JP2016179029A - catheter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a catheter by which a user can identify a first marker and a second marker on the basis of a tactile feeling by fingers without needing visual observation and efficiently conduct an operation of a catheter insertion into a living body lumen.SOLUTION: A first marker 26 and a second marker 28 for indicating an insertion amount of a catheter 10A into a living body lumen are provided on the base end side of a shaft 12 of the catheter 10A along an axial direction of the shaft 12 so as to be separated from each other. The first marker 26 and the second marker 28 are formed so as to have tactile feelings which are different from each other, and are configured so as to be identified on the basis of the tactile feelings to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a catheter having a flexible shaft that is inserted into a living body lumen.

  A pair of markers indicating the amount of insertion of the catheter into the living body lumen are provided on the shaft of this type of catheter apart from each other along the axial direction of the shaft. These markers are, for example, heat-shrinkable tubes (tubes that shrink by heat) having the same configuration, and are formed so as to be visually identifiable with respect to the shaft (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-75655 A

  By the way, generally, when inserting a catheter shaft into a living body lumen, a user (operator) operates the catheter while viewing an X-ray transmission image. However, in a catheter like patent document 1 mentioned above, a pair of marker has the same structure.

  Therefore, even if the user can recognize the marker with his / her fingers and the like without visually observing the marker, the user can identify which of the pair of markers the recognized marker is by visual inspection. Is not easy. That is, the user quickly and accurately inserts the catheter into the body cavity toward the treatment target site in the living body lumen, and, together with the X-ray transmission image during the operation of inserting the shaft into the living body lumen. Since it is necessary to visually check the markers (the first marker and the second marker), this insertion operation may not be performed efficiently.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such a problem, and the first marker and the second marker can be identified based on the tactile sensation of the fingers without the user's visual observation. An object of the present invention is to provide a catheter capable of efficiently performing the catheter insertion operation.

  In order to achieve the above object, a catheter according to the present invention is a catheter including a flexible shaft inserted into a living body lumen, and the living body lumen is disposed on a proximal end side of the shaft. A first marker and a second marker indicating the amount of insertion of the catheter into the space are provided apart from each other along the axial direction of the shaft, and the first marker and the second marker have different tactile sensations. And the outer peripheral surface of the shaft is configured to be identifiable on the basis of touch.

  According to such a configuration, the user can identify the first marker and the second marker without visual observation by touching the first marker or the second marker with fingers. Therefore, the catheter can be efficiently inserted into the living body lumen.

  In the above catheter, at least one of the first marker and the second marker may be an annular member that is externally fitted to the shaft.

  According to such a configuration, the tactile sensation of the first marker and the second marker can be easily made different from the tactile sensation of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft.

  In the above catheter, a chamfered portion may be formed at an end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the annular member in the axial direction of the shaft.

  According to such a configuration, for example, even when a plurality of catheters are used at the same time, such as KBT (Kissing Balloon Technique), the annular first markers (second markers) of these catheters are caught. The first marker (second marker) can be prevented from damaging other medical devices such as catheters.

  In the above catheter, at least one of the first marker and the second marker may have a groove formed on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in the outer diameter of the catheter at the position of the first marker or the second marker, and the tactile sensation of the first marker and the second marker can be reduced with the shaft with a simple configuration. Can have a different tactile feel.

  In the above catheter, at least one of the first marker and the second marker may be a holding member formed with a first arrangement hole in which a guide wire can be arranged and fixed to the shaft. .

  According to such a configuration, the guide wire can be integrally operated by disposing the guide wire in the first disposition hole of the holding member, so that the pushability of the guide wire can be improved. Can be improved. Further, even when a plurality of catheters are used at the same time, it is possible to suppress the entanglement of the plurality of catheters and the guide wire. Furthermore, the user can easily grasp the corresponding catheter and guide wire.

  In the above catheter, the holding member may be formed with a slit that extends along the axial direction of the shaft and extends to the entire length of the holding member and communicates with the first arrangement hole.

  According to such a configuration, the guide wire can be easily attached to the first arrangement hole via the slit.

  In the above catheter, at least a part of the slit may extend on the outer surface of the holding member in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft.

  According to such a structure, it can suppress that a guide wire pulls out from a holding member unintentionally through a slit.

  In the above catheter, the first disposition hole may be formed so as to be disposeable in a state where the shaft and the guide wire are in contact with each other.

  According to such a configuration, the configuration of the holding member can be simplified.

  In the above catheter, the holding member may be formed with a second arrangement hole in which the shaft can be arranged separately from the first arrangement hole.

  According to such a configuration, the relative positions of the guide wire and the shaft can be easily maintained.

  In the catheter, the holding member includes a first annular portion in which the first disposition hole is formed, and a second annular portion in which the second disposition hole is formed in the first annular portion. The length of the first annular portion along the axial direction of the shaft may be different from the length of the second annular portion along the axial direction of the shaft.

  According to such a configuration, the holding member can be reduced in size.

  In the above catheter, a concave portion may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, and a convex portion that is fitted into the concave portion may be formed on a wall surface that constitutes the second arrangement hole.

  According to such a configuration, the holding member can be easily fixed to the shaft.

  In the above catheter, the holding member is formed with a second arrangement hole in which the shaft can be arranged, and the holding member is configured by connecting a plurality of divided pieces. Each of the first arrangement hole and the second arrangement hole may be formed by a plurality of the divided pieces.

  According to such a configuration, the guide wire can be easily attached to the first arrangement hole and the shaft can be easily attached to the second arrangement hole.

  In the catheter, the second marker corresponds to each of the plurality of markers for identifying the catheter provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, a movable member movably provided with respect to the shaft, and each of the markers. Holding means for holding the movable member at a position.

  According to such a structure, even if it is a case where a some catheter is used simultaneously, the user can identify a some catheter easily by visually recognizing the label | marker corresponding to a movable member.

  In the catheter, an identification marker for identifying a plurality of the catheters is provided on a proximal side of the shaft with respect to the second marker, and the identification marker is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft. A plurality of markers for identifying the catheter, a movable member provided to be movable with respect to the shaft, and a holding means for holding the movable member at a position corresponding to each of the markers. .

  According to such a structure, even if it is a case where a some catheter is used simultaneously, the user can identify a some catheter easily by visually recognizing the label | marker corresponding to a movable member.

  According to the catheter according to the present invention, the first marker and the second marker can be identified without visual observation by the user, so that the catheter can be efficiently inserted into the living body lumen.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a catheter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a first marker and a second marker shown in FIG. 3A is a plan view of the marker according to the first modification, and FIG. 3B is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 3A. 4A is a plan view of a marker according to a second modification, FIG. 4B is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line IVB-IVB in FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4C is taken along line IVC-IVC in FIG. 4A. FIG. 5A is a plan view of a marker according to a third modification, FIG. 5B is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line VB-VB in FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5C is taken along line VC-VC in FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a marker according to a fourth modification, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the marker shown in FIG. 6A. 7A is a plan view of a marker according to a fifth modification, FIG. 7B is a rear view of FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view taken along the VIIC-VIIC line of FIG. 7A. 8A is a plan view of a second marker according to a modification, FIG. 8B is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line VIIIB-VIIIB in FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8C is taken along line VIIIC-VIIIC in FIG. 8A. FIG. It is a partial omission configuration diagram of a catheter concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the catheter according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
A catheter 10A according to the present embodiment is a medical device that is used to improve a lesion (stenosis) in a living body lumen by being introduced into a living body lumen such as a blood vessel. It is configured as a balloon catheter used in PTCA (Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty).

  However, the present invention can improve lesions formed in living organs other than such PTCA balloon catheters, for example, blood vessels other than coronary arteries, bile ducts, trachea, esophagus, urethra, and other organs. It is applicable also to the catheter for.

  In the following description regarding the catheter 10A, the left side in FIG. 1 is referred to as “front end”, and the right side is referred to as “proximal end (rear end) or rearward”. As shown in FIG. 1, the catheter 10 </ b> A includes a thin and long shaft 12, an annular distal tip 14 fixed to the tip of the shaft 12, and a balloon 16 provided on the proximal end side of the distal tip 14. And a hub 18 provided on the proximal end side of the shaft 12. FIG. 1 shows the balloon 16 in an expanded state.

  In the present embodiment, a catheter 10A referred to as a so-called rapid exchange type in which an opening 22 through which the guide wire 20 is led out is formed slightly toward the distal end side of the intermediate portion of the shaft 12 is illustrated. However, the present invention is also applicable to other types, for example, an over-the-wire type in which an opening for the guide wire 20 is formed in the hub 18 on the proximal end side of the shaft 12.

  Although detailed illustration and description are omitted, the shaft 12 has flexibility and is inserted into a living body lumen such as a blood vessel and extends from the tip 14 to the opening 22 (not shown). It has an inner tube shaft and an outer tube shaft 24 extending from the rear end of the balloon 16 to the rear end of the hub 18. The lumen of the inner tube shaft functions as a wire lumen through which the guide wire 20 is inserted, and the lumen of the outer tube shaft 24 functions as an expansion lumen through which the expansion fluid of the balloon 16 flows.

  Such an inner tube shaft and outer tube shaft 24 have moderate flexibility and moderate strength, and can be made of, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel or a resin material such as nylon.

  The distal tip 14 is a hollow member connected to the distal end of the inner tube shaft, and is made of a resin material or the like that is rich in flexibility. Thereby, the catheter 10A can be smoothly and safely run even in a curved, bent, or branched blood vessel.

  Since insertion of the catheter 10A into the body is performed while confirming the position under fluoroscopy, at least one of the distal tip 14 and the shaft 12 is provided with an X-ray opaque marker. Also good.

  The balloon 16 is made of, for example, a resin material, and can be folded and expanded by a change in internal pressure. As a result, the balloon 16 in a folded state can be smoothly guided to the lesioned part in the living body lumen, and the balloon 16 can be expanded by the expansion fluid to surely spread the lesioned part.

  The hub 18 has a size that can be operated by a user with fingers, and is formed of a resin material in a hollow shape. The proximal end side of the outer tube shaft 24 is disposed in the inner cavity of the hub 18. An indeflator (not shown) that supplies an expansion fluid can be connected to the proximal end of the hub 18.

  A first marker 26 and a second marker 28 indicating the amount of insertion of the catheter 10A into the living body lumen are provided on the proximal end side of the outer tube shaft 24 of the catheter 10A.

  The first marker 26 and the second marker 28 are provided apart from each other along the axial direction of the outer tube shaft 24. Specifically, the first marker 26 is provided at a predetermined distance (for example, 1 m) from the distal end of the catheter 10A, and the second marker 28 is behind the first marker 26 by a predetermined distance (for example, 10 cm). In the position. However, the positions of the first marker 26 and the second marker 28 on the outer tube shaft 24 can be arbitrarily set according to the type of the catheter 10A, the surgical technique, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first marker 26 is an annular member (cylindrical member) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube shaft 24, and is made of a metal material such as stainless steel or a resin material such as nylon. ing. The first marker 26 is fitted on the outer tube shaft 24.

  Specifically, the first marker 26 is fixed to the outer tube shaft 24 in a state where the outer tube shaft 24 is inserted into the inner cavity thereof. In the present embodiment, the first marker 26 is joined to the outer tube shaft 24 by supplying a brazing material to two holes 30 (see FIG. 1) formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof. However, the method of joining the first marker 26 to the outer tube shaft 24 is not limited to brazing, and fusion, various types of welding, and the like can be employed. Further, when the first marker 26 is made of a heat-shrinkable material, it can be fixed to the outer tube shaft 24 by heat shrinkage.

  The total length L1 of the first marker 26 (the length along the axial direction of the outer tube shaft 24) L1 is set to 2 mm to 10 mm, for example, and the thickness d1 of the first marker 26 is 0.01 mm to 0. It is set to 50 mm. Thereby, the user can recognize the 1st marker 26 reliably by touching with a finger, without visually recognizing the 1st marker 26. FIG. In addition, the first marker 26 can be smoothly introduced into the lumen of an introduction device such as a guiding catheter and a Y connector (not shown).

  However, the length L1 and the thickness d1 of the first marker 26 can be arbitrarily set as long as the user can recognize the presence by touching the finger with a finger without visually recognizing the first marker 26.

  Chamfered portions 32 and 34 are formed at both ends of the outer peripheral surface of the first marker 26. In other words, the distal end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first marker 26 is tapered toward the distal end, and the rear end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first marker 26 is tapered toward the rear end. doing. In the example of FIG. 2, the chamfered portions 32 and 34 are formed in a C surface shape, but may be formed in an R surface shape.

  By forming the chamfered portions 32 and 34 on the first marker 26 in this way, even when a plurality of catheters 10A are used at the same time such as KBT (Kissing Balloon Technique), the first marker 26 is It can be suppressed that the first marker 26 or the second marker 28 of the other catheter 10A is caught or the medical device such as the other catheter 10A is damaged. Further, the first marker 26 can be more smoothly introduced into the lumen of the introduction device by the chamfered portion 32.

  The second marker 28 is configured in the same manner as the first marker 26 except that the chamfered portions 32 and 34 are not formed. Thus, by forming the chamfered portions 32 and 34 only on the first marker 26, the first marker 26 and the second marker 28 have different tactile sensations. That is, the user can identify the first marker 26 and the second marker 28 by touching with a finger without visual inspection.

  Next, the effect of the catheter 10A according to this embodiment will be described.

  First, prior to the use of the catheter 10A, a guiding catheter is inserted from the femoral artery or the like and advanced to the entrance of the coronary artery. Subsequently, the guide wire 20 and the catheter 10A are introduced into the lumen of the guiding catheter from the Y connector connected to the rear end of the guiding catheter while the guide wire 20 is passed through the wire lumen of the shaft 12. Let

  At this time, the user operates the catheter 10A while viewing the X-ray transmission screen. The user touches the first marker 26 with his / her finger so that the distal end of the catheter 10A is a few cm before the distal end of the guiding catheter without viewing the first marker 26 (while viewing the X-ray transmission screen). You can know that you have reached. In other words, the user can know that the catheter 10A has been inserted into the living body lumen by a predetermined length.

  Next, under X-ray fluoroscopy, the guide wire 20 is advanced and placed near the periphery of the target coronary artery, confirmation imaging is performed from the guiding catheter, and it is confirmed whether the guide wire 20 exceeds the lesioned part. Then, the balloon 16 of the catheter 10A is advanced along the guide wire 20 until it is located at the lesioned part.

  At this time, when the user touches the second marker 28, the tip of the catheter 10 </ b> A has reached a position several cm before the periphery of the coronary artery without viewing the second marker 28 (while viewing the X-ray transmission screen). Can know. Here, since the first marker 26 and the second marker 28 have different tactile sensations (the chamfered portions 32 and 34 are not formed on the second marker 28), the user can The second marker 28 can be identified with a finger without viewing. Therefore, the insertion operation of the catheter 10A can be performed efficiently.

  When the balloon 16 of the catheter 10A is positioned at the lesioned part, an inflating fluid is supplied from the inflator connected to the proximal end of the hub 18 into the balloon 16 through the lumen for expansion, and the balloon 16 is expanded so that the lesioned part is expanded. Push out. After the treatment of the lesioned part is completed, the expansion fluid is discharged from the inside of the balloon 16, and the balloon 16 is completely deflated and removed through the guiding catheter.

  According to the present embodiment, the first marker 26 and the second marker 28 are formed so as to have different tactile sensations, and are configured to be identifiable with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 12 based on the sense of touch. Therefore, the user can identify the 1st marker 26 and the 2nd marker 28, without visually recognizing by touching the 1st marker 26 and the 2nd marker 28 with fingers. Therefore, the insertion operation of the catheter 10A into the living body lumen can be performed efficiently.

  The present embodiment is not limited to the configuration described above. As long as the first marker 26 and the second marker 28 have different tactile sensations, any configuration can be adopted. In other words, the 1st marker 26 and the 2nd marker 28 can employ | adopt arbitrary structures, if at least 1 of a shape, a magnitude | size, and a constituent material differs from each other.

  That is, for example, the size of the second marker 28 (at least one of the length L2 and the thickness d2) is made different from the size of the first marker 26 and at both ends of the outer peripheral surface of the second marker 28. It is also possible to form the chamfered portions 32 and 34. With such a configuration, even when a plurality of catheters 10A are used at the same time, the second marker 28 is caught by the first marker 26 or the second marker 28 of the other catheter 10A, or the other catheter 10A or the like. It is possible to prevent the medical device from being damaged.

  As long as at least one of the 1st marker 26 and the 2nd marker 28 has a different tactile sensation, the marker 40a-40e which concerns on the 1st-5th modification shown to FIG. 3A-FIG. 7C can be employ | adopted.

(First modification)
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the marker 40 a according to the first modification has a plurality (six in the illustrated example) of annular grooves 42 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube shaft 24. . The plurality of grooves 42 are formed apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the axial direction of the outer tube shaft 24. The number of grooves 42, the interval L3 between adjacent grooves 42, and the size of the grooves 42 (groove width W, groove depth d3) can be arbitrarily set.

  In this modification, the groove depth d3 of each groove 42 is set to, for example, 0.01 mm or more and 50% or less of the thickness of the outer tube shaft 24. Accordingly, the user can recognize the groove 42 with fingers and can maintain the outer tube shaft 24 at an appropriate strength with a simple configuration.

  According to the marker 40a according to this modification, it is possible to suppress the outer diameter of the catheter 10A from increasing at the position of the marker 40a, and to make the feel of the marker 40a different from the feel of the outer tube shaft 24. it can.

  In this modification, each groove 42 can be arbitrarily formed, and for example, it may extend along the axial direction of the outer tube shaft 24, or it may be a half circle along the circumferential direction of the outer tube shaft 24. Or you may extend over 1/4 circumference. Further, the marker 40 a may have one spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube shaft 24.

  When the marker 40a according to this modification is used instead of the first marker 26 and the second marker 28, the two markers 40a include the number of grooves 42, the interval L3 between adjacent grooves 42, the shape of the grooves 42, and At least one of the sizes of the grooves 42 is different. Thereby, the two markers 40a have different tactile sensations.

(Second modification)
As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the marker 40 b according to the second modification is an annular holding member that is provided on the outer tube shaft 24 and to which the guide wire 20 can be attached and detached. An arrangement hole (first arrangement hole) 44 that can be arranged in a state where the outer tube shaft 24 and the guide wire 20 are in contact with each other is formed in the marker 40b.

  The marker 40b is made of a metal material such as stainless steel or a resin material such as nylon. The same applies to markers 40c to 40e according to third to fifth modifications described later. The marker 40 b is formed in a cylindrical shape, and an inner peripheral surface constituting the arrangement hole 44 is joined to an outer peripheral surface of the outer tube shaft 24 by fusion or the like.

  The inner diameter of the marker 40 b is set such that the guide wire 20 is not displaced with respect to the outer tube shaft 24 in a state where the outer tube shaft 24 and the guide wire 20 are disposed in the arrangement hole 44. The total length of the marker 40b can be set arbitrarily, but is set to 2 mm to 10 mm, for example.

  The marker 40b is formed with a slit 46 through which the guide wire 20 can be inserted over its entire length. Specifically, the slit 46 extends along the circumferential direction at an intermediate portion in the length direction of the marker 40b. That is, the slit 46 extends from one end of the marker 40b along the axial direction of the outer tube shaft 24, bends substantially at the center in the length direction of the marker 40b, extends a predetermined length in the circumferential direction, and bends again. The other end of the marker 40b extends along the axial direction of the outer tube shaft 24.

  Thereby, the guide wire 20 can be easily attached to the arrangement hole 44 through the slit 46. Further, a part of the slit 46 extends in the circumferential direction of the marker 40b (a part of the slit 46 extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the outer tube shaft 24). The guide wire 20 can be prevented from coming out of the arrangement hole 44 through the slit 46 without intention.

  According to this modification, the guide wire 20 can be integrally operated by mounting the guide wire 20 in the arrangement hole 44 of the marker 40b, so that the pushability of the guide wire 20 is pushable. Can be improved.

  Moreover, even if it is a case where the several catheter 10A and the guide wire 20 are used simultaneously, it can suppress that the several catheter 10A and the guide wire 20 get entangled. Furthermore, the user can easily grasp the corresponding catheter 10 </ b> A and the guide wire 20. Furthermore, since the outer tube shaft 24 and the guide wire 20 are arranged in the arrangement hole 44 in contact with each other, the configuration of the marker 40b can be simplified.

  In this modification, the marker 46b may not be provided with the slit 46. Even in such a configuration, for example, the guide wire 20 can be mounted through the arrangement hole 44 of the marker 40b from the rear end side.

  When the marker 40b according to this modification is used in place of the first marker 26 and the second marker 28, the two markers 40b are formed so that at least one of shape, size, and constituent material is different from each other. . Thereby, the two markers 40b have different tactile sensations. The same applies to markers 40c to 40e according to third to fifth modifications described later.

(Third Modification)
As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the marker 40 c according to the third modification is a holding member that is provided on the outer tube shaft 24 and to which the guide wire 20 can be attached and detached. The marker 40c includes a first annular portion 50 in which a first arrangement hole 48 in which the guide wire 20 can be arranged and a second arrangement hole 52 in which the outer tube shaft 24 can be arranged. And an annular portion 54.

  The inner diameter of the first annular portion 50 (the hole diameter of the first arrangement hole 48) is formed smaller than the outer diameter of the guide wire 20. In other words, the first arrangement hole 48 is set to a size capable of holding the guide wire 20.

  The overall length of the first annular portion 50 is shorter than the overall length of the second annular portion 54. Specifically, the total length of the first annular portion 50 is set to about half the total length of the second annular portion 54. Thereby, size reduction of the marker 40c can be achieved.

  The first annular portion 50 is formed with a slit 56 through which the guide wire 20 can be inserted. The slit 56 is configured in the same manner as the slit 46 of the marker 40b of the second modification described above. Therefore, detailed description of the slit 56 is omitted.

  The second annular portion 54 is joined to the first annular portion 50 by fusion or the like. However, the first annular portion 50 and the second annular portion 54 may be integrally formed. The second annular portion 54 is fitted on the outer tube shaft 24. Specifically, in the second annular portion 54, the inner peripheral surface constituting the second arrangement hole 52 is joined to the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube shaft 24 by fusion or the like. However, the second annular portion 54 may be fixed to the outer tube shaft 24 by thermal contraction.

  The marker 40c according to the present modification can achieve the same effects as the marker 40b according to the second modification. Further, since the second arrangement hole 52 is formed separately from the first arrangement hole 48, the relative positions of the guide wire 20 and the outer tube shaft 24 can be easily held.

  In this modification, the marker 40c may not be provided with the slit 56. Even in such a configuration, for example, the guide wire 20 can be mounted through the first arrangement hole 48 of the marker 40c from the rear end side.

(Fourth modification)
As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the marker 40d according to the fourth modification is a holding member that is provided on the outer tube shaft 24 and to which the guide wire 20 can be attached and detached, and includes the first divided piece 60 and the second divided piece. The pieces 62 are connected to each other.

  The first divided piece 60 has a semicircular outer peripheral surface 64 having a semicircular cross section, a first divided surface 66 in contact with the second divided piece 62, and a horizontal cross section in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the guide wire 20. The first wire disposition recess 68 and the first shaft disposition recess 70 having a semicircular cross section in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube shaft 24 are formed.

  A connecting convex portion 72 for connecting the first divided piece 60 and the second divided piece 62 is provided in the vicinity of the first wire disposition recess 68 in the first divided surface 66 over the entire length of the first divided piece 60. Is provided. A first convex portion 76 fitted into a first concave portion 74 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube shaft 24 extends over the entire length of the first divided piece 60 on the inner peripheral surface constituting the first shaft arrangement concave portion 70. Is provided.

  The second divided piece 62 has a semicircular outer peripheral surface 78 having a semicircular cross section, a second divided surface 80 in contact with the first divided piece 60, and a semicircular cross section in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the guide wire 20. The second wire disposing recess 82 and the second shaft disposing recess 84 having a semicircular cross section in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube shaft 24 are formed.

  A connection recess 86 into which the connection protrusion 72 is inserted is formed over the entire length of the second split piece 62 in the vicinity of the second wire disposition recess 82 in the second split surface 80. A second convex portion 90 fitted into a second concave portion 88 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube shaft 24 is provided on the inner peripheral surface constituting the second shaft arrangement concave portion 84 over the entire length of the second divided piece 62. Is provided.

  In the present modification, the first arrangement in which the guide wire 20 can be arranged by the first wire arrangement recess 68 and the second wire arrangement recess 82 in a state where the first division piece 60 and the second division piece 62 are connected to each other. An installation hole 92 is formed, and a second installation hole 94 in which the outer tube shaft 24 can be installed is formed by the first shaft installation recess 70 and the second shaft installation recess 84.

  The first arrangement hole 92 is set to a size that can hold the guide wire 20. Further, the first convex portion 76 of the first divided piece 60 is fitted into the first concave portion 74 of the outer tube shaft 24, and the second convex portion 90 of the second divided piece 62 is formed into the second concave portion 88 of the outer tube shaft 24. The marker 40d can be easily fixed to the outer tube shaft 24 by being inserted. Thereby, the guide wire 20 and the catheter 10A can be integrally operated.

  According to this modification, there exists an effect similar to the marker 40c which concerns on a 3rd modification. Further, the guide wire 20 can be easily attached to the first arrangement hole 92 and the outer tube shaft 24 can be easily attached to the second arrangement hole 94.

(5th modification)
As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the marker 40e according to the fifth modification is a holding member that is provided on the outer tube shaft 24 and to which the guide wire 20 can be attached and detached. The marker 40e is formed with a first arrangement hole 96 in which the guide wire 20 can be arranged, and a second arrangement hole 98 in which the outer tube shaft 24 can be arranged.

  The first arrangement hole 96 is set to a size capable of holding the guide wire 20. A pair of convex portions 102 that can be fitted into a pair of concave portions 100 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube shaft 24 are provided on the inner peripheral surface constituting the second arrangement hole 98.

  In addition, the marker 40e communicates with the first disposition hole 96 so that the guide wire 20 can be inserted therethrough, and the marker 40e communicates with the second disposition hole 98 through which the outer tube shaft 24 can be inserted. A slit 106 is formed. The 1st slit 104 and the 2nd slit 106 are comprised similarly to the slit 46 of the marker 40b which concerns on the 2nd modification mentioned above. Therefore, detailed description of the first slit 104 and the second slit 106 is omitted.

  According to this modification, there exists an effect similar to the marker 40c which concerns on the 3rd modification mentioned above. In addition, the outer tube shaft 24 is inserted into the second disposition hole 98 through the second slit 106, and the pair of convex portions 102 of the marker 40e are fitted into the pair of concave portions 100 of the outer tube shaft 24, whereby the outer tube The shaft 24 can be easily mounted in the second arrangement hole 98. Furthermore, a part of the second slit 106 extends in the circumferential direction of the marker 40e (a part of the second slit 106 extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the outer tube shaft 24 with the outer surface of the marker 40e. Therefore, the outer tube shaft 24 can be prevented from coming out of the second arrangement hole 98 through the second slit 106.

  In the present modification, the marker 40e may not be provided with the first slit 104 and the second slit 106. Even with such a configuration, for example, the guide wire 20 can be mounted through the first disposition hole 96 of the marker 40e from the rear end side. Further, for example, the outer tube shaft 24 can be mounted through the second arrangement hole 98 of the marker 40e from the tip side.

(Modification of second marker)
In the present embodiment, the catheter 10A may include the second marker 110 shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C instead of the second marker 28. As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the second marker 110 includes an annular movable member 112 that is movable with respect to the outer tube shaft 24, and a guide groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube shaft 24. 114 and first to third markers 116, 118, 120 for specifying the catheter.

  On the inner peripheral surface of the movable member 112, a convex portion 122 that is movably inserted into the guide groove 114 is formed. The guide groove 114 includes a long groove 124 extending along the axial direction of the outer tube shaft 24, first to third circumferential grooves 126, 128, and 130 communicating with the long groove 124, first to third circumferential grooves 126, The first and third fixing grooves 132, 134, and 136 (holding means) communicated with 128 and 130, respectively.

  The first circumferential groove 126 extends from the position of the distal end of the long groove 124 that extends along the axial direction of the outer tube shaft 24, the second circumferential groove 128 is located behind the first circumferential groove 126, and The three circumferential grooves 130 are located behind the second circumferential grooves 128. The first to third circumferential grooves 126, 128, and 130 extend from the long groove 124 along the circumferential direction of the outer tube shaft 24 by a predetermined length (for example, ¼ length of the outer circumference of the outer tube shaft 24). ing.

  The first fixing groove 132 is formed so as to protrude from the position extending from the long groove 124 by a predetermined length in the first circumferential groove 126 to the distal end side. The second fixing groove 134 is formed so as to protrude from the position extending from the long groove 124 by a predetermined length in the second circumferential groove 128 to the distal end side. The third fixing groove 136 is formed so as to protrude from the position extending from the long groove 124 by a predetermined length in the third circumferential groove 130 to the distal end side.

  The first to third labels 116, 118, 120 are provided apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the axial direction of the outer tube shaft 24. In the present modification, the first to third markers 116, 118, 120 are formed by printing or printing linearly on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube shaft 24 with paints of different colors. That is, the first to third labels 116, 118, and 120 are configured in different colors. However, the 1st-3rd label | markers 116, 118, and 120 can be comprised arbitrarily, for example, may contain a character, a figure, a symbol, etc.

  The first marker 116 is located near the distal end side of the first fixing groove 132, the second marker 118 is located near the distal end side of the second fixing groove 134, and the third marker 120 is located near the distal end side of the third fixing groove 136. Is located.

  In the second marker 110 having such a configuration, the movable member 112 is configured such that, for example, the convex portion 122 is positioned in the first fixing groove 132 (the second fixing groove 134 or the third fixing groove 136), thereby the first marker 116. It will be held at a position corresponding to (second mark 118 or third mark 120).

  By the way, when using the three catheters 10A simultaneously like the triple balloon technique etc., the user needs to identify these catheters 10A.

  In this modification, for example, in the catheter 10A used first, the user places the convex portion 122 of the movable member 112 in the first fixed groove 132 via the long groove 124 and the first circumferential groove 126, thereby The movable member 112 can be disposed in the vicinity of the one mark 116. Further, in the catheter 10 </ b> A used second, the user locates the convex portion 122 of the movable member 112 in the second fixed groove 134 through the long groove 124 and the second circumferential groove 128, thereby the vicinity of the second marker 118. The movable member 112 can be disposed on the surface. Further, in the catheter 10 </ b> A used third, the user positions the convex portion 122 of the movable member 112 in the third fixed groove 136 via the long groove 124 and the third circumferential groove 130, so that the vicinity of the third marker 120. The movable member 112 can be disposed on the surface.

  Therefore, even when the user uses three catheters 10A at the same time, the user can easily identify these catheters 10A by visually recognizing the first to third markers 116, 118, 120 corresponding to the movable member 112. be able to. Further, even such a second marker 110 has the same effects as the second marker 110 described above.

  In addition, when using the 2nd marker 110 which concerns on this modification, of course, it is also possible to comprise the 1st marker 26 in either of the marker 40a-40e which concerns on the 1st-5th modification mentioned above. In this modification, the second marker 110 may have two or four or more catheter identification marks. In this case, the number of circumferential grooves and fixing grooves corresponding to the number of signs is provided.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a catheter 10B according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the catheter 10B according to the present embodiment, the same components as those of the catheter 10A described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the catheter 10B is provided with an identification marker 140 for identifying individual catheters 10B when a plurality of catheters 10B are used simultaneously. The identification marker 140 is located closer to the proximal end than the second marker 28 in the outer tube shaft 24. The identification marker 140 has the same configuration as the second marker 110 shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C described above. Therefore, detailed description of the identification marker 140 is omitted.

  According to the present embodiment, even when the user uses the three catheters 10B at the same time, the user can visually recognize the first to third markers 116, 118, and 120 corresponding to the movable member 112 so that these catheters 10B can be used. Can be easily identified.

  In this embodiment, the identification marker 140 may have two or four or more labels. In this case, the number of circumferential grooves and fixing grooves corresponding to the number of signs is provided.

10A, 10B ... catheter 12 ... shaft 24 ... outer tube shaft 26 ... first marker 28, 110 ... second marker 40a-40e ... marker

Claims (14)

A catheter with a flexible shaft that is inserted into a body lumen,
On the proximal end side of the shaft, a first marker and a second marker that indicate the amount of insertion of the catheter into the living body lumen are provided apart from each other along the axial direction of the shaft,
The catheter, wherein the first marker and the second marker are formed so as to have different tactile sensations and are distinguishable on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft based on a tactile sense. The catheter of claim 1,
At least one of the first marker and the second marker is an annular member externally fitted to the shaft. The catheter of claim 2,
A catheter having a chamfered portion formed at an axial end portion of the shaft on an outer peripheral surface of the annular member. The catheter of claim 1,
At least one of the first marker and the second marker has a groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft. The catheter of claim 1,
At least one of the first marker and the second marker is a holding member formed with a first disposition hole in which a guide wire can be disposed and fixed to the shaft. The catheter of claim 5,
The catheter, wherein the holding member is formed with a slit extending along the axial direction of the shaft over the entire length of the holding member and communicating with the first disposition hole. The catheter of claim 6,
At least a part of the slit extends in the direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft on the outer surface of the holding member. The catheter according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
The catheter is characterized in that the first disposition hole can be disposed in a state where the shaft and the guide wire are in contact with each other. The catheter according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
The catheter, wherein the holding member is formed with a second disposition hole in which the shaft can be disposed separately from the first disposition hole. The catheter of claim 9,
The holding member is
A first annular portion in which the first arrangement hole is formed;
A second annular portion provided in the first annular portion and formed with the second arrangement hole,
The length of the first annular portion along the axial direction of the shaft and the length of the second annular portion along the axial direction of the shaft are different from each other. The catheter of claim 9,
A concave portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft,
The catheter is characterized in that a convex portion that is fitted into the concave portion is formed on a wall surface that constitutes the second arrangement hole. The catheter of claim 5,
The holding member is formed with a second arrangement hole in which the shaft can be arranged,
The holding member is configured by connecting divided pieces divided into a plurality of pieces,
Each of said 1st arrangement | positioning hole and said 2nd arrangement | positioning hole is formed of the said some division piece, The catheter characterized by the above-mentioned. The catheter of claim 1,
The second marker is
A plurality of markers for identifying the catheter provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft;
A movable member provided to be movable with respect to the shaft;
And a holding means for holding the movable member at a position corresponding to each of the markers. The catheter of claim 1,
An identification marker for identifying the plurality of the catheters is provided on the proximal side of the shaft with respect to the second marker,
The identification marker is
A plurality of markers for identifying the catheter provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft;
A movable member provided to be movable with respect to the shaft;
And a holding means for holding the movable member at a position corresponding to each of the markers.

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