Sterilization device and method for treating mammals using the same

Abstract

To provide a sterilizer for directly sterilizing viruses in a human body which is not a therapeutic agent while solving a problem that, in recent years, there has been required a therapeutic method in the case that people are infected with new coronaviruses, and therefore, the development or the like of a therapeutic method is in progress, however, there is no prospect when the development is accomplished.SOLUTION: A sterilizer which is used by being inserted into a human body or a mammal body comprises: a catheter tube having one end inserted into the body and the other end arranged outside the body; a telescopic balloon arranged in the vicinity of one end of the catheter tube; and an LED located on a surface of the balloon, and radiating light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization device, and more specifically to a sterilization device that is inserted into a body cavity of a human body or a mammal and directly sterilizes viruses inside the human body or a mammal by irradiating it with light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been raging, and there is a need for a treatment method for infection. Currently, the development of treatment drugs is underway, but there is no clear outlook for when it will be completed. In addition, since the novel coronavirus is spreading in Asia, South America, the United States, Africa, etc. due to genetic mutations, it is questionable whether a treatment drug or vaccine suitable for the novel coronavirus that spread in China, for example, will be effective against coronaviruses spreading in other countries. Therefore, a treatment method that kills viruses such as the novel coronavirus by surgical methods rather than a treatment drug is being considered. In addition, since it has been confirmed that the novel coronavirus can also infect mammals such as dogs and cats, it is desirable that it can also be applied to mammals such as dogs and cats.

[0003] One possible surgical method for killing and treating viruses such as the new coronavirus is to use an instrument such as a catheter. A catheter is a medical instrument inserted into the human body, in which a tube is inserted into a body cavity or the like to treat a target organ or the like with a treatment means provided at the tip of the tube.

[0004] A possible method for killing viruses such as the new coronavirus using a catheter or other instrument is to use the balloon catheter described in Patent Document 1. The balloon catheter in Patent Document 1 is provided with a light irradiating section, and is structured so that after the catheter is inserted into the body, sterilization treatment can be performed using ultraviolet light irradiated from the light irradiating section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-81525 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the light emitted from the balloon catheter of Patent Document 1 is light that is emitted through an optical fiber, and therefore the light intensity is low. Therefore, unless ultraviolet light with high sterilizing power is irradiated, sufficient effect cannot be obtained. Note that ultraviolet light is harmful to the human body and mammals. Even if it is for treatment, prolonged irradiation with ultraviolet light is dangerous because it may cause skin cancer or internal cancer.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems with the conventional inventions, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization device that exerts a sufficient sterilization effect even when using an LED that irradiates highly safe visible light of 400 nm to 450 nm. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has at least the following configuration or executes the following procedure. In the following description, reference numerals and the like shown in the drawings may be added to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but each component of the present invention is not limited to those shown in the drawings, and should be interpreted broadly to the extent that a person skilled in the art can technically understand.

[0009] A sterilization device according to one aspect of the present invention is a sterilization device to be inserted into the body of a human or mammalian animal, and is characterized in that it comprises a tube having one end to be inserted into the body and the other end to be placed outside the body, a stretchable balloon provided near one end of the tube, and an LED located on the surface of the balloon and irradiating light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm. With this configuration, the sterilization device according to one aspect of the present invention can kill viruses in the body not with ultraviolet light but with safe light of 400 nm to 450 nm wavelength. This is because the LED is located on the surface of the balloon, and strong light can be directly irradiated onto the affected area. In the present invention, ultraviolet light refers to light of a wavelength of 1 to 380 nm.

[0010] Preferably, the light has a peak wavelength of 405 nm. This configuration makes it possible to more reliably kill viruses, since light with a wavelength of 405 nm has a particularly strong bactericidal effect.

[0011] Preferably, the LED is constructed from a chip having a size of less than 500 microns. This configuration allows for more reliable placement on the balloon surface, as tips larger than 500 microns would be difficult to place on the balloon surface.

[0012] In addition, preferably, the balloon is covered with a protective cover. This configuration makes it possible to protect the LEDs on the balloon. Also, since the LEDs are surrounded by a protective cover, it is possible to more reliably prevent electrical leakage.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the tube is provided with a side hole for spraying the medicine. With this configuration, the agent can be sprayed during LED irradiation to more reliably sterilize viruses.

[0014] Moreover, a method for treating a mammal according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for treating a mammal using a sterilization device including a tube having one end to be inserted into the body of the mammal and the other end to be placed outside the body, an expandable balloon provided near one end of the tube, and an LED located on the surface of the balloon and irradiating light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm, the method comprising the steps of: inserting one end of the tube into the body of the mammal; inflating the balloon after inserting one end of the tube; and irradiating the LED after inflating the balloon to sterilize viruses. With this configuration, it is possible to sterilize viruses present in the body cavities of mammals, etc. In this specification, it is to be noted that the term "mammal" does not include humans.

[0015] In addition, preferably, the medicine is sprayed during irradiation by the LED. With this configuration, viruses can be sterilized more reliably. Effect of the Invention

[0016] As described above, according to the present invention, viruses in the human body or mammalian body can be safely sterilized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a sterilization device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a tube 20. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an expanded balloon 30. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a protective cover 70 is provided on the balloon 30. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely a specific example for carrying out the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a sterilization device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The sterilization device 10 includes a tube 20 having one end 21 inserted into the body and the other end 22 arranged outside the body, a balloon 30 arranged near one end 21 of the tube 20 and capable of expanding and contracting, and an LED 40 located on the surface of the balloon 30 and irradiating light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm. The other end 22 of the tube 20 is connected to a base 50. The base 50 includes a balloon funnel 51 for supplying air for expanding and contracting the balloon 30, a cable funnel 52 for protecting the cable 60, and a drug funnel 53 for injecting a drug. An outlet 61 is provided at the tip of the cable 60, and a valve 54 for preventing backflow of air is provided at the tip of the balloon funnel 51. Although not shown in the figure, a syringe for sending air is connected to the tip of the valve 54 of the balloon funnel 51, and a syringe for sending a drug is connected to the drug funnel 53.

[0020] A triple lumen type catheter is used as the tube 20. Although details will be described later, a triple lumen type catheter has three lumens, which are a tube through which the cable 60 passes, a tube through which the drug passes, and a tube through which air passes.

[0021] Near the tip of one end 21 of the tube 20, a side hole 23 for spraying a medicine is provided. The medicine may be a COVID-19 vaccine such as Avigan or Demivesicul, or medicines such as Isodine, Kakkonto, or steroids. If the medicine is in a solid form, it is dissolved in a liquid form before use. The medicine is sprayed in a mist form to make it easier to spread.

[0022] The balloon 30 is made of a stretchable silicone material, and is formed into a cylindrical shape so as to cover the tube 20. The balloon 30 is airtightly attached to the tube 20 so as to prevent air leakage. Note that the material is not limited to silicone, and any stretchable material can be used as appropriate. Specifically, polymeric materials such as polyurethane resin can be used.

[0023] Under normal conditions, the balloon 30 naturally contracts and is attached to the tube 20. Note that the balloon 30 shown in Fig. 1 is shown in an expanded state with air pumped into it.

[0024] The LEDs 40 used are micro LED chips mounted on a flexible substrate. This allows the LEDs 40 to be more reliably placed on the balloon. The LEDs 40 are 20 microns or less in size, with more than 200,000 LEDs 40 in total. If the size of each LED 40 chip were to be 500 μm or more, they would not be able to be placed on the surface of the balloon 30, so the size of the LEDs 40 used must be less than 500 μm.

[0025] The LED 40 emits purple light with a wavelength of 400 to 450 nm. The LED 40 preferably has a wavelength of 400 to 420 nm, and more preferably has a peak wavelength of 405 nm. This is because light with a wavelength of 405 nm has a particularly high sterilizing effect.

[0026] The base 50 includes a balloon funnel 51, a cable funnel 52, and a drug funnel 53. The balloon funnel 51 is connected to a tube for supplying air to the balloon 30, the cable funnel 52 is connected to a tube in which a cable 60 is disposed, and the drug funnel 53 is connected to a tube for supplying a drug. The base 50 is made of plastic, but may be made of a material other than plastic.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross section of the tube 20. The tube 20 uses a triple lumen type catheter and has three lumens, that is, a distal portion 24, an intermediate portion 25, and a proximal portion 26. A cable 60 is arranged at the distal portion 24, the intermediate portion 25 is a tube through which a drug passes, and the proximal portion 26 is a tube through which air passes. The arrangement may be changed as necessary. Specifically, the intermediate portion 25 may be a tube through which air passes, and the proximal portion 26 may be a tube through which a drug passes. The intermediate portion 25 is also connected to a side hole 23.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an expanded balloon 30. The balloon 30 is bonded to cover the entire circumference of the tube 20, and is structured to prevent air leakage. In addition, an LED 40 is disposed on the surface of the balloon 30 and is connected to a cable 60. Note that the intermediate portion 25 is not shown in Fig. 3.

[0029] 4 is a diagram showing a state where a protective cover 70 is provided on the balloon 30. By providing the protective cover 70, the LEDs 40 arranged on the surface of the balloon 30 can be protected more reliably. In addition, since the LEDs 40 are provided on the surface of the balloon 30 in the sterilization device 10, the possibility of electric leakage cannot be denied. However, by providing the protective cover 70, electric leakage can be prevented more reliably because the portion where the LEDs 40 and the cable 60 are connected is covered by the protective cover 70.

[0030] The protective cover 70 is preferably made of the same material as the balloon 30. Specifically, if the balloon 30 is made of silicon, it is preferable to use a silicon material. Note that the protective cover 70 is preferably made of a film that is highly resistant to chemicals, is not harmful to the body, and is transparent with a transmittance of 85% or more.

[0031] Next, a method of using the sterilization device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The method of using the sterilization device 10 described below can be applied to both the human body and mammals. The mammals include dogs, cats, etc.

[0032] In the method of using the sterilization device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, one end 21 of the tube 20 is inserted from a body cavity or the like in the body with the balloon 30 in a deflated state, and inserted to a predetermined location. After being inserted to a predetermined location, air is sent from the balloon funnel 51 to expand the balloon 30, and the LED 40 arranged on the surface of the balloon 30 is arranged so as to be located near the affected area. It is not important that the LED 40 and the affected area come into contact with each other. In addition, as a method of inserting one end 21 of the tube 20 from a body cavity or the like in the body, a small hole may be made in the body as in thoracoscope surgery, and the tube 20 may be inserted from the hole, or from the nose or mouth. In addition, when inserting the tube 20, it is preferable to insert the tube 20 together with a camera and insert the tube 20 while viewing the image on a television monitor, since the tube 20 can be more reliably positioned near the affected area.

[0033] After placing the expanded balloon 30 near the affected area, the LED 40 (light with a wavelength of 400 to 450 nm) is irradiated to sterilize viruses and the like in the affected area. Note that, since this is more effective, it is preferable to supply a drug from the drug funnel 53 during irradiation with the LED 40 and spray the drug from the side hole 23. The irradiation time can be set as needed, but as a guideline, it is about 5 seconds to 60 minutes.

[0034] The sterilization device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to a gastroscope, an endoscope, a laparoscope, etc. Specifically, it may be attached to a cable of a gastroscope, an endoscope, or a laparoscope. [Industrial Applicability]

[0035] The sterilization device 10 according to the present invention can sterilize viruses in the body directly with light having a wavelength of 400 to 450 nm. Therefore, unlike ultraviolet light, it is useful because it can sterilize viruses in the body more safely. In addition, since it sterilizes with light having a wavelength of 400 to 450 nm, it is also effective against novel coronaviruses whose genes have mutated in Asia, South America, the United States, Africa, etc. In other words, it can kill novel coronaviruses reliably regardless of region. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 10 Sterilizer 20 Tubes 21 One end 22 Other end 23 Side hole 24 Distal 25 Middle 26 Proximal 30 Balloon 40 LED 50 base 51 Balloon Funnel 52 Cable Funnel 53 Drug Funnel 54 Valve 60 Cable 61 Outlet 70 Protective cover

Claims

1. A sterilization device for use by being inserted into the human or mammalian body, a tube having one end to be inserted into the body and the other end to be placed outside the body; a stretchable balloon provided near one end of the tube and expanded by supplying gas thereto; A sterilization device comprising: an LED located on the surface of the balloon and irradiating light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm.

2. The sterilization device according to claim 1, wherein the LED irradiates light having a peak wavelength of 405 nm.

3. 3. The sterilization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the LED is composed of a chip having a size of less than 500 microns.

4. 4. The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the balloon is covered with a protective cover.

5. 5. The sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the tube is provided with a side hole for spraying a chemical.

6. A tube having one end to be inserted into a mammalian body (excluding humans) and the other end to be placed outside the body; a stretchable balloon provided near one end of the tube and expanded by supplying gas thereto; A method for treating a mammal (excluding humans) using a sterilization device comprising: an LED located on the surface of the balloon and emitting light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm; inserting one end of the tube into the mammal (excluding humans); inserting one end of the tube and then inflating the balloon; and after inflating the balloon, irradiating the balloon with the LED to kill viruses.

7. 7. The method for treating a mammal (excluding humans) according to claim 6, wherein a medicine is sprayed during irradiation with the LED.

8. A sterilization device for use by insertion into the body of a human or mammal, comprising: a tube having one end to be inserted into the body and the other end to be placed outside the body; a stretchable balloon provided near one end of the tube and expanded by supplying gas thereto; An LED located on the surface of the balloon and irradiating light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm; The tube is provided with a side hole for spraying the medicine, A sterilization device characterized in that three lumens are provided inside the tube, and a tube through which a cable connected to a power source for irradiating the LED passes, a tube through which the drug passes, and a tube through which air for expanding and contracting the balloon passes are arranged in the three lumens.

9. A tube having one end to be inserted into the body of a dog or cat and the other end to be placed outside the body; a stretchable balloon provided near one end of the tube; A method for treating dogs or cats using a sterilization device comprising: an LED located on the surface of the balloon and emitting light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm; inserting one end of the tube into the dog or cat; inserting one end of the tube and then inflating the balloon; A method for treating dogs or cats, comprising the steps of: inflating the balloon and then irradiating the balloon with the LED to kill viruses.

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