Medical tube, medical tube position confirmation system

Abstract

A medical tube capable of confirming the position of the front end of the medical tube from outside the body easily regardless of the orientation of the front end of the medical tube inserted into the body of a patient. The medical tube has a tubular main body, at least one opening portion formed in the side surface of the main body, and a light-transmitting portion for emitting light from a light source, the light-transmitting portion being formed at one end of the main body and having a surface shape of a semisphere.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a medical hose and a medical hose position confirmation system. Background Technology

[0002] For patients who have difficulty taking nutritional supplements orally, a method called nasogastric feeding is used to deliver these supplements directly to the stomach. Specifically, a medical tube is inserted through the patient's nostril, with its tip passing through the esophagus to reach the stomach. The nutritional supplement is then injected through the base of the externally positioned tube.

[0003] Among the known techniques is the confirmation that the tip of a medical tube has passed through the esophagus and reached the stomach.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a catheter device characterized by comprising: a catheter for insertion into the body, a light source having a laser diode that emits visible red light, and an optical fiber that conducts the visible red light emitted from the light source to a point near the tip of the catheter. With this structure, when the catheter is inserted into the patient's stomach, the light emitted from a point near the tip of the catheter can be seen from outside the body, and the position of the tip of the catheter can be confirmed from outside the body.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-087091 Summary of the Invention

[0008] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0009] However, with the catheter device described in Patent Document 1, it is sometimes difficult to see the light emitted from the tip of the optical fiber from the outside. Specifically, if the tip of the optical fiber is not facing the patient's abdomen inside the stomach, it is difficult to see the light from the outside. In addition, it is difficult to perform the operation of facing the tip of the optical fiber towards the patient's abdomen inside the stomach.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a medical tube whose position can be easily identified from outside the body regardless of the orientation of its tip inside the patient's body.

[0011] (II) Technical Solution

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a medical flexible tube comprising: a tubular main body, at least one opening formed on a side of the main body, and a light-transmitting portion for emitting light from a light source, the light-transmitting portion being formed at one end of the main body and having a hemispherical surface shape. Other features of the invention will be understood from the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0013] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, a medical tubing can be provided in which the position of the tip of the medical tubing can be easily identified from outside the body regardless of the orientation of the tip of the medical tubing inserted into the patient's body. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the overall structure of the medical hose position confirmation system according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This figure illustrates the structure near the front end of the medical tubing according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This figure illustrates the structure near the front end of the medical tubing according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This figure illustrates the structure near the front end of the medical tubing according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the overall structure of the medical hose position confirmation system according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the structure near the front end of the medical tubing in the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 This figure illustrates the structure near the front end and base end of the medical tubing according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the structure near the front end of the medical tubing in the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 This figure illustrates the structure near the front end of a modified medical tubing.

[0024] Figure 10 This figure illustrates the structure near the front end of a modified medical tubing.

[0025] Figure 11 This figure illustrates the structure near the front end of a modified medical tubing.

[0026] Figure 12 This figure illustrates the structure near the front end of a modified medical tubing.

[0027] Figure 13 This figure illustrates the structure near the front end of a modified medical tubing. Detailed Implementation

[0028] <First Implementation>

[0029] (Medical tubing position confirmation system)

[0030] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the overall structure of the medical hose position confirmation system 1 according to this embodiment. The medical hose position confirmation system 1 includes: a light source device 2, a light guide 3, and a medical hose 4.

[0031] [Light source device]

[0032] The light source device 2 supplies light to the light guide 3. The light source device 2 includes a housing 20 and a focusing section 21. A light source 200 is located inside the housing 20. The light source 200 generates light containing wavelengths that can penetrate biological tissue. The focusing section 21 has a lens assembly (not shown) for focusing the light generated by the light source 200, and the focusing section 21 causes the focused light to be emitted externally. By connecting one end of the light guide 3 to the focusing section 21, the light source device 2 can supply light from the light source 200 to the light guide 3. The light from the light source 200 is used to confirm the position of the tip of the medical tubing 4.

[0033] [Light guide]

[0034] The light guide 3 is a flexible, elongated component. The light guide 3 can be inserted into a medical tubing 4 to conduct light from the light source 200. Light incident at one end of the light guide 3 propagates inside the light guide 3 and exits from the other end. Hereinafter, in the light guide 3, the end from which light from the light source 200 is incident will be referred to as the "base end" and the end from which light exits will be referred to as the "front end".

[0035] The light guide 3 is, for example, an optical fiber, having a core and a cladding. The core transmits light from the light source 200. The core is made of materials such as quartz, glass, or plastic.

[0036] The cladding fills the outer side of the fiber core. The cladding material is, for example, quartz, glass, or plastic, and has a lower refractive index than the fiber core. Light incident on the light guide 3 undergoes repeated total internal reflection at the interface between the fiber core and the cladding and propagates within the fiber core.

[0037] [Medical tubing]

[0038] Figures 2-4 This figure illustrates the structure near the front end of the medical tubing 4 in this embodiment. Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the area near the front end of medical tubing 4. Figure 3 yes Figure 2The A-A′ sectional view shown. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The B-B′ sectional view shown.

[0039] The medical tubing 4 is a long, flexible tube. The medical tubing 4 is used for nasogastric feeding. In the medical tubing 4, the end inserted into the patient's body is referred to as the "front end" and the other end is referred to as the "base end".

[0040] The practitioner inserts a medical tube 4 into the patient's nasal cavity or mouth, and guides the tip of the tube 4 through the esophagus to the stomach. Then, nutrient solutions are injected from the base of the tube 4, which is located outside the patient's body. This allows for the direct supply of nutrients to the patient's stomach.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the medical tubing 4 has: a main body 40, an opening 41, and a light-transmitting part 42.

[0042] The main body 40 is a tubular component. The hollow portion of the main body 40 extends from the base end to the front end. The base end of the main body 40 is the side end into which nutrients, etc., are injected.

[0043] The front end of the main body 40 is the side end that forms the light-transmitting part 42.

[0044] The main body 40 has: an inner peripheral surface 40a, an outer peripheral surface 40b, an end face on the base end side (not shown), and an end face 40c on the front end side. Figure 3 ).

[0045] A light guide 3 can be inserted into the hollow portion of the main body 40. This light guide 3 is used to transmit light from the light source 200 to the light-transmitting portion 42. Figure 3 , Figure 4 That is, the diameter of the hollow part of the main body 40 is larger than the diameter of the light guide 3.

[0046] The main body 40 is formed of a flexible material. Specific materials for the main body 40 may include, for example, silicone, polypropylene, elastomers, fluoropolymers, etc.

[0047] An opening 41 is formed on the side of the main body 40. The opening 41 is a hole for introducing nutrients or the like into the patient's stomach from the base of the main body 40.

[0048] Here, as Figure 2 As shown, the opening 41 is formed on the side near the front end of the main body 40. The side near the front end refers to the side that is inside the stomach when the main body 40 is inserted into the patient's body.

[0049] In this embodiment, three openings 41 are formed on the side of the main body 40. Furthermore, all three openings 41 are circular in shape and of the same size. Additionally, the three openings 41 are arranged in a row along the long axis of the main body 40.

[0050] Furthermore, the number, shape, size, and arrangement of the openings 41 are not limited to this method. For example, at least one opening 41 may be formed on the side of the main body 40, i.e., near the front end of the main body 40. Alternatively, the shapes and / or sizes of the multiple openings 41 may also be different.

[0051] The light-transmitting portion 42 is a component for emitting light from the light source 200. The light-transmitting portion 42 is formed at one end (front end) of the main body portion 40. The light-transmitting portion 42 has a hemispherical surface shape. The term "hemisphere" here is not limited to a perfect hemisphere, but also includes a roughly hemispherical surface formed by deforming a perfect hemisphere. Here, "roughly hemispherical" refers to a shape capable of emitting light from the light source 200 at an illumination angle similar to that of the light-transmitting portion 42 of a perfect hemisphere.

[0052] The light-transmitting portion 42 is formed of a light-transmitting material. Specific materials for the light-transmitting portion 42 may include, for example, silicone, polypropylene, elastomers, fluoropolymers, etc.

[0053] The light-transmitting portion 42 has a curved portion 42a and a bottom portion 42b. The curved portion 42a is a hemispherical part of the surface of the light-transmitting portion 42. The bottom portion 42b is a flat part of the surface of the light-transmitting portion 42. The bottom portion 42b is circular in shape, and its diameter is equal to the diameter of the main body portion 40. The bottom portion 42b of the light-transmitting portion 42 is connected to the end face 40c on the front end side of the main body portion 40. Alternatively, the main body portion 40 and the light-transmitting portion 42 can be integrally formed.

[0054] [Propagation of light]

[0055] Next refer to Figure 3 The propagation of light from the light source 200 before it exits from the front end of the medical tube 4 is explained.

[0056] When the position of the front end of the medical tubing 4 is confirmed, inside the medical tubing 4, as follows: Figure 3 The light guide 3 is inserted as shown. Alternatively, the medical tubing 4 can be inserted into the patient's body with the light guide 3 inserted inside the medical tubing 4. Or, the light guide 3 can be inserted into the medical tubing 4 after it has been inserted into the patient's body.

[0057] In addition, Figure 3The text indicates a configuration where the front end of the light guide 3 is in contact with the bottom surface 42b of the light-transmitting portion 42. However, this configuration is not limited to any structure where light emitted from the front end of the light guide 3 enters the light-transmitting portion 42 from the bottom surface 42b. For example, the bottom surface 42b of the light-transmitting portion 42 and the front end of the light guide 3 may be spaced apart.

[0058] exist Figure 3 In this state, light from the light source 200 first enters the light guide 3 from its base end. The light incident on the light guide 3 is repeatedly reflected within the light guide 3 and propagates to the front end of the light guide 3. Light reaching the front end of the light guide 3 enters the light-transmitting portion 42 from its bottom surface 42b. Figure 3 ).

[0059] A portion of the light incident on the light-transmitting portion 42 exits from the curved surface 42a to the outside of the light-transmitting portion 42. In this case, the direction of light travel changes according to the refractive index of the light-transmitting portion 42 and the angle of incidence on the curved surface 42a. Figure 3 In addition, another part of the light incident on the light-transmitting part 42 is reflected more than once at the curved surface 42a or the bottom surface 42b, and then exits from the curved surface 42a to the outside of the light-transmitting part 42.

[0060] In this case, the direction of light travel also changes according to the refractive index of the light-transmitting part 42 and the angle of incidence on the curved part 42a.

[0061] As described above, light incident on the light-transmitting portion 42 is refracted at the curved portion 42a and emitted in multiple directions.

[0062] <Second Implementation>

[0063] (Medical tubing position confirmation system)

[0064] Then use Figures 5-8 The medical tubing position confirmation system 5 of the second embodiment will be explained. Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the overall structure of the medical hose position confirmation system 5 according to this embodiment. Figures 6-8 This diagram illustrates the structure near the front end of the medical hose 6 in the medical hose position confirmation system 5 of this embodiment. Figure 6 This is a side view near the front end of the medical tubing 6. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The A-A′ sectional view shown. Furthermore, in Figure 7 The text also indicates the vicinity of the base end of the focusing part 21 and the medical hose 6. Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The B-B′ sectional view shown.

[0065] The medical hose location confirmation system 5 includes: a light source device 2 and a medical hose 6.

[0066] Compared to the medical tubing position confirmation system 1 of the first embodiment, the medical tubing position confirmation system 5 of this embodiment does not have a light guide 3. Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 Furthermore, the structure of the medical tubing 6 in this embodiment differs from that of the medical tubing 4 in the first embodiment.

[0067] The following description focuses on aspects that differ from the first embodiment.

[0068] [Medical tubing]

[0069] The medical tubing 6 comprises: a main body 60, an opening 61, a light-transmitting part 62, a first reflective layer 63, a second reflective layer 64, and a third reflective layer 65.

[0070] The main body 60 differs from the main body 40 of the first embodiment in that the main body 60 itself transmits light from the light source 200. The main body 60 is formed of a light-transmitting material.

[0071] Light from the light source 200 enters the main body 60 from the end face of the base end of the main body 60.

[0072] Three openings 61 are formed (openings 61a, 61b, and 61c). The shape, size, and arrangement of the three openings 61 are the same as those of the opening 41 in the first embodiment. Of the three openings 61, opening 61a is the opening 61 closest to the base end side. Furthermore, the number of openings 61 is not limited to three; at least one is sufficient.

[0073] A light-transmitting portion 62 is formed at one end (front end) of the main body portion 60. The light-transmitting portion 62 has a curved surface portion 62a and a bottom surface portion 62b. The detailed structure and materials of the light-transmitting portion 62 (curved surface portion 62a and bottom surface portion 62b) are the same as those of the light-transmitting portion 41 in the first embodiment.

[0074] Furthermore, when the main body 60 and the light-transmitting portion 62 are formed of different materials, a portion of the light from the light source 200 is reflected at the interface between the main body 60 and the light-transmitting portion 62 and does not incident on the light-transmitting portion 62, resulting in light loss. Therefore, it is preferable that the main body 60 and the light-transmitting portion 62 are formed of the same material. Additionally, if the main body 60 and the light-transmitting portion 62 are separate components and the medical tube 6 is formed by joining the main body 60 and the light-transmitting portion 62 together, a portion of the light from the light source 200 is reflected at the interface between the main body 60 and the light-transmitting portion 62 and does not incident on the light-transmitting portion 62, resulting in light loss. Therefore, it is preferable that the main body 60 and the light-transmitting portion 62 are integrally formed.

[0075] The first reflective layer 63 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 60a of the main body 60. Figure 7 , Figure 8 The second reflective layer 64 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 60b of the main body 60. Figure 7 , Figure 8 The third reflective layer 65 is disposed on the side of the opening 61. Figure 7 , Figure 8 ).

[0076] With this structure, light incident on the main body 60 is repeatedly reflected by the first reflective layer 63, the second reflective layer 64 and the third reflective layer 65 and propagates inside the main body 60, as will be described later.

[0077] The first reflective layer 63, the second reflective layer 64, and the third reflective layer 65 are formed of a light-reflecting material. The first reflective layer 63, the second reflective layer 64, and the third reflective layer 65 can be formed of different materials or of the same material. For example, the first reflective layer 63, the second reflective layer 64, and the third reflective layer 65 can be formed by coating the main body 60 with a light-reflecting material after the main body 60 has been formed.

[0078] [Propagation of light]

[0079] Next refer to Figure 7 The propagation of light from the light source 200 before it exits from the front end of the medical tube 6 is explained.

[0080] When the position of the front end of the medical tubing 6 is confirmed, the light emitted from the light source 200 first enters the main body 60 from the end face of the base end of the main body 60. Figure 7 Light incident on the main body 60 is repeatedly reflected by the first reflective layer 63 and the second reflective layer 64, and propagates towards the front end of the main body 60. Figure 7 Light reaching the front end of the main body 60 enters the light-transmitting part 62 from the bottom part 62b of the light-transmitting part 62. Figure 7 ).

[0081] Furthermore, a portion of the light incident on the main body 60 reaches and is reflected by the third reflective layer 65, which is formed on the side of the opening 61a furthest from the front end. Figure 6 The light reflected by the third reflective layer 65 propagates inside the main body 60. Therefore, light incident on the main body 60 will not escape from the opening 61 to the outside of the main body 60.

[0082] As described above, the light-transmitting portion 62 is the same component as the light-transmitting portion 42 in the first embodiment. Therefore, regarding the light incident on the light-transmitting portion 62, similar to the light propagation described in the first embodiment, it is refracted at the curved surface 62a of the light-transmitting portion 62 and emitted in multiple directions.

[0083] (Modified Example)

[0084] The structure of the medical tubing position confirmation system 5 has been described above, but the number, shape, size, and arrangement of the openings 61 are not limited to those described above. The following describes variations of the openings 61.

[0085] <Variation Example 1>

[0086] Figure 9 This is a side view near the front end of the medical tubing 6 in this modified example. Figure 10 This is an unfolded view of the main body 60 of this modified example, showing a cut along a straight line along the long axis of the main body 60 and extending in a plane.

[0087] In this example, among the three openings (opening 61b, opening 61c, and opening 61d), the shape of opening 61d, located furthest from the front end, differs from the shapes of the other openings 61. Specifically, opening 61d is wider as it approaches the front end. In this modified example, opening 61d is triangular. Preferably, the triangle is an isosceles triangle. Figure 10 The vertex angle θ1 shown is less than 90 degrees.

[0088] Figure 10 The straight line L1 shown is one of the lines parallel to the major axis of the main body 60. The straight line L1 intersects the edge of the opening 61 at six points. Figure 10 Point P1 shown is the intersection point closest to the base end among these six intersection points, and is one of the intersection points of line L1 and the edge of opening 61d. Line L2 is the connection point of the edge of opening 61d at intersection point P1.

[0089] like Figure 10 As shown, for example, regarding light incident on the main body 60 and propagating along a straight line L1, the light reaches the third reflective layer 65 formed on the side of the opening 61d and is reflected at point P1 (in... Figure 10(The arrow in the image represents reflected light). Here, for example... Figure 10 As shown, the light reflected by the third reflective layer 65 propagates towards the front end of the main body 60 (i.e., it does not change its propagation direction towards the base end of the main body 60). This is because the shape of the opening 61d, i.e., the vertex angle θ1 of the isosceles triangle, is less than 90 degrees. Therefore, regarding the light from the light source 200, even if reflection occurs at the third reflective layer 65, it will reach the front end of the main body 60 more reliably and easily enter the light-transmitting portion 62.

[0090] <Variation Example 2>

[0091] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the unfolded shape of the main body 60. In this example, the difference from modified example 1 is that, among the three openings 61 (openings 61b, 61c, 61e), the opening 61e closest to the base end is rhomboid in shape.

[0092] Figure 11 The straight line L3 shown is one of the straight lines parallel to the major axis of the main body 60. The straight line L3 intersects the edge of the opening 61 at six points. Figure 11 Point P2 shown is the intersection point closest to the base end side among these six intersection points, and is one of the intersection points of line L3 and the edge of opening 61e. Figure 11 The straight line L4 shown is the connection point at the intersection P2 and the edge of the opening 61e.

[0093] exist Figure 11 In the unfolded diagram shown, light propagating along line L3 is reflected at point P2 by the third reflective layer 65. Here, point P2 is any point on either side of the base end side of the edge of the opening 61e. The shape of the opening 61e can be determined simply by ensuring that the angle θ2 between line L3 and line L4 is less than 45 degrees. This structure allows light reflected by the third reflective layer 65 to propagate towards the front end side.

[0094] <Variation Example 3>

[0095] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the unfolded form of the main body 60. In this example, the difference from variant 1 is that six openings 61 (openings 61b, 61c, 61d, 61f, 61g, and 61h) are formed.

[0096] Six openings 61 are arranged in two rows along the long axis of the main body 60. A [missing information - likely a type of opening] is formed on one row. Figure 10The variant 1 shown has the same three openings 61 (openings 61b, 61c, 61d). Three more openings 61 (openings 61f, 61g, 61h) are formed on another column. Of the openings 61f, 61g, and 61h, opening 61f is the one closest to the base end. The shapes and sizes of openings 61f, 61g, and 61h are the same as those of openings 61d, 61b, and 61c, respectively.

[0097] Figure 11 The straight line L5 shown is one of the straight lines parallel to the major axis of the main body 60. The straight line L5 intersects the edges of the openings 61 (openings 61d, 61b, 61c) at six points. Figure 12 Point P3 shown is the intersection point closest to the base end side among these six intersection points, and is one of the intersection points of line L5 and the edge of opening 61d. Figure 12 The straight line L6 shown is the connection point at the intersection P3 and the edge of the opening 61d.

[0098] Similarly, line L7 is another line parallel to the major axis of the main body 60. Line L7 intersects the edges of the openings 61 (openings 61f, 61g, 61h) at six points. Figure 12 Point P4 shown is the intersection point closest to the base end side among these six intersection points, and is one of the intersection points of line L7 and the edge of opening 61f. Figure 13 The straight line L8 shown is the connection point at the intersection P4 and the edge of the opening 61f.

[0099] In this example, the number, shape, size, and arrangement of the openings 61 can be determined by ensuring that the angles θ3 formed by lines L5 and L6, and θ4 formed by lines L7 and L8, are all smaller than 45 degrees.

[0100] <Variation Example 4>

[0101] Figure 12 This shows the unfolded view of the main body 60. In this example, it is related to... Figure 12 Similarly, the example forms six openings 61 (openings 61d, 61f, 61i, 61j, 61k, 61l).

[0102] Furthermore, the six openings 61 are arranged in two rows along the long axis of the main body 60. Three openings 61 (openings 61d, 61i, and 61j) are formed in one row. Of these openings 61d, 61i, and 61j, opening 61d is the one closest to the base end. Three openings 61 (openings 61f, 61k, and 61l) are formed in the other row. Of these openings 61f, 61k, and 61l, opening 61f is the one closest to the base end.

[0103] In this example, with ​ The difference between the examples is that, among the openings 61 arranged in each column, the openings 61 other than the one closest to the base end (openings 61d, 61f) (openings 61i, 61j, 61k, 61l) are rectangular. Furthermore, the shapes and sizes of the openings 61i, 61j, 61k, and 61l are not limited to being the same, and may also be different from each other.

[0104] The number, shape, size, and arrangement of such openings 61 also satisfy the conditions described in Modification Example 2. That is, there are no restrictions on the shape of the openings 61 (openings 61i, 61j, 61k, 61l) other than the openings 61 closest to the base end side (openings 61d, 61f).

[0105] (Summarize)

[0106] As described above, the medical tubing 4, 6 has: a tubular main body 40, 60; at least one opening 41, 61 formed on the side of the main body 40, 60; and a light-transmitting portion 42, 62 for emitting light from the light source 200, the light-transmitting portion 42, 62 being formed at one end of the main body 40, 60 and having a hemispherical surface shape.

[0107] Because of the light-transmitting portions 42 and 62, light from the light source 200 is refracted and emitted from the surfaces of the light-transmitting portions 42 and 62. Furthermore, because the surfaces of the light-transmitting portions 42 and 62 are hemispherical, light from the light source 200 is emitted in multiple directions. That is, with this structure, the angle of illumination of light from the light source 200 is increased compared to the case without the light-transmitting portions 42 and 62. Therefore, light can be seen from the outside regardless of the orientation of the tips of the medical tubing 4 and 6 inserted into the patient's body. In other words, the position of the tips of the medical tubing 4 and 6 can be easily confirmed from the outside.

[0108] Regarding the medical tubing 4, a light guide 3 can be inserted into the hollow portion of the main body 40. This light guide 3 is used to transmit light from the light source 200 to the light-transmitting portion 42. With this structure, light from the light source 200 can be efficiently transmitted to the light-transmitting portion 42 via the light guide 3.

[0109] The medical tubing 6 also includes: a first reflective layer 63 disposed throughout the inner peripheral surface of the main body 60, a second reflective layer 64 disposed throughout the outer peripheral surface of the main body 60, and a third reflective layer 65 disposed throughout the side surface of at least one opening 61, wherein the main body 60 is translucent. This structure allows light from the light source 200 to propagate within the main body 60.

[0110] That is, it is not necessary to insert optical fibers or other light guides 3 into the hollow part of the main body 60. Therefore, it is easy to make the medical tubing 6 have a smaller diameter.

[0111] In the medical tubing 6, the first reflective layer 63, the second reflective layer 64, and the third reflective layer 65 are made of the same material. This structure simplifies the manufacturing of the medical tubing 6.

[0112] In the medical tubing 6, the opening 61, located furthest from one end, is wider as it approaches one end. With this structure, when light from the light source 200 is reflected by the third reflective layer 65, it easily travels towards the front end of the main body 60. Therefore, light from the light source 200 can be efficiently emitted from the light-transmitting portion 62. That is, light loss from the light source 200 can be suppressed.

[0113] In the medical tubing 6, the opening 61 is triangular in shape. With this structure, light from the light source 200, after being reflected by the third reflective layer 65, travels more easily towards the front end of the main body 40. Therefore, light from the light source 200 can be emitted more efficiently from the light-transmitting portion 62. That is, light loss from the light source 200 can be further suppressed.

[0114] In the medical tubing 6, the triangle is an isosceles triangle with a vertex angle less than 90 degrees. With this structure, compared to cases where the vertex angle is 90 degrees or greater, light from the light source 200, after being reflected by the third reflective layer 65, travels more easily towards the front end of the main body 60. Therefore, compared to cases where the vertex angle is 90 degrees or greater, light from the light source 200 can be emitted from the light-transmitting portion 62 more efficiently. That is, compared to cases where the vertex angle is 90 degrees or greater, light loss from the light source 200 can be further suppressed.

[0115] In medical tubing 4 and 6, the main body portions 40 and 60 and the light-transmitting portions 42 and 62 are formed of a material selected from the group consisting of silicone, polypropylene, elastomers, and fluoropolymers. This structure simplifies the manufacturing of medical tubing 4 and 6. Furthermore, in medical tubing 6, compared to cases where the main body portion 60 and the light-transmitting portion 62 are formed of different materials, light reflection at the interface between the main body portion 60 and the light-transmitting portion 62 can be suppressed. Therefore, light from the light source 200 can be efficiently emitted from the light-transmitting portions 42 and 62, and light loss from the light source 200 can be suppressed.

[0116] The medical tubing position confirmation system 1, 5 includes: a light source 200; tubular main body portions 40, 60; at least one opening 41, 61 formed on the side of the main body portions 40, 60; a light-transmitting portion 42, 62 for emitting light from the light source 200, the light-transmitting portion 42, 62 being formed at one end of the main body portions 40, 60 and having a hemispherical surface shape; and a light guide 3, which can be inserted into the main body portions 40, 60 to transmit light from the light source 200 to the light-transmitting portion 42, 62.

[0117] Because the medical tubing 4 and 6 have light-transmitting portions 42 and 62, light from the light source 200 is refracted and emitted from the surfaces of the light-transmitting portions 42 and 62. Furthermore, because the surfaces of the light-transmitting portions 42 and 62 are hemispherical, light from the light source 200 is emitted in multiple directions. That is, with this structure, the angle of illumination of light from the light source 200 is increased compared to the case without the light-transmitting portions 42 and 62. Therefore, the position of the front ends of the medical tubing 4 and 6 can be easily determined from outside the body, regardless of the orientation of the front ends inserted into the patient's body.

[0118] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0119] 1, 5 - Medical hose position confirmation system; 2 - Light source device; 20 - Housing; 21 - Focusing part; 200 - Light source; 3 - Light guide; 4, 6 - Medical hose; 40, 60 - Main body; 41, 61 - Opening; 42, 62 - Transmitting part; 42a, 62a - Curved part; 42b, 62b - Bottom part; 63 - First reflective layer; 64 - Second reflective layer; 65 - Third reflective layer.

Claims

1. A medical flexible tube, comprising: The main body is hollow and tubular, and is designed to conduct light from the light source itself. At least one opening is formed on the side of the main body; A light-transmitting portion, which is formed at one end of the main body and has a hemispherical surface shape, is used to allow light to be emitted. A first reflective layer is provided throughout the inner peripheral surface of the main body; A second reflective layer is provided all over the outer peripheral surface of the main body; as well as A third reflective layer is disposed along the sides of the at least one opening. The main body is translucent.

2. The medical tubing according to claim 1, characterized in that, Regarding the main body, a light guide can be inserted inside the main body for transmitting light from the light source to the light-transmitting part.

3. The medical tubing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first reflective layer, the second reflective layer, and the third reflective layer are made of the same material.

4. The medical tubing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The shape of the opening located at the position furthest from the said end side is such that it becomes wider as it gets closer to the said end side.

5. The medical tubing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The opening is triangular in shape.

6. The medical tubing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The triangle is an isosceles triangle with a vertex angle less than 90 degrees.

7. The medical tubing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The main body and the light-transmitting part are formed of a material selected from the group consisting of silicone, polypropylene, and fluoropolymer.

8. A medical tubing position confirmation system, comprising a light source and a medical tubing, The medical flexible tube comprises: a hollow tubular body configured to conduct light from the light source; at least one opening formed on a side of the body; a light-transmitting portion formed at one end of the body and having a hemispherical surface shape for emitting light; a first reflective layer disposed over the inner circumferential surface of the body; a second reflective layer disposed over the outer circumferential surface of the body; and a third reflective layer disposed over the side of the at least one opening, wherein the body is light-transmitting.

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