【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、手術・処置・診断
等に使用する外科手術用内視鏡及び外科手術用内視鏡と
組み合わせて使用される外套管に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a surgical endoscope used for surgery, treatment, diagnosis, and the like, and an outer tube used in combination with the surgical endoscope.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来から腹腔鏡下外科手術に代表される
様に光学視管(以下、内視鏡)や鉗子等の処置具を体内に
挿通し、内視鏡像を元に手術・処置・診断等が行われて
きた。これらの作業は全て内視鏡像を元に行う為、内視
鏡像が鮮明に維持できることが特に重要である。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a surgical instrument such as an optical tube (hereinafter referred to as an endoscope) or forceps is inserted into a body as typified by laparoscopic surgery, and surgery, treatment, or the like is performed based on an endoscopic image. Diagnosis has been performed. Since all of these operations are performed based on the endoscope image, it is particularly important that the endoscope image can be maintained clearly.
【０００３】しかしながら、体内に挿通したとき、内視
鏡先端のカバーガラスが体内の湿気により曇ってしま
い、観察を妨げることがあった。このような現象は次の
ような原因によるものである。つまり、体内、例えば、
腹腔内の温度は体温と略等しく、かつ湿度はかなり高い
状態にある一方、手術室に準備されている内視鏡の温度
は略室温になっている。この両者の温度差により腹腔内
の湿気が内視鏡先端のカバーガラス表面で結露し、曇っ
てしまう。[0003] However, when the endoscope is inserted into the body, the cover glass at the end of the endoscope becomes cloudy due to the moisture inside the body, which sometimes hinders observation. Such a phenomenon is caused by the following causes. That is, in the body, for example,
The temperature in the abdominal cavity is substantially equal to the body temperature and the humidity is considerably high, while the temperature of the endoscope prepared in the operating room is approximately room temperature. Due to the temperature difference between the two, moisture in the abdominal cavity condenses on the surface of the cover glass at the distal end of the endoscope and becomes cloudy.
【０００４】このような曇りを防止するため、これまで
は、使用する前に、例えば別に用意したお湯にあらかじ
め内視鏡を浸して暖めておいたり、内視鏡を暖める装置
を用いてあらかじめ内視鏡を暖めておいたり、さらには
カバーガラスに曇り防止剤(油脂等)を塗布したりする
等、曇りを極力防止しながら内視鏡を用いており、不便
であった。[0004] In order to prevent such fogging, before use, the endoscope has been previously soaked in hot water prepared separately, for example, and then warmed up by using a device for warming the endoscope. The endoscope is used while keeping the fogging as low as possible, such as keeping the endoscope warm or applying a fogging inhibitor (oil or the like) to the cover glass, which is inconvenient.
【０００５】一方、実公昭62-12118号公報に示される様
に対物レンズに発熱皮膜を形成し、発熱皮膜に外部から
電力を供給することで、対物レンズを暖め、結露を防止
する機構を組み込んだコピー装置が提案されている。こ
れは、外部からの電力の供給が必要であり、また、外部
からの電力供給の制御ため、温度センサーを含む制御回
路、過熱防止の為の制限回路等を含む制御装置が必要で
あり、システムが非常に複雑になってしまうという欠点
があった。このため、内視鏡装置には不向きなものであ
る。On the other hand, as shown in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-12118, a mechanism for forming a heating film on the objective lens and supplying power from the outside to the heating film to heat the objective lens and prevent dew condensation is incorporated. Copy machines have been proposed. This requires the supply of power from the outside, and also requires a control device including a temperature sensor for controlling the supply of power from the outside, a control device including a limiting circuit for preventing overheating, etc. However, there was a drawback that it became very complicated. Therefore, it is unsuitable for an endoscope device.
【０００６】また、特許第2671745号公報に示される様
に、照明光の一部を内視鏡先端部の加熱に用いる様にし
た形式の内視鏡も提案されているが、内視鏡先端部の温
度を制御する手段が無いため、これを使用する場合に
は、内視鏡先端を体組織に近づけない等、使用上の配慮
が必要なものであった。[0006] As shown in Japanese Patent No. 2671745, an endoscope in which a part of the illumination light is used for heating the end of the endoscope has been proposed. Since there is no means for controlling the temperature of the section, when using this, care must be taken in using the endoscope, such as keeping the distal end of the endoscope away from body tissue.
【０００７】また、特開昭64-83241号公報に示される様
に、内視鏡先端に温めた気体を当てるようにした加温手
段も考えられているが、この方式では上記同様に制御装
置が必要であり、制御装置が大掛かりになるという欠
点、さらには面倒な操作やメンテナンスが必要になる等
の欠点があった。Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-83241, a heating means for applying a heated gas to the endoscope endoscope has been considered. However, there is a disadvantage that the control device becomes large-scale, and furthermore, a troublesome operation and maintenance are required.
【０００８】[0008]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】本発明は上記課題に着
目してなされたものであり、その目的とするところは、
特別に外部からの電力供給が不必要であり、また、制御
装置が不用なものであり、さらには、面倒な操作やメン
テナンスの必要もなく、先端に設けるカバーガラスの曇
りを防止できる外科手術用内視鏡および外套管を提供す
ることにある。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems.
No special external power supply is required, and no control device is required.Moreover, there is no need for troublesome operation and maintenance, and it is possible to prevent fogging of the cover glass provided at the tip. An endoscope and a mantle tube are provided.
【０００９】[0009]
【課題を解決するための手段および作用】請求項１に係
る発明は、内視鏡の外表面又はその外表面近傍のうち体
内に挿入される部分に温度差により発電する発電素子が
配置され、当該内視鏡の光学部材の近傍には、上記発電
素子が発電した電流をエネルギー源として発熱し、上記
光学部材を加温する発熱素子を配置したことを特徴とす
る外科手術用内視鏡である。According to the first aspect of the present invention, a power generating element for generating power by a temperature difference is disposed on a portion of the endoscope inserted in the body at or near the outer surface of the endoscope, In the vicinity of the optical member of the endoscope, a surgical endoscope characterized in that a heating element that generates heat using the current generated by the power generation element as an energy source and heats the optical member is disposed. is there.
【００１０】請求項２に係る発明は、外科手術用内視鏡
と組み合わせて使用される外套管において、体内に挿入
される側の端部に光学部材が配され、当該外套管の外表
面又はその外表面近傍のうち体内に挿入される部分に温
度差により発電する発電素子が配置され、当該外套管の
光学部材近傍には、上記発電素子が発電した電流をエネ
ルギー源として発熱し、上記光学部材を加温する発熱素
子を配置したものである。[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a mantle tube used in combination with a surgical endoscope, an optical member is disposed at an end on the side to be inserted into the body, and an outer surface of the mantle tube or A power generating element for generating power by a temperature difference is arranged in a portion inserted into the body in the vicinity of the outer surface, and in the vicinity of the optical member of the mantle tube, heat is generated using the current generated by the power generating element as an energy source, A heating element for heating a member is arranged.
【００１１】一般に内視鏡のカバーガラス等の光学部材
の外表面には曇りが発生し易い。内視鏡が挿入される体
腔内の温度は略体温であり、水分も豊富にあるために湿
度も高い。一方、挿入前の内視鏡は通常室内に置いてお
かれるため、略室温となっており、そのような内視鏡を
体内に挿入すると、相対的に冷たい内視鏡のカバーガラ
ス等の光学部材の外表面で結露が発生し、画像に曇りが
生じる。これは、内視鏡と組み合わせて使用される外套
管の場合も同様である。Generally, fogging is likely to occur on the outer surface of an optical member such as a cover glass of an endoscope. The temperature inside the body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted is approximately the body temperature, and the moisture is abundant and the humidity is high. On the other hand, since the endoscope before insertion is usually kept indoors, the temperature is substantially at room temperature. When such an endoscope is inserted into the body, the optical glass such as a cover glass of the relatively cold endoscope is used. Dew condensation occurs on the outer surface of the member, resulting in fogging of the image. This is the same in the case of a mantle tube used in combination with an endoscope.
【００１２】本発明では、体内に挿入される部分に温度
差によって発電する発電素子、例えばペルチェ素子を設
け、上記体温と、内視鏡又は外套管の温度差によって電
力を発生させる。発電素子に発生した電力でカバーガラ
ス等の光学部材近傍に配置された発熱素子を発熱させ、
光学部材の温度を上げることにより体腔との温度差を無
くし、曇りの発生を押さえる。According to the present invention, a power generating element, for example, a Peltier element, for generating electric power by a temperature difference is provided in a portion to be inserted into the body, and electric power is generated by the above-mentioned body temperature and a temperature difference between an endoscope or an outer tube. The power generated by the power generating element causes the heating element disposed near the optical member such as the cover glass to generate heat,
By raising the temperature of the optical member, the temperature difference from the body cavity is eliminated, and the occurrence of fogging is suppressed.
【００１３】また、内視鏡又は外套管は体腔内にあるた
め、時間と共に内視鏡又は外套管の温度は体腔の温度に
近づいていく。それにつれ、発電素子１１の発電量は低
下していく。しかし、内外の温度差が無くなれば、曇り
も発生しない状況となるため、電力は必要が無くなる。
すなわち、自動的に出力を制限しているのと同等であ
る。従って、あらゆる外部からの電力の供給、温度等の
検出手段・制御手段及び過熱防止等の装置が不用であ
り、簡単で安価な構造で曇り防止手段を構築できる。Further, since the endoscope or the mantle tube is in the body cavity, the temperature of the endoscope or the mantle tube approaches the temperature of the body cavity with time. Accordingly, the power generation amount of the power generation element 11 decreases. However, if there is no temperature difference between the inside and outside, no fogging occurs, so that power is not required.
That is, this is equivalent to automatically limiting the output. Accordingly, there is no need for any means for supplying power from outside, detecting and controlling temperature and the like, and devices for preventing overheating, and the fogging preventing means can be constructed with a simple and inexpensive structure.
【００１４】[0014]
【発明の実施の形態】（第１実施形態）図１乃至図５を
参照して本発明の第１実施形態について説明する。図１
に示すように、本実施形態の内視鏡１は手元部２と挿入
部３を備えた硬性鏡形式のものであり、手元部２には接
眼部４やライトガイド口金５が設けられている。また、
挿入部３の先端部には光学部材としてのカバーガラス６
が設けられ、このカバーガラス６を通じて内視鏡像を得
る様になっている。内視鏡像は図２に示すようにリレー
レンズ７を通じて接眼部４に導かれる。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment is of a rigid endoscope type having a hand part 2 and an insertion part 3, and the hand part 2 is provided with an eyepiece part 4 and a light guide base 5. I have. Also,
A cover glass 6 as an optical member is provided at the tip of the insertion section 3.
Is provided, and an endoscope image is obtained through the cover glass 6. The endoscope image is guided to the eyepiece 4 through the relay lens 7 as shown in FIG.
【００１５】内視鏡１の挿入部３における周面部の外表
面又はその外表面近傍には内外の温度差によって発電す
る発電素子１１が配設されている。また、図２に示すよ
うに挿入部３の先端部には光学部材としてのカバーガラ
ス６の近傍に位置して、一定の電気抵抗を持ち、電流を
流すと発熱する透明薄膜状の発熱素子１２が配されてい
る。発電素子１１と発熱素子１２とは導線１３で互いに
接続されている。この電気的接続は図４に示すように発
電素子１１と発熱素子１２が導線１３によって直列に接
続するものである。A power generating element 11 for generating electric power by an internal / external temperature difference is provided on the outer surface of the peripheral portion of the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 or in the vicinity of the outer surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a transparent thin-film heating element 12 having a certain electric resistance and generating heat when a current is applied thereto is located at a distal end of the insertion portion 3 near the cover glass 6 as an optical member. Is arranged. The power generation element 11 and the heating element 12 are connected to each other by a conductor 13. This electrical connection is such that the power generating element 11 and the heating element 12 are connected in series by a conducting wire 13 as shown in FIG.
【００１６】ここで、上記発電素子１１は例えばペルチ
ェ素子又は熱電対で実現され、内視鏡１の挿入部３の外
周面に径方向の突出が事実上零になる様に埋め込まれて
いる。発電素子１１は多数のペルチェ素子又は熱電対を
直列に接続し、これらを樹脂でまとめ、モジュール化し
て内視鏡１の挿入部３に取り付けるようにすると良い。Here, the power generating element 11 is realized by, for example, a Peltier element or a thermocouple, and is embedded in the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 so that the radial projection becomes substantially zero. The power generating element 11 is preferably formed by connecting a large number of Peltier elements or thermocouples in series, combining these with resin, forming a module, and attaching the module to the insertion section 3 of the endoscope 1.
【００１７】そして、図５に示すように、内視鏡１が使
用されるとき、発電素子１１の部分は体腔内に位置す
る。このため、発電素子１１の外側部分は体温である温
度Ｔ1になる。また、発電素子１１の内側部分は熱伝導
的に良好な方式で内視鏡部材１４と接しているため、内
視鏡１内の温度Ｔ2となる。すなわち、発電素子１１は
内外の温度差ΔT(=T1-T2)が大きくする様に内視鏡１に
配置されている。As shown in FIG. 5, when the endoscope 1 is used, a portion of the power generating element 11 is located in a body cavity. Therefore, the outer portion of the power generating element 11 has a temperature T1, which is the body temperature. In addition, since the inside portion of the power generation element 11 is in contact with the endoscope member 14 in a manner excellent in heat conduction, the temperature inside the endoscope 1 becomes T2. That is, the power generating element 11 is disposed on the endoscope 1 such that the temperature difference ΔT (= T1−T2) between the inside and outside is increased.
【００１８】さらに、発熱素子１２に対して充分な大き
さの発電素子１１を配することにより、充分な発熱量を
確保するようになっている。これは、挿入部３の外表面
部に発熱素子１２を配置することにより容易に達成でき
る。Further, by arranging the power generating element 11 having a sufficient size with respect to the heating element 12, a sufficient amount of generated heat is ensured. This can be easily achieved by disposing the heating element 12 on the outer surface of the insertion section 3.
【００１９】上記発熱素子１２には各種の例えば樹脂製
の透明薄膜状抵抗体を利用することができる。発熱素子
１２は内視鏡１のカバーガラス６近傍に熱的に接触する
様に配置され、電力を受けると直ちに発熱し、カバーガ
ラス６を加熱し、カバーガラス６を温めて体腔との温度
差を無くし、カバーガラス６の表面に結露することを防
止する。As the heating element 12, various kinds of transparent thin-film resistors made of, for example, resin can be used. The heating element 12 is disposed so as to be in thermal contact with the vicinity of the cover glass 6 of the endoscope 1, and generates heat immediately upon receiving electric power, heats the cover glass 6, warms the cover glass 6, and changes the temperature difference from the body cavity. To prevent dew condensation on the surface of the cover glass 6.
【００２０】また、発電素子１１を配置した内視鏡１の
挿入部３は体腔内にあるため、時間と共に内視鏡１の挿
入部３の温度は体腔の温度に近づいていく。それにつ
れ、発電素子１１の発電量は低下していく。しかし、温
度差が無くなれば、曇りも発生しない状況となる為、電
力は必要が無くなる。すなわち、自動的に出力を制限し
ているのと同等になる。このため、あらゆる外部からの
電力の供給、温度等の検出手段・制御手段及び過熱防止
等の装置が不用であり、簡単で安価な構造で曇り防止手
段を構築できる。Further, since the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 in which the power generating element 11 is disposed is in the body cavity, the temperature of the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 approaches the temperature of the body cavity with time. Accordingly, the power generation amount of the power generation element 11 decreases. However, if the temperature difference disappears, no fogging occurs, so that no power is required. In other words, this is equivalent to automatically limiting the output. For this reason, any means for supplying power from outside, detecting and controlling temperature and the like, and devices for preventing overheating are unnecessary, and the fogging preventing means can be constructed with a simple and inexpensive structure.
【００２１】（第２実施形態）図６を参照して本発明の
第２実施形態について説明する。本実施形態は上述した
第１実施形態における膜状の発熱素子１２と同等の機能
を持つ板状の発熱板２１を利用するものであり、この発
熱板２１は第１実施形態の場合と同様、図示しない内視
鏡のカバーガラスに接する様に配置されている。発熱板
２１には画像を得るための部材に必要な窓部２２が開口
して設けられており、その窓部２２を避ける様に、電気
抵抗を持つパターン２３がおおよそ隙間無く表面に配さ
れている。(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment utilizes a plate-like heating plate 21 having the same function as the film-like heating element 12 in the above-described first embodiment, and this heating plate 21 is similar to the case of the first embodiment. It is arranged so as to be in contact with a cover glass of an endoscope (not shown). A window 22 necessary for a member for obtaining an image is provided on the heat generating plate 21 with an opening, and a pattern 23 having electric resistance is arranged on the surface with almost no gap so as to avoid the window 22. I have.
【００２２】電気抵抗を持つパターン２３は上述した第
１実施形態で示した発電素子１１からの電力を受けて発
熱し、上記同様にカバーガラス６を加熱し、カバーガラ
ス６に起きようとする結露による曇りの発生を防止す
る。The pattern 23 having the electric resistance generates heat by receiving the electric power from the power generating element 11 shown in the first embodiment, and heats the cover glass 6 in the same manner as described above, thereby forming dew condensation on the cover glass 6. To prevent fogging from occurring.
【００２３】（第３実施形態）図７を参照して本発明の
第３実施形態について説明する。本実施形態は既存の内
視鏡２５と組み合わせて使用する外套管３０であり、外
套管３０には上述した第１実施形態での内視鏡１のもの
と同様の、発電素子３１、透明薄膜状の発熱素子３２及
び導線３３が配されている。発電素子３１は外面が外套
管３０の外周面に露出し、内面が外套管３０の内周面に
露出し、発電素子３１自体が外套管３０の内外面を形成
している。(Third Embodiment) A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment is a mantle tube 30 used in combination with an existing endoscope 25. The mantle tube 30 includes a power generating element 31, a transparent thin film similar to that of the endoscope 1 in the above-described first embodiment. A heating element 32 and a conducting wire 33 are arranged. The power generating element 31 has an outer surface exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 30 and an inner surface exposed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 30, and the power generating element 31 itself forms the inner and outer surfaces of the outer tube 30.
【００２４】そして、内視鏡２５と組み合わせて外套管
３０を使用するとき、発電素子３１の内面はその内視鏡
２５の挿入部２６の外面と接する様に外套管３０の内側
に露出して配置されている。つまり、発電素子３１の内
側部分は内視鏡２５によって冷たくなる様に配置されて
いる。When the outer tube 30 is used in combination with the endoscope 25, the inner surface of the power generating element 31 is exposed inside the outer tube 30 so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the insertion portion 26 of the endoscope 25. Are located. That is, the inner part of the power generating element 31 is arranged to be cooled by the endoscope 25.
【００２５】また、膜状の発熱素子３２は外套管３０の
カバーガラス３４の近傍に熱的に接触する様に配置され
ており、前述した実施形態と同様、カバーガラス３４を
加熱し、カバーガラス３４に結露することにより発生す
る曇りを防止できる様になっている。Further, the film-shaped heating element 32 is arranged so as to be in thermal contact with the vicinity of the cover glass 34 of the mantle tube 30, and heats the cover glass 34 as in the above-described embodiment. The fogging caused by the dew condensation on the surface can be prevented.
【００２６】尚、本発明は前述した各実施形態に限定さ
れるものではなく、他の形態にも適用が可能である。The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but can be applied to other embodiments.
【００２７】[0027]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように本発明によれば、外
部からの電力供給・制御装置・過熱防止装置等が不要で
あり、また、メンテナンスおよび操作が不要であり、簡
便に内視鏡像の観察の妨げとなる曇りを防止する外科手
術用内視鏡および外套管を提供できる。As described above, according to the present invention, there is no need for an external power supply, control device, overheat prevention device, etc., and no maintenance or operation is required, and the endoscope image can be easily obtained. It is possible to provide a surgical endoscope and a mantle tube that prevent fogging that hinders observation.
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態に係る内視鏡の斜視図で
ある。FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】本発明の第１実施形態に係る内視鏡の挿入部を
断面して示す斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of an insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
【図３】本発明の第１実施形態に係る内視鏡の挿入部の
先端付近の横断面図である。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view near the distal end of the insertion section of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
【図４】本発明の第１実施形態に係る内視鏡の電気的接
続回路図である。FIG. 4 is an electrical connection circuit diagram of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
【図５】本発明の第１実施形態に係る内視鏡の使用状態
の説明図である。FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a use state of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
【図６】本発明の第２実施形態に係る内視鏡の挿入部の
先端付近の横断面図である。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view near the distal end of an insertion section of an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
【図７】本発明の第３実施形態に係る外套管の断面図と
外套管を使用する内視鏡の斜視図である。FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an outer tube according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a perspective view of an endoscope using the outer tube.
１…内視鏡 ２…手元部 ３…挿入部 ６…カバーガラス １１…発電素子 １２…発熱素子 T1…発電素子の外側温度 T2…発電素子の内側温度 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Hand part 3 ... Insert part 6 ... Cover glass 11 ... Power generation element 12 ... Heating element T1 ... Outside temperature of power generation element T2 ... Inside temperature of power generation element
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001095711AJP2002291684A (en) | 2001-03-29 | 2001-03-29 | Endoscope for surgical operation, and outer tube |
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001095711AJP2002291684A (en) | 2001-03-29 | 2001-03-29 | Endoscope for surgical operation, and outer tube |
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2002291684Atrue JP2002291684A (en) | 2002-10-08 |
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001095711AWithdrawnJP2002291684A (en) | 2001-03-29 | 2001-03-29 | Endoscope for surgical operation, and outer tube |
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2002291684A (en) |
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2006000282A (en)* | 2004-06-16 | 2006-01-05 | Olympus Corp | Fogging preventing device for endoscope and endoscope |
| JP2007175230A (en)* | 2005-12-27 | 2007-07-12 | Olympus Medical Systems Corp | Endoscope device |
| US20090030278A1 (en)* | 2007-07-23 | 2009-01-29 | Hoya Corporation | Electrical power supply device for endoscope and endoscope |
| JP2010524512A (en)* | 2007-02-01 | 2010-07-22 | プロテウス バイオメディカル インコーポレイテッド | Ingestible event marker system |
| EP2241243A1 (en) | 2009-04-16 | 2010-10-20 | Henke-Sass, Wolf GmbH | Endoscope with electrical heating system |
| US8542123B2 (en) | 2008-03-05 | 2013-09-24 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Multi-mode communication ingestible event markers and systems, and methods of using the same |
| US8540632B2 (en) | 2007-05-24 | 2013-09-24 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Low profile antenna for in body device |
| US8545436B2 (en) | 2008-12-15 | 2013-10-01 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Body-associated receiver and method |
| US8547248B2 (en) | 2005-09-01 | 2013-10-01 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Implantable zero-wire communications system |
| US8583227B2 (en) | 2008-12-11 | 2013-11-12 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Evaluation of gastrointestinal function using portable electroviscerography systems and methods of using the same |
| US8674825B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2014-03-18 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Pharma-informatics system |
| US8718193B2 (en) | 2006-11-20 | 2014-05-06 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Active signal processing personal health signal receivers |
| US8730031B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2014-05-20 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Communication system using an implantable device |
| US8868453B2 (en) | 2009-11-04 | 2014-10-21 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | System for supply chain management |
| US8932221B2 (en) | 2007-03-09 | 2015-01-13 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | In-body device having a multi-directional transmitter |
| US8945005B2 (en) | 2006-10-25 | 2015-02-03 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Controlled activation ingestible identifier |
| US8956287B2 (en) | 2006-05-02 | 2015-02-17 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Patient customized therapeutic regimens |
| US8956288B2 (en) | 2007-02-14 | 2015-02-17 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | In-body power source having high surface area electrode |
| US8961412B2 (en) | 2007-09-25 | 2015-02-24 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | In-body device with virtual dipole signal amplification |
| US9014779B2 (en) | 2010-02-01 | 2015-04-21 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Data gathering system |
| US9198608B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2015-12-01 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Communication system incorporated in a container |
| US9235683B2 (en) | 2011-11-09 | 2016-01-12 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Apparatus, system, and method for managing adherence to a regimen |
| US9270503B2 (en) | 2013-09-20 | 2016-02-23 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Methods, devices and systems for receiving and decoding a signal in the presence of noise using slices and warping |
| US9439599B2 (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2016-09-13 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Wearable personal body associated device with various physical configurations |
| US9439566B2 (en) | 2008-12-15 | 2016-09-13 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Re-wearable wireless device |
| US9577864B2 (en) | 2013-09-24 | 2017-02-21 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Method and apparatus for use with received electromagnetic signal at a frequency not known exactly in advance |
| US9603550B2 (en) | 2008-07-08 | 2017-03-28 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | State characterization based on multi-variate data fusion techniques |
| US9659423B2 (en) | 2008-12-15 | 2017-05-23 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Personal authentication apparatus system and method |
| JP2017513542A (en)* | 2014-02-27 | 2017-06-01 | アライン テクノロジー， インコーポレイテッド | Thermal anti-fogging system and method |
| US9756874B2 (en) | 2011-07-11 | 2017-09-12 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Masticable ingestible product and communication system therefor |
| US9883819B2 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2018-02-06 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Ingestion-related biofeedback and personalized medical therapy method and system |
| JP2018524131A (en)* | 2015-06-02 | 2018-08-30 | ジーアイ・サイエンティフィック・リミテッド・ライアビリティ・カンパニーＧｉ Ｓｃｉｅｎｔｉｆｉｃ， Ｌｌｃ | Conductive optical element |
| US10084880B2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2018-09-25 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Social media networking based on physiologic information |
| US10187121B2 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2019-01-22 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Electromagnetic sensing and detection of ingestible event markers |
| US10223905B2 (en) | 2011-07-21 | 2019-03-05 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Mobile device and system for detection and communication of information received from an ingestible device |
| JP2019506225A (en)* | 2016-02-11 | 2019-03-07 | オリンパス ビンテル ウント イーベーエー ゲーエムベーハーＯｌｙｍｐｕｓ Ｗｉｎｔｅｒ ＆ Ｉｂｅ Ｇｅｓｅｌｌｓｃｈａｆｔ Ｍｉｔ Ｂｅｓｃｈｒａｎｋｔｅｒ Ｈａｆｔｕｎｇ | Video endoscope |
| US10398161B2 (en) | 2014-01-21 | 2019-09-03 | Proteus Digital Heal Th, Inc. | Masticable ingestible product and communication system therefor |
| US10398297B2 (en)* | 2014-09-30 | 2019-09-03 | Olympus Corporation | Antifogging device and endoscope device |
| US10529044B2 (en) | 2010-05-19 | 2020-01-07 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Tracking and delivery confirmation of pharmaceutical products |
| US11158149B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2021-10-26 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Personal authentication apparatus system and method |
| CN115120170A (en)* | 2021-03-24 | 2022-09-30 | 珠海市迪谱医疗科技有限公司 | An endoscope lens anti-fog device |
| US11612321B2 (en) | 2007-11-27 | 2023-03-28 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Transbody communication systems employing communication channels |
| US11744481B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2023-09-05 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | System, apparatus and methods for data collection and assessing outcomes |
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2006000282A (en)* | 2004-06-16 | 2006-01-05 | Olympus Corp | Fogging preventing device for endoscope and endoscope |
| US8847766B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2014-09-30 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Pharma-informatics system |
| US9597010B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2017-03-21 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Communication system using an implantable device |
| US9198608B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2015-12-01 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Communication system incorporated in a container |
| US8730031B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2014-05-20 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Communication system using an implantable device |
| US8674825B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2014-03-18 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Pharma-informatics system |
| US8547248B2 (en) | 2005-09-01 | 2013-10-01 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Implantable zero-wire communications system |
| JP2007175230A (en)* | 2005-12-27 | 2007-07-12 | Olympus Medical Systems Corp | Endoscope device |
| US7938774B2 (en) | 2005-12-27 | 2011-05-10 | Olympus Medical Systems Corporation | Endoscope apparatus having controlled heater |
| US11928614B2 (en) | 2006-05-02 | 2024-03-12 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Patient customized therapeutic regimens |
| US8956287B2 (en) | 2006-05-02 | 2015-02-17 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Patient customized therapeutic regimens |
| US10238604B2 (en) | 2006-10-25 | 2019-03-26 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Controlled activation ingestible identifier |
| US8945005B2 (en) | 2006-10-25 | 2015-02-03 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Controlled activation ingestible identifier |
| US11357730B2 (en) | 2006-10-25 | 2022-06-14 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Controlled activation ingestible identifier |
| US8718193B2 (en) | 2006-11-20 | 2014-05-06 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Active signal processing personal health signal receivers |
| US9444503B2 (en) | 2006-11-20 | 2016-09-13 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Active signal processing personal health signal receivers |
| US9083589B2 (en) | 2006-11-20 | 2015-07-14 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Active signal processing personal health signal receivers |
| JP2010524512A (en)* | 2007-02-01 | 2010-07-22 | プロテウス バイオメディカル インコーポレイテッド | Ingestible event marker system |
| US8858432B2 (en) | 2007-02-01 | 2014-10-14 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Ingestible event marker systems |
| US10441194B2 (en) | 2007-02-01 | 2019-10-15 | Proteus Digital Heal Th, Inc. | Ingestible event marker systems |
| US11464423B2 (en) | 2007-02-14 | 2022-10-11 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | In-body power source having high surface area electrode |
| US8956288B2 (en) | 2007-02-14 | 2015-02-17 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | In-body power source having high surface area electrode |
| US8932221B2 (en) | 2007-03-09 | 2015-01-13 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | In-body device having a multi-directional transmitter |
| US8540632B2 (en) | 2007-05-24 | 2013-09-24 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Low profile antenna for in body device |
| US10517506B2 (en) | 2007-05-24 | 2019-12-31 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Low profile antenna for in body device |
| US20090030278A1 (en)* | 2007-07-23 | 2009-01-29 | Hoya Corporation | Electrical power supply device for endoscope and endoscope |
| US9433371B2 (en) | 2007-09-25 | 2016-09-06 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | In-body device with virtual dipole signal amplification |
| US8961412B2 (en) | 2007-09-25 | 2015-02-24 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | In-body device with virtual dipole signal amplification |
| US11612321B2 (en) | 2007-11-27 | 2023-03-28 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Transbody communication systems employing communication channels |
| US8542123B2 (en) | 2008-03-05 | 2013-09-24 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Multi-mode communication ingestible event markers and systems, and methods of using the same |
| US9060708B2 (en) | 2008-03-05 | 2015-06-23 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Multi-mode communication ingestible event markers and systems, and methods of using the same |
| US9258035B2 (en) | 2008-03-05 | 2016-02-09 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Multi-mode communication ingestible event markers and systems, and methods of using the same |
| US8810409B2 (en) | 2008-03-05 | 2014-08-19 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Multi-mode communication ingestible event markers and systems, and methods of using the same |
| US9603550B2 (en) | 2008-07-08 | 2017-03-28 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | State characterization based on multi-variate data fusion techniques |
| US11217342B2 (en) | 2008-07-08 | 2022-01-04 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Ingestible event marker data framework |
| US10682071B2 (en) | 2008-07-08 | 2020-06-16 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | State characterization based on multi-variate data fusion techniques |
| US8583227B2 (en) | 2008-12-11 | 2013-11-12 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Evaluation of gastrointestinal function using portable electroviscerography systems and methods of using the same |
| US9439566B2 (en) | 2008-12-15 | 2016-09-13 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Re-wearable wireless device |
| US9149577B2 (en) | 2008-12-15 | 2015-10-06 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Body-associated receiver and method |
| US9659423B2 (en) | 2008-12-15 | 2017-05-23 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Personal authentication apparatus system and method |
| US8545436B2 (en) | 2008-12-15 | 2013-10-01 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Body-associated receiver and method |
| US9883819B2 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2018-02-06 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Ingestion-related biofeedback and personalized medical therapy method and system |
| EP2241243A1 (en) | 2009-04-16 | 2010-10-20 | Henke-Sass, Wolf GmbH | Endoscope with electrical heating system |
| CN101866047A (en)* | 2009-04-16 | 2010-10-20 | 亨克-萨斯,沃尔夫有限公司 | Endoscopes with electrical heating systems |
| US8251895B2 (en) | 2009-04-16 | 2012-08-28 | Henke-Sass, Wolf Gmbh | Endoscope with an electric heating system |
| US10305544B2 (en) | 2009-11-04 | 2019-05-28 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | System for supply chain management |
| US8868453B2 (en) | 2009-11-04 | 2014-10-21 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | System for supply chain management |
| US9941931B2 (en) | 2009-11-04 | 2018-04-10 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | System for supply chain management |
| US9014779B2 (en) | 2010-02-01 | 2015-04-21 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Data gathering system |
| US10376218B2 (en) | 2010-02-01 | 2019-08-13 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Data gathering system |
| US10529044B2 (en) | 2010-05-19 | 2020-01-07 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Tracking and delivery confirmation of pharmaceutical products |
| US9439599B2 (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2016-09-13 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Wearable personal body associated device with various physical configurations |
| US9756874B2 (en) | 2011-07-11 | 2017-09-12 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Masticable ingestible product and communication system therefor |
| US10223905B2 (en) | 2011-07-21 | 2019-03-05 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Mobile device and system for detection and communication of information received from an ingestible device |
| US9235683B2 (en) | 2011-11-09 | 2016-01-12 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Apparatus, system, and method for managing adherence to a regimen |
| US11741771B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2023-08-29 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Personal authentication apparatus system and method |
| US11158149B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2021-10-26 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Personal authentication apparatus system and method |
| US11744481B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2023-09-05 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | System, apparatus and methods for data collection and assessing outcomes |
| US11102038B2 (en) | 2013-09-20 | 2021-08-24 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Methods, devices and systems for receiving and decoding a signal in the presence of noise using slices and warping |
| US10097388B2 (en) | 2013-09-20 | 2018-10-09 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Methods, devices and systems for receiving and decoding a signal in the presence of noise using slices and warping |
| US10498572B2 (en) | 2013-09-20 | 2019-12-03 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Methods, devices and systems for receiving and decoding a signal in the presence of noise using slices and warping |
| US9270503B2 (en) | 2013-09-20 | 2016-02-23 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Methods, devices and systems for receiving and decoding a signal in the presence of noise using slices and warping |
| US9787511B2 (en) | 2013-09-20 | 2017-10-10 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Methods, devices and systems for receiving and decoding a signal in the presence of noise using slices and warping |
| US9577864B2 (en) | 2013-09-24 | 2017-02-21 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Method and apparatus for use with received electromagnetic signal at a frequency not known exactly in advance |
| US10084880B2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2018-09-25 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Social media networking based on physiologic information |
| US10398161B2 (en) | 2014-01-21 | 2019-09-03 | Proteus Digital Heal Th, Inc. | Masticable ingestible product and communication system therefor |
| US11950615B2 (en) | 2014-01-21 | 2024-04-09 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Masticable ingestible product and communication system therefor |
| US11134834B2 (en) | 2014-02-27 | 2021-10-05 | Alighn Technology, Inc. | Protective sleeve for intraoral scanner |
| JP2017513542A (en)* | 2014-02-27 | 2017-06-01 | アライン テクノロジー， インコーポレイテッド | Thermal anti-fogging system and method |
| US10111581B2 (en) | 2014-02-27 | 2018-10-30 | Align Technology, Inc. | Thermal defogging system and method |
| US10398297B2 (en)* | 2014-09-30 | 2019-09-03 | Olympus Corporation | Antifogging device and endoscope device |
| JP6995368B2 (en) | 2015-06-02 | 2022-01-14 | ジーアイ・サイエンティフィック・リミテッド・ライアビリティ・カンパニー | Conductive optics |
| JP2018524131A (en)* | 2015-06-02 | 2018-08-30 | ジーアイ・サイエンティフィック・リミテッド・ライアビリティ・カンパニーＧｉ Ｓｃｉｅｎｔｉｆｉｃ， Ｌｌｃ | Conductive optical element |
| JP2019506225A (en)* | 2016-02-11 | 2019-03-07 | オリンパス ビンテル ウント イーベーエー ゲーエムベーハーＯｌｙｍｐｕｓ Ｗｉｎｔｅｒ ＆ Ｉｂｅ Ｇｅｓｅｌｌｓｃｈａｆｔ Ｍｉｔ Ｂｅｓｃｈｒａｎｋｔｅｒ Ｈａｆｔｕｎｇ | Video endoscope |
| US10797758B2 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2020-10-06 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Electromagnetic sensing and detection of ingestible event markers |
| US10187121B2 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2019-01-22 | Proteus Digital Health, Inc. | Electromagnetic sensing and detection of ingestible event markers |
| CN115120170A (en)* | 2021-03-24 | 2022-09-30 | 珠海市迪谱医疗科技有限公司 | An endoscope lens anti-fog device |
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| JP2002291684A (en) | Endoscope for surgical operation, and outer tube | |
| JP5782018B2 (en) | Medical diagnostic equipment | |
| US11284790B2 (en) | Laparoscopic visualization system | |
| US7938774B2 (en) | Endoscope apparatus having controlled heater | |
| JP5800665B2 (en) | Mirror frame unit and endoscope provided with the lens frame unit | |
| US20140088366A1 (en) | Telescope Antifogging and Defogging System | |
| TWI708587B (en) | System and method for endoscope heating | |
| Hensman et al. | Total radiated power, infrared output, and heat generation by cold light sources at the distal end of endoscopes and fiber optic bundle of light cables | |
| JP5186130B2 (en) | Endoscope device | |
| JP3226328B2 (en) | Autoclave equipment | |
| US9848762B2 (en) | Heater for surgical viewing instruments | |
| JP2013017642A (en) | Trocar with heating function and system therefor | |
| JP2022089185A (en) | Endoscope and heating device | |
| US9907461B2 (en) | Heater for surgical viewing instruments | |
| CN111904365A (en) | Non-contact rapid anti-fog device for medical endoscope and use method | |
| CN116439640A (en) | Endoscope tip and endoscope | |
| JP2020519316A (en) | Device and method for increasing heat dissipation capability of medical device | |
| JP2002250869A (en) | Lens heater and warm-up device for microscopic observation with lens heater | |
| CN219070202U (en) | Endoscope | |
| JP7307174B2 (en) | Anti-fogging system for rigid endoscopes with temperature control by microcontroller | |
| CN219763294U (en) | Laparoscopic anti-fog device based on air heating internal circulation | |
| CN216317532U (en) | Peritoneoscope heating device for gastrointestinal surgery | |
| CN208274629U (en) | A kind of abdominal surgery mirror | |
| US20210321488A1 (en) | Disposable, battery powered surgical scope warmer | |
| RU2326628C2 (en) | Semiconductor thermoelectric device for diagnostics and treatment of cavitary organs |
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A300 | Application deemed to be withdrawn because no request for examination was validly filed | Free format text:JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A300 Effective date:20080603 |