Catheter

Abstract

A catheter is provided with: a shaft to be inserted into a body; and a plurality of groups of ribs (3) which are connected to the tip side of the shaft, and each of which is composed of two ribs. Two ribs (3) constituting a group of ribs (3) are disposed across at least one rib (3) belonging to another group. In each of the plurality of groups of ribs (3), the action of each other is constrained by a constraining member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a catheter. Background Technology

[0002] A catheter is a medical device inserted into the body for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. As an example, a catheter is known to have a shaft and a basket electrode assembly coupled to the tip of the shaft (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Here, the basket electrode assembly includes multiple splines. Furthermore, it is configured such that by deforming the splines, the basket electrode assembly can be deformed from a contracted shape to an expanded shape.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-507349

[0004] In the aforementioned conduit, when the ligaments are deformed while in contact with the body tissue, the spacing between the ligaments may become too narrow or too wide. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure is an invention made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a conduit that deforms in a manner that keeps the ribs from moving apart at appropriate intervals.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure is a conduit. The conduit comprises: a shaft for insertion into a body; and multiple sets of reinforcing bars connected to the top end of the shaft, each set consisting of two reinforcing bars. The two reinforcing bars forming a set are arranged with at least one reinforcing bar belonging to another set as a buffer. In each set of reinforcing bars, their movement is constrained by a constraint member.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure is a conduit. The conduit comprises: a shaft for insertion into a body; and a plurality of ribs connected to the top end of the shaft. The plurality of ribs includes a first rib and a second rib. The first rib and the second rib are configured with at least one other rib between them, and the movement of the first rib and the second rib relative to each other is constrained by a first constraint member.

[0008] Any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements, or any scheme that transforms the expression of this disclosure into methods, apparatus, systems, etc., shall also be considered as a scheme of this disclosure.

[0009] The conduit disclosed herein can deform in a manner that keeps the ribs from being separated by appropriate intervals. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the deformation state near the tip of the conduit according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2This is a perspective view schematically illustrating other examples of the deformation state near the tip of the conduit according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 It is Figure 1 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional view of the components constituting the conduit after the ribs have been removed.

[0013] Figure 4 It is Figure 1 The diagram shown is a perspective view of the components constituting the conduit after the tip component has been removed.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of the top area shown.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a side view schematically illustrating an example of the structure near the tip of the catheter in this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view shown along line AA.

[0017] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view shown is along the BB line.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the overall structure of the catheter of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 10 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view shown along the CC line.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the deformation state near the tip of the conduit in the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12 It is Figure 11 The tip component of the catheter shown is removed. Figure 11 A magnified view of the top area shown.

[0022] Figure 13 It is Figure 11 The diagram shown is a schematic view from the tip side after the tip component of the conduit has been removed.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the deformation state near the tip of the conduit in the third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 15 It is shown in magnification Figure 14 A diagram showing the connection between multiple constraint components.

[0025] Figure 16 It means Figure 14 The diagram shows an example where the connection of each constraint member does not protrude from the top side of the rib. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present disclosure will now be described based on preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not intended to limit the present disclosure but are merely examples, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments may not be essential to the present disclosure. Identical or equivalent constituent elements, components, and processes shown in the various drawings are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the scales and shapes of the parts shown in the figures are set in a convenient manner and are not to be interpreted limitingly unless specifically mentioned. In addition, when terms such as "first" and "second" are used in this specification or technical solution, unless specifically mentioned, these terms are used to distinguish one component from others and do not indicate any order or importance. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, parts of less important components may be omitted from the description of the embodiments.

[0027] [First Implementation]

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the deformation state near the tip of the conduit 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating other examples of deformation near the tip of the conduit 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the catheter 1 includes: a shaft 2 for insertion into the body; a plurality of ribs 3a to 3h connected to the tip side of the shaft 2; and a tip member 4 connected to the tip side of each of the plurality of ribs 3a to 3h. Hereinafter, the common description of each of the plurality of ribs 3a to 3h will also be abbreviated as rib 3. Regarding other reference numerals ending with letters, the common description of these reference numerals will also be provided without the letters. Hereinafter, the side of the catheter 1 inserted into the body will be appropriately referred to as the "tip side," and the side disposed outside the body will be referred to as the "base side." Furthermore, regarding each component constituting the catheter 1, the side identical to the tip side of the catheter 1 will be referred to as the "tip side" of that component, and the side identical to the base side of the catheter 1 will be referred to as the "base side" of that component.

[0029] Shaft 2 can also be a long, cylindrical tube. The length of shaft 2 is, for example, 800 mm to 1800 mm. The outer diameter of shaft 2 is, for example, 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm. The material constituting shaft 2 can be any material that is flexible and biocompatible. For example, shaft 2 can be made of known resins such as polyolefins or polyamides.

[0030] Rib 3 is a component connecting shaft 2 and top member 4. Rib 3 can also be a cylindrical component like shaft 2. The length of rib 3 when stretched into a straight line is, for example, 20mm to 50mm. The outer diameter of rib 3 is, for example, 0.5mm to 2.0mm. The material constituting rib 3 can be any flexible and biocompatible material. For example, rib 3 can be made of known resins such as polyolefins or polyamides, just like shaft 2.

[0031] The conduit 1 of this embodiment has eight ribs 3a to 3h. The ribs 3a to 3h are arranged adjacent to each other in a clockwise circumferential order when viewed from the top side. That is, rib 3a is adjacent to rib 3b, rib 3b is adjacent to rib 3c, rib 3c is adjacent to rib 3d, rib 3d is adjacent to rib 3e, rib 3e is adjacent to rib 3f, rib 3f is adjacent to rib 3g, rib 3g is adjacent to rib 3h, and rib 3h is adjacent to rib 3a. Furthermore, in a plane orthogonal to the central axis of axis 2, each rib 3 is arranged separately from each other.

[0032] The reinforcing rib 3 is connected to the shaft 2. As an example, a portion of the reinforcing rib 3, including its base end (base end portion), is inserted into the top end side of the shaft 2. Furthermore, the base end portion of the reinforcing rib 3 is joined to the shaft 2 by a known joining method such as welding or adhesive bonding.

[0033] The ribs 3 are configured such that their shape changes, i.e., deforms, according to the deformation operations described later. Specifically, the shape of each rib 3 varies between a non-expanded shape or a contracted shape that does not cause each rib 3 to expand along the central axis of axis 2, and an expanded shape or an extended shape that causes each rib 3 to expand along the central axis of axis 2 from its non-expanded shape. Details will be described later, but as an example of a non-expanded shape, a "petal shape" (see [reference]) can be cited. Figure 2 On the other hand, as an example of an unfolded shape, one can cite the "basket shape" formed by unfolding each rib 3 along the central axis of axis 2 from the petal shape (see [reference]). Figure 1 ).

[0034] Figure 3 It is Figure 1 The diagram shown is a perspective view of the components constituting the conduit 1 after the ribs 3 have been removed. Figure 4 It is Figure 1 The diagram shown is a perspective view of the components constituting the conduit 1 after the tip component 4 has been removed. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of the top region S shown. (See attached image.) Figures 3-5As shown, the relative movements of ribs 3a and ribs 3c are constrained by the constraint member 6a. Here, "constrained relative movements" means that when ribs 3a and ribs 3c are deformed, they deform while maintaining an appropriate distance. It should be noted that this distance refers to the shortest distance between the tip sides of ribs 3a and ribs 3c. Therefore, even assuming that the deformation operation is performed while rib 3a is in contact with tissue within the body, the constraint member 6a ensures that ribs 3a and ribs 3c deform while maintaining an appropriate distance. Because of this configuration, the conduit 1 of this embodiment can deform into a desired shape, i.e., a non-expanded shape or an expanded shape, while maintaining an appropriate distance between the ribs 3a and ribs 3c.

[0035] The ribs 3a and 3c, whose movements are constrained by the constraint member 6a, are arranged with rib 3b between them and are not adjacent. Therefore, constraining the movements of separate ribs 3 makes processing easier compared to constraining the movements of adjacent ribs 3. The more ribs 3 the guide tube 1 has, the more precise the machining is required, and therefore the above-mentioned effect of this configuration becomes more significant.

[0036] The above configuration can also be expressed as follows. That is, when the stiffener 3a is designated as the first stiffener, the stiffener 3c as the second stiffener, and the constraint member 6a as the first constraint member, the first stiffener and the second stiffener are arranged with at least one other stiffener between them, and the movement of the first stiffener and the second stiffener relative to each other is constrained by the first constraint member.

[0037] As described above, ribs 3a and ribs 3c constitute a group of ribs 3, and the movement of these ribs 3 relative to each other is constrained by a constraint member 6a. Similarly, ribs 3b and ribs 3d constitute a group of ribs 3, and the movement of these ribs 3 relative to each other is constrained by a constraint member 6b. Furthermore, the ribs 3a and ribs 3c constituting the group of ribs 3 are arranged with a rib 3b belonging to another group between them. Thus, as described above, the guide tube 1 of this embodiment can be deformed into a desired shape while keeping the ribs 3 relative to each other at appropriate intervals, and processing can be made easier.

[0038] Alternatively, the above configuration related to the groups of stiffeners 3a and 3c, and the groups of stiffeners 3b and 3d, can also be applied to the other stiffeners 3. That is, the movement of each stiffener 3 arranged with at least one stiffener between them can be constrained by a constraint member 6. Specifically, the movement of stiffeners 3c and 3e can be constrained by constraint member 6c. The movement of stiffeners 3d and 3f can be constrained by constraint member 6d. The movement of stiffeners 3e and 3g can be constrained by constraint member 6e. The movement of stiffeners 3f and 3h can be constrained by constraint member 6f. The movement of stiffeners 3g and 3a can be constrained by constraint member 6g. The movement of stiffeners 3h and 3b can be constrained by constraint member 6h. In other words, the conduit 1 has multiple groups of stiffeners 3, and in each group of these groups, the movement of each other is constrained by a constraint member 6. Here, a group of reinforcing bars 3 consists of two reinforcing bars 3. It should be noted that, as mentioned above, one reinforcing bar 3 forms a different group from the other two reinforcing bars 3. For example, reinforcing bar 3a and reinforcing bar 3c form a group, and reinforcing bar 3a and reinforcing bar 3g also form a group.

[0039] In this embodiment, an example is shown where a group of reinforcing bars 3 are arranged with one reinforcing bar 3 between them. However, a group of reinforcing bars 3 only needs to be arranged with at least one other reinforcing bar 3 between them. That is, a group of reinforcing bars 3 can be arranged with two reinforcing bars 3 between them, or with more than three reinforcing bars 3 between them.

[0040] The constraint member 6 can be any member capable of constraining the movement of two ribs 3 that constitute a set of ribs 3, and can be of any shape, structure, and material. As an example, the constraint member 6 is a metal wire. Furthermore, the material of the metal wire can be any shape memory alloy such as nickel-titanium alloy.

[0041] Alternatively, the constraint member 6 may have a first end and a second end. Furthermore, at least a portion of the first end of the constraint member 6 may be located within one rib 3 of the group of ribs 3, and at least a portion of the second end of the constraint member 6 may be located within another rib 3 of the group of ribs 3. Also, the constraint member 6 may have a connecting portion that connects the tip of one rib 3 to the tip of another rib 3. In this embodiment, the connecting portion is a protrusion 15 that protrudes towards the tip side from both the tip of one rib 3 and the tip of the other rib 3. Here, at least a portion of the first end refers to a portion of the constraint member 6 that is continuous from the first end of the protrusion 15 and has a fixed length. Furthermore, at least a portion of the second end refers to a portion of the constraint member 6 that is continuous from the second end of the protrusion 15 and has a fixed length. In this case, where the constraint member 6 is configured to connect the top ends of a group of ribs 3 to each other through the connecting part, in the guide tube 1 of this embodiment, connecting the top ends of ribs 3 that are far apart and not adjacent to each other makes the processing easier than connecting the top ends of adjacent ribs 3 to each other.

[0042] For example, at least a portion of the first end of the restraining member 6a may be located within the rib 3a, and at least a portion of the second end of the restraining member 6a may be located within the rib 3c. Furthermore, the restraining member 6a may have a protrusion 15a that protrudes towards the top end of the rib 3a and the rib 3c.

[0043] Alternatively, the first end of the constraint member 6 may be located closer to the base end of one of the stiffeners 3. Alternatively, the second end of the constraint member 6 may be located closer to the base end of another stiffener 3a. For example, the first end of the constraint member 6a may be located closer to the base end of the stiffener 3a. Furthermore, for example, the second end of the constraint member 6a may be located closer to the base end of the stiffener 3c. If such a configuration is satisfied, the constraint member 6 will function as a skeleton to maintain the shape of the two stiffeners 3 constituting the group of stiffeners 3.

[0044] When the restraining member 6 is a metal wire, the protrusion 15 can also be U-shaped. When at least one of the ribs 3 restrained by the restraining member 6 deforms, the restraining member 6 also deforms in conjunction. At this time, the stress generated by the deformation is concentrated on the protrusion 15. If the protrusion 15 is U-shaped, the above stress can be effectively mitigated, and the possibility of the protrusion 15 breaking is reduced even with repeated deformation.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a side view schematically illustrating an example of the structure near the tip of the conduit 1 in this embodiment. Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view shown along line AA. Figure 7 As shown, the rib 3a may also have a multi-cavity structure. Specifically, the rib 3a has four cavities 7 (7a1, 7b1, 7c1, 7d1) extending from the top to the base along the central axis of the rib 3a. Here, cavities 7a1 and 7b1 are located on the central axis side of axis 2, compared to cavities 7c1 and 7d1. Furthermore, cavities 7b1 and 7c1 are located on the rib 3b side, compared to cavities 7a1 and 7d1.

[0046] Alternatively, rib 3c may also have a multi-cavity structure, similar to rib 3a. Specifically, rib 3c has four cavities 7 (7a3, 7b3, 7c3, 7d3) extending from the top to the base along the central axis of rib 3c. Here, cavities 7a3 and 7b3 are located on the central axis side of axis 2, compared to cavities 7c3 and 7d3. Furthermore, cavities 7a3 and 7d3 are located on the rib 3b side, compared to cavities 7b3 and 7c3.

[0047] Alternatively, the first end of the constraint member 6a can be inserted into the cavity 7c1 of the rib 3a. On the other hand, the second end of the constraint member 6a can be inserted into the cavity 7d3 of the rib 3c. In this way, the constraint member 6a is inserted into the closest cavities 7c1 and 7d3 of each cavity 7 of the ribs 3a and 3c, located away from the central axis of axis 2, thereby holding the ribs 3a and 3c at a more appropriate interval.

[0048] In the above embodiment, ribs 3a and 3c and constraint member 6a were described as examples, but the same applies to other ribs 3 and constraint members 6. In this case, among the sets of ribs 3, the constraint member 6 is inserted into the closest set of cavities 7 located on the central axis side away from axis 2, thus achieving a configuration in which the constraint members 6 are less likely to interfere with each other.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, each rib 3 may also have one or more electrodes 5. Electrode 5 refers to a ring-shaped electrode used for potential measurement or ablation. The electrodes 5 of the same rib 3 are arranged separately from each other along the longitudinal direction of the rib 3. In this case, the spacing between adjacent electrodes 5 may be constant or different. Furthermore, the number of electrodes 5 in each rib 3 may be the same or different.

[0050] Electrode 5 is made of a conductive material. For example, electrode 5 is made of a metal with good conductivity such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), stainless steel, gold (Au), or platinum (Pt). The length of electrode 5 is, for example, 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm. The outer diameter of electrode 5 only needs to be the same as the outer diameter of rib 3, for example, 0.5 mm to 1.6 mm.

[0051] Each electrode 5 is electrically connected to a wire. Furthermore, the wire passes through the shaft 2 and the handle 8 (described later) from within the rib 3, and is connected to an external power supply device via the handle 8. As an example, each wire connected to the electrode 5 of the rib 3a passes through the cavity 7a1 or cavity 7b1 of the rib 3a while being electrically insulated from each other. It should be noted that the same applies to the ribs 3 other than rib 3a.

[0052] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the top member 4 may also cover a portion of the top of the rib 3a (hereinafter referred to as the "top portion"), the top portion of the rib 3c, and the protrusion 15a of the restraining member 6a. In other words, the top member 4 may cover the top portions of the rib 3a, the top portions of the rib 3c, and the protrusion 15a of the restraining member 6a. The top member 4 may be of any shape, but as an example, the top member 4 is cap-shaped. Furthermore, the top member 4 may be made of any material, but as an example, the top member 4 may be made of known resins such as nylon, nylon elastomer, and polycarbonate, or known metals such as stainless steel. It should be noted that the top member 4 may also completely cover the top portions of each rib 3 and the protrusion 15a of each restraining member 6.

[0053] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 The sectional view shown along the BB line. Figure 8 As shown, it is also possible that, in a top view taken from the base end side of the top member 4, the wall portion constituting the inner surface of the top member 4 has adjacent recesses 9a and 9b. Furthermore, it is also possible that at least a portion of the top end of the rib 3a is located within the recess 9a, and at least a portion of the top end of the rib 3b is located within the recess 9b. Here, "at least a portion of the top end of the rib 3 is located within the recess 9" means that, in a top view taken from the base end side of the top member 4, the area of ​​the recess 9 has a portion for the rib 3 to overlap. If such a configuration is satisfied, the recesses 9a and 9b can prevent the position of the top ends of the rib 3a and rib 3b from shifting when the ribs 3a and rib 3b are deformed.

[0054] As an example, the shapes of recesses 9a and 9b are semi-circular when viewed from the base end side of the top member 4. Furthermore, the wall portion constituting recess 9a may or may not contact the rib 3a. Similarly, the wall portion constituting recess 9b may or may not contact the rib 3b. It should be noted that... Figure 8 The middle figure shows an example where the wall portion constituting the inner surface of the top member 4 has eight recesses 9. Alternatively, the wall portion constituting the inner surface of the top member 4 may each have a recess 9 corresponding to one of the ribs 3.

[0055] The interior of the top member 4 can also be filled with adhesive. If such a configuration is satisfied, the stiffeners 3a, 3c, and restraint member 6a are firmly joined by adhesive, thus the stiffeners 3a and 3c are held at a more appropriate interval. The same applies to the stiffeners 3 other than stiffeners 3a and 3c and the restraint members 6 other than restraint members 6a.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the top member 4 may also have a binding member 10 with a protrusion 15a for binding the constraint member 6a inside. Here, binding the protrusion 15a means that the protrusion 15a is bound in a way that it does not move in the direction of the plane orthogonal to the central axis of the shaft 2. If such a configuration is satisfied, the twisting of the constraint member 6a will be suppressed by the binding member 10, and thus the deformation of the ribs 3a and 3c can be effectively linked by the constraint member 6a. It should be noted that the binding member 10 may also bind the protrusions 15 of all the constraint members 6 respectively.

[0057] The binding member 10 can be any member capable of binding the protrusion 15a, and can be of any shape, structure, and material. As an example, the binding member 10 is plate-shaped, having an upper surface (hereinafter referred to as the "first surface") on the top side and a lower surface (hereinafter referred to as the "second surface") on the base side, which is the back side of the first surface. The second surface faces the top surfaces of the reinforcing ribs 3a and 3c. Furthermore, the binding member 10 is provided with a through hole 16a into which the protrusion 15a of the restraining member 6a is inserted, extending from the first surface to the second surface. In addition, the side of the binding member 10 connecting the first and second surfaces (hereinafter referred to as the "third surface") can be any shape corresponding to the wall portion constituting the inner surface of the top member 4. Specifically, it can be any shape having a protrusion corresponding to each recess 9 of the top member 4. Furthermore, the material constituting the binding member 10 can be any material with high rigidity. For example, the binding member 10 can be made of a known metal such as stainless steel. It should be noted that, alternatively, the binding member 10 may have through holes 16 corresponding to the protrusions 15 of each constraint member 6.

[0058] The through hole 16a can be of any shape as long as it allows the protrusion 15a of the restraining member 6a to be inserted. As an example, the through hole 16a is elliptical when viewed from the top view of the first side of the binding member 10. It should be noted that other through holes 16 can also be elliptical in the same way.

[0059] like Figure 5As shown, it is also possible that the protrusions 15a and 15b of the constraint members 6a corresponding to ribs 3a and 3c and the constraint members 6b corresponding to ribs 3b and 3d, when viewed from the top side, bend in different directions. Here, "when viewed from the top side" means viewing the conduit 1 from a position closer to the top side than the conduit 1. The constraint members 6a and 6b are partially overlapping in the circumferential direction of the conduit 1. In this embodiment, the constraint member 6a bends further radially outward than the constraint member 6b. Alternatively, the same applies to the constraint members 6 that partially overlap in the circumferential direction of the conduit 1, other than the constraint members 6a and 6b.

[0060] Alternatively, the protrusions 15 of the first constraint member 6 corresponding to the first set of ribs 3 and the second constraint member 6 corresponding to the second set of ribs 3 may be bent in different directions when viewed from the top side. The second set of ribs 3 includes ribs 3 arranged in a manner that sandwiches between the two ribs 3 constituting the first set of ribs 3. This makes it less likely for the constraint members 6 to interfere with each other, thus simplifying manufacturing. Such constraint members 6 can, for example, be made of shape memory alloy wires that have been bent into various shapes.

[0061] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the overall structure of the catheter 1 of this disclosure. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the catheter 1 may also have a handle 8 connected to the base end of the shaft 2. The handle 8 is the part that the operator, such as a doctor, can grasp or hold when using the catheter 1. The handle 8 may also have a handle body 11 attached to the base end of the shaft 2, a rotating operating part 12, and a sliding member 13.

[0062] The handle body 11 corresponds to the part that the operator actually grips. The handle body 11 can be of any shape. As an example, the handle body 11 is shaped to extend along the central axis of shaft 2. Furthermore, the handle body 11 is made of known resins such as polycarbonate, polyacetal, and ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymers).

[0063] The rotation operation unit 12 is the part used for rotational operations such as bending or flexing the shaft 2 in both directions near its tip. The base ends of a pair of pull wires inside the handle body 11 are fixed to the rotation operation unit 12. The tips of the pull wires pass through the shaft 2 from inside the handle body 11 and are fixed to the tip side of the shaft 2. Therefore, when the rotation operation unit 12 is operated, the pull wires are stretched towards their base ends, causing the tip side of the shaft 2, where the tips of the pull wires are fixed, to bend or flex.

[0064] The sliding member 13 is the part in which the operator performs deformation operations such as sliding when the shape of the rib 3 is deformed between the aforementioned non-expanded or contracted shape and the unfolded or expanded shape. The sliding member 13 can slide along the central axis of the shaft 2 of the handle body 11.

[0065] The base end of the deformable member 14 is fixed to the sliding member 13. The top end of the deformable member 14 passes through the shaft 2 from inside the handle body 11 and is fixed inside the top member 4. Furthermore, the sliding member 13 can move to any position along the central axis of the shaft 2 from the handle body 11. Therefore, the shape of the rib 3 can be deformed into the aforementioned non-expanded shape or contracted shape, unfolded shape or expanded shape, or any intermediate shape between the non-expanded shape and the unfolded shape, depending on the position of the sliding member 13.

[0066] The deformable component 14 can be any long strip, and can be of any shape, structure, and material. As an example, the deformable component 14 is a metal wire that is thicker than the constraint component 6.

[0067] Figure 10 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view showing the CC line. (See attached image.) Figure 10 As shown, shaft 2 has a large cavity 18 at its center, including its radially inner side. The large cavity 18 extends from the base end of shaft 2 to its top end. Around the large cavity 18, shaft 2 has eight smaller cavities 17a-17h arranged circumferentially and two draw-wire cavities 19a, 19b arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the center of shaft 2. The eight smaller cavities 17a-17h are arranged adjacent to each other in a clockwise circumferential order when viewed from the top end side.

[0068] Alternatively, the first and second ends of each of the multiple constraint members 6 may be disposed within the shaft 2. Specifically, the first end of constraint member 6a is disposed within cavity 17a, and the second end of constraint member 6a is disposed within cavity 17c. Similarly, the first end of constraint member 6b is disposed within cavity 17b, and the second end of constraint member 6b is disposed within cavity 17d. The same applies to the other constraint members 6.

[0069] Within shaft 2, a pair of pull wires 22a and 22b extend from the base end to the top end. Specifically, pull wire 22a is disposed within pull wire cavity 19a. Pull wire 22b is disposed within pull wire cavity 19b. Thus, in Figure 10 As shown in the cross-sectional view orthogonal to the axis of axis 2, a pair of draw wires 22a and 22b are arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the center of axis 2.

[0070] exist Figure 10As shown in the cross-sectional view, the eight cavities 17a-17h are arranged symmetrically with respect to the straight line 24 passing through the center positions of the pair of tension lines 22a and 22b. Specifically, cavities 17a and 17f, 17b and 17e, 17c and 17d, and 17g and 17h are arranged symmetrically with respect to the straight line 24. Therefore, the multiple constraint members 6 disposed within the multiple cavities 17 are also arranged symmetrically with respect to the straight line 24. Thus, when the top of the shaft 2 is bent in two directions on the same plane using the pair of tension lines 22a and 22b, the flexibility and weight balance deviation on both sides of the plane can be reduced, thereby improving the planarity.

[0071] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the term "linear symmetry" is used for convenience, but in the actual shaft 2, it is not required that each cavity 17 be arranged strictly in a linear symmetry. For example, each cavity 17 only needs to be arranged within a specified distance from the position of linear symmetry. Specifically, the distance of each cavity 17 from the position of linear symmetry only needs to be within 30% of the diameter of each cavity 17, preferably within 20%, and more preferably within 10%.

[0072] exist Figure 10 As shown in the cross-sectional view, the eight cavities 17a–17h are arranged in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the axis of shaft 2. Specifically, cavities 17a and 17e, 17b and 17f, 17c and 17g, and 17d and 17h are each arranged in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the axis of shaft 2. Therefore, the multiple constraint members 6 disposed within the multiple cavities 17 are also arranged in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the axis of shaft 2. This reduces the deviation in flexibility and weight balance at the position opposite to the axis of shaft 2, thus further improving planarity.

[0073] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the term "point symmetry" is used for convenience, but in the actual shaft 2, it is not required that each cavity 17 be arranged strictly in a point-symmetric manner. For example, each cavity 17 only needs to be arranged within a specified distance from the point-symmetric position. Specifically, the distance of each cavity 17 from the point-symmetric position only needs to be within 30% of the diameter of each cavity 17, preferably within 20%, and more preferably within 10%.

[0074] Furthermore, as described above, by arranging multiple constraint members 6 within the smaller cavities 17 surrounding the larger cavity 18 located on the shaft 2, a large cross-sectional area orthogonal to the axial direction of the larger cavity 18 can be ensured. Thus, as... Figure 10 As shown, it is easy to configure multiple wires 26, water pipes 28, and deformable members 14, including the center position, within the large cavity 18.

[0075] As described above, the conduit 1 of the first embodiment has eight ribs 3a to 3h. However, the number of ribs 3 in the conduit 1 is not limited to eight, and four or more is acceptable. However, as described above, from the viewpoint of performing operations based on a pair of pull wires 22 in a balanced manner, the number of ribs 3 is preferably an even number.

[0076] [Second Implementation]

[0077] Reference Figures 11-13 The second embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. In the following embodiments, the same elements as those described in the first embodiment but not described below may be applied. Figure 11 This is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the deformed state near the tip of the conduit 101 in the second embodiment.

[0078] The conduit 101 includes: a shaft 102 for insertion into the body; a plurality of ribs 103a to 103l connected to the top end of the shaft 102; and a top member 104 connected to the top end of each of the ribs 103a to 103l. The ribs 103a to 103l are arranged adjacent to each other in a clockwise circumferential order when viewed from the top end. The conduit 101 of this embodiment differs from the conduit 1 of the first embodiment in that it has twelve ribs 103a to 103l. The configuration of each rib 103 is the same as that of the ribs 3 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the shaft 102 and the top member 104 are the same as the shaft 2 and the top member 4 of the first embodiment, except that they are set to a shape corresponding to the twelve ribs 103a to 103l. Figure 11 In, compared with the first embodiment Figure 1 Similarly, rib 103 is a "basket shape" as its unfolded shape.

[0079] Figure 12 It is Figure 11 After removing the tip member 104 from the components constituting the conduit 101 shown. Figure 11 A magnified view of the top region T shown. Figure 13 It is Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the components constituting the conduit 101, viewed from the tip side after the tip member 104 has been removed. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, constraint member 106a constrains ribs 103a and ribs 103d. Constraint member 106b constrains ribs 103b and ribs 103e. Constraint member 106c constrains ribs 103c and ribs 103f. Thus, in this embodiment, a group of ribs 103a and 103d are arranged with two ribs 103b and 103c belonging to other groups, respectively. This is also true for the other ribs 103.

[0080] like Figure 13 As shown, alternatively, the protrusions of constraint members 106a corresponding to ribs 103a and 103d, constraint members 106b corresponding to ribs 103b and 103e, and constraint members 106c corresponding to ribs 103c and 103f, when viewed from the top side, bend in different directions. Constraint members 106a, 106b, and 106c partially overlap in the circumferential direction of the conduit 101. In this embodiment, constraint member 106a bends more radially inward toward the conduit 101 than constraint members 106b and 106c. Constraint member 106b has a smaller bend compared to constraint members 106a and 106c.

[0081] The constraint member 106c bends further radially outward from the conduit 101 than the constraint members 106a and 106b. Alternatively, this also applies to the constraint members 106, excluding 106a, 106b, and 106c, which partially overlap each other in the circumferential direction of the conduit 101. Thus, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained in the conduit 101 of this embodiment.

[0082] [Third Implementation]

[0083] Reference Figures 14-16 The third embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. Figure 14 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a deformed state near the tip of the conduit 201 according to the third embodiment. The conduit 201 includes: a shaft 2 for insertion into the body; and a plurality of ribs 3a to 3j connected to the tip side of the shaft 2. Although in Figure 14 The illustration is omitted, but the conduit 201 may also have a tip member in the same way as the conduit 1 in the first embodiment.

[0084] The conduit 201 of this embodiment differs from the conduit 1 of the first embodiment in that the connecting portion of the constraint member 206 does not protrude towards the top end. Figure 15 This is a magnified view showing the connection points of multiple constraint members 206. (See diagram below.) Figure 15 As shown, each constraint member 206 has a structure in which it is intertwined with the constraint members 206 adjacent to it in the circumferential direction. Specifically, in Figure 15In the example shown, with the clockwise direction of the circumference as viewed from the top side set as the positive direction, the connecting portion of each constraint member 206 is positioned closer to the top side than the connecting portion of the constraint member 206 adjacent in the negative direction, and closer to the base end side than the connecting portion of the constraint member 206 adjacent in the positive direction. In this way, by setting the structure such that the connecting portions of each constraint member 206 are intertwined, the relative positions of the multiple constraint members 206 can be stabilized even without using components such as the binding member 10 of the first embodiment.

[0085] Figure 16 This diagram shows an example where the connecting portion of each constraint member 206 does not protrude from the top end of the stiffener 3. Even with this configuration, the same effect described above can be achieved for each constraint member 206.

[0086] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above. The above embodiments are merely specific examples of implementing this disclosure. The content of the embodiments does not limit the technical scope of this disclosure, and many design changes, such as alterations, additions, and deletions of constituent elements, can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure as defined in the claims. New embodiments with added design changes combine the effects of both combined embodiments and variations. In the above embodiments, the phrases "in this embodiment" and "in this embodiment" are used to emphasize the possibility of such design changes, but design changes are permitted even without such phrases. Any combination of constituent elements included in each embodiment is also valid as a solution of this disclosure. The shaded lines in the cross-sections of the drawings do not limit the material of the objects marked with shaded lines.

[0087] The implementation method can also be determined by the items described below.

[0088] [Project 1]

[0089] A catheter (1) comprising:

[0090] Shaft (2), for insertion into the body; and

[0091] Multiple sets of reinforcing bars (3) are connected to the top side of the shaft (2).

[0092] Two reinforcing bars (3) in a group that constitutes a reinforcing bar (3) are arranged with at least one reinforcing bar (3) belonging to another group in between.

[0093] In each of the multiple sets of stiffeners (3), their movements are constrained by a constraint member (6).

[0094] [Second Project]

[0095] According to the catheter (1) described in the first item, wherein,

[0096] The constraint member (6) has a first end and a second end.

[0097] At least a portion of the first end of the restraint member (6) is located within one of the stiffeners (3) of the group constituting the stiffeners (3).

[0098] At least a portion of the second end of the restraint member (6) is located within another stiffener (3) of the group constituting the stiffener (3).

[0099] The constraint member (6) has a connection portion that connects the top end of one stiffener (3) to the top end of another stiffener (3).

[0100] [Third Project]

[0101] According to the catheter (1) described in the second item, wherein,

[0102] The connecting part of the constraint member (6) is a protrusion (15) that protrudes to the top side from the top of one rib (3) and the top of another rib (3).

[0103] [Item Four]

[0104] According to the catheter (1) described in the third item, wherein,

[0105] The protrusions (15) of the first constraint member (6) corresponding to the first group of ribs (3) and the second constraint member (6) corresponding to the second group of ribs (3) bend in different directions when viewed from the top side. The second group of ribs (3) includes ribs (3) arranged in such a way that they are sandwiched between the two ribs (3) constituting the first group of ribs (3).

[0106] [Item 5]

[0107] The catheter (1) according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein,

[0108] The first and second ends of each of the multiple constraint members (6) are disposed within the shaft (2).

[0109] In a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the axis of axis (2), multiple constraint members (6) are arranged in a line symmetrical manner with respect to the straight line (24) passing through the center position of each of a pair of pull lines (22).

[0110] [Item Six]

[0111] The catheter (1) according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein,

[0112] The first and second ends of each of the multiple constraint members (6) are disposed within the shaft (2).

[0113] In a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the axis of shaft (2), multiple constraint members (6) are arranged in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the axis of shaft (2).

[0114] [Item 7]

[0115] According to the catheter (1) described in item 3 or item 4, wherein,

[0116] The conduit also has a top end member (4) that covers the top ends of multiple sets of reinforcing bars (3) and the protrusions (15) of multiple restraining members (6).

[0117] [Item 8]

[0118] According to the catheter (1) described in item seven, wherein,

[0119] The top member (4) has a binding member (10) inside which a protrusion (15) for binding multiple binding members (6) is provided.

[0120] [Item 9]

[0121] According to the catheter (1) described in item 8, wherein,

[0122] The binding member (10) is plate-shaped, having a first surface and a second surface that serves as the back of the first surface.

[0123] The second face faces the top face of each of the multiple sets of reinforcing bars (3).

[0124] Each of the binding members (10) is provided with a through hole (16), which allows the protrusions (15) of each of the multiple restraint members (6) to be inserted, penetrating from the first surface to the second surface.

[0125] [Item 10]

[0126] The catheter (1) according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein,

[0127] Multiple constraint components are metal wires.

[0128] [Item Eleven]

[0129] A catheter (1) comprising:

[0130] Shaft (2), for insertion into the body; and

[0131] Multiple ribs (3) are connected to the top side of the shaft (2).

[0132] Multiple reinforcing bars (3) include a first reinforcing bar (3) and a second reinforcing bar (3).

[0133] The first rib (3) and the second rib (3) are arranged with at least one other rib (3) between them, and the movement of the first rib (3) and the second rib (3) is constrained by the first constraint member (6).

[0134] Industrial availability

[0135] This disclosure can be used for catheters.

[0136] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0137] 1: Conduit; 2: Shaft; 3: Rib; 4: Top component; 6: Constraint component; 10: Binding component; 15: Protrusion; 16: Through hole; 22: Pull wire.

Claims

1. A catheter, said catheter comprising: A shaft for insertion into the body; and Multiple sets of ribs are connected to the top end of the shaft, each consisting of two ribs. The two reinforcing bars constituting the group are arranged with at least one reinforcing bar belonging to another group in between. In each of the multiple sets of reinforcing bars, their movements are constrained by a constraint member.

2. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein, The constraint member has a first end and a second end. At least a portion of the first end of the constraint member is located within one of the ribs constituting the group of ribs. At least a portion of the second end of the constraint member is located within another rib of the group constituting the ribs. The constraint member has a connecting portion that connects the top end of one rib to the top end of the other rib.

3. The catheter according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting portion of the constraint member is a protrusion that protrudes towards the top end from the top end of one rib and the top end of the other rib.

4. The catheter according to claim 3, wherein, The first constraint member corresponding to the first group of ribs and the second constraint member corresponding to the second group of ribs have their respective protrusions bent in different directions when viewed from the top side. The second group of ribs includes ribs arranged in such a way that they are sandwiched between two ribs constituting the first group of ribs.

5. The catheter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The first and second ends of each of the plurality of constraint members are disposed within the shaft. In a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the axis of the shaft, the plurality of constraint members are arranged in a line symmetrical manner with respect to a straight line passing through the center position of each of a pair of pull lines.

6. The catheter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The first and second ends of each of the plurality of constraint members are disposed within the shaft. In a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the axis of the shaft, the plurality of constraint members are arranged in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the axis of the shaft.

7. The catheter according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The conduit also has a tip member that covers the tip portion of each of the plurality of ribs and the protrusion of each of the plurality of constraint members.

8. The catheter according to claim 7, wherein, The top component has internally a binding component for binding the protrusions of the plurality of constraint components.

9. The catheter according to claim 8, wherein, The binding member is plate-shaped, having a first side and a second side that serves as the back side of the first side. The second surface faces the top surface of each of the plurality of sets of reinforcing bars. Each of the binding members is provided with a through hole, which allows the protrusions of the plurality of constraint members to be inserted, penetrating from the first surface to the second surface.

10. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of constraint components are metal wires.

11. A catheter, said catheter comprising: A shaft for insertion into the body; and Multiple ribs are connected to the top end of the shaft. The plurality of said reinforcing bars include a first reinforcing bar and a second reinforcing bar. The first rib and the second rib are configured with at least one other rib between them, and the movement of the first rib and the second rib relative to each other is constrained by a first constraint member.

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