Catheter device and chemical solution injection device

Abstract

To improve operability of a catheter device.SOLUTION: A catheter device includes a first catheter. The first catheter includes a first catheter shaft and an operation part attached to a base end part of the first catheter shaft for operating the first catheter shaft. The operation part includes a rotation operation part for rotating the first catheter shaft around a central axis of the first catheter shaft, and a bending operation part for bending the tip of the first catheter shaft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a catheter device and a chemical solution injection device.

Background Art

[0002] A chemical solution injection device that injects a chemical solution into a patient's body using a catheter that can be inserted into a body lumen is known. For the chemical solution injection device, it is required to improve the operability of the catheter in order to accurately inject the chemical solution into a desired position in the patient's body.

[0003] Conventionally, a device is known that can bend the tip of a catheter by pulling an operation wire fixed to the tip of the catheter by operating an operation unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, a chemical solution injection device including a plunger that moves a barrel holding a chemical solution back and forth is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the conventional chemical solution injection device, there is room for improvement in terms of operability. Such problems are common problems not only in chemical solution injection devices but also in catheter devices in general.

[0006] This specification discloses a technology capable of solving the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized, for example, in the following forms.

[0008] (1) The catheter device disclosed in this specification includes a first catheter. The first catheter has a first catheter shaft and an operation unit attached to the proximal end portion of the first catheter shaft for operating the first catheter shaft. The operation unit has a rotation operation unit for rotating the first catheter shaft around the central axis of the first catheter shaft, and a bending operation unit for bending the tip portion of the first catheter shaft.

[0009] Thus, in this catheter device, since the operation unit has a rotation operation unit for rotating the first catheter shaft and a bending operation unit for bending the tip portion of the first catheter shaft, the position and orientation of the tip portion of the first catheter shaft can be freely changed. Therefore, according to this catheter device, the operability of the catheter device can be improved.

[0010] (2) In the above catheter device, the rotation operation unit may be configured to rotate around the central axis in accordance with an operation by a technician, thereby rotating the first catheter shaft around the central axis Around and having a first operation input unit that is relatively displaceable in the central axis direction with respect to the first catheter shaft, and a rotation shaft that is attached to the first operation input unit so as to rotate with the rotation of the first operation input unit and is attached to the proximal end portion of the first catheter shaft. According to this catheter device, rotation of the first catheter shaft by an intuitive and simple operation by a technician can be realized, and the operability of the catheter device can be improved.

[0011] (3) In the above catheter device, the bending operation unit may be configured to include a sliding member slidably attached to the rotating shaft in the central axis direction, an operation wire connecting the sliding member and the tip of the first catheter shaft, a second operation input unit that rotates with an operation by an operator, and a transmission mechanism that converts the rotational force of the second operation input unit into a force for sliding the sliding member and transmits it to the sliding member. According to this catheter device, bending of the tip of the first catheter shaft can be realized by a simple operation of the operator, and the operability of the catheter device can be improved.

[0012] (4) In the above catheter device, the sliding member may be configured to maintain a state of receiving the force for sliding the sliding member from the transmission mechanism even when the rotating shaft rotates around the central axis. According to this catheter device, the bending operation of the tip of the first catheter shaft can be performed at any rotation angle of the first catheter shaft, and the operability of the catheter device can be effectively improved.

[0013] (5) In the above catheter device, the sliding member may be configured to include a core member attached to the rotating shaft so as to rotate with the rotation of the rotating shaft around the central axis, and a rack member attached to the core member so as to be relatively rotatable around the central axis and slidable with the sliding of the core member in the central axis direction, and having a plurality of teeth formed to mesh with the plurality of teeth of the transmission mechanism. According to this catheter device, the number of locations where teeth are formed in the rack member can be reduced, and facilitation and efficiency of processing can be realized.

[0014] (6) In the above catheter device, the sliding member is a substantially cylindrical rack member having a plurality of teeth formed on its outer peripheral surface and meshing with the plurality of teeth of the transmission mechanism, and may be configured to be attached to the rotating shaft so as to rotate as the rotating shaft rotates around its central axis. According to this catheter device, the number of parts of the operation unit can be reduced, and the facilitation and efficiency of manufacturing can be realized.

[0015] (7) The chemical solution injection device disclosed in this specification includes the above catheter device and a second catheter having a second catheter shaft slidably inserted into the first catheter shaft through the operation unit and having a chemical solution storage lumen for storing a chemical solution. In this chemical solution injection device, the rotation operation unit of the operation unit can rotate the first catheter shaft in which the second catheter shaft is accommodated, and the bending operation unit of the operation unit can bend the tip of the first catheter shaft in which the second catheter shaft is accommodated. Therefore, the position and orientation of the tip of the second catheter shaft in which the chemical solution storage lumen for storing the chemical solution is formed can be freely changed. Therefore, according to this chemical solution injection device, the operability of the chemical solution injection device can be improved, and thus the accuracy of the chemical solution injection position can be improved.

[0016] (8) In the above chemical solution injection device, the rotation operation unit rotates around the central axis along with the operation by the operator, so that the first catheter shaft AroundRotate it and have a first operation input part that can be relatively displaced in the central axis direction with respect to the first catheter shaft. The first operation input part is attached to rotate along with the rotation of the first operation input part, and is attached to the base end part of the first catheter shaft. The first operation input part is fixed to the second catheter directly or via another member. When the first operation input part is in the first position, the tip of the second catheter is housed in the first catheter shaft. When the first operation input part is in the second position on the tip side from the first position, the tip may be configured to protrude from the tip of the first catheter shaft. According to this chemical solution injection device, with the tip of the second catheter shaft housed in the first catheter shaft, the first catheter shaft and the second catheter shaft can be moved to the chemical solution injection position, and it is possible to prevent the tip of the second catheter shaft from damaging the patient's body. Further, according to this chemical solution injection device, at the chemical solution injection position, the tip of the second catheter shaft can be made to protrude from the tip of the first catheter shaft by an intuitive and simple operation, and the operability of the chemical solution injection device can be improved.

[0017] (9) In the above-described chemical solution injection device, a needle portion is provided at the tip of the second catheter shaft. The first operation input portion of the rotation operation portion is attached to the rotation shaft so as to rotate with the rotation of the rotation shaft around the central axis and be relatively displaceable in the central axis direction with respect to the rotation shaft. The second catheter is configured such that when the first operation input portion is in the first position, the needle portion is accommodated in the first catheter shaft, and when the first operation input portion is in the second position, the needle portion protrudes from the tip of the first catheter shaft. According to this chemical solution injection device, with the needle portion of the second catheter shaft accommodated in the first catheter shaft, the first catheter shaft and the second catheter shaft can be moved to the puncture position, and it is possible to prevent the needle portion from damaging the patient's body. Further, according to this chemical solution injection device, at the puncture position, the needle portion can be made to protrude from the tip of the first catheter shaft by an intuitive and simple operation, and the operability of the chemical solution injection device can be improved.

[0018] (10) In the above-described chemical solution injection device, further, a wire slidably inserted into the chemical solution storage lumen of the second catheter shaft and a plunger separate from the first catheter are provided. The plunger has a wire storage portion for storing the wire and a wire operation portion for advancing and retracting the wire in the chemical solution storage lumen by sending the wire out of the wire storage portion or pulling the wire back into the wire storage portion. According to this chemical solution injection device, the operation of the first catheter shaft by the operation portion of the second catheter and the chemical solution discharge operation by the plunger can be performed by different technicians, and as a result, the accuracy of both operations can be improved.

[0019] (11) In the above-described chemical solution injection device, the wire operation unit may include a wire rack member having a plurality of teeth formed thereon and performing a linear motion of a predetermined length, a roller pair that sandwiches the wire and moves the wire forward and backward by rotating, and a plurality of gears including a driven gear having a plurality of teeth formed thereon that mesh with the plurality of teeth of the wire rack member. The wire operation unit may have a wire transmission mechanism that converts the linear motion of the wire rack member into a rotational motion of the roller pair and transmits the rotational motion to the roller pair. According to this chemical solution injection device, by performing an operation to cause the wire rack member to perform a linear motion of a predetermined length, the wire can be advanced by a certain amount within the chemical solution storage lumen. As a result, a certain amount of chemical solution can be discharged from the tip of the second catheter shaft, so that the discharge amount of the chemical solution can be accurately controlled.

[0020] (12) In the above-described chemical solution injection device, the plunger may further have a first biasing member that biases the wire rack member so as to be separated from the driven gear. According to this chemical solution injection device, when the wire rack member is linearly moved unintentionally, the driven gear does not rotate, so that the discharge of the chemical solution due to an incorrect operation can be prevented.

[0021] (13) In the above-described chemical solution injection device, the plunger may further have a movement restricting portion that allows the wire rack member to move in a direction approaching the driven gear and a direction away from the driven gear when the wire rack member is at the starting point and the ending point of the linear movement, and restricts the movement of the wire rack member in a direction approaching the driven gear or a direction away from the driven gear when the wire rack member is at other positions. According to this chemical solution injection device, during the linear movement by engaging the wire rack member with the driven gear, it is possible to prevent the wire rack member from unintentionally separating from the driven gear and the discharge amount of the chemical solution accompanying one linear movement of the wire rack member from falling short of the predetermined amount. Also, when the wire rack member not engaged with the driven gear is at a position other than the starting point and the ending point of the linear movement, it is possible to prevent the wire rack member from unintentionally engaging with the driven gear and the discharge of the chemical solution not intended to occur, and the accuracy of the discharge amount of the chemical solution can be effectively improved.

[0022] (14) In the above-described chemical solution injection device, the plunger may further have a second biasing member that biases the wire rack member toward the starting point of the linear movement. According to this chemical solution injection device, since it is not necessary for the operator to perform an operation of moving the wire rack member to the position of the starting point of the linear movement, the operability of the chemical solution injection device can be effectively improved.

[0023] (15) In the above-described chemical solution injection device, the plunger further has a counter unit that displays the number of times of the linear motion of the wire rack member by rotating, and a plurality of gears including a driven gear having a plurality of teeth meshing with the plurality of teeth of the wire rack member, and a counter transmission mechanism that converts the linear motion of the wire rack member into a rotational motion of the counter unit and transmits it to the counter unit. According to this chemical solution injection device, as the linear motion of the wire rack member is executed, the counter unit rotates and the display of the number of times of the linear motion is updated, so that the number of times of the linear motion of the wire rack member, that is, the amount of the chemical solution already administered can be accurately grasped.

[0024] (16) In the above-described chemical solution injection device, the wire transmission mechanism and the counter transmission mechanism may be configured to share the driven gear. According to this chemical solution injection device, while realizing the simplification of the configuration of the plunger, it is possible to realize the discharge of the chemical solution and the update of the number display accompanying the linear motion of the wire rack member.

[0025] Note that the technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, for example, in the form of a chemical solution injection device, a catheter for chemical solution injection, a plunger for chemical solution injection, a system including a chemical solution injection device, a method for manufacturing these devices or systems, and the like.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0026]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] A. First Embodiment: A-1. Configuration of the chemical solution injection device 10: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the chemical solution injection device 10 in the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the side surface of the chemical solution injection device 10. In FIG. 1, part of the chemical solution injection device 10 is not shown. In FIG. 1, XYZ axes orthogonal to each other are shown. The X-axis corresponds to the length direction of the chemical solution injection device 10, the Y-axis corresponds to the height direction of the chemical solution injection device 10, and the Z-axis corresponds to the width direction of the chemical solution injection device 10. In FIG. 1, the negative X-axis side is the tip side (distal side) inserted into the body, and the positive X-axis side is the base end side (proximal side) operated by an operator such as a doctor. These points are the same in other figures. Hereinafter, regarding the chemical solution injection device 10 and its constituent members, the end on the tip side is referred to as the "tip", the tip and its vicinity are referred to as the "tip portion", the end on the base end side is referred to as the "base end", and the base end and its vicinity are referred to as the "base end portion". Further, hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the positive Y-axis side is referred to as the "upper side", and the negative Y-axis side is referred to as the "lower side".

[0028] The chemical solution injection device 10 is a medical device used to inject a chemical solution into a patient's body using a catheter that can be inserted into a biological lumen. Here, the biological lumen includes various lumens such as the vascular system, lymphatic gland system, biliary tract system, urinary tract system, airway system, digestive organ system, secretory gland, and reproductive organ.

[0029] The chemical solution injection device 10 includes an operation catheter 20, a relay catheter 30, a needle catheter 40, a plunger 50, and a wire 502 (see FIGS. 10, 15, etc.). In the chemical solution injection device 10, the tip portion of the relay catheter 30 is fixed to a first operation input portion 240 provided at the base end portion of an operation portion 23 that constitutes the operation catheter 20, and the base end portion of the relay catheter 30 is fixed to a connector 45 of the needle catheter 40. That is, the needle catheter 40 is connected to the operation catheter 20 via the relay catheter 30. The operation catheter 20 is an example of the first catheter in the claims, and the needle catheter 40 is an example of the second catheter in the claims.

[0030] Note that FIG. 1 shows the central axis AX of the operation catheter 20 (more specifically, the sheath 21 of the operation catheter 20 to be described later). In the posture of the chemical solution injection device 10 shown in FIG. 1, the central axis AX is parallel to the X-axis. Further, the central axes of the relay catheter 30 and the needle catheter 40 substantially coincide with the central axis AX of the operation catheter 20.

[0031] A-2. Configuration of the needle catheter 40: FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the needle catheter 40. The side configuration of the needle catheter 40 is shown in the upper part of FIG. 2, and the cross-sectional configuration of the tip of the needle catheter 40 is shown in the lower part of FIG. 2.

[0032] The needle catheter 40 is a device that is inserted into the body lumen of a patient, transports a chemical solution to a desired position in the patient's body, and injects the chemical solution at that position. The needle catheter 40 includes a catheter shaft 43 and a connector 45. The catheter shaft 43 is an example of the second catheter shaft in the claims.

[0033] The catheter shaft 43 is an elongated member extending along the central axis AX. More specifically, the catheter shaft 43 is a substantially cylindrical member having openings formed at each of the distal end and the proximal end, and a lumen communicating the two openings is formed inside. The lumen of the catheter shaft 43 functions as a chemical solution storage lumen 40L for storing a chemical solution. The cross-sectional shape of the chemical solution storage lumen 40L is, for example, substantially circular with a substantially constant inner diameter φ1.

[0034] The catheter shaft 43 has a shaft main body portion 41 and a needle portion 42. The proximal end portion of the needle portion 42 is joined to the distal end portion of the shaft main body portion 41 by, for example, adhesion. A sharp needle tip is formed at the distal end portion of the needle portion 42.

[0035] The shaft main body 41 preferably has antithrombogenicity, flexibility, and biocompatibility, and can be formed of a resin material or a metal material. As the resin material for forming the shaft main body 41, for example, polyamide resin, polyolefin resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, silicone resin, fluororesin, etc. can be adopted. Further, as the metal material for forming the shaft main body 41, for example, stainless steel such as SUS304, NiTi alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, etc. can be adopted. Note that in the thick portion of the shaft main body 41, a coil body or a braided body may be embedded in order to improve at least a part of flexibility, torque transmission property, pushability, kink resistance, blood vessel followability, lesion passage property, and operability. Further, the shaft main body 41 may be composed of a plurality of layers formed of the same or different materials. Further, the needle portion 42 preferably has antithrombogenicity and biocompatibility, and can be formed of a metal material such as stainless steel such as SUS304, NiTi alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, etc.

[0036] The connector 45 is connected to the proximal end portion of the catheter shaft 43, connects the needle catheter 40 and the plunger 50 (FIG. 1), and functions as a valve for sealing the chemical solution storage lumen 40L of the needle catheter 40. The connector 45 can be formed of a resin material, for example, polyurethane, polypropylene, rigid polyvinyl chloride, etc.

[0037] Note that the proximal end portion of the relay catheter 30 (FIG. 1) is fixed to the connector 45. The relay catheter 30 is a member for protecting the needle catheter 40, and is a substantially cylindrical member in which openings are formed at the tip and the base end, respectively, and a lumen communicating the both openings is formed inside. The needle catheter 40 is accommodated in the lumen of the relay catheter 30. The relay catheter 30 can be formed of a resin material, for example, PTFE, etc.

[0038] A-3. Configuration of the operating catheter 20: Figures 3 to 5 are explanatory diagrams showing the detailed configuration of the operation catheter 20. In Figures 3 to 5, while some illustrations of the operation catheter 20 are omitted, the internal configuration of the operation catheter 20 is shown. Figure 3 shows the configuration of the operation catheter 20 in a side view (view in the Z-axis direction), and in the operation catheter 20, illustrations of a part of the housing 210 (the front part in the drawing) and a part of the first dial 248 (the lower front part in the drawing) are omitted. Figure 4 shows the configuration of the operation catheter 20 in a side view (view in the Z-axis direction), and in addition to the part omitted in Figure 3, illustrations of a part of the sliding member 230 (the front part in the drawing), a part of the connecting member 243 (the front part in the drawing), and the second operation input unit 260 are omitted. Figure 5 shows the perspective configuration of the operation catheter 20, and illustrations of the same part as the part omitted in Figure 4 are omitted in the operation catheter 20.

[0039] The operation catheter 20 is a device for performing rotational and bending operations on the needle catheter 40. The operation catheter 20 includes a sheath 21 and an operation unit 23. Note that in Figure 5, the illustration of the sheath 21 is omitted. The sheath 21 is an example of the first catheter shaft in the claims.

[0040] The sheath 21 is an elongated member extending along the central axis AX. More specifically, the sheath 21 is a substantially cylindrical member having openings formed at each of the tip and the base end, and a lumen 22 communicating both openings is formed inside. The cross-sectional shape of the lumen 22 of the sheath 21 is, for example, substantially circular with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the catheter shaft 43 of the needle catheter 40. The catheter shaft 43 of the needle catheter 40 is slidably inserted into the lumen 22 of the sheath 21 via the operation unit 23. Also, the tip portion of the sheath 21 is more flexible than other portions.

[0041] The sheath 21 preferably has antithrombogenicity, flexibility, and biocompatibility, and can be formed of a resin material or a metal material. As the material for forming the sheath 21, the same material as that for forming the shaft main body portion 41 of the needle catheter 40 described above can be employed. Also, similar to the shaft main body portion 41, a coil body or a braided body may be embedded in the thick-walled portion of the sheath 21. Further, similar to the shaft main body portion 41, the sheath 21 may be composed of a plurality of layers formed of the same or different materials.

[0042] The operation unit 23 is a device for operating the sheath 21 and is attached to the proximal end portion of the sheath 21. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the operation unit 23 includes a housing 210, a rotary shaft 220, a sliding member 230, a first operation input unit 240, a second operation input unit 260, and a transmission mechanism 270. Each part of the operation unit 23 can be formed of, for example, a resin material or a metal material.

[0043] The housing 210 is a case that houses each member constituting the operation unit 23. Note that in FIGS. 3 to 5, a part of the housing 210 is not shown. The shape of the housing 210 is a substantially conical shape with a smaller outer diameter toward the distal end side. At the distal end of the housing 210, a cylindrical distal end side guide portion 211 having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the sheath 21 is formed. Also, at the proximal end of the housing 210, a cylindrical proximal end side guide portion 212 having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of a connection main body portion 241 described later is formed.

[0044] The rotary shaft 220 is an elongated member extending along the central axis AX. More specifically, the rotary shaft 220 is a cylindrical member having openings formed at each of the distal end and the proximal end, and a lumen 223 (see FIG. 5) that communicates the both openings is formed inside. The cross-sectional shape of the lumen 223 of the rotary shaft 220 is, for example, a substantially circular shape having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the catheter shaft 43 of the needle catheter 40. The lumen 223 of the rotary shaft 220 communicates with the lumen 22 of the sheath 21, and the needle catheter 40 is slidably inserted into those lumens 223 and 22.

[0045] The rotating shaft 220 is supported by the housing 210 so as to be rotatable about the central axis AX. With the proximal end portion of the sheath 21 inserted into the inner cavity 223 at the distal end portion 221 of the rotating shaft 220, the proximal end portion of the sheath 21 and the distal end portion 221 of the rotating shaft 220 are fixed. Therefore, when the rotating shaft 220 rotates about the central axis AX, the sheath 21 also rotates about the central axis AX synchronously. Further, in the direction of the central axis AX, the relative position of the rotating shaft 220 with respect to the housing 210 is fixed. Note that the outer shape of the cross section of the distal end portion 221 of the rotating shaft 220 is substantially circular, and the outer shape of the cross section of the proximal end portion 222 of the rotating shaft 220 is substantially rectangular.

[0046] The sliding member 230 is a substantially cylindrical member, and the outer shape of the cross section is substantially rectangular. The sliding member 230 is attached to the rotating shaft 220 so as to be slidable in the direction of the central axis AX. More specifically, the sliding member 230 is composed of a core member 232 and a rack member 231 (see FIGS. 4 and 5. Note that in FIGS. 4 and 5, a part of the rack member 231 is not shown). An inner cavity having substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the proximal end portion 222 of the rotating shaft 220 is formed in the core member 232, and the core member 232 is fixed to the rotating shaft 220 with the proximal end portion 222 of the rotating shaft 220 accommodated in the inner cavity of the core member 232. Therefore, when the rotating shaft 220 rotates about the central axis AX, the core member 232 also rotates about the central axis AX synchronously. Further, the core member 232 is composed of a distal end portion 235, a proximal end portion 237, and an intermediate portion 236 sandwiched between the distal end portion 235 and the proximal end portion 237. The outer shape of the cross section of each of these portions is substantially circular, but the outer diameter of the intermediate portion 236 is larger than the outer diameters of the distal end portion 235 and the proximal end portion 237.

[0047] The rack member 231 has a lumen formed in substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the core member 232. With the core member 232 accommodated in the lumen of the rack member 231, the core member 232 is fixed to the rack member 231. The rack member 231 is relatively rotatable about the central axis AX with respect to the core member 232. On the other hand, in the direction of the central axis AX, the outer peripheral surface of the core member 232 and the inner peripheral surface of the rack member 231 engage with each other, so that the rack member 231 slides as the core member 232 slides in the direction of the central axis AX. That is, the rack member 231 is attached to the core member 232 so as to be relatively rotatable about the central axis AX and to slide as the core member 232 slides in the direction of the central axis AX. A plurality of teeth 234 are formed on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the rack member 231 (specifically, the lower surface, that is, the surface facing the transmission mechanism 270 described later).

[0048] Also, the proximal end portion of the sliding member 230 is fixed to the proximal end portion of the operation wire 226. The operation wire 226 extends from the portion of the sliding member 230 to which the operation wire 226 is fixed, through the lumen 223 of the rotary shaft 220 and the lumen 22 of the sheath 21, to the flexible distal end portion of the sheath 21, and is fixed to the sheath 21 at that position. That is, the operation wire 226 connects the sliding member 230 and the distal end portion of the sheath 21. Note that the number of operation wires 226 installed may be one or a plurality of them.

[0049] The first operation input unit 240 is a part that receives an operation by a technician (user) such as a doctor, and is provided at the proximal end portion of the operation unit 23. The first operation input unit 240 includes a connection member 243 and a first dial 248.

[0050] The connecting member 243 includes a connection main body portion 241 and an annular member 242. The connection main body portion 241 is a substantially cylindrical member in which an inner cavity 244 is formed. The tip of the connection main body portion 241 is housed inside the housing 210, and the remaining portion of the connection main body portion 241 protrudes outside the housing 210. The shape of the inner cavity 244 at the tip of the connection main body portion 241 is substantially the same as the outer shape of the base end portion 222 of the rotary shaft 220, and the base end portion 222 of the rotary shaft 220 is fitted inside the inner cavity 244. Therefore, when the connection main body portion 241 rotates around the central axis AX, the rotary shaft 220 also rotates around the central axis AX synchronously. Further, the connection main body portion 241 is slidable in the central axis AX direction with respect to the rotary shaft 220.

[0051] The inner cavity 244 of the connection main body portion 241 has a large-diameter portion 245 with a large outer diameter, and the annular member 242 is housed in this large-diameter portion 245. The outer diameter of the annular member 242 is larger than the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 245 and larger than the inner diameter of the portion other than the large-diameter portion 245 in the inner cavity 244. Therefore, the annular member 242 is relatively rotatable around the central axis AX with respect to the connection main body portion 241, while sliding along with the sliding of the connection main body portion 241 in the central axis AX direction. Further, the tip of the relay catheter 30 is fixed to the annular member 242.

[0052] The first dial 248 is a member that rotates around the central axis AX by a rotation operation by the operator. The first dial 248 is attached to the portion of the connection main body portion 241 that protrudes outside the housing 210 in a non-rotatable and non-slidable manner. Therefore, when the first dial 248 rotates around the central axis AX, the connection main body portion 241 also rotates around the central axis AX synchronously, and when the first dial 248 slides in the central axis AX direction, the connection main body portion 241 also slides in the central axis AX direction synchronously.

[0053] The second operation input unit 260 is a portion that receives an operation by the operator and is provided at the base end portion of the operation unit 23. The second operation input unit 260 includes a second dial 268 and a stopper 269.

[0054] The second dial 268 is a member that rotates about an axis (Z-axis) in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX by a rotational operation by an operator. Further, the stopper 269 slides with respect to the second dial 268 to switch between a state that allows the rotation of the second dial 268 and a state that blocks the rotation of the second dial 268.

[0055] The transmission mechanism 270 is a mechanism that converts the force by which an operator rotates the second dial 268 of the second operation input unit 260 into a force that slides the sliding member 230 and transmits it to the sliding member 230. In other words, the transmission mechanism 270 is a mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the second dial 268 about the Z-axis into a linear motion of the sliding member 230 in the direction of the central axis AX. The transmission mechanism 270 is composed of a plurality of (three) gears 271, 272, and 273 that mesh with each other. The first gear 271 of the transmission mechanism 270 rotates as the second dial 268 rotates. Further, a plurality of teeth of the third gear 273 mesh with a plurality of teeth 234 of the rack member 231 of the sliding member 230. Therefore, when the third gear 273 rotates, the sliding member 230 slides in the direction of the central axis AX while being supported by the rotary shaft 220. In the present embodiment, the reduction ratio by the transmission mechanism 270 is set to about 1:2 to 1:4, for example, so as to reduce the operation load of the second operation input unit 260. That is, it is set so that the moving distance of the sliding member 230 / the rotational distance of the teeth of the first gear 271 = about 1 / 2 to 1 / 4.

[0056] A-4. Operation of the operating catheter 20: FIGS. 6 to 9 are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the operating catheter 20. In the initial state shown in FIG. 6, the first dial 248 that constitutes the first operation input unit 240 of the operation unit 23 is separated from the proximal end side from the housing 210. In this state, the needle portion 42 of the needle catheter 40 accommodated in the inner cavities of the operating catheter 20 and the relay catheter 30 is disposed near the tip of the sheath 21, but at a position that does not protrude from the sheath 21. The position of the first operation input unit 240 of the operation unit 23 in the initial state shown in FIG. 6 is an example of the first position in the claims.

[0057] In the initial state, when an operator grips the first dial 248 that constitutes the first operation input unit 240 and performs an operation of pushing it toward the tip side, as shown in FIG. 7, the needle portion 42 of the needle catheter 40 projects from the tip of the sheath 21. That is, as described above, the sheath 21 is fixed to the rotary shaft 220 (see FIG. 3 etc.) of the operation unit 23, and also, in the direction of the central axis AX, the position of the rotary shaft 220 with respect to the housing 210 is fixed, so the position of the sheath 21 with respect to the housing 210 is also fixed. On the other hand, since the first operation input unit 240 is slidable in the direction of the central axis AX with respect to the rotary shaft 220, it is also slidable in the direction of the central axis AX with respect to the housing 210. Further, the tip portion of the relay catheter 30 is fixed to the annular member 242 of the first operation input unit 240, and the base end portion of the relay catheter 30 is fixed to the connector 45 of the needle catheter 40. Therefore, when the first operation input unit 240 moves relatively toward the tip side with respect to the housing 210, the needle catheter 40 also moves relatively toward the tip side with respect to the housing 210 by the same amount. As a result, the needle catheter 40 moves relatively toward the tip side with respect to the sheath 21, and the needle portion 42 of the needle catheter 40 projects from the tip of the sheath 21. The position of the first operation input unit 240 of the operation unit 23 in the state shown in FIG. 7 is an example of the second position in the claims.

[0058] Also, when the operator grips and rotates the second dial 268 that constitutes the second operation input unit 260, as shown in FIG. 8, the distal end portion of the sheath 21 bends, and accordingly, the distal end portion of the needle catheter 40 housed in the sheath 21 also bends. That is, as described above, when the second dial 268 of the second operation input unit 260 rotates, the rotational force applied to the second dial 268 is converted by the transmission mechanism 270 (see FIG. 3 etc.) into a force that slides the sliding member 230 and is transmitted to the sliding member 230. Therefore, when the second dial 268 is rotated in the rotational direction such that the sliding member 230 moves toward the proximal end side, the sliding member 230 moves toward the proximal end side, the tension of the operation wire 226 stretched between the sliding member 230 and the distal end portion of the sheath 21 increases, and as a result, the flexible distal end portion of the sheath 21 bends. Conversely, when the second dial 268 is rotated in the rotational direction such that the sliding member 230 moves toward the distal end side, the sliding member 230 moves toward the distal end side, the tension of the operation wire 226 decreases, and as a result, the distal end portion of the sheath 21 returns to a straight shape. Note that by sliding the stopper 269 of the second operation input unit 260 with respect to the second dial 268, the rotation of the second dial 268 can be blocked, and thereby, the bent state of the distal end portion of the sheath 21 can be maintained. Further, the bending operation of the sheath 21 can be similarly executed whether the needle portion 42 protrudes from the distal end of the sheath 21 or not. The second operation input unit 260, the transmission mechanism 270, the sliding member 230, and the operation wire 226 of the operation unit 23 are an example of the bending operation unit in the claims.

[0059] When the operator grips and rotates the first dial 248 that constitutes the first operation input unit 240, as shown in FIG. 9, the sheath 21 rotates around the central axis AX. Along with this, the needle catheter 40 housed in the sheath 21 also rotates around the central axis AX. That is, as described above, when the first dial 248 of the first operation input unit 240 rotates around the central axis AX, the connection main body 241 (see FIG. 3 etc.) also rotates around the central axis AX synchronously. Along with this, the rotating shaft 220 also rotates around the central axis AX synchronously, and the sheath 21 fixed to the rotating shaft 220 also rotates around the central axis AX synchronously. Note that the rotation method of the sheath 21 becomes either clockwise or counterclockwise according to the rotation direction of the first dial 248. Also, the rotation operation of the sheath 21 can be executed in the same manner whether the needle portion 42 does not protrude from the tip of the sheath 21 or the needle portion 42 protrudes from the tip of the sheath 21. Also, as described above, when the rotating shaft 220 rotates around the central axis AX, the core member 232 of the sliding member 230 also rotates around the central axis AX synchronously. However, since the rack member 231 of the sliding member 230 is relatively rotatable around the central axis AX with respect to the core member 232, even when the rotating shaft 220 rotates, the rack member 231 maintains a state of receiving the force for sliding the sliding member 230 from the transmission mechanism 270. Therefore, by operating the first dial 248 and the second dial 268 simultaneously, the rotation operation of the sheath 21 and the bending operation of the sheath 21 can be executed in parallel. The first operation input unit 240 and the rotating shaft 220 of the operation unit 23 are an example of the rotation operation unit in the claims.

[0060] A-5. Configuration of plunger 50: Figures 10 to 14 are explanatory diagrams showing the detailed configuration of the plunger 50. In Figures 10 to 14, while some illustrations of the plunger 50 are omitted, the internal configuration of the plunger 50 is shown. Figure 10 shows the configuration of the plunger 50 in a side view (viewed in the Z-axis direction), and in the plunger 50, an illustration of a part of the housing 510 (the front part in the drawing) is omitted. Figure 11 shows the configuration of the plunger 50 in a side view (viewed in the Z-axis direction), and in the plunger 50, in addition to the part omitted in Figure 10, an illustration of a part of the rack case 530 (the front part in the drawing) is omitted. Figure 12 shows the configuration of the plunger 50 in a side view (viewed in the Z-axis direction), and in the plunger 50, in addition to the part omitted in Figure 11, an illustration of the wire rack member 520 is omitted (however, the position of the wire rack member 520 is indicated by a dashed line). Figure 13 shows the perspective configuration of the plunger 50, and in the plunger 50, an illustration of the same part as the part omitted in Figure 10 is omitted. Figure 14 shows the perspective configuration of the plunger 50, and in the plunger 50, an illustration of the same part as the part omitted in Figure 11 is omitted.

[0061] The plunger 50 is a device that discharges the chemical solution stored in the chemical solution storage lumen 40L (see Figure 2) of the needle catheter 40 from the tip of the needle part 42 by advancing the wire 502 within the chemical solution storage lumen 40L. The plunger 50 is a device separate from the operation catheter 20.

[0062] Note that the wire 502 is a long member having a substantially constant outer diameter from the tip to the base end. The cross-sectional shape of the wire 502 is substantially circular. The outer diameter of the wire 502 is substantially the same as the inner diameter φ1 (see Figure 2) of the chemical solution storage lumen 40L formed in the catheter shaft 43 of the needle catheter 40 (clearance: 100 μm or less). The wire 502 preferably has antithrombogenicity, flexibility, and biocompatibility, and can be formed of, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel like SUS304 or a NiTi alloy. The wire 502 may be coated with a resin or the like. Note that in Figures 13 and 14, the illustration of the wire 502 is omitted.

[0063] The plunger 50 includes a housing 510, a bobbin 554, a wire rack member 520, a rack case 530, a pair of rollers 542, a wire transmission mechanism 540, a counter part 552, and a counter transmission mechanism 550. Each part of the plunger 50 can be formed of, for example, a resin material or a metal material.

[0064] The housing 510 is a case that houses each member constituting the plunger 50 inside. In FIGS. 10 to 14, a part of the housing 510 is not shown. The shape of the housing 510 is, for example, slightly elongated in the X-axis direction and is shaped so as to be easy to grip with the thumb placed on the upper surface of the wire rack member 520. Inside the tip of the housing 510, a guide groove 512 communicating with a hole opening in the front end surface 511 of the housing 510 is formed to guide the wire 502.

[0065] The bobbin 554 is a substantially cylindrical member rotatably attached around a rotation axis in a predetermined direction (the Z-axis direction in this embodiment) near the base end portion inside the housing 510. The wire 502 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the bobbin 554, and thereby the bobbin 554 houses a part of the base end side of the wire 502. The wire 502 extends from the position of the bobbin 554 to the tip side, passes through the pair of rollers 542 and the guide groove 512, and protrudes from the hole formed in the front end surface 511 of the housing 510, and is slidably inserted into the chemical solution storage lumen 40L (see FIG. 2) of the needle catheter 40 via the connector 45 (see FIG. 1) of the needle catheter 40. The bobbin 554 is an example of a wire storage portion in the claims.

[0066] The wire rack member 520 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped base 522 that is elongated in a predetermined direction (the X-axis direction in this embodiment), and a convex portion 521 that protrudes upward from the base 522. The upper surface of the convex portion 521 is exposed to the outside of the housing 510 and receives operations by the operator. A plurality of teeth 523 arranged in the X-axis direction are formed on the lower surface of the base 522. Further, on both side surfaces of the base 522, wing portions 524 that protrude laterally (the positive Z-axis direction and the negative Z-axis direction) are formed. In this embodiment, three wing portions 524 arranged in the X-axis direction are formed on both side surfaces of the base 522, respectively. Each wing portion 524 has a substantially flat plate shape that is substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction (the Y-axis direction). In this embodiment, the widths (the sizes in the X-axis direction) of the three wing portions 524 formed on each side surface of the base 522 are different from each other.

[0067] The rack case 530 is a box body that houses the wire rack member 520. The rack case 530 is slidably accommodated in the housing 510 in a predetermined direction (the X-axis direction in this embodiment). The range in which the rack case 530 can slide in the housing 510 is set as the range from the position where the rack case 530 and the housing 510 abut on one side in the sliding direction to the position where the rack case 530 and the housing 510 abut on the other side in the sliding direction. Therefore, the rack case 530 (and the wire rack member 520 accommodated in the rack case 530) can perform a rectilinear motion in a predetermined direction by a predetermined distance with respect to the housing 510. Further, a second biasing member 518 (see FIG. 10) such as a spring is disposed between the proximal end portion of the rack case 530 and the housing 510, and the rack case 530 is biased by the second biasing member 518 toward the starting point of the rectilinear motion (that is, the proximal end side in this embodiment).

[0068] Also, a first biasing member 519 (see FIG. 14) such as a spring is disposed between the rack case 530 and the wire rack member 520, and the wire rack member 520 is biased upward with respect to the rack case 530 (that is, in a direction away from the driven gear 570 described later) by the first biasing member 519. In a state where no operation is performed on the wire rack member 520, substantially the entire convex portion 521 of the wire rack member 520 protrudes outside the housing 510 from the opening provided in the housing 510 by the biasing force of the first biasing member 519. In the present embodiment, one first biasing member 519 is disposed at each of the tip end portion and the base end portion of the wire rack member 520.

[0069] Further, in the housing 510, a partition wall 516 (see FIG. 12) extending in the X-axis direction is formed at a position facing the blade portion 524 of the wire rack member 520 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). The partition wall 516 has a substantially flat plate shape that is substantially orthogonal to the vertical direction. In a state where the wire rack member 520 is biased by the first biasing member 519 and is positioned upward, the blade portion 524 of the wire rack member 520 is located above the partition wall 516. Further, a plurality of notches 517 are formed in the partition wall 516. The positions and sizes of the plurality of notches 517 are such that when the position of the wire rack member 520 in the X-axis direction is at the start point and the end point of the straight movement described above, each blade portion 524 of the wire rack member 520 can pass through each notch 517 of the partition wall 516 and move in the vertical direction, and when the position of the wire rack member 520 is at other positions, each blade portion 524 of the wire rack member 520 interferes with the partition wall 516 and cannot move in the vertical direction. The partition wall 516 is an example of a movement restricting portion in the claims. Note that in the rack case 530, openings 533 are formed through which each blade portion 524 of the wire rack member 520 can pass so as not to inhibit the vertical movement of the wire rack member 520. Further, a groove 535 extending in the X-axis direction is formed on the side surface of the rack case 530, and since the partition wall 516 is housed in the groove 535, the movement of the rack case 530 along the X-axis direction is not restricted by the presence of the partition wall 516. In other words, the rack case 530 can slide in a predetermined direction (X-axis direction) along the partition wall 516.

[0070] The roller pair 542 is composed of two rollers that rotate around the rotation axis in a predetermined direction (Z-axis direction in this embodiment), and is arranged so as to sandwich the guide groove 512 at a position on the tip side of the bobbin 554 in the housing 510. The roller pair 542 sandwiches the wire 502 that extends from the position of the bobbin 554 and is inserted into the guide groove 512. The roller pair 542 advances and retracts the wire 502 by rotating while sandwiching the wire 502.

[0071] The wire transmission mechanism 540 has a driven gear 570 that rotates around a rotation axis in a predetermined direction (the Z-axis direction in this embodiment). The driven gear 570 is installed in the housing 510 at a position where it meshes with the teeth 523 of the wire rack member 520 when the wire rack member 520 moves downward. When the wire rack member 520 makes the above-described rectilinear motion in a state where the driven gear 570 and the teeth 523 of the wire rack member 520 are engaged, the driven gear 570 rotates. Further, the wire transmission mechanism 540 has a plurality of (five in this embodiment) gears that mesh with each other, and converts the rotational force of the driven gear 570 accompanying the rectilinear motion of the wire rack member 520 into a force for rotating the roller pair 542 and transmits it to the roller pair 542. Therefore, when the wire rack member 520 makes a rectilinear motion in a state where it is engaged with the driven gear 570, the roller pair 542 rotates, and as a result, the wire 502 sandwiched by the roller pair 542 moves forward and backward. In this embodiment, the reduction ratio of the wire transmission mechanism 540 is set to a value (for example, about 8:1 to 16:1) such that the moving amount of the wire 502 is several times the moving amount of one rectilinear motion of the wire rack member 520. That is, the moving amount of one rectilinear motion of the wire rack member 520 / the moving amount of the wire 502 / = about 1 / 8 to 1 / 16 is set.

[0072] The counter portion 552 is a substantially disk-shaped member and is rotatably accommodated in the housing 510 around a rotation axis in a predetermined direction (the Z-axis direction in this embodiment). Numbers from 1 to 9 are described on the side surface of the counter portion 552. As shown in FIG. 1, a window 514 is formed at a position corresponding to the counter portion 552 in the housing 510, and one of the numbers formed on the side surface of the counter portion 552 is exposed through the window 514.

[0073] The transmission mechanism 550 for the counter has a plurality of (five in this embodiment) gears meshing with each other, and converts the rotational force of the driven gear 570 accompanying the linear movement of the wire rack member 520 into a force for rotating the counter unit 552 while transmitting it to the counter unit 552. Therefore, when the wire rack member 520 linearly moves in a state of meshing with the driven gear 570, the counter unit 552 rotates. The reduction ratio by the transmission mechanism 550 for the counter is set to a value (for example, about 1:6 to 1:14) such that the number displayed on the counter unit 552 exposed from the window 514 of the housing 510 increases by one for one linear movement of the wire rack member 520. Therefore, the counter unit 552 can display the number of times of the linear movement of the wire rack member 520. In this embodiment, one driven gear 570 is shared by the wire transmission mechanism 540 and the transmission mechanism 550 for the counter.

[0074] A-6. Operation of the plunger 50: FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the plunger 50. As described above, the wire rack member 520 is biased upward (that is, in a direction away from the driven gear 570) with respect to the rack case 530 by the first biasing member 519. Further, the rack case 530 that houses the wire rack member 520 is biased toward the starting point of the linear movement of the rack case 530 and the wire rack member 520 (that is, toward the proximal end side) by the second biasing member 518. Therefore, in the initial state where no operation is performed on the wire rack member 520 by the technician, the wire rack member 520 is separated upward from the driven gear 570 and is located at the starting point of the linear movement. In this state, even if the technician slides the wire rack member 520 toward the distal end side by moving the thumb placed on the upper surface of the convex portion 521 of the wire rack member 520 toward the distal end side, the driven gear 570 does not rotate because the teeth 523 of the wire rack member 520 are not meshed with the driven gear 570. Therefore, the feeding of the wire 502 by the rotation of the roller pair 542 is not executed, and the update of the number display of the linear movement of the wire rack member 520 by the rotation of the counter unit 552 is not executed either.

[0075] As described above, the positions and sizes of the plurality of notches 517 formed in the partition wall 516 of the housing 510 are set such that each blade portion 524 of the wire rack member 520 can pass through each notch 517 of the partition wall 516 and move vertically when the position of the wire rack member 520 is at the start and end points of the linear motion. Therefore, in the initial state, when the operator places a thumb on the upper surface of the convex portion 521 of the wire rack member 520 and pushes the wire rack member 520 downward, as shown in FIG. 15, each blade portion 524 of the wire rack member 520 passes through each notch 517 of the partition wall 516, and the wire rack member 520 moves downward to a position where the teeth 523 of the wire rack member 520 mesh with the driven gear 570. While maintaining the state where the wire rack member 520 is pushed downward in this way, when the operator moves the thumb placed on the upper surface of the convex portion 521 of the wire rack member 520 to the tip side to slide the wire rack member 520 to the tip side, the driven gear 570 rotates as the wire rack member 520 moves linearly. When the driven gear 570 rotates, the rotation is converted into a force that rotates the roller pair 542 by the wire transmission mechanism 540 and transmitted to the roller pair 542. Therefore, the roller pair 542 rotates, and the wire 502 sandwiched between the roller pair 542 is fed forward. Since the wire 502 is inserted into the chemical solution storage lumen 40L of the needle catheter 40, when the wire 502 advances, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 15, the chemical solution DS filled in the chemical solution storage lumen 40L is pushed out by the wire 502, and the chemical solution DS corresponding to the volume of the advanced wire 502 is discharged from the tip of the needle portion 42. Note that the forward distance of the wire 502 accompanying one linear motion of the wire rack member 520 is determined in advance by the reduction ratio of the wire transmission mechanism 540. Therefore, the protruding amount of the chemical solution DS accompanying one linear motion of the wire rack member 520 is also determined in advance. The wire rack member 520, the driven gear 570, the wire transmission mechanism 540, and the roller pair 542 are an example of the wire operation unit in the claims.

[0076] Note that, as described above, the positions and sizes of the plurality of notches 517 formed in the partition wall 516 of the housing 510 are set such that when the position of the wire rack member 520 is at a position other than the start and end points of the linear motion, each blade portion 524 of the wire rack member 520 does not interfere with the partition wall 516 and cannot move in the vertical direction. Therefore, until the wire rack member 520 reaches the end point of the linear motion, the teeth 523 of the wire rack member 520 remain engaged with the driven gear 570. Further, when the wire rack member 520 reaches the end point of the linear motion and the operator stops the operation on the wire rack member 520, the wire rack member 520 moves upward by the biasing force of the first biasing member 519, and the engagement between the teeth 523 of the wire rack member 520 and the driven gear 570 is released. Also, due to the biasing force of the second biasing member 518, the wire rack member 520 returns to the start point of the linear motion.

[0077] Further, when the wire rack member 520 performs a linear motion from the start point to the end point while engaged with the driven gear 570, the driven gear 570 rotates, and the rotation is converted into a force that rotates the counter part 552 by the counter transmission mechanism 550 and transmitted to the counter part 552. Therefore, the counter part 552 rotates, and the display of the number of linear motions of the wire rack member 520 is updated to an increased value by one.

[0078] A-7. Method of using the chemical solution injection device 10: The method of using the chemical solution injection device 10 is, for example, as follows. Hereinafter, the method of using the chemical solution injection device 10 by two operators will be described. First, the first operator inserts the sheath 21 in which the needle catheter 40 is accommodated into the endoscope and moves the tip of the sheath 21 near the target position (the position where the chemical solution is to be administered) in the patient's body. Note that this movement is performed in a state where the needle portion 42 of the needle catheter 40 does not protrude from the tip of the sheath 21 and is accommodated in the sheath 21. Then, the second operator supplies the chemical solution into the chemical solution accommodation lumen 40L through the connector 45 of the needle catheter 40.

[0079] Next, the first operator performs puncture with the needle portion 42 at the target position within the patient's body by operating the operation unit 23 of the operation catheter 20. More specifically, the first operator performs an operation of pushing the first dial 248 that constitutes the first operation input unit 240 toward the distal end side, thereby protruding the needle portion 42 of the needle catheter 40 from the distal end of the sheath 21 (see FIG. 7). Next, the first operator bends the distal end portion of the sheath 21 and the distal end portion of the needle catheter 40 accommodated in the sheath 21 by performing a rotation operation of the second dial 268 that constitutes the second operation input unit 260 (see FIG. 8), or rotates the sheath 21 and the needle catheter 40 accommodated in the sheath 21 by performing a rotation operation of the first dial 248 that constitutes the first operation input unit 240, thereby accurately setting the position and orientation of the needle portion 42 to the position and orientation corresponding to the desired puncture position. Thereafter, the first operator performs puncture with the needle portion 42 by performing an operation of pushing the entire operation unit 23 toward the distal end side.

[0080] Thereafter, the second operator operates the wire rack member 520 of the plunger 50 to cause a linear motion, thereby advancing the wire 502 within the chemical solution storage lumen 40L of the needle catheter 40 and discharging the chemical solution DS from the tip of the needle portion 42 (see FIG. 15). As described above, since the discharge amount of the chemical solution DS accompanying one linear motion of the wire rack member 520 is predetermined, the second operator repeatedly performs an operation of causing the wire rack member 520 to perform a linear motion until the amount of the chemical solution DS to be administered at the current puncture position is discharged. At this time, each time the wire rack member 520 performs a linear motion, the numbers of the counter portion 552 exposed from the window 514 of the housing 510 increase one by one. Therefore, the second operator can accurately grasp the number of linear motions of the wire rack member 520, that is, the amount of the chemical solution DS already administered.

[0081] When the administration of a predetermined amount of the chemical solution DS to the puncture position is completed, the first operator withdraws the needle portion 42 from the punctured position by performing an operation of pulling back the entire operation unit 23 toward the proximal end side. Then, similarly, the first operator sets the position and orientation of the needle portion 42 to match another puncture position, punctures the needle portion 42 at that position, and the second operator administers the chemical solution DS.

[0082] When such operations are repeated and the administration of a predetermined amount of the chemical solution DS to all the puncture positions is completed, the first operator performs an operation of pulling back the first dial 248 that constitutes the first operation input unit 240 toward the proximal end side, thereby accommodating the needle portion 42 of the needle catheter 40 within the sheath 21. In this state, the first operator pulls the operation unit 23 toward the proximal end side to withdraw the sheath 21 and the needle catheter 40 from the patient's body.

[0083] A-8. Effects of the First Embodiment: As described above, the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment includes an operation catheter 20. The operation catheter 20 has a sheath 21 and an operation unit 23 attached to the proximal end portion of the sheath 21 for operating the sheath 21. The operation unit 23 has a rotation operation unit (the first operation input unit 240 and the rotation shaft 220) for rotating the sheath 21 around the central axis of the sheath 21, and a bending operation unit (the second operation input unit 260, the transmission mechanism 270, the sliding member 230, and the operation wire 226) for bending the distal end portion of the sheath 21.

[0084] Thus, in the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, since the operation unit 23 has a rotation operation unit for rotating the sheath 21 and a bending operation unit for bending the distal end portion of the sheath 21, the position and orientation of the distal end portion of the sheath 21 can be freely changed. Therefore, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the operability of the chemical solution injection device 10 can be improved.

[0085] Further, in the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the rotation operation unit that rotates the sheath 21 includes a first operation input unit 240 and a rotation shaft 220. The first operation input unit 240 rotates around the central axis AX in accordance with an operation by an operator, thereby rotating the sheath 21 around the central axis AX Around and is relatively displaceable in the central axis AX direction with respect to the sheath 21. The rotation shaft 220 is attached to the first operation input unit 240 so as to rotate as the first operation input unit 240 rotates, and is attached to the base end portion of the sheath 21. Therefore, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, rotation of the sheath 21 (and the catheter shaft 43 of the needle catheter 40 accommodated in the sheath 21, the same applies hereinafter) can be realized by an intuitive and simple operation by an operator, and the operability of the chemical solution injection device 10 can be improved.

[0086] Further, in the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the bending operation unit that bends the tip of the sheath 21 includes a sliding member 230 slidably attached to the rotation shaft 220 in the central axis AX direction, an operation wire 226 that connects the sliding member 230 and the tip of the sheath 21, a second operation input unit 260 that rotates in accordance with an operation by an operator, and a transmission mechanism 270 that converts the rotational force applied to the second operation input unit 260 into a force for sliding the sliding member 230 and transmits it to the sliding member 230. Therefore, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, bending of the tip of the sheath 21 can be realized by a simple operation by an operator, and the operability of the chemical solution injection device 10 can be improved.

[0087] Further, in the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the sliding member 230 is configured to maintain a state of receiving the force for sliding the sliding member 230 from the transmission mechanism 270 even when the rotation shaft 220 rotates around the central axis AX. Therefore, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the tip of the sheath 21 can be bent regardless of the rotation angle of the sheath 21, and the operability of the chemical solution injection device 10 can be effectively improved.

[0088] Also, in the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the sliding member 230 includes a core member 232 attached to the rotating shaft 220 so as to rotate as the rotating shaft 220 rotates around the central axis AX, and a core member 232. A rack member 231 is attached to the core member 232 so as to be relatively rotatable around the central axis AX and to slide as the core member 232 slides in the direction of the central axis AX, and a plurality of teeth 234 that mesh with a plurality of teeth of the transmission mechanism 270 are formed. Therefore, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the number of locations where the teeth 234 are formed in the rack member 231 can be reduced, and facilitation and efficiency of processing can be realized.

[0089] Further, the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment further includes a needle catheter 40. The needle catheter 40 is slidably inserted into the sheath 21 via the operation unit 23, and has a catheter shaft 43 in which a chemical solution storage lumen 40L for storing a chemical solution is formed. Thus, in the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the sheath 21 in which the catheter shaft 43 of the needle catheter 40 is accommodated can be rotated by the rotation operation unit of the operation unit 23, and the distal end portion of the sheath 21 in which the catheter shaft 43 of the needle catheter 40 is accommodated can be bent by the bending operation unit of the operation unit 23. Therefore, the position and orientation of the distal end portion of the catheter shaft 43 of the needle catheter 40 in which the chemical solution storage lumen 40L for storing a chemical solution is formed can be freely changed. Therefore, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the operability of the chemical solution injection device 10 can be improved, and thus the accuracy of the chemical solution injection position can be improved.

[0090] Also, in the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the rotation operation unit for rotating the sheath 21 includes a first operation input unit 240 and a rotating shaft 220. The first operation input unit 240 rotates around the central axis AX in accordance with an operation by an operator, thereby causing the sheath 21 to rotate around the central axis AX AroundIt is rotated and can be relatively displaced in the direction of the central axis AX with respect to the sheath 21. The rotary shaft 220 is attached to the first operation input unit 240 so as to rotate as the first operation input unit 240 rotates, and is attached to the proximal end portion of the sheath 21. The first operation input unit 240 is fixed to the needle catheter 40 via the relay catheter 30. Further, the needle catheter 40 is configured such that when the first operation input unit 240 is in the first position, the tip is housed within the sheath 21, and when the first operation input unit 240 is in the second position on the distal end side from the first position, the tip protrudes from the distal end of the sheath 21. According to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, with the tip of the catheter shaft 43 of the needle catheter 40 housed within the sheath 21, the sheath 21 and the catheter shaft 43 can be moved to the chemical solution injection position, and it is possible to prevent the tip of the catheter shaft 43 from damaging the patient's body. Further, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, at the chemical solution injection position, the tip of the catheter shaft 43 can be made to protrude from the distal end of the sheath 21 by an intuitive and simple operation, and the operability of the chemical solution injection device 10 can be improved.

[0091] In addition, in the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, a needle portion 42 is provided at the tip of the catheter shaft 43 of the needle catheter 40. The first operation input portion 240 of the operation portion 23 is attached to the rotary shaft 220 so as to rotate as the rotary shaft 220 rotates around the central axis AX and be relatively displaceable in the central axis AX direction. The needle catheter 40 is configured such that when the first operation input portion 240 is in the first position, the needle portion 42 is accommodated in the sheath 21, and when the first operation input portion 240 is in the second position on the tip side from the first position, the needle portion 42 protrudes from the tip of the sheath 21. Therefore, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, in a state where the needle portion 42 of the needle catheter 40 is accommodated in the sheath 21, the sheath 21 and the needle catheter 40 accommodated in the sheath 21 can be moved to the puncture position, and it is possible to prevent the needle portion 42 from damaging the patient's body. Further, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, at the puncture position, the needle portion 42 can be protruded from the tip of the sheath 21 by an intuitive and simple operation, and the operability of the chemical solution injection device 10 can be improved.

[0092] In addition, the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment further includes a wire 502 slidably inserted into the chemical solution storage lumen 40L of the catheter shaft 43 of the needle catheter 40, and a plunger 50 separate from the operation catheter 20. The plunger 50 has a bobbin 554 for storing the wire 502, and a wire operation portion (a wire rack member 520, a driven gear 570, a wire transmission mechanism 540, and a roller pair 542) for advancing and retracting the wire 502 in the chemical solution storage lumen 40L by sending the wire 502 out of the bobbin 554 or pulling it back into the bobbin 554. Therefore, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the operation of the sheath 21 (and the needle catheter 40 accommodated in the sheath 21) by the operation portion 23 of the operation catheter 20 and the chemical solution discharge operation by the plunger 50 can be executed by different technicians, and as a result, the accuracy of both operations can be improved.

[0093] In addition, in the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the wire operation unit includes a wire rack member 520 formed with a plurality of teeth 523 and performing a rectilinear motion of a predetermined length, a roller pair 542 that sandwiches the wire 502 and moves the wire 502 forward and backward by rotating, and a plurality of gears including a driven gear 570 formed with a plurality of teeth that mesh with the plurality of teeth 523 of the wire rack member 520. The wire operation unit has a wire transmission mechanism 540 that converts the rectilinear motion of the wire rack member 520 into a rotational motion of the roller pair 542 and transmits the motion to the roller pair 542. Therefore, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, by performing an operation to cause the wire rack member 520 to perform a rectilinear motion of a predetermined length, the wire 502 can be advanced by a certain amount within the chemical solution storage lumen 40L. As a result, a certain amount of chemical solution can be discharged from the tip of the needle catheter 40, so that the discharge amount of the chemical solution can be accurately controlled.

[0094] In addition, in the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the plunger 50 further has a first biasing member 519 that biases the wire rack member 520 so as to be separated from the driven gear 570. Therefore, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, when the wire rack member 520 is caused to perform a rectilinear motion unintentionally, the driven gear 570 does not rotate, so that the discharge of the chemical solution due to an erroneous operation can be prevented.

[0095] In addition, in the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the plunger 50 further has a partition wall 516 that allows the wire rack member 520 to move in a direction approaching the driven gear 570 and in a direction away from the driven gear 570 when the wire rack member 520 is at the starting point and the ending point of the linear motion, and restricts the movement of the wire rack member 520 in a direction approaching the driven gear 570 or in a direction away from the driven gear 570 when the wire rack member 520 is at other positions. Therefore, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, during the process of engaging the wire rack member 520 with the driven gear 570 and causing linear motion, it is possible to prevent the wire rack member 520 from unintentionally separating from the driven gear 570 and the discharge amount of the chemical solution accompanying one linear motion of the wire rack member 520 from falling short of the predetermined amount. In addition, when the wire rack member 520 not engaged with the driven gear 570 is at a position other than the starting point and the ending point of the linear motion, it is possible to prevent the wire rack member 520 from unintentionally engaging with the driven gear 570 and causing unintended discharge of the chemical solution, and effectively improve the accuracy of the discharge amount of the chemical solution.

[0096] In addition, in the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the plunger 50 further has a second biasing member 518 that biases the wire rack member 520 toward the starting point of the linear motion. Therefore, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, since it is not necessary for the operator to perform an operation of moving the wire rack member 520 to the position of the starting point of the linear motion, the operability of the chemical solution injection device 10 can be effectively improved.

[0097] In addition, in the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the plunger 50 further includes a counter unit 552 that displays the number of times of the linear motion of the wire rack member 520 by rotating, and a plurality of gears including a driven gear 570 formed with a plurality of teeth that mesh with the plurality of teeth 523 of the wire rack member 520. The counter unit 552 has a counter transmission mechanism 550 that converts the linear motion of the wire rack member 520 into a rotational motion and transmits it to the counter unit 552. Therefore, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, as the linear motion of the wire rack member 520 is executed, the counter unit 552 rotates and the display of the number of times of the linear motion is updated. Thus, the number of times of the linear motion of the wire rack member 520, that is, the amount of the chemical solution already administered can be accurately grasped.

[0098] In addition, in the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, the wire transmission mechanism 540 and the counter transmission mechanism 550 share the driven gear 570. Therefore, according to the chemical solution injection device 10 of the present embodiment, while simplifying the configuration of the plunger 50, it is possible to realize the discharge of the chemical solution and the update of the number display accompanying the linear motion of the wire rack member 520.

[0099] B. Second Embodiment: FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the operation catheter 20a in the second embodiment. Hereinafter, among the configurations of the operation catheter 20a in the second embodiment, the same configurations as those of the operation catheter 20 in the first embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

[0100] In the operating catheter 20a of the second embodiment, the sliding member 230a of the operating portion 23a is composed of a single rack member. That is, the sliding member 230a is a substantially cylindrical rack member formed with a plurality of teeth 234a that mesh with a plurality of teeth of the transmission mechanism 270 on the outer peripheral surface. The sliding member 230a is attached to the rotary shaft 220 so as to rotate as the rotary shaft 220 rotates about the central axis AX. Thus, in the second embodiment, since the sliding member 230a is a substantially cylindrical rack member, the sliding member 230a maintains a state of receiving a force for sliding the sliding member 230a from the transmission mechanism 270 even when the rotary shaft 220 rotates about the central axis AX.

[0101] Thus, in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the sliding member 230a of the operating portion 23a of the operating catheter 20a is configured to maintain a state of receiving a force for sliding the sliding member 230a from the transmission mechanism 270 even when the rotary shaft 220 rotates about the central axis AX. Therefore, the bending operation of the distal end portion of the sheath 21 can be performed regardless of the rotation angle of the sheath 21, and the operability of the chemical solution injection device 10 can be effectively improved.

[0102] Further, in the second embodiment, the sliding member 230a is a substantially cylindrical rack member formed with a plurality of teeth 234a that mesh with a plurality of teeth of the transmission mechanism 270 on the outer peripheral surface, and is attached to the rotary shaft 220 so as to rotate as the rotary shaft 220 rotates about the central axis AX. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the number of parts of the operating portion 23a can be reduced, and the facilitation and efficiency of manufacturing can be realized.

[0103] C. Modification Example: The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified into various forms without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0104] The configuration of the chemical solution injection device 10 in the above embodiment is merely an example and can be variously modified. For example, in the above embodiment, the chemical solution injection device 10 includes the operation catheter 20, the relay catheter 30, the needle catheter 40, the plunger 50, and the wire 502. However, at least one of these can be omitted or changed to another configuration. More specifically, for example, the relay catheter 30 may be omitted, or instead of the plunger 50 and the wire 502 for performing the discharge operation of the chemical solution, the chemical solution discharge may be realized by another configuration. Further, the plunger 50 and the wire 502 do not necessarily have to be used in combination with the operation catheter 20 or the relay catheter 30, and the chemical solution injection device may be configured by the needle catheter 40, the plunger 50, and the wire 502.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the configuration for rotating the sheath 21 in the operation part 23 of the operation catheter 20, the configuration for bending the tip part of the sheath 21, and the configuration for protruding the needle part 42 of the needle catheter 40 from the tip of the sheath 21 are merely examples, and other configurations can be adopted.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the configuration for advancing and retracting the wire 502 in the plunger 50 and the configuration for displaying the number of straight movements of the wire rack member 520 are merely examples, and other configurations can be adopted. Also, in the plunger 50, the first biasing member 519 and / or the second biasing member 518 may be omitted. Further, in the plunger 50, the configuration for displaying the number of straight movements of the wire rack member 520 may be omitted. Also, in the plunger 50, the wire transmission mechanism 540 and the counter transmission mechanism 550 may each have a driven gear 570 individually.

[0107] The method of using the chemical solution injection device 10 in the above embodiment is merely an example, and the chemical solution injection device 10 may be used by other methods.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, the chemical solution injection device 10 including the operation catheter 20 and the needle catheter 40 has been described. However, the technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to such a chemical solution injection device 10, but is applicable to catheter devices in general. For example, the technology disclosed in this specification can be realized as a catheter device that includes the operation catheter 20 but does not include the needle catheter 40. Even in such a catheter device, the operation catheter 20 has a sheath 21 and an operation unit 23 attached to the proximal end portion of the sheath 21 for operating the sheath 21. If the operation unit 23 is configured to have a rotation operation unit that rotates the sheath 21 around the central axis of the sheath 21 and a bending operation unit that bends the distal end portion of the sheath 21, the position and orientation of the distal end portion of the sheath 21 can be freely changed by the rotation operation unit and the bending operation unit, and the operability of the catheter device can be improved.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0109] 10: Liquid injection device 20: Operating catheter 21: Sheath 22: Lumen 23: Operating section 30: Relay catheter 40: Needle catheter 40L: Liquid medicine storage lumen 41: Shaft main body section 42: Needle section 43: Catheter shaft 45: Connector 50: Plunger 210: Housing 211: Tip side guide section 212: Base end side guide section 220: Rotating shaft 221: Tip portion 222: Base end portion 223: Lumen 226: Operating wire 230: Sliding member 231: Rack member 232: Core member 234: Teeth 235: Tip portion 236: Intermediate portion 237: Base end portion 240: First operation input section 241: Connection main body section 242: Annular member 243: Connection member 244: Lumen 245: Diameter expansion section 248: First dial 260: Second operation input section 268: Second dial 269: Stopper 270: Transmission mechanism 271, 272, 273: Gears 502: Wire 510: Housing 511: Tip surface 512: Guide groove 514: Window 516: Partition wall 517: Notch 518: Second biasing member 519: First biasing member 520: Wire rack member 521: Protrusion 522: Base portion 523: Teeth 524: Fin portion 530: Rack case 533: Opening 535: Groove 540: Wire transmission mechanism 542: Roller pair 550: Counter transmission mechanism 552: Counter section 554: Bobbin 570: Driven gear AX: Central axis DS: Liquid medicine

Claims

1. A catheter device, comprising: a first catheter having a first catheter shaft and an operation unit attached to a proximal end portion of the first catheter shaft for operating the first catheter shaft; wherein the operation unit includes a rotation operation unit that rotates the first catheter shaft around the central axis of the first catheter shaft, the rotation operation unit being a part of the operation unit, and a bending operation unit that bends a distal end portion of the first catheter shaft; and the rotation operation unit includes a first operation input unit that rotates around the central axis in accordance with an operation by an operator, thereby rotating the first catheter shaft around the central axis and being relatively displaceable in the central axis direction with respect to the first catheter shaft, and a rotation shaft that is attached to the first operation input unit so as to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the first operation input unit and is attached to the proximal end portion of the first catheter shaft; and is a catheter device.

2. The catheter device according to claim 1, wherein the bending operation unit includes a sliding member slidably attached to the rotation shaft in the central axis direction, an operation wire connecting the sliding member and the distal end portion of the first catheter shaft, a second operation input unit that rotates in accordance with an operation by an operator, and a transmission mechanism that converts the rotational force of the second operation input unit into a force for sliding the sliding member and transmits the force to the sliding member; and is a catheter device.

3. The catheter device according to claim 2, wherein the sliding member is configured to maintain a state of receiving a force for sliding the sliding member from the transmission mechanism even when the rotation shaft rotates around the central axis. is a catheter device.

4. The catheter device according to claim 3, wherein the sliding member includes a core member attached to the rotation shaft so as to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the rotation shaft around the central axis, and a rack member attached to the core member so as to be relatively rotatable around the central axis and slidable in accordance with the sliding of the core member in the central axis direction, the rack member having a plurality of teeth meshing with a plurality of teeth of the transmission mechanism; and is a catheter device.

5. The catheter device according to claim 3, The sliding member is a substantially cylindrical rack member having a plurality of teeth formed on its outer peripheral surface and meshing with the plurality of teeth of the transmission mechanism, and is attached to the rotating shaft so as to rotate as the rotating shaft rotates around the central axis. Catheter device. **Claim 6** The catheter device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and A second catheter having a second catheter shaft slidably inserted into the first catheter shaft through the operation unit and having a chemical solution storage lumen for storing a chemical solution. Comprising Chemical solution injection device. **Claim 7** The chemical solution injection device according to claim 6, wherein The rotation operation unit By rotating around the central axis with the operation by the operator, the first catheter shaft is rotated around the central axis, and a first operation input unit that is relatively displaceable in the central axis direction with respect to the first catheter shaft. A rotating shaft that is attached to the first operation input unit so as to rotate with the rotation of the first operation input unit and is attached to the proximal end portion of the first catheter shaft. Having The first operation input unit is fixed to the second catheter directly or via another member. When the first operation input unit is in the first position, the distal end of the second catheter is accommodated in the first catheter shaft, and when the first operation input unit is in a second position on the distal end side of the first position, the distal end is configured to protrude from the distal end of the first catheter shaft. Chemical solution injection device. **Claim 8** The chemical solution injection device according to claim 7, wherein A needle portion is provided at the distal end of the second catheter shaft. The first operation input unit of the rotation operation unit is attached to the rotation shaft so as to rotate with the rotation of the rotation shaft around the central axis and be relatively displaceable in the central axis direction. When the first operation input unit is in the first position, the needle portion is accommodated in the first catheter shaft, and when the first operation input unit is in the second position, the needle portion is configured to protrude from the distal end of the first catheter shaft. Chemical solution injection device. **Claim 9** The chemical solution injection device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further A wire slidably inserted into the chemical solution storage lumen of the second catheter shaft, A plunger separate from the first catheter, Comprising, The plunger, A wire storage part for storing the wire, A wire operation part for advancing and retracting the wire in the chemical solution storage lumen by sending out the wire from the wire storage part or pulling it back into the wire storage part, Having, Chemical solution injection device.

10. The chemical solution injection device according to claim 9, The wire operation part, A wire rack member formed with a plurality of teeth and performing a rectilinear motion of a predetermined length, A pair of rollers that sandwich the wire and advance and retract the wire by rotating, Having a plurality of gears including a driven gear formed with a plurality of teeth meshing with the plurality of teeth of the wire rack member, and a wire transmission mechanism that converts the rectilinear motion of the wire rack member into a rotational motion of the pair of rollers and transmits it to the pair of rollers, Having, Chemical solution injection device.

11. The chemical solution injection device according to claim 10, The plunger further has a first biasing member that biases the wire rack member away from the driven gear, Chemical solution injection device.

12. The chemical solution injection device according to claim 11, The plunger further allows the wire rack member to move in a direction approaching the driven gear and a direction away from the driven gear when the wire rack member is at the start and end points of the rectilinear motion, and restricts the movement of the wire rack member in a direction approaching the driven gear or a direction away from the driven gear when the wire rack member is at other positions. It has a movement restricting part, Chemical solution injection device.

13. The chemical solution injection device according to claim 11 or claim 12, The plunger further has a second biasing member that biases the wire rack member toward the start point of the rectilinear motion, Chemical solution injection device.

14. The chemical solution injection device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, The plunger further, A counter part that displays the number of times of performing the rectilinear motion of the wire rack member by rotating, It has a plurality of gears including a driven gear formed with a plurality of teeth that mesh with the plurality of teeth of the rack member for the wire, and a counter transmission mechanism that converts the linear motion of the rack member for the wire into a rotational motion of the counter portion and transmits it to the counter portion while having a chemical solution injection device.

15. A chemical solution injection device according to claim 14, wherein the wire transmission mechanism and the counter transmission mechanism share the driven gear. A chemical solution injection device.

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