Supported Devices

Abstract

To provide a support device that can give a backup force to a medical device without extracting the medical device inserted into an organism lumen.SOLUTION: A support device that supports a medical device includes: a shaft part having a long-sized outer shape; a coil body disposed at the tip of the shaft part and having a long-sized outer shape; and a covering part for covering at least one section in the longitudinal direction in the outer peripheral surface of the coil body. The covering part has a tip side opening disposed at the tip and a base end side opening disposed at the base end. The lateral face of the covering part is provided with a slit that connects the tip side opening and the base end side opening, communicates the inside and outside of the covering part and extends along the gap of the coil body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support device for supporting a medical device. [Background technology]

[0002] A procedure for dilating stenotic or occlusive lesions in the coronary arteries of the heart from the inside of the blood vessel (hereinafter referred to as "PCI (percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention)") is known. In PCI, for example, a balloon catheter equipped with an expandable balloon is used to dilate the stenotic lesion and ensure blood flow. In such a procedure, there are cases where the balloon becomes stuck at a vascular bifurcation due to insufficient backup force of the balloon catheter, making it impossible to deliver the balloon to the stenotic lesion. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose guide extension catheters that can supplement the backup force of a balloon catheter by storing it inside. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a secondary catheter that is inserted inside a catheter for use. Patent Document 4 discloses a wire guide that can be attached to the proximal end of a guide wire inserted into the body to extend the guide wire. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2015-524737 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2018-531660 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-173914 [Patent Document 4] Special Publication No. 2009-525134 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, the proximal end of a balloon catheter is usually provided with a large-diameter connector for the surgeon to grasp or insert a drug or a concomitant device. Therefore, when using the guide extension catheters described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in order to apply backup force to a balloon catheter that has been inserted into the body and delivered to the vicinity of the stenosis, the balloon catheter must be removed from the body, which requires time and effort. Similarly, with the secondary catheter described in Patent Document 3, in order to apply backup force to the balloon catheter, the balloon catheter must be removed from the body, which requires time and effort. Furthermore, the wire guide described in Patent Document 4 does not take into consideration the application of backup force to the balloon catheter.

[0005] This issue is not limited to PCI using balloon catheters, but is a common issue in all cases where it is necessary to provide backup power later to medical devices that are inserted into biological lumens, such as the vascular system, lymphatic system, biliary system, urinary system, respiratory system, digestive system, secretory glands, and reproductive organs.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a support device that can apply backup force to a medical device inserted into a biological lumen without removing the medical device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized in the following aspects.

[0008] (1) One aspect of the present invention provides a support device for supporting a medical device, the support device comprising: a shaft portion having an elongated outer shape; a coil body having an elongated outer shape provided at the distal end of the shaft portion; and a covering portion covering at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the coil body in the longitudinal direction, the covering portion having a distal opening at the distal end and a proximal opening at the proximal end, the side surface of the covering portion being provided with a slit connecting the distal opening and the proximal opening and communicating the inside and outside of the covering portion, the slit extending along the gap of the coil body.

[0009] According to this configuration, the support device includes a coil body having an elongated outer shape. Therefore, by housing a medical device such as a balloon catheter inside (inner cavity of) the coil body, the coil body can support the medical device and provide backup force to the medical device. Furthermore, at least a portion of the longitudinal section of the coil body is covered with a covering portion, and a slit is provided on the side of the covering portion, connecting the distal opening and the proximal opening and communicating the inside and outside of the covering portion, extending along the gap of the coil body. Therefore, even if the medical device has already been inserted into a biological lumen, the medical device can be housed inside the coil body via the gap and the slit of the coil body. In other words, this configuration provides a support device that can provide backup force to a medical device inserted into a biological lumen without removing it. As a result, the effort and time required for the procedure can be reduced, and the procedure can be made more efficient. Furthermore, in the section where the covering portion is provided, the narrow slit prevents the medical device from falling out of the gap of the coil body.

[0010] (2) In the support device of the above embodiment, the coil body is formed by winding a flat plate-shaped member, the covering portion includes a base-end covering portion that covers the base end of the coil body, the base-end covering portion covers the inner circumferential surface of the coil body in addition to the outer circumferential surface of the coil body, and the portion covering the outer circumferential surface and the portion covering the inner circumferential surface may be connected at the base end of the coil body. According to this configuration, the proximal covering portion that covers the proximal end of the coil body covers both the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface of the coil body, and the portion covering the outer circumferential surface and the portion covering the inner circumferential surface are connected at the proximal end of the coil body. That is, the proximal end of the coil body is covered by the proximal covering portion. Therefore, when a medical device such as a balloon catheter is inserted into the inside (lumen) of the coil body from the proximal end side of the coil body, damage to the medical device due to contact between the proximal end of the coil body and the medical device can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the proximal end of the coil body is exposed.

[0011] (3) In the support device of the above aspect, the covering portion may include a distal covering portion that covers the distal end of the coil body, and the distal end of the distal covering portion may be located distal to the distal end of the coil body. According to this configuration, the tip of the tip side covering portion is located more distal than the tip of the coil. That is, the tip side of the tip side covering portion includes a section that does not contain the coil. This allows the tip side of the tip side covering portion to be configured more flexibly, thereby improving the safety of the support device.

[0012] (4) In the support device of the above embodiment, the covering portion may include a distal covering portion that covers the distal end of the coil body, and a distal tip may be fixed to the distal end of the distal covering portion. The distal tip may be a cylindrically curved plate member, and both circumferential ends of the plate member may overlap each other. By expanding the gap between the both ends, a medical device may be inserted into and removed from the distal tip. With this configuration, the distal tip is fixed to the distal end of the distal covering part, allowing the distal end of the distal covering part to be more flexible, thereby improving the safety of the support device. Furthermore, the distal tip is a cylindrically curved plate member, and both circumferential ends of the plate member overlap each other, further preventing the medical device inserted inside (inner cavity) from becoming dislodged. Furthermore, by expanding the gaps at both ends of the plate member, the medical device can be easily inserted and removed from the distal tip.

[0013] (5) In the support device of the above aspect, the distal end of the slit of the distal covering portion and the base end of one of the two end portions of the distal tip may be at the same position in the circumferential direction. With this configuration, the tip of the slit in the tip-side covering portion and the base end of one of the two ends of the tip tip are at the same circumferential position, making it easier and quicker to insert and remove a medical device into and from the tip tip.

[0014] (6) In the support device of the above form, the shaft portion may include a main body portion extending along the longitudinal direction, and a gripping portion provided at the tip of the main body portion for gripping the coil body, the gripping portion sandwiching the coil body from both the outer peripheral surface side and the inner peripheral surface side of the coil body to grip the coil body. According to this configuration, the shaft portion includes gripping portions that sandwich and grip the coil body from both the outer and inner peripheral sides of the coil body, which allows the coil body and the main body portion to be reliably fixed together with a simpler structure than when the coil body and the main body portion are simply joined together.

[0015] The present invention can be realized in various forms, such as a support device that supports a medical device, a shaft portion or coil body for a support device, a catheter system equipped with a support device, and a method for manufacturing a support device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the support device taken along line AA (FIG. 1). [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a balloon catheter is inserted into a coronary artery. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B show attachment of a support device to a balloon catheter. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the application of a backup force by a support device. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the effect of the tip side covering portion. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the effect of a base-end covering portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the distal end side of the support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a distal tip of a support device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a distal tip of a support device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a support device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a support device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a support device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the support device of the seventh embodiment taken along line AA (FIG. 1). [Figure 15] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a support device according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a support device according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the configuration of a gripping portion. [Figure 18]FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a gripping portion of a tenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] First Embodiment 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a support device 1 according to a first embodiment. The support device 1 is a device that accommodates a balloon catheter and supplements the backup force of the balloon catheter in a procedure for dilating a stenotic or occlusive lesion in a coronary artery of the heart from the inside of the blood vessel (hereinafter referred to as "PCI (percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention)"). PCI is merely one example, and the support device 1 can be used in all cases where it is desired to provide a backup force later to a medical device that is inserted into a body lumen for use, such as the vascular system, lymphatic system, biliary system, urinary system, respiratory system, digestive system, secretory glands, and reproductive organs.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the support device 1 includes a shaft portion 10, a coil body 20, a distal covering portion 40, and a proximal covering portion 50. The distal covering portion 40 and the proximal covering portion 50 are also collectively referred to as "covering portions 40, 50." In FIG. 1, an axis passing through the center of the shaft portion 10 is represented by axis O1, and an axis passing through the center of the coil body 20 is represented by axis O2. As shown in FIG. 1, axis O1 and axis O2 do not intersect but extend parallel to each other. In addition, in FIG. 1, the portions of the coil body 20 that are covered by the distal covering portion 40 and the proximal covering portion 50 are shown by dashed lines.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates X, Y, and Z axes that are orthogonal to each other. The X axis corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the support device 1, the Y axis corresponds to the height direction of the support device 1, and the Z axis corresponds to the width direction of the support device 1. The left side of FIG. 1 (-X axis direction) is referred to as the "distal side" of the support device 1 and each component, and the right side of FIG. 1 (+X axis direction) is referred to as the "proximal side" of the support device 1 and each component. For the support device 1 and each component, the end located on the distal side is referred to as the "distal end," and the distal end and its vicinity are referred to as the "distal portion." Furthermore, the end located on the proximal side is referred to as the "proximal end," and the proximal end and its vicinity are referred to as the "proximal portion." The distal side is inserted into the living body, and the proximal side is operated by an operator such as a doctor. These points are also common to FIG. 1 and subsequent figures.

[0020] The shaft portion 10 is a member having an elongated outer shape and provided on the proximal end side of the support device 1. The shaft portion 10 is a solid, approximately cylindrical member having a substantially constant outer diameter from the distal end to the proximal end. Note that the entire shaft portion 10, or at least a portion thereof, may be provided with a tapered diameter section in which the outer diameter tapers from the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal end of the shaft portion 10 is grasped and manipulated by the surgeon. The distal end of the shaft portion 10 is fixed to the proximal end of the coil body 20. In the illustrated example, the shaft portion 10 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the coil body 20, but the shaft portion 10 may also be fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the coil body 20. The shaft portion 10 and the coil body 20 can be fixed together by metallurgical joining such as fusion welding, pressure welding, or brazing, or by adhesive joining using any adhesive. Note that the distal end of the shaft portion 10 may be processed (e.g., by press working) into a flattened shape to increase the bonding area with the coil body 20. The outer diameter and length of the shaft portion 10 can be determined arbitrarily.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the coil body 20 is provided at the tip of the shaft portion 10 and has a long outer shape. The coil body 20 of this embodiment is a multi-filament coil formed by winding a plurality of wires 21 in multiple strands. In other words, the coil body 20 is formed by winding a plurality of wires 21 bundled in a flat plate shape. The coil body 20 has a helical gap 22. This gap 22 is used to accommodate a medical device inserted into a biological lumen inside the coil body 20. Details will be described later. The inside of the coil body 20 also functions as a device lumen 20L for inserting the medical device.

[0022] Such a coil body 20 can be fabricated, for example, as follows. First, a plurality of bobbins, each having a wire 21 wound thereon, are arranged at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction of a long metal core, at positions spaced a predetermined distance radially outward from the metal core. Next, the plurality of bobbins are rotated along the circumferential direction of the metal core while the metal core is moved axially, thereby winding the wire 21 drawn from each of the bobbins around the metal core. At this time, for example, the rotation speed of the plurality of bobbins may be changed in two stages every predetermined period to fabricate the coil body 20 having a spiral gap 22. Note that instead of changing the rotation speed of the plurality of bobbins, the moving speed of the metal core may be changed in two stages every predetermined period. Alternatively, for example, the spiral gap 22 may be formed by leaving some of the bobbins empty (i.e., no wire 21 is set in the bobbin). The wound wires 21 may be joined to each other by, for example, laser welding or the like to maintain the shape and improve torque transmission. The outer diameter, inner diameter, and length of the coil body 20 and the winding direction of the wire 21 can be determined arbitrarily.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the support device 1 taken along line AA (FIG. 1). Note that in FIG. 2, a circle passing through the center of each wire 21 of the coil body 20 is indicated by a dashed line. As shown in FIG. 1, the distal covering 40 is a member covering the distal end of the coil body 20, including the distal end 28 of the coil body 20. The distal covering 40 has a substantially cylindrical (tubular) shape with a distal opening 40a at its distal end and a proximal opening 40b at its proximal end, and as shown in FIG. 2, covers the outer circumferential surface of the coil body 20. A slit 41 is provided on the side surface of the distal covering 40, connecting the distal opening 40a and the proximal opening 40b and providing communication between the inside and outside of the distal covering 40. As shown in FIG. 1, the slit 41 extends spirally along the gap 22 of the coil body 20. The opening length L41 of the slit 41 shown in FIG. 2 can be determined arbitrarily. Hereinafter, the opening length L41 of the slit 41 will also be referred to as the "width of the slit 41." From the viewpoint of preventing the medical device inserted into the coil body 20 from coming off, the opening length L41 of the slit 41 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the medical device.

[0024] Furthermore, the tip of the distal covering portion 40 is located distal to the tip 28 of the coil body 20. Therefore, the distal side of the distal covering portion 40 includes a section 42 that does not contain the coil body 20 therein. The shape of the slit 41 in the section 42 of the distal covering portion 40 that does not contain the coil body 20 does not have to be a spiral shape that follows the gap 22 of the coil body 20, and can be any shape. For example, the shape of the slit 41 in the section 42 may be a straight line that extends along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the distal covering portion 40. The length L40 of the distal covering portion 40 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) can be determined arbitrarily. From the viewpoint of device protection, the length L40 of the distal covering portion 40 may be equal to or greater than one pitch of the coil body 20. Furthermore, setting the length L40 of the distal covering portion 40 to equal to or greater than 5 to 6 pitches of the coil body 20 can effectively prevent a medical device inserted into the coil body 20 from becoming dislodged.

[0025] The base-side covering portion 50 is a member that covers the base end portion of the coil body 20, including the base end 29 of the coil body 20. The base-side covering portion 50 has a substantially cylindrical (tubular) shape with a tip-side opening 50a at its tip and a base-side opening 50b at its base end, and covers the outer circumferential surface of the coil body 20. A slit 51 is provided on the side surface of the base-side covering portion 50, connecting the tip-side opening 50a and the base-side opening 50b and providing communication between the inside and outside of the base-side covering portion 50. As shown in FIG. 1, the slit 51 extends spirally along the gap 22 of the coil body 20. The opening length of the slit 51 can be determined arbitrarily, similar to the opening length L41 of the slit 41 shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] The proximal covering portion 50 also has an inner covering portion 52 that covers the inner circumferential surface of the coil body 20. The portion of the proximal covering portion 50 that covers the outer circumferential surface and the portion (inner covering portion 52) that covers the inner circumferential surface are connected at the proximal end 29 of the coil body 20. In other words, in the support device 1 of this embodiment, the proximal end 29 of the coil body 20 is covered by the proximal covering portion 50. The length L50 of the proximal covering portion 50 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) can be determined arbitrarily. From the viewpoint of device protection, the length L50 of the proximal covering portion 50 may be equal to or greater than one pitch of the coil body 20. Furthermore, setting the length L50 of the proximal covering portion 50 to equal to or greater than 5 to 6 pitches of the coil body 20 can effectively prevent a medical device inserted into the coil body 20 from becoming dislodged. The length L50 of the proximal covering portion 50 and the length L40 of the distal covering portion 40 may be the same or different.

[0027] The shaft portion 10 preferably has antithrombogenicity, flexibility, and biocompatibility, and can be formed, for example, from stainless steel alloys such as SUS304 and SUS316; superelastic alloys such as NiTi alloys; radiolucent alloys such as piano wire, nickel-chromium alloys, and cobalt alloys; or radiopaque alloys such as gold, platinum, tungsten, and alloys containing these elements (e.g., platinum-nickel alloys). The shaft portion 10 may also be formed from resin materials such as polyamide, polyolefin, polyester, polyurethane, silicone, fluorine, polyethylene, polycarbonate, and polypropylene. It is particularly preferable that the shaft portion 10 be formed from polycarbonate or polypropylene.

[0028] The wires 21 of the coil body 20 are preferably antithrombogenic, flexible, and biocompatible, and can be formed from, for example, stainless steel alloys such as SUS304 and SUS316, superelastic alloys such as NiTi alloys, radiolucent alloys such as piano wire, nickel-chromium alloys, and cobalt alloys, or radiopaque alloys such as gold, platinum, tungsten, and alloys containing these elements (e.g., platinum-nickel alloys).

[0029] The distal covering portion 40 and the proximal covering portion 50 are preferably flexible and can be made of a resin material such as polyamide, polyolefin, polyester, polyurethane, silicone, fluorine, polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polypropylene. The distal covering portion 40 and the proximal covering portion 50 are preferably made of polyamide or polyurethane. Note that the shaft portion 10, the coil body 20, the distal covering portion 40, and the proximal covering portion 50 may also be made of known materials other than those mentioned above.

[0030] 3 is a diagram showing the insertion of a balloon catheter 3 into a coronary artery 91. FIG. 3 illustrates the coronary artery 91 extending from an aorta 90, and a first branch 92 and a second branch 93 of the coronary artery 91. A stenotic portion 99 in which the lumen of the blood vessel is narrowed is formed at the distal portion of the second branch 93. Hereinafter, a method for applying a backup force to the balloon catheter 3 using a support device 1 after the procedure (PCI) for dilating the stenotic portion 99 using the balloon catheter 3 will be described.

[0031] First, the surgeon inserts the guiding catheter 4 from the aorta 90 to the entrance of the coronary artery 91. The surgeon projects the guidewire 2 from the tip of the guiding catheter 4 into the first branch 92 and advances the guidewire 2 from the first branch 92 to the distal portion of the second branch 93. Next, the surgeon advances the balloon catheter 3, with the guidewire 2 housed inside, along the guidewire 2 from the first branch 92 to the second branch 93. Here, depending on the shape of the bifurcation B between the first branch 92 and the second branch 93, the diameters of the first branch 92 and the second branch 93, the tip of the balloon catheter 3 may get stuck near the bifurcation B, making it impossible to deliver the tip of the balloon catheter 3 to the stenosis 99 ( FIG. 3 ).

[0032] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the state in which the support device 1 is attached to the balloon catheter 3. Fig. 4 illustrates a portion of the proximal end of the guidewire 2 and balloon catheter 3 that are disposed outside the patient's body, and a portion of the distal end of the coil body 20 of the support device 1. Also, in Fig. 4, for the portion of the coil body 20 that is covered with the distal covering portion 40, only the outline of the coil body 20 is illustrated by a dashed line. As described in Fig. 3, when the balloon catheter 3 becomes stuck at the bifurcation B of the coronary artery 91, the surgeon attaches the support device 1 to the balloon catheter 3.

[0033] Specifically, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 4, the surgeon grasps the guidewire 2 and the balloon catheter 3 outside the patient's body and gathers them together, and inserts the guidewire 2 and the balloon catheter 3 into the gap 22 of the coil body 20 of the support device 1. In this state, the surgeon rotates the distal end side of the coil body 20 (the area enclosed by the dashed line in the upper part of FIG. 4) so ​​as to wrap it around the guidewire 2 and the balloon catheter 3. As a result, portions of the guidewire 2 and the balloon catheter 3 are housed inside the coil body 20 (the device lumen 20L) via the spiral gap 22 of the coil body 20 and the spiral slit 41 of the distal covering portion 40. At this time, the surgeon rotates the coil body 20 at least two times, thereby housing portions of the guidewire 2 and the balloon catheter 3 inside the coil body 20 by at least two pitches. This allows the axis O2 of the coil body 20 and the axial directions of the guidewire 2 and the balloon catheter 3 to be parallel.

[0034] Next, the surgeon rotates the coil body 20 so that the guidewire 2 and a portion of the balloon catheter 3 are housed inside the coil body 20 and the distal covering section 40. At this time, in the section where the distal covering section 40 is provided, the guidewire 2 and the balloon catheter 3 are inserted into the distal covering section 40 through the slits 41 in the distal covering section 40. Next, the surgeon rotates the coil body 20 in the opposite direction so that the entire guidewire 2 and the balloon catheter 3 are housed inside the coil body 20 and the proximal covering section 50. At this time, in the section where the proximal covering section 50 is provided, the guidewire 2 and the balloon catheter 3 are inserted into the proximal covering section 50 through the slits 51 in the proximal covering section 50. Thereafter, the surgeon slides the coil body 20 of the support device 1 toward the distal side, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 4 . As a result, the guidewire 2 and the balloon catheter 3 are entirely housed inside the coil body 20 (device lumen 20L). In this state, the surgeon can deliver the support device 1 with the guide wire 2 and balloon catheter 3 housed inside the coil body 20 by pushing the shaft portion 10 of the support device 1 toward the distal end side.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the application of backup force by the support device 1. Similar to FIG. 3, FIG. 5 illustrates an aorta 90, a coronary artery 91, a first branch 92, a second branch 93, and a stenosis 99. After attaching the support device 1 to the balloon catheter 3 by the method described in FIG. 4, the surgeon delivers the support device 1 inside the guiding catheter 4 by pushing the shaft portion 10 of the support device 1 toward the distal end. The surgeon then protrudes the distal end of the coil body 20 of the support device 1 from the distal end of the guiding catheter 4 into the first branch 92, placing it near the bifurcation B between the first branch 92 and the second branch 93. In this state, the surgeon pushes the stuck balloon catheter 3 toward the second branch 93. Here, the balloon catheter 3 is supported by the coil body 20 and the distal covering portion 40 of the support device 1, allowing the balloon catheter 3 to advance from the bifurcation B toward the second branch 93 (FIG. 5).

[0036] The surgeon may rotate the shaft portion 10 of the support device 1 to rotate the coil body 20 and thereby unstuck the balloon catheter 3. If the coil body 20 becomes stuck in the first branch 92 or the second branch 93, the surgeon may unstuck the coil body 20 by rotating the shaft portion 10 of the support device 1 in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the surgeon may push the coil body 20 of the support device 1 along with the balloon catheter 3 to the vicinity of the stenosis 99 of the second branch 93. By pushing the coil body 20 to the vicinity of the stenosis 99, the coil body 20 can be used to support a portion of the balloon catheter 3 with relatively low rigidity. Even when the balloon catheter 3 is removed and another medical device is inserted, the coil body 20 can ensure a path to the stenosis 99. This improves the efficiency of the procedure. The support device 1 may be used under an endoscope.

[0037] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the effect of the distal covering section 40. In Fig. 6, for the portion of the coil body 20 that is covered with the distal covering section 40, only the outline of the coil body 20 is illustrated by a dashed line. As shown in Fig. 6, in the support device 1 of this embodiment, even when the distal end of the support device 1 is located at a bifurcation B of the aorta 90 and the balloon catheter 3 is in a significantly curved state, the distal covering section 40 can prevent the balloon catheter 3 from becoming detached from the support device 1. Such detachment of the balloon catheter 3 is particularly likely to occur when the support device 1 is rotated to deliver it to the target branch or to remove it from the stuck state.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the effect of the proximal covering section 50. Note that in FIG. 7, only the outline of the coil body 20 is shown by a dashed line for the portion of the coil body 20 covered by the proximal covering section 50. FIGS. 3 to 6 illustrate the case where the support device 1 is used after the balloon catheter 3 is inserted into the aorta 90. However, depending on how the procedure is carried out, the balloon catheter 3 may be used after the support device 1 is inserted into the aorta 90. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the surgeon inserts the balloon catheter 3 into the device lumen 20L from the proximal side of the coil body 20 of the support device 1 (in other words, from the proximal opening 50b of the proximal covering section 50). In the support device 1 of this embodiment, the proximal end 29 of the coil body 20 is covered by the proximal covering section 50. Therefore, damage to the balloon catheter 3 caused by the balloon 301 coming into contact with the proximal end 29 of the coil body 20 can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which the proximal end 29 of the coil body 20 is exposed.

[0039] As described above, the support device 1 of the first embodiment includes the coil body 20 having an elongated outer shape. Therefore, by accommodating a medical device such as a balloon catheter 3 inside the coil body 20 (device lumen 20L), the coil body 20 can support the medical device and provide backup force to the medical device. Furthermore, at least a portion of the longitudinal section of the coil body 20 is covered with covering portions 40, 50, and the side surfaces of the covering portions 40, 50 are provided with slits 41, 51 that connect the distal openings 40a, 50a and the proximal openings 40b, 50b and communicate the inside and outside of the covering portions 40, 50, the slits 41, 51 extending along the gap 22 of the coil body 20. Therefore, even if the medical device has already been inserted into the aorta 90 (biological lumen), the medical device can be accommodated inside the coil body 20 via the gap 22 and the slits 41, 51 of the coil body 20. That is, the support device 1 of the first embodiment can provide a support device 1 that can apply a backup force to a medical device inserted into the aorta 90 without removing the medical device. As a result, the labor and time required for the procedure can be reduced, and the procedure can be made more efficient. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6, in the section where the covering portions 40, 50 are provided, the narrow slits 41 can prevent the medical device from coming off the gap 22 of the coil body 20.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the support device 1 of the first embodiment, the proximal covering section 50 that covers the proximal end of the coil body 20 covers both the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface of the coil body 20, and the portion covering the outer circumferential surface and the portion covering the inner circumferential surface (inner covering section 52) are connected at the proximal end of the coil body 20. In other words, the proximal end 29 of the coil body 20 is covered by the proximal side of the proximal covering section 50. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7 , when a medical device such as a balloon catheter 3 is inserted from the proximal side of the coil body 20 into the inside of the coil body 20 (device lumen 20L), damage to the medical device due to contact between the proximal end 29 of the coil body 20 and the medical device can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the proximal end 29 of the coil body 20 is exposed.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the support device 1 of the first embodiment, the tip of the tip side covering part 40 is located further tip side than the tip 28 of the coil body 20. That is, the tip side of the tip side covering part 40 includes a section 42 that does not contain the coil body 20. Therefore, compared to a configuration that does not have the section 42 that does not contain the coil body 20, the tip side of the tip side covering part 40 can be configured more flexibly, and the safety of the support device 1 can be improved.

[0042] Second Embodiment FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the distal end side of a support device 1A according to a second embodiment. The lower part of FIG. 8 illustrates the configuration of the support device 1A, and the upper part (inside the balloon) of FIG. 8 illustrates the configuration of the distal tip 43. The support device 1A according to the second embodiment includes a distal covering part 40A instead of the distal covering part 40 of the first embodiment, and further includes a distal tip 43. The distal covering part 40A does not include the section 42 (the section not containing the coil body 20) described in the first embodiment, and has the same configuration as the first embodiment except that the distal tip 43 is fixed to the distal end. The distal covering part 40 and the distal tip 43 can be fixed to each other by metallurgical joining such as fusion welding, pressure welding, or brazing, or by adhesive joining using any bonding agent.

[0043] As shown in the upper part of FIG. 8 (in a balloon), the distal tip 43 is a cylindrically curved plate member, with circumferential ends 431 and 432 overlapping each other (indicated by a dashed circle). The surgeon can push open and expand the gap 433 between the ends 431 and 432 with a finger or a medical device such as a balloon catheter 3, allowing the surgeon to insert or remove a medical device into or from the distal tip 43 through the gap 433. The plate member constituting the distal tip 43 is biased so that the ends 431 and 432 overlap each other (indicated by a black arrow). Therefore, the gap 433 expanded by the finger closes as the finger is removed. The distal tip 43 is preferably flexible and can be made of a resin material such as polyamide, polyolefin, polyester, polyurethane, silicone, fluorine, polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polypropylene. The distal tip 43 is preferably made of polyamide or polyurethane. The distal tip 43 and the distal covering portion 40A may be made of the same material or different materials. The length L43 of the distal tip 43 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) can be determined arbitrarily.

[0044] As described above, the configuration of the support device 1A can be modified in various ways, and a distal tip 43 may be provided on the distal side of the distal covering portion 40A. The configuration of the distal tip 43 described in FIG. 8 is merely an example, and various modifications are possible. For example, the plate member constituting the distal tip 43 does not need to be biased. The support device 1A of the second embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to the support device 1A of the second embodiment, the distal tip 43 is fixed to the distal end of the distal covering portion 40A, allowing the distal end of the distal covering portion 40A to be configured more flexibly, thereby improving the safety of the support device 1A. Furthermore, the distal tip 43 is a cylindrically curved plate member, and both circumferential ends 431, 432 of the plate member overlap each other, further preventing a medical device inserted inside (inner cavity) from becoming dislodged. Furthermore, by widening the gap 433 between both ends 431, 432 of the plate member, a medical device can be easily inserted and removed from the distal tip 43.

[0045] Third Embodiment 9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the configuration of distal end tips 43B1 to 43B5 of a support device 1B of a third embodiment. In the third embodiment, a modification of the distal end tip 43 described in the second embodiment will be described. The support device 1B of the third embodiment has the configuration of the second embodiment, but instead of the distal end tip 43, it is equipped with any of the distal end tips 43B1 to 43B5 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0046] 9(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the distal tip 43B1. The distal tip 43B1 has end portions 431B1 and 432B1 that are gently inclined in approximately the same direction as the slit 41 (dashed line) of the distal covering part 40. Furthermore, the base end of one of the end portions 431B1, 432B1 (end portion 432B1 in the illustrated example) is located at the same circumferential position as the tip of the slit 41 of the distal covering part 40. Therefore, the distal tip 43B1 of FIG. 9(A) makes it easier and faster to insert and remove a medical device into and from the distal tip 43B1. Note that in this embodiment, "same" and "identical" do not necessarily mean strict agreement, but also mean that differences due to manufacturing errors and the like are allowed.

[0047] Figure 9(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the distal tip 43B2. The distal tip 43B2 has end portions 431B2 and 432B2 with circumferential notches 434. Therefore, with the distal tip 43B2 of Figure 9(B), the notches 434 can be used to more easily and quickly insert and remove a medical device into and from the distal tip 43B2.

[0048] 9(C) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the distal tip 43B3. The distal tip 43B3 has wavy end portions 431B3 and 432B3. Therefore, with the distal tip 43B3 of FIG. 9(C), compared to when linear end portions 431 and 432 are provided, the surgeon can more easily grasp the end portions 431B3 and 432B3 with his or her fingers, making it easier and faster to insert and remove a medical device into and from the distal tip 43B3.

[0049] FIG. 10(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the distal tip 43B4. The distal tip 43B4 has U-shaped end portions 431B4 and 432B4. Therefore, with the distal tip 43B4 of FIG. 10(A), compared to when linear end portions 431 and 432 are provided, the number of corners formed at the end portions 431B4 and 432B4 can be reduced, thereby improving the safety of the distal tip 43B4. Furthermore, compared to when linear end portions 431 and 432 are provided, the distal tip 43B4 makes it easier for the surgeon to grasp the end portions 431B4 and 432B4 with their fingers, making it easier and faster to insert and remove a medical device into and from the distal tip 43B4.

[0050] Fig. 10(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the distal tip 43B5. The distal tip 43B5 has V-shaped end portions 431B5 and 432B5. Therefore, with the distal tip 43B5 of Fig. 10(B), compared to when linear end portions 431, 432 are provided, the surgeon can more easily grasp the end portions 431B5 and 432B5 with his / her fingers, making it easier and faster to insert and remove a medical device into and from the distal tip 43B5.

[0051] As described above, the configuration of the distal tips 43B1 to 43B5 can be modified in various ways, and the end portions 431B1 to 43B5, 432B1 to 43B5 may have various shapes. In the above example, the shapes of one end and the other end of the plate member are the same for the distal tips 43B1 to 43B5. However, the shapes of one end and the other end of the plate member may be different. For example, one end may be wavy and the other end may be straight. Furthermore, in the distal tips 43B2 to 43B5 described in FIGS. 9(B), (C) and 10(A), (B), the distal end of the slit 41 of the distal covering portion 40 and the base end of one end of the distal tips 43B2 to 43B5 may be positioned at the same circumferential position, as with the distal tip 43B1 described in FIG. 9(A). The support device 1B of this third embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first and second embodiments.

[0052] <Fourth embodiment> FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a support device 1C of the fourth embodiment. The support device 1C of the fourth embodiment does not include the base-end covering portion 50 in the configuration of the first embodiment. As described above, the configuration of the support device 1C can be modified in various ways, and the base-end covering portion 50 may be omitted, and only the distal end of the coil body 20 may be covered with a covering portion (distal-end covering portion 40). The support device 1C of the fourth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, in the section where the covering portion (distal-end covering portion 40) is provided, it is possible to prevent the medical device from coming off the gap 22 of the coil body 20.

[0053] Fifth Embodiment FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a support device 1D of a fifth embodiment. The support device 1D of the fifth embodiment does not include the distal covering portion 40 in the configuration of the first embodiment. As described above, the configuration of the support device 1D can be modified in various ways, and the distal covering portion 40 may be omitted, and only the base end of the coil body 20 may be covered with a covering portion (proximal covering portion 50). The support device 1D of the fifth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, in the section where the covering portion (proximal covering portion 50) is provided, it is possible to prevent the medical device from coming off the gap 22 of the coil body 20.

[0054] Sixth Embodiment 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a support device 1E according to a sixth embodiment. The support device 1E according to the sixth embodiment includes a covering portion 60 instead of the distal covering portion 40 and the proximal covering portion 50 in the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0055] The covering portion 60 is a member that covers the entire longitudinal section of the outer peripheral surface of the coil body 20. The covering portion 60 has a generally cylindrical (tubular) shape with a distal opening 60a at its distal end and a proximal opening 60b at its proximal end. A slit 61 is provided on the side of the covering portion 60, connecting the distal opening 60a and the proximal opening 60b and providing communication between the inside and outside of the covering portion 60. The slit 61 extends spirally along the gap 22 of the coil body 20. The distal end of the covering portion 60 is located distal to the distal end 28 of the coil body 20, and the distal side of the covering portion 60 includes a section 62 that does not include the coil body 20. The covering portion 60 has an inner covering portion 63 at its proximal end that covers the inner peripheral surface of the coil body 20. The portion of the covering portion 60 that covers the outer peripheral surface and the portion (inner covering portion 63) that covers the inner peripheral surface are connected at the proximal end 29 of the coil body 20. The length L60 of the covering portion 60 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) can be determined arbitrarily as long as it is longer than the length of the coil body 20. The covering portion 60 is preferably flexible and can be made of a resin material such as polyamide, polyolefin, polyester, polyurethane, silicone, fluorine, polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polypropylene. The covering portion 60 is particularly preferably made of polyamide or polyurethane.

[0056] As described above, the configuration of the support device 1E can be modified in various ways, and may be configured to have a covering portion 60 that covers all sections of the coil body 20 in the longitudinal direction. The configuration of the covering portion 60 illustrated in FIG. 13 is merely an example, and for example, the inner covering portion 63 or the section 62 that does not include the coil body 20 may be omitted. The support device 1E of this sixth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the support device 1E of the sixth embodiment can prevent the medical device from coming off the gaps 22 of the coil body 20 in all sections of the coil body 20 in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] Seventh Embodiment Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a support device 1F of the seventh embodiment taken along line AA (Fig. 1). The support device 1F of the seventh embodiment has a distal covering portion 40F instead of the distal covering portion 40 in the configuration of the first embodiment. The distal covering portion 40F has an outer covering portion 401 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the coil body 20, and an inner covering portion 402 that covers the inner peripheral surface of the coil body 20. A slit 41 is provided on the side surface of the distal covering portion 40F, connecting the distal opening 40a and the proximal opening 40b (see Fig. 1) and providing communication between the inside and outside of the distal covering portion 40F. As shown in Fig. 14, the slit 41 is provided at the same position on both the outer covering portion 401 and the inner covering portion 402.

[0058] As described above, the configuration of the support device 1F can be modified in various ways. For example, the support device 1F may include a distal covering portion 40F having an outer covering portion 401 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the coil body 20 and an inner covering portion 402 that covers the inner peripheral surface of the coil body 20. With such a configuration, the inner covering portion 402 can protect the medical device inserted into the device lumen 20L, thereby further reducing damage to the medical device. Note that FIG. 14 illustrates a configuration in which a gap 403 is provided between the outer covering portion 401 and the inner covering portion 402. However, this gap 403 does not have to be present. For example, in a portion of the distal covering portion 40F where the coil body 20 is not enclosed, the outer covering portion 401 and the inner covering portion 402 may be in contact with each other. Furthermore, although the distal covering portion 40F has been described in the example of FIG. 14 , the proximal covering portion 50 may also be configured to have an outer covering portion that covers the outer peripheral surface of the coil body 20 and an inner covering portion that covers the inner peripheral surface of the coil body 20.

[0059] Eighth Embodiment 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a support device 1G of an eighth embodiment. The support device 1G of the eighth embodiment has a coil body 20G instead of the coil body 20 in the configuration of the first embodiment. The coil body 20G is a single-strand coil formed by winding one wire 21 into a single wire. The outer diameter, inner diameter, and length of the coil body 20G, as well as the winding direction of the wire 21, can be determined arbitrarily.

[0060] As described above, the configuration of the coil body 20G can be modified in various ways. For example, a single-filament coil as shown in FIG. 15 may be used instead of the multi-filament coil described in the first embodiment. The coil body 20G may be a single-filament stranded coil formed by winding a single-filament strand of a wire made by twisting together multiple elemental wires, or a multi-filament stranded coil formed by winding multiple strands of a wire made by twisting together multiple elemental wires. Furthermore, the coil pitch of the coil body 20G does not need to be constant. For example, by making the coil pitch at the base end larger than the coil pitch at the distal end, the rigidity of the base end of the coil body 20G can be increased compared to the distal end. Similarly, the coil pitch of the multi-filament coil (coil body 20) described in the first embodiment does not need to be constant. The support device 1G of the eighth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0061] Ninth Embodiment FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a support device 1H of a ninth embodiment. The support device 1H of the ninth embodiment includes a shaft portion 10H instead of the shaft portion 10 in the configuration of the first embodiment. The shaft portion 10H has a main body portion 11 and a grip portion 30. The main body portion 11 is a hollow, approximately cylindrical member extending along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and having a substantially constant outer diameter from the tip to the base end. Note that the entire main body portion 11, or at least a portion thereof, may be provided with a tapered diameter portion in which the outer diameter tapers from the base end to the tip. The curved portion 32 of the grip portion 30 is inserted and fixed to the tip of the main body portion 11. The main body portion 11 and the grip portion 30 can be fixed by metallurgical joining such as fusion welding, pressure welding, or brazing, or by adhesive joining using any adhesive. The main body portion 11 may also have a solid, approximately cylindrical shape. In this case, the curved portion 32 of the grip portion 30 may be joined to the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 11.

[0062] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the gripping portion 30. FIG. 17(A) shows the configuration of the gripping portion 30 as viewed from the same direction as FIG. 16. FIG. 17(B) shows the configuration of the gripping portion 30 as viewed from the +Y direction of FIG. 16. The gripping portion 30 is a member provided at the tip of the shaft portion 10H, between the main body portion 11 and the coil body 20. The gripping portion 30 has a gripping body 31 and a curved portion 32. The gripping body 31 is a pair of plate-like portions extending along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the support device 1H. As shown in FIG. 17(A), the gripping bodies 31 are each biased toward the gap 30a (the direction of the white arrow). The curved portion 32 connects one gripping body 31 to another gripping body 31 and is curved. The gripping portion 30 grips the coil body 20 inserted into the gap 30a. 16, the coil body 20 is gripped by being sandwiched between grippers 31 from both the outer peripheral surface side and the inner peripheral surface side of the coil body 20. The lengths of the grippers 30 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction can be determined arbitrarily.

[0063] As described above, the configuration of the support device 1H can be modified in various ways, and a shaft portion 10H composed of a main body portion 11 and a gripping portion 30 may be used. The support device 1H of this ninth embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, according to the support device 1H of the ninth embodiment, the shaft portion 10H includes gripping portions 30 that hold the coil body 20 by sandwiching it from both the outer peripheral surface side and the inner peripheral surface side. Therefore, compared to when the coil body 20 and the shaft portion 10H are simply joined, the coil body 20 and the shaft portion 10H can be reliably fixed with a simple structure.

[0064] Tenth Embodiment FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the gripping portion 30 of the tenth embodiment. A support device 1I of the tenth embodiment has the configuration described in the ninth embodiment, but instead of the gripping portion 30 described in FIG. 17, it includes a gripping portion 30I shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18(A) shows the configuration of the gripping portion 30I as seen from the same direction as FIG. 16. FIG. 18(B) shows the configuration of the gripping portion 30I as seen from the +Y direction of FIG. 16. FIG. 18(C) shows the coil body 20 being gripped by the gripping portion 30I as seen from the +Y direction of FIG. 16. Note that in FIG. 18(C), for ease of illustration, a portion of the coil body 20 is simplified to be a curved plate.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 18(B), the gripping portion 30I has a gripping body 31I and a main body 32I. The gripping body 31I is a portion in which a plurality of (three in the example of FIG. 18) plate-like members are arranged side by side in the Z-axis direction with a predetermined gap therebetween. The main body 32I is a solid, substantially cylindrical member having a substantially constant outer diameter from the tip to the base end. As shown in FIG. 18(C), the gripping body 31I grips the coil body 20 by sandwiching the coil body 20 between the plurality of plate-like members. Specifically, as shown in Figure 18(C), of the multiple plate-shaped members that make up the gripping body 31I, some of the plate-shaped members (in the illustrated example, the odd-numbered plate-shaped members as viewed from the +Z-axis direction) are positioned on the outer surface side of the coil body 20, and the remaining plate-shaped members (in the illustrated example, the even-numbered plate-shaped members as viewed from the +Z-axis direction) are positioned on the inner surface side of the coil body 20, thereby allowing the gripping body 31I to grip the coil body 20.

[0066] As described above, the configuration of the grip portion 30I can be modified in various ways, and may be configured differently from the configuration described in Fig. 17. The support device 1I of the tenth embodiment equipped with such a grip portion 30I can also achieve the same effects as those of the first and ninth embodiments described above. Furthermore, according to the grip portion 30I of the tenth embodiment, there is no need to provide the curved portion 32 described in the ninth embodiment, and therefore the diameter of the base end side of the grip portion 30I (i.e., the main body portion 32I) can be made thinner.

[0067] <Modification of this embodiment> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0068] [Variation 1] In the first to tenth embodiments, the configurations of the support devices 1, 1A to 1I have been illustrated. However, various modifications are possible to the configuration of the support device 1. For example, in the ninth and tenth embodiments, the main body 11 and the gripping portion 30, 30I may be integrally formed. For example, a radiopaque marker may be provided at the distal end of the support device 1 (the distal end of the coil body 20 or the distal end of the distal covering portion 40). For example, a connector that allows the surgeon to grip the support device 1 may be provided at the proximal end of the support device 1 (i.e., the proximal end of the shaft portion 10). For example, the surfaces of at least some of the members of the shaft portion 10, the coil body 20, the distal covering portion 40, and the proximal covering portion 50 may be coated with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic resin.

[0069] [Variation 2] The configurations of the support devices 1, 1A to 1I of the first to tenth embodiments and the configurations of the first modified example may be combined as appropriate. For example, the distal tip 43 described in the second and third embodiments may be employed in the support device 1 having the configuration described in the fourth, sixth to tenth embodiments. For example, the coil body 20G described in the eighth embodiment may be employed in the support device 1 having the configuration described in the second to seventh, ninth and tenth embodiments. For example, the shaft portion 10H described in the ninth embodiment may be employed in the support device 1 having the configuration described in the second to eighth embodiments.

[0070] This aspect has been described above based on embodiments and modifications. However, the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of this aspect and are not intended to limit this aspect. This aspect may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in this aspect. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it may be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1, 1A~1I...Supported devices 2...Guidewire 3...Balloon catheter 4...Guiding catheter 10,10H...shaft section 11...Main body 20, 20G... Coil body 21...Elemental wire 22...Gap 30,30I…grip part 31,31I…Gripper 32...Bend 32I…Main body 40, 40A, 40F... Tip side coating (coating) 40a...Tip side opening 40b…Proximal opening 41...Slit 43, 43B1, 43B2, 43B3, 43B4, 43B5... Tip 50...Base end side covering portion (covering portion) 50a...Tip side opening 50b…Proximal opening 51...Slit 52...Inner covering part 60...Covering part 60a...Tip side opening 60b…Proximal opening 61...Slit 63...Inner covering part 90...Aorta 91...Coronary artery 92…1st branch 93…Second branch 99...Stenosis 301...Balloon 401...Outer covering part 402...Inner coating part 403...Void 431,431B1,431B2,431B3,431B4,431B5,432,432B1,432B2,432B3,432B4,432B5...End 433...Gap

Claims

1. A support device for supporting a medical device that is inserted into a biological lumen for use, a shaft portion having an elongated outer shape; a coil body having an elongated outer shape provided at the tip of the shaft portion; a covering portion that covers at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the coil body in the longitudinal direction; Equipped with The covering portion is It has a distal opening provided at the distal end and a proximal opening provided at the proximal end, a slit is provided on a side surface of the covering portion, the slit connecting the tip-end side opening and the base-end side opening and communicating the inside and outside of the covering portion, the slit extending along the gap of the coil body, The support device supports the medical device with a distal end portion of the medical device protruding from the distal end opening and a portion of the medical device housed inside the coil body.

2. 10. The support device of claim 1, The coil body is formed by winding a flat plate-shaped member around it, the covering portion includes a base-end covering portion that covers a base end portion of the coil body, a support device in which the base-end covering portion covers an inner peripheral surface of the coil body in addition to an outer peripheral surface of the coil body, and the portion covering the outer peripheral surface and the portion covering the inner peripheral surface are connected at the base end of the coil body.

3. 3. A support device according to claim 1 or claim 2, the covering portion includes a tip side covering portion that covers a tip end portion of the coil body, A support device, wherein the tip of the tip side covering portion is located more distal than the tip of the coil body.

4. 3. A support device according to claim 1 or claim 2, the covering portion includes a tip side covering portion that covers a tip end portion of the coil body, a distal tip is fixed to the distal end of the distal covering part; The tip tip is a support device that is a cylindrically curved plate member, with both circumferential ends of the plate member overlapping each other, and by expanding the gap between the two ends, the medical device can be inserted and removed into the tip tip.

5. 5. The support device of claim 4, A support device, wherein the distal end of the slit of the distal covering portion and the base end of one of the two end portions of the distal tip are at the same position in the circumferential direction.

6. A support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The shaft portion a main body portion extending along a longitudinal direction; a gripping portion provided at a tip end of the main body portion and configured to grip the coil body, the gripping portion sandwiching the coil body from both an outer peripheral surface side and an inner peripheral surface side of the coil body to grip the coil body; A support device comprising:

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