Catheter

Abstract

To improve the torqueability of a catheter.SOLUTION: A catheter includes; a hollow shaft; a linear member, linearly provided on the outer periphery of the hollow shaft; and a metallic film, formed between the outer periphery of the hollow shaft and the linear member, and joined to each of the outer periphery of the hollow shaft and the linear member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a catheter. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a coil layer made of a metal wire is provided on the outside of an inner layer made of a resin. A catheter having an inner tube made of resin is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). and a braided body made of a plurality of metal wires on the outside of the inner tube. (See, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5075632 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 5-84303 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even with the above-mentioned techniques, the catheter has a reinforcing body formed on the outside of the inner layer. Therefore, there was room for improvement in torque transmission.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above problems, and provides a catheter The purpose of this invention is to improve the torque transmission of the torque converter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is realized as the following aspects. It is possible.

[0007] (1) According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a catheter. The catheter has a hollow shaft. a linear member provided linearly on the outer periphery of the hollow shaft; A metal film is formed between the material and the outer periphery of the hollow shaft and the linear member. and a metal film.

[0008] According to this configuration, the hollow shaft, the metal film, and the linear member are joined together, The torque transmission of the catheter can be improved.

[0009] (2) In the catheter of the above embodiment, the linear member is wound in a spiral shape around the outer periphery of the hollow shaft. According to this configuration, since the wire member is in a coil shape, the catheter This improves the flexibility and torque transmission of the coil.

[0010] (3) In the catheter of the above embodiment, the linear member has a height greater than its width in cross section. According to this configuration, the height of the linear member in the cross section of the linear member may be larger than the horizontal The pressure resistance of the catheter can be improved compared to when the width is smaller than the width.

[0011] (4) In the catheter of the above embodiment, the linear member is joined to the metal film in cross section. The width of the linear member may be reduced from the inside to the outside. According to the present invention, the volume of the linear member near the surface of the hollow shaft is reduced while maintaining the height of the linear member. This allows the hollow shaft to be made compact while maintaining its pressure resistance. By increasing the flexibility of the catheter near its surface, it is possible to improve the This can reduce the possibility of the catheter damaging blood vessels or internal organs.

[0012] (5) In the catheter of the above embodiment, the metal film is made of stainless steel, and the linear member is In this case, the stainless steel may be used as the base material. The metal film is used as a conductive film, and the outer surface of the metal film is coated with a nickel-cobalt alloy by electrolytic plating. By using a nickel-cobalt alloy for the wire member, , the torque transmission of the catheter can be improved.

[0013] (6) In the above-mentioned catheter, the hollow shaft is made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). A first hollow shaft formed of a polyethylene (propylene), and a second hollow shaft disposed on the outer periphery of the first hollow shaft. a second hollow shaft formed of PAE (polyamide thermoplastic elastomer); According to this configuration, for example, the first hollow shaft may be disposed in the lumen of the catheter. The first hollow shaft is made of PTFE, so that the inner circumferential surface of the catheter This can reduce the frictional resistance between the catheter and the device inserted inside the catheter. By providing the second hollow shaft with PAE, the catheter can be more flexible and the catheter can be more easily bent. This can improve the restoration performance when a loss occurs.

[0014] (7) In the catheter of the above embodiment, the linear member is formed in a lattice pattern on the outer periphery of the hollow shaft. According to this configuration, a metal reinforcing body is provided without using a metal wire. This allows the catheter to be manufactured in such a way that the wires can be easily inserted into the catheter. Since the metal wires do not interfere with each other and inhibit the flexibility of the catheter, the flexibility of the catheter is improved. The flexibility can be improved.

[0015] The present invention can be realized in various aspects, for example, a guide wire, a guide The present invention can be realized in the form of a method for manufacturing an endoscope, an endoscope, a dilator, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a catheter according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory view illustrating the overall configuration of a catheter according to a first embodiment, with a portion of the catheter being see-through; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of a region X1 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of a region Y1 in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the catheter of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of a region Z in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first manufacturing method of the catheter of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a second embodiment with a portion thereof being see-through; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of region X2 in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of region Y2 in FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] First Embodiment A catheter according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0018] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a catheter 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the catheter 1 with a partial perspective view. FIG. 1 is a partially see-through view illustrating the state of the linear member 30 in the entire catheter 1. In FIG. 2, region X1 indicates a part of the tip of the hollow shaft 10, and region Y1 indicates the tip of the hollow shaft 10. A portion of the rear end of the shaft 10 is shown.

[0019] In FIG. 1, the left side shows the distal end side of the catheter 1 and each of the components of the catheter 1, and the right side shows the distal end side of the catheter 1 and each of the components of the catheter 1. The side of the catheter 1 corresponds to the rear end side of the catheter 1 and each of its components. is the side that is inserted into the body (distal side), and the base end side of the catheter 1 is the side that is inserted into the body (distal side) The left and right directions of FIG. 1 are the catheter 1 and each component. The direction perpendicular to the axial direction is called the radial direction of the catheter 1 and each of its constituent members. Call.

[0020] In addition, the end portion of the catheter 1 and each component of the catheter 1 located on the distal end side is referred to as the “distal end.” " and the part extending from the tip to the middle of the rear end is described as the "tip part". Similarly, the catheter 1 and the respective components of the catheter 1 are located at the rear end side. The end is described as the "rear end" and the part extending from the rear end to the middle of the tip side is included. is referred to as the "rear end portion."

[0021] For the sake of convenience, the relative size ratios of the components in FIG. 1 are different from the actual relative ratios. These points are included in the respective explanatory diagrams shown in Figs. The same is true for

[0022] The catheter 1 is a medical device that is inserted into blood vessels or digestive organs and used for treatment or examination. The catheter 1 includes a hollow shaft 10, a distal tip 40, and a grip portion 60. do. The hollow shaft 10 is a long tubular body extending in the axial direction of the catheter 1. 40 is a tubular body joined to the tip of the hollow shaft 10. The gripping portion 60 is The catheter 1 is attached to the rear end of the handle 10 and is grasped by a doctor or other operator for operation of the catheter 1. It is a tubular body.

[0023] The distal tip 40 is joined to the distal end of the hollow shaft 10 and is inserted into the lumen 5 of the catheter 1. The tip 40 is a tubular body that forms a part of the tip of the needle. For example, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer) is selected. The tip 40 is not limited to being made of a resin material, but may be made of a metal material. .

[0024] The gripping portion 60 is joined to the rear end of the hollow shaft 10 and is disposed in the lumen 50 of the catheter 1. The grip portion 60 is a tubular body that forms a part of the rear end portion. The grip portion 60 is made up of a protector 61 and a main body portion 62. The protector 61 has an outer casing 62 and a connector 63. The protector 61 has an outer casing 62 and a connector 63. The main body 62 has a tapered shape with an increasing diameter. The connector part 63 has a protrusion on the outer periphery for ease of connection. and can be connected to other medical devices, such as a syringe (not shown). The grip 60 may be made from a material that is durable and suitable for sterilization. For example, it may be metal, injection molded plastic, or a combination thereof.

[0025] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of region X1 in FIG. 2. 1 is a partially enlarged and partially see-through view illustrating the state of the metal film 20 and the linear member 30. 4 is an explanatory diagram in which the region Y1 in FIG. 2 is enlarged. 1 is a partially enlarged and partially see-through view illustrating the state of the metal film 20 and the linear member 30. .

[0026] The hollow shaft 10 includes an inner layer 11, an intermediate layer 12, an outer layer 13, a metal film 20, and a linear portion. The material 30 is provided.

[0027] The inner layer 11 is a long tubular body provided inside the hollow shaft 10. The inner layer 11 is The intermediate layer 12 defines a lumen 50 of the catheter 1. The intermediate layer 12 is a long, flexible member that covers the outer periphery of the inner layer 11. The outer layer 13 is provided on the outside of the hollow shaft 10 and surrounds the outer periphery of the intermediate layer 12. The inner layer 11, the intermediate layer 12, and the outer layer 13 are each formed into a long tubular body. The rear end of each of the inner layer 11, the intermediate layer 12, and the outer layer 13 is joined to the end tip 40. It is joined to the grip portion 60 .

[0028] The inner layer 11 is formed so that a medical device such as a guide wire (not shown) can be inserted inside the inner layer 11. The material may be made of a resin material with excellent slipperiness. For example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) Tetrafluoroethylene, PFA (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer) or FEP (tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer) The inner layer 11 may be made of a fluorine-based resin such as polyethylene. It may be formed of other known materials.

[0029] The intermediate layer 12 and the outer layer 13 are not particularly limited, but may be made of an elastomer-based resin material. For example, PAE (polyamide thermoplastic elastomer), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer) or TPEE (polyester elastomer) The intermediate layer 12 and the outer layer 13 may be formed of known materials other than those mentioned above. The insulating layer 20 may be formed as follows.

[0030] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the catheter of the first embodiment. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the hollow shaft 10 in a longitudinal section. FIG. 6 is an enlarged explanatory view of region Z in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows a catheter 1 is an enlarged view of a portion of the hollow shaft in a longitudinal section of FIG. This is an explanatory diagram.

[0031] The metal film 20 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 6. The metal film 20 is formed on the surface of the intermediate layer 12. The catheter 1 is a metal membrane-like member formed in a spiral shape along the axial direction of the catheter 1. The metal membrane 20 is bonded to the intermediate layer 12 and is arranged in the axial direction of the catheter 1 relative to the intermediate layer 12. The size of the metal film 20 in the axial direction of the catheter 1 is determined by the metal film 20 As shown in FIG. 3, the width Wm of the metal film 20 located in the region X1 is Wm 4, the width of the metal film 20 located in the region Y1 is Wm2. As shown in FIG. 1, the width Wm of the metal film 20 decreases toward the tip of the catheter 1. In other words, the width Wm2 of the metal film 20 located at the rear end of the catheter 1 is The width Wm1 of the metal film 20 located at the tip side is smaller than the width Wm1 of the metal film 20 located at the tip side. The height Hm of the metal film 20 can be set to, for example, 1 Å to 100 Å. The film 20 can be made of, for example, stainless steel. It can also be made of silver, copper, etc. Since silver and copper have high electrical conductivity, it is relatively easy to consider various pattern conditions. In particular, silver has high electrical conductivity and a proven track record in terms of biocompatibility, making it suitable for use with blood. It is effective as a coating for areas that require contact.

[0032] The linear member 30 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 6. As shown in Fig. 2, the linear member 3 0 is a metal material formed in a spiral shape along the axial direction of the catheter 1 on the surface of the metal film 20. The linear member 30 is bonded to the metal film 20. Therefore, the linear member 30 does not move relative to the catheter 1 in the axial direction. When the catheter 1 is observed from a plane parallel to the line direction (longitudinal section), the axis of the catheter 1 is In the repeated linear members 30, each adjacent The interval between the linear members 30 is defined as the pitch P of the linear members 30, and the catheter length of each linear member 30 is defined as The angle of the terminating member 1 with respect to the imaginary axis 51 is defined as the inclination angle α. The inclination angle α of the linear member 30 becomes smaller toward the distal end of the catheter 1. It gets smaller towards the tip of Ter1.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the pitch P of the linear members 30 located in the region X1 is set to P1. As shown in FIG. 1, the pitch P of the linear member 30 located in the region Y1 is set to P2. The pitch P2 of the linear members 30 located at the end is smaller than the pitch P3 of the linear members 30 located at the tip side. The linear member 30 is joined to the metal film 20, and the metal film 20 is Since the intermediate layer 12 is bonded to the intermediate layer 12, the pitch P does not change. The inclination angle α of the linear member 30 located in the region X1 is set to α1, and the region The inclination angle α of the linear member 30 located at Y1 is set to α2. The inclination angle α1 of the linear member 30 located at the tip side is smaller than the inclination angle α2 of the linear member 30. Sai.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the linear member 30 has a trapezoidal shape in the longitudinal section of the catheter 1. The linear member 30 has a width Wi of a portion in contact with the metal film 20 and a width W of a portion in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the catheter 1. The width Wo of the near portion is larger than the width Wo. o becomes smaller toward the tip of the catheter 1. As shown in FIG. The width Wi of the linear member 30 at position 1 is Wi1, and the width Wo is Wo1. The width Wi of the linear member 30 located in the region Y1 is Wi2, and the width Wo of the linear member 30 located in the region Y1 is Wo2. The shaped member 30 has a height H. The height H is greater than the width Wi. The ratio of the width Wi to the length W can be set to 3:1. For example, the height H can be set to 10 μm to 100 μm. The linear member 30 is made of, for example, a nickel-cobalt alloy. It is possible.

[0035] <Examples of effects> According to this configuration, the hollow shaft 10, the metal film 20, and the linear member 30 are joined together. As a result, the torque transmission, pressure resistance, stretch resistance, etc. of the catheter 1 can be improved. When a doctor or other operator rotates the gripping portion 60, a torque is generated in the catheter 1. This reduces the rate attenuation from the rear end to the tip end of the catheter 1. In addition, the linear member 30 is simply wound around the hollow shaft 10 in a spiral shape. When the end of the linear member 30 is not joined to the hollow shaft 10, the end of the linear member 30 is elastically deformed due to its own elasticity. According to this configuration, the metal film 20 and the linear member 30 are in the center. Since the end of the linear member 30 is joined to the hollow shaft 10, the possibility of the end of the linear member 30 expanding in the radial direction is reduced. It can be reduced.

[0036] In addition, the inside and outside of the hollow shaft of the catheter are connected to each other, and a contrast medium or the like is inserted into the hollow shaft. In some cases, side holes are provided for spraying the chemical solution. The coil body is formed by winding a metal wire in a spiral shape around a hollow shaft, and the coil body is formed by winding a metal wire in a spiral shape around a hollow shaft. When a braid formed by braiding metal wires is used, the metal wires of the coil body or braid are straightened. A restoring force that tries to return the shaft to its original shape is applied to the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft was broken in the intermediate layer 12. Since the linear member 30 is joined via the metal film 20, the linear member 30 is connected to the hollow shaft. Therefore, even if the catheter 1 has a side hole, the pressure is not applied to the catheter 10. Even if the hollow shaft 10 is broken, the possibility of the hollow shaft 10 being broken at the side hole can be reduced. .

[0037] The width Wm of the metal film 20, the width Wi of the linear member 30, and the width Wo of the catheter 1 The catheter 1 is tapered toward the distal end. The catheter 1 is inserted into the patient's body, and the catheter 1 The possibility of damaging the patient's blood vessels or internal organs when the device comes into contact with the patient's blood vessels or internal organs is reduced. In addition, when the catheter 1 is inserted into a curved blood vessel, the catheter 1 may be The catheter 1 can advance through the blood vessel by deforming according to the curved shape of the catheter.

[0038] In the cross section of the linear member 30, the height H is greater than the width Wi. Compared with the case where the width is smaller than Wi, the resistance to pressure applied in the radial direction of the hollow shaft 10 is In addition, since the width Wi is smaller than the height H, the catheter 1 is The gap between the linear members 30 in the direction becomes relatively large. As a result, the volumes of the resin layers, such as the inner layer 11, the intermediate layer 12, and the outer layer 13, become relatively large. Therefore, when the catheter 1 is bent, the axis of the catheter 1 acting on the outer circumferential surface of the catheter 1 is The resin layer can reduce the compressive or tensile force in the direction. Since the height H is large, the resistance to the force applied in the radial direction of the catheter 1 is large. Therefore, deformation is suppressed. As a result, the roundness of the catheter 1 is maintained during operation. In addition, in the cross section of the linear member 30, the width Wi is larger than the width Wo. By making the diameter large, the volume of the linear members on the surface of the hollow shaft 10 can be reduced. This allows the pressure resistance of the hollow shaft 10 to be maintained while the pressure near the surface of the hollow shaft 10 is maintained. This allows the catheter 1 to be easily attached to the patient's blood vessels, internal organs, etc. This reduces the possibility that the catheter 1 will damage the patient's blood vessels or internal organs when it comes into contact with the patient.

[0039] By using stainless steel for the metal film 20 and nickel-cobalt alloy for the linear member 30, The metal film 20 is used as a conductive film, and the linear member 30 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the metal film 20 by electrolytic plating. By using a nickel-cobalt alloy for the linear member 30, torque transmission can be improved. In addition, by using PTFE for the inner layer 11, the catheter 1 can be manufactured with excellent elasticity. The friction resistance between the inner surface of the catheter 1 and the device inserted inside the catheter 1 is By using PAE for the intermediate layer 12 or the outer layer 13, the catheter 1 The flexibility of the material and its ability to restore when bent can be improved.

[0040] The inclination angle α of the linear member 30 is made smaller toward the tip of the catheter 1, and the pitch P is , by making the diameter smaller toward the tip of the catheter 1, This allows the linear member 30 to be densely formed. Improved torque transmission.

[0041] <Manufacturing method> FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first manufacturing method for the catheter 1 of the first embodiment.

[0042] First, as shown in FIG. 7A, the inner layer 11 and the intermediate layer 12 are extruded onto the core material 120. The hollow shaft 200 is then produced by coating the intermediate layer 12 with a metal. The metal film 20 is coated by electroless plating or sputtering, and a gold layer is formed on the outer periphery of the metal film 20. The metal layer 100 is coated by electrolytic plating or the like. Next, a metal layer made of a resin having etching resistance is The etching resist 110 is applied to the outer periphery of the metal layer 100. Next, for example, the base material 300 is rotated around the axis direction of the base material 300. While moving the base material 300 in the axial direction, the laser 130 is irradiated onto the outer periphery of the base material 300. As a result, the etching resist 110 is removed in a spiral shape. Next, as shown in FIG. Then, the etching resist 110 is removed, and the metal layer is exposed in a spiral shape to the outside. The metal film 20 inside the metal film 100 is dissolved by the etching solution 140. The metal layer 100 starts to melt from the portion located radially outward of the metal layer 100. Therefore, the amount of melting is greater in the radially outer portions of the metal layer 100, and As a result, the molten metal layer 100 melts along the longitudinal direction of the catheter 1. The surface has a trapezoidal shape with the width increasing from the radially outer side to the radially inner side. As shown in FIG. 7C, the spiral portion was not removed by the laser 130 in the previous process. The etching resist 110 remaining on the outer periphery of the metal layer 100 formed in a shape is removed. Through the above steps, the inner layer 11 and the intermediate layer 12 are coated on the outer periphery of the core material 120, and the intermediate layer 1 The base material 300 has a metal film 20 and a metal layer 100 formed in a spiral shape on the outer periphery of the base material 2. The base material 300 may be coated with an outer layer 13 (see Figures 1 to 6).

[0043] <Examples of effects> According to this configuration, the catheter 1 having a reinforcing body made of metal can be manufactured without using metal wires. The metal film 20 can be formed by electroless plating, sputtering, or the like. The metal layer 100 is formed on the outer surface of the shaft by electrolytic plating or the like. As a result, the metal layer 100 is connected to the first hollow shaft via the metal film 20. Therefore, for example, the resin tube for forming the outer layer 13 is bonded to the lid 201. When the metal layer 100 is coated with the hollow shaft 200, the metal layer 100 is Therefore, the manufacturing efficiency of the catheter 1 is improved.

[0044] <Second embodiment> FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a catheter 2 according to a second embodiment, with a portion of the catheter 2 seen through. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the linear member 31 of the entire catheter 2. The catheter 2 of the second embodiment is the same as the catheter 1 of the first embodiment. Instead of the hollow shaft 10, a hollow shaft 70 is provided. The metal film 21 is substituted for the metal film 20 in the catheter 1, and the linear member 3 is substituted for the linear member 30. The catheter 2 has a hollow shaft 70 and a lumen 71. Therefore, the description of the components other than the hollow shaft 70 will be omitted. Region X2 indicates a part of the tip of the hollow shaft 70, and region Y2 indicates a part of the rear of the hollow shaft 70. A portion of the end portion is shown.

[0045] 9 is an explanatory diagram in which the region X2 in FIG. 8 is enlarged. 2 is a partially enlarged and partially see-through view illustrating the state of the metal film 21 and the linear member 31. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram in which the region Y2 in FIG. 8 is enlarged. FIG. 10 shows the rear of the hollow shaft 70. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the end portion, partially showing the metal film 21 and the linear member 31; be.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 8, the metal film 21 is formed on the outer periphery of the intermediate layer 12 along the axial direction of the catheter 2. The metal film 21 is a metal film member formed in a lattice shape by bonding the metal film 21 to the intermediate layer 12. The intermediate layer 12 is fixed to the catheter 2 so that the catheter 2 does not move in the axial direction relative to the intermediate layer 12. As shown in FIG. 10, the width Wm of the metal film 21 located in the region X2 is Wm3. The width of the metal film 21 located in the region Y2 is Wm4. The relationship between Wm1 and Wm2 is similar to the relationship between Wm1 and Wm2 in the first embodiment.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 8, the wire member 31 is attached to the outer periphery of the metal film 21 in the axial direction of the catheter 2. The wire members 31 are made of metal and are formed in a lattice shape along the metal film 21. The catheter 2 is fixed to the metal film 21 and does not move relative to the metal film 21 in the axial direction of the catheter 2. When the catheter 2 is observed from a plane (longitudinal section) parallel to the axial direction of the catheter 2, The X-shaped linear member 31 that crosses the axis of the catheter 2 appears repeatedly. In the linear member 31, the part inclined toward the tip side with respect to the axis of the catheter 2 is linearly The part of the shaped member 31 that is inclined toward the rear end is called element 31a, and the part that is inclined toward the rear end is called element 31b. The linear member 31b is not a separate member, but is made integrally over its entire length. Therefore, when the catheter 2 is operated by a doctor or other operator, the element 31a and the element 31b do not move independently of each other, and even during the operation of the catheter 2, the elements 31 The X shape formed by a and element 31b is maintained.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 9, the element 31a of the linear member 31 located in the region X2 of the catheter 2 The inclination angle αa with respect to the virtual axis 51 is α3a, and the element 3 of the linear member 31 located in the region X2 is The inclination angle αb of the catheter 2 of 1b with respect to the imaginary axis 51 is assumed to be α3b. Thus, the imaginary axis 51 of the catheter 2 of the element 31a of the linear member 31 located in the region Y2 The inclination angle αa with respect to the catheter of the element 31b of the linear member 31 located in the region Y2 is α4a. The inclination angle αb of the linear member 2 with respect to the imaginary axis 51 is defined as α4b. In FIG. 9, the inclination angle αa and the inclination angle αb are approximately the same. In FIG. 10, the inclination angle α4a and the inclination angle α3b are substantially equal in magnitude. The size of the angle α4b is approximately the same.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 9, the pitch P a is P3a, and the pitch Pb of the adjacent elements 31b of the linear member 31 located in the region X2 is P3 As shown in FIG. 10, adjacent elements 31a of the linear member 31 located in the region Y2 The pitch P of the linear member 31 located in the region Y2 is P4a, and the pitch P of the linear member 31 located in the region Y3 is P4b. In each linear member 31, the pitch Pa and the pitch Pb are In FIG. 9, the magnitudes of the pitch P3a and the pitch P3b are approximately the same. In Fig. 10, the pitch P4a and the pitch P4b have approximately the same size.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 9, the width Wi of the linear member 31 located in the region X2 is Wi3, and the width Wo is As shown in FIG. 10, the width Wi of the linear member 31 located in the region Y2 is Wi 4. The width Wo is Wo4. At this time, the relationship between Wi3 and Wi4 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The relationship between i1 and Wi2 is the same as that between Wo3 and Wo4. This is similar to the relationship between Wo1 and Wo2 in terms of form.

[0051] <Examples of effects> When the catheter has a braided body formed by braiding a plurality of metal wires, the catheter When the terminal is bent, the metal wires interfere with each other at their intersections. The braid is deformed into an elliptical shape, which reduces torque transmission, push-pull operability, and flexibility. However, the linear member 31 is a lattice-shaped part that is integrally manufactured. This material does not have multiple metal wires. Therefore, the metal wires do not interfere with each other, and the catheter Even if the terminal 2 is curved, the linear member 31 can maintain a shape close to a perfect circle. This improves torque transmission, push-pull properties, and flexibility. In addition, the outer diameter of the catheter can be made smaller than when multiple metal wires are used. This makes it easy to insert the catheter 2 into peripheral blood vessels and the like that have a small inner diameter. In addition, the plurality of linear members 31 are simply wound around the hollow shaft 70 in a braided manner. When the linear member 31 and the hollow shaft 70 are not joined, the end of the linear member 31 is According to this configuration, the metal film 21 and the linear member Since the linear member 31 is joined to the hollow shaft 70, the end of the linear member 31 may expand in the radial direction. The possibility can be reduced.

[0052] The inclination angle αa of the element 31a of the linear member 31 is set to be substantially equal to the inclination angle αb of the element 31b. In addition, by making the pitch Pa of the elements 31a and the pitch Pb of the elements 31b approximately the same, The torque transmission can be improved regardless of the rotation direction of the screw 2.

[0053] <Modifications of this embodiment> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The present invention can be embodied in various ways, and the following modifications are also possible.

[0054] [Variation 1] In the catheter 1 of the first embodiment, the metal film 20 is bonded to the surface of the intermediate layer 12. However, the catheter 1 does not have an intermediate layer 12, and only has an inner layer 11 and an outer layer 13. The inner layer 11 may have a metal film 20 bonded to the surface thereof. m becomes smaller toward the tip of the catheter 1. However, the metal film 20 The width Wm of the catheter 1 may increase toward the tip of the catheter 1. The rigidity of the tip of the actuator 1 can be increased.

[0055] [Variation 2] In the catheter 1 of the first embodiment, the pitch P of the linear member 30 is However, the pitch P of the linear member 30 is smaller toward the end of the catheter. The diameter of the catheter 1 may be increased toward the tip of the catheter 1. The flexibility of the catheter can be improved. However, the inclination angle α of the linear member 30 is , may become larger toward the tip of the catheter 1.

[0056] [Variation 3] In the catheter 1 of the first embodiment, the linear member 30 is However, the linear member 30 has a trapezoidal shape in the longitudinal section of the catheter 1. Instead of a square or rectangular shape, the shape may be a semicircular shape that is convex radially outward. It is possible to form it into various shapes. In addition, the width Wi is larger than the width Wo. However, the width Wi may be smaller than the width Wo.

[0057] [Variation 4] In the catheter 1 of the first embodiment, the widths Wi and Wo of the linear member 30 are However, the width W of the linear member 30 is smaller toward the tip of the wire 1. The width i and the width Wo may increase toward the tip of the catheter 1. As a result, the rigidity of the distal end of the catheter 1 can be increased. However, the height H of the linear member 30 is larger than the width Wi. In this case, the catheter may be smaller than the width Wi, compared with the case where the height H is larger than the width Wi. In addition, the height H of the linear member 30 can be reduced by The height H of the linear member 30 is approximately constant in the axial direction. For example, the diameter of the catheter 1 may not be substantially constant in the axial direction. The height H may be reduced. In this case, the flexibility of the tip of the catheter 1 is improved. It is possible.

[0058] The modified example of the catheter 1 of the first embodiment described above may be the same as the second embodiment, to the extent that it is applicable. The present invention can also be applied to

[0059] [Variation 5] In the catheter 2 of the second embodiment, the inclination angle αa and the inclination The angle αb is assumed to be approximately the same. However, the inclination angles αa and αb are In this case, the linear member 31 is arranged in a plane parallel to the axial direction of the catheter 2. When the catheter 2 is observed from a longitudinal section, it has an X-shape that is not axisymmetric.

[0060] [Variation 6] In the catheter 2 of the second embodiment, the pitch Pa and pitch The sizes of the pitches Pa and Pb are approximately the same. However, the sizes of the pitches Pa and Pb are In this case, the linear member 31 is arranged in a plane parallel to the axial direction of the catheter 2. When the catheter 2 is observed from a longitudinal section, it has an X-shape that is not axisymmetric.

[0061] The present embodiment has been described above based on the embodiment and the modified examples. The form of is for facilitating understanding of this embodiment and is not intended to limit this embodiment. This embodiment may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. In addition, the present embodiment includes equivalents thereof. If not explained as such, it may be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1...Catheter of the first embodiment 2...Catheter of the second embodiment 10... Hollow shaft of the first embodiment 11…Inner layer 12. Middle class 13…outer layer 20...metal film of the first embodiment 21...metal film of the second embodiment 30...Linear member of the first embodiment 31...Linear member of the second embodiment 31a: A portion inclined toward the tip side of the linear member in the second embodiment 31b: A portion of the linear member inclined toward the rear end of the second embodiment 40…Tip 50…lumens 51...Virtual axis of catheter 60...Gripping part 61…Protector 62…Main body 63…Connector 70...hollow shaft of the second embodiment 100...metal layer 120…Core material 130…Laser 140…Etching solution 200…Hollow shaft 300…Base material Wm: Width of metal film Hm: Height of metal film Wi: Width of the part of the linear member that contacts the metal film 20 Wo: Outer width of linear member H: Height of linear member P: Pitch of linear members Pa: Pitch of the inclined portion toward the tip of the linear member of the second embodiment Pb: Pitch of the portion of the linear member inclined toward the rear end of the second embodiment α: Incline angle of linear member αa: inclination angle of the portion inclined toward the tip side of the linear member in the second embodiment αb: inclination angle of the portion inclined toward the rear end of the linear member of the second embodiment

Claims

1. A catheter comprising: A hollow shaft; A linear member provided linearly on the outer periphery of the hollow shaft; A metal film is formed between the outer periphery of the hollow shaft and the linear member, A metal film is bonded to the outer periphery of the shaft and to each of the linear members. catheter.

2. 2. The catheter of claim 1, The linear member is wound in a spiral shape around the outer periphery of the hollow shaft. catheter.

3. The catheter according to claim 1 or 2, The linear member has a height greater than a width in cross section. catheter.

4. A catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In a cross section, the linear member is bonded to the metal film from the inside to the outside. , the lateral width of the linear member is reduced. catheter.

5. A catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The metal film is made of stainless steel, and the linear member is made of a nickel-cobalt alloy. Become, catheter.

6. A catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The hollow shaft is a first member made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). a hollow shaft; and a PAE (polyamide thermoplastic elastomer) disposed on the outer periphery of the first hollow shaft. and a second hollow shaft formed of a polyurethane elastomer. catheter.

7. 2. The catheter of claim 1, The linear members are formed in a lattice pattern on the outer periphery of the hollow shaft. catheter.

Images