Endoscope system and endoscope

Abstract

An endoscope system 1 includes: an endoscope 9 including an insertion part 3 and an operation part 4 arranged on a base end side of the insertion part 3; and a processor 6 connected to the endoscope 9. The endoscope 9 includes: a first temperature sensor 10 for detecting a first temperature of a tip part 3A of the insertion part 3; a light source 30 provided in the operation part 4; and a second temperature sensor 20 provided in the operation part 4 and detecting a second temperature. The processor 6 controls the light source 30 on the basis of the second temperature and corrects the first temperature on the basis of the second temperature.

Description

Endoscope system and endoscope

[0008] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope system including an endoscope having a light source disposed in an operation unit, and an endoscope having a light source disposed in an operation unit.

[0002] In an endoscope system for acquiring an image of a dark body, a light source for generating illumination light is indispensable. In many endoscope systems, the light source is disposed in a light source device separate from the endoscope. A connector of the endoscope is connected to the light source device, and the illumination light generated by the light source is irradiated from the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope via an optical fiber.

[0003] US Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0414087 discloses an endoscope having a light source disposed in an operation unit for reducing the cost and size of the endoscope.

[0004] A light emitting diode (LED) that generates relatively little heat is used as the light source disposed in the operation unit of the endoscope. However, it is not easy to provide a sufficient heat dissipation function in the operation unit. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately control the supply power to the light source so that the light source does not overheat. In addition, there is a risk that other members disposed in the operation unit may be adversely affected by the heat generated by the light source.

[0005] For example, a thermocouple that can be disposed at the tip of a thin insertion portion is used as the temperature sensor disposed at the tip of the insertion portion. When the temperature of the reference contact disposed in the operation unit rises, it becomes difficult to accurately measure the temperature of the temperature measurement contact at the tip.

[0006] US Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0414087

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an endoscope system with high accuracy in temperature measurement at the tip of the insertion portion of an endoscope, and an endoscope with high accuracy in temperature measurement at the tip of the insertion portion.

[0008] An endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an endoscope including an insertion section and an operating section disposed on the proximal end side of the insertion section, and a processor connected to the endoscope, wherein the endoscope has a first temperature sensor for detecting a first temperature at the tip of the insertion section, a light source disposed on the operating section, and a second temperature sensor disposed on the operating section for detecting a second temperature, and the processor controls the light source based on the second temperature and corrects the first temperature based on the second temperature.

[0009] An endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an insertion section and an operating section disposed on the proximal end side of the insertion section, and includes a first temperature sensor for detecting a first temperature at the tip of the insertion section, and a light source and a second temperature sensor for detecting a second temperature disposed on the operating section, wherein the light source is controlled based on the second temperature, and the first temperature is corrected based on the second temperature.

[0010] According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope system with high accuracy in measuring the temperature of the tip of the insertion section of the endoscope, and an endoscope with high accuracy in measuring the temperature of the tip of the insertion section.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the endoscope system of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the control unit of the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the temperature control of the LED. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the correction process of the first temperature sensor. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the brightness control process of the screen. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the control unit of the second embodiment. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the endoscope system of the third embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the pressure correction of the endoscope system of the third embodiment. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the control unit of the fourth embodiment. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the control unit of the fourth embodiment. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the endoscope reprocessing method of the embodiment.

[0012] <Endoscope System> As shown in Figure 1, the endoscopic system 1 of this embodiment includes an endoscope 9, a processor 6, and a monitor 6A. The processor 6 may be a tablet type integrated with the monitor 6A.

[0013] In the following description, the drawings based on each embodiment are schematic. The relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the thicknesses of each part, and the relative angles may differ from those of reality. There are also parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios differ between drawings. Furthermore, the illustration of some components is omitted.

[0014] The endoscope 9 comprises an elongated insertion section 3, an operating section 4 located at the base end of the insertion section 3, a universal cord 5 extending from the operating section 4, and a connector 5A located at the base end of the universal cord 5. The insertion section 3 includes a tip section 3A, a bending section 3B extending from the tip section 3A, and a flexible section 3C extending from the bending section 3B. The bending section 3B, which changes the direction of the tip section 3A, is flexible.

[0015] An imaging unit (not shown) located at the tip 3A captures images of the subject and outputs an imaging signal. The operating unit 4 is equipped with a rotating angle knob 4C for the operator to operate the curved section 3B. The operating unit 4 has a gripping area 4A for the operator to grasp and a tip area 4B on the insertion side of the gripping area 4A.

[0016] The universal cord 5 is connected to the processor 6 by connector 5A. The processor 6 controls the entire endoscope system 1, performs signal processing on the imaging signal, and outputs the image signal to the monitor 6A. The processor 6 may consist of an internal circuit (CPU) of a semiconductor element that processes data via software, or a dedicated hardware circuit, or it may include both an internal circuit of a semiconductor element and a dedicated hardware circuit. The monitor 6A is a liquid crystal display or the like that displays the image signal output by the processor 6 as an endoscopic image. The endoscope 9 is a flexible endoscope, but a rigid endoscope may also be used. Furthermore, the endoscope 9 may be for medical or industrial use.

[0017] The endoscope 9 has a light source 30 that generates illumination light in the operating section 4. The illumination light is emitted from the tip section 3A via an optical fiber (not shown) that passes through the insertion section 3.

[0018] The endoscope 9 has a first temperature sensor 10 that detects a first temperature T1 at the tip 3A of the insertion section 3. To accommodate the small diameter of the tip 3A, the first temperature sensor 10 has a small diameter thermocouple for temperature sensing. Specifically, the temperature sensing junction (hot junction) 11 of the first temperature sensor 10 is located at the tip 3A. The reference junction (cold junction) 12 of the first temperature sensor 10 is located at the operating section 4. Two wires between the temperature sensing junction 11 and the reference junction 12 pass through the insertion section 3. The first temperature T1 is obtained based on the electromotive force V1 generated from the difference between the temperature of the temperature sensing junction 11 and the temperature of the reference junction 12.

[0019] The endoscope 9 has a second temperature sensor 20 in the operating section 4. The second temperature sensor 20 measures a second temperature T2, which is the internal temperature of the operating section 4. The second temperature sensor 20 is not a thermocouple, but for example, a thermistor or a platinum resistance thermometer. The second temperature T2 is calculated from, for example, a resistance value R, or a voltage V2 which is a measurement of the second temperature sensor 20 that is driven by a constant current. The second temperature T2 may also be, for example, a current which is a measurement of the second temperature sensor 20 that is driven by a constant voltage.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the reference contact 12 of the first temperature sensor 10, the second temperature sensor 20, and the light source 30 are all located in the gripping area 4A of the operating unit 4. For example, the second temperature sensor 20 is located on the same wiring board (not shown) where the light source 30 is located. The wiring board constitutes, for example, a signal processing circuit.

[0021] The light source 30 is controlled based on a second temperature T2. For example, as shown in Figure 3, when the second temperature exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the processor 6 controls the light source (LED) 30 so that the current supplied to the light source (LED) 30 decreases. This prevents the light source 30 from overheating.

[0022] As already explained, the gripping area 4A of the operating unit 4 has a reference contact 12 of the first temperature sensor 10. The first temperature T1 is obtained based on the electromotive force V1 generated from the difference between the temperature of the temperature measuring contact 11 and a predetermined reference temperature of the reference contact 12. As shown in the lower part of Figure 4, when current is supplied to the light source (LED) 30 and it lights up, the temperature of the operating unit 4 (temperature of the reference contact 12) rises due to the heat generated. For this reason, as shown by the dashed line (uncorrected) in the upper part of Figure 4, even if the temperature of the temperature measuring contact 11 is constant, the first temperature T1 detected by the first temperature sensor 10 changes. That is, the first temperature T1 (electromotive force V1) detected by the first temperature sensor 10 decreases due to the heat generated by the light source 30.

[0023] However, as already explained, the endoscope 9 has a second temperature sensor 20 that measures the second temperature T2 of the operating section 4. The second temperature is the temperature of the reference junction 12 of the first temperature sensor 10. In the endoscope 9, the first temperature T1 detected by the first temperature sensor 10 is corrected by the processor 6 based on the temperature change data of the reference junction 12. Therefore, as shown by the solid line (corrected) in the upper part of Figure 4, even if the temperature of the reference junction 12 changes due to the heat generated by the light source 30, the first temperature T1 detected by the first temperature sensor 10 is hardly affected. For this reason, the endoscope system 1 has high accuracy in measuring the temperature of the tip 3A of the insertion section 3 of the endoscope 9.

[0024] In other words, the second temperature sensor 20 for controlling the light source 30 is also used for correction processing of the first temperature sensor 10.

[0025] For example, the first temperature T1 calculated from the electromotive force V1 of the first temperature sensor 10 is corrected using the second temperature T2 calculated from the voltage V2 of the second temperature sensor 20. Alternatively, the first temperature T1 may be calculated after correcting the electromotive force V1 of the first temperature sensor 10 using the voltage V2 of the second temperature sensor 20. Alternatively, the first temperature T1 may be calculated after correcting the electromotive force V1 of the first temperature sensor 10 using the second temperature T2.

[0026] In other words, the process of correcting the first temperature T1 based on the second temperature T2 means the process of correcting the detection result of the first temperature sensor based on the detection result of the second temperature sensor 20.

[0027] Furthermore, when the processor 6 controls the current supplied to the light source 30, the illuminance of the illumination light increases or decreases. For example, as shown in the lower part of Figure 5, when the current supplied to the light source 30 (LED) decreases, the brightness of the image decreases as shown by the dashed line in the upper part.

[0028] However, as shown by the solid line in the upper part of Figure 5, the processor 6 performs image processing to keep the brightness constant so that the brightness of the endoscopic image does not change even if the illuminance of the illumination light increases or decreases.

[0029] Endoscope system 1 offers excellent workability because the image brightness remains constant even when the illumination intensity increases or decreases.

[0030] <Second Embodiment> The endoscope systems 1A-1C and 9A-9C of the embodiments described below are similar to and have the same effects as endoscope systems 1 and 9. For this reason, components with the same function as endoscope systems 1 and 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, in the endoscope 9, the reference contact 12 of the first temperature sensor 10, the second temperature sensor 20, and the light source 30 were arranged in the gripping area 4A of the operating unit 4.

[0032] The gripping area 4A where the light source 30 is located needs to be kept below a predetermined temperature (for example, 40°C). The second temperature sensor 20 is positioned to measure the temperature in the maximum temperature range of the operating unit 4. The maximum temperature range is the area where the light source 30 is located. Therefore, the current value that can be supplied to the light source 30 is limited, and there was a risk that the illumination light could not be made sufficiently bright.

[0033] In contrast, in the endoscope 9A of the endoscope system 1A, as shown in Figure 6, the reference contact 12 of the first temperature sensor 10, the second temperature sensor 20, and the light source 30 are arranged in the tip region 4B of the operating section 4. Compared to the gripping region 4A which is grasped by the operator, the tip region 4B which is not grasped by the operator has a higher maximum allowable temperature. For this reason, the endoscope 9A can use brighter illumination than the endoscope 9, and the temperature rise of the gripping region 4A is smaller.

[0034] <Third Embodiment> The endoscopic system 1B of this embodiment, shown in Figure 7, is used for transurethral lithotripsy and the like. In transurethral lithotripsy, the tip 3A of the insertion part 3 of the endoscope 9B is inserted through the urethra, for example into the kidney, and the stones are broken up with a laser while being observed with the endoscope 9B.

[0035] Endoscope system 1B includes, in addition to the components of endoscope system 1, a water supply and drainage device 5C and a laser device 5D. The laser device 5D outputs laser light to an optical fiber 5DA that passes through the insertion section 3. The water supply and drainage device 5C supplies (delivers) and aspirates (drains) irrigation fluid into the body via a water supply pipe / suction pipe 5CA that passes through the insertion section 3. The amount of irrigation fluid delivered / drained is controlled by the processor 6 or the water supply and drainage device 5C.

[0036] The laser light irradiates the kidney stones into smaller pieces. The crushed stones (lithotripsy) are then collected from the body along with the irrigation water via the suction tube 5CA.

[0037] The endoscope 9B has a pressure sensor 40 at the tip 3A of the insertion section 3 in order to appropriately manage the balance between the amount of irrigation water delivered and the amount of irrigation water drained. The pressure sensor 40 detects the pressure p of the irrigation water inside the body (tip 3A of the insertion section 3) based on, for example, the electrical resistance of a piezoelectric element (voltage V3 in the case of constant current drive).

[0038] As shown in Figure 8, the formula for calculating the actual pressure P from the pressure (voltage) p detected by the pressure sensor 40 is temperature-dependent. Therefore, the processor 6 corrects the pressure p detected by the pressure sensor 40 based on a first temperature T1 (for example, t1-t3) using a predetermined correction formula as shown below, and calculates the pressure P.

[0039] P=(α×p)+(β×T1)+(y)

[0040] The first temperature T1 used to correct the pressure p may also be the electromotive force V1 of the first temperature sensor 10, which has been corrected using the second temperature T2 (or voltage V2, etc.). The pressure p may be the voltage V3 of the pressure sensor 40, or a pressure value calculated from the voltage V3.

[0041] Even for endoscopes of the same model (model number), the correction formula differs for each endoscope due to variations in manufacturing conditions, etc. For this reason, in order to detect pressure with higher accuracy, it is preferable that the correction formula be unique data that differs for each endoscope 9B. The endoscope 9B has a memory 41 that stores the correction formula, for example, the parameters of the correction formula (α, β, y). The memory 41 is a rewritable non-volatile memory (EEPROM) that retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The correction formula is stored in the memory 41 during the manufacturing of the endoscope 9B, etc. The processor 6 obtains the correction formula from the memory 41 located, for example, in the connector 5A of the connected endoscope 9B, and calculates the pressure P.

[0042] In the endoscope system 1B, the pressure p detected by the pressure sensor 40 is corrected based on the first temperature t1. As already explained, the first temperature t1 is corrected based on the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 20, so the accuracy is high. For this reason, the endoscope system 1B can appropriately control the supply and drainage of the perfusion fluid.

[0043] <Fourth Embodiment> As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the endoscope 9C of the endoscope system 1C of this embodiment has a gravity sensor 50 on the operating unit 4. The gravity sensor 50 is a gyro sensor or the like that detects the direction of gravity (vertical direction).

[0044] The air warmed by the light source 30, which is a heat source, becomes lighter than the surroundings and thus moves as an updraft in the direction opposite to the gravitational direction. As shown in FIG. 8, when the longitudinal direction of the elongated operation section 4 is in a posture parallel to the gravitational direction, the warmed air moves greatly upward along the inner wall of the operation section 4. For this reason, the maximum temperature position becomes the top of the elongated operation section 4. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 9, when the longitudinal direction of the operation section 4 is in a posture orthogonal to the gravitational direction, the warmed air heats the upper part of the inner wall close to the operation section 4. For this reason, the maximum temperature in the horizontal posture shown in FIG. 10 of the operation section 4 is higher than the maximum temperature in the vertical posture shown in FIG. 9.

[0045] That is, the maximum temperature position and the maximum temperature in the operation section 4 of the endoscope 9C change depending on the posture of the operation section 4.

[0046] The endoscope 9C controls the current value supplied to the light source 30 according to the posture of the operation section 4 detected by the gravity sensor 50. Specifically, in the case of the posture shown in FIG. 8, the processor 6 increases the maximum value of the drive current supplied to the light source 30 more than in the case of the posture shown in FIG. 9.

[0047] The endoscope 9C can efficiently emit light from the light source 30 while preventing overheating of the light source 30 and temperature rise of the operation section 4.

[0048] <Supplementary matter> The endoscope 9, which is a treatment instrument of the endoscope system 1, may be discarded after one use or may be repeatedly used a plurality of times. In the case of a configuration for repeated use a plurality of times, for example, a reprocessing method as shown in FIG. 11 may be required.

[0049] The worker may collect, receive, or otherwise consolidate used medical instruments after they have been used in treatment, and transport, ship, deliver, or otherwise transport them to a factory or other location (Step S1: Collection and Delivery). Next, the worker may wash and sterilize the collected and transported used medical instruments (Step S2: Pre-cleaning). Next, the worker may perform an acceptance inspection of the used medical instruments (Step S3: Acceptance Inspection). After that, the worker may disassemble the used medical instruments (Step S4: Disassembly) and replace some of the used medical instruments with new parts (Step S5: Parts Replacement). After Step S5, the worker assembles the new medical instruments (Step S6: Reassembly).

[0050] In some examples, step S6 may include adding an identifier indicating that the device has been modified from its original state, for example, adding a label or other mark indicating that the device has been reprocessed, modified, or remanufactured. After step S6, the operator may then proceed to inspect the new therapeutic instrument (step S7: inspection), sterilize and store it (step S8), and ship it (step S9).

[0051] In this embodiment, the endoscope 9 has a light source located within the operating section. Therefore, in step S5, there is the advantage that the light source can be easily replaced.

[0052] Steps S1 to S9 described above are performed to achieve reprocessing of the endoscope 9. Although the above shows the order of steps, one or more steps of the method may not be performed in that order depending on the circumstances. That is, if processing in a specific order is not required, the above specifications should not be relied upon to require a specific order when evaluating the meaning or scope of the claim.

[0053] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications can be made without altering the essence of the invention.

[0054] 1, 1A-1C... Endoscope system 3... Insertion section 3A... Tip section 3B... Bending section 3C... Flexible section 4... Operating section 4A... Gripping area 4B... Tip area 4C... Angle knob 5... Universal cord 5A... Connector 5B... Monitor 5C... Water supply and drainage device 5D... Laser device 6... Processor 6A... Monitor 9, 9A-9C... Endoscope 10... First temperature sensor 11... Temperature sensing junction (hot junction) 12... Reference junction (cold junction) 20... Second temperature sensor 30... Light source 40... Pressure sensor 41... Memory 50... Gravity sensor

Claims

1. An endoscope system comprising: an endoscope including an insertion section and an operating section disposed on the proximal end side of the insertion section; and a processor connected to the endoscope, wherein the endoscope has a first temperature sensor for detecting a first temperature of the tip of the insertion section; a light source disposed on the operating section; and a second temperature sensor disposed on the operating section for detecting a second temperature, and the processor controls the light source based on the second temperature and corrects the first temperature based on the second temperature.

2. The endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first temperature sensor is a thermocouple having a temperature measuring contact at its tip and a reference contact at its operating portion.

3. The endoscope system according to claim 2, characterized in that the second temperature sensor is not a thermocouple.

4. The endoscope system according to claim 2, characterized in that the second temperature sensor is a thermistor or a platinum resistance thermometer.

5. The endoscope system according to claim 2, characterized in that the processor acquires second temperature change data with respect to a predetermined reference temperature of the reference junction, and corrects the first temperature based on the second temperature change data.

6. The endoscopic system according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor performs image processing so that the brightness of the endoscopic image does not change even if the illuminance of the illumination light increases or decreases by controlling the light source.

7. The endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second temperature sensor is located in the maximum temperature range of the operating unit.

8. The endoscope system according to claim 7, characterized in that the maximum temperature region is the region in which the light source is located.

9. The endoscope system according to claim 2, wherein the operating section has a gripping area and a tip area on the insertion side of the gripping area, and the second temperature sensor, the light source, and the reference contact are arranged in the gripping area.

10. The endoscope system according to claim 2, wherein the operating section has a gripping area and a tip area on the insertion side of the gripping area, and the second temperature sensor, the light source, and the reference contact are arranged in the tip area.

11. The endoscope system according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor for detecting pressure, which is located at the tip of the endoscope.

12. The endoscope system according to claim 11, characterized in that the processor corrects the pressure detected by the pressure sensor based on the first temperature based on a predetermined correction formula.

13. The endoscopic system according to claim 12, characterized in that the predetermined correction formula is intrinsic data of the endoscope.

14. The endoscope system according to claim 13, further comprising a memory for storing the correction formula.

15. The endoscope system according to claim 1, further comprising a gravity sensor located in the operating section of the endoscope, wherein the processor controls the light source based on the second temperature and the orientation of the operating section obtained by the gravity sensor.

16. An endoscope comprising an insertion section and an operating section disposed on the proximal end side of the insertion section, wherein it comprises a first temperature sensor for detecting a first temperature of the tip of the insertion section, and a light source and a second temperature sensor for detecting a second temperature disposed on the operating section, wherein the light source is controlled based on the second temperature, and the first temperature is corrected based on the second temperature.

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