JP4580904B2

JP4580904B2 - Cell transplantation instrument

Info

Publication number: JP4580904B2
Application number: JP2006172069A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 幸英岩本; 裕正三浦; 和宏田仲; 秀一松田; 功一中山
Original assignee: Kyocera Medical Corp
Current assignee: Kyocera Medical Corp
Priority date: 2006-06-22
Filing date: 2006-06-22
Publication date: 2010-11-17
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-22
Also published as: JP2008000301A

Description

本発明は、細胞移植用器具に係り、特に、細胞の欠損部に移植用の細胞を挿入するための細胞移植用器具に関する。 The present invention relates to a cell transplantation device, and more particularly to a cell transplantation device for inserting a cell for transplantation into a cell defect.

従来から、関節の軟骨細胞の欠損部（移植部）に移植用の細胞を挿入し、移植用細胞の再生により関節の軟骨欠損部を修復する技術が提案されている（Brittberg M.Treatment of deep cartilage defects in the knee with autologous chondrocyte transplantation. N Engl J Med 1994; 331: 889-95.）。そして、移植用の細胞として用いられるものの一例としては、骨髄幹細胞（mesenchymal stem cell, bone marrow stem cell, bone marrow stromal cell：以下「ＭＳＣ」という）等がある。 Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which cells for transplantation are inserted into a joint chondrocyte defect (transplant) and the joint cartilage defect is repaired by regeneration of the transplant cell (Brittberg M. Treatment of deep). cartilage defects in the knee with autologous chondrocyte transplantation. N Engl J Med 1994; 331: 889-95.). An example of a cell used for transplantation is a bone marrow stem cell (bone marrow stem cell, bone marrow stromal cell: hereinafter referred to as “MSC”).

ここで、関節の軟骨の欠損に対する細胞プラグを用いた移植(WO2005-11765：特許文献１)を例にして、具体的な移植方法を説明する。まず、軟骨の欠損部に所定の大きさの穴を形成する。そして、この穴の中に自己由来の細胞プラグを挿入する。このため、軟骨に形成する穴は細胞プラグの形状及び大きさとほぼ同等のものである。細胞プラグが挿入されると、時間の経過と共に細胞プラグは周囲の健常部からの再生因子の分泌を誘導し、これにより欠損部が修復される。
しかしながら、細胞プラグ自体は細胞の集まりであるため大変柔らかいが、軟骨に形成した穴に挿入する際には鑷子などを用いて術者の手で行うため、細胞プラグを摘む際の力加減の調整などが非常に難しい。また、このことに起因して、軟骨の穴に対して最適な深さ位置に固定できない場合や、鑷子を引き抜かなければならないため健常細胞との間に隙間が残存することもあった。加えて、細胞プラグに対して直接的に力を加えて細胞欠損部に押し込む場合には、細胞プラグ自体が損傷してしまう場合もある。
ＷＯ２００５−１１７６５ Here, a specific transplantation method will be described by taking a transplant using a cell plug for a cartilage defect of a joint (WO2005-11765: Patent Document 1) as an example. First, a hole having a predetermined size is formed in a cartilage defect. Then, an autologous cell plug is inserted into the hole. For this reason, the hole formed in the cartilage is substantially equivalent to the shape and size of the cell plug. When the cell plug is inserted, the cell plug induces secretion of a regenerative factor from the surrounding healthy part as time passes, thereby repairing the defective part.
However, the cell plug itself is very soft because it is a collection of cells, but when inserting it into the hole formed in the cartilage, it is done by the operator's hand using an insulator etc., so adjustment of the force when picking the cell plug is adjusted It is very difficult. In addition, due to this, there is a case where the gap cannot remain between the healthy cells because the insulator cannot be fixed at an optimal depth position with respect to the cartilage hole or the insulator must be pulled out. In addition, when a force is directly applied to the cell plug and pushed into the cell defect, the cell plug itself may be damaged.
WO2005-11765

本発明は、細胞の欠損部に移植用の細胞を容易に挿入することができる細胞移植用器具を提供することを目的とする。 An object of the present invention is to provide a cell transplantation device capable of easily inserting a cell for transplantation into a defective part of the cell.

本発明は、上記各問題点を解消する細胞構造体（プラグともいう)移植用器具を提供することを目的とし、その目的達成のために、側面部に少なくとも１つの貫通穴が形成された板状の担体と、前記貫通穴に挿通される線状部材と、前記貫通穴の各出口から出る前記線状部材と係合する押込み部材とを備える、という構成を採っている。 An object of the present invention is to provide a device for transplanting a cell structure (also referred to as a plug) that solves the above problems, and in order to achieve the object, a plate having at least one through-hole formed in a side surface portion A linear carrier, a linear member inserted through the through hole, and a pushing member that engages with the linear member that exits from each outlet of the through hole are employed.

すなわち、本発明は、側面部に少なくとも１つの貫通穴が形成された板状の担体と、前記貫通穴に挿通される線状部材と、前記貫通穴の各出口から出る前記線状部材と係合する押込み部材とを備えていることを特徴とする細胞移植用器具である。
また、前記押込み部材は、前記線状部材と直接係合するアーム部と、このアーム部を支持する押込み部材本体とを備え、前記アーム部は前記線状部材と係合した状態で前記担体と押込み部材本体との間に所定の間隔を形成するための長さを有している、という手段を採っている。
また、前記所定の間隔は前記担体上に載置される移植用細胞の高さより大きい、という手段を採っている。
また、前記アーム部の先端は例えばＶ字型を採ることができ、あるいは、先端に前記線状部材を通すことができる孔が形成されていてもよい。 That is, the present invention relates to a plate-like carrier having at least one through-hole formed in a side surface portion, a linear member inserted through the through-hole, and the linear member exiting from each outlet of the through-hole. A device for cell transplantation comprising a pushing member to be joined.
The pushing member includes an arm portion that directly engages with the linear member, and a pushing member body that supports the arm portion, and the arm portion is engaged with the linear member in a state of being engaged with the linear member. A measure is taken to have a length for forming a predetermined interval between the pressing member main body.
Further, a means is adopted in which the predetermined interval is larger than the height of the transplanted cell placed on the carrier.
Further, the tip of the arm portion may be V-shaped, for example, or a hole through which the linear member can be passed may be formed at the tip.

また、前記押込み部材には、移植する細胞を細胞欠損部の最適な位置に挿入した場合に前記細胞欠損部の周囲の表面と接触するストッパ部材が設けられていてもよい。
また、前記担体の貫通穴は、例えば２つ形成されているが、穴の数に限定はない。また、前記各貫通穴は相互に交わらないように前記担体の厚さ方向の位置が異なっていてもよい。
また、前記担体は円板状に形成され、前記貫通穴は前記担体の中心を通る、という手段を採ることもできる。
また、前記各貫通穴の各出口穴は前記担体の円周方向に９０°間隔で分布させることができる。
更に、前記担体は生体分解性材料又は生体吸収性材料（例えばトリリン酸カルシウム）から形成されていることが好ましい。 Further, the pushing member may be provided with a stopper member that comes into contact with the surface around the cell defect portion when a cell to be transplanted is inserted at an optimum position of the cell defect portion.
The number of through holes in the carrier is, for example, two, but the number of holes is not limited. The through holes may have different positions in the thickness direction of the carrier so as not to cross each other.
The carrier may be formed in a disc shape, and the through hole may pass through the center of the carrier.
The outlet holes of the through holes can be distributed at 90 ° intervals in the circumferential direction of the carrier.
Furthermore, the carrier is preferably formed from a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material (for example, calcium triphosphate).

本発明は担体に移植用細胞を載置し、この担体に形成された貫通穴に線状部材を挿通して、線状部材と係合する押込み部材を用いるので、移植用細胞に直接外力を加えることなく、細胞欠損部に対する移植用細胞の位置決めを容易にすることができる。 In the present invention, a transplant cell is placed on a carrier, a linear member is inserted into a through hole formed in the carrier, and a pushing member that engages with the linear member is used. Therefore, external force is directly applied to the transplant cell. Without adding, positioning of the cells for transplantation with respect to the cell defect portion can be facilitated.

次に、本願発明の一実施形態について図面を参照しながら説明する。
［全体概要］
図３に示すように、本実施形態に係る細胞移植用器具１は、移植用の細胞Ｃ（例えば、細胞プラグ）を担持する板状の担体３と、この担体３の側面部に形成された貫通穴５に挿通される線状部材７と、貫通穴５の出口近傍で線状部材と係合する押込み部材９とから構成されている。 Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Overview]
As shown in FIG. 3, the cell transplantation device 1 according to the present embodiment is formed on a plate-like carrier 3 that carries cells C (for example, cell plugs) for transplantation, and on a side surface of the carrier 3. The linear member 7 is inserted into the through hole 5 and the pushing member 9 is engaged with the linear member in the vicinity of the outlet of the through hole 5.

［担体］
先ず、担体３について説明する。図１に示すように、本実施形態の担体３は円板状の形態をしており、材質は生体分解性材料又は生体吸収性材料である。この担体３は移植用の細胞Ｃを担持するためのものであり、表面が平坦になっている。また、担体３の側面部には２つの貫通穴５が形成されており、結果として側面部に４つの出口穴が形成されている。この貫通穴５は後述する線状部材７を挿通させるためのものである。 [Carrier]
First, the carrier 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the carrier 3 of the present embodiment has a disk shape, and the material is a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material. This carrier 3 is for carrying cells C for transplantation, and has a flat surface. Further, two through holes 5 are formed in the side surface portion of the carrier 3, and as a result, four outlet holes are formed in the side surface portion. The through hole 5 is for inserting a linear member 7 described later.

尚、担体３の形状は円板状に限定されるものではなく、矩形板状やその他の多角形板状であってもよい。また、材質は術後に生体内で分解されるようにトリリン酸カルシウムを採用しているが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではなく、生体内で分解又は吸収される他の材料や物質を用いることもできるし、場合によっては分解されない材質を用いてもよい。その他の生体分解性材料又は生体吸収性材料は、当業者が任意に選択することができる。 The shape of the carrier 3 is not limited to a disc shape, and may be a rectangular plate shape or other polygonal plate shapes. In addition, although calcium triphosphate is adopted so that the material is decomposed in vivo after surgery, the present invention is not limited to this, and other materials and substances that are decomposed or absorbed in vivo are used. It may be used, or a material that is not decomposed may be used in some cases. Other biodegradable materials or bioabsorbable materials can be arbitrarily selected by those skilled in the art.

本実施形態では２つの貫通穴５が、担体の中心部（円の中心付近）を通って相互に直交するように形成されている。また、本実施形態では、２つの貫通穴５は共に担体の厚さ方向のほぼ中間付近に形成されているため、担体３の中心付近で相互に交わっている。尚、貫通穴５の数は２つに限定されるものではなく、１つでも良いし、３つ以上であってもよい。また、必ずしも中心を通る必要はなく、中心からずれた位置で貫通するようにしてもよい。 In the present embodiment, the two through holes 5 are formed so as to be orthogonal to each other through the center portion of the carrier (near the center of the circle). In the present embodiment, the two through holes 5 are formed in the vicinity of the middle of the carrier in the thickness direction, and therefore intersect each other near the center of the carrier 3. The number of through holes 5 is not limited to two, but may be one or three or more. Moreover, it is not always necessary to pass through the center, and it may be penetrated at a position shifted from the center.

［線状部材］
次に、線状部材７について説明する。図２に示すように、線状部材７は担体３の貫通穴５に挿通されて、担体３を支持するためのものである。線状部材７に使用される材料は様々なものが考えられるが、本実施形態ではナイロン糸が用いられている。ナイロン糸の他には、金属ワイヤや天然繊維からなる糸などを用いてもよい。また、線状部材７の太さは最大でも担体３の貫通穴５を通る太さであればよく、それより細いものであってもよい。尚、図２では線状部材は一部しか図示していないが、実際には上方に向かって長く続いている。 [Linear members]
Next, the linear member 7 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the linear member 7 is inserted through the through hole 5 of the carrier 3 to support the carrier 3. Various materials can be used for the linear member 7, but nylon thread is used in this embodiment. In addition to nylon yarn, metal wire or yarn made of natural fiber may be used. Moreover, the thickness of the linear member 7 should just be the thickness which passes the through-hole 5 of the support | carrier 3 at the maximum, and may be thinner than it. In FIG. 2, only a part of the linear member is shown, but actually it continues long upward.

［押込み部材］
次に、押込み部材９について説明する。押込み部材９は、担体３並びに線状部材７と協働して、担体３上に載置される細胞Ｃを細胞欠損部（移植部）に挿入するためのものである。図３に示すように、押込み部材９は、線状部材７と係合するアーム部９ａと、このアーム部９ａを支持する押込み部材本体９ｂと、押込み部材本体９ｂに連結される棒状部材９ｃを備えている。アーム部９ａの先端（図では下端）はＶ字型に分岐しており、このＶ字型で線状部材７を挟み込めるようになっている。 [Pushing member]
Next, the pushing member 9 will be described. The pushing member 9 cooperates with the carrier 3 and the linear member 7 to insert the cells C placed on the carrier 3 into the cell defect part (transplanted part). As shown in FIG. 3, the pushing member 9 includes an arm portion 9a that engages with the linear member 7, a pushing member body 9b that supports the arm portion 9a, and a rod-like member 9c that is connected to the pushing member body 9b. I have. The front end (lower end in the figure) of the arm portion 9a is branched into a V shape, and the linear member 7 can be sandwiched by the V shape.

本実施形態に係る押込み部材本体９ｂは円板状の部材であり、この押込み部材本体９ｂの外周面にアーム部９ａが連結されている。当該実施形態では４本のアーム部９ａが設けらており、押込み部材本体９ｂの外周面に略９０°の等角度間隔で配置されている。また、押込み部材本体９ｂの直径は細胞Ｃの外径よりも僅かに大きいので、押込み部材９を細胞Ｃに近接させた場合でも細胞Ｃの外周面に押込み部材９のアーム部９ａが接触せず、あるいは、接触した場合でも細胞Ｃの形態がアーム部９ａの外力によって変形又は損傷することはない。尚、細胞Ｃを細胞欠損部に挿入する際に、アーム部９ａは細胞Ｃと細胞欠損部内壁との間に介挿されるものであるので、厚さはできるだけ薄い方が望ましい。 The pushing member main body 9b according to the present embodiment is a disk-shaped member, and an arm portion 9a is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the pushing member main body 9b. In this embodiment, four arm portions 9a are provided, and are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the pushing member main body 9b at an equal angular interval of approximately 90 °. Moreover, since the diameter of the pushing member main body 9b is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cell C, even when the pushing member 9 is brought close to the cell C, the arm portion 9a of the pushing member 9 does not contact the outer peripheral surface of the cell C. Alternatively, even when contacted, the form of the cell C is not deformed or damaged by the external force of the arm portion 9a. In addition, when inserting the cell C into a cell defect part, since the arm part 9a is inserted between the cell C and a cell defect part inner wall, the thinner one is desirable.

また、押込み部材９の棒状部材９ｃには、上記した線状部材７を巻きつけて固定できるようにするための線状部材巻付け手段９ｄを装備するようにしてもよい。この線状部材巻付け手段９ｄは、棒状部材９ｃの表面から略Ｖ字状に突出する部材であり、棒状部材９ｃとの隙間に線状部材７を巻きつけることで、線状部材７が緩まないようにすることができる。但し、この線状部材巻付け手段９ｄは本発明に必須なものではない。 Further, the rod-shaped member 9c of the pushing member 9 may be equipped with a linear member winding means 9d for winding the linear member 7 and fixing it. The linear member winding means 9d is a member that protrudes in a substantially V shape from the surface of the rod-shaped member 9c, and the linear member 7 is loosened by winding the linear member 7 around the gap with the rod-shaped member 9c. Can not be. However, the linear member winding means 9d is not essential to the present invention.

［細胞］
本発明において使用される対象となる細胞は、幹細胞（ES細胞、臍帯血由来細胞、未分化間葉系幹細胞等）などの未分化細胞又はその分化型細胞である。骨芽細胞、軟骨細胞、脂肪細胞は未分化間葉系幹細胞から容易に分化誘導が可能なため、これらの分化誘導した細胞（関節軟骨細胞、骨細胞等）も使用することができる。また、成体間葉系幹細胞を使用することもできる。
担体３上に載置される細胞Ｃは立体的であることが好ましい。細胞Ｃを立体的に構築するには、公知の手法を採用することができる（例えば特開2004-357694号公報参照）。細胞を入れる培養用チャンバーを任意の形状とし、そのチャンバー内で細胞同士の凝集塊（スフェロイド）を培養することにより、その形状に対応する任意の形状に立体的に構築された細胞、すなわち細胞が多数集まって構成される細胞構造体を得ることができる。 [cell]
The cells to be used in the present invention are undifferentiated cells such as stem cells (ES cells, cord blood-derived cells, undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells, etc.) or differentiated cells thereof. Since osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes can be easily induced to differentiate from undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells, these differentiation-induced cells (articular chondrocytes, bone cells, etc.) can also be used. Adult mesenchymal stem cells can also be used.
It is preferable that the cells C placed on the carrier 3 are three-dimensional. In order to construct the cell C three-dimensionally, a known method can be employed (see, for example, JP-A-2004-357694). The culture chamber into which the cells are placed has an arbitrary shape, and by culturing aggregates (spheroids) between the cells in the chamber, cells that are three-dimensionally constructed in an arbitrary shape corresponding to the shape, that is, the cells are A cell structure composed of a large number of cells can be obtained.

［作用］
次に、本実施形態に係る細胞移植用器具の作用について説明する。先ず、図２（Ａ）に示すように、担体３の表面へ所望の移植用細胞Ｃを載置する。次に、図２（Ｂ）に示すように、担体３の側面部に形成された２つの貫通穴５に２本の線状部材７を挿通する。そして、各線状部材７の４つの端部を均等に摘み上げる。これにより、担体３は略水平を維持したまま持ち上げられる。この状態で、図３に示すように、押込み部材９を貫通穴５の４つの各出口穴から出ている線状部材７に近接させ、アーム部９ａのＶ字型の先端部で各線状部材７を挟むように位置決めする。続いて、押込み部材９を更に下方へ僅かに押し下げてアーム部９ａを線状部材７に係合させると、図４に示すように、線状部材７に所定の張力が発生し、押込み部材９と線状部材７との協働により、担体３を介して細胞Ｃを確実に保持することができるようになる。このとき、アーム部９ａの長さは、押込み部材本体９ｂが細胞Ｃの上面に接触しないように、あるいは接触しても細胞Ｃの形態が変形しない程度に十分な長さが確保されている。このため、細胞Ｃには不要な外力が一切加わらず、細胞Ｃを損傷させることがない。 [Action]
Next, the operation of the cell transplantation device according to this embodiment will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 2 (A), a desired transplantation cell C is placed on the surface of the carrier 3. Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, the two linear members 7 are inserted into the two through holes 5 formed in the side surface portion of the carrier 3. Then, the four ends of each linear member 7 are picked up evenly. Thereby, the support | carrier 3 is lifted, maintaining substantially horizontal. In this state, as shown in FIG. 3, the pushing member 9 is brought close to the linear members 7 coming out from the four outlet holes of the through hole 5, and each linear member is formed at the V-shaped tip of the arm portion 9 a. Position so as to sandwich 7. Subsequently, when the pushing member 9 is further pushed down slightly to engage the arm portion 9a with the linear member 7, a predetermined tension is generated in the linear member 7 as shown in FIG. By cooperating with the linear member 7, the cells C can be reliably held via the carrier 3. At this time, the length of the arm portion 9a is sufficiently long so that the pushing member main body 9b does not come into contact with the upper surface of the cell C, or the shape of the cell C is not deformed even if it comes into contact. For this reason, no unnecessary external force is applied to the cell C, and the cell C is not damaged.

次に、図５に示すように、押込み部材９と線状部材７とで保持された細胞Ｃを細胞欠損部１３に挿入する。具体的には、予め細胞欠損部１３に細胞Ｃの直径よりも僅かに大きな直径を有する穴を形成しておく。そして、その穴に細胞Ｃを線状部材７と押込み部材９と共に挿入する。このとき、細胞Ｃは担体３を介して線状部材７と押込み部材９によって確実に保持されているので、押込み部材９を操作することによって、図６に示すように、細胞Ｃを細胞欠損部１３の最適な深さに容易に位置決めすることができる。具体的には、細胞Ｃの表面が細胞欠損部１３の回りの表面よりも１ｍｍ程度突出する位置に配置することが望ましい。こうすることで、細胞欠損部１３に細胞が再生された場合に滑らかな表面となる。特に本実施形態では、誤って細胞Ｃを細胞欠損部の深い位置に押込み過ぎてしまったような場合でも、線状部材７を引っぱることにより細胞Ｃを引き出すことができる。 Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the cell C held by the pushing member 9 and the linear member 7 is inserted into the cell defect portion 13. Specifically, a hole having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the cell C is formed in the cell defect portion 13 in advance. Then, the cell C is inserted into the hole together with the linear member 7 and the pushing member 9. At this time, since the cell C is securely held by the linear member 7 and the pushing member 9 via the carrier 3, by operating the pushing member 9, as shown in FIG. It can be easily positioned at 13 optimum depths. Specifically, it is desirable that the surface of the cell C is disposed at a position that protrudes about 1 mm from the surface around the cell defect portion 13. By doing so, a smooth surface is obtained when cells are regenerated in the cell defect portion 13. In particular, in this embodiment, even when the cell C is accidentally pushed too deeply into the cell defect portion, the cell C can be pulled out by pulling the linear member 7.

細胞Ｃの最適な位置決めが完了したら、図７に示すように、線状部材７を担体３の貫通穴５から引き抜く。具体的には、各線状部材７の一端を引っぱることで、容易に線状部材７は引き抜かれる。このとき、あまり性急に引き抜こうとすると担体３も同時に引き抜かれてしまうので、ゆっくりと引き抜くようにする。次に、図８に示すように、押込み部材９を引き抜く。このような一連の作業によって、細胞Ｃは細胞欠損部に最適に位置決めされる。尚、図８では細胞Ｃと細胞欠損部の内壁との間に隙間が示されているが、これは説明の便宜のための隙間であって、実際には隙間はほとんど無い状態で細胞Ｃが細胞欠損部に挿入されている。 When the optimum positioning of the cell C is completed, the linear member 7 is pulled out from the through hole 5 of the carrier 3 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the linear member 7 is easily pulled out by pulling one end of each linear member 7. At this time, if the carrier 3 is pulled out too quickly, the carrier 3 is also pulled out at the same time. Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the pushing member 9 is pulled out. By such a series of operations, the cell C is optimally positioned at the cell defect portion. In FIG. 8, a gap is shown between the cell C and the inner wall of the cell defect portion. However, this is a gap for convenience of explanation, and the cell C actually has almost no gap. Inserted into the cell defect.

［第２の実施形態］
次に、本発明の第２の実施形態について説明する。図９に示すように、当該実施形態は、押込み部材の構造が第１の実施形態と異なっており、その他の部分は第１の実施形態と同様である。この実施形態の押込み部材９は、細胞欠損部の周囲の表面に接触するストッパ部材９ｅを備えている点が特徴である。このストッパ部材９ｅは、アーム部９ａの上端部を覆うように固定された管状の部材である。そして、ストッパ部材９ｅの位置は、ストッパ部材９ｅの下端が細胞欠損部の周りの表面に接触した時に、細胞Ｃが正しく位置決めされるように設定されている。 [Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the structure of the pushing member, and the other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment. The pushing member 9 of this embodiment is characterized in that it includes a stopper member 9e that contacts the surface around the cell defect portion. The stopper member 9e is a tubular member fixed so as to cover the upper end portion of the arm portion 9a. The position of the stopper member 9e is set so that the cell C is correctly positioned when the lower end of the stopper member 9e contacts the surface around the cell defect portion.

このように、アーム部９ａの外側にストッパ部材９ｅを設けることで、細胞を押込み過ぎてしまうという不都合が解消される。このため、術者は深さを気にすることなく細胞Ｃの移植作業を行うことができる。尚、ストッパ部材９ｅの構造は一例であり、これに限定されるものではない。すなわち、管状の部材ではなくアーム状の部材を複数設けてよいし、或いはアーム部の上端に突起のようなものを設けるようにしてもよい。 Thus, by providing the stopper member 9e on the outside of the arm portion 9a, the inconvenience that cells are pushed too much is eliminated. For this reason, the surgeon can perform the transplant operation of the cells C without worrying about the depth. In addition, the structure of the stopper member 9e is an example, and is not limited to this. That is, a plurality of arm-like members may be provided instead of a tubular member, or a projection or the like may be provided at the upper end of the arm portion.

［第３の実施形態］
次に、第３の実施形態について説明する。当該実施形態も押込み部材の構造に特徴を有しており、その他の部分は第１の実施形態と同様である。本実施形態の押込み部材３９は、アーム部３９ａの先端がＶ字型ではなく円形で、その中心領域に孔３９ｆが形成されている。このようにアーム部３９ａの先端に孔３９ｆを形成し、この孔３９ｆに線状部材を通すことにより、線状部材の張力が緩んだ場合でも線状部材がアーム部３９ａから外れてしまうことがない。 [Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. This embodiment also has a feature in the structure of the pushing member, and other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment. In the pushing member 39 of the present embodiment, the tip of the arm portion 39a is not V-shaped but circular, and a hole 39f is formed in the center region thereof. Thus, by forming the hole 39f at the tip of the arm portion 39a and passing the linear member through the hole 39f, the linear member may come off from the arm portion 39a even when the tension of the linear member is loosened. Absent.

［第４の実施形態］
次に、本発明の第４の実施形態について説明する。当該実施形態は担体の構造が第１の実施形態と異なっており、その他の部分については第１の実施形態と同様である。この実施形態の担体３３は、２つの貫通穴３５の位置関係に特徴を有する。具体的には、図１１に示すように、各貫通穴３５が担体３３の厚さ方向に相互にずれて形成されている。これは、各貫通穴３５が担体３３の中心部で直接交わらないようにするためである。このようにするのは、相互に直交する貫通穴３５に線状部材を挿通する場合に、一方の線状部材が他方の線状部材の挿通の障害にならないようにするためである。すなわち、各貫通穴３５が相互に独立していれば、２本の線状部材はお互いに出会うことが無く、容易に貫通穴３５に挿通することができる。 [Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the structure of the carrier, and the other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment. The carrier 33 of this embodiment is characterized by the positional relationship between the two through holes 35. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the through holes 35 are formed so as to be shifted from each other in the thickness direction of the carrier 33. This is to prevent the through holes 35 from directly intersecting at the center of the carrier 33. The reason for this is to prevent one linear member from obstructing the insertion of the other linear member when the linear member is inserted into the through holes 35 orthogonal to each other. That is, if each through hole 35 is independent of each other, the two linear members do not meet each other and can be easily inserted into the through hole 35.

［第５の実施形態］
次に、第５の実施形態について説明する。当該実施形態も担体の構造が第１の実施形態と異なっており、その他の部分については第１の実施形態と同様である。この実施形態の担体４３も、２つの貫通穴４５の位置関係に特徴を有する。具体的には、図１２に示すように、各貫通穴４５が担体４３の中心を通らず、担体４３の外周に対して弦を形成するような位置に形成されている。特に、本実施形態では２つの貫通穴４５は相互に平行に形成されている。このような構成にすることにより、第４の実施形態で説明したのと同様に、２本の線状部材はお互いに出会うことが無く、容易に貫通穴４５に挿通することができる。 [Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is also different from the first embodiment in the structure of the carrier, and the other parts are the same as in the first embodiment. The carrier 43 of this embodiment is also characterized by the positional relationship between the two through holes 45. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, each through-hole 45 does not pass through the center of the carrier 43 and is formed at a position where a string is formed with respect to the outer periphery of the carrier 43. In particular, in the present embodiment, the two through holes 45 are formed in parallel to each other. By adopting such a configuration, the two linear members do not meet each other and can be easily inserted into the through hole 45 as described in the fourth embodiment.

［第６の実施形態］
次に、第６の実施形態について説明する。当該実施形態も担体の構造が第１の実施形態と異なっており、その他の部分については第１の実施形態と同様である。この実施形態の担体５３は、貫通穴５５の数が１つである点に特徴を有している。具体的には、図１３に示すように、貫通穴５５が担体５３の中心を通るように形成され、この貫通穴５５に１本の線状部材が挿通されるようになっている。このように貫通穴５５を１つに減らすことで、担体５３の製造コストを低減することが可能である。ただし、貫通穴５５を１つしか形成しない場合、何ら工夫をしなければ細胞が担体５３と共に倒れてしまう。これを防ぐために、押込み部材のアーム部を貫通穴からずれた位置にも設ける必要がある。 [Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is also different from the first embodiment in the structure of the carrier, and the other parts are the same as in the first embodiment. The carrier 53 of this embodiment is characterized in that the number of through holes 55 is one. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the through hole 55 is formed so as to pass through the center of the carrier 53, and one linear member is inserted into the through hole 55. Thus, by reducing the number of through holes 55 to one, the manufacturing cost of the carrier 53 can be reduced. However, when only one through hole 55 is formed, the cell falls down together with the carrier 53 unless any device is used. In order to prevent this, it is necessary to provide the arm portion of the pushing member at a position shifted from the through hole.

本発明は、細胞移植用の機器に利用することができる。 The present invention can be used in a device for cell transplantation.

本発明の一実施形態に係る細胞移植用器具の担体を示す図であり、図１（Ａ）は平面図を示し、図１（Ｂ）は正面図を示す。It is a figure which shows the support | carrier of the device for cell transplantation concerning one Embodiment of this invention, FIG. 1 (A) shows a top view, FIG.1 (B) shows a front view. 図２（Ａ）は図１に開示した担体上に細胞を載置した状態を示す正面図であり、図２（Ｂ）は線状部材を担体の貫通穴に挿通した状態を示す正面図である。2A is a front view showing a state in which cells are placed on the carrier disclosed in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a front view showing a state in which a linear member is inserted into the through hole of the carrier. is there. 図２（Ｂ）に開示した担体に押込み部材を近接させた状態を示す正面図である。It is a front view which shows the state which made the pushing member adjoin to the support | carrier disclosed in FIG.2 (B). 線状部位に押込み部材のアーム部を係合した状態を示す正面図である。It is a front view which shows the state which engaged the arm part of the pushing member in the linear site | part. 図４に開示した細胞移植用器具を細胞欠損部に近接させた状態を示す一部断面図である。FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cell transplantation device disclosed in FIG. 4 is brought close to a cell defect portion. 細胞移植用器具と細胞を細胞欠損部に挿入した状態を示す一部断面図である。It is a partial cross section figure which shows the state which inserted the instrument for cell transplants, and the cell in the cell defect part. 担体の貫通穴から線状部材を引き抜いた状態を示す一部断面図である。It is a partial cross section figure which shows the state which pulled out the linear member from the through-hole of the support | carrier. 担体の貫通穴から押込み部材を引き抜いた状態を示す一部断面図である。It is a partial cross section figure which shows the state which pulled out the pushing member from the through-hole of the support | carrier. 本発明の第２の実施形態に係る細胞移植用器具を示す一部断面図である。It is a partial cross section figure which shows the instrument for cell transplantation concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第３の実施形態に係る細胞移植用器具の押込み部材を示す正面図である。It is a front view which shows the pushing member of the instrument for cell transplantation concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第４の実施形態に係る細胞移植用器具の担体を示し、図１１（Ａ）は平面図を示し、図１１（Ｂ）は正面図を示す。FIG. 11 (A) shows a plan view and FIG. 11 (B) shows a front view of a carrier for a cell transplantation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第５の実施形態に係る細胞移植用器具の担体を示し、図１２（Ａ）は平面図を示し、図１２（Ｂ）は正面図を示す。FIG. 12 (A) shows a plan view and FIG. 12 (B) shows a front view of a carrier for a cell transplantation device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第６の実施形態に係る細胞移植用器具の担体を示し、図１３（Ａ）は平面図を示し、図１３（Ｂ）は正面図を示す。FIG. 13A shows a plan view and FIG. 13B shows a front view of a carrier for a cell transplantation device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

１細胞移植用器具
３担体
５貫通穴
７線状部材
９押込み部材
９ａアーム部
９ｂ押込み部材本体
１３細胞欠損部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cell transplantation instrument 3 Carrier 5 Through-hole 7 Linear member 9 Pushing member 9a Arm part 9b Pushing member main body 13 Cell defect part

Claims

A plate-like carrier having at least one through-hole formed in a side surface; a linear member inserted through the through-hole; and a pushing member engaged with the linear member exiting from each outlet of the through-hole. A device for cell transplantation, characterized in that the pushing member includes an arm portion that directly engages with the linear member, and a pushing member body that supports the arm portion, and the arm portion. the cell transplantation device, characterized in that has a length for forming a predetermined gap between the carrier and the pusher member body in engagement with the linear member.

The cell transplantation device according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined interval is larger than a height of the transplantation cell placed on the carrier.

The device for cell transplantation according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a tip of the arm portion is V-shaped.

The cell transplantation device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a hole through which the linear member can pass is formed at a tip of the arm portion.

Wherein the pushing member, according to claim 1-4, characterized in that the stopper member in contact with the surrounding surface of the cell defect is provided when the cells to be transplanted is inserted into an optimum position of the cellular defect The cell transplantation device according to any one of the above.

The cell transplantation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein two through holes are formed in the carrier.

The cell transplantation device according to claim 6 , wherein the through holes have different positions in the thickness direction of the carrier so as not to cross each other.

The cell transplantation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the carrier is formed in a disc shape, and the through hole passes through a center of the carrier.

The device for cell transplantation according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , wherein the outlet holes of the through holes are distributed at 90 ° intervals in the circumferential direction of the carrier.

The device for cell transplantation according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the carrier is formed of a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material.