WO2021157637A1 - Lacrimal passage endoscope - Google Patents

Lacrimal passage endoscope Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021157637A1
WO2021157637A1 PCT/JP2021/004033 JP2021004033W WO2021157637A1 WO 2021157637 A1 WO2021157637 A1 WO 2021157637A1 JP 2021004033 W JP2021004033 W JP 2021004033W WO 2021157637 A1 WO2021157637 A1 WO 2021157637A1
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Prior art keywords
insertion portion
pipe
lacrimal
tube
tip
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PCT/JP2021/004033
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
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憲昭 金澤
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ニプロ株式会社
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Priority to JP2021575847A priority Critical patent/JPWO2021157637A1/ja
Publication of WO2021157637A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021157637A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/012—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor characterised by internal passages or accessories therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B3/00—Apparatus for testing the eyes; Instruments for examining the eyes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a lacrimal duct endoscope.
  • Lacrimal duct endoscopes used for lacrimal duct examination or treatment have been developed (for example, Patent Document 1-3).
  • a lacrimal duct endoscope as shown in Patent Document 1-3 is provided with an insertion portion that can be inserted into the lacrimal duct of a patient.
  • the insertion portion is tubular, and at its tip, a light that illuminates the inspection target, an objective lens that collects the light reflected on the surface of the inspection target, and the like are provided.
  • the outer diameter of the insertion portion is the value shown in Patent Documents 1-3
  • the user may find it difficult to insert the insertion portion into the lacrimal passage of the patient. Therefore, it is conceivable to make the insertion portion thinner.
  • the length of the insertion portion is the value shown in Patent Documents 1-3
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for improving the operability of the lacrimal duct endoscope and suppressing deformation of the shape of the lacrimal duct endoscope.
  • the present invention adopts the following configuration in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.
  • the lacrimal duct endoscope has a tubular insertion portion that can be inserted into the lacrimal passage and a holding portion that holds the base end of the insertion portion, and the insertion portion can be operated.
  • the outer diameter of the insertion portion is 0.6 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less, and is substantially uniform over the longitudinal direction, and the length of the insertion portion is 16 mm or more and 40 mm or less.
  • the outer diameter of the insertion portion is thin and substantially uniform, so that the user can easily insert the insertion portion into the lacrimal passage of the patient. Further, since the length of the insertion portion is short, the operability of the insertion portion is improved. Therefore, it is suppressed that the tip of the insertion portion is caught on the inner wall of the lacrimal passage while the insertion portion is being inserted into the lacrimal passage. Even if the tip of the insertion part is caught on the inner wall of the lacrimal passage, the length of the insertion part is short, so the bending caused by the force reacting from the inner wall of the lacrimal passage to the tip of the insertion part causes bending in the insertion part. The moment will be small. Therefore, the deformation of the lacrimal duct endoscope is suppressed.
  • the first tube provided inside the insertion portion along the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, and the first tube through which the light incident from the tip of the insertion portion passes.
  • a second tube provided inside the insertion section along the longitudinal direction of the insertion section and through which the fluid flowing out from the tip of the insertion section passes, is further provided, and the insertion section, the first tube, and the second tube are provided.
  • the tubes are each made of a material containing metal, and the first tube and the second tube may be provided so as to be in contact with the inner wall of the insertion portion and to be in contact with each other.
  • the insertion portion, the first pipe, and the second pipe are each made of a material containing metal, the rigidity of the insertion portion, the first pipe, and the second pipe is improved. Further, the first tube and the second tube are provided so as to be in contact with the inner wall of the insertion portion and to be in contact with each other. Therefore, the insertion portion, the first pipe, and the second pipe can integrally counter the bending moment generated in the insertion portion. Therefore, the deformation of the insertion portion, the first tube and the second tube is suppressed.
  • the first tube and the second tube are provided side by side in the radial direction of the insertion portion, and the cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the second tube is substantially a cross section.
  • a semicircular, substantially semicircular straight line portion may be in contact with the first tube.
  • the cross-sectional area of the second pipe can be increased without changing the thickness of the insertion portion, and the flow rate of the fluid passing through the second pipe can be increased.
  • the holding portion may have an elastic member provided so as to cover the outer surface of the base end of the insertion portion.
  • the tip of the insertion part When the tip of the insertion part is caught on the inner wall of the lacrimal passage and presses the inner wall, a force acts from the inner wall of the lacrimal passage to the tip of the insertion part, and a bending moment is generated in the insertion part. Further, the magnitude of the bending moment generated at the base end of the insertion portion is larger than the magnitude of the bending moment generated at the tip or center of the insertion portion. Therefore, it is considered that the possibility that the base end of the insertion portion is deformed increases. However, according to this configuration, when the base end of the insertion portion is about to be deformed, the elastic member covering the outer surface of the base end of the insertion portion is deformed, and the deformation of the base end of the insertion portion is suppressed.
  • the ratio of the length of the insertion portion to the outer diameter of the insertion portion may be in the range of 22 times to 37 times.
  • the ratio of the length of the insertion part to the outer diameter of the insertion part is within the above range, the tip of the insertion part is caught on the inner wall of the lacrimal passage, and a force acts from the inner wall of the lacrimal passage to the tip of the insertion part to insert the insertion part. Even when a bending moment is generated in the portion, it is possible to secure an outer diameter of the insertion portion that is sufficiently large with respect to the value of the generated bending moment. As a result, deformation of the insertion portion is suppressed.
  • the present invention it is possible to provide a technique for improving the operability of the lacrimal duct endoscope and suppressing deformation of the shape of the lacrimal duct endoscope.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the lacrimal duct endoscope according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 shows an outline of an enlarged view of the tip of the insertion portion.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a partially enlarged view of the cross section of the holding portion.
  • FIG. 4 shows the situation when a lacrimal duct endoscope is used.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the lacrimal duct endoscope 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • the lacrimal duct endoscope 1 includes an insertion portion 2.
  • the outer shape of the insertion portion 2 is formed by a highly rigid stainless steel outer pipe 7 (detailed in FIG. 2).
  • the outer pipe 7 is a cylindrical member, has a total length of 18 mm, and has an outer diameter of 0.7 mm.
  • the size of the outer diameter is substantially uniform over the entire length of the outer pipe 7.
  • the outer pipe 7 includes a portion that extends linearly from the base end toward the tip end and a portion that curves in a predetermined direction during the stretching. Since such an insertion portion 2 has a small outer diameter and is substantially uniform, it can be easily inserted into the patient's lacrimal canaliculi 52 (see FIG. 4 described later).
  • the lacrimal duct endoscope 1 includes an operation unit 3 capable of operating the insertion unit 2.
  • the operation unit 3 has a thickness that can be grasped by the user.
  • the operation unit 3 includes a holding unit 4 that holds and fixes the base end of the insertion unit 2.
  • the user grips such an operation unit 3 to operate the insertion unit 2, but since the length of the insertion unit 2 is as short as 18 mm, the operability of the insertion unit 2 that the user feels is high. Therefore, it is suppressed that the tip of the insertion portion 2 is caught on the inner wall of the canaliculi 52 while the insertion portion 2 is being inserted into the canaliculi 52. Further, even when the tip of the insertion portion 2 is caught on the inner wall of the canaliculi 52, since the length of the insertion portion 2 is short, a force acts from the inner wall of the canaliculi 52 to the tip of the insertion portion 2. The bending moment generated in the insertion portion 2 is small. Therefore, the deformation of the lacrimal duct endoscope 1 is suppressed.
  • the operation unit 3 includes a first connection unit 5 to which a supply pipe through which a physiological saline solution (an example of the fluid of the present invention) supplied from an external device passes is connected. Further, the operation unit 3 includes a second connection unit 6 to which a transmission cable for transmitting and receiving light is connected to and from an external imaging system.
  • FIG. 2 shows an outline of an enlarged view of the tip of the insertion portion 2 as viewed from the longitudinal direction.
  • the insertion portion 2 has a light guide 8 inside the outer pipe 7.
  • the light guide 8 is, for example, a bundle of a plurality of optical fibers for illumination, and is provided along the longitudinal direction of the outer pipe 7. Further, the light guide 8 extends to the inside of the operation unit 3, and its tip is connected to the second connection unit 6. That is, the light supplied from the external imaging system passes through the inside of the light guide 8 via the second connection portion 6. Then, the light that has passed through the light guide 8 irradiates the surface of the observation object.
  • the insertion portion 2 has an image fiber pipe 9 inside the outer pipe 7.
  • the image fiber pipe 9 is a highly rigid stainless steel cylindrical member, and is provided so as to be in contact with the inner wall of the outer pipe 7. Further, a plurality of image fibers 10 are provided inside the image fiber pipe 9 along the longitudinal direction. A lens 11 is provided at the tip of the image fiber pipe 9.
  • the lens 11 is irradiated from the tip of the light guide 8 and collects the light reflected on the surface of the observation object. Then, the light collected by the lens 11 passes through the image fiber 10. Further, the image fiber 10 extends to the inside of the operation unit 3, and its tip is connected to the second connection unit 6. That is, the light that has passed through the image fiber 10 is transmitted to an external imaging system.
  • the image fiber pipe 9 is an example of the "first pipe" of the present invention.
  • the insertion portion 2 has a channel pipe 12 inside the outer pipe 7.
  • the channel pipe 12 is a highly rigid stainless steel tubular member, and the shape of the cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is substantially semicircular.
  • the channel pipe 12 is provided so as to be aligned with the image fiber pipe 9 in the radial direction of the outer pipe 7.
  • the channel pipe 12 is provided so that a substantially semicircular straight line portion is in contact with the outer surface of the image fiber pipe 9, and a substantially semicircular arc portion is provided so as to be in contact with the inner wall of the outer pipe 7. .. Therefore, the insertion portion 2, the image fiber pipe 9, and the channel pipe 12 can integrally counter the bending moment generated in the insertion portion 2. Therefore, deformation of the insertion portion 2, the image fiber pipe 9, and the channel pipe 12 is suppressed.
  • the channel pipe 12 is an example of the "second pipe" of the present invention.
  • a water passage channel 13 is provided along the longitudinal direction.
  • the water flow channel 13 extends to the inside of the operation unit 3, and its tip is connected to the first connection unit 5. That is, the physiological saline solution supplied from the external device via the first connection portion 5 flows into the water passage channel 13. These physiological saline solutions can flow out from the tip of the water passage channel 13 on the insertion portion 2 side.
  • the operation unit 3 is operated to allow physiological saline to flow in from an external device via the first connection unit 5 and to flow out from the tip of the water flow channel 13 on the insertion unit 2 side to the outside.
  • the water flow operation unit is provided.
  • the cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the channel pipe 12 is substantially semicircular, and the substantially semicircular straight line portion is in contact with the outer surface of the image fiber pipe 9.
  • the channel does not change the size of the diameter of the outer pipe 7 of the insertion portion 2 as compared with the case where the channel pipe 12 having a circular cross section is used.
  • the cross-sectional area of the pipe 12 can be increased. Therefore, the flow path area of the water flow channel 13 can be increased, and the flow rate of the physiological saline passing through the water flow channel 13 can be increased.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a partially enlarged view of a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the holding portion 4.
  • the holding portion 4 includes a hole 14 through which the base end of the inserting portion 2 can be inserted. Then, in the radial direction of the insertion portion 2, a gap is provided between the outer wall of the insertion portion 2 and the inner wall of the hole 14, and the gap is filled by the damper 15.
  • the damper 15 is an elastic member that can expand and contract in the radial direction of the insertion portion 2.
  • the tip of the insertion portion 2 when the tip of the insertion portion 2 is caught on the inner wall of the canaliculi 52 and a force acts from the inner wall of the canaliculi 52 to the tip of the insertion portion 2, the tip of the insertion portion 2 or the tip of the insertion portion 2 is attached to the base end of the insertion portion 2. It is conceivable that a bending moment larger than the bending moment generated in the center is generated. Therefore, it is considered that the base end of the insertion portion 2 is more easily deformed than the tip end or the center of the insertion portion 2. However, when the base end of the insertion portion 2 is about to be deformed, the damper 15 is elastically deformed, so that the deformation of the base end of the insertion portion 2 is suppressed.
  • FIG. 4 shows the situation when the lacrimal duct endoscope 1 is used.
  • the user grasps the operation unit 3 of the lacrimal duct endoscope 1 and inserts the tip of the insertion unit 2 into the lacrimal canaliculi 52 from one of the two puncta 51 located near the eye.
  • the sum of the total length of the canaliculi 52 and the width of the lacrimal sac 53 is, for example, 12 mm to 16 mm. Degree. Therefore, when the insertion of the insertion portion 2 having a total length of about 18 mm is further advanced, the tip of the insertion portion 2 reaches the lacrimal sac 53.
  • the light passing through the light guide 8 irradiates the inner wall surface of the canaliculi 52 or the lacrimal sac 53.
  • the light reflected on the inner wall surface of the canaliculi 52 or the lacrimal sac 53 is collected through the lens 11.
  • the light collected by the lens 11 passes through the image fiber 10.
  • the light that has passed through the image fiber 10 is transmitted to an external imaging system.
  • an image of the outer wall surface of the canaliculi 52 or the lacrimal sac 53 is imaged from the transmitted light.
  • the user operates the water flow operation unit of the operation unit 3 while the insertion unit 2 is inserted into the lacrimal canaliculi 52, and the physiological saline solution is made to flow in from the external device via the first connection unit 5 and inserted.
  • the physiological saline can be discharged from the tip of the water flow channel 13 on the part 2 side.
  • the physiological saline flows into the canaliculi 52, and the canaliculi 52 are expanded. Therefore, the insertion portion 2 is smoothly inserted into the canaliculi 52.
  • the canaliculi 52 are washed with physiological saline. Therefore, the image of the canaliculi 52 or the lacrimal sac 53 can be obtained more clearly.
  • the total length of the insertion portion 2 is 18 mm, but the total length of the insertion portion 2 may be in the range of 16 mm or more and 40 mm or less.
  • the surface of the inner wall of the canaliculi 52 or the lacrimal sac 53 is imaged as shown in FIG. 4, but the total length of the insertion portion 2 is in the range of 16 mm to 40 mm, and the above embodiment
  • the insertion portion 2 can be inserted up to the nasolacrimal duct 54 (FIG. 4) to suitably image the inner wall surface of the nasolacrimal duct 54.
  • the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2 may be in the range of 0.6 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less. Further, when the range of the total length of the insertion portion 2 is determined as described above, the insertion portion is provided so that the ratio of the length of the insertion portion 2 to the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2 falls within the range of 22 to 37 times.
  • the outer diameter of 2 may be set.
  • the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2 When the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2 is set in this way, the ratio of the length of the insertion portion 2 to the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2 is suppressed, so that the tip of the insertion portion 2 is caught by the inner wall of the tear canal 52 and the insertion portion Even when a bending moment is generated in 2, it is possible to secure an outer diameter of the insertion portion that is sufficiently large with respect to the value of the generated bending moment. Therefore, the deformation of the insertion portion 2 is suppressed.
  • the 22-fold ratio described above corresponds to the case where the outer diameter of the outer pipe 7 is 0.7 mm and the total length is 16 mm.
  • the above 37-fold ratio is the sum of the maximum value of 16 mm, which is the sum of the total length of the canaliculi 52 and the width of the lacrimal sac 53, and the minimum length of the lacrimal sac, 6 mm, with the outer diameter of the outer pipe 7 being 0.6 mm and the total length being 22 mm. ) Corresponds to the case.
  • the outer pipe 7, the image fiber pipe 9, and the channel pipe 12 may be formed of a metal material different from stainless steel. Further, at least one of the outer pipe 7, the image fiber pipe 9, and the channel pipe 12 does not have to be made of metal. Further, the inner wall of the outer pipe 7, the outer wall of the image fiber pipe 9, and the outer wall of the channel pipe 12 do not have to be provided so as to be in contact with each other, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel pipe 12 with respect to the longitudinal direction does not have to be semicircular. .. Further, the damper 15 may not be provided around the base end of the insertion portion 2 in the holding portion 4.
  • Lacrimal punctal endoscope 2 Insertion part 3: Operation part 4: Holding part 5: First connection part 6: Second connection part 7: Outer pipe 8: Light guide 9: Image fiber pipe 10: Image fiber 11: Lens 12: Channel pipe 13: Water flow channel 14: Hole 15: Damper 51: Lacrimal punctum 52: Lacrimal canaliculi 53: Lacrimal sac 54: Nasolacrimal duct

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Abstract

The present invention is a lacrimal passage endoscope equipped with tubular insertion portion that can be inserted into a lacrimal passage and an operating portion that has a holding portion for holding the base end of the insertion portion and can operate the insertion portion. The outer diameter of the insertion portion is 0.6-0.7 mm inclusive and is substantially uniform along the longitudinal direction, and the length of the insertion portion is from 16-40 mm inclusive.

Description

涙道内視鏡Lacrimal duct endoscopy
　本発明は、涙道内視鏡に関する。 The present invention relates to a lacrimal duct endoscope.
　涙道の検査又は治療等の際に使用される涙道内視鏡が開発されている（例えば特許文献１－３）。特許文献１－３に示されるような涙道内視鏡には、患者の涙道へ挿入可能な挿入部が設けられている。挿入部は、管状であり、その先端には、検査対象を照らすライト、及び検査対象の表面で反射した光を集光する対物レンズ等が設けられている。 Lacrimal duct endoscopes used for lacrimal duct examination or treatment have been developed (for example, Patent Document 1-3). A lacrimal duct endoscope as shown in Patent Document 1-3 is provided with an insertion portion that can be inserted into the lacrimal duct of a patient. The insertion portion is tubular, and at its tip, a light that illuminates the inspection target, an objective lens that collects the light reflected on the surface of the inspection target, and the like are provided.
特許第４１２４４２３号公報Japanese Patent No. 4124423 特許第６１８０４４９号公報Japanese Patent No. 6180449 特願２０１８－２１５００６号Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-215006
　挿入部の外径が特許文献１ー３に示される値である場合、ユーザは挿入部を患者の涙道へ挿入しにくいと感じる可能性がある。そこで、挿入部を細くすることが考えられる。一方、挿入部の長さが特許文献１ー３に示される値である場合には、挿入部の操作がしにくく、涙道へ挿入部を挿入している最中に挿入部の先端が涙道の内壁に引っかかり、涙道の内壁を押圧することが考えられる。 When the outer diameter of the insertion portion is the value shown in Patent Documents 1-3, the user may find it difficult to insert the insertion portion into the lacrimal passage of the patient. Therefore, it is conceivable to make the insertion portion thinner. On the other hand, when the length of the insertion portion is the value shown in Patent Documents 1-3, it is difficult to operate the insertion portion, and the tip of the insertion portion tears while the insertion portion is being inserted into the lacrimal passage. It is conceivable that the inner wall of the lacrimal passage will be caught and pressed against the inner wall of the lacrimal passage.
　このような場合、涙道の内壁から挿入部の先端へ作用する力により挿入部には曲げモーメントが生じることが考えられる。そして、上述のように挿入部を細くした場合には、挿入部が変形する可能性が高まることが考えられる。そして、挿入部が変形すると、挿入部が涙道に挿入できない、又は挿入部の内部に設けられる部品が損傷するといった不都合が生じる虞がある。 In such a case, it is conceivable that a bending moment is generated in the insertion part due to the force acting from the inner wall of the lacrimal passage to the tip of the insertion part. Then, when the insertion portion is thinned as described above, it is considered that the possibility that the insertion portion is deformed increases. If the insertion portion is deformed, there is a possibility that the insertion portion cannot be inserted into the lacrimal passage or the component provided inside the insertion portion is damaged.
　そこで、本発明は、涙道内視鏡の操作性を向上させ、かつ涙道内視鏡の形状の変形を抑制する技術を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for improving the operability of the lacrimal duct endoscope and suppressing deformation of the shape of the lacrimal duct endoscope.
　本発明は、上述した課題を解決するために、以下の構成を採用する。 The present invention adopts the following configuration in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.
　すなわち、本発明の一側面に係る涙道内視鏡は、涙道に挿入可能な管状の挿入部と、挿入部の基端を保持する保持部を有し、挿入部を操作可能な操作部と、を備え、挿入部の外径は、０．６ｍｍ以上０．７ｍｍ以下であり、長手方向に渡って略均一であり、挿入部の長さは、１６ｍｍ以上４０ｍｍ以下である。 That is, the lacrimal duct endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention has a tubular insertion portion that can be inserted into the lacrimal passage and a holding portion that holds the base end of the insertion portion, and the insertion portion can be operated. The outer diameter of the insertion portion is 0.6 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less, and is substantially uniform over the longitudinal direction, and the length of the insertion portion is 16 mm or more and 40 mm or less.
　当該構成によれば、挿入部の外径は細くかつ略均一であるため、ユーザが挿入部を患者の涙道へ挿入することは容易となる。また、挿入部の長さが短いため、挿入部の操作性は向上する。よって、涙道へ挿入部を挿入している最中に挿入部の先端が涙道の内壁に引っかかることは抑制される。また、挿入部の先端が涙道の内壁に引っかかった場合であっても、挿入部の長さが短いため、涙道の内壁から挿入部の先端へ力が反作用することで挿入部に生じる曲げモーメントは小さいものとなる。よって、涙道内視鏡の変形は抑制される。 According to this configuration, the outer diameter of the insertion portion is thin and substantially uniform, so that the user can easily insert the insertion portion into the lacrimal passage of the patient. Further, since the length of the insertion portion is short, the operability of the insertion portion is improved. Therefore, it is suppressed that the tip of the insertion portion is caught on the inner wall of the lacrimal passage while the insertion portion is being inserted into the lacrimal passage. Even if the tip of the insertion part is caught on the inner wall of the lacrimal passage, the length of the insertion part is short, so the bending caused by the force reacting from the inner wall of the lacrimal passage to the tip of the insertion part causes bending in the insertion part. The moment will be small. Therefore, the deformation of the lacrimal duct endoscope is suppressed.
　上記一側面に係る涙道内視鏡において、挿入部の内部に挿入部の長手方向に沿って設けられる第１の管であって、挿入部の先端から入射した光が通過する第１の管と、挿入部の内部に挿入部の長手方向に沿って設けられ、挿入部の先端から流出する流体が通過する第２の管と、を更に備え、挿入部、第１の管、及び第２の管は、夫々金属を含む材料からなり、第１の管及び第２の管の夫々は、挿入部の内壁と接するように、かつ互いに接するように設けられてもよい。 In the lacrimal duct endoscope according to the one side surface, the first tube provided inside the insertion portion along the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, and the first tube through which the light incident from the tip of the insertion portion passes. A second tube provided inside the insertion section along the longitudinal direction of the insertion section and through which the fluid flowing out from the tip of the insertion section passes, is further provided, and the insertion section, the first tube, and the second tube are provided. The tubes are each made of a material containing metal, and the first tube and the second tube may be provided so as to be in contact with the inner wall of the insertion portion and to be in contact with each other.
　当該構成によれば、挿入部、第１の管及び第２の管は、夫々金属を含む材料からなっているため、挿入部、第１の管及び第２の管の剛性は向上する。さらに、第１の管及び第２の管は、夫々挿入部の内壁と接するように、かつ互いに接するように設けられている。よって、挿入部、第１の管及び第２の管は、一体となって挿入部に生じる曲げモーメントに対抗することができる。よって、挿入部、第１の管及び第２の管の変形は抑制される。 According to the configuration, since the insertion portion, the first pipe, and the second pipe are each made of a material containing metal, the rigidity of the insertion portion, the first pipe, and the second pipe is improved. Further, the first tube and the second tube are provided so as to be in contact with the inner wall of the insertion portion and to be in contact with each other. Therefore, the insertion portion, the first pipe, and the second pipe can integrally counter the bending moment generated in the insertion portion. Therefore, the deformation of the insertion portion, the first tube and the second tube is suppressed.
　上記一側面に係る涙道内視鏡において、第１の管と第２の管とは、挿入部の径方向に並んで設けられ、第２の管の長手方向に対して直交する断面は、略半円状であり、略半円状の直線部分が、第１の管と接してもよい。 In the lacrimal duct endoscope according to the one side surface, the first tube and the second tube are provided side by side in the radial direction of the insertion portion, and the cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the second tube is substantially a cross section. A semicircular, substantially semicircular straight line portion may be in contact with the first tube.
　当該構成によれば、挿入部の太さを変えずに第２の管の断面積を大きくとり、第２の管を通過する流体の流量を増大させることができる。 According to this configuration, the cross-sectional area of the second pipe can be increased without changing the thickness of the insertion portion, and the flow rate of the fluid passing through the second pipe can be increased.
　上記一側面に係る涙道内視鏡において、保持部は、挿入部の基端の外表面を覆うように設けられた弾性部材を有してもよい。 In the lacrimal duct endoscope according to the one side surface, the holding portion may have an elastic member provided so as to cover the outer surface of the base end of the insertion portion.
　挿入部の先端が涙道の内壁に引っかかって内壁を押圧すると、涙道の内壁から挿入部の先端へ力が作用することで挿入部に曲げモーメントが生じることになる。また、挿入部の基端に生じる曲げモーメントの大きさは、挿入部の先端や中央に生じる曲げモーメントの大きさよりも大きいものとなる。よって、挿入部の基端が変形する可能性が高まると考えられる。しかしながら、当該構成によれば、挿入部の基端が変形しようとする場合には、挿入部の基端の外表面を覆う弾性部材が変形し、挿入部の基端の変形は抑制される。 When the tip of the insertion part is caught on the inner wall of the lacrimal passage and presses the inner wall, a force acts from the inner wall of the lacrimal passage to the tip of the insertion part, and a bending moment is generated in the insertion part. Further, the magnitude of the bending moment generated at the base end of the insertion portion is larger than the magnitude of the bending moment generated at the tip or center of the insertion portion. Therefore, it is considered that the possibility that the base end of the insertion portion is deformed increases. However, according to this configuration, when the base end of the insertion portion is about to be deformed, the elastic member covering the outer surface of the base end of the insertion portion is deformed, and the deformation of the base end of the insertion portion is suppressed.
　上記一側面に係る涙道内視鏡において、挿入部の外径に対する挿入部の長さの比は、２２倍から３７倍までの範囲であってもよい。 In the lacrimal duct endoscopy according to the above one aspect, the ratio of the length of the insertion portion to the outer diameter of the insertion portion may be in the range of 22 times to 37 times.
　挿入部の外径に対する挿入部の長さの比が上記の範囲であれば、挿入部の先端が涙道の内壁に引っかかり、涙道の内壁から挿入部の先端へ力が作用することで挿入部に曲げモーメントが生じた場合であっても、生じた曲げモーメントの値に対して充分に大きい挿入部の外径を確保することができる。これにより、挿入部の変形は抑制される。 If the ratio of the length of the insertion part to the outer diameter of the insertion part is within the above range, the tip of the insertion part is caught on the inner wall of the lacrimal passage, and a force acts from the inner wall of the lacrimal passage to the tip of the insertion part to insert the insertion part. Even when a bending moment is generated in the portion, it is possible to secure an outer diameter of the insertion portion that is sufficiently large with respect to the value of the generated bending moment. As a result, deformation of the insertion portion is suppressed.
　本発明によれば、涙道内視鏡の操作性を向上させ、かつ涙道内視鏡の形状の変形を抑制する技術を提供することができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for improving the operability of the lacrimal duct endoscope and suppressing deformation of the shape of the lacrimal duct endoscope.
図１は、実施形態にかかる涙道内視鏡の構成の一例を示している。FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the lacrimal duct endoscope according to the embodiment. 図２は、挿入部の先端の拡大図の概要を示している。FIG. 2 shows an outline of an enlarged view of the tip of the insertion portion. 図３は、保持部の断面の部分拡大図を例示している。FIG. 3 illustrates a partially enlarged view of the cross section of the holding portion. 図４は、涙道内視鏡が使用される場合の状況を示している。FIG. 4 shows the situation when a lacrimal duct endoscope is used.
　以下、本発明の実施形態について説明する。以下に示す実施形態は、本発明の実施形態の一例であり、本発明の技術的範囲を以下の態様に限定するものではない。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiments shown below are examples of embodiments of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.
　図１は、本発明の実施形態にかかる涙道内視鏡１の構成の一例を示している。図１に示されるように、涙道内視鏡１は、挿入部２を備える。挿入部２の外形が剛性の高いステンレス製の外パイプ７（図２に詳細記載）により形成される。外パイプ７は、円筒状の部材であり、全長が１８ｍｍであり、外径の大きさが０．７ｍｍである。 FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the lacrimal duct endoscope 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the lacrimal duct endoscope 1 includes an insertion portion 2. The outer shape of the insertion portion 2 is formed by a highly rigid stainless steel outer pipe 7 (detailed in FIG. 2). The outer pipe 7 is a cylindrical member, has a total length of 18 mm, and has an outer diameter of 0.7 mm.
　また、外径の大きさは、外パイプ７の全長に渡って略均一である。また、外パイプ７は、基端から先端方向へ向けて直線状に延伸する部分と、延伸している途中で所定の方向に湾曲する部分とを備える。このような挿入部２は、外径が細く、また略均一であるため、患者の涙小管５２（後述する図４参照）へ容易に挿入される。 Further, the size of the outer diameter is substantially uniform over the entire length of the outer pipe 7. Further, the outer pipe 7 includes a portion that extends linearly from the base end toward the tip end and a portion that curves in a predetermined direction during the stretching. Since such an insertion portion 2 has a small outer diameter and is substantially uniform, it can be easily inserted into the patient's lacrimal canaliculi 52 (see FIG. 4 described later).
　また、涙道内視鏡１は、挿入部２を操作可能な操作部３を備える。操作部３は、ユーザが把持可能な太さを有する。また、操作部３は、挿入部２の基端を保持して固定する保持部４を備える。 Further, the lacrimal duct endoscope 1 includes an operation unit 3 capable of operating the insertion unit 2. The operation unit 3 has a thickness that can be grasped by the user. Further, the operation unit 3 includes a holding unit 4 that holds and fixes the base end of the insertion unit 2.
　ユーザは、このような操作部３を把持して挿入部２を操作するが、挿入部２の長さが１８ｍｍと短いため、ユーザが感じる挿入部２の操作性は高いものとなる。よって、涙小管５２へ挿入部２を挿入している最中に挿入部２の先端が涙小管５２の内壁に引っかかることは抑制される。また、挿入部２の先端が涙小管５２の内壁に引っかかった場合であっても、挿入部２の長さが短いため、涙小管５２の内壁から挿入部２の先端へ力が作用することで挿入部２に生じる曲げモーメントは小さいものとなる。よって、涙道内視鏡１の変形は抑制される。 The user grips such an operation unit 3 to operate the insertion unit 2, but since the length of the insertion unit 2 is as short as 18 mm, the operability of the insertion unit 2 that the user feels is high. Therefore, it is suppressed that the tip of the insertion portion 2 is caught on the inner wall of the canaliculi 52 while the insertion portion 2 is being inserted into the canaliculi 52. Further, even when the tip of the insertion portion 2 is caught on the inner wall of the canaliculi 52, since the length of the insertion portion 2 is short, a force acts from the inner wall of the canaliculi 52 to the tip of the insertion portion 2. The bending moment generated in the insertion portion 2 is small. Therefore, the deformation of the lacrimal duct endoscope 1 is suppressed.
　また、操作部３は、外部装置から供給される生理食塩水（本発明の流体の一例）が通過する供給管が接続される第１接続部５を備える。また、操作部３は、外部のイメージングシステムとの間で光を授受する伝送ケーブルが接続される第２接続部６を備える。 Further, the operation unit 3 includes a first connection unit 5 to which a supply pipe through which a physiological saline solution (an example of the fluid of the present invention) supplied from an external device passes is connected. Further, the operation unit 3 includes a second connection unit 6 to which a transmission cable for transmitting and receiving light is connected to and from an external imaging system.
　図２は、長手方向から見た挿入部２の先端の拡大図の概要を示している。図２に示されるように、挿入部２は、外パイプ７の内部にライトガイド８を有する。ライトガイド８は、例えば複数の照明用光ファイバが束となっているものであり、外パイプ７の長手方向に沿って設けられる。また、ライトガイド８は、操作部３の内部まで延伸しており、その先端は第２接続部６と連結されている。つまり、ライトガイド８の内部には、第２接続部６を介して外部のイメージングシステムから供給された光が通過する。そして、ライトガイド８を通過した光は、観察対象物の表面を照射する。 FIG. 2 shows an outline of an enlarged view of the tip of the insertion portion 2 as viewed from the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the insertion portion 2 has a light guide 8 inside the outer pipe 7. The light guide 8 is, for example, a bundle of a plurality of optical fibers for illumination, and is provided along the longitudinal direction of the outer pipe 7. Further, the light guide 8 extends to the inside of the operation unit 3, and its tip is connected to the second connection unit 6. That is, the light supplied from the external imaging system passes through the inside of the light guide 8 via the second connection portion 6. Then, the light that has passed through the light guide 8 irradiates the surface of the observation object.
　また、挿入部２は、外パイプ７の内部にイメージファイバパイプ９を有する。イメージファイバパイプ９は、剛性の高いステンレス製の円筒状の部材であり、外パイプ７の内壁と接するように設けられる。また、イメージファイバパイプ９の内部には、長手方向沿って複数のイメージファイバ１０が設けられている。また、イメージファイバパイプ９の先端には、レンズ１１が設けられている。 Further, the insertion portion 2 has an image fiber pipe 9 inside the outer pipe 7. The image fiber pipe 9 is a highly rigid stainless steel cylindrical member, and is provided so as to be in contact with the inner wall of the outer pipe 7. Further, a plurality of image fibers 10 are provided inside the image fiber pipe 9 along the longitudinal direction. A lens 11 is provided at the tip of the image fiber pipe 9.
　レンズ１１は、ライトガイド８の先端から照射され、観察対象物の表面において反射した光を集光する。そして、レンズ１１により集光された光は、イメージファイバ１０を通過する。また、イメージファイバ１０は、操作部３の内部にまで延伸しており、その先端は第２接続部６と接続されている。つまり、イメージファイバ１０を通過した光は、外部のイメージングシステムへ伝送される。ここで、イメージファイバパイプ９は、本発明の「第１の管」の一例である。 The lens 11 is irradiated from the tip of the light guide 8 and collects the light reflected on the surface of the observation object. Then, the light collected by the lens 11 passes through the image fiber 10. Further, the image fiber 10 extends to the inside of the operation unit 3, and its tip is connected to the second connection unit 6. That is, the light that has passed through the image fiber 10 is transmitted to an external imaging system. Here, the image fiber pipe 9 is an example of the "first pipe" of the present invention.
　また、挿入部２は、外パイプ７の内部にチャンネルパイプ１２を有する。チャンネルパイプ１２は、剛性の高いステンレス製の筒状の部材であり、長手方向に対して直交する断面の形状は略半円状である。チャンネルパイプ１２は、外パイプ７の径方向にイメージファイバパイプ９と並ぶように設けられる。また、チャンネルパイプ１２は、略半円状の直線部分がイメージファイバパイプ９の外表面と接するように設けられ、略半円状の弧部分が外パイプ７の内壁と接するように設けられている。よって、挿入部２、イメージファイバパイプ９及びチャンネルパイプ１２は、一体となって挿入部２に生じる曲げモーメントに対抗することができる。よって、挿入部２、イメージファイバパイプ９及びチャンネルパイプ１２の変形は抑制される。なお、チャンネルパイプ１２は、本発明の「第２の管」の一例である。 Further, the insertion portion 2 has a channel pipe 12 inside the outer pipe 7. The channel pipe 12 is a highly rigid stainless steel tubular member, and the shape of the cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is substantially semicircular. The channel pipe 12 is provided so as to be aligned with the image fiber pipe 9 in the radial direction of the outer pipe 7. Further, the channel pipe 12 is provided so that a substantially semicircular straight line portion is in contact with the outer surface of the image fiber pipe 9, and a substantially semicircular arc portion is provided so as to be in contact with the inner wall of the outer pipe 7. .. Therefore, the insertion portion 2, the image fiber pipe 9, and the channel pipe 12 can integrally counter the bending moment generated in the insertion portion 2. Therefore, deformation of the insertion portion 2, the image fiber pipe 9, and the channel pipe 12 is suppressed. The channel pipe 12 is an example of the "second pipe" of the present invention.
　また、チャンネルパイプ１２の内部には、長手方向に沿って通水チャンネル１３が設けられている。そして、通水チャンネル１３は、操作部３の内部にまで延伸しており、その先端は第１接続部５と接続されている。つまり、通水チャンネル１３には、外部装置から第１接続部５を介して供給される生理食塩水が流入している。これら生理食塩水は、挿入部２側の通水チャンネル１３の先端から外部へ流出可能となっている。なお、操作部３には、図示しないが、外部装置から第１接続部５を介して生理食塩水を流入させ、挿入部２側の通水チャンネル１３の先端から外部へ流出させる操作を行うための通水操作部が設けられている。 Further, inside the channel pipe 12, a water passage channel 13 is provided along the longitudinal direction. The water flow channel 13 extends to the inside of the operation unit 3, and its tip is connected to the first connection unit 5. That is, the physiological saline solution supplied from the external device via the first connection portion 5 flows into the water passage channel 13. These physiological saline solutions can flow out from the tip of the water passage channel 13 on the insertion portion 2 side. Although not shown, the operation unit 3 is operated to allow physiological saline to flow in from an external device via the first connection unit 5 and to flow out from the tip of the water flow channel 13 on the insertion unit 2 side to the outside. The water flow operation unit is provided.
　ここで、チャンネルパイプ１２の長手方向に対して直交する断面は、略半円状であり、略半円状の直線部分が、イメージファイバパイプ９の外表面と接している。チャンネルパイプ１２の断面をこのように略半円状とすることで、断面が円形のチャンネルパイプ１２を用いた場合と比較し、挿入部２の外パイプ７の径の大きさを変えずにチャンネルパイプ１２の断面積を大きくとることができる。よって、通水チャンネル１３の流路面積を大きくとることができ、通水チャンネル１３を通過する生理食塩水の流量を増大させることができる。 Here, the cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the channel pipe 12 is substantially semicircular, and the substantially semicircular straight line portion is in contact with the outer surface of the image fiber pipe 9. By making the cross section of the channel pipe 12 substantially semicircular in this way, the channel does not change the size of the diameter of the outer pipe 7 of the insertion portion 2 as compared with the case where the channel pipe 12 having a circular cross section is used. The cross-sectional area of the pipe 12 can be increased. Therefore, the flow path area of the water flow channel 13 can be increased, and the flow rate of the physiological saline passing through the water flow channel 13 can be increased.
　図３は、保持部４の長手方向に対して平行な断面の部分拡大図を例示している。図３に示されるように、保持部４は、挿入部２の基端が挿通可能な穴１４を備える。そして、挿入部２の径方向について、挿入部２の外壁と穴１４の内壁との間には隙間が設けられており、当該隙間は、ダンパ１５によって埋められている。ダンパ１５は、挿入部２の径方向に向かって伸縮可能な弾性部材である。 FIG. 3 illustrates a partially enlarged view of a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the holding portion 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the holding portion 4 includes a hole 14 through which the base end of the inserting portion 2 can be inserted. Then, in the radial direction of the insertion portion 2, a gap is provided between the outer wall of the insertion portion 2 and the inner wall of the hole 14, and the gap is filled by the damper 15. The damper 15 is an elastic member that can expand and contract in the radial direction of the insertion portion 2.
　ここで、挿入部２の先端が涙小管５２の内壁に引っかかり、涙小管５２の内壁から挿入部２の先端へ力が作用する場合、挿入部２の基端には、挿入部２の先端や中央に生じる曲げモーメントよりも大きな曲げモーメントが生じることが考えられる。よって、挿入部２の基端は、挿入部２の先端や中央よりも変形しやすいと考えられる。しかしながら、挿入部２の基端が変形しようとする場合に、ダンパ１５が弾性変形することで、挿入部２の基端の変形は抑制される。 Here, when the tip of the insertion portion 2 is caught on the inner wall of the canaliculi 52 and a force acts from the inner wall of the canaliculi 52 to the tip of the insertion portion 2, the tip of the insertion portion 2 or the tip of the insertion portion 2 is attached to the base end of the insertion portion 2. It is conceivable that a bending moment larger than the bending moment generated in the center is generated. Therefore, it is considered that the base end of the insertion portion 2 is more easily deformed than the tip end or the center of the insertion portion 2. However, when the base end of the insertion portion 2 is about to be deformed, the damper 15 is elastically deformed, so that the deformation of the base end of the insertion portion 2 is suppressed.
　次に、涙道内視鏡１の使用例を説明する。図４は、涙道内視鏡１が使用される場合の状況を示している。ユーザは涙道内視鏡１の操作部３を把持し、挿入部２の先端を目の近傍に位置する二つの涙点５１のうちの何れかの涙点５１から涙小管５２へ挿入させる。ここで、例えば「涙道手術における内視鏡の重要性、栗橋克昭、頭頚部外科８巻１号」によると、涙小管５２の全長と涙嚢５３の幅との和は、例えば１２ｍｍから１６ｍｍ程度である。よって、全長が１８ｍｍ程度である挿入部２の挿入を更に進めると、挿入部２の先端は、涙嚢５３に達することになる。 Next, an example of using the lacrimal duct endoscope 1 will be described. FIG. 4 shows the situation when the lacrimal duct endoscope 1 is used. The user grasps the operation unit 3 of the lacrimal duct endoscope 1 and inserts the tip of the insertion unit 2 into the lacrimal canaliculi 52 from one of the two puncta 51 located near the eye. Here, for example, according to "Importance of Endoscope in Lacrimal Surgery, Katsuaki Kurihashi, Head and Neck Surgery Vol. 8, No. 1," the sum of the total length of the canaliculi 52 and the width of the lacrimal sac 53 is, for example, 12 mm to 16 mm. Degree. Therefore, when the insertion of the insertion portion 2 having a total length of about 18 mm is further advanced, the tip of the insertion portion 2 reaches the lacrimal sac 53.
　ここで、挿入部２が涙小管５２へ挿入されている間、ライトガイド８を通過した光が、涙小管５２又は涙嚢５３の内壁表面を照射する。その後、涙小管５２又は涙嚢５３の内壁表面において反射した光は、レンズ１１を介して集光される。レンズ１１により集められた光は、イメージファイバ１０を通過する。その後、イメージファイバ１０を通過した光は、外部のイメージングシステムへ伝送される。そして、外部のイメージングシステムにおいて、伝送された光から涙小管５２又は涙嚢５３の外壁表面の像が結像される。 Here, while the insertion portion 2 is inserted into the canaliculi 52, the light passing through the light guide 8 irradiates the inner wall surface of the canaliculi 52 or the lacrimal sac 53. After that, the light reflected on the inner wall surface of the canaliculi 52 or the lacrimal sac 53 is collected through the lens 11. The light collected by the lens 11 passes through the image fiber 10. After that, the light that has passed through the image fiber 10 is transmitted to an external imaging system. Then, in an external imaging system, an image of the outer wall surface of the canaliculi 52 or the lacrimal sac 53 is imaged from the transmitted light.
　また、ユーザは、挿入部２が涙小管５２へ挿入されている間、操作部３の通水操作部を操作し、外部装置から第１接続部５を介して生理食塩水を流入させ、挿入部２側の通水チャンネル１３の先端から当該生理食塩水を流出させることができる。このような操作により、生理食塩水は涙小管５２へ流入し、涙小管５２は拡張される。よって、涙小管５２への挿入部２の挿入はスムーズに行われる。また、涙小管５２は生理食塩水によって洗浄される。よって、涙小管５２又は涙嚢５３の画像はより鮮明に取得可能となる。 Further, the user operates the water flow operation unit of the operation unit 3 while the insertion unit 2 is inserted into the lacrimal canaliculi 52, and the physiological saline solution is made to flow in from the external device via the first connection unit 5 and inserted. The physiological saline can be discharged from the tip of the water flow channel 13 on the part 2 side. By such an operation, the physiological saline flows into the canaliculi 52, and the canaliculi 52 are expanded. Therefore, the insertion portion 2 is smoothly inserted into the canaliculi 52. In addition, the canaliculi 52 are washed with physiological saline. Therefore, the image of the canaliculi 52 or the lacrimal sac 53 can be obtained more clearly.
　＜その他実施形態＞
　上記の実施形態では、挿入部２の全長が１８ｍｍであったが、挿入部２の全長は、１６ｍｍ以上４０ｍｍ以下の範囲であればよい。上記の実施形態では、図４に示されるように涙小管５２又は涙嚢５３の内壁表面を撮像しているが、挿入部２の全長を１６ｍｍから４０ｍｍの範囲であって、上記の実施形態よりも長く設定することで、挿入部２を鼻涙管５４（図４）まで挿入させて鼻涙管５４の内壁表面を好適に撮像するが可能となる。 <Other Embodiments>
In the above embodiment, the total length of the insertion portion 2 is 18 mm, but the total length of the insertion portion 2 may be in the range of 16 mm or more and 40 mm or less. In the above embodiment, the surface of the inner wall of the canaliculi 52 or the lacrimal sac 53 is imaged as shown in FIG. 4, but the total length of the insertion portion 2 is in the range of 16 mm to 40 mm, and the above embodiment By setting the length as long as possible, the insertion portion 2 can be inserted up to the nasolacrimal duct 54 (FIG. 4) to suitably image the inner wall surface of the nasolacrimal duct 54.
　また、挿入部２の外径は、０．６ｍｍ以上０．７ｍｍ以下の範囲であればよい。また、上記のように挿入部２の全長の範囲を定めた場合には、挿入部２の外径に対する挿入部２の長さの比が２２倍から３７倍の範囲に収まるように、挿入部２の外径を設定してもよい。このように挿入部２の外径を設定する場合、挿入部２の外径に対する挿入部２の長さの比は抑えられるため、挿入部２の先端が涙小管５２の内壁に引っかかり、挿入部２に曲げモーメントが生じた場合でも、生じた曲げモーメントの値に対して充分に大きい挿入部の外径を確保することができる。よって、挿入部２の変形は抑制される。なお、上記の２２倍の比は、外パイプ７の外径が０．７ｍｍ、全長が１６ｍｍの場合に相当する。上記の３７倍の比は、外パイプ７の外径が０．６ｍｍ、全長が２２ｍｍ（涙小管５２の全長と涙嚢５３の幅との和の最大値１６ｍｍと涙嚢最小長さ６ｍｍの合計）の場合に相当する。 Further, the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2 may be in the range of 0.6 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less. Further, when the range of the total length of the insertion portion 2 is determined as described above, the insertion portion is provided so that the ratio of the length of the insertion portion 2 to the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2 falls within the range of 22 to 37 times. The outer diameter of 2 may be set. When the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2 is set in this way, the ratio of the length of the insertion portion 2 to the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2 is suppressed, so that the tip of the insertion portion 2 is caught by the inner wall of the tear canal 52 and the insertion portion Even when a bending moment is generated in 2, it is possible to secure an outer diameter of the insertion portion that is sufficiently large with respect to the value of the generated bending moment. Therefore, the deformation of the insertion portion 2 is suppressed. The 22-fold ratio described above corresponds to the case where the outer diameter of the outer pipe 7 is 0.7 mm and the total length is 16 mm. The above 37-fold ratio is the sum of the maximum value of 16 mm, which is the sum of the total length of the canaliculi 52 and the width of the lacrimal sac 53, and the minimum length of the lacrimal sac, 6 mm, with the outer diameter of the outer pipe 7 being 0.6 mm and the total length being 22 mm. ) Corresponds to the case.
　また、外パイプ７、イメージファイバパイプ９、及びチャンネルパイプ１２はステンレスとは異なる金属材料から形成されてもよい。また、外パイプ７、イメージファイバパイプ９、及びチャンネルパイプ１２のうちの少なくとも一つは、金属製でなくともよい。また、外パイプ７の内壁と、イメージファイバパイプ９の外壁及びチャンネルパイプ１２の外壁は、夫々接するように設けられなくともよく、チャンネルパイプ１２の長手方向に対する断面形状は半円状でなくともよい。また、保持部４における挿入部２の基端の周囲には、ダンパ１５が設けられていなくともよい。 Further, the outer pipe 7, the image fiber pipe 9, and the channel pipe 12 may be formed of a metal material different from stainless steel. Further, at least one of the outer pipe 7, the image fiber pipe 9, and the channel pipe 12 does not have to be made of metal. Further, the inner wall of the outer pipe 7, the outer wall of the image fiber pipe 9, and the outer wall of the channel pipe 12 do not have to be provided so as to be in contact with each other, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel pipe 12 with respect to the longitudinal direction does not have to be semicircular. .. Further, the damper 15 may not be provided around the base end of the insertion portion 2 in the holding portion 4.
　以上で開示した実施形態や変形例はそれぞれ組み合わせる事ができる。 The embodiments and modifications disclosed above can be combined with each other.
１:　　　涙道内視鏡
２:　　　挿入部
３:　　　操作部
４:　　　保持部
５:　　　第１接続部
６:　　　第２接続部
７:　　　外パイプ
８:　　　ライトガイド
９:　　　イメージファイバパイプ
１０:　　　イメージファイバ
１１:　　　レンズ
１２:　　　チャンネルパイプ
１３:　　　通水チャンネル
１４:　　　穴
１５:　　　ダンパ
５１:　　　涙点
５２:　　　涙小管
５３:　　　涙嚢
５４:　　　鼻涙管 1: Lacrimal punctal endoscope 2: Insertion part 3: Operation part 4: Holding part 5: First connection part 6: Second connection part 7: Outer pipe 8: Light guide 9: Image fiber pipe 10: Image fiber 11: Lens 12: Channel pipe 13: Water flow channel 14: Hole 15: Damper 51: Lacrimal punctum 52: Lacrimal canaliculi 53: Lacrimal sac 54: Nasolacrimal duct

Claims (5)

  1. 　涙道に挿入可能な管状の挿入部と、
    　前記挿入部の基端を保持する保持部を有し、前記挿入部を操作可能な操作部と、を備え、
    　前記挿入部の外径は、０．６ｍｍ以上０．７ｍｍ以下であり、長手方向に渡って略均一であり、
    　前記挿入部の長さは、１６ｍｍ以上４０ｍｍ以下である、
    　涙道内視鏡。     A tubular insertion part that can be inserted into the lacrimal passage and
    It has a holding portion that holds the base end of the insertion portion, and includes an operation portion that can operate the insertion portion.
    The outer diameter of the insertion portion is 0.6 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less, and is substantially uniform over the longitudinal direction.
    The length of the insertion portion is 16 mm or more and 40 mm or less.
    Lacrimal duct endoscope.
  2. 　前記挿入部の内部に前記挿入部の長手方向に沿って設けられる第１の管であって、前記挿入部の先端から入射した光が通過する第１の管と、
    　前記挿入部の内部に前記挿入部の長手方向に沿って設けられ、前記挿入部の先端から流出する流体が通過する第２の管と、を更に備え、
    　前記挿入部、前記第１の管、及び前記第２の管は、夫々金属を含む材料からなり、
    　前記第１の管及び前記第２の管の夫々は、前記挿入部の内壁と接するように、かつ互いに接するように設けられる、
    　請求項１に記載の涙道内視鏡。     A first tube provided inside the insertion portion along the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, and a first tube through which light incident from the tip of the insertion portion passes.
    A second tube provided inside the insertion portion along the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion and through which a fluid flowing out from the tip of the insertion portion passes is further provided.
    The insertion portion, the first tube, and the second tube are each made of a metal-containing material.
    Each of the first tube and the second tube is provided so as to be in contact with the inner wall of the insertion portion and to be in contact with each other.
    The lacrimal duct endoscope according to claim 1.
  3. 　前記第１の管と前記第２の管とは、前記挿入部の径方向に並んで設けられ、
    　前記第２の管の長手方向に対して直交する断面は、略半円状であり、
    　前記略半円状の直線部分が、前記第１の管と接する、
    　請求項２に記載の涙道内視鏡。     The first pipe and the second pipe are provided side by side in the radial direction of the insertion portion.
    The cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the second pipe is substantially semicircular.
    The substantially semicircular straight line portion is in contact with the first pipe.
    The lacrimal duct endoscope according to claim 2.
  4. 　前記保持部は、前記挿入部の基端の外表面を覆うように設けられた弾性部材を有する、
    　請求項１から３のうち何れか一項に記載の涙道内視鏡。     The holding portion has an elastic member provided so as to cover the outer surface of the base end of the insertion portion.
    The lacrimal duct endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
  5. 　前記挿入部の外径に対する前記挿入部の長さの比は、２２倍から３７倍までの範囲である、
    　請求項１から４のうち何れか一項に記載の涙道内視鏡。     The ratio of the length of the insertion portion to the outer diameter of the insertion portion ranges from 22 times to 37 times.
    The lacrimal duct endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
PCT/JP2021/004033 2020-02-05 2021-02-04 Lacrimal passage endoscope WO2021157637A1 (en)

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002071991A2 (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-09-19 Optosgroup S.P.A. Endoscopy unit for lacrimal duct endoscopy, lacrimal duct intubation tube and associated method
JP2004016317A (en) * 2002-06-13 2004-01-22 Fibertech Co Ltd Lacrimal passage endoscope
JP2016123718A (en) * 2015-01-05 2016-07-11 ファイバーテック株式会社 Rigid endoscope
JP2016209448A (en) * 2015-05-13 2016-12-15 ファイバーテック株式会社 Lacrimal duct endoscope

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002071991A2 (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-09-19 Optosgroup S.P.A. Endoscopy unit for lacrimal duct endoscopy, lacrimal duct intubation tube and associated method
JP2004016317A (en) * 2002-06-13 2004-01-22 Fibertech Co Ltd Lacrimal passage endoscope
JP2016123718A (en) * 2015-01-05 2016-07-11 ファイバーテック株式会社 Rigid endoscope
JP2016209448A (en) * 2015-05-13 2016-12-15 ファイバーテック株式会社 Lacrimal duct endoscope

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