Capsular endoscope

Abstract

According to the present invention, a capsular endoscope having at least an image pickup optical system, an illumination unit, an image pickup portion, and a circuit board comprises a marker shooting unit that indwells a marker member in a body cavity. Consequently, a predetermined marker is indwelled in a desired region such as a lesion discovered using the capsular endoscope so that the region can be readily rediscovered during reexamination.

1 . A capsular endoscope having at least an image pickup optical system, illuminating means, image pickup means, and a circuit board, comprising: 
 marking means for indwelling a marker member in a body cavity.    
     
     
         2 . The capsular endoscope according to  claim 1 , wherein the marking means is means for shooting a fluorescent substance.  
     
     
         3 . The capsular endoscope according to  claim 1 , wherein the marking means is means for shooting a substance opaque to X-rays.  
     
     
         4 . The capsular endoscope according to  claim 1 , wherein the marking means is means for shooting a dye.  
     
     
         5 . The capsular endoscope according to  claim 1 , wherein the marking means is means for shooting a metallic member.  
     
     
         6 . A capsular endoscope having at least an image pickup optical system, the illuminating means, the image pickup means, and a circuit board, comprising: 
 means for shooting an agent to an object in a body cavity.    
     
     
         7 . A capsular endoscope having at least an image pickup optical system, the illuminating means, the image pickup means, and a circuit board, comprising: 
 an armor member capable of being divided into portions.