Insertion device

Abstract

An insertion device 1 according to the present invention includes: an insertion part 2 which is inserted into a subject; a suction pipeline 26 which is inserted into the insertion part, has a tip forming a tip opening 25a of the insertion part, and has a base end connected to a suction device 42; and a fluid delivery pipeline 27 which branches from the suction pipeline and delivers, to the suction pipeline, a fluid delivered from a fluid delivery device 43 for delivering the fluid. The fluid delivery pipeline includes: a fluid delivery tube 27A connected to the fluid delivery device; and a reduced diameter part 33d which is arranged between the fluid delivery tube and the suction pipeline and has an inner diameter R2 smaller than an inner diameter R3 of the fluid delivery tube.

Description

Insertion device

[0001] This invention relates to an insertion device such as an endoscope, particularly a single-use endoscope having a suction function.

[0002] Conventionally, endoscopes as insertion devices are widely used in, for example, the medical field and industrial fields. Medical endoscopes used in the medical field have a function of inserting an insertion portion equipped with an imaging unit into the body cavity of a living body to obtain an image of a lesion or the like inside organs or the like. The image thus obtained is used for image diagnosis or the like by observing or examining the lesion or the like.

[0003] In addition to observation and inspection by images, conventional medical endoscopes are also used, for example, when performing various treatments on a target object. Here, as the various treatments, for example, a treatment tool or the like inserted through a hollow conduit (for example, a tubular member called a treatment tool insertion channel or a working channel; hereinafter abbreviated as a treatment tool channel) disposed by inserting through the inside of the insertion portion of the endoscope from the tip portion to the operation portion is used.

[0004] Specific examples of these various treatments include, for example, a treatment for crushing a target biological tissue (such as a calculus) (specifically, for example, a lithotripsy using a laser device or the like).

[0005] In this case, a suction treatment may be performed in combination to suck and remove the crushed calculus pieces or the like (hereinafter referred to as crushed calculus pieces or the like) as a suction target out of the body cavity. This suction treatment forms a suction pipeline between the tip portion of the insertion portion and the suction device together with the treatment tool channel by providing a suction pipeline branched from the treatment tool channel provided in the endoscope insertion portion and connected to the suction device. At this time, the treatment tool channel is also used as a part of the suction pipeline.

[0006] When performing such a suction treatment using a conventional endoscope, for example, when a hard object such as crushed calculus pieces is the main suction target, the object being suctioned may become clogged inside the treatment tool channel (referred to as a combined suction pipeline) that also serves as the suction pipeline.

[0007] Therefore, in conventional endoscopes, various technical improvements have been proposed to relieve blockages of objects in the suction tube, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication 2023-0414073A1, International Patent Publication WO2022 / 185620A1, and International Patent Publication WO2019 / 176171A1.

[0008] In the endoscope disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Publication 2023-0414073A1, for example, a branching conduit is provided that branches off from the combined suction conduit (treatment instrument channel), and a fluid delivery device (a device including, for example, a syringe or pump) for clearing suction blockages is connected to this separate conduit (in this case, the separate conduit is called the fluid delivery conduit). The fluid delivery device then reverses the flow of fluid through the fluid delivery conduit to the combined suction conduit in the suction direction. This clears the suction blockage.

[0009] Furthermore, in the endoscope disclosed in the aforementioned International Publication WO2022 / 185620A1, etc., means of generating a backflow against the flow of fluid in the suction direction in order to clear blockages such as stones in the suction line are disclosed, such as a method of switching the connection between the fluid delivery line and the suction line and sending fluid to the suction line, a method of installing a solenoid valve in the middle of the suction line and opening the solenoid valve for a short time to open the inside of the suction line to atmospheric pressure, and a method of stopping suction and sending pressurized fluid into the suction line using a syringe or the like.

[0010] Furthermore, in the endoscope disclosed in the aforementioned International Publication WO2019 / 176171A1, the dual-purpose suction duct has an inner diameter smaller at the tip than at the proximal end. This configuration prevents large fragments of calculus or other objects to be aspirated from entering the suction duct through the tip opening, thereby preventing blockage of the suction duct.

[0011] U.S. Patent Publication 2023-0414073A1, International Publication WO2022 / 185620A1, International Publication WO2019 / 176171A1

[0012] However, in the endoscopes disclosed in the above-mentioned U.S. Patent Publication 2023-0414073A1, International Patent Publication WO2022 / 185620A1, etc., consider a case in which, for example, a spring-loaded syringe is used as a device to generate backflow of fluid in the combined suction tube, and the syringe is operated manually.

[0013] In this case, the syringe is basically used in a pushing and pulling motion, so there is a possibility that fragments of stones or other materials to be aspirated may enter the fluid delivery pipeline to which the syringe is connected from the suction line during the pulling motion. If these fragments of stones or other materials that have entered the fluid delivery pipeline accumulate in a specific location within the pipeline due to gravity or other factors, they may weaken the flow of liquid in that pipeline, potentially reducing the effectiveness of clearing the blockage.

[0014] Furthermore, in the case of endoscopes disclosed in the aforementioned International Publication WO2019 / 176171A1, the fragmented calculus fragments that enter the suction channel are limited to small-sized fragments. However, if these fragmented calculus fragments accumulate at a predetermined location within the suction channel, similar problems may arise.

[0015] Incidentally, when suction procedures are performed to collect fragments of calculus or other materials, there is a possibility that the inner surface of the instrument channel may be damaged or broken. In such cases, reprocessing (reuse) may become difficult.

[0016] Therefore, in so-called reusable endoscopes, which are sterilized, disinfected, and cleaned after use for observation and examinations, suction procedures using the instrument channel as a suction channel are rarely performed. On the other hand, this function is frequently used in so-called single-use endoscopes that are discarded after a single use.

[0017] The present invention aims to provide an insertion device, such as an endoscope, that can reliably clear suction blockages that occur during suction procedures, and that can prevent the aspirated object from entering the fluid delivery pipeline, thereby enabling smooth and reliable suction procedures at all times, particularly in single-use endoscopes with a suction function.

[0018] To achieve the above objective, an insertion device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject, a suction conduit inserted through the insertion portion and having its tip form the tip opening of the insertion portion and its base end connected to a suction device, and a fluid delivery conduit branching off from the suction conduit and delivering fluid delivered from a fluid delivery device to the suction conduit, wherein the fluid delivery conduit includes a fluid delivery tube connected to the fluid delivery device, and a reduced diameter portion disposed between the fluid delivery tube and the suction conduit and having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the fluid delivery tube.

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an insertion device, such as an endoscope, that can reliably clear suction blockages that occur during suction procedures, and that can prevent the object to be aspirated from entering the fluid delivery pipeline, thereby enabling smooth and reliable suction procedures at all times.

[0020] Figure 1 shows an external perspective view of the overall configuration of an endoscope system including an endoscope, which is an insertion device of one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a system conceptual diagram showing only the main components of the present invention extracted from the endoscope system of Figure 1; Figure 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part showing an enlarged view of the area indicated by arrow [3]; Figure 2 shows a flowchart showing a method for reprocessing the endoscope of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part showing a first modified example of the endoscope of one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a second modified example of the endoscope of one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part showing a third modified example of the endoscope of one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the main part showing a part of the inside of the operating section (part of the light guide holder and coil stopper);

[0021] The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. The drawings used in the following description are schematic. Therefore, in these drawings, each component is shown at a size that is recognizable on the drawing. For this reason, the dimensional relationships and scales of each component may differ on the drawing. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated forms with respect to the quantity, shape, size ratio, relative positional relationships, etc., of each component shown in each drawing.

[0022] [One Embodiment] First, the basic outline configuration of an insertion device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a medical endoscope will be shown as a specific example of an insertion device. The endoscope shown in this embodiment is a renal pelvis and ureteral endoscope. Furthermore, the endoscope is a so-called single-use endoscope that is disposed of after a single use.

[0023] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing the overall configuration of an endoscope system, including an endoscope which is an insertion device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a conceptual system diagram showing only the main components of the present invention from the endoscope system of this embodiment (see Figure 1). Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part, showing an enlarged view of the area indicated by arrow [3] in Figure 2.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the endoscopic system 100, which includes the endoscope 1, consists of the endoscope 1, a video processor 40, an air and fluid delivery device 41, a suction device 42, a syringe 43, and a treatment device device 44 including treatment instruments 44a.

[0025] The endoscope 1 comprises an insertion section 2, an operating section 3, a universal cable 4, and an endoscope connector 5.

[0026] The insertion portion 2 has, in order from the tip side, a tip portion 10, a curved portion 11, and a flexible tube portion 12.

[0027] The tip section 10 houses an imaging unit and an illumination unit (not shown), and is also equipped with the tip regions of an air supply / liquid supply line 24 and a treatment instrument insertion channel (hereinafter abbreviated as treatment instrument channel) 25, with openings (24a, 25a) provided on its front surface. Here, reference numeral 24a indicates the air supply / liquid supply nozzle, and reference numeral 25a indicates the treatment instrument channel opening.

[0028] The curved portion 11 is connected to the base end of the tip portion 10 and is provided in a part of the insertion portion 2. The curved portion 11 is configured to be actively bendable in two directions, up and down, in response to the rotational operation of the bending operation lever 31a provided on the operating portion 3.

[0029] The flexible tube section 12 is a tubular member formed to have flexibility that allows it to bend passively in response to external forces. The tip of the flexible tube section 12 is connected to the base end of the curved section 11, and the base end is connected to the tip of the operating section 3.

[0030] The tip portion 10, the curved portion 11, and the flexible tube portion 12 that constitute the insertion portion 2 are all formed in a hollow cylindrical or tubular shape. Multiple signal cables and light guide bundles (not shown), air and liquid supply lines 24, treatment tool channels 25, etc. are inserted inside the insertion portion 2.

[0031] Multiple signal cables transmit control signals from the video processor 40 to the internal circuit board (illumination circuit board, etc.; not shown) of the operation unit 3 or to the imaging unit (not shown) of the tip section 10, or transmit output signals (imaging signals, etc.) from the imaging unit to the video processor 40.

[0032] To this end, multiple signal cables are arranged to pass from the tip 10 through the insertion section 2, the operating section 3, and the universal cable 4 to the endoscope connector 5. Then, when the electrical connector 35 of the endoscope connector 5 is mechanically connected to the video processor 40, the electrical components and circuit boards in the endoscope 1, including the imaging unit, are electrically connected to the video processor 40 through these multiple signal cables.

[0033] The light guide bundle guides illumination light from a light source (LED, etc.; not shown) located inside the operating section 3 to the illumination unit (not shown) at the tip section 10. To this end, the light guide bundle is positioned to pass through the insertion section 2 from the tip section 10 to the operating section 3. The tip of the light guide bundle is optically connected to the illumination unit at the tip section 10, and the base end is optically connected to the light source inside the operating section 3.

[0034] The air supply and liquid supply conduit 24 is a conduit member that supplies fluid (gas or liquid) from the air supply and liquid supply device 41 to the tip section 10. For this purpose, the air supply and liquid supply conduit 24 is positioned to pass from the tip section 10 through the insertion section 2, the operating section 3, and the universal cable 4 to the endoscope connector 5. Here, the tip of the air supply and liquid supply conduit 24 is connected to the air supply and liquid supply nozzle 24a (see Figure 1) of the tip section 10, and the base end is connected to the air supply and liquid supply plug 37 of the endoscope connector 5. The air supply and liquid supply conduit 24 connects the tip section 10 and the air supply and liquid supply device 41 by mechanically connecting the air supply and liquid supply plug 37 of the endoscope connector 5 to the air supply and liquid supply device 41.

[0035] The instrument channel 25 is a conduit member for guiding the instrument 44a (see Figure 1) from the operating section 3 to the tip section 10. For this purpose, the instrument channel 25 is positioned to pass through the tip section 10, through the insertion section 2, to the forceps jaw 32 (described later) of the operating section 3.

[0036] Here, the forceps jaw 32 is the operating side opening for inserting the treatment instrument 44a. The forceps jaw 32 is provided with a cover member to close the opening (not shown). The treatment instrument channel 25 has its tip connected to the treatment instrument channel opening 25a of the tip portion 10 (see Figure 1), and its base is connected to the forceps jaw 32 through the flow channel collection tube 33, which will be described later.

[0037] In this endoscope 1, the instrument channel 25 has the function of allowing the instrument to be inserted and guided to the tip 10. It also functions as part of the suction line when a suction procedure is performed to aspirate fluids or fragments of calculus from within the subject and remove them from the body cavity. In this case, the instrument channel 25 may be referred to as the dual-purpose suction line.

[0038] The operating section 3 includes a gripping section 30, a bending operating section 31, a forceps jaw 32, and a flow path collection tube 33.

[0039] The gripping portion 30 is a part that constitutes a portion of the housing of the operating portion 3. The gripping portion 30 is a part that the user uses to support the endoscope 1 by placing their fingers on it when using the endoscope 1.

[0040] The bending operation section 31 has a bending operation lever 31a. This bending operation lever 31a can be operated by the user's fingers or other hand (for example, a rotational force) to bend the bending section 11.

[0041] As described above, the forceps jaw 32 is an opening on the operating section side for inserting a treatment instrument 44a. The forceps jaw 32 is located on the outer surface of the operating section 3, closer to the tip than the position where the gripping section 30 is located.

[0042] The forceps jaw 32 has a flow manifold 33 connected to it inside the operating section 3, and the base end of the treatment tool channel 25 is connected through the flow manifold 33. With this configuration, the forceps jaw 32 communicates with the treatment tool channel opening 25a at the tip 10 through the flow manifold 33 and the treatment tool channel 25.

[0043] The flow manifold 33 is located inside the operating section 3, between the forceps jaw 32 and the base end of the treatment instrument channel 25. The flow manifold 33 is a conduit connecting member that connects the suction conduit 26 and the fluid delivery conduit 27, which will be described later, to the treatment instrument channel 25. Thus, the flow manifold 33 functions as a flow manifold member that brings the suction conduit 26 and the fluid delivery conduit 27 together in the treatment instrument channel 25. For details of the suction conduit 26, the fluid delivery conduit 27, and the flow manifold 33, please refer to the following description (Figure 3, etc.).

[0044] The universal cable 4 extends from a portion near the tip of the operation unit 3 and is a tubular member formed in a hollow elongated tube shape. An endoscope connector 5 is connected to the extending end of the universal cable 4. Inside the universal cable 4, a plurality of signal cables (not shown), the air and liquid supply and delivery pipeline 24 (described above), the suction pipeline 26, and the fluid delivery pipeline 27 (described later) are inserted.

[0045] The endoscope connector 5 has an electrical connector 35, an air and liquid supply and delivery plug 37, and a suction base 38.

[0046] The electrical connector 35 is a connecting member that connects a plurality of signal cables inside the universal cable 4 and the video processor 40. A plurality of signal cables are connected to the electrical connector 35. And the electrical connector 35 is mechanically connected to the connecting portion of the video processor 40, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the endoscope 1 and the video processor 40.

[0047] The air and liquid supply and delivery plug 37 is a connecting member that connects the air and liquid supply and delivery pipeline 24 and the air and liquid supply and delivery device 41. The proximal end of the air and liquid supply and delivery pipeline 24 is connected to the air and liquid supply and delivery plug 37. Note that the distal end of the air and liquid supply and delivery pipeline 24 is connected to the air and liquid supply and delivery nozzle 24a at the distal end portion 10 of the insertion portion 2 as described above.

[0048] The suction base 38 is a connecting member that connects the suction pipeline 26 and the suction device 42. The proximal end of the suction tube 26A (described later) is connected to the suction base 38. Also, the distal end of the suction tube 26A is connected to the flow path collecting pipe 33 provided inside the operation unit 3.

[0049] The video processor 40 is a control device including a control circuit that controls the entire endoscope system 100 including the endoscope 1, various signal processing circuits, and an image processing circuit for the acquired image data, etc. It is a signal processing device and a circuit unit. The video processor 40 is connected to the electrical connector 35 of the endoscope connector 5 provided at the end of the universal cable 4, ensuring an electrical connection with the endoscope 1.

[0050] The air and fluid supply device 41 is a device that supplies fluid (gas or liquid (such as physiological saline)) to an air and fluid supply nozzle 24a provided on the front surface of the tip portion 10 of the endoscope 1 through an air and fluid supply line 24 that passes through the inside of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1. The air and fluid supply device 41 consists of, for example, a motor-driven metering pump. The air and fluid supply device 41 is connected to the air and fluid supply plug 37 of the endoscope connector 5 provided at the end of the universal cable 4, thereby ensuring connection to the air and fluid supply line 24 of the endoscope 1.

[0051] The suction device 42 is a suction pump that aspirates fluids, fragmented stones, etc., from the body cavity of the subject. The suction device 42 is connected to the suction port 38 through the suction tube 26A (described later), thereby ensuring connection to the endoscope 1.

[0052] Syringe 43 is a fluid delivery device that delivers fluid (liquid) towards the fluid delivery line 27, which will be described later. Syringe 43 is a suction blockage release device used when a suction blockage occurs in the suction line 26, including the treatment tool channel 25, when the object to be aspirated, such as crushed stone fragments, is aspirated through the suction line 26 during a suction procedure.

[0053] Syringe 43 is a device that allows the user to manually dispense fluid. By repeatedly pushing and pulling the syringe 43, the dispensing operation can be repeated any number of times. The structure of the syringe 43 itself is the same as that of conventional syringes that are commonly used.

[0054] The treatment device 44 includes a treatment instrument 44a and a control device for controlling the treatment instrument 44a. Specifically, the treatment device 44 may be a conventional laser lithotripsy device commonly used in procedures such as kidney stone lithotripsy. The general configuration of the endoscope system 100 in this embodiment is as described above.

[0055] Next, the detailed configuration of the suction line 26, the fluid delivery line 27, and the flow path manifold 33 in the endoscope 1 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0056] The suction conduit 26 is a suction conduit that connects the suction device 42 and the treatment tool channel opening 25a of the tip 10, allowing the suction fluid to flow through it along with the object to be suctioned, such as crushed stone fragments.

[0057] The suction conduit 26 is formed by a suction tube 26A, a part of the flow manifold 33 (the third opening 33c and through-hole 33e described later; see Figure 3), and a treatment tool channel 25 (a combined suction conduit).

[0058] The suction tube 26A is a conduit member that connects the suction device 42 and the flow manifold 33. The suction tube 26A is a conduit that branches off from the treatment tool channel 25 at an intermediate point, passing through the flow manifold 33.

[0059] Here, the instrument channel 25 functions as part of the suction line 26. In this case, the instrument channel 25 is a multi-purpose suction line.

[0060] The suction tube 26A and the treatment tool channel 25, which also serves as a suction line, are connected through the flow manifold 33. In this configuration, the suction tube 26A, a portion of the flow manifold 33 (33c, 33e), and the treatment tool channel 25 form a continuous suction line 26. In this configuration, the suction line 26 functions as a discharge line for suction procedures, which removes aspirated materials such as liquids and fragmented gallstones from inside the subject's body cavity.

[0061] The fluid delivery pipeline 27 is a pipeline that connects the syringe 43 and the flow manifold 33, allowing the external fluid delivered from the syringe 43 to flow through it.

[0062] The fluid delivery pipeline 27 is formed by a fluid delivery tube 27A, a part of the flow path manifold 33 (the fourth opening 33d and through-hole 33e, which will be described later), and a treatment tool channel 25 (a dual-purpose fluid delivery pipeline).

[0063] The fluid delivery tube 27A is a conduit member that connects the syringe 43 and the flow manifold 33. The fluid delivery tube 27A acts as a merging conduit that connects the fluid delivery conduit 27 to the treatment tool channel 25 through the flow manifold 33 at an intermediate point in the treatment tool channel 25.

[0064] Here, the treatment tool channel 25 functions as part of the fluid delivery pipeline 27. In this case, the treatment tool channel 25 can be called a dual-purpose fluid delivery pipeline.

[0065] The fluid delivery tube 27A and the treatment tool channel 25, which serves as a dual-purpose fluid delivery pipeline, are connected through the flow manifold 33. In this configuration, the fluid delivery tube 27A, a portion of the flow manifold 33 (33d, 33e), and the treatment tool channel 25 form a continuous fluid delivery pipeline. In this configuration, the fluid delivery pipeline 27A functions as a fluid delivery pipeline for clearing suction blockages by allowing the external fluid delivered from the syringe 43 to flow through it.

[0066] The flow manifold 33 is a component that connects the suction tube 26A to the treatment tool channel 25, allowing the treatment tool channel 25 to function as a dual-purpose suction conduit. At the same time, the flow manifold 33 is a component that connects the fluid delivery tube 27A to the treatment tool channel 25, allowing the treatment tool channel 25 to function as a dual-purpose fluid delivery conduit.

[0067] To this end, the flow manifold 33 has four openings (33a, 33b, 33c, 33d) and a through hole 33e, as shown in Figure 3, etc.

[0068] The through-hole 33e is an insertion passage that penetrates the base end and tip end of the flow manifold 33. This through-hole 33e is provided between the suction tube 26A and the treatment tool channel 25 and functions as a connecting conduit between the two (26A, 25). At the same time, the through-hole 33e is provided between the fluid delivery tube 27A and the treatment tool channel 25 and functions as a connecting conduit between the two (27A, 25).

[0069] The four openings are the first opening 33a, the second opening 33b, the third opening 33c, and the fourth opening 33d.

[0070] The first opening 33a is formed on the base end side of the flow manifold 33. The second opening 33b is formed on the tip side of the flow manifold 33.

[0071] Here, the base end of the flow manifold 33 is defined as the side where the first opening 33a is formed in the direction along the long axis O (see Figure 3) of the through hole 33e. The tip of the flow manifold 33 is defined as the side where the second opening 33b is formed in the direction along the long axis O (see Figure 3) of the through hole 33e.

[0072] A through hole 33e is provided between the first opening 33a and the second opening 33b. Therefore, the first opening 33a is the base end opening of the through hole 33e, and the second opening 33b is the tip end opening of the through hole 33e.

[0073] A forceps jaw 32 is connected to the first opening 33a. The base end of the treatment instrument channel 25 is connected to the second opening 33b. With this configuration, the flow path manifold 33 connects the forceps jaw 32 and the base end of the treatment instrument channel 25 as a continuous conduit.

[0074] Therefore, in the endoscope 1, a configuration is realized in which a treatment instrument inserted from the forceps mouthpiece 32 passes through the first opening 33a, the through-hole 33e, and the second opening 33b in the flow channel manifold 33, is inserted through the treatment instrument channel 25, and is guided to the treatment instrument channel opening 25a.

[0075] In this context, in the suction pipeline 26 or fluid delivery pipeline 27 including the treatment tool channel 25, the base end is referred to as the upstream side, and the tip end of the treatment tool channel 25 is referred to as the downstream side. In this case, in the flow manifold 33, the first opening 33a can be said to be located on the upstream side, and the first opening 33a can be said to be located on the downstream side.

[0076] On the other hand, both the third opening 33c and the fourth opening 33d are formed by inserting the through hole 33e through the outer side surface of the flow manifold 33. Furthermore, the third opening 33c and the fourth opening 33d are arranged side by side along the direction (along the axis O shown in Figure 3) that is aligned with the straight line connecting the base end (first opening 33a) and the tip (second opening 33b) of the flow manifold 33.

[0077] In this case, the third opening 33c is formed at the base end (upstream side) of the flow manifold 33. The fourth opening 33d is formed at the tip end (downstream side) of the flow manifold 33.

[0078] The tip of the suction tube 26A is connected to the third opening 33c. As a result, the third opening 33c, together with the suction tube 26A, the through hole 33ec, and the treatment instrument channel 25, forms part of the suction line 26.

[0079] Furthermore, the tip of the fluid delivery tube 27A is connected to the fourth opening 33d. As a result, the fourth opening 33d, together with the fluid delivery tube 27A, the through hole 33e, and the treatment tool channel 25, forms part of the fluid delivery pipeline 27, which is a fluid delivery pipeline.

[0080] In the flow manifold 33 configured in this way, the fluid delivery pipeline 27 has a fourth opening 33d having an inner diameter R2 smaller than the inner diameter R3 of the fluid delivery tube 27A (R3 > R2). Therefore, the fourth opening 33d is a reduced-diameter section in which the inner diameter of the fluid delivery pipeline 27 is reduced at an intermediate position.

[0081] Furthermore, the fourth opening 33d, which serves as a reduced diameter section, is positioned between the fluid delivery tube 27A, the through-hole 33e which forms part of the suction conduit 26, and the treatment tool channel 25 which serves as a dual-purpose suction conduit.

[0082] With this configuration, among the objects to be sucked, such as crushed stone fragments that have passed through the suction pipe 26, only those fragments smaller than the inner diameter R2 of the fourth opening 33d can pass through. Therefore, even if these crushed stone fragments enter the fluid delivery tube 27A during the suction blockage release operation, the possibility of causing a suction blockage inside the fluid delivery tube 27A can be suppressed.

[0083] Furthermore, the inner diameter R2 of the fourth opening 33d, which is the reduced diameter section, is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter R1 of the treatment tool channel 25 (common suction conduit) or the inner diameter of the through hole 33e (approximately equal to R1) (R1 > R2).

[0084] With this configuration, even fragmented calculus or the like that can pass through the treatment tool channel 25 or the through-hole 33e in the suction line 26 can be prevented from passing through the fourth opening 33d. Therefore, the entry of fragmented calculus or other objects to be aspirated into the fluid delivery tube 27A can be prevented.

[0085] In the endoscope 1 of this embodiment, when a suction blockage occurs in the suction tube 26 during a suction procedure, the following is generally how it will behave.

[0086] First, consider a situation where an observation examination of the body cavity of a subject is being performed using an endoscopic system 100 including an endoscope 1. At this time, the insertion part 2 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the body cavity. Then, in this state, assume that a procedure is performed using a treatment instrument (for example, a laser device) inserted through the treatment instrument channel 25 of the endoscope 1. In such a case, for example, a suction procedure targeting fragmented lithotripsy fragments is performed.

[0087] Therefore, when such a suction procedure is performed, the suction device 42 is first driven. When the suction device 42 is driven, the object to be suctioned, such as crushed calculus fragments, is sucked into the suction line 26 from the treatment tool channel opening 25a along with the fluid near the tip 10 of the insertion part 2. At this time, a flow occurs in the suction line 26 in the direction of arrow P1 shown in Figure 2.

[0088] When the suction procedure is initiated, the material to be aspirated, such as crushed calculus fragments, enters through the treatment tool channel opening 25a, passes through the treatment tool channel 25 which serves as a dual-purpose suction conduit, reaches the flow path manifold 33, then passes through the through-hole 33e of the flow path manifold 33, passes through the third opening 33c, passes through the suction tube 26A, goes through the suction nozzle 38, and is aspirated to the suction device 42. In this case, the flow in the suction conduit 26 also flows towards the forceps nozzle 32 after reaching the flow path manifold 33, but since the opening of the forceps nozzle 32 is closed by a lid member (not shown), there is no leakage from the forceps nozzle 32 to the outside.

[0089] In this manner, suppose that a blockage occurs in the suction pipe 26 as the material to be aspirated, such as fragmented calculus, flows through it. Here, the blockage can be detected, for example, by various sensors (not shown) provided on the suction device 42 or the endoscope 1.

[0090] If a suction blockage is detected, a procedure (fluid delivery procedure) is performed to deliver fluid from the outside using a syringe 43 connected to the base end of the fluid delivery pipeline 27. Here, the fluid delivered by the syringe 43 (referred to as delivered fluid) flows through the fluid delivery pipeline 27 in the direction of arrow P2 shown in Figure 2.

[0091] When the dispensing procedure is initiated, the fluid dispensed from the syringe 43 is first dispensed into the fluid dispensing tube 27A, flows through the fluid dispensing tube 27A in the direction of arrow P2 in Figure 2, reaches the flow path manifold 33, passes through the fourth opening 33d and the through-hole 33e, and flows into the treatment tool channel 25, which serves as a dual-purpose fluid dispensing pipeline. Here, the flow direction P2 of the fluid dispensed within the treatment tool channel 25 is opposite to the suction direction P1 of the suction device 42. Therefore, the dispensing procedure performed here is a procedure that creates a backflow against the suction direction P1. The flow of the fluid dispensed by this dispensing procedure has a certain degree of pressure. Therefore, as the fluid dispensed flows through the fluid dispensing pipeline 27, when the fluid dispensed reaches the location of the suction blockage, the suction blockage is cleared.

[0092] If the suction blockage is not cleared in a single dispensing operation, the dispensing operation using syringe 43 is performed again. To do this, it is first necessary to pull back syringe 43, which was pushed in during the previous dispensing operation. In this case, when syringe 43 is pulled back, the flow in the fluid dispensing pipeline 27 will initially flow in the direction of arrow P1 in Figure 2, that is, in the same direction as the suction direction.

[0093] In such cases, a flow occurs in the fluid delivery pipeline 27 from the through-hole 33e of the flow manifold 33 through the fourth opening 33d toward the fluid delivery tube 27A. In this case, there is a possibility that fragments of calcified stone or other objects to be aspirated may enter the fluid delivery tube 27A from the through-hole 33e side through the fourth opening 33d.

[0094] However, in this embodiment, a fourth opening 33d, which serves as a diameter reduction section, is provided between the through-hole 33e and the fluid delivery tube 27A, thereby preventing fragmented stones and other objects to be aspirated from entering the fluid delivery tube 27A. Alternatively, even if fragmented stone pieces or other objects to be aspirated pass through the fourth opening 33d and enter the fluid delivery tube 27A, since these fragmented stone pieces are all small in size, the possibility of causing a blockage in the fluid delivery tube 27A can be suppressed.

[0095] Once the suction blockage is cleared, the suction procedure can be performed again.

[0096] As described above, according to the above embodiment, in an insertion device such as an endoscope, and in particular a single-use endoscope having a suction function, the fluid delivery line 27, which is provided separately from the suction line 26 connected to the suction device 42, has a fourth opening 33d having an inner diameter R2 that is smaller than the inner diameter R3 of the fluid delivery tube 27A (R3 > R2).

[0097] Furthermore, the inner diameter R2 of the fourth opening 33d, which is the reduced diameter section, is smaller than the inner diameter R1 of the treatment tool channel 25, which serves as a dual-purpose suction conduit (R1 > R2).

[0098] With this configuration, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment can always smoothly and reliably perform aspiration procedures to remove fragments of kidney stones and other objects generated during procedures such as kidney stone lithotripsy using a laser device.

[0099] Furthermore, if a suction blockage occurs in the suction line 26, the fluid can be discharged to quickly and reliably clear the blockage.

[0100] Furthermore, during the fluid delivery procedure, it is possible to prevent crushed stones and other objects to be aspirated from entering the fluid delivery tube 27A. Therefore, it is possible to prevent blockages from occurring within the fluid delivery tube 27A.

[0101] [Method for Reprocessing the Endoscope] Here, a method for reprocessing the endoscope 1 of the above-described embodiment will be explained. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the method for reprocessing the endoscope of this embodiment.

[0102] The endoscope 1 of this embodiment may be discarded after a single use, or it may be used repeatedly multiple times. In the case of a configuration that allows for repeated use multiple times, a reprocessing method such as the one shown in Figure 4 may be necessary.

[0103] In this reprocessing method, workers collect used endoscopes 1 after they have been used for treatment, etc., consolidate them through receiving, etc., transport them to a factory, etc., ship them, and carry out collection and delivery, etc. (Step S1). At this time, used endoscopes 1 are transported in special containers to prevent contamination from the endoscope 1.

[0104] Next, the worker performs pre-treatment (pre-cleaning) such as washing and sterilization on the collected and transported used endoscope 1 (step S2).

[0105] Specifically, for example, in cleaning the endoscope 1, any substances adhering to the endoscope 1 are removed using a brush or the like. Then, in order to remove pathogenic microorganisms originating from blood, bodily fluids, etc., the endoscope 1 is cleaned using any cleaning solution such as an isopropanol-containing cleaning agent, a proteolytic enzyme cleaning agent, or alcohol.

[0106] Furthermore, the cleaning solution is not limited to the cleaning solution described above; other cleaning solutions may also be used.

[0107] Furthermore, in sterilizing endoscope 1, one of the following methods is used to sterilize any attached pathogenic microorganisms: high-pressure steam sterilization, ethylene oxide gas sterilization, gamma ray sterilization, hydrogen peroxide sterilization, or low-temperature hydrogen peroxide sterilization.

[0108] Next, the worker performs an acceptance inspection of the used endoscope 1 (step S3). Specifically, the worker checks whether the used endoscope 1 has any serious defects or whether the used endoscope 1 has exceeded the predetermined maximum number of reprocessing cycles.

[0109] Next, the worker disassembles the used endoscope 1 (step S4).

[0110] Furthermore, the worker replaces some of the used endoscope 1 parts with new parts as needed (step S5).

[0111] Subsequently, the worker assembles the endoscope 1 as a new endoscope (step S6). For example, when reassembling the endoscope 1, the worker may take measures such as adding an identifier to indicate that the endoscope 1 has been modified from its original state. This allows the endoscope 1 to be designated and identified, for example, as a reprocessed product, a recycled product, or a remanufactured product.

[0112] Next, the worker inspects and tests the newly formed endoscope 1 (step S7). Specifically, the worker confirms through various functional tests that the newly formed endoscope 1 has the same effectiveness and safety as the original product.

[0113] Subsequently, the worker sequentially performs sterilization and storage (step S8) and shipment (step S9) of the new endoscope 1.

[0114] In step S8, the new endoscope 1 is sterilized using a sterilizing gas such as ethylene oxide gas or propylene oxide gas, and then stored in a storage container until use.

[0115] The reprocessing of the endoscope 1 is achieved by executing the processes in steps S1 to S9 described above. In the above example flow chart, a specific order of terminology is used, but one or more steps in this method may be performed in a different order depending on the circumstances.

[0116] [Modifications] The arrangement of the suction tube 26A and the fluid delivery tube 27A, and the shape of the flow path manifold 33 are not limited to the above-described configuration example, and other different configurations are also possible. Various modifications are illustrated below.

[0117] [First Modified Example] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part showing the first modified example of an endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the region corresponding to the region indicated by arrow [3] in Figure 2, similar to Figure 3.

[0118] The configuration of the first modified example is basically the same as the configuration of the embodiment described above. In the first modified example, the shape of the fourth opening 33d, which is the reduced diameter section, is different. Here, the fourth opening 33d is formed by a tapered shape that narrows from the fluid delivery tube 27A side towards the suction pipe 26 (33c, 25) side.

[0119] In this case, the reduced diameter portion is the minimum inner diameter R2 of the fourth opening 33d, and this minimum inner diameter R2 is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter R1 of the treatment tool channel 25 (combined suction conduit) (R1 > R2), similar to the embodiment described above, and the inner diameter R2 of the fourth opening 33d (reduced diameter portion) is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter R3 of the fluid delivery tube 27A (R3 > R2).

[0120] Furthermore, in the first modified example, the inner diameter R3 of the fluid delivery tube 27A and the inner diameter R4 of the suction tube 26A are made approximately equal (R3 ≈ R4). This can be achieved by using common parts for the fluid delivery tube 27A and the suction tube 26A.

[0121] At the same time, the inner diameter R1 of the treatment instrument channel 25 is formed to be approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter R3 of the fluid delivery tube 27A and the inner diameter R4 of the suction tube 26A (R3 ≈ R4 ≥ R1).

[0122] In addition, in the flow manifold pipe 33, the fourth opening 33d, which is a tapered diameter-reducing section, is located in the portion of the fluid delivery pipe 27 that merges with the treatment tool channel 25, but is not provided in the portion through which treatment tools are inserted (treatment tool channel 25).

[0123] With this configuration, the first modified example is designed such that the relationship R3 ≈ R4 ≥ R1 > R2 holds true. The other configurations are the same as those of the embodiment described above.

[0124] According to this first modified configuration, substantially the same effects and advantages as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, according to the first modified configuration, the fourth opening 33c, which serves as the reduced diameter portion of the fluid delivery pipe 27, is tapered (narrowing from the fluid delivery tube 27A side towards the suction pipe 26 (33c, 25) side), allowing the inner diameter R3 of the fluid delivery tube 27A to be set larger. This ensures the flow rate and fluid pressure of the external fluid during the fluid delivery procedure. Therefore, a more reliable suction blockage release effect can be obtained.

[0125] Furthermore, since the inner diameter R4 of the suction tube 26A can be widened to be approximately the same as the inner diameter R3 of the fluid delivery tube 27A, the inner diameter R5 of the third opening 33c on the suction conduit 26 side can also be set to be larger. Therefore, a larger suction volume can be secured. At the same time, the occurrence of suction blockage in the suction tube 26A can be suppressed.

[0126] Furthermore, since the suction tube 26A and the fluid delivery tube 27A can be made interchangeable, it can contribute to reducing the cost of goods sold.

[0127] Furthermore, the tapered shape of the fourth opening 33d, which serves as the reduced diameter section, is located at the junction of the fluid delivery pipeline 27 with the treatment tool channel 25, and is positioned to avoid the area through which treatment tools are inserted (treatment tool channel 25). Therefore, this configuration ensures that treatment tools do not get caught during insertion or removal, and that insertion and removal are always smooth.

[0128] [Second Modification] Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing a second modification of an endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the region corresponding to the region indicated by arrow [3] in Figure 2, similar to Figures 3 and 5.

[0129] The configuration of the second modified example is basically the same as that of the first embodiment described above. In the second modified example, the arrangement of the suction tube 26A and the fluid delivery tube 27A is different.

[0130] In other words, in the second modified example, a fluid delivery tube 27A is connected to the third opening 33c and a suction tube 26A is connected to the fourth opening 33d.

[0131] In this configuration, the third opening 33c becomes the reduced-diameter portion of the fluid delivery pipeline 27. Therefore, the inner diameter R2 of the third opening 33c as the reduced-diameter portion is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter R1 of the treatment tool channel 25 (R1 > R2).

[0132] According to this second modification, substantially the same effects and advantages as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. Furthermore, according to the second modification, for example, even if a suction blockage occurs in the through-hole 33e of the flow path manifold 33 (for example, in the region between the third opening 33c and the fourth opening 33d), the suction blockage can be reliably cleared by discharging external fluid from the fluid discharge tube 27A.

[0133] Furthermore, the configuration of the second modified example can be applied in exactly the same way to the configuration of the first modified example. In such a configuration, the same functions and effects as those of the first and second modified examples described above can be obtained.

[0134] In this second modified example, the suction tube 26A and the fluid delivery tube 27A may also be made of common parts.

[0135] [Third Modification] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part showing a third modification of the endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is an enlarged view that schematically shows the region corresponding to the region indicated by arrow [3] in Figure 2 and the cross-section of the tip of the insertion part, similar to Figures 3, 5, and 6.

[0136] The configuration of the third modified example is basically the same as that of the first and second modified examples described above. The difference in the third modified example is that the third opening 33c has a tapered shape similar to the fourth opening 33d of the first modified example described above.

[0137] The arrangement of the suction tube 26A and the fluid delivery pipeline 27 is the same as in the second modified example described above. Specifically, the fluid delivery tube 27A is connected to the third opening 33c, and the suction tube 26A is connected to the fourth opening 33d.

[0138] Furthermore, in the third modified example, the inner diameter R6 of the treatment tool channel opening 25a at the tip 10 of the insertion portion 2 is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter R1 of the treatment tool channel 25 which serves as a dual-purpose suction conduit (R1 > R6).

[0139] To this end, the treatment tool channel opening 25a at the hard tip portion 10a of the tip portion 10 is formed in a tapered shape that narrows from the base end towards the tip surface. In this case, the inner diameter 25xb at the base end of the tapered portion 25x is formed to be approximately equal to the inner diameter R1 of the treatment tool channel 25.

[0140] As a result, the tip surface of the instrument channel 25 and the base end of the tapered portion 25x of the hard tip portion 10a are formed without creating a step. Therefore, when inserting or removing an instrument, the instrument will not get caught inside the tapered portion 25x, and it will always be possible to insert and remove it smoothly.

[0141] Furthermore, it is preferable that the inner diameter R6 of the treatment tool channel opening 25a be approximately the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter R5 of the third opening 33c, which is the reduced-diameter portion of the fluid delivery pipe 27 (R6 ≥ R5). Therefore, if the inner diameter R1 of the treatment tool channel 25 as a dual-purpose suction tube is the inner diameter R4 of the suction tube 26A, the inner diameter R6 of the treatment tool channel opening 25a is the inner diameter R5 of the third opening 33c, which is the reduced-diameter portion of the fluid delivery pipe 27, then in the third modified example, the relationship R4 > R1 > R6 ≥ R5 is satisfied. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first and second modified examples described above.

[0142] According to this third modified example, substantially the same effects and advantages as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. Furthermore, according to the third modified example, when using the treatment tool channel 25 as a shared suction line for suction procedures, the size of the objects to be suctioned, such as crushed calculus fragments, from the treatment tool channel opening 25a of the tip portion 10 can be limited to a small size, thereby further suppressing the occurrence of suction blockages.

[0143] In this third modified example, the suction tube 26A and the fluid delivery tube 27A may also be made of common parts.

[0144] Furthermore, in the third modification described above, the third opening 33c to which the fluid delivery tube 27A is connected is a reduced-diameter section. Here, the reduced-diameter section only needs to be located on the fluid delivery pipeline 27. For this reason, the reduced-diameter section may be configured to be located, for example, within the region indicated by the arrow [A] in Figure 7. This region [A] is a part of the through-hole 33e in the flow manifold 33, and is the region between the third opening 33c and the fourth opening 33d.

[0145] In this case, the fluid delivery pipeline 27 is formed by the fluid delivery tube 27A, a part of the flow path manifold 33 (the fourth opening 33d and the through-hole 33e), and the treatment tool channel 25 (a dual-purpose fluid delivery pipeline), as described above.

[0146] Furthermore, the suction conduit 26 is formed by a suction tube 26A, a part of the flow manifold 33 (the third opening 33c and a part of the through-hole 33e (between the second opening 33b and the third opening 33c)), and a treatment tool channel 25 (a combined suction conduit).

[0147] Therefore, region [A] in Figure 7 is a region included in the fluid delivery pipeline 27, not the suction pipeline 26.

[0148] Even with this configuration, the same effects and benefits as those of the third modified example described above can be obtained.

[0149] In this case, the through-hole 33e also serves as part of the treatment tool insertion conduit connected to the treatment tool channel 25. Therefore, treatment tools may be inserted through the through-hole 33e. For this reason, when a reduced-diameter section is provided in a part of the through-hole 33e (area [A]), the inner diameter of the reduced-diameter section is set considering that treatment tools may be inserted through it.

[0150] Incidentally, in the above-described embodiment and its various modifications, the suction conduit 26 and the fluid delivery conduit 27 are shown as being inserted and arranged inside the universal cable 4 (see Figure 1), but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the suction conduit 26 and the fluid delivery conduit 27 may be configured as separate and independent components from the universal cable 4.

[0151] In this configuration, in addition to the universal cable 4, a suction tube 26A and a fluid delivery tube 27A extend from the operating unit 3. These suction tubes 26A and fluid delivery tubes 27A can then be connected to the flow manifold 33 inside the operating unit 3, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0152] Even with this configuration, the same configuration as the above-described embodiment and its various modifications can be adopted, and thus the same functions and effects can be obtained.

[0153] Incidentally, conventional reusable endoscopes typically employ a configuration in which a light source device is placed inside an external device such as a video processor (control device), and the light beam emitted by this light source device is transmitted to an illumination unit located inside the tip of the endoscope's insertion section via, for example, a video connector or light guide.

[0154] To realize such a conventional endoscope configuration, it is necessary to adjust the position of the light guide and the video processor with high precision. To efficiently adjust the light guide's position, one possible approach is to use a custom-designed video connector, for example. However, adopting a custom-designed video connector would increase the cost of goods sold.

[0155] On the other hand, conventional single-use endoscopes always require an inexpensive design. Therefore, for example, a design incorporating a light source such as an LED inside the endoscope's control unit is being considered.

[0156] However, light source devices, including LEDs, generate heat, which is transferred to the components within the control panel, causing the surface temperature of the control panel to rise. Since the control panel is operated by the fingers, a rise in the surface temperature of the control panel can impair its usability.

[0157] Furthermore, light sources such as LEDs have problems such as the illumination becoming dim at high temperatures. Therefore, conventionally, measures such as lowering the ambient temperature (room temperature, etc.) when using the endoscope were necessary.

[0158] Furthermore, various configurations have been proposed for conventional endoscopes, such as placing a metal heat sink inside the control section to dissipate the heat emitted by light sources such as LEDs.

[0159] However, since various components are arranged inside the control unit, if one attempts to form a heat sink while avoiding these components, the heat sink may end up with a complex, bent shape.

[0160] When such a curved heat sink becomes hot, the distance between the heat sink and the housing material of the control unit becomes shorter, which can create hot spots that become extremely hot. In the control unit, in areas where such hot spots occur, possible measures to mitigate heat on the outer surface of the control unit can be considered, such as modifying the shape of the outer surface of the control unit to ensure a greater distance between the internal heat sink and the outer surface.

[0161] However, such countermeasures may lead to problems such as increasing the size of the control unit and degrading usability.

[0162] Therefore, in order to reduce the cost of goods sold, the aim is to create an endoscope with a light source device including LEDs located inside the control unit, that can suppress the increase in the size of the control unit while incorporating a cooling structure for the light source such as LEDs, thereby suppressing the rise in the outer surface temperature of the control unit, in a simpler and less expensive manner.

[0163] The configuration for this purpose is described below. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of an endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 shows a cross-section including a line along the long axis of the operating section. Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a part of the inside of the operating section (part of the light guide holder and coil stopper).

[0164] As shown in Figure 8, the operating section 3A of the endoscope in the first configuration example includes a housing 51, a light source unit 52, a light guide holder and coil stopper 53, a heat diffusion plate 54, a bending operation section 31, and the like.

[0165] The housing 51 is a housing member that covers the outer surface of the operating unit 3. Various components are housed inside the housing 51. In addition, multiple operating members are arranged on the outer surface of the housing 51 (except for the curved operating lever 31a, which will be described later, they are not shown).

[0166] The light source unit 52 is a component unit that includes an LED or the like as a light source, an electrical circuit board on which electronic components such as the LED and electronic circuits are mounted, and a light guide (not shown) that transmits the light beam emitted from the light source such as the LED to the tip (not shown). Here, for example, a plastic optical fiber (POF) is used as the light guide.

[0167] The light guide holder and coil stopper 53 is a component that serves as both a holder member for holding the light guide extending from the light source unit 52 and a holder member for holding the guide coil through which the angle wire 31c extending from the bending operation section 31 is inserted and which protects the outer surface. This light guide holder and coil stopper 53 is formed of, for example, a metal material. The light guide holder and coil stopper 53 is positioned in contact with the heat diffusion plate 54.

[0168] Furthermore, the light guide holder and coil stopper 53 has a groove 53a with a portion cut out, and a through hole 53b through which the angle wire 31c is inserted, in order to avoid interference with the guide coil 31d (see Figure 9), which is a component of the bending operation section 31 described later.

[0169] The heat diffusion plate 54 is a plate-shaped member formed inside the operating section 3 with a longer side in the longitudinal direction and a substantially flat shape without any bends. The heat diffusion plate 54 is made of, for example, a metal material. The heat diffusion plate 54 is positioned in the substantially central region inside the operating section 3A. The heat diffusion plate 54 is positioned inside the operating section 3A such that its distance from the inner wall surface of the housing 51 is substantially uniform.

[0170] Furthermore, a portion of the heat diffusion plate 54 is positioned near the light source unit 52, particularly the light source such as an LED, and is thermally connected to the LED light source. In addition, a portion of the heat diffusion plate 54 is positioned in contact with the light guide holder / coil stopper 53.

[0171] Furthermore, the heat diffusion plate 54 is formed with a portion of it cut out to avoid interference with the wire fixing portion (not shown) of the pulley 31b, which is a component of the bending operation section 31 described later.

[0172] The bending operation unit 31 is a component unit for actively bending the bending portion (not shown in Figure 8) of the insertion portion 2. The bending operation unit 31 is composed of a bending operation lever 31a, a pulley 31b, an angle wire 31c, a guide coil 31d (not shown in Figure 8; see Figure 9), and the like.

[0173] In addition to those mentioned above, several other components are also arranged within the operating unit 3A. However, since the components other than those mentioned above are not directly related to this configuration example, their illustration and explanation are omitted.

[0174] With the endoscope of the first configuration example as described above, the light source unit 52 disposed inside the operating section 3A can be efficiently cooled using the light guide holder / coil stopper 53 and the heat diffusion plate 54 inside the operating section 3A. In this case, the heat diffusion plate 54 is positioned in the approximate central region of the operating section 3A and is configured as a substantially flat plate-shaped member, so that the distance from the inner wall surface of the housing 51 is substantially uniform. This configuration suppresses the rise in the outer surface temperature of the operating section 3A and allows heat to be diffused evenly across the entire outer surface without creating heat spots. Therefore, operability is not hindered by heat.

[0175] Furthermore, by using a configuration that combines the light guide holder and coil stopper, the number of parts can be reduced, thus contributing to a reduction in the cost of goods sold.

[0176] The endoscopes disclosed herein may be designed to be discarded after a single use or to be used multiple times. However, in either case, the endoscope can be readjusted for reuse after at least one use. Readjustment may include a combination of steps: disassembly of the endoscope, subsequent cleaning or replacement of specific parts, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the endoscope can be disassembled and any number of specific parts or components of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. During cleaning and / or replacement of specific parts, the endoscope can be reassembled for subsequent use in a readjustment facility or by a surgical team immediately before a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will understand that various different techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly can be used for readjusting endoscopes. The use of such techniques and the resulting readjusted devices are all within the scope of this application.

[0177] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem that the invention aims to solve can be solved and the effects of the invention can be obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in one embodiment, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. Furthermore, constituent elements from different embodiments may be combined as appropriate. This invention is not limited by any particular embodiment other than being limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An insertion device comprising: an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject; a suction conduit inserted through the insertion portion, the tip of which forms the tip opening of the insertion portion, and the base end connected to a suction device; and a fluid delivery conduit branching off from the suction conduit and delivering fluid delivered from a fluid delivery device to the suction conduit, wherein the fluid delivery conduit comprises: a fluid delivery tube connected to the fluid delivery device; and a reduced diameter portion disposed between the fluid delivery tube and the suction conduit, having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the fluid delivery tube.

2. The insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the suction conduit.

3. The insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that the reduced diameter portion has a tapered shape that narrows from the fluid delivery tube side toward the suction pipe side.

4. The insertion device according to claim 1, wherein the suction line comprises a suction tube connected to the suction device and a suction channel connected to the suction tube and connecting the suction tube and the tip opening, and the inner diameter of the suction tube is larger than the inner diameter of the suction channel.

5. The insertion device according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion is inserted into the urinary tract of the subject and further comprises a crushing device for crushing stones formed in the urinary tract.

6. The insertion device according to claim 4, characterized in that the fluid delivery tube is positioned closer to the tip than the suction tube.

7. The insertion device according to claim 4, characterized in that the tip opening is connected to the tip of the treatment instrument channel and forms part of the suction conduit, and the tip opening has a tapered shape that narrows from the connection point with the treatment instrument channel toward the tip surface.

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