JP3363853B2 - Treatment tool - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a guide device, for example, an insertion channel of an endoscope or the like, which is insertable and retractable.
The present invention relates to a treatment tool whose tip can be freely curved.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An endoscope having a flexible insertion channel (or a guide instrument having a flexible hollow insertion portion) has a relatively large space inside a body cavity, and a curved tip attached to the tip. The portion can be curved, and the treatment instrument inserted in the insertion channel can be curved.

A conventional treatment instrument used by being inserted into an endoscope has a long curved portion formed of a closely wound coil to bend the insertion channel, as described in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-254041. In addition, the long curved portion is curved. When operating by transmitting the operating force to the link mechanism part of the gripping part by pushing and pulling the push rod, the close-wound coil that constitutes the bending part of the tip is the "push" or "pull" operation of the push rod. It has rigidity that does not expand or contract with force.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-332189 discloses a treatment instrument for an endoscope which has a small stretchability in the axial direction and a bendable portion which bends in an arbitrary direction.

[0005]

When an endoscope in which a treatment tool is inserted is used for an operation that requires accurate and precise treatment in a narrow space where important tissues are dense, such as brain surgery. In order to enhance the safety and workability of fine treatment, the tip of the guide instrument is curved in a narrow space with a small radius of curvature and a large angle, and the treatment instrument inserted inside is accurately guided to the affected area. It is necessary to be able to do it. However, the bending portion of the conventional treatment tool that is used by inserting it into a guide instrument such as an endoscope is not considered to bend a large angle with a small radius of curvature. Therefore,
A surgical tool capable of bending a large angle with a small radius of curvature is required.

In order to realize a large angle of bending with a small radius of curvature, it is necessary that the length of the bending portion itself is short, the inside of the bending is shortened shortly when being bent, and the outside of the bending is elongated. . Further, it is preferable that each shrinkage amount and elongation amount be large.

In the case of the treatment tool described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-254041, a push rod for transmitting an opening / closing operation force has a large rigidity so that the curved portion does not expand and contract, and the extension is restricted. Therefore, it is possible to bend with a large radius of curvature, but no consideration is given to bending with a large angle with a small radius of curvature.

Further, the treatment tool described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-332189 does not consider bending the tip with a small radius of curvature.

For example, in the case where a plurality of node rings are connected to each other by 90 degrees so that they can be bent in an arbitrary direction, a large swing angle is possible because the swing angle of one set of node rings is small. To do this, you need multiple sets of joint rings. As a result, the bendable portion needs to have a certain length, and when the long bendable portion is swung, the radius of curvature becomes large.

An object of the present invention is to provide a treatment instrument which can be easily inserted into and withdrawn from an insertion channel and whose tip can be freely curved with a small radius of curvature.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the constitution of the invention of the treatment instrument according to the present invention is such that the treatment mechanism portion at the distal end, the hollow flexible member, and the treatment mechanism portion and the flexible member. A bending portion for swinging the treatment mechanism portion between the flexible member and the elastic member, wherein the bending portion is formed of a flexible elastic hollow elastic member, and the elastic member is provided with an axis line of the bending portion. When the elastic member is stretched in the direction, the elastic member is shorter than the length of the bending portion when it reaches the elastic limit and longer than the length of the bending portion when the elastic member is compressed to the compression limit. Means for limiting the elongation of the curved part is provided.

Preferably, the elastic member has a hollow cylindrical shape.

Further, preferably, the elastic member is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape by a plurality of members which are intermittent in the circumferential direction.

Still further, preferably, the elastic member is formed by arranging wires in the circumferential direction to form a hollow cylinder.

Further, preferably, the hollow elastic member is a coil-shaped member.

Still further, preferably, the means for limiting the elongation is formed of any one of a natural fiber material having buckling or flexibility, a synthetic material or a metal material having superelasticity.

Still further preferably, the means for limiting the elongation is formed of a natural fiber material having buckling or bending properties, a synthetic material or a metal material having superelasticity, and flange portions at both ends. Is integrally formed.

In order to achieve the above object, another aspect of the invention of a treatment tool according to the present invention is to provide a treatment mechanism portion at a distal end, a hollow flexible member, and the treatment mechanism portion and the flexible member. In a treatment instrument including a bending portion for swinging the treatment mechanism portion in between, the bending portion is formed by a hollow coil-shaped member that is expandable and contractible, and the coil-shaped member is formed in the axial direction of the bending portion. When stretched, shorter than the length of the curved portion when the coil-shaped member reaches the elastic limit, longer than the length of the curved portion when the coil-shaped member is compressed to the compression limit, and has buckling or flexibility. A member made of a natural fiber material, a synthetic material, or a metal material having superelasticity that limits the expansion of the coil-shaped member is provided in the hollow portion of the coil-shaped member.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, still another aspect of the invention of a treatment tool according to the present invention is to provide a treatment mechanism portion at the tip,
A hollow flexible member, a bending portion for swinging the treatment mechanism portion between the treatment mechanism portion and the flexible member, and an operation mechanism portion for operating the treatment mechanism portion at the distal end. In the treatment tool including, the bending portion is formed of a flexible elastic hollow elastic member, and when the elastic member is extended in the axial direction of the bending portion, the bending portion when the elastic member reaches the elastic limit A length shorter than the length of the bending portion when the elastic member is compressed to the compression limit, and having buckling or flexibility, and means for limiting the expansion of the elastic member is provided in the bending portion, and the operation mechanism portion is , And a slider that is movable in the outer jacket by operating from the outside of the outer jacket. The slider and the treatment mechanism portion are inserted through the hollow portions of the hollow flexible member and elastic member. Operating force transmission means Thus it is to operate the treatment mechanism connected.

Preferably, the means for limiting the elongation is provided in the hollow portion of the hollow elastic member.

Preferably, a means for changing the relative difference in length between the operating force transmitting means and the hollow flexible member is provided at the end of the operating mechanism portion on the treatment mechanism portion side.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, still another aspect of the invention of a treatment instrument according to the present invention is to provide a treatment mechanism portion at the tip,
A treatment instrument comprising a hollow flexible member and a bending portion between the treatment mechanism portion and the flexible member for swinging the treatment mechanism portion, wherein the bending portion is extendable and flexible. The elastic member is provided with a means for limiting the expansion of the bending portion in the hollow of the elastic member, and the elastic member is limited by the means for limiting the expansion of the bending portion when the elastic member is extended in the axial direction of the bending portion. Shorter than the given length,
The elastic member is provided with a means for limiting the compression of the elastic member having a length equal to or more than the length when the elastic member is most compressed, and the elastic member is provided between the means for limiting the expansion and the means for limiting the compression It can be expanded and contracted with.

Further, preferably, the hollow elastic member is an elastic tube. Also preferably,
The means for limiting the compression is a columnar projection attached to either the treatment mechanism or the hollow flexible member.

Still further, preferably, the means for limiting the compression is an annular projection attached to either the treatment mechanism portion or the hollow flexible member.

[0025] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, still another constitution of the treatment tool according to the present invention comprises a treatment mechanism portion at the distal end,
In a treatment tool including an operation member for operating the treatment mechanism portion and a bending portion for swinging the treatment mechanism portion between the treatment mechanism portion and the operation member, the bending portion can be freely expanded and contracted. And a flexible hollow elastic member, and when this elastic member is extended in the axial direction of the bending part,
Means for limiting the elongation of the elastic member, which is shorter than the length of the bending portion when the elastic member reaches the elastic limit, longer than the length of the bending portion when the elastic member is compressed to the compression limit, and has buckling or flexibility. Is provided in the curved portion.

Preferably, the means for limiting the elongation is provided inside the hollow portion of the elastic member.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a treatment instrument according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a grasping mechanism portion and a bending portion at the distal end of the treatment instrument. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the operation mechanism portion of the treatment tool.

As shown in the figure, the treatment tool basically has a gripping mechanism portion 4 at the tip, a bending portion 10, an operating mechanism portion 11 for operating the gripping mechanism portion 1, and these bending portions. 1
0 and the gripping mechanism 4 and a flexible sheath 6 connecting them.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a gripping portion for gripping an object, and 2 is a link portion, which is a fulcrum 2a,
The link mechanism is supported by 2b and is integrated with the grip portion 1 to open and close the tip of the grip portion 1. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the link portion 2 is configured by a known link mechanism that opens when a push rod described later is pushed (moved) in the left direction in the figure and closes when pulled (moved) in the right direction in the figure. Has been done. Reference numeral 3 denotes a base portion, which is held so that the link portion 2 can be opened and closed. The gripping section 1, the link section 2 and the base section 3 constitute a treatment mechanism section 4.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a push rod, which is flexible and is attached to the end of the link portion 2 on the side opposite to the grip portion 1 so as to apply an operation force of an operation mechanism portion 11 described later to the grip mechanism portion 4
It is to convey to. Reference numeral 6 denotes a sheath, which is formed of a tubular flexible member (diameter: approximately 1 mm) and through which the push rod 5 is inserted. In addition, this sheath 6 is
It may be configured by a tightly wound coil or the like. An end plate 7 is fixed to the end of the sheath 6.

An elastic member 8 is composed of a flexible coil-shaped member and is interposed between the base 3 and the end plate 7 of the sheath 6. Reference numeral 9 denotes a curved length limiting wire (means having a buckling or bending property and limiting the expansion of the elastic member), which is made of a hollow natural fiber material into which the push rod 5 is inserted, and one end of which is formed of the above-mentioned material. It is fixed to the base 3 and the other end is fixed to the end plate 7. The bending portion length limiting wire 9 limits the extension of the bending portion 10 constituted by the elastic member 8 to a predetermined length or more. The elastic member 8 is made of synthetic material (synthetic fiber material,
It may be composed of a synthetic sheet material) or a metal material having superelasticity.

The bending portion 10 is a portion for directing the distal end of the treatment instrument in an intended direction. Inside the bending portion 10, due to the structure of the treatment instrument, the surgical instrument portion at the tip of the treatment instrument is the present embodiment. In some cases, there is a means for transmitting energy in addition to the operating force and displacement as described above. In addition, if the radius of curvature of the curve becomes smaller, the expression of bending may be appropriate,
In this embodiment, the bending also includes this bending,
This is called "pivot".

The term "extendable and flexible" means that the operating force transmitted for driving the distal end of the treatment instrument, for example, the grip portion 1 is used.
It means having elasticity so that extension is generated by pushing out the push rod 5 for opening and closing.

Next, the operation mechanism section will be described with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 11 denotes an operating mechanism, which is basically an outer cylinder 14 having a cap 12 at one end and an end plate 13 at the other end and having a slit hole 14a, and a slider 15 movable in the outer cylinder 14. And an operating portion 16 for operating the slider 15 from outside the outer cylinder 14.

Further, the cap 12 is formed with a hole 13a through which the push rod 5 penetrates. This hole 13a
The push rod 5 is fixed to the slider 15 through.

Further, the operating portion 16 has a slit hole 14a.
The stroke is limited by the upper limit 14b and the lower limit 14c, and has a stroke limit.

The gripping (opening / closing) operation of the gripping portion 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the operator moves the slider 15 to the left in the drawing via the operation portion 16 to push in the push rod 5. At the bending portion 10, the elastic member 8 is stretched by the operating force of the push rod 5 pushed out. At this time, the length of the elastic member 8 is limited by the bending portion length limiting wire 9, and the force of the push rod 5 drives the link portion 2 to open the grip portion 1.

When the push rod 5 is pulled, the elastic member 8 is compressed. Compression of the elastic member 8 is limited when the coil is in close contact, and the operating force of the push rod 5 drives the link portion 2 to close the grip portion 1.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the bending portion 10 is bent. The inside of the bending elastic member 8 is flexibly contracted and the outside thereof is flexibly extended. Since the bending portion length limiting wire 9 in the bending portion 10 is fibrous, it flexes flexibly and does not hinder the bending.

Therefore, as compared with the case of bending a treatment tool having a non-stretchable curved portion like a conventional treatment tool,
It becomes possible to perform bending with a small radius of curvature. That is, it is possible to suppress the reaction force and resistance generated by the bending portion 10 to be low and to reduce the curvature radius of the bending.

Since the bending direction of the bending portion 10 is arbitrary, for example, if this treatment tool is rotated in the insertion portion in the insertion channel of the endoscope, which will be described later, the treatment mechanism portion 4 with respect to the bending direction of the insertion channel. The direction of opening and closing can be changed to any direction.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the case where the treatment tool is inserted into the insertion channel of the endoscope will be described as an example.
The states of “insertion”, “pivot”, “open / close” and “pull out” will be described.

Insertion channel 19 having a hollow inside
A joint portion 20 is attached to the tip of the joint portion 20, and the joint portion 20 can be swung freely in the direction of a solid arrow 19a as shown in FIG. Further, the insertion channel 19 is rotatable in the direction of the solid arrow 19b and is also translatable in the direction of the solid arrow 19c. As shown in FIG. 4, the insertion channel 19 is inserted from the insertion port 22 of the drive unit 21.

The operation of the joint section 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The drive unit 20 is composed of a joint tip portion 20a and a joint base portion 20b, and is swingably connected by a fulcrum 23. Reference numeral 24 is a swing-side drive wire, one end of which is attached to the joint tip 20a and the other end of which is the drive unit
It is attached to 1 and can be pulled. Similarly, 25 is a return side drive wire, one end of which is the joint tip 2
0a, and the other end is attached to the drive unit 21 and pulled.

When the drive unit 21 pulls the swing-side drive wire 24, the joint tip portion 20a is swung, and the return-side drive wire 25 is pulled back to the original state. I do. Also,
The drive unit 21 is shown by a solid line arrow 19b with respect to the insertion channel 19.
It also has the function of rotating in the direction and translation in the direction of the solid arrow 19c, and has the function of three degrees of freedom together with the swing of the joint 20.

Further, in FIG. 5, the treatment tool is inserted into the insertion channel 19, and the gripping portion 1 and the link portion 2 are inserted from the joint tip portion 20a.
Shows the state in which is protruding.

When the treatment instrument is inserted, as shown in FIG. 7, inside the insertion channel 19, the treatment mechanism portion 4 or the sheath 6 of the treatment instrument and the inner wall of the insertion channel 19 come into contact with each other to cause friction. Due to this friction, a force that compresses the elastic member 8 is generated in the bending portion 10. When the elastic member 8 contracts to the minimum length, the length of the bending portion 10 is fixed. Since the bending portion length limiting wire 9 is made of a fiber material, the bending portion 1
Since the bending portion 10 can flex freely according to the shrinkage of 0, there is no resistance when the bending portion 10 shrinks, and no plastic deformation remains after the flexing. In addition, since a certain amount of space is secured inside the bending portion 10 even in the most compressed state, it is possible to avoid damage due to pressure on the joining portion of the bending portion length limiting wire 9.

At this time, the push rod 5 is pushed down according to the compression of the bending portion 10, but the operation mechanism portion 11 at hand is held.
Since the slider 15 connected to the push rod 5 is slipped, a large force is not applied to the push rod 5 itself.

As described above, by constructing the bending portion length limiting wire 9 from the fiber material, the treatment instrument is inserted through the channel 1.
It can be easily inserted into the inside of the container 9, and the influence of plastic deformation does not remain due to buckling or bending at the time of insertion.
Even when the bending portion 10 is compressed, it is possible to prevent the joint portion and the like inside the bending portion from being damaged by pressure.

Further, since the bending portion of this embodiment has a small repulsive force against the swing, the treatment mechanism portion 4 at the tip of the treatment instrument can be smoothly guided as intended by the operator.

At this time, the bending portion length limiting wire 9 is naturally bent when the path is shortened, but the side where the bending portion 10 is extended is fully pulled. Therefore, since the operating force of the push rod 5 can be transmitted to the link portion 2, the grip portion 1 can be opened and closed even when the head is swung.

Although not shown in the drawing, friction may occur between the treatment instrument and the inner wall of the insertion channel 19 at the time of withdrawal, which is not shown. At this time, a force is generated in the direction in which the bending portion 10 is extended, but due to the bending portion length limiting wire 9,
Since it is not stretched to a certain length or longer, it is possible to prevent the bending portion from being damaged.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the treatment instrument can be easily inserted into and removed from the insertion channel 19, and the tip can be freely curved with a smaller radius of curvature than before.

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the operating mechanism portion of the treatment instrument according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, means for adjusting the length of the push rod 5 is provided at the end of the operation mechanism on the treatment mechanism side.

Specifically, the threaded portion 26 is provided at the end of the sheath 6.
Is formed, and the screw portion 26 is formed at two positions, that is, the outer screw portion 26a and the inner screw portion 26b. An elastic spring 29 is sandwiched between the end portion of the sheath 6 in which the screw portion 26 is formed and the concave portion of the rotary adapter 28 that is rotatably fitted to the outer jacket 14 of the operation mechanism portion 27. In addition, the hole 13a through which the push rod 5 is inserted
Are formed. The rotation adapter 28 has two members (28
a, 28b), and a screw portion 30 is formed on the inner wall of the concave portion of the member 28a.

With the above structure, only the rotary adapter 28 is rotated to tighten the screw portion 26a and the screw portion 30. The member 28a of the adapter 28 is the screw portion 2 on the sheath 6 side.
When tightened with 6a or 26b, the length of the sheath 6 from the operation mechanism portion 27 can be changed depending on the positions of the screw portions 26a and 26b.

For example, when the screw portion 26a and the screw portion 30 are tightened, the length of the sheath 6 becomes shorter, and the sheath 6 becomes shorter.
Since the length of the push rod 5 is longer than that of the slider, the slider 15 moves rearward and the stroke lower limit 14c
Approach. Further, since the push rod 5 is longer than the sheath 6, the push rod 5 is pushed into the curved portion 10.

The extension of the bending portion 10 is finite, and the stroke of the operating portion 16 also has a lower limit 14c. Therefore,
The positional relationship between the screw portion 26a and the stroke lower limit 14c is
When the screw portion 26a and the screw portion 30 are tightened, the bending portion 10 is extended with a predetermined margin of extension, and the operating portion 16 is in contact with the stroke lower limit 14c. Position and configure.

At this time, by making the operating force necessary for opening and closing the treatment mechanism portion 4 stronger than the force for extending the bending portion 10, the treatment mechanism portion 4 is not opened and closed until the bending portion 10 is fully extended. Since the slider 15 is not pulled any further, as a result, the elastic member material 8 of the bending portion 10 is fixed in the stretched state. Thereby, the treatment mechanism unit 4
The expansion or contraction operation of the bending portion 10 associated with the opening and closing of is eliminated, and the treatment mechanism portion 4 can be opened and closed more smoothly than when the operation mechanism portion 11 shown in the first embodiment is used. Therefore, the operability of the opening / closing operation of the treatment mechanism section 4 can be further enhanced.

Next, when the screw portion 26b and the screw portion 30 are tightened, the length of the sheath 6 becomes longer, and the push rod 5 becomes shorter than the sheath 6, so that the slider 15 is It moves forward and approaches the stroke upper limit 14b. Further, since the push rod 5 becomes shorter than the sheath 6, the push rod 5 is pulled in the bending portion 10.

The amount of compression of the bending portion 11 is finite, and
The stroke of the operation mechanism unit 11 also has an upper limit 14b. Therefore, the positional relationship between the screw portion 26b and the stroke upper limit 14b is such that when the screw portion 26b and the screw portion 30 are tightened,
The bending portion 10 has just been completely compressed, and
The operation mechanism section 15 is positioned and configured so as to come into contact with the stroke upper limit 14b.

At this time, the elastic member 8 of the curved portion 10 at the tip is
Is fixed in a compressed state. As a result, the bending portion 10 does not expand or contract due to the insertion and withdrawal of the treatment tool, and the treatment tool can be inserted into or pulled out from the insertion channel 19 more than when the operation mechanism portion 11 shown in the first embodiment is used. It can be done smoothly. Therefore, the operability at the time of inserting and withdrawing the treatment tool can be further enhanced. In addition, the bending portion 1 that occurs each time it is inserted and pulled out.
Since the extension or contraction of No. 1 is suppressed and the extra force applied to the push rod 5 can be reduced, the effect of extending the product life can be expected.

The material of the curved portion length limiting wire 9 may be a synthetic resin material or a metal material having superelasticity as described above. For example, although not shown in the figure, by using a metal material having superelasticity, it is possible to extend durability as compared with the case of using a natural fiber material as shown in Example 1, It is possible to cope with flexible bending, and even when the bending portion 10 is swung with a small radius of curvature, the bending portion length limiting wire 9 does not remain plastically deformed.

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view of a curved portion of a treatment tool according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The bending portion length limiting wire 31 is integrally formed as shown in FIG. That is, the base 3
And the flange portions 31a and 31b in contact with the sheath 6 and the wire portion 31c are integrally formed. The wire portion 31c does not extend and is made of a flexible material (for example,
Natural fiber material or synthetic resin).

Since the minimum length of the curved portion 10 is limited by the elastic member 8, the wire portion 31c and the flange portion 31 are
The joint with a and 31b is not damaged by compression.

According to this embodiment, the wire portion 31c is formed integrally with the flange portions 31a and 31b.
It has the effect of being securely fixed to the base plate, improving the safety and facilitating the assembly.

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view of a bending portion of a treatment tool according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a hollow elastic member, which is flexible and has elasticity and is made of a thin elastic tube.
The ends are fixed to the base 3 and the sheath 6. A columnar protrusion 33 is attached to the base portion 3 and has a function of defining the minimum length of the elastic member 32 when the bending portion 10 is compressed. The protrusion 33 may be attached to the sheath 6 side. FIG. 12 shows a state when compressed.

According to this embodiment, the same effect as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained.

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view of a bending portion of a treatment tool according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

34 is a tubular member, which is flexible and has a low elongation.
In addition, it is made of a material that easily causes buckling or bending, and its end portion is fixed to the base portion 3 and the sheath 6. The material of the tubular member 34 is the same as in the embodiment of FIG.
The natural fiber material or the like used as a means for limiting the elongation of the curved portion 10 is knitted in a tubular shape, or a plurality of tubular materials are arranged in a tubular shape on the circumference of the curved portion 10. Reference numeral 35 denotes an annular projection, which is fixed to the base portion 3 and the sheath 6 and serves to limit the compression of the bending portion 10.

Since the distal end of the treatment tool shown in FIG. 13 is bent when used alone, it must be used by inserting it into a guide device such as the insertion channel shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 shows a state in which the bending portion 10 is compressed.

According to the present embodiment, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, since it is flexible against bending, it is possible to swing in a small radius of curvature in any direction.

Further, while the tubular member 34 is flexible,
Due to the limited extension, the means for limiting the extension of the bend 10 required in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is not needed.

Further, since the annular projection 35 is less likely to be damaged by an external force than the columnar projection shown in FIG. 10, it is effective in improving safety and durability.

FIG. 15 is a vertical sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a treatment tool having no gripping mechanism.

At the tip of the treatment instrument, the needle-like member 36 is provided on the base portion 3.
Attached to the end of. Reference numeral 37 denotes a bending portion length limiting wire, one end of which is attached to the base portion 3 and the other end of which is attached to the wire fixing member 38. Reference numeral 39 denotes an operation wire (operation member), which is attached to the wire fixing member 38.

The operator inserts or pulls out the treatment instrument using the operation wire 39. This treatment tool can be inserted into the endoscope insertion channel shown in FIG. 4, and the needle tip can be accurately guided to a position intended by the operator with a small radius of curvature.

[0086]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The bending part is formed by a stretchable hollow elastic member, and when this elastic member is extended in the axial direction of the bending part, the elastic member is shorter than the length of the bending part when it reaches the elastic limit, and the elastic member reaches the compression limit. Longer than the length of the curved part when compressed,
By providing inside the hollow portion of the elastic member, which has a buckling or bending property and limits the expansion of the elastic member, the distal end can be freely curved with a smaller radius of curvature than the conventional treatment tool. A tool can be provided.

Further, even if it is compressed, the means for limiting the length of the bending portion provided inside the bending portion makes it possible to avoid the risk that the extension of the bending portion itself reaches the elastic limit. Thus, it is possible to provide a treatment tool which has a highly elastic curved portion and can be easily inserted into or withdrawn from the insertion channel, and which has high durability, safety, and practicality.

Furthermore, the expansion and contraction of the curved portion which occurs each time insertion or withdrawal is suppressed, and the unnecessary operating force applied to the push rod can be reduced, so that the product life can be extended.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a treatment tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a treatment mechanism section and a bending section at the distal end of the treatment tool.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of an operation mechanism portion of the treatment tool shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a gripper opening / closing operation of the treatment tool shown in FIG. 1.

4 is an operation explanatory view of the insertion channel of the endoscope with the treatment tool shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

5 is an enlarged side view of the distal end portion of the insertion channel shown in FIG.

6 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the insertion channel shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a state diagram when a treatment tool is inserted inside the insertion channel.

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an operating mechanism portion of a treatment tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a bending portion of a treatment tool according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

10 is an external view of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a bending portion of a treatment tool according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a state diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 when compressed.

FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a bending portion of a treatment tool according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a state diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 when compressed.

FIG. 15 is a vertical sectional view of a treatment tool according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Gripping part 2 ... Link part 3 ... Base part 4 ... Treatment mechanism part 5 ... Push rod 6 ... Sheath 7 ... End plates 8, 32 ... Elastic members 9, 31, 37 ... Bending part length limiting wire 10 ... Bending part 11, 27 ... Operation mechanism part 12 ... Cap 13 ... End plate 14 ... Outer cylinder 15 ... Slider 16 ... Operation part 19 ... Insertion channel 20 ... Joint part 20a ... Joint tip part 20b ... Joint base part 21 ... Drive part 22 ... Insertion port 24 ... Swing side drive wire 25 ... Return side drive wires 26, 30 ... Screw part 26a ... Outer thread part 26b ... Inner thread part 27 ... Protrusion 28 ... Rotation adapter 29 ... Elastic springs 31a, 31b ... Flange part 31c ... Wire part 33 ... Columnar protrusion 34 ... Cylindrical member 35 ... Annular protrusion 36 ... Needle member 38 ... Wire fixing member 39 ... Operation wire

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-11-299793 (JP, A) JP-A-4-8338 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 17/28 310 A61B 1/00 334 A61B 17/00 320 A61B 17/22

Claims (17)

(57) [Claims] With a 1. A distal end of the treatment mechanism, and a hollow flexible member, and a curved portion for performing swing action mechanism be in between these treatment mechanism and the flexible member, inserting Cha
In the treatment tool inserted into the channel, the bending portion is a swinging member of the member forming the insertion channel.
Rinitomona' be one is curved Te, the curved portion, retractable inside flexible shrink outer flexible
It is formed by a flexible hollow elastic member that can be stretched and curved in any direction, and when this elastic member is extended in the axial direction of the bending portion, it is shorter than the length of the bending portion when the elastic member reaches the elastic limit, A treatment tool having a length that is longer than the length of a curved portion when the elastic member is compressed to the compression limit, has buckling or flexibility, and is provided with means for limiting the expansion of the elastic member in the curved portion. 2. The treatment tool according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member has a hollow cylindrical shape. 3. The treatment tool according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is formed of a plurality of members that are intermittent in the circumferential direction and formed into a hollow cylindrical shape. 4. The treatment tool according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is formed by arranging wires in a circumferential direction to form a hollow cylindrical shape. 5. The treatment tool according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a coil-shaped member. 6. The extension limiting means is formed of a natural fiber material having buckling or bending properties, a synthetic material, or a metal material having superelasticity. The treatment tool of any one of the description. 7. The extension limiting means is formed of a buckling or flexible natural fiber material, a synthetic material, or a superelastic metal material, and has flange portions integrally formed at both ends. It is what was formed, The treatment tool of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. 8. A treatment mechanism portion at the tip, a hollow flexible member, and a bending portion between the treatment mechanism portion and the flexible member for swinging the treatment mechanism portion, the insertion mechanism being inserted. Cha
In the treatment tool inserted into the channel, the bending portion is a swinging member of the member forming the insertion channel.
Rinitomona' be one is curved Te, the curved portion, retractable inside flexible shrink outer flexible
It is formed by a flexible hollow coil-shaped member that can be stretched and bent in any direction, and when this coil-shaped member is stretched in the axial direction of the bending part, the bending when the coil-shaped member reaches the elastic limit Natural fiber material that is shorter than the length of the portion and longer than the length of the curved portion when the coil-shaped member is compressed to the compression limit, has buckling or flexibility, and limits the elongation of the coil-shaped member,
A treatment instrument, characterized in that a member made of either a synthetic material or a metal material having superelasticity is provided in the hollow portion of the coil-shaped member. 9. A treatment mechanism portion at the tip, a hollow flexible member, and a bending portion between the treatment mechanism portion and the flexible member for swinging the treatment mechanism portion, the insertion mechanism being inserted. Cha
In the treatment tool inserted into the channel, the bending portion is a swinging member of the member forming the insertion channel.
Rinitomona' be one is curved Te, the curved portion, retractable inside flexible shrink outer flexible
It is formed by a flexible hollow elastic member that can be stretched and curved in any direction, and when this elastic member is extended in the axial direction of the bending portion, it is shorter than the length of the bending portion when the elastic member reaches the elastic limit, Longer than the length of the bending portion when the elastic member is compressed to the compression limit, having a buckling or bending property, the elastic member is provided with means for limiting the extension of the elastic member, and the operating mechanism portion includes an outer cylinder and this by operating from the outside of the outer tube is composed of the outer cylinder and a movable slider is inserted through the hollow portion of the said treatment mechanism and the slider the hollow flexible member and the elastic member A treatment tool which is connected by an operation force transmitting means to operate a treatment mechanism section. 10. The treatment tool according to claim 1, wherein the means for limiting the extension is provided in the hollow portion of the elastic member. 11. A means for changing a relative length difference between the operation force transmitting means and the hollow flexible member is provided at an end portion of the operation mechanism portion on the treatment mechanism portion side. 9
The treatment tool described in. 12. A treatment instrument comprising a treatment mechanism portion at a tip, a hollow flexible member, and a bending portion between the treatment mechanism portion and the flexible member for swinging the treatment mechanism portion. In the above, the bending portion is formed by a flexible elastic hollow elastic member, and means for limiting the extension of the bending portion is provided in the hollow of the elastic member, and when the elastic member is extended in the axial direction of the bending portion. Providing a means for limiting the compression of an elastic member having a length shorter than the length when the elastic member is compressed most than the length limited by the means for limiting the extension of the bending portion, A treatment instrument, characterized in that an elastic member is allowed to expand and contract between the means for limiting the extension and the means for limiting the compression. 13. The treatment tool according to claim 12, wherein the hollow elastic member is an elastic tube. 14. The treatment tool according to claim 12, wherein the means for limiting the compression is a columnar projection attached to either the treatment mechanism portion or the hollow flexible member. 15. The treatment tool according to claim 12, wherein the means for limiting the compression is an annular projection attached to either the treatment mechanism portion or the hollow flexible member. 16. A distal end of a treatment mechanism portion, a hollow flexible member, and a bending portion between the treatment mechanism portion and the flexible member for swinging the treatment mechanism portion, the insertion mechanism being inserted. Chi
In the treatment tool inserted into the channel, the bending portion is a swinging member of the member forming the insertion channel.
Rinitomona' be one is curved Te, the curved portion, retractable inside flexible shrink outer flexible
It is formed by a flexible hollow elastic member that can be stretched and curved in any direction, and when this elastic member is extended in the axial direction of the bending portion, it is shorter than the length of the bending portion when the elastic member reaches the elastic limit, A treatment tool having a length that is longer than the length of a curved portion when the elastic member is compressed to the compression limit, has buckling or flexibility, and is provided with means for limiting the expansion of the elastic member in the curved portion. 17. The treatment tool according to claim 16, wherein the means for limiting the extension is provided in the hollow portion of the elastic member.