Tip hood, endoscope device, and endoscope system

Abstract

This tip hood comprises: an air supply pipe line for transmitting a prescribed gas; a first air supply hole for sending the gas toward the visual field of an endoscope via the air supply pipe line; and a second air supply hole for sending the gas toward the distal end side of the endoscope via the air supply pipe line.

Description

Tip hood, endoscope device, and endoscope system

[0001] The present invention relates to a distal end hood, an endoscope device, and an endoscope system that remove smoke generated during a treatment operation.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Endoscope systems that include an endoscope that captures an image of an object inside a subject and a video processor that performs image processing on the observation image of the object captured by the endoscope and outputs the processed image are widely used in fields such as the medical field.

[0003] In general, an endoscope has an insertion section inserted into a subject's body, and an imaging device disposed at the distal end of the insertion section captures images. Furthermore, a treatment tool such as a high-frequency probe is inserted into a duct through a treatment tool insertion port provided in the control section and projected from the distal end, and a treatment operation is performed to excise and cut the target tissue from the living tissue.

[0004] In such treatment operations, smoke may be generated when the affected area is cauterized with a high-frequency probe or the like, which can obstruct the field of view. Therefore, a configuration is known in which gas is sent from the tip toward the point where the smoke is generated.

[0005] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2013-169380 discloses an endoscope device that has multiple air supply ports on the distal end surface of the insertion section and supplies gas through the multiple air supply ports to prevent dirt from adhering to the imaging lens.

[0006] A well-known configuration involves attaching a cylindrical distal hood to the distal end of the insertion section. The distal hood is a component attached to the distal end of the endoscope to maintain an appropriate distance between the object to be observed and the lens surface of the endoscope. Due to this characteristic, the distal hood has a shape that protrudes beyond the distal end surface of the endoscope.

[0007] Therefore, when gas is sent from the tip of the insertion section toward the point where the smoke is being generated, the pushed-out smoke flows toward the tip surface of the endoscope, and the smoke tends to remain inside the tip hood that protrudes beyond the tip surface, causing the problem of obstructing the field of view.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a tip hood, an endoscope device, and an endoscope system that can efficiently remove smoke that occurs within the field of view.

[0009] A tip hood in one aspect of the present invention has an air supply conduit for transmitting a predetermined gas, a first air supply hole for sending the gas through the air supply conduit toward the field of view of the endoscope, and a second air supply hole for sending the gas through the air supply conduit toward the tip side of the endoscope.

[0010] In addition, an endoscopic device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an endoscope, a tip hood attached to the tip of the endoscope, an air supply line for transmitting a predetermined gas, a first air supply hole provided in the tip hood for supplying the gas in the field of view of the endoscope, and a second air supply hole provided in the tip hood for supplying the gas toward the tip side of the endoscope.

[0011] In addition, an endoscopic system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an endoscope, a tip hood attached to the tip of the endoscope, an air supply line for transmitting a predetermined gas, a control device for supplying the predetermined gas to the air supply line, a first air supply hole provided in the tip hood for sending out the gas in the field of view of the endoscope, and a second air supply hole provided in the tip hood for sending out the gas toward the tip side of the endoscope.

[0012] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a distal hood is attached to a distal end portion; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the distal hood is attached to a distal end portion; FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between first air supply holes and second air supply holes; FIG. 4 is a front view when the distal hood is attached to a distal end portion; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a distal hood according to a modified example of the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a smoke removal device according to a second embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a distal hood according to a second embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration in which an exhaust hole is provided in an exhaust pipe; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a distal hood according to a third embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a smoke removal device according to a third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a smoke removal device according to a third embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of a distal hood and a smoke removal device according to a modified example of the third embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between a smoke removal device and a high-frequency incision device according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration when start / stop of smoke removal is controlled by a foot switch; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration when start / stop of smoke removal is controlled by a switch on an endoscope; FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of a distal hood according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of a distal hood according to a sixth embodiment; FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of a smoke removal device according to the sixth embodiment; FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of a smoke removal device according to the seventh embodiment; 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a tip hood according to a modified example of the eighth embodiment.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings based on the embodiments are schematic. The relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the thickness ratio of each part, etc., differ from the actual ones. The drawings also include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0014] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope system according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 10, a smoke removal device 20, a distal hood 30, a high-frequency incision device 40, a treatment tool 50, a suction device 60, a light source device 70, a video processor 80, and a monitor 90.

[0015] The endoscope 10 includes an insertion section 11 that is inserted into the digestive tract of a patient P, an operation section 12 , and a universal cable 13 .

[0016] The operation unit 12 is provided with a treatment tool insertion port 14 for inserting a treatment tool 50 such as a high-frequency probe. A connector unit 15 is provided at the end of the universal cable 13. The endoscope 10 is connected to a light source device 70 and a video processor 80 via the connector unit 15.

[0017] A suction nozzle is also provided on the connector portion 15. The suction nozzle is connected to a suction device 60 via a suction tube 61. A suction bottle 62 is provided midway along the suction tube 61. Liquid sucked under the control of the suction device 60 is stored in the suction bottle 62.

[0018] The distal hood 30 is attached to the distal end portion 11a (see FIG. 2) of the insertion section 11. The distal hood 30 has an air supply pipe 31 and an exhaust pipe 32. The air supply pipe 31 and the exhaust pipe 32 are connected to the smoke removal device 20.

[0019] The smoke removal device 20 as a control device can supply a predetermined gas into the digestive tract via an air supply line 31 and exhaust the predetermined gas via an exhaust line 32. A medical gas cylinder 21 is connected to the smoke removal device 20. The predetermined gas supplied via the air supply line 31 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, CO2 gas supplied as a medical gas from the gas cylinder 21 is used.

[0020] Generally, the inside of the digestive tract is a high humidity environment, and if high-temperature smoke flows into the distal hood 30, condensation may occur on the objective lens 17 (see FIG. 2), which may obstruct the field of view of the endoscope 10.

[0021] In this embodiment, as will be described later, the gas injected from the second air supply hole 34 (see FIG. 2) is dry gas. This constantly maintains a low humidity environment inside the tip hood 30, making it possible to prevent condensation from forming on the objective lens 17 even if high-temperature smoke flows into the tip hood 30.

[0022] In operating rooms, CO2 gas is generally used as a medical gas. CO2 gas, which is also a medical gas, is used as the dry gas. CO2 gas has a higher bioabsorption rate than air, and even if the digestive tract is pressurized by the supply of CO2 gas, it is less likely to cause pain to the patient. Furthermore, because CO2 gas is non-flammable, there is no risk of fire even when it is supplied to the cauterization point through the first air supply port 33 (see Figure 2), allowing for safe procedures.

[0023] The high-frequency incision device 40 is connected to a treatment tool 50 by a treatment tool cable 41 for supplying high-frequency power. The treatment tool 50 is inserted into a treatment tool insertion channel in the insertion section 11 from a treatment tool insertion port 14 provided in the operation section 12 of the endoscope 10. The user can perform treatment by causing the treatment tool 50 to protrude from the distal end 11a of the insertion section 11.

[0024] The light source device 70 supplies illumination light to the endoscope 10 via the universal cable 13. When the connector portion 15 is connected to the light source device 70, the illumination light is transmitted through a light guide fiber (not shown) and emitted from an illumination lens provided at the tip of the insertion portion 11.

[0025] A video processor 80 serving as an image processing device converts an electrical signal from an imaging element provided at the tip of the insertion section 11 of the endoscope 10 into a video signal and outputs the video signal to a monitor 90. An endoscopic image of a subject captured by the endoscope 10 is displayed on the screen of the monitor 90.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a tip hood is attached to the tip portion. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a tip hood is attached to the tip portion. Note that in Figs. 2 and 3, the exhaust pipe is not shown.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end of the insertion section 11 is provided with an illumination lens 16 , an objective lens 17 , and a forceps hole 18 .

[0028] Furthermore, the distal hood 30 includes, in addition to the air supply conduit 31 for transmitting the predetermined gas described above, a first air supply hole 33 for supplying gas through the air supply conduit 31 toward the field of view of the endoscope 10, and a second air supply hole 34 for supplying gas through the air supply conduit 31 toward the distal end of the endoscope 10. The first air supply hole 33 and the second air supply hole 34 are bent from the axial direction of the air supply conduit 31 toward the inner surface.

[0029] Smoke that is generated by the treatment operation using the treatment tool 50 and that has accumulated near the affected area A, such as the wall of the digestive tract, is pushed out by the gas supplied from the first air supply hole 33. As a result, smoke that has flowed into the inside of the distal end hood 30 is pushed out by the gas supplied from the second air supply hole 34. As a result, smoke generated within the field of view of the endoscope 10 can be efficiently removed.

[0030] In order to efficiently remove smoke, it is desirable to arrange the first air supply hole 33 and the second air supply hole 34 as shown in FIGS.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the first air supply hole and the second air supply hole, and Fig. 5 is a front view when a tip hood is attached to the tip portion.

[0032] 4, the first air supply hole 33 is arranged to supply gas toward the intersection O of the axial direction of the forceps hole 18 and the focal position of the objective lens 17. The second air supply hole 34 is arranged to supply gas toward the objective lens 17.

[0033] 5 , the distal end hood 30 has a marking 35a that indicates the position of the forceps hole 18 and a marking 35b that indicates the position of the objective lens 17. The markings 35a and 35b constitute a forceps hole index and an objective lens index. When attaching the distal end hood 30 to the distal end portion 11a, the user aligns the marking 35a with the forceps hole 18 and the marking 35b with the objective lens 17.

[0034] As a result, the first air supply hole 33 is positioned to face the intersection O of the axial direction of the forceps hole 18 and the focal position of the objective lens 17, and the second air supply hole 34 is positioned to face the objective lens 17. As a result, the distal hood 30 can be fixed to the distal end portion 11 a of the endoscope 10 at an attachment angle that is most efficient for smoke removal.

[0035] 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a tip hood according to a modification of the first embodiment. In the embodiment described above, the tip hood 30 is provided with the first air supply hole 33 and the second air supply hole 34, but is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the first air supply hole 33 and the second air supply hole 34 may be provided in multiple locations.

[0036] 6, the tip hood 30A has a plurality of first air supply holes 33 and second air supply holes 34. Sets of the first air supply holes 33 and second air supply holes 34 are provided at three locations (for example, every 120 degrees) inside the tip hood 30A. The first air supply holes 33 and second air supply holes 34 may be provided at two locations, or at four or more locations.

[0037] Furthermore, although three first air supply holes 33 and three second air supply holes 34 are provided, the numbers of the first air supply holes 33 and the second air supply holes 34 may be different. For example, the first air supply holes 33 may be provided in three locations, and the second air supply hole 34 may be provided in only one location.

[0038] Gas branched from the gas supply pipe 31 is supplied to the multiple first air supply holes 33 and second air supply holes 34. Note that multiple gas supply pipes may be provided, and gas may be supplied to the first air supply holes 33 and second air supply holes 34 from the multiple gas supply pipes.

[0039] In this way, by providing the distal end hood 30A with a plurality of first air supply holes 33 and a plurality of second air supply holes 34, it is not necessary to consider the attachment position (angle) relative to the distal end portion 11a. In other words, no matter what position the distal end hood 30A is attached to the distal end portion 11a, any one of the plurality of first air supply holes 33 will face the intersection O between the axial direction of the forceps hole 18 and the focal position of the objective lens 17, and any one of the plurality of second air supply holes 34 will face the objective lens 17.

[0040] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a smoke removal device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a tip hood according to the second embodiment.

[0041] The smoke removal device 20 includes a pressure reducer 22 that reduces the pressure of gas (CO2 gas) supplied from a gas cylinder 21, which is a gas supply source, to a pressure that is safe for humans, a solenoid valve 23 that controls the start / stop of gas supply, a throttle 24 that adjusts the gas supply flow rate, a throttle 25 that adjusts the exhaust flow rate, and a pump 26 that generates exhaust pressure. The pressure reducer 22, solenoid valve 23, and throttle 24 form an air supply section, and the throttle 25 and pump 26 form an exhaust section.

[0042] The air supply pipe 31 is connected to the throttle 24, and the exhaust pipe 32 is connected to the throttle 25. A filter 27 is disposed on the exhaust pipe 32. The filter 27 filters out smoke contained in the exhausted gas, preventing harmful substances contained in the smoke from being released into the atmosphere.

[0043] The throttles 24 and 25 are adjusted in throttle amount so that the inlet flow rate and the outlet flow rate are equal, thereby preventing fluctuations in the internal pressure within the digestive tract.

[0044] Generally, the greater the air flow rate, the greater the smoke removal effect. However, in normal endoscopic procedures, sufficient smoke removal effect can be achieved by adjusting the restrictor 24 so that the air flow rate from the first air supply hole 33 is approximately 0.5 to 3 L / min and the air flow rate from the second air supply hole 34 is approximately 0.5 L / min.

[0045] From the viewpoint of safety, it is desirable to keep the supply pressure (the pressure at the pressure reducer) at 40 kPa or less. Considering ease of insertion into the digestive tract, the air supply conduit 31 has an inner diameter of 2 mm or less and an outer diameter of 3 mm or less. In this case, the above-mentioned flow rate can be ensured if the opening diameter of the first air supply hole 33 is approximately 0.5 to 1 mm, and the opening diameter of the second air supply hole 34 is approximately 0.5 mm.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 8, the distal end hood 30 has an exhaust hole 36. The exhaust hole 36 is provided on the outside of the distal end hood 30. The position at which the exhaust hole 36 is provided is not limited to the position shown in Fig. 8. The exhaust hole 36 may be located in any position as long as it is located outside the field of view of the endoscope 10. By providing the exhaust hole 36 outside the field of view of the endoscope 10, it is possible to prevent smoke from being reflected in the image when the exhaust is released.

[0047] Furthermore, the exhaust hole 36 is provided in the tip hood 30, but is not limited to this and may be provided, for example, in the exhaust pipe 32. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration in which an exhaust hole is provided in the exhaust pipe.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 9, exhaust holes 36 are provided at three locations in the exhaust pipe 32. The number of exhaust holes 36 provided in the exhaust pipe 32 is not limited to three, but may be one, two, or four or more. By providing exhaust holes 36 at multiple locations in this manner, smoke dispersed within the digestive tract can be efficiently exhausted.

[0049] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a tip hood of the third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a smoke removal device of the third embodiment.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 10, the tip hood 30B includes a pressure intake hole 37 and a pressure transmission pipe 38. As shown in Fig. 11, the smoke removal device 20A includes a pressure sensor 28 in addition to the pressure reducer 22, the electromagnetic source 23, the restrictor 24, the restrictor 25, and the pump 26.

[0051] The pressure intake hole 37 is provided on the outside of the distal end hood 30. The pressure inside the distal end hood 30 is higher than the surrounding area due to the air supplied from the second air supply hole 34. Therefore, by providing the pressure intake hole 37 somewhere other than the inside of the distal end hood 30, for example, on the outside of the distal end hood 30 as shown in Fig. 10, the pressure inside the digestive tract can be measured more accurately.

[0052] Although the pressure intake hole 37 is provided in the tip hood 30, the present invention is not limited to this and may be provided in the pressure transmission pipe 38, for example.

[0053] The pressure transmission pipe 38 is connected to the pressure sensor 28 of the smoke removal device 20A. The pressure sensor 28 measures the pressure inside the digestive tract via the pressure intake hole 37 and the pressure transmission pipe 38. When the pressure inside the digestive tract measured by the pressure sensor 28 exceeds a predetermined value, the smoke removal device 20A drives the pump 26 to discharge gas from the digestive tract and reduce the pressure inside the digestive tract.

[0054] Although the pressure sensor 28 is provided in the smoke removal device 20A, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pressure sensor 28 may be provided in the tip hood 30, and the pressure sensor 28 and the smoke removal device 20A may be connected by an electric cable. Then, information on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 28 may be transmitted to the smoke removal device 20A via the electric cable.

[0055] In this way, by measuring the pressure inside the digestive tract and driving the pump 26 in accordance with the measurement result, the pressure inside the digestive tract can be maintained at an appropriate value.

[0056] (Modification) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of a tip hood and a smoke removal device according to a modification of the third embodiment.

[0057] 12, the tip hood 30C includes an exhaust / pressure transmission line 39. The exhaust / pressure transmission line 39 is a line that combines the exhaust line 32 and the pressure transmission line 38 in FIG.

[0058] The smoke removal device 20B is configured by adding a switching valve 29 to the smoke removal device 20A of Fig. 11. The exhaust / pressure transmission pipe 39 is connected to the switching valve 29 provided in the smoke removal device 20B.

[0059] The switching valve 29 switches the connection destination of the exhaust / pressure transmission pipe 39 between the pressure sensor 28, the throttle 25 and the pump 26 based on the control of the smoke removal device 20B.

[0060] The smoke removal device 20B connects the exhaust / pressure transmission line 39 to the pressure sensor 28 to measure the pressure inside the digestive tract. If the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 28 exceeds a predetermined value, the smoke removal device 20B connects the exhaust / pressure transmission line 39 to the restrictor 25 and the pump 26. This discharges gas from the digestive tract, thereby reducing the pressure inside the digestive tract.

[0061] The amount of exhaust may be controlled to maintain a constant pressure in the digestive tract by alternately measuring the pressure with the pressure sensor 28 and exhausting the air with the pump 26. The amount of exhaust is adjusted by changing the rotation speed of the pump 26 or by using a predetermined valve, etc., whose opening can be adjusted, instead of the restrictor 25.

[0062] 10 and 11 , by using the same conduit as the exhaust conduit 32 and the pressure transmission conduit 38, the distal hood 30C can be made smaller, thereby improving the insertability and operability of the endoscope 10. Furthermore, if a patient's body fluids or the like get into the pressure transmission conduit 38 shown in Figures 10 and 11 , it is difficult to remove them, but if a patient's body fluids or the like get into the exhaust / pressure transmission conduit 39, the connection destination can be switched to the restrictor 25 and the pump 26, so that the body fluids that have gotten in can be suctioned and removed.

[0063] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between a smoke removal device and a high-frequency incision device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0064] The smoke removal device 20 and the high-frequency incision device 40 are electrically connected. The high-frequency incision device 40 transmits a status signal to the electrically connected smoke removal device 20 according to the output status of a treatment tool 50 such as a high-frequency probe.

[0065] The smoke removal device 20 supplies air for smoke removal in response to a status signal from the high-frequency incision device 40 only when the treatment tool 50 is in an output state (a state in which treatment is being performed).

[0066] Normally, smoke is generated when a high-frequency signal is output to the treatment tool 50 and treatment is being performed on the affected area A. Therefore, in response to a status signal from the high-frequency incision device 40, air is supplied to remove smoke only when the treatment tool 50 is in the output state.

[0067] In this way, by supplying air only when smoke is being generated (or there is a possibility of smoke being generated), it is possible to suppress an increase in pressure within the digestive tract. Furthermore, this control also reduces the amount of CO2 gas consumed, thereby reducing the cost of the procedure.

[0068] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the start / stop of air supply (smoke removal) may be controlled by various switches.

[0069] 14 is a diagram showing a configuration for controlling the start / stop of smoke removal using a foot switch. A foot switch 100 is connected to the smoke removal device 20. When the foot switch 100 is operated, it transmits a status signal of the switch operation to the smoke removal device 20.

[0070] The smoke removal device 20 stops supplying air for smoke removal when the foot switch 100 is not pressed, and starts supplying air for smoke removal when the foot switch 100 is pressed. In this way, the start / stop of air supply for smoke removal is controlled by the foot switch 100 connected to the smoke removal device 20.

[0071] The user can decide to insufflate the gas to remove the smoke only when smoke is present, which helps prevent pressure buildup in the digestive tract. This control also reduces CO2 gas consumption, thereby reducing the cost of the procedure.

[0072] Instead of the foot switch 100, a hand switch may be connected to the smoke removal device 20, and the start / stop of the air supply for smoke removal may be controlled in accordance with the state signal of the switch operation of the hand switch.

[0073] Furthermore, the start / stop of air supply for smoke removal may be controlled in response to a state signal of a switch operation of a switch provided on the endoscope 10 .

[0074] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration for controlling the start / stop of smoke removal using a switch on the endoscope.

[0075] 15 , the video processor 80 is electrically connected to the smoke removal device 20. When a switch on the endoscope 10 is operated, a status signal of the switch operation is transmitted to the smoke removal device 20 via the video processor 80.

[0076] The smoke removal device 20 stops supplying air for smoke removal when the switch on the endoscope 10 is not pressed, and starts supplying air for smoke removal when the switch on the endoscope 10 is pressed.

[0077] As a result, the user can decide to insufflate the gas to remove the smoke only when smoke is present, which prevents the pressure in the digestive tract from increasing. This control also reduces CO2 gas consumption, thereby reducing the cost of the procedure.

[0078] It should be noted that the control of starting / stopping the air supply for smoke removal is not limited to the operation of various switches.

[0079] An endoscopic image captured by the endoscope 10 is input to the video processor 80. The video processor 80 performs image analysis on the endoscopic image input from the endoscope 10 and determines whether smoke is present. The video processor 80 then transmits a signal indicating the presence or absence of smoke to the smoke removal device 20.

[0080] The smoke removal device 20 controls the start and stop of smoke removal based on the smoke presence / absence determination signal transmitted from the video processor 80. Specifically, the smoke removal device 20 starts smoke removal when the video processor 80 determines that smoke is present, and stops smoke removal when the video processor 80 determines that smoke is absent.

[0081] As a result, air is supplied to remove the smoke only when it is determined from the endoscopic image that smoke is being generated, thereby suppressing the increase in pressure within the digestive tract. Furthermore, this control reduces the amount of CO2 gas consumed, thereby reducing the cost of the procedure.

[0082] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of a tip hood of the fifth embodiment.

[0083] The tip hood 30D includes a first smoke sensor 110 and a second smoke sensor 111 that can detect smoke. The first smoke sensor 110 and the second smoke sensor 111 are connected to the smoke removal device 20 by electrical wiring 112 and 113. Note that the first smoke sensor 110 and the second smoke sensor 111 may be other sensors, such as a heat sensor or an optical sensor, as long as they can detect smoke.

[0084] The first smoke sensor 110 is disposed so as to detect smoke in the field of view of the endoscope 10. The second smoke sensor 111 is disposed so as to detect smoke on the distal end side of the endoscope 10 (inside the distal hood 30D).

[0085] Specifically, the first smoke sensor 110 and the second smoke sensor 111 are arranged so that the detection area 120 of the first smoke sensor 110 and the detection area 121 of the second smoke sensor 111 cover the field of view 122 of the endoscope 10. The number of smoke sensors arranged on the distal end hood 30D is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more as long as they can cover the field of view 122 of the endoscope 10.

[0086] When smoke is detected by the first smoke sensor 110 and / or the second smoke sensor 111, the smoke removal device 20 starts supplying air to remove the smoke, and if smoke is not detected, stops supplying air to remove the smoke.

[0087] As a result, air supply for smoke removal can be performed only when smoke is generated, thereby suppressing the increase in pressure within the digestive tract. Furthermore, this control reduces the amount of CO2 gas consumed, thereby reducing the cost of the procedure.

[0088] Sixth Embodiment Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of a tip hood according to a sixth embodiment, and Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of a smoke removal device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0089] The tip hood 30E and smoke removal device 20C of the sixth embodiment can independently control the air supply from the first air supply hole 33 and the air supply from the second air supply hole 34. Therefore, the first air supply hole 33 is connected to a first air supply pipe 31a, and the second air supply hole 34 is connected to a second air supply pipe 31b.

[0090] The smoke removal device 20C also includes a pressure reducer 22, a first solenoid valve 23a, a second solenoid valve 23b, a first throttle 24a, a second throttle 24b, a first detection circuit 130a, and a second detection circuit 130b.

[0091] The first air supply line 31a is connected to the first electromagnetic valve 23a via a first throttle 24a, and the second air supply line 31b is connected to the second electromagnetic valve 23b via a second throttle 24b.

[0092] The first smoke sensor 110 is connected to a first detection circuit 130a of the smoke removal device 20C via an electrical wiring 112. The second smoke sensor 111 is connected to a second detection circuit 130b of the smoke removal device 20C via an electrical wiring 113. The first detection circuit 130a detects the state of the first smoke sensor 110. The second detection circuit 130b detects the state of the second smoke sensor 111.

[0093] When smoke is detected by the first smoke sensor 110, the smoke removal device 20C controls the first solenoid valve 23a to supply air from the first air supply hole 33 via the first air supply pipe 31a. On the other hand, when smoke is detected by the second smoke sensor 111, the smoke removal device 20C controls the second solenoid valve 23b to supply air from the second air supply hole 34 via the second air supply pipe 31b. Furthermore, when smoke is detected by the first smoke sensor 110 and the second smoke sensor 111, the smoke removal device 20C controls the first solenoid valve 23a and the second solenoid valve 23b to supply air from the first air supply hole 33 and the second air supply hole 34.

[0094] In this way, by independently controlling the air supply from the first air supply hole 33 and the air supply from the second air supply hole 34, the amount of air supplied can be reduced compared to when air is supplied simultaneously from the first air supply hole 33 and the second air supply hole 34.

[0095] As a result, the amount of gas used to remove the smoke can be individually controlled depending on the location of the smoke, which helps prevent pressure buildup within the digestive tract. This control also reduces CO2 gas consumption, thereby reducing the cost of the procedure.

[0096] Seventh Embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of a tip hood of the seventh embodiment. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of a smoke removal device of the seventh embodiment.

[0097] The tip hood 30F and smoke removal device 20D of the seventh embodiment can control the amount of air supplied from the first air supply hole 33 and / or the second air supply hole 34 depending on the difference between the pressure outside the tip hood 30F and the pressure inside.

[0098] The tip hood 30F has a first pressure intake hole 140a, a first pressure transmission line 141a connected to the first pressure intake hole 140a, a second pressure intake hole 140b, and a second pressure transmission line 141b connected to the second pressure intake hole 140b.

[0099] The smoke removal device 20D also includes a pressure reducer 22, a flow sensor 142, a first flow control valve 143a, a second flow control valve 143b, a first pressure sensor 144a, and a second pressure sensor 144b.

[0100] The first pressure intake hole 140a opens to the outside of the tip hood 30F and takes in pressure outside the tip hood 30F. On the other hand, the second pressure intake hole 140b opens to the inside of the tip hood 30F and takes in pressure inside the tip hood 30F.

[0101] The first pressure transmission pipe 141a and the second pressure transmission pipe 141b are connected to a first pressure sensor 144a and a second pressure sensor 144b of the smoke removal device 20D, respectively. The first pressure sensor 144a measures the pressure outside the tip hood 30F. On the other hand, the second pressure sensor 144b detects the pressure inside the tip hood 30F.

[0102] The smoke removal device 20D controls the flow rate of gas sent to the first air supply line 31a and the flow rate of gas sent to the second air supply line 31b according to the difference in pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 144a and the second pressure sensor 144b.

[0103] Specifically, a first flow rate adjustment valve 143a and a second flow rate adjustment valve 143b, which can electrically adjust the orifice opening, are connected to the first air supply pipe 31a and the second air supply pipe 31b. The smoke removal device 20D controls the first flow rate adjustment valve 143a and the second flow rate adjustment valve 143b to control the flow rate of gas supplied to the first air supply pipe 31a and the flow rate of gas supplied to the second air supply pipe 31b.

[0104] To prevent smoke from entering the tip hood 30F, it is necessary to maintain a state in which the pressure inside the tip hood 30F is higher than the pressure outside. Specifically, it is desirable that the pressure inside the tip hood 30F be about 0.5 mmHg higher than the pressure outside.

[0105] Therefore, the smoke removal device 20D controls the first flow control valve 143a and the second flow control valve 143b based on the detection results of the first pressure sensor 144a and the second pressure sensor 144b so that the pressure inside the tip hood 30F becomes the outside pressure + 0.5 mmHg.

[0106] When the pressure inside the tip hood 30F is higher than the outside pressure +0.5 mmHg, the smoke removal device 20D controls the first flow rate adjustment valve 143a to narrow the opening and the second flow rate adjustment valve 143b to increase the opening.

[0107] On the other hand, when the pressure inside the tip hood 30F is lower than the outside pressure +0.5 mmHg, the smoke removal device 20D controls the first flow control valve 143a to increase the opening and the second flow control valve 143b to decrease the opening.

[0108] However, if the flow rate of air sent into the digestive tract is large, the pressure in the digestive tract will rise suddenly, so the flow rates of air sent by the first flow control valve 143a and the second flow control valve 143b are measured by the flow sensor 142. Specifically, it is desirable that the sum of the flow rates of air sent by the first flow control valve 143a and the second flow control valve 143b be 0.5 to 3 L / min or less.

[0109] Based on the measurement results of the flow sensor 142, the smoke removal device 20D controls the first flow control valve 143a and the second flow control valve 143b so that the sum of the air flow rates through the first flow control valve 143a and the second flow control valve 143b is 0.5 to 3 L / min or less.

[0110] The smoke removal device 20D may be provided with two flow sensors so as to be able to measure the air flow rates of the first flow control valve 143a and the second flow control valve 143b, respectively. The smoke removal device 20D is also provided with two pressure sensors, the first pressure sensor 144a and the second pressure sensor 144b, but is not limited to this, and a single differential pressure sensor may be used to measure the pressure difference between the outside and inside of the tip hood 30F.

[0111] As described above, the smoke removal device 20D controls the amount of air sent from the first air supply hole 33 and / or the second air supply hole 34 in accordance with the pressure difference between the pressure outside and the pressure inside the distal end hood 30F. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in pressure inside the digestive tract while maintaining the smoke removal effect. Furthermore, this control also makes it possible to reduce the amount of CO2 gas consumed, thereby reducing the cost of the procedure.

[0112] Eighth Embodiment Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the configuration of a smoke removal device according to the eighth embodiment.

[0113] As described above, the inside of the digestive tract is a high-humidity environment, and if high-temperature smoke flows into the distal hood 30, condensation may form on the objective lens 17, obstructing the field of view of the endoscope 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, a smoke removal device 20E that can prevent condensation on the objective lens 17 will be described.

[0114] The smoke removal device 20E includes a pressure reducer 22, an electromagnetic valve 23, a throttle 24, and a heater 150.

[0115] The heater 150 heats the CO2 gas delivered from the aperture 24 and delivers it to the gas delivery line 31. This causes the heated CO2 gas to be sprayed from the second air delivery port 34 toward the objective lens 17. As a result, the temperature of the objective lens 17 rises, making it possible to prevent condensation.

[0116] 22 is a diagram showing the configuration of a tip hood according to a modification of the eighth embodiment. The tip hood 30G includes a Peltier element 170 between a duct 161 communicating with the first air supply hole 33 and a duct 162 communicating with the second air supply hole 34.

[0117] The Peltier element 170 has a plate shape, with a first surface 171 in contact with the duct 161 and a second surface 172 in contact with the duct 162. In addition, an electric wiring 173 for supplying a direct current is connected to the Peltier element 170.

[0118] The Peltier element 170 is a thermoelectric element that absorbs heat (cools) on one side and generates heat (heats) on the other side when a direct current is passed through it. In this embodiment, the first surface 171 absorbs heat and the second surface 172 generates heat.

[0119] Therefore, the conduit 162 in contact with the second surface 172 is heated, and the CO2 gas injected from the second air supply hole 34 toward the objective lens 17 can be heated. As a result, the temperature of the objective lens 17 rises, and condensation can be prevented.

[0120] Furthermore, since the conduit 161 in contact with the first surface 171 is cooled, it is possible to cool the CO2 gas that is sprayed from the first air supply hole 33 toward the location where smoke is being generated. As a result, the temperature of the smoke drops, which makes it possible to prevent condensation on the objective lens 17 even if smoke flows into the tip hood 30G.

[0121] In this way, by lowering the temperature of the smoke generated by the Peltier element 170 and raising the temperature of the objective lens 17, the effect of preventing condensation on the objective lens 17 is greater than in the configuration of the eighth embodiment.

[0122] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications, combinations, and applications are possible within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A tip hood having an air supply pipe for transmitting a predetermined gas, a first air supply hole for sending the gas through the air supply pipe toward the field of view of an endoscope, and a second air supply hole for sending the gas through the air supply pipe toward the tip side of the endoscope.

2. A tip hood as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first air supply hole is bent from the axial direction of the air supply pipe to the inner surface.

3. A tip hood as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second air supply hole is bent from the axial direction of the air supply pipe to the inner surface.

4. An endoscopic device having an endoscope, a tip hood attached to the tip of the endoscope, an air supply line for transmitting a predetermined gas, a first air supply hole provided in the tip hood for sending out the gas in the field of view of the endoscope, and a second air supply hole provided in the tip hood for sending out the gas toward the tip side of the endoscope.

5. An endoscopic device as described in claim 4, comprising a forceps hole provided at the tip of the endoscope for protruding and retracting a treatment tool, and an objective lens provided at the tip of the endoscope, wherein the first air supply hole is arranged in the direction of the intersection of the axial direction of the forceps hole and the focal position of the objective lens, and the second air supply hole is arranged in the direction of the objective lens.

6. An endoscope device according to claim 5, further comprising: a forceps hole indicator provided on the distal end hood for indicating the position of the forceps hole; and an objective lens indicator provided on the distal end hood for indicating the position of the objective lens.

7. An endoscope device according to claim 4, wherein the distal end hood is provided with a plurality of the first air supply holes and a plurality of the second air supply holes.

8. An endoscope device according to claim 4, wherein the distal end hood is provided with an exhaust hole for exhausting gas from within the digestive tract, and an exhaust pipe line communicating with the exhaust hole.

9. An endoscopic system having an endoscope, a tip hood attached to a tip of the endoscope, an air supply line for transmitting a predetermined gas, a control device for supplying the predetermined gas to the air supply line, a first air supply hole provided in the tip hood for sending out the gas in the field of view of the endoscope, and a second air supply hole provided in the tip hood for sending out the gas towards the tip side of the endoscope.

10. An endoscopic system as described in claim 9, further comprising a high-frequency cutting device that controls the on / off of a treatment tool output, wherein the control device controls the start / stop of the transmission of the gas to the air supply pipeline in conjunction with information on the output state of the treatment tool transmitted from the high-frequency cutting device.

11. An endoscope system according to claim 10, wherein the control device supplies air for smoke removal only when the treatment tool is in an output state.

12. An endoscope system according to claim 10, wherein the control device supplies air for removing smoke only when an operating signal from an operating member for operating the treatment tool is in an output state.

13. An endoscope system as described in claim 9, further comprising an image processing device that analyzes images captured by the endoscope, and the control device controls the start / stop of the transmission of the gas to the air supply pipe based on the analysis result of the image processing device on the presence or absence of smoke.

14. An endoscope system according to claim 9, wherein the control device independently controls the air supply from the first air supply hole and the air supply from the second air supply hole.

15. An endoscope system as described in claim 9, further comprising: a first smoke sensor provided in the distal hood for detecting the location of smoke; and a second smoke sensor provided in the distal hood for detecting smoke inside the distal hood, wherein the control device controls the supply of air from the first air outlet based on the detection result of the first smoke sensor, and independently controls the supply of air from the second air outlet based on the detection result of the second smoke sensor.

16. An endoscope system as described in claim 9, comprising: a first solenoid valve that controls air supply from the first air hole; and a second solenoid valve that controls air supply from the second air hole, and the control device independently controls the air supply from the first air hole and the air supply from the second air hole by on / off control of the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve.

17. An endoscope system as described in claim 14, wherein the control device controls the amount of air supplied from the first air supply hole and / or the second air supply hole in accordance with the difference between the pressure outside and the pressure inside the tip hood.

18. An endoscope system according to claim 14, wherein the tip hood is provided with a first pressure intake hole for taking in pressure outside the tip hood and a second pressure intake hole for taking in pressure inside the tip hood.

19. An endoscope system according to claim 9, wherein the control device has a heater that heats the gas supplied from the first air supply hole and the second air supply hole.

20. An endoscope system as described in claim 9, wherein the tip hood has a thermoelectric element that cools the gas supplied from the first air supply hole and heats the gas supplied from the second air supply hole.

Images