Balloon catheter

Abstract

To improve the accuracy of radiation therapy. [Solution] The present invention relates to a balloon catheter comprising an external catheter 100, a balloon 200 connected to one side of the external catheter and capable of being inflated and deflated, and inserted into or discharged from a target site in a living body, and an internal catheter 300 provided to be movable along the external catheter in a first direction for insertion into the balloon or in a second direction for discharge from the balloon, wherein the internal catheter is a balloon catheter that can be discharged from the balloon while the balloon is inflated and fixed at the target site in the living body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a balloon catheter.

Background Art

[0002] Radiation therapy irradiates lesions in a living body with radiation such as X-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, proton beams, etc. to delay or destroy the growth of the lesion tissue in the living body. Here, the lesion tissue can be cancer or the like.

[0003] The distribution of radiation dose can change depending on the density of the medium located in the path through which the radiation beam passes through the living body during radiation therapy. Specifically, when there are two media with different densities in the path through which the radiation passes through the living body, the boundary region between the two media can have a greater change in the distribution of radiation dose than other parts.

[0004] In order to reduce the influence of radiation on the surrounding tissue of the lesion tissue in the living body during radiation therapy, a balloon can be inserted into a body cavity (hereinafter referred to as "target site") around the lesion tissue in the living body to fix the lesion tissue and the target site in the living body. Here, the balloon can be inserted into the target site of the living body through an internal catheter (or guide wire). Specifically, it can be performed in a manner in which, for example, after inserting an internal catheter into the balloon in which the internal catheter is accommodated, the balloon and the internal catheter are inserted into the target site of the living body. At this time, the internal catheter existing inside the balloon has caused the following problems.

[0005] First, the internal catheter existing inside the balloon makes it impossible to lower the internal density of the balloon below a certain level. Note that increasing the density inside the balloon is easier to achieve because it simply involves injecting a substance with a high density into the balloon.

[0006] Furthermore, when an internal catheter is present inside the balloon, this internal catheter can induce interference in the particle beam during radiation therapy using particles such as electrons, protons, and carbon ions, causing a problem in that it alters the destination of the particle beam.

[0007] Furthermore, if an internal catheter is present inside the balloon, its position within the balloon changes, leading to uncertainty in the radiation dose distribution both inside and around the balloon.

[0008] Furthermore, when an internal catheter is present inside the balloon, this internal catheter induces the generation of secondary electrons inside the balloon, reducing the effectiveness of radiation dose control during MCRT (Magnetic Controlled Radiation Therapy), which uses a magnetic field to control the radiation path during radiotherapy such as X-rays.

[0009] Therefore, it was necessary to expel the internal catheter located inside the balloon while the balloon was inserted into the target site in the living body. The common method for expelling the internal catheter involves removing it from inside the balloon while the balloon is not inflated. However, this method had the following problems.

[0010] First, there was a problem in that, at the moment the internal catheter was discharged from inside the balloon while it was inserted into the target site of the body, the position of the balloon changed due to forces from various directions exerted by the internal organs and muscles inside the body.

[0011] Furthermore, when pressure is present inside the body, a problem arises where the balloon becomes trapped by the internal catheter at the moment the internal catheter is expelled from inside the balloon while the balloon is inserted into the target site of the body. For example, the balloon may be pulled by the internal catheter as it is expelled.

[0012] In radiation therapy, it is crucial to maintain the balloon's position at the target site in the body. Therefore, conventional methods of expelling the internal catheter from inside the balloon while the balloon is not inflated are difficult to apply to radiation therapy because the balloon's position may change. Consequently, balloons capable of expelling the internal catheter were not used in radiation therapy. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] Korean Published Patent No. 10-2013-0009445 (2013.01.23) [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a balloon catheter that can improve the accuracy of radiotherapy to lesional tissue and target sites in living organisms during radiotherapy, because the internal catheter inserted inside the balloon can be discharged while the balloon is inflated and fixes the lesional tissue and target site in the living organism.

[0015] The issues that this disclosure aims to address are not limited to those mentioned above, and other issues not mentioned can be clearly understood by an average engineer from the description below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] A balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an external catheter, a balloon connected to one side of the external catheter and capable of being inflated and deflated, and inserted into or discharged from a target site in a living body, and an internal catheter provided to be movable along the external catheter in a first direction for insertion into the balloon or in a second direction for discharge from the balloon, wherein the internal catheter can be discharged from the balloon while the balloon is inflated and fixed at the target site in the living body.

[0017] Furthermore, the system may further include a first stopper that limits the range of movement of the internal catheter in the second direction so as to prevent the internal catheter from detaching from the external catheter.

[0018] Furthermore, the first stopper may include a hook groove formed in the external catheter and a hook formed in the internal catheter that catches in the hook groove when the internal catheter moves in the second direction.

[0019] The first stopper may include a plug connected to one side of the internal catheter, the plug comprising a plug body connected to one side of the internal catheter, a channel formed in the plug body communicating with the internal catheter, and a step protruding from one side of the plug body that catches on the contact portion of the external catheter as the internal catheter moves in the second direction.

[0020] Furthermore, the plug may include a locking step that protrudes from the other side of the plug body and locks into place on the inner circumference of the internal catheter.

[0021] Furthermore, the device may further include a second stopper that limits the range of movement of the internal catheter in a first direction and a range of movement in a second direction so as to prevent the internal catheter from detaching from the external catheter.

[0022] Furthermore, the second stopper may include two locking protrusions coupled to the outer periphery of the outer catheter at intervals along the moving direction of the inner catheter, and a moving protrusion coupled to the outer periphery of the inner catheter and disposed between the two locking protrusions.

[0023] Moreover, it may further include a driving part that moves the inner catheter in the second direction while the balloon is inflated and fixed to the target site of the living body.

[0024] Also, the driving part may include an actuator that moves the inner catheter in the second direction.

[0025] Furthermore, the driving part may include a fluid supply part that injects fluid into the balloon so that the pressure of the fluid injected into the balloon assists the movement of the inner catheter in the second direction.

[0026] Moreover, the outer catheter may include a guide part that is connected to the balloon and guides the movement of the inner catheter, and a contact part that protrudes from the guide part toward the inner catheter and contacts the inner catheter.

[0027] Also, it may further include a wing part that protrudes from the outer catheter so that the depth at which the outer catheter is inserted into the target site of the living body is limited.

[0028] Other specific matters of the present invention are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

Effects of the Invention

[0029] The balloon catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention can discharge the inner catheter inserted into the balloon while the balloon is inflated and fixes the diseased tissue and the target site of the living body, so that the accuracy of radiation therapy for the diseased tissue and the target site of the living body during radiation therapy can be improved.

[0030] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and any other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by an ordinary engineer from the description below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the balloon in an inflated state. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the first stopper of a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the balloon in an inflated state. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing a second stopper of a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the balloon in an inflated state. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the operation process of a balloon catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing the operation process of a balloon catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the operation process of a balloon catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing the operation process of a balloon catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing a balloon of a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention in a state in which the balloon is fixed to a target site in a living organism. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing a conventional balloon catheter with the balloon fixed to a target site in the body. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing the radiotherapy process of a target site in a living organism using a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]This is a cross-sectional view showing the process of radiotherapy of a target site in a living organism using a conventional balloon catheter. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view showing the MCRT treatment process at a target site in a living organism using a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view showing the MCRT treatment process at a target site in a living organism using a balloon catheter according to a conventional embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view showing the plug and wing parts of a balloon catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view including the plug and wing parts of a balloon catheter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view showing the external catheter of a balloon catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view showing a balloon catheter plug according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view showing the plug and internal catheter of a balloon catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a cross-sectional view showing the operation process of a balloon catheter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a cross-sectional view showing the operation process of a balloon catheter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] The advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be embodied in a variety of different forms. These embodiments are provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to allow a person ordinary in the art to fully understand the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0033] The terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless otherwise specified. The terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” used in this specification do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to those mentioned. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals indicate the same component, and “and / or” includes each of the components mentioned and all combinations of one or more of them. Even if terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used simply to distinguish one component from others. Accordingly, it goes without saying that the first component mentioned below may also be the second component within the technical concept of the invention.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) are used in the sense that they would be commonly understood by an ordinary person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall not be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly defined otherwise.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the balloon in Figure 1 in an inflated state.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an external catheter 100, a balloon 200, an internal catheter 300, and a drive part.

[0038] The external catheter 100 can serve as the basic body of the present invention. Such an external catheter 100 can be formed in a cylindrical shape with openings at both ends. Here, a balloon 200 can be connected to one side of the external catheter 100. In addition, an internal catheter 300 can be passed through the inside of the external catheter 100. Furthermore, a handle 110 for grasping the external catheter 100 can be formed on the other side of the external catheter 100. Here, the center of the handle 110 can have a smaller outer diameter than the sides of the handle 110. In other words, the sides of the handle 110 can have a multi-stage shape that protrudes from the center of the handle 110. Therefore, the sides of the handle 110 can serve to prevent the operator's hand, which is grasping the center of the handle 110, from slipping away from the handle 110 in the longitudinal direction.

[0039] As an example, the outer diameter of the external catheter 100 may be 10 mm to 30 mm, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As another example, the length of the external catheter 100 may be 50 mm to 1,000 mm, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As yet another example, the material of the external catheter 100 may include at least one of silicone, latex, polyurethane, polyisoprene, and PVC.

[0040] The external catheter 100 may include a connecting part 120, an expandable part 130, and a guide part 140. Here, the guide part 140 may be located on one side of the external catheter 100, the connecting part 120 on the other side of the external catheter 100, and the expandable part 130 may be located between the one and the other side of the external catheter 100. For example, one side of the external catheter 100 may be defined as the anterior side of the external catheter 100, and the other side of the external catheter 100 may be defined as the posterior side of the external catheter 100.

[0041] The connecting part 120 can be attached to the outer circumference of the internal catheter 300. For example, the connecting part 120 may have a ring shape. The expandable part 130 is attached to one side of the connecting part 120 and can expand and contract in the direction of movement of the internal catheter 300. For example, the expandable part 130 may have a bellows shape. Here, when the expandable part 130 is extended, the overall length of the external catheter 100 may increase, and when the expandable part 130 is retracted, the overall length of the external catheter 100 may decrease.

[0042] The guide part 140 is connected to one side of the expandable part 130 and can guide the movement of the internal catheter 300. For example, the guide part 140 may have a ring shape. On the other hand, a balloon 200 can be connected to one side of the guide part 140. The balloon 200 is connected to one side of the external catheter 100, is inflatable and expandable, and can be inserted into or expelled from a target site in the body. Such a balloon 200 can be inflated while inserted into a target site in the body and can be fixed to the diseased tissue and target site in the body. For example, the balloon 200 can be inflated by fluid injection. The target site in the body may be an internal space in the human body into which insertion is possible without incision (e.g., any one of the oral cavity, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, large intestine, or rectum), or an internal space in the human body into which insertion is possible by incision (e.g., any one of the thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity, or inside the skin), but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to other tissues in the body. Furthermore, the lesional tissue may be cancerous tissue. The lesional tissue is not limited to cancerous tissue, as long as it is a lesional tissue to which the balloon catheter of the present invention can be applied.

[0043] For example, the material of balloon 200 may include at least one of silicone, latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene.

[0044] The internal catheter 300 can be configured to move in a first direction, inserting into the balloon 200 along the external catheter 100, or in a second direction, being discharged from the balloon 200. Here, movement in the first direction can be defined as forward movement, and movement in the second direction can be defined as backward movement. Furthermore, the internal catheter 300 can be discharged from the balloon 200 while the balloon 200 is inflated and fixed at the target site in the body.

[0045] For example, when the internal catheter 300 moves in a first direction towards insertion into the balloon 200, one end of the internal catheter 300 can be inserted into the balloon 200. At this time, the end of the internal catheter 300 inserted into the balloon 200 provides rigidity to the balloon 200 when it is inserted into the target site in the body, and plays a role in overcoming the internal insertion resistance applied to the balloon 200. Subsequently, the balloon 200 inserted into the target site in the body inflates and can be fixed to the lesion tissue and target site in the body, as shown in Figure 2. Then, the end of the internal catheter 300 inserted into the balloon 200 can be expelled from inside the balloon 200 by the drive part.

[0046] As an example, a valve 310 can be provided on the other side of the internal catheter 300 to maintain the airtightness of the internal catheter. Such a valve 310 can allow the inflow of fluid supplied from the fluid supply part and prevent the outflow of the fluid.

[0047] For example, valve 310 can consist of at least one of a check valve, a stopcock, and a clamp.

[0048] For example, an external catheter 100 or an internal catheter 300 can be fixed around the target site in the body so as to maintain the position of the balloon 200 at the target site in the body.

[0049] The drive unit can move an internal catheter 300 inserted inside the balloon 200 in a second direction and expel it once the balloon 200, which has been inserted into a target site in the body, is inflated and fixed in place. Such a drive unit can be operated by the control of a processor.

[0050] The drive part may include an actuator and a fluid supply part.

[0051] The actuator can move the internal catheter 300 in a second direction. For example, the actuator can move the internal catheter 300 in a second direction while the balloon 200, which has been inserted into a target site in the body under the control of the processor, is inflated and fixed in place.

[0052] The fluid supply unit can inject fluid into the balloon 200 so that the pressure of the fluid injected into the balloon 200 moves the internal catheter 300 in a second direction. Here, the pressure of the fluid injected into the balloon 200 can provide some or all of the force required for the internal catheter 300 to move in a second direction. For example, if the pressure of the fluid injected into the balloon 200 provides only some of the force required for the internal catheter 300 to move in a second direction, the pressure of the fluid injected into the balloon 200 can assist the force when the user pulls the internal catheter 300 in a second direction. Alternatively, if the pressure of the fluid injected into the balloon 200 provides all of the force required for the internal catheter 300 to move in a second direction, the pressure of the fluid injected into the balloon 200 itself can become the driving force that moves the internal catheter 300 in a second direction.

[0053] On the other hand, the diameter and material of the balloon 200 can be initially set such that the pressure required for initial inflation is greater than the pressure required for the internal catheter 300 to move in the second direction. Therefore, when the fluid supply part injects fluid into the balloon 200, the pressure of the gas filled inside the balloon 200 can push the internal catheter 300 in the second direction.

[0054] The fluid supply section can inject fluid via an internal catheter 300 or an external catheter 100.

[0055] The following describes the process by which a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention is inserted into and fixed to a target site in a living organism.

[0056] First, the internal catheter 300, having penetrated the external catheter 100, moves in the first direction and is inserted into the balloon 200.

[0057] Next, the balloon 200 is inserted into the target site of the living body. At this time, one end of the internal catheter 300 inserted inside the balloon 200 provides rigidity to the balloon 200 when it is inserted into the target site of the living body, and plays a role in overcoming the internal insertion resistance applied to the balloon 200.

[0058] Next, the balloon 200 is inflated and fixed to the lesional tissue and target site of the living organism. At this time, the balloon 200 can be inflated by fluid injection. For example, the fluid injection into the balloon 200 can be performed by the fluid supply part of the drive part.

[0059] Subsequently, the drive unit moves the internal catheter 300 in a second direction so that one side of the internal catheter 300 is discharged from inside the balloon 200. At this time, as shown in Figure 2, with the inflated balloon 200 fixed to the lesion tissue and target site of the living body, the internal catheter 300 is moved in the second direction and retracts from inside the balloon 200.

[0060] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the first stopper of a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the balloon in the inflated state of Figure 3.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3, a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a first stopper 500, unlike the example in Figure 1. In this example, the inner circumference of the outer catheter 100 can be in close contact with the outer circumference of the inner catheter 300. Therefore, air leakage or fluid leakage between the outer catheter 100 and the inner catheter 300 can be prevented.

[0062] The first stopper 500 can serve to limit the range of movement of the internal catheter 300 in a second direction so as to prevent the internal catheter 300 from detaching from the external catheter 100. Such a first stopper 500 may include a hook groove 510 and a hook 520.

[0063] The hook groove 510 can be formed on one side of the external catheter 100. For example, the hook groove 510 can be formed as a recess along the inner circumference on one side of the external catheter 100. In this case, the hook groove 510 can have a ring shape. In the example of Figure 3, in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the internal catheter 300 moves, the cross-sectional length of the hook groove 510 is greater than the cross-sectional length of the cavity inside the external catheter 100 in the second direction.

[0064] The hook 520 is formed on the internal catheter 300 and can catch on the hook groove 510 when the internal catheter 300 moves in a second direction. For example, the hook 520 may have a shape that corresponds to the hook groove 510.

[0065] In this example, when the internal catheter 300 moves in the second direction, the hook 520 may catch in the hook groove 510, limiting the range of movement of the internal catheter 300 in the second direction. (See Figure 4) When the internal catheter 300 moves in the second direction, as shown in Figure 4, the inflated balloon 200 fixes the lesion tissue and target site of the living body, and the internal catheter 300 moves in the second direction and retracts from inside the balloon 200.

[0066] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the second stopper of a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the balloon of Figure 5 in an inflated state.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a second stopper 600, unlike the example in Figure 1. In this example, the inner circumference of the outer catheter 100 can be in close contact with the outer circumference of the inner catheter 300. Therefore, air leakage or fluid leakage between the outer catheter 100 and the inner catheter 300 can be prevented.

[0068] The second stopper 600 can restrict the range of movement of the internal catheter 300 in a first direction and a second direction so as to prevent the internal catheter 300 from detaching from the external catheter 100. Such a second stopper 600 may include two locking projections 610 and a moving projection 620.

[0069] The two locking protrusions 610 are connected to the outer circumference of the outer catheter 100 at intervals in a direction along the direction of movement of the inner catheter 300. For example, the two locking protrusions 610 may have a shape that protrudes perpendicularly from the outer circumference of the outer catheter 100.

[0070] The movable projection 620 is coupled to the outer circumference of the internal catheter 300 and can be positioned between the two locking projections 610. For example, the movable projection 620 may have a shape that protrudes perpendicularly from the outer circumference of the internal catheter 300.

[0071] In this example, when the internal catheter 300 moves in the first direction, the movable projection 620 may catch on the one of the two locking projections 610 that is closer to one side of the external catheter 100, thereby limiting the range of movement of the internal catheter 300 in the first direction (see Figure 5).

[0072] Furthermore, when the internal catheter 300 moves in the second direction, the movable projection 620 may catch on the one of the two locking projections 610 that is closer to the other side of the external catheter 100, thereby limiting the range of movement of the internal catheter 300 in the second direction (see Figure 6). When the internal catheter 300 moves in the second direction, as shown in Figure 6, the inflated balloon 200 fixes the lesion tissue and target site of the living body, and the internal catheter 300 moves in the second direction and retracts from inside the balloon 200.

[0073] Figures 7 to 10 are cross-sectional views showing the operation process of a balloon catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7, a balloon catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention, unlike the example in Figure 1, may have an internal catheter 300 with multiple lumens 320 and may include a third stopper 700 as shown in Figure 10.

[0075] The third stopper 700 is detachably fixed to the internal catheter 300 and serves to restrict the range of movement of the internal catheter 300 in the first direction (see Figure 10). For example, the third stopper 700 can have a U-shape. Such a third stopper 700 is fixed to the outer circumference of the internal catheter 300, which is in contact with the other side of the external catheter 100 when one side of the internal catheter 300 has been discharged from inside the balloon 200, and can restrict the range of movement of the internal catheter 300 in the first direction.

[0076] The following describes the process by which a balloon catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention is inserted into and fixed to a target site in a living organism.

[0077] First, the internal catheter 300 moves along the external catheter 100 in a first direction and is inserted into the balloon 200 (see Figure 8).

[0078] Next, the balloon 200 is inserted into the target site of the living body. At this time, one end of the internal catheter 300 inserted inside the balloon 200 provides rigidity to the balloon 200 when it is inserted into the target site of the living body, and plays a role in overcoming the internal insertion resistance applied to the balloon 200.

[0079] Next, the balloon 200 is inflated and fixed to the lesional tissue and target site of the living organism. At this time, the balloon 200 can be inflated by fluid injection. For example, fluid injection into the balloon 200 can be performed by the fluid supply part of the drive part (see Figure 9).

[0080] Subsequently, the drive unit moves the internal catheter 300 in a second direction so that one side of the internal catheter 300 is discharged from inside the balloon 200. At this time, with the inflated balloon 200 fixed to the lesion tissue and target site of the living body, the internal catheter 300 is moved in the second direction and retracts from inside the balloon 200. Subsequently, the third stopper 700 is fixed to the outer circumference of the internal catheter 300 that is in contact with the other side of the external catheter 100 with one side of the internal catheter 300 discharged from inside the balloon 200, thereby limiting the range of movement of the internal catheter 300 in the first direction (see Figure 10).

[0081] For example, during radiation therapy, radiation can be one of the following: X-rays of 1 MeV or higher, electrons, protons, and carbon particles.

[0082] Furthermore, if a balloon with a density greater or smaller than the target site of the body exists inside the body, it may take more time to calculate the radiation dose for planning radiotherapy. Therefore, balloon 200 can be set to a predetermined shape and density to shorten the radiation dose calculation time. In this case, the shape of balloon 200 can be set to one of the following: sphere, hemisphere, ellipsoid, cylinder, or rectangular prism. In addition, the basic shape of balloon 200 can be adjusted when it is ejected, and the expansion shape can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of each unit region of balloon 200. Moreover, the internal density of balloon 200 can be adjusted by adjusting the composition of the substance injected into balloon 200.

[0083] For example, an external catheter 100 or an internal catheter 300 is equipped with a sensing module that measures the volume and pressure of the balloon 200, and the sensing module can provide the operator with volume and pressure data of the balloon 200 for monitoring the volume and pressure of the balloon 200.

[0084] For example, the internal temperature of the balloon 200 can be controlled by a fluid circulation device that circulates the fluid injected into two or more lumens 320 of the internal catheter 300. In this case, the temperature of the balloon 200 may affect the therapeutic effect or side effects of the target site of the body in contact with the balloon 200. The higher the temperature of the balloon 200, the greater the effects and side effects of radiation, and the lower the temperature of the balloon 200, the smaller the effects and side effects of radiation may be.

[0085] For example, the balloon 200 can be coated with a radiosensitive material that changes color upon irradiation. Therefore, when the balloon 200 is irradiated, its color can change, allowing for the calculation of the radiation dose irradiated to and absorbed by the balloon 200. Thus, the radiation dose irradiated to and absorbed by the target site of the body in contact with the balloon 200 can be calculated. On the other hand, the color change of the balloon 200 can be confirmed in real time via an endoscope inserted into the target site of the body, or via the balloon 200 after it has been expelled from the target site of the body after the completion of radiation therapy.

[0086] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the balloon of a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention fixed to a target site in a living body; Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the balloon of a conventional balloon catheter fixed to a target site in a living body; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the radiotherapy process to a target site in a living body using a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the radiotherapy process to a target site in a living body using a conventional balloon catheter.

[0087] Referring to Figure 11, when the balloon 200 of the balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention is fixed to the target site 2 of the living body, the internal catheter 300 is not present inside the balloon 200 fixed to the target site 2 of the living body. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the radiation R that passes through the inside of the balloon 200 during radiotherapy is not affected by the internal catheter 300 and reaches the diseased tissue 1 of the living body (see Figure 13).

[0088] On the other hand, referring to Figure 12, it can be seen that in the case of a conventional balloon catheter, when the balloon 20 is fixed to the target site in the body, the internal catheter 30 is located inside the balloon 20 fixed to the target site 2 in the body. Therefore, it can be seen that the radiation R that penetrates the inside of the balloon 200 during radiotherapy is affected by the internal catheter 300 and reaches the diseased tissue 1 in the body (see Figure 14). As a result, the accuracy of radiotherapy inevitably decreases with conventional technology.

[0089] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the MCRT treatment process of a target site in a living organism using a balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the MCRT treatment process of a target site in a living organism using a balloon catheter according to one conventional embodiment.

[0090] Referring to Figure 15, in one embodiment of the present invention, the balloon catheter does not have an internal catheter 300 inside the balloon 200 fixed to the target site 2 of the living body. Therefore, in MCRT (Magnetic Controlled Radiation Therapy), where the path of radiation is controlled using a magnetic field, the internal catheter 300 is not in the path of the radiation passing through the inside of the balloon 200, thus preventing the generation of secondary electrons due to the influence of the internal catheter 300 on the radiation.

[0091] On the other hand, in conventional balloon catheters, the internal catheter 30 is located inside the balloon 20, which is fixed to the target site 2 in the body. Therefore, during MCRT, which uses a magnetic field to control the radiation path, the internal catheter 30 is in the path of the radiation passing through the inside of the balloon 20, resulting in the generation of secondary electrons due to the influence of the internal catheter 30 on the radiation. As a result, conventional technology inevitably suffers from reduced accuracy in controlling the radiation path during MCRT.

[0092] Therefore, the balloon catheter according to one embodiment of the present invention has the effect of improving the accuracy of radiation therapy to the diseased tissue and target site of the body during radiation therapy, because the internal catheter inserted inside the balloon can be discharged while the balloon is inflated and fixed to the diseased tissue and target site of the body.

[0093] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the plug and wing parts of a balloon catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the plug and wing parts of a balloon catheter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the outer catheter of a balloon catheter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the plug of a balloon catheter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to Figures 17 to 20, a balloon catheter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention differs from the example in Figure 1 in that the external catheter 100 may include a guide part 140, an adhesion part 150, and a wing part 160.

[0095] The guide part 140 can be the basic body of the external catheter 100. Inside such a guide part 140, an internal catheter 300 can be provided so as to be movable in a first or second direction. In this case, the guide part 140 can play a role in guiding the movement of the internal catheter 300.

[0096] The guide part 140 is connected to the balloon 200 and can guide the movement of the internal catheter 300. For example, the balloon 200 may be integrally connected to one side of the guide part 140. On the other hand, when fluid is injected into the guide part 140 and the balloon 200, the guide part 140 and the balloon 200 may be configured as follows so that the guide part 140 does not substantially expand due to such fluid injection, and only the balloon 200 selectively expands.

[0097] For example, balloon 200 can have an even smaller thickness than guide part 140.

[0098] As another example, balloon 200 may have an even smaller inner diameter than guide part 140.

[0099] As another example, the balloon 200 can be made of a material with an even higher modulus of elasticity than the guide part 140.

[0100] The sealing part 150 protrudes from the guide part 140 toward the internal catheter 300 and can adhere tightly to the internal catheter 300. Such a sealing part 150 can serve to airtightly seal the inside of the guide part 140.

[0101] For example, close-up part 150 can be composed of a single unit.

[0102] As another example, the sealing part 150 may consist of multiple parts. Here, the multiple sealing parts 150 may be formed at intervals along the direction of movement of the internal catheter 300. The multiple sealing parts 150 can serve to make the inside of the guide part 140 more airtight.

[0103] The wing part 160 can be formed to protrude from the external catheter 100 so as to limit the depth to which the external catheter 100 is inserted into the target site in the body. Thus, the wing part 160 can prevent the external catheter 100 from being inserted too far into the target site in the body.

[0104] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, unlike the example in Figure 1, the balloon catheter may further include a plug 530 as the first stopper 500.

[0105] The plug 530 is connected to one side of the internal catheter 300 and serves to restrict the range of movement of the internal catheter 300 in a second direction so as to prevent the internal catheter 300 from detaching from the external catheter 100.

[0106] The plug 530 may include a plug body 531, a channel 532, a step 533, and a locking step 534.

[0107] The plug body 531 can be connected to one side of the internal catheter 300. A channel 532 may be formed in such a plug body 531.

[0108] The channel 532 is formed in the plug body 531 and can communicate with the internal catheter 300. For example, the channel 532 may be formed along the central axis of the plug body 531.

[0109] The step 533 protrudes from one side of the plug body 531 and can catch on the contact part 150 as the internal catheter 300 moves in the second direction. Thus, the step 533 can prevent the internal catheter 300 from detaching from the external catheter 100.

[0110] For example, the step 533 can have a shape in which the cross-sectional area increases as you move towards the second direction. In this case, the step 533 can have a conical shape.

[0111] The locking step 534 protrudes from the other side of the plug body 531 and can be locked and fixed to the inner circumference of the internal catheter 300.

[0112] Figure 21 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the plug and internal catheter of a balloon catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] As shown in Figure 21, the locking step 534 can have a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases as it moves toward the second direction. Here, a locking groove 330 can be formed on the inner circumference of the internal catheter 300, into which the locking step 534 is locked and fixed. Therefore, when the plug 530 is inserted into the internal catheter 300, the locking step 534 is locked and fixed in the locking groove 330, thereby allowing the plug 530 to be detachably fixed to the internal catheter 300.

[0114] For example, the locking groove 330 may have a shape that corresponds to the locking step 534.

[0115] The following describes the process by which a balloon catheter according to another embodiment of the present invention is inserted into and fixed to a target site in a living organism.

[0116] Figures 22 and 23 are cross-sectional views showing the operation process of a balloon catheter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] First, the internal catheter 300 moves in a first direction along the guide part 140 of the external catheter 100 and is inserted into the balloon 200. At this time, the sealing part 150 of the external catheter 100 plays a role in making the inside of the balloon 200 and the inside of the guide part 140 airtight.

[0118] Next, the balloon 200 is inserted into the target site in the body. At this time, one end of the internal catheter 300 inserted inside the balloon 200 provides rigidity to the balloon 200 during insertion into the target site in the body, and plays a role in overcoming the internal insertion resistance applied to the balloon 200. (See Figure 22)

[0119] Next, the balloon 200 is inflated and fixed to the lesional tissue and target site of the living organism. At this time, the balloon 200 can be inflated by injecting fluid. For example, the fluid injection into the balloon 200 can be performed via the fluid supply part of the drive part.

[0120] Subsequently, the drive unit moves the internal catheter 300 in a second direction so that one side of the internal catheter 300 is discharged from inside the balloon 200.

[0121] At this time, the movement of the internal catheter 300 in the second direction causes the step 533 of the plug 530 fixed to the internal catheter 300 to catch on the contact part 150 of the external catheter 100, thereby preventing the internal catheter 300 from detaching from the external catheter 100. (See Figure 23)

[0122] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical idea or essential features. Accordingly, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 100 External catheter 110 Handle 120 Joining Parts 130 stretchable part 140 Guide Part 150 Close-up Part 160 Wing Part 200 balloons 300 Internal Catheters 310 Check valve 320 lumens 330 Fixed groove 500 First Stopper 510 Hook groove 520 hooks 530 plug 531 Plug body 532 channels 533 steps 534 Locking step 600 Second Stopper 610 Locking protrusion 620 Moving protrusion 700 Third Stopper

Claims

1. External catheter and A balloon connected to one side of the external catheter, which is inflatable and deflated, and which is inserted into or expelled from a target site in the body, An internal catheter is provided to be movable along the external catheter into the balloon in a first direction or in a second direction out of the balloon, Includes, The internal catheter is a balloon catheter in which the balloon can be discharged from the balloon while it is inflated and fixed to the target site of the living body.

2. The balloon catheter according to claim 1, further comprising a first stopper that restricts the range of movement of the internal catheter in the second direction so as to prevent the internal catheter from detaching from the external catheter.

3. The first stopper is, A hook groove formed in the external catheter, A hook is formed in the internal catheter and engages with the hook groove when the internal catheter moves in the second direction, The balloon catheter according to claim 2, characterized by including the following:

4. The first stopper is, Includes a plug connected to one side of the internal catheter, The aforementioned plug is A plug body connected to one side of the internal catheter, A channel formed in the plug body and communicating with the internal catheter, A step protruding from one side of the plug body, which catches on the contact part of the outer catheter as the internal catheter moves in the second direction, The balloon catheter according to claim 2, characterized by including the following:

5. The balloon catheter according to claim 4, characterized in that the plug further includes a locking step that protrudes from the other side of the plug body and locks and secures to the inner circumference of the internal catheter.

6. The balloon catheter according to claim 1, further comprising a second stopper that limits the range of movement of the internal catheter in a first direction and a range of movement in a second direction so as to prevent the internal catheter from detaching from the external catheter.

7. The second stopper is, Two locking protrusions are attached to the outer circumference of the outer catheter at intervals along the direction of movement of the inner catheter, A movable projection is coupled to the outer circumference of the internal catheter and positioned between the two locking projections, The balloon catheter according to claim 6, characterized by including the following:

8. The balloon catheter according to claim 1, further comprising a drive part for moving the internal catheter in a second direction while the balloon is inflated and fixed to the target site of the living organism.

9. The aforementioned drive part is The balloon catheter according to claim 8, characterized in that it includes an actuator for moving the internal catheter in the second direction.

10. The aforementioned drive part is The balloon catheter according to claim 8, further comprising a fluid supply part that injects fluid into the balloon such that the pressure of the fluid injected into the balloon assists the movement of the internal catheter in the second direction.

11. The aforementioned external catheter is A guide part connected to the balloon and guiding the movement of the internal catheter, A contact part protrudes from the guide part toward the internal catheter and adheres closely to the internal catheter, The balloon catheter according to claim 1, characterized by including the following:

12. The balloon catheter according to claim 1, further comprising a wing portion formed to protrude from the outer circumference of the external catheter so as to limit the depth to which the external catheter is inserted into a target site in a living organism.

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