Container for the dipped member

Abstract

To provide a container for a member to be immersed which can simultaneously and reliably immerse a plurality of immersed members in a liquid.SOLUTION: In a container 1 for a member to be immersed of the invention, a tubular nerve regeneration guide tube 100 and a fiber bundle 101 that can be accommodated in an inner space 103 thereof are immersed in a liquid. The container 1 for a member to be immersed comprises: a liquid tank 14 surrounded by opposing sides 26; a first support groove 30 extending outward from the opposing sides 26 along a horizontal first direction L1 to support a central section 104 of a nerve regeneration induction tube 100 for floating; and a second support groove 31 extending outward from the opposing sides 26 along a horizontal second direction L2 to support a central section 105 of the fiber bundle 101 for floating. The depth D10 of the second support groove 31 is deeper than the depth D5 of the portion of the first support groove 30 located in the liquid tank 14, and the first support groove 30 is provided with a locking section 35 that stops the nerve regeneration guide tube 100 from floating.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for an immersed member for immersing an immersed member in physiological saline or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Patients who have suffered injuries to nerves, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, or organs, etc. undergo regenerative treatment to treat the injured site.

[0003] For example, when regenerating a severed nerve, the severed nerve ends are inserted from both ends of a tubular body made of a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material such as collagen, and the tubular body and the nerve are sutured with a biological suture to regenerate the nerve (Patent Document 1).

[0004] At this time, a sponge-like matrix made of a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material such as collagen or / and a linear nerve guiding member may be formed at the site where the nerve tissue is damaged and used as a scaffold for nerve tissue regeneration. Even when the nerve is damaged but has not reached severance, it is also possible to perform a procedure in which a sponge-like matrix is placed along the damaged site of the nerve tissue and the surrounding area is covered with a tubular body. According to this surgical method, both the tubular body and the sponge-like matrix are required, but it is necessary to immerse them in a liquid such as physiological saline in advance for a predetermined time to change them from a dry state to a swollen state before the surgery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, when the tubular body and the sponge-like matrix are separately prepared by immersing them in a liquid, it is necessary to perform the immersion operations separately, which is time-consuming.

[0007] Further, when the tubular body and the sponge-like matrix are simultaneously immersed in a liquid while arranged in the same container, since the sponge-like matrix is thinner than the tubular body and its outer shape is more likely to deform, it is not easy to keep it from floating in the immersed state in the container.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a container for immersed members that can simultaneously and surely immerse a plurality of immersed members in a liquid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] (1) The container for immersed members according to the present invention is a container for immersed members for immersing a tubular first immersed member and a second immersed member that can be housed in the internal space of the first immersed member in a liquid, and includes a liquid tank having a space surrounded by at least opposing walls and opening upward, and first support grooves that extend outward along a first direction along the horizontal direction from the opposing walls of the liquid tank and open upward, and support both ends of the first immersed member so that the central portion of the first immersed member floats in the liquid tank; and second support grooves that extend outward along a second direction along the horizontal direction from the opposing walls of the liquid tank and open upward, and support both side portions of the second immersed member so that the central portion of the second immersed member floats in the liquid tank. The depth of the portion of the second support groove located in the liquid tank is deeper than the depth of the portion of the first support groove located in the liquid tank, and at least one of the first support grooves is provided with a locking portion for preventing the first immersed member from floating up.

[0010] The first immersed member is supported by the first support groove, and below it, the second immersed member is supported by the second support groove. Thereby, when immersed in physiological saline, the floating of the second immersed member is prevented by the first immersed member. In addition, a space is formed between the second immersed member supported by the second support groove and the bottom surface of the liquid tank, making it easier to pick up the first immersed member and the second immersed member with fingers or tweezers.

[0011] (2) Preferably, the container for the immersed member further includes an overflow storage portion that stores the liquid overflowing from the liquid tank and the first support groove so that the liquid can flow into the liquid tank and the first support groove mutually.

[0012] Even when the gap between the first support groove and the first immersed member is narrow and the injected liquid hardly flows through the first support groove, the first immersed member is surely immersed in the liquid by the inflow of the liquid from the liquid tank.

[0013] (3) Preferably, at at least one of the extending tips of the first support groove, a guiding portion is arranged to guide the liquid flowing from the overflow storage portion to the extending tip of the first support groove to the liquid tank side of the first support groove.

[0014] Since the liquid for immersing the first immersed member is guided from the overflow storage portion to the guiding portion and flows to the liquid tank side, the inflowing liquid is quickly supplied to the first immersed member.

[0015] (4) Preferably, the guiding portion is arranged only on one side of the first support groove, the end surface of one of the first support grooves descends from the guiding portion toward the liquid tank, and the end surface of the other first support groove descends from the liquid tank toward the extending tip.

[0016] Since the first immersed member arranged in the first support groove is supported in a posture inclined vertically with the guiding portion side upward, the liquid easily flows from the guiding portion into the internal space of the first immersed member. Also, the air is easily discharged from the internal space of the first immersed member.

[0017] (5) Preferably, the locking portion is a convex portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the first immersed member in the first support groove.

[0018] The floating of the first immersed member can be prevented.

[0019] (6) Preferably, it also serves as a packing material for the first immersed member and the second immersed member.

[0020] By injecting liquid into the liquid tank during use, both the first immersed member and the second immersed member can be simultaneously immersed in the liquid, and the preparation for the treatment can be carried out easily and quickly.

[0021] (7) Preferably, the first immersed member and the second immersed member are sealed and sterilized.

[0022] Since the first immersed member and the second immersed member are sterilized in a sealed state and not touched by human hands before the treatment, they can be used in a hygienic state.

[0023] (8) Preferably, the first immersed member has a slit formed from one end side to the other end side.

[0024] The slit can be opened to cover the first immersed member around a tubular nerve or the like, or the second immersed member can be disposed inside. Therefore, it is possible to perform the treatment on the affected part that is not broken.

[0025] (9) Preferably, the second immersed member is a plurality of rod-shaped bundles.

[0026] (10) Preferably, the second immersed member is a plurality of fibrous bundles.

[0027] (11) Preferably, the second immersed member is a plurality of sponge-like bundles.

[0028] Since the fiber bundle is sponge-like, it has good water absorption and can shorten the immersion time.

[0029] (12) Preferably, the first member to be immersed and the second member to be immersed are medical members made of biodegradable materials or bioabsorbable materials.

[0030] (13) Preferably, the first member to be immersed and the second member to be immersed are collagen.

Advantages of the Invention

[0031] According to the container for members to be immersed of the present invention, a plurality of members to be immersed can be simultaneously and surely immersed in a liquid.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that this embodiment is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment can be changed without changing the gist of the present invention. In the following description, the thickness direction of the container 1 for the member to be immersed is defined as the vertical direction 5, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction 5 and in which the first support groove 30 extends is defined as the horizontal direction 6, and the direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction 5 and the horizontal direction 6 and in which the depth direction of the container 1 for the member to be immersed is defined as the front-rear direction 7.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the container 1 for the member to be immersed is a container 1 for immersing a nerve regeneration induction tube 100 (an example of the first member to be immersed) and a fiber bundle 101 (an example of the second member to be immersed), which are members to be immersed, in physiological saline (an example of a liquid). Further, the container 1 for the member to be immersed is also a packaging material for the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101. The container 1 for the member to be immersed is sterilized by being housed in an aluminum bag or a gas-permeable bag or the like in a state where the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 are sealed. The sterilization treatment can be performed by γ-ray sterilization, EOG sterilization, steam pressure sterilization, electron beam sterilization, etc. In particular, γ-ray sterilization or electron beam sterilization is suitable for the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101. In FIG. 1, the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 are omitted and only the container 1 for the member to be immersed is shown, and in FIGS. 2 to 4, the container 1 for the member to be immersed in a state where the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 are housed is shown.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 is a long tubular body formed in a tubular shape so as to be able to cover a severed nerve end or a nerve that has been damaged even before severance. The nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 changes to a swollen state having flexibility by being immersed in physiological saline for a predetermined time. A slit 102 is formed in the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 from one end side in the longitudinal direction to the other end side. By opening the slit 102, a nerve end or a fiber bundle 101 can be inserted into the internal space 103 of the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100. The inner diameter and the outer diameter of the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 are set according to the thickness of the nerve to be inserted. When it is used for the regeneration of peripheral nerves or spinal nerves, usually, the outer diameter is set in the range of about 0.3 to 20 mm, the inner diameter is set in the range of about 0.1 to 10 mm, and the wall thickness is set in the range of about 0.1 to 5 mm. Further, the length of the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 can be arbitrarily set. Also, the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 can be cut to a required length at a part on the designated side during the operation. The nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 is preferably formed of a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material. As the biodegradable material, for example, proteins such as collagen and gelatin, polypeptides or their derivatives are used. As the bioabsorbable material, for example, proteins, polypeptides or their derivatives, polysaccharides such as chitin and chitosan or their derivatives, fatty acid polyesters such as polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, a copolymer of glycolic acid and lactic acid, a copolymer of lactic acid and ε-aminocaproic acid, and lactide polymers are used. Among these, collagen is particularly preferred.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the fiber bundle 101 is a bundle in which a plurality of rod-shaped materials made of a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material such as collagen are bundled together. In FIGS. 1 to 4, for the sake of convenience, the outer shapes of the plurality of rod-shaped materials 101a are omitted and only the outer shape of the fiber bundle 101 is shown, but the fiber bundle 101 is a plurality of rod-shaped bundles as shown in FIG. 5(A). The fiber bundle 101 serves as a scaffold for nerve tissue regeneration in a state of being housed in the internal space 103 of the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 during the treatment. The fiber bundle 101 is made of the same material as the nerve regeneration induction tube 100. The fiber bundle 101 changes to a swollen state having flexibility by being immersed in physiological saline for a predetermined time. The length of the fiber bundle 101 is used in a state about 5 mm shorter than the length of the nerve regeneration induction tube 100. The fiber bundle 101 can be cut to a length required during the treatment, similar to the nerve regeneration induction tube 100. The fiber bundle 101 only needs to have a dimension such that the thickest part fits inside the nerve regeneration induction tube 100.

[0037] The container 1 for the member to be immersed houses the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101, and is a container for immersing the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 in a liquid such as purified water or physiological saline. The container 1 for the member to be immersed is formed by molding a synthetic resin sheet. The container 1 for the member to be immersed has a seal surface 10, an edge portion 11, a step portion 12, an overflow storage portion 13, a liquid tank 14, and a support groove 15. The liquid tank 14, the support groove 15, and the overflow storage portion 13 can store a liquid.

[0038] The seal surface 10 is an area where a film 18 (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2) is pasted in order to seal the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 in the container 1 for the member to be immersed. The seal surface 10 is a flat surface facing upward.

[0039] The edge portion 11 is located outside the front-rear direction 7 of the sealing surface 10. The edge portion 11 protrudes upward from the sealing surface 10. The edge portion 11 extends in the left-right direction 6 outside the sealing surface 10. The edge portion 11 positions the film 18. Also, the edge portion 11 suppresses the film 18 attached to the sealing surface 10 from contacting an outer box or the like in which the container 1 for the member to be immersed is stored.

[0040] The step portion 12 is a portion formed to facilitate pinching the end portion of the film 18 when peeling off the film 18 attached to the sealing surface 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the step portion 12 is located outside the left and right of the sealing surface 10. The step portion 12 has a lower portion 19 and a higher portion 20. The lower portion 19 is at a position lower than the sealing surface 10 in the vertical direction 5. The higher portion 20 protrudes upward from the lower portion 19 to the same position as the sealing surface 10. The left and right end portions of the film 18 attached to the sealing surface 10 extend onto the step portion 12. The left and right end portions of the film 18 extending from the sealing surface 10 are attached to the higher portion 20. Thereby, a gap is formed between the left and right end portions of the film 18 and the lower portion 19, and this gap becomes a portion that sandwiches the film 18.

[0041] The overflow storage portion 13 is located above the liquid tank 14 and the support groove 15. The overflow storage portion 13 is located inside the sealing surface 10. The overflow storage portion 13 can store liquid inside the sealing surface 10. The overflow storage portion 13 has a bottom surface 24 and a peripheral surface 25, and is open at the top.

[0042] The bottom surface 24 forms the bottom surface of the overflow storage portion 13. The bottom surface 24 is a flat surface. The peripheral surface 25 extends upward from the outer edge of the bottom surface 24 and connects to the sealing surface 10.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid tank 14 has four side surfaces 26 facing each other in the left - right direction 6 and the front - rear direction 7 inside the lower surface 24 of the overflow storage portion 13, and a bottom surface 27. The liquid tank 14 is substantially rectangular in plan view. The liquid tank 14 is open at the top and communicates with the overflow storage portion 13. The width D1 of the liquid tank 14 along the left - right direction 6 (see FIG. 2) is shorter than the length from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction (left - right direction in FIG. 2) of the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 packed in the container 1 for the member to be immersed. The depth D2 of the liquid tank 14 along the front - rear direction 7 (see FIG. 2) is the distance between the side surfaces 26 facing each other in the front - rear direction 7 of the liquid tank 14, and is sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the thickness of the fiber bundle 101 so that a finger or forceps can be inserted into the liquid tank 14 to hold the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101. The depth D3 from the lower surface 24 of the overflow storage portion 13 to the bottom surface 27 of the liquid tank 14, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, is larger than the outer diameter of the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the thickness of the fiber bundle 101.

[0044] The support groove 15 has a first support groove 30 and a second support groove 31. The first support groove 30 and the second support groove 31 differ in the direction in which the groove extends and the depth.

[0045] The first support groove 30 can accommodate the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and store liquid. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first support groove 30 extends outward along the first direction L1 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) along the horizontal direction from the approximate center on the upper - end side of the two side surfaces 26 facing each other in the left - right direction 6 of the liquid tank 14. In the present embodiment, the first direction L1 is along the left - right direction 6. The first support groove 30 opens on the side surface 26 and communicates with the liquid tank 14. The first support groove 30 is open at the top and communicates with the overflow storage portion 13. The groove width D4 of the first support groove 30 along the front - rear direction 7 is slightly wider than the outer diameter of the nerve regeneration induction tube 100.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the length along the first direction L1 by the first support groove 30 and the liquid tank 14 is longer than the length from one longitudinal end to the other end of the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100. By fitting both ends of the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 into the first support groove 30, the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 is accommodated in the space formed by the liquid tank 14 and the first support groove 30. The first support groove 30 supports both ends of the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 in a state where the central portion 104 of the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 floats in the liquid tank 14, that is, in a state where the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 is separated upward from the bottom surface 27 of the liquid tank 14.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the first support groove 30 has a first end surface 32 (an example of an end surface) and a second end surface 33 (an example of an end surface). The first end surface 32 is the bottom surface of the first support groove 30 extending rightward from the liquid tank 14 in FIG. 3. The first end surface 32 is an inclined surface descending from the extending tip 34 (the right end in FIG. 3) toward the liquid tank 14 (leftward). The second end surface 33 is the bottom surface of the first support groove 30 extending leftward from the liquid tank 14 in FIG. 3. The second end surface 33 is an inclined surface descending from the liquid tank 14 toward the extending tip 34 (the left end in FIG. 3). The first end surface 32 and the second end surface 33 are linearly continuous inclined surfaces.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the depth D5 (the distance along the vertical direction 5 between the first end surface 32 and the lower surface 24) from the lower surface 24 of the portion where the two first support grooves 30 open to the liquid tank 14 is shallower than the depth D3 of the liquid tank 14 from the lower surface 24 (the distance along the vertical direction 5 between the lower surface 24 and the bottom surface 27). The first end surface 32 and the second end surface 33 each extend into the liquid tank 14 from the opposing side surfaces 26 in the left - right direction 6 of the liquid tank 14. The first end surface 32 and the second end surface 33 are not continuous in the central portion in the left - right direction 6 of the liquid tank 14. The space between the first end surface 32 and the second end surface 33 in the liquid tank 14 is a space S (see FIG. 3) where the fiber bundle 101 can be arranged below the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 when the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 is accommodated in the first support groove 30. In the space S, the height (the distance along the vertical direction 5) from the bottom surface 27 of the liquid tank 14 to the first end surface 32 is higher than the height (the distance along the vertical direction 5) from the bottom surface 27 of the liquid tank 14 to the second end surface 33.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in a first support groove 30 extending leftward from the liquid tank 14, three locking portions 35 for preventing the nerve regeneration guiding tube 100 from rising are provided. The locking portion 35 is a convex portion protruding in the width direction of the first support groove 30 (the front-rear direction 7 in FIG. 2, the direction orthogonal to the first direction L1) near the upper end of the inner surface of the first support groove 30. The three locking portions 35 are arranged alternately in the width direction along the first direction L1. Each locking portion 35 has a dome shape, and the protruding dimension is less than or equal to half of the dimension in the width direction of the opening of the first support groove 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the locking portion 35 is arranged at a position higher than the height position corresponding to the radius of the nerve regeneration guiding tube 100 from the second end surface 33 in the first support groove 30.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, at the extending tip 34 of the first support groove 30 extending rightward from the liquid tank 14, a guide portion 21 recessed downward from the lower surface 24 of the overflow storage portion 13 is arranged. The guide portion 21 is open upward and communicates with the overflow storage portion 13. The guide portion 21 also communicates with the extending tip 34 of the first support groove 30. The width D6 along the front-rear direction 7 of the guide portion 21 is wider than the groove width D4 along the front-rear direction 7 of the first support groove 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the depth D7 from the lower surface 24 of the guide portion 21 is shallower than the depth D8 at the extending tip 34 of the first support groove 30.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, on the lower surface 24 of the overflow storage portion 13, a mark M for indicating the position for injecting liquid is formed. By injecting the liquid from the guide portion 21 at the position of the mark M, the liquid easily flows into the internal space 103 of the nerve regeneration guiding tube 100, and it is also difficult for air to remain in the internal space 103. Note that the liquid may be injected from a location other than the guide portion 21 with the mark M attached.

[0052] The second support groove 31 accommodates the fiber bundle 101 and can store liquid. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the second support grooves 31 extend outward along the second direction L2 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) along the horizontal direction from the ends of the side surfaces 26 facing the left-right direction 6 of the liquid tank 14. The second support groove 31 is open upward and communicates with the overflow storage portion 13. The second support groove 31 is open to the side surface 26 and communicates with the liquid tank 14. The groove width D9 (see FIG. 2) of the second support groove 31 is wider than the thickest part of the fiber bundle 101.

[0053] The depth D10 from the lower surface 24 along the vertical direction 5 of the second support groove 31 is shallower than the depth D3 of the liquid tank 14 from the lower surface 24. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the second direction L2 intersects the first direction L1. In the present embodiment, the acute angle formed by the first direction L1 and the second direction L2 is 45° or less. By intersecting the first direction L1 and the second direction L2 at 45° or less, it is possible to reduce the dimension along the front-rear direction 7 of the container 1 for the member to be immersed having the first support groove 30 and the second support groove 31 and make it smaller. As shown in FIG. 3, the depth D10 from the lower surface 24 of the portion where the second support groove 31 opens to the side surface 26 of the liquid tank 14 is deeper than the depth D5 from the lower surface 24 of the portion where the first support groove 30 opens to the side surface 26 of the liquid tank 14 by more than the thickness of the fiber bundle 101. For this reason, the central portion 105 of the fiber bundle 101 accommodated in the second support groove 31 is located below the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 accommodated in the first support groove 30.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the length along the second direction L2 of the space formed by the second support groove 31 and the liquid tank 14 is longer than the length from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the fiber bundle 101. By fitting both ends of the fiber bundle 101 into the second support groove 31, the fiber bundle 101 is accommodated in the space formed by the liquid tank 14 and the second support groove 31. The second support groove 31 supports both ends of the fiber bundle 101 in a state where the central portion 105 of the fiber bundle 101 floats in the liquid tank 14, that is, in a state where the fiber bundle 101 is separated upward from the bottom surface 27 of the liquid tank 14. The central portion 105 of the fiber bundle 101 is located at the center in the left - right direction 6 and the front - rear direction 7 of the liquid tank 14 and is located below the nerve regeneration induction tube 100.

[0055] 〔Method of using the container 1 for the member to be immersed〕 When the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 are used in the operation, the outer box or outer bag is opened, and the container 1 for the member to be immersed in which the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 are accommodated is taken out.

[0056] The user first peels off the film 18 from the container 1 for the member to be immersed. At this time, the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 is accommodated in the first support groove 30, and the fiber bundle 101 is located below the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 in a state of being accommodated in the second support groove 31.

[0057] Next, the user injects a liquid such as physiological saline or purified water from a position M into the guide portion 21 of the container 1 for the member to be immersed using a syringe or the like.

[0058] The liquid injected into the guide portion 21 flows toward the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 from the opening to the first support groove 30, flows through the internal space 103 of the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and then flows down, or flows from the first support groove 30 into the liquid tank 14 and the second support groove 31. When the liquid flows through the internal space 103 of the nerve regeneration induction tube 100, the entire internal space 103 of the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 is immersed without leaving air. In addition, the liquid may be directly injected into the liquid tank 14 or the second support groove 31 in addition to the position M.

[0059] Liquid is injected until the liquid tank 14, the first support groove 30, and the second support groove 31 are completely filled. The liquid that overflows from the liquid tank 14 and the first support groove 30 overflows into the overflow storage portion 13, but the liquid that overflows into the overflow storage portion 13 can flow back into the liquid tank 14 and the first support groove 30 from the overflow storage portion 13. Accordingly, even when injecting liquid until the liquid tank 14, the first support groove 30, and the second support groove 31 are completely filled, the liquid does not overflow to the outside from the container 1 for the member to be immersed, and the liquid can be quickly and surely injected into the liquid tank 14, the first support groove 30, and the second support groove 31.

[0060] When injecting liquid into the container 1 for the member to be immersed, or during the period from injecting the liquid until the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 are swollen with the liquid, the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 may try to float due to buoyancy. However, since the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 housed in the first support groove 30 is prevented from floating by the locking portion 35, the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 does not float and is not exposed from the liquid level of the liquid filling the first support groove 30. Further, since the fiber bundle 101 is prevented from floating by the nerve regeneration induction tube 100, the fiber bundle 101 is not exposed from the liquid level of the liquid filling the second support groove 31.

[0061] When the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 are immersed in the liquid for a predetermined time, they are in a swollen state.

[0062] After the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 are in a swollen state, the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 are taken out from the container 1 for the member to be immersed. At this time, the liquid may or may not be discharged from the container 1 for the member to be immersed. Since the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 are in a state of being separated upward from the bottom surface 27 of the liquid tank 14, in the liquid tank 14, it is easy to hold the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 with tweezers or the like, respectively. Further, if necessary, the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 may be cut.

[0063] [Operational Effects of Embodiment] According to the above-described embodiment, since the depth of the first support groove 30 is deeper than the depth corresponding to the outer diameter of the nerve regeneration induction tube 100, and the depth D10 from the lower surface 24 of the second support groove 31 is larger than the dimension in the overlapping direction in a state where the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 are crossed and overlapped, the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 can be supported by the locking portion 35 in the first support groove 30, and below that, the fiber bundle 101 can be supported in the second support groove 31. In this state, since the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 is locked by the locking portion 35, the lifting of the fiber bundle 101 is stopped by the nerve regeneration induction tube 100. In addition, since a space S is formed between the fiber bundle 101 supported by the second support groove 31 and the bottom surface 27 of the liquid tank 14, it becomes easier to hold the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 with fingers or tweezers.

[0064] Further, even when the gap between the first support groove 30 and the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 supported in the first support groove 30 is narrow and the injected physiological saline hardly flows through the gap between the first support groove 30 and the nerve regeneration induction tube 100, the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 is surely immersed in the physiological saline by the inflow of the physiological saline from the liquid tank 14.

[0065] Moreover, since the physiological saline for immersing the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 is guided from the overflow storage portion 13 to the guide portion 21 and flows toward the liquid tank 14 side, the physiological saline flowing in with increased momentum along the step of the guide portion 21 is quickly supplied to the nerve regeneration induction tube 100.

[0066] In addition, since the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 disposed in the first support groove 30 is supported in a posture inclined up and down with the guide portion 21 side as the upper side, the physiological saline easily flows into the internal space 103 of the nerve regeneration induction tube 100 from the guide portion 21. Also, since the physiological saline directly flows into the internal space 103 of the nerve regeneration induction tube 100, the air is easily discharged from the internal space.

[0067] In addition, in the first support groove 30, since the convex portion protrudes in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the nerve regeneration guiding tube 100, the convex portion locks the nerve regeneration guiding tube 100 to prevent the nerve regeneration guiding tube 100 from rising.

[0068] In addition, since the nerve regeneration guiding tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 are sterilized in a sealed state together, they are not touched by human hands before the operation, and the nerve regeneration guiding tube 100 and the fiber bundle 101 can be used in a hygienic state.

[0069] In addition, the slit 102 formed in the nerve regeneration guiding tube 100 can be opened to cover the periphery of a tubular nerve or the like, or the fiber bundle 101 can be disposed inside. Therefore, it is possible to cover the affected part in a non-fractured state with the nerve regeneration guiding tube 100 for treatment.

[0070] [Modification Example] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the fiber bundle 101 is a bundle in which a plurality of rod-shaped materials 101a made of a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material such as collagen are bundled together has been described as an example (see FIG. 5(A)). However, as shown in FIG. 5(B), the fiber bundle may be a fiber bundle 101B in which a plurality of fibers 101b are bundled together.

[0071] In addition, as shown in FIG. 5(C), the fiber bundle may be a fiber bundle 101C in which a plurality of long and thin sponge-like materials are bundled together. Specifically, the fiber bundle 101C is a bundle of porous bodies 101c in which a plurality of minute spaces 107 are formed. In the fiber bundle 101C, since the minute spaces 107 are continuously formed, the water absorption is good and the immersion time can be shortened.

[0072] In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the container is for immersing two immersed members, i.e., the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 and the fiber bundle 101, has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 and the fiber bundle 101 may each be composed of a plurality of members, and the container 1 for the immersed members for immersing these may be composed of three or more support grooves 15 capable of accommodating a plurality of immersed members in a state where they intersect and overlap.

[0073] In addition, the fiber bundle 101 has been described by taking as an example the case where it is a bundle in which a plurality of rod-shaped members made of a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material such as collagen are bundled together. However, the specific shape of the fiber bundle 101 may be, for example, a flat plate shape.

[0074] In addition, the first support groove 30 and the second support groove 31 have been described by taking as an example the case where they each extend outward from the side surface 26 facing the left-right direction 6 of the liquid tank 14 along the first direction L1 and the second direction L2. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first support groove 30 may extend outward from the side surface 26 facing the left-right direction 6 of the liquid tank 14, and the second support groove 31 may be configured to extend outward from the side surface 26 facing the front-rear direction 7 of the liquid tank 14. More specifically, the angle formed by the first direction L1 with respect to the second direction L2 may be set between 45° and 135° described above, and may intersect at, for example, 90°.

[0075] In addition, the guide portion 21 has been described by taking as an example the case where it is arranged adjacent to the extending tip 34 of one of the first support grooves 30 shown on the right side in FIG. 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the guide portion 21 may be arranged adjacent to the extending tip 34 of the other first support groove 30 shown on the left side in FIG. 2. At this time, the end surface of the support groove 15 descends from the extending tip 34 adjacent to the guide portion 21 toward the other extending tip 34.

[0076] In addition, although the locking portion 35 for locking the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 has been described by taking the case where it has an arcuate cross-section in the first support groove 30 as an example, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the locking portion 35 may be hemispherical or may have other shapes such as ridges. That is, the locking portion 35 is arranged such that the groove width D4 of the first support groove 30 is narrower than the outer diameter dimension of the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 and protrudes at a position higher than the central position of the nerve regeneration induction conduit 100 accommodated in the first support groove 30.

[0077] In addition, although the case where three locking portions 35 are arranged in the first support groove 30 has been described by taking it as an example, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, one or two locking portions 35 may be arranged in the first support groove 30, or four or more locking portions 35 may be arranged.

[0078] In addition, although the guide portion 21 has been described by taking the case where it is recessed stepwise from the lower surface 24 of the overflow storage portion 13 as an example, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the guide portion 21 may be a surface that slopes so as to become deeper toward the liquid tank 14 side.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0079] 1 ··· Container for the member to be immersed 13 ··· Overflow storage portion 14 ··· Liquid tank 21 ··· Guide portion 26 ··· Side wall (wall) 30 ··· First support groove (support groove) 31 ··· Second support groove (support groove) 32 ··· First end surface (end surface) 33 ··· Second end surface (end surface) 35 ··· Locking portion 100 ··· Nerve regeneration induction conduit (first member to be immersed) 101, 101B, 101C ··· Fiber bundle (second member to be immersed) 102 ··· Slit 103 ··· Internal space 104 ··· Central portion of the nerve regeneration induction conduit 105 ··· Central part of the fiber bundle L1 ··· First direction L2 ··· Second direction

Claims

1. A container for immersion members for immersing a tubular first immersion member and a second immersion member that can be accommodated in the internal space of the first immersion member in a liquid, comprising: a liquid tank having a space surrounded by at least opposing walls and opening upward; first support grooves that extend outward from opposing walls of the liquid tank along a first direction in the horizontal direction and open upward, and support both ends of the first immersion member so that the central portion of the first immersion member floats in the liquid tank; second support grooves that extend outward from opposing walls of the liquid tank along a second direction in the horizontal direction and open upward, and support both side portions of the second immersion member so that the central portion of the second immersion member floats in the liquid tank; the depth of the portion of the second support groove located in the liquid tank is deeper than the depth of the portion of the first support groove located in the liquid tank; An immersion member container in which at least one of the first support grooves is provided with a locking portion for preventing the first immersion member from floating up.

2. The immersion member container according to claim 1, further comprising an overflow storage portion that stores the liquid overflowing from the liquid tank and the first support groove so that the liquid can flow into each other between the liquid tank and the first support groove.

3. The immersion member container according to claim 2, wherein a guiding portion for guiding the liquid flowing from the overflow storage portion to the extending tip of the first support groove to the liquid tank side is disposed at the extending tip of at least one of the first support grooves.

4. The guiding portion is disposed only on one of the first support grooves; the end surface of one of the first support grooves descends from the guiding portion toward the liquid tank; the end surface of the other first support groove descends from the liquid tank toward the extending tip. The immersion member container according to claim 3.

5. The immersion member container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking portion is a convex portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the first immersion member in the first support groove.

6. The immersion member container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which also serves as a packing material for the first immersion member and the second immersion member.

7. The immersion member container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the first immersion member and the second immersion member are sealed and sterilized.

8. The container for the member to be immersed according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first member to be immersed has a slit formed from one end side to the other end side.

9. The container for the member to be immersed according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second member to be immersed is a plurality of rod-shaped bundles.

10. The container for the member to be immersed according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second member to be immersed is a plurality of fibrous bundles.

11. The container for the member to be immersed according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second member to be immersed is a plurality of sponge-like bundles.

12. The container for the member to be immersed according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first member to be immersed and the second member to be immersed are medical members made of a biodegradable material or a bioabsorbable material.

13. The container for the member to be immersed according to claim 12, wherein the first member to be immersed and the second member to be immersed are collagen.

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