EP1788925A1

EP1788925A1 - Modular endoscope

Info

Publication number: EP1788925A1
Application number: EP05790067A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas BÖDEKER; Martin Busch; Dietrich H. W. GRÖNEMEYER; Jürgen SPEDER; Jörn RICHTER; Julia Busch
Original assignee: Thiel Christian
Current assignee: Thiel Christian
Priority date: 2004-09-07
Filing date: 2005-08-29
Publication date: 2007-05-30
Also published as: WO2006027136A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular endoscope, in particular for coloscopy or gastroscopy, comprising an insertable unit (3) which is arrangeable in a body cavity and comprises a flexible guidable end (4) of a control unit (2) and optical devices for injecting light and extracting image data, wherein said endoscope comprises the insertable unit (3) which is embodied in the form of an individual module and is provided with control elements necessary for controlling and with transmission elements necessary for injecting light and extracting data and a compactly designed optical unit (12) for receiving the totality of endoscope optics in which the flexible guidable end (4) of the insertable unit (3) is disposed and distally connected to transmission elements necessary for injecting light and extracting data. The inventive endoscope makes it possible to exchange individual modules and, in particular, to separately prepare and sterilise individual modules.

Description

Modular endoscope

The invention relates to a modular endoscope, which can be used in particular for colonoscopy or gastroscopy. It has an introduction unit to be introduced into a body cavity with a flexible, controllable tip, and a control unit and at least one optical device each for the light coupling and decoupling of image data.

Controlled quality assurance is becoming increasingly widespread in all areas of production and services. In general, a product or service is expected to be of high quality and safety.

This also applies to services rendered in connection with the reprocessing of medical endoscopes. Endoscopes are established after their use in hospitals or the practice of a resident

Physician undergoes a thorough cleaning and sterilization before the next use. However, the structure of an endoscope with the integrated therein

The mechanics and optics are extremely complicated and stand in the way of a really thorough preparation, which meets all safety aspects.

This underlines the statistics of cross infections in patients with hepatitis after endoscopic examinations in the Federal Republic of Germany. In the infectious epidemiological handbook (Robert Koch Institute, Berlin) of the year 2001, the following figures are given for hepatitis and lymphocytic patients. Basis of the survey of Robert Koch Institute is the totality of the reported disorders, the estimated number of patients suffering from hepatitis and Norwalk-like virus infectious patients is estimated.

Reported new infections in 2001 Dark figure, estimated

Hepatitis A 2277

Hepatitis B 2428 3848

Hepatitis C 4382 8617

Norwalk-like

Viral infections 9223

The risk of being infected with infectious diseases through endoscopic examinations is not considered to be low. This is also taken into account by statutory provisions, according to which endoscopic patients are not admitted to donate blood within the first six months after an examination. They are therefore subject to the same provisions as drug addicts or other patients suffering from notifiable diseases.

Because of this and the statistical data presented above, there is a clear need for an endoscope that is accessible to a validated reprocessing procedure. If possible, this should be possible without additional investment for the insurance carriers and physicians in private practice.

The design of endoscopes that are established on the market today is extremely unsuitable for automated automated cleaning. The endoscopes consist of a single long piece with continuous channels, which are difficult to access, especially for cleaning and sterilization. At the same time, the endoscope parts, which have not come into contact with contaminating bodily fluids of a patient in the actual sense and also do not get in contact with the patient, must be included in the complex and lengthy cleaning. In the reprocessing of endoscopes for colonoscopy and gastroscopy, it should be borne in mind that the individual parts of such an endoscope can be contaminated to quite different extents and, in addition, have a greatly differing value. At the heart of every endoscope is the optical device, which also represents the most important element in terms of value. Also technically complex and correspondingly expensive is the control unit with which the insertion element of the endoscope is controlled and supplied. Both the optical area and the control unit are sensitive to the processing. The flexible insertion tube with the controllable tip, the corresponding control devices and optical connections regularly requires thorough cleaning because of the strongest contamination. In terms of value, this part represents a relatively small investment. The devices upstream of the control unit for coupling light into the optical waveguide and decoupling the image data, on the other hand, are generally not contaminated by the treatment and therefore result in a rather low reprocessing and sterilization effort. But as long as all these elements are combined in an endoscope, the reprocessing and sterilization effort of all these parts is based on the most contaminated and worst part to be cleaned, namely the introduction, with correspondingly increased labor, time and cost.

The aim of the invention is to provide a flexible endoscope that allows easy and above all safe cleaning and disinfection. It should be taken into account the fact that cleaning and disinfection of simple contaminated parts and technical complex and sensitive parts require different conditions and certain parts of the endoscope usually require no extreme cleaning and disinfecting.

This object is achieved with a modular endoscope of the type mentioned above, that has a separate insertion unit, a necessary control elements for the control and the light coupling and data extraction necessary transmission elements, as well as a compact formed separate optical unit, the entire optical Contains portion of the endoscope, is arranged in the flexible controllable tip of the insertion unit and is distally coupled to the necessary for the light coupling and data extraction coupling elements, as a separate modules.

The primary objective is the safety of reprocessing the endoscopes. The basic idea is the division of the entire system without loss of functionality into separable areas or modules that can be cleaned individually and more easily.

According to the present invention, an endoscope consisting of conventional units is designed such that it has at least one separate insertion unit, which has the controls necessary for the control as well as those for the

Lichteinkopplung and data extraction has necessary transmission elements and a compact optical unit that receives the entire optical range of the endoscope is disposed in the flexible, controllable tip of the insertion and distal to the light for coupling and

Data extraction is coupled to necessary transmission elements of the insertion unit, as the first or second module has.

Preferably, the insertion unit is separable from the control unit as a third module, d. H. the insertion unit is coupled at its proximal end via a detachable connection to the control unit and can

Cleaning purposes are solved by her. Of course, these connections include fasteners for the control and transmission elements of the insertion unit as well as connections for light coupling and data extraction, if any. Connecting elements for the coupling of Bowden cables, light and electrical conductors are known to those skilled in and of themselves.

Alternatively, with the insertion unit, the control unit may represent a unitary first module with a connection / disconnection point to the proximal portions of the light and data extraction devices that constitute an optional fourth module. The compact optical unit as the second module of the endoscope according to the invention can be referred to as Optrone and contains the entire optical range of the actual endoscope in a compact form. This is in addition to the optics of the CCD sensor and the electronics for image transmission. The image is transmitted from the Optrone digitally to the outside with the aid of a light-emitting diode, which couples into either a light guide or a photodiode. Both presupposes in the Optrone a conversion of the video data stream into an optical serial data stream for the transmission. Such transfers are state of the art and z. B. practiced in the DVB process. Alternatively, a radio transmission of the image information to the outside can take place.

The autonomous operation of the Optrone is also possible. This means that the Optrone has its own energy source - in the form of a battery - and the Bi Id information is transmitted to the outside via radio. In this way, the insertion unit remains free of lines for the supply of energy and light as for the data transmission. In this variant, it is expedient for reasons of space to provide the battery as a separate battery module and form the light source as an LED.

The separate insertion unit (first module) consists of the envelope body of the endoscope, preferably without the control unit, with the flexible tip into which the Optrone (second module) is inserted. The trains for the control are integrated in this part and are connected via a mechanical connection to the

Control unit docked. Likewise, this part can provide channels for

Have probes / biopsy, gas supply, irrigation / aspiration. Preferably, these channels are prior to connection to the control unit (optional third

Module) led out of the enveloping body and connected to corresponding connections to a separate control device. Since the channels are no longer operated by the control unit, this function can be controlled with one or more foot switches or electrical components.

The control of the flexible tip of the insertion can be done in the usual manner, for example via Bowden cables. Such a controller requires at the interface of the insertion unit with the control unit, if they are separate modules, a coupling device that allows easy disconnection or connection of the trains for the control. Such coupling elements are known per se. In the event that lines for light coupling and data extraction, possibly for the power supply, they may be included in such a coupling element.

However, the control of the endoscope according to the invention is expediently carried out via magnets which are installed there and which are aligned via an electromagnetic field applied outside the patient's body. Corresponding treatment tables with a magnetic bridge are known and are now widely used for the control of cardiac catheters.

Another way to control the insertion unit via the flexible tip is to use small stepper motors that operate the control cables. The stepper motors themselves can have a separate power supply and be activated by radio or be operated via the power supply from the control unit.

The control of the flexible endoscope tip takes place in any case via the control unit, whereby a multi-function button in the manner of a joystick is conceivable.

With the modular layout of the entire system, only the optrons and the flexible introducer of the first endoscope need to be subjected to intensive conditioning and cleaning. The control unit and all upstream elements are hygienically safe.

As an alternative, the current design principle can be maintained and the connection between the control unit (part of the first module) and the video connections and channel connections of the fourth module can be made separable. This procedure also facilitates the preparation, since the path length, which must be cleaned and sterilized, compared to conventional endoscopes is considerably shortened. However, that is Control unit at her yet relatively complicated mechanical structure and high price relatively expensive to clean and sterilize.

It is therefore preferred to provide the control unit as a separate third module which has a coupling mechanism for the insertion unit and the trains therein for the movable tip and the optical fibers and / or the electrical video stream. The light guides for the

Light coupling and possibly existing lines for the

Data extraction is passed on from the Optrone via the control unit, whereby the further separate fourth module can be present for forwarding.

This further or fourth module is designed as a receiver for wirelessly transmitted image signals with adaptability to video chains from different manufacturers. It also contains the light guides for the light coupling into the insertion unit to the Optrone out.

Optionally, there may be another fifth module consisting of a computer for recording, displaying, processing and forwarding the transmitted data.

The respective modules are connected to each other in a known manner, for example via plug, screw or bayonet, fittings or receptacles.

The modular endoscope according to the invention is suitable for closing the residual safety gap and establishing the reprocessing of endoscopes on the market as a service. The module concept allows this service to not be limited to pure editing. Rather, it is possible to lend the clinics and practices the individual modules at acceptable prices available.

For cost reasons, the use of endoscopes and the necessary accessories only makes economic sense if a chain can be made, the permitting the continued use of the individual elements / modules without violating the quality standards that are urgently needed for medical and hygienic reasons. For this purpose, it is particularly useful to keep the hygienically critical parts - ie the endoscope itself and the preparation and sterilization - in one hand and just to establish the stocking for the use of finished systems. This results in a reduction of the capital expenditure for the doctor in the practice and the clinics, a reduction of the personnel employment as well as a quality assurance by a certified enterprise. In particular, it is possible to bundle and construct the technically and financially complex modules of the endoscope according to the invention, in particular the Optrone and the control unit, in a manner which enables a short, gentle and thorough cleaning and the cleaning-intensive parts, in particular the insertion unit prolonged cleaning under more extreme conditions. The modular design also makes it possible to provide cleaning-intensive modules in higher numbers, for example, two or more insertion units per control unit and Optrone and thus to allow a tedious and thorough cleaning of the same without significant increase in the capital investment. In any case, the patient will experience a significant reduction in the risk of cross-infection.

The invention is further illustrated by the accompanying drawings. From these show:

Figure 1 shows the principle of a flexible endoscope conventional design;

FIG. 2 shows the basic structure of the modular endoscope system according to the invention; and

FIG. 3 shows a coupling system for the coupling of the introduction unit to the control unit.

The principle of a flexible endoscope 1 is shown in FIG. The insertion unit 3 with a flexible tip 4 adjoins the central control unit 2.

In the flexible tip 4 of the endoscope 1 are one or more Optical fiber outlet openings for a good illumination of the region to be imaged, wherein the light is brought via a light guide by the control unit 2 in the tip 4 of the endoscope 1. Furthermore, at least one channel is present, can be rinsed and sucked through and gas (air, N ₂ , CO ₂ ) can be pressed into the field of view of the optics. Furthermore, the flexible controllable tip 4 has a biopsy or probe channel, which also runs through the control unit 2. Finally, in the top 4 are the optics for image transmission, which can be done via a data line or by radio.

Control unit 2 and insertion unit 3 are separably connected to each other at the interface A.

The connections of the channels for rinsing, suction and gas injection are located in the upper area of the control unit, in which 9 and 10 are the accesses for the flushing and suction or gas inlet. At the upper end of the control unit is the access for the biopsy and probe channel 8.

The control unit 2 also has the elements for the control 11 of the endoscope tip 4.

The control unit is connected upstream of the supply line 5, which contains the light guide for the illumination and the exit of the image data conductor to the video terminal 7. The exit of the light guide from the supply line 5 for connection to the light source is denoted by 6.

All lines and channels are formed separable at the interface A and have the necessary coupling and sealing element, as well as the control unit 2 and the insertion unit. 3

FIG. 2 shows the principle of the modular system according to the invention. The sub-elements of the overall system can be separated and separated prepared and sterilized. This results in a technical and financial advantage for the use and preparation of such endoscopes.

The essential cost factor of an endoscope is the appearance. This is summarized in Optrone 12, see Fig. 2a. The optics integrated into the Optrone 12 are very compact and can be processed in a short and easily validated process. In particular, the Optrone contains at least one light source for the illumination and at least one device for recording images with the associated technology for transmitting or forwarding these images in digital or analog form. The Optrone 12 may be in encapsulated or welded form in a disposable cover that can be disposed of during reprocessing or replaced with a new cover. The cover is a transparent cover or a capsule or foil with a window element. If necessary, there are contacts for the power and / or light supply as well as for the data transmission to the outside.

The summary of all optical elements in the Optrone 12 shortens the "turn around" time, so it can be reused quickly as the most costly element of the endoscope 1. The cost for the other modules in the reprocessing also decreases compared to the classic endoscope, but is Ideally, two or more first modules (insertion unit) may be provided for one optical unit (second module), as well as for the third module, which allows a higher degree of utilization with less additional capital input.

It is easily possible to equip the Optrone with an autonomous power supply, for example by integrating a battery. A battery can also be accommodated in a battery module provided separately in the insertion unit, which can be connected to the optron. In the case of an autonomous power supply, the Optrone expediently has a light-emitting diode for generating light. The modular endoscope 1 according to the invention has, as a further module, the insertion unit 3, which is detachably connected to the control unit 2. At the interface A, the necessary connections for the control of the flexible tip 4 are present. The control module 2 itself contains only controls for the magnetic control only the connections for the Optrone 12 in the form of light and data conductors.

The light source, such as a light guide or a light source, may also be outside the Optrone, especially for reasons of space.

Light and data conductors are combined in the connecting line 5 for video and cold light, optionally together with integrated electronics. This connection line 5 can be regarded as a fourth module, with the interface B to the control module 2 and the terminal. 7

According to the invention, it is expedient to lead the connections for CO ₂ / rinsing / suction as well as the biopsy and probe channel at the proximal end of the insertion unit / distal to the control unit 13 out of the insertion unit 3 into the connection unit 14. These channels then no longer need to be routed through the control unit; the coupling device can be made much simpler. A separate control via footswitch or with electrical components can be made. Accordingly, the light guide for the light coupling into the optrons 12 can be moved. In this case, only if needed, the data line for the image data is passed through the control unit 2 to the terminal 7.

In another variant, only the biopsy and probe channel of the insertion unit 3 is connected to the control unit 2 and fed via the control unit 2 in a known manner.

FIG. 2 a shows the flexible tip 4 of the modular endoscope according to the invention with the Optrone 12 and the various channel openings 13, 14, 15 for CO ₂ , rinsing, suction and biopsy. Figure 3 shows in part a) the parts of a coupling system, as it can be used for the coupling of the insertion unit to the control unit with the required trains, channels and lines, and in part b) the coupling system in teilmontiertem state.

The coupling system consists of two coupling blocks 21 and 22, which can be pushed together in the manner of a bayonet closure. These coupling blocks 21 and 22 each have four longitudinal grooves 25 of square cross-section. Inserted in this longitudinal groove are coupling elements 23 and 24 of square cross-section, of which the coupling elements 23 after fitting into a block 21 protruding heads 26 and the coupling elements 24 corresponding to a block 22 protruding receptacles 27 into which the heads 26 of the coupling elements 23 engage can. Both coupling elements 23 and 24 have to terminals 28, in which the trains can be set so that they remain energized even in a disconnected state. Furthermore, the coupling elements 23 and 24 have recesses 29 which correspond to corresponding recesses 30 on the coupling blocks 21 and 22. The recesses 30 extend from the grooves 25 and extend over a limited length sideways over the coupling blocks 21 and 22nd

The coupling elements 23 and 24 in the grooves 25 are held by rings 31 which, distributed uniformly over the circumference, pins or holes with screws 32 have. The rings 31 are slid over the coupling blocks 21 and 22 in the region of the groove 29/30 and are suitable for fixing or releasing the coupling elements 23 and 24, depending on the position of the pins / screws 32. Moreover, the coupling blocks have further ring elements 33, which serve to stabilize the coupling elements 23 and 24 on the coupling blocks.

Moreover, the coupling blocks can as far as holes or passages 34, 35 have, which are intended for the passage or connection of suction and purge lines, optical fibers or lines for data transfer. Figure 3b shows the coupling blocks with the components of Figure 3A in the assembled state, but without the inserted coupling elements 23 and 24. The rings 31 with the screws 32 are located at the points of the groove 30 and can, depending on the position, the coupling elements 23 and Lock or release 24 in position. In locked position ensures that the connected trains are blocked, in free state, the connected trains, with locked blocks, can be operated for control purposes.

The coupling blocks 21, 22 are intended to be connected to the proximal end of the insertion unit 3 and to the distal end of the control unit 2, respectively. They thus simultaneously serve to connect the control unit and the introduction unit.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" as used in the specification are to be understood in terms of "physician side" or "patient side" or "body facing" and "body facing" with respect to the patient.

- Claims -

Claims

claims

1. Modular endoscope, in particular for colonoscopy or gastroscopy, with an insertion unit (3) to be introduced into a body cavity

5 with a flexible, controllable tip (4), a control unit (2) and optical devices for light coupling and decoupling of image data, characterized in that the endoscope (1) an insertion unit (3), the controls necessary for the control and for the light coupling and data extraction lo has necessary transmission elements, as well as a compact formed separate optical unit (12), which accommodates the entire optical range of the endoscope (1), in the flexible, controllable tip (4) of the insertion unit (3) is arranged and distal to the is coupled for the light coupling and data extraction necessary transmission elements, as i5 has separate modules.

2. Endoscope according to claim 1, characterized by a separate module designed as a control unit (2).

3. An endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (2) to the insertion unit (3) and the transmission elements for the

20 light coupling and data extraction is connected.

4. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insertion unit (3) additionally has at least one additional channel for rinsing, suction and / or pressing gas.

5. An endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the insertion unit (3) additionally comprises a biopsy and probe channel.

6. An endoscope according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that 5 or the additional channels distal to the control unit (2) from the

Insertion unit (3) are led out and have a separate control.

7. An endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that the control for the additional channels is formed as a separate separable module.

lo 8 Endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that the

Control has at least one footswitch.

9. An endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an additional, with the control unit (2) connected to the module (5) with the necessary for the light coupling and data extraction i5 transmission elements.

10. An endoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that the module (5) with the necessary for the light coupling and data extraction transmission elements has an integrated electronics for image transmission.

20 11. An endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical unit (12) for image transmission comprises a light emitting diode.

12. An endoscope according to claim 11, characterized in that the light emitting diode couples into a light guide or a photodiode.

13. An endoscope according to claim 10, characterized in that the optical unit (12) has a device for radio transmission of image information.

14. An endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by at least one magnetic element as a control, which is suitable, the

Aligning and / or controlling the insertion unit (3) by means of a magnetic field applied outside a patient's body.

15. An endoscope according to claim 14, characterized in that the or the magnetic elements in the tip (4) of the insertion unit (3) are arranged.

16. An endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the controls are Bowden cables which connect the tip (4) of the insertion unit (3) with the control unit (2).

17. An endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical unit (12) in encapsulated form in a

Disposable cover is present, which can be disposed of after use.

- Summary -