Control device, endoscope system, and in-vivo pressure measurement method

Abstract

This control device 10 comprises at least one processor 12. The processor 12 acquires the pressure in a pressure measurement tube 26 of an endoscope 2 when the pressure of the pressure measurement tube 26 is changed in order to remove foreign matter in the pressure measurement tube 26, acquires the elapsed time during which the pressure in the pressure measurement tube 26 satisfies a predetermined condition, and determines, on the basis of the pressure in the pressure measurement tube 26 and the elapsed time, whether the foreign matter in the pressure measurement tube 26 has been removed.

Description

Control device, endoscope system, and method for measuring pressure inside the body

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, an endoscope system, and a method for measuring pressure inside a body.

[0002] Conventionally, an endoscopic system used for diagnosing reflux esophagitis (hereinafter referred to as GERD diagnosis), a disease in which gastric juice refluxes into the esophagus due to a decline in the function of the gastric cardia, has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the endoscopic system described in Patent Document 1, air is supplied into the lumen via a pressure measurement conduit provided in the endoscope. The endoscopic system then diagnoses GERD based on the change in pressure within the lumen measured during the air supply and the relaxation state of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) observed from an endoscopic image.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 166127

[0004] However, foreign matter, such as wash water used to wash away mucus or body fluids, may get into the pressure measurement conduit of an endoscope. If such foreign matter remains in the pressure measurement conduit, the pressure inside the lumen cannot be transmitted through the pressure measurement conduit, leading to erroneous measurement of the pressure inside the lumen. It is also difficult for a user to intuitively confirm whether or not a foreign matter is present in the pressure measurement conduit of an endoscope. Therefore, there is a demand for technology that can appropriately determine whether or not a foreign matter is present in the pressure measurement conduit of an endoscope.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a control device, an endoscopic system, and a method for measuring pressure inside the body that can appropriately determine whether or not there is a foreign object in the pressure measurement line of an endoscope.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a control device according to the present invention includes at least one processor, which acquires the pressure in the pressure measurement line when the pressure in the pressure measurement line is changed in order to remove foreign matter from the pressure measurement line of an endoscope, acquires the elapsed time during which the pressure in the pressure measurement line satisfies a predetermined condition, and determines whether the foreign matter in the pressure measurement line has been removed based on the pressure in the pressure measurement line and the elapsed time.

[0007] The endoscopic system of the present invention comprises an endoscope having a pressure measurement line for measuring pressure inside a body, and a control device having at least one processor, wherein the processor acquires the pressure in the pressure measurement line when the pressure in the pressure measurement line is changed to remove a foreign object from the pressure measurement line, acquires the elapsed time during which the pressure in the pressure measurement line satisfies a predetermined condition, and determines whether the foreign object in the pressure measurement line has been removed based on the pressure in the pressure measurement line and the elapsed time.

[0008] The method for measuring pressure inside the body according to the present invention is a method for measuring pressure inside the body that is executed by a processor of a control device, and acquires the pressure inside the pressure measurement line when the pressure in the pressure measurement line is changed in order to remove a foreign object inside the pressure measurement line of an endoscope, acquires the elapsed time during which the pressure inside the pressure measurement line satisfies a predetermined condition, and determines whether the foreign object inside the pressure measurement line has been removed based on the pressure inside the pressure measurement line and the elapsed time.

[0009] According to the control device, endoscope system, and method for measuring pressure inside a body according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not a foreign object is present in the pressure measurement conduit of an endoscope.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring pressure inside a body. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating pressure propagation when a pressure generating device is operated. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining whether or not residual fluid has been removed (step S3). FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining whether or not residual fluid has been removed (step S3). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining whether or not residual fluid has been removed (step S3). FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on the display unit in step S4. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on the display unit during GERD diagnosis. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating pressure propagation when a suction operation is performed by a suction device. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining whether or not residual fluid has been removed (step S3). FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining whether or not residual fluid has been removed (step S3). FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining whether or not residual fluid has been removed (step S3). FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining whether or not residual fluid has been removed (step S3) according to a third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining whether or not to remove residual liquid (step S3) according to embodiment 3. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining whether or not to remove residual liquid (step S3) according to embodiment 3. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining whether or not to remove residual liquid (step S3) according to embodiment 3. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on the display unit in step S4 according to embodiment 4. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method of measuring internal pressure according to embodiment 5. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope system according to embodiment 6. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating pressure propagation when the air supply device is operated. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope system according to embodiment 7. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining whether or not to remove residual liquid (step S3).

[0011] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. Furthermore, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [Schematic Configuration of Endoscope System] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an endoscope system 1 according to embodiment 1. The endoscope system 1 is a system for diagnosing reflux esophagitis (hereinafter referred to as GERD diagnosis), a disease in which the function of the gastric cardia is impaired and gastric juice flows back into the esophagus. As shown in Fig. 1, the endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 2, a light source device 3, an air supply device 4, a water supply device 5, a suction device 6, a video processor 7, a display device 8, a pressure generation device 9, and a pressure measurement device 10.

[0013] A portion of the endoscope 2 is inserted into a living body, captures images of the inside of the living body, and outputs image signals generated by the image capture. As shown in Fig. 1, the endoscope 2 includes an insertion section 21, an operation section 22, and a connector section 23. Note that the "distal side" described below refers to the distal end side of the insertion section 21 (the distal end side in the direction of insertion into the living body). Note that the "proximal side" described below refers to the side away from the distal end of the insertion section 21.

[0014] The insertion section 21 is at least partially flexible and is inserted into a living body. The tip of the insertion section 21 is provided with an illumination lens and an imaging unit, although these are not specifically shown. The illumination lens is a lens that irradiates the lumen LU ( FIG. 1 ) with illumination light supplied from the light source device 3 and emitted from the exit end of a light guide (not shown) routed within the endoscope 2. The imaging unit includes an objective optical system (not shown) that condenses light (subject image) irradiated into the lumen LU and reflected within the lumen LU, and an imaging element (not shown) that captures the subject image condensed by the objective optical system. An image signal captured by the imaging element is transmitted to the video processor 7 via a signal cable (not shown) routed within the endoscope 2.

[0015] The operation unit 22 is connected to the proximal end of the insertion section 21 and receives various operations from a physician or the like. As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation unit 22 is provided with an air supply button 221, a suction button 222, and a treatment tool insertion port 223. The air supply button 221, when turned on by a user such as a physician, causes the air supply device 4 to supply air into the lumen LU, and when turned off, stops the air supply. The suction button 222, when turned on by a user such as a physician, causes the suction device 6 to suction fluid from the lumen LU, and when turned off, stops the suction. The treatment tool insertion port 223 is connected to a treatment tool conduit 26 ( FIG. 1 ), which will be described later and is provided within the insertion section 21, and is an insertion port for inserting a treatment tool (not shown) into the treatment tool conduit 26.

[0016] The connector section 23 is provided on the proximal end side of the operation section 22 and is a connector that connects to the light source device 3 and the video processor 7 .

[0017] 1 , the endoscope 2 described above is provided with an air supply conduit 24, a water supply conduit 25, a treatment tool conduit 26, and a suction conduit 27. The air supply conduit 24 extends from the connector 23 via the operation section 22 to the tip of the insertion section 21, and is a conduit through which gas supplied from the air supply device 4 flows and which is discharged from the tip of the insertion section 21. The water supply conduit 25 extends from the connector 23 via the operation section 22 to the tip of the insertion section 21, and is a conduit through which liquid supplied from the water supply device 5 flows and which is discharged from the tip of the insertion section 21.

[0018] The treatment tool conduit 26 extends from the treatment tool insertion port 223 to the tip of the insertion section 21 and allows a treatment tool (not shown) inserted through the treatment tool insertion port 223 to protrude from the tip of the insertion section 21. The suction conduit 27 extends from the connector section 23 via the operation section 22 to the treatment tool conduit 26 and communicates with the treatment tool conduit 26 when the suction button 222 is turned on. The suction conduit 27 circulates fluid suctioned from the tip of the insertion section 21 via the treatment tool conduit 26 by the suction device 6 and guides it to the suction device 6.

[0019] The light source device 3 supplies illumination light for illuminating the inside of a living body to the incident end of a light guide (not shown) routed through the endoscope 2 via the connector portion 23. As a result, the illumination light passes through the light guide and is irradiated into the lumen LU from the illumination lens described above.

[0020] The gas supply device 4 adjusts the pressure of gas supplied from a gas supply source (not shown, for example, a carbon dioxide gas cylinder) to a predetermined pressure and discharges the gas into the lumen LU from the tip of the insertion section 21 through the gas supply conduit 24. The water supply device 5 is driven in response to operation of, for example, a foot switch (not shown). The water supply device 5 adjusts cleansing water stored in a tank (not shown) to a predetermined flow rate using a built-in pump (not shown) and discharges the water into the lumen LU from the tip of the insertion section 21 through the water supply conduit 25. The suction device 6 generates negative pressure using a built-in vacuum pump (not shown) and aspirates fluid from the lumen LU from the tip of the insertion section 21 through the suction conduit 27 and the treatment tool conduit 26. The aspirated fluid is then discharged into a bottle 61 ( FIG. 1 ).

[0021] The video processor 7 receives an image signal from an imaging unit (image sensor) provided at the tip of the insertion portion 21. The video processor 7 then performs predetermined processing on the image signal to generate an endoscopic image, which is then displayed on the display device 8. The display device 8 is a display using liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence), and displays the endoscopic image generated by the video processor 7.

[0022] The pressure generator 9 is connected to a measurement tube TU that communicates with the treatment tool conduit 26 through the treatment tool insertion port 223. In the first embodiment, the pressure generator 9 is configured as a syringe pump that delivers a predetermined amount of gas in response to a user operation. Note that the pressure generator 9 is not limited to a syringe pump, and may be configured as a syringe that manually delivers a predetermined amount of gas. The pressure generator 9 delivers a predetermined amount of gas into the lumen LU through the measurement tube TU and the treatment tool conduit 26, generating a predetermined pressure. The measurement tube TU and the treatment tool conduit 26 correspond to the pressure measurement conduit according to the present invention.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1, the measuring tube TU is provided with a hydrophobic filter FI to prevent liquid from flowing into the measuring tube TU. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 1, a manual valve 91 is provided between the pressure generator 9 and the measuring tube TU. When the pressure generator 9 is connected, it may interfere with the operation of the endoscope 2. Therefore, it is preferable to close the manual valve 91 and remove the pressure generator 9 when the endoscope 2 is not in use. That is, the manual valve 91 is provided to ensure airtightness of the measuring tube TU even when the pressure generator 9 is removed.

[0024] The pressure measuring device 10 corresponds to the control device according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, this pressure measuring device 10 includes a pressure sensor unit 11, a processing unit 12, a storage unit 13, an image generating unit 14, an input unit 15, a display unit 16, and a sound generating unit 17. The pressure sensor unit 11 is connected to a measurement tube TU, and under the control of the processing unit 12, measures the pressure transmitted through the measurement tube TU using a pressure-sensitive element (not shown), and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure to the processing unit 12. The pressure sensor unit 11 intermittently measures the pressure at a cycle of about 1 to 100 ms.

[0025] The processing unit 12 corresponds to a processor according to the present invention. This processing unit 12 is realized by a controller such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the storage unit 13, and comprehensively controls the operation of the entire pressure measuring device 10. Note that the processing unit 12 is not limited to a CPU or an MPU, and may include an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The functions of the processing unit 12 described above will be described in the "Method for Measuring Pressure in a Body" section below.

[0026] The storage unit 13 stores programs executed by the processing unit 12, information necessary for processing by the processing unit 12, etc. The image generation unit 14 generates a predetermined image under the control of the processing unit 12. The predetermined image is then displayed on the display unit 16 or the display device 8. The input unit 15 is configured using operation devices such as input buttons and a touch panel, and accepts user operations. The input unit 15 then outputs an operation signal corresponding to the user operation to the processing unit 12.

[0027] The display unit 16 is a display using liquid crystal or organic EL, and displays the image generated by the image generation unit 14. The sound generation unit 17 is composed of a speaker that outputs sound, and outputs a predetermined sound under the control of the processing unit 12. The display unit 16 and sound generation unit 17 described above correspond to the notification unit according to the present invention.

[0028] [Intracorporeal Pressure Measurement Method] Next, an intracorporeal pressure measurement method using the endoscope 2, pressure generation device 9, and pressure measurement device 10 described above will be described. Below, as an intracorporeal pressure measurement method, the processing executed by the processing unit 12 will be mainly described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the intracorporeal pressure measurement method. A doctor inserts the insertion section 21 from the patient's mouth to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) at the junction of the stomach and esophagus. Then, a user such as a doctor performs an operation to start residual fluid removal on the input unit 15. The user such as a doctor also opens the manual valve 91 and performs a user operation on the pressure generation device 9 to operate the pressure generation device 9, and after a time, performs a user operation to stop the operation of the pressure generation device 9.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows pressure propagation when the pressure generator 9 is operated. Specifically, the solid arrow indicates the direction of pressure propagation. The size of the arrow feathers indicates the strength of the pressure. The dashed arrow indicates the direction of movement of the residual liquid RL. The residual liquid RL corresponds to the foreign matter of the present invention. Here, immediately after the insertion section 21 is introduced into the lumen LU, a weak pressure P1 (typically about 0 to 5 mmHg) is generated within the lumen LU. When the pressure generator 9 generates a pressure P2 (e.g., 20 mmHg or greater) stronger than the pressure P1, the pressure propagates through the treatment instrument conduit 26 and the measurement tube TU and is transmitted to the pressure measuring device 10 and the residual liquid RL in the treatment instrument conduit 26. This generates kinetic energy in the residual liquid RL, causing it to move toward the lower pressure side (the pressure P1 side).

[0030] At startup, the pressure measuring device 10 is set to a "residual fluid removal monitoring mode." This "residual fluid removal monitoring mode" monitors whether an operation to remove residual fluid RL from the treatment instrument conduit 26 has been properly performed. In the "residual fluid removal monitoring mode," the processing unit 12 constantly monitors whether a user, such as a doctor, has initiated residual fluid removal via the input unit 15 (step S1). If it determines that an operation to initiate residual fluid removal has been initiated (step S1: Yes), the processing unit 12 causes the pressure sensor unit 11 to begin measuring pressure (step S2). The processing unit 12 then executes a process to determine whether residual fluid RL has been removed based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 (step S3).

[0031] 4 to 6 are diagrams illustrating the process of determining whether or not to remove the residual liquid RL (step S3). Specifically, (a) of FIG. 4, (a) of FIG. 5, and (a) of FIG. 6 are diagrams illustrating the behavior of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 when the pressure generator 9 is operated. (b) of FIG. 4, (b) of FIG. 5, and (b) of FIG. 6 are diagrams illustrating the operating states of the pressure generator 9, in which "ON" indicates a state in which a user operation to operate the pressure generator 9 has been performed, and "OFF" indicates a state in which a user operation to stop the operation of the pressure generator 9 has been performed.

[0032] Before the pressure generator 9 is operated, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 is pressure P1, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 . When the pressure generator 9 is operated, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 begins to rise. At this time, a short time Tm ( FIG. 4A ) occurs before the pressure P2 generated by the pressure generator 9 is transmitted to the pressure sensor unit 11. After this, when a time Tn ( FIG. 4A ) elapses until the treatment instrument conduit 26 and the measurement tube TU are completely filled with pressure P2, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 stops increasing. When the operation of the pressure generator 9 is stopped after the time Tn has elapsed, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 begins to decrease after a short time delay Tp. When the pressure P2 generated by the pressure generator 9 is completely released from the treatment instrument conduit 26 and the measurement tube TU, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 returns to pressure P1. In FIG. 4A, the time required for the pressure to decrease from P2 to P1 is indicated as time Tq.

[0033] Then, in step S3, the processing unit 12 acquires the elapsed time during which the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 satisfies a predetermined condition, and determines whether the residual liquid RL has been removed based on the pressure and the elapsed time. More specifically, the processing unit 12 determines that the residual liquid RL has been removed when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 satisfies the above-mentioned predetermined condition and the above-mentioned elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold value Tth1 (FIG. 4).

[0034] In the first embodiment, the predetermined condition is that the amount of fluctuation Pd of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 exceeds a predetermined threshold value (P1+Pth1). Here, the amount of fluctuation Pd is the amount obtained by subtracting the pressure P1 from the pressure P2. That is, the processing unit 12 acquires, as the above-mentioned elapsed time, the elapsed time Td ((a) in FIG. 4) during which the amount of fluctuation Pd exceeds the predetermined threshold value (P1+Pth1).

[0035] 4, the fluctuation amount Pd exceeds a predetermined threshold value (P1+Pth1), and the elapsed time Td exceeds the threshold value Tth1, so the processing unit 12 determines in step S3 that the residual liquid RL has been removed.

[0036] On the other hand, in the example of Fig. 5, the pressure generator 9 does not generate an appropriate pressure, and the fluctuation amount Pd does not exceed the predetermined threshold value (P1 + Pth1). Therefore, the processing unit 12 determines in step S3 that the residual liquid RL has not been removed. Also, in the example of Fig. 6, the fluctuation amount Pd exceeds the predetermined threshold value (P1 + Pth1), but the operating time of the pressure generator 9 is short, and the elapsed time Td does not exceed the threshold value Tth1. Therefore, the processing unit 12 determines in step S3 that the residual liquid RL has not been removed.

[0037] After step S3, the processing unit 12 controls the operation of at least one of the image generating unit 14 and the sound generating unit 17, and notifies the result of the residual fluid RL removal determination process from at least one of the display unit 16 and the sound generating unit 17 (step S4). FIG. 7 illustrates an image F1 displayed on the display unit 16 in step S4. Specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates an image F1 displayed on the display unit 16 when it is determined that residual fluid RL has not been removed. For example, if it is determined in step S3 that residual fluid RL has not been removed, the processing unit 12 controls the operation of the image generating unit 14 to display the image F1 shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 16. The image F1 may also be displayed on the display device 8. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the image F1 includes a message image F11 stating "Residual fluid removal was not performed properly" and an icon I1 prompting the user to switch to the "diagnosis mode." The "diagnosis mode" is a mode that displays information on the intraluminal pressure (LU) required for GERD diagnosis. Although specific illustrations are omitted, if it is determined in step S3 that the residual liquid RL has been removed, the display unit 16 will display a message image stating "Residual liquid removal has been carried out appropriately" and an image including the icon I1 described above.

[0038] After step S4, the processing unit 12 determines whether or not a user such as a doctor has performed a "switching operation to the diagnosis mode (operation on icon I1 shown in FIG. 7)" on the input unit 15 (step S5). If it is determined that a switching operation to the diagnosis mode has not been performed (step S5: No), the processing unit 12 determines whether or not a user such as a doctor has performed an operation to start residual liquid removal on the input unit 15 (step S6).

[0039] If it is determined that the operation to start the residual liquid removal has not been performed (step S6: No), the processing unit 12 returns to step S5. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation to start the residual liquid removal has been performed (step S6: Yes), the processing unit 12 returns to step S2.

[0040] On the other hand, if it is determined that a switch operation to the diagnostic mode has been performed (Step S5: Yes), the processing unit 12 switches to the "diagnosis mode" (Step S7). The physician then performs a GERD diagnosis. FIG. 8 shows an image F2 displayed on the display unit 16 during a GERD diagnosis. Specifically, the physician turns on the gas supply button 221 to cause the gas supply device 4 to supply gas into the lumen LU, thereby expanding the lumen LU. Meanwhile, the processing unit 12 controls the operation of the image generation unit 14 to display on the display unit 16 a waveform image F21 showing the pressure state within the lumen LU based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11, a numerical image F22 showing numerical information about the pressure, and an image F2 including an icon I2 indicating that the GERD diagnosis has been terminated and prompting the physician to switch to the "residual fluid removal monitoring mode." Note that the image F2 may also be displayed on the display device 8. The doctor then diagnoses GERD based on the image F2 and the relaxation state of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) observed from the endoscopic image.

[0041] The first embodiment described above provides the following advantages. In the pressure measuring device 10 according to the first embodiment, the processing unit 12 acquires the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11, acquires the elapsed time Td during which the pressure satisfies a predetermined condition, and determines whether the residual liquid RL has been removed from the treatment instrument conduit 26 based on the pressure and the elapsed time Td. The predetermined condition is that the amount of fluctuation Pd in ​​the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 exceeds a predetermined threshold (P1+Pth1). More specifically, the processing unit 12 determines that the residual liquid RL has been removed when the amount of fluctuation Pd in ​​the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 exceeds the predetermined threshold (P1+Pth1) and the elapsed time Td exceeds a predetermined threshold Th1. Therefore, the pressure measuring device 10 according to the first embodiment can appropriately determine whether the residual liquid RL remains in the treatment instrument conduit 26.

[0042] Furthermore, in the pressure measuring device 10 according to the first embodiment, the processing unit 12 controls the operation of at least one of the image generating unit 14 and the sound generating unit 17, and notifies the result of the determination process for residual fluid RL removal from at least one of the display unit 16 and the sound generating unit 17. This allows a user such as a doctor to clearly recognize whether or not there is residual fluid RL in the treatment instrument conduit 26. That is, when the user such as a doctor recognizes that there is residual fluid RL in the treatment instrument conduit 26 from the notification from at least one of the display unit 16 and the sound generating unit 17, he or she performs the residual fluid RL removal operation again. This allows GERD diagnosis to be performed in a state in which the residual fluid RL has been reliably removed from the treatment instrument conduit 26.

[0043] (Embodiment 2) Next, embodiment 2 will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in embodiment 1 described above will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an endoscope system 1 according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 9, in the endoscope system 1 according to embodiment 2, the function of the pressure generating device 9 is given to the suction device 6, and the pressure generating device 9 is omitted from the endoscope system 1 according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0044] That is, in the method for measuring internal pressure according to the second embodiment, after inserting the insertion section 21 from the patient's mouth to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the user such as a doctor performs an operation to start residual liquid removal on the input section 15. Then, the user such as a doctor turns on the suction button 222 to cause the suction device 6 to perform a suction operation, and after a period of time, turns off the suction button 222 to stop the suction operation.

[0045] FIG. 10 shows pressure propagation during suction by the suction device 6. Specifically, the solid arrow indicates the direction of pressure propagation. The size of the arrowhead indicates the strength of the pressure. The dashed arrow indicates the direction of movement of the residual liquid RL. Here, immediately after the insertion section 21 is introduced into the lumen LU, a weak pressure P1 (typically about 0 to 5 mmHg) is generated within the lumen LU. Furthermore, a strong pressure P3 (negative pressure) is generated in the suction conduit 27 by the suction device 6. When the suction conduit 27 and the treatment instrument conduit 26 are connected by the suction button 222, the pressure P3 propagates through the treatment instrument conduit 26 and the measurement tube TU and is transmitted to both the pressure measuring device 10 and the residual liquid RL in the treatment instrument conduit 26. This generates kinetic energy in the residual liquid RL, causing it to move toward the lower pressure side (the pressure P3 side).

[0046] The method for measuring internal pressure according to the second embodiment differs from the method for measuring internal pressure described in the first embodiment above in the process of determining whether or not to remove residual liquid RL (step S3).

[0047] 11 to 13 are diagrams illustrating the process of determining whether or not to remove residual liquid RL (step S3). Specifically, Fig. 11(a), Fig. 12(a), and Fig. 13(a) are diagrams illustrating the behavior of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 when the suction operation is performed by the suction device 6. Fig. 11(b), Fig. 12(b), and Fig. 13(b) are diagrams illustrating the state of the suction operation by the suction device 6, with "ON" indicating the state in which the suction operation is being performed (the suction button 222 is turned ON) and "OFF" indicating the state in which the suction operation is stopped (the suction button 222 is turned OFF).

[0048] Before the suction operation is performed (before the suction button 222 is turned on to connect the treatment instrument conduit 26 and the suction conduit 27), the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 is pressure P1, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 . When the suction operation is performed, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 begins to decrease. At this time, a short time Tm (FIG. 11(a)) occurs until the pressure P3 generated by the suction device 6 is transmitted to the pressure sensor unit 11. After this, when a time Tn (FIG. 11(a)) has elapsed until the treatment instrument conduit 26 and the measurement tube TU are completely filled with pressure P3, the decrease in the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 stops. After the time Tn has elapsed, the suction button 222 is turned off to stop the suction operation, and after a short time delay Tp, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 begins to increase. When the pressure P3 generated by the suction device 6 is completely released from the treatment instrument conduit 26 and the measurement tube TU, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 returns to pressure P1. In (a) of Figure 11, the time required for the pressure to rise from P3 to P1 is indicated as time Tq.

[0049] Then, in step S3, the processing unit 12 acquires the elapsed time during which the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 satisfies a predetermined condition, and determines whether the residual liquid RL has been removed based on the pressure and the elapsed time. More specifically, the processing unit 12 determines that the residual liquid RL has been removed when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 satisfies the above-mentioned predetermined condition and the above-mentioned elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold value Tth2 (FIG. 11).

[0050] In the second embodiment, the predetermined condition is that the amount of fluctuation Pd of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 is below a predetermined threshold (P1+Pth2). Here, the amount of fluctuation Pd is the amount obtained by subtracting the pressure P1 from the pressure P3. That is, the processing unit 12 acquires, as the above-mentioned elapsed time, the elapsed time Td ((a) in FIG. 11 ) during which the amount of fluctuation Pd is below the predetermined threshold (P1+Pth2).

[0051] 11, the fluctuation amount Pd is below the predetermined threshold value (P1+Pth2), and the elapsed time Td exceeds the threshold value Tth2, so the processing unit 12 determines in step S3 that the residual liquid RL has been removed.

[0052] On the other hand, in the example of Fig. 12, the suction device 6 does not generate an appropriate pressure, and the fluctuation amount Pd does not fall below the predetermined threshold value (P1 + Pth2). Therefore, the processing unit 12 determines in step S3 that the residual liquid RL has not been removed. Also, in the example of Fig. 13, although the fluctuation amount Pd falls below the predetermined threshold value (P1 + Pth2), the time of the suction operation by the suction device 6 is short, and the elapsed time Td does not exceed the threshold value Tth2. Therefore, the processing unit 12 determines in step S3 that the residual liquid RL has not been removed.

[0053] As in the second embodiment described above, even when the function of the pressure generating device 9 is provided to the suction device 6, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0054] (Embodiment 3) Next, embodiment 3 will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in embodiment 1 described above will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified. In embodiment 3, the process of determining whether or not to remove residual liquid RL (step S3) is different from embodiment 1 described above.

[0055] 14 to 17 are diagrams illustrating the process of determining whether or not to remove the residual liquid RL (step S3). FIG. 14 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3 and illustrates a state in which the measuring tube TU is buckled. In FIG. 14, the "x" indicates the buckling location TU1. FIG. 15 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 14. Specifically, FIG. 15(a) illustrates the behavior of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 when the pressure generator 9 is operated with the measuring tube TU buckled. FIG. 15(b) illustrates the operating state of the pressure generator 9, with "ON" indicating a state in which a user operation to operate the pressure generator 9 has been performed and "OFF" indicating a state in which a user operation to stop the operation of the pressure generator 9 has been performed. FIG. 16 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3 and illustrates a state in which a leak location TU2 is present in the measuring tube TU. FIG. 17 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 16. 17A is a diagram showing the behavior of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 when the pressure generator 9 is operated with a leak point TU2 in the measuring tube TU. FIG. 17B is a diagram showing the operating state of the pressure generator 9, in which "ON" indicates a state in which a user operation to operate the pressure generator 9 has been performed, and "OFF" indicates a state in which a user operation to stop the operation of the pressure generator 9 has been performed.

[0056] In the third embodiment, the processing unit 12 determines that the residual liquid RL has been removed when all of the first to third conditions are met. The first condition is that the amount of pressure fluctuation Pd measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 exceeds a threshold value (P1+Pth1). The second condition is that the elapsed time Td exceeds a threshold value Tth1. The third condition is that the time Tq is within a predetermined range. The time Tq corresponds to the first arrival time according to the present invention.

[0057] The examples in FIGS. 14 and 15 show a state in which the measuring tube TU is buckled. When the measuring tube TU is buckled, the first and second conditions described above may be satisfied. That is, if it is determined that the residual liquid RL has been removed based solely on the first and second conditions, the buckling of the measuring tube TU may prevent the pressure P2 generated by the pressure generator 9 from propagating into the treatment instrument conduit 26, resulting in a determination that the residual liquid RL has been removed, even though the residual liquid RL has not been moved (removed). Furthermore, when the measuring tube TU is buckled, the time Tq is relatively long. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the processing unit 12 determines that the residual liquid RL has been removed when not only the first and second conditions but also the third condition are satisfied. Specifically, in the example in FIG. 15, the time Tq exceeds the upper limit Tth3 of the predetermined range, which is the third condition. Therefore, the processing unit 12 determines in step S3 that the residual liquid RL has not been removed.

[0058] The examples of Figures 16 and 17 show a state in which a leak point TU2 is present in the measuring tube TU. When the measuring tube TU has a leak point TU2 in this way, the first and second conditions described above may be satisfied. That is, if it is determined that the residual liquid RL has been removed based only on the first and second conditions, the pressure P2 generated by the pressure generator 9 due to the leak point TU2 is not propagated into the treatment instrument conduit 26, and the residual liquid RL is not moved (removed), but it is still determined that the residual liquid RL has been removed. Furthermore, when the measuring tube TU has a leak point TU2, the time Tq is relatively short. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the processing unit 12 determines that the residual liquid RL has been removed when not only the first and second conditions but also the third condition are satisfied. Specifically, in the example of Figure 17, since the time Tq is shorter than the lower limit value Tth4 of the predetermined range, which is the third condition, the processing unit 12 determines in step S3 that the residual liquid RL has not been removed.

[0059] According to the third embodiment described above, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the following effects are achieved. In the pressure measuring device 10 according to the third embodiment, the processing unit 12 determines that the residual liquid RL has been removed when all of the first to third conditions described above are satisfied. Therefore, even if the measuring tube TU is buckled or if the measuring tube TU has a leak point TU2, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the residual liquid RL has been removed.

[0060] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified. The endoscope system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the endoscope system 1 according to the first embodiment described above in that the notification method for notifying the result of the process of determining whether or not to remove residual liquid RL from at least one of the display unit 16 (display device 8) and the sound generator 17 in step S4 is different.

[0061] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an image F1 displayed on the display unit 16 in step S4 according to embodiment 4. Specifically, Fig. 18 corresponds to Fig. 7 and shows the image F1 displayed on the display unit 16 when it is determined that the residual liquid RL has not been removed. More specifically, Fig. 18 shows the image F1 displayed on the display unit 16 when the pressure generator 9 is configured by a syringe that manually delivers a predetermined amount of gas and the fluctuation amount Pd does not exceed the threshold value (P1 + Pth1) (Fig. 5).

[0062] When the processing unit 12 according to the fourth embodiment determines in step S3 that the residual liquid RL has not been removed, it controls the operation of the image generating unit 14 to notify the user of the reason for the determination and information on a countermeasure via at least one of the display unit 16 and the sound generating unit 17. The example in FIG. 18 illustrates a case in which an image F1 including information on the reason for the determination and information on a countermeasure is displayed on the display unit 16. The image F1 may also be displayed on the display device 8. For example, when the processing unit 12 determines that the fluctuation amount Pd does not exceed the threshold value (P1 + Pth1) ( FIG. 5 ) and the residual liquid RL has not been removed, it controls the operation of the image generating unit 14 to display the image F1 shown in FIG. 18 on the display unit 16. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18 , the image F1 includes a message image F12 indicating the determination result "Failed to remove residual liquid," the reason for the determination "Sufficient pressure was not detected," and the countermeasure "Please push the syringe again more firmly," as well as an icon I1 prompting the user to switch to the "diagnosis mode."

[0063] Although not specifically illustrated, if the processing unit 12 determines that the elapsed time Td does not exceed the threshold value Tth1 ( FIG. 6 ) and that the residual liquid RL has not been removed, it causes the display unit 16 to display an image F1 including, for example, a message image saying “Failed to remove residual liquid” and a solution saying “Press the syringe for a longer time,” as well as the icon I1 described above.

[0064] According to the fourth embodiment described above, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved. In the pressure measuring device 10 according to the fourth embodiment, when the determination result in the residual liquid RL removal determination process (step S3) is that the residual liquid RL has not been removed, the processing unit 12 notifies the reason for the determination or information on how to deal with the problem from at least one of the display unit 16 and the sound unit 17. Therefore, a user such as a doctor can correctly recognize the reason why the residual liquid RL has not been removed, and can correctly redo the operation to remove the residual liquid RL.

[0065] (Embodiment 5) Next, embodiment 5 will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in embodiment 1 described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified. Embodiment 5 differs from embodiment 1 described above in the method of measuring internal pressure.

[0066] Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an internal pressure measurement method according to embodiment 5. Specifically, Fig. 19 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 2 and is a flowchart showing processing executed by processing unit 12. In the internal pressure measurement method according to embodiment 5, as shown in Fig. 19, step S6 is omitted and step S8 is added to the internal pressure measurement method described in embodiment 1 above. Step S8 will be mainly described below.

[0067] Step S8 is executed after step S4. Specifically, in step S8, the processing unit 12 determines whether or not it has been determined that the residual liquid RL has been removed in the residual liquid RL removal determination process (step S3). If it has been determined that the residual liquid RL has not been removed (step S8: No), the processing unit 12 returns to step S1. On the other hand, if it has been determined that the residual liquid RL has been removed (step S8: Yes), the processing unit 12 proceeds to step S5.

[0068] Then, in step S5, the processing unit 12 constantly monitors whether or not a user such as a doctor has performed a "switching operation to the diagnosis mode (operation on the icon I1 shown in FIG. 7)" on the input unit 15. If it is determined that a switching operation to the diagnosis mode has been performed (step S5: Yes), the processing unit 12 proceeds to step S7.

[0069] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, when it is determined that the residual liquid RL has not been removed, the processing unit 12 restricts switching to the diagnosis mode.

[0070] According to the fifth embodiment described above, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the following effects are achieved. In the pressure measuring device 10 according to the fifth embodiment, the processing unit 12 restricts switching to the diagnosis mode when it is determined that the residual liquid RL has not been removed. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which GERD diagnosis is erroneously started even when the residual liquid RL has not been removed.

[0071] (Embodiment 6) Next, embodiment 6 will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in embodiment 1 described above will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an endoscopic system 1 according to embodiment 6. In the endoscopic system 1 according to embodiment 6, as shown in FIG. 20 , compared to the endoscopic system 1 according to embodiment 1 described above, the function of the pressure generating device 9 is given to the air supply device 4, and the pressure generating device 9 is omitted. Also, in the endoscopic system 1 according to embodiment 6, the measuring tube TU is connected to the water supply conduit 25 rather than the treatment instrument conduit 26. Furthermore, in the endoscopic system 1 according to embodiment 6, the water supply device 5 is connected to the water supply conduit 25 through the measuring tube TU. Also, in the endoscopic system 1 according to embodiment 6, the air supply device 4 is connected to the air supply conduit 24 and the measuring tube TU by a three-way valve 41. That is, by switching the three-way valve 41, the air supply device 4 is connected to one of the air supply conduit 24 and the measuring tube TU. The water supply pipe 25 and the measurement tube TU correspond to the pressure measurement pipe according to the present invention.

[0072] That is, in the method for measuring internal pressure according to the sixth embodiment, after the insertion section 21 has been inserted from the patient's mouth to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the user such as a doctor performs an operation to start residual liquid removal on the input section 15. Then, the user such as a doctor connects the gas supply device 4 and the measuring tube TU via the three-way valve 41, turns on the gas supply button 221, causes the gas supply device 4 to perform an air supply operation through the measuring tube TU and the water supply conduit 25, and after a time, turns off the gas supply button 221 to stop the air supply operation.

[0073] FIG. 21 shows pressure propagation during the gas supply operation by the gas supply device 4. Specifically, the solid arrow indicates the direction of pressure propagation. The size of the arrow feathers indicates the strength of the pressure. Furthermore, the dashed arrow indicates the direction of movement of the residual liquid RL. Here, immediately after the insertion section 21 is introduced into the lumen LU, a weak pressure P1 (typically about 0 to 5 mmHg) is generated within the lumen LU. Furthermore, when the three-way valve 41 is switched to connect the gas supply device 4 to the measuring tube TU and the gas supply button 221 is turned ON, the pressure P2 generated by the gas supply device 4 propagates through the measuring tube TU and the water supply line 25 and is transmitted to the pressure measuring device 10 and the residual liquid RL in the water supply line 25, respectively. This generates kinetic energy in the residual liquid RL, causing it to move toward the lower pressure side (the pressure P1 side).

[0074] In the method for measuring internal pressure according to the sixth embodiment, the processing performed by the processing unit 12 is the same as the processing (steps S1 to S7) described in the first embodiment.

[0075] As in the sixth embodiment described above, even when the function of the pressure generating device 9 is provided to the air supply device 4, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0076] (Seventh Embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the sixth embodiment described above will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an endoscope system 1 according to the seventh embodiment. In the endoscope system 1 according to the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the gas supply device 4 and the pressure measuring device 10 are electrically connected to the endoscope system 1 according to the sixth embodiment described above. Furthermore, the pressure measuring device 10 is capable of recognizing the ON and OFF points in the gas supply operation by the gas supply device 4. Furthermore, in the endoscope system 1 according to the seventh embodiment, the process of determining whether to remove residual liquid RL (step S3) is different from that of the sixth embodiment described above.

[0077] Fig. 23 is a diagram illustrating the process of determining whether or not to remove the residual liquid RL (step S3). Fig. 23 corresponds to Figs. 4 to 6. Specifically, Fig. 23(a) is a diagram illustrating the behavior of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 when the gas supply operation is performed by the gas supply device 4 with the measuring tube TU buckled. Fig. 23(b) is a diagram illustrating the state of the gas supply operation by the gas supply device 4, with "ON" indicating the state in which the gas supply operation is being performed and "OFF" indicating the state in which the gas supply operation is stopped.

[0078] In the seventh embodiment, the processing unit 12 determines that the residual liquid RL has been removed when all of the first, second, and fourth conditions are met. The first condition is that the amount of pressure fluctuation Pd measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 exceeds a threshold value (P1 + Pth1). The second condition is that the elapsed time Td exceeds a threshold value Tth1. The fourth condition is that the time Tm is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value Tth5. The time Tm is the time from when the gas supply operation by the gas supply device 4 is started until the pressure measured by the pressure sensor unit 11 reaches the pressure P2. The time Tm corresponds to the second arrival time according to the present invention.

[0079] The example of FIG. 23 shows a state in which the measuring tube TU is buckled. When the measuring tube TU is buckled, the first and second conditions described above may be satisfied. That is, if it is determined that the residual liquid RL has been removed based only on the first and second conditions, the buckling of the measuring tube TU may prevent the pressure P2 generated by the pressure generator 9 from propagating through the water supply pipeline 25, resulting in a determination that the residual liquid RL has been removed even though the residual liquid RL has not been moved (removed). Furthermore, when the measuring tube TU is buckled, the time Tm is relatively short. Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, the processing unit 12 determines that the residual liquid RL has been removed when not only the first and second conditions but also the fourth condition are satisfied. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 23, the time Tm is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value Tth5, and therefore the processing unit 12 determines in step S3 that the residual liquid RL has not been removed.

[0080] According to the seventh embodiment described above, in addition to the same effects as those of the sixth embodiment, the following effects are achieved. In the pressure measuring device 10 according to the seventh embodiment, the processing unit 12 determines that the residual liquid RL has been removed when all of the first, second, and fourth conditions described above are satisfied. Therefore, even if the measuring tube TU is buckled, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the residual liquid RL has been removed.

[0081] Other Embodiments Up to this point, the forms for carrying out the present invention have been described, but the present invention should not be limited to only the above-mentioned Embodiments 1 to 7. In the above-mentioned Embodiments 1 to 7, the pressures Pth1, Pth2, threshold values ​​Tth1, Tth2, Tth5, upper limit value Tth3, and lower limit value Tth4 can be set to appropriate values ​​based on the cross-sectional area of ​​the pressure measurement conduit according to the present invention, the pressures (P2, P3) generated in the pressure measurement conduit, the frictional force generated between the pressure measurement conduit and the residual liquid RL, the expected mass of the residual liquid RL, and the like.

[0082] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Endoscope system 2 Endoscope 3 Light source device 4 Air supply device 5 Water supply device 6 Suction device 7 Video processor 8 Display device 9 Pressure generator 10 Pressure measuring device 11 Pressure sensor section 12 Processing section 13 Memory section 14 Image generation section 15 Input section 16 Display section 17 Sound generation section 21 Insertion section 22 Operation section 23 Connector section 24 Air supply line 25 Water supply line 26 Treatment tool line 27 Suction line 41 Three-way valve 61 Bottle section 91 Manual valve 221 Air supply button 222 Suction button 223 Treatment tool insertion port F1 Image F11, F12 Message image F2 Image F21 Waveform image F22 Numerical image FI Filter I1, I2 Icon LU Lumen RL Residual liquid TU Measuring tube TU1 Buckling point TU2 Leak point

Claims

1. A control device comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor acquires the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline when the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline for an endoscope is changed to remove foreign matter in the pressure measurement pipeline, acquires the elapsed time during which the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline satisfies a predetermined condition, and determines whether the foreign matter in the pressure measurement pipeline has been removed based on the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline and the elapsed time.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor determines that the foreign matter in the pressure measurement pipeline has been removed when the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline satisfies the predetermined condition and the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor acquires a first arrival time from the end of the change in the pressure of the pressure measurement pipeline until the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline reaches a predetermined pressure, and determines whether the foreign matter in the pressure measurement pipeline has been removed based on the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline, the elapsed time, and the first arrival time.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor acquires a second arrival time from the start of the change in the pressure of the pressure measurement pipeline until the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline reaches a predetermined pressure, and determines whether the foreign matter in the pressure measurement pipeline has been removed based on the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline, the elapsed time, and the second arrival time.

5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor causes a notification unit to notify determination result information regarding whether the foreign matter in the pressure measurement pipeline has been removed.

6. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the determination result information includes information regarding a determination reason or a countermeasure method when the determination result is that the foreign matter in the pressure measurement pipeline has not been removed.

7. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor restricts switching to a diagnosis mode when it is determined that the foreign matter in the pressure measurement pipeline has not been removed.

8. An endoscope having a pressure measurement pipeline for measuring the pressure inside the body, and a control device having at least one processor, wherein the processor acquires the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline when the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline is changed to remove foreign matter in the pressure measurement pipeline, acquires the elapsed time during which the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline satisfies a predetermined condition, and determines whether the foreign matter in the pressure measurement pipeline has been removed based on the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline and the elapsed time. An endoscope system.

9. The endoscope system according to claim 8, wherein the processor determines that the foreign matter in the pressure measurement pipeline has been removed when the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline satisfies the predetermined condition and the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined first threshold value.

10. The endoscope system according to claim 8, further comprising a display device for displaying a predetermined image, wherein the processor causes the display device to display determination result information regarding whether the foreign matter in the pressure measurement pipeline has been removed.

11. A method for measuring the pressure inside the body, which is executed by a processor of a control device, the method comprising: acquiring the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline of an endoscope when the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline is changed to remove foreign matter in the pressure measurement pipeline; acquiring the elapsed time during which the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline satisfies a predetermined condition; and determining whether the foreign matter in the pressure measurement pipeline has been removed based on the pressure in the pressure measurement pipeline and the elapsed time.

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