 will be specifically described.

[0040] The operator removes the adherent substances in the pipe line 2B using the removing tool 1 during or after the procedure by the surgeon. For example, during the procedure, the operator removes the endoscopic treatment tool 2 from the endoscope and inserts the tip portion 2A of the endoscopic treatment tool 2 into the hollow portion 12 through the opening 12A of the hollow portion 12 formed in the housing 10.

[0041] In the housing 10, slits 16 are formed that divide the side surface 10C of the housing 10 into a plurality in the direction around the axis AX (here, the circumferential direction of the cylindrically formed housing 10). The slit 16 is formed to extend in the direction of the axis AX from the tip end portion 10E of the housing 10 to an intermediate position of the side surface 10C toward the base end portion 10A.

[0042] Exemplarily, four slits 16 are formed in the side surface 10C of the housing 10 at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the housing 10. Thereby, the side surface 10C is divided into four in the circumferential direction of the housing 10 at the portion where the slit 16 is formed.

[0043] The hollow portion 12 includes a tapered portion 12C and a non-tapered portion 12D. The tapered portion 12C is formed to extend in the direction of the axis AX from the opening portion 12A to an intermediate position C in the hollow portion 12. The non-tapered portion 12D is formed to extend in the direction of the axis AX from the intermediate position C, which is the base end of the tapered portion 12C, to the bottom portion 12B.

[0044] The tapered portion 12C expands from the bottom portion 12B side toward the opening portion 12A. That is, the tapered portion 12C is formed such that the XY cross-section orthogonal to the direction of the axis AX becomes larger from the bottom portion 12B side toward the opening portion 12A.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the XY cross-section of the tapered portion 12C continuously becomes larger from the bottom portion 12B side toward the opening portion 12A. In another embodiment, the XY cross-section of the tapered portion 12C may become larger stepwise from the bottom portion 12B side toward the opening portion 12A.

[0046] As described above, the hollow portion 12 has a shape in which the XY cross-section is circular. Therefore, "expands" may be read as "increases in diameter". That is, the tapered portion 12C is formed such that the inner diameter continuously or stepwise increases from the bottom portion 12B side toward the opening portion 12A.

[0047] The tapered portion 12C has the widest XY cross-section (in other words, the inner diameter) larger than the XY cross-section (in other words, the outer diameter) of the distal end portion 2A of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2. Therefore, the operator can easily insert the distal end portion 2A into the hollow portion 12 (more precisely, the tapered portion 12C).

[0048] The inner diameter of the tapered portion 12C becomes thinner as it approaches the non-tapered portion 12D. For example, around the front side of the intermediate position C (a position on the negative Z side from the intermediate position C), it becomes smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end portion 2A of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2. Also, the tapered portion 12C has the smallest inner diameter at the intermediate position C which is the proximal end. And the inner diameter of the non-tapered portion 12D is the same as the inner diameter at the intermediate position C throughout. That is, the non-tapered portion 12D has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end portion 2A of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 throughout its entire length.

[0049] Therefore, when the operator inserts the distal end portion 2A of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 into the tapered portion 12C, around the front side of the intermediate position C, the entire peripheral edge of the distal end portion 2A of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 presses against the inner peripheral surface of the tapered portion 12C. In this state, when the operator further inserts the distal end portion 2A toward the bottom portion 12B, four portions 10D located between the slits 16 in the side surface 10C elastically deform so that the inner diameter of the hollow portion 12 expands more toward the negative Z side. As a result, the entire hollow portion 12 becomes a shape with an expanded diameter from the bottom portion 12B side toward the opening portion 12A.

[0050] That is, the tapered portion 12C expands in diameter more from the bottom portion 12B side toward the opening portion 12A, and the non-tapered portion 12D with a constant inner diameter also expands in diameter from the bottom portion 12B side toward the opening portion 12A.

[0051] Note that the degree of diameter expansion due to the elastic deformation of the portion 10D changes according to the outer diameter of the distal end portion 2A of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 inserted into the hollow portion 12. In the examples of FIGS. 6 and 7, the outer diameter of the distal end portion 2A is only slightly larger than the inner diameter of the non-tapered portion 12D. Therefore, the degree of diameter expansion due to the elastic deformation of the portion 10D is very slight. Thus, in FIGS. 6 and 7, for the sake of convenience, the inner diameter of the non-tapered portion 12D is shown as constant.

[0052] Thus, since the portion 10D is elastically deformed, the operator can insert the distal end portion 2A to a position beyond the intermediate position C (i.e., up to the non-tapered portion 12D). The distal end portion 2A inserted up to the non-tapered portion 12D is held slidably in the Z direction at a position coaxial with the axis AX by an external force applied from all circumferential directions (specifically, the reaction force from the elastically deformed portion 10D) (see, for example, FIG. 6).

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the conduit 2B of the distal end portion 2A held at a position coaxial with the axis AX is located on the same straight line as the rod-shaped portion 20 that also extends coaxially with the axis AX. Therefore, the operator can easily insert the rod-shaped portion 20 into the conduit 2B. That is, the removing tool 1 configured in this way has high operability.

[0054] Since the housing 10 is formed of a transparent material, the operator can visually grasp the positional relationship between the rod-shaped portion 20 and the conduit 2B. Also from this point, the operator can easily insert the rod-shaped portion 20 into the conduit 2B.

[0055] The distal end portion 20A of the rod-shaped portion 20 has a tapered shape so that the operator can easily insert the rod-shaped portion 20 into the conduit 2B. As shown in FIG. 6, the distal end portion 20A has a chamfered R shape. In another embodiment, the distal end portion 20A may have a chamfered C shape or a tapered shape with a tapered tip.

[0056] A mark 2F is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the endoscope treatment tool 2. The mark 2F indicates the insertion amount of the distal end portion 2A to be inserted into the removing tool 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the operator inserts the distal end portion 2A into the hollow portion 12 until the mark 2F reaches the opening 12A. Thereby, the rod-shaped portion 20 penetrates the conduit 2B.

[0057] When the rod-shaped portion 20 penetrates the conduit 2B, the deposits adhering to the inside of the conduit 2B are crushed and pushed out into the flow path 2E. The residues remaining in the conduit 2B or the flow path 2E after crushing can be discharged to the outside from the conduit 2B by pumping a liquid or a gas using a water supply pump or a suction pump.

[0058]

[0059]

[0058]

[0060] [Example 2] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the removing tool 201 according to Example 2 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the removing tool 201. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the removing tool 201. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the removing tool 201. FIGS. 12A and 12B are views showing a state where the endoscopic treatment tool 2 is inserted into the removing tool 201.

[0061] The removing tool 201 includes a rod-shaped portion 20, a base 30, and a housing 210. The housing 210 includes an outer housing portion 210A and an inner cylinder portion 210B.

[0062] The outer housing portion 210A is, for example, a resin molded product, and similar to the housing 10 of Example 1, is a bottomed cylindrical body having one end open, and has a cylindrical appearance with a constriction at the center in the longitudinal direction (that is, an outer shape including the constricted portion 214).

[0063] The outer housing portion 210A is composed of a pair of half portions 210Aa and 210Ab. The half portions 210Aa and 210Ab have a shape obtained by longitudinally cutting the cylindrical shape with a constriction at the center in the longitudinal direction as described above along a plane including the axis AX direction. By joining the half portion 210Aa and the half portion 210Ab at the longitudinal cut surface, the cylindrical outer housing portion 210A is formed. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the illustration of the half portion 210Ab is omitted.

[0064] The hollow portion 212 formed in the exterior portion 210A includes a guide portion 212a and a housing portion 212b. The guide portion 212a is formed to extend in the axial direction of the axis AX from the opening 212A of the hollow portion 212 to an intermediate position D in the hollow portion 212. The housing portion 212b is formed to extend in the axial direction of the axis AX from the intermediate position D, which is the proximal end of the guide portion 212a, to the bottom portion 212B.

[0065] The inner diameter of the guide portion 212a is larger than the outer diameter of the distal end portion 2A of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 over its entire length. Further, the guide portion 212a includes a shape that expands in diameter toward the opening 212A. Therefore, the operator can easily insert the distal end portion 2A into the guide portion 212a from the opening 212A (see, for example, FIG. 12A).

[0066] The inner cylinder portion 210B is housed in the housing portion 212b. The inner cylinder portion 210B is a resin molded product including, for example, a proximal end portion 210Ba and a tubular portion 210Bb. The proximal end portion 210Ba is fixed to the housing portion 212b with an adhesive or the like. Thereby, the inner cylinder portion 210B is arranged coaxially with the exterior portion 210A (that is, at a position centered on the axis AX) within the housing portion 212b.

[0067] The tubular portion 210Bb is a bottomed cylindrical body with one end open and is formed in a cylindrical shape. In the tubular portion 210Bb, slits 216 are formed that divide the side surface 210Bc of the tubular portion 210Bb into a plurality in the direction around the axis AX (here, the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 210Bb formed in a cylindrical shape). The slit 216 is formed to extend in the axial direction of the axis AX from the distal end portion 210Bd of the tubular portion 210Bb to an intermediate position of the side surface 210Bc toward the proximal end portion 210Be.

[0068] Exemplarily, four slits 216 are formed at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 210Bb on the side surface 210Bc of the tubular portion 210Bb. Thereby, the side surface 210Bc is divided into four in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 210Bb at the portion where the slit 216 is formed.

[0069] The tubular portion 210Bb has an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end portion 2A of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 over its entire length. Also, there is a clearance (reference symbol E) over the entire circumference between the side surface 210Bc of the tubular portion 210Bb and the inner peripheral surface of the housing portion 212b.

[0070] Therefore, when the operator inserts the distal end portion 2A of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 into the tubular portion 210Bb, the entire peripheral edge portion of the distal end portion 2A presses against the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 210Bb. In this state, when the operator further inserts the distal end portion 2A toward the proximal end portion 210Ba, among the side surfaces 210Bc, the four portions 210Bf located between the slits 216 elastically deform so that the inner diameter of the tubular portion 210Bb expands more toward the negative Z direction side. As a result, the entire tubular portion 210Bb assumes a shape with an expanded diameter from the proximal end portion 210Ba side toward the opening 212A.

[0071] Note that since a clearance E of sufficient size is ensured, the elastically deformed portion 210Bf does not collide with the housing portion 212b.

[0072] Thus, since the portion 210Bf elastically deforms, the operator can insert the distal end portion 2A of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 into the tubular portion 210Bb. The distal end portion 2A inserted into the tubular portion 210Bb is held slidably in the Z direction at a position coaxial with the axis AX by an external force applied from the entire circumferential direction (specifically, the reaction force from the elastically deformed portion 210Bf) (see, for example, FIG. 12B).

[0073] The conduit 2B of the distal end portion 2A held at a position coaxial with the axis AX will be located on the same straight line as the rod-shaped portion 20 that also extends coaxially with the axis AX. Therefore, the operator can easily insert the rod-shaped portion 20 into the conduit 2B, crush the deposits adhering to the inside of the conduit 2B, and extrude them into the flow path 2E of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2. That is, the removing tool 201 configured in this way also has high operability.

[0074] Thus, also in the second embodiment, the tip 2A of the endoscope treatment instrument 2 inserted into the hollow portion 212 is held coaxially with the rod-shaped portion 20. Therefore, an operator can easily insert the rod-shaped portion 20 into the conduit 2B.

[0075] Also in the second embodiment, due to the elastic deformation of the side surface 210Bc (more specifically, the portion 210Bf), the inner diameter of the hollow portion 212 changes in accordance with the outer diameter of the tip 2A. Therefore, the operator can use the removing tool 201 for a plurality of types of endoscope treatment instruments 2 having different outer diameters of the tip 2A.

[0076] Also in the second embodiment, the tip 20A of the rod-shaped portion 20 has a tapered shape so that the operator can easily insert the rod-shaped portion 20 into the conduit 2B.

[0077] In the second embodiment, by forming the exterior portion 210A and the inner cylinder portion 210B of a transparent material, the operator can visually grasp the positional relationship between the rod-shaped portion 20 and the conduit 2B. Also from this point, the operator can easily insert the rod-shaped portion 20 into the conduit 2B.

[0078] The inner cylinder portion 210B, which is an example of a bottomed cylindrical body, has higher flexibility than the exterior portion 210A. Therefore, the operator can insert the tip 2A into the inner cylinder portion 210B with a light load. Further, since the exterior portion 210A held by the operator itself does not elastically deform, the operator can easily handle the removing tool 201.

[0079] The exterior portion 210A and the inner cylinder portion 210B are formed of, for example, the same material. Since the inner cylinder portion 210B is formed thinner than the exterior portion 210A, it has higher flexibility than the exterior portion 210A.

[0080] The exterior portion 210A and the inner cylinder portion 210B may be formed of different materials. As an example, the inner cylinder portion 210B is formed of a material having a lower elastic modulus than the exterior portion 210A.

[0081] [Embodiment 3] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the removing tool 301 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the removing tool 301. FIGS. 15A and 15B are views showing a state where the endoscopic treatment tool 2 is inserted into the removing tool 301.

[0082] The removing tool 301 includes a rod-shaped portion 20, a base 30, and a housing 310. The housing 310 is, for example, a resin molded product, and similar to the housing 10 of Embodiment 1, is a bottomed cylindrical body with one end open, and has a cylindrical outer appearance with a constriction in the center in the longitudinal direction (that is, an outer shape including a constriction portion 314).

[0083] Unlike the housing 10 of Embodiment 1, the housing 310 is not formed with a slit. Instead, a tapered portion 312C is formed in the hollow portion 312 of the housing 310.

[0084] In Embodiment 3, the entire portion from the bottom 312B to the opening 312A of the hollow portion 312 is the tapered portion 312C. The tapered portion 312C has a frustum shape that expands in diameter from the bottom 312B side toward the opening 312A. That is, the tapered portion 312C has the largest inner diameter at the position most negative in the Z direction and the smallest inner diameter at the position most positive in the Z direction.

[0085] In this way, the inner diameter of the tapered portion 312C continuously increases from the bottom 312B side toward the opening 312A. On the other hand, a configuration in which the inner diameter of the tapered portion 312C increases stepwise from the bottom 312B side toward the opening 312A is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0086] Hereinafter, the maximum inner diameter of the tapered portion 312C is denoted by the symbol D1, and the minimum inner diameter of the tapered portion 312C is denoted by the symbol D2.

[0087] In the example of FIG. 15A, the tip portion 2A having an outer diameter D3 is inserted into the tapered portion 312C. The outer diameter D3 is smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the tapered portion 312C and larger than the inner diameter D2 of the tapered portion 312C.

[0088] Since the outer diameter D3 is smaller than the inner diameter D1, the operator can insert the tip 2A of the endoscopic treatment tool 2 into the tapered portion 312C. By further inserting the tip 2A, the operator can insert the rod-shaped portion 20 into the conduit 2B.

[0089] The inner diameter of the tapered portion 312C becomes the same as the outer diameter D3 at the intermediate position D3'. Therefore, at the intermediate position D3', the entire peripheral edge of the tip 2A of the endoscopic treatment tool 2 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the tapered portion 312C. When the tip 2A is inserted up to the intermediate position D3', the rod-shaped portion 20 penetrates the conduit 2B. Thereby, the deposits adhering to the inside of the conduit 2B are crushed and pushed out into the flow path 2E of the endoscopic treatment tool 2.

[0090] When the tip 2A of the endoscopic treatment tool 2 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the tapered portion 312C and stops, the operator can recognize that the rod-shaped portion 20 has penetrated the conduit 2B (in other words, the deposits have been crushed and pushed out into the flow path 2E of the endoscopic treatment tool 2). Also, the operator can remove the deposits inside the conduit 2B without inserting the tip 2A to the deepest part of the tapered portion 312C (here, just inserting the tip 2A to the intermediate position D3'). Thus, the removing tool 301 according to the third embodiment also has high operability.

[0091] In the example of FIG. 15B, the tip 2A having the outer diameter D4 is inserted into the tapered portion 312C. The outer diameter D4 is smaller than the inner diameter D2 of the tapered portion 312C. Therefore, the operator can insert the tip 2A to the bottom 312B, which is the deepest part of the tapered portion 312C.

[0092] When the tip 2A is inserted to the bottom 312B, the rod-shaped portion 20 penetrates the conduit 2B. Thereby, the deposits adhering to the inside of the conduit 2B are crushed and pushed out into the flow path 2E of the endoscopic treatment tool 2.

[0093] When the tip 2A of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 abuts against and stops at the bottom 312B of the tapered portion 312C, the operator can recognize that the rod-shaped portion 20 has penetrated the conduit 2B (in other words, the deposit has been crushed and extruded into the flow path 2E of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2).

[0094] In the third embodiment, the removing tool 301 can be used for a plurality of types of endoscopic treatment instruments 2 in which the outer diameter of the tip 2A is smaller than the inner diameter D1.

[0095] Also, when the tip 2A having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter D2 and smaller than the inner diameter D1 is inserted into the tapered portion 312C, the entire peripheral edge of the tip 2A abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the tapered portion 312C at an intermediate position within the tapered portion 312C. In this case, the tip 2A cannot move within the tapered portion 312C unless the operator moves the tip 2A in the negative Z direction. By perceiving that the tip 2A cannot be moved within the tapered portion 312C, the operator can more clearly recognize that the rod-shaped portion 20 has penetrated the conduit 2B.

[0096] The housing 310 is formed of a transparent material. Therefore, the operator can visually recognize the positional relationship between the rod-shaped portion 20 and the conduit 2B. Also from this point, the operator can easily insert the rod-shaped portion 20 into the conduit 2B.

[0097] Also in the third embodiment, the tip 20A of the rod-shaped portion 20 has a tapered shape so that the operator can easily insert the rod-shaped portion 20 into the conduit 2B.

[0098] [Embodiment 4] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the removing tool 401 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a view showing a state in which the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 is inserted into the removing tool 401. FIGS. 19A to 19D are cross-sectional views of a state in which the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 is inserted into the removing tool 401.

[0099] The removal tool 401 includes a housing 410, a rod-shaped portion 420, and a base 430. The housing 410 is, for example, a resin molded product, and similar to the housing 10 of the first embodiment, it is a bottomed cylindrical body with one end open, and has a cylindrical outer appearance with a constriction in the central part of the longitudinal direction (that is, the outer shape including the constricted portion 414). The housing 410 is the same as the housing 10 of the first embodiment except that the slit 16 is not formed.

[0100] The base 430 has a cylindrical shape. The rod-shaped portion 420 is embedded at a position (eccentric position) where the root portion is offset from the center of the base 430. The rod-shaped portion 420 and the base 430 are inserted into a through-hole portion 410B formed in the base end portion 410A of the housing 410 and fixed with an adhesive or the like. As a result, the rod-shaped portion 420 penetrates the through-hole portion 410B and is disposed to extend at a position eccentric from the axis AX (in other words, passing through a position offset from the center of the circular cross-section of the hollow portion 412 and along the direction of the axis AX) within the hollow portion 412 of the housing 410.

[0101] In the fourth embodiment, the outer diameter of the distal end portion 2A of the endoscopic treatment tool 2 and the inner diameter of the non-tapered portion 412D of the hollow portion 412 are substantially the same. Therefore, when the distal end portion 2A is inserted into the non-tapered portion 412D, it will be positioned coaxially with the axis AX which is the central axis of the non-tapered portion 412D.

[0102] On the other hand, the rod-shaped portion 420 is positioned eccentrically from the axis AX. Also, the outer diameter of the rod-shaped portion 420 is smaller than the inner diameter of the conduit 2B. When the distal end portion 2A is inserted into the non-tapered portion 412D, as shown in FIG. 19A, the rod-shaped portion 420 penetrates through the conduit 2B in a state of contacting the inner peripheral surface of the conduit 2B at a position eccentric from the axis AX.

[0103] Therefore, when the operator rotates the removal tool 401 about the axis AX with respect to the distal end portion 2A, as shown in FIGS. 19A to 19D, within the conduit 2B, the rod-shaped portion 420 moves at a position eccentric from the axis AX so as to rub the inner peripheral surface of the conduit 2B. Thereby, the deposits adhering to the inner surface of the conduit 2B are scraped and crushed by the rod-shaped portion 420. Therefore, the deposits can be reliably removed from the conduit 2B.

[0104] The rod-shaped portion 420 may have an edge portion formed on its side surface.

[0105] FIG. 20A shows an XY cross-section of the rod-shaped portion 420 according to Modification 1. In the example of FIG. 20A, the rod-shaped portion 420 is formed such that its XY cross-section is hexagonal and has a shape including a total of six edge portions on its side surface.

[0106] FIG. 20B shows an XY cross-section of the rod-shaped portion 420 according to Modification 2. In the example of FIG. 20B, the rod-shaped portion 420 is formed such that its XY cross-section is triangular and has a shape including a total of three edge portions on its side surface.

[0107] In the examples of FIGS. 20A and 20B, when an operator rotates the removing tool 401 about the axis AX with respect to the tip portion 2A, the edge portion of the rod-shaped portion 420 rubs inside the pipe 2B. Since the edge portion that makes line contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 2B can strongly rub inside the pipe 2B, deposits can be more reliably removed from inside the pipe 2B.

[0108] Also in Example 4, the tip portion 420A of the rod-shaped portion 420 has a tapered shape so that an operator can easily insert the rod-shaped portion 420 into the pipe 2B.

[0109] The housing 410 is formed of a transparent material. Therefore, an operator can visually grasp the positional relationship between the rod-shaped portion 420 and the pipe 2B. Therefore, the operator can easily insert the rod-shaped portion 420 into the pipe 2B.

[0110] The above is the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. For example, the content obtained by appropriately combining the embodiments explicitly exemplified in the specification or obvious embodiments is also included in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0111] As an example of the content obtained by appropriately combining the embodiments and the like, in Examples 2 to 4, similar to Example 1, a configuration in which a mark 2F is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the endoscopic treatment instrument 2 can be mentioned.

[0112] As an example of the content obtained by appropriately combining the embodiments and the like, in Examples 1 to 3, similar to Modification Examples 1 and 2 of Example 4, a configuration in which an edge portion is formed on the side surface of the rod-shaped portion 20 can be mentioned.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0113] 1: Remover 2: Endoscopic treatment instrument 2A: Tip 2B: Pipeline 10: Housing 12: Hollow portion 16: Slit 20: Rod-shaped portion 30: Base

Claims

1. A remover for removing deposits adhering to the inside of a pipeline of an endoscopic treatment tool, comprising: A bottomed cylindrical body with one end open; An elongated part formed to extend from the bottom of the hollow part to the opening side of the hollow part within the hollow part of the bottomed cylindrical body and insertable into the pipeline; The hollow part expands from the bottom side toward the opening; Remover.

2. In the direction around the axis of the bottomed cylindrical body, a plurality of slits are formed to divide the side surface of the bottomed cylindrical body into a plurality of parts; When the endoscopic treatment tool is inserted into the hollow part and pressed against it, the part of the bottomed cylindrical body located between the slits is elastically deformed, and the hollow part expands from the bottom side toward the opening; The remover according to Claim 1.

3. Further comprising an outer package part for holding the bottomed cylindrical body; The bottomed cylindrical body is more flexible than the outer package part; The remover according to Claim 2.

4. The hollow part includes a tapered part that expands continuously or stepwise from the bottom side toward the opening; The remover according to Claim 1.

5. The bottomed cylindrical body: Is formed in a cylindrical shape; Includes a constricted part where the outer diameter narrows at the central part rather than at the end in the axial direction of the bottomed cylindrical body; The remover according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The bottomed cylindrical body is formed of a material that transmits light in at least a part of the visible wavelength range; The remover according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

7. An edge part is formed on the side surface of the elongated part; The remover according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

8. The tip of the elongated part has a tapered shape; The remover according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

9. The hollow part has a circular orthogonal cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the bottomed cylindrical body; The elongated part is arranged within the hollow part so as to pass through the center of the circle and extend along the axial direction; The remover according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

10. The hollow part has a circular orthogonal cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the bottomed cylindrical body; The elongated part is arranged within the hollow part so as to pass through a position deviated from the center of the circle and extend along the axial direction; The remover according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

11. The remover according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, and An endoscopic treatment tool inserted into the remover. A mark indicating the amount to be inserted into the removing tool is attached to the endoscopic treatment tool. Removing system.

12. A removing tool for removing deposits adhering to the inside of a conduit of an endoscopic treatment tool, a bottomed cylindrical body having one end open, and an elongated portion formed to extend from the bottom of the hollow portion toward the opening side of the hollow portion within the hollow portion of the bottomed cylindrical body and being insertable into the conduit. The hollow portion has a circular orthogonal cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction of the bottomed cylindrical body. The elongated portion is arranged to pass through a position deviated from the center of the circle and extend along the axial direction within the hollow portion. Removing tool.

13. The bottomed cylindrical body is formed in a cylindrical shape, and includes a constricted portion where the outer diameter narrows at a central portion rather than at an end portion in the axial direction of the bottomed cylindrical body. The removing tool according to claim 12.

14. The bottomed cylindrical body is formed of a material that transmits light in at least a part of the visible wavelength range. The removing tool according to claim 12 or claim 13.

15. An edge portion is formed on a side surface of the elongated portion. The removing tool according to claim 12 or claim 13.

16. The tip of the elongated portion has a tapered shape. The removing tool according to claim 12 or claim 13.

17. The removing tool according to claim 12 or claim 13, and an endoscopic treatment tool inserted into the removing tool, wherein a mark indicating the amount to be inserted into the removing tool is attached to the endoscopic treatment tool. Removing system.

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