Light irradiation apparatus and light irradiation system

Abstract

A long medical light irradiation device (2) is provided with an optical fiber (210) that transmits light emitted from a light source to a tip section. The front end part of the optical fiber (210) is formed on a bending part (220) which is bent relative to the axial direction of a base end part connected with the front end part. The light irradiation device (2) emits light in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the base end portion by emitting light from the tip of the bent portion (220) of the optical fiber (210).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light irradiation device and a light irradiation system which are inserted into a lumen of a living body and irradiate light. Background Art

[0002] As one of the technologies for treating diseases, PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) is known. In PDT, after a photosensitive substance is administered to a living body, light is irradiated to the living body. As a result, there is a possibility that cancer cells will be exterminated due to the active oxygen generated in the cancer cells. However, in PDT, it is difficult to selectively accumulate photosensitive substances in cancer cells. The generation of side effects caused by the ingestion of photosensitive substances by normal cells has become a subject of PDT.

[0003] In contrast, NIR-PIT (Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy) has been proposed in recent years. In NIR-PIT, a complex is used that combines two compounds, an antibody against a specific antigen of a cancer cell and a photosensitive substance. If the complex is administered to a living body, the complex tends to selectively accumulate in cancer cells in the body. Thereafter, the complex is activated by irradiating the complex with light of an excitation wavelength (e.g., including a wavelength of 690 nm, etc.) of the photosensitive substance in the complex (e.g., refer to Patent Document 1, etc.). In NIR-PIT, if the complex is selectively accumulated in cancer cells by antibodies and light is locally irradiated to the cancer cells, side effects are less likely to be generated compared to PDT.

[0004] The wavelength band including 690nm is also called the biological spectral window, which is a wavelength band where biological components absorb less light than other wavelength bands. On the other hand, light including the wavelength band of 690nm is difficult to penetrate into the body even if irradiated from the body surface, so irradiation from the body surface is difficult to treat cancer deep in the body.

[0005] Therefore, a technology for irradiating light from a position closer to cancer cells instead of irradiating light from the body surface has been proposed. For example, the light irradiation device described in Patent Document 2 transmits light emitted by an external light source to the front end through an optical fiber and then emits it in one direction to the side. Prior Art Literature Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-523907; Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-867. Summary of the invention

[0007] In the light irradiation device described in Patent Document 2, the axial direction of the optical fiber that transmits the light emitted by the light source is consistent with the axial direction of the light irradiation device until the front end. That is, the axial direction of the front end of the optical fiber is parallel to the axial direction of the light irradiation device. Therefore, in the light irradiation device of Patent Document 2, in order to make the light emit in a direction intersecting with the axial direction (lateral direction), it is necessary to provide a resin body that connects the core material of the optical fiber to a part of the side of the light irradiation device or a reflector that reflects the light emitted in the axial direction toward the lateral direction. As a result, the structure of the front end of the light irradiation device becomes complicated. Furthermore, when the light passes through the resin body, etc., the energy loss of the light is also likely to occur. Therefore, in the existing light irradiation device, it is difficult to efficiently emit light in a direction intersecting with the axial direction with a simple structure.

[0008] A typical object of the present disclosure is to provide a light irradiation device and a light irradiation system capable of efficiently emitting light in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of a main body having an elongated shape with a simple configuration.

[0009] The light irradiation device provided in a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is a medical light irradiation device that is long and emits light from the front end, and is equipped with an optical fiber that transmits light emitted by a light source to the front end, the front end of the optical fiber is formed at a curved portion that is bent in the axial direction relative to the base end to which the front end is connected, and the front end of the curved portion becomes the front end of the emitted light in the light irradiation device, and light is emitted in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the base end by emitting light from the front end of the curved portion in the optical fiber.

[0010] The light irradiation system provided in a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is a medical light irradiation system, comprising: a catheter, which is formed in the shape of a long tube; and a light irradiation device, which is in the shape of a long strip, is inserted into the inner cavity of the aforementioned catheter, and emits light from the front end portion, the aforementioned light irradiation device comprises an optical fiber that transmits light emitted by the light source to the front end portion, the front end portion of the aforementioned optical fiber is formed in a curved portion that is bent in the axial direction relative to the base end portion to which the aforementioned front end portion is connected, and the front end portion of the aforementioned curved portion becomes the front end portion of the emitted light in the aforementioned light irradiation device, and by emitting light from the aforementioned front end portion of the aforementioned curved portion in the aforementioned optical fiber, light is emitted in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the aforementioned base end portion.

[0011] According to the light irradiation device and the light irradiation system according to the present disclosure, light can be efficiently emitted in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the long strip-shaped main body with a simple configuration.

[0012] The light irradiation device disclosed in the present invention is a medical light irradiation device that is long and emits light from the front end. The light irradiation device includes an optical fiber that transmits light emitted by a light source to the front end. The front end of the optical fiber is formed in a curved portion that is bent in the axial direction relative to the base end to which the front end is connected. The front end of the curved portion in the optical fiber becomes the front end of the emitted light in the light irradiation device. The light irradiation device emits light in a direction that intersects the axial direction of the base end by emitting light from the front end of the curved portion in the optical fiber.

[0013] According to the light irradiation device disclosed in the present invention, light is directly emitted from the front end portion of the curved portion in the optical fiber in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the base end portion. Therefore, the structure of the front end portion of the light irradiation device is suppressed from becoming complicated, and at the same time, the emission of light in a direction intersecting with the axial direction is achieved. Furthermore, light is directly emitted from the front end portion of the curved portion of the optical fiber to the outside of the light irradiation device, so it is difficult to generate energy loss of light compared to the case where a resin body is provided for adjusting the emission direction of light. Therefore, light is efficiently emitted in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the main body of the light irradiation device, which is a long strip, with a simple structure.

[0014] Furthermore, the number of optical fibers provided in the light irradiation device may be one or more. When using multiple optical fibers, by forming the front ends of the multiple optical fibers into curved portions, light is appropriately emitted in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the light irradiation device body.

[0015] In addition, when using a plurality of optical fibers, a part of the plurality of optical fibers may be used as an aiming light transmitting unit for transmitting aiming light for determining the irradiation position of the light. In this case, the medical practitioner can appropriately determine the irradiation position of the light for treatment by confirming the position of the irradiated aiming light.

[0016] Alternatively, the entire front end of the light irradiation device may be bent relative to the axial direction together with the front end of the optical fiber. In this case, the medical practitioner can properly grasp the direction of light emission by grasping the bending direction of the front end of the light irradiation device. Therefore, the accuracy of treatment is easily further improved.

[0017] However, it is also possible to bend only the front end of the optical fiber provided in the light irradiation device without bending the front end of the light irradiation device. In this case, light can be efficiently emitted in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the main body of the long light irradiation device with a simple structure.

[0018] Alternatively, a bending portion marker having a non-radioactive line may be provided at least in part of the bending portion of the front end portion in the light irradiation device. In this case, when a medical practitioner (e.g., a doctor, etc.) uses radiation (e.g., X-rays, etc.) to photograph the inside of a living body and simultaneously irradiates light to the living body tissue through the light irradiation device, the position of the front end portion and the bending direction (i.e., the direction in which light is emitted) can be properly grasped by confirming the bending portion marker displayed in the photographed image. Therefore, the accuracy of treatment can be further improved.

[0019] Alternatively, the front end portion of the curved portion of the optical fiber may be cut obliquely in a manner such that the cut surface faces the direction of the axis away from the base end portion of the optical fiber. In this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the core material of the optical fiber exposed in the cut surface increases compared to the case where the cut surface is perpendicular to the axis. Therefore, even if an optical fiber having a large core material diameter is not used, it is easy to ensure the cross-sectional area of ​​the core material of the emitted light. Therefore, it becomes easy to miniaturize the light irradiation device.

[0020] Alternatively, the light intensity at the time when light is emitted from the tip of the optical fiber to the outside of the light irradiation device is 100 W / cm 2 Above and 10000W / cm 2 In this case, it is easy to appropriately obtain the therapeutic effect by irradiating the photosensitizing substance with light.

[0021] Furthermore, the light intensity at the time when light is emitted from the light irradiation device to the outside may be more preferably 500 W / cm 2 Above and 5000W / cm 2 Below, more preferably 800W / cm 2 Above and 2000W / cm 2 As an example, in the present disclosure, the light irradiation density at the time when light is emitted from the light irradiation device to the outside is set to about 1273 W / cm 2 . The above-mentioned conditions for the light intensity can be applied regardless of the number of optical fibers provided in the light irradiation device. For example, when light is simultaneously emitted from a plurality of optical fibers to combine the light, the above-mentioned conditions for the light intensity of the combined light can also be applied.

[0022] Alternatively, the light irradiation device may further include a rigidity imparting portion for increasing the rigidity of at least a portion of the portion where the curved portion is located. By providing the rigidity imparting portion, for example, the angle of the curved portion relative to the axial direction of the base end portion of the optical fiber can be stabilized. In addition, in the case of rotating and pushing operations of the curved portion, the possibility of unexpected angle changes of the curved portion is reduced by the rigidity imparting portion. Therefore, the accuracy of the treatment is easily further improved.

[0023] Alternatively, the rigidity imparting portion includes a front rigidity imparting portion that covers at least the front end of the bending portion using a material that transmits light emitted from the front end of the bending portion. In this case, the rigidity of the front end of the bending portion is improved by the front rigidity imparting portion, and the light emitted from the front end of the bending portion transmits the front rigidity imparting portion and irradiates the biological tissue. Therefore, the operability of the rotating operation and the pushing operation of the bending portion is easily improved.

[0024] Alternatively, the rigidity imparting portion includes a base end rigidity imparting portion disposed in the curved portion closer to the base end than the most distal end portion. In this case, the possibility of unexpected angle changes etc. occurring closer to the base end than the most distal end portion of the curved portion is appropriately reduced. Thus, the accuracy of treatment is easily further improved.

[0025] In addition, the material of the base end rigidity imparting portion does not need to be a material with light transmittance. Therefore, regarding the material of the base end rigidity imparting portion, many kinds of materials can be used. For example, regarding the material of the base end rigidity imparting portion, a material (such as metal, etc.) with higher rigidity than the material of the front end rigidity imparting portion can also be used. In this case, the front end rigidity imparting portion takes into account both the transmission of light and the imparting of rigidity, and at the same time, the base end rigidity imparting portion further reduces the possibility of the angle change of the bending portion, etc. Therefore, it is easy to perform treatment more appropriately.

[0026] Alternatively, the light irradiation device may further include a magnetic component that uses a magnetic force generated by being placed in a magnetic field to guide at least one of the position and direction of the curved portion in the living body. In this case, when the light irradiation device is inserted into the living body, at least one of the position and direction of the curved portion of the light irradiation device is appropriately guided. Therefore, it is easy to perform treatment more appropriately.

[0027] In addition, the light irradiation device may include a light emitting component at the front end portion that uses wireless power supply to emit light to indicate the position of the bending portion. At least a portion of the light emitting component may also be composed of a magnetic component. In this case, not only can the position and direction of the bending portion of the light irradiation device be indicated by making the light emitting component emit light, but at least one of the position and direction of the bending portion can also be guided by making the light emitting component generate a magnetic force. In addition, the magnetic component can also serve as the aforementioned rigidity imparting portion. In this case, multiple useful functions are imparted to the light irradiation device while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0028] The light irradiation system disclosed in the present invention comprises a catheter and a light irradiation device. The catheter is formed in the shape of a long tube and has flexibility. The light irradiation device is in the shape of a long strip, is inserted into the inner cavity of the catheter, and emits light from the front end portion. The light irradiation device comprises an optical fiber that transmits light emitted by a light source to the front end portion. The front end portion of the optical fiber is formed in a curved portion that is bent in the axial direction relative to the base end portion to which the front end portion is connected. The front end portion of the curved portion in the optical fiber becomes the front end portion of the emitted light in the light irradiation device. The light irradiation system emits light in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the base end portion by emitting light from the front end portion of the curved portion in the optical fiber.

[0029] According to the light irradiation system disclosed in the present invention, light is directly emitted from the front end portion of the curved portion in the optical fiber in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the base end portion. Therefore, the structure of the front end portion of the light irradiation device is suppressed from becoming complicated, and at the same time, the emission of light in a direction intersecting with the axial direction is achieved. Furthermore, light is directly emitted from the front end portion of the curved portion of the optical fiber to the outside of the light irradiation device, so it is difficult to generate energy loss of light compared to the case where a resin body is provided for adjusting the emission direction of light. Therefore, light is efficiently emitted in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the main body of the light irradiation device, which is a long strip. In addition, regarding the structure of the light irradiation device used in the light irradiation system, at least any one of the multiple structures of the aforementioned light irradiation device can be adopted.

[0030] Alternatively, a shape retaining portion may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the catheter in the shape of a long tube. The shape retaining portion protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the catheter, thereby contacting the curved portion of the light irradiation device pushed into the inner cavity of the catheter to maintain the shape of the curved portion. In this case, the curved portion of the light irradiation device contacts the shape retaining portion, thereby maintaining the curved portion at an appropriate position and an appropriate angle in the catheter. Therefore, the light emitted from the front end of the curved portion can more accurately irradiate the target position in the biological tissue. Therefore, the accuracy of the treatment can be further improved.

[0031] Alternatively, the surface of the shape retaining portion facing the base end may be inclined in a direction closer to the base end as it moves toward the inner side of the catheter. In this case, the curved portion contacts the surface of the shape retaining portion facing the base end, so that the angle of the curved portion can be more reliably inclined relative to the axial direction of the base end of the optical fiber. Therefore, it is easier to properly irradiate light in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

[0032] Alternatively, the catheter may include a protruding marking portion having a non-radioactive line on at least a portion of the shape retaining portion. In this case, when a medical practitioner (e.g., a doctor) photographs the inside of a living body using radiation (e.g., X-rays) and irradiates the living body tissue with a laser through a light irradiation device, the medical practitioner (e.g., a doctor) can appropriately grasp the position of the shape retaining portion with which the curved portion of the light irradiation device contacts by confirming the position of the protruding marking portion displayed in the photographed image. Therefore, the accuracy of treatment is easily further improved.

[0033] Alternatively, when the catheter is viewed from the axial direction, the plurality of shape retaining portions may be disposed at a plurality of positions on the inner circumferential surface of the catheter at different angles in the circumferential direction. In this case, the medical practitioner can easily and correctly adjust the irradiation direction of the light by selecting the shape retaining portion located in the direction in which the light is to be emitted from among the plurality of shape retaining portions at different positions in the circumferential direction and contacting the curved portion of the light irradiation device. Thus, the accuracy of the treatment can be further improved.

[0034] Alternatively, the plurality of shape retaining portions may be disposed at a plurality of positions spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the catheter. In this case, the medical practitioner, knowing the axial position of the target shape retaining portion, can easily bring the curved portion into contact with the target shape retaining portion by advancing the curved portion of the light irradiation device in the axial direction.

[0035] In addition, the details of the method of configuring the plurality of shape retaining parts can be appropriately selected. For example, it is also possible to configure the plurality of shape retaining parts along the spiral shape on the inner circumferential surface of the catheter in the shape of a long tube. In this case, the medical practitioner can more easily select the shape retaining part as the target for the curved part to contact among the plurality of shape retaining parts. In addition, it is also possible to make the positions of the plurality of shape retaining parts in the axial direction consistent. In addition, it is also possible to set only one shape retaining part on the inner circumferential surface of the catheter.

[0036] Alternatively, the length of each of the plurality of shape retaining portions from the inner circumferential surface of the catheter to the inner end portion may be less than 1 / 2 of the inner diameter of the catheter. In this case, when the medical practitioner makes the curved portion contact with the shape retaining portion that is closer to the front end side in the axial direction than the specific shape retaining portion, the curved portion can be prevented from contacting the specific shape retaining portion, thereby advancing the light irradiation device toward the front end side. Therefore, the operability when advancing the light irradiation device in the catheter is improved.

[0037] Alternatively, a light detection transmission component that transmits light incident to the front end of the catheter or light irradiation device to the light sensor or a light sensor disposed at the front end may be further provided. In this case, the light sensor appropriately detects the state of light incident to the front end of the light irradiation system. Furthermore, in the case where a light detection transmission component that transmits light incident to the front end to the light sensor is provided, the state of light at the front end is appropriately detected while suppressing the structure of the front end of the light irradiation device from becoming complicated. Furthermore, in the case where a light sensor is disposed at the front end of the catheter or light irradiation device, the light sensor at the front end directly detects the state of light at the front end. That is, it is difficult to produce specific changes in light that may occur in the process of transmitting light. Therefore, it is easy to detect the state of light more accurately.

[0038] In addition, other sensors may be provided at the front end of the light irradiation device separately from the optical sensor or together with the optical sensor. For example, a temperature sensor may be provided near the front end of the catheter. In this case, the temperature near the front end of the catheter is appropriately detected. Thus, for example, the temperature rise caused by the light emission can be appropriately grasped.

[0039] Alternatively, the catheter may include a plurality of temperature sensors. Alternatively, the temperature measurement position of each of the plurality of temperature sensors may be arranged at each of the plurality of positions in the catheter. In this case, useful information is obtained based on the detection results of the temperature at each of the plurality of measurement positions. For example, the direction of the light irradiated by the light irradiation device can be confirmed by confirming which of the plurality of measurement positions has a higher temperature than the other measurement positions. In addition, medical practitioners can also improve the accuracy of treatment by more accurately grasping the temperature at each measurement position.

[0040] Alternatively, the catheter may further include wiring extending from the base end side to the front end side. Alternatively, at least one of the wirings may be arranged in a spiral shape in the catheter. By arranging the wiring in a spiral shape, it is easy to properly ensure the rigidity of the catheter in a long tube shape compared to a case where the wiring is arranged straight along the axial direction. Therefore, the accuracy of treatment is easy to be further improved.

[0041] In addition, the wiring arranged in a spiral shape can be appropriately selected. For example, the wiring of the temperature sensor (such as a thermocouple, etc.) can also be arranged in a spiral shape. In addition, when the measurement positions (measurement points) of multiple temperature sensors are arranged on the catheter, the measurement position of the temperature sensor can also be arranged at each of the multiple positions of the wiring arranged in a spiral shape. In this case, the measurement positions of multiple temperature sensors can be easily and appropriately arranged in each direction of the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the elongated catheter.

[0042] Alternatively, at least one of the wirings may include a material that does not transmit radiation. In this case, the position of the long catheter can be easily and appropriately grasped by radiographic imaging. Furthermore, when the wiring that does not transmit radiation is arranged in a spiral shape, the position of the catheter can be more easily grasped.

[0043] Alternatively, at least the portion of the catheter that transmits the light emitted from the most distal end of the light irradiation device may be formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of 0.1 W / m·K or more. In this case, for example, the distal end of the light irradiation device is easily cooled by blood flow or saline solution. Thus, the possibility of various adverse conditions due to the heat generated by the emitted light is reduced. As a result, it is easy to perform treatment more appropriately.

[0044] Alternatively, the catheter may further include a small part at the front end of the catheter coupled to the front end side. Alternatively, in the small part at the front end of the catheter, a through hole extending along the axial direction of the catheter may be formed with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the light irradiation device. Alternatively, at least a portion of the small part at the front end of the catheter may be formed of a material that is not radiopaque. In this case, a medical practitioner (such as a doctor) can configure the position of the catheter at an appropriate position by grasping the position of the small part at the front end displayed in an image captured using radiation. Thus, the accuracy of the treatment can be further improved. In addition, even in the case where a marking portion having radiopaque properties is provided at the front end of the catheter separately from the small part at the front end of the catheter, it is easy to grasp the position of the front end of the catheter.

[0045] The light source may also emit light with a wavelength of 300 nm or more and 2000 nm or less. More preferably, the light source may also emit laser light with a wavelength of 600 nm or more and 1000 nm or less. In this case, by using the light irradiation device disclosed in the present invention for the treatment of diseases using photosensitive substances, it is easy to appropriately obtain the therapeutic effect.

[0046] Alternatively, when the light irradiation device is inserted into the catheter, a cooling fluid flows into the inner cavity of the catheter. In this case, the cooling fluid is used to appropriately suppress adverse conditions (e.g., thermal damage to biological tissues, etc.) caused by the temperature rise caused by the light irradiation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the light irradiation system 1 in a state where the light irradiation device 2 and the conduit 3 are separated. Figure 2 It is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the front end portion of the light irradiation system 1 in a state where the light irradiation device 2 is attached to the guide tube 3 (in use state). Figure 3 It is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the front end portion of the light irradiation device 2 . Figure 4 This is a diagram of the column 310 of the catheter 3 as viewed from the proximal end side along the axis O3. Figure 5 The positions of the plurality of shape retaining parts 340 provided in the catheter 3 are shown by dotted lines. Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the device main body 212 of the light irradiation device 2 in the first modification. Figure 7 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the front end portion of the light irradiation system 1 according to the second modified example. Figure 8 It is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the distal end portion of the catheter 3 according to the third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Hereinafter, typical embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The light irradiation system 1 of the present embodiment is used by being inserted into the lumen of a living body (for example, at least one of a blood vessel, a lymph gland, a urethra, a respiratory tract, a digestive organ, a secretory gland, and a reproductive organ). The light irradiation system 1 irradiates light (in the present embodiment, laser) to the living body tissue while being inserted into the lumen of the living body. The light irradiation system can be used, for example, in at least one of the therapies such as PDT (Photodynamic Therapy: photodynamic therapy) and NIR-PIT (Near-infraredphotoimmunotherapy: near-infrared photoimmunotherapy).

[0049] The light irradiation system 1 of this embodiment includes a light irradiation device 2 and a catheter 3. When the light irradiation system 1 is used, the catheter 3 is first inserted into the lumen of the living body. Then, the light irradiation device 2 is inserted into the lumen 311 of the catheter 3 which is in the shape of a long tube. When the insertion is completed, light is irradiated from the light irradiation device 2 to the living body tissue. However, it is also possible to use only the light irradiation device 2 without using the catheter 3.

[0050] exist Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 In the figure, mutually orthogonal XY axes are illustrated. In these drawings, the lower side (+X direction) of the drawings is set as the "front end side", the upper side (-X direction) of the drawings is set as the "base end side", the left side (+Y direction) of the drawings is set as the "left side", and the right side (-Y direction) of the drawings is set as the "right side". The light irradiation system 1, the light irradiation device 2, and the catheter 3 are inserted into the lumen of the biological body from the front end side. The base end side is operated by a medical practitioner (such as a doctor, etc.).

[0051] (Light irradiation equipment) Reference Figures 1 to 3The light irradiation device 2 of this embodiment is described. The light irradiation device emits light from the front end. Figure 1 As shown, the shape of the light irradiation device 2 is a long strip. The light irradiation device 2 includes a connector 201 and an optical fiber 210. The connector 201 is located at the base end side of the light irradiation device 2 and is grasped by the operator. The connector 201 includes a pair of blades 202 and a connecting portion 203. The connecting portion 203 is a roughly cylindrical component. The blades 202 are connected to the base end of the connecting portion 203. The optical fiber 210 is connected to the inner side of the connecting portion 203. In addition, the blades 202 and the connecting portion 203 can also be formed integrally.

[0052] The base end of the optical fiber 210 is directly connected to the laser generating device (light source) 5 that generates laser light via a connector (not shown) or indirectly via other optical fibers. The front end of the optical fiber 210 is cut to remove the cladding and the covering. As a result, the light generated by the laser generating device 5 is transmitted to the front end through the optical fiber 210 and emitted from the core material at the center of the front end.

[0053] In detail, the optical fiber 210 of this embodiment includes: a first optical fiber having a front end portion for emitting light; and a second optical fiber connected to the base end side of the first optical fiber via a connector. The minimum value of the number of openings of the first optical fiber is greater than the maximum value of the number of openings of the second optical fiber. As a result, the loss when transmitting light as a whole of the optical fiber 210 is suppressed.

[0054] The first optical fiber comprises a first core material extending along the length direction (direction of the axis O2) of the light irradiation device 2 and a first cladding covering the outer peripheral surface (outer surface) of the first core material. The first core material is arranged approximately in the center of the first cladding and has a higher light refractive index than the first cladding. The refractive index of the first cladding is uniform. The first optical fiber utilizes the refractive index difference between the first core material and the first cladding to totally reflect the light, thereby transmitting the light. The first optical fiber of the present embodiment is a plastic optical fiber in which the first core material and the first cladding are both formed of resin. The first core material can be formed, for example, from at least any one of polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA: Polymethylmetacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polycarbonate, deuterated polymer, norbornene polymer, etc. In the first optical fiber, other optical fibers (for example, quartz glass optical fiber or multi-component glass optical fiber, etc.) can also be used instead of plastic optical fiber.

[0055] The second optical fiber is connected to the base end side of the first optical fiber. The second optical fiber has a second core material and a second cladding covering the outer peripheral surface (outer surface) of the second core material. The second optical fiber of the present embodiment is a quartz glass optical fiber in which the second core material and the second cladding are both formed of quartz (silicon dioxide). For example, the second core material 260c can be formed by using silicon dioxide as a main component and germanium dioxide, fluorine, etc. as additives. For example, the second cladding 260cl can be formed by pure quartz glass. In the second optical fiber 260, a plastic optical fiber or a multi-component glass optical fiber can also be used instead of the quartz glass optical fiber.

[0056] The laser generating device 5 may also emit a laser with a wavelength of 300 nm or more and 2000 nm or less. More preferably, the laser generating device 5 may also emit a laser with a wavelength of 600 nm or more and 1000 nm or less. In this case, by using the light irradiation device 2 for the treatment of a disease using a photosensitive substance, it is easy to obtain a therapeutic effect appropriately. In addition, in the present embodiment, the center wavelength of the laser emitted by the laser generating device 5 is set to about 690 nm.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Next, the configuration of the front end portion of the light irradiation device 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 2 It is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the vicinity of the front end portion of the light irradiation system 1 in a state where the light irradiation device 2 is attached to the guide tube 3 (in a state of use). Figure 3 FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the front end of the light irradiation device 2. Figure 3 As shown, the front end of the optical fiber is formed in a curved portion 220 that is bent in the direction of the axis O2 of the base end to which the front end is connected. The light irradiation device 2 emits light in a direction that intersects the direction of the axis O2 of the base end (in this embodiment, a direction that intersects obliquely with respect to the axis O2) by emitting light from the frontmost portion 221 of the curved portion 220 in the optical fiber 210. That is, the frontmost portion 221 of the curved portion 220 becomes the frontmost portion of the light emitted in the light irradiation device 2. In addition, the curved portion 220 may also emit light in a direction that intersects perpendicularly with respect to the direction of the axis O2 of the base end.

[0058] According to the light irradiation device 2 of the present embodiment, light is directly emitted from the front end portion 221 of the curved portion 220 in the optical fiber 210 in a direction intersecting with the direction of the axis O2 of the base end portion. Therefore, the structure of the front end portion of the light irradiation device 2 is suppressed from becoming complicated, and at the same time, the emission of light in a direction intersecting with the direction of the axis O2 is achieved. Furthermore, light is directly emitted from the front end portion 221 of the curved portion 220 of the optical fiber 210 to the outside of the light irradiation device 2, so that it is difficult to generate energy loss of light compared with the case where a resin body for adjusting the emission direction of light is provided. Therefore, light is efficiently emitted in a direction intersecting with the direction of the axis O2 of the main body of the light irradiation device 2, which is a long strip.

[0059] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the entire front end of the light irradiation device 2 is bent relative to the direction of the axis O2, so that the front end of the optical fiber 210 is bent. Therefore, by understanding the bending direction of the front end of the light irradiation device 2, medical practitioners can properly understand the direction of the emitted light. Therefore, the accuracy of treatment is easily further improved.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, at least a portion of the curved portion 220 in the optical fiber 210 of the light irradiation device 2 is provided with a curved portion marker 240 having a non-radioactive line. Therefore, when a medical practitioner (e.g., an operator, etc.) uses radiation (e.g., X-rays, etc.) to shoot the inside of a living body and simultaneously irradiates light to the living body tissue through the light irradiation device 2, by confirming the curved portion marker 240 displayed in the captured image, the position and bending direction of the curved portion 220 (i.e., the direction in which light is emitted) can be properly grasped. Therefore, the accuracy of treatment is easily further improved.

[0061] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the front end of the curved portion 220 of the optical fiber 210 is oriented with the cut surface (the most front end 221) toward the axis O2 away from the base end of the optical fiber 210 (see Figure 3 ) direction. As a result, the cross-sectional area of ​​the core material of the optical fiber 210 exposed in the cut surface increases compared to the case where the cut surface is perpendicular to the axis O2. Therefore, even if an optical fiber with a large core material diameter is not used, it is easy to ensure the cross-sectional area of ​​the core material of the outgoing light. Therefore, it becomes easy to miniaturize the light irradiation device 2.

[0062] like Figure 3As shown, a rigidity imparting portion 230 (230A, 230B) for improving the rigidity of the optical fiber 210 is provided at least in a portion of the portion where the curved portion 220 is located in the optical fiber 210. By providing the rigidity imparting portion 230, for example, the angle of the curved portion 220 relative to the axis O2 direction of the base end portion of the optical fiber 210 can be stabilized. In addition, when the curved portion 220 is rotated or pushed in, the possibility of an unexpected angle change of the curved portion 220 is reduced by the rigidity imparting portion 230. Therefore, the accuracy of treatment can be further improved.

[0063] Specifically, the rigidity imparting portion 230 includes a front rigidity imparting portion 230A. The front rigidity imparting portion 230A covers at least the front end of the bending portion 220 with a material that transmits light emitted from the most front end portion 221 of the bending portion 220. As a result, the rigidity of the front end of the bending portion 220 is improved by the front rigidity imparting portion 230A, and the light emitted from the most front end portion 221 of the bending portion 220 transmits the front rigidity imparting portion 230A and irradiates the living tissue. Therefore, the operability of the rotating operation and the pushing operation of the bending portion 220 is easily improved.

[0064] Furthermore, the rigidity imparting portion 230 includes a base end rigidity imparting portion 230B. The base end rigidity imparting portion 230B increases the rigidity of the optical fiber 210 by covering the portion of the curved portion 220 that is closer to the base end side than the front end (in the present embodiment, the connection portion between the curved portion 220 and the base end portion to which the curved portion 220 is connected). Therefore, the possibility of unexpected angle changes, etc., is appropriately reduced at a portion closer to the base end side than the front end of the curved portion 220. Therefore, the accuracy of treatment is easily further improved. In addition, the material of the base end rigidity imparting portion 230B does not need to be a light-transmitting material. Therefore, many kinds of materials can be used for the material of the base end rigidity imparting portion 230B. As an example, for the material of the base end rigidity imparting portion 230B of the present embodiment, a material having higher rigidity than the material of the front end rigidity imparting portion 230A is used (in the present embodiment, a braided metal). Therefore, the distal rigidity imparting portion 230A achieves both light transmission and imparting rigidity to the optical fiber 210 , and at the same time, the proximal rigidity imparting portion 230B further reduces the possibility of the angle of the bending portion 220 changing. Therefore, it is easy to perform treatment more appropriately.

[0065] like Figure 3As shown, a magnetic component 240 is provided at the curved portion 220 of the optical fiber 210. The magnetic component 240 functions as a guiding component that guides at least one of the position and direction of the curved portion 220 in the living body by utilizing the magnetic force generated by being placed in a magnetic field. Therefore, in a state where the light irradiation device 2 is inserted into the living body, at least one of the position and direction of the curved portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 is properly guided. In detail, in the present embodiment, by providing the magnetic component 240 at the curved portion 220, the direction of the front end portion 221 of the curved portion 220 is properly guided by the magnetic component. Thus, the irradiation direction of the light is properly controlled. In addition, in the present embodiment, the curved portion marking portion 240 and the magnetic component 240 are used in combination. However, the curved portion marking portion and the magnetic component may be provided separately.

[0066] In addition, the light irradiation device 2 may also include a light emitting component at the front end portion that emits light using wireless power supply to indicate the position of the curved portion 220. For example, at least a portion of the light emitting component may also be composed of a magnetic component 240. In this case, not only can the position and direction of the curved portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 be indicated by making the light emitting component emit light, but at least one of the position and direction of the curved portion 220 can also be guided by making the light emitting component generate a magnetic force. In addition, the magnetic component may also serve as the aforementioned rigidity imparting portion 230. In this case, multiple useful functions are imparted to the light irradiation device 2 while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0067] The light intensity at the time when light is emitted from the most distal end portion of the optical fiber 210 (that is, the most distal end portion 221 of the curved portion 220) to the outside of the light irradiation device 2 is set to 100 W / cm 2 Above and 10000W / cm 2 In this case, it is easy to properly obtain the therapeutic effect formed by irradiating light to the photosensitive substance. In addition, the light irradiation density at the time of irradiation from the light irradiation device 2 to the outside is more preferably 500W / cm 2 Above and 5000W / cm 2 Below, more preferably 800W / cm 2 Above and 2000W / cm 2 As an example, in this embodiment, the light irradiation density at the time of irradiation from the light irradiation device 2 to the outside is set to about 1273 W / cm 2 .

[0068] (catheter) Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The catheter 3 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1As shown, the shape of the catheter 3 is a long tube shape. The catheter 3 includes a connector 301, a column 310, and a small front end component 320. The connector 301 is located at the base end side of the catheter 3 and is grasped by the operator. The connector 301 includes a pair of blades 302 and a connecting portion 303. The connecting portion 303 is a roughly cylindrical component. The blades 302 are connected to the base end of the connecting portion 303. The column 310 is connected to the front end of the connecting portion 303. In addition, the blades 302 and the connecting portion 303 can also be formed integrally.

[0069] Ideally, the column 310 has anti-thrombotic properties, flexibility, and biocompatibility. As for the material of the column 310, at least any one of a resin material and a metal material can be used. As for the resin material, for example, polyamide resin, polyolefin resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, silicone resin, and fluororesin can be used. As for the metal material, for example, stainless steel such as SUS304, nickel-titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, and tungsten steel can be used. In addition, the column 310 can also be composed of a combination of multiple materials.

[0070] The column 310 is a long tube-shaped component extending along the axis O3. The column 310 of this embodiment is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with both the front end and the base end open. The lumen 311 inside the column 310 functions as a guide wire lumen for inserting a guide wire through the catheter 3 when the catheter 3 is delivered. The lumen 311 functions as a device lumen for inserting the light irradiation device 2 through the catheter 3 after the catheter 3 is delivered.

[0071] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the front end small component 320 is connected to the front end of the column 310. In order to allow the catheter 3 to smoothly move in the lumen of the biological body, the front end small component 320 has an outer shape that is reduced in diameter from the base end side to the front end side. A through hole 321 is formed in the approximate center of the front end small component 320 and passes through in the direction of the axis O2. Figure 3 As shown, the inner diameter Φ1 of the through hole 321 is smaller than the inner diameter Φ3 of the lumen 311 of the column 310, and smaller than the outer diameter of the curved portion 220 of the optical fiber 210 of the light irradiation device 2. Therefore, even if the light irradiation device 2 is fully advanced in the lumen 311 of the catheter 3, the optical fiber 210 of the light irradiation device 2 is unlikely to protrude to the front end side through the through hole 321.

[0072] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5As shown, a shape retaining portion 340 (340A, 340B, 340C, 340D) for retaining the shape of the curved portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 is provided on the inner circumferential surface (i.e., the lumen 311) of the column 310 of the catheter 3. The shape retaining portion 340 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the column 310 of the catheter 3 toward the inside (i.e., the side close to the axis O3), thereby contacting the curved portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2. As a result, the curved portion 220 is retained at an appropriate angle at an appropriate position in the catheter 3. Therefore, the light emitted from the most front end 221 of the curved portion 220 can more accurately irradiate the target position in the living body tissue. Therefore, the accuracy of the treatment can be further improved.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the surface of the shape retaining portion 340 facing the base end side (i.e., facing Figure 2 The surface of the shape retaining portion 340 that is upward in the -X direction) is inclined in a manner that the closer it is to the base end side, the closer it is to the inner side of the column 310 of the catheter 3 (that is, the closer it is to the axis O3). The details will be described later, but the curved portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 is pushed from the base end side to the front end side in the column 310. Therefore, the curved portion 220 contacts the surface of the shape retaining portion 340 that is toward the base end side, so that the angle of the curved portion 220 can be easily and more reliably adjusted relative to the axis O2 of the base end of the optical fiber 210 (refer to Figure 3 ) direction. Therefore, it is easier to properly irradiate light in a direction intersecting with the axis O2.

[0074] A protruding marking portion 341 having a non-radioactive line is provided on at least a portion of each shape retaining portion 340 (in the present embodiment, the entirety of each shape retaining portion 340). Figure 3 , only the protruding marking portion 341A provided on the form retaining portion 340A and the protruding marking portion 341C provided on the form retaining portion 340C are shown.) When a medical practitioner uses radiation (such as X-rays, etc.) to photograph the inside of a living body and simultaneously irradiates the living body tissue with laser light through the light irradiation device 2, by confirming the position of the protruding marking portion 341 displayed in the photographed image, the position of the form retaining portion 340 that the curved portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 contacts can be properly grasped. Therefore, the accuracy of treatment can be further improved.

[0075] Figure 4 3 is a diagram of the column 310 of the catheter 3 viewed from the base end side along the axis O3. Figure 4As shown, when the catheter 3 is viewed from the direction of the axis O3, the plurality of shape retaining portions 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D are provided at a plurality of positions with different angles (positions) in the circumferential direction in the inner circumferential surface (i.e., the lumen 311) of the column 310 of the catheter 3. The medical practitioner can easily and correctly adjust the irradiation direction of the light by selecting the shape retaining portion located in the direction in which the light is to be emitted from among the plurality of shape retaining portions 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D with different circumferential positions and contacting the curved portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2. Therefore, the accuracy of the treatment can be further improved.

[0076] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of shape retaining portions 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D are provided at a plurality of positions spaced apart from each other in the direction of the axis O3 of the catheter 3. Therefore, the medical practitioner advances the curved portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 in the direction of the axis O3 after understanding the position of the target shape retaining portion in the direction of the axis O3, thereby making it easy for the curved portion 220 to contact the target shape retaining portion.

[0077] Specifically, in this embodiment, a plurality of shape retaining parts 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D are spirally arranged on the inner circumference of the column 310 of the long tube-shaped catheter 3. Therefore, a medical practitioner can more easily select a shape retaining part to be contacted by the curved portion 220 from among the plurality of shape retaining parts 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, the length L of each of the plurality of shape retaining portions 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D from the inner circumferential surface to the inner end of the column 310 of the catheter 3 is set to be less than 1 / 2 of the inner diameter D of the column 310 of the catheter 3. Therefore, when the medical practitioner makes the curved portion 220 contact with the shape retaining portion on the front side of the axis O3 in the direction of the axis O3 relative to the specific shape retaining portion, it is easy to avoid the curved portion 220 from contacting with the shape retaining portion on the front side relative to the target shape retaining portion, thereby advancing the curved portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 toward the front side. Therefore, the operability when advancing the light irradiation device 2 in the catheter 3 is improved.

[0079] like Figure 4As shown, a light transmission part 330 is provided on the front end side surface (in this embodiment, a part of the front end side surface) of the column 310 in the catheter 3 to transmit the light emitted from the front end portion 221 of the curved portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 to the outside. In this embodiment, the light transmission part 330 is provided at the position where the curved portion 220 is held by each of the plurality of shape holding parts 340. (In Figure 4 ) Therefore, the light irradiation system 1 of this embodiment enables light emitted from the front end 221 of the curved portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 to be transmitted in a direction intersecting the axis O3 and selectively irradiated to a specific position of the biological body.

[0080] In addition, in this embodiment, the portion of the column 310 in the catheter 3 where the curved portion 220 is held by the shape retaining portion 340 is partially formed of a light-transmitting material, thereby providing a light-transmitting portion 330. However, the configuration of the light-transmitting portion may be changed. For example, the entire material of the column 310 itself or the front end of the column 310 may be made of a light-transmitting material, thereby providing a light-transmitting portion in the catheter.

[0081] At least the portion of the catheter 3 that transmits the light emitted from the most distal end 221 of the light irradiation device 2 is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of 0.1 W / m·K or more. Therefore, for example, the distal end of the light irradiation device 2 is easily cooled by the blood flow or physiological saline. Therefore, the possibility of various adverse conditions due to the heat generated by the emitted light is reduced. As a result, it is easy to perform treatment more appropriately.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, at the front end portion of the column 310 of the catheter 3, a light sensor 350 is provided. Therefore, the state of the light at the front end portion of the catheter 3 is directly detected by the light sensor 350 at the front end portion. That is, with respect to the light detected by the light sensor 350, it is difficult to produce changes in the characteristics of the light that may occur during the transmission process. Therefore, it is easy to detect the state of the light more accurately. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the bending portion 220 is maintained by each of the plurality of shape retaining portions 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D, in order to detect the light emitted from the front end of the bending portion 220, a light sensor 350 is additionally provided at a position close to each of the plurality of shape retaining portions 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D. (At Figure 4, only the optical sensor 350A close to the shape retaining portion 340A and the optical sensor 350C close to the shape retaining portion 340C are shown. ) Therefore, no matter which shape retaining portion the bending portion 220 contacts, the state of light is properly detected. In addition, in order to simplify the drawings, the wiring extending from the optical sensor 350 is omitted.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the catheter 3 of this embodiment includes a temperature sensor 360 at the distal end portion. Therefore, for example, a temperature rise caused by light being emitted to the living tissue can be appropriately grasped.

[0084] In the present embodiment, at least a portion (in the present embodiment, the entirety of the front end small component 320) provided at the front end of the column 310 of the catheter 3 is formed of a material having non-radioactive properties, thereby functioning as a marking portion. Therefore, the position of the front end of the catheter 3 can be appropriately grasped by radiographic images or the like.

[0085] (How to use) An example of a method of using the light irradiation system 1 of the present embodiment is described. First, the operator inserts a guide wire (not shown) into a biological lumen. Next, the operator inserts the base end side of the guide wire into the lumen 311 from the through hole 321 of the front end widget 320 of the catheter 3, so that the base end side of the guide wire protrudes toward the base end side of the connector 301. The operator advances the catheter 3 along the guide wire, so that at least any one of the multiple light-transmitting portions 330 provided on the catheter 3 moves to the target site of light irradiation. In addition, when moving the catheter 3 in the biological lumen, the operator confirms the position of the protruding marking portion 341 by taking a radioactive image, so that the catheter 3 can be properly moved to the target site. Thereafter, the operator removes the guide wire from the catheter 3.

[0086] The operator inserts the light irradiation device 2 from the proximal opening of the connector 301 of the catheter 3, and pushes the light irradiation device 2 into the biological lumen along the lumen 311 of the catheter 3. The operator brings the curved portion 220 indicated by the curved portion marking portion 240 into contact with a target shape retaining portion 340 among the plurality of shape retaining portions 340 indicated by the plurality of protrusion marking portions 341. As a result, the shape of the curved portion 220 of the optical fiber 210 in the light irradiation device 2 is appropriately maintained by the target shape retaining portion 340. In this state, by generating light from the laser generating device 5, the light is selectively irradiated from the front end of the curved portion 220 to the target site.

[0087] When the light irradiation device 2 is inserted into the catheter 3, the operator can flow a cooling fluid into the lumen 311 of the catheter 3. Therefore, the cooling fluid can appropriately suppress adverse conditions (e.g., thermal damage to living tissues) caused by temperature rise due to light irradiation.

[0088] (Variation Example) The technology disclosed in the above embodiment is just an example. Therefore, the technology illustrated in the above embodiment can also be changed. Figures 6 to 8 A part of the modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment will be described. Figure 6 The first variant shown, Figure 7 The second variant shown and Figure 8 A part of the third variant shown can adopt the same structure as the aforementioned embodiment. Therefore, for the parts of the first to third variants that can adopt the same structure as the aforementioned embodiment, the same numbers as the aforementioned embodiment are marked, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

[0089] Figure 6 2 is a cross-sectional view of a device body 212 of a light irradiation device 2 in a first variant. The device body 212 of the light irradiation device 2 in the first variant has a plurality of optical fibers 210 inside. Although the details are not shown in the figure, a bending portion for bending the plurality of optical fibers 210 is formed at the front end of the device body having the plurality of optical fibers 210, similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment. As described above, the number of optical fibers 210 provided in the light irradiation device 2 may be one or more.

[0090] In addition, a portion of the plurality of optical fibers provided in the device body 212 of the first variant includes an aiming optical fiber 211 for transmitting aiming light for determining the irradiation position of the light. Therefore, by confirming the position where the aiming light is irradiated, the medical practitioner can appropriately determine the irradiation position of the light for treatment. Figure 6 In the example shown, an aiming optical fiber 211 is arranged at the center of a plurality of optical fibers 210 that radiate therapeutic light. Thus, a medical practitioner can more accurately match the aiming of the therapeutic light by the aiming light.

[0091] Figure 7It is an enlarged cross-sectional view near the front end of the light irradiation system 1 of the second variant. The catheter 3 of the second variant is provided with a light detection transmission component 351 for transmitting light incident to the front end (in the present embodiment, near the position where the light is emitted to the outside from the curved portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2) to the optical sensor (not shown). The light detection transmission component 351 of the present embodiment is an optical fiber, which is inserted through the inside of the column 310 from a part of the column 310 of the catheter 3 to the base end side and is connected to the optical sensor. In the second variant, the state of light at the front end is appropriately detected while suppressing the structure of the front end of the catheter 3 from becoming complicated due to the optical sensor. In addition, as shown in the second variant, the number of the shape retaining portion 340 provided in the catheter 3 may also be one.

[0092] Figure 8 : is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the front end portion of the catheter 3 of the third variant. The catheter 3 of the third variant includes a plurality of temperature sensors 360 (360A, 360B, 360C, 360D, 360E). The measurement positions of the plurality of temperature sensors 360 (in this embodiment, the measurement points indicated by 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D, 360E) are arranged at respective locations of the plurality of locations in the front end portion of the catheter 3. In detail, Figure 8 In the example shown, the measurement position of each of the plurality of temperature sensors 360 is set near the passing position of the light guided by each of the plurality of shape retaining parts 340 (340A, 340B, 340C, 340D, 340E). Therefore, useful information is obtained based on the detection result of the temperature at each of the plurality of measurement positions. For example, it is also possible to confirm the direction of the irradiated light by confirming which of the plurality of measurement positions has a higher temperature than the other measurement positions. In addition, medical practitioners can also improve the accuracy of treatment by more accurately grasping the temperature at each measurement position.

[0093] In the catheter 3 of the third modified example, the wiring of the temperature sensor 360 is arranged in a spiral shape in the column 310 of the catheter 3. Therefore, it is easy to properly ensure the rigidity of the catheter 3 which is in a long strip shape, compared with the case where the wiring is arranged straight along the axial direction. Therefore, the accuracy of treatment is easy to be further improved. As an example, in this embodiment, a long strip thermocouple with a plurality of measurement points is used as the temperature sensor 360. The wiring of the long strip temperature sensor 360 is arranged in a spiral shape, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the catheter 3.

[0094] In the catheter 3 of the third modification, the wiring of the temperature sensor 360 is made of a material having no radiopaque properties. Therefore, it is easy to properly grasp the position of the long catheter 3 by radiographic imaging. In addition, in the third modification, the wiring of the temperature sensor 360 having no radiopaque properties is arranged in a spiral shape, so that it is easier to grasp the position of the catheter 3.

[0095] It is also possible to use only a part of the configurations illustrated in the above-mentioned embodiments and modified examples in the light irradiation system, light irradiation device, or catheter. In addition, it is also possible to combine multiple configurations shown in different embodiments and modified examples. As mentioned above, it is also possible to use only the light irradiation device 2 without using the catheter 3.

Claims

1. A light irradiation device for medical use, which is in the form of a strip and emits light from the front end, characterized in that: An optical fiber is provided to transmit light emitted from the light source to the front end. The front end portion of the optical fiber is formed at a curved portion that is curved relative to the axial direction of the base end portion to which the front end portion is connected, and the most distal end of the curved portion becomes the most distal end of the emitted light in the light irradiation device. By emitting light from the most distal end portion of the bent portion in the optical fiber, the light is emitted in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the base end portion.

2. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that The entirety of the front end portion of the light irradiation device is bent with respect to the axial direction, so that the front end portion of the optical fiber is bent.

3. The light irradiation device according to claim 2, characterized in that In the light irradiation device, at least a portion of the curved portion of the distal end portion is provided with a curved portion marker having a non-radioactive line.

4. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that The most distal end portion in the bent portion of the optical fiber is cut obliquely so that the cut surface faces a direction away from the axis of the proximal end portion.

5. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that The light intensity at the time when light is emitted from the front end of the optical fiber to the outside of the light irradiation device is 100 W / cm 2 Above and 10000W / cm 2 the following.

6. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that The invention further includes a rigidity imparting portion for increasing the rigidity of at least a portion of a portion where the bent portion is located.

7. The light irradiation device according to claim 6, characterized in that The rigidity providing portion includes a front end rigidity providing portion covering at least the front end portion of the bending portion with a material that transmits light emitted from the front end portion of the bending portion.

8. The light irradiation device according to claim 6, characterized in that The rigidity imparting portion includes a proximal end rigidity imparting portion provided on a proximal end side of the most distal end portion in the bending portion.

9. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, characterized in that A magnetic member is further provided for guiding at least one of the position and direction of the bending portion in a living body by using a magnetic force generated by the magnetic member being placed in a magnetic field.

10. A light irradiation system, which is a light irradiation system for medical use, characterized in that: have: a catheter formed in a long tube shape; and The light irradiation device is in the shape of a long strip, is inserted into the inner cavity of the catheter, and emits light from the front end. The light irradiation device includes an optical fiber that transmits light emitted from a light source to a front end portion. The front end portion of the optical fiber is formed at a curved portion that is curved relative to the axial direction of the base end portion to which the front end portion is connected, and the most distal end of the curved portion becomes the most distal end of the emitted light in the light irradiation device. By emitting light from the most distal end portion of the bent portion in the optical fiber, the light is emitted in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the base end portion.

11. The light irradiation system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The catheter includes a shape retaining portion that protrudes inward from an inner peripheral surface and contacts the curved portion of the light irradiation device pushed into the inner cavity to retain the shape of the curved portion.

12. The light irradiation system according to claim 11, characterized in that: A surface of the form retaining portion that faces the proximal end is inclined in a direction that approaches the proximal end as it moves toward the inner side of the catheter.

13. The light irradiation system according to claim 11, characterized in that: A protruding marking portion having a radiopaque surface is provided on at least a portion of the form retaining portion.

14. The light irradiation system according to claim 11, characterized in that: When the catheter is viewed from the axial direction, the plurality of form retaining portions are provided at a plurality of positions having different angles in the circumferential direction from each other on the inner peripheral surface of the catheter.

15. The light irradiation system according to claim 14, characterized in that: The plurality of form retaining portions are provided at a plurality of positions spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the catheter.

16. The light irradiation system according to claim 15, characterized in that: A length of each of the plurality of shape retaining portions from the inner peripheral surface of the conduit to the inner end portion is equal to or less than 1 / 2 of the inner diameter of the conduit.

17. The light irradiation system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The light detecting device further includes a light detecting transmission member for transmitting light incident on the distal end portion of the catheter or the light irradiation device to a light sensor, or a light sensor provided at the distal end portion.

18. The light irradiation system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The catheter is also provided with a plurality of temperature sensors. A position for measuring the temperature of each of the plurality of temperature sensors is arranged at each of a plurality of locations in the catheter.

19. The light irradiation system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The catheter further includes wiring extending from the base end side to the front end side, The wiring is arranged in a spiral shape.

20. The light irradiation system according to claim 10, characterized in that: At least a portion of the conduit that transmits the light emitted from the most distal end portion of the light irradiation device is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of 0.1 W / m·K or more.

Images