Optical mechanics therapy device with a cooling water circulation section for blood

Abstract

The light mechanics therapy device of the present invention irradiates light on the blood that has absorbed a photosensitizer and is flowing in a blood tube taken out of the patient's body outside the body, to destroy or affect unwanted components in the blood. The light mechanics therapy device includes: an irradiation unit having a light source for irradiating light on the blood in the blood tube; and a circuit cooling block for cooling the blood in the blood tube. The circuit cooling block is connected through a water flow path through which cooling water flows to a pump, a liquid storage tank, and a cooling unit for cooling water, which are used to circulate the cooling water in the circuit cooling block.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a photodynamic therapy device including a cooling water circulation unit for blood. Background Art

[0002] In photodynamic therapy (PDT), blood that has absorbed a photosensitizer with a characteristic light absorption region is temporarily taken out of the patient's body, and light corresponding to the characteristic light absorption region is irradiated thereto, thereby destroying or affecting undesirable components in the blood. As a light source for the irradiation light, for example, an LED is used.

[0003] However, when the light generated by the LED during the above PDT treatment is irradiated onto the blood taken out of the patient's body, the blood heats up and its temperature rises. If the temperature of the blood rises, it may impose a burden on the patient's body to which the blood returns. In addition, the rise in temperature has an adverse effect on the blood itself.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2017 / 164202 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides a photodynamic therapy device that suppresses the temperature rise of blood in PDT.

[0008] Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The photodynamic therapy device of the present invention irradiates light from a light source onto the blood that has absorbed a photosensitizer and is flowing in a blood tube taken out of the patient's body, thereby destroying or affecting undesirable components in the blood. Such a photodynamic therapy device includes:

[0010] An irradiation unit including a light source that irradiates light onto the blood in the blood tube; and

[0011] A circuit cooling block that cools the blood in the blood tube.

[0012] The circuit cooling block is connected through a water flow path through which cooling water flows to a pump, a liquid storage tank, and a cooling unit that circulate the cooling water in the circuit cooling block.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] The photodynamic therapy device of the present invention can suppress the temperature rise caused by the heating of blood due to the absorption of irradiation light. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Figure 1A This is the front view of the optomechanical therapy device related to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 1B This is the perspective view from the rear of the optomechanical therapy device related to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2A This is the perspective view of the circuit holder, circuit cooling block, and irradiation unit in the optomechanical therapy device related to the embodiment. The configuration of the irradiation unit, circuit holder, and circuit cooling block in the figure is the configuration when monitoring the light quantity.

[0018] Figure 2B This is the perspective view of the circuit holder, circuit cooling block, and irradiation unit in the optomechanical therapy device related to the embodiment. The configuration of the irradiation unit, circuit holder, and circuit cooling block in the figure is the configuration during treatment.

[0019] Figure 3A This is the perspective view from approximately the front of the circuit holder and circuit cooling block in the optomechanical therapy device related to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3B This is the perspective view of the circuit holder and circuit cooling block in the optomechanical therapy device related to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4A This is the perspective view of the circuit holder in the optomechanical therapy device related to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4B This is the perspective view from the bottom of the circuit holder in the optomechanical therapy device related to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4C This is the perspective view of the circuit holder in the disassembled state in the optomechanical therapy device related to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is the perspective view of the circuit holder with the blood tube wound around it in the optomechanical therapy device related to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6A This is the perspective view of the circuit cooling block in the optomechanical therapy device related to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6B This is a partial cross-sectional view of the horizontal plane of the circuit cooling block including the Figure 6A IB - IB line in the

[0027] Figure 7It is a perspective view of a circuit cooling sub-block that constitutes a circuit cooling block in a light mechanics therapy device according to an embodiment, showing a pipe through which cooling water flows.

[0028] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a cooling water circulation unit connected to a light mechanics therapy device according to an embodiment. The cooling water circulation unit in the figure is in a state during treatment preparation.

[0029] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of a cooling water circulation unit connected to a light mechanics therapy device according to an embodiment. The cooling water circulation unit in the figure is in a state during treatment. Detailed Embodiment

[0030] Hereinafter, with reference to appropriate drawings, the embodiments will be described in detail. However, sometimes detailed descriptions that are more than necessary are omitted. For example, sometimes detailed descriptions of known matters and repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures are omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily lengthy and to make it easier for those skilled in the art to understand.

[0031] In addition, the inventors provide the drawings and the following description in order to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present invention, and do not intend to limit the subject matter described in the scope of the patent claim by these drawings and descriptions.

[0032] 1. Process of Realizing the Present Invention

[0033] Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment method that utilizes the cytotoxic effect of reactive oxygen species. The reactive oxygen species are represented by singlet oxygen generated by administering a photosensitizing substance or its precursor, aggregating it in affected parts such as tumor tissues, new blood vessels, and the skin surface, and irradiating light corresponding to the absorption band wavelength of the photosensitizing substance for excitation.

[0034] Taking a patient with blood cancer having tumor cells as an example, in photodynamic therapy, first, aminolevulinic acid (5-aminolevulinic acid: 5-ALA) with oral absorbability is administered to the patient. Then, during the process of intracellular biosynthesis of mitochondrial heme, aminolevulinic acid is metabolized into protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) as a photosensitizing substance. Protoporphyrin IX has the property of specifically accumulating in tumor cells in mitochondria, so it accumulates in the tumor cells of the patient.

[0035] Next, in photodynamic therapy, a patient's circulatory organ is connected to an irradiation device for photodynamic therapy via a blood circuit for circulating blood. Tumor cells containing accumulated protoporphyrin IX are present in the patient's blood, and this blood flows into the irradiation device via the blood circuit by the action of a circulation pump connected to the blood circuit for circulating blood. In the irradiation device, when light in the wavelength range that protoporphyrin IX can absorb (for example, around 410 nm, around 500 - 650 nm) is irradiated, the protoporphyrin IX contained in the blood becomes an excited singlet state. Protoporphyrin IX returns from the excited singlet state via the excited triplet state to the ground state. Oxygen that has absorbed the energy at this time becomes singlet oxygen, which can destroy or affect the tumor cells in the blood. The blood that has been irradiated with light returns to the patient's circulatory organ via the blood circuit for circulating blood by the action of the circulation pump.

[0036] The blood circuit is connected in the irradiation device to a translucent blood tube formed of a predetermined resin. For example, the blood tube through which blood flows inside is irradiated with light corresponding to the absorption band wavelength of protoporphyrin IX, which is a photosensitizer, by an LED serving as a light source. At this time, the inventors noticed that due to the absorption of the irradiated light, the blood heats up, and thus the temperature of the blood may rise. In particular, in order to obtain sufficient effects for photodynamic therapy within a treatment time (for example, 3 hours) that has almost no adverse effect on the patient's physical strength, it is necessary to correspondingly increase the illuminance of the light source. In this case, according to the inventors' estimation and trial, the temperature of the blood may also reach 60°C. If the temperature of the blood rises, it will impose a burden on the patient's body to which the blood returns due to the high temperature. Moreover, the rise in temperature will have an adverse effect on the blood itself.

[0037] In addition, through multiple trials and estimations, the inventors obtained the following insight: It is desirable that the maximum temperature of the blood that can be raised by the irradiation device is also 40°C or lower.

[0038] The present disclosure overcomes these problems and provides a photodynamic therapy device that suppresses the temperature rise of blood caused by irradiated light in photodynamic therapy.

[0039] 2. [Embodiment]

[0040] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0041] 2.1. [Structure of Photodynamic Therapy Device]

[0042] First, the structure of the photodynamic therapy device according to the embodiment will be described.

[0043] 2.1.1. [Schematic Structure of Photodynamic Therapy Device]

[0044] Figure 1A This is the front view of the photoacoustic therapy device 2 according to the embodiment. Figure 1B This is the rear three-dimensional view of the photoacoustic therapy device 2 according to the embodiment.

[0045] As Figure 1A shown, the photoacoustic therapy device 2 includes a circuit cooling block 6 and an irradiation unit 4.

[0046] The circuit cooling block 6 is formed of a predetermined material and, as described later, is inserted into the inside of a circuit holder 22 (refer to Figure 5 , Figure 9 ) that includes a blood tube 34 (refer to Figure 3A , Figure 3B , etc.) that is connected to a blood circuit for blood flow (i.e., constitutes a part), and contacts the inner surface of the circuit holder 22 to cool the blood tube 34 and the blood. The material forming the circuit cooling block 6 is preferably a metal with a high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. The irradiation unit 4 irradiates the blood tube and the blood in the circuit holder 22 with light corresponding to the characteristic light absorption region. The irradiation unit 4 has a light source (not shown) composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements (e.g., LEDs) and a light detection unit (not shown) composed of light detection elements on its inner side. The plurality of light-emitting elements constituting the light source are arranged, for example, in a matrix on the inner sides of a pair of relatively wider side faces facing each other of the irradiation unit 4 (refer to Figure 2A , Figure 2B ). The light detection unit is arranged, for example, on the inner sides of the upper surface and the bottom surface of the irradiation unit 4.

[0047] For Figure 1A the photoacoustic therapy device 2 shown, a lower housing 8 is also provided. In the lower housing 8, a cooling unit 16, a first valve 14a and a second valve 14b, a liquid storage tank 18, and a pump 20 that constitute a cooling water circulation unit described below are housed. Figure 8 and Figure 9 are used in the following description.

[0048] In addition, in Figure 1A and Figure 1B the photoacoustic therapy device 2 shown, by operating the operation unit 5 provided on the upper part, opening and closing operations of valves and the like described below are performed.

[0049] 2.1.2. [Structure of Circuit Holder, Circuit Cooling Block, and Irradiation Unit]

[0050] Figure 2A This is the three-dimensional view of the circuit holder 22, the circuit cooling block 6, and the irradiation unit 4 in the photoacoustic therapy device 2 according to the embodiment. As Figure 2AAs shown, the loop cooling block 6 is inserted into the interior of the loop holder 22. The irradiation unit 4 is configured to be relatively movable with respect to the loop holder 22 and the loop cooling block 6. In addition, in Figure 2A and Figure 2B shown manner, the irradiation unit 4 can move relative to the fixed loop cooling block 6. In a state where the loop holder 22 and the loop cooling block 6 are separated from the irradiation unit 4, the irradiation unit 4 monitors the light quantity through the light source and the light detection unit.

[0051] Figure 2B is also a perspective view of the loop holder 22, the loop cooling block 6, and the irradiation unit 4. By relatively moving the irradiation unit 4 with respect to the loop holder 22 and the loop cooling block 6, the loop holder 22 and the loop cooling block 6 are housed inside the irradiation unit 4. At this time, a pair of left and right light sources inside the irradiation unit 4 are arranged facing a pair of side surfaces of the loop holder 22. The pair of left and right light sources of the irradiation unit 4 are arranged facing a pair of side surfaces of the loop holder 22, thereby performing treatment by light irradiation of the irradiation unit 4.

[0052] 2.1.3. [Structure of Loop Holder and Loop Cooling Block]

[0053] Figure 3A is a perspective view from a substantially front side in a separated state of the loop holder 22 and the loop cooling block 6 in the light mechanics therapy device 2 according to the embodiment. Figure 3B is also a perspective view in a separated state of the loop holder 22 and the loop cooling block 6 in the light mechanics therapy device 2 according to the embodiment.

[0054] Figure 4A is a perspective view of the loop holder 22 in the light mechanics therapy device 2 according to the embodiment, Figure 4B is a perspective view from the bottom surface of the loop holder 22 in the light mechanics therapy device 2 according to the embodiment. In particular, as Figure 4B shown, the interior of the loop holder 22 is hollow, and the loop cooling block 6 is inserted into this hollow portion and contacts the inner surface of the loop holder 22.

[0055] Figure 4C is a perspective view of the loop holder 22 in a disassembled state in the light mechanics therapy device 2 according to the embodiment. As Figure 4C shown, the loop holder 22 has a combined structure of four types of molded products and two aluminum metal plates 24. Here, the four types of molded products are the loop holder central portion 30, two loop holder end portions 28, two loop holder side surface portions 26 on both sides, and the loop holder upper surface portion 32.

[0056] In addition, in Figure 4CIn the exploded view of the circuit holder 22 shown, the blood tube 34 that is connected to (i.e., forms part of) the blood circuit for blood flow is omitted. Inside the circuit holder 22, the blood tube 34 is wound around a bobbin portion 33 formed by two aluminum metal plates 24, a center portion 30 of the circuit holder, two end portions 28 of the circuit holder, and an upper surface portion 32 of the circuit holder (see Figure 5 ). In order to wind the blood tube 34 neatly around the bobbin portion 33, guides for winding the blood tube 34 are appropriately provided on the aluminum metal plate 24, the center portion 30 of the circuit holder, and the end portions 28 of the circuit holder.

[0057] In order for the irradiation light from the light source of the irradiation unit 4 to reach the blood tube 34 and the blood flowing therein, the side surface portions 26 of the circuit holder on both sides are formed of a thin transparent resin sheet, such as a thin polycarbonate sheet. As shown in the side surface portion 26 of the circuit holder in Figure 4C , lateral guides 25 for winding the blood tube 34 are also appropriately provided inside the side surface portion 26 of the circuit holder.

[0058] In addition, a plurality of thin longitudinal ribs 27 are also provided inside the side surface portion 26 of the circuit holder. Through these plurality of longitudinal ribs 27, the adhesion of the blood tube 34 to the aluminum metal plate 24 is improved.

[0059] Most of the blood tube 34 wound around the bobbin portion 33 of the circuit holder 22 is disposed being clamped between the side surface portion 26 of the circuit holder that transmits the irradiation light from the light source of the irradiation unit 4 and the aluminum metal plate 24 that is directly contacted with the circuit cooling block 6 and cooled. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the state in which the blood tube 34 is wound around the bobbin portion 33 inside the circuit holder 22 in the photoacoustic therapy device 2 according to the embodiment.

[0060] In addition, a cover formed of a transparent film may be provided between the side surface portion 26 of the circuit holder and the blood tube 34, or the structure may be such that there is no component interposed between the side surface portion 26 of the circuit holder and the blood tube 34 and they are in direct contact. A cover formed of a transparent film may also be provided between the aluminum metal plate 24 and the blood tube 34, or the structure may be such that there is no component interposed between the aluminum metal plate 24 and the blood tube 34 and they are in direct contact.

[0061] 2.1.4. [Structure of the Circuit Cooling Block]

[0062] Figure 6AThis is a perspective view of the circuit cooling block 6 in the optomechanical therapy device 2 according to the embodiment. The circuit cooling block 6 is composed of four circuit cooling sub-blocks (6f, 6s) and a pedestal portion 6b for arranging the circuit cooling sub-blocks (6f, 6s). The four circuit cooling sub-blocks (6f, 6s) are composed of two fixed circuit cooling sub-blocks 6f and two sliding circuit cooling sub-blocks 6s. The "fixed type" and "sliding type" will be described below. In addition, the four circuit cooling sub-blocks (6f, 6s) may have substantially the same structure. Moreover, the circuit cooling sub-blocks (6f, 6s) are preferably made of aluminum. In addition, the number of circuit cooling sub-blocks (6f, 6s) may be more than four.

[0063] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the circuit cooling sub-blocks (6f, 6s) that constitute the circuit cooling block 6 in the optomechanical therapy device 2 according to the embodiment, showing the pipe 40 through which cooling water flows. The cooling water flows in from the pedestal portion 6b and flows in the pipe 40 arranged vertically and horizontally inside the circuit cooling sub-blocks (6f, 6s), and then flows out to the pedestal portion 6b. The pipe 40 inside the circuit cooling sub-blocks (6f, 6s) and the pedestal portion 6b form a part of the water flow path 12 of the cooling water circulation portion described below (refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 ).

[0064] Figure 6B This is a partial cross-sectional view of the horizontal plane of the circuit cooling block 6 including the Figure 6A IB-IB line in Figure 6B . One of the circuit cooling sub-blocks that make up the circuit cooling block 6 is a fixed circuit cooling sub-block (fixed circuit cooling sub-block 6f). The other of the circuit cooling sub-blocks is a sliding circuit cooling sub-block (sliding circuit cooling sub-block 6s). As shown in Figure 6B , an elastomer 10 is clamped between the oppositely arranged fixed circuit cooling sub-block 6f and sliding circuit cooling sub-block 6s in a manner that engages with their respective concave portions. In the circuit cooling block 6 shown in Figure 6B , a spring is used as an example of the elastomer 10.

[0065] The shaft 11 passes through the elastomer 10. The shaft 11 is configured to be fixed relative to the sliding circuit cooling sub-block 6s and capable of sliding relative to the fixed circuit cooling sub-block 6f. Thus, the fixed circuit cooling sub-block 6f and the sliding circuit cooling sub-block 6s can correctly maintain a parallel positional relationship, and the sliding circuit cooling sub-block 6s can slide relative to the fixed circuit cooling sub-block 6f. The shaft 11 may also be configured to be fixed relative to the fixed circuit cooling sub-block 6f and capable of sliding relative to the sliding circuit cooling sub-block 6s.

[0066] In a pair of opposing fixed circuit cooling sub-blocks 6f and sliding circuit cooling sub-blocks 6s, a plurality of, for example, four elastomers 10 are provided.

[0067] As described above, by sandwiching and setting a plurality of elastic bodies 10, the sliding circuit cooling sub-block 6s is biased in the direction of arrow A shown, that is, in the outward direction. By biasing the sliding circuit cooling sub-block 6s in the outward direction by the elastic bodies 10, when the circuit cooling block 6 is inserted into the inside of the circuit holder 22, the circuit cooling sub-blocks (6s, 6f) contact the inner surface of the aluminum metal plate 24 of the circuit holder 22 more strongly. Figure 6B That is, in the two opposed circuit cooling sub-blocks (6s, 6f), one is fixed and the other is held in a state where a reaction force is applied in the opposite direction by the elastic body mechanism. This is to improve the tight contact of the circuit cooling sub-blocks (6s, 6f) with respect to the aluminum metal plate 24 of the circuit holder 22. Thereby, the cooling effect of the circuit cooling block 6 on the aluminum metal plate 24 of the circuit holder 22, the blood tube 34, and further on the blood in the blood tube 34 is improved.

[0068] That is, the temperature of the blood transfers heat and exchanges heat with the blood tube 34 → aluminum metal plate 24 → circuit cooling block 6, thereby suppressing the rise in blood temperature.

[0069] That is, the temperature of the blood transfers heat and exchanges heat with the blood tube 34 → aluminum metal plate 24 → circuit cooling block 6, thereby suppressing the rise in blood temperature.

[0070] In addition, in the two opposed circuit cooling sub-blocks, the circuit cooling block 6 may also be configured such that both are sliding circuit cooling sub-blocks 6s and the above-mentioned two sliding circuit cooling sub-blocks 6s are biased outward by the elastic body mechanism.

[0071] 2.1.5. [Structure of the cooling water circulation section]

[0072] Figure 8 and Figure 9 are schematic views showing the structures of the circuit holder 22, the circuit cooling block 6, and the cooling water circulation section that are connected to the blood circuit (i.e., form a part) for allowing blood to flow. Figure 8 The cooling water circulation section is in the state during treatment preparation. Figure 9 The cooling water circulation section is in the state during treatment.

[0073] As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the cooling water circulation section includes: a cooling section 16, a first valve 14a and a second valve 14b, a liquid storage tank 18, and a pump 20. The cooling section 16, the first valve 14a, the circuit cooling block 6, the second valve 14b, the liquid storage tank 18, and the pump 20 are connected by a water flow path 12 through which cooling water flows.

[0074] (In Figure 8 and Figure 9In order to facilitate description and representation, the water flow path 12 shown at the front is also disposed vertically and horizontally inside the circuit cooling block 6 (see Figure 7 ). The first valve 14a is disposed between the cooling unit 16 and the circuit cooling block 6, on the upstream side of the circuit cooling block 6. The second valve 14b is disposed between the cooling unit 16 and the liquid storage tank 18, on the upstream side of the liquid storage tank 18.

[0075] As Figure 8 shown, during treatment preparation, the first valve 14a is closed and the second valve 14b is opened, and the cooling water short-circuits within the cooling unit 16, the liquid storage tank 18, and the pump 20 and does not flow into the circuit cooling block 6. On the other hand, as Figure 9 shown, during treatment, the first valve 14a is opened and the second valve 14b is closed, and the cooling water circulates among the cooling unit 16, the circuit cooling block 6, the liquid storage tank 18, and the pump 20. The opening and closing operations of the first valve 14a and the second valve 14b are performed according to the operation on the operation unit 5.

[0076] The cooling unit 16 is configured to cool the water circulated to the circuit cooling block 6. The cooling unit 16 is constituted by, for example, a Peltier element. The cooling unit 16 may be constituted by a heat exchanger that cools water, and may also be constituted by, for example, a radiator. In addition, the cooling unit 16 may also be a refrigerator such as a circulation type constant temperature water bath using a compressor with Freon gas as a refrigerant. In this case, it may also be configured such that the cooling unit 16, the liquid storage tank 18, and the pump 20 are provided in a housing different from the photodynamic therapy device 2 including the circuit cooling block 6 and the irradiation unit 4. In addition, in order to suppress freezing, an antifreeze may be used as the cooling water.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the cooling unit 16, the first valve 14a and the second valve 14b, the liquid storage tank 18, and the pump 20 that constitute the cooling water circulation unit are housed in Figure 1A and Figure 1B the lower housing 8 of the photodynamic therapy device 2 shown.

[0078] 2.2. [Operation of the Cooling Water Circulation Unit Connected to the Photodynamic Therapy Device]

[0079] Next, the operation of the cooling water circulation unit connected to the photodynamic therapy device according to the embodiment will be described.

[0080] Referring again to Figure 8 , Figure 8 the cooling water circulation unit shown is in the state during treatment preparation. During treatment preparation, by operating the operation unit 5, the first valve 14a is closed and the second valve 14b is opened. The cooling water short-circuits within the cooling unit 16, the liquid storage tank 18, and the pump 20 and does not flow into the circuit cooling block 6.

[0081] Thus, during treatment preparation, instead of circulating the cooling water towards the circuit cooling block 6 side, the cooling water is short-circuited within the cooling section 16, the liquid storage tank 18, and the pump 20, thereby cooling the cooling water to the target temperature.

[0082] This mainly has two purposes. One purpose is to avoid the cooled physiological saline being sent into the patient's body at the beginning of the treatment. That is, before the treatment starts, the blood circuit is initially filled with physiological saline. At this time, if a circuit holding member 22 including the blood circuit is provided for the sufficiently cooled circuit cooling block 6, the physiological saline in the blood circuit will not increase in temperature even when irradiated with light, but will further decrease in temperature through the circuit cooling block 6. Avoid the temperature-decreased physiological saline from being sent into the patient's body.

[0083] Another purpose is to efficiently cool the water during treatment preparation by short-circuiting.

[0084] Next, referring again to Figure 9 , Figure 9 the state of the cooling water circulation section shown in is the state during treatment. During treatment, by operating the operation section 5, the first valve 14a is opened and the second valve 14b is closed. The cooling water circulates in the cooling section 16, the circuit cooling block 6, the liquid storage tank 18, and the pump 20. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the rise in blood temperature caused by the heat generation of the blood due to the absorption of the irradiated light.

[0085] 2.3. [Summary]

[0086] The photodynamic therapy device 2 according to this embodiment is a photodynamic therapy device that irradiates light from a light source to the blood flowing in the blood tube 34 taken out of the patient's body and containing a photosensitizer, destroying or affecting the unwanted components in the blood. The photodynamic therapy device 2 includes: an irradiation unit 4 having a light source for irradiating light to the blood in the blood tube 34; and a circuit cooling block 6 for cooling the blood in the blood tube 34. The circuit cooling block 6 is connected to a pump 20, a liquid storage tank 18, and a cooling section 16 for circulating the cooling water in the circuit cooling block 6 through a water flow path 12 through which the cooling water flows.

[0087] By configuring the photodynamic therapy device 2 in this way, during photodynamic therapy, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise caused by the heat generation of the blood due to the absorption of the irradiated light.

[0088] 3. [Other Embodiments]

[0089] As described above, as an example of the technology disclosed in this application, the embodiments have been described. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this, but can be appropriately applied to embodiments with modifications, replacements, additions, omissions, etc.

[0090] As described above, the temperature of the blood required to be raised by the irradiation unit 4 is suppressed to 40°C or lower. Therefore, for example, in the blood circuit, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the blood inside in real time may be provided in the blood tube 34 before the blood returns to the circulatory system of the patient. In addition, a controller for controlling the cooling capacity of the cooling unit 16 based on the detection value of the temperature sensor is provided. That is, it may also be configured such that if the temperature sensor detects a temperature close to 40°C (for example, 39°C), the controller that receives this detection value increases the current and / or voltage flowing through the Peltier element of the cooling unit 16 to further increase the cooling capacity. Further, if the temperature sensor detects a temperature lower than the normal body temperature (for example, 34°C), the controller that receives this detection value may also be configured to reduce the current and / or voltage flowing through the Peltier element of the cooling unit 16 to further reduce the cooling capacity.

[0091] In addition, for the purpose of explaining the embodiments, drawings and detailed descriptions are provided. Therefore, among the components described in the drawings and the detailed descriptions, there are not only the components necessary for solving the problems, but also the components for exemplifying the above technology that are not necessary for solving the problems. Therefore, these non-essential components should not be immediately considered essential just because they are described in the drawings or the detailed descriptions.

[0092] In addition, since the above embodiments are for exemplifying the embodiments of the technology of the present invention, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0093] Description of Reference Numerals

[0094] 2 ··· Photodynamic therapy device, 4 ··· Irradiation unit, 6 ··· Circuit cooling block, 6b ··· Pedestal portion, 6f ··· Fixed circuit cooling sub-block, 6s ··· Sliding circuit cooling sub-block, 8 ··· Lower housing, 10 ··· Elastomer, 11 ··· Shaft, 12 ··· Water flow path, 14a ··· First valve, 14b ··· Second valve, 16 ··· Cooling unit, 18 ··· Liquid storage tank, 20 ··· Pump, 22 ··· Circuit holder, 24 ··· Aluminum metal plate, 25 ··· Guide, 26 ··· Side surface portion of the circuit holder, 27 ··· Rib, 28 ··· End portion of the circuit holder, 30 ··· Central portion of the circuit holder, 32 ··· Upper surface portion of the circuit holder, 34 ··· Blood tube, 40 ··· Tube.

Claims

1. A photodynamic therapy device irradiates light onto blood that has been taken out of a patient's body and is flowing in a blood tube and has absorbed a photosensitizer, to destroy or affect undesirable components in the blood. The photodynamic therapy device comprises: an irradiation unit including the light source, which irradiates light onto the blood in the blood tube; and a circuit cooling block that cools the blood in the blood tube. The circuit cooling block is connected, through a water flow path through which cooling water flows, to a pump, a liquid storage tank, and a cooling unit that circulates the cooling water in the circuit cooling block. The photodynamic therapy device further comprises a circuit holder, which includes the blood tube and a core part arranged so as to surround the blood tube. The circuit cooling block cools the blood in the blood tube by contacting the inner surface of the core part.

2. The photodynamic therapy device according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation unit is configured to be movable relative to the circuit holder and the circuit cooling block.

3. The photodynamic therapy device according to claim 1, wherein the photodynamic therapy device further has a first valve provided on the upstream side of the circuit cooling block between the cooling unit and the circuit cooling block, and a second valve provided on the upstream side of the liquid storage tank between the cooling unit and the liquid storage tank, and is configured such that, during treatment preparation, by closing the first valve and opening the second valve, water is short-circuited in the cooling unit, the liquid storage tank, and the pump.

4. The photodynamic therapy device according to claim 3, wherein the photodynamic therapy device is configured such that, during treatment, by opening the first valve and closing the second valve, water is circulated in the cooling unit, the circuit cooling block, the liquid storage tank, and the pump.

5. The photodynamic therapy device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit cooling block is composed of a plurality of circuit cooling sub-blocks, one or more elastic bodies are interposed between a pair of oppositely arranged circuit cooling sub-blocks, and the circuit cooling block is configured to contact the inner surface of the core part more strongly by the biasing force of the one or more elastic bodies.

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