Catheter and method for manufacturing a catheter

Abstract

To enable easy and proper removal of the catheter. [Solution] The catheter 1 comprises a radiopaque marker 4 and a hollow shaft 2 provided on the proximal end side of the marker 4, wherein the shaft 2 has an enlarged diameter portion 2b, the outer diameter of which is greater than the outer diameter of the marker 4, and a narrow diameter portion 2c located on the proximal end side of the enlarged diameter portion 2b, the outer diameter of which is smaller than the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 2b.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a catheter and a method for manufacturing a catheter. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a catheter provided with a shear-removable adhesion prevention film at the distal end. An operator can break the adhesion prevention film to which an embolic agent has adhered and pull out the tube of the catheter. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2021-145934 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] When the catheter of Patent Document 1 is used, the adhesion prevention film may remain in a blood vessel. For this reason, there is a risk of sequelae and the like.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made based on the above circumstances, and provides a technique that allows a catheter to be removed easily and appropriately. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] A catheter according to one aspect includes a radiopaque marker and a hollow shaft provided on a proximal end side of the marker, the shaft includes an enlarged diameter portion, an outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion is larger than an outer diameter of the marker, and a small diameter portion disposed on a proximal end side of the enlarged diameter portion, an outer diameter of the small diameter portion is smaller than an outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is an overall diagram of the catheter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the catheter shaft along line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the usage state of the catheter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is the first diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of a catheter. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a second diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of a catheter. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a part of the catheter according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a part of the catheter according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a part of the catheter according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Catheters according to the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The catheters shown in each drawing are shown with example dimensions to facilitate understanding of the implementation, and the actual dimensions are not limited thereto. In this specification, “tip side” and “tip direction” mean the side and direction in which the portion of the catheter inserted into the body cavity is located. “Proximal side” and “proximal direction” mean the side and direction in which the connector for operating the catheter is located. “Tip” refers to the tip end of any member or part, and “proximal end” refers to the proximal end of any member or part.

[0009] Figure 1 is an overall diagram of the catheter according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Catheter 1 is used, for example, in endovascular treatment for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). Catheter 1 is used, for example, to inject liquid embolic material into the area to be embolized within a blood vessel.

[0011] Catheter 1 has a lumen 6 for allowing liquid embolic material to flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The diameter of the lumen 6 may be, for example, 1.0 mm or less. Catheter 1 has a long shaft 2, a tip 3, a marker 4, and a connector 5.

[0012] The tip 3 is the tip portion of the catheter 1. The tip 3 is flexible because the catheter 1 will be advancing through the blood vessels. The tip of the tip 3 may be tapered, for example. The material of the tip 3 is more flexible than the material that forms the inner layer 21 and outer layer 23 (see Figure 2) of the shaft 2, which will be described later, and may be a resin such as polyurethane or polyurethane elastomer.

[0013] Marker 4 is positioned between the proximal end of tip 3 and the tip end of shaft 2. Marker 4 is radiopaque in order to allow the position of the tip of catheter 1 to be determined under fluoroscopy. The outer diameter D1 of marker 4 is, for example, the same as the outer diameter of tip 3. The outer diameter D1 of marker 4 may be, for example, 0.3 mm or more and 1.2 mm or less. Marker 4 may be formed by mixing a radiopaque material such as bismuth trioxide, tungsten, or barium sulfate with, for example, polyamide resin, polyolefin resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, silicone resin, or fluororesin, or it may be formed from a radiopaque material such as gold, platinum, tungsten, or an alloy containing these elements.

[0014] The shaft 2 is hollow. The shaft 2 is more flexible than the marker 4. The shaft 2 has a narrow diameter section 2a, a wide diameter section 2b, and a narrow diameter section 2c, starting from the tip. The shaft 2 may have a portion with an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the narrow diameter section 2c at the base end of the narrow diameter section 2c.

[0015] The narrow-diameter portion 2a is connected to the base end of the marker 4. The outer diameter of the narrow-diameter portion 2a is, for example, the same as the outer diameter D1 of the marker 4.

[0016] The enlarged diameter portion 2b is connected to the proximal end side of the small diameter portion 2a. The outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 2b is larger than the outer diameter D1 of the marker 4. The enlarged diameter portion 2b is not used in an expanded state like the balloon of a balloon catheter. That is, the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 2b does not change significantly during use. For example, the outer diameter D2 of the maximum outer diameter portion 2ba may be, for example, 1.1 times or more and 1.3 times or less the outer diameter D1 of the marker. In the longitudinal direction of the catheter 1, the length L1 from the distal end of the catheter 1 to the maximum outer diameter portion 2ba may be, for example, 1.0 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The length L3 from the distal end of the catheter 1 to the distal end of the enlarged diameter portion 2b may be, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 49.5 mm or less. The length L2 of the enlarged diameter portion 2b in the longitudinal direction of the catheter 1 may be, for example, 50 mm or less.

[0017] The small diameter portion 2c is connected to the proximal end side of the enlarged diameter portion 2b. The outer diameter D3 of the small diameter portion 2c is, for example, the same as the outer diameter D1 of the marker 4. The inner diameter of the lumen portion of the enlarged diameter portion 2b of the lumen 6 is equal to the inner diameter of the lumen portion of the small diameter portion 2c.

[0018] The connector 5 is a member that allows an operator to grip the catheter 1. The connector 5 is connected to the proximal end of the shaft 2.

[0019] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the shaft of the catheter taken along line A-A in Figure 1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the small diameter portion 2c. The structures of the small diameter portion 2a and the enlarged diameter portion 2b are also basically the same as that of the small diameter portion 2c.

[0020] The shaft 2 includes, from the lumen 6 side, an inner layer 21, a reinforcing body 22, and an outer layer 23.

[0021] The inner layer 21 is the layer that forms the lumen 6. Since a guide wire or the like is inserted into the lumen 6, the material of the inner layer 21 may be a resin with good sliding properties with respect to the guide wire or the like. The material of the inner layer 21 may be, for example, a fluorine-based resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, perfluoroalkoxylialcane, perfluoroethylenepropene, or ethylenetetrafluoroethylene, or polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.

[0022] The reinforcing body 22 is, for example, a braided body made by weaving multiple metal wires together in a mesh-like structure. The reinforcing body 22 may cover the entire inner layer 21 or only a part of it. The material of the metal wires used in the braided body may be, for example, stainless steel, gold, platinum, tungsten, titanium, nickel, or alloys containing any of these.

[0023] The outer layer 23 covers the inner layer 21 and the reinforcing body 22. The material of the outer layer 23 may be a resin such as polyamide, polyamide elastomer, polyester, polyurethane, or polyurethane elastomer.

[0024] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the usage state of the catheter according to the first embodiment.

[0025] An operator using catheter 1 first prepares catheter 1 with a guidewire (not shown) inserted into its lumen 6. Next, the operator inserts the guidewire into the patient's blood vessel 70. Alternatively, the operator may pre-insert a guiding catheter, which has a larger inner diameter than catheter 1, to a predetermined position in the patient's blood vessel, and then use the guiding catheter to insert catheter 1 to the tip of the guiding catheter. Next, the operator advances the tip of the guidewire to the embolization target area 80 of the peripheral blood vessel 71.

[0026] Next, the operator advances the catheter 1 along the guidewire until its tip is near the embolization target area 80. At this time, the operator can determine the position of the tip of the catheter 1 by observing the marker 4 under fluoroscopy.

[0027] Thus, when the catheter 1 is advanced to the embolization target area 80, the peripheral blood vessel 71 becomes narrower due to the enlarged portion 2b of the shaft 2, and in some cases, the gap disappears completely.

[0028] Next, the operator supplies liquid embolic material from the proximal end to the tip of the catheter 1 through the lumen 6. The liquid embolic material injected into the catheter 1 is injected from the tip of the catheter 1 toward the embolization area 80, as shown by arrow 81. Once the liquid embolic material is injected in this way, it hardens in the embolization area 80 and emboluses the blood vessel.

[0029] In this case, as shown by arrows 81a and 81b, there is a risk that the liquid embolic material may flow towards the proximal end of the catheter 1. As shown in Figure 3, the catheter 1 according to this embodiment can narrow the gap with the peripheral blood vessel 71, and in some cases can block the peripheral blood vessel 71. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the flow of the liquid embolic material further towards the proximal end than the expanded diameter portion 2b of the catheter 1. This reduces the risk of the liquid embolic material adhering to and hardening over a wide area of ​​the catheter 1, and trapping the catheter 1. Therefore, the operator can easily and appropriately remove the catheter 1.

[0030] Figure 4 is the first diagram illustrating the manufacturing of the catheter, and Figure 5 is the second diagram illustrating the manufacturing of the catheter. Figure 4 shows the state before the catheter is manufactured, and Figure 5 shows the state after the catheter is manufactured.

[0031] A mold 50 and a mandrel 51 are used to manufacture the catheter 1. The mold 50 has an internal space 50a for arranging and forming the components that will become the material for the catheter 1. The mold 50 has a housing section 50b for arranging the tip 3 and marker 4 of the catheter 1, and an enlarged diameter forming section 50c for forming the enlarged diameter section 2b. For example, the length from the lower end of the mold 50 to the lower end of the enlarged diameter forming section 50c corresponds to the length L3 from the tip of the catheter 1 to the tip of the enlarged diameter section 2b. The length from the lower end of the mold 50 to the upper end of the enlarged diameter forming section 50c corresponds to the length L1 from the tip of the catheter 1 to the maximum outer diameter section 2ab of the enlarged diameter section 2b. The outer diameter of the upper end of the enlarged diameter forming section 50c of the mold 50 corresponds to the outer diameter D2.

[0032] When manufacturing catheter 1, the catheter manufacturer inserts a shaft member 62, on which the tip 3 and marker 4 are fixed, into the internal space 50a of the mold 50, and inserts a mandrel 51 into the lumen of each member. The shaft member 62 has an outer diameter D3.

[0033] Next, the manufacturer presses the shaft member 62 from above. This produces the tip of the catheter 1, as shown in Figure 5. The mold 50 can also be heated when pressing the shaft member 62 from above. The shaft member 62 deforms into a shape corresponding to the enlarged diameter forming section 50c, becoming a shaft 2 having an enlarged diameter section 2b. The tip 3, marker 4, and the lumen of the shaft 2 maintain a constant inner diameter by the mandrel 51. In the above manufacturing method, the outer diameter of the maximum outer diameter section 2ba in the enlarged diameter section 2b can be adjusted to a desired size by heating the mold 50 or by adjusting the pressing force and time applied to the shaft member 62.

[0034] Next, a catheter according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0035] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a part of the catheter according to the second embodiment. In the catheter 1A according to the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts similar to those in the catheter 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] In the second embodiment, catheter 1A is provided with a tip tip 13 instead of tip tip 3 and a shaft 12 instead of shaft 2.

[0037] The tip 13 is a portion of the tip 3 that is longer in the longitudinal direction. The material of the tip 13 is the same as the material of the tip 3.

[0038] The shaft 12 is hollow. The shaft 12 is more flexible than the marker 4. The shaft 12 has an enlarged diameter section 12b and a narrowed diameter section 12c from the tip side. The cross-sectional structure of the shaft 12 is the same as that of the shaft 2.

[0039] The enlarged diameter portion 12b is adjacent to the base end of the marker 4. The outer diameter and longitudinal length of the enlarged diameter portion 12b are the same as those of the enlarged diameter portion 2b. For example, the outer diameter D4 of the maximum outer diameter portion 12ba, which has the largest outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 12b, is the same as the outer diameter D2 of the maximum outer diameter portion 2ba according to the first embodiment. The enlarged diameter portion 12b is not used by being inflated like a balloon. That is, the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 12b does not change significantly during use.

[0040] The narrow-diameter portion 12c is connected to the base end of the widened-diameter portion 12b. The outer diameter D5 of the narrow-diameter portion 12c is the same as, for example, the outer diameter D1 of the marker 4. The inner diameter of the lumen portion in the widened-diameter portion 12b of the lumen 16 is equal to the inner diameter of the lumen portion in the narrow-diameter portion 12c.

[0041] The method of using catheter 1A is the same as that of catheter 1.

[0042] Catheter 1A can also be manufactured by the same manufacturing method as catheter 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, by preparing molds with shapes corresponding to each part of the tip of catheter 1A.

[0043] Next, a catheter according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0044] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a part of the catheter according to the third embodiment. For catheter 1B according to the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts similar to those of catheter 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0045] In the third embodiment, catheter 1B is provided with a shaft 32 in place of the shaft 2 in catheter 1.

[0046] The shaft 32 is hollow. The shaft 32 is more flexible than the marker 4. The shaft 32 has a narrow diameter section 32a, a wide diameter section 32b, and a narrow diameter section 32c, starting from the tip. The cross-sectional structure of the shaft 32 is the same as that of the shaft 2.

[0047] The narrow-diameter portion 32a is connected to the base end of the marker 4. The outer diameter of the narrow-diameter portion 32a is, for example, the same as the outer diameter D1 of the marker 4.

[0048] The enlarged portion 32b is connected to the proximal end of the narrowed portion 32a. The outer diameter of the enlarged portion 32b is larger than the outer diameter D1 of the marker 4. The enlarged portion 32b is not used in an inflated state like a balloon. That is, the outer diameter of the enlarged portion 32b does not change significantly during use. For example, the outer diameter D6 of the maximum outer diameter portion 32ba may be, for example, 1.1 times or more and 1.3 times or less of the outer diameter D1 of the marker. The length L1 from the tip of the catheter 1B to the maximum outer diameter portion 32ba in the longitudinal direction of the catheter 1B may be, for example, 1.0 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The length L3 from the tip of the catheter 1B to the tip of the enlarged portion 32b may be, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 49.5 mm or less. The length L2 of the enlarged portion 32b in the longitudinal direction of the catheter 1 may be, for example, 50 mm or less. The luminal portion 36b in the enlarged diameter section 32b of the lumen 36 is concave relative to the inside.

[0049] The narrow-diameter portion 32c is connected to the base end of the widened-diameter portion 32b. The outer diameter D7 of the narrow-diameter portion 32c is, for example, the same as the outer diameter D1 of the marker 4. The inner diameter D8 of the lumen portion 36b in the widened-diameter portion 32b of the lumen 36 is larger than the inner diameter D9 of the lumen portion 36a in the narrow-diameter portion 32c.

[0050] The method of using catheter 1B is the same as that of catheter 1.

[0051] Catheter 1B can be manufactured in the manufacturing method of catheter 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5 by adjusting the amount of heat applied to the mold 50, the pressing force applied to the shaft member 62, the time, etc.

[0052] Next, a catheter according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0053] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a part of the catheter according to the fourth embodiment. In the catheter 1C according to the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts and other components as in the catheter 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0054] In the fourth embodiment, the catheter 1C is equipped with a shaft 42 in place of the shaft 2.

[0055] The shaft 42 is hollow. The shaft 42 is more flexible than the marker 4. The shaft 42 has a narrow diameter section 42a, a wide diameter section 42b, and a narrow diameter section 42c, starting from the tip. The cross-sectional structure of the shaft 42 is the same as that of the shaft 2.

[0056] The narrow-diameter portion 42a is connected to the base end of the marker 4. The outer diameter of the narrow-diameter portion 42a is, for example, the same as the outer diameter D1 of the marker 4.

[0057] The enlarged portion 42b is connected to the proximal end of the narrowed portion 42a. The outer diameter of the enlarged portion 42b is larger than the outer diameter D1 of the marker 4. The enlarged portion 42b is not used in an inflated state like a balloon. That is, the outer diameter of the enlarged portion 42b does not change significantly during use. For example, the outer diameter D10 of the maximum outer diameter portion 42ba may be, for example, 1.1 times or more and 1.3 times or less of the outer diameter D1 of the marker. The length L1 from the tip of the catheter 1C to the maximum outer diameter portion 42ba in the longitudinal direction of the catheter 1C may be, for example, 1.0 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The length L3 from the tip of the catheter 1C to the tip of the enlarged portion 42b may be, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 49.5 mm or less. The length L2 of the enlarged portion 42b in the longitudinal direction of the catheter 1C may be, for example, 50 mm or less. The luminal portion 46b in the enlarged diameter section 42b of the lumen 46 is convex inward.

[0058] The narrow-diameter portion 42c is connected to the proximal end of the widened-diameter portion 42b. The outer diameter D11 of the narrow-diameter portion 42c is, for example, the same as the outer diameter D1 of the marker 4. The inner diameter D12 of the lumen portion 46b in the widened-diameter portion 42b of the lumen 46 is smaller than the inner diameter D13 of the lumen portion 46a in the narrow-diameter portion 42c. Therefore, when liquid embolic material is supplied to the lumen 46 from the proximal end, the velocity of the liquid embolic material is increased by the lumen portion 46b of the widened-diameter portion 42b and supplied to the tip side.

[0059] The method of using catheter 1C is the same as that of catheter 1.

[0060] Catheter 1C can be manufactured in the manufacturing method of catheter 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5 by using a mandrel in which the shape of the area of ​​the enlarged diameter portion 42b corresponding to the lumen portion 46b is shaped to correspond to the lumen portion 46b.

[0061] The technologies disclosed herein are not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various forms without departing from their essence.

[0062] This disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims as shown, and equivalents thereof.

[0063] This disclosure includes the following information:

[0064] (Note 1) A marker (4) that is radiopaque, The marker (4) is provided with a hollow shaft (2, 12, 32, 42) on its base end side, The aforementioned shafts (2, 12, 32, 42) are The enlarged diameter portion (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b) is such that the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b) is larger than the outer diameter of the marker (4). A catheter (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) (excluding balloon catheters) having a narrow diameter portion (2c, 12c, 32c, 42c) positioned on the proximal end side of the enlarged diameter portion (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b), wherein the outer diameter of the narrow diameter portion (2c, 12c, 32c, 42c) is smaller than the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b). (Note 2) The maximum outer diameter (D2, D4, D6, D10) of the enlarged diameter portions (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b) is 1.1 times or more and 1.3 times or less the outer diameter (D1) of the marker (4). The catheters listed in Appendix 1 (1, 1A, 1B, 1C). (Note 3) The longitudinal length of the shafts (2, 12, 32, 42) in the enlarged diameter sections (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b) is 50 mm or less. The catheter (1,1A) described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2. (Note 4) The maximum outer diameter portion (2ba, 12ba, 32ba, 42ba) where the outer diameter of the enlarged portion (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b) is largest is located within a range of 1 mm or more and 50 mm or less from the tip of the catheter (1, 1A, 1B, 1C). A catheter (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) as described in any one of the notes 1 through 3. (Note 5) The enlarged diameter portion (12b) is provided adjacent to the base end side of the marker (4). A catheter (1A) as described in any one of the notes 1 through 4. (Note 6) The marker (4) has a tip (3,13) on its tip side. A catheter (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) as described in any one of the notes 1 through 5. (Note 7) The enlarged diameter portions (2a, 12a, 32a, 42a) include a reinforcing body (22), The aforementioned tip (3,13) does not include a reinforcing body. The catheters (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) described in Appendix 6. (Note 8) The inner diameter of the lumen (6, 12) in the enlarged portion (2b, 12b) and the inner diameter of the lumen (6, 12) in the narrowed portion (2c, 12c) are equal. A catheter (1,1A) as described in any one of the notes 1 through 7. (Note 9) The inner diameter (D8) of the lumen portion (36b) in the enlarged portion (32b) is greater than the inner diameter (D9) of the lumen portion (36a) in the narrowed portion (32c). A catheter (1B) as described in any one of the notes 1 through 7. (Note 10) The inner diameter (D12) of the lumen portion (46b) in the enlarged portion (42b) is smaller than the inner diameter (D13) of the lumen portion (46a) in the narrowed portion (42c). A catheter (1C) as described in any one of the notes 1 through 7. (Note 11) A catheter manufacturing method comprising a radiopaque marker (4) and a shaft member (62) as materials, and a mold (50) for manufacturing catheters (1, 1A, 1B, 1C), The mold (50) is Internal space (50a) and, A housing section (50b) for arranging the marker, It has an enlarged diameter forming portion (50c) for forming an enlarged diameter portion with an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the marker, By inserting the marker (4) and the shaft member (62) into the internal space (50a) and pushing the shaft member (62) toward the marker (4), the diameter-expanding portion forming portion (50c) forms diameter-expanding portions (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b) on the shaft member (62) that have an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the marker (4). Catheter manufacturing method.

Claims

1. A marker (4) that is radiopaque, The marker (4) is provided with hollow shafts (2, 12, 32, 42) on its base end side, The aforementioned shafts (2, 12, 32, 42) are The enlarged diameter portions (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b) are such that the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b) is larger than the outer diameter of the marker (4), A catheter (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) having a narrow diameter portion (2c, 12c, 32c, 42c) positioned on the proximal end side of the enlarged diameter portion (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b), wherein the outer diameter of the narrow diameter portion (2c, 12c, 32c, 42c) is smaller than the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b).

2. The maximum outer diameter (D2, D4, D6, D10) of the enlarged portions (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b) is 1.1 to 1.3 times the outer diameter (D1) of the marker (4). The catheter (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) according to claim 1.

3. The longitudinal length of the shafts (2, 12, 32, 42) in the enlarged diameter portions (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b) is 50 mm or less. A catheter (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The widest outer diameter portion (2ba, 12ba, 32ba, 42ba) of the enlarged diameter portion (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b) is located within a range of 1 mm to 50 mm from the tip of the catheter (1, 1A, 1B, 1C). A catheter (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The enlarged diameter portion (12b) is provided adjacent to the base end side of the marker (4). A catheter (1A) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The marker (4) has a tip (3, 13) on its tip side. A catheter (1,1A) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The enlarged diameter portions (2a, 12a, 32a, 42a) include a reinforcing body (22), The aforementioned tip (3, 13) does not include a reinforcing body. The catheter (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) according to claim 6.

8. The inner diameter of the lumen (6, 12) in the enlarged portion (2b, 12b) and the inner diameter of the lumen (6, 12) in the narrowed portion (2c, 12c) are equal. A catheter (1,1A) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The inner diameter (D8) of the lumen portion (36b) in the enlarged portion (32b) is greater than the inner diameter (D9) of the lumen portion (36a) in the narrowed portion (32c). A catheter (1B) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The inner diameter (D12) of the lumen portion (46b) in the enlarged diameter portion (42b) is smaller than the inner diameter (D13) of the lumen portion (46a) in the narrowed diameter portion (42c). A catheter (1C) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A catheter manufacturing method comprising a radiopaque marker (4) and a shaft member (62) as materials, and a mold (50) for manufacturing catheters (1, 1A, 1B, 1C), wherein The mold (50) is The interior space (50a) and The housing (50b) for arranging the marker, It has an enlarged diameter forming portion (50c) for forming an enlarged diameter portion whose outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the marker, By inserting the marker (4) and the shaft member (62) into the internal space (50a) and pushing the shaft member (62) toward the marker (4), the shaft member (62) is formed by the diameter-expanding portion forming portion (50c) to form enlarged diameter portions (2b, 12b, 32b, 42b) on the shaft member (62) that have a larger outer diameter than the outer diameter of the marker (4). Catheter manufacturing method.

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