WO2025084693A1 - Pancreatic tumor diagnostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pancreatic tumor diagnostic device, and to a pancreatic tumor diagnostic device, which can be easily fixed to the duodenal mucosa and enables rapid and accurate early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. One aspect of the present invention can include: an insertion tube extending to be inserted into the body of a patient, and including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion; an endoscope cap, which is disposed to encompass the outer circumferential surface of the insertion tube, extends to have a length, and is disposed at a position spaced a predetermined distance apart from the distal end portion of the insertion tube; and a plurality of LED sensors disposed on the surface of the endoscope cap.

Description

Pancreatic Tumor Diagnostic Device

The present invention relates to a pancreatic tumor diagnostic device, and more particularly, to a pancreatic tumor diagnostic device that can be easily fixed to the duodenal mucosa and enables the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer quickly and accurately.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and is a fatal disease with a 1-year mortality rate of 74% and a 5-year mortality rate of 94%. In fact, surgical resection is only possible for about 20% of pancreatic cancer patients, and only about 20% of these patients can expect a 5-year survival rate.

Therefore, early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is very important. However, pancreatic cancer has no symptoms in the early stages and symptoms appear after the disease has progressed considerably, making early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer difficult.

Various technologies, including various blood biomarkers and screening methods, are being developed for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, but the actual early diagnosis rate of pancreatic cancer is still minimal.

Meanwhile, it is known that early increase in blood supply (EIBS) of normal duodenal mucosa is observed in the early stage of pancreatic cancer, and in order to measure early increase in blood supply (EIBS), deoxyhemoglobin concentration (DHb) and blood vessel radius (BVR) must be measured.

However, there are limitations in that it is difficult to fix the diagnostic device to the examination site using conventional endoscopic devices due to the peristalsis of the duodenum, movement due to the patient's breathing, etc., and it is difficult to accurately and quickly measure DHb (Deoxyhemoglobin Concentration) and BVR (Blood Vessel Radius).

Accordingly, there is a need for the development of a pancreatic tumor diagnostic device that can be easily fixed to the examination site, such as the duodenal mucosa, and can accurately and quickly measure various indicators.

The present invention aims to provide a pancreatic tumor diagnosis device that can be easily fixed to a diagnostic site.

In addition, the present invention aims to provide a pancreatic tumor diagnostic device capable of accurately and quickly diagnosing a tumor at an early stage.

However, these tasks are exemplary and the tasks to be solved by the present invention are not limited thereto.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention may include an insertion tube formed to be extended to be inserted into a patient's body and including a distal portion and a proximal portion, an endoscope cap formed to be extended to have a length and arranged to surround an outer circumferential surface of the insertion tube and arranged at a position spaced apart from the distal portion of the insertion tube by a predetermined distance, and a plurality of LED sensors arranged on a surface of the endoscope cap.

The present invention can provide a pancreatic tumor diagnosis device capable of accurately and quickly diagnosing a tumor at an early stage.

In addition, the present invention can provide a pancreatic tumor diagnosis device that can be easily fixed to a diagnosis site.

However, these effects are exemplary and the effects of the present invention are not limited thereto.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a drawing illustrating the insertion tube of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a drawing illustrating the endoscope cap of Figure 1.

Fig. 4 is a modified example of the endoscope cap of Fig. 3.

Figure 5 is a drawing for explaining how the endoscope cap irradiates light.

FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an example of a pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention being inserted into a patient's body and operated.

FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining one embodiment of the internal structure of the endoscope cap of FIG. 1.

In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention may include an insertion tube formed to be extended to be inserted into a patient's body and including a distal portion and a proximal portion, an endoscope cap formed to be extended to have a length and arranged to surround an outer circumferential surface of the insertion tube and arranged at a position spaced apart from the distal portion of the insertion tube by a predetermined distance, and a plurality of LED sensors arranged on a surface of the endoscope cap.

Additionally, the insertion tube may include a linear portion extending linearly from the distal portion, a curved portion extending from the linear portion and formed to be bendable, and an extension portion extending proximally from the curved portion, and the endoscope cap may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the curved portion.

Additionally, the endoscope cap may be formed of a transparent material.

Additionally, the endoscope cap may be formed of an elastic material.

Additionally, the LED sensor can irradiate light of different wavelengths.

Additionally, the LED sensor can irradiate light in a wavelength range between 600 and 900 nm and a near-infrared wavelength range.

Additionally, the endoscope cap may include a port communicating with the outside through which pancreatic fluid and duodenal fluid flow.

Additionally, the device may further include a position sensor for detecting the position of the duodenum within the patient's body.

Additionally, the device may further include a pH sensor for detecting the type of duodenal fluid in the patient's body.

The present invention can be modified in various ways and has various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be implemented in various forms.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same drawing reference numerals and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the examples below, the terms first, second, etc. are not used in a limiting sense but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

In the examples below, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the examples below, terms such as “include” or “have” mean that a feature or component described in the specification is present, and do not exclude in advance the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and therefore the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

In the following examples, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to three axes on an orthogonal coordinate system, and can be interpreted in a broad sense that includes them. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be orthogonal to each other, but may also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

In some embodiments, where the implementation is otherwise feasible, a particular process sequence may be performed in a different order than the one described. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or in a reverse order from the one described.

Hereinafter, a pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention based on the above-described principles will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a drawing schematically illustrating a pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an insertion tube (100) of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an endoscope cap (200) of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an insertion tube (100) and an endoscope cap (200).

The insertion tube (100) can be connected to an external device and formed to extend so as to be inserted into a patient's body. The insertion tube (100) can be connected to an external device and supplied with power. In addition, the insertion tube (100) can be connected to an external device and inserted deep into a patient's body and can change direction during the insertion process.

Although not shown in the drawing, the insertion tube (100) may include a lighting unit that irradiates light inside the patient's body, a camera unit that photographs the inside of the patient's body, a nozzle unit that sprays water or gas, etc.

As an example, the insertion tube (100) may include an air insufflation unit for spreading out the mucosal folds of the patient's organ through air insufflation inside the patient's body. For example, as described below, after the endoscope cap (200) according to the present invention reaches the duodenum, the folds of the duodenal mucosa may be spread through air insufflation.

The insertion tube (100) may include a distal portion (101) and a proximal portion (102).

The distal portion (101) may mean a portion that is distant from an external device. For example, the distal portion (101) may mean a terminal portion that is inserted into a patient's body.

The proximal portion (102) may mean a portion close to an external device. For example, the proximal portion (102) may mean a portion connected to an external device.

The insertion tube (100) may sequentially include a linear portion (110), a curved portion (120), and an extended portion (130) in a direction from the distal portion (101) to the proximal portion (102).

The linear portion (110) is a portion that extends linearly from the distal portion (101). For example, the linear portion (110) is formed in a straight line and may not be bent. A lighting portion, a camera portion, a nozzle portion, etc. may be arranged in the linear portion (110). Therefore, the linear portion (110) is formed so as not to be bent, and the lighting portion, the camera portion, the nozzle portion, etc. may not be damaged.

The bent portion (120) is a portion extending from the linear portion (110). The bent portion (120) may be formed to extend from the end of the linear portion (110) toward the proximal portion (102). The bent portion (120) may be formed to be bendable. Accordingly, as the bent portion (120) bends inside the patient's body, the insertion tube (100) may be inserted deep into the patient's body while changing direction inside the patient's body.

The extension portion (130) is a portion that extends from the bend portion (120). The extension portion (130) can be formed to extend from the end of the bend portion (120) toward the proximal portion (102). The extension portion (130) can play a role in connecting the linear portion (110) and the bend portion (120) to an external device. Accordingly, power or an electric signal, etc. can be transmitted from the external device to the linear portion (110) and the bend portion (120).

The endoscope cap (200) is formed to be extended to have a length and can be positioned to surround the outer surface of the insertion tube (100).

As an example, the endoscope cap (200) may be formed to be extended to have a length (L) of 5 to 15 cm. Accordingly, the endoscope cap (200) is placed inside the patient's duodenum, thereby having the effect of allowing a wide portion of the duodenum to be observed simultaneously.

The endoscope cap (200) may include a body (210). The body (210) may form the overall outer shape of the endoscope cap (200).

A hollow (220) may be formed in the body (210) of the endoscope cap (200). The hollow (220) may be formed to penetrate the central portion of the body (210) along the longitudinal direction of the endoscope cap (200). For example, the endoscope cap (200) may be formed in the shape of a cylinder or cylindrical shape having a hole formed along the longitudinal direction therein. Accordingly, an insertion tube (100) may be inserted into the hollow (220) of the endoscope cap (200).

As an optional embodiment, the diameter of the hollow portion (220) of the endoscope cap (200) may be formed to be the same as the outer diameter of the insertion tube (100). Accordingly, the insertion tube (100) can be firmly fixed after being inserted into the hollow portion (220) of the endoscope cap (200).

As another optional embodiment, the diameter of the hollow portion (220) of the endoscope cap (200) may be formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the insertion tube (100), and in this case, a fastening member may be further formed on the endoscope cap (200) to be fixed to the insertion tube (100).

Meanwhile, since the endoscope cap (200) according to the present invention is formed in a cylindrical or cylinder shape, it can implement 3D mapping using a single pixel and an array through a hybrid channel (single and multichannel) to increase the accuracy of the duodenal optical biomarker and perform the function of OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography). Therefore, as an optional embodiment, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention can configure various pixel arrays in the endoscope cap (200) and further include an OCT detector or an OCT camera.

As an example, the endoscope cap (200) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the distal end (101) of the insertion tube (100). For example, the endoscope cap (200) may be positioned at a distance of 5 cm to 8 cm from the end of the distal end (101) of the insertion tube (100).

In this case, the endoscope cap (200) may be positioned so as not to surround the curved portion (120) of the insertion tube (100), or may be positioned so as to surround at least a portion of it. For example, the endoscope cap (200) may be positioned across the curved portion (120) of the insertion tube (100), or may be positioned so as to surround a portion of the linear portion (110) and a portion of the curved portion (120).

Accordingly, as described later, the endoscope cap (200) can be bent together when the portion after the bend (120) of the insertion tube (100) is passively bent.

As an example, the endoscope cap (200) may be formed of an elastic material. Accordingly, the endoscope cap (200) may be bent by an external force. That is, when the portion after the bend (120) of the insertion tube (100) is passively bent, the endoscope cap (200) may be bent to correspond to the portion after the bend (120).

Accordingly, when the endoscope cap (200) reaches the patient's duodenum, the endoscope cap (200) can be bent to correspond to the shape of the duodenum. In addition, as described below, the endoscope cap (200) can observe the mucosa of the duodenum in more detail.

For example, in the case of attaching an endoscope cap longer than 5 cm across the distal end and the bending portion of the endoscope, which is a conventional method, there is a problem that the mobility of the bending portion (120) located about 5-7 cm away from the distal end (101) of the insertion tube (100) which has a 4-way, 90-degree or greater active bending rate of the endoscope that is controlled externally by an endoscopist may be hindered. Therefore, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention can maintain the mobility of the endoscope by wrapping at least a part of the bending portion (120) of the insertion tube (endoscope) or arranging the endoscope cap (200) behind the bending portion (120). Furthermore, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention can observe and evaluate the entire range of the duodenum by placing an endoscope cap (200) composed of a flexible cap of 10 cm or more on a portion having passive flexibility of an insertion tube (endoscope), so that the flexible endoscope cap (200) can be appropriately moved to correspond to the passive flexibility of the insertion tube. In addition, when the flexible endoscope cap is mounted on the passive flexibility portion of the insertion tube, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention can also be used for endoscopic photobiomodulation and photodynamic/photothermal therapy.

As an example, the endoscope cap (200) may be formed of a transparent material. Accordingly, while the LED sensor (230) of the endoscope cap (200) measures the Early Increase in Blood Supply (EIBS) of the pancreas, a general endoscopic examination can be performed simultaneously through the insertion tube (100). For example, while the LED sensor (230) of the endoscope cap (200) measures the Early Increase in Blood Supply (EIBS) of the pancreas, the camera unit equipped in the insertion tube (100) can measure the mucosa of the duodenum or other parts.

A pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of LED sensors (230) arranged on a surface of an endoscope cap (200). The LED sensor (230) may include a plurality of light sources. For example, the light source may be an LED, an OLED, a micro LED, a mini LED, or as another example, the light source may be a flexible LED, or as yet another example, the light source may be a quantum dot LED. Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the various examples of the light sources described above will be collectively referred to as LEDs, and it should be understood that the term “LED sensor (230)” collectively refers to a sensor including at least one of the various light sources described above.

Additionally, the LED sensor (230) can perform a sensor function by including a part that irradiates light and a part that receives light.

In addition, the light source of the LED sensor (230) may be configured in a form capable of spectroscopy. Therefore, as an optional embodiment, the LED sensor (230) according to the present invention may further be equipped with a CCD camera in the endoscope cap (200) to perform the function of a spectrometer.

As an example, a plurality of LED sensors (230) may be arranged to form a plurality of rows and columns on the surface of the endoscope cap (200). Specifically, the LED sensors (230) may be arranged to cover the entire outer surface of the endoscope cap (200). The LED sensor (230) may be composed of one or more pixels, and the pixels may be composed of an LED that irradiates light with a wavelength of 600-900 nm or near-infrared light and an organic photodiode that obtains information obtained from a tissue by the light irradiation. These pixels may be arranged at positions 5 mm above and 1 cm below the major duodenal papilla and may measure the Deoxyhemoglobin Concentration (DHb) and the Blood Vessel Radius (BVR) of the duodenal mucosa. In addition, the LED sensor (230) can obtain additional information from the opposite part of the above-mentioned area to improve the accuracy of information obtained from the major duodenal papilla.

In addition, compared to probe-type sensing, in the case of this endoscope cap type, since the endoscope cap can come into contact with the duodenal mucosa, the motion artifact (motion artefact) that occurs in the normal LED sensing process can be minimized. In particular, when the transmission part of the insertion tube is turned off, the duodenal mucosa comes into close contact with the endoscope cap (200), so that the sensing of various parts of the duodenum can be maximized. The arrangement of these LEDs can be various, such as having an interval of 1 cm to 3 cm, and the accuracy of the examination can be increased and the sensing of the papilla can be made precise by using 3D mapping through the arrangement of LEDs using a surface light source such as OLED or a multi-channel and a cylindrical three-dimensional structure of the endoscope cap.

Accordingly, when the LED sensor (230) is placed at a specific location in the patient's body, it can observe the entire direction facing the outer surface of the endoscope cap (200), for example, the entire inside of the duodenal mucosa.

When the LED sensor (230) is positioned inside the duodenum, it can measure the DHb (Deoxyhemoglobin Concentration) and BVR (Blood Vessel Radius) of the duodenum. The specific measurement method of the LED sensor (230) will be described in detail later.

Fig. 4 is a modified example (200') of the endoscope cap (200) of Fig. 3.

Referring to FIG. 4, an endoscope cap (200') according to one modified example of the present invention may be formed in the shape of a cylinder or cylindrical shape that can be opened and closed.

The endoscope cap (200') is formed to be extended to have a length, and can be formed in a shape that can wrap around the outer surface of the insertion tube (100).

As an example, the endoscope cap (200') may be formed to be extended to have a length (L) of 5 to 15 cm. Accordingly, the endoscope cap (200') is placed inside the patient's duodenum, and has the effect of allowing a wide portion of the duodenum to be observed simultaneously.

The endoscope cap (200') may include a body (210'). The body (210') may form the overall outer shape of the endoscope cap (200'). At this time, the body (210') may be formed to be openable and closable. For example, the body (210') may have a hinge formed along the longitudinal direction, and both sides may be rotatable based on the hinge.

A hollow (220') may be formed in the body (210') of the endoscope cap (200'). The hollow (220') may be formed to penetrate the central portion of the body (210') along the longitudinal direction of the endoscope cap (200'). For example, the endoscope cap (200') may be formed in a shape in which the hollow (220') is formed along the longitudinal direction inside and a cylinder or cylindrical body is cut along the longitudinal direction and then opened. Accordingly, the endoscope cap (200') may be folded to surround the outer surface of the insertion tube (100) and may wrap the outer surface of the insertion tube (100).

As an optional embodiment, the diameter of the hollow portion (220') of the endoscope cap (200') may be formed to be the same as the outer diameter of the insertion tube (100). Accordingly, the insertion tube (100) may be firmly fixed after being inserted into the hollow portion (220') of the endoscope cap (200').

As another optional embodiment, the diameter of the hollow space (220') of the endoscope cap (200') may be formed larger than the outer diameter of the insertion tube (100), and in this case, a fastening member may be further formed on the endoscope cap (200') to be fixed to the insertion tube (100).

As an example, although not shown in the drawing, the endoscope cap (200') may further include a joining member for joining the cut portions of the bodies (210') on both sides after they are folded to form a cylindrical or cylindrical shape. For example, the joining member may be a magnetic member joined or attached to the bodies (210') on both sides of the body (210'). Alternatively, the joining member may be formed in the shape of a hook or a ring. Alternatively, the joining member may be formed in the form of a groove with a protrusion formed in a forced-fit manner. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any structure that can join the bodies (210') on both sides after the endoscope cap (200') is arranged to surround the outer surface of the insertion tube (100) may be adopted.

FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining that the endoscope cap (200) irradiates light, and FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an example of a pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention being inserted into a patient's body and operated.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the LED sensor (230) according to the present invention can irradiate light.

A pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to one embodiment of the present invention can be inserted into a patient's body to measure various indicators of the body. Specifically, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention can measure various indicators of the patient's body while the endoscope cap (200) is inserted into the patient's duodenum.

The pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention can measure DHb (Deoxyhemoglobin Concentration) and BVR (Blood Vessel Radius) in the duodenum through the LED sensor (230) arranged on the outside of the endoscope cap (200). This is to measure EIBS (Early Increase in Blood Supply) of the duodenum in the patient's duodenum. To elaborate, in the case of pancreatic cancer, EIBS (Early Increase in Blood Supply) is initially observed in normal duodenal mucosa. Therefore, DHb (Deoxyhemoglobin Concentration) and BVR (Blood Vessel Radius) are measured in the duodenal mucosa for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (e.g., early diagnosis of pancreatic tumor).

In addition, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention can measure the stiffness of blood vessels by recognizing the contraction/relaxation state of blood vessels. For example, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention can measure the stiffness of blood vessels through an LED sensor (230) placed on the outside of the endoscope cap (200).

In this way, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention can measure DHb (Deoxyhemoglobin Concentration) and BVR (Blood Vessel Radius) through the LED sensor (230) placed on the surface of the endoscope cap (200), and by measuring blood vessel stiffness, the user can diagnose the pancreatic tumor of the patient at an early stage.

As an optional embodiment, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention may further include a position sensor, although not shown in the drawing. The position sensor may sense the duodenal papilla inside the duodenum. As a preferred example, the position sensor may sense the major duodenal papilla corresponding to the pancreas head among the duodenal papilla.

For example, the position sensor may be a sensor for measuring whether the mucosa protrudes inside the duodenum, and thereby senses the protruding mucosal structure, thereby sensing the duodenal papilla of the duodenum, and as a preferred example, the major duodenal papilla. As a specific example, a medical metal hemoclip commonly used through an endoscope may be attached near the major duodenal papilla, and this clip may be used as a landmark for the position sensor of the endoscope cap (200) to identify the position of the major duodenal papilla. Alternatively, the position of the endoscope cap (200) and the position of the major duodenal papilla to which the clip is attached may be identified using X-ray fluoroscopy equipment.

Through this, by using the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention, it is possible to assign weights to various indicators according to their positions and improve the accuracy of diagnosis.

Specifically, the possibility of the presence of a pancreatic tumor increases when the deoxyhemoglobin concentration (DHb), blood vessel radius (BVR), and vascular stiffness increase around the major duodenal papilla, but the possibility of a false positive increases when the deoxyhemoglobin concentration (DHb), blood vessel radius (BVR), and vascular stiffness increase far from the major duodenal papilla or in the opposite direction to the major duodenal papilla.

That is, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention can accurately sense the location of the major duodenal papilla through the location sensor and the camera unit placed in the insertion tube (100). In addition, by attaching the endoscope cap (200) to the major papilla, the DHb (Deoxyhemoglobin Concentration), BVR (Blood Vessel Radius) and vascular stiffness according to each location of the duodenum can be measured, thereby improving the diagnostic accuracy of pancreatic tumors.

For example, according to the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention, the user places the endoscope cap (200) close to or in contact with the major duodenal papilla of the duodenum, and then compares the DHb (Deoxyhemoglobin Concentration), BVR (Blood Vessel Radius) and vascular stiffness measured through the LED sensor (230) placed on the opposite side of the major duodenal papilla with the DHb (Deoxyhemoglobin Concentration), BVR (Blood Vessel Radius) and vascular stiffness measured through the LED sensor (230) placed around the major duodenal papilla, thereby enabling early diagnosis of pancreatic tumors.

The LED sensor (230) according to one embodiment of the present invention can irradiate light having a wavelength of 500 to 1000 nm and light having a near-infrared wavelength, and preferably can irradiate light having a wavelength of 600 to 900 nm and light having a near-infrared wavelength.

As an optional embodiment, the LED sensor (230) according to one embodiment of the present invention can irradiate light of different wavelengths. Assuming that the major duodenal papilla is arranged on the upper side of the endoscope cap (200) of FIG. 5, the LED sensor (230) arranged in a direction toward the major duodenal papilla can irradiate the first light (L1), and the LED sensor (230) arranged in a direction opposite to the major duodenal papilla can irradiate the second light (L2).

At this time, the first light (L1) may be light having a wavelength of 800 to 900 nm and a near-infrared wavelength. Preferably, the first light (L1) may be light having a wavelength of 850 nm. In addition, the second light (L2) may be light having a wavelength of 680 to 780 nm. Preferably, the second light (L2) may be light having a wavelength of 630 nm.

As another optional embodiment, the LED sensor (230) according to the present invention may each include a light source irradiating first light (L1) and a light source irradiating second light (L2).

In this case, the light source irradiating the first light (L1) may be positioned at a position oriented toward the duodenum when the endoscope cap (200) according to the present invention is positioned at the correct position by sensing the major duodenal papilla of the duodenum. In addition, the light source irradiating the second light (L2) may be positioned at a position oriented toward the opposite direction of the duodenum when the endoscope cap (200) according to the present invention is positioned at the correct position by sensing the major duodenal papilla of the duodenum.

In this way, by irradiating light of different wavelengths toward and away from the major duodenal papilla, deoxyhemoglobin concentration (DHb), blood vessel radius (BVR), and vascular stiffness can be measured more accurately.

As an optional embodiment, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present invention may further include an indicator, although not shown in the drawing. The indicator may be an element configured to be confirmed through the camera of the insertion tube (100). Accordingly, the user can confirm the directionality of the endoscope cap (200) by confirming the indicator through the camera of the insertion tube (100).

Meanwhile, the endoscope cap (200) according to the present invention may be formed of an elastic material as described above, and may be positioned so as not to cover, or at least partially cover, the curved portion (120) of the insertion tube (100). Accordingly, the endoscope cap (200) may be partially bent to correspond to the shape of the duodenum, and thus, the user may observe the duodenal mucosa more accurately.

FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining one embodiment of the internal structure of the endoscope cap (200) of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 7, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a configuration for collecting pancreatic juice and duodenal fluid within the duodenum.

As an example, the pancreatic tumor diagnostic device may further include a passage (241) formed in the endoscope cap (200) and communicating with the outside. The passage (241) may be a passage through which pancreatic fluid and duodenal fluid flow in by communicating with the outside.

This is because the endoscope cap (200) according to the present invention is positioned adjacent to or in contact with the major duodenal papilla and is used to directly collect pancreatic juice and duodenal fluid discharged from the major duodenal papilla.

That is, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to the present embodiment is provided with a hole (241) to allow pancreatic fluid and duodenal fluid discharged from the major duodenal papilla to flow in, thereby allowing pancreatic fluid to be collected during the procedure.

As an optional embodiment, although not shown in the drawing, the endoscope cap (200) may further include a sensor for detecting the type of body fluid flowing into the port (241). For example, the endoscope cap (200) may detect if the body fluid flowing into the port (241) is pancreatic fluid and/or duodenal fluid and provide an alarm to the user. As a specific example, an example of a sensor included in the endoscope cap (200) may be a pH sensor. Since pancreatic fluid is alkaline with a pH>8, the pH sensor disposed in the endoscope cap (200) may detect the type of body fluid flowing into the port (241).

As an optional embodiment, the endoscope cap (200) according to the present invention may further include a fluid storage hole (242) for storing pancreatic fluid introduced through the hole (241).

The fluid storage hole (242) can be communicated with the passage hole (241). Therefore, pancreatic fluid flowing in through the passage hole (241) can be stored in the fluid storage hole (242).

At this time, as a preferred embodiment, the fluid storage hole (242) may further include a valve that blocks the flow of pancreatic fluid and duodenal fluid to prevent the introduced pancreatic fluid from leaking out.

As an optional embodiment, the endoscope cap (200) according to the present invention may further include a suction hole (243) to provide suction force to more efficiently collect pancreatic juice discharged from the major duodenal papilla.

This is a configuration for utilizing endoscopic suction, and can apply pressure to the suction hole (243) through an external device. Through this, negative pressure can be generated inside the endoscope cap (200), and accordingly, pancreatic fluid and duodenal fluid discharged from the major duodenal papilla can be introduced more efficiently through the perforation (241).

In this way, the pancreatic tumor diagnostic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an endoscope cap (200) formed to be extended to have a length and having a hole formed on the inside into which an insertion tube (100) is inserted, so that it can be introduced into the body of a patient during an endoscopic procedure and perform various functions.

In addition, a pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to one embodiment of the present invention can measure DHb (Deoxyhemoglobin Concentration), BVR (Blood Vessel Radius) and vascular stiffness inside the duodenum of a patient by including a plurality of LED sensors (230) arranged on the outside of an endoscope cap (200).

In addition, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed so that the endoscope cap (200) is positioned at a position spaced apart from the distal portion (101) of the insertion tube (100) by a predetermined distance, preferably, to surround at least a portion of the curved portion (120) of the insertion tube (100), and is extended to have a length, so that there is an effect of improving the diagnostic length of the duodenum inside the duodenum. That is, by observing a wide range of the duodenum at once, the presence of a pancreatic tumor can be diagnosed more accurately and quickly by comparing the DHb (Deoxyhemoglobin Concentration), BVR (Blood Vessel Radius), and vascular stiffness of various areas.

In addition, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to one embodiment of the present invention can more accurately measure DHb (Deoxyhemoglobin Concentration), BVR (Blood Vessel Radius) and vascular stiffness by irradiating light of different wavelengths with an LED sensor (230) placed in an endoscope cap (200), thereby more accurately and quickly diagnosing the presence of a pancreatic tumor, etc.

In addition, the pancreatic tumor diagnosis device according to one embodiment of the present invention has an endoscope cap (200) formed of a transparent material so that diagnosis of a pancreatic tumor can be performed simultaneously with a general endoscopic procedure, and includes a through hole (241) for collecting pancreatic fluid and duodenal fluid during the procedure so that collection of pancreatic fluid and duodenal fluid can also be performed simultaneously.

Through the collected fluids, the possibility of early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can be maximized by analyzing the changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiome and the microRNA of the extracellular vesicles, which are helpful for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The user can also inject the patient with secretin, a hormone that increases pancreatic secretion, during the procedure to efficiently collect pancreatic and duodenal fluids.

For example, optical and fluid biomarker information obtained through these pancreatic tumor diagnostic devices can be obtained during a routine endoscopic examination, and if an abnormality is found, a detailed examination such as CT/MRI can be performed. In addition, for patients at high risk for pancreatic cancer, such as those with pancreatic cysts, a family history of pancreatic cancer, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes that developed after the age of 55, early pancreatic cancer can be diagnosed using the changes in optical and fluid biomarkers obtained during endoscopic examinations every 6 months or 1 year.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical idea of the appended claims.

The specific implementations described in the embodiments are only exemplary embodiments and do not limit the scope of the embodiments in any way. For the sake of brevity of the specification, descriptions of conventional electronic components, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of the systems may be omitted. In addition, the connections or lack of connections of lines between components illustrated in the drawings are merely exemplary representations of functional connections and/or physical or circuit connections, and may be replaced or represented as various additional functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections in an actual device. In addition, if there is no specific mention such as “essential,” “important,” etc., the component may not be absolutely necessary for the application of the present invention.

The use of the term "above" and similar referential terms in the specification of the embodiments (especially in the claims) may refer to both the singular and the plural. In addition, when a range is described in the embodiments, it is intended that the invention includes the application of individual values falling within the range (unless otherwise stated), and each individual value constituting the range is described in the detailed description. Finally, unless the order is explicitly stated or otherwise stated to the contrary for the steps constituting the method according to the embodiments, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. The embodiments are not necessarily limited by the order in which the steps are described. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (e.g., etc.) in the embodiments is merely intended to describe the embodiments in detail, and the scope of the embodiments is not limited by the examples or exemplary terms unless otherwise defined by the claims. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, combinations, and alterations may be made according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pancreatic tumor diagnosis device can be provided. In addition, embodiments of the present invention can be applied to a welding information providing device used in industry.

Claims (9)

An insertion tube formed to be extended for insertion into a patient's body and including a distal portion and a proximal portion; An endoscope cap arranged to surround the outer surface of the insertion tube, formed to have a length and extended, and arranged at a position spaced apart from the distal end of the insertion tube by a predetermined distance; and A pancreatic tumor diagnostic device comprising a plurality of LED sensors arranged on the surface of the endoscope cap. In the first paragraph, The above insertion tube is, It includes a linear portion extending linearly from the distal portion, a curved portion extending from the linear portion and formed to be bendable, and an extension portion extending proximally from the curved portion. The above endoscope cap is, A pancreatic tumor diagnostic device, positioned to surround at least a portion of the above bend. In the first paragraph, The above endoscope cap is, A pancreatic tumor diagnostic device formed of a transparent material. In the first paragraph, The above endoscope cap is, A pancreatic tumor diagnostic device formed of an elastic material. In the first paragraph, The above LED sensor, A pancreatic tumor diagnostic device that examines light of different wavelengths. In the first paragraph, The above LED sensor, A pancreatic tumor diagnostic device that irradiates light in the wavelength range of 600 to 900 nm and near-infrared wavelength range. In the first paragraph, The above endoscope cap is, A device for diagnosing pancreatic tumors, comprising a perforation communicating with the outside and through which pancreatic juice and duodenal juice flow. In the first paragraph, A pancreatic tumor diagnosis device further comprising a position sensor for detecting the position of the duodenum in the patient's body. In the first paragraph, A pancreatic tumor diagnostic device further comprising a pH sensor for detecting the type of duodenal fluid in the patient's body.

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