Ablation system

Abstract

To provide an ablation system that facilitates grasping a position of an ablation electrode in a body using an ultrasonic wave.SOLUTION: An ablation system includes: a first tube which is a tube extending in a longitudinal direction and includes a first lumen extending in the longitudinal direction, an outside surface and a first opening positioned at the outside surface while being communicated to the first lumen; an ablation electrode disposed in a part on a distal side from the first opening of the first tube; a second tube which is a tube including a proximal part and a distal part and extending in a longitudinal direction and is partially disposed in the first lumen; and a send-receive member disposed in the distal part of the second tube and capable of sending and receiving an ultrasonic wave. A part of the second tube in which the send-receive member is disposed is exposed from the first opening of the first tube and positioned on an outside of the first tube.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ablation system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the medical field, for the treatment of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, so-called catheter ablation has been performed to ablate a part of the heart using a cautery electrode provided on a catheter. During catheter ablation, ultrasonic waves may be used to confirm the structure within the heart. Various systems have been used for such observations. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image subsystem having a peripheral imaging device configured to obtain an ultrasonic image of an internal anatomical structure, the ultrasonic image data being arranged in a first coordinate system, and at least one ultrasonic transducer and at least one processor configured to determine the position of the at least one ultrasonic transducer within the first coordinate system, determine the position of the at least one ultrasonic transducer in a second coordinate system, and perform conversion between the first and second coordinate systems based on the determined positions of the at least one ultrasonic transducer within the first and second coordinate systems. A medical imaging system is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional systems, such as those described in Patent Document 1, sometimes made it difficult to determine the position of the ablation electrode inside the body using ultrasound. The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an ablation system that makes it easy to determine the position of the ablation electrode inside the body using ultrasound. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The ablation system according to an embodiment of the present invention that can solve the above problems is as follows. [1] A tube extending in the longitudinal direction, the first tube having a first lumen extending in the longitudinal direction, an outer surface, and a first opening communicating with the first lumen and located on the outer surface, A cauterizing electrode is positioned in the portion of the first tube distal to the first opening, A second tube having a proximal and distal portion and extending in the longitudinal direction, a portion of which is disposed within the first lumen, The second tube has a transmitting and receiving member disposed at the distal end and capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, The portion of the second tube on which the transmitting and receiving member is located is an ablation system that is exposed from the first opening of the first tube and located on the outside of the first tube.

[0006] As described above, the second tube is exposed to the outside through the first opening of the first tube, allowing the first and second tubes to form a branched structure. With such a branched structure, the distance between the cauterization electrode placed in the first tube and the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving member placed in the second tube can be reduced, making it easier to determine the position of the cauterization electrode using ultrasound.

[0007] The ablation system according to the embodiment is preferably one of the following [2] to

[19] . [2] The ablation system according to [1], wherein the transmitting and receiving member has a plurality of transducers arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction. [3] The ablation system according to [1] or [2], wherein the first tube extends distal to the first opening and moves away from the second tube toward the distal end of the first tube. [4] The ablation system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the second tube extends distal to the first opening and moves away from the first tube toward the distal end of the second tube. [5] The ablation system according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the second tube is configured to slide toward the proximal and distal portions of the first tube, respectively. [6] The ablation system according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the second tube is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. [7] The ablation system according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the first tube has a second opening located distal to the first opening on its outer surface. [8] The ablation system according to any one of [1] to [7], further comprising a first operating wire whose distal end is fixed to the first tube, wherein the first tube is configured to be bendable by operating the first operating wire. [9] The ablation system according to any one of [1] to [8] further comprises a transmitting member positioned distal to the first opening of the first tube and capable of transmitting ultrasound radially outward of the first tube.

[10] The ablation system according to [9], wherein the transmitting and receiving member is configured to receive ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transmitting member.

[11] The portion of the first tube in which the transmitting member is located is located on a virtual line extending longitudinally from the distal end of the first opening. [9] or

[10] The ablation system according to [9] or

[10] .

[12] The ablation system according to any one of [9] to

[11] , wherein the transmitting member has a vibrator.

[13] The ablation system according to

[12] , wherein the vibrator is located proximal to the cauterizing electrode.

[14] The ablation system according to any one of [9] to

[13] , wherein the distance between the distal end of the transducer of the transmitting member and the proximal end of the cauterizing electrode in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the distance from the proximal ends of the plurality of transducers of the transmitting and receiving member to the distal end of the second tube in the longitudinal direction.

[15] The ablation system according to any one of [1] to

[14] further comprising a high-frequency power supply unit that supplies a high-frequency current to the cauterizing electrode.

[16] The ablation system according to any one of [1] to

[15] further comprises an image generation unit that processes an electrical signal generated from ultrasonic waves received by the transmitting and receiving member to generate an image, and a display unit that displays the image.

[17] The ablation system according to

[16] , wherein the ultrasound includes ultrasound reflected from the heart, and the image includes an image of the heart.

[18] Furthermore, the system includes an image generation unit that processes an electrical signal generated from the ultrasonic waves received by the transmitting and receiving member to generate an image, and a display unit that displays the image, The ultrasonic waves include ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting member. The aforementioned image is an ablation system according to any one of [9] to

[15] , including an image of the first tube.

[19] The ablation system according to

[18] , wherein the ultrasound includes ultrasound reflected from the heart, and the image includes an image of the heart. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ablation system that makes it easy to determine the position of the ablation electrode inside the body using ultrasound. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a side view of an ablation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of distal portions of the first tube and the second tube of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of a transmission / reception member having a plurality of oscillators. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the distal portion of the first tube when viewed from the outside in the radial direction of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the distal portion of a modified first tube when viewed from the outside in the radial direction of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of an ablation system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view of distal portions of the first tube and the second tube of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of an ablation system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an axial cross-sectional view of distal portions of the first tube and the second tube of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the distal portion of the first tube when viewed from the outside in the radial direction of FIG. 8.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically based on the following embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments, and it is of course possible to appropriately modify and implement it within a range that conforms to the gist of the foregoing and following descriptions, and all of them are included in the technical scope of the present invention. In each drawing, for convenience, component symbols and the like may be omitted, but in such cases, reference shall be made to the specification and other drawings. Also, the dimensions of various members in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions because priority is given to facilitating understanding of the features of the present invention.

[0011] The ablation system according to this embodiment comprises: a first tube having a longitudinally extending lumen, an outer surface, and a first opening located on the outer surface and communicating with the first lumen; a cauterization electrode disposed in the portion distal to the first opening of the first tube; a second tube having a proximal and distal portion and extending in the longitudinal direction, with a portion of which being located in the first lumen; and a transmitting and receiving member disposed in the distal portion of the second tube and capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasound, wherein the portion of the second tube where the transmitting and receiving member is located is exposed from the first opening of the first tube and is located outside the first tube.

[0012] As described above, the second tube is exposed to the outside through the first opening of the first tube, allowing the first and second tubes to form a branched structure. With such a branched structure, the distance between the cauterization electrode placed in the first tube and the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving member placed in the second tube can be reduced, making it easier to determine the position of the cauterization electrode using ultrasound.

[0013] The ablation system according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a side view of the ablation system according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of the distal portions of the first tube and the second tube in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a side view showing an example of a transmitting and receiving member having a plurality of transducers. Figure 4 is a side view of the distal portion of the first tube as seen from the radial outside in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a side view of the distal portion of the first tube of a modified example as seen from the radial outside in Figure 1. Note that the second tube is not shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ablation system 101 according to the first embodiment includes a first tube 1, a cauterization electrode 3, a second tube 2, and a transmitting / receiving member 12. Each member will be described in detail below.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the first tube 1 is a tube that extends in the longitudinal direction 1X. The first tube 1 has a first lumen 1L that extends in the longitudinal direction 1X, an outer surface 1e, and a first opening h1 that communicates with the first lumen 1L and is located on the outer surface 1e.

[0016] The first tube 1 preferably has an outer tube 1j and an inner tube 1i positioned inside the lumen of the outer tube 1j. The inner tube 1i and the outer tube 1j preferably extend in the longitudinal direction 1X. In this case, the inner tube 1i preferably contains metal and the outer tube 1j preferably contains resin, and more preferably the inner tube 1i is made of metal and the outer tube 1j is made of resin. The inclusion of metal in the inner tube 1i improves rigidity and allows it to function as a passage for high-frequency current. Examples of metals include stainless steel, carbon steel, and nickel-titanium alloy. These metals may be used individually or in combination of two or more. On the other hand, the inclusion of resin in the outer tube 1j makes it easier to prevent electrical leakage. Examples of resins include polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyamide resins such as nylon, polyester resins such as PET, aromatic polyether ketone resins such as PEEK, polyether polyamide resins, polyurethane resins, polyimide resins, fluororesins such as PTFE, PFA, and ETFE, and polyvinyl chloride resins. These resins may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0017] Although not shown in the diagram, the inner tube 1i of the first tube 1 may have a structure in which multiple tubes are joined together in the longitudinal direction 1X. In this case, the multiple tubes may each have different outer diameters, and the end of one tube may be positioned inside the lumen of the other tube. Similarly, the outer tube 1j of the first tube 1 may have a structure in which multiple tubes are joined together in the longitudinal direction 1X. In this case, the multiple tubes may each have different outer diameters, and the end of one tube may be positioned inside the lumen of the other tube.

[0018] Although not shown in the figures, the first lumen 1L of the first tube 1 may be formed by other tubes besides the outer tube 1j and the inner tube 1i. For example, the other tube may be positioned in the lumen of the inner tube 1i, and its distal end may be connected to the inner tube 1i and / or the outer tube 1j near the first opening h1 of the first tube 1. In this case, the lumen of the other tube will be in communication with the first opening h1, and thus the lumen of the other tube will correspond to the first lumen 1L. In this case, it is preferable that the other tube has a portion that extends in the longitudinal direction 1X. It is also preferable that the other tube has a curved portion at its distal end that curves toward the first opening h1 as it approaches the distal side. This makes it easier to expose the second tube 2 from the first opening h1 so as to move away from the first tube 1. It is preferable that the other tube contains the same material as the inner tube 1i and the outer tube 1j.

[0019] The inner tube 1i and outer tube 1j of the first tube 1 may each contain resin or be made of resin. For example, in this case, the ablation system 101 may have a wire for supplying high-frequency current to the cauterization electrode 3, and the wire may be placed between the inner tube 1i and the outer tube 1j and / or inside the lumen of the first tube 1.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the first tube 1 is preferably straight, but may be configured to be curved. For example, although not shown in this case, the inner tube 1i and / or outer tube 1j of the first tube 1 may have a plurality of blocks connected to each other in the longitudinal direction 1X. Furthermore, the plurality of blocks may be fitted together or connected by a linear member such as a wire. The structure in which the plurality of blocks are connected makes it easier to curve the first tube 1. Furthermore, each of the plurality of blocks may have a lumen that penetrates in the longitudinal direction 1X. The lumen may form the first lumen 1L.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the first lumen 1L extends in the longitudinal direction 1X, making it easier to position a portion 2S of the second tube 2. The radial cross-sectional shape of the first lumen 1L is preferably circular, elliptical, or a rounded polygon. This makes it easier to manipulate the second tube 2 when sliding it or performing other operations.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the inner wall forming the first lumen 1L of the first tube 1 preferably has a raised portion 1T that rises toward the central axis of the first tube 1. The proximal end of the raised portion 1T is preferably located distal to the first opening h1. Such a raised portion 1T can function as a guide to lead the second tube 2 from the first lumen 1L to the first opening h1. The raised portion 1T may include an inner tube 1i, or it may include both the inner tube 1i and the outer tube 1j, or it may include other members other than those constituting the first tube 1.

[0023] Although not shown in the diagram, the first tube 1 may have other lumens besides the first lumen 1L. The other lumens are preferably located in the longitudinal direction 1X. Examples of other lumens include those for wire routing, operating wire insertion, guide wire insertion, and fluid flow paths. Blood may be aspirated from the first lumen 1L and / or other lumens, or saline solution, drugs, etc., may be supplied into the body.

[0024] The first opening h1 is preferably located at the distal end of the first tube 1. This allows for the formation of a branched structure at the distal end of the first tube 1, making it easier to determine the position of the cauterizing electrode at the distal end.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, the shape of the first opening h1 is preferably circular, elliptical, or a rounded polygon, and more preferably circular or elliptical. This makes it easier to avoid damage caused by the second tube 2 coming into contact with the wall constituting the first opening h1. As shown in Figure 4, the direction in which the first opening h1 faces is preferably from the inside to the outside of the first tube 1.

[0026] Although not shown in the figures, the first tube 1 may have a plurality of cylindrical members extending in the longitudinal direction 1X and connected to each other radially. Means of such connection include welding and bonding. For example, the first tube 1 may have a first cylindrical member extending in the longitudinal direction 1X and a second cylindrical member connected radially to the first cylindrical member and extending in the longitudinal direction 1X, with the distal end of the first cylindrical member located distal to the distal end of the second cylindrical member. In this case, an electrode 3 may be placed in the first cylindrical member, and a part 2S of the second tube 2 may be placed in the lumen of the second cylindrical member. In this case, the opening at the distal end of the second cylindrical member may be the first opening h1. Furthermore, in this case, the direction in which the first opening h1 faces may be from the proximal side to the distal side in the longitudinal direction 1X. Furthermore, in this case, the first opening h1 of the second cylindrical member may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction 1X such that the distal end of the first opening h1 of the second cylindrical member is closer to the first cylindrical member than the proximal end.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, it is preferable that the first tube 1 has a second opening h2 on its outer surface 1e that is located distal to the first opening h1. The second opening h2 can be used as a landmark because it reflects ultrasound at a different rate than the surrounding outer surface 1e. The shape of the second opening h2 is preferably a cross shape, H shape, U shape, V shape, Y shape, polygon, circle, ellipse, or rounded polygon, and more preferably a cross shape, H shape, U shape, V shape, Y shape, or polygon.

[0028] The outer diameter of the first tube 1 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, and even more preferably 2.5 mm or more. This improves the rigidity of the first tube 1. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the first tube 1 is preferably 4 mm or less, more preferably 3.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 3 mm or less. This makes it easier to insert the first tube 1 into the body.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the cauterizing electrode 3 is positioned distal to the first opening h1 of the first tube 1. For example, by passing a high-frequency current through the cauterizing electrode 3, the cauterizing electrode 3 generates heat and can cauterize internal tissue. The number of cauterizing electrodes 3 positioned in this section may be one, two or more, four or more, 20 or less, or 10 or less. The cauterizing electrode 3 is preferably positioned at the distal end 1B of the first tube 1 as shown in Figure 4, but it may also be positioned on the outer surface 1e of the first tube 1. The cauterizing electrode 3 may be supplied with high-frequency current via the metal-containing inner tube 1i of the first tube 1 and / or via wires positioned inside the first tube 1. It is preferable that the cauterizing electrode 3 does not have a transducer that generates ultrasound.

[0030] The cauterizing electrode 3 preferably contains a metal, and more preferably is made of a metal. Examples of metals include stainless steel, carbon steel, nickel-titanium alloy, platinum-iridium alloy, etc. These metals may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second tube 2 has a proximal portion 2a and a distal portion 2b, extends in the longitudinal direction 2X, and a portion 2S is located in the first lumen 1L. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, it is preferable that the portion 2S located in the first lumen 1L of the second tube 2 is located proximal to the proximal end 12vA of the plurality of transducers 12v of the transmitting and receiving member 12 located in the second tube 2, which will be described later. Furthermore, it is preferable that the portion 2S of the second tube 2 is located distal to the proximal end 2A of the second tube 2. This makes it easier to operate the second tube 2 near the proximal end 2A and to transmit ultrasound toward the cauterization electrode 3 and its vicinity.

[0032] It is preferable that a portion 2S of the second tube 2 is located more proximal to a point 1 cm away from the distal end 2B of the second tube 2. Furthermore, it is preferable that a portion 2S is located more distal to a point 1 cm away from the proximal end 2A of the second tube 2. This makes it easier to manipulate the second tube 2 near the proximal end 2A and to transmit ultrasound towards the cauterization electrode 3 and its vicinity.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the longitudinal length 2X from the distal end 2B of the second tube 2 to the distal end h1B of the first opening h1 is preferably 0.2 times or more and 3.0 times or less, more preferably 0.5 times or more and 2.0 times or less, and even more preferably 0.8 times or more and 1.5 times or less, than the longitudinal length 1X from the distal end 3B of the cauterizing electrode 3 to the distal end h1B of the first opening h1. This makes it easier to appropriately adjust the distance between the cauterizing electrode 3 and the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving member 12.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the portion 2P of the second tube 2 where the transmitting / receiving member 12 is located is exposed through the first opening h1 of the first tube 1 and is located outside the first tube 1. Because portion 2P is located outside the first tube 1 in this way, the transmitting / receiving member 12 can transmit ultrasonic waves toward the cauterization electrode 3 and its vicinity. Furthermore, this also allows the transmitting / receiving member 12 to receive ultrasonic waves reflected from the cauterization electrode 3 and its vicinity.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that the second tube 2 extends distal to the first opening h1, and moves away from the first tube 1 as it approaches the distal end 2B of the second tube 2. This makes it easier for the transmitting / receiving member 12 to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the cauterization electrode 3 and its vicinity. This also makes it easier for the transmitting / receiving member 12 to receive ultrasonic waves reflected from the cauterization electrode 3 and its vicinity. Furthermore, the configuration in which the second tube 2 moves away from the first tube 1 makes it easier to manipulate the first tube 1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, when the first tube 1 and the second tube 2 are oriented in a direction that maximizes the angle between the outer edges of the first tube 1 and the outer edges of the second tube 2, the angle of this angle is preferably 10 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees. This makes it easier to appropriately adjust the distance between the cauterizing electrode 3 and the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving member 12. The angle of this angle is more preferably 20 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, and even more preferably 30 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less.

[0037] The second tube 2 preferably contains a resin, and more preferably is made of a resin. This improves the flexibility of the second tube 2. It is also preferable that the second tube 2 has a resin on at least its surface. This makes it easier to prevent electrical leakage. Examples of resins include polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyamide resins such as nylon, polyester resins such as PET, aromatic polyetherketone resins such as PEEK, polyether polyamide resins, polyurethane resins, polyimide resins, fluororesins such as PTFE, PFA, and ETFE, and polyvinyl chloride resins. These resins may be used individually or in combination of two or more. The second tube 2 may also contain a metal. Examples of metals include stainless steel, carbon steel, and nickel-titanium alloy. These metals may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0038] The second tube 2 may have a plurality of blocks connected to each other in the longitudinal direction 2X. For details on the plurality of blocks, refer to the description of the first tube 1 above. Also, as in the ablation system 102 described later, the ablation system 101 may have a manipulative wire whose distal end is fixed to the second tube 2. By manipulating the manipulative wire, the second tube 2 can be bent.

[0039] Preferably, the second tube 2 is configured to slide relative to the first tube 1 toward its proximal portion 2a and distal portion 2b. This makes it easier to adjust the length of the portion of the second tube 2 that is exposed to the outside from the first opening h1. Furthermore, for example, when inserting the first tube 1 into the body, the distal portion 2b of the second tube 2 can be housed in the first lumen 1L of the first tube 1 to facilitate insertion into the body. Moreover, when the first tube 1 reaches the vicinity of the affected area, sliding the second tube 2 to make its distal portion 2b protrude from the first opening h1 makes it easier to send and receive ultrasound from the transmitting / receiving member 12 toward the cauterization electrode 3. The second tube 2 may be fixed directly or indirectly to the first tube 1. In this case, it is preferable that the proximal end 2A of the second tube 2 is fixed directly or indirectly to the proximal end 1a of the first tube 1. The fixation may also be detachable.

[0040] When the second tube 2 is not positioned in the first lumen 1L, it is preferable that it be straight. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, when a portion 2S of the second tube 2 is positioned in the first lumen 1L, it is preferable that it has a curved portion.

[0041] It is preferable that the second tube 2 is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction 2C. This allows for fine adjustment of the orientation of the second tube 2 in the circumferential direction 2C, and as a result, it becomes easier to transmit ultrasound from the transmitting / receiving member 12 positioned in the second tube 2 toward the cauterization electrode 3. Furthermore, by transmitting and receiving ultrasound to and from the transmitting / receiving member 12 while the second tube 2 is rotatable in the circumferential direction 2C, information about the internal tissue surrounding the transmitting / receiving member 12 can be acquired.

[0042] The second tube 2 preferably has a second lumen 2L extending in the longitudinal direction 2X. For example, an electric wire 13 connected to the transmitting / receiving member 12 may be placed in the second lumen 2L. Also, as shown in Figure 2, a filler material may be placed at the distal end of the second lumen 2L, and the filler material may contain resin and / or metal.

[0043] The transmitting / receiving member 12 is located in the distal portion 2b of the second tube 2 and is capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasound. Specifically, the transmitting / receiving member 12 is a member capable of transmitting, receiving, or both transmitting and receiving ultrasound. In the ablation system 101, it is preferable that the transmitting / receiving member 12 is a member capable of both transmitting and receiving. It is preferable that the transmitting / receiving member 12 is located in the lumen of the second tube 2. This protects the transmitting / receiving member 12 from the second tube 2. The transmitting / receiving member 12 may also be located on the outer surface of the second tube 2.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, it is preferable that the transmitting / receiving member 12 has a plurality of transducers 12v arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction 2X. With such a so-called array-type transducer, the transmitting / receiving member 12 can transmit ultrasonic waves over a wide area. In addition, this also allows the transmitting / receiving member 12 to receive ultrasonic waves over a wide area. Although not shown, the transmitting / receiving member 12 may also have a plurality of transducers 12v arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction 2C of the second tube 2. Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving member 12 may have a plurality of transducers arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction 2X of the second tube 2 and a plurality of transducers arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction 2C of the second tube 2. In this case, the transmitting / receiving member 12 may have, for example, 8 transducers in the longitudinal direction 2X and 8 transducers in the circumferential direction 2C, for a total of 64 transducers. The number of transducers is preferably 1 to 150, more preferably 20 to 100, and even more preferably 40 to 80.

[0045] When the transmitting / receiving member 12 has multiple transducers 12v, it is preferable that it is configured to generate ultrasonic waves with a timing difference for each transducer 12v. This makes it possible to combine the wavefronts of multiple ultrasonic waves to generate a focused beam. It is also preferable that the transmitting / receiving member 12 is further configured to receive reflected ultrasonic waves with a timing difference for each transducer 12v. Furthermore, it is preferable that the transmitting / receiving member 12 is configured to repeat the operation of generating ultrasonic waves and receiving reflected ultrasonic waves for each transducer 12v. This makes it even easier to acquire positional information of the cauterization electrode 3. Such operations can be executed, for example, by a processing circuit described later, based on instructions from a control unit 50 described later.

[0046] The transducer 12v preferably has a protrusion. The protrusion preferably projects outward, and more preferably projects toward the object to which the ultrasonic waves are transmitted. The shape of the protrusion is preferably a pyramidal prism, a prismatic column, a cylinder, or a frustum, with pyramidal prism or prismatic column being preferred.

[0047] Although not shown in the figures, it is preferable that the vibrator 12v has a lower electrode, a vibrating membrane, and an upper electrode in that order from the inside out. It is also preferable that the vibrator 12v has an insulating film disposed on the vibrating membrane and / or the upper electrode. The protrusion may be composed of, for example, the vibrating membrane, the upper electrode, and the insulating film.

[0048] The vibrating membrane preferably contains an inorganic piezoelectric material and / or an organic piezoelectric material. Examples of inorganic piezoelectric materials include piezoelectric ceramics such as lead zirconate titanate, quartz, silicon nitride, silicon nitride, zinc oxide, aluminum nitride, potassium niobate, and lithium tantalate. Examples of organic piezoelectric materials include polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride copolymers, polyvinylidene cyanide, vinylidene cyanide copolymers, nylon such as nylon 9 and nylon 11, polylactic acid, polyhydroxycarboxylic acids such as polyhydroxybutyrate, cellulose derivatives, and polyureas. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0049] The lower and upper electrodes are preferably conductive films. The conductive film preferably contains a metal, and more preferably is made of a metal. Examples of metals include gold, silver, and titanium. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. When the transducer 12v receives ultrasonic waves, the vibrating film between the lower and upper electrodes vibrates, generating a voltage. This allows the received ultrasonic waves to be converted into an electrical signal. On the other hand, when transmitting ultrasonic waves from the transducer 12v, an AC voltage corresponding to the frequency of the ultrasonic waves to be transmitted can be applied between the upper and lower electrodes, for example. This causes the vibrating film to vibrate and generate the desired ultrasonic waves, allowing the transducer 12v to transmit ultrasonic waves. In this case, a DC bias may be applied along with the AC voltage.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the transmitting and receiving member 12 preferably further has a substrate 12s on which the transducer 12v is arranged. The substrate 12s supports the transducer 12v and can attenuate or absorb ultrasonic waves transmitted in directions other than the desired direction. The substrate 12s is preferably a resin sheet. The substrate 12s may have wires connected to the upper electrode, wires connected to the lower electrode, etc., and the substrate 12s may have a lumen through which these wires pass.

[0051] Although not shown in the figures, the transmitting / receiving member 12 preferably further has a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be formed integrally with the transducer 12v or may be arranged on the substrate 12s. The processing circuit preferably has a transmission processing unit that vibrates the transducer 12v according to the transmission signal output from the control unit 50. Furthermore, the processing circuit preferably has a reception processing unit that outputs the electrical signal converted from the ultrasonic waves received by the transducer 12v to the image generation unit 41 and / or the control unit 50. Furthermore, the processing circuit preferably has a bias processing unit that applies a DC bias to the transducer 12v according to the transmission signal output from the control unit 50. The bias processing unit may have a DC voltage source, a resistor, a decoupling capacitor, etc. Furthermore, the processing circuit preferably has a switch unit that switches between supplying a transmission signal from the control unit 50 to the transmission processing unit and outputting an electrical signal from the reception processing unit to the image generation unit 41 and / or the control unit 50 at a predetermined timing. It is preferable that such a processing circuit is provided for each transducer 12v.

[0052] Although not shown in the diagram, the ablation system 101 may have electrodes other than the ablation electrode 3. Examples of other electrodes include electrodes for measuring intracellular potentials such as myocardial potential. The other electrodes may be arranged in the first tube 1 and / or the second tube 2.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, it is preferable that the ablation system 101 further includes a high-frequency power supply unit 30, a display unit 40, an image generation unit 41, a control unit 50, an input unit 60, or a combination thereof.

[0054] When the transmitting / receiving member 12 transmits ultrasonic waves, for example, a transmission signal is output from the control unit 50 based on a signal output from the input unit 60, and the transmission processing unit of the processing circuit described above can vibrate the transducer 12v according to the transmission signal.

[0055] When the transmitting / receiving member 12 receives ultrasonic waves, for example, the transducer 12v receives the ultrasonic waves, converts them into electrical signals, and the receiving processing unit of the processing circuit described above can output the electrical signals to the image generation unit 41 and / or the control unit 50. Then, based on instructions from the control unit 50, the image generation unit 41 can generate an image, and the display unit 40 can display the image.

[0056] These ultrasonic transmission and reception modes may be switched at predetermined timings by the switch section of the processing circuit described above, based on instructions from the control unit 50.

[0057] When cauterizing biological tissue with the cauterizing electrode 3, for example, a high-frequency generation signal is output from the control unit 50 to the high-frequency power supply unit 30 based on a signal output from the input unit 60. The high-frequency power supply unit 30 generates a high-frequency current according to this signal, and this current can be supplied to the cauterizing electrode 3. Each part will be described in more detail below.

[0058] The high-frequency power supply unit 30 is the part that supplies high-frequency current to the cauterization electrode 3. By supplying high-frequency current from the high-frequency power supply unit 30 to the cauterization electrode 3, the cauterization electrode 3 is heated and biological tissue can be cauterized. The frequency of the high-frequency current is preferably 100 kHz or more and 20 MHz or less, more preferably 200 kHz or more and 5 MHz or less, and even more preferably 300 kHz or more and 1 MHz or less. In Figure 1, the ablation system 101 has a high-frequency power supply device 39, and the high-frequency power supply device 39 has the high-frequency power supply unit 30. The high-frequency power supply device 39 may have a power supply, a boost circuit for boosting the DC voltage, a charging circuit, a capacitor for charging the applied voltage, a waveform generation circuit for generating a pulse voltage, etc., in order to make the high-frequency power supply unit 30 function.

[0059] The input unit 60 can drive the control unit 50 by outputting a signal to the control unit 50 based on an external input. In Figure 1, the ablation system 101 has a control device 59, and the control device 59 has the input unit 60. It is preferable that the control device 59 has a user interface such as a touch panel, buttons, a keyboard, or a dial in order to enable the input unit 60 to function.

[0060] As described above, the control unit 50 can output various signals to the processing circuits of the high-frequency power supply unit 30, the image generation unit 41, and the transmitting / receiving member 12. In Figure 1, the control device 59 has the control unit 50. Preferably, the control device 59 has a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and memory such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory in order to enable the control unit 50 to function.

[0061] The image generation unit 41 processes the electrical signals generated from the ultrasound received by the transmitting / receiving member 12 and generates an image. The image generation unit 41 can generate ultrasound images such as B-mode, M-mode, Doppler, and color Doppler (CFM) through calculations. In Figure 1, the ablation system 101 has a display device 49, which has the image generation unit 41. Preferably, the display device 49 has a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and memory such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory in order to enable the image generation unit 41 to function.

[0062] Preferably, the ultrasonic waves received by the transmitting / receiving member 12 include ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting / receiving member 12 toward the cauterization electrode 3 and its vicinity and reflected. Preferably, the image generation unit 41 can generate an image of the cauterization electrode 3 and its vicinity based on the electrical signal converted from such ultrasonic waves. Furthermore, preferably, the image generation unit 41 can calculate the distance between the transmitting / receiving member 12 and the cauterization electrode 3 based on the electrical signal and reflect that distance in the image. Note that the ultrasonic waves received by the transmitting / receiving member 12 may also include ultrasonic waves transmitted from other members that transmit ultrasonic waves toward the cauterization electrode 3 and its vicinity and reflected.

[0063] Preferably, the ultrasound received by the transmitting / receiving member 12 includes ultrasound reflected from the heart, and the image includes an image of the heart. Preferably, the image generation unit 41 can generate an image of the heart based on electrical signals converted from such ultrasound. This makes it easier to treat arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Preferably, the ultrasound reflected from the heart includes ultrasound transmitted from the transmitting / receiving member 12, but it may also include ultrasound transmitted toward the heart and reflected from other members that transmit ultrasound other than the transmitting / receiving member 12.

[0064] The image generation unit 41 may further be configured to process information on intracellular potentials to generate images. In this case, intracellular potentials are acquired, for example, by electrodes placed in the first tube 1, the second tube 2, and / or other tubes, and the image generation unit 41 may be configured to process this potential information by calculation and generate an image. This may be used to map the action potentials of the heart.

[0065] The display unit 40 is the part that displays the generated image. By checking the image on the display unit 40, the operator can easily understand the position of the cauterization electrode 3 inside the body. In Figure 1, the display device 49 has the display unit 40. The display device 49 may have a liquid crystal display, smart glasses, a head-mounted display, etc., in order to make the display unit 40 functional.

[0066] As shown in Figure 1, the ablation system 101 preferably further has a handle 4 positioned at the proximal end 1a of the first tube 1. The handle 4 makes the first tube 1 easier to manipulate. The handle 4 preferably contains resin and / or metal, and more preferably contains resin. The handle 4 may have a cylindrical, elliptical, rectangular prism, rounded rectangular prism, frustocone, elliptical frustocone, frustocone, rounded frustocone, or a combination thereof. The handle 4 also preferably has a lumen extending in the longitudinal direction 1X. The proximal end 1a of the first tube 1 is preferably positioned in this lumen. The lumen is preferably in communication with the first lumen 1L. Furthermore, a portion 2S of the second tube 2 is preferably positioned in this lumen. The lumen may be branched. The handle 4 may have a number of lumens corresponding to the lumen of the first tube 1.

[0067] Next, the ablation system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a side view of the ablation system according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 is an axial cross-sectional view of the distal portions of the first and second tubes in Figure 6. Detailed explanations of parts that overlap with the ablation system according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, the ablation system 102 according to the second embodiment includes a first tube 1, a cauterization electrode 3, a second tube 2, and a transmitting / receiving member 12.

[0069] Preferably, the first tube 1 extends distal to the first opening h1, and moves away from the second tube 2 as it approaches the distal end 1B of the first tube 1. This allows the transmitting and receiving member 12 positioned in the second tube 2 to transmit ultrasonic waves toward the cauterization electrode 3 and its vicinity, and to receive ultrasonic waves reflected from the cauterization electrode 3 and its vicinity. Furthermore, this configuration, in which the first tube 1 moves away from the second tube 2, makes it easier to manipulate the second tube 2.

[0070] Preferably, the ablation system 102 further includes a first operating wire 21 whose distal end 21b is fixed to the first tube 1, and the first tube 1 is configured to be bendable by manipulating the first operating wire 21. For example, when inserting into the body, the first tube 1 can be straightened to facilitate insertion, and during procedures inside the body, the orientation of the cauterizing electrode 3 can be finely adjusted by bending the first tube 1. The ablation system 102 may also have multiple first operating wires 21.

[0071] The first tube 1 preferably has an inner tube 1i and an outer tube 1j. Although not shown in the figures, the inner tube 1i and / or the outer tube 1j preferably have a plurality of blocks connected to each other in the longitudinal direction 1X. Furthermore, it is preferable that the plurality of blocks are fitted together or connected by a linear member such as a wire. This makes the first tube 1 easier to bend. Furthermore, it is preferable that each of the plurality of blocks has a lumen that penetrates in the longitudinal direction 1X. The lumen may form the first lumen 1L.

[0072] The inner tube 1i preferably contains metal and the outer tube 1j preferably contains resin, and more preferably the inner tube 1i is made of metal and the outer tube 1j is made of resin. The inclusion of metal in the inner tube 1i improves rigidity and allows it to function as a passage for high-frequency current. The inner tube 1i and the outer tube 1j may each extend in the longitudinal direction 1X. The inner tube 1i and the outer tube 1j may have portions containing resin or portions made of resin. This makes the first tube 1 more flexible.

[0073] The distal end 21b of the first manipulative wire 21 is preferably fixed to the distal end 1b of the first tube 1. This makes it easier to bend the distal portion of the first tube 1. The first manipulative wire 21 may be placed in the first lumen 1L of the first tube 1, or it may be placed in a lumen other than the first lumen 1L of the first tube 1. The first manipulative wire 21 preferably contains metal, and more preferably is made of metal. Examples of metals include stainless steel such as SUS304 and SUS316, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, titanium, tungsten, gold, Ni-Ti alloy, Co-Cr alloy, etc. Only one of these may be used, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0074] As shown in Figure 6, the ablation system 102 preferably further includes a rotating member 22 to which the proximal end of the first operating wire 21 is fixed. By rotating the rotating member 22 and winding the first operating wire 21, tension can be applied to the first operating wire 21, and as a result, the vicinity of the distal end 21b of the first tube 1 can be curved. The rotating member 22 is preferably located on the outer surface of the handle 4. In this case, the rotating member 22 preferably includes a dial, gear, bolt, cylindrical body, roller, or a combination thereof. The rotating member 22 may also be located at the proximal end of the handle 4. The axial direction of the rotating member 22 may be radial to the handle 4 or axial to the handle 4. The rotating member 22 may include a dial, gear, cross-axis gear, worm, sprocket, pulley, roller, belt, rope, or a combination thereof to change the direction of rotation.

[0075] As shown in Figure 6, the second tube 2 is preferably linear, but may be configured to be curved. The second tube 2 preferably contains resin, and more preferably is made of resin. This improves the flexibility of the second tube 2. The second tube 2 may also contain metal to improve its rigidity. Although not shown, the second tube 2 may have a plurality of blocks connected to each other in the longitudinal direction 2X. For details on the material of the second tube 2, the plurality of blocks, etc., refer to the description of the second tube 2 above. For other components of the ablation system 102, refer to the description of the ablation system 101.

[0076] Next, the ablation system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. Figure 8 is a side view of the ablation system according to the third embodiment. Figure 9 is an axial cross-sectional view of the distal portions of the first and second tubes in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a side view of the distal portion of the first tube as seen from the radial outside in Figure 8. Note that the second tube is not shown in Figure 10. Also, detailed explanations of parts that overlap with the ablation systems according to the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0077] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the ablation system 103 according to the third embodiment includes a first tube 1, a cauterizing electrode 3, a second tube 2, and a transmitting / receiving member 12.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9, it is preferable that the ablation system 103 further includes a transmitting member 11 positioned distal to the first opening h1 of the first tube 1, and capable of transmitting ultrasound toward the outer side 1E in the radial direction 1Z of the first tube 1. The transmitting member 11 can function as a marker by transmitting ultrasound. In this arrangement, the ultrasound transmitting member 11 is close to the ablation electrode 3, making it easier to function as a marker for determining the position of the ablation electrode 3. The transmitting member 11 can be any member capable of transmitting ultrasound. The transmitting member 11 may be capable of transmitting ultrasound and also capable of receiving ultrasound, or it may not be capable of receiving ultrasound. It is preferable that the transmitting member 11 is positioned inside the lumen of the first tube 1. This protects the transmitting member 11 from the first tube 1. The transmitting member 11 may also be positioned on the outer surface of the first tube 1.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9, it is preferable that the transmitting member 11 has a transducer 11v. Ultrasound can be transmitted by the transducer 11v. The transmitting member 11 may have one transducer 11v, or two or more transducers 11v. For example, the transmitting member 11 may have a plurality of transducers arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction 1X. The transmitting member 11 may also have a plurality of transducers arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the first tube 1. Furthermore, the transmitting member 11 may have a plurality of transducers arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction 1X of the first tube 1, and a plurality of transducers arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the first tube 1.

[0080] The number of transducers 11v in the transmitting member 11 is preferably less than the number of transducers 12v in the transmitting / receiving member 12. The transmitting member 11 only needs to function as a marker, so the number of transducers 11v can be small. On the other hand, the more transducers 12v the transmitting / receiving member 12 has, the easier it is to receive ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting member 11.

[0081] It is preferable that the transducer 11v is located proximal to the cauterization electrode 3. This makes it easier to cauterize the affected area with the cauterization electrode 3 while confirming the location of the transducer 11v as a marker. If there are multiple cauterization electrodes 3 in the portion distal to the first opening h1 of the first tube 1, it is preferable that the transducer 11v is located proximal to the proximal end of the most distal cauterization electrode among the multiple cauterization electrodes 3, and more preferably proximal to the proximal end of the most proximal cauterization electrode.

[0082] As shown in Figure 9, it is preferable that the distance between the distal end 11vB of the transducer 11v of the transmitting member 11 and the proximal end 3A of the cauterization electrode 3 in the longitudinal direction 1X is shorter than the distance from the proximal ends 12A of the multiple transducers of the transmitting / receiving member 12 to the distal end 2B of the second tube 2 in the longitudinal direction 2X. This brings the cauterization electrode 3 and the transducer 11v closer together, making it easier for the transmitting member 11 to function as a landmark for the cauterization electrode 3. In this case, the proximal end 3A of the cauterization electrode 3 is the proximal end of the portion exposed to the outside of the cauterization electrode 3.

[0083] As shown in Figure 9, it is preferable that the vibrator 11v has a protrusion. Although not shown, it is also preferable that the vibrator 11v has a lower electrode, a diaphragm, and an upper electrode in that order from the inside out. It is also preferable that the vibrator 11v has an insulating film on the diaphragm and / or the upper electrode. The protrusion may be composed of, for example, the diaphragm, the upper electrode, and the insulating film. Also, as shown in Figure 9, it is also preferable that the transmitting member 11 has a substrate 11s on which the vibrator 11v is arranged.

[0084] Although not shown in the figures, the transmitting member 11 preferably further has a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be formed integrally with the vibrator 11v or may be arranged on the substrate 11s. The processing circuit preferably has a transmission processing unit that vibrates the vibrator 11v according to the transmission signal output from the control unit 50. Furthermore, the processing circuit preferably has a DC bias processing unit that applies a DC bias to the vibrator 11v according to the transmission signal output from the control unit 50. The bias processing unit may have a DC voltage source, a resistor, a decoupling capacitor, etc. It is preferable that such a processing circuit is provided for each vibrator 11v.

[0085] For details regarding these vibrators, protrusions, lower electrodes, vibrating membranes, upper electrodes, substrates, processing circuits, etc., please refer to the description of the ablation system 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0086] As shown in the side view of the distal portion of the first tube 1 in Figure 10, it is preferable that the portion 1P of the first tube 1 where the transmitting member 11 is located is situated on a virtual line 1V extending longitudinally 1X from the distal end h1B of the first opening h1. This makes it easier to align the portion P of the first tube 1 where the transmitting member 11 is located with the portion of the second tube 2 that is exposed to the outside from the first opening h1. As a result, the transmitting and receiving member 12 can more easily receive the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transmitting member 11. It is preferable that this side view is taken when the first tube 1 is oriented in the direction that maximizes the area of ​​the first opening h1.

[0087] The transmitting / receiving member 12 is preferably configured to receive ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transmitting member 11. This makes it easier to determine the position of the transmitting member 11 and the cauterization electrode 3 in its vicinity. Specifically, the transmitting / receiving member 12 is preferably configured to have a plurality of transducers 12v arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction 2X. The transducers 12v are preferably configured to have protrusions. The protrusions are preferably configured to project outward, and more preferably to project outward from the first opening h1 of the second tube 2. Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving member 12 is preferably configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. This makes it possible to obtain more information about the inside of the body. The transmitting / receiving member 12 is also preferably configured to have a processing circuit.

[0088] For details of the transmitting / receiving member 12, please refer to the description of the ablation system 101 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, as explained in the ablation system 101 according to the first embodiment, the transmitting / receiving member 12 can also be made more likely to receive ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transmitting member 11 by adjusting the length of the portion of the second tube 2 that is exposed to the outside from the first opening h1, the angle of the corner between the outer edge of the first tube 1 and the outer edge of the second tube 2, etc.

[0089] As shown in Figure 8, it is preferable that the ablation system 103 further includes a high-frequency power supply unit 30, a display unit 40, an image generation unit 41, a control unit 50, an input unit 60, or a combination thereof. Details of each of these units, the procedures performed in each unit, and the devices constituting each unit should be referred to in the description of the ablation system 101 according to the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the procedures performed in the transmitting member 11 and the transmitting / receiving member 12.

[0090] When the transmitting member 11 transmits ultrasonic waves, for example, a transmission signal is output from the control unit 50 based on a signal output from the input unit 60, and the transmission processing unit of the processing circuit described above can vibrate the transducer 11v according to the transmission signal.

[0091] When the transmitting / receiving member 12 receives ultrasonic waves, for example, the transducer 12v receives the ultrasonic waves, converts them into electrical signals, and the receiving processing unit of the processing circuit described above can output the electrical signals to the image generation unit 41 and / or the control unit 50. Then, based on instructions from the control unit 50, the image generation unit 41 can generate an image, and the display unit 40 can display the image.

[0092] The image generation unit 41 processes the electrical signals generated from the ultrasonic waves received by the transmitting / receiving member 12 and generates an image. The display unit 40 can display the generated image. Preferably, the ultrasonic waves received by the transmitting / receiving member 12 include ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting member 11. This makes it easier to use the transmitting member 11 as a marker. Preferably, the image generated by the image generation unit 41 includes an image of the first tube 1. This makes it easier to understand the positions of the first tube 1 and the cauterizing electrode 3 placed in the first tube 1.

[0093] Preferably, the ultrasound received by the transmitting / receiving member 12 includes ultrasound reflected from the heart, and the image includes an image of the heart. Preferably, the image generation unit 41 can generate an image of the heart based on the electrical signal converted from such ultrasound. This makes it easier to treat arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.

[0094] Although various embodiments of ablation systems have been described above, the various configurations of the embodiments described above can be used individually or in combination. Furthermore, other configurations not described herein can also be used in combination.

[0095] The ablation systems of the various embodiments described above can be used, for example, to treat arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, tumors occurring in organs such as the digestive system, respiratory system, and urinary system, Barrett's esophagus, varicose veins, and nerve resection procedures for pain reduction.

[0096] The various functions described above may be implemented by combining multiple functional units into one or more integrated units, or a single functional unit may be divided into multiple units for implementation. Furthermore, the functional units described above may be included in different devices or in the same device.

[0097] Each of the processes described above can be performed by hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware. When performed by software, for example, a processor can perform each process based on instructions stored in memory. These instructions may be stored in memory compressed and / or encrypted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1, 2 First tube, second tube 1a Proximal end 1b Distal end 1B Distal end 1e External surface 1E Radial outer side 1i inner tube 1j outer tube 1L 1st lumen 1P The part where the transmitting component is located 1T ridge 1V virtual line 1X Longitudinal Direction 1Z radial direction h1, h2 1st opening, 2nd opening h1B distal end 2a Proximal part 2b Distal part 2B Distal end 2C Circumferential direction 2L 2nd lumen The area where the 2P transmitting and receiving components are located. 2S part 2X Longitudinal Direction 3. Cauterization electrodes 3A Proximal end 4 handles 11 Transmitting member 11V transducer 11vB distal end 12 Transceiver Member 12A Proximal end 12s circuit board 12V Multiple Oscillators 12VA proximal end 13 Electric wire 21. First operating wire 21b Distal end 22 Rotating member 30 High frequency power supply section 39 High frequency power supply equipment 40 Display section 41 Image generation unit 49 Display device 50 Control Unit 59 Control device 60 Input section 101, 102, 103 Ablation System

Claims

1. A tube extending in the longitudinal direction, having a first lumen extending in the longitudinal direction, an outer surface, and a first opening communicating with the first lumen and located on the outer surface, A cauterizing electrode is positioned in the portion of the first tube distal to the first opening, A second tube having a proximal and distal portion and extending in the longitudinal direction, a portion of which is disposed within the first lumen, The second tube has a transmitting and receiving member disposed at the distal end and capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, The portion of the second tube on which the transmitting and receiving member is located is an ablation system that is exposed from the first opening of the first tube and located on the outside of the first tube.

2. The ablation system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting and receiving member has a plurality of transducers arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction.

3. The ablation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first tube extends distal to the first opening and moves away from the second tube toward the distal end of the first tube.

4. The ablation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second tube extends distal to the first opening and moves away from the first tube toward the distal end of the second tube.

5. The ablation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second tube is configured to slide relative to the first tube toward the proximal and distal portions, respectively.

6. The ablation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second tube is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction.

7. The ablation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first tube has a second opening located distal to the first opening on its outer surface.

8. Furthermore, the ablation system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a first operating wire whose distal end is fixed to the first tube, wherein the first tube is configured to be bendable by operating the first operating wire.

9. Furthermore, the ablation system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a transmitting member disposed in a portion of the first tube distal to the first opening, and capable of transmitting ultrasonic waves radially outward from the first tube.

10. The ablation system according to claim 9, wherein the transmitting and receiving member is configured to receive ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transmitting member.

11. The ablation system according to claim 10, wherein the portion of the first tube in which the transmitting member is located is positioned on a virtual line extending in the longitudinal direction from the distal end of the first opening.

12. The ablation system according to claim 9, wherein the transmitting member has a vibrator.

13. The ablation system according to claim 12, wherein the vibrator is located proximal to the cauterization electrode.

14. The ablation system according to claim 13, wherein the distance between the distal end of the transducer of the transmitting member and the proximal end of the cauterization electrode in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the distance from the proximal ends of the plurality of transducers of the transmitting and receiving member to the distal end of the second tube in the longitudinal direction.

15. Furthermore, the ablation system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a high-frequency power supply unit that supplies high-frequency current to the cauterizing electrode.

16. Furthermore, the ablation system according to claim 1 or 2 further comprises an image generation unit that processes an electrical signal generated from ultrasonic waves received by the transmitting and receiving member to generate an image, and a display unit that displays the image.

17. The ablation system according to claim 16, wherein the ultrasound includes ultrasound reflected from the heart, and the image includes an image of the heart.

18. Furthermore, the system includes an image generation unit that processes an electrical signal generated from the ultrasonic waves received by the transmitting and receiving member to generate an image, and a display unit that displays the image. The ultrasonic waves include ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting member. The ablation system according to claim 9, wherein the aforementioned image includes an image of the first tube.

19. The ablation system according to claim 18, wherein the ultrasound includes ultrasound reflected from the heart, and the image includes an image of the heart.

Images