The invention concerns the field of rigid endoscopes. More particularly, the invention concerns a rigid endoscope as set out by the preamble of claim 1 and a rigid endoscope system as set out by the preamble of claim 9.
Endoscopes for direct visual examination of the digestive tract are well known. Flexible endoscopes, such as colonoscopes and flexible sigmoidoscopes, are normally used for examination of the colon between the cecum and the descending colon, while rigid endoscopes are used for examining the lower sigmoid colon, rectum and anus. The invention is concerned with rigid endoscopes, of which four types are commonly known: anoscopes (also referred to as proctoscopes), rectoscopes, vaginoiscopes and amnioscopes. Anoscopes are designed for examination of the anus, while rectoscopes (sometimes referred to as rigid sigmoidoscopes) are designed for examination of the rectum and lower parts of the sigmoid colon. The vaginoscope is designed for examinations of the vagina and amnioscope is introduced into the cervical canal, permits direct visualizations of the fetus and amniotic fluid. A typical anoscope may have a length of approximately 10 cm, while a typical rectoscope is approximately 25 cm long.
The prior art anoscope is basically a tubular body which is open in both ends, and furnished with a handle. In use, the tube is inserted into the anus, whereupon the physician may visually inspect the anus and extract tissue samples (in a biopsy procedure) with a suitable tool inserted through the lumen in the tubular body.
The prior art rectoscope is similar to the anoscope (but longer), but may in addition have an end cap on that end of the tubular body which is not inserted into the rectum. The cap may be transparent. A pump, usually a rubber bulb which is squeezed to generate a pressure, is connected to the tubular body via a hose. In use, when the rectoscope is inserted into rectum, the rubber bulb is squeezed to increase the pressure inside the cavity which is formed by the tubular body (closed off at the outer end by said cap) and the volume inside the rectum, whereby the rectum wall is dilated. The dilated rectum wall facilitates visual inspection and biopsy.
One disadvantage associated with the known anoscopes and endoscopes is that instruments are introduced through the tubular body by visual guidance. The visibility is limited, and the instruments limit the visibility even more. Another disadvantage associated with prior art rectoscope, is that the pressure and hence dilation of the rectum (generated by the rubber bulb as described above) is compromised when an instrument is inserted through the tubular body (and the end cap is removed). It is therefore a need for an improved anoscope, rectoscope, vaginoscope and amnioscope.
The invention is set forth and characterized in the main claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention.
It is thus provided a rigid endoscope having a rigid tubular body with first and second ends and a through-going bore through which an instrument may be introduced to emerge from an opening at a first end of the bore, characterized by an observation channel having a portion with a closed end arranged at a distance behind said opening, and an open end, said observation channel configured for accommodating at least an optical instrument, and the portion of the observation channel is arranged completely or partially within the tubular body circumference or completely or partially within the bore.
In one embodiment, the closed end is arranged in the vicinity of said opening and second end.
The observations channel makes it possible to have a camera integrated in a disposable endoscope with a closed channel where the camera is protected against contamination.
In one embodiment, the closed end is made of a transparent material. The closed end may comprise an optical lens. The open end is in one embodiment configured for connection to a protective sleeve.
In one embodiment, the endoscope is made of a plastic material and is intended for being discarded after use. In one embodiment, the rigid endoscope further comprises an end cap configured for sealable and releasable connection to the observation channel open end.
An obdurator will also be used.
It is also provided a rigid endoscope system, characterized by the rigid endoscope according to the invention; an optical instrument configured for insertion into said observation channel and arranged in the vicinity of said closed end; said optical instrument being operationally connected to a power pack, a wireless transmitter and a control unit; said power pack, wireless transmitter and control unit being configured for insertion into said observation channel. The optical instrument may be a camera, preferably also having a light source. The power pack (21) may be a rechargeable battery pack, and may additionally comprises an induction charging unit. The wireless transmitter may comprise Wi-Fi unit.
The rigid endoscope may be an anoscope, a rectoscope, a vaginoscope or an amnioscope. The rigid endoscope is suitable for being discarded after use.
These and other characteristics of the invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments, given as non-restrictive examples, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, wherein:
The following description will use terms such as “horizontal”, “vertical”, “lateral”, “back and forth”, “up and down”, “upper”, “lower”, “inner”, “outer”, “forward”, “rear”, “behind”, “in front of”, etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the drawings and that are associated with a normal use of the invention. The terms are used for the reader's convenience only and shall not be limiting.
The invented endoscope 1 comprises in the illustrated embodiment an observation channel 7 having a portion 18 extending along the tubular body bore 6 and having a closed end 10 in a region in the vicinity of the bore opening 5. The closed end 10 is formed of a transparent material and may comprise a lens (not shown per se). An outer portion of the observation channel 7 is bent with respect to the portion 18 and may conveniently be used as a handle 8 The observation channel 7 comprises in the embodiment illustrated in
In
The closed end 10 terminates a distance d behind the distal end 2a. The distance d may for example be between 2 and 5 cm, but the invention shall not be limited to such dimensions. One advantageous effect of arranging the closed end 10 a distance d behind (i.e. receded from) the distal end 2a, is that the view of the tissue to be examined (by the optical instrument) is not obstructed. In use, the tissue in the body cavity to be examined is dilated by the distal end 2b, providing an unobstructed view from the closed end 10.
A protective sleeve 16, for example a plastic tube, is in the embodiment illustrated in
Referring now to
In the embodiment illustrated in
In a practical application, the invented anoscope, rectoscope, vaginoscope or amnioscope may be disposable, while the camera may be used again but without any need for disinfection (other than being swiped with a cloth stained with an alcohol) because it is arranged in a compartment (the observation channel 7) which is sealed off from the tubular body bore 6. In the case of a rectoscope, it is possible to perform procedures with a dilated rectum wall.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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20171085 | Jun 2017 | NO | national |
20171736 | Nov 2017 | NO | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/NO2018/050170 | 6/28/2018 | WO | 00 |