Endoscopic device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an endoscopic device comprising: a pipe-shaped tube; a lens unit located at the distal end of the tube to photograph an object; and a variable unit having a first temperature-sensitive material coating on lens unit, the color or light transmittance of the first temperature-sensitive material varying according to the temperature.

Description

Endoscope

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an endoscopic device. More specifically, it relates to an endoscopic device capable of improving patient safety and surgical success rates.

[0002] With the advancement of modern medicine, the proportion of minimally invasive surgery replacing open surgery is rapidly increasing, leading to the growing importance of endoscopic devices. Operators visualize the affected area based on real-time images acquired via imaging and lighting devices equipped at the distal end of the endoscope, and perform diagnosis and treatment using lasers or various surgical instruments inserted through the endoscopic channel. Such endoscopic surgery is widely utilized in various clinical fields due to its advantages of reducing physical burden on the patient and shortening recovery time.

[0003] However, as endoscopic laser surgery and bipolar electrosurgery become more frequent, heat generation issues are arising. In particular, within the confined spaces of the body, light energy is converted into heat; however, this converted heat energy may not be effectively dissipated, leading to an increase in the temperature of the irrigation fluid and consequently, the temperature of the surgical site. This poses a risk of severe thermal injury to the patient's biological tissues, and if the elevated temperature is maintained for a long time, it can cause serious complications such as irreversible protein denaturation, tissue necrosis, or, in severe cases, perforation.

[0004] Furthermore, in environments where the operator must primarily observe and manipulate the endoscopic image, there is the inconvenience of visual distraction caused by having to look at a separate screen to check temperature information. Moreover, in robotic surgery environments where the operator and the patient are separated, a third party, such as an assistant, must determine the temperature rise and transmit it to the operator, raising concerns about subjective judgment or delays in immediate response. As an alternative, a temperature sensing sensor could be installed at the distal end of the endoscope, but this presents challenges such as the difficulty of installation in confined areas and the need for a separate power supply for the sensor and display device. Therefore, there is a need to develop an endoscopic device that allows the operator to intuitively and consistently perceive temperature changes at the surgical site.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscope is provided that intuitively informs the operator of temperature changes at the surgical site when the endoscope is used.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscope device is provided that can notify the operator of temperature changes at the surgical site without a separate power supply.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic device is provided that provides real-time information on temperature changes at a patient's surgical site even when the patient and the operator are remotely separated.

[0008] An endoscope device according to the present disclosure may include: a pipe-shaped tube; a lens portion located at the distal end of the tube for photographing a subject; and a variable portion coated on the lens portion with a first temperature-sensitive material that changes color or light transmittance according to temperature.

[0009] In one embodiment, the variable part may be formed in a preset temperature-sensitive area of ​​the lens part.

[0010] In one embodiment, the variable part has a first transmittance at a preset first temperature or lower,

[0011] At the above first temperature or higher, a second transmittance lower than the first transmittance may be had.

[0012] In one embodiment, the variable part may have a third transmittance lower than the second transmittance at a preset second temperature higher than the first temperature.

[0013] In one embodiment, the variable part can transmit light in the visible light wavelength band at a temperature below a preset first temperature, and transmit light in the first wavelength band among the visible light wavelength bands at a temperature above the first temperature.

[0014] In one embodiment, the variable part can transmit light of the second wavelength band among the visible light wavelength bands at a preset second temperature higher than the first temperature.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first temperature-sensitive material comprises a first-1 material and a first-2 material, and the variable part may comprise a first variable part in which the first-1 material is coated on the lens part; and a second variable part in which the first-2 material is coated on the lens part. Furthermore, the first variable part transmits light in the visible light wavelength band at a temperature below a preset first temperature and transmits light in the first wavelength band of the visible light wavelength band at a temperature above the first temperature, and the second variable part transmits light in the second wavelength band of the visible light wavelength band at a temperature above the second temperature.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first temperature-sensitive material comprises a first-1 material and a first-2 material, and the variable part may include a first variable part in which the first-1 material is coated on the lens part; and a second variable part in which the first-2 material is coated on the lens part. Furthermore, the first variable part may have a first transmittance below a preset first temperature and a second transmittance lower than the first transmittance above the first temperature, and the second variable part may have a third transmittance lower than the second transmittance above a preset second temperature higher than the first temperature.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first variable part and the second variable part may be formed in different parts of the temperature-sensitive region.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first variable part and the second variable part may be formed to overlap in the temperature-sensitive region.

[0019] In one embodiment, it may include an LED lamp portion located inside the tube to irradiate light onto the object to be treated; a lighting cover portion disposed at the distal end of the tube to cover the LED lamp portion; and a coating portion in which a second temperature-sensitive material, the color or light transmittance of which changes according to temperature, is laminated onto the lighting cover portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first temperature-sensitive material and the second temperature-sensitive material may be the same material.

[0021] In one embodiment, the coating portion may have a fourth transmittance at a preset third temperature or lower, and a fifth transmittance lower than the fourth transmittance at a third temperature or higher.

[0022] In one embodiment, the coating portion may have a sixth transmittance lower than the fifth transmittance at a preset fourth temperature higher than the third temperature.

[0023] In one embodiment, the coating portion transmits light in the visible light wavelength band at a temperature below a preset third temperature, and transmits light in the third wavelength band among the visible light wavelength bands at a temperature above the third temperature.

[0024] In one embodiment, the endoscope device according to the present disclosure may further include: an image sensor unit that receives an image of the object to be examined through the lens unit; and a display unit electrically connected to the image sensor unit to output an image of the object to be examined. Additionally, the display unit may display a temperature calculated based on the color or transmittance of the variable unit obtained through the image sensor unit, together with the image of the object to be examined.

[0025] Each of the features of the above-described embodiments may be implemented in combination in other embodiments, provided that such features do not contradict or are not exclusive of other embodiments.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an endoscope device is provided that intuitively informs the operator of temperature changes at the surgical site without distracting the operator's gaze during the use of the endoscope device, thereby improving the operator's surgical convenience.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an endoscope device capable of notifying the operator of temperature changes at the surgical site without a separate power supply is provided, which can be used without structural modifications to conventional endoscope devices.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an endoscopic device that provides real-time information on temperature changes at the patient's surgical site, even when the patient and the operator are remotely separated, can be provided to improve patient safety and surgical success rates.

[0029] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly recognized by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0030] FIG. 1 is an example of an endoscope device according to the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 2 is another example of an endoscope device according to the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 3 is an example of a distal end according to the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 4 is an example of a shooting unit according to the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 5 is an example of a variable part according to the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 illustrates an example in which the variable part changes according to temperature.

[0036] Figure 7 illustrates another example in which the variable part changes according to temperature.

[0037] Figure 8 illustrates another example in which the variable part changes according to temperature.

[0038] FIG. 9 is an example of a lighting unit according to the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 10 illustrates an example of how the coating changes depending on the temperature.

[0040] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. However, this is merely illustrative and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0041] In describing the embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined in consideration of their functions within the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intentions or practices of the user or operator. Therefore, such definitions should be based on the content throughout this specification. Terms used in the detailed description are intended merely to describe the embodiments of the present invention and should not be limiting in any way. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, expressions in the singular form include the meaning of the plural form. In this description, expressions such as "include" or "comprise" are intended to refer to certain characteristics, numbers, steps, actions, elements, parts thereof, or combinations thereof, and should not be interpreted to exclude the existence or possibility of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, actions, elements, parts thereof, or combinations thereof other than those described.

[0042]

[0043] FIG. 1 is an example of an endoscope device according to the present disclosure.

[0044] In this specification, the term "endoscopic device" may refer to an endoscope or a medical device including the same. Additionally, in this specification, the term "temperature of the surgical site" may refer to the temperature of the object (or human organ) being operated on using an endoscope and the temperature of the perfusion fluid in contact with the object.

[0045] An endoscope device (1) according to the present disclosure may include a pipe-shaped tube (20) and a body part (16) into which the tube is inserted and which controls the tube (20).

[0046] The tube (20) may be formed of a flexible material so that it can be manipulated by a wire (not shown). The tube (20) may be provided in a pipe shape and may include, inside, a fluid channel (22, see FIG. 2) through which perfusion fluid passes and a working channel (21, see FIG. 2) into which a laser or surgical tool is inserted.

[0047] The body portion (16) may be connected to a fluid supply channel (12) that supplies perfusion fluid and a laser supply channel (11) that guides a laser generated by a laser generator (not shown), and may provide a handle for operation by the operator. The fluid supply channel (12) and the laser supply channel (11) may be connected to the fluid channel (22) and the work channel (21) that are disposed inside the tube (20) in the body portion (16).

[0048] Additionally, the body part (16) may further include a surgical tool insertion port (14) into which a surgical tool part (not shown) inserted into the tube (20) for physical surgery is inserted.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, the fluid supply channel (12) and the laser supply channel (11) are connected to the body part (16) at a different location, but this is merely an example, and the fluid supply channel (12) and the laser supply channel (11) may be connected by a Y-shaped connector (not shown) and then the body part (16) may be connected to the Y-shaped connector. Alternatively, the laser supply channel (11) may also be inserted into the surgical tool insertion port (14).

[0050]

[0051] FIG. 2 is another example of an endoscope device according to the present disclosure.

[0052] The endoscopic device (1) according to the present disclosure may further include a sheath (60) into which a tube (20) is inserted. The sheath (60) refers to a tube that serves as a passage to help safely and quickly access the kidney (K) containing the stone during flexible ureteroscopic surgery. Since the ureter is narrow and sensitive, if the sheath (60) is inserted first and then the tube (20) is inserted into the sheath (60), damage to the ureter is minimized during manipulation of the tube (20) and the pressure within the kidney is kept low, making the surgery safer.

[0053] The distal tip of the tube (20) may protrude outward beyond the outlet (63) of the sheath (60). The sheath (60) is formed of a flexible material so that as the operator manipulates the movement of the tube (20), the sheath (60) may also exhibit the same movement.

[0054] Additionally, the endoscope device (1) can supply perfusion fluid to the kidney (K), which is the object to be treated, through a fluid channel (22, see FIG. 3). Afterward, the perfusion fluid can be discharged to the outside through the gap between the sheath (60) and the tube (20). To effectively discharge the perfusion fluid to the outside, the sheath (60) may include a sheath cone (62) in an opening located opposite the outlet (63).

[0055] For example, the sheath cone (62) may be in the shape of a funnel. This is to allow the perfusion fluid to be discharged naturally by gravity more efficiently. Since the surgical site is exposed to the perfusion fluid discharged through the sheath (60), the temperature of the surgical site may be equal to or similar to the temperature of the perfusion fluid. Therefore, if the temperature of the perfusion fluid is high, it will mean that the temperature of the surgical site or the temperature of the organ being operated on is high. The reason the temperature of the perfusion fluid rises may be due to the use of a high-power laser or an electrical bipolar device.

[0056] Therefore, considering organ damage or patient safety, the operator needs to check whether the temperature of the perfusion fluid being continuously discharged is above a temperature requiring caution. To eliminate this inconvenience, the endoscope device (1) according to the present disclosure may include a temperature-sensitive material (or thermochromic material, meaning Thermo-responsive Material or Thermochromic Material in English) and may further include a sheath cone discoloration portion (62a) coated on the inner surface (621) of the sheath cone.

[0057] The sheathcon color-changing portion (62a) may include an adhesive resin for bonding to the temperature-sensitive material and the inner surface (621) of the sheathcon. The sheathcon color-changing portion (62a) may be in the form of ink or a film. Alternatively, the sheathcon color-changing portion (62a) may be an ink or film in which the temperature-sensitive material is encapsulated and applied. The temperature-sensitive material may be in the form of a liquid crystal or a dye.

[0058] The function and principle of the above sheathcon discoloration part (62a) are the same as those of the variable part (321, see FIG. 4) and coating part (421, see FIG. 9) described later, so they were explained in FIG. 4.

[0059]

[0060] FIG. 3 is an example of a distal end according to the present disclosure.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, the endoscope device (1) according to the present disclosure may include a shooting unit (30) and a lighting unit (40) disposed inside a tube (20).

[0062] The above-mentioned imaging unit (30) and the above-mentioned lighting unit (40) are necessary to obtain high-definition real-time images of the surgical site. The above-mentioned imaging unit (30) may include an image sensor unit (31, see FIG. 4) disposed inside the tube (20). Additionally, the above-mentioned imaging unit (30) may further include a lens unit (32, see FIG. 4) exposed to the distal end (29). Thus, strictly speaking, FIG. 3 illustrates the lens unit (32) exposed to the outside among the above-mentioned imaging unit (30).

[0063] The above-mentioned imaging unit (30) can transmit images of the surgical site in real time. The above-mentioned lighting unit (40) may include a plurality of lighting units to obtain homogeneous illumination. That is, the above-mentioned lighting unit (40) may include a first lighting unit (401) and a second lighting unit (402) positioned adjacent to the above-mentioned imaging unit (30).

[0064] Alternatively, if uniform lighting can be secured, the lighting unit (40) may be provided in a single unit. In addition, the lighting unit (40) may be positioned to minimize the occurrence of shadows on the surgical site. The lighting unit (40) may include an LED lamp unit (41, see FIG. 9) placed inside the tube (20). Furthermore, the lighting unit (40) may further include a lighting cover unit (42, see FIG. 9) exposed to the distal end (29). Thus, strictly speaking, FIG. 3 illustrates the lighting cover unit (42) exposed to the outside among the lighting unit (40). The front surface of the lighting cover unit (42) facing the surgical site may be concave or convex, or it may be flat. In addition, the lighting cover unit (42) may function as a lens.

[0065] The first lighting unit (401) and the second lighting unit (402) may each include the same components as the lighting unit (40).

[0066] Additionally, the endoscope device (1) may further include a working channel (21) and a fluid channel (22) disposed inside the tube (20) along the longitudinal direction of the tube (20).

[0067] The above working channel (21) may be a laser channel for irradiating a laser onto a surgical site, or a channel through which surgical tools necessary for cutting or cauterizing the surgical site pass.

[0068] The fluid channel (22) is a passage through which the perfusion fluid supplied to the surgical site passes. For example, the perfusion fluid may be physiological saline. The perfusion fluid can remove secretions, blood, foam, etc., during examination or surgery to allow for clear observation of the interior. In addition, the perfusion fluid can wash away foreign substances or blood clots from the surgical site. Furthermore, the injection of the perfusion fluid can be used to secure a surgical space by expanding the tissue of the surgical site.

[0069] FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which the fluid channel (22) is contained within the tube (20), but alternatively, the fluid channel (22) can also be supplied through the endoscope device (1) and other devices. That is, as long as the perfusion fluid can be supplied to the surgical site, the method of supplying the perfusion fluid may be any other method.

[0070] As mentioned above, checking the temperature of the surgical site is very important for increasing patient safety and the success rate of the surgery. However, since the operator performs the surgery using the above-mentioned endoscopic device (1) or a robot including it, it is difficult to directly check the temperature of the surgical site exposed to the irrigation fluid, unlike in open surgery. Directly checking the temperature of the irrigation fluid by the operator distracts the operator's attention and can reduce the concentration on the surgery. Having a third party (or assistant) check the temperature of the irrigation fluid has the problem that the criteria are subjective and inconsistent. Devices capable of objectively measuring this have the problem of limited installation space and require a separate display to visually show it to the operator.

[0071] Therefore, there is a need for a method to intuitively and consistently check whether the temperature of the patient's surgical site is in a dangerous state without adding a separate device to a conventional endoscope.

[0072]

[0073] FIG. 4 is an example of a shooting unit according to the present disclosure.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 4, the imaging unit (30) according to the present disclosure may include an image sensor unit (31) for photographing a target object (P), and a lens unit (32) for refracting light reflected from the target object and causing it to enter the image sensor unit (31).

[0075] The image sensor unit (31) may be a miniature semiconductor that utilizes a miniaturized CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) method to realize the inside of the human body, including the object (P), in high resolution in real time.

[0076] The lens portion (32) can refract light. FIG. 4 shows the lens portion (32) as a single convex lens, but it may be a composite lens in which multiple lenses are assembled.

[0077] Light irradiated from the illumination unit (40, see FIG. 3) can be reflected from the subject (P) or surgical site and then incident on the image sensor unit (31) through the lens unit (32). Therefore, if the lens unit (32) becomes opaque or transmits only light of a specific wavelength, the image received through the image sensor unit (31) may be opaque or only light of a specific wavelength may be visible.

[0078] The endoscope device (1) according to the present disclosure may include a variable part (321) in which a temperature-sensitive material is coated or laminated on the lens part (32). In particular, the variable part (321) may be coated on a pre-set temperature-sensitive area (321a) among the exposed surface (325). This is because the exposed surface (325) is exposed to the outside and can change sensitively according to the temperature of the surgical site (specifically, the temperature of the perfusion fluid). Furthermore, the variable part (321) may change the color or transmittance of light according to the temperature.

[0079] For example, the variable part (321) may have a first transmittance at a preset first temperature or lower, and a second transmittance lower than the first transmittance at a temperature above the first temperature.

[0080] That is, the variable part (321) is transparent (transmittance of light in the visible light range is 80% or more) when the temperature is below a preset first temperature, but can become translucent or opaque (transmittance of light in the visible light range is 70% or less) when the temperature is above the first temperature.

[0081] The above variable part (321) can pass only wavelengths in a specific range among the incident visible light depending on the change in temperature.

[0082] For example, the variable part (321) can transmit light of the visible light wavelength band at a temperature below a preset first temperature, and transmit light of the first wavelength band among the visible light wavelength bands at a temperature above the first temperature.

[0083] That is, the variable part (321) may be colorless or transparent at temperatures below the first temperature, but may transmit only the wavelength band of red light at temperatures above the first temperature. Alternatively, the variable part (321) may transmit only the wavelength band of relatively long wavelengths (e.g., yellow and red series) among the wavelengths of the visible light range depending on the change in temperature. This is because, psychologically or intuitively, yellow is more effective than blue, and red is more effective than yellow in informing the operator that the current temperature of the surgical site is in a dangerous state.

[0084] Accordingly, the endoscope device (1) according to the present disclosure can implement a multi-stage warning system using reversible discoloration characteristics.

[0085] In addition, the variable part (321) may have different transmittances at a plurality of preset temperatures.

[0086] For example, the variable part (321) may have a first transmittance at a preset first temperature or lower, and a second transmittance lower than the first transmittance at a temperature above the first temperature.

[0087] And, the variable part (321) may have a third transmittance lower than the second transmittance at a preset second temperature higher than the first temperature.

[0088] For reference, the above transmittance may be measured according to standards such as ANSI Z80.3 or ISO 8980 related to the transmittance of the lens coating.

[0089] In addition, the above variable part (321) may have different wavelength bands transmitted at each of the preset temperatures.

[0090] For example, the variable part (321) can transmit light of the visible light wavelength band at a temperature below a preset first temperature, and transmit light of the first wavelength band among the visible light wavelength bands at a temperature above the first temperature.

[0091] As another example, the variable part (321) can transmit light of the second wavelength band among the visible light wavelength bands at a preset second temperature higher than the first temperature.

[0092] In order for the variable part (321) to have different transmittances or different transmittable wavelength bands at multiple preset temperatures, the first temperature-sensitive material may have properties of multiple transmittances or different transmittable wavelength bands at different temperature ranges.

[0093] In contrast, the variable part (321) may be coated as a single layer by mixing two different materials, or laminated as different layers.

[0094] For example, the first variable part (3211) and the second variable part (3212) may be coated to overlap in a temperature-sensitive area (321a, see FIG. 5).

[0095] That is, the variable part (321) may include a first variable part (3211) and a second variable part (3212). Also, the first temperature-sensitive material may include a first-1 material and a first-2 material. The first-1 material may be included in the first variable part (3211), and the first-2 material may be included in the second variable part (3212).

[0096] The first variable part (3211) and the second variable part (3212) may be coated on the temperature-sensitive area (321a). The temperature-sensitive area (321a) may be equal to or smaller than the area of ​​the exposed surface (325).

[0097] The first variable part (3211) and the second variable part (3212) may be formed in different parts of the temperature-sensitive area (321a).

[0098] Alternatively, the first variable part (3211) and the second variable part (3212) may be formed to overlap in the temperature-sensitive area (321a).

[0099] For example, the variable portion (321) may include a first variable portion (3211) in which the first-1 material is coated on the exposed surface (325); and a second variable portion (3212) in which the first-2 material is coated on the exposed surface (325).

[0100] The first variable part (3211) transmits light in the visible light wavelength band at a temperature below a preset first temperature and transmits light in the first wavelength band among the visible light wavelength bands at a temperature above the first temperature, and the second variable part (3212) transmits light in the second wavelength band among the visible light wavelength bands at a temperature above the second temperature.

[0101] The wavelength of the light in the first wavelength band may be shorter than the wavelength of the light in the second wavelength band. For example, the light in the first wavelength band may be yellow, and the light in the second wavelength band may be red.

[0102] In another example, the first temperature-sensitive material comprises a first-1 material and a first-2 material, and the variable part (321) comprises a first variable part (3211) which includes the first-1 material and is coated on the exposed surface (325); and a second variable part (3212) which includes the first-2 material and is coated on the exposed surface (325), wherein the first variable part (3211) has a first transmittance below a preset first temperature and has a second transmittance lower than the first transmittance above the first temperature, and the second variable part (3212) may have a third transmittance lower than the second transmittance above a preset second temperature which is higher than the first temperature.

[0103] Alternatively, the first variable part (3211) and the second variable part (3212) may be coated in an overlapping manner. Or, the variable part (321) may be coated as a single layer by mixing the first-1 material and the first-2 material.

[0104] Temperature-sensitive materials (or thermochromic materials) can be smart materials whose color or transmittance changes depending on temperature. In addition, the temperature-sensitive materials are capable of reversible changes depending on temperature.

[0105] There are types of temperature-sensitive materials that change color depending on temperature, such as liquid crystal type, leuco dye type, and inorganic type.

[0106] For example, liquid crystal temperature-sensitive materials can exhibit various color changes as their crystal structure changes with temperature and the wavelength of reflected light changes. For instance, they are composed primarily of a mixture of 'cholesteric liquid crystals' in which the helical pitch of the molecular arrangement changes with temperature. More specifically, cholesterol derivatives such as cholesteryl nonanoate, cholesteryl oleyl carbonate, and cholesteryl benzoate are used. Rather than using a single component, a range of desired color change temperatures (or reference temperatures) can be set by mixing them in specific proportions.

[0107] For example, leuco dye-type temperature-sensitive materials can become transparent or change color as the two substances (electron donor / acceptor) that exhibit color separate as the solid solvent dissolves depending on the temperature. The above leuco dye-type temperature-sensitive material may include a three-component system consisting of a 'color former' that determines the color, a 'developer' that expresses the color, and a 'solvent' that determines the reaction temperature. Examples of precursors include Crystal Violet Lactone (CVL), which transmits or reflects blue light, and Fluoran-based compounds, which transmit or reflects red light. Phenolic compounds such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and Lauryl Gallate are used as developers that act as acidic catalysts to produce color. Finally, long-chain alcohols or ester compounds such as 1-dodecanol or methyl stearate are used as colorants that undergo a phase transition from solid to liquid and determine the discoloration temperature.

[0108] For example, inorganic temperature-sensitive materials are metal compounds in which the crystal structure changes (phase transition) or charge transfer occurs depending on the temperature change. Examples include vanadium dioxide (VO2), silver mercury iodide (Ag2HgI4), zinc oxide (ZnO), and alumina (Al2O3) doped with chromium oxide (Cr2O3).

[0109] For example, a representative example of a temperature-sensitive material whose transmittance changes with temperature is a temperature-sensitive polymer with a Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST). At the LCST, below a reference temperature (or critical temperature), polymer chains form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, allowing them to dissolve well in water or maintain a hydrated state, thereby passing visible light and appearing transparent. However, when the temperature rises above the critical temperature, hydrogen bonds break, and hydrophobic interactions between polymer chains become dominant, causing phase separation where the chains contract and clump together. At this time, the clumped polymer clusters scatter light, causing the material to appear opaque or translucent white. A specific component of the most representative and widely used LCST is poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM).

[0110] The types of temperature-sensitive materials mentioned above are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0111] The first temperature and the second temperature can be set in various ways.

[0112] Generally, the first temperature and the second temperature may be 37.5°C (Celsius) and 40°C, respectively. These temperatures are taken into account for the patient's body temperature and the risk of organ damage during surgery.

[0113] As another example, during flexible ureteroscopy, the first temperature and the second temperature may be 40°C and 50°C, respectively. This is because a protein called Renin is denatured when the temperature of the surgical site (or the temperature of the perfusion fluid) is 40°C or higher. Renin is a hormonal enzyme that activates a hormone / enzyme system called the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which is associated with the regulation of blood pressure, fluid volume, and electrolytes.

[0114] Subsequently, at temperatures above 45°C, erythropoietin (EPO) and epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) located in the distal tubule may be denatured.

[0115] Subsequently, at temperatures above 50°C, nephrin and podocin of the glomerulus, Na+ / K+ ATPase of the tubules, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelin of the vessels may be denatured.

[0116] Also, at temperatures above 55°C, Claudin in the tubules and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the vessels may be denatured.

[0117] Therefore, during flexible ureteroscopic surgery, a reference temperature including the first temperature and the second temperature can be determined based on the aforementioned major denaturation temperature.

[0118] In addition, in other types of endoscopic surgery, the reference temperature, etc., may be set differently. Accordingly, the lens part (32) may use a temperature-sensitive material with different components or mixing ratios.

[0119]

[0120] FIG. 5 is an example of a variable part according to the present disclosure.

[0121] The variable portion (321) may be laminated on the exposed surface (325). More specifically, it may include a first variable portion (3211) and a second variable portion (3212) coated on different parts of the temperature-sensitive area (321a). The variable portion (321) may include a first variable portion (3211) comprising a first-1 material that is applied in the form of ink or coated in the form of a film. Additionally, the variable portion (321) may include a second variable portion (3212) comprising a first-2 material that is applied in the form of ink or coated in the form of a film.

[0122] Due to the above-mentioned first-1 material, the first variable part (3211) may have a first transmittance below a preset first temperature and a second transmittance lower than the first transmittance above the first temperature.

[0123] Due to the above-mentioned first- and second materials, the second variable part (3212) may have a third transmittance lower than the second transmittance at a preset second temperature higher than the first temperature. The second variable part (3212) may have a transmittance similar to the first transmittance at a temperature lower than the second temperature.

[0124] FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which the first variable part (3211) is patterned in the shape of a circular ring and the second variable part (3212) is patterned in the shape of a cross. However, this is merely an example, and it may be patterned in a different way.

[0125] However, in order to draw greater attention to the operator at higher temperatures, the first variable part (3211) may be placed in an area off-center from the exposed surface, and the second variable part (3212) may be placed in an area including the center.

[0126] If the transmittance or color of the first variable part (3211) changes during surgery, the operator may stop the surgery and wait until the fever subsides or increase the flow rate of the perfusion fluid. Additionally, the operator may proceed with the surgery until the second variable part (3212) changes while ignoring the change in the first variable part (3211), and if the transmittance or color of the second variable part (3212) changes, the operator may immediately stop the surgery and wait until the fever subsides or increase the flow rate of the perfusion fluid.

[0127] That is, the operator can react immediately to changes in color or transmittance of the first variable part (3211) and the second variable part (3212). In addition, since no separate power supply or device is required for changes in the first variable part (3211) and the second variable part (3212), the narrow space inside the tube (20) can be utilized efficiently. Furthermore, the endoscope device (1) according to the present disclosure has the advantage of being able to non-invasively determine the temperature of the surgical site.

[0128] Figure 6 illustrates an example in which the variable part changes according to temperature.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 6, the image of the object (P) entering the image sensor unit (31) through the lens unit (32) is circular, and since the image sensor located in the image sensor unit (31) is square, a portion of the image acquired from the image sensor unit (31) may be displayed as a black area (F) where the object (P) is not captured.

[0130] The operator can proceed with the surgery normally while checking the subject (P) in real time through the imaging unit (30) when the temperature of the surgical site is below the first temperature.

[0131] However, when the temperature of the surgical site becomes above the first temperature, the transmittance or color of the first variable part (3211) changes, and a circular ring may appear around the lens part (32, or exposed surface (325)).

[0132] Subsequently, when the temperature of the surgical site reaches a second temperature, the transmittance or color of the second variable part (3212) changes, and a cross shape may appear in the central area of ​​the lens part (32). In this case, since the central area of ​​the subject (P) is obscured, the operator cannot proceed with the surgery and must stop until the temperature drops. That is, the endoscope device (1) can intuitively and consistently notify the operator of the temperature change of the surgical site without any other electrical devices.

[0133] Meanwhile, the endoscope device (1) according to the present disclosure may further include an image sensor unit (31) that receives an image of the object (P) through the lens unit (32) and a display unit (not shown) that is electrically connected to the image sensor unit (31) and outputs an image of the object (P).

[0134] The image sensor unit (31) can be electrically connected to the display unit. Through this, the display unit can output an image of the object (P) acquired by the image sensor unit (31).

[0135] The image sensor unit (31) may be located inside the tube (20). The display unit may be spaced apart from the outside of the tube (20) to show the operator an image of the subject (P) received through the image sensor unit (31).

[0136] Additionally, the display unit may display the temperature of the surgical site, calculated based on the color or transmittance of the variable unit (321) obtained through the image sensor unit (31), together with the image of the subject. The temperature of the surgical site may be calculated using the RGB values ​​of each pixel obtained through the image sensor unit (31). The temperature of the surgical site may be displayed superimposed on the image of the subject (P), or displayed outside the image of the subject (P).

[0137] For example, when the color of the variable part (321) changes to yellow, the display part can display a first temperature (e.g., 40°C) calculated as a specific value.

[0138] In addition, even if the color of the variable part (321) is yellow, the RGB values ​​of each pixel obtained through the image sensor part (31) can continue to change, so accordingly, the display part may calculate the temperature of the surgical site and display the increasing or decreasing temperature.

[0139]

[0140] Figure 7 illustrates another example in which the variable part changes according to temperature.

[0141] FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which, unlike FIG. 6, the variable portion (321) is coated around the lens portion (32, or the exposed surface (325)).

[0142] The operator can proceed with the surgery normally while checking the subject (P) in real time through the imaging unit (30) when the temperature of the surgical site is below the first temperature.

[0143] However, when the temperature of the surgical site becomes higher than the first temperature, the transmittance of the variable part (321) may be lowered to the first transmittance, or the wavelength band transmitted through the variable part (321) may be limited to light of the first wavelength band.

[0144] Afterwards, when the temperature of the surgical site becomes higher than the second temperature, the transmittance of the variable part (321) may decrease from the first transmittance to the second transmittance, or the wavelength band transmitted through the variable part (321) may change from the first wavelength band to the second wavelength band of light.

[0145] Instead of completely covering the surgical site, the operator can intuitively determine if the temperature of the current surgical site has reached a dangerous level by observing changes in the color or transmittance of the circular ring.

[0146] Additionally, the variable part (321) includes a first variable part (3211) and a second variable part (3212), and each may include a first-1 material and a first-2 material.

[0147] When the temperature of the surgical site becomes above the first temperature, the transmittance of the first variable part (3211) may be lowered to the first transmittance, or the wavelength band transmitted through the variable part (321) may be limited to light of the first wavelength band.

[0148] Afterwards, when the temperature of the surgical site reaches a second temperature, the transmittance or color of the second variable part (3212) changes, and the transmittance or color of the same area as the first variable part (3211) may also change.

[0149]

[0150] Figure 8 illustrates another example in which the variable part changes according to temperature.

[0151] The variable part (321) includes a first variable part (3211) and a second variable part (3212), and each may include a first-1 material and a first-2 material.

[0152] The first variable part (3211) is arranged in a ring shape in an area excluding the center of the lens part (32, or exposed surface (325)), and the second variable part (3212) may be arranged in the center area of ​​the lens part (32).

[0153] When the temperature of the surgical site becomes above the first temperature, the transmittance of the first variable part (3211) may be lowered to the first transmittance, or the wavelength band transmitted through the variable part (321) may be limited to light of the first wavelength band.

[0154] Afterwards, when the temperature of the surgical site reaches a second temperature, the transmittance or color of the second variable part (3212) changes, and the transmittance or color of the same area as the first variable part (3211) may also change.

[0155] At temperatures above the second temperature, at least a portion of the lens portion (32) is obscured, so the operator can stop the surgery. This increases patient safety and improves the success rate of the surgery.

[0156]

[0157] FIG. 9 is an example of a lighting unit according to the present disclosure.

[0158] The illumination unit (40) may be necessary for the imaging unit (30, see FIG. 3) to obtain a clear, high-definition image in a dark body. Additionally, the illumination unit (40) can identify lesions to improve the precision of diagnosis and surgery.

[0159] That is, the lighting unit (40) may include an LED lamp unit (41) located inside the tube (20) to irradiate light onto the object to be treated (P); a lighting cover unit (42) disposed at the distal end (29) of the tube (20) to cover the LED lamp unit (41); and a coating unit (421) laminated on the lighting cover unit (42), which includes a second temperature-sensitive material whose color or transmittance of light changes according to temperature. In particular, the coating unit (421) may be formed on the outer surface (425) of the lighting cover unit (42) facing the object to be treated (P).

[0160] The first temperature-sensitive material and the second temperature-sensitive material may be the same material, but may also be different materials.

[0161] Additionally, the first temperature-sensitive material and the second temperature-sensitive material are identical to each other, but the concentration of the temperature-sensitive material included in the variable part (321) and the coating part (421) may differ. This is because the intensity of light emitted from the lighting part (40) is stronger than the intensity of light incident on the imaging part (30).

[0162] Similar to the variable portion (321) above, the coating portion (421) can be formed as a single layer by mixing two different materials. Alternatively, the first coating portion (4211) and the second coating portion (4212) can be formed to overlap.

[0163] That is, the coating portion (421) may include a first coating portion (4211) and a second coating portion (4212). And, the second temperature-sensitive material may include a second-1 material and a second-2 material. The second-1 material may be included in the first coating portion (4211), and the second-2 material may be included in the second coating portion (4212).

[0164] The description of the coating part (421) and the second temperature-sensitive material in FIGS. 9 and 10 is omitted here because the description of the variable part (321) and the first temperature-sensitive material described in FIGS. 4 to 8 can be applied mutatis mutandis. However, considering the intensity of the light source irradiated from the lighting part (40), the concentration of the second temperature-sensitive material or the reference temperature may be set differently from the concentration of the first temperature-sensitive material or the reference temperature in the variable part (321).

[0165]

[0166] Figure 10 illustrates an example of how the coating changes depending on the temperature.

[0167] The coating portion (421) has a fourth transmittance at a preset third temperature or lower, and can have a fifth transmittance lower than the fourth transmittance at a temperature above the third temperature.

[0168] And, the coating portion (421) may have a sixth transmittance lower than the fifth transmittance at a preset fourth temperature higher than the third temperature.

[0169] Additionally, the coating portion (421) can transmit light in the visible light wavelength band at a temperature below a preset third temperature, and transmit light in the third wavelength band among the visible light wavelength bands at a temperature above the third temperature.

[0170] That is, the third temperature and the fourth temperature may each be the same temperature as the aforementioned first temperature and second temperature. This is to ensure that when a change appears in the variable part (321) at the first temperature and the second temperature or higher, the coating part (421) also changes so that the change in the variable part (321) is displayed more clearly.

[0171]

[0172] Although representative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. In an endoscopic device, Pipe-shaped tube; A lens portion located at the distal end of the tube for photographing the subject; and An endoscope device comprising: a variable portion coated on the lens portion thereof with a first temperature-sensitive material whose color or light transmittance changes according to temperature.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above variable part An endoscope device formed in a preset temperature-sensitive area of ​​the above-mentioned lens portion.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above variable part Having a first transmittance at a first temperature below a preset first temperature, An endoscope device having a second transmittance lower than the first transmittance at a temperature above the first temperature.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above variable part An endoscope device having a third transmittance lower than the second transmittance at a preset second temperature higher than the first temperature.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above variable part Transmitting light in the visible light wavelength band at a temperature below a preset first temperature, and An endoscope device that transmits light of the first wavelength band among the visible light wavelength bands at the above first temperature or higher.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above variable part An endoscope device that transmits light of the second wavelength band among the visible light wavelength bands at a preset second temperature higher than the first temperature.

7. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned first temperature-sensitive material is It includes the 1-1 substance and the 1-2 substance, The above variable part A first variable part coated with the above-mentioned first-1 material on the lens part; and The above first and second materials are coated on the lens portion, comprising a second variable portion; The above first variable part Transmitting light in the visible light wavelength band below a preset first temperature, and transmitting light in the first wavelength band among the visible light wavelength bands above the first temperature, The above second variable part An endoscope device that transmits light of the second wavelength band among the visible light wavelength bands at the above second temperature or higher.

8. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned first temperature-sensitive material is It includes the 1-1 substance and the 1-2 substance, The above variable part A first variable part coated with the above-mentioned first-1 material on the lens part; and The above first and second materials are coated on the lens portion, comprising a second variable portion; The above first variable part It has a first transmittance below a preset first temperature, and a second transmittance lower than the first transmittance above the first temperature, The above second variable part An endoscope device having a third transmittance lower than the second transmittance at a preset second temperature higher than the first temperature.

9. In either Paragraph 7 or Paragraph 8, The above first variable part and the above second variable part are endoscope devices formed in different parts of the temperature-sensitive region.

10. In either of Paragraphs 7 and 8, An endoscope device formed such that the first variable part and the second variable part overlap in the temperature-sensitive region.

11. In Paragraph 1, An LED lamp unit located inside the tube to irradiate light onto the object to be treated; A lighting cover portion disposed at the distal end of the tube to cover the LED lamp portion; and An endoscope device comprising: a coating portion laminated on the lighting cover portion, wherein a second temperature-sensitive material whose color or light transmittance changes according to temperature.

12. In Paragraph 11, An endoscope device in which the first temperature-sensitive material and the second temperature-sensitive material are the same material.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above coating part Having a fourth transmittance at a preset third temperature or lower, An endoscope device having a fifth transmittance lower than the fourth transmittance at a temperature above the third temperature.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above coating part An endoscope device having a sixth transmittance lower than the fifth transmittance at a preset fourth temperature higher than the third temperature.

15. In Paragraph 11, The above coating part Transmits light in the visible light wavelength band at a temperature below the preset third temperature, and An endoscope device that transmits light of the third wavelength band among the visible light wavelength bands at the above third temperature or higher.

16. In Paragraph 1, An image sensor unit that receives an image of the object to be examined through the lens unit; and It further includes a display unit electrically connected to the image sensor unit and outputting an image of the object to be treated. The above display unit An endoscope device that displays the temperature calculated based on the color or transmittance of the variable part obtained through the image sensor part, along with an image of the object to be examined.

Images