Hollow stranded wire, internal retrieval mechanism provided with the same

Abstract

To provide a hollow stranded wire capable of improving flexibility without changing an outer diameter and an inner diameter, capable of further improving flexibility when thinning the outer diameter, and capable of quickly following in an inner lumen such as a blood vessel of a patient that is curved complicatedly, and furthermore an internal retrieval mechanism capable of surely transferring an object from a tip side to a base end side using those hollow stranded wires by cutting the object with a tip.SOLUTION: A hollow stranded wire 110 is formed into hollow by twisting nine second element wires 115 where the nine second element wires 115 have openings 117 toward outer peripheries.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hollow stranded wire formed by stranding a plurality of wires into a hollow shape, and to an intracorporeal retrieval mechanism including the hollow stranded wire. [Background technology]

[0002] Hollow strands formed by twisting a plurality of wires into a hollow shape have been known for some time. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a hollow strand having a hollow portion 2 in the center of its cross section and formed by twisting a plurality of wires 1 (see Figures 1 and 2, etc.).

[0003] Patent Document 1 also describes that hollow strands have excellent flexibility, are resistant to bending fatigue, and are resistant to deformation (see the bottom left column on page 2).

[0004] Furthermore, the hollow strand described in Patent Document 1 is highly flexible, resistant to bending fatigue, and resistant to deformation, and is therefore also used in medical devices such as guide wires and catheters that are inserted into body lumens such as a patient's blood vessels.The hollow strands used in such medical devices are known to have excellent torque transmission properties, i.e., the ability to quickly and accurately transmit rotation of one end of the hollow strand outside the patient's body to the other end of the hollow strand located inside the patient's body when the operator rotates that rotation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 48-33144 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the hollow strand described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that in order to increase the flexibility of the hollow strand while maintaining torque transmission performance, the outer shape of each wire must be changed to reduce the outer diameter, or if the outer shape of each wire is not changed, the number of wires must be reduced.

[0007] Furthermore, when the outer shape of each wire is changed to reduce the outer diameter to improve flexibility, there is a limit to the degree to which flexibility can be improved, and when the number of wires in a hollow strand (hereinafter referred to as "hollow stranded wire") is reduced to improve flexibility, there is the problem that flexibility decreases and the wire becomes more susceptible to deformation.

[0008] The present invention has been made in response to the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and aims to provide a hollow stranded wire that can improve flexibility without changing the outer diameter or inner diameter, and that can further improve flexibility when the outer diameter is made thinner, and that can quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's internal lumens, such as the patient's blood vessels, and further, an internal retrieval mechanism that uses such a hollow stranded wire to cut an object at the tip and reliably transfer the object from the tip to the base end. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first aspect of the present invention is a hollow stranded wire formed by twisting a plurality of wires together to form a hollow shape, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of wires is a hollow wire.

[0010] In addition, a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the hollow stranded wire of the first aspect, a plurality of the wires among the plurality of wires are hollow wires, and the plurality of hollow wires are evenly arranged in cross section.

[0011] In addition, a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the hollow stranded wire of the second aspect, it comprises a plurality of adjacent hollow stranded wires in which the plurality of hollow element wires are arranged adjacent to each other, and the plurality of adjacent hollow element wires are arranged evenly in cross section.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the hollow stranded wire of the first aspect, the plurality of wires are hollow wires.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the hollow stranded wire according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, characterized in that the hollow wires are formed to have openings toward the outer periphery.

[0014] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the hollow stranded wire of the fifth aspect, characterized in that the hollow wires are formed in a semicircular cross section so as to have openings toward the outer periphery.

[0015] A seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the hollow stranded wire according to the fifth or sixth aspect is provided with a tapered portion tapered toward the tip.

[0016] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the hollow stranded wire according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, characterized in that the tips of the plurality of wires are fixed.

[0017] Furthermore, the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism of the ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising a long tubular member, a hollow stranded wire of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects that can be inserted into the tubular member, and a drive unit that can rotate the hollow stranded wire within the tubular member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a hollow stranded wire formed by twisting a plurality of wires together to form a hollow shape, at least one of the plurality of wires is made hollow, thereby ensuring torque transmissibility and improving overall flexibility, and enabling the hollow stranded wire to quickly follow the complex curves of a patient's body lumen, such as a blood vessel.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the hollow stranded wire of the first aspect, a plurality of the plurality of wires are hollow wires, and the plurality of hollow wires are evenly arranged in cross section. This not only achieves the effects of the hollow stranded wire of the first aspect, but also further improves the overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire to more quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the hollow stranded wire of the second aspect is provided with a plurality of adjacent hollow stranded wires, each of which has a plurality of hollow element wires arranged adjacent to each other, and these adjacent hollow element wires are arranged evenly in cross section. This not only achieves the effects of the hollow stranded wire of the second aspect, but also further improves the overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire to more quickly follow the complex curves of a patient's body lumen, such as a blood vessel.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the hollow stranded wire of the first aspect, the plurality of wires are hollow wires. This makes it possible to further improve the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire in addition to the effects of the hollow stranded wire of the first aspect, and to enable the hollow stranded wire to more quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the hollow stranded wire of any of the first to fourth aspects, the hollow element wires are formed so as to have openings toward the outer periphery. This makes it possible to further improve the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire in addition to the effects of the hollow stranded wire of any of the first to fourth aspects, and to enable the hollow stranded wire to more quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's body lumen, such as the blood vessels. When the hollow stranded wire is rotated, an object can be transported from the distal end to the proximal end via the hollow element wires having openings.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the hollow stranded wire of the fifth aspect, the hollow element wires are formed in a semicircular cross section so as to have openings toward the outer periphery. This makes it possible to further improve the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire in addition to the effects of the hollow stranded wire of the fifth aspect, and to enable the hollow stranded wire to more quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's body lumen, such as the blood vessels. When the hollow stranded wire is rotated, an object can be efficiently transported from the distal end to the proximal end via the hollow element wires having openings.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the hollow stranded wire of the fifth or sixth aspect is provided with a tapered portion tapering toward the tip. This not only achieves the effects of the hollow stranded wire of the fifth or sixth aspect, but also makes it easier for the hollow stranded wire to penetrate into an object. When the hollow stranded wire is rotated, the object can be more reliably transferred from the tip end to the base end via the hollow element wire having the opening.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the hollow stranded wire of any of the fifth to seventh aspects, the tips of the multiple strands are fixed. This not only provides the effect of the hollow stranded wire of any of the fifth to seventh aspects, but also prevents the tips from losing their shape even when the hollow stranded wire enters an object. Therefore, when the hollow stranded wire is rotated, the object can be reliably transferred from the tip end to the base end via the hollow strands having openings.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism comprises a long tubular member, a hollow stranded wire of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects that can be inserted into the tubular member, and a drive unit that can rotate the hollow stranded wire within the tubular member, so that the object can be cut at the tip and the object can be more reliably transferred from the tip side to the base side. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 22 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 22 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 23 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to a thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 23] 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 22 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 25] 25 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 24 taken along line B-B. [Figure 26] FIG. 20 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to a fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 27] 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 20 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to a sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 29] 29 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 28 taken along line E-E. [Figure 30] FIG. 22 is an external view of the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism of the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of the inside of part F in FIG. 30. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a view equivalent to FIG. 31 showing the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism of the eighteenth embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 32 is a view corresponding to FIG. 31 of the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism of the 19th embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 31 shows a view of the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism of the twentieth embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 31 shows a view of the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism of the 21st embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 31 shows a view of the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism of the 22nd embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] (First embodiment) First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hollow stranded wire according to the first embodiment.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the hollow stranded wire 1 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding a total of nine wires in a hollow shape to have a first void 2 inside, including eight solid first wires 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, and 3h) that are approximately circular in cross section and one second wire 5 (corresponding to the "hollow wire" of the present invention) that is hollow and has a second void 7 in the center in cross section.

[0031] The materials of the first and second wires 3 and 5 constituting the hollow stranded wire 1 of this embodiment, and the materials of the first and second wires constituting the hollow stranded wires of the embodiments described later, are not particularly limited as long as they are biocompatible. For example, metal materials such as stainless steel, Ni-Ti alloys, and cobalt alloys, and resin materials such as polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, polyurethane, and PEEK (polyether ketone) can be used, and stainless steel is used in this embodiment and the embodiments described later.

[0032] According to the hollow stranded wire 1 of this embodiment, a total of nine wires, eight first wires 3 and one second wire 5, are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and the second wire 5 is made hollow, which ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 1 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0033] In this embodiment, the shape of the solid first wires 3 and the shape of the hollow second wires 5 have been described as being generally circular in cross section, but these shapes are not limited to being generally circular in cross section and may be any shape that can form a hollow stranded wire, such as a generally rectangular or elliptical cross section, and the cross-sectional shapes of the first wires 3 and the second wires 5 may be the same or different. This also applies to the shapes of the first wires and the second wires in the embodiments described below.

[0034] Furthermore, the "hollow wire" of the present invention is not limited to a hollow wire having a void portion in the center in cross section, such as the hollow wire illustrated in this embodiment and the embodiments described below, but is a broad concept that also includes a hollow wire having a void portion in a position other than the center in cross section, and for example, it may be a hollow wire having a void portion in the peripheral portion of the center in cross section, or it may be a hollow wire having a void portion in the peripheral portion in cross section of the entire hollow wire.

[0035] Furthermore, the "hollow wire" of the present invention may be in a form in which the entire circumference of the void portion 7 is covered when viewed in cross section, as in the second wire 5 of this embodiment, or in a form in which only a portion of the void portion is covered, rather than the entire circumference, as in the opening 47 (second void portion) of the second wire 45 of the fifth embodiment described below.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of solid first wires 3 is eight and the number of hollow second wires 5 is one, making the total number of wires nine, but the total number of wires is not limited to nine, and may be three or more. This also applies to the total number of first and second wires in the embodiments described below.

[0037] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to the second embodiment.

[0038] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below, but an external view of the hollow stranded wire of the second embodiment will be omitted because it is the same as the hollow stranded wire 1 of the first embodiment.

[0039] The hollow stranded wire 10 of this embodiment differs from the hollow stranded wire 1 of the first embodiment in the number of hollow wires.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the hollow stranded wire 10 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding a total of nine wires in a hollow shape to have a first void 12 inside, the nine wires being six solid first wires 13 (13a, 13b, 13d, 13e, 13g, and 13h) that are approximately circular in cross section, and three second wires 15 (15c, 15f, and 15j, which correspond to the "hollow wires" of the present invention) that are hollow and have a second void 17 (17c, 17f, and 17j) in the center in cross section.

[0041] In the hollow stranded wire 10 of this embodiment, the three second wires 15 are arranged evenly in cross section at angles of 120 degrees relative to the center of the hollow stranded wire 10, respectively.

[0042] According to the hollow stranded wire 10 of this embodiment, a total of nine wires, six first wires 13 and three second wires 15, are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and the three second wires 15 are hollow wires, which ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 10 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's internal lumen, such as the blood vessels.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 10 of this embodiment, the three second wires 15 are hollow wires and are evenly arranged in cross section, which further improves the overall flexibility and enables the hollow stranded wire 10 to more quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's body lumen, such as the blood vessels.

[0044] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to the third embodiment.

[0045] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below, but an external view of the hollow stranded wire of the third embodiment will be omitted because it is the same as the hollow stranded wire 1 of the first embodiment.

[0046] The hollow stranded wire 20 of this embodiment differs from the hollow stranded wire 1 of the first embodiment in the number of hollow wires.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the hollow stranded wire 20 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding a total of nine wires in a hollow shape to have a first void 22 inside, including three solid first wires 23 (23b, 23e, and 23h) that are approximately circular in cross section, and six second wires 25 (25a, 25c, 25d, 25f, 25g, and 25j, which correspond to the "hollow wires" of the present invention) that are hollow and have a second void 27 (27a, 27c, 27d, 27f, 27g, and 27j) in the center in cross section.

[0048] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 20 of this embodiment, the second wires 25j and 25a (corresponding to the "adjacent hollow stranded wires" of the present invention), the second wires 25c and 25d (corresponding to the "adjacent hollow stranded wires" of the present invention), and the second wires 25f and 25g (corresponding to the "adjacent hollow stranded wires" of the present invention) are arranged adjacent to each other, and the adjacently arranged second wires 25j and 25a, second wires 25c and 25d, and second wires 25f and 25g are arranged evenly in the cross section of the hollow stranded wire 20.

[0049] According to the hollow stranded wire 20 of this embodiment, a total of nine wires, three first wires 23 and six second wires 25, are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and the six second wires 25 are hollow wires, which ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 20 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's internal lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0050] Furthermore, the hollow stranded wire 20 of this embodiment includes a plurality of adjacent hollow stranded wires, each of which has a plurality of second strands 25 arranged adjacent to each other, and these adjacent hollow stranded wires are arranged evenly in cross section, which further improves the overall flexibility and enables the hollow stranded wire 20 to more quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0051] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a hollow stranded wire according to the fourth embodiment.

[0052] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below, but an external view of the hollow stranded wire of the fourth embodiment will be omitted because it is the same as the hollow stranded wire 1 of the first embodiment.

[0053] The hollow stranded wire 30 of this embodiment differs from the hollow stranded wire 1 of the first embodiment in the number of hollow wires.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the hollow stranded wire 30 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding nine second wires 35 (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, 35h and 35j, which correspond to the "hollow wires" of the present invention) that are hollow and have a second void 37 (37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, 37e, 37f, 37g, 37h and 37j) in the center in the cross section, in a hollow shape so as to have a first void 32 inside.

[0055] According to the hollow stranded wire 30 of this embodiment, nine second wires 35 are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and the nine second wires 35 are hollow wires, which ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 30 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's internal lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0056] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 6 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to the fifth embodiment, and Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hollow stranded wire according to the fifth embodiment.

[0057] The hollow stranded wire 40 of this embodiment differs from the hollow stranded wire 1 of the first embodiment in the shapes of the solid wires and hollow wires.

[0058] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the hollow stranded wire 40 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding a total of nine wires in a hollow shape to have a first gap 42 inside, including eight solid first wires 43 (43a, 43b, 43c, 43d, 43e, 43f, 43g, and 43h) that are approximately bow-shaped (U-shaped) in cross section, and one second wire 45 (corresponding to the "hollow wire" of the present invention) that is hollow and has an opening 47 (second gap) in the center in cross section.

[0059] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 40 of this embodiment, as described above, one second wire 45 has an opening 47 formed toward the outer periphery and two sharp edge portions 49 (49j1 and 49j2, hereinafter referred to as "edge portions 49") toward the inside of the opening 47. In Fig. 6, the area of ​​the opening 47 is shown with diagonal lines to clearly show the area.

[0060] In addition, the hollow stranded wire 40 of this embodiment rotates within the internal recovery mechanism of the embodiment described below, causing the edge portion 49 to scrape off objects such as plaque formed within the patient's internal lumen, such as blood vessels, and the scraped off object D is sent to the base end side of the internal recovery mechanism through the opening 47.

[0061] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 40 of this embodiment, the eight first wires 43 and one second wire 45 have an arch shape (U-shape) larger than a semicircle in cross section, and therefore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, third gaps 44 (44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e, 44f, 44g, 44h, and 44j) are provided between each wire.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 40 of this embodiment, the eight first wires 43 and one second wire 45 have a bow shape (U-shape) larger than a semicircle when viewed in cross section, so that the hollow stranded wire 40 can be prevented from losing its shape even if it is twisted or bent.

[0063] According to the hollow stranded wire 40 of this embodiment, a total of nine wires, eight first wires 43 and one second wire 45, are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and one second wire 45 is made into a hollow wire. This ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 40 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's internal lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 40 of this embodiment, the second wires 45 are formed so as to have openings 47 toward the outer periphery, which further improves the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire 40 and enables the hollow stranded wire 40 to follow even more quickly the complexly curved internal lumens of a patient's body, such as blood vessels. When the hollow stranded wire 40 is rotated, the object D can be transferred from the distal end to the proximal end via the second wires 45 having the openings 47.

[0065] (Sixth embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 8 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to the sixth embodiment, and Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hollow stranded wire according to the sixth embodiment.

[0066] The hollow stranded wire 50 of this embodiment differs from the hollow stranded wire 10 of the second embodiment in the shapes of the solid wires and hollow wires.

[0067] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the hollow stranded wire 50 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding a total of nine wires in a hollow shape to have a first gap 52 inside, including six solid first wires 53 (53a, 53b, 53d, 53e, 53g, and 53h) that are approximately bow-shaped (U-shaped) in cross section, and three second wires 55 (55c, 55f, and 55j, which correspond to the "hollow wire" of the present invention and will be referred to as the "second wires 55" hereinafter) that are hollow and have an opening 57 (57c, 57f, and 57j (second gap), hereinafter referred to as the "opening 57") in the center in cross section.

[0068] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 50 of this embodiment, as described above, each of the three second wires 55 has an opening 57 formed toward the outer periphery and two sharp edge portions 59 (59c1 and 59c2, 59f1 and 59f2, and 59j1 and 59j2; hereinafter referred to as "edge portions 59") toward the inside of the opening 57. In Fig. 8, the area of ​​the opening 57 is shown with diagonal lines to clearly show the area.

[0069] In addition, the hollow stranded wire 50 of this embodiment rotates within the internal recovery mechanism of the embodiment described below, causing the edge portion 59 to scrape off objects such as plaque formed within the patient's internal lumen, such as blood vessels, and the scraped off object D is sent to the base end side of the internal recovery mechanism through the opening 57.

[0070] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 50 of this embodiment, the six first wires 53 and the three second wires 55 have an arch shape (U-shape) larger than a semicircle in cross section, and therefore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, third gaps 54 (54a, 54b, 54c, 54d, 54e, 54f, 54g, 54h, and 54j) are provided between each wire.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 50 of this embodiment, the six first wires 53 and the three second wires 55 have a bow shape (U-shape) larger than a semicircle when viewed in cross section, so that the hollow stranded wire 50 can be prevented from losing its shape even if it is twisted or bent.

[0072] According to the hollow stranded wire 50 of this embodiment, a total of nine wires, six first wires 53 and three second wires 55, are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and the three second wires 55 are hollow wires, which ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 50 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 50 of this embodiment, the three second wires 55 are hollow wires and are evenly arranged in cross section, which further improves the overall flexibility and enables the hollow stranded wire 50 to more quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's internal body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 50 of this embodiment, the second wires 55 are formed so as to have openings 57 toward the outer periphery, which further improves the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire 50 and enables the hollow stranded wire 50 to follow even more quickly the complexly curved internal lumens of a patient's body, such as blood vessels. When the hollow stranded wire 50 is rotated, the object D can be transferred from the distal end to the proximal end via the second wires 55 having the openings 57.

[0075] (Seventh embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 10 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to the seventh embodiment, and Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hollow stranded wire according to the seventh embodiment.

[0076] The hollow stranded wire 60 of this embodiment differs from the hollow stranded wire 20 of the third embodiment in the shapes of the solid wires and hollow wires.

[0077] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the hollow stranded wire 60 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding a total of nine wires in a hollow shape to have a first gap 62 inside: three solid first wires 63 (63b, 63e, and 63h) that are approximately bow-shaped (U-shaped) in cross section; and six second wires 65 (65a, 65c, 65d, 65f, 65g, and 65j) that are hollow and approximately bow-shaped (U-shaped) in cross section and have an opening 67 (67a, 67c, 67D, 67f, 67g, and 67j (second gap), hereinafter referred to as "opening 67") in the center in cross section (corresponding to the "hollow wire" of the present invention; hereinafter referred to as "second wires 65").

[0078] As described above, in the hollow stranded wire 60 of this embodiment, each of the six second wires 65 has an opening 67 formed toward the outer periphery and two sharp edge portions 69 (69a1 and 69a2, 69c1 and 69c2, 69d1 and 69d2, 69f1 and 69f2, 69g1 and 69g2, and 69j1 and 69j2; hereinafter referred to as "edge portions 69") toward the inside of the opening 67. In Fig. 10, the area of ​​the opening 67 is shown with diagonal lines to clearly show the area.

[0079] In addition, the hollow stranded wire 60 of this embodiment rotates within the internal recovery mechanism of the embodiment described below, causing the edge portion 69 to scrape off objects such as plaque formed within the patient's internal lumen, such as blood vessels, and the scraped off object D is sent to the base end side of the internal recovery mechanism through the opening 67.

[0080] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 60 of this embodiment, the six first wires 53 and the three second wires 55 have an arch shape (U-shape) larger than a semicircle in cross section, and therefore, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, third gaps 64 (64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, 64g, 64h, and 64j) are provided between each wire.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 60 of this embodiment, the three first wires 63 and the six second wires 65 have an arch shape (U-shape) larger than a semicircle when viewed in cross section, so that the hollow stranded wire 60 can be prevented from losing its shape even if it is twisted or bent.

[0082] According to the hollow stranded wire 60 of this embodiment, a total of nine wires, three first wires 63 and six second wires 65, are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and the six second wires 65 are hollow wires, which ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 60 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's internal lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0083] Furthermore, the hollow stranded wire 60 of this embodiment includes a plurality of adjacent hollow stranded wires, each of which has a plurality of second strands 65 arranged adjacent to each other, and these adjacent hollow stranded wires are arranged evenly in cross section, which further improves the overall flexibility and enables the hollow stranded wire 60 to more quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 60 of this embodiment, the second wires 65 are formed so as to have openings 67 toward the outer periphery, which further improves the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire 60 and enables the hollow stranded wire 60 to follow even more quickly the complexly curved internal lumens of a patient's body, such as blood vessels. When the hollow stranded wire 60 is rotated, the object D can be transferred from the distal end to the proximal end via the second wires 65 having the openings 67.

[0085] (Eighth embodiment) Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 12 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to the eighth embodiment, and Fig. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hollow stranded wire according to the eighth embodiment.

[0086] The hollow stranded wire 70 of this embodiment differs from the hollow stranded wire 30 of the fourth embodiment in the shapes of the solid wires and hollow wires.

[0087] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the hollow stranded wire 70 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding nine second wires 75 (75a, 75b, 75c, 75d, 75e, 75f, 75g, 75h, and 75j, which correspond to the "hollow wire" of the present invention and will be referred to as "second wires 75" hereinafter) that are hollow and have an approximately bow-shaped (U-shaped) cross section and have an opening 77 (77a, 77b, 77c, 77d, 77e, 77f, 77g, 77h, and 77j (second gaps), hereinafter referred to as "opening 77") in the center in the cross section, in a hollow shape so as to have a first gap 72 inside.

[0088] As described above, in the hollow stranded wire 70 of this embodiment, each of the nine second wires 75 has an opening 77 formed toward the outer periphery and two sharp edge portions 79 (79a1 and 79a2, 79b1 and 79b2, 79c1 and 79c2, 79d1 and 79d2, 79e1 and 79e2, 79f1 and 79f2, 79g1 and 79g2, 79h1, 79h2, 79j1 and 79j2; hereinafter referred to as "edge portions 79") that are pointed toward the inside of the opening 77. In Fig. 12, the area of ​​the opening 77 is shown with diagonal lines to clearly show the area.

[0089] In addition, the hollow stranded wire 70 of this embodiment rotates within the internal recovery mechanism of the embodiment described below, causing the edge portion 79 to scrape off objects such as plaque formed within the patient's internal lumen, such as blood vessels, and the scraped off object D is sent to the base end side of the internal recovery mechanism through the opening 77.

[0090] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 70 of this embodiment, the nine second wires 75 have an arch shape (U-shape) larger than a semicircle in cross section, and therefore, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, third gaps 74 (74a, 74b, 74c, 74d, 74e, 74f, 74g, 74h, and 74j) are provided between each wire.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 70 of this embodiment, the nine second wires 75 have an arch shape (U-shape) larger than a semicircle when viewed in cross section, so that the hollow stranded wire 70 can be prevented from losing its shape even if it is twisted or bent.

[0092] According to the hollow stranded wire 70 of this embodiment, nine second wires 75 are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and the nine second wires 75 are hollow wires, which ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 70 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's internal body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 70 of this embodiment, the second wires 75 are formed so as to have openings 77 toward the outer periphery, which further improves the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire 70 and enables the hollow stranded wire 70 to follow even more quickly the complexly curved internal lumens of a patient's blood vessels and the like. When the hollow stranded wire 70 is rotated, the object D can be transferred from the distal end to the proximal end via the second wires 75 having the openings 77.

[0094] (Ninth embodiment) Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 14 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to the ninth embodiment, and Fig. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hollow stranded wire according to the ninth embodiment.

[0095] The hollow stranded wire 80 of this embodiment differs from the hollow stranded wire 1 of the first embodiment in the shapes of the solid wires and hollow wires.

[0096] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the hollow stranded wire 80 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding a total of nine wires in a hollow shape to have a first gap 82 inside, including eight solid first wires 83 (83a, 83b, 83c, 83d, 83e, 83f, 83g, and 83h) that are approximately semicircular in cross section, and one second wire 85 (corresponding to the "hollow wire" of the present invention) that is hollow and has an opening 87 (second gap) in the center in cross section.

[0097] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 80 of this embodiment, as described above, one second wire 85 has an opening 87 formed toward the outer periphery and two sharp edge portions 89 (89j1 and 89j2, hereinafter referred to as "edge portions 89") toward the inside of the opening 87. In Fig. 14, the area of ​​the opening 87 is shown with diagonal lines to clearly show the area.

[0098] In addition, the hollow stranded wire 80 of this embodiment rotates within the internal recovery mechanism of the embodiment described below, causing the edge portion 89 to scrape off objects such as plaque formed within the internal lumen of the patient's blood vessels, and the scraped off object D is sent to the base end side of the internal recovery mechanism through the opening 87.

[0099] According to the hollow stranded wire 80 of this embodiment, a total of nine wires, eight first wires 83 and one second wire 85, are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and one second wire 85 is made into a hollow wire. This ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 80 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's internal body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0100] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 80 of this embodiment, the second wires 85 are formed so as to have openings 87 toward the outer periphery, which further improves the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire 80 and enables the hollow stranded wire 80 to follow even more quickly the complexly curved internal lumens of a patient's body, such as blood vessels. When the hollow stranded wire 80 is rotated, the object D can be transferred from the distal end to the proximal end via the second wires 85 having the openings 87.

[0101] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 80 of this embodiment, the second wires 85 are formed in a semicircular cross section so as to have openings 87 toward the outer periphery, which further improves the overall flexibility and enables the hollow stranded wire 80 to follow even more quickly the complexly curved internal lumens of a patient's blood vessels and the like. When the hollow stranded wire 80 is rotated, the object D can be efficiently transported from the distal end to the proximal end via the second wires 85 having the openings 87.

[0102] (Tenth embodiment) Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 16 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to the tenth embodiment, and Fig. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hollow stranded wire according to the tenth embodiment.

[0103] The hollow stranded wire 90 of this embodiment differs from the hollow stranded wire 10 of the second embodiment in the shapes of the solid wires and hollow wires.

[0104] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the hollow stranded wire 90 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding a total of nine wires in a hollow shape to have a first gap 92 inside, including six solid first wires 93 (93a, 93b, 93d, 93e, 93g, and 93h) that are approximately semicircular in cross section, and three second wires 95 (95c, 95f, and 95j, which correspond to the "hollow wire" of the present invention and will be referred to as the "second wires 95" hereinafter) that are approximately semicircular in cross section and have an opening 97 (97c, 97f, and 97j (second gap), hereinafter referred to as the "opening 97") in the center in cross section.

[0105] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 90 of this embodiment, as described above, each of the three second wires 95 has an opening 97 formed toward the outer periphery and two sharp edge portions 99 (99c1 and 99c2, 99f1 and 99f2, and 99j1 and 99j2; hereinafter referred to as "edge portions 99") toward the inside of the opening 97. In Fig. 16, the area of ​​the opening 97 is shown with diagonal lines to clearly show the area.

[0106] In addition, the hollow stranded wire 90 of this embodiment rotates within the internal recovery mechanism of the embodiment described below, causing the edge portion 99 to scrape off objects such as plaque formed within the patient's internal lumen, such as blood vessels, and the scraped off object D is sent to the base end side of the internal recovery mechanism through the opening 97.

[0107] According to the hollow stranded wire 90 of this embodiment, a total of nine wires, six first wires 93 and three second wires 95, are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and the three second wires 95 are made hollow, which ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 90 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's internal lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 90 of this embodiment, the three second wires 95 are hollow wires and are evenly arranged in cross section, which further improves the overall flexibility and allows the hollow stranded wire 90 to more quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's internal body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 90 of this embodiment, the second wires 95 are formed so as to have openings 97 toward the outer periphery, which further improves the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire 90 and enables the hollow stranded wire 90 to follow even more quickly the complexly curved internal lumens of a patient's blood vessels and the like. When the hollow stranded wire 90 is rotated, the object D can be transferred from the distal end to the proximal end via the second wires 95 having the openings 97.

[0110] (Eleventh embodiment) Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 18 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to the eleventh embodiment, and Fig. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hollow stranded wire according to the eleventh embodiment.

[0111] The hollow stranded wire 100 of this embodiment differs from the hollow stranded wire 20 of the third embodiment in the shapes of the solid wires and hollow wires.

[0112] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the hollow stranded wire 100 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding a total of nine wires in a hollow shape to have a first gap 102 inside, the nine wires being: three solid first wires 103 (103b, 103e, and 103h) that are approximately semicircular in cross section; and six second wires 105 (105a, 105c, 105d, 105f, 105g, and 105j, which correspond to the "hollow wire" of the present invention and will be referred to as the "second wires 105" hereinafter) that are approximately semicircular in cross section and have an opening 107 (107a, 107c, 107d, 107f, 107g, and 107j (second gap), hereinafter referred to as the "opening 107") in the center in cross section.

[0113] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 100 of this embodiment, as described above, each of the six second strands 105 has an opening 107 formed toward the outer periphery and two sharp edge portions 109 (109a1 and 109a2, 109c1 and 109c2, 109d1 and 109d2, 109f1 and 109f2, 109g1 and 109g2, and 109j1 and 109j2; hereinafter referred to as "edge portions 109") toward the inside of the opening 107. In Fig. 18, the area of ​​the opening 107 is shown with diagonal lines to clearly show the area.

[0114] In addition, the hollow stranded wire 100 of this embodiment rotates within the internal recovery mechanism of the embodiment described below, causing the edge portion 109 to scrape off objects such as plaque formed within the patient's internal lumen, such as blood vessels, and the scraped off object D is sent to the base end side of the internal recovery mechanism through the opening 107.

[0115] According to the hollow stranded wire 100 of this embodiment, a total of nine wires, three first wires 103 and six second wires 105, are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and the six second wires 105 are hollow wires, which ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 100 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's internal lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0116] Furthermore, the hollow stranded wire 100 of this embodiment includes a plurality of adjacent hollow stranded wires, each of which has a plurality of second strands 105 arranged adjacent to each other, and these adjacent hollow strands are arranged evenly in cross section, which further improves the overall flexibility and enables the hollow stranded wire 100 to more quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0117] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 100 of this embodiment, the second wires 105 are formed so as to have openings 107 toward the outer periphery, which further improves the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire 100 and enables the hollow stranded wire 100 to follow even more quickly the complexly curved internal lumens of a patient's body, such as blood vessels.When the hollow stranded wire 100 is rotated, the object D can be transferred from the distal end to the proximal end via the second wires 105 having the openings 107.

[0118] (Twelfth embodiment) Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 20 is an external view of a hollow stranded wire according to the twelfth embodiment, and Fig. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hollow stranded wire according to the twelfth embodiment.

[0119] The hollow stranded wire 110 of this embodiment differs from the hollow stranded wire 30 of the fourth embodiment in the shapes of the solid wires and hollow wires.

[0120] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the hollow stranded wire 110 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding nine second wires 115 (115a, 115b, 115c, 115d, 115e, 115f, 115g, 115h, and 115j, which correspond to the "hollow wire" of the present invention and will be referred to as "second wires 115" hereinafter) that are approximately semicircular in cross section and have an opening 117 (117a, 117b, 117c, 117d, 117e, 117f, 117g, 117h, and 117j (second void portions), hereinafter referred to as "opening 117") in the center in cross section in a hollow shape so as to have a first void portion 112 inside.

[0121] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 110 of this embodiment, as described above, each of the nine second strands 115 has an opening 117 formed toward the outer periphery and two edge portions 119 (119a1 and 119a2, 119b1 and 119b2, 119c1 and 119c2, 119d1 and 119d2, 119e1 and 119e2, 119f1 and 119f2, 119g1 and 119g2, 119h1, 119h2, and 119j1 and 119j2; hereinafter, referred to as "edge portions 119") that are sharp toward the inside of the opening 117. In Fig. 20, the area of ​​the opening 117 is shown with diagonal lines to clearly show the area.

[0122] In addition, the hollow stranded wire 110 of this embodiment rotates within the internal recovery mechanism of the embodiment described below, causing the edge portion 119 to scrape off objects such as plaque formed within the internal lumen of the patient's blood vessels, and the scraped off object D is sent to the base end side of the internal recovery mechanism through the opening 117.

[0123] According to the hollow stranded wire 110 of this embodiment, nine second wires 115 are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and the nine second wires 115 are hollow wires, which ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 110 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0124] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 110 of this embodiment, the second wires 115 are formed so as to have openings 117 toward the outer periphery, which further improves the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire 110 and enables the hollow stranded wire 110 to follow even more quickly the complexly curved internal lumens of a patient's body, such as blood vessels. When the hollow stranded wire 110 is rotated, the object D can be transferred from the distal end to the proximal end via the second wires 115 having the openings 117.

[0125] (Thirteenth embodiment) Next, a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 22 is an external view of the hollow stranded wire of the thirteenth embodiment, and Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 22.

[0126] The hollow stranded wire 120 of this embodiment differs from the hollow stranded wire 70 of the eighth embodiment in the shape of the tip end, and the tip end of the hollow stranded wire 120 is fixed by a joining member.

[0127] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the hollow stranded wire 120 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding nine second wires 125 (125a, 125b, 125c, 125d, 125e, 125f, 125g, 125h, and 125j, which correspond to the "hollow wire" of the present invention and will be referred to as "second wires 125" hereinafter) that are hollow and have a generally bow-shaped (U-shaped) cross section and have an opening 127 (127a, 127b, 127c, 127d, 127e, 127f, 127g, 127h, and 127j (second gaps), hereinafter referred to as "opening 127") in the center of the cross section, so as to have a first gap 122 inside.

[0128] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 120 of this embodiment, as described above, each of the nine second strands 125 has an opening 127 formed toward the outer periphery and two edge portions 129 (129a1 and 129a2, 129b1 and 129b2, 129c1 and 129c2, 129d1 and 129d2, 129e1 and 129e2, 129f1 and 129f2, 129g1 and 129g2, 129h1, 129h2, 129j1 and 129j2; hereinafter referred to as "edge portions 129") that are sharp toward the inside of the opening 127. In Fig. 22, the area of ​​the opening 127 is shown with diagonal lines to clearly show the area.

[0129] In addition, the hollow stranded wire 120 of this embodiment rotates within the internal recovery mechanism of the embodiment described below, causing the edge portion 129 to scrape off objects such as plaque formed within the patient's internal lumen, such as blood vessels, and the scraped off object D is sent to the base end side of the internal recovery mechanism through the opening 127.

[0130] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 120 of this embodiment, the nine second wires 125 have an arch shape (U-shape) larger than a semicircle in cross section, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 22, third gaps 124 (124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 124e, 124f, 124g, 124h, and 124j) are provided between each wire.

[0131] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 120 of this embodiment, the nine second wires 125 have an arch shape (U-shape) larger than a semicircle when viewed in cross section, so that the hollow stranded wire 120 can be prevented from losing its shape even if it is twisted or bent.

[0132] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the hollow stranded wire 120 of this embodiment has a tip portion of a predetermined length from the tip to the base end fixed by a joining member 126 so that a hollow portion 122 is formed in the center when viewed in cross section.

[0133] The material of the joining member 126 is not particularly limited as long as it is a biocompatible material, but for example, a material made of brazing material and solder material such as Au-tin or Ag-tin can be used, and in this embodiment, Ag-tin brazing material is used.

[0134] According to the hollow stranded wire 120 of this embodiment, nine second wires 125 are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and the nine second wires 125 are hollow wires, which ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 120 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0135] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 120 of this embodiment, the second wires 125 are formed so as to have openings 127 toward the outer periphery, which further improves the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire 120 and enables the hollow stranded wire 120 to follow even more quickly the complexly curved internal lumens of a patient's body, such as blood vessels. When the hollow stranded wire 120 is rotated, the object D can be transferred from the distal end to the proximal end via the second wires 125 having the openings 127.

[0136] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 120 of this embodiment, the tip ends of the nine second strands 125 are fixed by the joining member 126, so that even if they enter an object such as plaque formed in a body lumen such as a patient's blood vessel, the tip ends do not lose their shape, and when the hollow stranded wire 120 is rotated, the object D can be reliably transported from the tip side to the base side via the hollow stranded wire 120 having the opening 127.

[0137] In this embodiment, the configuration in which the tip portions of the nine second strands 125 are fixed has been described, but the fixing of the tip portions can also be applied to the hollow stranded wire 40 of the fifth embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 50 of the sixth embodiment, and the hollow stranded wire 60 of the seventh embodiment. When the tip portions of each hollow stranded wire are fixed, even if the hollow stranded wire penetrates an object such as plaque formed in a lumen in the patient's body, such as a blood vessel, the tip portions will not lose their shape, and when the hollow stranded wire is rotated, the object D can be reliably transferred from the tip side to the base side via the hollow strand having an opening.

[0138] (Fourteenth embodiment) Next, a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 24 is an external view of the hollow stranded wire of the fourteenth embodiment, and Fig. 25 is a BB cross-sectional view of the twenty-fourth embodiment.

[0139] The hollow stranded wire 130 of this embodiment has a different shape at the tip end than the hollow stranded wire 70 of the eighth embodiment, and is provided with a tapered portion that tapers toward the tip, and the tip end of the tapered portion is fixed by a joining member.

[0140] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, the hollow stranded wire 130 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding nine second wires 135 (135a, 135b, 135c, 135d, 135e, 135f, 135g, 135h, and 135j, which correspond to the "hollow wire" of the present invention and will be referred to as "second wires 135" hereinafter) that are hollow and have an approximately bow-shaped (U-shaped) cross section and have an opening 137 (137a, 137b, 137c, 137d, 137e, 137f, 137g, 137h, and 137j (second gaps), hereinafter referred to as "opening 137") in the center of the cross section, so as to have a first gap 132 inside.

[0141] As described above, in the hollow stranded wire 130 of this embodiment, each of the nine second strands 135 has an opening 137 formed toward the outer periphery and two sharp edge portions 139 (139a1 and 139a2, 139b1 and 139b2, 139c1 and 139c2, 139d1 and 139d2, 139e1 and 139e2, 139f1 and 139f2, 139g1 and 139g2, 139h1, 139h2, and 139j1 and 139j2; hereinafter, referred to as "edge portions 139") that are pointed toward the inside of the opening 137. In Fig. 24, the area of ​​the opening 137 is shown with diagonal lines to clearly show the area.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 24, the hollow stranded wire 130 of this embodiment has a tapered portion 138 at its tip end that tapers toward the tip end.

[0143] In addition, the hollow stranded wire 130 of this embodiment rotates within the internal recovery mechanism of the embodiment described below, causing the edge portion 139 to scrape off objects such as plaque formed within the internal lumen of the patient's blood vessels, and the scraped off object D is sent to the base end side of the internal recovery mechanism through the opening 137.

[0144] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 130 of this embodiment, the nine second wires 135 have an arch shape (U-shape) larger than a semicircle in cross section, and therefore, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, third gaps 134 (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e, 134f, 134g, 134h, and 134j) are provided between each wire.

[0145] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 130 of this embodiment, the nine second wires 135 have an arch shape (U-shape) larger than a semicircle when viewed in cross section, so that the hollow stranded wire 130 can be prevented from losing its shape even if it is twisted or bent.

[0146] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, the hollow stranded wire 130 of this embodiment has a tip portion of a predetermined length from the tip to the base end fixed by a joining member 136 so that a hollow portion 132 is formed in the center when viewed in cross section.

[0147] The material of the joining member 136 can be the same as that of the joining member 126 of the thirteenth embodiment, and in this embodiment, an Ag-tin brazing material is used.

[0148] According to the hollow stranded wire 130 of this embodiment, nine second wires 135 are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and the nine second wires 135 are hollow wires, which ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 130 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0149] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 130 of this embodiment, the second wires 135 are formed so as to have openings 137 toward the outer periphery, which further improves the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire 130 and enables the hollow stranded wire 130 to follow even more quickly the complexly curved internal lumens of a patient's blood vessels and the like, and when the hollow stranded wire 130 is rotated, the object D can be transferred from the distal end to the proximal end via the second wires 135 having the openings 137.

[0150] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 130 of this embodiment, the tip ends of the nine second strands 135 are fixed by a joining member, so that even if they penetrate into an object such as plaque formed in a body lumen such as a patient's blood vessel, the tip ends do not lose their shape, and when the hollow stranded wire 130 is rotated, the object D can be reliably transported from the tip side to the base side through the hollow stranded wire 130 having the opening 137.

[0151] Furthermore, the hollow stranded wire 130 of this embodiment is provided with a tapered section 138 that tapers toward the tip, making it easier to penetrate into the object, and when the hollow stranded wire 130 is rotated, the object D can be transported more reliably from the tip side to the base end side via the hollow strand 130 having the opening 137.

[0152] In this embodiment, the distal end of the hollow stranded wire made up of nine second wires 135 has a tapered section 138 tapered toward the distal end, and the distal end of the tapered section 138 is fixed with a joining member. However, the provision of a tapered section tapered toward the distal end and the fixing of the distal end of the tapered section can also be applied to the hollow stranded wire 40 of the fifth embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 50 of the sixth embodiment, and the hollow stranded wire 60 of the seventh embodiment. In this case, it is possible to easily penetrate an object such as plaque formed in a lumen in the body, such as a patient's blood vessel. Even if the distal end penetrates the object, the shape of the distal end can be maintained, and when the hollow stranded wire is rotated, the object D can be reliably transferred from the distal end to the proximal end via the hollow strand having an opening.

[0153] (Fifteenth embodiment) Next, a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 26 is an external view of the hollow stranded wire of the fifteenth embodiment, and Fig. 27 is a CC cross-sectional view of the fifteenth embodiment.

[0154] The hollow stranded wire 140 of this embodiment differs from the hollow stranded wire 110 of the twelfth embodiment in the shape of the tip end, and the tip end of the hollow stranded wire 140 is fixed by a joining member.

[0155] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the hollow stranded wire 140 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding nine second wires 145 (145a, 145b, 145c, 145d, 145e, 145f, 145g, 145h, and 145j, which correspond to the "hollow wire" of the present invention and will be referred to as "second wires 145" hereinafter) that are approximately semicircular in cross section and have an opening 147 (147a, 147b, 147c, 147d, 147e, 147f, 147g, 147h, and 147j (second void portions), hereinafter referred to as "opening 147") in the center in cross section in a hollow shape so as to have a first void portion 142 inside.

[0156] As described above, each of the nine second strands 145 in the hollow stranded wire 140 of this embodiment has an opening 147 formed toward the outer periphery and two sharp edge portions 149 (149a1 and 149a2, 149b1 and 149b2, 149c1 and 149c2, 149d1 and 149d2, 149e1 and 149e2, 149f1 and 149f2, 149g1 and 149g2, 149h1, 149h2, and 149j1 and 149j2; hereinafter, referred to as "edge portions 149") that are sharp toward the inside of the opening 147. In FIG. 26, the area of ​​the opening 147 is shown with diagonal lines to clearly show the area.

[0157] In addition, the hollow stranded wire 140 of this embodiment rotates within the internal recovery mechanism of the embodiment described below, causing the edge portion 149 to scrape off objects such as plaque formed within the internal lumen of the patient's blood vessels, and the scraped off object D is sent to the base end side of the internal recovery mechanism through the opening 147.

[0158] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 26 and 27, the hollow stranded wire 140 of this embodiment has a tip portion of a predetermined length from the tip to the base end fixed by a joining member 146 so that a hollow portion 142 is formed in the center when viewed in cross section.

[0159] The material of the joining member 146 can be the same as that of the joining member 126 of the thirteenth embodiment, and in this embodiment, an Ag-tin brazing material is used.

[0160] According to the hollow stranded wire 140 of this embodiment, nine second wires 145 are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and the nine second wires 145 are hollow wires, which ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 140 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's internal body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0161] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 140 of this embodiment, the second wires 145 are formed so as to have openings 147 toward the outer periphery, which further improves the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire 140 and enables the hollow stranded wire 140 to follow even more quickly the complexly curved internal lumens of a patient's body, such as blood vessels. When the hollow stranded wire 140 is rotated, the object D can be transferred from the distal end to the proximal end via the second wires 145 having the openings 147.

[0162] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 140 of this embodiment, the tip portions of the nine second strands 145 are fixed, so that even if they penetrate into an object such as plaque formed in a body lumen such as a patient's blood vessel, the tip portions do not lose their shape, and when the hollow stranded wire 140 is rotated, the object D can be reliably transported from the tip side to the base side through the hollow stranded wire 140 having the opening 147.

[0163] In this embodiment, the configuration in which the tip portions of the nine second strands 145 are fixed has been described, but the fixing of the tip portions can also be applied to the hollow stranded wire 80 of the ninth embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 90 of the tenth embodiment, and the hollow stranded wire 100 of the eleventh embodiment. When the tip portions of each hollow stranded wire are fixed, even if the hollow stranded wire penetrates an object such as plaque formed in a lumen in the patient's body, such as a blood vessel, the tip portions will not lose their shape, and when the hollow stranded wire is rotated, the object D can be reliably transferred from the tip side to the base side via the hollow strand having an opening.

[0164] (16th embodiment) Next, a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 28 is an external view of the hollow stranded wire of the sixteenth embodiment, and Fig. 29 is an E-E cross-sectional view of the sixteenth embodiment.

[0165] The hollow stranded wire 150 of this embodiment has a different shape at the tip end than the hollow stranded wire 110 of the twelfth embodiment, and is provided with a tapered portion that tapers toward the tip, and the tip end of the tapered portion is fixed by a joining member.

[0166] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, the hollow stranded wire 150 in this embodiment is a long coil body formed by winding nine second wires 155 (155a, 155b, 155c, 155d, 155e, 155f, 155g, 155h, and 155j, which correspond to the "hollow wire" of the present invention and will be referred to as "second wires 155" hereinafter) that are approximately semicircular in cross section and have an opening 157 (157a, 157b, 157c, 157d, 157e, 157f, 157g, 157h, and 157j (second void portions), hereinafter referred to as "opening 157") in the center in cross section in a hollow shape so as to have a first void portion 152 inside.

[0167] Furthermore, in the hollow stranded wire 150 of this embodiment, as described above, each of the nine second strands 155 has an opening 157 formed toward the outer periphery and two edge portions 159 (159a1 and 159a2, 159b1 and 159b2, 159c1 and 159c2, 159d1 and 159d2, 159e1 and 159e2, 159f1 and 159f2, 159g1 and 159g2, 159h1, 159h2, and 159j1 and 159j2; hereinafter referred to as "edge portions 159") that are sharp toward the inside of the opening 157. In Fig. 28, the area of ​​the opening 157 is shown with diagonal lines to clearly show the area.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 28, the hollow stranded wire 150 of this embodiment has a tapered portion 158 at its tip end that tapers toward the tip end.

[0169] In addition, the hollow stranded wire 150 of this embodiment rotates within the internal recovery mechanism of the embodiment described below, causing the edge portion 159 to scrape off objects such as plaque formed within the internal lumen of the patient's blood vessels, and the scraped off object D is sent to the base end side of the internal recovery mechanism through the opening 157.

[0170] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 28 and 29, the hollow stranded wire 150 of this embodiment has a tip portion of a predetermined length from the tip to the base end fixed by a joining member 156 so that a hollow portion 152 is formed in the center when viewed in cross section.

[0171] The material of the joining member 156 can be the same as that of the joining member 126 of the thirteenth embodiment, and in this embodiment, an Ag-tin brazing material is used.

[0172] According to the hollow stranded wire 150 of this embodiment, nine second wires 155 are twisted together to form a hollow shape, and the nine second wires 155 are hollow wires, which ensures torque transmission and improves overall flexibility, allowing the hollow stranded wire 150 to quickly follow the complex curves of the patient's body lumen, such as the patient's blood vessels.

[0173] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 150 of this embodiment, the second wires 155 are formed so as to have openings 157 toward the outer periphery, which further improves the overall flexibility of the hollow stranded wire 150 and enables the hollow stranded wire 150 to follow even more quickly the complexly curved internal lumens of a patient's body, such as blood vessels. When the hollow stranded wire 150 is rotated, the object D can be transferred from the distal end to the proximal end via the second wires 155 having the openings 157.

[0174] Furthermore, according to the hollow stranded wire 150 of this embodiment, the tip portions of the nine second strands 155 are fixed, so that even if the hollow stranded wire 150 penetrates an object such as plaque formed in a body lumen such as a patient's blood vessel, the tip portions do not lose their shape, and when the hollow stranded wire 150 is rotated, the object D can be reliably transported from the tip side to the base side through the hollow stranded wire 150 having the opening 157.

[0175] Furthermore, the hollow stranded wire 150 of this embodiment is provided with a tapered portion 158 that tapers toward the tip, making it easier to penetrate into the object, and when the hollow stranded wire 150 is rotated, the object D can be transported more reliably from the tip side to the base end side via the hollow strand 150 having the opening 157.

[0176] In this embodiment, the distal end of the hollow stranded wire made up of nine second wires 155 has a tapered section 158 tapered toward the distal end, and the distal end of the tapered section 158 is fixed. However, the provision of a tapered section tapered toward the distal end and the distal end of the tapered section being fixed can also be applied to the hollow stranded wire 80 of the ninth embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 90 of the tenth embodiment, and the hollow stranded wire 100 of the eleventh embodiment. In such cases, it is possible to easily penetrate an object such as plaque formed in a body lumen such as a patient's blood vessel. Even if the object is penetrated, the distal end will not lose its shape, and when the hollow stranded wire is rotated, the object D can be reliably transported from the distal end to the proximal end via the hollow strand having an opening.

[0177] (17th embodiment) Next, an internal retrieval mechanism according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 30 is an external view of the internal retrieval mechanism according to the seventeenth embodiment, and Figure 31 is an explanatory view of the inside of part F in Figure 30.

[0178] As shown in Figure 30, the internal recovery mechanism 200 of this embodiment for removing an internal substance, an object D, from a patient's internal lumen is composed of a catheter 203 (corresponding to the "tubular member" of the present invention) consisting of a long, hollow tubular body, a cutter assembly 204 connected to the tip of the catheter 203, a gripping portion 206 connected to the base end of the catheter 203, and a motor 208 (corresponding to the "drive unit" of the present invention) connected to the base end of the gripping portion 206.

[0179] 31, the catheter 203 has a gap 203g in the center in cross section, and includes a tip bearing 205 connected to the inside of the tip, and a base bearing (not shown) connected to the inside of the base end of the catheter 203. The catheter 203 also includes a hollow stranded wire (shaft for an intracorporeal retrieval mechanism) 70 of the eighth embodiment, whose tip is rotatably connected to the tip bearing 205 and whose base end is rotatably connected to the base bearing.

[0180] Cutter assembly 204 has a housing 204a with multiple openings 204b connected to the tip of catheter 203, and a cutter 202 disposed inside housing 204a. Cutter 202 is connected to the tip of hollow stranded wire (shaft for intracorporeal retrieval mechanism) 70 via tip bearing 205, and is rotatable as motor 208 rotates.

[0181] Therefore, the cutter assembly 204 cuts the object D, such as plaque, that has entered through the opening 204b of the housing 204a with the rotating cutter 202 and takes it into the cutter assembly 204.

[0182] The grip portion 206 is connected to the base end of the catheter 203 and is composed of a grip portion main body 206a and a U-shaped grip portion side body 206b connected to the grip portion main body 206a. In addition, the grip portion 206 is formed with the grip portion main body 206a and the grip portion side body 206b to form a space S that can be grasped by the operator.

[0183] The housing of the motor 208 is connected to the base end of the grip portion 206, and the rotation shaft of the motor 208 is connected to the base end of the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism) 70.

[0184] In Figure 30, the cutter assembly 204 is shown as being connected linearly to the catheter 203, but in reality, the cutter assembly 204 can be bent in all directions 360 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter 203 by operating the gripping portion 206.

[0185] When the motor 208 connected to the base end of the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 70 rotates, the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 70 rotates inside the catheter 203, and the object D is cut by the rotating cutter 202 and taken into the cutter assembly 204, where it is held in the opening 77 and transported in the X direction.

[0186] The internal retrieval mechanism 200 of this embodiment is equipped with a long catheter 203, a hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 70 that can be inserted into the catheter 203, and a motor 208 that can rotate the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 70 within the catheter 203, so that the object D can be cut at the tip and the object D can be more reliably transferred from the tip side to the base side.

[0187] In this embodiment, an intracorporeal retrieval mechanism has been described in which the hollow stranded wire 70 of the eighth embodiment, which is composed of nine second strands 75, is used as the hollow stranded wire for transporting the object D from the distal end side to the proximal end side. However, the hollow stranded wire for transporting the object D from the distal end side to the proximal end side is not limited to the hollow stranded wire 70 of the eighth embodiment, and the hollow stranded wire 40 of the fifth embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 50 of the sixth embodiment, and the hollow stranded wire 60 of the seventh embodiment may also be used.

[0188] Even when the hollow stranded wire 40 of the fifth embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 50 of the sixth embodiment, or the hollow stranded wire 60 of the seventh embodiment is used as the hollow stranded wire for transporting the object D from the tip side to the base side, the object D can be cut at the tip, and the object D can be held in the opening and transported from the tip side to the base side.

[0189] (18th embodiment) Next, an intracorporeal retrieval mechanism according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figure 32 is a view corresponding to Figure 31 of the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism according to the eighteenth embodiment.

[0190] The eighteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below, but an external view of the hollow stranded wire of the eighteenth embodiment will be omitted because it is substantially the same as the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism of the seventeenth embodiment.

[0191] The intracorporeal retrieval mechanism 210 of this embodiment differs from the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism 200 of the seventeenth embodiment in the shape of the cutter assembly and the shape of the hollow stranded wire that serves as the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism shaft. That is, in the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism 210 of this embodiment, the hollow stranded wire is disposed so as to pass through the inside of the catheter and the inside of the cutter assembly.

[0192] As shown in Figures 30 and 32, the internal recovery mechanism 210 of this embodiment for removing an internal substance, an object D, from a patient's internal lumen is composed of a catheter 203 (corresponding to the "tubular member" of the present invention) consisting of a long, hollow tubular body, a cutter assembly 214 connected to the tip of the catheter 203, a gripping portion 206 connected to the base end of the catheter 203, and a motor 208 (corresponding to the "drive unit" of the present invention) connected to the base end of the gripping portion 206.

[0193] 32, the catheter 203 has a gap 203g in the center in cross section, and includes a tip bearing 205 connected to the inside of the tip, and a base bearing (not shown) connected to the inside of the base end of the catheter 203. The catheter 203 also includes a hollow stranded wire (shaft for an intracorporeal retrieval mechanism) 120 of the thirteenth embodiment, whose tip is rotatably connected to the tip bearing 205 and whose base end is rotatably connected to the base bearing.

[0194] Cutter assembly 214 has a plurality of openings 214b, a housing 214a connected to the tip of catheter 203, and hollow stranded wire 120 that also serves as a cutter and is arranged to extend from the inside of the base end of catheter 203 to the inside of housing 214a. Note that hollow stranded wire 120 is rotatable in conjunction with the rotation of motor 208.

[0195] Therefore, the cutter assembly 214 cuts the object D, such as plaque, that has entered through the opening 214b of the housing 214a with the rotating hollow stranded wire 120 and takes it into the cutter assembly 214.

[0196] The housing of the motor 208 is connected to the base end of the grip portion 206, and the rotation shaft of the motor 208 is connected to the base end of the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism) 120.

[0197] Similar to cutter assembly 204, cutter assembly 214 can be bent in all directions 360 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of catheter 203 by operating gripper 206.

[0198] When the motor 208 connected to the base end of the hollow stranded wire (shaft for internal retrieval mechanism) 120 rotates, the hollow stranded wire (shaft for internal retrieval mechanism) 120 rotates inside the catheter 203 and inside the cutter assembly 214, and the object D is cut by the rotating hollow stranded wire (shaft for internal retrieval mechanism) 120 and taken into the cutter assembly 214, where it is held in the opening 127 and transported in the X direction.

[0199] The internal retrieval mechanism 210 of this embodiment is equipped with a long catheter 203, a hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 120 that can be inserted into the catheter 203, and a motor 208 that can rotate the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 120 within the catheter 203, so that the object D can be cut at the tip and the object D can be more reliably transferred from the tip side to the base side.

[0200] In this embodiment, an intracorporeal retrieval mechanism has been described in which the hollow stranded wire 120 of the thirteenth embodiment, which is made up of nine second strands 125, is used as the hollow stranded wire for transporting the object D from the distal end side to the proximal end side. However, the hollow stranded wire for transporting the object D from the distal end side to the proximal end side is not limited to the hollow stranded wire 120 of the thirteenth embodiment, and a hollow stranded wire having the distal end portion of the hollow stranded wire 40 of the fifth embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 50 of the sixth embodiment, or the hollow stranded wire 60 of the seventh embodiment fixed thereto may also be used.

[0201] Even when a hollow stranded wire having the tip portion of the hollow stranded wire 40 of the fifth embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 50 of the sixth embodiment, or the hollow stranded wire 60 of the seventh embodiment fixed thereto is used as the hollow stranded wire for transporting the object D from the tip side to the base side, the object D can be cut at the tip, and the object D can be held in the opening and transported from the tip side to the base side.

[0202] (19th embodiment) Next, an in-vivo retrieval mechanism according to a 19th embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figure 33 is a view corresponding to Figure 31 of the in-vivo retrieval mechanism according to the 19th embodiment.

[0203] The nineteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below, but an external view of the hollow stranded wire of the nineteenth embodiment will be omitted because it is substantially the same as the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism of the seventeenth embodiment.

[0204] The intracorporeal retrieval mechanism 220 of this embodiment differs from the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism 210 of the eighteenth embodiment in the shape of the cutter assembly and the shape of the hollow stranded wire that is the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism shaft.

[0205] As shown in Figures 30 and 33, the internal recovery mechanism 220 of this embodiment for removing an internal substance, an object D, from a patient's internal lumen is composed of a catheter 203 (corresponding to the "tubular member" of the present invention) consisting of a long, hollow tubular body, a cutter assembly 224 connected to the tip of the catheter 203, a holding portion 206 connected to the base end of the catheter 203, and a motor 208 (corresponding to the "drive unit" of the present invention) connected to the base end of the holding portion 206.

[0206] 33, the catheter 203 has a gap 203g in the center in cross section, and includes a tip bearing 205 connected to the inside of the tip, and a base bearing (not shown) connected to the inside of the base end of the catheter 203. The catheter 203 also includes a hollow stranded wire (shaft for an intracorporeal retrieval mechanism) 130 of the 14th embodiment, whose tip is rotatably connected to the tip bearing 205 and whose base end is rotatably connected to the base bearing.

[0207] Cutter assembly 224 has a plurality of openings 224b, a tapered housing 224a connected to the tip of catheter 203, and hollow stranded wire 130 that also serves as a cutter and extends from the inside of the base end of catheter 203 to the inside of housing 224a. Hollow stranded wire 130 is rotatable in conjunction with the rotation of motor 208.

[0208] Therefore, the cutter assembly 224 cuts the object D, such as plaque, that has entered through the opening 224b of the housing 224a with the rotating hollow stranded wire 130 and takes it into the cutter assembly 224.

[0209] The housing of the motor 208 is connected to the base end of the grip portion 206, and the rotation shaft of the motor 208 is connected to the base end of the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism) .

[0210] Similar to cutter assembly 204, cutter assembly 224 can be bent in all directions 360 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of catheter 203 by operating gripper 206.

[0211] When the motor 208 connected to the base end of the hollow stranded wire (shaft for internal retrieval mechanism) 130 rotates, the hollow stranded wire (shaft for internal retrieval mechanism) 130 rotates inside the catheter 203 and inside the cutter assembly 224, and the object D is cut by the rotating hollow stranded wire (shaft for internal retrieval mechanism) 130 and taken into the cutter assembly 224, where it is held in the opening 137 and transported in the X direction.

[0212] The internal retrieval mechanism 220 of this embodiment is equipped with a long catheter 203, a hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 130 that can be inserted into the catheter 203, and a motor 208 that can rotate the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 130 within the catheter 203, so that the object D can be cut at the tip and the object D can be more reliably transferred from the tip side to the base side.

[0213] In this embodiment, an intracorporeal retrieval mechanism has been described in which the hollow stranded wire 130 of the fourteenth embodiment, which is made up of nine second strands 135, is used as the hollow stranded wire that transfers the object D from the distal end side to the proximal end side. However, the hollow stranded wire that transfers the object D from the distal end side to the proximal end side is not limited to the hollow stranded wire 130 of the fourteenth embodiment. It is also possible to use hollow stranded wires in which the distal end portions of the hollow stranded wire 40 of the fifth embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 50 of the sixth embodiment, and the hollow stranded wire 60 of the seventh embodiment are tapered toward the distal end and the tapered distal end portions are fixed.

[0214] Even when the hollow stranded wire used to transfer the object D from the tip side to the base side is a hollow stranded wire in which the tip end of the hollow stranded wire 40 of the fifth embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 50 of the sixth embodiment, or the hollow stranded wire 60 of the seventh embodiment has a tapered shape that tapers toward the tip and the tapered tip end is fixed, the object D can be cut at the tip and the object D can be held in the opening and transferred from the tip side to the base side.

[0215] (Twentyth embodiment) Next, an internal retrieval mechanism according to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figure 34 is a view corresponding to Figure 31 of the internal retrieval mechanism according to the twentieth embodiment.

[0216] A twentieth embodiment of the present invention will be described below, but an external view of the hollow stranded wire of the twentieth embodiment will be omitted because it is substantially the same as the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism of the seventeenth embodiment.

[0217] The intracorporeal retrieval mechanism 230 of this embodiment differs from the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism 200 of the seventeenth embodiment in the form of the hollow stranded wire that is the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism shaft.

[0218] As shown in Figures 30 and 34, the internal recovery mechanism 230 of this embodiment for removing an internal substance, an object D, from a patient's internal lumen is composed of a catheter 203 (corresponding to the "tubular member" of the present invention) consisting of a long, hollow tubular body, a cutter assembly 204 connected to the tip of the catheter 203, a gripping portion 206 connected to the base end of the catheter 203, and a motor 208 (corresponding to the "drive unit" of the present invention) connected to the base end of the gripping portion 206.

[0219] 34, the catheter 203 has a gap 203g in the center in cross section, and includes a tip bearing 205 connected to the inside of the tip, and a base bearing (not shown) connected to the inside of the base end of the catheter 203. The catheter 203 also includes a hollow stranded wire (shaft for an intracorporeal retrieval mechanism) 110 of the 12th embodiment, whose tip is rotatably connected to the tip bearing 205 and whose base end is rotatably connected to the base bearing.

[0220] The housing of the motor 208 is connected to the base end of the grip portion 206, and the rotation shaft of the motor 208 is connected to the base end of the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism) 110.

[0221] When the motor 208 connected to the base end of the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 110 rotates, the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 110 rotates inside the catheter 203, and the object D is cut by the rotating cutter 202 and taken into the cutter assembly 204, where it is held in the opening 117 and transported in the X direction.

[0222] The internal retrieval mechanism 230 of this embodiment is equipped with a long catheter 203, a hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 110 that can be inserted into the catheter 203, and a motor 208 that can rotate the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 110 within the catheter 203, so that the object D can be cut at the tip and the object D can be more reliably transferred from the tip side to the base side.

[0223] In this embodiment, an intracorporeal retrieval mechanism has been described in which the hollow stranded wire 110 of the twelfth embodiment, which is composed of nine second strands 115, is used as the hollow stranded wire for transporting the object D from the distal end side to the proximal end side. However, the hollow stranded wire for transporting the object D from the distal end side to the proximal end side is not limited to the hollow stranded wire 110 of the twelfth embodiment, and the hollow stranded wire 80 of the ninth embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 90 of the tenth embodiment, and the hollow stranded wire 100 of the eleventh embodiment may also be used.

[0224] Even when the hollow stranded wire 80 of the ninth embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 90 of the tenth embodiment, or the hollow stranded wire 100 of the eleventh embodiment is used as the hollow stranded wire for transporting the object D from the tip side to the base side, the object D can be cut at the tip, and the object D can be held in the opening and transported from the tip side to the base side.

[0225] (21st embodiment) Next, an internal retrieval mechanism according to a 21st embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figure 35 is a view corresponding to Figure 31 of the internal retrieval mechanism according to the 21st embodiment.

[0226] A 21st embodiment of the present invention will be described below, but an external view of the hollow stranded wire of the 21st embodiment will be omitted because it is substantially the same as the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism of the 17th embodiment.

[0227] The intracorporeal retrieval mechanism 240 of this embodiment differs from the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism 210 of the 18th embodiment in the form of the hollow stranded wire that is the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism shaft.

[0228] As shown in Figures 30 and 35, the internal recovery mechanism 240 of this embodiment for removing an internal substance, an object D, from a patient's internal lumen is composed of a catheter 203 (corresponding to the "tubular member" of the present invention) consisting of a long, hollow tubular body, a cutter assembly 244 connected to the tip of the catheter 203, a gripping portion 206 connected to the base end of the catheter 203, and a motor 208 (corresponding to the "drive unit" of the present invention) connected to the base end of the gripping portion 206.

[0229] 35, the catheter 203 has a gap 203g in the center in cross section, and includes a tip bearing 205 connected to the inside of the tip, and a base bearing (not shown) connected to the inside of the base end of the catheter 203. The catheter 203 also includes a hollow stranded wire (shaft for an intracorporeal retrieval mechanism) 140 of the 15th embodiment, whose tip is rotatably connected to the tip bearing 205 and whose base end is rotatably connected to the base bearing.

[0230] Cutter assembly 244 includes a housing 214a having a plurality of openings 214b and connected to the tip of catheter 203, and hollow stranded wire 140 that also serves as a cutter and is arranged to extend from the inside of the base end of catheter 203 to the inside of housing 214a. Note that hollow stranded wire 140 is rotatable in conjunction with the rotation of motor 208.

[0231] Therefore, the cutter assembly 244 cuts the object D, such as plaque, that has entered through the opening 214b of the housing 214a with the rotating hollow stranded wire 140 and takes it into the cutter assembly 214.

[0232] The housing of the motor 208 is connected to the base end of the grip portion 206, and the rotation shaft of the motor 208 is connected to the base end of the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism) 140.

[0233] Similar to cutter assembly 204, cutter assembly 244 can be bent in all directions 360 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of catheter 203 by operating gripper 206.

[0234] When the motor 208 connected to the base end of the hollow stranded wire (shaft for internal retrieval mechanism) 140 rotates, the hollow stranded wire (shaft for internal retrieval mechanism) 140 rotates inside the catheter 203 and inside the cutter assembly 244, and the object D is cut by the rotating hollow stranded wire (shaft for internal retrieval mechanism) 140 and taken into the cutter assembly 244, where it is held in the opening 147 and transported in the X direction.

[0235] The internal retrieval mechanism 240 of this embodiment is equipped with a long catheter 203, a hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 140 that can be inserted into the catheter 203, and a motor 208 that can rotate the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 140 within the catheter 203, so that the object D can be cut at the tip and the object D can be more reliably transferred from the tip side to the base side.

[0236] In this embodiment, an intracorporeal retrieval mechanism has been described in which the hollow stranded wire 140 of the 15th embodiment, which is made up of nine second strands 145, is used as the hollow stranded wire for transporting the object D from the distal end side to the proximal end side. However, the hollow stranded wire for transporting the object D from the distal end side to the proximal end side is not limited to the hollow stranded wire 140 of the 15th embodiment, and a hollow stranded wire having the distal end portion of the hollow stranded wire 80 of the 9th embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 90 of the 10th embodiment, or the hollow stranded wire 100 of the 11th embodiment fixed thereto may also be used.

[0237] Even when a hollow stranded wire having the tip portion of the hollow stranded wire 80 of the ninth embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 90 of the tenth embodiment, or the hollow stranded wire 100 of the eleventh embodiment fixed thereto is used as the hollow stranded wire for transporting the object D from the tip side to the base side, the object D can be cut at the tip, and the object D can be held in the opening and transported from the tip side to the base side.

[0238] (Twenty-second embodiment) Finally, an in-vivo retrieval mechanism according to a 22nd embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figure 36 is a view corresponding to Figure 31 of the in-vivo retrieval mechanism according to the 22nd embodiment.

[0239] A 22nd embodiment of the present invention will be described below, but an external view of the hollow stranded wire of the 22nd embodiment will be omitted because it is substantially the same as the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism of the 17th embodiment.

[0240] The intracorporeal retrieval mechanism 250 of this embodiment differs from the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism 220 of the 19th embodiment in the form of the hollow stranded wire that is the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism shaft.

[0241] As shown in Figures 30 and 36, the internal recovery mechanism 250 of this embodiment for removing an internal substance, an object D, from a patient's internal lumen is composed of a catheter 203 (corresponding to the "tubular member" of the present invention) consisting of a long, hollow tubular body, a cutter assembly 254 connected to the tip of the catheter 203, a gripping portion 206 connected to the base end of the catheter 203, and a motor 208 (corresponding to the "drive unit" of the present invention) connected to the base end of the gripping portion 206.

[0242] 36, the catheter 203 has a gap 203g in the center in cross section, and includes a tip bearing 205 connected to the inside of the tip, and a base bearing (not shown) connected to the inside of the base end of the catheter 203. The catheter 203 also includes a hollow stranded wire (shaft for an intracorporeal retrieval mechanism) 150 of the 16th embodiment, whose tip is rotatably connected to the tip bearing 205 and whose base end is rotatably connected to the base bearing.

[0243] Cutter assembly 254 has a plurality of openings 224b, a tapered housing 224a connected to the tip of catheter 203, and a hollow stranded wire 150 that also serves as a cutter and extends from the inside of the base end of catheter 203 to the inside of housing 224a. Note that hollow stranded wire 150 is rotatable in conjunction with the rotation of motor 208.

[0244] Therefore, the cutter assembly 254 cuts the object D, such as plaque, that has entered through the opening 224b of the housing 224a with the rotating hollow stranded wire 150 and takes it into the cutter assembly 254.

[0245] The housing of the motor 208 is connected to the base end of the grip portion 206, and the rotation shaft of the motor 208 is connected to the base end of the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism) 150.

[0246] Similar to cutter assembly 204, cutter assembly 254 can be bent in all directions 360 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of catheter 203 by operating gripper 206.

[0247] When the motor 208 connected to the base end of the hollow stranded wire (shaft for internal retrieval mechanism) 150 rotates, the hollow stranded wire (shaft for internal retrieval mechanism) 150 rotates inside the catheter 203 and inside the cutter assembly 254, and the object D is cut by the rotating hollow stranded wire (shaft for internal retrieval mechanism) 150 and taken into the cutter assembly 254, where it is held in the opening 157 and transported in the X direction.

[0248] The internal retrieval mechanism 250 of this embodiment is equipped with a long catheter 203, a hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 150 that can be inserted into the catheter 203, and a motor 208 that can rotate the hollow stranded wire (shaft for the internal retrieval mechanism) 150 within the catheter 203, so that the object D can be cut at the tip and the object D can be more reliably transferred from the tip side to the base side.

[0249] In this embodiment, an intracorporeal retrieval mechanism has been described in which the hollow stranded wire 150 of the 16th embodiment, which is made up of nine second strands 155, is used as the hollow stranded wire that transfers the object D from the distal end side to the proximal end side. However, the hollow stranded wire that transfers the object D from the distal end side to the proximal end side is not limited to the hollow stranded wire 150 of the 16th embodiment. It is also possible to use hollow stranded wires in which the distal end portions of the hollow stranded wire 80 of the 9th embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 90 of the 10th embodiment, and the hollow stranded wire 100 of the 11th embodiment are tapered toward the distal end and the tapered distal end portions are fixed.

[0250] Even when the hollow stranded wire used to transfer the object D from the tip side to the base side is a hollow stranded wire in which the tip end of the hollow stranded wire 80 of the ninth embodiment, the hollow stranded wire 90 of the tenth embodiment, or the hollow stranded wire 100 of the eleventh embodiment has a tapered shape that tapers toward the tip and the tapered tip end is fixed, the object D can be cut at the tip and the object D can be held in the opening and transferred from the tip side to the base side.

[0251] The above describes various embodiments of the hollow stranded wire of the present invention and the intracorporeal retrieval mechanism equipped with the hollow stranded wire. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0252] For example, in the hollow stranded wire 130 of the 14th embodiment and the hollow stranded wire 150 of the 16th embodiment, the tapered shape toward the tip has been described as being a linear tapered shape, but this is not limited to this, and the tapered shape toward the tip may be a drum-shaped or a hand-shaped tapered shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0253] 1, 10,20,30,40,50,60,70,80,90,100,110,120,130,140,150...Hollow stranded wire 2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102, 112, 122, 132, 142, 152... First gap 3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 530, 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, 113, 123, 133, 143, 153... First wire (solid wire) 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 95, 105, 115, 125, 135, 145, 155... Second wire (hollow wire) 7, 17, 27, 37... Second gap 44, 54, 64, 74, 124, 134...Third gap 47,57,67,77,87,97,107,117,127,137,147,157... Openings 49, 59, 69, 79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 129, 139, 149, 159... Edge section 126, 136, 146, 156... Joint members 138,158 Tapered section 200,210,220,230,240,250...Internal recovery mechanism 202··Cutter 203 Catheter 204,214,224,244,254 Cutter Assembly 205 Tip bearing 206...Gripping part 208···Motor D. Object (internal substance)

Claims

1. In a hollow stranded wire formed by twisting a plurality of wires, A hollow stranded wire, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of wires is a hollow wire.

2. 2. The hollow stranded wire according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the wires are hollow wires, and the hollow wires are uniformly arranged in cross section.

3. 3. The hollow stranded wire according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of adjacent hollow stranded wires, each of which is formed by arranging the plurality of hollow element wires adjacent to each other, and the plurality of adjacent hollow element wires are evenly arranged in cross section.

4. 2. The hollow stranded wire according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of wires are hollow wires.

5. 5. The hollow stranded wire according to claim 1, wherein the hollow wire is formed so as to have an opening toward the outer periphery.

6. 6. The hollow stranded wire according to claim 5, wherein the hollow wire is formed in a semicircular cross section so as to have an opening toward the outer periphery.

7. 7. The hollow stranded wire according to claim 5, further comprising a tapered portion tapered toward a tip.

8. 8. The hollow stranded wire according to claim 5, wherein the tips of the plurality of wires are fixed.

9. an elongated tubular member; a hollow stranded wire according to any one of claims 5 to 8 that can be inserted into the tubular member; a drive unit that can rotate the hollow stranded wire within the tubular member; An internal recovery mechanism comprising:

Images