Blood vessel visualization member, blood vessel visualization device, blood vessel puncture system, and blood vessel visualization system

Abstract

SOLUTION: The invention relates to blood vessel visualization members 10A to 10D, blood vessel visualization devices 13A, 13B, a blood vessel puncture system 100, and a blood vessel visualization system 12. The blood vessel visualization member 10A is a member for visualizing a blood vessel 302 of a living body. The blood vessel visualization member 10A comprises a wavelength conversion unit 22 including a wavelength conversion material 30 for converting near infrared light L1 to visible light L2 and a support unit 24 for supporting the wavelength conversion unit 22. The support unit 24 is configured to be portable for changing a position of the wavelength conversion unit 22 with respect to a visualization target part 300.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a blood vessel visualization member, a blood vessel visualization device, a blood vessel puncture system, and a blood vessel visualization system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vein visualization device. The vein visualization device includes an irradiation unit, an imaging unit, an image processing means, and a display unit. The irradiation unit irradiates near-infrared light onto the area to be punctured of a patient. The imaging unit receives light reflected from the area to be punctured, out of the near-infrared light irradiated onto the area to be punctured, to obtain an image of the area to be punctured. The image processing means extracts veins from the image. The display unit displays the image processed by the image processing means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-64094 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-described vein visualization device has a problem in that it requires a component for converting near-infrared light into an image, resulting in a large and complicated configuration.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a blood vessel visualization member for visualizing blood vessels in a living body, comprising a wavelength conversion unit containing a wavelength conversion material that converts near-infrared light into visible light, and a support unit that supports the wavelength conversion unit, wherein the support unit is configured to be portable so as to change the position of the wavelength conversion unit relative to the area to be visualized.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a blood vessel visualization device comprising the above-mentioned blood vessel visualization member and an irradiation unit including a light source unit for irradiating the visualization target site with the near-infrared light.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention discloses a blood vessel puncture system comprising the above-mentioned blood vessel visualization device and a medical instrument for puncturing the blood vessel.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention discloses a blood vessel visualization system comprising the above-mentioned blood vessel visualization device, a camera that captures the blood vessel image displayed on the blood vessel visualization member, and an image processing unit that analyzes and processes the image captured by the camera. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, near-infrared light transmitted through the visualization target area can be converted into visible light by the wavelength conversion unit. This allows the wavelength conversion unit to display a visible blood vessel image. In other words, the blood vessel visualization member can display a blood vessel image without using a component that converts near-infrared light into an image. Therefore, blood vessels can be visualized with a small and simple configuration. Furthermore, by carrying the support unit, blood vessels in a wide range of visualization target areas can be visualized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a blood vessel visualization system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are bottom and top views of the blood vessel visualization device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2B. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of how to use the blood vessel visualization device of FIG. [Figure 5]Fig. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a blood vessel visualization system equipped with a stand, and Fig. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the stand and blood vessel visualization member of Fig. 5A. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a blood vessel puncture system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the blood vessel visualization member of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified example of the blood vessel visualization device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the conversion unit main body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, a blood vessel visualization system 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a blood vessel visualization device 13A, a camera 14, and an information processing device 16.

[0013] The blood vessel visualization device 13A visualizes blood vessels 302 (see FIG. 3) in a visualization target region 300 of a living body. In this embodiment, the visualization target region 300 is the forearm and hand of a human body. However, the visualization target region 300 may also be a region of the human body such as the upper arm, foot, lower leg, or thigh.

[0014] 1 to 3, the blood vessel visualization device 13A includes a blood vessel visualization member 10A and an irradiation unit 20. The blood vessel visualization member 10A has a size and shape that allows it to be easily carried around.

[0015] 1, 2B, and 3, the blood vessel visualization member 10A has a wavelength converting portion 22 and a supporting portion 24. The wavelength converting portion 22 includes a converting portion main body 26 and a frame portion 28. The converting portion main body 26 may be transparent or opaque. The converting portion main body 26 includes a wavelength converting material 30 (light upconversion material) that converts near-infrared light L1 into visible light L2.

[0016] The wavelength converting material 30 converts near-infrared light L1, which is greater than 700 nm and equal to or less than 2500 nm, into visible light L2, which is equal to or greater than 400 nm and equal to or less than 700 nm. The wavelength converting material 30 includes, for example, an inorganic optical upconversion luminescent material or an organic optical upconversion luminescent material. The inorganic optical upconversion luminescent material includes, for example, a rare earth element. The organic optical upconversion luminescent material includes, for example, an organometallic complex or a polycyclic aromatic compound.

[0017] The conversion unit body 26 is formed into a film or plate shape from a material containing the wavelength converting material 30. Here, the "material containing the wavelength converting material 30" may be a material consisting of only the wavelength converting material 30, or may be a mixed material in which the wavelength converting material 30 is mixed with other materials (e.g., plastic or glass). In this embodiment, the conversion unit body 26 is formed into a plate shape from only the wavelength converting material 30. However, the conversion unit body 26 may also be formed into a plate shape from a mixed material.

[0018] The converter body 26 is formed in a circular shape. However, the shape of the converter body 26 can be changed as appropriate and may be a polygonal shape such as a square. The thickness of the converter body 26 is set to be 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The surface of the converter body 26 is preferably smooth to suppress reflection of light (for example, near-infrared light L1).

[0019] The frame 28 is provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the conversion unit main body 26. The frame 28 is made of, for example, a metal material or a hard resin material. In other words, the frame 28 also functions as a protective member that protects the outer periphery of the conversion unit main body 26.

[0020] The wavelength conversion unit 22 may be configured only by the conversion unit main body 26. In other words, the wavelength conversion unit 22 may not have the frame portion 28. In this case, the conversion unit main body 26 may be flexible. If the conversion unit main body 26 is flexible in this way, the conversion unit main body 26 can be deformed to match the shape of the visualization target site 300, and therefore the conversion unit main body 26 can be brought into efficient contact (close contact) with the visualization target site 300.

[0021] The support portion 24 supports the wavelength conversion portion 22. The support portion 24 is configured to be portable so that the position of the wavelength conversion portion 22 can be changed relative to the visualization target area 300. The support portion 24 has a handle portion 32. The handle portion 32 extends linearly from the frame portion 28. The handle portion 32 and the frame portion 28 are, for example, integrally molded products. However, the frame portion 28 and the handle portion 32 may be manufactured separately, and then the handle portion 32 may be attached to the frame portion 28. The handle portion 32 is formed to a size that makes it easy to grip by hand. The size and shape of the handle portion 32 can be set as appropriate.

[0022] 1, 2A, and 3, the illumination unit 20 includes a substrate 34, a plurality of light source units 36, an illumination support unit 38, a power supply line 40, and a power supply unit 42. The substrate 34 is flexible. The plurality of light source units 36 are attached to the substrate 34.

[0023] Each light source unit 36 ​​emits near-infrared light L1 that is greater than 700 nm and equal to or less than 2500 nm. The light source unit 36 ​​is, for example, a so-called chip-type light-emitting diode. However, the light source unit 36 ​​may also be a so-called lamp-type light-emitting diode or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The number, arrangement, size, and shape of the light source units 36 can be changed as appropriate.

[0024] The irradiation support section 38 supports the substrate 34 so that it can be displaced. In other words, the irradiation support section 38 supports the plurality of light source sections 36 so that they can be displaced. The power supply line 40 supplies power from the power supply section 42 to each light source section 36. The power supply line 40 connects the power supply section 42 and the substrate 34 to each other. The power supply section 42 is, for example, a primary battery or a secondary battery. The irradiation section 20 may be configured so that power can be wirelessly supplied from the power supply section 42 to each light source section 36. In this case, the power supply line 40 is not necessary.

[0025] 1, the camera 14 captures a blood vessel image 400 (described later) displayed on the wavelength conversion unit 22. The camera 14 transmits the captured image to the information processing device 16. The camera 14 is connected to the information processing device 16 by wire. The camera 14 may also be connected to the information processing device 16 wirelessly. Alternatively, the camera 14 may transmit the captured image to the information processing device 16 via an internet line.

[0026] The information processing device 16 includes a calculation unit 50, a storage unit 52, a display unit 54, and a speaker 56. The calculation unit 50 is configured by a processor (processing circuit) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0027] The calculation unit 50 includes a control unit 58 and an image processing unit 60. The calculation unit 50 realizes the control unit 58 and the image processing unit 60 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 52. Note that the calculation unit 50 may realize at least a part of the control unit 58 and the image processing unit 60 by an integrated circuit. Examples of the integrated circuit include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0028] The storage unit 52 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. Examples of the volatile memory include RAM (Random Access Memory). The volatile memory is used as a working memory for the processor, and temporarily stores data necessary for processing or calculation. Examples of the non-volatile memory include ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory. The non-volatile memory is used as a storage memory. Programs, tables, maps, etc. are stored in the non-volatile memory. At least a portion of the storage unit 52 may be incorporated into the processor or integrated circuit described above.

[0029] The control unit 58 is responsible for overall control of the information processing device 16. The control unit 58 stores images received from the camera 14 in the storage unit 52. The image processing unit 60 analyzes the images stored in the storage unit 52. Specifically, the image processing unit 60 extracts, for example, changes in images taken before and after a predetermined medical procedure.

[0030] The display unit 54 displays images received from the camera 14, images analyzed by the image processing unit 60, etc. The speaker 56 generates alarm sounds and the like.

[0031] Next, we will explain how to use the blood vessel visualization system 12. The blood vessel visualization system 12 is used, for example, to capture continuous or time-dependent changes in the same blood vessel 302 in the visualization target region 300. Specifically, the blood vessel visualization system 12 is used, for example, when comparing blood vessel images 400 of the target blood vessel 302 before and after a medical procedure to evaluate the effectiveness of the medical procedure (such as the efficacy of a peripheral vasodilator or the like, or the effect of exercise therapy).

[0032] In this embodiment, when using the blood vessel visualization system 12, the first surface 304 of the visualization target site 300 is brought into contact (close contact) with each light source unit 36 ​​of the irradiation unit 20 (see FIG. 3). The handle 32 of the blood vessel visualization member 10A is grasped, and the blood vessel visualization member 10A is placed between the visualization target site 300 and the camera 14. At this time, in order to obtain a clear blood vessel image 400, the converter main body 26 is brought into contact with the second surface 306 of the visualization target site 300 opposite the first surface 304. However, at this time, the converter main body 26 may be spaced apart from the second surface 306 of the visualization target site 300.

[0033] Thereafter, the power supply unit 42 is turned on. As a result, near-infrared light L1 is irradiated from the multiple light source units 36 toward the first surface 304 of the visualization target site 300, as shown in FIG. 3. The near-infrared light L1 passes through the visualization target site 300 except for the blood vessels 302. In other words, the near-infrared light L1 is absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood within the blood vessels 302 of the visualization target site 300. The near-infrared light L1 that passes through the visualization target site 300 is converted into visible light L2 by the wavelength conversion material 30 of the conversion unit main body 26. As a result, a visible blood vessel image 400 is displayed on the conversion unit main body 26 (see FIG. 2B).

[0034] Next, the blood vessel image 400 displayed on the converter main body 26 is photographed by the camera 14. The image (still image or video) photographed by the camera 14 is transmitted to the information processing device 16 and stored in the memory unit 52. Hereinafter, the image photographed before the medical procedure is performed may be referred to as the "first image." The first image may be stored in the memory unit of another computer via the Internet, rather than being stored in the memory unit 52 of the information processing device 16.

[0035] If the entire blood vessel 302 to be visualized cannot be displayed in one capture, the relative position of the blood vessel visualization member 10A and the visualization target site 300 is changed, as shown in FIG. 4, and the camera 14 captures the image again. Specifically, for example, the blood vessel visualization member 10A is slid in the direction opposite to the fingertip (toward the elbow). At this time, the relative position of the irradiation unit 20 and the visualization target site 300 may be changed so that the irradiation unit 20 is positioned directly below the blood vessel visualization member 10A. Furthermore, the irradiation unit 20 may be configured to irradiate the near-infrared light L1 over a range from the palm to the forearm, for example. As a result, multiple first images are captured by the camera 14. The image processing unit 60 creates a first combined image by combining the multiple first images. The control unit 58 may display the first image or the first combined image on the display unit 54.

[0036] The control unit 58 determines, for example, whether the blood vessel image 400 is normal based on the first image or the first combined image, and if it is abnormal (for example, if there is a possibility that blood flow is obstructed due to stenosis), it generates an alarm sound from the speaker 56.

[0037] Thereafter, for example, a medical procedure is performed on the patient. After the medical procedure is performed, the blood vessel image 400 displayed on the conversion unit main body 26 is photographed by the camera 14 using the same method as described above. The image of the blood vessel image 400 after the medical procedure photographed by the camera 14 is transmitted to the information processing device 16 and stored in the memory unit 52. Hereinafter, the image photographed after the medical procedure is performed may be referred to as a "second image." The second image may be stored in the memory unit 52 of another computer via the Internet, rather than being stored in the memory unit 52 of the information processing device 16.

[0038] If the entire blood vessel 302 to be visualized cannot be displayed in one image, multiple second images are captured by the camera 14 using the same method as described above. The image processing unit 60 creates a second combined image by combining the multiple second images. The control unit 58 may cause the display unit 54 to display the second images or the second combined image.

[0039] The control unit 58 determines, for example, whether the blood vessel image 400 is normal based on the second image or the second combined image, and if it is abnormal (for example, if there is a possibility that blood flow is obstructed due to stenosis), it generates an alarm sound from the speaker 56.

[0040] Next, the image processing unit 60 analyzes the acquired images to extract portions that change between the first image (first combined image) and the second image (second combined image). The control unit 58 displays the analysis results of the image processing unit 60 on the display unit 54. This allows the user (including the patient) to easily and accurately know the effects of the medical procedure.

[0041] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the near-infrared light L1 that has passed through the visualization target area 300 can be converted into visible light L2 by the converter main body 26. This allows the converter main body 26 to display a visible blood vessel image 400. In other words, the blood vessel visualization member 10A can display the blood vessel image 400 without using a component that converts the near-infrared light L1 into an image. Therefore, the blood vessels 302 can be visualized with a small and simple configuration. Furthermore, by carrying the support unit 24, the blood vessels 302 in a wide range of the visualization target area 300 can be visualized.

[0043] The support portion 24 has a handle portion 32 that can be held by hand.

[0044] With this configuration, the blood vessel visualization member 10A can be easily moved while holding the handle portion 32 in the hand.

[0045] The blood vessel visualization device 13A includes a blood vessel visualization member 10A and an irradiation unit 20 including a light source unit 36 ​​for irradiating a visualization target site 300 with near-infrared light L1.

[0046] According to this configuration, the light source unit 36 ​​irradiates the visualization target site 300 with near-infrared light L1, and the near-infrared light L1 that has passed through the visualization target site 300 can be guided to the conversion unit main body 26.

[0047] The irradiation section 20 has an irradiation support section 38 that supports the light source section 36 so that the light source section 36 can be displaced.

[0048] With this configuration, it becomes easier to bring the light source unit 36 ​​into close contact with the first surface 304 of the visualization target site 300.

[0049] The blood vessel visualization system 12 includes a camera 14 that captures the blood vessel image 400 displayed on the blood vessel visualization member 10A, and an image processing unit 60 that analyzes and processes the image captured by the camera 14.

[0050] According to this configuration, the blood vessel visualization system 12 can capture changes in the blood vessel image 400 of the wavelength conversion unit 22.

[0051] 5A and 5B, the vascular visualization system 12 may include a stand 62 for holding the vascular visualization member 10A in a predetermined position. The stand 62 is configured to be portable. The stand 62 has a self-standing stand body 64 and an attachment portion 66 provided on the stand body 64.

[0052] The stand main body 64 extends vertically while being supported on a table or the like. The attachment part 66 is attached to the stand main body 64 so as to be movable in the up and down direction. The attachment part 66 removably holds the support part 24 (handle part 32) of the blood vessel visualization member 10A.

[0053] With this configuration, with the blood vessel visualization member 10A positioned above the blood vessel 302 to be imaged, the handle portion 32 of the blood vessel visualization member 10A can be attached to the attachment portion 66 of the stand 62. This makes it possible to prevent the blood vessel visualization member 10A from shifting position relative to the visualization target site 300.

[0054] Next, a description will be given of the blood vessel puncture system 100 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG.

[0055] The blood vessel visualization device 13B includes a blood vessel visualization member 10B and the above-described irradiation unit 20 (see FIG. 1). The blood vessel visualization member 10B has a wavelength conversion unit 22a and the above-described support unit 24. The wavelength conversion unit 22a is configured similarly to the above-described wavelength conversion unit 22, except that it has an opening 70. The wavelength conversion unit 22a includes a conversion unit main body 26a and a frame unit 28a. The conversion unit main body 26a has a different shape compared to the above-described conversion unit main body 26. The frame unit 28a has a different shape compared to the above-described frame unit 28.

[0056] The opening 70 extends over the entire thickness of the wavelength converting unit 22a. In other words, the opening 70 penetrates the wavelength converting unit 22a in the thickness direction. The opening 70 is a notch 72 formed by cutting the wavelength converting unit 22a inward from the outer periphery in an arc shape. The position, size, and shape of the opening 70 can be set as appropriate.

[0057] The medical device 200 is, for example, a catheter assembly 201. The catheter assembly 201 has a needle body 202, a needle hub 204, a catheter shaft 206, and a catheter hub 208. The needle body 202 is configured to be able to puncture a blood vessel 302. The needle hub 204 is provided at the proximal end of the needle body 202. The catheter shaft 206 extends in a tubular shape. In an initial state, the needle body 202 is inserted through the lumen of the catheter shaft 206. The catheter hub 208 is provided at the proximal end of the catheter shaft 206. The medical device 200 is not limited to the catheter assembly 201, and may be a puncture needle for blood collection, etc.

[0058] The needle body 202 of the medical device 200 is inserted into the visualization target site 300 through, for example, the opening 70 of the wavelength conversion unit 22a. In this case, the opening 70 is set to a size that allows the needle body 202 to pass through. In the blood vessel puncture system 100, a portion of the visualization target site 300 directly above the blood vessel 302 to be punctured may be positioned at the opening 70 of the wavelength conversion unit 22a, and a marking may be placed on that portion. In this case, with the blood vessel visualization member 10B removed from the visualization target site 300, the medical device 200 is inserted into the blood vessel 302 to be punctured using the marking as a guide.

[0059] The vascular puncture system 100 provides the following advantages.

[0060] According to the blood vessel puncture system 100, the blood vessel 302 to be punctured can be easily identified by visually checking the blood vessel image 400 displayed on the wavelength converter 22a. Therefore, the medical device 200 can be reliably inserted into the blood vessel 302 to be punctured.

[0061] The wavelength converting portion 22a has an opening 70 extending over the entire length of the wavelength converting portion 22a in the thickness direction.

[0062] With this configuration, for example, the medical device 200 can be inserted into the blood vessel 302 through the opening 70. Furthermore, for example, the portion of the visualization target site 300 directly above the blood vessel 302 to be punctured can be positioned at the opening 70 of the wavelength converting unit 22a and marked, and the medical device 200 can be inserted into the blood vessel 302 based on the marking.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 7, blood vessel visualization device 13B of blood vessel puncture system 100 may include blood vessel visualization member 10C instead of blood vessel visualization member 10B. Blood vessel visualization member 10C has wavelength conversion unit 22b and the support unit 24 described above. Wavelength conversion unit 22b has an opening 70a. Wavelength conversion unit 22b includes conversion unit main body 26b and frame portion 28a. Converter main body 26b has a different shape from the conversion unit main body 26a described above.

[0064] The opening 70a includes the above-mentioned notch 72 and a hole 74. The hole 74 is located in the central portion of the wavelength converting portion 22b. The hole 74 is surrounded by the wavelength converting portion 22b. In other words, the hole 74 is located away from the outer periphery of the wavelength converting portion 22b. When the medical device 200 is passed through the hole 74, the size and shape of the hole 74 are set to allow the catheter hub 208 of the medical device 200 to pass through. The hole 74 may also be a hole for marking the region 300 to be visualized.

[0065] The blood vessel puncture system 100 may be provided with blood vessel visualization member 10A instead of blood vessel visualization member 10B. The blood vessel puncture system 100 may also be provided with blood vessel visualization member 10D (described below) instead of blood vessel visualization member 10B. The blood vessel puncture system 100 may also be provided with the camera 14 and information processing device 16 described above.

[0066] Next, a blood vessel visualization device 13C according to a modified example will be described. As shown in Fig. 8, the blood vessel visualization device 13C includes a blood vessel visualization member 10D and the above-mentioned irradiation unit 20 (see Fig. 1).

[0067] 8, the blood vessel visualization member 10D has the same shape as so-called eyeglasses. In other words, the blood vessel visualization member 10D is attachable to and detachable from a person's head. Specifically, the blood vessel visualization member 10D includes a wavelength conversion unit 22c and a support unit 24a.

[0068] The wavelength converting unit 22c has a pair of converting unit bodies 26c, a pair of frame portions 28b, a bridge 80, and a pair of pads 82. The pair of converting unit bodies 26c are spaced apart from each other. Each converting unit body 26c is configured similarly to the above-described converting unit body 26. However, each converting unit body 26c is preferably configured to be transparent.

[0069] Each frame portion 28b surrounds the outer periphery of each conversion unit main body 26c. A bridge 80 connects each frame portion 28b. Each pad 82 is provided on each frame portion 28b. The pad 82 is a portion that rests on the nose when the blood vessel visualization member 10D is attached to a person's head.

[0070] The support portion 24a functions as a mounting portion 84 for removably mounting the glasses on a person's head. The mounting portion 84 has a pair of temples 86. Each temple 86 is attached to each frame portion 28b via a hinge (not shown). The end of each temple 86 opposite the frame portion 28b is curved so that it can be easily placed over a person's ear.

[0071] According to such a blood vessel visualization member 10D, near-infrared light L1 that has passed through the visualization target site 300 is irradiated onto each converter body 26c, and a visible blood vessel image 400 is displayed on each converter body 26c.

[0072] The blood vessel visualization member 10D has a mounting portion 84 for removably mounting on a person's head.

[0073] With this configuration, the blood vessel image 400 can be viewed without holding the blood vessel visualization member 10D in the hand.

[0074] The blood vessel visualization device 13C may have a blood vessel visualization member in the shape of goggles that can be attached to and detached from a person's head, instead of the blood vessel visualization member 10D.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 9 , the above-described converter body 26, 26a to 26c may include a support layer 90 made of a material that does not contain the wavelength converting material 30, and a conversion layer 92 laminated on one surface of the support layer 90. The support layer 90 transmits near-infrared light L1. The conversion layer 92 is formed of a material that contains the wavelength converting material 30. The conversion layer 92 is a coating layer that is coated on the surface of the support layer 90. However, the conversion layer 92 may also be formed in a plate shape from a material that contains the wavelength converting material 30. Alternatively, the converter body 26, 26a to 26c may be configured such that the support layer 90 is laminated on both sides of the conversion layer 92.

[0076] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0077] This embodiment discloses the following.

[0078] The above embodiment discloses a blood vessel visualization member (10A to 10D) for visualizing blood vessels (302) in a living body, which comprises a wavelength conversion unit (22, 22a to 22c) containing a wavelength conversion material (30) that converts near-infrared light (L1) into visible light (L2), and a support unit (24, 24a) that supports the wavelength conversion unit, and the support unit is configured to be portable so that the position of the wavelength conversion unit can be changed relative to the visualization target area (300).

[0079] In the blood vessel visualization member, the support portion may have a handle portion (32) that can be grasped by hand.

[0080] In the blood vessel visualization member, the wavelength converting portion may have an opening (70, 70a) extending over the entire length of the wavelength converting portion in the thickness direction.

[0081] In the above blood vessel visualization member, the support portion may have an attachment portion (84) for removably attaching to a person's head.

[0082] In the above blood vessel visualization member, the wavelength conversion section may have a conversion section main body (26, 26a to 26c) formed into a plate shape using a material containing the wavelength conversion material.

[0083] In the above-mentioned blood vessel visualization member, the wavelength conversion portion may have a conversion layer (92) made of a material containing the wavelength conversion material, and a support layer (90) made of a material not containing the wavelength conversion material and laminated on one or both sides of the conversion layer.

[0084] In the above blood vessel visualization member, the conversion layer may be a coating layer coated on one surface of the support layer.

[0085] In the blood vessel visualization member, the wavelength converting material may convert the near-infrared light having a wavelength of more than 700 nm and not more than 2500 nm into the visible light having a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 700 nm or less.

[0086] The above embodiment discloses a blood vessel visualization device (13A, 13B) comprising the above-mentioned blood vessel visualization member and an irradiation unit (20) including a light source unit (36) for irradiating the visualization target area with near-infrared light.

[0087] In the blood vessel visualization device, the irradiation section may have an irradiation support section (38) that supports the light source section so that the light source section can be displaced.

[0088] The blood vessel visualization device may further include a stand (62) for holding the blood vessel visualization member.

[0089] The above embodiment discloses a blood vessel puncture system (100) comprising the above-mentioned blood vessel visualization device and a medical instrument (200) for puncturing the blood vessel.

[0090] The above embodiment discloses a blood vessel visualization system (12) comprising the above-mentioned blood vessel visualization device, a camera (14) that captures a blood vessel image (400) displayed on the blood vessel visualization member, and an image processing unit (60) that analyzes and processes the image captured by the camera. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10A to 10D... Blood vessel visualization member 12... Blood vessel visualization system 13A-13C...Vascular visualization device 14...Camera 20... Irradiation unit 22, 22a to 22c... Wavelength conversion unit 24, 24a... Supporting part 26, 26a to 26c... Converter part main body 30...wavelength conversion material 36...light source section 38... Irradiation support unit 60... Image processing unit 62...Stand 70, 70a...Opening 84...Attachment portion 90...Support layer 92...Conversion layer 100...Vascular puncture system 200...Medical equipment 300...Visualization target area 302…Vessel 400…Vessel image L1: Near-infrared light L2: Visible light

Claims

1. A blood vessel visualization member for visualizing blood vessels in a living body, a wavelength converting portion including a wavelength converting material that converts near-infrared light into visible light; a support portion that supports the wavelength converting portion, The blood vessel visualization member is configured so that the support portion is portable so as to change the position of the wavelength conversion portion relative to the region to be visualized.

2. The blood vessel visualization member according to claim 1, The support portion has a handle portion that can be held by hand.

3. The blood vessel visualization member according to claim 1 or 2, The blood vessel visualization member, wherein the wavelength converting portion has an opening extending over the entire thickness of the wavelength converting portion.

4. The blood vessel visualization member according to claim 1 or 2, The support portion has an attachment portion for removably attaching to a person's head.

5. The blood vessel visualization member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The wavelength converting portion has a converting portion main body formed into a plate shape using a material containing the wavelength converting material.

6. The blood vessel visualization member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The wavelength converting portion is a conversion layer made of a material containing the wavelength converting material; A blood vessel visualization member having a support layer made of a material that does not contain the wavelength converting material and laminated on one or both sides of the conversion layer.

7. 7. The blood vessel visualization member according to claim 6, A blood vessel visualization member, wherein the conversion layer is a coating layer coated on one surface of the support layer.

8. The blood vessel visualization member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The wavelength converting material converts the near-infrared light having a wavelength of more than 700 nm and not more than 2500 nm into the visible light having a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 700 nm or less.

9. The blood vessel visualization member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, an irradiation unit including a light source unit for irradiating the visualization target site with near-infrared light.

10. The blood vessel visualization device according to claim 9, The irradiation unit has an irradiation support unit that supports the light source unit so that the light source unit can be displaced.

11. The blood vessel visualization device according to claim 9 or 10, A vascular visualization device comprising a stand for holding the vascular visualization member.

12. The blood vessel visualization device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, A blood vessel puncture system comprising: a medical device for puncturing the blood vessel.

13. The blood vessel visualization device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, a camera that captures the blood vessel image displayed on the blood vessel visualization member; an image processing unit that analyzes and processes the image captured by the camera.

Images