Cell Killing System

Abstract

To kill a target cell by a cavitation phenomenon using moisture contained in the target cell.SOLUTION: A cell extinction system generates a cavitation phenomenon that implodes IP moisture by adjusting a pneumatic pressure and generates shock waves Sw, in the moisture included in a target cell 100 targeted for extinction, and destroys and kills the target cell 100 with the shock waves Sw. The cell extinction system includes a first insertion part 10 to be inserted toward a target site 110 in which the target cell 100 is included, and a cavitation generator 20. The cavitation generator 20 makes the target site 110 in a negative pressure state through the first insertion part 10, increases or decreases a degree of the negative pressure, while retaining the negative pressure state of the target site 110 and repeats a process of generating the cavitation phenomenon in the moisture contained in the target cell 100 to destroy the target cell 100 with shock waves Sw.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides a cell killing system that kills target cells. Mu Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional methods for treating tumors such as cancer include, for example, surgery, drug therapy (also known as chemotherapy or anticancer drug therapy), various types of radiation therapy including particle therapy using proton beams or carbon beams, immunotherapy, ultrasonic hyperthermia, etc. In addition, there are treatments that can be applied depending on the characteristics of the tumor, such as percutaneous ethanol injection therapy, radiofrequency ablation therapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, etc. Furthermore, multidisciplinary treatments that combine multiple treatments to achieve high therapeutic effects are also being performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2020-505319 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is a method to destroy and kill cells by using the water contained in the cells to generate shock waves through the cavitation phenomenon. , thin It is thought that it can also be used to kill bacterial cells.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its objective is to , fine This method kills target cells such as bacterial cells through a cavitation phenomenon that utilizes the water contained in the target cells. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is a cell killing system that causes a cavitation phenomenon, which implodes water and generates shock waves by adjusting air pressure, to water contained in target cells that are targeted for killing, and destroys and kills the target cells with the shock waves, A first insertion portion configured to allow air to pass through and inserted toward a target site of the object containing the target cells; a cavitation generating device connected to the first insertion portion, The cavitation generating device is characterized by creating a negative pressure in the target area through the first insertion part, and while maintaining the negative pressure state in the target area, increasing or decreasing the degree of negative pressure, thereby repeating the process of causing the cavitation phenomenon in the water contained in the target cells, thereby destroying the target cells with the shock waves.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the cell killing system described in claim 1, The cavitation generating device is an adjustment tank to which the first insertion portion is connected so as to be airtight; a vacuum pump connected to the adjustment tank to suction the inside of the adjustment tank; an air inlet valve provided in the adjustment tank and configured to be openable and closable, for feeding air into the adjustment tank; a control unit that controls the opening and closing operation of the air inlet valve, The control unit controls the opening and closing operation of the air inlet valve while the vacuum pump is performing vacuum suction on the inside of the adjustment tank, thereby adjusting the air pressure inside the adjustment tank.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is the cell killing system described in claim 1, A second insertion portion configured to allow air to pass through and to be inserted into a normal portion of the object that does not contain the target cells around the target portion; a negative pressure prevention device to which the second insertion portion is connected, The negative pressure prevention device is characterized in that it generates positive pressure in the normal area through the second insertion portion while the cavitation generating device maintains the negative pressure state in the target area.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is the cell killing system described in claim 1, The first insertion portion is a puncture unit that is punctured toward the target site; a connecting pipe that connects the puncture part and the cavitation generator, The puncture unit a tubular puncture unit body that communicates with the connecting tube; a tip portion located at the tip of the puncture unit body in the insertion direction into the target site and having a diameter larger than that of the puncture unit body; a protruding portion provided at a position on the puncture body that is spaced apart from the tip portion, the protruding portion having a diameter larger than that of the puncture body and protruding outward in an outer circumferential direction; a plurality of suction holes formed through the puncture unit body, The plurality of suction holes are located closer to the base end of the puncture body in the insertion direction than the tip and the protrusion, and are formed along the edges of the tip and the protrusion.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is the cell killing system described in claim 1, the first insertion portion is inserted toward the target site so as to pass through a cavity of the living body, and is formed in a tubular shape such that a tip portion thereof surrounds the target site; The tip of the first insertion portion is characterized in that when the target site is negatively pressurized, it surrounds the target site and adheres closely to the surface of the cavity of the living body around the target site.

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is the cell killing system described in claim 1, Non-invasively, Cell killing treatment To do Energy irradiation The device further comprises:

[0012] The invention described in claim 7 is the cell killing system described in claim 1, a third insertion portion that is inserted toward the target portion of the target; a target part discrimination device to which the third insertion part is connected, The target area discrimination device is characterized by discriminating between the target area containing the target cells and a normal area not containing the target cells based on the resistance value of the current passed through the third insertion portion.

[0013] The invention described in claim 8 is 1 The cell killing system described in Leave , before Record A cavitation generator generates negative pressure in the target area through the first insertion portion. The device further includes a drug injection tool that injects a drug into the target site when the device is in the It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention , thin The target cells, such as bacterial cells, can be killed by the cavitation phenomenon that utilizes the water contained in the target cells. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cell killing system. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating the configuration of a puncture portion in the first insertion portion. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of use of the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cavitation phenomenon. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where a radiation irradiation device is used in combination. [Figure 6]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a third insertion portion and a target part discrimination device. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the first insertion portion. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another modified example of the first insertion portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a mode of injecting a drug. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, although the embodiments described below are subject to various limitations that are technically preferable for carrying out the present invention, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0017] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an object where cell killing is performed. do. this Object 1 teeth, 10 target cells to be killed 0 is emitted It is in a living state. In this embodiment, the target cell 100 is ,strange The target cells may be mutated or transformed cells, bacterial cells, or cells that contain a certain amount of water. do.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, the target cell 100, like a normal cell, is covered on the outside by a cell membrane 101, which prevents toxins and foreign substances from entering the inside. Inside the cell membrane 101, there is a protoplasm consisting of a cell nucleus and cytoplasm 102 (not shown), and the cytoplasm 102 contains various organelles in addition to the cytoplasmic matrix. The cytoplasmic matrix is ​​a mixture of a cytoskeleton, dissolved molecules, water, etc., and is in a gel state. In other words, the target cell 100 is in a state where it contains water. do.

[0019] Object 1 is a cell death system as shown in Figure 1. Cell death treatment (hereinafter referred to as treatment) While this is being done, Placement On platform 2 Placement It has been Placement Next to platform 2, Object 1 The monitoring device 3 is installed. Each Species monitoring is being carried out do.

[0020] The cell killing system for destroying and killing the target cells 100 as described above comprises a first insertion part 10, a cavitation generating device 20, a second insertion part 30, a negative pressure prevention device 40, and a pressure monitoring device 50, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0021] The first insertion portion 10 is configured to allow air to pass through, as will be described in detail later. Object 1 It is inserted toward a target site 110 containing a target cell 100 and is connected to a cavitation generator 20 .

[0022] The cavitation generator 20 controls the air pressure to cause the water to implode (see arrow Ip in FIG. 4) and generate shock waves (see arrow Sw in FIG. 4). Object 1 This is a device for inducing water contained in the target cells 100 that are targeted for extinction, and a first insertion part 10 is connected to it. That is, the cavitation generator 20 creates a negative pressure in the target area 110 through the first insertion part 10, and while maintaining the negative pressure state of the target area 110, increases or decreases the degree of the negative pressure, repeating the process of causing a cavitation phenomenon in the water contained in the target cell 100, thereby destroying the target cell 100 with the shock wave Sw. The cavitation generating device 20 has a configuration that enables such a cavitation phenomenon to occur, including an adjustment tank 21, a vacuum pump 22, a cooling water tank 23, an air inlet valve 24, and a control unit 25.

[0023] The adjustment tank 21 is hollow and normally contains only air. A tubular suction section 21a that connects the inside and outside is integrally formed on the tank wall, and a suction pipe 22a (described later) of a vacuum pump 22 is connected to the suction section 21a. Although not shown, an opening through which the inside can be seen is formed in another part of the tank wall, and a lid is provided at the opening to open and close the opening. Such an adjusting tank 21 is in a vacuum state or a near-vacuum state when cavitation occurs, so it must have a strength that can withstand at least atmospheric pressure and a high level of sealing ability.

[0024] In this embodiment, a water-sealed Elmo-type vacuum pump is used as the vacuum pump 22. A water-sealed Elmo-type vacuum pump has a fan built into a casing, and the casing is provided with a suction port and a discharge port. The cylindrical fan is incorporated into the cylindrical casing with its fan center eccentrically positioned about 20 to 30 mm from the center of the casing, and a suction pipe 22a is connected to the suction port. This suction pipe 22a is connected to the suction section 21a of the adjustment tank 21. In this water-sealed Elmo-type vacuum pump, air (or water vapor) is vacuum-sucked from the inside of the adjustment tank 21 through the suction port into the casing via the suction pipe 22a by eccentric rolling rotation of the fan relative to the casing, and is then discharged from the discharge port. Furthermore, water is sealed inside the casing. That is, a circulating water channel is connected to the bottom of the casing, and the tip of this circulating water channel is introduced into the circulating water filled in cooling water tank 23, which has a large capacity and excellent heat dissipation ability. Therefore, due to the eccentric rolling rotation of the fan relative to the casing, the circulating water in cooling water tank 23 is vacuum-sucked through the circulating water channel, and moisture in the air is discharged from the discharge port. The type of vacuum pump 22 is not limited to a water-sealed Elmo vacuum pump, but may be another type of vacuum pump.

[0025] The air inlet valve 24 is an electromagnetic valve (also called an electronic valve) for sending air into the inside of the adjustment tank 21, and is provided integrally with the tank wall of the adjustment tank 21. The air inlet valve 24 comprises a tubular inlet that connects the inside and outside of the adjustment tank 21 to allow air to flow in, and a valve body that opens and closes the inlet.

[0026] The control unit 25 is connected to the air inlet valve 24 so as to be able to communicate with it, and is capable of transmitting, at preset timing, a control signal that controls the opening and closing operation of the valve element in the air inlet valve 24. By controlling the opening and closing operation of the valve element and operating the valve element to open the inlet, outside air is sent into the adjustment tank 21, and by operating the valve element to close the inlet, air can be prevented from flowing into the adjustment tank 21. By controlling the control unit 25 in this way, it is possible to adjust the strength of the vacuum inside the adjustment tank 21, which is suctioned by the vacuum pump 22. In other words, the inside of the adjustment tank 21 can be adjusted to a state between a high vacuum (which may be an extremely high vacuum or ultra-high vacuum, as necessary) and a medium or low vacuum. The negative pressure state of the target site 110 is maintained to the last, and the degree of the negative pressure is increased or decreased. The timing for controlling the opening and closing operation of the valve body can be set to various types of patterns, and in this embodiment, a pattern is adopted in which the valve body is operated to open the inlet when a predetermined time has passed, and then the valve body is operated to close the inlet when another predetermined time has passed, repeating this operation. More specifically, after the first insertion portion 10 is inserted into the target portion 110, the vacuum pump 22 suctions the interior of the adjustment tank 21 at a high vacuum for several minutes (five minutes in this embodiment), then opens the valve element of the air inlet valve 24 for several seconds (five seconds in this embodiment), and closes the valve element after those several seconds have elapsed. This process is then repeated for a predetermined period of time (approximately three hours in this embodiment). However, the timing of controlling the opening and closing of the valve element is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, since the vacuum pump 22 continues to suction the interior of the adjustment tank 21 while the valve element is open, the interior of the adjustment tank 21 is adjusted to a medium vacuum or low vacuum while the valve element is open. Accordingly, the target portion 110 is also adjusted to a medium vacuum or low vacuum while the valve element is open. In this embodiment, the vacuum pressure by the vacuum pump 22 is set to -0.08 MPa when the valve element of the air inlet valve 24 is closed to create a high vacuum, and is set to -0.02 MPa when the valve element of the air inlet valve 24 is opened to create a low vacuum. However, the vacuum pressure is not limited to this and may be set within the capacity of the vacuum pump 22. Suitable for Appropriate change Possible That is, the vacuum pressure can be appropriately changed within the scope of the present invention. Possible is.

[0027] The vacuum pump 22 and the control unit 25 may operate independently, or may be connected to an integrated control device 26 to enable comprehensive control of the vacuum pump 22 and the control unit 25. For example, the control unit 25 controls the opening and closing operation of the valve element of the air inlet valve 24 at a preset timing as described above, but if this timing is out of sync with the operation of the vacuum pump 22, effective vacuum suction cannot be achieved. Therefore, if the integrated control device 26 can comprehensively control the vacuum pump 22 and the control of the air inlet valve 24 by the control unit 25 can be timed appropriately. In other words, the integrated control device 26 functions as a controller for the cavitation generator 20.

[0028] Such integrated control device 26 is configured by a general-purpose computer (for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, etc.) equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and is connected to be able to communicate with the cavitation generator 20. More specifically, the vacuum pump 22 has an ON / OFF switch controlled by the integrated control device 26, and the control unit 25 controls the transmission of control signals.

[0029] Furthermore, the integrated control device 26 is communicably connected to various sensors employed in the cell killing system, and can collect the sensing results of the various sensors and control the cavitation generator 20 based on the sensing results. Object Based on the monitoring results of 1, the operation of the cavitation generator 20 can be stopped, or the strength of the vacuum inside the adjustment tank 21 can be adjusted.

[0030] The communication connection between the integrated control device 26 and other devices and sensors other than the integrated control device 26 may be wired or wireless.

[0031] The cavitation generator 20 configured as described above uses a water-sealed Elmo-type vacuum pump 22 to suction the inside of the adjustment tank 21 at a high vacuum (P = approximately -0.85 to -0.95 MPa), and can expand the water content of the target cells 100 into low-temperature steam at 1700 times the pressure through the first insertion part 10. Furthermore, because the water sealed inside the vacuum pump 22 is used as cooled circulating water, even when suctioning with low-temperature, high-pressure steam (cloud), a vacuum can be created up to approximately Q = 50 (l / min) without freezing, and the target cells 100 can be expanded in volume without heating. That is, a water-sealed Elmo-type vacuum pump 22 is connected to the adjustment tank 21 to which the first insertion part 10 is connected, and the circulating water in the cooling water tank 23 is connected to the vacuum pump 22 via a circulation water channel.By driving the vacuum pump 22, the inside of the adjustment tank 21 is suctioned at room temperature, and the moisture in the target area 110 can be sucked out with low-temperature water vapor.

[0032] Taking into account the configuration of the cavitation generating device 20 as described above, the configuration of the first insertion part 10 will be explained.Since this first insertion part 10 is configured to allow air to flow as described above, the vacuum pump 22 of the cavitation generating device 20 can perform vacuum suction of the target area 110 through the adjustment tank 21 and the first insertion part 10. Such a first insertion portion 10 is To object 1 The device is needle-shaped and has a puncturing part 11 that is inserted toward a target site 110 , and a connecting tube 16 that connects the puncturing part 11 and the cavitation generator 20 .

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the puncture section 11 includes a puncture section main body 12, a tip section 13, a protruding section 14, and a plurality of suction holes 15, and is integrally formed as a whole. do.

[0034] The puncture body 12 is formed in a tubular shape and communicates with the connecting tube 16. The length of the puncture body 12 is to be changed appropriately depending on the size of the target site 110 and the distance to the target site 110.

[0035] Tip portion 13 is located at the tip of puncture body 12 in insertion direction P1 into target site 110, and is set to have a larger diameter than puncture body 12. Tip portion 13 is formed in a rounded state, but is not limited to this and may be formed in a sharp state.

[0036] In this embodiment, a plurality of protruding portions 14 are provided, and are provided at positions on the puncturing body 12 that are spaced apart from the tip portion 13, and are set to have a diameter larger than that of the puncturing body 12 and protrude outward. More specifically, they are formed in an annular (donut-shaped) shape around the axis of the puncturing body 12, and form irregularities on the outer peripheral surface of the puncturing body 12. The number of overhanging portions 14 may be changed as appropriate depending on the length of the puncture portion main body 12.

[0037] The plurality of suction holes 15 are formed penetrating the puncture unit body 12. More specifically, the plurality of suction holes 15 are located closer to the base end (connection tube 16 side) in the insertion direction P1 than the tip portion 13 and the overhanging portion 14 of the puncture unit body 12, and are formed along the edges of the tip portion 13 and the overhanging portion 14. That is, the plurality of suction holes 15 are formed penetrating the wall of the puncture unit body 12 at positions along the edges of the tip portion 13 and the overhanging portion 14 on the base end side in the insertion direction P1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 , the plurality of suction holes 15 are also formed in the circumferential direction of the puncture unit body 12. The number of suction holes 15 formed in the lengthwise direction of the puncture unit main body 12 corresponds to the number of tip portions 13 and protruding portions 14 .

[0038] The connecting pipe 16 is made of a hose (tube) that is strong enough to withstand at least atmospheric pressure, has high sealing performance, and is flexible.

[0039] The distal end 13 and the protruding portion 14 are set to have approximately equal protruding dimensions in the circumferential direction, and the target site 110 punctured by the puncturing portion 11 is partially expanded by the distal end 13 and the protruding portion 14. As a result, the portion of the target site 110 located between the distal end 13 and the protruding portion 14 and the portions located between the multiple protruding portions 14 are unlikely to come into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the puncturing portion main body 12, or even if they do come into close contact, are unlikely to completely block the multiple suction holes 15. In other words, they are unlikely to become clogged. Therefore, the multiple suction holes 15 allow air to circulate inward and outward from the puncturing portion main body 12 when the puncturing portion 11 has punctured the target site 110.

[0040] Although only one first insertion portion 10 (puncture portion 11) is shown in Fig. 1, multiple first insertion portions 10 (puncture portions 11) may be used, for example, as shown in Fig. 5. The number can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the target site 110 and the extent of infiltration.

[0041] When applying a negative pressure to target site 110 through first insertion unit 10 configured as described above, puncturing unit 11 is inserted (punctured) toward target site 110 so that multiple suction holes 15 are within the range of target site 110. In this state, multiple suction holes 15 are capable of circulating air in and out of puncturing unit main body 12, so that when vacuum pump 22 is operated to create a vacuum inside adjustment tank 21, suction occurs inside puncturing unit main body 12 in the direction of arrow V1, and accordingly, suction also occurs through multiple suction holes 15, creating a negative pressure in target site 110. Within the range where the negative pressure propagates (the range where the effect of the negative pressure reaches), water contained in target cells 100 evaporates as water vapor, and the target cells 100 expand in volume.

[0042] Then, by opening and closing the air inlet valve 24 while suctioning the inside of the adjustment tank 21 with the vacuum pump 22, the inside of the adjustment tank 21 is suddenly changed from a high vacuum state to a low vacuum state. When the inside of the adjustment tank 21 is evacuated, the water in the target cells 100 boils and turns into steam, generating cavities (gas bubbles). At this time, by creating a low vacuum inside the adjustment tank 21, the bubbles collapse, i.e., cavitation occurs. Cavitation refers to the phenomenon in which bubbles collapse immediately after imploding, generating shock waves that travel outward. In the case of water, the shock waves are equivalent to a pressure of 1,000 to 10,000 atmospheres per micron, and can cause erosion even in metals. That is, by opening and closing the air inlet valve 24 while vacuum-suctioning the inside of the adjustment tank 21, as shown in Figure 4, cavitation (bubble collapse) is caused in the water contained in the target cells 100, causing the water to implode (see arrow Ip) and generating shock waves (see arrow Sw).Furthermore, by repeating this process of causing the cavitation phenomenon, the shock waves can destroy and kill the target cells 100 (symbol 100D in Figure 4 indicates dead target cells).

[0043] If the range of the negative pressure created by the cavitation generator 20 is wider than the range of the target site 110, normal cells in the normal site 120 around the target site 110 will also be affected by the negative pressure. For this reason, the second insertion part 30 and negative pressure prevention device 40 are used.

[0044] The second insertion portion 30 is To object 1 It is needle-shaped and configured to allow air to pass through. Object 1 The second insertion part 30 is inserted into a normal part 120 that does not contain the target cell 100 and is located around the target part 110. The second insertion part 30 has a puncturing part 31 that is inserted toward the normal part 120, and a connecting tube 36 that connects the puncturing part 31 and the negative pressure prevention device 40. Unlike puncturing portion 11 in first insertion portion 10, puncturing portion 31 does not have a ring-shaped protruding portion, and its tip does not protrude outward. However, multiple through holes 35 are formed in the outer peripheral wall of puncturing portion 31, connecting the inside and outside of puncturing portion 31.

[0045] Although only one second insertion portion 30 (puncture portion 31) is shown in Fig. 1, multiple second insertion portions 30 may be used, for example, as shown in Fig. 5. The number can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the target site 110 and the extent of infiltration.

[0046] The negative pressure prevention device 40 is connected to the second insertion part 30, and while the cavitation generator 20 maintains the negative pressure state of the target area 110, it creates a positive pressure in the normal area 120 through the second insertion part 30. The negative pressure prevention device 40 in this embodiment uses a compressor that continuously sends out air. The negative pressure prevention device 40 is connected to the integrated control device 26 so as to be able to communicate with it, and the integrated control device 26 functions as a controller for the negative pressure prevention device 40, and the ON / OFF switch of the negative pressure prevention device 40 is controlled by the integrated control device 26. Furthermore, if a compressor that can control the amount of air sent out is used, the amount of air sent out can also be controlled by the integrated control device 26.

[0047] When negative pressure prevention device 40 sends air to second insertion portion 30, the air is blown out from multiple through holes 35 formed in puncture portion 31 of second insertion portion 30, and normal area 120 can be made positive pressure. In this embodiment, a compressor is used as the negative pressure prevention device 40, but the invention is not limited to this as long as the normal portion 120 can be made to have atmospheric pressure.

[0048] The first insertion part 10 and the cavitation generating device 20 processWhile the above is being performed, the normal region 120 is pressurized with a positive pressure by the second insertion portion 30 and the negative pressure prevention device 40. This protects normal cells in the normal region 120, so that Object 1 Without damaging the tissue process It is now possible to do so.

[0049] Next, although not shown, the pressure monitoring device 50 is equipped with a pressure sensor (pressure gauge) that senses the pressure inside the first insertion portion 10 and the second insertion portion 30. The connecting pipe 16 of the first insertion portion 10 and the connecting pipe 36 of the second insertion portion 30 are arranged so as to pass through the pressure sensor of the pressure monitoring device 50. In other words, the connecting pipe 16 of the first insertion portion 10 and the connecting pipe 36 of the second insertion portion 30 are configured such that both portions on one side of the pressure sensor (the side of the puncturing portions 11, 31) and the other side (the opposite side of the puncturing portions 11, 31) are connected to the pressure sensor, and include the location where the pressure sensor is provided. Such a pressure monitoring device 50 is communicably connected to the integrated control device 26. That is, the integrated control device 26 collects the sensing results of the pressure sensors and controls the cavitation generating device 20 and the negative pressure prevention device 40 based on the sensing results.

[0050] Since the inside of the adjustment tank 21 is also vacuumed as described above and is therefore in a negative pressure state, sterilization is also possible inside the adjustment tank 21. In other words, when the first insertion part 10 is not connected to the cavitation generator 20, the items to be sterilized can be stored inside the adjustment tank 21 and sterilized by causing the cavitation phenomenon. Furthermore, since the moisture inside the adjustment tank 21 turns into water vapor, it is also possible to dry the items.

[0051] To kill the target cell 100 using the cell killing system configured as above, first, insert the first insertion part 10 into the Object 1 The first insertion portion 10 is inserted toward the target site 110 containing the target cell 100. When a plurality of first insertion portions 10 are used, the plurality of first insertion portions 10 are inserted into the target site 110.

[0052] Next, the second insertion portion 30 is Object 1 The second insertion portion 30 is inserted into a normal portion 120 that does not contain the target cell 100 and is located around the target portion 110. When a plurality of second insertion portions 30 are used, the plurality of second insertion portions 30 are inserted into the normal portion 120.

[0053] Next, the cavitation generating device 20 and the negative pressure prevention device 40 are operated simultaneously. That is, the cavitation generator 20 applies a negative pressure to the target site 110 through the first insertion part 10, and while maintaining the negative pressure state of the target site 110, the degree of the negative pressure is increased or decreased, and the process of causing a cavitation phenomenon in the water contained in the target cell 100 is repeated, thereby destroying the target cell 100 with the shock wave Sw. As a result, the target cell 100 can be turned into a dead target cell 100D. The target site 110 containing the dead target cell 110D can be, for example, Cutting or by other means. Take Make sure to bring it out. Furthermore, while the cavitation generator 20 is maintaining the target area 110 in a negative pressure state, the negative pressure prevention device 40 creates a positive pressure in the normal area 120 through the second insertion portion 30.

[0054] By the above-described simple method, the target cells 100 in the target site 110 can be killed. Killing of 100 target cells While this is being performed, the operation of the cavitation generator 20 can be stopped or the degree of vacuum inside the adjustment tank 21 can be adjusted based on the monitoring results and sensing results from the monitoring device 3 and the pressure monitoring device 50. When the operation of the cavitation generator 20 is stopped, the operation of the negative pressure prevention device 40 may also be stopped at the same time.

[0055] In addition, the cavitation generator 20 and other Decoration In combination with the placement of processIn this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the cell killing system irradiates the target site 110 with radiation R. irradiation The device (not shown) is further provided. radiation irradiation The device is Placement Located around platform 2 To object 1 The device has at least an irradiation unit that irradiates radiation R in a direction, and the irradiation of radiation R can kill the target cells 100.

[0056] In addition, this radiation irradiation The devices may also be communicatively connected to the integrated control device 26 and may be controlled by the integrated control device 26 . Also, other Decoration In this embodiment, the device is a radiation irradiation However, the present invention is not limited to this, and examples thereof include a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) device that cauterizes and necrotizes the target cells 100 using an ultrasonic vibrator, and a particle beam such as a proton beam or a heavy particle beam. irradiation The microwave used to generate heat by causing intermolecular vibrations (rotation of water molecules) in the water of the target cells 100. irradiation In other words, ultrasonic waves and various types of radiation and electromagnetic waves (proton beams, heavy particle beams, gamma rays, X-rays, electron beams, microwaves, etc.) can be used. outside non-invasively from the target site 110 Cell killing treatment To do Energy irradiation The cavitation generating device 20 is used appropriately. process It is acceptable to aim for a synergistic effect with

[0057] In addition, the target site 110 is Object 1 There is a problem that it is difficult to distinguish the location depending on the part. Therefore, the cell killing system in this embodiment has the following features, as shown in Figure 6. Object 1The device further includes a third insertion portion 60 that is inserted toward the target site 110, and a target site discrimination device 70 to which the third insertion portion 60 is connected. The target site discrimination device 70 discriminates between the target site 110 containing the target cells 100 and the normal site 120 not containing the target cells 100, based on the resistance value of the current passed through the third insertion part 60. The target site 110 containing the target cells 100 and the normal site 120 not containing the target cells 100 differ in the amount of water contained therein, and the more water there is, the lower the electrical resistance, so discrimination is possible based on the difference in water amount. Although not shown, such a target part discrimination device 70 has a power supply unit that passes current through the third insertion portion 60 and a measurement unit that measures the resistance (electrical resistance) of current flow from the power supply unit to the third insertion portion 60. Object 1 By inserting the third insertion portion 60 into a plurality of these locations and measuring the electrical resistance, the position of the target site 110 can be determined. This makes it possible to prevent the first insertion portion 10 from being inserted into the wrong location, and therefore, it is possible to determine the appropriate location. process Furthermore, even if the target site 110 is not raised but is flat or depressed and difficult to find, the target site can be identified by the target site identification device 70.

[0058] In addition, the third insertion portion 60 in this embodiment is configured such that a single needle (third insertion portion 60) is divided into multiple sections 61 along the insertion direction P2, allowing current to flow through each section 61 and electrical resistance to be measured for each section 61. This makes it possible to determine which position (which section 61) of one needle (third insertion portion 60) is in contact with the target site 110 or the normal site 120. To object 1 The number of needles used can be reduced as much as possible, Object This can reduce the burden on 1.

[0059] The target portion discriminator 70 may also be communicably connected to the integrated control device 26 so as to be controllable by the integrated control device 26 .

[0060] According to this embodiment, the following excellent effects are achieved. The cavitation generator 20 applies a negative pressure to the target site 110 through the first insertion part 10, and while maintaining the negative pressure state of the target site 110, increases or decreases the degree of the negative pressure, thereby repeating the process of causing a cavitation phenomenon in the water contained in the target cell 100, thereby destroying the target cell 100 with shock waves. Thin The target cells 100, such as bacterial cells, can be killed by a cavitation phenomenon that utilizes the water contained in the target cells 100. That is, by applying a negative pressure to the target site 110, the water content of the target cells 100 can be vaporized as water vapor, causing the volume to expand. Then, while maintaining the negative pressure state of the target site 110, the degree of negative pressure is reduced to return the water vapor to a liquid, causing a cavitation phenomenon to occur in the water contained in the target cells 100. In other words, by adjusting the air pressure, it is possible to implode the water and generate shock waves. Repeatedly causing this cavitation phenomenon generates shock waves, which destroy and kill the target cells 100.

[0061] Furthermore, by creating a vacuum inside the adjustment tank 21, the target site 110 can be subjected to negative pressure through the first insertion part 10, and the air pressure inside the adjustment tank 21 can be adjusted by controlling the opening and closing operation of the air inlet valve 24 with the control part 25, thereby making it possible to increase or decrease the degree of negative pressure while maintaining the negative pressure state of the target site 110. As a result, the target cells 100, such as lesion cells or bacterial cells, can be killed by the cavitation phenomenon that utilizes the water contained in the target cells 100.

[0062] Furthermore, the negative pressure prevention device 40, which is connected to the second insertion portion 30 that is inserted into the normal area 120, creates positive pressure in the normal area 120 through the second insertion portion 30 while the cavitation generating device 20 maintains the negative pressure state of the target area 110, thereby preventing the normal area 120 from being created under negative pressure by the cavitation generating device 20 and causing normal cells in the normal area 120 to be destroyed.

[0063] In addition, the puncture section 11 that is punctured toward the target area 110 comprises a tubular puncture section main body 12, a tip section 13 that is set to a larger diameter than the puncture section main body 12, a protruding section 14 that is set to a larger diameter than the puncture section main body 12 and protrudes outward, and a plurality of suction holes 15 that are formed through the puncture section main body 12, so that air can be sucked in through the plurality of suction holes 15 to create a negative pressure in the target area 110. Furthermore, when puncturing portion 11 is punctured toward target site 110, target site 110 is partially spread open by tip portion 13 and overhanging portion 14. The multiple suction holes 15 are located closer to the base end of puncturing portion body 12 in insertion direction P1 than tip portion 13 and overhanging portion 14, and are formed along the edges of tip portion 13 and overhanging portion 14. Therefore, target site 110 spread open by tip portion 13 and overhanging portion 14 is less likely to come into close contact with the multiple suction holes 15, and is less likely to be blocked, making it easier to suck air through the multiple suction holes 15.

[0064] The cell killing system also includes a radiation source for irradiating the target site 110 with radiation R. irradiation The device further includes a radiation irradiation The device can kill the target cells 100. That is, by repeatedly causing the cavitation phenomenon with the cavitation generator 20, the target cells 100 are destroyed and killed by shock waves while the target cells 100 are destroyed by radiation. irradiation Since the target cells 100 are killed by the device, it is possible to kill as many target cells 100 as possible in the target site 110 .

[0065] Furthermore, the target site discrimination device 70 to which the third insertion part 60 is connected discriminates between the target site 110 containing the target cell 100 and the normal site 120 not containing the target cell 100 based on the resistance value of the current passed through the third insertion part 60, and can therefore locate the position of the target site 110 containing the target cell 100. Therefore, if the position of the target site 110 containing the target cell 100 is determined in advance by the target site discrimination device 70 to which the third insertion part 60 is connected, the first insertion part 10 can be inserted toward the correct position, and the appropriate process This can be done.

[0066] [Modification] It should be noted that the embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Modifications will be described below. The following modifications may be combined as much as possible. In each of the following modifications, elements common to the above-described embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0067] [Variation 1] The first insertion portion 10 in the above embodiment is To object 1 The first insertion portion 80 in this modification is formed as a needle to be punctured, as shown in FIG. To object 1 The needle is inserted toward the target site 110 so as to pass through the hollow portion 1 a in the needle holder 1 and is formed in a tubular shape with the tip portion 81 surrounding the target site 110 . where: To object 1 What is the hollow part 1a in ,tube In addition, the target area 110 in this modification is relatively small, superficial, and protruding. There are .

[0068] In this modification, when a negative pressure is created in a target site 110 containing target cells 100, tip 81 of first insertion part 80 surrounds target site 110 and comes into close contact with the surface of cavity 1a around target site 110. Then, when cavitation generator 20 is operated, a negative pressure can be created in target site 110 and the surrounding tissue. Note that symbol V2 indicates the suction direction. By creating a negative pressure in the target site 110 and the surrounding tissue in this way, a cavitation phenomenon can be caused in the water contained in the target cells 100 in the target site 110 and the cells in the surrounding tissue, and by repeating the process of causing the cavitation phenomenon, the target cells 100 can be destroyed by shock waves. In other words, the target cells 100 can be killed.

[0069] The target site 110 in the state where the target cells 100 have been killed is unity By tool 82 Hand cutting It is subtracted. unity The tool 82 may be provided separately from the first insertion portion 80, as shown in Figure 7, or may be provided integrally with the first insertion portion 80 and inserted toward the target site 110 at the same time as the first insertion portion 80.

[0070] According to this modification, the first insertion portion 80 is Object 1 The first insertion portion 80 is formed in a tubular shape so that it passes through the hollow portion 1a and is inserted toward the target site 110, with the tip portion 81 surrounding the target site 110. When the target site 110 is subjected to negative pressure, the tip portion 81 of the first insertion portion 80 comes into close contact with the surface of the hollow portion 1a around the target site 110 while surrounding the target site 110, so that the surface of the hollow portion 1a to which the tip portion 81 of the first insertion portion 80 comes into close contact and its surroundings can be subjected to negative pressure. As a result, when the target site 110 is exposed to the surface of the hollow portion 1a, the target site 110 can be subjected to negative pressure.

[0071] [Variation 2] As shown in FIG. 8, the first insertion portion 90 in this modification is as follows: To object 1The needle is inserted toward the target site 110 so as to pass through the hollow portion 1 a in the needle holder 1 and is formed in a tubular shape with a tip portion 91 surrounding the target site 110 . Here, the target site 110 in this modification is relatively large (wide area), superficial, and protruding. There are .

[0072] The tip portion 91 of the first insertion portion 90 is configured to be expandable to a diameter that can surround the target site 110, as shown in FIG. 8(b).

[0073] In this modification, when a negative pressure is created in a target site 110 containing target cells 100, the tip 91 of the first insertion part 90 surrounds the target site 110 and comes into close contact with the surface of the cavity 1a around the target site 110. Then, when the cavitation generator 20 is operated, a negative pressure can be created in the target site 110 and the surrounding tissue. Note that the symbol V3 indicates the suction direction. By creating a negative pressure in the target site 110 and the surrounding tissue in this way, a cavitation phenomenon can be caused in the water contained in the target cells 100 in the target site 110 and the cells in the surrounding tissue, and by repeating the process of causing the cavitation phenomenon, the target cells 100 can be destroyed by shock waves. In other words, the target cells 100 can be killed.

[0074] The target site 110 in the state where the target cells 100 have been killed is ,above The unity The cutting may be performed using tool 82.

[0075] This modified example achieves the same effect as modified example 1 described above, and since the tip portion 91 is configured to be expandable to a diameter that can surround the target area 110, even if the target area 110 is wide or has a large protrusion, it can reliably surround the target area 110 and create a negative pressure in the target area 110.

[0076] [Variation 3] In the above embodiment, the target cell 100 is destroyed by the shock waves Sw by repeatedly applying a negative pressure to the target site 110 through the first insertion portion 10 (puncture portion 11) using the cavitation generator 20, and increasing or decreasing the degree of the negative pressure while maintaining the negative pressure state of the target site 110, thereby causing a cavitation phenomenon in the water contained in the target cell 100. In this modified example, a step of injecting a drug 134 into the target site 110 while maintaining the negative pressure state of the target site 110 is incorporated into this series of steps.

[0077] In addition, the drug 134 in this modification is A drug that is injected into the target site 110 to exert its medicinal effect This refers to the following. Drug 134 is a kind In the same category Or multiple types Similar It can be a mixture stomach.

[0078] The drug 134 is injected by a drug injection tool 130. As the drug injection tool 130, for example, a syringe as shown in FIG. The drug injection device 130 comprises a cylindrical container portion 131 filled with drug 134, a pusher 132 inserted into the container portion 131 from one end side to push out the drug 134, and a tubular puncture portion 133 provided at the other end of the container portion 131. The tubular puncture part 133 ,versus The length is set to reach target site 110. Furthermore, puncturing portion 133 may be connected to container portion 131 by a tube (not shown).

[0079] When injecting drug 134 into target site 110 using drug injection tool 130, this is performed while cavitation generator 20 is maintaining a negative pressure state in target site 110. The negative pressure state is maintained by the cavitation generator 20 while the plurality of first insertion parts 10 are inserted into the target area 110. Processing steps After the start of the shock wave, the target cell 100 is destroyed by the shock wave Sw. Processing steps This is continued until a certain degree of completion is achieved.

[0080] The injection of the drug 134 into the target site 110 by the drug injection device 130 is performed as follows: process This is performed at a predetermined timing during the time that the negative pressure state is maintained from the start to the completion. More specifically, in this modification, the time is immediately before the step of destroying target cells 100 with shock waves Sw is completed. That is, immediately after target cells 100 are destroyed by shock waves Sw, drug 134 is injected into target site 110 by drug injection tool 130 while maintaining the negative pressure state of target site 110. Then, once drug 134 has permeated target site 110, the negative pressure state of target site 110 is terminated. However, the timing to start the injection of the drug 134 is not limited to this, and the injection may be started while the target cells 100 are being destroyed by the shock waves Sw. Also, the injection of the drug 134 and the destruction of the target cells 100 by the shock waves Sw may be performed alternately multiple times. In either case, once the drug 134 has penetrated the target site 110, the negative pressure in the target site 110 is terminated.

[0081] The time required to destroy the target cell 100 by the shock wave Sw is proportional to the size of the target site 110. Therefore, in this modification, it is not necessary to use the negative pressure prevention device 40 and the second insertion part 30. In other words, by adjusting the time in accordance with the size of the target site 110, it is possible to omit creating a positive pressure in the normal site 120 by the negative pressure prevention device 40 and the second insertion part 30. This eliminates the need to puncture with the second insertion part 30, To object 1 This can reduce the burden on

[0082] Furthermore, in this modified example, the target site determination device 70 and the third insertion section 60 in the above embodiment may be used together. That is, since the target site determination device 70 can determine the amount of moisture, it can determine by the target site determination device 70 and the third insertion section 60 whether the negative pressure state of the target site 110 is being maintained sufficiently (if the negative pressure state is being maintained sufficiently, there is little moisture). Similarly, the target site determination device 70 and the third insertion section 60 can also determine whether the drug 134 has penetrated into the target site 110.

[0083] According to this modification, drug 134 is injected into target site 110 by drug injection device 130 while cavitation generator 20 maintains a negative pressure state in target site 110, so drug 134 can be sufficiently permeated into target site 110, which has become dehydrated in the negative pressure state. This is expected to result in a more effective medicinal effect than, for example, when drug 134 is injected without placing target site 110 in a negative pressure state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Object 10 First insertion part 11 Puncture site 12 Puncture unit body 13 Tip 14 Overhang 15 Suction hole 16 Connecting pipe 20 Cavitation Generator 21 Adjustment tank 22 Vacuum pump 24 Air inlet valve 25 Control Unit 26 Integrated control device 30 Second insertion part 40 Negative pressure prevention device 50 Pressure monitoring device 60 Third insertion part 70 Target part discrimination device 80 First insertion part 90 First insertion part 100 target cells 100D Dead target cells 101 Cell membrane 102 Cytoplasm 110 Target Area 120 Normal site

Claims

1. A cell killing system that causes a cavitation phenomenon, which causes water implosion and generates shock waves by adjusting air pressure, to water contained in target cells that are targeted for killing, and destroys and kills the target cells with the shock waves, A first insertion portion configured to allow air to pass through and inserted toward a target site of the object containing the target cells; a cavitation generating device connected to the first insertion portion, The cavitation generator creates a negative pressure in the target area through the first insertion part, and while maintaining the negative pressure state in the target area, increases or decreases the degree of negative pressure, thereby repeating the process of causing the cavitation phenomenon in the water contained in the target cells, thereby destroying the target cells with the shock waves.

2. The cavitation generating device is an adjustment tank to which the first insertion portion is connected so as to be airtight; a vacuum pump connected to the adjustment tank to suction the inside of the adjustment tank; an air inlet valve provided in the adjustment tank and configured to be openable and closable, for feeding air into the adjustment tank; a control unit that controls the opening and closing operation of the air inlet valve, 2. The cell killing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the opening and closing operation of the air inlet valve while the vacuum pump is performing vacuum suction on the inside of the adjustment tank, thereby adjusting the air pressure inside the adjustment tank.

3. A second insertion portion configured to allow air to pass through and to be inserted into a normal portion of the object that does not contain the target cells around the target portion; a negative pressure prevention device to which the second insertion portion is connected, The cell killing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the negative pressure prevention device creates positive pressure in the normal area through the second insertion part while the cavitation generating device maintains a negative pressure state in the target area.

4. The first insertion portion is a puncture unit that is punctured toward the target site; a connecting pipe that connects the puncture part and the cavitation generator, The puncture unit a tubular puncture unit body that communicates with the connecting tube; a tip portion located at the tip of the puncture unit body in the insertion direction into the target site and having a diameter larger than that of the puncture unit body; a protruding portion provided at a position on the puncture body that is spaced apart from the tip portion, the protruding portion having a diameter larger than that of the puncture body and protruding outward in an outer circumferential direction; a plurality of suction holes formed through the puncture unit body, The cell killing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the multiple suction holes are located on the base end side of the puncture body in the insertion direction relative to the tip and the protrusion, and are formed along the edges of the tip and the protrusion.

5. the first insertion portion is inserted toward the target site so as to pass through a hollow portion of the target object, and is formed in a tubular shape such that a tip portion thereof surrounds the target site, The cell killing system described in claim 1, characterized in that when the target site is subjected to negative pressure, the tip of the first insertion portion surrounds the target site and adheres to the surface of the hollow portion of the target object around the target site.

6. The cell killing system according to claim 1, further comprising an energy irradiation device for non-invasively performing cell killing treatment on the target site.

7. a third insertion portion that is inserted toward the target portion of the target; a target part discrimination device to which the third insertion part is connected, The cell killing system described in claim 1, characterized in that the target area discrimination device distinguishes between the target area containing the target cells and a normal area not containing the target cells based on the resistance value of the current passed through the third insertion portion.

8. The cell killing system described in claim 1, further comprising a drug injection device that injects a drug into the target site when the cavitation generating device creates negative pressure in the target site through the first insertion portion.

Images