Catheter, and catheter kit and light diffusion device provided with same

Abstract

The invention provides a guide tube capable of efficiently emitting light in a specific direction on the side surface when an optical fiber is inserted for use, and a guide tube kit and a light diffusion device provided with the guide tube. The present invention relates to a catheter, and a catheter kit and a light diffusion device provided with the same. The catheter comprises: a catheter body 21 having a base end part 2BE and a tip part 2TE; and a light shielding element (22) provided to the catheter body (21).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a catheter used as a medical tool, and a catheter kit and a light diffusing device provided with the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a conventional light diffusing device (diffuser), there is known a light diffusing device provided with an optical fiber including a core on a radial center side and a cladding on an outer peripheral side of the core, and causing laser light incident from a base end portion of the optical fiber to be emitted from a front end portion of the optical fiber and an outer peripheral surface on the front end side (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). The optical fiber of the conventional light diffusing device has a light transmission portion that transmits the laser light incident from the base end portion, and a light emission portion that causes the laser light transmitted in the light transmission portion to be emitted on the front end side.

[0003] In photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photoimmunotherapy (PIT) that are cancer treatment methods using light, a diffusing device is inserted into a catheter, and the catheter is inserted into a body and light irradiation is performed. The diffusing device irradiates light in a lateral direction from the front end portion of the optical fiber, but generally irradiates light in an entire circumferential direction, and thus there is a concern that light is not only irradiated to cancer cells but also to healthy cells.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-500575 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a catheter capable of efficiently emitting light toward a specific direction of a side surface when used in an optical fiber inserted with a diffusing device or the like, and a catheter kit and a light diffusing device provided with the same.

[0009] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] The catheter of one embodiment of the present application includes a catheter main body having a base end portion and a front end portion, and a light shielding member provided to the catheter main body.

[0011] In the catheter of one embodiment of the present application, the light shielding member can be in contact with an inner peripheral surface or an outer peripheral surface in the catheter main body.

[0012] In the catheter of one embodiment of the present application, a balloon can be provided outside the catheter main body provided with the light shielding member.

[0013] In the catheter of one embodiment of the present application, the light shielding member can be made of metal.

[0014] In the catheter of one embodiment of the present application, the light shielding member can be formed of a reflective resin.

[0015] In the catheter of one embodiment of the present application, the light shielding member can be provided in a circular arc shape around an axis of the catheter body from the base end portion to the tip end portion.

[0016] In the catheter of one embodiment of the present application, the light shielding member can be provided entirely around the axis of the catheter body from the base end portion to the tip end portion, and have an opening portion on a side surface in a predetermined direction.

[0017] In this case, the catheter body can have a property of not transmitting light,

[0018] The catheter can have a region in which the catheter body is not present,

[0019] The region in which the catheter body is not present corresponds to the opening portion,

[0020] The position of the axis in the direction is substantially the same as that of the region in which the catheter body is not present, and the region in which the catheter body is present corresponds to the light shielding member.

[0021] In addition, the catheter kit of one embodiment of the present application includes:

[0022] the catheter of one embodiment of the present application; and

[0023] an optical fiber having a base end portion and a tip end portion and emitting light incident from the base end portion from an outer peripheral surface of the tip end portion.

[0024] Further, the light diffusion device of one embodiment of the present application includes:

[0025] the catheter of one embodiment of the present application; and

[0026] an optical fiber having a base end portion and a tip end portion and emitting light incident from the base end portion from an outer peripheral surface of the tip end portion,

[0027] the optical fiber is inserted into the catheter so that the base end portions and the tip end portions of the optical fiber and the catheter are respectively concentrated on the same side,

[0028] In the direction of an axis from the base end portion to the tip end portion, the position of emission of light at the tip end portion of the optical fiber overlaps with the position of the light shielding member of the catheter.

[0029] In the light diffusing device of one embodiment of the present application, the light shielding member can be provided around the entire circumference of the shaft connecting the base end portion to the front end portion, and can have an opening portion on the side in the predetermined direction.

[0030] The optical fiber can be relatively movable in the direction of the shaft with respect to the catheter.

[0031] In this case, the one-side gap between the catheter main body and the optical fiber can be 5 % or more of the outer diameter of the optical fiber, and

[0032] One or both of the inner circumferential surface of the catheter main body and the outer circumferential surface of the optical fiber can be subjected to a friction-reducing surface treatment.

[0033] In the light diffusing device of one embodiment of the present application in which the optical fiber is relatively movable in the direction of the shaft with respect to the catheter, a stopper can be provided inside the front end portion of the catheter main body.

[0034] In the light diffusing device of one embodiment of the present application in which the optical fiber is relatively movable in the direction of the shaft with respect to the catheter, a scale that can be used to confirm the movement amount of the optical fiber with respect to the catheter main body can be marked near the base end portion of the optical fiber.

[0035] In the light diffusing device of one embodiment of the present application in which the optical fiber is relatively movable in the direction of the shaft with respect to the catheter, a front-end-enclosed cylindrical glass cap can be attached so as to cover the position from which light is emitted on the front end side of the optical fiber.

[0036] In the light diffusing device of one embodiment of the present application, an endoscope can be further included.

[0037] The light shielding member can be in contact with a metal portion of the endoscope directly or indirectly.

[0038] Effects of Invention

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present application, a catheter, a catheter kit, and a light diffusing device that can efficiently emit light to a specific direction of a side surface when an optical fiber is inserted into the catheter or the like can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0040] [ Figure 1 ] is a longitudinal sectional view of a light diffusing device including a catheter according to the first embodiment of the present application, and is a sectional view at the C-C section in FIG. 1. Figure 2

[0041] [ Figure 2 ​is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the front end of the light diffusing device provided with the catheter according to the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view at the A-A section in FIG. 8. Figure 1

[0042] [ Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the light diffusing device provided with the catheter according to the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view at the E-E section in FIG. 9. Figure 4

[0043] [ Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light diffusing device provided with the catheter according to the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view at the D-D section in FIG. 10. Figure 3

[0044] [ Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the light diffusing device provided with the catheter according to the second embodiment as an example of the present application.

[0045] [ Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the light diffusing device provided with the catheter according to the third embodiment as an example of the present application.

[0046] [ Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the light diffusing device provided with the catheter according to the fourth embodiment as an example of the present application, and is a cross-sectional view at the G-G section in FIG. 13. Figure 8

[0047] [ Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the front end of the light diffusing device provided with the catheter according to the fourth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view at the F-F section in FIG. 14. Figure 7

[0048] [ Figure 9 is a front view of the light diffusing device provided with the catheter according to the fifth embodiment as an example of the present application.

[0049] [ Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the light diffusing device provided with the catheter according to the fifth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view at the I-I section in FIG. 17, as viewed from the right side in FIG. 16. Figure 9 Figure 11

[0050] [ Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the light diffusing device provided with the catheter according to the fifth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view at the H-H section in FIG. 18, as viewed from the right side in FIG. 17. Figure 9 Figure 10

[0051] [ Figure 12 ​​​​​​​​​FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a light diffusion device showing a use example of the conduit according to the fifth embodiment, showing a state in which the irradiation area is large (the irradiation length is long).

[0052] [ Figure 13 FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a light diffusion device showing a use example of the conduit according to the fifth embodiment, showing a state in which the irradiation area is small (the irradiation length is short) compared to the state of FIG. 5. Figure 12

[0053] [ Figure 14 FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the conduit according to the fifth embodiment, which is a cross-sectional view at the S-S section in FIG. 5. Figure 12

[0054] [ Figure 15 FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modification in which a blocking member is provided in the light diffusion device provided with the conduit according to the fifth embodiment.

[0055] [ Figure 16 FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a state in which a glass cover is attached to the optical fiber.

[0056] [ Figure 17 FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a light diffusion device provided with a conduit according to the sixth embodiment as an example of the present application, which is a cross-sectional view at the K-K section in FIG. 5. Figure 18

[0057] [ Figure 18 FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the front end portion of the light diffusion device provided with the conduit according to the sixth embodiment, which is a cross-sectional view at the J-J section in FIG. 5. Figure 17

[0058] [ Figure 19 FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a light diffusion device provided with a conduit according to the seventh embodiment as an example of the present application, which is a cross-sectional view at the N-N section in FIG. 5. Figure 20

[0059] [ Figure 20 FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the front end portion of the light diffusion device provided with the conduit according to the seventh embodiment, which is a cross-sectional view at the M-M section in FIG. 5. Figure 19

[0060] [ Figure 21 FIG. 14 is a front view of a light diffusion device provided with a conduit according to the eighth embodiment as an example of the present application.

[0061] [ Figure 22 FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the light diffusion device provided with the conduit according to the eighth embodiment, which is a cross-sectional view at the R-R section in FIG. 5, as viewed from the right side of FIG. 14. Figure 21 Figure 23 ​​​​​​​​

[0062] [ Figure 23 [This refers to a light diffusion device equipped with the conduit according to the eighth embodiment.] Figure 21 The cross-sectional view observed on the right side is Figure 22 A cross-sectional view at the QQ section. Detailed Implementation

[0063] [Conduit and light diffusion device]

[0064] The following are eight embodiments of the conduit that are examples of the present invention, and the conduit and the light diffusion device having thereon will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] <First Embodiment>

[0066] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the light diffusion device 1 equipped with the conduit 2 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view near the front end of the light diffusion device 1. Figure 1 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view at section C in the middle. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The cross-sectional view at section AA in the diagram.

[0067] It should be noted that, Figure 1 In the longitudinal section view, arrow B indicates the base side of conduit 2, arrow T indicates the tip side, symbol 2TE indicates the tip end, and symbol 2BE indicates the base end. However, Figure 1 The longitudinal cross-sectional view is a schematic diagram. The conduit 2 actually has a more slender, elongated shape (the same applies to the longitudinal cross-sectional views in the various embodiments and their variations below).

[0068] The light diffusion device 1 includes the conduit 2 and optical fiber 3 according to this embodiment. The conduit 2 includes a tubular conduit body 21 and a light-shielding element 22 disposed on the conduit body 21. The light-shielding element 22 is mounted in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the conduit body 21.

[0069] On the other hand, fiber 3 has a base end (not shown) and a front end 3TE, so that light incident from the base end is emitted radially from the side of the front end T as light L1a and L1b. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The longitudinal cross-sectional view is a schematic diagram. Therefore, for the base end side B of the optical fiber 3, although it and the conduit 2 are both cut off, the base end side B actually protrudes from the base end 2BE of the conduit 2 and extends as is. The laser oscillator (not shown) used as a light source for generating laser light is connected to the base end of the optical fiber 3 (the same applies to the longitudinal cross-sectional views of the various embodiments and their variations below).

[0070] The catheter body 21 is typically sold or used as a medical catheter. A catheter generally refers to a cylindrical medical tube with a diameter of 20 mm or less, or a square tube with a side length of 20 mm or less. It should be noted that products commonly referred to as "lumen" or "lumen catheter" are also included in the scope of catheters in this invention.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, the light-shielding element 22 is configured as an arc with a central angle θ centered on the axis O (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "axis O") connecting the base end 2BE to the front end 2TE of the conduit body 21. The same applies in the various embodiments and their variations described below. It should be noted that axis O, in the schematic diagram... Figure 1 In (and other longitudinal section views) it is depicted as a straight line, but the conduit 2 is a flexible tubular component that can bend to some extent, so it also bends along the bending axis O.

[0072] The light shielding element 22 is a component that prevents light L1b from leaking out of the conduit body 21 in directions other than light L1a reaching the outside from the opening 23, which are emitted radially from the optical fiber 3 in the circumferential direction (the direction of the central angle θ).

[0073] In this embodiment, the central angle θ is set to, for example, 250°. There are no particular limitations on this central angle θ, and it can be set appropriately according to the purpose, desired performance, specifications, etc., preferably selected from the range of 180° to 330°.

[0074] The light reflectivity of the light-shielding element 22 is preferably 1% or more, more preferably 30% or more, even more preferably 50% or more, even more preferably 80% or more, and is expected to be close to 100%.

[0075] To efficiently reflect the laser, it is desirable that the inner peripheral surface of the light-masking element 22 be as close as possible to the mirror surface. Specifically, the unevenness of the inner peripheral surface of the light-masking element 22 is preferably below the wavelength of the light used (laser propagating in the optical fiber). Here, "unevenness" refers to the difference between the maximum peak and the minimum valley (see the maximum height of the profile curve: JIS B0601) Rz.

[0076] The material used for the light-shielding element 22 is not particularly limited as long as it has light-shielding properties, but materials with high light reflectivity are preferred. Specifically, materials for the light-shielding element 22 include metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) alloys; fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); resins containing barium sulfate; reflective resins such as silicone resins; and ceramics such as alumina. Among these materials, considering light reflectivity, cost, and processability, metals are preferred, and stainless steel is particularly preferred.

[0077] There are no particular restrictions on the thickness of the light-shielding element 22. It can be appropriately selected according to its purpose, material, installation method, etc. If the function as a conduit is taken into consideration, it is preferable not to be too thick. For example, it can be selected in the range of 100nm to 500μm.

[0078] The light-shielding element 22 can be fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the conduit body 21, for example, near the front end 2TE, by means of: bonding with an adhesive such as epoxy resin; vapor deposition of the material that becomes the light-shielding element 22; or physical installation by means of riveting, other installation tools, etc. In this embodiment, epoxy resin is used for bonding.

[0079] Optical fiber 3 comprises resin (plastic) components. Optical fiber 3 is a single-core optical fiber comprising a core located on the radially central side and a cladding located on the outer periphery of the core. In optical fiber 3, the relative refractive index difference between the core and the cladding is more than 2% and less than 11%.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, the optical fiber 3 has: an optical transmission section 32 that transmits laser light incident from the base end (not shown) of the base end side B toward the front end side T; and an optical emission section 31 formed by removing the portion of the cladding located on the outer peripheral side within a predetermined range (near the front end 3TE) in the extension direction of the front end side T, which causes the laser light transmitted in the optical transmission section 32 to exit from the outer peripheral surface.

[0081] The light emitting portion 31 is formed near the front end 3TE of the optical fiber 3, for example, within a range of 10 mm to 30 mm from the front end 3TE. The light emitting portion 31 can be formed by removing only the outer peripheral side of the cladding in a way that leaves the inner peripheral side in the thickness direction of the cladding.

[0082] The optical fiber 3 is inserted into the conduit 2 such that the base end 2BE of the conduit 2 and the base end 3 (not shown) of the optical fiber 3, and the front end 2TE of the conduit 2 and the front end 3TE of the optical fiber 3 are concentrated on the same side. Furthermore, in the direction from the base end 2BE to the front end 2TE, the light emission position (i.e., the light emission part 31) in the front end side T of the optical fiber 3 overlaps with the position of the light shielding element 22 of the conduit 2.

[0083] As for the vicinity of the tip end portion 3TE of the optical fiber 3, the outer peripheral surface thereof is surrounded by the light shielding member 22 in a manner that a part of the region remains. The region a that is not surrounded by the light shielding member 22 becomes an opening portion 23 through which light passes from the tube of the catheter body 21.

[0084] The laser oscillator that is a light source connected to the base end portion of the base end side B of the optical fiber 3 is a component that generates laser light, and has a semiconductor laser. As for the laser oscillator, by energizing the semiconductor laser, laser oscillation is generated and laser light is generated, for example, red laser light having a wavelength of 670 nm or more and 700 nm or less is generated.

[0085] As for the light diffusing apparatus 1 that is provided with the catheter 2 related to the present embodiment, at the time of the operation, the catheter 2 into which the optical fiber 3 has been inserted as described above is inserted into the body, and the tip end portion 2TE of the catheter 2 is guided to the irradiation target (cancer cells or the like). At this time, in order to confirm the position of the tip end portion 2TE of the catheter 2 in the body, ultrasonic examination or an endoscope can be used.

[0086] After the position of the tip end portion 2TE of the catheter 2 reaches the irradiation target, it is necessary to direct the opening portion 23 toward the irradiation target. According to the light diffusing apparatus 1 that is provided with the catheter 2 of the present embodiment, it is possible to rotate the catheter 2 in the body by rotating the catheter 2 in the body with the axis O as a reference, and to adjust the position of the opening portion 23 in the circumferential direction. It is possible to direct the opening portion 23 toward the irradiation target by this operation.

[0087] In order to achieve such an operation, it is necessary to make the catheter 2 have torsional properties in a manner that does not generate twisting of the catheter 2. In order to make the catheter 2 have torsional properties, it is possible to use a material having torsional properties for the catheter 2 itself, or to install a component such as a torsional coil for controlling the position in the direction of rotation (twisting) on the outer periphery or the inner periphery of the catheter 2. In addition, in order to determine the circumferential position of the opening portion 23 in the body, it is preferable to mark a mark in advance at a certain position in the circumferential direction of the catheter 2 in the body.

[0088] After the opening portion 23 of the catheter 2 is directed toward the irradiation target, laser light is irradiated to the irradiation target and the operation is performed. In the light diffusing apparatus 1 related to the present embodiment, if the not-illustrated light source is operated and laser light is incident from the base end portion of the optical fiber 3, the laser light is transmitted in the light transmission portion 32 and is emitted from the light emission portion 31.

[0089] As described above, of the light emitted from the light emission portion 31, the light Lla in the circumferential direction toward the opening portion 23 reaches the outside from the opening portion 23 and is supplied to the irradiation. On the other hand, the light Llb in the circumferential direction other than the light Lla (in the direction of the range of the central angle θ) is shielded by the light shielding member 22. Therefore, it is possible to effectively shield the light Llb in the direction that is not needed.

[0090] By using a material having a high light reflectance as the light shielding member 22, it is possible to shield the light L1b not only on the way but also to be reflected by the light shielding member 22 to reach the outside from the opening portion 23 for irradiation. That is, it is possible to efficiently concentrate the light L1a, L1b radiated from the optical fiber 3 to the opening portion 23. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by directing the opening portion 23 of the catheter 2 toward the irradiation target in the body, it is possible to efficiently irradiate the irradiation target while avoiding irradiation of light to non-irradiation targets, i.e., healthy cells and the like.

[0091] The catheter 2 related to the present embodiment can also be applied to an optical fiber whose front end is processed to be inclined. Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a light diffusing device 1' provided with the catheter 2 related to the first embodiment, a modification example, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light diffusing device 1'. Figure 3 is Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view at the E-E section in Figure 4 is Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view at the D-D section in

[0092] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , in the light diffusing device 1' related to the present modification example, the front end portion 3TE' of the optical fiber 3' inserted into the catheter 2 has an end face 33' inclined with respect to a plane P perpendicular to the axis O (the front end is processed to be inclined). At this time, the angle γ formed by the plane P and the end face 33' is equal to or larger than the angle at which total reflection of the laser light transmitted in the optical fiber 3' occurs. Specifically, when the refractive index of the core of the optical fiber 3' is ncoreand the refractive index of air is nair, γ = arcsin(nair / ncore), and when ncore= 1.465 and nair= 1.0, γ = 43°.

[0093] The optical fiber whose front end is processed to be inclined like the optical fiber 3' is a probe that irradiates light obliquely with respect to the direction of the axis O, and is useful for ablation therapy. In addition, it is considered that a PDT PIT diffusing device that emits light obliquely is also useful. In such an optical fiber 3', as shown in Figure 3 , the light beam is split at the end face 33', and the split light L1d leaks out in a plurality of directions other than the direction in which irradiation is intended (the direction of the light L1c).

[0094] However, by using the catheter 2 according to the present variation, the stray light LId other than the target light Llc can be shielded. In addition, by using a material having a high light reflectance as the light shielding member 22, the stray light LId can be shielded not only on the way but also reflected by the light shielding member 22 to reach the outside from the opening portion 23 for irradiation. Therefore, according to the present variation, even in the case of being combined with the optical fiber 3' whose front end is processed into an inclination, light can be effectively irradiated to the irradiation object.

[0095] <2nd Embodiment>

[0096] Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a light diffusing device 101 provided with the catheter 102 according to the 2nd embodiment. Note that the cross section near the front end portion of the light diffusing device 101 is the same as that of the light diffusing device 1 according to the 1st embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Figure 2 .

[0097] In a view showing the light diffusing device 201 provided with the catheter 202 according to the present embodiment, Figure 5 , the same as the light diffusing device 1 according to the 1st embodiment, the same reference numerals as those of the respective components of the light diffusing device 1 are attached to the last two digits and the hundreds place is 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted with respect to the same configuration and the like in the respective components, and the following description mainly focuses on the points of difference.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the light shielding member 122 is longer than the light shielding member 22 according to the 1st embodiment in the direction of the axis O and extends to the front end side T. The light shielding member 122 is sufficiently longer than the light exit portion 131 of the optical fiber 103 in the direction of the axis O, and thus even the light L2b directed to an unnecessary direction can be shielded by being expanded in the direction of the axis O. Therefore, the light L2b directed to an unnecessary direction can be more effectively shielded.

[0099] Of course, by using a material having a high light reflectance as the light shielding member 122, the shielded light L2b and the like are guided to the opening portion 423 by reflection, and thus light can be effectively irradiated to the irradiation object.

[0100] <3rd Embodiment>

[0101] Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a light diffusing device 201 provided with the catheter 202 according to the 3rd embodiment. Note that the cross section near the front end portion of the light diffusing device 201 is the same as that of the light diffusing device 1 according to the 1st embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Figure 2 .

[0102] In a view showing the light diffusing device 201 provided with the catheter 202 according to the present embodiment, Figure 5In this document, for each component that has the same configuration as the light diffusion device 1 according to the first embodiment, a mark is attached that the last two digits are the same as those of each component in the light diffusion device 1 and the hundreds digit is 2. Therefore, the description of the same configuration in each component is omitted, and the following mainly describes the differences.

[0103] In this embodiment, in addition to the side light-shielding element 222, which is the same as the light-shielding element 22 in the first embodiment, a front end light-shielding element 223 covering the front end 202TE of the conduit body 202 is also provided. Both the side light-shielding element 222 and the front end light-shielding element 223 are made of the same material and have the same structure as the light-shielding element 22 in the first embodiment.

[0104] According to this embodiment, light L3c leaking from the front end 203TE of the optical fiber 203 can be blocked. Therefore, light L3b and L3c directed in unwanted directions can be blocked more effectively.

[0105] <Fourth Implementation>

[0106] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the light diffusion device 301 equipped with the conduit 302 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view near the front end of the light diffusion device 301. Figure 7 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view at the GG section in the diagram. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view at section FF in the diagram.

[0107] The light diffusion device 301 equipped with the conduit 302 according to this embodiment is shown. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this document, for each component that has the same configuration as the light diffusion device 1 according to the first embodiment, a mark is attached that the last two digits are the same as those of each component in the light diffusion device 1 and the hundreds digit is 3. Therefore, the description of the same configuration in each component is omitted, and the following mainly describes the differences.

[0108] The catheter 302 involved in this embodiment is a balloon catheter formed by attaching a balloon 324 to the catheter 2 in the first embodiment. The balloon 324 is disposed in the area of ​​the catheter body 321 where a light-shielding element 322 is disposed. Figure 7The outer side (near the front end 302TE). It should be noted that the light diffusion device 301 in this embodiment also includes an endoscope 328. Specifically, a conduit 302 with an optical fiber 303 inserted is inserted into the tube of the endoscope 328, and the location of the balloon 324 protrudes from the front end T of the endoscope 328. Similar to the conduit 302 and the optical fiber 303, the endoscope 328 also has a more elongated, strip-like shape. Therefore, Figure 7 This is just a schematic diagram; the endoscope 328 extends towards the base side B.

[0109] In balloon catheters, it is considered to place light-shielding elements on the inner or outer surface of the balloon (see Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-505443). However, since the balloon is in contact with the inner surface of tissues and organs (such as the digestive tract), there are concerns that the heat generated when absorbing a large amount of light from the optical fiber may affect the tissues and organs. Therefore, the procedure is limited, requiring measures such as suppressing light intensity and setting an upper limit on the procedure time.

[0110] In contrast, the catheter 302 of this embodiment has a light-shielding element 322 disposed on the inner periphery of the catheter body 321 and separated from the balloon 324. Therefore, even if the light-shielding element 322 heats up, it is not easy for the heat to be transmitted to the balloon 324. In addition, the balloon 324 has a spacious interior, which generates convection inside, thus suppressing the heat generated by the light-shielding element 322 itself.

[0111] Therefore, compared with the case where a light-shielding element is placed in the balloon, the temperature rise of the outer surface of the balloon 324, which is in contact with the inner surface of the tissues and organs in the body, is significantly suppressed, which can greatly reduce the impact on the body.

[0112] Furthermore, compared to the case where a light-shielding element is placed in the balloon, the distance between the light emitting part 331 of the optical fiber 303 and the light-shielding element 322 is closer, thus improving the reflection efficiency of light L4b.

[0113] In this embodiment, the central circumferential band of the light-shielding element 322 extends towards the base end B in the direction of axis O. Furthermore, the light-shielding element 322 is in contact with the metal portion (not shown) in the endoscope 328. Therefore, heat from the light-shielding element 322 can escape to the metal portion in the endoscope 328. The metal portion in the endoscope 328 is elongated, thus having a large heat capacity and promising high heat dissipation. Additionally, the metal portion in the endoscope 328 extends outside the body, allowing for heat dissipation to the external atmosphere.

[0114] Note that, in the present embodiment, the base end side B of the light shielding member 322 is extended so as to directly contact the metal portion in the endoscope 328, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a wire of a metal or the like having high thermal conductivity can be used to connect the light shielding member 322 and the metal portion in the endoscope 328 so as to indirectly contact each other.

[0115] <Embodiment 5>

[0116] Figure 9 is a front view of a light diffusing device 401 provided with a catheter 402 according to the fifth embodiment, Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the light diffusing device 401 as viewed from the right side of Figure 9 Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the front end portion of the light diffusing device 401 as viewed from the right side of Figure 9 Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the I-I section in Figure 11 Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the H-H section in Figure 10

[0117] In the drawing showing the light diffusing device 401 provided with the catheter 402 according to the present embodiment, Figure 9 to Figure 11 for the same components as those of the light diffusing device 1 according to the first embodiment, the same last two digits as those of the components in the light diffusing device 1 and the hundreds place being 4 are attached to the marks, and thus the same components and the like are omitted from the description, and the following description mainly focuses on the points of difference.

[0118] In the present embodiment, the light shielding member 422 is provided on the entire circumference of the inner surface of the catheter main body 421 with the axis O connecting the base end portion 402BE to the front end portion 402TE as the center. In addition, the light shielding member 422 has a window-like opening portion 423 on the side surface in the direction (predetermined direction) in which light is intended to be emitted.

[0119] In the present embodiment, only the light L5a2 directed toward the opening portion 423 is emitted, and the light L5b other than the irradiation direction in the circumferential direction is not only not emitted but also the light L5a4 and L5a5 slightly deviated from the opening portion 423 is also shielded by the light shielding member 422. In addition, the light L5a1 and L5a3 deviated from the opening portion 423 although the positions in the circumferential direction are the same as those of the light L5a2 but the positions in the axis O direction are vertically deviated are also shielded by the light shielding member 422.

[0120] Of course, by using a material having high light reflectance as the light shielding member 422, the light L5b, the light L5a4, L5a5, L5a1, L5a3, and the like, which are shielded, are also guided to the opening portion 423 by reflection, and thus the light can be effectively irradiated to the irradiation target. ​​​​

[0121] According to the present embodiment, by appropriately designing the shape and size of the opening portion 423, an irradiation light or an irradiation surface of a shape and size corresponding to the irradiation object can be obtained. In particular, in the case where a fine region is the irradiation object, the catheter 402 according to the present embodiment is useful.

[0122] In the present embodiment, the shape of the opening portion 423 is an ellipse, but is of course not limited thereto. The shape of the opening portion can be any of a circle, an ellipse, a square, a rectangle, another polygon, a star, an indefinite shape, and the like, and the number of the opening portions is also not limited to one, and can be two or more. The shape, size, and number of the opening portions can be appropriately designed in accordance with the irradiation object and the irradiation purpose. In addition, a plurality of catheters having different shapes, sizes, and numbers of the opening portions can be prepared in advance, and the most suitable catheter for the operator can be selected at the time of the operation in accordance with the irradiation object and the irradiation purpose.

[0123] An example of use of the catheter 402 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 12 and Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a light diffusing device 401' provided with the catheter 402 according to the present embodiment. In the present example, as the optical fiber 403', an optical fiber having a shorter length in the direction of the axis O of the exit position of light (i.e., the light exit portion 431') is used.

[0124] In the present example, the length of the light exit portion 431' is shorter than the length of the opening portion 423 in the direction of the axis O. In addition, in the present example, the optical fiber 403' is relatively movable in the direction of the axis O with respect to the catheter 402.

[0125] Figure 12 A state in which the entire region of the light exit portion 431' in the direction of the axis O is within the position range of the opening portion 423 is shown. Therefore, the light L5c that is circumferentially directed toward the exit direction is entirely emitted from the opening portion 423. Thus, Figure 12 becomes a state in which the irradiation area is the largest (the irradiation length is the longest) in the present example.

[0126] Figure 13 A state in which the optical fiber 403' is moved to the proximal end side T with respect to the catheter 402 is shown. Figure 12 In the present example, the proximal end portion 403TE of the optical fiber 403' approaches the proximal end portion 402TE of the catheter 402, and a part of the light exit portion 431' is offset from the position range of the opening portion 423 in the direction of the axis O. Figure 13 Thus, even the light L5c2 that is circumferentially directed toward the exit direction is shielded by the light shielding member 422. Thus,

[0127] becomes a state in which the irradiation area is smaller (the irradiation length is shorter) than Figure 13 in the present example. Figure 12 ​

[0128] In addition, in contrast to the state of Figure 13 In addition, in contrast to the state of Figure 12 In addition, in contrast to the state of

[0129] Thus, in the present use example, by appropriately moving the optical fiber 403' toward the tip side T or the base end side B with respect to the catheter 402, the size of the irradiation area (the length of the irradiation length) can be adjusted. At the time of the operation, the opening portion 423 that becomes the light exit portion is in the body, and thus in order to be able to grasp the positional relationship of the opening portion 423 and the light exit portion 431 in the axis O direction, it is preferable to preliminarily mark the marks of the axis O direction positions on the catheter 402 and the optical fiber 403' that are outside the body.

[0130] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view at a face perpendicular to the axis O of the light diffusing device 401', and is a cross-sectional view at the S-S cross section in Figure 12 In the present use example, by appropriately moving the optical fiber 403' toward the tip side T or the base end side B with respect to the catheter 402, in order to smoothly perform the movement in the axis O direction, it is desirable to secure the gap between the catheter main body 421 and the optical fiber 403'.

[0131] It is preferable that the one-side gap (one side among the gaps of the radial direction of the optical fiber 403') between the catheter main body 421 and the optical fiber 403' (432') be 5% or more of the outer diameter of the optical fiber 403'. By sufficiently securing the gap between the catheter main body 421 and the optical fiber 403', the insufficient slidability due to the friction between the catheter main body 421 and the optical fiber 403' is less likely to occur, the optical fiber 403' is easily inserted into the catheter main body 421, and the movement in the axis O direction becomes easy.

[0132] On the other hand, as the upper limit of the one-side gap between the catheter main body 421 and the optical fiber 403' (432'), there is no particular limitation, but it is desirable that the catheter main body 402 not be too thick, and thus it is preferable to be 20% or less of the outer diameter of the optical fiber 403'. In the present use example, for example, the outer diameter of the optical fiber 403' is 1 mm, the difference between the catheter main body 421 and the outer diameter of the optical fiber 403' is 0.3 mm, the one-side gap is 0.15 mm, and is 15% of the outer diameter of the optical fiber 403'.

[0133] In addition, it is preferable that either one or both of the inner circumferential surface of the catheter body 421 and the outer circumferential surface of the optical fiber 403' be subjected to a friction-reducing surface treatment. By subjecting the inner circumferential surface of the catheter body 421 and the outer circumferential surface of the optical fiber 403' to a friction-reducing surface treatment, it is possible to suppress insufficient slidability due to friction between the catheter body 421 and the optical fiber 403', and movement in the axial O direction becomes easy. As the friction-reducing surface treatment, it is possible to cite application of a lubricant such as oil, powder, or a chemical agent that imparts lubricity, or polishing or fine processing of the surface, and the like.

[0134] In the present use example, the length of the optical fiber 403' that is inserted is not easy to grasp, and the alignment of the light exit portion 431' of the optical fiber 403' and the opening portion 423 of the catheter 402 is difficult. In order to make this alignment easy, it is possible to cite, for example, the three measures (measure a) to (measure c) shown below.

[0135] (Measure a) Method Based on Barrier

[0136] Figure 15 is a longitudinal sectional view that shows a modification example in which a barrier is provided in the light diffusing device that is provided with the catheter related to the fifth embodiment. As shown in Figure 15 in measure a, a barrier 428 is provided inside the front end portion 402TE in the catheter body 421.

[0137] When the front end portion 403TE of the optical fiber 403' abuts against the barrier 428, the light exit portion 431' of the optical fiber 403' is provided in a manner that matches the position of the opening portion 423 of the catheter 402 in the axial O direction. By providing the barrier 428, it is only necessary to insert the optical fiber 403' into the catheter 402 until it abuts against the barrier 428, and thus the alignment of the light exit portion 431' of the optical fiber 403' and the opening portion 423 of the catheter 402 becomes easy.

[0138] (Measure b) Method Based on Alignment Mark

[0139] In measure b, a mark (not shown) is marked on the base end portion 403BE of the optical fiber 403' or near the base end portion 403BE, and a mark (not shown) is marked on the base end portion 402BE of the catheter body 421 or near the base end portion 402BE. By matching the marks of the optical fiber 403' and the catheter body 421 with each other, the light exit portion 431' of the optical fiber 403' and the opening portion 423 of the catheter 402 are matched in the axial O direction.

[0140] By marking the alignment mark, the alignment of the light exit portion 431' of the optical fiber 403' and the opening portion 423 of the catheter 402 becomes easy as long as the marks of the optical fiber 403' and the catheter main body 421 match each other. In addition, only the alignment mark needs to be marked, and no other components need to be provided or the design needs to be changed, so the constitution for the alignment of the light exit portion 431' of the optical fiber 403' and the opening portion 423 of the catheter 402 can be easily provided.

[0141] (Method c) Scale-based method

[0142] In method c, a scale that enables the amount of movement of the optical fiber 403' relative to the catheter main body 421 to be confirmed is marked near the base end portion 403BE of the optical fiber 403'. The scale is provided in a prescribed length in the axial O direction, and a point in the scale at which the position of the light exit portion 431' of the optical fiber 403' and the opening portion 423 of the catheter 402 match each other is included. It is desirable to mark a scale of about 10 cm centered on this point to enable fine adjustment.

[0143] As a method of marking a scale near the base end portion 403BE of the optical fiber 403', for example, a method of fitting a tube on which a scale is printed on the base end portion 403BE of the optical fiber 403' can be given. More simply, a scale can be printed on the optical fiber 403' in advance.

[0144] If a scale is marked on the optical fiber 403', it is only necessary to adjust the position while observing the scale of the optical fiber 403', so the alignment of the light exit portion 431' of the optical fiber 403' and the opening portion 423 of the catheter 402 becomes easy, and fine adjustment of the position is also enabled. In addition, only the scale needs to be marked on the optical fiber 403', and no other components need to be provided or the design needs to be changed, so the constitution for the alignment of the light exit portion 431' of the optical fiber 403' and the opening portion 423 of the catheter 402 can be easily provided.

[0145] In the present use case, the catheter main body 421 and the optical fiber 403' are thin and long, so there is a concern that the optical fiber 403' cannot maintain the posture when the optical fiber 403' is inserted into the catheter main body 421 and the like. In order to enable the optical fiber 403' to maintain the posture without being bent, for example, the following three methods (methods d) to (f) shown below can be given.

[0146] (Method d) High rigidity of optical fiber

[0147] In the means d, as the optical fiber 403', an optical fiber having high rigidity is used. As the optical fiber having high rigidity, an optical fiber having a large diameter, an optical fiber made of a hard material can be given. As a specific example of the former, a plastic optical fiber (POF) having a diameter of 1 mm or more can be given, and as a specific example of the latter, a quartz optical fiber or the like can be given. By increasing the rigidity of the optical fiber 403' as a whole and maintaining the tension, the bending of the optical fiber 403' when the optical fiber 403' is inserted into the catheter main body 421 can be suppressed, and the posture can be easily maintained.

[0148] (Means e) Method based on a glass cap

[0149] Figure 16 is a schematic view showing a state in which a cap 428 made of glass is attached to the optical fiber 403'. As shown in Figure 16 the cap 428 is a glass-made cylindrical cap having a closed front end, and is attached in a manner of covering the light exit position (i.e., the light exit portion 431') at the front end side T of the optical fiber 403'.

[0150] By attaching the cap 428 made of glass in a manner of covering the light exit portion 431' of the optical fiber 403', the rigidity of the front end side T of the optical fiber 403' can be increased and the tension can be maintained. By increasing the rigidity of the vicinity of the front end portion 403TE of the optical fiber 403' which is easily bent when the optical fiber 403' is inserted into the catheter main body 421 and maintaining the tension, the bending of the optical fiber 403' when the optical fiber 403' is inserted into the catheter main body 421 can be suppressed, and the posture can be easily maintained. In addition, since the cap 428 made of glass covers the light exit portion 431', the light emitted from the light exit portion 431' is not blocked.

[0151] (Means f) Method based on a high-rigidity tube

[0152] In the means f, a high-rigidity tube is fitted on the entire or a part of the optical fiber 403' except for the light exit portion 431'. By fitting the high-rigidity tube on the optical fiber 403', the rigidity of the optical fiber 403' in the region covered by the tube can be increased.

[0153] As the high-rigidity tube, a torsion coil can be given. The torsion coil is a metal-made (e.g., stainless steel-made) covering that maintains the torsional rigidity of the optical fiber, and is generally used to control the position (torsion) of the optical fiber, particularly, the rotational direction. By increasing the rigidity of the entire or a part of the optical fiber 403' and maintaining the tension, the bending of the optical fiber 403' when the optical fiber 403' is inserted into the catheter main body 421 can be suppressed, and the posture can be easily maintained.

[0154] <6th Embodiment>

[0155] Figure 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of a light diffusing device 501 provided with a catheter 502 related to the 6th embodiment, Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the front end portion of the light diffusing device 501.Figure 17 yes Figure 18 Cross-sectional view at section JJ in the diagram. Figure 18 yes Figure 17 The cross-sectional view at section KK in the diagram.

[0156] The light diffusion device 501 equipped with the conduit 502 according to this embodiment is shown. Figure 17 and Figure 18 In this document, for each component that has the same configuration as the light diffusion device 1 according to the first embodiment, a mark is attached that the last two digits are the same as those of each component in the light diffusion device 1 and the hundreds digit is 5. Therefore, the description of the same configuration in each component is omitted, and the following mainly describes the differences.

[0157] In this embodiment, the light-shielding element 522 is installed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the conduit body 521. In this embodiment, the installation of the light-shielding element 522 onto the conduit body 521 is carried out by riveting the two ends of the light-shielding element 522 in the axial direction O or near it with O-rings 525.

[0158] It should be noted that the installation of the light-shielding element onto the conduit body is not limited to riveting with O-rings 525. For example, adhesives can be used as in the first embodiment; other installation tools can be used; or the conduit body and the light-shielding element can be locked together by forming a shape that locks them together.

[0159] Since the catheter 502 is inserted into the body, when the light-shielding element 522 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the catheter body 521 as in this embodiment, it is desirable to use biocompatible materials for both the light-shielding element 522 and the O-ring 525. Alternatively, a layer of biocompatible material may be provided on the light-shielding element 522 and the O-ring 525 to seal them.

[0160] <Seventh Implementation>

[0161] Figure 19 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the light diffusion device 601 equipped with the conduit 602 according to the 7th embodiment. Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view near the front end of the light diffusion device 601. Figure 19 yes Figure 20 A cross-sectional view at the NN section. Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A cross-sectional view at the MM section.

[0162] The light diffusion device 601 equipped with the conduit 602 according to this embodiment is shown. Figure 19 and Figure 20In this document, for each component that has the same configuration as the light diffusion device 1 according to the first embodiment, a mark is attached that has the same last two digits as each component in the light diffusion device 1 and that the hundreds digit is 6. Therefore, the description of the same configuration in each component is omitted, and the following mainly describes the differences.

[0163] In this embodiment, similar to the sixth embodiment, the light-shielding element 622 is installed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the conduit body 621. In this embodiment, the installation of the light-shielding element 622 onto the conduit body 621 is performed by slipping a tube 626 over the light-shielding element 622.

[0164] The tube 626 is made of a heat-shrinkable resin such as vinyl chloride resin. The tube 626 is put over the light-shielding element 622 and heated to shrink it, thereby fixing the light-shielding element 622 between the conduit body 621 and the tube 626.

[0165] As tube 626, a tube with light-transmitting properties is used. Furthermore, since the portion with tube 626 is inserted into the body, it is desirable to use a biocompatible material for tube 6. To protect the light-shielding element 622 from bodily fluids, chemical reagents, etc., it is desirable to seal the light-shielding element 622 through tube 626. Alternatively, a layer of biocompatible material can be provided above tube 6 to seal both tube 6 and the light-shielding element 622.

[0166] <Eighth Implementation>

[0167] Figure 21 This is a front view of the light diffusion device 701 with the conduit 702 according to the eighth embodiment. Figure 22 It is the light diffusion device 701 from Figure 21 The longitudinal section view observed from the right side. Figure 23 It is near the front end of the light diffusion device 701. Figure 21 The cross-sectional view observed on the right side. Figure 22 yes Figure 23 Cross-sectional view at section RR in the middle. Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A cross-sectional view at the QQ section.

[0168] The light diffusion device 701 equipped with the conduit 702 according to this embodiment is shown. Figure 21 to Figure 23 In this document, for each component that has the same configuration as the light diffusion device 1 according to the first embodiment, a mark is attached that has the same last two digits as each component in the light diffusion device 1 and that the hundreds digit is 7. Therefore, the description of the same configuration in each component is omitted, and the following mainly describes the differences.

[0169] In this embodiment, the catheter body 721 has the property of being opaque to light. The opaque catheter body 721 can be obtained, for example, by mixing opaque particles into the material constituting the catheter body; forming the catheter body into a layered structure such that any layer is composed of an opaque material; or coating the inner or outer circumferential surface of the catheter body with a coating made of an opaque material; and so on.

[0170] In the catheter 702 of this embodiment, there is a window-shaped region 727 where the catheter body 721 is not present. This window-shaped region 727 can be formed, for example, by cutting it into a desired shape (rectangular in this embodiment) near the front end 703TE of the catheter body 721.

[0171] The region 727 where the catheter body 721 is absent functions in the same way as the opening 423 in the fifth embodiment. In addition, in the catheter according to this embodiment, the region 727 where the catheter body 721 is absent is located in the axis O direction, and the region where the catheter body 721 is present (i.e., the region other than region 727) functions as a light-shielding element (in this embodiment, this region is referred to as "light-shielding element 722").

[0172] In this embodiment, the catheter 702 does not have a separate light-shielding element. The area of ​​the catheter body 721 (light-shielding element 722), which includes the region 727 where the catheter body 721 is not located in the axis O direction, corresponds to the light-shielding element 522 in the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, although there are rectangular and elliptical shapes, the window-shaped region 727 provided in the catheter body 721 corresponds to the opening 423 in the fifth embodiment. Therefore, the functions and usage methods described in the fifth embodiment can also be implemented in this embodiment.

[0173] [Catheter Kit]

[0174] In the above embodiments of the conduit and light diffusion device, all examples of the invention have been described in which the optical fiber is inserted into the conduit to form the light diffusion device. However, in commercially available products, the optical fiber and the conduit are sometimes separated or packaged together.

[0175] In catheter kits where optical fibers and catheters are integrated, the optical fiber is not limited to being inserted into the catheter to form a light diffusion device; sometimes the two are in a separate or combined state. Such catheter kits allow the optical fiber to be inserted into the catheter before or during surgery to form a light diffusion device, which is then used for the procedure. Therefore, regardless of whether the optical fiber is inserted into the catheter, the catheter kit of the present invention is the same as the described embodiments of the catheter and light diffusion device, possessing the same usefulness and achieving the same effect.

[0176] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of representative modes of the present application, and the present application is not limited to these embodiments. That is, those skilled in the art can implement various modifications within the scope of the present application without departing from the spirit of the present application based on the previously known insights. Even if such modifications are made, as long as the constitution of the catheter of the present application, and the catheter kit and the light diffusing device provided with the same, remains, it is of course included in the scope of the present application. For example, the respective constitutions of the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined to implement the present application.

[0177] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0178] 1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 401', 501, 601, 701, 801 light diffusing device

[0179] 2, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702, 802 catheter

[0180] 3, 3', 103, 203, 303, 403, 403', 503, 603, 703, 803 optical fiber

[0181] 21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821 catheter main body

[0182] 22, 122, 322, 422, 522, 622, 722, 822 light shielding member

[0183] 23, 123, 223, 323, 423, 523, 623, 723, 823 opening portion

[0184] 31, 131, 231, 331, 431, 431', 531, 631, 731, 831 light exit portion (light exit position)

[0185] 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 432', 532, 632, 732, 832 light transmission portion

[0186] 33' end surface

[0187] 222 side portion light shielding member

[0188] 223 front end portion light shielding member

[0189] 324 balloon

[0190] 328 endoscope

[0191] 428 stopper

[0192] 525 O-ring;

[0193] 626 tube;

[0194] 727 region;

[0195] 2BE, 102BE, 202BE, 302BE, 402BE, 502BE, 602BE, 702BE, 802BE base end;

[0196] 2TE, 102TE, 202TE, 302TE, 402TE, 502TE, 602TE, 702TE, 802TE front end (catheter body);

[0197] 3TE, 3TE', 103TE, 203TE, 303TE, 403TE, 503TE, 603TE, 703TE, 803TE front end (optical fiber).

Claims

1. A catheter having: a catheter body having a base end portion and a front end portion, and a light shielding member provided to the catheter body.

2. The catheter of claim 1, wherein, The light shielding member is in contact with an inner peripheral surface or an outer peripheral surface in the catheter body.

3. The catheter of claim 1, wherein, A balloon is provided to an outer side of the catheter body provided with the light shielding member.

4. The catheter of claim 1, wherein, The light shielding member is made of metal.

5. The catheter of claim 1, wherein, The light shielding member is formed of a reflective resin.

6. The catheter of claim 1, wherein, The light shielding member is provided in a circular arc shape centered on an axis of the catheter body from the base end portion to the front end portion.

7. The catheter of claim 1, wherein, The light shielding member is provided entirely around the axis of the catheter body from the base end portion to the front end portion, and has an opening portion on a side in a prescribed direction.

8. The catheter according to claim 7, wherein the catheter body has a property of not transmitting light, the catheter has a region in which the catheter body is not present, the region in which the catheter body is not present corresponds to the opening portion, in the catheter, a position in the direction of the axis includes the region in which the catheter body is not present, and a region in which the catheter body is present corresponds to the light shielding member.

9. A catheter kit comprising: the catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and an optical fiber having a base end portion and a front end portion, and causing light incident from the base end portion to be emitted from an outer peripheral surface on the front end side.

10. A light diffusion device comprising: the catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and an optical fiber having a base end portion and a front end portion, and causing light incident from the base end portion to be emitted from an outer peripheral surface on the front end side, the optical fiber is inserted into the catheter in a manner that the base end portions of the optical fiber and the catheter are each concentrated on the same side as each other and the front end portions are each concentrated on the same side as each other, in the direction of an axis from the base end portion to the front end portion, an emission position of light at the front end side of the optical fiber overlaps a position of the light shielding member of the catheter.

11. The light diffusing device of claim 10, wherein, the light shielding member is provided entirely around the axis from the base end portion to the front end portion, and has an opening portion on a side in a prescribed direction, the optical fiber is relatively movable in the direction of the axis with respect to the catheter.

12. The light diffusion device according to claim 11, wherein a one-sided gap between the catheter body and the optical fiber is 5% or more of an outer diameter of the optical fiber, and either one or both of an inner peripheral surface of the catheter body and an outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber is subjected to a surface treatment for reducing friction.

13. The light diffusing device of claim 11, wherein, a stopper is arranged inside the front end portion in the catheter body.

14. The light diffusing device of claim 11, wherein, a scale that enables an amount of movement of the optical fiber with respect to the catheter body to be confirmed is marked near the base end portion of the optical fiber.

15. The light diffusing device of claim 11, wherein, a front-end-closed, cylindrical glass cover is attached in a manner that an emission position of light at the front end side of the optical fiber is covered.

16. The light diffusion device according to claim 10, further comprising an endoscope, the light shielding member is in contact with a metal portion of the endoscope, directly or indirectly.

Images