Catheter system

Abstract

To provide a catheter system that has eliminated a risk of an endoscope being reused though an endoscope is a disposable item.SOLUTION: A catheter system 10 includes a catheter 12 and an endoscope 14. In an engagement part 102 and a slipping-out stopping part 112, the slipping-out stopping part 112 can pass through the engagement part 102 toward the tip direction of the catheter 12, and when a linear part 110 is moved in a proximal end direction of the catheter 12 with respect to the catheter 12, the slipping-out stopping part 112 comes in contact with the engagement part 102 so that passage of the slipping-out stopping part 112 through the engagement part 102 is prevented.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A catheter system includes a catheter and an endoscope. The catheter is inserted into a living body lumen. The endoscope has a long linear portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The catheter system is assembled by inserting the linear portion of the endoscope into the endoscope passage of the catheter. Even if the endoscope is a disposable product, if the linear portion of the endoscope can be removed from the catheter in the assembled state of the catheter system, there is a risk that the endoscope may be reused.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a catheter system comprising a catheter for insertion into a body lumen and an endoscope including a linear portion inserted into an endoscopic passage of the catheter, wherein an engaging portion is provided in the endoscopic passage, a retaining portion is provided on the linear portion, and the engaging portion and the retaining portion are configured such that the retaining portion can pass through the engaging portion toward the distal end direction of the catheter, and when the linear portion is moved relative to the catheter in the proximal end direction of the catheter, the retaining portion contacts the engaging portion to prevent the retaining portion from passing through the engaging portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, since the retaining portion can pass through the engaging portion toward the distal end direction of the catheter, the linear portion of the endoscope can be smoothly inserted into the endoscopic passage. Further, when the linear portion is moved relative to the catheter in the proximal end direction of the catheter, the retaining portion contacts the engaging portion to prevent the retaining portion from passing through the engaging portion. Therefore, the endoscope that has been used once can be made non-removable from the catheter. Thus, it is possible to prevent the endoscope from being reused.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] (First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, the catheter system 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a catheter 12 and an endoscope 14. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 12, the catheter system 10 is used, for example, in endoscopic tuboplasty for treating a lesion 204 (such as a stenosis or occlusion) of the fallopian tube 202. However, the biological tube in which the catheter system 10 is used may be, for example, a blood vessel, a bile duct, a trachea, an esophagus, a urethra, or a large intestine.

[0010] In the following description of the catheter system 10, the left direction (arrow X1 direction) in FIG. 1 is referred to as the "tip direction", and the right direction (arrow X2 direction) in FIG. 1 is referred to as the "proximal end direction".

[0011] The catheter 12 is a balloon catheter. Specifically, the catheter 12 includes an outer catheter 16, a slider 18, an inner catheter 20, a balloon 22, an endoscope operation unit 21, and a handle unit 23.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the outer catheter 16 has an outer tube 24, an outer tube hub 26, and a fixing screw 28. The outer tube 24 has flexibility. The total length of the outer tube 24 is preferably set to 100 mm or more and 1500 mm or less, and more preferably set to 200 mm or more and 1000 mm or less.

[0013] The outer tube 24 includes an outer tube body 30 and a tip member 32 (tip chip). Examples of the constituent materials of each of the outer tube body 30 and the tip member 32 include polyolefin, polyester, elastomer resin, flexible polymer material, soft polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyamide, fluororesin, and the like.

[0014] Examples of polyolefins include polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, etc. Examples of polyesters include polyethylene terephthalate, etc. Examples of elastomer resins include polyolefin elastomers, polyester elastomers, polyamide elastomers, polyurethane elastomers, etc. Examples of flexible polymer materials include polytetrafluoroethylene, polyimide, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, silicone rubber, etc.

[0015] The outer tube body 30 has a first inner cavity 34 that penetrates the entire length of the outer tube body 30. The tip of the outer tube body 30 is shaped to curve in an arc in the axial direction of the outer tube body 30. The outer tube body 30 has a generally constant outer diameter over its entire length.

[0016] The tip member 32 is provided at the tip of the outer tube body 30. The outer peripheral surface of the tip member 32 is curved to prevent damage to the catheter 12 and damage to biological tissue. The tip member 32 has a balloon outlet hole 52. The balloon outlet hole 52 includes the tip opening 54 of the outer tube 24. The balloon 22 passes through the balloon outlet hole 52 and is led out in the tip direction (arrow X1 direction) from the tip member 32.

[0017] The outer tube hub 26 is fixed to the base end of the outer tube 24. As the constituent material of the outer tube hub 26, for example, a hard resin or a metal material is used. Examples of the hard resin constituting the outer tube hub 26 include polycarbonate, acrylic resin, polyester, polyolefin, styrene resin, polyamide, polysulfone, polyarylate, polyetherimide, etc. Examples of the metal material constituting the outer tube hub 26 include stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, etc.

[0018] The outer tube hub 26 is formed in a hollow shape. The outer tube hub 26 is formed in a size that is easy to operate by hand. The outer tube hub 26 has a first space 53, a first insertion hole 55, and a first introduction port portion 56. The first space 53 communicates with the first inner cavity 34 of the outer tube 24. The first insertion hole 55 is located in the direction of arrow X2 of the first space 53. The inner catheter 20 is inserted through the first insertion hole 55. The first introduction port portion 56 introduces the balloon expansion fluid into the first space 53.

[0019] The balloon expansion fluid expands the balloon 22 shown in FIG. 2 radially inward of the outer tube 24. The balloon expansion fluid is, for example, physiological saline. A first seal member 57 is incorporated in the outer tube hub 26. The first seal member 57 prevents the balloon expansion fluid in the first space 53 from leaking to the outside through the first insertion hole 55.

[0020] The fixing screw 28 is screwed into the outer tube hub 26. The inner catheter 20 is fixed to the outer tube hub 26 by tightening the fixing screw 28. The inner catheter 20 can be moved relative to the outer tube hub 26 by loosening the fixing screw 28. The constituent material of the fixing screw 28 is the same as that of the outer tube hub 26.

[0021] The slider 18 is attached to the outer catheter 16. The slider 18 slides on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube body 30 in the axial direction of the outer tube 24. The total length of the slider 18 is shorter than the total length of the outer tube 24. The slider 18 has a slider body 58 and a slider hub 60.

[0022] The slider body 58 is a tubular member. The slider hub 60 is fixed to the base end portion of the slider body 58. The constituent material of each of the slider body 58 and the slider hub 60 is the same as the constituent material of the outer tube hub 26 described above. The slider hub 60 is formed in an annular shape. The slider hub 60 is formed in a size that is easy to operate by hand.

[0023] In the state where the slider 18 is moved in the direction of arrow X1 with respect to the outer tube body 30 to the maximum extent (the initial state of the slider 18), the tip of the outer tube body 30 extends linearly along the shape of the slider body 58. When the slider 18 is moved in the direction of arrow X2 with respect to the outer tube body 30 from the initial state, the tip of the outer tube body 30 is exposed in the direction of arrow X1 more than the slider 18. At this time, the tip of the outer tube body 30 is curved in an arc shape.

[0024] The inner catheter 20 includes an inner tube 62 (shaft) and an inner tube hub 64. The total length of the inner tube 62 is preferably set to be 100 mm or more and 1500 mm or less, and more preferably set to be 200 mm or more and 1000 mm or less.

[0025] Examples of the constituent material of the inner tube 62 include a relatively hard resin material or a metal material. Examples of the resin material constituting the inner tube 62 include fluororesin, polycarbonate, polyimide, PEEK resin, etc. Examples of the metal material constituting the inner tube 62 include stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, etc. The inner tube 62 has a second lumen 66 that penetrates throughout the entire length of the inner tube 62.

[0026] The inner tube 62 passes through the outer tube hub 26. The inner tube 62 is disposed in the first lumen 34 of the outer tube body 30. The tip of the inner tube 62 is located in the direction of arrow X2 more than the tip of the outer tube body 30. An outer lumen Sa (expansion lumen) through which balloon expansion fluid flows is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 62 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube body 30.

[0027] The linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14 is inserted into the second lumen 66 of the inner tube 62. In a state where the linear portion 110 is inserted into the second lumen 66 of the inner tube 62, an inner lumen Sb (perfusion lumen) through which perfusion fluid flows is provided between the inner tube 62 and the linear portion 110. The perfusion fluid is, for example, physiological saline.

[0028] The inner tube hub 64 is fixed to the proximal end portion of the inner tube 62. The constituent material of the inner tube hub 64 is the same as that of the outer tube hub 26. The inner tube hub 64 is formed in a hollow shape. The inner tube hub 64 has a second space 68, a second insertion hole 70, and a second introduction port portion 72. The second space 68 communicates with the second inner cavity 66 of the inner tube 62. The second insertion hole 70 is located in the direction of arrow X2 of the second space 68. A linear portion 110 is inserted through the second insertion hole 70. The second introduction port portion 72 introduces the perfusion fluid into the second space 68.

[0029] The perfusion fluid is, for example, physiological saline. A second seal member 73 is incorporated in the inner tube hub 64. The second seal member 73 prevents the perfusion fluid in the second space 68 from leaking to the outside through the second insertion hole 70.

[0030] The balloon 22 is a tubular member that connects the distal end portion of the outer tube 24 and the distal end portion of the inner tube 62. The balloon 22 expands radially inward of the outer tube 24 by the balloon expansion fluid. In other words, the balloon 22 is formed to be elastically deformable in the radial direction.

[0031] The balloon 22 is preferably composed of polyolefin, polyester, elastomer resin, flexible polymer material, soft polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyamide, polyisoprene, polyester, fluororesin, etc.

[0032] Specifically, examples of polyolefin include polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, etc. Examples of polyester include polyethylene terephthalate, etc. Examples of elastomer resin include polyolefin elastomer, polyester elastomer, polyamide elastomer, polyurethane elastomer, polystyrene elastomer, etc. Examples of flexible polymer materials include natural rubber, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyimide, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, silicone rubber, etc.

[0033] One end of the balloon 22 is adhered to the tip of the outer tube 24 with an adhesive (not shown). However, one end of the balloon 22 may be welded to the tip of the outer tube 24. One end of the balloon 22 is sandwiched between the tip of the outer tube body 30 and the tip member 32.

[0034] The other end of the balloon 22 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the tip of the inner tube 62 by the balloon fixing member 74. Note that the other end of the balloon 22 may be adhered to the tip of the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube 62 with an adhesive. Also, the other end of the balloon 22 may be welded to the tip of the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube 62.

[0035] The balloon 22 has a lumen 76 into which the linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14 can be inserted. A bag-shaped outer space Sc with a closed tip is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the balloon 22 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube body 30.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 12, when the balloon 22 is in a state of bulging radially inward and a pushing force (a pushing force in the tip direction) is transmitted from the inner tube 62 to the balloon 22, the balloon 22 protrudes in the tip direction from the tip opening 54 of the outer tube 24. At this time, the tip portion 22a of the balloon 22 is turned back so that the inner surface of the balloon 22 faces outward. That is, the protruding portion 22b of the balloon 22 that protrudes in the direction of arrow X1 from the tip opening 54 of the outer tube 24 includes a portion where the wall portion of the balloon 22 is folded double in the radial direction.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the endoscope operation unit 21 moves the linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14 in the axial direction of the catheter 12 (arrow X direction) with respect to the inner catheter 20. The endoscope operation unit 21 includes a cover portion 80, a first roller 82, and a second roller 84.

[0038] In FIG. 3, the cover portion 80 includes a cover portion main body 86, a first connection portion 88, and a second connection portion 90. The cover portion main body 86 is a hollow case portion that covers the first roller 82 and the second roller 84. The cover portion main body 86 extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction of arrow X. One end portion of the cover portion main body 86 in the extending direction is closed. The other end portion of the cover portion main body 86 in the extending direction has an opening 92.

[0039] The first connection portion 88 protrudes from the cover portion main body 86 in the direction of arrow X1. The first connection portion 88 is formed in an annular shape. The first connection portion 88 is fixed to the base end portion of the inner tube hub 64. The second connection portion 90 protrudes from the cover portion main body 86 in the direction of arrow X2. The second connection portion 90 is formed in an annular shape. The handle portion 23 is fixed to the second connection portion 90.

[0040] The first roller 82 and the second roller 84 are arranged side by side in the extending direction of the cover portion main body 86. The first roller 82 includes a first roller main body 82a and a first shaft portion 82b. The first roller main body 82a is formed in an annular shape. The first shaft portion 82b is fixed to the central portion of the first roller main body 82a. The first shaft portion 82b extends in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the cover portion main body 86 and the direction of arrow X (a direction orthogonal to the plane of FIG. 3). The first shaft portion 82b is rotatably supported by the cover portion main body 86.

[0041] The second roller 84 includes a second roller main body 84a and a second shaft portion 84b. The second roller main body 84a is formed in an annular shape. A part of the second roller main body 84a protrudes outward from the opening 92 of the cover portion main body 86. That is, the user can rotate the second roller main body 84a with a finger. The second shaft portion 84b is fixed to the central portion of the second roller main body 84a. The second shaft portion 84b extends in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the cover portion main body 86 and the direction of arrow X (a direction orthogonal to the plane of FIG. 3). The linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14 is sandwiched between the first roller main body 82a and the second roller main body 84a.

[0042] The handle portion 23 includes a tubular portion 94. The tubular portion 94 is connected to the second connection portion 90 of the endoscope operation portion 21. That is, the endoscope operation portion 21 is located between the inner tube hub 64 and the tubular portion 94. The tubular portion 94 has a connection tube portion 98, an insertion tube portion 100, an engagement portion 102, and a protection tube portion 104. As the constituent material of each of the connection tube portion 98, the insertion tube portion 100, the engagement portion 102, and the protection tube portion 104, for example, a rigid resin material is used.

[0043] The distal end portion of the connection tube portion 98 is fitted into the second connection portion 90. The proximal end portion of the connection tube portion 98 is fitted into the distal end portion of the insertion tube portion 100. The engagement portion 102 is formed in a tubular shape. The distal end portion of the engagement portion 102 is fitted into the proximal end portion of the insertion tube portion 100. The proximal end portion of the engagement portion 102 is fitted into the distal end portion of the protection tube portion 104.

[0044] The tubular portion 94 includes a distal-side reduced-diameter passage 99, a diameter-expanded passage 101, and a proximal-side reduced-diameter passage 103. The distal-side reduced-diameter passage 99 extends over the entire length of the connection tube portion 98. The diameter of the distal-side reduced-diameter passage 99 is smaller than the diameter of the diameter-expanded passage 101. The diameter-expanded passage 101 extends from the proximal end of the connection tube portion 98 to the distal end of the engagement portion 102. The diameter of the diameter-expanded passage 101 is larger than the diameter of the proximal-side reduced-diameter passage 103.

[0045] The proximal-side reduced-diameter passage 103 extends from the distal end of the engagement portion 102 to the proximal end of the protection tube portion 104. The proximal-side reduced-diameter passage 103 communicates with the proximal end opening 106 of the catheter 12. The total length of the diameter-expanded passage 101 is longer than the total length of the distal-side reduced-diameter passage 99. The total length of the diameter-expanded passage 101 is longer than the total length of the proximal-side reduced-diameter passage 103.

[0046] The engagement portion 102 has a stopper surface 108 facing the distal end direction (arrow X1 direction) of the catheter 12. The stopper surface 108 is a flat surface extending in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction (arrow X direction) of the insertion tube portion 100. The stopper surface 108 extends in an annular shape.

[0047] In FIGS. 2 and 3, the endoscope 14 is a fallopian tube endoscope for observing the fallopian tube 202 (see FIG. 7). The endoscope 14 is a disposable item that is discarded after one use. That is, the endoscope 14 cannot be reused.

[0048] The endoscope 14 includes a linear portion 110 and a retaining portion 112. The linear portion 110 has flexibility. The linear portion 110 is inserted into the endoscope passage 114 of the catheter 12. In the present embodiment, the endoscope passage 114 includes a distal-side reduced-diameter passage 99, a diameter-expanded passage 101, and a proximal-side reduced-diameter passage 103. Further, the endoscope passage 114 includes a second lumen 66 and a second space 68 (see FIG. 2).

[0049] Although detailed illustration is omitted, the linear portion 110 includes a light guide, a lens unit, an image guide, and a covering portion. The light guide guides light from a light source (not shown) connected to the proximal end portion of the linear portion 110 to the distal end of the linear portion 110. The lens unit is an objective lens located at the distal end portion of the linear portion 110. The image guide guides the image obtained by the lens unit in the proximal end direction of the linear portion 110. The covering member is a tube member that protects the light guide, the lens unit, and the image guide. Further, the endoscope 14 includes a display unit such as a display, and an imaging control device for displaying the captured image (endoscopic image) on the display unit. The total length of the linear portion 110 is set to, for example, about 2000 mm. However, the total length of the linear portion 110 can be set as appropriate. Note that in FIG. 2 and the like, the configuration of the linear portion 110 is shown in a simplified manner.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the retaining portion 112 is located at an intermediate portion in the axial direction of the linear portion 110. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the retaining portion 112 includes a fixing portion 116 and a retaining portion main body 118. The fixing portion 116 is formed in an annular shape. The fixing portion 116 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the linear portion 110.

[0051] The retaining part main body 118 has flexibility. The retaining part main body 118 is formed in an annular shape. The outer peripheral surface 119 of the retaining part main body 118 inclines radially outward of the linear part 110 toward the proximal end direction (arrow X2 direction) of the linear part 110. The separation distance between the retaining part main body 118 and the linear part 110 increases toward the proximal end direction (arrow X2 direction) of the linear part 110.

[0052] The retaining part main body 118 includes a first end portion 118a and a second end portion 118b. The first end portion 118a is located at the end portion of the retaining part main body 118 in the arrow X1 direction. The second end portion 118b is located at the end portion of the retaining part main body 118 in the arrow X2 direction.

[0053] A plurality of slits 120 are formed in the retaining part main body 118. In the present embodiment, the number of the plurality of slits 120 is four. Each slit 120 extends along the axial direction of the linear part 110. The plurality of slits 120 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the retaining part main body 118. In other words, the plurality of slits 120 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the retaining part main body 118.

[0054] One end of each slit 120 is located between the first end portion 118a and the second end portion 118b of the retaining part main body 118. The other end of each slit 120 is located at the second end portion 118b of the retaining part main body 118. Each slit 120 is formed to be wide from the first end portion 118a toward the second end portion 118b.

[0055] The retaining part main body 118 has an annular wall part 122 and a plurality of restricting wall parts 124. The annular wall part 122 extends from the fixing part 116. The plurality of restricting wall parts 124 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular wall part 122. A slit 120 is located between adjacent restricting wall parts 124. In the present embodiment, the number of the restricting wall parts 124 is four. Each restricting wall part 124 is formed to be wider from the first end part 118a to the second end part 118b of the retaining part main body 118. The plurality of restricting wall parts 124 are formed in the same shape and the same size as each other. Each restricting wall part 124 is elastically deformable in the radial direction of the linear part 110.

[0056] In FIG. 5, the retaining part 112 is located in the diameter-expanding passage 101. In this state, the retaining part 112 is not elastically deformed. In the assembled state of such a catheter system 10, the distance L1 from the axis of the linear part 110 to the second end part 118b of the retaining part main body 118 is longer than the length L2 which is half of the inner diameter of the engaging part 102. Also, in the assembled state of the catheter system 10, when viewed from the distal end direction of the catheter 12, the plurality of restricting wall parts 124 overlap the stopper surface 108.

[0057] The shape, size, number and arrangement of the plurality of restricting wall parts 124 can be set as appropriate. The shape, size, number and arrangement of the plurality of slits 120 can be set as appropriate. The connecting pipe part 98, the insertion pipe part 100 and the engaging part 102 may be integrally formed of a resin material.

[0058] Next, the endoscopic fallopian tube formation using the catheter system 10 will be described.

[0059] The endoscopic fallopian tube formation has a preparation step. In the preparation step, the above-described catheter system 10 is prepared. In the preparation step, the fixing screw 28 is tightened in a state where the inner tube 62 is completely pulled in the arrow X2 direction with respect to the outer tube 24. Thereby, the inner tube 62 is fixed to the outer tube 24. Also, the slider 18 is set to the initial state. Thereby, the distal end part of the outer tube main body 30 extends straight by the slider main body 58.

[0060] Furthermore, the tip of the linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14 is inserted into the endoscope passage 114 from the proximal opening 106 of the catheter 12. Then, the retaining portion 112 comes into contact with the edge of the proximal opening 106 of the catheter 12. When the linear portion 110 is moved in the direction of arrow X1 with respect to the catheter 12 in this state, as shown in FIG. 6, each restricting wall portion 124 is pushed against the inner surface of the proximal diameter-reducing passage 103 and elastically bent (elastically deformed) radially inward of the linear portion 110. That is, the retaining portion 112 moves in the distal direction of the catheter 12 through the proximal diameter-reducing passage 103 with the retaining portion main body 118 in a diameter-reduced state. When the retaining portion 112 passes through the proximal diameter-reducing passage 103 and reaches the diameter-expanding passage 101, each restricting wall portion 124 returns to its original shape. Also, the tip of the linear portion 110 is inserted into the lumen 76 of the balloon 22. Thereby, the catheter system 10 is in an assembled state. In the assembled state of the catheter system 10, the retaining portion 112 is located in the diameter-expanding passage 101.

[0061] Subsequently, in the insertion step, the catheter 12 is inserted transcervically up to the uterine fundus 200. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7, in the sliding step, the slider 18 is pulled back in the proximal direction of the outer tube 24 with respect to the outer tube 24. As a result, the distal end portion of the outer tube main body 30 is exposed from the slider 18 and bends. At this time, the distal opening 54 of the outer tube 24 is positioned in the vicinity of the fallopian tube opening 202a. Also, the user positions the tip of the linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14 at the distal opening 54 of the outer tube 24 and checks the endoscope image.

[0062] Thereafter, a balloon leading-out process is performed. Specifically, in the balloon leading-out process, as shown in FIG. 8, balloon expansion fluid is supplied to the first introduction port portion 56 (pressurization process). Then, the balloon expansion fluid is supplied from the first introduction port portion 56 to the outer space Sc of the balloon 22 through the outer lumen Sa. Therefore, the balloon 22 is pressed radially inward by the balloon expansion fluid supplied to the outer space Sc and elastically deformed. That is, the portion of the balloon 22 located radially outward of the linear portion 110 adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the linear portion 110. The portions of the balloon 22 located in the direction of arrow X1 from the tip of the linear portion 110 have their inner surfaces contacting each other.

[0063] Thereafter, the user operates the inner tube hub 64 with the fixing screw 28 loosened to advance the inner tube 62 relative to the outer tube 24 (advancing process). Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the balloon 22 pushed in the tip direction by the inner tube 62 advances relative to the outer tube 24 together with the linear portion 110. That is, the balloon 22 protrudes in the direction of arrow X1 from the tip opening 54 of the outer tube 24 together with the linear portion 110 as the pushing force is transmitted from the inner tube 62 to the balloon 22.

[0064] In the advancing process, one end portion of the balloon 22 is fixed to the tip portion of the outer tube 24. Therefore, when the balloon 22 advances, the balloon 22 is wound back at the tip portion 22a (projecting end portion) of the balloon 22. That is, the inner surface of the balloon 22 faces outward at the tip portion 22a (projecting end portion) of the balloon 22. Therefore, the balloon 22 advances by a distance corresponding to half of the advancing distance of the linear portion 110. In the advancing process, the retaining portion 112 is located in the direction of arrow X2 from the endoscope operation portion 21. In other words, the retaining portion 112 does not contact the endoscope operation portion 21.

[0065] Subsequently, the user determines whether or not the balloon 22 has reached the lesion 204 based on the endoscopic image. If the balloon 22 is positioned in front of the lesion 204, the balloon expansion fluid is depressurized. Next, perfusion fluid (perfusion fluid) is supplied to the second introduction port portion 72 (depressurization step). Thereby, the perfusion fluid flows between the balloon 22 and the linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14 through the inner lumen Sb. Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the user retracts the endoscope 14 by a predetermined distance (retraction step). In the retraction step, the retaining portion 112 is positioned in the distal direction of the catheter 12 (arrow X1 direction) from the stopper surface 108. In other words, the retaining portion 112 does not contact the stopper surface 108. Thereafter, the pressurization step and the forward movement step described above are performed again.

[0066] Then, as shown in FIG. 11, in the forward movement step, the distal end portion 22a of the balloon 22 contacts the lesion 204. Thereafter, by continuing the forward movement step, as shown in FIG. 12, when the balloon 22 completely passes through the lesion 204, the lesion 204 is expanded by the balloon 22. That is, the stenosis or occlusion of the fallopian tube 202 is improved.

[0067] After expanding the lesion 204, the user depressurizes the balloon expansion fluid and then removes the catheter 12 and the endoscope 14 from the uterus (removal step). In the removal step, the inner tube 62 may be pulled while injecting perfusion fluid through the second introduction port portion 72 to retract the balloon 22, and at the same time, the endoscope 14 may be operated to be positioned at the distal end portion 22a of the balloon 22. Thereby, the catheter 12 and the endoscope 14 can be removed from the uterus while observing the inside of the fallopian tube 202 with the endoscope 14. After the removal step, the laparoscopic fallopian tube plasty is completed.

[0068] In this embodiment, in the assembled state of the catheter system 10, the anti-disengagement portion 112 is located in the diameter-expanding passage 101. Therefore, for example, when the user attempts to pull out the endoscope 14 from the catheter 12 after the completion of the endoscopic fallopian tube formation, as shown in FIG. 13, the plurality of restricting wall portions 124 come into contact with the stopper surface 108 of the engaging portion 102. Accordingly, in the assembled state of the catheter system 10, the linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14 cannot be removed from the catheter 12.

[0069] This embodiment has the following effects.

[0070] According to this embodiment, since the anti-disengagement portion 112 can pass through the engaging portion 102 toward the distal end direction of the catheter 12, the linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14 can be smoothly inserted into the endoscope passage 114. Thereby, the catheter system 10 can be easily assembled. Also, in the assembled state of the catheter system 10, when the linear portion 110 is moved relative to the catheter 12 in the proximal end direction of the catheter 12, the anti-disengagement portion 112 comes into contact with the engaging portion 102, so that the passage of the anti-disengagement portion 112 through the engaging portion 102 is blocked. For this reason, the endoscope 14 that has been used once can be made non-removable from the catheter 12. Thus, it is possible to prevent the endoscope 14 from being reused.

[0071] The catheter 12 includes a flexible inner tube 62 (shaft) and an inner tube hub 64 provided at the proximal end portion of the inner tube 62. The engaging portion 102 is provided in the proximal end direction of the catheter 12 with respect to the inner tube hub 64.

[0072] According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to insert the anti-disengagement portion 112 up to the inner tube hub 64 or the inner tube 62. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the design of the anti-disengagement portion 112 can be increased.

[0073] The catheter 12 has an endoscope operation unit 21 for moving the linear part 110 in the axial direction of the catheter 12. The endoscope operation unit 21 includes a first roller 82 and a second roller 84 that contact the outer peripheral surface of the linear part 110. The linear part 110 moves in the axial direction of the catheter 12 when the first roller 82 and the second roller 84 rotate. The engaging part 102 is located in the proximal direction of the catheter 12 with respect to the endoscope operation unit 21.

[0074] According to such a configuration, the linear part 110 can be easily moved in the axial direction of the catheter 12 by the endoscope operation unit 21. Further, the engaging part 102 is located in the proximal direction of the catheter 12 with respect to the endoscope operation unit 21. For this reason, the retaining part 112 does not need to pass through the endoscope operation unit 21.

[0075] The retaining part 112 passes through the engaging part 102 toward the distal direction of the catheter 12 by elastically deforming in contact with the engaging part 102.

[0076] According to such a configuration, when assembling the catheter system 10, the linear part 110 of the endoscope 14 can be smoothly inserted into the endoscope passage 114 of the catheter 12.

[0077] The engaging part 102 has a stopper surface 108 facing the distal direction of the catheter 12. The retaining part 112 contacts the stopper surface 108 when the linear part 110 is moved relative to the catheter 12 in the proximal direction of the catheter 12.

[0078] According to such a configuration, the endoscope 14 can be made non-removable from the catheter 12 with a simple configuration.

[0079] The catheter 12 includes an insertion tube part 100 into which the linear part 110 is inserted, and a tubular engaging part 102 fitted into the proximal end part of the insertion tube part 100. The stopper surface 108 is located at the distal end part of the engaging part 102.

[0080] According to such a configuration, the configuration of the catheter 12 can be simplified.

[0081] The retaining portion 112 includes a fixing portion 116 fixed to the linear portion 110 and an annular retaining portion main body 118 having flexibility provided on the fixing portion 116. The retaining portion main body 118 is inclined radially outward of the linear portion 110 toward the proximal end direction of the linear portion 110. A slit 120 is formed in the retaining portion main body 118 along the axial direction of the linear portion 110.

[0082] According to such a configuration, when the engaging portion 102 passes through the retaining portion 112, the retaining portion main body 118 can be elastically bent and deformed radially inward.

[0083] (Second Embodiment) Next, the catheter system 10A according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment denote the same configurations. Also, in the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 14, the catheter system 10A according to the present embodiment includes a catheter 12a and an endoscope 14a. The catheter 12a includes a handle portion 23a instead of the handle portion 23 described above. The handle portion 23a has a tubular portion 94a.

[0085] The tubular portion 94a includes an insertion tube portion 130, an engaging portion 132, and a protective tube portion 104 (see FIG. 1). The insertion tube portion 130 has a passage 131 into which the endoscope 14a is inserted. That is, the passage 131 is a part of the endoscope passage 134. The distal end portion of the insertion tube portion 130 is connected to the endoscope operation portion 21 (see FIG. 3). The proximal end portion of the insertion tube portion 130 is connected to the protective tube portion 104 (see FIG. 3).

[0086] In FIGS. 14 to 16, the engaging portion 132 is provided at an intermediate portion in the axial direction of the insertion tube portion 130. The engaging portion 132 includes a first bulging portion 136 and a second bulging portion 138. Each of the first bulging portion 136 and the second bulging portion 138 bulges radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube portion 130.

[0087] The first bulging portion 136 extends in an arc shape in the circumferential direction of the insertion tube portion 130. At the tip of the first bulging portion 136 (the end in the direction of arrow X1), a first stopper surface 136a perpendicular to the axis of the insertion tube portion 130 is provided. At one end in the circumferential direction of the insertion tube portion 130 in the first bulging portion 136, a flat first side surface 136b is provided. The first side surface 136b extends along the axial direction of the insertion tube portion 130. At the other end in the circumferential direction of the insertion tube portion 130 in the first bulging portion 136, a flat second side surface 136c is provided. The second side surface 136c extends along the axial direction of the insertion tube portion 130.

[0088] The second bulging portion 138 has a shape obtained by vertically inverting the first bulging portion 136 with the axis of the insertion tube portion 130 interposed therebetween. That is, the first bulging portion 136 and the second bulging portion 138 face each other. The second bulging portion 138 extends in an arc shape in the circumferential direction of the insertion tube portion 130. At the end of the second bulging portion 138 in the direction of arrow X1, a second stopper surface 138a perpendicular to the axis of the insertion tube portion 130 is provided. At one end in the circumferential direction of the insertion tube portion 130 in the second bulging portion 138, a flat third side surface 138b is provided. The third side surface 138b extends along the axial direction of the insertion tube portion 130. At the other end in the circumferential direction of the insertion tube portion 130 in the second bulging portion 138, a flat fourth side surface 138c is provided. The fourth side surface 138c extends along the axial direction of the insertion tube portion 130.

[0089] The third side surface 138b faces the first side surface 136b. A first insertion slit 141 extending along the axial direction of the insertion tube portion 130 is provided between the third side surface 138b and the first side surface 136b. The fourth side surface 138c faces the second side surface 136c. A second insertion slit 143 extending along the axial direction of the insertion tube portion 130 is provided between the fourth side surface 138c and the second side surface 136c. The width W1 of the first insertion slit 141 is the same as the width W2 of the second insertion slit 143. The first insertion slit 141 and the second insertion slit 143 are offset by 180° in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 94a.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, at the base end portion of the first bulging portion 136, two first guide surfaces 136d are provided for guiding the retaining portion 140 of the endoscope 14a to the first insertion slit 141 and the second insertion slit 143. One of the first guide surfaces 136d is inclined in the direction of arrow X1 from the central portion 137 in the circumferential direction of the insertion tube portion 130 in the first bulging portion 136 toward the first side surface 136b. The other first guide surface 136d is inclined in the direction of arrow X1 from the central portion 137 toward the second side surface 136c. Each first guide surface 136d is curved in an arc shape.

[0091] At the end portion of the second bulging portion 138 in the direction of arrow X2, two second guide surfaces 138d are provided for guiding the retaining portion 140 of the endoscope 14a to the first insertion slit 141 and the second insertion slit 143. One of the second guide surfaces 138d is inclined in the direction of arrow X1 from the central portion 139 in the circumferential direction of the insertion tube portion 130 in the second bulging portion 138 toward the third side surface 138b. The other second guide surface 138d is inclined in the direction of arrow X1 from the central portion 139 toward the fourth side surface 138c. Each second guide surface 138d is curved in an arc shape.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the endoscope 14a has a retaining portion 140 instead of the retaining portion 112 described above. The retaining portion 140 includes a plurality of protruding portions 142. Each protruding portion 142 has flexibility. Each protruding portion 142 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the linear portion 110. Each protruding portion 142 is formed in a square plate shape (see FIG. 17). The side surface 144 of each protruding portion 142 in the direction of arrow X1 is inclined in the direction of arrow X1 toward the radially inner side of the linear portion 110. The side surface of each protruding portion 142 in the direction of arrow X2 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the linear portion 110.

[0093] In this embodiment, the plurality of protruding portions 142 include a first protruding portion 142a, a second protruding portion 142b, a third protruding portion 142c, and a fourth protruding portion 142d. The protruding direction of the first protruding portion 142a from the linear portion 110 is opposite to the protruding direction of the third protruding portion 142c from the linear portion 110. The protruding direction of the second protruding portion 142b from the linear portion 110 is opposite to the protruding direction of the fourth protruding portion 142d from the linear portion 110.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 16, the distance L3 between the protruding ends of the first protruding portion 142a and the second protruding portion 142b is wider than the width W1 of the first insertion slit 141. The distance L4 between the protruding ends of the third protruding portion 142c and the fourth protruding portion 142d is wider than the width W2 of the second insertion slit 143.

[0095] In the assembled state of the catheter system 10A, when viewed from the direction of arrow X1, the first protruding portion 142a and the third protruding portion 142c overlap, for example, with the first stopper surface 136a of the first bulging portion 136. In the assembled state of the catheter system 10A, when viewed from the direction of arrow X1, the second protruding portion 142b and the fourth protruding portion 142d overlap, for example, with the second stopper surface 138a of the second bulging portion 138.

[0096] The shape, size, number, and position of the plurality of protruding portions 142 can be set as appropriate. The shape, size, number, and position of the first bulging portion 136 and the second bulging portion 138 can be set as appropriate.

[0097] In such a catheter system 10A, when the tip of the linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14a is inserted into the endoscope passage 134 from the proximal opening 106 (see FIG. 3) of the catheter 12a, the retaining portion 140 comes into contact with the engaging portion 132 and elastically deforms.

[0098] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the first protruding portion 142a is inserted into the first insertion slit 141 while elastically bending and deforming in the direction toward the second protruding portion 142b in contact with the first guide surface 136d. The second protruding portion 142b is inserted into the first insertion slit 141 while elastically bending and deforming in the direction toward the first protruding portion 142a in contact with the second guide surface 138d. The third protruding portion 142c is inserted into the second insertion slit 143 while elastically bending and deforming in the direction toward the fourth protruding portion 142d in contact with the first guide surface 136d. The fourth protruding portion 142d is inserted into the second insertion slit 143 while elastically bending and deforming in the direction toward the third protruding portion 142c in contact with the second guide surface 138d. When the retaining portion 140 passes through the engaging portion 132, each protruding portion 142 returns to its original shape (see FIG. 14).

[0099] Also, in FIG. 14, when attempting to pull out the linear portion 110 from the catheter 12a, the first protruding portion 142a and the third protruding portion 142c contact the first stopper surface 136a, and the second protruding portion 142b and the fourth protruding portion 142d contact the second stopper surface 138a. Thereby, the linear portion 110 is suppressed from being removed from the catheter 12a.

[0100] In the present embodiment, the same configurations as those in the above-described embodiment exhibit the same effects. Further, the present embodiment exhibits the following effects.

[0101] The retaining portion 140 includes a plurality of flexible protruding portions 142 protruding radially outward from the linear portion 110. The engaging portion 132 has a first bulging portion 136, a second bulging portion 138, a first insertion slit 141, and a second insertion slit 143. Each of the first bulging portion 136 and the second bulging portion 138 bulges radially inward from the inner surface of the endoscope passage 134. Each of the first insertion slit 141 and the second insertion slit 143 extends along the axial direction of the catheter 12a. A plurality of protruding portions 142 can be inserted into the first insertion slit 141 and the second insertion slit 143.

[0102] According to such a configuration, when inserting the linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14a into the catheter 12a, the plurality of protrusions 142 can be inserted into the first insertion slit 141 and the second insertion slit 143. Further, in the assembled state of the catheter system 10A, when attempting to pull out the endoscope 14a from the catheter 12a, since the plurality of protrusions 142 come into contact with the first bulging portion 136 and the second bulging portion 138, it is possible to effectively suppress the linear portion 110 from being removed from the catheter 12a.

[0103] At the base end portion of the first bulging portion 136, a first guiding surface 136d for guiding the plurality of protrusions 142 to the first insertion slit 141 and the second insertion slit 143 is provided. At the base end portion of the second bulging portion 138, a second guiding surface 138d for guiding the plurality of protrusions 142 to the first insertion slit 141 and the second insertion slit 143 is provided.

[0104] According to such a configuration, the plurality of protrusions 142 can be smoothly inserted into the first insertion slit 141 and the second insertion slit 143 by the first guiding surface 136d and the second guiding surface 138d.

[0105] (Third Embodiment) Next, the catheter system 10B according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment denote the same configurations. Further, in the third embodiment, the description of the same configurations as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the catheter system 10B according to this embodiment includes a catheter 12b and an endoscope 14b. The catheter 12b includes a handle portion 23b instead of the handle portion 23 described above. The handle portion 23b has a tubular portion 94b. The tubular portion 94b includes an insertion tube portion 150, an engagement portion 152, and a protection tube portion 104 (see FIG. 1). The insertion tube portion 150 has a passage 151 into which the endoscope 14b is inserted. That is, the passage 151 is a part of the endoscope passage 153. The distal end portion of the insertion tube portion 150 is connected to the endoscope operation portion 21 (see FIG. 3). The proximal end portion of the insertion tube portion 150 is connected to the protection tube portion 104 (see FIG. 3).

[0107] The engagement portion 152 is provided at an intermediate portion in the axial direction of the insertion tube portion 150. The engagement portion 152 has a plurality of protrusions 154. In this embodiment, the number of the plurality of protrusions 154 is four. The plurality of protrusions 154 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the insertion tube portion 150. The plurality of protrusions 154 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the insertion tube portion 150. Each protrusion 154 has flexibility.

[0108] Each protrusion 154 protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube portion 150. Each protrusion 154 is inclined in the direction of arrow X1 radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube portion 150. Each protrusion 154 is formed to be narrower toward its protruding end. Each protrusion 154 is formed to be thinner toward its protruding end. The protruding ends of the plurality of protrusions 154 are spaced apart from each other. The protruding ends of the plurality of protrusions 154 form a circular insertion hole 156. The diameter of the insertion hole 156 is larger than the outer diameter of the linear portion 110.

[0109] The number, position, shape, and size of the plurality of protrusions 154 can be set as appropriate.

[0110] The endoscope 14b has a retaining portion 158 instead of the retaining portion 112 described above. The retaining portion 158 has a frustum shape. The base end surface 158a of the retaining portion 158 in the direction of arrow X2 is a flat surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the linear portion 110. The outer diameter of the base end surface 158a is larger than the diameter of the insertion hole 156. The outer peripheral surface 158b of the retaining portion 158 is inclined radially inward of the linear portion 110 in the direction of arrow X1. In the assembled state of the catheter system 10B, when viewed from the distal end direction of the catheter 12b, the retaining portion 158 overlaps the plurality of protrusions 154 (see FIG. 21).

[0111] In such a catheter system 10B, when the distal end of the linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14b is inserted into the endoscope passage 153 from the proximal end opening 106 of the catheter 12b (see FIG. 3), the engaging portion 152 is pushed by the retaining portion 158 and elastically deformed. Specifically, the plurality of protrusions 154 come into contact with the outer peripheral surface 158b of the retaining portion 158 and elastically bend and deform radially outward of the insertion tube portion 150. When the retaining portion 158 passes through the engaging portion 152, each protrusion 154 returns to its original shape.

[0112] Also, in the assembled state of the catheter system 10B, when trying to pull out the linear portion 110 from the catheter 12b, the base end surface 158a of the retaining portion 158 contacts the protruding ends of the plurality of protrusions 154. Therefore, in the assembled state of the catheter system 10B, the linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14b cannot be removed from the catheter 12b.

[0113] In the present embodiment, the same configurations as those in the above-described embodiments have the same effects. Further, the present embodiment has the following effects.

[0114] The retaining portion 158 allows the engaging portion 152 to pass through in the distal end direction of the catheter 12b by the engaging portion 152 coming into contact with the retaining portion 158 and elastically deforming.

[0115] According to such a configuration, when assembling the catheter system 10B, the linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14b can be smoothly inserted into the endoscope passage 153 of the catheter 12b.

[0116] The engaging portion 152 includes a plurality of protruding portions 154 that protrude so as to be inclined in the distal direction of the catheter 12b from the inner peripheral surface of the endoscope passage 153 toward the radially inner side. Each protruding portion 154 has flexibility. The plurality of protruding portions 154 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the catheter 12b. When the retaining portion 158 passes through the engaging portion 152 in the distal direction of the catheter 12b, the plurality of protruding portions 154 come into contact with the retaining portion 158 and elastically deform radially outward of the catheter 12b.

[0117] According to such a configuration, when assembling the catheter system 10B, the linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14b can be inserted into the endoscope passage 153 of the catheter 12b more smoothly.

[0118] The retaining portion 158 is formed in an annular shape.

[0119] According to such a configuration, when attempting to pull out the linear portion 110 from the catheter 12b in the assembled state of the catheter system 10B, the retaining portion 158 can be efficiently brought into contact with the engaging portion 152.

[0120] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, the catheter system 10C according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment denote the same configurations. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 22, the catheter system 10C according to the fourth embodiment includes a catheter 12c and an endoscope 14c. The catheter 12c has a handle portion 23c instead of the handle portion 23. The handle portion 23c includes a tubular portion 94c. The tubular portion 94c has an insertion tube portion 160 and a protective tube portion 104 (see FIG. 1). The insertion tube portion 160 has a passage 161 through which the endoscope 14c is inserted. The passage 161 is a part of the endoscope passage 163. That is, the endoscope passage 163 includes the passage 161, a second space 68, and a second lumen 66. The distal end portion of the insertion tube portion 160 is connected to the endoscope operation portion 21. The proximal end portion of the insertion tube portion 160 is connected to the protective tube portion 104.

[0122] The catheter 12c has an engaging portion 162 disposed in the second space 68 of the inner tube hub 64. The engaging portion 162 also functions as the second seal member 73 described above. As the constituent material of the engaging portion 162, for example, an elastically deformable resin material such as rubber is used. The engaging portion 162 has a stopper surface 164 facing in the direction of arrow X1. The stopper surface 164 extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the catheter 12c.

[0123] The endoscope 14c has a retaining portion 166 instead of the retaining portion 158 described above. The retaining portion 166 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the linear portion 110. The retaining portion 166 is formed in a circular tube shape. The retaining portion 166 swells by coming into contact with a liquid. In other words, the retaining portion 166 swells radially outward by coming into contact with a liquid. Examples of the constituent material of the retaining portion 166 include a composite material mainly composed of a rubber material and containing a water-absorbing polymer or the like, and a water-absorbing polymer alone.

[0124] Before the retaining portion 166 swells, the retaining portion 166 can be inserted between the first roller 82 and the second roller 84. Also, before the retaining portion 166 swells, the retaining portion 166 can penetrate through the engaging portion 162.

[0125] In the assembled state of the catheter system 10C, the anti-disengagement portion 166 is located in the distal end direction of the catheter 12c (in the direction of arrow X1) from the engagement portion 162 in the endoscope passage 163. In other words, in the assembled state of the catheter system 10C, the anti-disengagement portion 166 is located in the second lumen 66 or the second space 68.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 23, the anti-disengagement portion 166 swells by contacting the perfusion fluid introduced from the second introduction port portion 72. In the state where the anti-disengagement portion 166 is swollen, the outer diameter of the anti-disengagement portion 166 becomes larger than the inner diameter of the engagement portion 162 (the diameter of the hole through which the linear portion 110 is inserted in the engagement portion 162). Therefore, in the assembled state of the catheter system 10C, when attempting to pull out the linear portion 110 from the catheter 12c, the base end surface of the swollen anti-disengagement portion 166 contacts the stopper surface 164 of the engagement portion 162, so that the linear portion 110 of the endoscope 14c cannot be removed from the catheter 12c.

[0127] In the present embodiment, the same configurations as those in the above-described embodiment exhibit the same effects. Further, the present embodiment has the following effects.

[0128] The catheter 12c has a flexible inner tube 62 (shaft) and an inner tube hub 64 provided at the proximal end portion of the inner tube 62. The engagement portion 162 is provided on the inner tube hub 64.

[0129] According to such a configuration, when attempting to pull out the linear portion 110 from the catheter 12c in a state where the swollen anti-disengagement portion 166 is located in the second lumen 66 or the second space 68, the base end surface of the anti-disengagement portion 166 contacts the stopper surface 164 of the engagement portion 162, so that it is possible to efficiently suppress the linear portion 110 from being removed from the catheter 12c.

[0130] The inner tube hub 64 is provided with a second introduction port portion 72 for introducing a perfusion fluid into the second lumen 66 of the inner tube 62. The engagement portion 162 prevents the perfusion fluid introduced from the second introduction port portion 72 into the second space 68 of the inner tube hub 64 from leaking to the outside.

[0131] According to such a configuration, since the engaging portion 162 can be used as a sealing member, the number of parts of the catheter 12c can be reduced as compared with the case where a sealing member is provided separately from the engaging portion 162.

[0132] The catheter system according to the present invention is not limited to a configuration including a so-called balloon catheter. That is, instead of the balloon catheter, the catheter system may include a urine drainage catheter, a suction catheter, a gastric tube catheter, an oxygen catheter, a contrast catheter, an ultrasonic diagnostic catheter, a catheter for penetrating a lesion, a guiding catheter, or the like.

[0133] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0134] The above embodiments are summarized below.

[0135] The above embodiment is a catheter system (10, 10A to 10C) including a catheter (12, 12a to 12c) for insertion into the lumen of a biological tube (202) and an endoscope (14, 14a to 14c) including a linear portion (110) inserted into the endoscope passage (114, 134, 153, 163) of the catheter. An engaging portion (102, 132, 152, 162) is provided in the endoscope passage, a retaining portion (112, 140, 158, 166) is provided in the linear portion, and the retaining portion can pass through the engaging portion toward the distal end direction of the catheter, and when the linear portion is moved with respect to the catheter in the proximal end direction of the catheter, the retaining portion contacts the engaging portion and the passage of the retaining portion through the engaging portion is blocked.

[0136] In the above catheter system, the catheter includes a flexible tubular shaft (62) and a hub (64) provided at the proximal end of the shaft, and the engaging portion may be provided in the proximal direction of the catheter with respect to the hub.

[0137] In the above catheter system, the catheter has an endoscope operation portion (21) for moving the linear portion in the axial direction of the catheter. The endoscope operation portion includes rollers (82, 84) that contact the outer peripheral surface of the linear portion. The linear portion moves in the axial direction of the catheter when the rollers rotate, and the engaging portion may be located in the proximal direction of the catheter with respect to the endoscope operation portion.

[0138] In the above catheter system, the retaining portion may pass through the engaging portion toward the distal end direction of the catheter by elastically deforming when the retaining portion contacts the engaging portion.

[0139] In the above catheter system, the engaging portion has a stopper surface (108, 136a, 138a, 164) facing the distal end direction of the catheter, and the retaining portion may contact the stopper surface when the linear portion is moved relative to the catheter in the proximal direction of the catheter.

[0140] In the above catheter system, the catheter includes an insertion tube portion (100, 130, 150, 160) into which the linear portion is inserted and the tubular engaging portion fitted into the proximal end of the insertion tube portion, and the stopper surface may be located at the distal end portion of the engaging portion.

[0141] In the above catheter system, the retaining portion includes a fixing portion (116) fixed to the linear portion and a flexible annular retaining portion main body (118) provided on the fixing portion. The retaining portion main body is inclined radially outward of the linear portion toward the proximal direction of the linear portion, and a slit (120) along the axial direction of the linear portion may be formed in the retaining portion main body.

[0142] In the above catheter system, the retaining portion includes a flexible protruding portion (142) protruding radially outward from the linear portion, and the engaging portion includes a bulging portion (136, 138) bulging radially inward from the inner surface of the endoscope passage, and an insertion slit (141, 143) extending along the axial direction of the catheter and through which the protruding portion can be inserted.

[0143] In the above catheter system, a guiding surface (136d, 138d) for guiding the protruding portion into the insertion slit may be provided at the proximal end portion of the bulging portion.

[0144] In the above catheter system, the retaining portion may pass through the engaging portion toward the distal end direction of the catheter by elastic deformation when the engaging portion contacts the retaining portion.

[0145] In the above catheter system, the engaging portion includes a plurality of flexible protruding portions (154) protruding radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the endoscope passage and inclined in the distal end direction of the catheter, the plurality of protruding portions are spaced from each other in the circumferential direction of the catheter, and the plurality of protruding portions may contact the retaining portion and elastically deform radially outward of the catheter when the retaining portion passes through the engaging portion toward the distal end direction of the catheter.

[0146] In the above catheter system, the retaining portion may be formed in an annular shape.

[0147] In the above catheter system, the catheter has a flexible tubular shaft and a hub provided at the proximal end portion of the shaft, and the engaging portion may be provided on the hub.

[0148] In the above catheter system, the hub is provided with an introduction port portion (72) for introducing a liquid into the lumen (66) of the shaft, and the engaging portion may prevent leakage of the liquid introduced from the introduction port portion to the outside of the inside (68) of the hub.

[0149] In the above catheter system, the endoscope may be a fallopian tube endoscope.

Explanation of Signs

[0150] 10, 10A to 10C... Catheter system 12, 12a to 12c... Catheter 14, 14a to 14c... Endoscope 21... Endoscope operation unit 62... Inner tube (shaft) 64... Inner tube hub (hub) 82... First roller 84... Second roller 100, 130, 150, 160... Insertion tube portion 102, 132, 152, 162... Engaging portion 108, 164... Stopper surface 110... Linear portion 112, 140, 158, 166... Anti-disengagement portion 114, 134, 153, 163... Endoscope passage 116... Fixing portion 118... Anti-disengagement portion main body 120... Slit 136... First bulging portion 136a... First stopper surface 136d... First guiding surface 138... Second bulging portion 138a... Second stopper surface 138d... Second guiding surface 141... First insertion slit 142... Protruding portion 143... Second insertion slit 154... Protrusion 202... Fallopian tube (biological tube)

Claims

1. A catheter system comprising a catheter for insertion into a body lumen, and an endoscope including a linear portion inserted into an endoscope passage of the catheter, wherein: An engaging portion is provided in the endoscope passage; A retaining portion is provided on the linear portion; The engaging portion and the retaining portion are formed such that the retaining portion can pass through the engaging portion toward the distal end direction of the catheter, and when the linear portion is moved relative to the catheter in the proximal end direction of the catheter, the retaining portion contacts the engaging portion to prevent the retaining portion from passing through the engaging portion; The retaining portion includes a fixing portion fixed to the linear portion and a flexible annular retaining portion main body provided on the fixing portion; The retaining portion main body inclines radially outward of the linear portion toward the proximal end direction of the linear portion; A slit is formed in the retaining portion main body along the axial direction of the linear portion.

2. The catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the catheter comprises a flexible tubular shaft and a hub provided at a proximal end portion of the shaft, and the engaging portion is provided in the proximal end direction of the catheter relative to the hub.

3. The catheter system according to claim 2, wherein the catheter has an endoscope operation portion for moving the linear portion in the axial direction of the catheter, the endoscope operation portion includes a roller contacting an outer peripheral surface of the linear portion, the linear portion moves in the axial direction of the catheter by rotation of the roller, and the engaging portion is located in the proximal end direction of the catheter relative to the endoscope operation portion.

4. The catheter system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retaining portion elastically deforms by contacting the engaging portion and passes through the engaging portion toward the distal end direction of the catheter.

5. The catheter system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the engaging portion has a stopper surface facing the distal end direction of the catheter, and the retaining portion contacts the stopper surface when the linear portion is moved relative to the catheter in the proximal end direction of the catheter.

6. The catheter system according to claim 5, wherein... ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The catheter is, an insertion tube portion into which the linear portion is inserted, and the tubular engagement portion fitted to the proximal end portion of the insertion tube portion, and includes the stopper surface is located at the tip of the engagement portion, a catheter system. **Claim 7**: A catheter system comprising a catheter for insertion into a body lumen and an endoscope including a linear portion inserted into the endoscope passage of the catheter, wherein an engagement portion is provided in the endoscope passage, a retaining portion is provided on the linear portion, the engagement portion and the retaining portion are formed such that the retaining portion can pass through the engagement portion toward the distal end direction of the catheter, and when the linear portion is moved relative to the catheter in the proximal end direction of the catheter, the retaining portion contacts the engagement portion and passage of the retaining portion through the engagement portion is blocked, the retaining portion passes through the engagement portion toward the distal end direction of the catheter by elastic deformation when the engagement portion contacts the retaining portion, the engagement portion includes a plurality of flexible protrusions protruding radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the endoscope passage and inclined in the distal end direction of the catheter, the plurality of protrusions are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the catheter, the plurality of protrusions contact the retaining portion when the retaining portion passes through the engagement portion toward the distal end direction of the catheter and elastically deform radially outward of the catheter, a catheter system. **Claim 8** The catheter system according to claim 7, wherein the retaining portion is formed in a ring shape, a catheter system. **Claim 9** The catheter system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the endoscope is a falloposcope, a catheter system.

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