JP7312605B2 - Light irradiation system, catheter, and light irradiation device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to light irradiation systems, catheters, and light irradiation devices.

In cancer therapy, surgical, radiological, and pharmacological (chemical) techniques are used alone or in combination, and each technique has been developed in recent years. However, there are still many cancers for which no satisfactory therapeutic techniques have been found, and further development of therapeutic techniques is expected. As one of cancer treatment techniques, a method called PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) is known. In PDT, a photosensitizer is intravenously administered and then irradiated with light to generate active oxygen in cancer cells and kill the cancer cells (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). However, PDT has a low selectivity for the accumulation of photosensitizers in cancer cells, and poses a problem of the magnitude of side effects due to uptake into normal cells, and is not widely used as a therapeutic technique.

Therefore, NIR-PIT (Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy) is one of the therapeutic techniques that has been attracting attention in recent years. NIR-PIT uses a complex of two compounds, an antibody against a cancer cell-specific antigen and a photosensitizer (eg, IRDye700DX). This complex selectively accumulates in cancer cells in the body when administered intravenously. After that, by irradiating the complex with light having an excitation wavelength (for example, 690 nm) of the photosensitizer in the complex, the complex is activated and exhibits an anticancer effect (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In NIR-PIT, side effects can be reduced compared to PDT due to the selective accumulation of antibodies into cancer and local light irradiation. In addition, in NIR-PIT, light irradiation (NIR irradiation) in the near-infrared region of 690 nm, for example, is performed, so NIR irradiation can be expected to have an effect on the immune system (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2).

The predetermined wavelength range including 690 nm exemplified above is also called the spectroscopic window of the living body, and is a wavelength range in which light absorption by biological components is less than other wavelength ranges. Therefore, in recent years, research has been conducted on NIR-PIT in which light irradiation is performed at a position closer to cancer cells instead of light irradiation from the body surface (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 3). For example, Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose devices that can be used in such PDT and NIR-PIT. Both of the devices described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 are used by being inserted into a blood vessel, and can irradiate light deep inside the body. On the other hand, for example, Patent Document 4 discloses a urethral catheter stylet and a urethral catheter set used for introducing urine in the bladder into a urine storage container.

Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2014-523907 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-867 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-528752 JP 2013-233362 A

Makoto Mitsunaga, Mikako Ogawa, Nobuyuki Kosaka Lauren T. Rosenblum, Peter L. Choyke, and Hisataka Kobayashi, Cancer Cell-Selective In Vivo Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy Targeting Specific Membrane Molecules, Nature Medicine 2012 17(12): , p.1685-1691 Kazuhide Sato, Noriko Sato, Biying Xu, Yuko Nakamura, Tadanobu Nagaya, Peter L. Choyke, Yoshinori Hasegawa, and Hisataka Kobayashi, Spatially selective depletion of tumor-associated regulatory T cells with near-infrared photoimmunotherapy, Science Translational Medicine 2016 Vol.8 Issue352, ra110 Shuhei Okuyama, Tadanobu Nagaya, Kazuhide Sato, Fusa Ogata, Yasuhiro Maruoka, Peter L. Choyke, and Hisataka Kobayashi, Interstitial near-infrared photoimmunotherapy: effective treatment areas and light doses needed for use with fiber optic diffusers, Oncotarget 2018 Feb 16; 9(13): , p.11159-11169

Here, in PDT and NIR-PIT, as described above, the cancer cells in which the complex is accumulated are irradiated with light at the excitation wavelength of the photosensitizer in the complex, thereby killing the cancer cells. On the other hand, for normal cells other than cancer cells, it is preferable to avoid light irradiation in order to reduce the risk of cell damage. For this reason, devices used in PDT and NIR-PIT may adopt a configuration in which light can be irradiated only partially in the circumferential direction. In addition, in devices used in PDT and NIR-PIT, there is a demand to configure a catheter and a device for light irradiation separately in order to improve usability and expand the range of procedures that can be adopted.

In this respect, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 and Non-Patent Documents 1 to 3 have the problem that no consideration is given to configuring the catheter and the light irradiation device separately. In addition, the technique described in Patent Document 4 has a problem that no consideration is given to irradiating light within a living body lumen. Furthermore, the technique described in Patent Document 4 has the problem that the stylet and the urinary catheter can only be aligned in the axial direction (insertion direction), and no consideration is given to the alignment in the circumferential direction. Such a problem is not limited to PDT and NIR-PIT, but is common to all devices used in examinations or treatments including the process of irradiating light inside the body. In addition, such problems are not limited to devices inserted into blood vessels, but are common to all devices inserted into biological lumens, such as the vascular system, lymphatic system, biliary system, urinary system, respiratory system, digestive system, secretory glands, and reproductive organs.

The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable alignment in the circumferential direction between the light transmission portion of the catheter and the light irradiation portion of the light irradiation device in a light irradiation system separately including a catheter and a light irradiation device.

The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above problems, and can be implemented as the following modes.

(1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a medical light irradiation system is provided. This light irradiation system includes a long tube-shaped catheter and a long light irradiation device that is used by being inserted into the catheter. The catheter has a light transmitting portion that is provided on at least a portion of a side surface on the distal end side and transmits light inside the tube to the outside, and a first engaging portion that is provided on the inner surface of the catheter. and a second engaging portion that is engaged with the first engaging portion to restrict movement of the light irradiation device in the circumferential direction with respect to the catheter while the light transmission portion and the light irradiation portion are aligned in the circumferential direction.

According to this configuration, the catheter has the first engaging portion provided on the inner surface, and the light irradiation device includes the second engaging portion provided on the outer surface for restricting the circumferential movement of the light irradiation device with respect to the catheter while the light transmission portion of the catheter and the light irradiation portion of the light irradiation device are aligned in the circumferential direction. Therefore, by engaging the second engaging portion of the light irradiation device with the first engaging portion of the catheter, the operator can easily align the light transmission portion of the catheter and the light irradiation portion of the light irradiation device in the circumferential direction, and fix the catheter and the light irradiation device in the circumferential direction. As a result, according to this configuration, in the light irradiation system separately including the catheter and the light irradiation device, it is possible to suppress the displacement in the circumferential direction between the light transmitting portion and the light irradiation portion, and the target site of light irradiation (for example, in the case of NIR-PIT, the vicinity of cancer cells) can be stably irradiated with light.

(2) In the light irradiation system of the above aspect, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion may have an uneven engagement structure in which one is a concave portion and the other is a convex portion. According to this configuration, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion have a concave-convex engaging structure in which one is a concave portion and the other is a convex portion, so that the positional relationship and function of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can be intuitively grasped easily. Also, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can be easily formed.

(3) In the light irradiation system of the above aspect, the concave portion may be formed on the distal end side of one of the catheter or the light irradiation device, and the convex portion may be formed on the distal end side of the other side of the catheter or the light irradiation device so as to be able to expand and contract by pressing, and the expanded convex portion may be engaged with the concave portion to restrict relative movement of the light irradiation device with respect to the catheter in the circumferential direction and restrict relative movement of the light irradiation device with respect to the catheter in the axial direction. According to this configuration, the concave portion is formed on one distal end side of the catheter or the light irradiation device, and the convex portion is formed on the other distal end side. Therefore, by engaging the concave portion and the convex portion, it is possible to restrict not only the relative movement in the circumferential direction of the light irradiation device with respect to the catheter, but also the relative movement in the axial direction. In addition, since the convex portion is formed so as to be able to expand and contract by pressing, the contracted state of the convex portion enables smooth delivery to the position where the concave portion is formed.

(4) In the light irradiation system of the above aspect, the concave portion may have a groove shape extending in the axial direction, and the convex portion may be engaged with the concave portion to allow relative axial movement of the light irradiation device with respect to the catheter while restricting relative movement of the light irradiation device with respect to the catheter in the circumferential direction. According to this configuration, the recess formed in the catheter or light irradiation device is in the shape of an axially extending groove. Therefore, by engaging the groove-shaped concave portion and the convex portion, it is possible to restrict relative movement in the circumferential direction of the light irradiation device with respect to the catheter, while allowing relative movement in the axial direction. In addition, since the concave portion has a groove shape extending in the axial direction, the convex portion can be easily formed without the necessity of making the convex portion expandable.

(5) In the light irradiation system of the above aspect, a plurality of recesses may be formed in one of the catheter and the light irradiation device. According to this configuration, the catheter or light irradiation device is formed with a plurality of recesses. Therefore, by using a combination of a catheter having a single projection and a light irradiation device, the catheter and the light irradiation device can be fixed at the desired position by engaging the projection with the recess at the desired position. Further, when a catheter having a plurality of protrusions formed thereon or a light irradiation device is used in combination, the catheter and the light irradiation device can be firmly fixed by the concave-convex engagement structure at a plurality of locations.

(6) In the light irradiation system of the above aspect, the other of the catheter and the light irradiation device may be formed with a plurality of protrusions. According to this configuration, the catheter or light irradiation device is formed with a plurality of protrusions. Therefore, if a catheter having a single concave portion or a light emitting device is used in combination, the catheter and the light emitting device can be fixed at the desired position by engaging the concave portion with the convex portion at the desired position. Further, when a catheter having a plurality of concave portions or a light irradiation device is used in combination, the catheter and the light irradiation device can be firmly fixed by the concave-convex engagement structure at a plurality of locations.

(7) In the light irradiation system of the above aspect, the catheter may further include a temperature sensor that measures temperature at least in the vicinity of the light transmitting portion. According to this configuration, since a temperature sensor that measures the temperature at least in the vicinity of the light transmitting portion is provided, the temperature change of the living tissue due to light irradiation can be observed in real time, which contributes to the suppression of blood coagulation and damage to the living tissue due to light irradiation.

(8) According to one aspect of the invention, a catheter is provided. This catheter has a long tube shape, and is provided on at least a part of the side surface on the distal end side, and includes a light transmitting portion that transmits light inside the tube to the outside, and a first engaging portion provided on the inner surface of the catheter. According to this configuration, since the first engaging portion is provided on the inner surface of the catheter, the light transmitting portion of the catheter and the light emitting portion of the light emitting device can be aligned in the circumferential direction by engaging the second engaging portion of the light emitting device with the first engaging portion.

(9) According to one aspect of the present invention, a light irradiation device is provided. The light irradiation device has an elongated shape, and includes a light irradiation section that is provided on at least a portion of a side surface on the distal end side and that irradiates light to the outside, and a second engaging section that is provided on the outer surface of the light irradiation device and engages with the inner surface of the catheter to restrict movement of the light irradiation device in the circumferential direction with respect to the catheter. According to this configuration, since the light irradiation device is provided with the second engaging portion on the outer surface, by engaging the second engaging portion with the first engaging portion of the catheter, the light transmitting portion of the catheter and the light irradiation portion of the light irradiation device can be aligned in the circumferential direction.

The present invention can be realized in various aspects, for example, a catheter, a light irradiation device, a light irradiation system in which these are separate or integrated, a catheter, a light irradiation device, and a light irradiation system. It can be realized in the form of a manufacturing method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the light irradiation system of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view exemplifying a cross-sectional configuration along line AA of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is an explanatory view exemplifying a cross-sectional configuration along line BB of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is an explanatory view exemplifying a cross-sectional configuration along line CC of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is an explanatory view exemplifying a cross-sectional configuration along line DD of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is an explanatory view exemplifying a cross-sectional configuration along line EE of FIG. 1; It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the use condition of a light irradiation system. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the light irradiation system of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration along line FF of FIG. 8; It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the use condition of the light irradiation system of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the combination of the light transmission part and the light irradiation part. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the light irradiation system of 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the use condition of the light irradiation system of 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the cross-sectional structure of the catheter of 4th Embodiment, and a light irradiation device. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the light irradiation system of 5th Embodiment. It is an explanatory view which illustrated the composition of the light irradiation system of a 6th embodiment. It is an explanatory view which illustrated the composition of the light irradiation system of a 7th embodiment. It is an explanatory view which illustrated the composition of the light irradiation system of an 8th embodiment. It is an explanatory view which illustrated the composition of the light irradiation system of a 9th embodiment. It is an explanatory view which illustrated the composition of the light irradiation system of a 10th embodiment. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a catheter according to an eleventh embodiment;

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation system of the first embodiment. The light irradiation system is used by being inserted into biological lumens such as blood vessel system, lymphatic system, biliary tract system, urinary tract system, respiratory system, digestive system, secretory glands and reproductive organs, and irradiates light from within the biological lumen toward the biological tissue. The light irradiation system can be used, for example, in PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) and NIR-PIT (Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy). In the following embodiments, laser light is exemplified as an example of light, but the light irradiation system may be configured using, for example, LED light or white light without being limited to laser light. The light irradiation system includes a catheter 1 and a light irradiation device 2 inserted into the catheter 1 for use. In FIG. 1, the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2 are shown separately.

In FIG. 1, an axis O (one-dot chain line) represents an axis passing through the center of the catheter 1 and an axis passing through the center of the light irradiation device 2, respectively. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the axes passing through the centers of the light irradiation device 2 and the catheter 1 are aligned with the axis O when the light irradiation device 2 is inserted into the catheter 1, but the axes passing through the centers of the two in the inserted state may be different. In addition, FIG. 1 shows XYZ axes that are orthogonal to each other. The X axis corresponds to the axial direction of the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2, the Y axis corresponds to the height direction of the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2, and the Z axis corresponds to the width direction of the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2. The left side (−X axis direction) of FIG. 1 is referred to as the “distal side” of the catheter 1, the light irradiation device 2, and each component, and the right side (+X axis direction) of FIG. 1 is referred to as the catheter 1, the light irradiation device 2, and each component. In addition, with respect to the catheter 1, the light irradiation device 2, and each component, the end located on the distal end side is called the "tip", and the tip and the vicinity thereof are called the "tip". In addition, the end located on the proximal side is called the "base end", and the base end and the vicinity thereof are called the "base end". The distal side corresponds to the "distal side" that is inserted into the living body, and the proximal side corresponds to the "proximal side" that is operated by an operator such as a doctor. These points are also common to the drawings showing the overall configuration from FIG. 1 onward.

The catheter 1 has an elongated tubular shape and includes a shaft 110 , a distal tip 120 and a connector 140 . The shaft 110 is an elongated member extending along the axis O. As shown in FIG. The shaft 110 has a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape with both ends of a distal end portion 110d and a proximal end portion 110p being open. Shaft 110 has lumen 110L therein. The lumen 110L functions as a guidewire lumen for passing a guidewire through the catheter 1 when the catheter 1 is delivered. The lumen 110L functions as a device lumen for inserting the light irradiation device 2 into the catheter 1 after delivery of the catheter 1 . Thus, by using a single lumen for both the guide wire lumen and the device lumen, the diameter of the catheter 1 can be reduced. The outer diameter, inner diameter and length of shaft 110 can be determined arbitrarily.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration taken along line AA of FIG. The distal tip 120 is a member that is joined to the distal end of the shaft 110 and advances through the body lumen ahead of other members. As shown in FIG. 1, the distal tip 120 has an outer shape whose diameter is reduced from the proximal side to the distal side in order to smoothly advance the catheter 1 inside the body lumen. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, a through hole 120h that penetrates the distal tip 120 in the direction of the axis O is formed in a substantially central portion of the distal tip 120. As shown in FIG. Here, diameter Φ1 of through hole 120h is smaller than diameter Φ2 of lumen 110L of shaft 110 . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, a step is formed at the boundary between the shaft 110 and the distal tip 120 due to the inner surface 120i of the distal tip 120 protruding. An opening 120o of the distal tip 120 communicates with a through hole 120h and is used when a guide wire (not shown) is inserted through the catheter 1. As shown in FIG. The outer diameter and length of the distal tip 120 can be determined arbitrarily.

The connector 140 is a member arranged on the proximal side of the catheter 1 and held by the operator. The connector 140 includes a substantially cylindrical connecting portion 141 and a pair of blades 142 . A proximal end portion 110p of the shaft 110 is joined to the distal end portion of the connecting portion 141, and a blade 142 is joined to the proximal end portion. Wings 142 may be integral with connector 140 . An opening 140 o of the connector 140 communicates with the lumen 110 L through the interior of the connector 140 and is used when inserting the guide wire or the light irradiation device 2 into the catheter 1 . The outer diameter, inner diameter and length of the connecting portion 141 and the shape of the vane 142 can be arbitrarily determined.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration taken along line BB of FIG. The shaft 110 of the catheter 1 is further provided with a light transmitting portion 139 and first marker portions 131 and 132 . The light transmitting portion 139 transmits the light inside the shaft 110 to the outside. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the light transmitting portion 139 is a hollow, substantially cylindrical member having an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the shaft 110 and an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter Φ2 of the lumen 110L of the shaft 110. In other words, the light transmitting portion 139 is provided over the entire circumferential direction, and transmits the light inside the shaft 110 to the outside over the entire circumferential direction. The light transmitting portion 139 is joined to the shaft 110 on the proximal end side and the distal end side, respectively. The light transmitting portion 139 can be made of a transparent resin material having light transmittance, such as acrylic resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, or the like.

The first marker portions 131 and 132 function as marks indicating the position of the light transmission portion 139 . The first marker portion 131 is provided close to the tip of the light transmitting portion 139 and functions as a mark indicating the position of the tip of the light transmitting portion 139 . The first marker portion 132 is provided close to the base end portion of the light transmission portion 139 and functions as a mark indicating the position of the base end portion of the light transmission portion 139 . Each of the first marker portions 131 and 132 is a hollow, substantially cylindrical member. In the example of FIG. 1 , the first marker portions 131 and 132 are respectively arranged in recesses formed on the outer surface of the shaft 110 and joined to the outer surface of the shaft 110 . In other words, first marker portions 131 and 132 are embedded in the outer surface of shaft 110 so as to surround shaft 110 in the circumferential direction. Note that the first marker portions 131 and 132 may be provided so as to protrude from the outer surface of the shaft 110 by being joined to the outer surface of the shaft 110 without recesses. At least one of the first marker portions 131 and 132 may be omitted.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration taken along line CC of FIG. The inner surface of the shaft 110 of the catheter 1 is further provided with a first engaging portion 190 . The first engaging portion 190 of the present embodiment is four recesses 191 to 194 that are spaced apart from each other on the inner surface of the shaft 110 . The recesses 191 to 194 in the cross section shown in the drawing are each formed by cutting out the inner surface of the shaft 110 in a substantially rectangular shape. In addition, the shape of the concave portion 191 in a top view of the catheter 1 (viewpoint from the +Y-axis direction in FIG. 1) is substantially rectangular. Similarly, the shape of the recesses 192 and 194 when viewed from the side of the catheter 1 and the shape of the recess 193 when viewed from the bottom of the catheter 1 are substantially rectangular. The sizes, cross-sectional shapes, and top/side/bottom views of the concave portions 191 to 194 can be determined arbitrarily, such as substantially circular, substantially elliptical, and substantially polygonal shapes. The recesses 191 and 193 are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction, and the recesses 192 and 194 are arranged to face each other in the horizontal direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, the concave portions 191 to 194 of the first engaging portion 190 are provided on the distal side of the catheter 1 and on the proximal side relative to the light transmission portion 139 and the first marker portion 132 . The positions of the recesses 191 to 194 in the direction of the axis O (X-axis direction) are substantially the same. The positions of the concave portions 191 to 194 in the direction of the axis O may be different.

The light irradiation device 2 is elongated and includes a shaft 210 , a distal tip 220 and a connector 240 . Shaft 210 is an elongated member extending along axis O. As shown in FIG. The shaft 210 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with a closed distal end and an open proximal end. Shaft 210 has lumen 210L therein. An optical fiber 250 is inserted and fixed in the lumen 210L. The proximal end of the optical fiber 250 is directly connected, or indirectly connected via another optical fiber, to a laser light generator 3 that generates laser light of an arbitrary wavelength via a connector (not shown). At the distal end of the optical fiber 250, the cladding and coating are removed from the optical fiber leaving the core exposed.

The distal tip 220 is a member that is joined to the distal end of the shaft 210 and advances through the lumen 110L of the catheter 1 ahead of other members. As shown in FIG. 1 , the distal tip 220 has a substantially cylindrical shape and has a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter Φ3 of the shaft 210 . Here, in the light irradiation device 2, the outer diameter Φ3 of the shaft 210 and the tip 220 is preferably smaller than the diameter Φ2 of the lumen 110L of the shaft 110 and larger than the diameter Φ1 of the through hole 120h of the tip 120 (Φ1<Φ3<Φ2). The connector 240 is a member arranged on the proximal end side of the light irradiation device 2 and held by the operator. The connector 240 includes a substantially cylindrical connecting portion 241 and a pair of blades 242 . The proximal end of the shaft 210 is joined to the distal end of the connection part 241, and the blade 242 is joined to the proximal end. Wings 242 may be constructed integrally with connector 240 .

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration along line DD of FIG. The shaft 210 of the light irradiation device 2 is further provided with a light irradiation section 239 and second marker sections 231 and 232 . The light irradiation unit 239 irradiates the emitted light LT from the core exposed at the tip of the optical fiber 250 to the outside in one direction (the white arrow in FIG. 5) of the side surface of the light irradiation device 2 . As shown in FIG. 5 , the light irradiation section 239 is a resin body that covers the tip of the core of the optical fiber 250 and is exposed on a portion of the side surface of the shaft 210 . The light irradiation part 239 can be formed, for example, by coating an acrylic ultraviolet curing resin in which fine quartz powder is dispersed and curing the resin with ultraviolet light. It should be noted that the light irradiation section 239 may be realized in another aspect, for example, it may be realized by a light reflection mirror instead of the resin body. In addition, the light irradiation section 239 may be formed in a part of the optical fiber 250 by subjecting the core exposed at the tip of the optical fiber 250 to known processing (for example, cutting the tip face obliquely, forming notches, sandblasting, chemical processing).

The laser light LT generated by the laser light generator 3 is transmitted from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the optical fiber 250 through the core of the optical fiber, and is irradiated from the core exposed at the distal end portion to the outside from one direction ( FIG.

The second marker portions 231 and 232 function as marks indicating the position of the light irradiation portion 239 . The second marker part 231 is provided close to the tip of the light irradiation part 239 and functions as a mark indicating the position of the tip of the light irradiation part 239 . The second marker portion 232 is provided close to the base end portion of the light irradiation portion 239 and functions as a mark indicating the position of the base end portion of the light irradiation portion 239 . Each of the second marker portions 231 and 232 is a hollow, substantially cylindrical member. In the example of FIG. 1 , the second marker portions 231 and 232 are respectively arranged in recesses formed on the outer surface of the shaft 210 and joined to the outer surface of the shaft 210 . In other words, second marker portions 231 and 232 are embedded in the outer surface of shaft 210 so as to surround shaft 210 in the circumferential direction. In addition, the second marker portions 231 and 232 may be provided so as to protrude from the outer surface of the shaft 210 by being joined to the outer surface of the shaft 210 having no concave portion. At least one of the second marker portions 231 and 232 may be omitted.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration taken along line EE of FIG. The upper part of FIG. 6 shows the second engaging part 290 in an expanded state, and the lower part of FIG. 6 shows the second engaging part 290 in a contracted state. A second engaging portion 290 is further provided on the outer surface of the shaft 210 of the light irradiation device 2 . The second engaging portion 290 of the present embodiment is four projecting portions 291 to 294 provided on the outer surface of the shaft 210 at intervals.

The projection 291 in the illustrated cross section has a substantially rectangular shape that is smaller than the recess 191 of the catheter 1 . Also, the shape of the convex portion 291 in the top view of the light irradiation device 2 (viewpoint from the +Y-axis direction in FIG. 1) is a substantially rectangular shape that is smaller than the concave portion 191 of the catheter 1 . As shown in the upper part of FIG. 6, the outer surface of the shaft 210 is formed with a notch 210n having a size and shape that can accommodate the protrusion 291. As shown in FIG. An elastic body 291e is arranged between the bottom surface of the notch 210n and the protrusion 291. As shown in FIG. The protrusion 291 is fixed to the bottom surface of the notch 210n by an elastic body 291e. With such a configuration, the convex portion 291 is formed so as to be able to expand and contract in the direction of the black arrow shown in the upper part of FIG. That is, when receiving pressure from the outside, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 6, the convex portion 291 is housed in the notch 210n by contraction of the elastic body 291e. Further, when the pressure from the outside is released, the protrusion 291 protrudes from the notch 210n due to the extension of the elastic body 291e, as shown in the upper part of FIG. Similarly to the convex portion 291, the other convex portions 292 to 294 are also formed so as to be stretchable.

The size of the projections 291-294 can be arbitrarily determined as long as they are smaller than the recesses 191-194. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the projections 291 to 294 and the shapes at each viewpoint of the upper surface/side surface/lower surface can be arbitrarily determined such as a substantially circular shape, a substantially elliptical shape, a substantially polygonal shape, etc. It may be the same shape as the recessed parts 191 to 194, or a different shape. The protrusions 291 and 293 are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction, and the protrusions 292 and 293 are arranged to face each other in the horizontal direction. The length between the protrusions 292 and 293 and the length Φ4 between the protrusions 291 and 293 when the protrusions 291 to 294 are in the expanded state (upper part of FIG. 6) are larger than the diameter Φ2 of the lumen 110L of the shaft 110. In addition, the length Φ3 between the projections 292 and 293 and the length Φ3 between the projections 291 and 293 when the projections 291 to 294 are in a contracted state (bottom of FIG. 6) are smaller than the diameter Φ2 of the lumen 110L of the shaft 110 (Φ3<Φ2<Φ4).

As shown in FIG. 1, the convex portions 291 to 294 of the second engaging portion 290 are provided on the distal side of the light irradiation device 2 and on the proximal side of the light irradiation portion 239 and the second marker portion 232 . The positions of the projections 291 to 294 in the direction of the axis O (X-axis direction) correspond to the recesses 191 to 194 of the catheter 1 in the inserted state of the light irradiation device 2 described later with reference to FIG.

The first marker portions 131 and 132 of the catheter 1 and the second marker portions 231 and 232 of the light irradiation device 2 can be made of radiopaque resin material or metal material. For example, when a resin material is used, it can be formed by mixing a radiopaque material such as bismuth trioxide, tungsten, or barium sulfate with polyamide resin, polyolefin resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, silicon resin, fluorine resin, or the like. For example, when a metal material is used, it can be made of a radiopaque material such as gold, platinum, tungsten, or an alloy containing these elements (for example, a platinum-nickel alloy).

The shaft 110 of the catheter 1 and the shaft 210 of the light irradiation device 2 preferably have antithrombotic properties, flexibility, and biocompatibility, and can be made of a resin material or a metal material. As the resin material, for example, polyamide resin, polyolefin resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, silicon resin, fluororesin, etc. can be used. Examples of metal materials that can be used include stainless steel such as SUS304, nickel-titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, and tungsten steel. Moreover, the shaft 110 and the shaft 210 can also be a joint structure in which a plurality of the materials described above are combined. The distal tip 120 of the catheter 1 and the distal tip 220 of the light irradiation device 2 preferably have flexibility, and can be made of a resin material such as polyurethane or polyurethane elastomer, for example. The connector 140 of the catheter 1 and the connector 240 of the light irradiation device 2 can be made of a resin material such as polyamide, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyethersulfone.

The projections 291 to 294 of the light irradiation device 2 preferably have antithrombogenicity, flexibility, and biocompatibility, as exemplified for the shaft 210, and can be made of a resin material or a metal material. The material of the protrusions 291 to 294 and the material of the shaft 210 may be the same or different. The elastic bodies 291e to 294e of the light irradiation device 2 can be made of metal springs, coil bodies, resin rubbers, sponges, or the like.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state of use of the light irradiation system. The upper part of FIG. 7 illustrates how the light irradiation device 2 is inserted into the catheter 1 . In the lower part of FIG. 7, an enlarged view of a portion of the distal end side is illustrated. A method of using the light irradiation system will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7. FIG. First, the operator inserts a guidewire into the body lumen. Next, the operator inserts the base end side of the guidewire through the opening 120o of the distal tip 120 of the catheter 1 shown in FIG. Next, the operator pushes the catheter 1 along the guidewire into the biological lumen, and delivers the light-transmitting portion 139 of the catheter 1 to the target site for light irradiation (for example, near cancer cells in the case of NIR-PIT). By inserting the guide wire through the through hole 120h formed in the distal tip 120 of the catheter 1 in this manner, the operator can easily deliver the catheter 1 to the target site within the body lumen. During delivery, the operator can position the catheter 1 within the body lumen while checking the positions of the first marker portions 131 and 132 arranged near the light transmitting portion 139 in the X-ray image. After that, the operator pulls out the guide wire from the catheter 1 .

Next, the operator inserts the light irradiation device 2 from the opening 140o of the connector 140 of the catheter 1, as shown in FIG. At this time, the convex portions 291 to 294 of the second engaging portion 290 of the light irradiation device 2 are each pressed by the lumen 110L of the catheter 1 and are in the contracted state shown in the lower part of FIG. The operator pushes the light irradiation device 2 toward the distal end side of the catheter 1 along the lumen 110L of the catheter 1 . When the second engaging portion 290 of the light irradiation device 2 reaches the position of the first engaging portion 190 of the catheter 1 in the direction of the axis O (X-axis direction), the concave portions 191 to 194 of the first engaging portion 190 release the pressure of the second engaging portion 290 on the convex portions 291 to 294. As a result, as indicated by the black arrows in the lower part of FIG. 7, the projections 291 to 294 of the second engaging portion 290 protrude from the cutouts 210n due to the expansion of the elastic bodies 291e to 294e, respectively, and engage (fit into) the recesses 191 to 194 of the first engaging portion 190.

Here, as described above, the concave portions 191 to 194 of the first engaging portion 190 of the catheter 1 and the convex portions 291 to 294 of the second engaging portion 290 of the light irradiation device 2 are provided apart from each other in a part of the circumferential direction. Further, the diameter Φ4 ( FIG. 6 ) of the second engaging portion 290 in the extended state is larger than the diameter Φ2 of the lumen 110L of the shaft 110 . Therefore, in the engaged state of the first engaging portion 190 and the second engaging portion 290 shown in FIG. 7, relative movement between the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2 in the direction of the axis O (X-axis direction) and the circumferential direction (YZ-axis direction) is restricted.

In the engaged state between the first engaging portion 190 and the second engaging portion 290, the light transmitting portion 139 of the catheter 1 and the light emitting portion 239 of the light emitting device 2 are aligned in the direction of the axis O (X-axis direction) and the circumferential direction (YZ-axis direction), in other words, the range in which the light transmitting portion 139 is formed in the catheter 1 overlaps the range in which the light emitting portion 239 is formed in the light emitting device 2 (bottom of FIG. 7). ). As a result, the laser light LT transmitted through the optical fiber 250 and emitted from the light irradiation section 239 can be transmitted through the light transmission section 139 of the catheter 1 and emitted to the external living tissue. In this way, the operator can easily align the light transmitting portion 139 and the light emitting portion 239 by engaging the first engaging portion 190 of the catheter 1 and the second engaging portion 290 of the light emitting device 2.

If the outer diameter Φ3 of the light irradiation device 2 is made smaller than the diameter Φ2 of the lumen 110L of the catheter 1 and larger than the diameter Φ1 of the through hole 120h of the tip 120, when the light irradiation device 2 is inserted into the catheter 1, the tip surface 220e of the light irradiation device 2 hits the inner surface 120i of the tip 120, thereby suppressing the light irradiation device 2 from coming off to the distal side (lower part of FIG. 7: dashed circle frame).

As described above, according to the light irradiation system of the first embodiment, the catheter 1 has the first engaging portion 190 provided on the inner surface of the shaft 110 . Further, the light irradiation device 2 includes a second engaging portion 290 provided on the outer surface of the shaft 210, which regulates the circumferential movement of the light irradiation device 2 with respect to the catheter 1 in a state where the light transmission portion 139 of the catheter 1 and the light irradiation portion 239 of the light irradiation device 2 are aligned in the circumferential direction (in the YZ axis direction). Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 7, the operator can easily align the light transmitting portion 139 of the catheter 1 and the light emitting portion 239 of the light emitting device 2 in the circumferential direction and fix the catheter 1 and the light emitting device 2 in the circumferential direction by engaging the second engaging portion 290 (the convex portions 291 to 294) of the light emitting device 2 with the first engaging portion 190 (the concave portions 191 to 194) of the catheter 1. As a result, according to the light irradiation system of the present embodiment, in the light irradiation system separately including the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2, it is possible to suppress the displacement in the circumferential direction between the light transmission part 139 and the light irradiation part 239, and to perform light irradiation stably to the target site of light irradiation (for example, the vicinity of cancer cells in the case of NIR-PIT).

In addition, in the light irradiation system of the first embodiment, the first engaging portion 190 and the second engaging portion 290 are the concave portions 191 to 194 in the first engaging portion 190, and the second engaging portion 290 is the convex portion 291 to 294. Therefore, the positional relationship and function of the first engaging portion 190 and the second engaging portion 290 can be intuitively grasped easily. Also, the first engaging portion 190 and the second engaging portion 290 can be easily formed. Further, the catheter 1 is formed with a plurality of recesses 191-194, and the light irradiation device 2 is formed with a plurality of protrusions 291-294. Therefore, the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2 can be firmly fixed by the concave-convex engagement structure at a plurality of locations.

Furthermore, in the light irradiation system of the first embodiment, concave portions 191 to 194 are formed as the first engaging portion 190 on the distal end side of the catheter 1, and convex portions 291 to 294 are formed as the second engaging portion 290 on the distal end side of the light irradiation device 2. Therefore, by engaging the concave portions 191 to 194 with the convex portions 291 to 294, in addition to the relative movement of the light irradiation device 2 in the circumferential direction (YZ axis direction) with respect to the catheter 1, it is possible to further restrict the relative movement in the direction of the axis O (X axis direction). In addition, as described in FIG. 6, since the convex portions 291 to 294 are formed to be stretchable by pressing, by contracting the convex portions 291 to 294 (lower part of FIG. 6), the concave portions 191 to 194 can be smoothly delivered to the position where they are formed.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation system of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration taken along line FF of FIG. The light irradiation system of the second embodiment includes a catheter 1A and a light irradiation device 2A having different configurations from those of the first embodiment. The catheter 1A includes a light transmitting portion 139A instead of the light transmitting portion 139. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9 , the light transmitting portion 139A is an arc-shaped plate-like member that is fitted into a portion of the shaft 110 and joined to the shaft 110 . For this reason, the light transmitting portion 139A of the second embodiment is provided in a portion in the circumferential direction, and transmits the light inside the shaft 110 to the outside in the portion in the circumferential direction. Note that the light transmitting portion 139A can be made of the same material as the light transmitting portion 139A.

The light irradiation device 2A includes a light irradiation section 239A in place of the light irradiation section 239. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8 , the light irradiation section 239A is a solid, substantially cylindrical member having substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the shaft 210 . 239 A of light irradiation parts are each joined to the shaft 210 in the base end side and the front end side. In addition, the base end side surface of the light irradiation section 239A covers the exposed core tip of the optical fiber 250 . Therefore, in the light irradiation device 2A, the laser light LT generated by the laser light generator 3 is irradiated to the outside from the entire circumferential direction of the light irradiation device 2A via the light irradiation section 239A (FIG. 8).

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the usage state of the light irradiation system of the second embodiment. The method of using the light irradiation system of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the light irradiation system of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the light transmitting portion 139A of the catheter 1A is provided partially in the circumferential direction, while the light irradiation portion 239A of the light irradiation device 2A is provided over the entire circumferential direction. In the light irradiation system of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the operator can easily align the light transmitting portion 139A and the light irradiation portion 239A by engaging the first engaging portion 190 of the catheter 1A and the second engaging portion 290 of the light irradiation device 2A.

11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams illustrating combinations of the light transmission portion 139 and the light irradiation portion 239. FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the combination of the light transmitting portion 139 described in the first embodiment and the light transmitting portion 139A described in the second embodiment with the light irradiation portion 239 described in the first embodiment and the light irradiation portion 239A described in the second embodiment can be arbitrarily changed. That is, as shown in Item No. 1, a light irradiation system may be configured by combining a light transmitting portion 139 (FIG. 1) that transmits light to the entire circumference and a light irradiation portion 239 (FIG. 1) that irradiates light to a part in the circumferential direction. Further, as shown in Item No. 2, a light irradiation system may be configured by combining a light transmitting portion 139A (FIG. 8) that transmits light to a part in the circumferential direction and a light irradiation portion 239A (FIG. 8) that irradiates light to the entire circumference. Furthermore, as shown in Item No. 3, a light irradiation system may be configured by combining a light transmitting portion 139 (FIG. 1) that transmits light to the entire circumference and a light irradiation portion 239A (FIG. 8) that irradiates light to the entire circumference. Furthermore, as shown in Item No. 4, a light irradiation system may be configured by combining a light transmitting portion 139A (FIG. 8) that transmits light to a portion in the circumferential direction and a light irradiation portion 239 (FIG. 1) that irradiates light to a portion in the circumferential direction. With the light irradiation system of the second embodiment as described above, the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment can be obtained.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation system of the third embodiment. FIG. 12(A) represents a top view (viewed from the +Y-axis direction in FIG. 1) of the distal end side of the catheter 1B of the third embodiment. FIG. 12(B) represents a top view of the tip side of the light irradiation device 2B of the third embodiment.

A catheter 1B shown in FIG. 12A includes a first engaging portion 190B instead of the first engaging portion 190. As shown in FIG. As illustrated by the dashed line, the first engaging portion 190B is a concave portion 191B formed by cutting the inner surface of the shaft 110 in the shape of a groove extending in the direction of the axis O (X-axis direction). The concave portion 191B is formed in a range from the distal end side of the catheter 1B and a position closer to the proximal side than the light transmitting portion 139 and the first marker portion 132 to the proximal end portion of the shaft 110 . A light irradiation device 2B shown in FIG. The second engaging portion 290B is a protrusion 291B formed by protruding the outer surface of the shaft 210 in the shape of a bar extending in the direction of the axis O. As shown in FIG. Unlike the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 6, the convex portion 291B is not formed to be stretchable by pressing. The convex portion 291B is formed in a range from the distal end side of the light irradiation device 2B and a position closer to the proximal side than the light irradiation portion 239 and the second marker portion 232 to the proximal end portion of the shaft 210 .

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the usage state of the light irradiation system of the third embodiment. The upper part of FIG. 13 illustrates a state in which the light irradiation device 2B is being inserted into the catheter 1B. The lower part of FIG. 13 illustrates the state after the light irradiation device 2B is inserted into the catheter 1B. In addition, in FIG. 13, the light irradiation device 2B inserted into the catheter 1B is represented by a dashed line.

After delivering the catheter 1B using the guidewire and removing the guidewire from the catheter 1B, the operator inserts the light irradiation device 2B from the connector 140 of the catheter 1B, as shown in the upper part of FIG. At this time, the operator inserts the light irradiation device 2B into the catheter 1B in a state in which the position of the first engaging portion 190B of the catheter 1B in the circumferential direction (YZ-axis direction) and the position of the second engaging portion 290B of the light irradiation device 2B are aligned (matched). After that, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 13, the operator pushes the light irradiation device 2B toward the distal end of the catheter 1B. Then, the groove-shaped concave portion 191B extending in the direction of the axis O (X-axis direction) functions like a rail, so that the convex portion 291B of the light irradiation device 2B can be easily pushed in the direction of the axis O along the concave portion 191B of the catheter 1B.

When the tip of the projection 291B of the light irradiation device 2B reaches the tip of the recess 191B of the catheter 1B in the direction of the axis O (X-axis), the tip of the projection 291B hits the tip of the recess 191B as shown in the lower part of FIG. Here, as described above, the concave portion 191B of the first engaging portion 190B of the catheter 1B and the convex portion 291B of the second engaging portion 290B of the light irradiation device 2B are provided in a part of the circumferential direction. Therefore, in the engaged state between the first engaging portion 190B and the second engaging portion 290B shown in the lower part of FIG. 13, relative movement of the catheter 1B and the light irradiation device 2B in the circumferential direction (in the YZ-axis direction) is restricted. On the other hand, since the recessed portion 191B of the first engaging portion 190B of the catheter 1B extends to the proximal end portion of the shaft 110, even in the engaged state between the first engaging portion 190B and the second engaging portion 290B shown in the lower part of FIG.

Thus, the first engaging portion 190B of the catheter 1B may be a groove-shaped recess 191B extending in the direction of the axis O (X-axis direction). The light irradiation device 2B used in combination with such a catheter 1B may be the light irradiation device 2B including the rod-shaped protrusion 291B extending in the direction of the axis O described in the third embodiment, or the light irradiation device 2 described in the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the catheter 1B has one concave portion 191B and the light irradiation device 2B has one convex portion 291B, but a plurality of concave portions 191B and convex portions 291B may be provided. With the light irradiation system of the third embodiment as described above, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment. Further, according to the light irradiation system of the third embodiment, by engaging the groove-shaped concave portion 191B and the convex portion 291B, it is possible to restrict relative movement of the light irradiation device 2B with respect to the catheter 1B in the circumferential direction (YZ-axis direction), while allowing relative movement in the direction of the axis O. Further, since the concave portion 191B has a groove shape extending in the direction of the axis O, the convex portion 291B does not need to be configured to be stretchable, and the convex portion 291B can be easily formed.

<Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating cross-sectional configurations of a catheter 1C and a light irradiation device 2C of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14(A) represents a cross-sectional configuration of the catheter 1C along line CC (FIG. 1). FIG. 14B shows a cross-sectional configuration of the light irradiation device 2C along line EE (FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 14(A), the catheter 1C includes a first engaging portion 190C instead of the first engaging portion 190. As shown in FIG. The first engaging portion 190</b>C is one recess 191 provided on the inner surface of the shaft 110 . As shown in FIG. 14B, the light irradiation device 2C includes a second engaging portion 290C instead of the second engaging portion 290. As shown in FIG. The second engaging portion 290</b>C is one extendable convex portion 291 provided on the outer surface of the shaft 210 . Here, the length Φ41 between the projection 291 and the outer surface of the shaft 210 located on the opposite side of the projection 291 when the projection 291 is stretched is greater than the diameter Φ2 of the lumen 110L of the shaft 110 (Φ2<Φ41).

Thus, the number of recesses 191 of the first engaging portion 190C of the catheter 1C may be one, two or more, or an arbitrary number. Similarly, the number of projections 291 of the second engaging portion 290C of the light irradiation device 2C may be one, two or more, or an arbitrary number. With such a light irradiation system of the fourth embodiment, effects similar to those of the above-described first embodiment can be obtained. For example, if the catheter 1 described in the first embodiment (having a plurality of concave portions 191 to 194 as the first engaging portion 190) and the light irradiation device 2C of the fourth embodiment (having a single convex portion 291 as the second engaging portion 290C) are used in combination, the catheter 1 and the light emitting device 2C can be fixed at desired positions by engaging the convex portions 291 with the concave portions 191 to 194 at desired positions. For example, by combining the catheter 1C of the fourth embodiment (having one recess 191 as the first engaging portion 190C) and the light irradiation device 2C described in the first embodiment (having a plurality of projections 291 to 294 as the second engaging portion 290), the catheter 1C and the light irradiation device 2 can be fixed at desired positions by engaging the recesses 191 with the projections 291 to 294 at desired positions.

<Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation system of the fifth embodiment. The light irradiation system of the fifth embodiment includes a catheter 1D having a configuration different from that of the first embodiment, and a light irradiation device 2 having a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 illustrates how the light irradiation device 2 is inserted into the catheter 1D. The catheter 1D further includes a temperature sensor 180 in addition to each configuration described in the first embodiment. Temperature sensor 180 includes two different metal conductors and measures the temperature in the vicinity of light transmitting portion 139 . Temperature sensor 180 is embedded inside light transmitting portion 139 and shaft 110 . A distal end of the temperature sensor 180 is arranged inside the light transmitting portion 139, and a proximal end thereof is connected to a thermometer (not shown). Note that at least a portion of the tip side of the temperature sensor 180 may protrude from the light transmitting portion 139 or the outer surface of the shaft 110 . The temperature sensor 180 may be provided on at least one of the catheter 1D and the light irradiation device 2, or may be provided on both.

Thus, the catheter 1D and light irradiation device 2 can have various configurations not described above. With the light irradiation system of the fifth embodiment as described above, the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since the light irradiation system of the fifth embodiment includes the temperature sensor 180 that measures the temperature at least in the vicinity of the light transmitting portion 139, the temperature change of the living tissue due to light irradiation can be observed in real time.

<Sixth embodiment>
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation system of the sixth embodiment. The light irradiation system of the sixth embodiment includes a catheter 1E and a light irradiation device 2E having configurations different from those of the first embodiment. The catheter 1E includes a first engaging portion 190E instead of the first engaging portion 190. As shown in FIG. The first engagement portion 190E is concave portions 191E to 194E provided at a position on the distal end side of the catheter 1E and further on the distal end side than the light transmitting portion 139 and the first marker portion 131. As shown in FIG. It should be noted that each configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the installation positions of the recesses 191E to 194E. The light irradiation device 2E includes a second engaging portion 290E instead of the second engaging portion 290. As shown in FIG. The second engaging portion 290E is convex portions 291E to 294E provided on the distal end side of the light irradiation device 2E and at a position closer to the distal end than the light irradiation portion 239 and the second marker portion 231 are. The protrusions 291E to 294E of this embodiment are provided on the outer surface of the distal tip 220E instead of the shaft 210. As shown in FIG. Each configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the installation positions of the projections 291E to 294E.

In this way, the position where the first engaging portion 190E (concave portions 191E to 194E) is provided in the catheter 1E and the position where the second engaging portion 290E (convex portions 291E to 294E) are provided in the light irradiation device 2E can be arbitrarily changed. As shown, all the concave portions 191E to 194E may be provided on the tip side of the light transmission portion 139, and all the convex portions 291E to 294E may be provided on the tip side of the light irradiation portion 239. FIG. Further, the recesses 191E to 194E may be arranged differently in the direction of the axis O (X-axis direction), for example, the recesses 191E and 193E are provided on the distal side of the light transmitting portion 139, and the recesses 192E and 194E are provided on the proximal side of the light transmitting portion 139. Similarly, the projections 291E to 294E of the light irradiation device 2E may be arranged differently in the direction of the axis O. With the light irradiation system of the sixth embodiment as described above, the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment can be obtained.

<Seventh embodiment>
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation system of the seventh embodiment. The light irradiation system of the seventh embodiment includes a catheter 1F and a light irradiation device 2F having different configurations from those of the first embodiment. The catheter 1F includes a first engaging portion 190F instead of the first engaging portion 190. As shown in FIG. The first engaging portion 190F is four extendable protrusions 191F to 194F provided on the inner surface of the shaft 110 at intervals. The configuration of the projections 191F to 194F is similar to that of the projections 291 to 294 of the light irradiation device 2 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. The light irradiation device 2F includes a second engaging portion 290F instead of the second engaging portion 290. As shown in FIG. The second engaging portion 290F is four recessed portions 291F to 294F that are spaced apart from each other on the outer surface of the shaft 210. As shown in FIG. The configuration of the recesses 291F to 294F is the same as the recesses 191 to 194 of the catheter 1 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

Thus, the first engaging portion 190F of the catheter 1F may be configured as one or more protrusions 191F-194F. Also, the second engagement portion 290F of the light irradiation device 2F may be configured as one or more recesses 291F to 294F. The light irradiation system of the seventh embodiment as described above can also achieve the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment.

<Eighth embodiment>
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation system of the eighth embodiment. The light irradiation system of the eighth embodiment includes a catheter 1G and a light irradiation device 2G having configurations different from those of the first embodiment. The catheter 1G does not have the first marker portions 131 and 132 as marks of the light transmitting portion 139. FIG. The light irradiation device 2</b>G does not include the second marker portions 231 and 232 as marks of the light irradiation portion 239 . As described with reference to FIG. 7, in the engaged state between the first engaging portion 190 and the second engaging portion 290, the light transmission portion 139 of the catheter 1G and the light irradiation portion 239 of the light irradiation device 2G are aligned in the direction of the axis O (X-axis direction) and in the circumferential direction (YZ-axis direction). Therefore, the catheter 1G may not include the first marker portions 131 and 132, and the light irradiation device 2G may not include the second marker portions 231 and 232. With the light irradiation system of the eighth embodiment as described above, the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment can be obtained.

<Ninth Embodiment>
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation system of the ninth embodiment. The light irradiation system of the ninth embodiment includes a catheter 1 having a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, and a light irradiation device 2H having a configuration different from that of the first embodiment. The light irradiation device 2H includes a second engaging portion 290E instead of the second engaging portion 290. As shown in FIG. The second engaging portion 290E has projections 291H to 294H having shapes different from the projections 291 to 294 of the first embodiment. The protrusions 291H to 294H have a substantially triangular shape that gradually decreases from the base end side to the tip end side in the illustrated cross section passing through the axis O. As shown in FIG. According to such projections 291H to 294H, when the light irradiation device 2H is inserted into the catheter 1, the projections 291H to 294H of the second engaging portion 290H can be prevented from being caught by the recesses 191 to 294 of the first engaging portion 190, and the light irradiation device 2H can be smoothly inserted into the catheter 1 to bring the first engaging portion 190 and the second engaging portion 290H into an engaged state. In addition, in the engaged state between the first engaging portion 190 and the second engaging portion 290H, it is possible to make it difficult to remove the light irradiation device 2H from the catheter 1 .

In this way, the shape of the protrusions 291H to 294H in the second engaging portion 290H of the light irradiation device 2H can be arbitrarily determined, and the shape of the cross section passing through the axis O may be substantially triangular, substantially semicircular, substantially circular, or substantially polygonal. Similarly, when the first engaging portion 190 of the catheter 1 is configured as a convex portion, the shape of the convex portion can also be arbitrarily determined. The light irradiation system of the ninth embodiment as described above can also achieve the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment.

<Tenth Embodiment>
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation system of the tenth embodiment. The light irradiation system of the tenth embodiment includes a catheter 1 having a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, and a light irradiation device 2J having a configuration different from that of the first embodiment. The light irradiation device 2J includes a second engaging portion 290J instead of the second engaging portion 290. As shown in FIG. The second engaging portion 290J is made up of convex portions 291J to 294J that are expandable and contractible by a configuration different from that of the first embodiment. The convex portion 291J is configured by joining a hollow hemispherical convex member made of an elastic thin film to the outer surface of the shaft 210 . When the convex portion 291J receives pressure, the convex member contracts in the direction of the axis O by bending. On the other hand, when the pressure of the projection 291J is released, the projection member expands to its original shape. The convex portions 292J to 294J of the second engaging portion 290J also have the same configuration as the convex portion 291J.

In this way, the configuration of the convex portions 291J to 294J in the second engaging portion 290J of the light irradiation device 2J can be arbitrarily determined, and can be contracted without using the notch 210n and the elastic body 291e described in FIG. The protrusions 291J to 294J may be formed of a hollow hemispherical protrusion member made of an elastic thin film as described in FIG. 20, or may be made of a shrinkable porous body such as sponge. Similarly, when the first engaging portion 190 of the catheter 1 is configured as a convex portion, the configuration of the convex portion can also be determined arbitrarily. With the light irradiation system of the tenth embodiment as described above, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the above-described first embodiment.

<Eleventh Embodiment>
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the catheter 1K of the eleventh embodiment. A catheter 1K shown in FIG. 21 further includes markers 161 in addition to the configuration described in the first embodiment. The marker 161 is arranged on the distal end side of the first marker portion 131 and functions as a mark representing the distal end of the catheter 1K. If the marker 161 is provided, the operator can advance the catheter 1K inside the body lumen while confirming the positions of the marker 161 and the first marker portion 131 . Further, by providing the marker 161, it is possible to suppress positional displacement of the catheter 1K when the light irradiation device 2 is inserted. Note that the illustrated marker 161 and the first marker portion 131 may be integrated. The light irradiation system configured using the catheter 1K of the eleventh embodiment can also provide the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

<Modification of this embodiment>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the following modifications are possible.

[Modification 1]
In the first to eleventh embodiments described above, examples of the configurations of the catheters 1, 1A to 1G, 1K and the light irradiation devices 2, 2A to 2J are shown. However, the configurations of the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2 can be modified in various ways.

For example, the shaft 110 of the catheter 1 and the shaft 210 of the light irradiation device 2 may be embedded with a reinforcing layer made of a braided body or a coiled body. By doing so, the torque transmissibility and shape retention of the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2 can be improved. For example, the outer surface of the catheter 1 and the outer surface of the light irradiation device 2 may be coated with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic resin. In this way, the lubricity of the catheter 1 inside the body lumen can be improved. Moreover, the lubricity of the light irradiation device 2 within the lumen 110L of the catheter 1 can be improved. Also, the outer surface of the catheter 1 and the outer surface of the light irradiation device 2 may be coated with an antithrombotic material such as heparin. By doing so, it is possible to suppress a decrease in laser output due to thrombus adhesion to the inner and outer surfaces of the catheter 1 and the outer surface of the light irradiation device 2 due to the irradiation of the emitted light (laser light) LT.

For example, the catheter 1 may be provided with extensions that are radially (YZ-direction) expandable. As the expansion part, for example, a balloon made of a flexible thin film or a mesh body made of wires can be used. The extended portion may be provided on at least one of the distal end side of the light transmitting portion 139 and the proximal end side of the light transmitting portion 139 in the shaft 110 . In this way, after positioning the catheter 1 within the biological lumen, the catheter 1 can be fixed within the biological lumen by expanding the expansion portion. Further, if a balloon is used as the expansion part, it is possible to block the blood flow at the light-irradiated portion, so that the light blockage due to the blood flow can be suppressed.

For example, catheter 1 may be configured as a multi-lumen catheter, having multiple lumens different from lumen 110L. Similarly, the light irradiation device 2 may be configured as a multi-lumen catheter having a separate lumen different from the lumen 210L through which the optical fiber 250 is inserted. In this case, the shaft 210 can be made of a hollow, substantially cylindrical member, and the distal tip 220 can be provided with a through hole extending along the axis O direction.

For example, the inner surface of the distal tip 120 of the catheter 1 and the outer surface of the distal tip 220 of the light irradiation device 2 may be made of a magnetic material so that they attract each other. In this way, as shown in FIG. 7, the state where the light irradiation device 2 is inserted into the catheter 1 and the distal tip 220 is pressed against the distal tip 120 can be easily maintained. For example, the distal tip 120 of the catheter 1 may be omitted, and a configuration in which the distal end side of the shaft 110 is open may be adopted. Even in this case, the first engaging portion 190 of the catheter 1 and the second engaging portion 290 of the light irradiation device 2 are engaged to prevent the light irradiation device 2 from coming off the catheter 1 .

[Modification 2]
In the above first to eleventh embodiments, examples of the configurations of the first engaging portions 190, 190B, C, E, F and the second engaging portions 290, 290B, C, E, F, H, J are shown. However, the configurations of the first engaging portion 190 and the second engaging portion 290 can be modified in various ways. For example, a concave portion and a convex portion may be provided as the first engaging portion 190, and a convex portion that engages with the concave portion of the first engaging portion 190 and a concave portion that engages with the convex portion of the first engaging portion 190 may be provided as the second engaging portion 290. For example, a female thread structure may be provided on the inner surface of the shaft 110 as the first engaging portion 190 , and a male thread structure may be provided on the outer surface of the shaft 210 as the second engaging portion 290 .

[Modification 3]
In the above-described first to eleventh embodiments, examples of the configurations of 139, 139A and light irradiation units 239, 239A are shown. However, the configurations of the light transmission section 139 and the light irradiation section 239 can be changed in various ways. For example, the light-transmitting portion 139 and the first marker portions 131 and 132 may be integrally formed by forming the light-transmitting portion 139 from a radiopaque material. Similarly, the light irradiation section 239 and the second marker sections 231 and 232 may be integrally formed by forming the light irradiation section 239 from a radiopaque material.

For example, the light transmitting portion 139 may be formed by thinning a portion of the shaft 110 . For example, at least one of the light transmitting portion 139 and the light irradiating portion 239 may be formed as a notch (a through hole that communicates the inside and outside of the shaft) formed in the shaft 110 or the shaft 210 . In this way, the light transmission portion 139 and the light irradiation portion 239 can be easily formed.

For example, the range in the direction of the axis O (X-axis direction) and the range in the circumferential direction (YZ-axis direction) in which the light transmitting section 139 is provided, and the range in the direction of the axis O and the range in the circumferential direction in which the light irradiation section 239 is provided can be arbitrarily changed. Specifically, for example, the light transmitting portion 139 may be provided over a wide range in the direction of the axis O, and the catheter 1 may be provided with a plurality of first engaging portions 190 (concave portions or convex portions) corresponding to a first point on the distal side, a second point on the proximal side, and a third point in the middle of the first and second points.

For example, the catheter 1 may further include a separate marker portion arranged at an arbitrary position such as the distal end side of the light transmitting portion 139 or the proximal end side of the light transmitting portion 139 . For example, the light irradiation device 2 may further include a separate marker portion arranged at an arbitrary position such as the distal end side of the light irradiation portion 239 or the proximal end side of the light irradiation portion 239 . The shape of the marker portion of the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2 can be arbitrarily determined, and may be a shape extending in the whole or a part of the circumferential direction (YZ direction), a shape extending in the direction of the axis O (X-axis direction), or a shape surrounding the shaft. Further, the distal tip 120 of the catheter 1 and the distal tip 220 of the light irradiation device 2 may be configured as a marker section.

For example, the tip surface of the optical fiber 250 may be cut obliquely and this tip surface may be configured as the light irradiation section 239 . For example, a light reflection mirror may be provided that is inclined with respect to the cut surface of the optical fiber 250 (the cut surface provided perpendicular to the direction of the axis O), and this may be used as the light irradiation section 239 . For example, optical fiber 250 may be bonded to the outer surface of shaft 210 rather than being inserted into shaft 210 . For example, the shaft 210 does not have the lumen 210L, and the shaft 210 may be provided in a manner that contacts and covers the outer surface of the optical fiber 250 .

[Modification 4]
The configurations of the catheters 1, 1A to 1G, 1K and the light irradiation devices 2, 2A to 2J of the first to eleventh embodiments and the catheters 1, 1A to 1G and the light irradiation devices 2, 2A to 2J of the modified examples 1 to 3 may be combined as appropriate. For example, the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2 employing various combinations of the light transmitting portion 139 and the light irradiation portion 239 described in the second embodiment (FIG. 11) may be configured to include the first engaging portion 190 and the second engaging portion 290 described in the third, fourth, sixth, seventh, ninth, and tenth embodiments, or may be configured to include the temperature sensor 180 described in the fifth embodiment.

The present aspect has been described above based on the embodiments and modifications, but the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present aspect, and do not limit the present aspect. This aspect may be modified and modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and this aspect includes equivalents thereof. Also, if the technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A-1G, 1K... Catheter 2, 2A-2J... Light irradiation device 3... Laser light generator 110... Shaft 120... Tip 131, 132... First marker part 139, 139A... Light transmission part 140... Connector 141... Connection part 142... Feather 161... Marker 180... Temperature sensor 190, 190B, C, E, F... First engagement Part 191, 191B, E, F... Protruding part 192, 192E... Recessed part 193, 194... Recessed part 210... Shaft 220, 220E... Tip tip 231, 232... Second marker part 239, 239A... Light irradiation part 240... Connector 241... Connection part 242... Blade 250... Optical fiber 290, 290B, C, E, F , H, J... Second engaging portion 291, 291B, E, F, H, J... Convex portion 291e... Elastic body 292, 292J... Convex portion 293... Convex portion

Claims (10)

A medical light irradiation system,
a long tubular catheter;
an elongated light irradiation device used by being inserted into the catheter;
with
The catheter is
a light transmission part provided on at least a part of the side surface on the tip side and transmitting the light inside the tube to the outside;
a first engaging portion provided on the inner surface of the catheter;
The light irradiation device is
a light irradiation unit provided on at least a portion of the side surface on the tip side and irradiating light to the outside;
a second engaging portion provided on the outer surface of the light irradiation device, the second engaging portion engaging with the first engaging portion to regulate circumferential movement of the light irradiation device with respect to the catheter while the light transmission portion and the light irradiation portion are aligned in the circumferential direction. The light irradiation system according to claim 1,
The first engaging portion is provided closer to the proximal end than the light transmitting portion,
The light irradiation system, wherein the second engaging portion is provided closer to the proximal side than the light irradiation portion. The light irradiation system according to claim 1 or claim 2 ,
The light irradiation system, wherein one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is a concave-convex engaging structure in which one is a concave portion and the other is a convex portion. The light irradiation system according to claim 3 ,
The recess is formed on one distal end side of the catheter or the light irradiation device,
The convex portion is formed so as to be able to expand and contract by pressing on the other tip side of the catheter or the light irradiation device,
The light irradiation system, wherein the elongated projections engage with the recesses to restrict relative movement of the light irradiation device in the circumferential direction with respect to the catheter, and to regulate relative movement of the light irradiation device in the axial direction with respect to the catheter. The light irradiation system according to claim 3 ,
The recess has a groove shape extending in the axial direction,
A light irradiation system in which the protrusion engages with the recess to restrict relative movement of the light irradiation device in the circumferential direction with respect to the catheter, while permitting relative movement of the light irradiation device in the axial direction with respect to the catheter. The light irradiation system according to claim 4 or claim 5 ,
A light irradiation system, wherein a plurality of the recesses are formed in one of the catheter and the light irradiation device. The light irradiation system according to any one of claims 4 to 6 ,
The light irradiation system, wherein the other of the catheter or the light irradiation device is formed with a plurality of the convex portions. The light irradiation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
The light irradiation system, wherein the catheter further comprises a temperature sensor that measures a temperature at least in the vicinity of the light transmitting portion. An elongate tubular catheter for inserting a light irradiation device ,
a light transmission part provided on at least a part of the side surface on the tip side and transmitting the light inside the tube to the outside;
a first engaging portion provided on the inner surface of the catheter, which engages with a second engaging portion provided on the outer surface of the light irradiation device to restrict movement of the light irradiation device in the circumferential direction with respect to the catheter in a state in which the light transmission portion of the catheter and the light irradiation portion of the light irradiation device that emits light to the outside are aligned in the circumferential direction;
A catheter. An elongated light irradiation device used by being inserted into a catheter,
a light irradiation unit provided on at least a portion of the side surface on the tip side and irradiating light to the outside;
a second engaging portion provided on the outer surface of the light irradiation device, which engages with a first engaging portion provided on the inner surface of the catheter to restrict movement of the light irradiation device in the circumferential direction with respect to the catheter in a state in which a light transmitting portion that transmits light inside a tube in the catheter to the outside and the light irradiation portion of the light irradiation device are aligned in the circumferential direction;
A light irradiation device.

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