JP2023030906A - electrode catheter - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electrode catheter capable of suppressing twisting and vibration of a conductor wire and reducing noise of a signal transmitted by the conductor wire.SOLUTION: An electrode catheter has: an outer shaft 10; an inner shaft 20 extending into a lumen of the outer shaft 10; one or more electrodes 50 arranged in a distal part of the outer shaft 10; a first cylindrical member 30 which is arranged in the lumen of the outer shaft 10 and outside the inner shaft 20 and is positioned nearer on a proximal side than the proximal end of an electrode 50 of the one or more electrodes 50 that is arranged nearest on the proximal side; and a conductor wire 40 which is connected to the electrode 50 and extends outside the inner shaft 20 and in the lumen of the first cylindrical member 30. In a cross section vertical to a longitudinal axis direction x, a length after subtracting a length between two points where a straight-line B crosses an outer wall of the inner shaft 20 from a length between two points where the straight-line B passing a figure center C of the inner shaft 20 crosses a lumen wall of the first cylindrical member 30 is not more than three times as long as a long diameter of the conductor wire 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to electrode catheters used for measuring the potential of internal organs, mainly the heart, and for cauterizing internal tissues.

Catheters having electrodes are sometimes used in the examination and treatment of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. During the examination, an electrode catheter is inserted into the heart chamber and the intracardiac potential is measured to identify the abnormal site of the heart causing the arrhythmia. At the time of treatment, an ablation operation is performed in which a high-frequency current is passed from the electrodes of the catheter to the myocardium causing the arrhythmia, and the source of the arrhythmia is cauterized to electrically isolate it from the heart. In addition, if atrial fibrillation occurs during these examinations or treatments, it will be difficult to measure and analyze the electrical potential in the heart, interfering with examinations and treatments. Fibrillation takes place.

For example, US Pat.

JP 2000-288095 A JP 2005-144159 A Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-520281 JP 2009-148550 A

In electrode catheters, signals are transmitted to and from the electrodes through wires. At this time, in the conventional electrode catheter as described above, the lead wire is twisted or vibrated in the lumen of the catheter during operation of the electrode catheter, such as delivery of the electrode catheter to the lesion site or bending of the distal portion of the catheter. As a result, noise is generated in the signal transmitted through the conducting wire, and the S/N ratio of the signal is sometimes lowered. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrode catheter capable of suppressing twisting and vibration of a lead wire and reducing noise in signals transmitted by the lead wire.

One embodiment of the electrode catheter of the present invention which overcomes the above problems includes an outer shaft having longitudinally distal and proximal ends and having a longitudinally extending lumen; an inner shaft extending into the lumen of the shaft; one or more electrodes disposed on a distal portion of the outer shaft; a first tubular member having a lumen extending into the lumen of the outer shaft and outside the inner shaft such that the inner shaft is positioned within the lumen of the first tubular member; and the distal end of the first tubular member is positioned closer to the proximal side than the proximal end of the one or more electrodes that are arranged closest to the proximal side. a conductor connected to the electrode and extending in the lumen of the outer shaft outside of the inner shaft and into the lumen of the first tubular member; In the cross section, the length between the two points where the straight line and the outer wall of the inner shaft intersect is subtracted from the length between the two points where the straight line passing through the centroid of the inner shaft and the lumen wall of the first tubular member intersect. The length is not more than three times the major diameter of the conductor. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress kinking and vibration of the lead wire in the lumen of the catheter, so that noise in signals transmitted from the electrode or to the electrode through the lead wire can be reduced.

In the longitudinal direction, the length of the first tubular member is preferably at least 50% of the length from the proximal end of the most proximally disposed electrode to the proximal end of the outer shaft.

In the longitudinal direction, the length from the proximal end of the most proximally disposed electrode to the distal end of the first tubular member is the most proximally disposed from the distal end of the outer shaft. It is preferably no more than 5 times the length to the proximal end of the electrode.

The electrode catheter according to embodiments of the present invention further includes a second tubular member disposed outside the inner shaft, the distal end of the first tubular member being the distal end of the second tubular member. It is preferably positioned more proximal than the .

Electrode catheters according to embodiments of the present invention further include a second tubular member disposed outside the inner shaft, the distal end of the first tubular member being the proximal end of the second tubular member. It is preferably positioned more proximal than the . In this case, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the section in which the second tubular member is arranged in the longitudinal direction, The length obtained by subtracting the length between two points where the straight line and the outer wall of the second tubular member intersect is preferably three times or less the major axis of the conducting wire. Also in this case, in the longitudinal direction, the length from the proximal end of the second tubular member to the distal end of the first tubular member is located most proximally from the distal end of the outer shaft. preferably no more than twice the length to the proximal end of the electrode.

In the longitudinal direction, when the length from the distal end of the outer shaft to the distal end of the first tubular member is d, from the point D of d to the proximal side from the distal end of the first tubular member The outer shaft and the first tubular member are not fixed on the distal side, and the electrode catheter according to the embodiment of the present invention is fixed to the outer shaft and the first tubular member on the proximal side of the point D of the first tubular member. It is preferable to have a fixing portion to which the cylindrical member is fixed.

Preferably, the first tubular member is free from the inner shaft.

Preferably, the first tubular member extends proximally beyond the proximal end of the outer shaft.

The first cylindrical member is a group consisting of polyolefin-based resin, polyamide-based resin, polyimide-based resin, polyester-based resin, polyurethane-based resin, vinyl chloride-based resin, silicone-based resin, polycarbonate-based resin, and aromatic polyetherketone-based resin. It is preferably composed of at least one selected polymer or elastomer.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The electrode catheter of the present invention can suppress kinking and vibration of the conductor wire in the lumen of the catheter, so that noise in signals transmitted from the electrode or to the electrode through the conductor wire can be reduced. As a result, the S/N ratio of the signal transmitted through the conducting wire can be improved.

1 depicts a plan view of an electrode catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view enlarging part II of the electrode catheter shown in FIG. 1 ; Figure 3 represents a cross-sectional view of the electrode catheter along line III-III of Figure 2; FIG. 4 represents a modification of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3 ; 4 represents another modification of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3 ; FIG. Figure 3 represents a cross-sectional view of the electrode catheter along the line VI-VI of Figure 2; FIG. 4 depicts an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a distal portion of an electrode catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 represents a cross-sectional view of the electrode catheter along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7; FIG. 4 depicts an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal portion of an electrode catheter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of the electrode catheter along line XX of FIG. 9; FIG. Figure 3 represents a cross-sectional view of the electrode catheter along line XI-XI of Figure 2; FIG. 12 represents a modification of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 11 ;

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments, and can be implemented by making appropriate changes within the scope that can conform to the gist of the preceding and following descriptions. are also possible, and all of them are included in the technical scope of the present invention. In each drawing, for the sake of convenience, hatching, member numbers, etc. may be omitted. In such cases, the specification and other drawings shall be referred to. In addition, the dimensions of various members in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions, since priority is given to helping to understand the features of the present invention.

An electrode catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outer shaft having a longitudinally distal end and a proximal end and a longitudinally extending lumen extending through the lumen of the outer shaft. a residing inner shaft, one or more electrodes disposed on a distal portion of the outer shaft, and a longitudinally extending distal end and a proximal end. a first tubular member having a lumen disposed within the lumen of the outer shaft and outside the inner shaft such that the inner shaft is disposed within the lumen of the first tubular member; The distal end of the shaped member is connected to a first tubular member positioned more proximally than the proximal end of the most proximal electrode of the one or more electrodes, and to the electrodes. a conductor in the lumen of the outer shaft and extending outside the inner shaft and into the lumen of the first tubular member; The length obtained by subtracting the length between two points where the straight line intersects with the inner wall of the inner shaft from the length between two points where the straight line passing through the centroid and the inner wall of the inner shaft intersect is the conducting wire. is less than or equal to three times the major diameter of the

With the above configuration, the electrode catheter according to the embodiment of the present invention can define the insertion path for the lead wire by the outer surface of the inner shaft and the lumen wall of the first tubular member, and the defined insertion path is predetermined. Since it has the following width, twisting and vibration of the conducting wire can be suppressed, and noise of the signal transmitted from the electrode or to the electrode through the conducting wire can be reduced. As a result, the S/N ratio of the signal transmitted through the conducting wire can be improved.

A configuration example of the electrode catheter will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. FIG. FIG. 1 depicts a plan view of an electrode catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 represents an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of portion II, the distal portion, of the electrode catheter shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the two conductors are shown on the same cross section for the sake of convenience, although they may not necessarily exist on the same cross section. FIG. 3 represents a cross-sectional view of the electrode catheter along line III-III of FIG. 4 and 5 represent different modifications of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. FIG. 6 represents a cross-sectional view of the electrode catheter along line VI-VI of FIG. FIG. 7 depicts an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal portion of an electrode catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 represents a cross-sectional view of the electrode catheter along line VIII-VIII of FIG. FIG. 9 depicts an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal portion of an electrode catheter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 represents a cross-sectional view of the electrode catheter along line XX of FIG. FIG. 11 represents a cross-sectional view of the electrode catheter along line XI-XI in FIG. 2, and FIG. 12 represents a modification of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. In this specification, the electrode catheter may be simply referred to as catheter.

In the present invention, the proximal side refers to the user's hand side in the extending direction of the electrode catheter 1, and the distal side refers to the direction opposite to the proximal side, that is, the direction to the treatment subject. The extending direction of the electrode catheter 1 is preferably the same as the longitudinal axis direction x of the outer shaft 10 . A direction connecting the center of the outer shaft 10 and a point on the circumscribed circle of the outer shaft 10 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x is referred to as a radial direction y. In the figures herein, the left side of the figure is the distal side and the right side of the figure is the proximal side.

As shown in FIG. 1, electrode catheter 1 has an outer shaft 10 having a distal end and a proximal end in longitudinal direction x and a lumen extending in longitudinal direction x. . The distal end side of the outer shaft 10 is inserted into the body, and the distal end portion is delivered to the treatment site by operating a handle or the like connected to the proximal end side. For this reason, the outer shaft 10 is preferably flexible, and can be made of metal or resin. Because it is inserted into the body, outer shaft 10 is preferably constructed of a biocompatible material.

As shown in FIG. 2, one or more electrodes 50 are positioned on the distal portion of outer shaft 10 . Also, although not shown, a member for examination or treatment other than the electrodes 50, such as a sensor, may be arranged at the distal portion of the outer shaft 10. FIG. An internal structure may be arranged in the lumen of the outer shaft 10 for bending the distal portion of the catheter 1 . The inner lumen of the outer shaft 10 preferably has a tubular structure because the above members are arranged therein. Appropriate sizes can be selected for the length of the outer shaft 10 in the longitudinal direction x, the outer diameter, the thickness, etc., according to the purpose of use.

Materials constituting the outer shaft 10 include, for example, polyolefin-based resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene; polyamide-based resins such as nylon; polyester-based resins such as PET; polyimide-based resins; polyether polyamide resins; polyurethane resins; fluorine resins such as PTFE, PFA and ETFE; vinyl chloride resins;

The outer shaft 10 having a cylindrical structure is a hollow coil formed by spirally winding one or more wire rods, and at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the hollow coil or hollow body is coated with a resin. , cylindrical resin tubes, or those connected in the longitudinal axis direction x. Outer shaft 10 may be of single-layer construction or multi-layer construction. Alternatively, a part of the outer shaft 10 in the longitudinal direction x or the circumferential direction may be composed of a single layer, and the other part may have a multi-layer structure. When the outer shaft 10 has a multi-layer structure, for example, a metal braid made of stainless steel, carbon steel, nickel-titanium alloy, or the like may be used as an intermediate layer of the resin tube forming the outer shaft 10 .

A tip 11 is preferably arranged at the distal end of the outer shaft 10 . The tip portion 11 may be a member separate from the outer shaft 10, or may be formed as part of the same member. If the tip portion 11 is a member separate from the outer shaft 10, the tip portion 11 has a portion that is inserted into the lumen of the outer shaft 10 and a portion that protrudes distally beyond the distal end of the outer shaft 10. may be When the distal end portion 11 is formed as a part of the outer shaft 10, the opening of the distal end of the outer shaft 10 is closed by heat-sealing the distal end portion of the outer shaft 10, A tip portion 11 may be formed. The tip 11 may be a tip electrode.

A handle 7 is preferably arranged on the proximal side of the outer shaft 10 and the proximal end of the outer shaft 10 is preferably fixed inside the handle 7 . It is preferable that the proximal ends of the conductors 40 and wires 22 , which will be described later, extending from the lumen of the outer shaft 10 are arranged in the handle 7 . The handle 7 may be provided with a wire operating portion 70 so that the wire 22 can be easily operated. By fixing the proximal end of the wire 22 to the wire manipulating portion 70, the wire manipulating portion 70 can be manipulated to retract or release the wire 22 to bend or retract the distal portion of the catheter 1. can be

Electrode catheter 1 has an inner shaft 20 that extends into the lumen of outer shaft 10 . The inner shaft 20 may be of solid or hollow construction. Since the electrode catheter 1 has the inner shaft 20 in the lumen of the outer shaft 10, the rigidity of the outer shaft 10 can be increased, and the insertion of the catheter 1 into the blood vessel can be facilitated. In addition, since the electrode catheter 1 has the inner shaft 20 in the lumen of the outer shaft 10, the force applied from the proximal side of the catheter 1 can be transmitted to the distal side, and the distal portion of the catheter 1 can be transmitted to the distal side. A curved, deflectable catheter is also possible.

When the inner shaft 20 has a hollow structure, the inner shaft 20 is preferably a tube, a pipe, or a hollow coil formed by spirally winding one or more wires. Among other things, the inner shaft 20 is preferably a coil or pipe, or a combination thereof. If the inner shaft 20 has such a configuration, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the outer shaft 10 while also imparting appropriate flexibility. The site can be a catheter 1 that can be easily delivered to the lesion.

The outer diameter of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction x of the inner shaft 20 is not particularly limited, and may be circular as shown in FIG. 3, elliptical as shown in FIG. 4, or a combination thereof. . When the inner shaft 20 has a hollow structure, the lumen shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction x of the inner shaft 20 may also be circular, elliptical, or a combination thereof, like the external shape. you can When the inner shaft 20 has a hollow structure, an elastic member 21 and a wire 22, which will be described later, may be arranged in the inner cavity of the inner shaft 20 as shown in FIG.

Inner shaft 20 may extend to near the proximal end of outer shaft 10 . The inner shaft 20 may be composed of the same member over the longitudinal axis direction x, or may have a structure in which different members are connected in the middle of the longitudinal axis direction x. The distal end of inner shaft 20 may be located near the distal end of outer shaft 10 or may be located more proximal than the distal end of outer shaft 10 . When the distal end of the inner shaft 20 is positioned closer to the proximal side than the distal end of the outer shaft 10, for example, the distal end of the inner shaft 20 is the proximal end of the curve, and the distal side is The catheter 1 can have a bendable configuration.

As a material for forming the inner shaft 20, the same synthetic resin, metal, or the like as for the outer shaft 10 can be used. The inner shaft 20 may be of a single layer construction, or may have a multi-layer construction similar to the outer shaft 10 . The material of inner shaft 20 may be the same as or different from the material of outer shaft 10 . The inner shaft 20 is preferably made of metal, and more preferably a coil formed by spirally winding a stainless steel wire. Alternatively, the inner shaft 20 preferably has a structure in which the proximal side is configured by a metal or resin tube, and the distal side of the tube is connected to a metal coil. With such a configuration of the inner shaft 20 , it becomes easy to allow the distal portion of the electrode catheter 1 to deflect while imparting sufficient rigidity to the outer shaft 10 .

As shown in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 9 and 10 which will be described later as other embodiments of the electrode catheter 1, a wire 22 extending in the longitudinal direction x is arranged in the lumen of the inner shaft 20. good too. The number of wires 22 may be one or plural. The distal portion of the electrode catheter 1 can be curved by pulling the wire 22 proximally. Alternatively, the distal portion of electrode catheter 1 may be curved by pushing wire 22 distally. The distal portion of the wire 22 is connected or fixed to the distal portion of the electrode catheter 1, preferably the distal portion of the elastic member 21 described later, and the proximal portion of the wire 22 is connected or fixed to the wire operation portion 70. preferably.

Examples of the wire 22 include metal wires such as stainless steel, carbon steel, and nickel-titanium alloys, polyamide-based resins, polyolefin-based resins, polyester-based resins, aromatic polyetherketone-based resins, polyimide-based resins, fluorine-based resins, and the like. A wire formed from a synthetic resin can be used.

An elastic member 21 is preferably provided to adjust the degree of curvature of the distal portion of the electrode catheter 1 . The elastic member 21 may extend into the lumen of the inner shaft 20 as shown in FIG. 5, or as another embodiment, the proximal end of the elastic member 21 may extend inwardly as shown in FIG. It may be connected to the distal end of shaft 20 . Examples of the elastic member 21 include a leaf spring and a coil spring. The distal end of elastic member 21 is preferably fixed to the distal end of outer shaft 10 , preferably tip 11 . The method of connecting the elastic member 21 and another member is not particularly limited, but methods such as brazing such as soldering, welding, bonding with an adhesive, and caulking can be used. As for the material forming the elastic member 21, the description of the material forming the wire 22 can be referred to.

One or more electrodes 50 are positioned on the distal portion of the outer shaft 10 . As shown in FIG. 2, the electrodes 50 are preferably provided outside a side hole provided in the distal portion of the outer shaft 10 so that the outer shaft 10 passes through the outer side and the inner side. The electrode 50 functions as a measuring electrode or a reference electrode during potential measurement. The shape of the electrode 50 may be, for example, a ring shape, a C-shaped cross section with a notch in the ring, or a coil shape in which a wire is wound. The electrodes 50 can be placed on the outer shaft 10 by crimping the electrodes 50 onto the outer shaft 10 . Alternatively, the electrodes 50 may be rectangular or square flat plate electrodes that are formed independently in the form of islands when viewed from the outside of the outer shaft 10 . At least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of such a flat plate electrode may be curved so as to easily follow the curved surface of the outer shaft 10 . Among them, the electrode 50 is preferably ring-shaped. Since the electrode 50 is ring-shaped, the area of the electrode 50 on the outer peripheral surface of the outer shaft 10 can be increased, and the electrode 50 can be easily brought into contact with the inner wall of the heart.

The electrode 50 only needs to be conductive, and can be made of metal or a mixture containing resin and metal. Among them, it is preferable to use a metal such as platinum, platinum-iridium alloy, stainless steel, tungsten, or the like, or a conductive resin as the material of the electrode 50 . When the electrode 50 is made of a conductive resin, it is preferable to mix a contrast agent such as barium sulfate or bismuth oxide in order to make it visible under X-ray fluoroscopy.

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the electrode catheter 1 comprises a first tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end in the longitudinal direction x and a lumen extending in the longitudinal direction x. 30, disposed in the lumen of the outer shaft 10 and outside the inner shaft 20 such that the inner shaft 20 is disposed within the lumen of the first tubular member 30; The distal end has a first tubular member 30 that is positioned proximally of the proximal end of the one or more electrodes 50 that is the most proximal.

The first tubular member 30 is preferably made of an insulating material. The first cylindrical member 30 is, for example, a polyolefin resin, a polyamide resin, a polyimide resin, a polyester resin, a polyurethane resin, a vinyl chloride resin, a silicone resin, a polycarbonate resin, or an aromatic polyether ketone resin. It is preferably composed of at least one polymer or elastomer selected from the group consisting of: Among them, the first cylindrical member 30 is preferably made of polyolefin resin such as polyethylene. As a result, the flexibility of the first cylindrical member 30 can be improved, and the first cylindrical member 30 can flexibly determine an insertion path 35 for the conductor wire 40, which will be described later. In addition, the slidability of the lead wire 40 with respect to the first tubular member 30 is improved, and the lead wire 40 is prevented from being damaged due to contact of the lead wire 40 with the first tubular member 30 during manufacture and use of the electrode catheter 1. can.

A conducting wire 40 is connected to the electrode 50 , and the conducting wire 40 passes through a side hole provided in the outer shaft 10 and passes through the inner cavity of the outer shaft 10 , outside the inner shaft 20 and inside the first tubular member 30 . Extends into the cavity. The lead wire 40 electrically connects the electrode 50 and an external device of the catheter 1, such as an electrocardiograph. The conductors 40 are electrically connected to the electrodes 50. For example, when two electrodes 50 are arranged in the longitudinal direction x as shown in FIG. 40 is preferably connected. Although not shown, three or more electrodes 50 may be arranged, and conductors 40 corresponding to the number of electrodes 50 may be further arranged.

The conducting wire 40 may be conductive, and for example, a copper wire, an iron wire, a stainless steel wire, a piano wire, a tungsten wire, a nickel-titanium wire, or the like can be used. Among them, a stainless steel wire is particularly preferable in that the wire 40 can be easily passed through the side hole of the outer shaft 10 because of its straightness and rigidity, and the disconnection of the connection between the wire 40 and the electrode 50 is less likely to occur.

A single wire 40 may be a solid wire or a twisted wire. The cross-sectional shape of one conductor 40 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction x can be, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, or a combination thereof. Regardless of whether one conductor wire 40 is a single wire or a stranded wire, or has any cross-sectional shape, the major diameter of the conductor wire 40 is the length of one conductor wire 40 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction x. means the diameter of the circumscribed circle. The long diameter of the conducting wire 40 is not particularly limited, and for example, the long diameter of the conducting wire 40 is preferably 0.05 mm or more, more preferably 0.08 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.1 mm or more. Also, for example, the long diameter of the conducting wire 40 is preferably 0.3 mm or less, more preferably 0.2 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.15 mm or less.

The conducting wire 40 may have a covering material on portions other than both ends connected to the electrodes 50 and the like. This can prevent short circuits with adjacent members. As for the material of the covering material of the conductor 40, the description of the resin material forming the outer shaft 10 can be referred to.

The electrode 50 and the lead wire 40 can be connected by a method such as laser welding, resistance welding, or bonding with an adhesive.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction x, the length between two points where a straight line B passing through the centroid C of the inner shaft 20 and the lumen wall of the first cylindrical member 30 intersect The length L _1-2 obtained by subtracting the length L 2 between the two points where the straight line B and the outer wall of the inner shaft 20 intersect from the length L 1 is three times or less the major axis of the conducting wire 40 . The length L _1-2 is preferably 2.5 times or less, more preferably 2.2 times or less, and may be 2.1 times or less the major axis of the lead wire 40 . With such a configuration, the insertion passage 35 for the conductor wire 40 can be defined by the outer surface of the inner shaft 20 and the inner wall of the first tubular member 30, and the defined insertion passage 35 has a width equal to or less than a predetermined width. Therefore, twisting and vibration of the conductor 40 can be suppressed, and noise in signals transmitted from the electrode 50 or to the electrode 50 through the conductor 40 can be reduced. As a result, the S/N ratio of the signal transmitted by the conducting wire 40 can be improved. If the upper limit of the length L _1-2 is within the above range, for example, when the electrode catheter 1 has two leads 40 as shown in FIGS. In the circumferential direction of the shaft 20, it can be arranged at a position shifted by, for example, 180°, and it is possible to prevent these conductors 40 from twisting or vibrating in the insertion passage 35 in the radial direction y. In addition, even when the electrode catheter 1 has three or more conductor wires 40, the three or more conductor wires 40 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the inner shaft 20, so that the The conducting wires 40 can be arranged in the insertion passage 35 defined in width, and the plurality of conducting wires 40 can be prevented from twisting or vibrating in the insertion passage 35 in the radial direction y.

Also, the length L _1-2 may be 2 times or less, 1.5 times or less, or 1.2 times or less the major axis of the conductor 40 . If the upper limit of the length _L1-2 is within the above range, for example, as shown in FIG. It can be set to a predetermined value or less, and the lead wire 40 can be prevented from twisting or vibrating in the radial direction y in the insertion passage 35 . In addition, even when the electrode catheter 1 has two or more conductors 40, the plurality of conductors 40 are unevenly arranged in a part of the inner shaft 20 in the circumferential direction. A plurality of conductor wires 40 can be arranged in the insertion passage 35 defined in width, and the conductor wires 40 can be prevented from twisting or vibrating in the insertion passage 35 in the radial direction y. In this case, for example, the plurality of conducting wires 40 may be arranged with a 15° offset, a 20° offset, or a 30° offset in the circumferential direction of the inner shaft 20 .

The length L _1-2 is preferably 1 or more times the lead wire 40, more preferably 1.1 or more times. If the lower limit of the length L _1-2 is within the above range, the lead wire 40 can be easily inserted through the insertion passage 35 .

Here, the centroid C of the inner shaft 20 is the centroid of the outer edge shape of the inner shaft 20 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction x. Therefore, even if the inner shaft 20 has a solid structure as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, or if the inner shaft 20 has a hollow structure as shown in FIG. C can be determined.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, at least one of the outer surface of the inner shaft 20 and the inner cavity wall of the first tubular member 30 has a shape that deviates from a perfect circle in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction x. If so, the length L _1-2 cannot be uniquely determined depending on how the straight line B is drawn. In this case, it is preferable that the length L _1-2 has the above range when the straight line B is drawn so that the length L _1-2 is the maximum.

The thickness of the first tubular member 30 in the radial direction y is preferably smaller than the thickness of the outer shaft 10 . As a result, flexibility of the first tubular member 30 can be ensured, so that even when the electrode catheter 1 is conveyed through a curved blood vessel, the insertion path 35 of the lead wire 40 is curved accordingly. , the first tubular member 30 can also easily follow the curve, and it becomes easier for the first tubular member 30 to define the insertion passage 35 for the lead wire 40 arranged on the outside of the inner shaft 20 . Moreover, since the flexibility of the first cylindrical member 30 can be ensured, damage to the conductor wire 40 can be prevented.

The bending strength of the first tubular member 30 is preferably smaller than the bending strength of the outer shaft 10 . As a result, flexibility of the first tubular member 30 can be ensured, so that even when the electrode catheter 1 is conveyed through a curved blood vessel, the insertion path 35 of the lead wire 40 is curved accordingly. , the first tubular member 30 can also easily follow the curve, and it becomes easier for the first tubular member 30 to define the insertion passage 35 for the lead wire 40 arranged on the outside of the inner shaft 20 . Moreover, since the flexibility of the first cylindrical member 30 can be ensured, damage to the conductor wire 40 can be prevented.

It is preferable that no member other than the conductor 40 is inserted through the passage 35 for the conductor 40 defined by the outer surface of the inner shaft 20 and the inner wall of the first cylindrical member 30 . This is preferable because the conductor wire 40 does not get entangled with other members in the insertion path 35 or other members interfere with the insertion of the conductor wire 40 .

As shown in FIG. 6, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction x, from a length L5 between two points where a straight line B passing through the centroid C of the inner shaft 20 and the lumen wall of the outer shaft 10 intersect, the straight line B The length L _5-2 obtained by subtracting the length L 2 between the two points where the outer wall of the inner shaft 20 intersects with the outer wall of the inner shaft 20 is preferably twice or more the length of the lead wire 40 . The length L _5-2 is more preferably 2.5 times or more the length of the lead wire 40, and still more preferably 3 times or more. Also, the length L _5-2 is preferably 6 times or less, more preferably 5 times or less, and even more preferably 4 times or less the major axis of the lead wire 40 . If the length _L5-2 is within the above range, the electrode 50 is placed on the distal portion of the outer shaft 10, and the lead wire 40 connected to the electrode 50 passes through the measuring hole provided in the outer shaft 10 and passes through the outer shaft. It is easier to fabricate the distal portion of the electrode catheter 1 to extend 10 lumens.

Although the length L5 is not shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the length _L5-2 is within the above range even in the section on the proximal side of the distal end of the first tubular member 30 in the longitudinal direction x. is preferably Even if the length L _5-2 in the section is within the above range, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first cylindrical member 30 is arranged so that the insertion path 35 for the conductor 40 can be defined and the conductor 40 kinks and vibrations can be suppressed.

Although not shown, if at least one of the outer surface of the inner shaft 20 and the inner wall of the outer shaft 10 has a shape that deviates from a perfect circle in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction x, the straight line B The length L _5-2 is not uniquely determined depending on how it is drawn. In this case, it is preferable that the length L _5-2 has the above range when the straight line B is drawn so that the length L _5-2 is the maximum.

In the longitudinal direction x, the length of the first tubular member 30 is 50% or more of the length from the proximal end of the most proximally disposed electrode 50 to the proximal end of the outer shaft 10. 70% or more is more preferable, 80% or more is even more preferable, and 100%, that is, the proximal end of the first tubular member 30 may be arranged at the same position as the proximal end of the outer shaft 10. . Since the first cylindrical member 30 has a predetermined length or more in the longitudinal direction x, the conductor wire is pulled by the lumen wall of the first cylindrical member 30 in a section of the predetermined length or more in the longitudinal direction x. 40 insertion passages 35 can be defined, and kinks and vibrations of the conductors 40 can be more effectively suppressed.

Alternatively, the first tubular member 30 may extend proximally beyond the proximal end of the outer shaft 10 . As a result, even the proximal end of the lead wire 40 connected to an external device located closer to the proximal side than the proximal end of the outer shaft 10 can be placed in the lumen of the first cylindrical member 30. It is possible to prevent kinks and vibrations over the entire conductor 40 .

In the longitudinal direction x, the length S1 from the proximal end of the electrode 50 arranged on the most proximal side to the distal end of the first tubular member 30 is It is preferably five times or less the length S2 to the proximal end of the electrode 50 located on the side. The length S1 is more preferably 3 times or less the length S2, more preferably 2 times or less, and may be 1 time or less, 1/2 or less, or 1/3 or less. The lower limit of the length S1 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 1/10 or more, 1/8 or more, or 1/5 or more of the length S2. In FIG. 6 , the first tubular member 30 defines the insertion path for the lead wire 40 from the proximal end of the electrode 50 arranged on the most proximal side to the distal end of the first tubular member 30 . However, if the length S1 is within the above range, the section where the insertion path of the conductor 40 is not defined by the first cylindrical member 30 can be shortened, and the conductor 40 is twisted and vibrates. can be more easily prevented.

As shown in FIG. 7, the electrode catheter 1 further comprises a second tubular member 60 located outside the inner shaft 20, the distal end of the first tubular member 30 being the second tubular member. It is preferably located proximal to the distal end of member 60 . For example, the distal end of the second tubular member 60 is located near the distal end of the inner shaft 20, the proximal end of the second tubular member 60 is located near the proximal end of the inner shaft 20, and The second tubular member 60 may be arranged to overlap 80% or more, 90% or more, or 100% of the outer side of the inner shaft 20 . By arranging the second tubular member 60 on the outside of the inner shaft 20, even when the electrode catheter 1 has a configuration in which the electrode catheter 1 is bendable and the inner shaft 20 is a coil, for example, the electrode catheter 1 can be It is possible to prevent the coil from bulging outward in the radial direction y when the coil is curved.

As for the material forming the second tubular member 60, the description of the material forming the first tubular member 30 can be referred to. The second tubular member 60 may abut the outer surface of the inner shaft 20 .

In the case of the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 8, the insertion path 35 of the lead wire 40 can be defined by the outer surface of the second tubular member 60 and the inner cavity wall of the first tubular member 30 . In this case, since the width of the insertion path 35 can be further narrowed by the thickness of the second cylindrical member 60 from the length _L1-2 , twisting and vibration of the conductor 40 can be more easily prevented. However, since the second tubular member 60 is arranged outside the inner shaft 20 having a certain rigidity, even if the second tubular member 60 has the same material and thickness as the first tubular member 30, Even if it is, the second tubular member 60 cannot flexibly define the insertion path 35 for the conductor wire 40 like the first tubular member 30 does. Therefore, for example, even if the first tubular member 30 is not provided and the passage for the lead wire 40 is defined by the outer surface of the second tubular member 60 and the inner wall of the outer shaft 10, the object of the present invention can be achieved. First, in the present invention, it is important that the passage 35 for the lead wire 40 is defined by the inner wall of the first tubular member 30 .

As shown in FIG. 9, the electrode catheter 1 has a second tubular member 60 located outside the inner shaft 20, the distal end of the first tubular member 30 being the second tubular member. It is preferably located proximal to the proximal end of 60 . This allows the second tubular member 60 to be disposed distally of the inner shaft 20, for example when the electrode catheter 1 is bendable and the inner shaft 20 has a coiled configuration. Even so, it is possible to prevent the distal portion of the inner shaft 20, which is the proximal end of the curve, from bulging outward in the radial direction y when the electrode catheter 1 is curved.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the case of the above configuration, in the longitudinal axis direction x, the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction x of the section where the second tubular member 60 is arranged passes through the centroid C of the inner shaft 20. _A length L3 obtained by subtracting a length L4 between two points where the straight line B and the outer wall of the second tubular member 60 intersect from the length L3 between the two points where the straight line B and the inner wall of the outer shaft 10 intersect. ₋₄ is preferably three times or less the length of the lead wire 40 . At this time, the second tubular member 60 may be arranged in a section of length S1 from the proximal end of the electrode 50 arranged on the most proximal side to the distal end of the first tubular member 30. preferable. Since the distal end of the first tubular member 30 is positioned closer to the proximal side than the proximal end of the second tubular member 60, the section where the second tubular member 60 is arranged in the longitudinal axis direction x Although the insertion passage 65 of the conducting wire 40 is not defined by the first tubular member 30 in this section, the outer surface of the second tubular member 60 and the inner cavity of the outer shaft 10 are formed in this section due to the above configuration. Since the insertion path 65 for the conducting wire 40 can be defined with the wall, and the defined insertion path 65 has a width equal to or less than a predetermined width, even in the proximal section where the first tubular member 30 is not arranged, Twisting and vibration of the conducting wire 40 can be suppressed, and noise in signals transmitted from the electrode 50 or to the electrode 50 through the conducting wire 40 can be reduced.

The length L _3-4 is preferably 2.5 times or less, more preferably 2.2 times or less, and may be 2.1 times or less the major axis of the lead wire 40 . If the length _L3-4 is within the above range, the above effects can be obtained. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the number of conductors 40 may be one, or although not shown, the number of conductors 40 may be two or more. When there are two conductor wires 40, for example, the conductor wires 40 can be arranged at positions shifted by 180° in the circumferential direction of the inner shaft 20, and these conductor wires 40 do not twist or vibrate in the insertion passage 65 in the radial direction y. can be prevented. In addition, even when the electrode catheter 1 has three or more conductor wires 40, the three or more conductor wires 40 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the inner shaft 20, so that The conducting wire 40 can be arranged in the insertion passage 65 defined in width, and the plurality of conducting wires 40 can be prevented from twisting or vibrating in the insertion passage 65 in the radial direction y.

Also, the length L _3-4 may be 2 times or less, 1.5 times or less, or 1.2 times or less that of the conductor 40 . If the upper limit of the length L _3-4 is within the above range, for example, as shown in FIG. It can be set to a predetermined value or less, and the lead wire 40 can be prevented from being twisted or vibrating in the radial direction y in the insertion passage 65 . In addition, even when the electrode catheter 1 has two or more conductors 40, the plurality of conductors 40 are unevenly arranged in a part of the inner shaft 20 in the circumferential direction. A plurality of conductor wires 40 can be arranged in the insertion passage 65 defined in width, and the conductor wires 40 can be prevented from twisting or vibrating in the insertion passage 65 in the radial direction y. In this case, for example, the plurality of conducting wires 40 may be arranged with a 15° offset, a 20° offset, or a 30° offset in the circumferential direction of the inner shaft 20 .

The length L _3-4 is preferably 1 or more times the lead wire 40, more preferably 1.1 or more times. If the lower limit of the length L _3-4 is within the above range, the lead wire 40 can be easily inserted through the insertion passage 65 .

Although not shown, if at least one of the outer surface of the second cylindrical member 60 and the inner wall of the outer shaft 10 has a shape that deviates from a perfect circle in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction x, The length L _3-4 is not uniquely determined by how the straight line B is drawn. In this case, it is preferable that the length L _3-4 has the above range when the straight line B is drawn so as to maximize the length L _3-4 .

However, even when the length L _3-4 is within the above range, the second tubular member 60 is arranged outside the inner shaft 20 having a certain rigidity. Even if the tubular member 60 has the same material and thickness as the first tubular member 30 , the second tubular member 60 can flexibly accommodate the insertion path 65 of the conductor 40 like the first tubular member 30 . cannot be defined. Therefore, the length in the longitudinal direction x of the insertion passage 65 defined by the second tubular member 60 is preferably short, and the length in the longitudinal direction x of the passage 65 is set from the distal end of the outer shaft 10 to the distal end of the outer shaft 10 . It is preferably five times or less the length S2 to the proximal end of the electrode 50 that is arranged on the most proximal side. The length of the insertion path 65 in the longitudinal direction x is more preferably four times or less S2, and more preferably three times or less. Also, the length of the insertion path 65 in the longitudinal axis direction x is preferably 1/2 or more of S2, more preferably 1 time or more. As a result, the length of the insertion path 65 defined by the second cylindrical member 60 in the longitudinal direction x can be set to a certain value or less, and the lead wire located closer to the proximal side than the proximal end of the second cylindrical member 60 is. 40 can be inserted through the insertion passage 35 defined by the first tubular member 30, which is preferable. The length of the insertion path 65 in the longitudinal direction x in this aspect can also be said to be the length of the second cylindrical member 60 in the longitudinal direction x.

The conducting wire 40 is preferably arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction of the inner shaft 20 in the insertion passage 35 and the insertion passage 65 . Thereby, the lead wire 40 can be straightened from the distal side to the proximal side.

In the longitudinal direction x, the length S3 from the proximal end of the second tubular member 60 to the distal end of the first tubular member 30 is located most proximally from the distal end of the outer shaft 10. It is preferably no more than twice the length S2 to the proximal end of the electrode 50 where it is located. The length S3 is more preferably 1.5 times or less the length S2, more preferably 1 time or less, and may be 4/5 or less. Although the lower limit of the length S3 is not particularly limited, it may be, for example, 1/5 or more of S2 or 2/5 or more. As shown in FIG. 9, the section of length S3 is between the passage 35 for the conductor 40 defined by the first tubular member 30 and the passage 65 for the conductor 40 defined by the second tubular member 60. In this section, the insertion path of the conducting wire 40 is not defined by either the first cylindrical member 30 or the second tubular member 60, and play occurs around the conducting wire 40, and the length S3 is within the above range. As a result, the length of the section in the longitudinal axis direction x can be set to a predetermined length or less, and twisting and vibration of the conducting wire 40 can be more easily prevented.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 9, 11 and 12, when the length from the distal end of the outer shaft 10 to the distal end of the first tubular member 30 in the longitudinal direction x is d , the outer shaft 10 and the first tubular member 30 are not fixed on the distal side of the point D of d from the distal end of the first tubular member 30 to the proximal side, and the first tubular member 30 It is preferable to have a fixing portion 31 to which the outer shaft 10 and the first tubular member 30 are fixed on the proximal side of the point D of .

Since the outer shaft 10 and the first tubular member 30 are not fixed on the distal side of the first tubular member 30 from the point D, the distal side of the first tubular member 30 is It is possible to relatively move by pressing the first tubular member 30, and the flexibility of the distal side of the first tubular member 30 can be ensured. Distal to point D, the outer surface of first tubular member 30 and the lumen wall of outer shaft 10 may be in full or partial abutment if not fixed, Preferably, the outer surface of the first tubular member 30 and the inner wall of the outer shaft 10 are not in contact with each other. With such a configuration, even when the insertion passage 35 of the lead wire 40 is curved along with the movement of the electrode catheter 1 through a curved blood vessel, the first tubular member 30 can also be easily curved. , and it becomes easier for the first tubular member 30 to define the insertion path 35 for the conductor wire 40 arranged on the outside of the inner shaft 20 . In addition, since it becomes easier to ensure the flexibility of the first cylindrical member 30, it is possible to more easily prevent damage to the conducting wire 40 as well.

Since the first tubular member 30 has a fixing portion 31 to which the outer shaft 10 and the first tubular member 30 are fixed on the proximal side of the point D of the first tubular member 30, the first tubular member 30 is longitudinally fixed. It is possible to prevent displacement in the axial direction x and rotation in the circumferential direction. The fixing portion 31 is preferably provided by fixing by some fixing means such as bonding with an adhesive or welding with resin.

The fixing part 31 is preferably provided by fixing the inner cavity wall of the outer shaft 10 and the outer surface of the first cylindrical member 30, and one fixing part 31 may be provided, or a plurality of fixing parts 31 may be provided. . When a plurality of fixed portions 31 are provided, the plurality of fixed portions 31 are preferably separated from each other. The fixing portion 31 may be provided along the entire circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the first tubular member 30 as shown in FIG. 11 . If the fixing portion 31 is provided over the entire circumferential direction, the fixing strength can be improved. Alternatively, the fixing portion 31 may be provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical member 30 in the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 12 . If the fixing part 31 is provided in a part of the circumferential direction, it becomes easy to ensure the flexibility of the first tubular member 30 even in the part where the fixing part 31 is provided.

The length of the fixed portion 31 in the longitudinal direction x is not particularly limited, but the length of one fixed portion 31 is preferably 1/2 or more the length of one electrode 50, and more preferably 1 time or more. Thereby, fixing strength can be improved. In addition, in the longitudinal direction x, the length of one fixing portion 31 is 1 of the length S1 from the proximal end of the electrode 50 arranged on the most proximal side to the distal end of the first tubular member 30. Double or less is preferable, and 1/2 or less is more preferable. Thereby, the flexibility of the first cylindrical member 30 can be improved.

Preferably, the first tubular member 30 is not fixed with the inner shaft 20 . Since the first tubular member 30 is not fixed to the inner shaft 20, the flexibility of the first tubular member 30 is improved, which is preferable. Also, if the first tubular member 30 is fixed to the inner shaft 20 , a fixing portion is provided in the insertion passage 35 of the lead wire 40 between the outer surface of the inner shaft 20 and the inner cavity wall of the first tubular member 30 . However, since the first tubular member 30 is not fixed to the inner shaft 20, the lead wire 40 can be easily inserted into the insertion passage 35. For example, Even if the electrode catheter 1 is bent, the lead wire 40 is not pulled by the fixation, and the flexibility of the catheter 1 can be easily maintained.

The inner shaft 20 may be fixed to the outer shaft 10 distally of the distal end of the first tubular member 30 in the longitudinal direction x. Thereby, the rotation of the inner shaft 20 can be suppressed. Alternatively, the inner shaft 20 may be fixed to the first tubular member 30 on the proximal side of the distal end of the first tubular member 30 in the longitudinal direction x and indirectly fixed to the outer shaft 10. good. At this time, the inner shaft 20 and the first tubular member 30 may also be fixed to the conducting wire 40, or the inner shaft 20 and the first tubular member 30 may be fixed at a portion where the conducting wire 40 is not arranged. may In the above, the inner shaft 20 may be indirectly fixed to the first tubular member 30 and/or the outer shaft 10 via the second tubular member 60 .

1: Electrode Catheter 7: Handle 10: Outer Shaft 11: Tip Part 20: Inner Shaft 21: Elastic Member 22: Wire 30: First Cylindrical Member 31: Fixing Part 35: Lead Wire Passage 40: Lead Wire 50: Electrode 60 : Second tubular member 65: Conducting wire insertion path B: Straight line passing through the centroid of the inner shaft C: Centroid of the inner shaft d: Length from the distal end of the outer shaft to the distal end of the first tubular member Length D: Point d from the distal end of the first tubular member to the proximal side S1: Length S2 from the proximal end of the electrode arranged on the most proximal side to the distal end of the tubular member: Length S3 from the distal end of the outer shaft to the proximal end of the most proximally disposed electrode: Length from the proximal end of the second tubular member to the distal end of the second tubular member x: longitudinal direction y: radial direction

Claims (11)

an outer shaft having longitudinally distal and proximal ends and having a lumen extending longitudinally;
an inner shaft extending into the lumen of the outer shaft;
one or more electrodes disposed on the distal portion of the outer shaft;
a first tubular member having a longitudinally distal end and a proximal end and having a longitudinally extending lumen; positioned in the lumen of the outer shaft and outside the inner shaft such that the inner shaft is positioned, the distal end of the first tubular member being the most proximal of the one or more electrodes; a first tubular member located proximal to the proximal end of the electrode disposed in the
a conductor connected to the electrode and extending in the lumen of the outer shaft outside the inner shaft and into the lumen of the first tubular member;
In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction, from the length between two points where the straight line passing through the centroid of the inner shaft and the inner wall of the first cylindrical member intersect, the straight line and the outer wall of the inner shaft an electrode catheter, wherein the length obtained by subtracting the length between two points where the two intersect is not more than three times the major axis of the lead wire. In the longitudinal direction, the length of the first tubular member is 50% or more of the length from the proximal end of the most proximally disposed electrode to the proximal end of the outer shaft. The electrode catheter of claim 1. In the longitudinal direction, the length from the proximal end of the most proximal electrode to the distal end of the first tubular member is from the distal end of the outer shaft to the most proximal 3. The electrode catheter according to claim 1 or 2, which is less than or equal to five times the length to the proximal end of the side electrode. Further comprising a second tubular member disposed outside of the inner shaft, the distal end of the first tubular member being proximal to the distal end of the second tubular member. The electrode catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Further comprising a second tubular member disposed outside the inner shaft, the distal end of the first tubular member located proximally relative to the proximal end of the second tubular member. The electrode catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Two points at which a straight line passing through the centroid of the inner shaft intersects the lumen wall of the outer shaft in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the section in which the second tubular member is arranged in the longitudinal direction. 6. The electrode according to claim 5, wherein the length obtained by subtracting the length between two points where the straight line and the outer wall of the second cylindrical member intersect from the length between the two is three times or less the major axis of the conducting wire. catheter. In the longitudinal direction, the length from the proximal end of the second tubular member to the distal end of the first tubular member is located most proximally from the distal end of the outer shaft. 7. An electrode catheter according to claim 5 or 6, which is less than twice the length to the proximal end of the electrode. In the longitudinal direction, when the length from the distal end of the outer shaft to the distal end of the first tubular member is d, the distance d from the distal end of the first tubular member to the proximal side is d. The outer shaft and the first tubular member are unfixed distal to the point D of the first tubular member, and the outer shaft and the first tubular member proximal to the point D of the The electrode catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which has a fixing portion to which the first tubular member is fixed. The electrode catheter of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first tubular member is free from the inner shaft. The electrode catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first tubular member extends proximally beyond the proximal end of the outer shaft. The first cylindrical member is made of polyolefin resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, vinyl chloride resin, silicone resin, polycarbonate resin, or aromatic polyether ketone resin. Electrode catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least one polymer or elastomer selected from the group.

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