Multi-lumen tube for endoscope and endoscope

Abstract

A multi-lumen tube 11 for an endoscope according to the present invention comprises: a tube 12 disposed along the longitudinal direction inside an insertion part 2 of an endoscope 1; a deformable wall 13 partitioning the interior of the tube; and a first channel 5 and a second channel 7 respectively formed in one and the other of the interior of the tube partitioned by the wall. In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the first-channel side of the tube protrudes on one side with respect to the wall, the second-channel side of the tube protrudes on the other side with respect to the wall, and outer contours 12a1, 12a2 of the two portions of the tube connected to the wall each form a concave shape.

Description

Multi-lumen tube for endoscope and endoscope

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-lumen tube for an endoscope having a plurality of channels formed therein, and an endoscope equipped with the multi-lumen tube for an endoscope.

[0002] Endoscopes are used to observe the inside of a body cavity of a subject. Some endoscopes have both a water supply channel (or an air / water supply channel that also serves as an air supply channel) and a treatment instrument channel.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 5305859 describes an endoscope equipped with an air / water supply conduit and a forceps conduit. An air / water supply channel is provided in the air / water supply conduit, and a treatment instrument channel is provided in the forceps conduit (treatment instrument conduit).

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 5305859

[0005] Generally, the larger the diameter of the treatment instrument channel, the more types of treatment instruments can be used, whereas the smaller the diameter of the insertion section of the endoscope, the more insertion locations can be accommodated and the less stress is placed on the subject.

[0006] In conventional endoscopes, in order to increase the diameter of the treatment instrument channel and avoid increasing the diameter of the insertion section, it is necessary to reduce the size of internal components other than the treatment instrument channel placed within the insertion section (for example, the diameter of the water supply channel).

[0007] However, for example, if the diameter of the water supply channel is reduced, the amount of fluid that can be supplied to the distal end of the endoscope per unit time decreases.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-lumen tube for an endoscope and an endoscope that can increase the types of applicable treatment tools without increasing the diameter of the insertion portion and avoid a decrease in fluid supply performance.

[0009] A multi-lumen tube for an endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a tube arranged longitudinally within an insertion portion of an endoscope, a deformable wall arranged along the longitudinal direction and dividing the interior of the tube, a first channel formed on one side of the interior of the tube divided by the wall, and a second channel formed on the other side of the interior of the tube divided by the wall, wherein in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the first channel side of the tube protrudes to one side relative to the wall and the second channel side of the tube protrudes to the other side relative to the wall, and the outer contours of the two portions connected to the walls each have a concave shape.

[0010] An endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an insertion section and an endoscopic multi-lumen tube, the endoscopic multi-lumen tube comprising a tube arranged longitudinally within the insertion section, a deformable wall arranged along the longitudinal direction and dividing the interior of the tube, a first channel formed on one side of the interior of the tube divided by the wall, and a second channel formed on the other side of the interior of the tube divided by the wall, and in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the first channel side of the tube protrudes to one side relative to the wall and the second channel side of the tube protrudes to the other side relative to the wall, and the outer contours of the two parts connected to the walls each have a concave shape.

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a multi-lumen tube for an endoscope and an endoscope that can increase the types of applicable treatment tools without increasing the diameter of the insertion portion and avoid a decrease in fluid supply performance.

[0012] 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along III-III in FIG. 2 , perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along IV-IV in FIG. 2 , perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the deformation action of a first wall and a second wall that separate the interior of a multi-lumen tube for an endoscope according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along XI-XI in FIG. 10 of an endoscope according to the first embodiment. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of an insertion portion of an endoscope according to a first modified example of a related art; FIG. 11A is a view showing the arrangement of treatment instrument channel tubes in an insertion portion of an endoscope according to a second modified example of a related art; and FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of an insertion portion of an endoscope according to a third modified example of a related art.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0014] In the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are appropriately designated by the same reference numerals. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and that the length relationships, length ratios, and quantities of elements within a single drawing may differ from reality in order to simplify the description. Furthermore, there may be cases where the length relationships, ratios, quantities, and the like differ between multiple drawings.

[0015] 1 to 8 show a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0016] The endoscope 1 is an insertion device that has a portion to be inserted into a subject. The subject may be a living body such as a human or animal, or a non-living body such as a machine or building.

[0017] The endoscope 1 includes an insertion section 2 , an operation section 3 , and a universal cable 4 .

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 of the first embodiment.

[0019] The insertion section 2 is configured to be inserted into a subject. The insertion section 2 includes, in order from the distal end to the proximal end, a distal section 2a, a bending section 2b, and a flexible tube section 2c. The direction from the distal end to the proximal end of the insertion section 2 is opposite to the longitudinal direction A of the insertion section 2, which is indicated by the arrow in Figures 1 and 2, etc.

[0020] The distal end portion 2a is provided with an imaging module 16 (see FIG. 3, etc.), an illumination optical system, a distal end opening 5b of the treatment instrument channel, a nozzle 7n, and the like.

[0021] The illumination optical system irradiates the subject with illumination light transmitted by a light guide 17 (see FIG. 3, etc.).

[0022] The imaging module 16 includes an imaging element and an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system forms an optical image of the subject. The imaging element photoelectrically converts the optical image formed by the imaging optical system to generate an imaging signal. The imaging module 16 is connected to a signal cable 16a (see FIG. 4, etc.).

[0023] The treatment instrument channel distal end opening 5 b is an opening on the distal end side of the treatment instrument channel 5 and communicates with the treatment instrument channel 5 (first channel).

[0024] The nozzle 7n communicates with the water supply channel 7 (second channel, third channel). The nozzle 7n is arranged facing the observation window at the tip of the imaging optical system, and ejects the fluid (assumed to be a liquid, but may also include gas) sent via the water supply channel 7 toward the observation window at the tip of the imaging optical system. Note that, although an example in which the tip-side opening of the water supply channel 7 is the nozzle 7n will be described here, this configuration is not limiting. The tip-side opening of the water supply channel 7 may also be configured to send water forward (toward the front / observation direction).

[0025] The bending portion 2b is a portion that can be bent in four directions, for example, up, down, left, and right.

[0026] The flexible tube section 2c is a tube section that has flexibility. Note that, here, an example is given in which the endoscope 1 is a flexible endoscope having the flexible tube section 2c. However, the endoscope 1 may be a rigid endoscope in which the portion corresponding to the flexible tube section 2c is rigid.

[0027] The operation unit 3 is disposed on the proximal end side of the insertion portion 2. The operation unit 3 is a portion with which the user operates the endoscope 1. The operation unit 3 includes a grip portion 3a, a bending operation knob 3b, a water supply button 3c, a suction button 3d, and a treatment tool insertion port 5a.

[0028] The grip portion 3a is a portion where the user grips the endoscope 1 in the palm of his / her hand.

[0029] The bending operation knob 3b is an operation device for operating the bending of the bending portion 2b. The bending operation knob 3b includes a knob for operating up and down bending and a knob for operating left and right bending. When the bending operation knob 3b is operated, four bending operation wires 18 (see FIG. 4, etc.) are pulled, and the bending portion 2b is bent.

[0030] When the bending portion 2 b is bent, the direction of the tip portion 2 a changes, which changes the image capturing direction of the imaging module 16 and the direction of illumination light emitted by the illumination optical system. The bending portion 2 b is also bent to improve the insertability of the insertion portion 2 inside the subject.

[0031] The water supply button 3c is a button for operating to supply water to the observation window in the distal end portion 2a. When the water supply button 3c is operated, fluid is injected into the water supply channel 7, and water is supplied from the nozzle 7n. The observation window is cleaned with the fluid supplied from the nozzle 7n. Note that, although an example in which the water supply channel 7 is provided in the endoscope 1 in this embodiment, the endoscope 1 may also be provided with an air / water supply channel capable of supplying water and air.

[0032] The treatment instrument insertion port 5a is an opening on the proximal end side of the treatment instrument channel 5. The treatment instrument channel 5 is arranged from a treatment instrument channel distal end side opening 5b of the distal end portion 2a of the insertion section 2 to the treatment instrument insertion port 5a of the operation section 3.

[0033] A treatment tool 90 (see FIG. 6 ), such as forceps, is inserted into the treatment tool channel 5 through the treatment tool insertion port 5 a. The distal end of the treatment tool 90 is guided from the treatment tool channel 5 to the treatment tool channel distal opening 5 b and protrudes into the subject. Various treatments are performed on the subject using the protruding distal end of the treatment tool 90.

[0034] The suction button 3d is a button for performing an operation to suction the inside of the subject from the distal end portion 2a via the suction channel 6. The suction channel 6 is connected to the treatment instrument channel 5 at a branch point 5c and communicates with the treatment instrument channel distal end opening 5b. Therefore, the treatment instrument channel 5 from the branch point 5c to the treatment instrument channel distal end opening 5b also functions as the suction channel 6.

[0035] In this way, suction from inside the subject is performed via the treatment instrument channel 5 from the treatment instrument channel distal end opening 5b to the branch point 5c through the suction channel 6. When the suction operation is performed, for example, liquid, gas, mucous membrane, etc. are sucked from inside the subject.

[0036] The universal cable 4 is a composite cable incorporating a signal cable 16a, a light guide 17, a suction channel 6, a water supply channel 7, etc. The universal cable 4 extends from, for example, the side surface of the proximal end of the operation unit 3. A connector 4a is provided at the extending end of the universal cable 4. The connector 4a connects the endoscope 1 to an endoscope processor (video processor), a light source device, a suction pump, a water supply pump, a water supply tank, etc.

[0037] The connector 4a is provided with, for example, an electrical contact 4b, a light guide connector 4c, a suction nozzle 6a, and a water supply nozzle 7p.

[0038] The electrical contacts 4b transmit signals sent via the signal cable 16a between the endoscope 1 and the endoscope processor.

[0039] The light guide connector 4 c transmits the illumination light generated from the light source device to the light guide 17 .

[0040] The suction nozzle 6a communicates with the suction channel 6. The suction channel 6 is arranged from the suction nozzle 6a to the branch point 5c of the operation unit 3. The suction nozzle 6a is connected to a suction pump.

[0041] The water supply nozzle 7p communicates with the water supply channel 7. The water supply channel 7 is arranged from the water supply nozzle 7p to the nozzle 7n at the tip 2a of the insertion section 2. The water supply nozzle 7p is connected to a water supply pump and a water supply tank.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0043] The distal end portion 2 a is provided with an endoscope multi-lumen tube 11 , an imaging module 16 , and two light guides 17 .

[0044] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0045] The bending portion 2b is provided with an endoscopic multi-lumen tube 11, a signal cable 16a, two light guides 17, and four bending operation wires 18. The distal ends of the four bending operation wires 18 are fixed to the proximal end side of the distal end portion 2a or the distal end side of the bending portion 2b, respectively.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the multi-lumen tube 11 for an endoscope includes a tube 12 and a wall 13 that partitions the inside of the tube 12 .

[0047] One channel is formed on one side of the interior of the tube 12, which is divided by the wall 13, and another channel is formed on the other side. That is, by dividing the interior of the tube 12 with the wall 13 along the longitudinal direction A, a multi-lumen tube 11 for an endoscope having multiple channels is formed. The multiple channels formed inside the tube 12 will be described in detail below.

[0048] The tube 12 is disposed in the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 along the longitudinal direction A. The wall 13 is provided inside the tube 12 along the longitudinal direction A. As will be described later with reference to Figure 5 etc., the wall 13 is flexible and configured to be deformable.

[0049] 3 to 7, the water supply channel 7 includes two channels: a first water supply channel 7a and a second water supply channel 7b. Such a configuration including multiple water supply channels 7 is sometimes employed in, for example, a biliary endoscope. Among various types of digestive endoscopes, biliary endoscopes are known for having a small diameter insertion section 2.

[0050] In the following, an example in which the endoscope 1 has two water supply channels 7 will be described with reference to the drawings, but the endoscope 1 may have one water supply channel 7, or three or more water supply channels 7 as necessary.

[0051] The wall 13 includes a first wall 13 a and a second wall 13 b. The first wall 13 a and the second wall 13 b are provided at different positions inside the tube 12.

[0052] The first wall 13a separates the treatment instrument channel 5 (first channel) from the first water supply channel 7a (second channel) in a watertight manner, and the second wall 13b separates the treatment instrument channel 5 (first channel) from the second water supply channel 7b (third channel) in a watertight manner.

[0053] 3, the distance between both ends 13a1, 13a2 of the first wall 13a is smaller than the maximum diameter R1 of the treatment instrument channel 5. Furthermore, it is preferable that the distance between both ends 13a1, 13a2 of the first wall 13a is smaller than the maximum diameter R2 of the first water supply channel 7a.

[0054] The distance between both ends 13b1, 13b2 of the second wall 13b is smaller than the maximum diameter R1 of the treatment instrument channel 5. Furthermore, the distance between both ends 13b1, 13b2 of the second wall 13b is preferably smaller than the maximum diameter R3 of the second water supply channel 7b.

[0055] The walls 13 (first wall 13a and second wall 13b) are flexible and deformable (particularly, the shape of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A is deformable). For example, the tube 12 is made of a material having a Shore hardness of 55 or more, and the walls 13 are made of a material having a Shore hardness of 30 or less.

[0056] The Shore hardness of the material forming the tube 12 may be 55 or more and 75 or less. The Shore hardness of the material forming the wall 13 may be 10 or more and 30 or less. To give a specific numerical example, the tube 12 is made of a material with a Shore hardness of 65, and the wall 13 is made of a material with a Shore hardness of 10.

[0057] The tube 12 comprises a first portion 12a that forms the outer wall of the first water supply channel 7a, a second portion 12b that forms the outer wall of the second water supply channel 7b, and a third portion 12c that forms the outer wall of the treatment instrument channel 5.

[0058] In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, the tube 12 has a third portion 12c on the treatment instrument channel 5 side protruding to one side relative to the first wall 13a, and a first portion 12a on the first water supply channel 7a side protruding to the other side relative to the first wall 13a.

[0059] Furthermore, the second portion 12b of the tube 12 on the second water supply channel 7b side protrudes from the second wall 13b on a side different from the third portion 12c on the treatment instrument channel 5 side.

[0060] In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, the first portion 12a forms an arc of diameter R2 (= maximum diameter of the first water supply channel 7a), the second portion 12b forms an arc of diameter R3 (= maximum diameter of the second water supply channel 7b), and the third portion 12c forms an arc of diameter R1 (= maximum diameter of the treatment instrument channel 5).

[0061] The first portion 12a is connected to the third portion 12c at two points on both ends of the arc-shaped first portion 12a, and the second portion 12b is connected to the third portion 12c at two points on both ends of the arc-shaped second portion 12b.

[0062] Both ends 13a1 and 13a2 of the first wall 13a are connected to the tube 12 at two connection portions between the first portion 12a and the third portion 12c. The outer contours 12a1 and 12a2 of the tube 12 at the two portions connected to the both ends 13a1 and 13a2 of the first wall 13a are each concave. Specifically, for example, as shown in column A of Figure 5 (described later), the outer contours 12a1 and 12a2 are more concave than two common tangents T1 and T2 of the first portion 12a and the third portion 12c.

[0063] Both ends 13b1, 13b2 of the second wall 13b are connected to the tube 12 at two connection portions between the second portion 12b and the third portion 12c. The tube 12 has second outer contours 12b1, 12b2 of the two portions connected to the both ends 13b1, 13b2 of the second wall 13b, each of which has a concave shape. Specifically, for example, as shown in column A of Figure 5 (described later), the second outer contours 12b1, 12b2 are more concave than common tangents T3, T4 of the second portion 12b and the third portion 12c.

[0064] The tube 12 can prevent internal components other than the tube 12 from shifting position within the insertion portion 2 by virtue of the outer contours 12a1, 12a2 and second outer contours 12b1, 12b2 each having a concave shape.

[0065] 3 and 4 , one of the two light guides 17 is located near the concave outer contour 12a1 and is sandwiched between the imaging module 16 or the signal cable 16a and the first portion 12a. The other of the two light guides 17 is located near the concave second outer contour 12b1 and is sandwiched between the imaging module 16 or the signal cable 16a and the second portion 12b. Therefore, both of the two light guides 17 are prevented from shifting position within the insertion portion 2 when the insertion portion 2 is bent.

[0066] If the light guide 17 is misaligned and intersects with other internal components, this may result in a reduction in the amount of illumination light transmitted by the light guide 17.

[0067] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the tube 12 is provided with the outer contours 12a1, 12a2 and the second outer contours 12b1, 12b2 each having a concave shape, and the light guide 17 is disposed in the vicinity thereof, thereby preventing the light guide 17 from shifting out of position and preventing a decrease in the amount of illumination light.

[0068] Furthermore, even if internal components other than the light guide 17 are placed near the concave outer contours 12a1, 12a2 and second outer contours 12b1, 12b2, the effect of preventing displacement of the internal components due to curvature or the like can be similarly obtained.

[0069] Furthermore, by providing the outer contours 12a1, 12a2 and the second outer contours 12b1, 12b2 each having a concave shape, it becomes easier to position the internal components while preventing misalignment when assembling the endoscope 1.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the deformation action of the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b that separate the inside of the tube 12 in the multi-lumen tube for endoscope 11 of the first embodiment.

[0071] Column A of FIG. 5 shows how the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b change when a treatment instrument 90 is inserted into the treatment instrument channel 5.

[0072] When a treatment tool 90 is inserted into the treatment tool channel 5 and pressed by the treatment tool 90, the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b protrude toward the first water supply channel 7a and the second water supply channel 7b, respectively.

[0073] Column B of FIG. 5 shows how the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b change when fluid is injected into the first water supply channel 7a and the second water supply channel 7b.

[0074] When fluid is injected into the first water supply channel 7a and the second water supply channel 7b, the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b respectively protrude towards the treatment instrument channel 5 side due to the pressure of the fluid.

[0075] The treatment tool 90 used in the flexible endoscope may be flexible. In this case, even if the treatment tool 90 is inserted into the treatment tool channel 5, the pressure from the flexible treatment tool 90 may make it difficult for the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b to protrude toward the first water supply channel 7a and the second water supply channel 7b.

[0076] Therefore, after stopping the injection of fluid into the first water supply channel 7 a and the second water supply channel 7 b, the fluid in the first water supply channel 7 a and the second water supply channel 7 b may be aspirated. When aspirated, the negative pressure of the aspirated fluid causes the first wall 13 a and the second wall 13 b to protrude toward the first water supply channel 7 a and the second water supply channel 7 b, respectively, and the diameter of the treatment instrument channel 5 increases.

[0077] Incidentally, there are cases where the use of the treatment tool 90 and the supply of water are performed simultaneously in the endoscope 1. For example, when a stone in a subject is crushed using a stone-crushing probe, the crushed stone may block the field of view of the endoscope 1. In this case, with the treatment tool 90 inserted into the treatment tool channel 5, fluid is injected into the first water supply channel 7a and the second water supply channel 7b to ensure a clear field of view.

[0078] At this time, if the difference between the inner diameter of the treatment instrument channel 5 and the outer diameter Rx (see FIG. 6 ) of the treatment instrument 90 is small, the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b may come into contact with the treatment instrument 90 during water supply. In this case, after coming into contact with the treatment instrument 90, the diameters of the first water supply channel 7a and the second water supply channel 7b do not expand, and the amount of water supplied may decrease compared to when the treatment instrument 90 is not inserted through the treatment instrument channel 5.

[0079] Therefore, a configuration may be adopted that limits the amount of deformation of the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b so that the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b do not interfere with the treatment tool 90 during water supply.

[0080] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-lumen tube for endoscope 11 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, showing a configuration example for limiting the amount of protrusion of the wall 13 toward the treatment instrument channel 5 in the first embodiment.

[0081] For example, if the inner diameter (maximum diameter R1) of the treatment instrument channel 5 is approximately 2.0 mm and the outer diameter Rx of the treatment instrument 90 (such as a probe for breaking down a calculus) is approximately 1.5 mm, the wall 13 will interfere with the treatment instrument 90 if it protrudes by 25% or more of the maximum diameter R1.

[0082] Therefore, it is preferable to configure the wall 13 so that the maximum protruding length of the wall 13 toward the treatment instrument channel 5 when fluid is injected into the water supply channel 7 is less than 25% of the maximum diameter R1 of the treatment instrument channel 5.

[0083] For example, consider a case where the wall 13 includes the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b as described above. When a fluid is injected into the first water supply channel 7a, the maximum protrusion length of the first wall 13a toward the treatment instrument channel 5 is defined as L1. L1 is the maximum protrusion length of the first wall 13a from a line corresponding to the inner diameter side of the third portion 12c, indicated by a two-dot chain line, toward the center of the treatment instrument channel 5.

[0084] Furthermore, when fluid is injected into the second water supply channel 7b, the maximum protrusion length of the second wall 13b toward the treatment instrument channel 5 is defined as L2. L2 is the maximum protrusion length of the second wall 13b from a line corresponding to the inner diameter side of the third portion 12c, indicated by a two-dot chain line, toward the center of the treatment instrument channel 5.

[0085] In this case, the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b should be configured so that the sum of the maximum protrusion length L1 and the maximum protrusion length L2 (L1 + L2) is less than 25% of the maximum diameter R1 of the treatment instrument channel 5.

[0086] Here, a numerical example of less than 25% of the maximum diameter R1 is given, but the maximum protruding length of the wall 13 may be limited to a different value depending on the outer diameter Rx of the treatment tool 90 that is expected to be used.

[0087] By configuring the wall 13 (the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b) in this manner, an unintended decrease in the amount of water supplied due to contact between the treatment tool 90 and the wall 13 can be avoided.

[0088] A large-diameter biopsy treatment tool is an example of a large-diameter treatment tool 90 that may come into contact with the wall 13. When a biopsy treatment tool is used, the amount of water required to be supplied is not so large, so a decrease in the amount of water supplied may not be a particular problem.

[0089] Furthermore, the wall 13 may not only limit the amount of protrusion toward the treatment instrument channel 5 side, but also limit the amount of protrusion toward the water supply channel 7 side.

[0090] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-lumen tube 11 for an endoscope perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, showing an example of a configuration for limiting the amount of protrusion of the wall 13 toward the water supply channel 7 in the first embodiment.

[0091] The area Sa indicates the change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the first water supply channel 7a when the first water supply channel 7a, surrounded by the first portion 12a and the first wall 13a, is circular and when the first wall 13a protrudes to the maximum extent toward the first water supply channel 7a.

[0092] The area Sa is preferably less than half the area of ​​the first water supply channel 7a when it is circular.

[0093] The area Sb indicates the change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the second water supply channel 7b when the second water supply channel 7b, surrounded by the second portion 12b and the second wall 13b, is circular and when the second wall 13b protrudes to the maximum extent toward the second water supply channel 7b.

[0094] The area Sb is preferably less than half the area of ​​the second water supply channel 7b when it is circular.

[0095] The above-mentioned restriction on the amount of protrusion of the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b is a restriction to prevent the first water supply channel 7a and the second water supply channel 7b from being blocked more than necessary when the treatment instrument channel 5 is in an expanded state.

[0096] However, if it is expected that a treatment tool 90 with a large diameter will be used, the amount of protrusion of the wall 13 toward the water supply channel 7 may be limited so that the change in cross-sectional area is less than a value even smaller than half the area of ​​the circular state (e.g., 40%, 30%, etc.) in accordance with the outer diameter Rx of the treatment tool 90.

[0097] Incidentally, the reprocessing of the endoscope 1 can be performed using a reprocessing method.

[0098] The endoscope 1 described above may be disposed of after a single use or may be reused multiple times. If the endoscope 1 is configured to be reused multiple times, a reprocessing method such as that shown in FIG. 8 may be required.

[0099] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a reprocessing method for the endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0100] The operator may collect and receive the used endoscopes 1 after they have been used in the examination, and may transport them to a factory or the like, or ship or deliver them (step S1).

[0101] Next, the operator may clean and sterilize the collected and transported used endoscope 1 (step S2).

[0102] Next, the operator may inspect the used endoscope 1 (step S3).

[0103] Thereafter, the operator may disassemble the used endoscope 1 (step S4) and replace some of the parts of the used endoscope 1 with new parts (step S5).

[0104] After step S5, the operator assembles a new endoscope 1 (step S6).

[0105] In some examples, step S6 may include adding an identifier indicating that the device has been modified from its original condition, for example, adding a label or other marking designating the device as reworked, refurbished, or remanufactured.

[0106] After step S6, the operator may sequentially inspect the new endoscope 1 (step S7), sterilize and store it (step S8), and ship it (step S9).

[0107] In the endoscope 1 according to this embodiment, the first portion 12a and the second portion 12b protrude from the third portion 12c in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A of the endoscopic multi-lumen tube 11. The outer contours 12a1 and 12a2 and the second outer contours 12b1 and 12b2 are concave. This provides the advantage that, in step S5, it is easy to position and relocate internal components other than the endoscopic multi-lumen tube 11.

[0108] The above-described steps S1-S9 are performed to reprocess the endoscope 1. Although a particular order of steps is used above, it should be understood that one or more steps in the method may be performed out of order depending on the circumstances, and that this specification requiring a particular order should not be relied upon in assessing the meaning or scope of the claims where no particular order is claimed.

[0109] According to the first embodiment, the wall 13 separating the treatment instrument channel 5 and the water supply channel 7 of the endoscopic multi-lumen tube 11 provided with the treatment instrument channel 5 and the water supply channel 7 is made of a deformable material. Therefore, when the treatment instrument 90 is inserted into the treatment instrument channel 5, the inner diameter of the treatment instrument channel 5 can be secured, and when water is supplied through the water supply channel 7, the inner diameter of the water supply channel 7 can be secured.

[0110] In this way, it is possible to provide an endoscope multi-lumen tube 11 and an endoscope 1 that can increase the types of applicable treatment tools 90 without increasing the diameter of the insertion portion 2 and avoid a decrease in fluid supply performance.

[0111] Furthermore, the tube 12 is configured so that, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, the first portion 12a provided with the first water supply channel 7a and the second portion 12b provided with the second water supply channel 7b each protrude relative to the third portion 12c provided with the treatment instrument channel 5. Furthermore, the treatment instrument channel 5 and the first water supply channel 7a are separated by a first wall 13a, and the treatment instrument channel 5 and the second water supply channel 7b are separated by a second wall 13b. By employing this configuration in the endoscopic multi-lumen tube 11, it is easy to ensure space within the treatment instrument channel 5 for inserting the treatment instrument 90 even during water supply, and it is possible to avoid an unintended decrease in the amount of water supply due to the treatment instrument 90 coming into contact with at least one of the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b.

[0112] [Second embodiment] Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and function of the first wall 13a and second wall 13b that separate the inside of the tube 12 in the multi-lumen tube 11 for an endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] In the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0114] 9 shows how the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b change when the treatment instrument 90 is inserted into the treatment instrument channel 5. In FIG.

[0115] Column B of FIG. 9 shows how the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b change when fluid is injected into the first water supply channel 7a and the second water supply channel 7b.

[0116] In the first embodiment, the wall 13 (the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b) is made of a material with a Shore hardness of, for example, 10. However, if the entire wall 13 is made of a soft material, a lot of energy is required to restore the deformed shape of the wall 13 to its original shape. Therefore, in this embodiment, the wall 13 is made as follows.

[0117] The wall 13 (first wall 13a and second wall 13b) has a flexible portion 21 and a rigid portion 22 in cross section, and the flexible portion 21 is deformable.

[0118] In the cross section of the wall 13, for example, both end sides connected to the tube 12 are flexible portions 21, and the portion sandwiched between the flexible portions 21 on both end sides is a rigid portion 22.

[0119] The wall 13 has a flexible portion 21 made of a material having a Shore hardness of 30 or less, and a hard portion 22 made of a material having a Shore hardness of 55 or more. The Shore hardness of the material making up the flexible portion 21 may be 10 or more and 30 or less. The Shore hardness of the material making up the hard portion 22 may be 55 or more and 75 or less.

[0120] To give a specific example of numerical values, the soft portion 21 is made of a material with a Shore hardness of 10, and the hard portion 22 is made of a material with a Shore hardness of 65.

[0121] With respect to the first wall 13a, the total area of ​​the flexible portions 21 on both ends in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A may be set to about 1 / 3 of the area of ​​the first wall 13a.

[0122] Similarly, with respect to the second wall 13b, the total area of ​​the flexible portions 21 on both ends in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A may be set to about 1 / 3 of the area of ​​the second wall 13b.

[0123] According to the second embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above are achieved.

[0124] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the wall 13 (the first wall 13a and the second wall 13b) has a flexible portion 21 and a rigid portion 22. This reduces the number of flexible portions compared to the wall 13 of the first embodiment, thereby reducing the energy required for deformation. Therefore, the shape of the wall 13 after deformation can be more easily restored to its original shape.

[0125] However, if the wall 13 is made up of only flexible portions or made up of many flexible portions, it is difficult to control the range of motion of the wall 13. For example, a Shore hardness of 10 is almost the same as the Shore hardness of balloons sometimes used in endoscopic examinations, but it is difficult to control the shape of a balloon with a Shore hardness of 10 when it is inflated.

[0126] In contrast, the wall 13 of the second embodiment has a portion made of the rigid portion 22, and the shape of the rigid portion 22 basically does not change even if the shape of the flexible portion 21 changes, thereby more reliably controlling the shape (control of the movable range) of the wall 13. This makes it easy to configure the wall 13 so that the maximum protruding length of the wall 13 toward the treatment instrument channel 5 is less than 25% of the maximum diameter R1 of the treatment instrument channel 5.

[0127] 10 to 14 show related techniques to the above embodiment. In the related techniques, parts that are the same as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the related techniques, differences from the above embodiment will be mainly described.

[0128] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope 1A of the related art, and Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope 1A of the related art taken along line XI-XI of Fig. 10.

[0129] The endoscope 1A includes an insertion section 2, an operation section 3, and a universal cable 4. In the configuration example of Fig. 10, a bending operation lever 3b' is provided in the operation section 3 instead of the bending operation knob 3b of the above embodiment.

[0130] The insertion section 2 includes, in order from the distal end to the proximal end, a distal end section 2a, a bending section 2b, and a flexible tube section 2c.

[0131] The bending section 2b and the flexible tube section 2c of the insertion section 2 are configured as a multi-lumen tube 31 having a plurality of lumens 31a, 31b, etc. The distal end section 2a is integrally connected to the distal end side of the multi-lumen tube 31.

[0132] In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A shown in Figure 11, the lumen 31a is positioned, for example, shifted in a downward direction D in the bending direction with respect to the center O of the insertion portion 2, and the lumen 31b is positioned, for example, shifted in an upward direction U in the bending direction.

[0133] A treatment instrument channel tube 32 is inserted through the lumen 31a. The inside of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is the treatment instrument channel 5. Furthermore, for example, a signal cable 16a or the like is inserted through the lumen 31b.

[0134] A distal end portion 32a of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is fixed to the distal end portion 2a, and a proximal end portion 32b of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is disposed inside the operation portion 3.

[0135] A link mechanism 33 that converts the rotational movement of the bending operation lever 3b' into linear movement is disposed inside the operation section 3. The proximal end portion 32b of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is connected to the distal end side of the link mechanism 33.

[0136] The proximal end side of the link mechanism 33 is connected to the suction tube 34. An interior 33a of the link mechanism 33 communicates with the internal channel of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 and the internal channel of the suction tube 34.

[0137] 11 , in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, the center C of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is disposed at a position shifted, for example, in the downward direction D, with respect to the center O of the insertion portion 2. Note that instead of disposing the center C at a position shifted from the center O in the downward direction D, it may also be disposed at a position shifted from the center O in the upward direction U.

[0138] Furthermore, if it is only necessary to perform RL curvature, the center C may be disposed at a position shifted from the center O in the right direction R or the left direction L in the curvature direction.

[0139] When the bending operation lever 3 b ′ is rotated, the link mechanism 33 converts the rotational movement into linear movement, and the treatment instrument channel tube 32 and the suction tube 34 move in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 2 .

[0140] For example, when the bending operation lever 3b' is rotated counterclockwise in Figure 10, the treatment instrument channel tube 32 and the suction tube 34 move toward the proximal end. As a result, the distal end portion 2a of the endoscope 1A, to which the distal end portion 32a of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is fixed, is pulled toward the proximal end, and the bending portion 2b is bent in the downward direction D. As a result, the distal end portion 2a faces the downward direction D.

[0141] 10, the treatment instrument channel tube 32 and the suction tube 34 move toward the distal end. As a result, the distal end portion 2a of the endoscope 1A is pressed toward the distal end, and the bending portion 2b is bent in the upward direction U. As a result, the distal end portion 2a faces the upward direction U.

[0142] In this way, the treatment instrument channel tube 32 functions as a bending operation wire. This makes it possible to omit a bending operation wire for bending in two directions, up and down, and furthermore, it becomes unnecessary to provide a lumen for inserting the bending operation wire in the multi-lumen tube 31. Because a lumen for arranging the bending operation wire is not required, a treatment instrument channel tube 32 with a larger inner diameter can be employed without increasing the diameter of the insertion portion 2, and a treatment instrument 90 with a larger diameter can be inserted into the treatment instrument channel 5.

[0143] In this way, it is possible to increase the types of applicable treatment tools 90 without increasing the diameter of the insertion portion 2, and to provide an endoscope 1A with improved treatment performance.

[0144] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A of the insertion section 2 of an endoscope 1A in a first modified example of the related art.

[0145] The multi-lumen tube 31 of the first modified example has a two-layer structure consisting of an outer tube 31A and an inner tube 31B. The outer tube 31A is made of a material such as PEBA (polyether block amide), and the inner tube 31B is made of a material such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0146] The outer tube 31A also serves as, for example, an outer shell of the insertion section 2. Note that the strength of the multi-lumen tube 31 may be increased by providing a braid (a tubular member formed by weaving wires of metal, resin, or the like) on the inner surface of the outer tube 31A.

[0147] The inner tube 31B is disposed on the inner periphery of the outer tube 31A, essentially following the inner periphery of the outer tube 31A, but has a first protruding portion 31B1 and a second protruding portion 31B2 extending radially inward and away from the inner periphery of the outer tube 31A, along a portion of the periphery of the inner tube 31B in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A.

[0148] A lumen 31A1 is formed between the outer tube 31A and the first protruding portion 31B1. A first water supply channel tube 35 is inserted into the lumen 31A1. The inside of the first water supply channel tube 35 is the first water supply channel 7a.

[0149] A lumen 31A2 is formed between the outer tube 31A and the second protruding portion 31B2. A second water supply channel tube 36 is inserted into the lumen 31A2. The interior of the second water supply channel tube 36 forms the second water supply channel 7b.

[0150] A lumen 31Ba is formed inside the inner layer tube 31B. The treatment instrument channel tube 32 is inserted into the lumen 31Ba, and internal components other than the treatment instrument channel tube 32 are also disposed therein. Examples of internal components other than the treatment instrument channel tube 32 that are inserted into the lumen 31Ba include multiple signal cables 16a. As described above, the interior of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is the treatment instrument channel 5.

[0151] The center C of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is disposed at a position displaced, for example, in the downward direction D from the center O of the insertion portion 2, and the treatment instrument channel tube 32 functions as a bending operation wire, as described above.

[0152] At this time, the first protruding portion 31B1 and the second protruding portion 31B2 restrict movement of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 within the lumen 31Ba (movement within a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A). As a result, even when the bending portion 2b is bent, the positional relationship in which the center C of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is shifted in the downward direction D from the center O of the insertion portion 2 is maintained.

[0153] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 in the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1A in the second modified example of the related art.

[0154] Unlike the endoscope 1A of the related art described above, a typical endoscope has a bending operation wire disposed inside the insertion section 2. Therefore, in a typical endoscope, the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is disposed in the bending section 2b and the flexible tube section 2c at a position close to the center O of the insertion section 2. This is because the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is disposed so as to avoid the bending operation wire for the up direction U and the bending operation wire for the down direction D.

[0155] On the other hand, in a typical endoscope, in order to avoid the imaging module 16 located, for example, on the up-direction U side of the tip 2a, the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is bent in the down-direction D inside the tip 2a and is biased in the down-direction D relative to the center O before being guided to the treatment instrument channel tip-side opening 5b.

[0156] In contrast to such general endoscopes, the endoscope 1A of the related art, as described above, is not provided with a bending operation wire for the upward direction U or a bending operation wire for the downward direction D. As shown in Fig. 11 , the center C of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is disposed at a position shifted, for example, in the downward direction D, with respect to the center O of the insertion portion 2.

[0157] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is arranged in a straight line within the insertion section 2 including the flexible tube section 2c, the bending section 2b, and the tip section 2a, and further communicates in a straight line with the treatment instrument channel tip side opening 5b.

[0158] This simplifies the structure of the insertion portion 2 and improves assembly efficiency. Furthermore, since the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is arranged in a straight line, the insertion of the treatment instrument 90 is also improved.

[0159] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A of the insertion section 2 of an endoscope 1A in a third modified example of the related art.

[0160] In the configurations of Figures 10 to 13, the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is movable in the distal and proximal directions, so that the bending portion 2b can be bent in two directions, the up direction U and the down direction D (or in two directions, the right direction R and the left direction L).

[0161] In some cases, it is desirable for an endoscope to be bendable in four directions: an up direction U, a down direction D, a right direction R, and a left direction L.

[0162] Therefore, a configuration as shown in FIG. 14 may be adopted.

[0163] The multi-lumen tube 31 further includes lumens 31c1 and 31c2 in addition to the lumens 31a and 31b shown in FIG.

[0164] As in FIG. 11, the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is inserted through the lumen 31a, and the signal cable 16a and the like are inserted through the lumen 31b.

[0165] In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A shown in Figure 14, the lumen 31c1 is positioned at a position shifted in the UL direction (up direction U and left direction L in the bending direction) with respect to the center O of the insertion portion 2, and the lumen 31c2 is positioned at a position shifted in the UR direction (up direction U and right direction R in the bending direction).

[0166] The bending operation wire 18UL is inserted through the lumen 31c1, and the bending operation wire 18UR is inserted through the lumen 31c2.

[0167] In the configuration of the third modified example of the related art, the bending operation is performed, for example, as follows.

[0168] By moving (pulling) the treatment instrument channel tube 32 in the proximal direction, the bending portion 2b is bent in the downward direction D.

[0169] By simultaneously pulling the bending operation wire 18UL and the bending operation wire 18UR by the same amount, the bending portion 2b is bent in the upward direction.

[0170] By pulling the bending operation wire 18UR and adjusting the amount of movement of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 toward the proximal end (pulling by adjusting the pulling amount), the bending portion 2b is bent in the right direction R. This is for the following reason: if only the bending operation wire 18UR is pulled, the bending portion 2b not only bends in the right direction R, but also bends in the up direction U. Therefore, in order to suppress bending in the up direction U, the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is also pulled by adjusting the pulling amount.

[0171] By pulling the bending operation wire 18UL and moving the treatment instrument channel tube 32 toward the proximal end by adjusting the amount of movement (pulling by adjusting the pulling amount), the bending portion 2b is bent in the left direction L. This is for the following reason: if only the bending operation wire 18UL is pulled, the bending portion 2b not only bends in the left direction L but also bends in the upward direction U. Therefore, in order to suppress bending in the upward direction U, the treatment instrument channel tube 32 is also pulled by adjusting the pulling amount.

[0172] A known technique for bending in four directions using three bending operation wires can be appropriately used for the configuration of Figure 14, in which bending in four directions is performed by pulling a total of three, the treatment instrument channel tube 32 and the bending operation wires 18UL and 18UR.

[0173] In the example shown in FIG. 14, two bending operation wires 18UL and 18UR are added to enable bending operations in four directions, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0174] For example, a configuration may be employed in which three bending operation wires are added in the up direction U, right direction R, and left direction L of the bending direction when viewed from the center O. In this case, pulling the bending operation wire in the up direction U causes the bending portion 2b to bend in the up direction U, pulling the bending operation wire in the right direction R causes the bending portion 2b to bend in the right direction R, pulling the bending operation wire in the left direction L causes the bending portion 2b to bend in the left direction L, and pulling the treatment instrument channel tube 32 causes the bending portion 2b to bend in the down direction D.

[0175] According to the configuration of the third modified example of the related art as shown in FIG. 14, the bending portion 2b can be bent in four directions.

[0176] It is also possible to employ a configuration in which a bending operation wire for the up direction U is added to the endoscope 1A that can be bent in two directions, the up direction U and the down direction D. In this case, pulling the bending operation wire for the up direction U bends the bending portion 2b in the up direction U, and pulling the treatment instrument channel tube 32 bends the bending portion 2b in the down direction D. If this configuration is employed, when bending the bending portion 2b in the up direction U, it is not necessary to press the treatment instrument channel tube 32 to move it toward the distal end. Therefore, bending of the treatment instrument channel tube 32 due to pressing can be prevented.

[0177] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In the implementation stage, the components of the present invention can be modified and embodied without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various aspects of the invention can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all the components disclosed in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. In this way, it goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible within the spirit of the invention.

[0178] This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 550,634, filed in the United States of America on February 7, 2024. The contents disclosed in the above-mentioned prior application are incorporated herein by reference in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application.

Claims

1. A multi-lumen tube for an endoscope comprising: a tube arranged longitudinally within an insertion portion of an endoscope; a deformable wall provided along the longitudinal direction and dividing the interior of the tube; a first channel formed on one side of the interior of the tube divided by the wall; and a second channel formed on the other side of the interior of the tube divided by the wall, wherein, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the first channel side protrudes to one side relative to the wall and the second channel side protrudes to the other side relative to the wall, and the outer contours of the two parts connected to the walls each have a concave shape.

2. The multi-lumen tube for endoscopes according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between both ends of the wall in the cross section is smaller than the maximum diameter of the first channel and smaller than the maximum diameter of the second channel.

3. The multi-lumen tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall separates the first channel and the second channel in a watertight manner.

4. A multi-lumen tube for an endoscope as described in claim 1, characterized in that the first channel is a treatment tool channel configured to allow a treatment tool to be inserted, the second channel is a water supply channel configured to allow a fluid to be injected, and when the fluid is injected into the second channel, the wall protrudes toward the first channel due to the pressure of the fluid.

5. A multi-lumen tube for an endoscope as described in claim 4, characterized in that, after stopping the injection of the fluid into the second channel, the fluid in the second channel is sucked out, and the negative pressure of the sucked fluid causes the wall to protrude toward the second channel, thereby expanding the diameter of the first channel.

6. The multi-lumen tube for an endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that the wall protrudes toward the second channel when the treatment tool is inserted into the first channel and pressed by the treatment tool.

7. A multi-lumen tube for an endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that the wall is configured so that the maximum protruding length toward the first channel when the fluid is injected into the second channel is less than 25% of the maximum diameter of the first channel.

8. A multi-lumen tube for an endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that the tube is made of a material having a Shore hardness of 55 or more, and the wall is made of a material having a Shore hardness of 30 or less.

9. The multi-lumen tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the wall has a soft portion and a hard portion in the cross section, and the soft portion is deformable.

10. A multi-lumen tube for an endoscope as described in claim 9, characterized in that, in the cross section, the wall has the flexible portions on both ends connected to the tube, and the portions sandwiched between the flexible portions on both ends are the rigid portions.

11. A multi-lumen tube for an endoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that the soft portion of the wall is made of a material having a Shore hardness of 30 or less, and the hard portion is made of a material having a Shore hardness of 55 or more.

12. The multi-lumen tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer contour of the tube is concave, which prevents internal components other than the tube from shifting position within the insertion section.

13. A multi-lumen tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising: a deformable second wall provided along the longitudinal direction and dividing the interior of the tube; the first channel located on one side of the interior of the tube divided by the second wall; and a third channel formed on the other side of the interior of the tube divided by the second wall, wherein in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the third channel side of the tube protrudes from the second wall on a side different from the first channel side, and second outer contours of two portions connected to the second wall each have a concave shape.

14. A multi-lumen tube for an endoscope as described in claim 13, characterized in that the distance between both ends of the second wall in the cross section is smaller than the maximum diameter of the first channel and smaller than the maximum diameter of the third channel.

15. The multi-lumen tube for an endoscope according to claim 13, characterized in that the second outer contour of the tube is concave, thereby preventing displacement of internal components other than the tube within the insertion section.

16. An endoscope comprising: an insertion section; and a multi-lumen tube for an endoscope, wherein the multi-lumen tube for an endoscope comprises: a tube arranged longitudinally within the insertion section; a deformable wall arranged longitudinally and dividing the interior of the tube; a first channel formed on one side of the interior of the tube divided by the wall; and a second channel formed on the other side of the interior of the tube divided by the wall, wherein, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the first channel side protrudes to one side relative to the wall and the second channel side protrudes to the other side relative to the wall, and the outer contours of the two parts connected to the walls each have a concave shape.

17. The endoscope according to claim 16, wherein the distance between both ends of the wall in the cross section is smaller than the maximum diameter of the first channel and smaller than the maximum diameter of the second channel.

18. The endoscope according to claim 16, wherein the wall separates the first channel and the second channel in a watertight manner.

19. The endoscope according to claim 16, characterized in that the first channel is a treatment tool channel configured to allow a treatment tool to be inserted, the second channel is a water supply channel configured to allow a fluid to be injected, and when the fluid is injected into the second channel, the wall protrudes toward the first channel due to the pressure of the fluid.

20. The endoscope according to claim 16, wherein the wall has a soft portion and a hard portion in the cross section, and the soft portion is deformable.

Images