Temperature measuring device

Abstract

A temperature measurement device according to the present invention comprises a tube, a temperature sensor unit, and a deployment unit. The temperature sensor unit can transition between an accommodation-possible state in which the temperature sensor unit can be accommodated within the tube, and a deployed state in which the temperature sensor unit is deployed out of the tube. The deployment unit transitions the temperature sensor unit from the accommodation-possible state to the deployed state. At least a portion of the temperature sensor unit is configured to be movable with respect to the deployment unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a temperature measurement device, and more particularly to a temperature measurement device for measuring the temperature inside a tubular organ in a living body. [Background technology]

[0002] Left atrial ablation, which involves cauterizing the myocardium, is a known treatment for atrial fibrillation. However, in left atrial ablation, the heat generated by the ablation is transmitted to the esophagus, which is anatomically close to the heart, potentially causing thermal damage to the esophagus.

[0003] Therefore, there is a known technique for preventing thermal damage to the esophagus by measuring the internal temperature of a tubular organ in a living body, such as the esophagus. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a loop wire that is introduced into the body of a subject. The loop wire carrying a temperature sensor is bent outward by a balloon or the like, so that the temperature sensor is placed adjacent to or against a certain area of ​​the surface of tissue or organ inside the subject's body, and can detect the temperature of that surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2011-517417 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In conventional technology, the temperature sensor may be pressed against the inner wall of the esophagus by a balloon, loop wire, etc., and external forces such as pressure and stress may be applied to the temperature sensor, which may cause damage to the temperature sensor. Similar problems exist in temperature measurement devices that measure the temperature inside tubular organs in a living body other than the esophagus.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a temperature measuring device that can suppress the pressure applied to the temperature sensor compared to the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A temperature measurement device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tube, a temperature sensor unit, and a deployment unit. The temperature sensor unit is capable of transitioning between a retractable state in which it can be retracted within the tube and a deployed state in which it is deployed outside the tube. The deployment unit transitions the temperature sensor unit from the retractable state to the deployed state. At least a portion of the temperature sensor unit is configured to be movable relative to the deployment unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the temperature measuring device of the present disclosure, the pressure applied to the temperature sensor can be reduced compared to the prior art. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a temperature measuring device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the temperature measuring device of FIG. 1, illustrating a state in which the temperature sensor unit can be accommodated. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the temperature measuring device of FIG. 1, illustrating a schematic example of an expanded state of the temperature sensor unit. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a temperature sensor unit in a receivable state. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a temperature sensor unit in an expanded state. [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the temperature sensor unit of FIG. 4 taken along line VI-VI. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a temperature sensor unit can be accommodated in a temperature measuring device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the expanded state of a temperature sensor unit in the temperature measuring device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a temperature sensor unit can be accommodated in a temperature measuring device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the expanded state of a temperature sensor unit in a temperature measuring device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a temperature sensor unit of a temperature measuring device according to a fourth embodiment can be accommodated. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an expanded state of a temperature sensor unit of a temperature measuring device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a temperature sensor unit of a temperature measuring device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a temperature sensor unit of a temperature measuring device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a side view schematically showing a balloon and a temperature sensor unit of a temperature measuring device according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a side view schematically showing a contracted state of the basket catheter of the temperature measuring device according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a side view schematically showing the expanded state of the basket catheter of the temperature measuring device according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a temperature sensor unit of a temperature measuring device according to an eighth embodiment can be accommodated. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an expanded state of a temperature sensor unit of a temperature measuring device according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a balloon according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of a temperature measuring device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, identical or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in order to facilitate understanding of the description, the shapes, dimensions, positional relationships, etc. of the components may be exaggerated in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in order to facilitate understanding of the description, when showing cross-sectional views of the components, illustrations, hatching, etc. of parts other than the cross sections may be omitted in the accompanying drawings.

[0011] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example configuration of a temperature measuring device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The temperature measuring device 1 includes a tubular shaft 10, a temperature sensor unit 100, and a balloon 20. The shaft 10 is an example of a "tube" in the present disclosure, and the balloon 20 is an example of a "deployment unit" in the present disclosure. For ease of explanation, Fig. 1 shows an imaginary axis C indicating the axis of the shaft 10.

[0012] In this specification, the direction parallel to the axis C is referred to as the axial direction, and when imagining a cylinder centered on the axis C, the direction perpendicular to the axis C is referred to as the radial direction, and the circumferential direction of the cylinder. Regarding the axial direction, the direction toward the right as you face the paper in FIG. 1 is considered positive. The positive axial direction is also referred to as the distal direction or tip side, and the negative axial direction is also referred to as the proximal direction or base side. Regarding the radial direction, the direction away from the axis C is sometimes referred to as the outward direction, and the direction toward the axis C is sometimes referred to as the inward direction.

[0013] The shaft 10 is a flexible tube, such as the shaft of a catheter. The shaft 10 has a distal end (tip) 11 and a proximal end (base) 12. The shaft 10 is inserted into a tubular organ in a living body, such as the esophagus. For example, the shaft 10 is inserted from the distal end 11 into the mouth or nose, and then moves into the esophagus.

[0014] The temperature sensor unit 100 has a flexible sheet-like shape, and is housed in the shaft 10 in the housed state shown in FIG.

[0015] In this specification, "flexibility" means, for example, the property of bending due to an external force. Flexibility may include elasticity and rigidity. For example, low rigidity may be expressed as high flexibility. In this specification, "flexibility" includes flexibility. In addition to flexibility, flexibility may also include the property of an object being able to deform freely.

[0016] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor unit 100 is disposed around at least a portion of the balloon 20. In this case, the temperature sensor unit 100 may or may not contact at least a portion of the balloon 20. For example, in the storable state, the temperature sensor unit 100 is disposed radially between the shaft 10 and the balloon 20. The temperature sensor unit 100 can transition between a storable state in which it can be stored within the shaft 10, and a deployed state in which it is deployed outside the shaft 10 to a diameter larger than the diameter of the shaft 10. The storable state and the deployed state of the temperature sensor unit 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the temperature measuring device 1, illustrating a schematic example of a state in which the temperature sensor unit 100 can be accommodated. The cross-section shown in FIG. 2 is a plane including the axis C. A guide member 30, such as a wire, is connected to the proximal end of the balloon 20. The proximal end of the guide member 30 extends to the outside via the proximal end 12 of the shaft 10. Alternatively, the proximal end of the guide member 30 may extend to the outside via an opening provided on the surface of the shaft 10. A user can move the balloon 20 connected to the guide member 30 in the axial direction by operating the extended guide member 30 by hand, a driving device, or the like. Because a portion of the temperature sensor unit 100 is fixed to the balloon 20 by, for example, gluing, the temperature sensor unit 100 can move in the axial direction in conjunction with the movement of the balloon 20 when the balloon 20 moves using the guide member 30.

[0018] The above-described movement of the guide member 30, the balloon 20, and the temperature sensor unit 100 can be performed independently of the shaft 10. Therefore, the guide member 30, the balloon 20, and the temperature sensor unit 100 can move relative to the shaft 10 in the axial direction, and can move further distally from the distal end 11 of the shaft 10 to the outside of the shaft 10.

[0019] The balloon 20 can be reversibly deformed between a contracted state and an expanded state by letting gas in and out using a pump or the like via the gas flow path 31. In Figures 2 and 3, the gas flow path 31 is provided inside the guide member 30, but the gas flow path 31 may be provided separately from the guide member 30. Although an example in which the balloon 20 is deformed by letting gas in and out has been described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the balloon 20 may also be deformed by letting liquid in and out.

[0020] The balloon 20 is deformable in a direction from the inside to the outside of the shaft 10. For example, the balloon 20 is deformable in a direction from the inside to the outside of the shaft 10 when viewed in cross section in a direction intersecting the direction from the proximal end 12 to the distal end 11 of the shaft 10.

[0021] The balloon 20 is pushed out from the shaft 10 by the guide member 30 and then expands radially outward to an expanded state, thereby expanding the temperature sensor unit 100. This causes the temperature sensor unit 100 to transition from the retractable state shown in FIG. 2 to the deployed state shown in FIG. 3.

[0022] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the temperature measuring device 1, illustrating a schematic example of the deployed state of the temperature sensor unit 100. Compared to the state shown in FIG. 2, in FIG. 3 the balloon 20 and the temperature sensor unit 100 are arranged outside the shaft 10. Also in FIG. 3, the balloon 20 is inflated to an expanded state, and the temperature sensor unit 100 is pushed open by the balloon 20 to an deployed state. In the deployed state, at least one radial dimension R of the temperature sensor unit 100 is larger than the inner diameter r of the shaft 10.

[0023] With this configuration, the temperature sensor unit 100, in the deployed state, can come into contact with the inner wall of a tubular organ in a living body, such as the esophagus.

[0024] While at least a portion of the temperature sensor unit 100 is fixed to the deployment unit, other portions of the temperature sensor unit 100 are not fixed to the balloon 20. For example, only a portion of the temperature sensor unit 100 is connected to the proximal end 21 of the balloon 20 by a unit such as adhesive. On the other hand, the temperature sensor unit 100 is not fixed to the balloon 20 at the contact portion 22 between the balloon 20 in the expanded state and the temperature sensor unit 100.

[0025] With this configuration, the temperature sensor unit 100 is movable relative to the balloon 20 at the contact portion 22. If the temperature sensor unit 100 were not movable relative to the balloon 20, when the temperature sensor unit 100 was sandwiched between the inflated balloon 20 and the inner wall of the esophagus, external forces such as pressure and stress would be applied to the temperature sensor unit 100, which could result in damage to the temperature sensor unit 100. In contrast, because the temperature sensor unit 100 is movable relative to the balloon 20, when such external forces are applied to the temperature sensor unit 100, the temperature sensor unit 100 and the balloon 20 move relative to each other, allowing the external forces to be released. In this way, the temperature measuring device 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the external forces applied to the temperature sensor unit 100 and reduce the risk of damage to the temperature sensor.

[0026] The inner surface of the temperature sensor unit 100 and / or the outer surface of the balloon 20 may be made of or coated with a material with low static friction so that the temperature sensor unit 100 can easily slide relative to the balloon 20 at the contact portion 22. For example, the inner surface of the temperature sensor unit 100 and / or the outer surface of the balloon 20 may be made of or coated with one or more materials selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic resins, hydrophobic resins, and metals.

[0027] 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the temperature sensor unit 100. For ease of explanation, FIGS. 4 and 5 show an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. In this specification, the direction of the X-axis may be referred to as the row direction, and the direction of the Y-axis as the column direction. In this embodiment, the direction of the X-axis coincides with the direction of axis C in FIG. 1, and the direction of the Z-axis coincides with the radial direction.

[0028] 4 is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor unit 100 in a retractable state. The temperature sensor unit 100 has a sheet 101 and a plurality of temperature sensor elements 110 arranged on the sheet 101.

[0029] The sheet 101 is flexible and has a shape that expands in the X and Y directions. In Fig. 4, the Y direction indicates the circumferential direction. Although not shown in Fig. 4, the sheet 101 further extends in the Y direction in Fig. 4, and the upper and lower ends of the sheet 101 in Fig. 4 are connected to each other, giving the sheet 101 an overall cylindrical shape. The sheet 101 includes, for example, polyimide, liquid crystal polymer, polyethylene terephthalate, silicone, polyurethane, polyether block amide, or a combination thereof.

[0030] The temperature sensor element 110 is a sensor that outputs the measurement result of the ambient temperature. The temperature sensor element 110 is, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, a semiconductor temperature sensor, or the like. The temperature sensor element 110 is connected to a control device via wiring and transmits information indicating the measurement result to the control device.

[0031] Looking at the X direction in Fig. 4, the temperature sensor elements 110 are arranged at equal intervals in the X direction. A plurality of temperature sensor elements 110 arranged at equal intervals in the X direction constitutes a row sensor element group 110a. A plurality of row sensor element groups 110a are arranged in the Y direction. Fig. 4 shows three row sensor element groups 110a.

[0032] An area of ​​the sheet 101 in which a certain row sensor element group 110a is arranged is connected to an area of ​​the sheet 101 in which an adjacent row sensor element group 110a is arranged by a curved or bent arm portion 102. In this embodiment, the arm portion 102 is a part of the sheet 101. In this embodiment, the arm portion 102 is formed by providing a cut 103 that penetrates the sheet 101 in a part of the sheet 101. The arm portion 102 is extendable in the Y direction, and the temperature sensor unit 100 is pushed outward by the balloon 20, causing the arm portion 102 to extend and transition from the retractable state of FIG. 4 to the deployed state of FIG. 5.

[0033] Figure 5 schematically shows the temperature sensor unit 100 in an unfolded state. The arm portions 102, which were curved or bent in the storable state of Figure 4, are extended in the unfolded state of Figure 5. As a result, the distance between adjacent temperature sensor elements 110 in the Y direction in the unfolded state of Figure 5 (D2, described below) is longer than the distance in the storable state of Figure 4. For example, in applications involving use in the human esophagus, the height (dimension in the X direction) of the tubular sheet 101 in the unfolded state is 1 cm to 10 cm, for example 6 cm, and the diameter of the sheet 101 is 1 cm to 5 cm, for example 2 cm.

[0034] Looking at the Y direction in Figure 5, the temperature sensor elements 110 are arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction in the unfolded state. The plurality of temperature sensor elements 110 arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction constitutes a row sensor element group 110b. A plurality of row sensor element groups 110b are arranged in the X direction. Figure 5 shows three row sensor element groups 110b.

[0035] 5, the distance (first distance) between adjacent temperature sensor elements 110 in the X direction is D1, and the distance (second distance) between adjacent temperature sensor elements 110 in the Y direction is D2. That is, in the unfolded state, the row sensor element groups 110a are arranged at first distances D1 in the X direction, and the column sensor element groups 110b are arranged at second distances D2 in the Y direction.

[0036] The first distance D1 and the second distance D2 are set depending on the application. In an application for monitoring the temperature inside the esophagus to prevent thermal damage during left atrial ablation, for example, the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 are set to 1 mm to 10 mm, for example 6 mm. This makes it possible to monitor the temperature inside the esophagus with a resolution of a predetermined interval. If the monitored temperature exceeds a predetermined value, the ablation can be stopped, for example, to prevent thermal damage to biological tissue.

[0037] In a living body, heat tends to diffuse in the direction of bodily fluid flow. Because blood vessels around the esophagus run along the esophagus, heat applied to tissues around the esophagus, such as the heart, tends to diffuse in the direction of the esophagus's length. Therefore, unless temperature monitoring is performed at short intervals and with high density (high resolution) in the direction of the esophagus's length, it is not possible to accurately detect high-temperature locations due to thermal diffusion. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first distance D1 in the X direction, which coincides with the direction of the esophagus's length during use, may be configured to be shorter than the second distance D2. For example, the first distance D1 may be equal to or greater than 1 mm and less than 6 mm, and the second distance D2 may be 6 mm.

[0038] With this configuration, the temperature sensor elements 110 are arranged in the X direction, which coincides with the extension direction of the esophagus during use, at a density high enough to accurately detect the position of the high-temperature inner surface of the esophagus. In this way, the temperature sensor unit 100 can accurately detect the increase in tissue temperature due to ablation based on anatomical knowledge, without causing tissue damage due to heat.

[0039] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the temperature sensor unit 100 taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4. As described above, a plurality of temperature sensor elements 110 are arranged on a sheet 101. To prevent the temperature sensor elements 110 from bending and breaking, a support substrate 106 with low flexibility may be provided between the sheet 101 and the temperature sensor elements 110. The support substrate 106 has a Young's modulus that is, for example, 100 to 1,000,000 times that of the flexible sheet 101.

[0040] Because the flexibility of the support substrate 106 is low, even if a force sufficient to bend the sheet 101 is applied to the support substrate 106, the support substrate 106 will not bend when the same force is applied to the sheet 101. Therefore, the support substrate 106 can prevent the temperature sensor element 110 disposed on the support substrate 106 from being damaged when an external force such as stress is applied to the temperature sensor element 110.

[0041] The temperature measuring device 1 as described above is used by a user such as a doctor, for example, in the following manner. (1) The user inserts the shaft 10 into the esophagus through the nose and / or mouth, thereby placing the temperature measuring device 1 (see Figures 1 and 2) including the temperature sensor unit 100 in a retractable state and the balloon 20 in a deflated state in the esophagus. (2) The user pushes the guide member 30 in the distal direction while fixing the shaft 10, thereby moving the balloon 20 and the temperature sensor unit 100 out of the shaft 10 via the distal end 11 of the shaft 10. (3) The user uses a pump or the like to send gas into the balloon 20 to expand the balloon 20 (see FIG. 3). (4) Measurement results from the plurality of temperature sensor elements 110 of the temperature sensor unit 100 are obtained.

[0042] Alternatively to (2) above, the user may move the balloon 20 and the temperature sensor unit 100 outside the shaft 10 via the distal end 11 of the shaft 10 by pulling the shaft 10 while fixing the guide member 30.

[0043] Alternatively, instead of the above (3), the user may inject liquid into the balloon 20 to deform it.

[0044] As described above, the temperature measuring device 1 according to this embodiment includes the shaft 10, which is an example of a tube, the temperature sensor unit, and the balloon 20, which is an example of a deployment unit. The temperature sensor unit can transition between a retractable state in which it can be retracted within the shaft 10, and a deployed state in which it is deployed outside the shaft 10. The balloon 20 transitions the temperature sensor unit from the retractable state to the deployed state. At least a portion of the temperature sensor unit is configured to be movable relative to the deployment unit.

[0045] According to this configuration, when an external force is applied to the temperature sensor unit 100, the temperature sensor unit 100 and the balloon 20 move relative to each other, thereby reducing the external force applied to the temperature sensor unit 100 and reducing the risk of damage to the temperature sensor.

[0046] (Second embodiment) 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams showing an example configuration of the temperature sensor unit 200 in the temperature measuring device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the temperature sensor unit 200 in a storable state as viewed from the distal side of the axis C (the right side as one faces the paper surface of Fig. 1). In Fig. 7, the distal end 11 of the shaft 10 is hatched with dots to clearly distinguish the components.

[0047] 7, in the storable state, the flexible sheet-like temperature sensor unit 200 is wrapped around the balloon 20. This reduces the radial dimension of the temperature sensor unit 200, allowing the temperature sensor unit 200 to be stored in the shaft 10.

[0048] An end 202 of the temperature sensor unit 200 is fixed to the balloon 20 by adhesive or the like. In contrast, the portion of the temperature sensor unit 200 other than the end 202 is not fixed to the balloon 20 and is movable relative to the balloon 20.

[0049] As in the first embodiment, the balloon 20 is pushed out distally from the shaft 10 and then expands, thereby pushing outward the temperature sensor unit 200. This causes the temperature sensor unit 200 to transition from the retractable state shown in FIG. 7 to the deployed state shown in FIG. 8.

[0050] Figure 8 is a plan view schematically showing the temperature sensor unit 200 in the deployed state, as seen from the distal side of the axis C. The temperature sensor unit 200, which is wound around the balloon 20, is pushed outward by the balloon 20 while the number of turns decreases as the balloon 20 expands. In the deployed state of Figure 8, the radial dimension of the temperature sensor unit 200 is larger than in the storable state shown in Figure 7. With this configuration, the temperature sensor unit 200 in the deployed state can come into contact with the inner wall of a tubular organ in a living body, such as the esophagus.

[0051] (Third embodiment) 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams showing a configuration example of the temperature sensor unit 300 in the temperature measuring device 3 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a schematic view of the temperature sensor unit 300 in a retractable state as seen from the distal side of the axis C.

[0052] 9, in the storable state, the flexible sheet-like temperature sensor unit 300 has multiple folds extending in the axial direction, and is folded by being bent along these folds. This reduces the radial dimension of the temperature sensor unit 300, allowing the temperature sensor unit 300 to be stored inside the shaft 10.

[0053] As in the first and second embodiments, the balloon 20 is pushed distally from the shaft 10 and then expands, thereby pushing outward the temperature sensor unit 300. This causes the temperature sensor unit 300 to transition from the retractable state shown in FIG. 9 to the deployed state shown in FIG.

[0054] 10 is a plan view schematically showing the temperature sensor unit 300 in the deployed state as viewed from the distal side of the axis C. The folded temperature sensor unit 300 is pushed outward by the expanding balloon 20. As a result, in the deployed state of FIG. 10, the radial dimension of the temperature sensor unit 300 is larger than in the storable state shown in FIG.

[0055] (Fourth embodiment) 11 and 12 are cross-sectional views schematically showing an example of the configuration of a temperature measuring device 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 schematically shows a state in which the temperature sensor unit 400 of the temperature measuring device 4 can be accommodated. Fig. 12 schematically shows a state in which the temperature sensor unit 400 is deployed.

[0056] The balloon 420 of the temperature measuring device 4 according to this embodiment has folds 421 and 422 extending in the axial direction. As shown in Fig. 11 , in a deflated state, the balloon 420 is folded at the folds 421 and 422 and accommodated within the shaft 10. In this specification, the folds 421 may be referred to as mountain folds, and the folds 422 may be referred to as valley folds. In the example shown in Fig. 11 , there are ten folds 421 and ten folds 422, but the number of folds is not limited to this.

[0057] The sheet 401 of the temperature sensor unit 400 is provided on (inside) the inner surface of the balloon 420. A plurality of temperature sensor elements 110 are arranged on (inside) the inner surface of the sheet 401. At least a portion of the temperature sensor unit 400 is physically connected to the inner surface of the balloon 420 by means of adhesion or the like. This allows the temperature sensor unit 400 to transition from the retractable state of FIG. 11 to the deployed state of FIG. 11 as the balloon 420 changes from the contracted state to the expanded state.

[0058] When the balloon 420 is folded, the sheet 401 provided on the balloon 420 is also folded. The sheet 401 may have folds at positions corresponding to the folds 421 and 422 of the underlying balloon 420. As shown in FIG. 11 , the temperature sensor element 110 is disposed on a portion of the sheet 401 that will not bend even when the balloon 420 is folded. For example, the temperature sensor element 110 is disposed so as not to straddle the folds 421 and 422. If the sheet 401 has folds, the temperature sensor element 110 is disposed so as not to straddle the folds.

[0059] By arranging the temperature sensor element 110 on the unfoldable portion of the sheet 401, the temperature sensor unit 400 can be folded compactly, allowing more temperature sensor elements 110 to be housed in the shaft 10. In addition, it is possible to prevent the temperature sensor element 110 from being damaged by a force such as bending stress being applied to the temperature sensor element 110.

[0060] (Fifth embodiment) A temperature measuring device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 13. The temperature measuring device according to this embodiment includes a temperature sensor unit 500 instead of the temperature sensor unit 100 of the temperature measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 4. The direction of the X axis shown in Fig. 13 coincides with the direction of axis C in Fig. 1, and the direction of the Z axis coincides with the radial direction.

[0061] In the storable state, the temperature sensor unit 500 is wound around the axis C to cover the balloon 20. The temperature sensor unit 500 has a plurality of notches 503 extending in the X direction so as to penetrate the sheet 501. The plurality of notches 503 are provided in portions where the temperature sensor elements 110 are not disposed. In the example shown in FIG. 13 , the plurality of notches 503 include notches 503a and 503b that are adjacent to each other at a distance in the X direction, and the temperature sensor elements 110 adjacent to notches 503a and 503b in the Y direction are disposed between notches 503a and 503b in the X direction.

[0062] When the temperature sensor unit 500 expands in the Y direction from the storable state to the deployed state, each notch 503 expands in the Y direction to form an opening, and the sheet 501 between the notches 503 deforms. If the temperature sensor element 110 is placed in an area of ​​the sheet 501 that deforms significantly, an external force such as bending stress will be applied to the temperature sensor element 110 as the sheet 501 deforms, and there is a risk that the temperature sensor element 110 will be damaged.

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, the temperature sensor element 110 is disposed in an area 505 of the sheet 501 between the cuts 503a and 503b. Since the area 505 includes a portion without the cuts 503, the area 505 is less likely to deform than other areas when the temperature sensor unit 500 transitions from the stowable state to the deployed state. Thus, in this embodiment, by disposing the temperature sensor element 110 in the area 505, the risk of the temperature sensor element 110 being damaged can be reduced.

[0064] (Sixth embodiment) A temperature measuring device according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 14. Compared to the fifth embodiment, a temperature sensor unit 600 of the temperature measuring device according to this embodiment has a plurality of notches 603 extending in the Y direction. Each notch 603 may or may not penetrate the sheet 601. Fig. 14 shows an example in which three or four notches 603 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction, but the number of notches 603 is not limited to this.

[0065] By providing the notch 603 extending in the Y direction in this manner, the temperature sensor unit 600 can bend flexibly around the Y axis and can be easily housed within the shaft 10. Furthermore, even when housed within the shaft 10, the temperature sensor unit 600 is easily deformed by the notch 603, making it easy to insert into the esophagus through the nose and / or mouth.

[0066] Furthermore, the temperature sensor unit 600 has an area without the notch 603, and by arranging the temperature sensor element 110 in this area, the risk of external forces such as large bending stress being applied to the temperature sensor element 110 due to deformation of the sheet 601 can be reduced.

[0067] (Seventh embodiment) A temperature measuring device 7 according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a side view schematically showing the balloon 20 and temperature sensor unit 700 of the temperature measuring device 7. The temperature sensor unit 700 of the temperature measuring device 7 has an elongated sheet-like shape, and is spirally wound around the axis C on the balloon 20.

[0068] The temperature sensor unit 700 may be formed by cutting a spiral slit through a cylindrical sheet that encases the balloon 20 .

[0069] The temperature sensor unit 700 has the shape of a single, elongated sheet, so that it can be easily housed within the shaft 10, and after use, it can be easily removed from the living body via the shaft 10.

[0070] (Eighth embodiment) A temperature measuring device according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 16 to 19. The main difference between the first embodiment and this embodiment is that the temperature measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a balloon 20 as an expansion unit, whereas the temperature measuring device according to this embodiment includes a basket catheter 820 as an expansion unit.

[0071] 16 and 17 are side views schematically showing an example of the configuration of a basket catheter 820 of a temperature measuring device according to this embodiment. Figures 16 and 17 show the basket catheter 820 in a contracted state and an expanded state, respectively.

[0072] Basket catheter 820 has a cylindrical guide member 830 and a plurality of wires 821 that each extend in the axial direction and can be housed within guide member 830. The distal ends of the plurality of wires 821 are bound together, for example, by a bundling portion 822. Alternatively, the distal ends of the plurality of wires 821 may be bound together by means of adhesion, fusion, or the like.

[0073] 17, each wire 821 can be curved and expanded radially to form a cage-shaped basket portion 823 that surrounds a space 824. This causes the basket catheter 820 to transition to an expanded state. The basket catheter 820 is not limited to the above example, and any known basket catheter configuration may be employed.

[0074] 18 and 19 are cross-sectional views schematically showing an example of the configuration of the temperature measuring device 8 according to this embodiment. Fig. 18 schematically shows a state in which the temperature sensor unit 800 of the temperature measuring device 8 can be accommodated. Fig. 19 schematically shows a state in which the temperature sensor unit 800 is deployed.

[0075] 18 and 19, a sheet 801 of a temperature sensor unit 800 has folds 802 and 803 extending in the axial direction. As shown in Fig. 18, in a contracted state, the sheet 801 is folded at the folds 802 and 803 and accommodated in the shaft 10.

[0076] 18 and 19, the temperature sensor elements 110 are arranged on the outer surface of the sheet 801 in a portion where there are no folds 802, 803. The temperature sensor elements are not limited to being arranged on the outside of the sheet 801, but may be arranged on the inside, or may be arranged within the sheet 801 so that the upper and lower surfaces are exposed.

[0077] When the basket catheter 820 in the contracted state shown in Fig. 18 moves to the outside of the shaft 10 and then transitions to the expanded state, the sheet 801 of the temperature sensor unit 800 is pushed open by the multiple wires 821 of the basket catheter 820. This causes the temperature sensor unit 800 to transition from the storable state shown in Fig. 18 to the expanded state shown in Fig. 19.

[0078] As described above, in the temperature measuring device 8 according to this embodiment, the basket catheters 820 can each extend in a direction from the proximal end 12 to the distal end 11 of the shaft 10. The basket catheter 820 can be bent in a direction from the inside to the outside of the shaft 10. For example, the basket catheter 820 can be bent in a direction from the inside to the outside of the shaft 10 when viewed in cross section in a direction intersecting the direction from the proximal end 12 to the distal end 11 of the shaft 10.

[0079] (Variation) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the above description is merely an example of the present disclosure in every respect. Various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the following modifications are possible. Note that, in the following, the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in the above embodiment, and descriptions of the same points as those in the above embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. The following modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0080] (First Modification) In the above embodiment, the esophagus has been described as an example of a tubular organ into which the shaft 10 is inserted, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the tubular organ may be a cavity, a hollow organ, or the like in a living body. Specifically, the tubular organ into which the shaft 10 is inserted may be the trachea, lungs, oral cavity, stomach, intestines, external auditory canal, Eustachian tube, blood vessels, urinary tract, lymphatic vessels, or the like. The tubular organ is not limited to a human organ, but may be an organ of another living organism.

[0081] (Second Modification) In the first embodiment, the sheet 101 that can be expanded by providing the incisions 103 has been described (see FIG. 4). However, the sheet 101 is not limited to this, and may be any sheet that can be expanded in the radial direction. For example, the sheet 101 may be a stent. Alternatively, the sheet 101 may be a sheet having a structure similar to that of a stent.

[0082] (Third Modification) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which a low-flexibility support substrate 106 is provided between the sheet 101 and the temperature sensor element 110 to prevent the temperature sensor element 110 from bending and breaking (see FIG. 6 ). However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the temperature sensor element 110 may be disposed on a low-flexibility portion. For example, a first portion of the sheet on which the temperature sensor element 110 is not disposed is flexible. In contrast, a second portion of the sheet on which the temperature sensor element 110 is disposed may have lower flexibility than the first portion, so that the second portion does not bend when a force that bends the first portion is applied. This configuration also prevents damage to the temperature sensor element 110 caused by an external force such as stress being applied to the temperature sensor element 110 when the sheet is bent to accommodate it in the shaft 10.

[0083] (Fourth Modification) In the above embodiment, the balloon 20 has been described as having a circular cross-sectional shape, but the shape of the balloon is not limited to a circle. For example, as shown in FIG. 20 , the distance 2a from a first point on the outline of a cross-section of the balloon 20a perpendicular to the axis C to a second point on the outline opposite the first point across the center (C) of the cross-section may be different from the distance 2b from a third point on the outline of the cross-section, which is different from both the first and second points, to a fourth point on the outline opposite the third point across the center of the cross-section. As an example, the shape of the cross-section of the balloon 20a perpendicular to the axis C may be an ellipse with a major axis 2a and a minor axis 2b.

[0084] For example, left atrial ablation is typically performed with the patient lying down, and as a result, the esophageal lumen is typically flattened rather than circular when viewed in the direction of the esophagus. Therefore, the elliptical cross-section allows the balloon 20a and the temperature sensor unit mounted thereon to adhere more closely to the inner wall of the esophagus during inflation than would be the case if the cross-section were circular. This allows for accurate measurement of the temperature of the inner wall of the esophagus.

[0085] The deployment units, such as the balloons described in the above embodiments, may be contracted after deployment. Contracting the deployment unit prevents the esophagus from expanding in the width direction. Contracting the deployment unit also prevents the deployment unit from pressing the inner wall of the esophagus against the heart, particularly the left atrium. As a result, the adhesion between the heart and the esophagus is reduced, making it possible to prevent excessive heat from being transferred from the heart to the esophagus when performing cardiac ablation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1~4, 7, 8 Temperature measuring device 10 shaft 11 Distal end 12 Proximal end 20, 20a, 420 balloon 21 proximal end 22 Contact part 30 Guide member 31 Gas flow path 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 Temperature sensor unit 101, 401, 501, 601, 801 seats 102 Arm section 106 Support substrate 110 Temperature sensor element 110a row sensor element group 110b column sensor element group 421, 422 folds 802, 803 folds 820 Basket catheter 821 Wire 822 Binding section 823 Basketball Club 824 Space 830 Guide member

Claims

1. Tube and a temperature sensor unit that can transition between a retractable state in which it can be retracted within the tube and a deployed state in which it is deployed outside the tube; a deployment unit that transitions the temperature sensor unit from the stowable state to the deployed state, At least a portion of the temperature sensor unit is configured to be movable relative to the deployment unit, A part of the temperature sensor unit is fixed to the deployment unit. Temperature measuring device.

2. the temperature sensor unit is disposed around at least a portion of the deployment unit; At least a portion of the deployment unit is fixed to the temperature sensor unit; the deployment unit is deformable in a direction from the inside to the outside of the tube when viewed in cross section in a direction intersecting a direction from one end to the other end of the tube. The temperature measurement device according to claim 1 .

3. The temperature measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature sensor unit includes a flexible sheet having a first fold.

4. The temperature measuring device according to claim 3 , wherein the temperature sensor unit has a temperature sensor element disposed on the sheet so as not to straddle the first fold.

5. The temperature measurement device of claim 1 , wherein the deployment unit is a balloon.

6. the balloon has a second fold; the temperature sensor unit has a temperature sensor element disposed so as not to straddle the second fold; 6. The temperature measuring device according to claim 5.

7. the deployment unit includes a plurality of wires each capable of extending in a direction from one end to the other end of the tube and capable of bending in a direction from the inside to the outside of the tube when viewed in cross section in a direction intersecting the direction from one end to the other end of the tube; The temperature measurement device according to claim 1 .

8. the temperature sensor unit includes a seat and a temperature sensor element disposed on the seat; the sheet is disposed so as to surround the plurality of wires when viewed from one end of the tube to the other end, the temperature sensor element is disposed between the plurality of wires; 8. The temperature measurement device according to claim 7.

9. the temperature sensor unit includes a seat and a temperature sensor element disposed on the seat; The sheet has a notch in a portion where the temperature sensor element is not disposed. The temperature measurement device according to claim 1 .

10. The temperature measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature sensor unit is housed in the tube in a wound state, and has a plurality of notches extending substantially parallel to one another in a direction from one end to the other end of the tube.

11. the temperature sensor unit includes a seat and a temperature sensor element disposed on the seat; The plurality of notches are provided in a portion where the temperature sensor element is not disposed. The temperature measurement device according to claim 10.

12. the plurality of notches include a first notch and a second notch that are adjacent to each other and spaced apart in a direction from one end of the tube to the other end; the temperature sensor element is disposed between the first notch and the second notch in a direction from one end of the tube to the other end; 12. The temperature measurement device of claim 11.

13. The temperature measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature sensor unit is housed in the tube in a wound state and has a plurality of notches extending in a direction intersecting a direction from one end to the other end of the tube.

14. the temperature sensor unit includes a seat and a temperature sensor element disposed on the seat; The plurality of notches are provided in a portion where the temperature sensor element is not disposed.

14. The temperature measurement device of claim 13.

15. the temperature sensor unit includes a sheet spirally wound around the deployment unit; The temperature measurement device according to claim 1 .

16. the temperature sensor unit includes a seat and a temperature sensor element disposed on the seat; the sheet has a first portion in which the temperature sensor element is not disposed and a second portion in which the temperature sensor element is disposed, The flexibility of the first portion is higher than the flexibility of the second portion. The temperature measurement device according to claim 1 .

17. 2. The temperature measurement device according to claim 1, wherein a distance from a first point on a contour of a cross section of the deployment unit that intersects the axis of the tube to a second point on the contour that faces the first point across a center of the cross section is different from a distance from a third point on the contour that is different from the first point and the second point to a fourth point on the contour that faces the third point across the center of the cross section.

18. The temperature measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature sensor unit has a diameter larger than a diameter of the tube in the deployed state.

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