Catheter system, catheter fixation system, fixed body, and fixation device

Abstract

To provide a catheter system capable of matching distal side wire projection length with target length with a high degree of precision.SOLUTION: A catheter system 1 comprises a catheter device 10 and a fixture 20. The catheter device comprises: a tube part 11 having a first passage; a connection 12 having a second passage extending along a liner line; and a wire 13 running inside the first passage and the second passage. With the connection detachably fixed at a fixing position so that the second passage extends in an extending direction, the fixture has a mark at a position separated by a separation distance from the fixing position in the extending direction. The separation distance is a distance obtained by subtracting the sum of target length, which is the target value for distal side wire projection length (the length of a wire from the tube distal end till the wire distal end), and the length of the first passage and the second passage from the tube distal end to the fixing position, from the entire length of the wire, with the connection fixed to the fixture.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a catheter system, a catheter fixing system, a fixed body, and a fixture.

Background Art

[0002] A catheter system including a catheter device and a fixture is known. For example, in the catheter system described in Patent Document 1, the catheter device includes a tube portion having a first passage, a connection portion having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at a proximal end that is the proximal side end of the tube portion and extends along a straight line, and a wire that passes through the inside of the first passage and the second passage. Further, the fixture fixes the connection portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, if the distal wire protruding length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the tube portion, which is the distal side end of the tube portion, to the distal end of the wire, which is the distal side end of the wire, does not match the target length with high accuracy, it is difficult for the user to appropriately operate the distal end of the tube portion. Therefore, during use of the catheter device, the distal wire protruding length is measured by taking an X-ray image of the region including the distal end of the tube portion and the distal end of the wire.

[0005] However, for example, when the distal end portion of the tube portion, which is the distal side end portion of the tube portion, is considerably thin, it is often difficult to measure the distal wire protruding length by imaging. For this reason, there has been a problem that the distal wire protruding length cannot be made to match the target length with high accuracy.

[0006] One of the objectives of this invention is to match the distal wire protrusion length to the target length with high precision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, the catheter system comprises a catheter device and a fixation device. The catheter device comprises a tubular section having a first passage, a connecting section having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at the proximal end of the tubular section and extends in a straight line, and a wire that passes through the inside of the first passage and the second passage. The fastener is detachably fixed at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in the extending direction, and has a mark at a position separated from the fixed position by a distance in the extending direction.

[0008] The separation distance is the length obtained by subtracting the total length of the wire from the total length of the wire, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the pipe (the distal end of the pipe) to the distal end of the wire (the distal end of the wire), when the connection part is fixed to the fastener. This target value is the length of the wire from the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, and the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the pipe to the fixing position.

[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, the catheter fixation system comprises an object to be fixed and a fixation device. The fixed object constitutes at least a part of the connection portion of a catheter device comprising a tubular portion having a first passage, a connecting portion having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at the proximal end, which is the proximal end of the tubular portion, and extends in a straight line, and a wire that passes through the inside of the first passage and the second passage.

[0010] The fixing device is designed such that the object to be fixed is detachably fixed at a fixed position, with the second passage extending in the extending direction, and has a mark at a position separated from the fixed position by a distance in the extending direction.

[0011] The separation distance is the length obtained by subtracting the total length of the wire from the total length of the wire, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the tube (the distal end of the tube) to the distal end of the wire (the distal end of the wire), when the object to be fixed is fixed to the fixing device, and the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the tube to the fixing position.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the fixed object constitutes at least a part of the connection portion of a catheter device comprising a tubular portion having a first passage, a connecting portion having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at the proximal end, which is the proximal end of the tubular portion, and extends in a straight line, and a wire passing through the first passage and the second passage.

[0013] The object to be fixed is detachably fixed to the fixing device at a fixed position such that the second passage extends in the direction of extension. The fastener has a mark at a position separated from the fixing position by a certain distance in the extending direction. The separation distance is the length obtained by subtracting the total length of the wire from the total length of the wire, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the tube (the distal end of the tube) to the distal end of the wire (the distal end of the wire), when the object to be fixed is fixed to the fixing device, and the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the tube to the fixing position. The fixed object has a protrusion that projects in a direction perpendicular to the second passage. The fastener has a recess into which at least a portion of the protrusion fits.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, the fixing device fixes the connecting portion of a catheter device comprising a tubular portion having a first passage, a connecting portion having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at the proximal end, which is the proximal end of the tubular portion, and extends in a straight line, and a wire passing through the first passage and the second passage.

[0015] The fastener is detachably fixed at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in the extending direction, and has a mark at a position separated from the fixed position by a distance in the extending direction. The separation distance is the length of the wire from the distal end of the tube portion, which is the distal end of the tube portion, to the distal end of the wire, which is the distal end of the wire, in a state where the connection portion is fixed to the fixture. It is the length obtained by subtracting the sum of the length of the first passage and the length of the second passage from the distal end of the tube portion to the fixed position from the total length of the wire.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] The distal wire protrusion length can be made to match the target length with high accuracy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the catheter system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of the catheter system of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a side view of the catheter system of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the catheter system of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the catheter system of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the catheter system of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a plan view of the catheter system of the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the catheter system of the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of the catheter system of the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of the catheter system of the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of the catheter system of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a plan view of the catheter system of the second embodiment. [Figure 13]This is a side view of the catheter system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the catheter system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of the catheter system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of the catheter system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a plan view of a catheter system of a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the catheter system, catheter fixation system, fixed body, and fixation device of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 17.

[0019] <First Embodiment> (overview) The catheter system of the first embodiment comprises a catheter device and a fixation device. The catheter device comprises a tubular section having a first passage, a connecting section having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at the proximal end of the tubular section and extends in a straight line, and a wire that passes through the inside of the first passage and the second passage.

[0020] The fastener is detachably fixed at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in the extending direction, and has a mark at a position separated from the fixed position by a distance in the extending direction.

[0021] The separation distance is the length obtained by subtracting the total length of the wire from the total length of the wire, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the pipe (the distal end of the pipe) to the distal end of the wire (the distal end of the wire), when the connection part is fixed to the fastener. This target value is the length of the wire from the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, and the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the pipe to the fixing position.

[0022] According to this method, by fixing the connection part to the fixing device and aligning the position of the proximal end of the wire, which is the proximal end of the wire, with the position of the mark in the extending direction, the distal wire protrusion length can be matched to the target length with high precision. Next, the catheter system of the first embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0023] (composition) Hereinafter, the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment will be described using a right-handed Cartesian coordinate system having x, y, and z axes, as shown in Figures 1 to 6. The same coordinate system will also be used in Figures 7 to 17, which will be described later in this specification.

[0024] In this example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions may be expressed as the left-right direction, the front-back direction, and the up-down direction of the catheter system 1, respectively. Also, in this example, the positive x-axis, negative x-axis, positive y-axis, negative y-axis, positive z-axis, and negative z-axis directions may be expressed as the right direction, left direction, front direction, rear direction, up direction, and down direction of the catheter system 1, respectively. In this example, the positive and negative directions of the z-axis coincide with the vertically upward and vertically downward directions, respectively.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the catheter system 1 comprises a catheter device 10 and a fixing device 20. In this example, the catheter device 10 is introduced into the blood vessels of the body and used in endovascular surgery. For example, the catheter device 10 is used for injecting contrast agents or drugs, transporting coils for embolizing blood vessels or aneurysms, or transporting treatment devices for removing thrombi or dilating narrowed areas. For example, the catheter device 10 is used in procedures on blood vessels in the brain. However, the catheter device 10 may also be used in procedures on blood vessels other than those in the brain.

[0026] Figure 1 is a view of catheter system 1 from a position to the right of catheter system 1, behind catheter system 1, and above catheter system 1 (in other words, a right posterior superior oblique view). Figure 2 is a view of catheter system 1 from above catheter system 1 (in other words, a plan view). Figure 3 is a view of catheter system 1 from the right of catheter system 1 (in other words, a right side view).

[0027] Figure 4 is a view of a portion of the cross-section of the catheter system 1, cut by the plane represented by the line IV-IV in Figure 2, in the positive direction of the y-axis. Figure 5 is a right rear-upper perspective view of the catheter system 1 when the catheter device 10 is separated from the fixation device 20. Figure 6 is a view of the catheter system 1 from a position to the right of the catheter system 1, behind the catheter system 1, and below the catheter system 1, when the catheter device 10 is separated from the fixation device 20 (in other words, a right rear-downper perspective view).

[0028] The catheter device 10 comprises a tube section 11, a connecting section 12, and a wire 13. The tube portion 11 is a tubular body. Therefore, the tube portion 11 has a first passage inside the tube portion 11 along its entire length. The first passage may also be referred to as a lumen. The tube portion 11 is flexible. In this example, the cross-section of the tube portion 11 cut by a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tube portion 11 is annular.

[0029] In this example, the length of the tube 11 is 1.50m, 1.53m, 1.56m, 1.57m, 1.60m, or 1.65m. The length of the tube 11 may also be between 0.50m and 2.0m. For example, the length of the tube 11 used in blood vessels of the head is often between 1.50m and 1.65m. Similarly, the length of the tube 11 used in blood vessels of the abdomen is often between 1.10m and 1.50m. In this example, the outer diameter of the cross-section of the pipe section 11 is 0.3 mm to 1 mm in length. Alternatively, the outer diameter of the cross-section of the pipe section 11 may be 1 mm to 5 mm in length. In this example, the inner diameter of the cross-section of the pipe section 11 (in other words, the diameter of the first passage) is 0.2 mm to 0.9 mm in length. However, the inner diameter of the cross-section of the pipe section 11 may be 0.9 mm to 4.5 mm in length.

[0030] In Figures 1 to 6, the proximal end of the tube section 11 is shown, while the portion of the tube section 11 distal to the proximal end is omitted. Similarly, in Figures 7 to 17, described later, the portion of the tube section 11 distal to the proximal end is also omitted.

[0031] In this specification, the distal side corresponds to the side closer to the tip of the catheter device 10 (in this example, the tip of the tube portion 11 or wire 13, which is the leading edge of the catheter device 10 when introduced into a blood vessel). Also in this specification, the proximal side corresponds to the side further away from the tip of the catheter device 10.

[0032] The connecting portion 12 has a second passage inside it. The second passage communicates with the first passage of the pipe portion 11 at its proximal end, which is the proximal end of the pipe portion 11, and extends along a straight line. In this example, the second passage is cylindrical and extends along a straight line. In this example, the diameter of the second passage is equal to the diameter of the first passage. However, the diameter of the second passage may be different from the diameter of the first passage.

[0033] The connecting portion 12 includes a distal portion 121 adjacent to the pipe portion 11, an intermediate portion 122 adjacent to the distal portion 121, and a proximal portion 123 adjacent to the intermediate portion 122.

[0034] The distal portion 121, the intermediate portion 122, and the proximal portion 123 each have a passage inside that constitutes a second passage. The distal portion 121 is connected to the tube portion 11 at its proximal end. In this example, the distal portion 121 is formed integrally with the tube portion 11. The distal portion 121 may also be called a hub.

[0035] The intermediate section 122 is connected to the distal section 121 at its proximal end. In this example, the intermediate section 122 is cylindrical with a central axis extending along the second passage. The intermediate section 122 is removably fixed to the distal section 121 by screwing it into the distal section 121.

[0036] The intermediate portion 122 has a protrusion 122a that projects in a direction perpendicular to the second passage. The protrusion 122a is an annular body having a central axis extending along the second passage. In this example, the annular body is a circular annular body. The protrusion 122a may have rounded corners or filleted corners.

[0037] In this example, the protrusion 122a has a ferromagnetic material (for example, iron, cobalt, or nickel). For example, the protrusion 122a may have a plate-like ferromagnetic material only on its outer surface or near its outer surface. Alternatively, the entire protrusion 122a may be made of a ferromagnetic material. Furthermore, the protrusion 122a may be made of a material containing a powdered ferromagnetic material. In this example, the intermediate section 122 corresponds to the object to be fixed.

[0038] The proximal portion 123 connects to the intermediate portion 122 at its proximal end. The proximal portion 123 is removably fixed to the intermediate portion 122 by screwing it into the intermediate portion 122. In this example, the proximal portion 123 is a Y-type connector (in other words, a Y connector).

[0039] The proximal portion 123 has a large-diameter portion 123a. The large-diameter portion 123a constitutes the proximal end of the proximal portion 123 and is cylindrical in shape with its central axis extending along the second passage. The diameter of the large-diameter portion 123a is longer than the diameter of the portion of the intermediate portion 122 other than the convex portion 122a. In this example, the large-diameter portion 123a is a hemostatic valve.

[0040] The wire 13 is a thin wire. The wire 13 passes through the first passage of the pipe section 11 and the second passage of the connecting section 12.

[0041] The length of wire 13 is longer than the sum of the length of the first passage in the pipe section 11 and the length of the second passage in the connecting section 12. In this example, the length of wire 13 is 2.0 m. The length of wire 13 may be selected according to the sum of the lengths of the first and second passages, and may be, for example, between 0.50 m and 3 m. The diameter of wire 13 is slightly shorter than the diameter of the first passage. In this example, the diameter of wire 13 is 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm in length. Alternatively, the diameter of wire 13 may be 0.5 mm to 1 mm in length.

[0042] In Figures 1 to 6, the portion of the wire 13 proximal to the tube 11 is shown, while the portion of the wire 13 distal to the tube 11 is omitted. Similarly, in Figures 7 to 17, described later, the portion of the wire 13 distal to the tube 11 is also omitted.

[0043] The fixing device 20 comprises a base portion 21 and a plurality (four in this example) of legs 22. The base portion 21 is a flat plate extending along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis. In this example, the base portion 21 is rectangular in shape, having a short side extending in the x-axis direction and a long side extending in the y-axis direction.

[0044] In this example, the length of the long side of the base portion 21 is 520 mm. However, the length of the long side of the base portion 21 may be between 300 mm and 600 mm. In this example, the length of the shorter side of the base portion 21 is 120 mm. However, the length of the shorter side of the base portion 21 may be between 60 mm and 240 mm. The base portion 21 may have a shape other than a rectangle (for example, a trapezoid, a triangular shape, a semi-elliptical shape, or a rounded rectangle).

[0045] The base portion 21 has a first recess 21a, a scale portion 21b, and a second recess 21c. The first recess 21a forms a bottomed hole on the end face of the base portion 21 in the positive z-axis direction. The first recess 21a is located vertically below the proximal end of the connection portion (in this example, the large diameter portion 123a), which is the proximal end of the connection portion 12, when the connection portion 12 is fixed to the fastener 20.

[0046] In this example, when the catheter system 1 is viewed in the negative z-axis direction with the connecting portion 12 fixed to the fixing device 20, the first recess 21a extends over a region encompassing the large diameter portion 123a. In other words, the first recess 21a extends in the y-axis direction from a position in the negative y-axis direction relative to the large diameter portion 123a to a position in the positive y-axis direction relative to the large diameter portion 123a, and in the x-axis direction from a position in the negative x-axis direction relative to the large diameter portion 123a to a position in the positive x-axis direction relative to the large diameter portion 123a.

[0047] In this example, the length of the first recess 21a in the y-axis direction is 40 mm. However, the length of the first recess 21a in the y-axis direction may be between 20 mm and 60 mm.

[0048] The first recess 21a has a shape such that, when a liquid is introduced into the first recess 21a, at least a portion of the liquid is discharged from the first recess 21a. For example, the first recess 21a may have a shape such that, when a liquid is introduced into the first recess 21a, the liquid is not stored in the first recess 21a.

[0049] In this example, the first recess 21a extends in the x-axis direction from the end face of the base portion 21 in the negative x-axis direction to the end face of the base portion 21 in the positive x-axis direction. In this example, the bottom surface of the hole formed by the first recess 21a is a horizontal plane.

[0050] The bottom surface of the hole formed by the first recess 21a may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. For example, the bottom surface of the hole formed by the first recess 21a may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane such that one of the ends in the x-axis direction is higher than the other. Alternatively, the bottom surface of the hole formed by the first recess 21a may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane such that the center in the x-axis direction is higher than both ends in the x-axis direction. Furthermore, the first recess 21a may have a hole in the bottom surface of the hole formed by the first recess 21a that penetrates the base portion 21 in the z-axis direction.

[0051] The scale portion 21b has multiple scale lines on the end face of the base portion 21 in the positive z-axis direction. In the y-axis direction, the scale portion 21b extends from the end of the base portion 21 in the negative y-axis direction to a position in the negative y-axis direction beyond the first recess 21a. In this example, the scale portion 21b is located in the central part of the base portion 21 in the x-axis direction. Alternatively, the scale portion 21b may be located at the end of the base portion 21 in the x-axis direction.

[0052] Each grid line is a straight line extending along the x-axis and having a predetermined length. Multiple grid lines have a predetermined first unit distance between adjacent grid lines in the y-axis direction. In other words, multiple grid lines are equally spaced in the y-axis direction. In this example, the first unit distance is 1 mm. The first unit distance may also be 0.5 mm, 2 mm, etc. Furthermore, for multiple grid lines, the length of each grid line may be longer than other grid lines at intervals of a second unit distance longer than the first unit distance in the y-axis direction. For example, the second unit distance may be 5 mm, or 10 mm.

[0053] In this example, the grid line located at the end of the negative y-axis direction among the multiple grid lines is located on the end edge of the base portion 21 in the negative y-axis direction. In this example, the grid line located at the end of the negative y-axis direction among the multiple grid lines has a position separated from the fixed position by a distance in the y-axis direction. In this example, the y-axis direction corresponds to the extension direction.

[0054] Furthermore, the scale section 21b may have numbers representing distance in the y-axis direction in addition to the scale lines. Also, the scale section 21b may have shapes such as arrows, triangles, or rhombuses in addition to, or instead of, the scale lines. In this case, these shapes also correspond to marks.

[0055] The fixing position is the position where the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20. In this example, the fixing position is the position of the second recess 21c. The separation distance is the length obtained by subtracting the sum of the target length, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, and the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the tube to the fixing position, from the total length of the wire 13 (in other words, the total length), when the connection part 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20. The distal end of the tube is the distal end of the tube 11. The distal wire protrusion length is the length of the wire 13 from the distal end of the tube to the distal end of the wire 13. In this example, the target length is 5 mm. However, the target length may also be between 0 mm and 60 mm.

[0056] In this example, the grid lines located at the ends in the negative direction of the y-axis correspond to the marks. In this example, the edges of the base portion 21 in the negative direction of the y-axis correspond to the edges extending in the x-axis direction perpendicular to the y-axis direction. In this example, the edges (in other words, the borders) of the base portion 21 in the negative direction of the y-axis also constitute the marks. Note that in this example, since the edges of the base portion 21 in the negative direction of the y-axis constitute the marks, the base portion 21 does not need to have a grid portion 21b.

[0057] Incidentally, which of the multiple scale lines is located at a distance from the fixed position in the y-axis direction can vary depending on the target length, the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the pipe to the fixed position, and the total length of the wire 13. Therefore, among the multiple scale lines, the scale line located at a distance from the fixed position in the y-axis direction may correspond to the mark. Furthermore, the scale section 21b may have only scale lines located at a distance from the fixed position in the y-axis direction.

[0058] The second recess 21c forms a bottomed hole on the end face of the base portion 21 in the positive z-axis direction. The hole formed by the second recess 21c has a shape into which a part of the protrusion 122a can be removably fitted, such that the second passage of the connecting portion 12 extends in the y-axis direction when the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fastener 20. In this example, the part of the protrusion 122a that fits into the hole formed by the second recess 21c is the end of the protrusion 122a in the vertical downward direction.

[0059] In this example, the second recess 21c is located in the central part of the base portion 21 in the x-axis direction, and in the y-axis direction, it is located in a position in the positive y-axis direction more than the first recess 21a.

[0060] In this example, the second recess 21c has a magnet 21c1. In this example, the magnet 21c1 is located on or near the bottom surface of the hole formed by the second recess 21c. In this example, the magnet 21c1 is located in the center of the bottom surface of the hole formed by the second recess 21c.

[0061] With this configuration, a portion of the protrusion 122a fits into the second recess 21c so that the second passage of the connecting portion 12 extends in the y-axis direction. At this time, the magnetic force of the magnet 21c1 in the second recess 21c causes the magnet 21c1 to attract the protrusion 122a. This makes it easier for a portion of the protrusion 122a to fit into the second recess 21c, and also makes it less likely for a portion of the protrusion 122a to accidentally come out of the second recess 21c. In this way, the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fastener 20 in a fixed position so as to be removable, such that the second passage of the connecting portion 12 extends in the y-axis direction.

[0062] In this example, the second recess 21c has a magnet 21c1, and the protrusion 122a has a ferromagnetic material. Alternatively, the second recess 21c may have a ferromagnetic material, and the protrusion 122a may have a magnet.

[0063] Multiple legs 22 protrude in the negative z-axis direction from the end face of the base 21 in the negative z-axis direction. In this example, each leg 22 is frustoconical in shape with a central axis extending in the z-axis direction. However, each leg 22 may have a shape other than a frustoconical shape (for example, cylindrical, hemispherical, or polygonal prism). In this example, the position of each leg 22 relative to the base 21 in the z-axis direction is adjustable. However, the position of each leg 22 relative to the base 21 in the z-axis direction is not adjustable.

[0064] The multiple legs 22 are located at each of the four corners of the base 21. The number of legs 22 provided by the fixing device 20 may be three. In this case, the multiple legs 22 may be located near both ends of the edge in the negative direction of the y-axis and near the midpoint of the edge in the positive direction of the y-axis of the base 21. In this example, the fixing device 20 and the intermediate section 122 correspond to a catheter fixation system.

[0065] (Example of use) Next, we will describe an example of using catheter system 1. First, the user fits a portion of the protrusion 122a into the second recess 21c. As a result, the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20 in a fixed position so that the second passage of the connecting portion 12 extends in the y-axis direction.

[0066] Next, the user aligns the position of the proximal end of the wire 13, which is the proximal end of the wire, with the mark (in this example, the scale line located at the end in the negative direction of the y-axis among the multiple scale lines, and the end edge of the base part 21 in the negative direction of the y-axis). Then, the user confirms that the distal wire protrusion length matches the target length.

[0067] Subsequently, the user removes the connector 12 from the fixing device 20 so that the protrusion 122a is separated from the second recess 21c. Then, the user manipulates the connector 12 and the wire 13 to alternately advance the tip of the wire 13 and the tip of the tube 11 within the blood vessel of the living body. The user may also manipulate the connector 12 and the wire 13 without removing the connector 12 from the fixing device 20.

[0068] Subsequently, when the user checks the difference between the distal wire protrusion length and the target length, they fit a portion of the protrusion 122a into the second recess 21c. As a result, the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20 in a fixed position so that the second passage of the connecting portion 12 extends in the y-axis direction.

[0069] Next, the user confirms the distance in the y-axis direction between the position of the proximal end of the wire and the position of the mark. This allows the user to confirm the difference between the distal wire protrusion length and the target length. Then, if the user wishes to match the distal wire protrusion length to the target length, they manipulate the connector 12 and the wire 13 so that the position of the proximal end of the wire aligns with the position of the mark.

[0070] As described above, the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment comprises a catheter device 10 and a fixing device 20. The catheter device 10 comprises a tubular section 11 having a first passage, a connecting section 12 having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at the proximal end of the tubular section 11 and extends in a straight line, and a wire 13 that passes through the inside of the first passage and the second passage.

[0071] The fixing device 20 has a connection portion 12 that is detachably fixed at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in the extending direction, and has a mark at a position separated from the fixed position by a distance in the extending direction.

[0072] The separation distance is the length obtained by subtracting the sum of the target length, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire 13 from the distal end of the pipe section, which is the distal end of the pipe section, to the distal end of the wire 13, and the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the pipe section to the fixing position, from the total length of the wire 13 when the connecting part 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20.

[0073] According to this, by fixing the connecting portion 12 to the fixing device 20 and aligning the position of the proximal end of the wire 13, which is the proximal end of the wire, with the position of the mark in the extending direction, the distal wire protrusion length can be matched to the target length with high precision.

[0074] Furthermore, in the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment, the fixing device 20 has a first recess 21a located vertically below the proximal end of the connecting portion 12, which is the proximal end of the connecting portion 12, when the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20.

[0075] Incidentally, the proximal end of the connector may be operated by the user. Therefore, if the proximal end of the connector is operated while the connector is fixed to the fastener, there is a risk that the user's operation of the proximal end of the connector may be hindered by the fastener.

[0076] In contrast, according to catheter system 1, the fixing device 20 has a first recess 21a vertically below the proximal end of the connection portion 12 when the connection portion 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20. This prevents the fixing device 20 from interfering with the user's operation of the proximal end of the connection portion when the connection portion 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20.

[0077] The fastener 20 does not necessarily have to have the first recess 21a. In this case, when the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fastener 20, the diameter of the intermediate portion 122 may be longer than the diameter of the large diameter portion 123a, for example, so that a sufficient gap is formed between the proximal end of the connecting portion and the base portion 21.

[0078] Furthermore, in the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment, the first recess 21a has a shape that allows at least a portion of the liquid to be discharged when liquid is introduced into the first recess 21a.

[0079] Incidentally, liquid may leak from the proximal end of the connection. In this case, there is a risk that liquid may accumulate in the first recess 21a. In contrast, the catheter system 1 can suppress the accumulation of fluid in the first recess 21a.

[0080] For example, if the total amount of liquid leaking out is small relative to the volume of the first recess 21a, the first recess 21a may have a shape that allows the liquid to be stored when it is introduced into the first recess 21a.

[0081] Furthermore, in the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment, the connecting portion 12 has a protrusion 122a that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the second passage. The fixing device 20 has a second recess 21c into which at least a part of the protrusion 122a fits.

[0082] According to this, the position in which the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20 can be precisely set to a predetermined position.

[0083] Furthermore, in the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment, the protrusion 122a has either a ferromagnetic material or a magnet (in this example, a ferromagnetic material). The second recess 21c has either a ferromagnetic material or a magnet (in this example, a magnet 21c1).

[0084] According to this design, the connecting part 12 can be easily fixed to the fastener 20, and the accidental detachment of the connecting part 12 from the fastener 20 can be prevented. Furthermore, the connecting part 12 can be easily removed from the fastener 20.

[0085] The convex portion 122a and the second recess 21c do not necessarily have to be ferromagnetic material and magnet.

[0086] Furthermore, in the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment, the connecting portion 12 includes a distal portion 121 adjacent to the tubular portion 11, an intermediate portion 122 adjacent to the distal portion 121, and a proximal portion 123 adjacent to the intermediate portion 122. Each of the distal portion 121, the intermediate portion 122, and the proximal portion 123 has a passage that constitutes a second passage. The intermediate portion 122 includes a protrusion 122a and is removably fixed to the distal portion 121 by screwing it into the distal portion 121, and is removably fixed to the proximal portion 123 by screwing it into the proximal portion 123.

[0087] Incidentally, the connection portion is often composed of multiple parts that are fixed in a removable manner by screwing them together. Therefore, according to the catheter system 1, the configuration of the connection portion 12 can be easily changed between a configuration without the intermediate portion 122 and a configuration with the intermediate portion 122.

[0088] The connecting portion 12 does not necessarily have to include an intermediate portion 122. In this case, the connecting portion 12 is detachably fixed to the distal portion 121 by screwing the proximal portion 123 into the distal portion 121, and either the distal portion 121 or the proximal portion 123 may have a protrusion 122a. Furthermore, the distal portion 121 may be composed of multiple parts. In this case, the multiple parts may be removably fixed by screwing them together. Furthermore, the proximal portion 123 may be composed of multiple parts. In this case, the multiple parts may be removably fixed by screwing them together.

[0089] Furthermore, in the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment, the protrusion 122a is an annular body having a central axis extending along the second passage. The second recess 21c is into which a part of the protrusion 122a fits when the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20.

[0090] Incidentally, the connecting part may be operated to rotate around a rotation axis that extends along the second passage. In this case, if the connecting part can only be fixed to the fixture when its rotational position is a specific position, it can easily become difficult to fix the connecting part to the fixture.

[0091] In contrast, with catheter system 1, the protrusion 122a of the connection part 12 is annular. Therefore, regardless of the rotational position of the base part 21, the connection part 12 can be fixed to the fixing device 20 by fitting the protrusion 122a into the second recess 21c. As a result, the connection part 12 can be easily fixed to the fixing device 20. Furthermore, the protrusion 122a may have a portion of the annular body missing. Also, the protrusion 122a does not have to be an annular body.

[0092] Furthermore, in the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment, the fixing device 20 has a mark and an edge that extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension.

[0093] According to this, the user can easily confirm the position of the wire proximal end and the position of the mark by touching the edge of the fixing device 20 and the wire proximal end. The edge of the fixing device 20 does not necessarily have to form a mark. In this case, any of the multiple scale lines on the scale section 21b may form a mark. Furthermore, the fixing device 20 does not necessarily have to have an edge that extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension. In this case as well, any of the multiple scale lines of the scale portion 21b may constitute a mark.

[0094] <First modified example of the first embodiment> Next, a catheter system of the first modification of the first embodiment will be described. The catheter system of the first modification of the first embodiment differs from the catheter system of the first embodiment mainly in that the connection part does not have an intermediate part. The differences will be described below in detail. In the description of the first modification of the first embodiment, parts that are given the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are the same or substantially the same.

[0095] (composition) As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the catheter system 1A of the first modified example of the first embodiment comprises a catheter device 10A and a fixing device 20A.

[0096] Figure 7 is a plan view of the catheter system 1A. Figure 8 is a view of a portion of the cross-section of the catheter system 1A, cut by the plane represented by line VIII-VIII in Figure 7, in the positive direction of the y-axis. Figure 9 is a right rear upper perspective view of the catheter system 1A with the catheter device 10A separated from the fixation device 20A. Figure 10 is a right rear lower perspective view of the catheter system 1A with the catheter device 10A separated from the fixation device 20A.

[0097] The catheter device 10A differs from the catheter device 10 of the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a connecting part 12A instead of the connecting part 12. The connecting portion 12A comprises a distal portion 121 adjacent to the pipe portion 11, a proximal portion 123 adjacent to the distal portion 121, and an outer peripheral portion 124A surrounding the outer circumference of the proximal portion 123.

[0098] Each of the distal portion 121 and the proximal portion 123 has a passage inside that constitutes the second passage. The distal portion 121 is connected to the tube portion 11 at its proximal end. In this example, the distal portion 121 is formed integrally with the tube portion 11. The distal portion 121 may also be called a hub.

[0099] The proximal portion 123 connects to the distal portion 121 at its proximal end. The proximal portion 123 is removably fixed to the distal portion 121 by screwing it into the distal portion 121. In this example, the proximal portion 123 is a Y-type connector (in other words, a Y connector).

[0100] The proximal portion 123 has a large diameter portion 123a and a small diameter portion 123b. The large-diameter portion 123a constitutes the proximal end of the proximal portion 123 and is cylindrical in shape with its central axis extending along the second passage. In this example, the large-diameter portion 123a is a hemostatic valve. The small-diameter portion 123b constitutes the distal end of the proximal portion 123 and is cylindrical in shape with its central axis extending along the second passage. The diameter of the small-diameter portion 123b is shorter than the diameter of the large-diameter portion 123a. In this example, the distal portion 121 and the proximal portion 123 correspond to the main body.

[0101] The outer periphery portion 124A surrounds the outer circumference of the small-diameter portion 123b so that the small-diameter portion 123b can rotate around a rotation axis that extends along the second passage. In this example, the outer periphery portion 124A has a C-shaped cross-section when cut by a plane perpendicular to the second passage and has a predetermined thickness in the direction along the second passage.

[0102] In this example, the outer periphery 124A is made of an elastic material (for example, rubber, resin, or metal). The outer periphery 124A is removably attached to the small diameter portion 123b by elastic deformation.

[0103] The outer periphery 124A has a protrusion 124aA that projects in a direction perpendicular to the second passage. In this example, the protrusion 124aA projects vertically downward. In this example, the cross-section of the protrusion 124aA cut by a horizontal plane is rectangular in shape, having a short side extending in the y-axis direction and a long side extending in the x-axis direction. The corners of the protrusion 124aA may have rounded or filleted surfaces.

[0104] In this example, the protrusion 124aA has a ferromagnetic material (for example, iron or nickel). For example, the protrusion 124aA may have a plate-shaped ferromagnetic material only on the outer wall surface or in the vicinity of the outer wall surface. Alternatively, the entire protrusion 124aA may be made of a ferromagnetic material. Furthermore, the protrusion 124aA may be made of a material containing a powdered ferromagnetic material. In this example, the outer periphery 124A corresponds to the object to be fixed.

[0105] Furthermore, the outer periphery portion 124A may have a member that engages with the proximal portion 123 so as to prevent the outer periphery portion 124A from moving relative to the small diameter portion 123b in the direction along the second passage. For example, the outer periphery portion 124A and the small diameter portion 123b may have projections extending along a plane perpendicular to the second passage and grooves into which the projections fit on the surfaces where the outer periphery portion 124A and the small diameter portion 123b are in contact with each other. The outer peripheral portion 124A may be configured such that the proximal portion 123 is not rotatable.

[0106] The fixing device 20A differs from the fixing device 20 of the first embodiment in that it includes a base portion 21A instead of a base portion 21. The base portion 21A differs from the base portion 21 of the first embodiment in that it has a second recess 21cA instead of the second recess 21c.

[0107] The second recess 21cA forms a bottomed hole on the end face of the base portion 21A in the positive z-axis direction. The hole formed by the second recess 21cA has a shape into which the protrusion 124aA can be removably fitted, such that the second passage of the connecting portion 12A extends in the y-axis direction when the connecting portion 12A is fixed to the fastener 20A.

[0108] In this example, the second recess 21cA is located in the central part of the base portion 21A in the x-axis direction, and in the y-axis direction, it is located in a position in the positive y-axis direction more than the first recess 21a.

[0109] In this example, the second recess 21cA has a magnet 21c1A. In this example, the magnet 21c1A is located on or near the bottom surface of the hole formed by the second recess 21cA. In this example, the magnet 21c1A extends across the entire bottom surface of the hole formed by the second recess 21cA.

[0110] With this configuration, the protrusion 124aA fits into the second recess 21cA such that the second passage of the connecting portion 12A extends in the y-axis direction. At this time, the magnetic force of the magnet 21c1A in the second recess 21cA causes the magnet 21c1A to attract the protrusion 124aA. This makes it easier for the protrusion 124aA to fit into the second recess 21cA and makes it less likely for the protrusion 124aA to accidentally come out of the second recess 21cA.

[0111] In this way, the connecting portion 12A is fixed to the fixing device 20A in a fixed position so as to be removable, such that the second passage of the connecting portion 12A extends in the y-axis direction. In this example, the fixing device 20A and the outer peripheral portion 124A correspond to the catheter fixation system.

[0112] As described above, the catheter system 1A, which is a first modification of the first embodiment, provides the same functions and effects as the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the catheter system 1A of the first modified example of the first embodiment, the connecting portion 12A includes a main body portion having a second passage (in this example, a distal portion 121 and a proximal portion 123), and an outer peripheral portion 124A that surrounds the outer circumference of the main body portion and has a protrusion 124aA, so that the main body portion can rotate around a rotation axis extending along the second passage.

[0113] Incidentally, the connecting part may be operated to rotate around a rotation axis that extends along the second passage. In this case, if the connecting part can only be fixed to the fixture when its rotational position is a specific position, it can easily become difficult to fix the connecting part to the fixture.

[0114] In contrast, with catheter system 1A, the main body of the connecting portion 12A is rotatable relative to the outer peripheral portion 124A having a protrusion 124aA. Therefore, regardless of the rotational position of the main body, the outer peripheral portion 124A can be fixed to the fixing device 20A. As a result, the connecting portion 12A can be easily fixed to the fixing device 20A.

[0115] <Second Embodiment> Next, the catheter system of the second embodiment will be described. The catheter system of the second embodiment differs from the catheter system of the first embodiment mainly in that the fixing device is configured to allow the position of the mark to be changed. The differences will be described below in detail. In the description of the second embodiment, parts that are given the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are the same or substantially the same.

[0116] (composition) As shown in Figures 11 to 16, the catheter system 1B of the second embodiment differs from the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a fixing device 20B instead of the fixing device 20.

[0117] Figure 11 is a right rear-upper perspective view of the catheter system 1B. Figure 12 is a plan view of the catheter system 1B. Figure 13 is a right side view of the catheter system 1B. Figure 14 is a right rear-upper perspective view of the catheter system 1B with the catheter device 10 separated from the fixation device 20B. Figure 15 is a right rear-downper perspective view of the catheter system 1B with the catheter device 10 separated from the fixation device 20B. Figure 16 is a right rear-upper perspective view of the catheter system 1B with the fixation device 20B in a retracted state.

[0118] The fastener 20B comprises a fixing portion 23B, a marking portion 24B, a pair of bolts 25B, a pair of nuts 26B, and multiple (four in this example) leg portions 27B. The fixing portion 23B is a flat plate extending along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis. In this example, the fixing portion 23B is rectangular in shape, having a short side extending in the x-axis direction and a long side extending in the y-axis direction.

[0119] In this example, the length of the long side of the fixing part 23B is 300 mm. However, the length of the long side of the fixing part 23B may be between 100 mm and 500 mm. In this example, the length of the shorter side of the fixing part 23B is 120 mm. However, the length of the shorter side of the fixing part 23B may be between 60 mm and 240 mm. The fixing portion 23B may have a shape other than a rectangle (for example, a trapezoid, a triangular shape, a semi-elliptical shape, or a rounded rectangle).

[0120] The fixing portion 23B has a first recess 23aB, a notch 23bB, a downward protrusion 23cB, and a second recess 23dB. The first recess 23aB has the same configuration as the first recess 21a in the first embodiment.

[0121] The notch 23bB is formed at the end of the fixed portion 23B in the negative y-axis direction. The notch 23bB is located in the central part of the fixed portion 23B in the x-axis direction. In this example, the notch formed by the notch 23bB is square in shape, with edges extending in the x-axis and y-axis directions, respectively, when the fixed portion 23B is viewed in the negative z-axis direction.

[0122] In this example, the length of the edge of the notch formed by the notch portion 23bB is 40 mm. However, the length of the edge of the notch formed by the notch portion 23bB may be between 20 mm and 60 mm. Furthermore, the notch formed by the notch portion 23bB may be rectangular in shape.

[0123] The downward projection 23cB protrudes in the negative z-axis direction from the end face of the fixed portion 23B in the negative z-axis direction. In other words, the downward projection 23cB is the portion of the fixed portion 23B that is longer in length (in other words, thickness) in the z-axis direction than the portion of the fixed portion 23B other than the downward projection 23cB.

[0124] The downward projection 23cB is rectangular in shape, having a long side that coincides with the short side of the fixing portion 23B when viewed in the positive z-axis direction, and a short side that extends in the y-axis direction. The downward projection 23cB is located at the end of the fixing portion 23B in the positive y-axis direction and extends over the entire fixing portion 23B in the x-axis direction.

[0125] The second recess 23dB has the same configuration as the second recess 21c in the first embodiment. Therefore, in this example, the second recess 23dB has a magnet (not shown). However, the second recess 23dB does not necessarily have to have a magnet.

[0126] The mark portion 24B is a flat plate extending along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis. In this example, the mark portion 24B is rectangular in shape, having a short side extending in the x-axis direction and a long side extending in the y-axis direction.

[0127] In this example, the length of the longer side of the mark portion 24B is 260 mm. However, the length of the longer side of the mark portion 24B may be between 150 mm and 400 mm. In this example, the length of the shorter side of the mark portion 24B is equal to the length of the shorter side of the fixing portion 23B. However, the length of the shorter side of the mark portion 24B may be different from the length of the shorter side of the fixing portion 23B. The mark portion 24B may have a shape other than a rectangle (for example, a trapezoid, a triangular shape, a semi-elliptical shape, or a rounded rectangle).

[0128] The mark portion 24B has a pair of guide holes 24aB, an upward projection 24bB, and a scale portion 24cB.

[0129] Each guide hole 24aB is a linear, elongated hole extending in the y-axis direction. Each guide hole 24aB penetrates the mark portion 24B in the z-axis direction. A pair of guide holes 24aB are located at positions separated from each other in the x-axis direction. In other words, a pair of guide holes 24aB are parallel to each other. In this example, the pair of guide holes 24aB are located at both ends of the mark portion 24B in the x-axis direction.

[0130] The bolt 25B and nut 26B are fastened together via the guide hole 24aB, so as to sandwich the fixing portion 23B and the mark portion 24B in the z-axis direction. With this configuration, when the bolt 25B and nut 26B are fastened together, the mark portion 24B is immovable relative to the fixing portion 23B. Furthermore, when the fastening of the bolt 25B and nut 26B is loosened, the mark portion 24B is movable relative to the fixing portion 23B in the direction in which the guide hole 24aB extends (in this example, the y-axis direction). Therefore, the mark portion 24B is fixed to the fixing portion 23B in such a way that its position in the extending direction (in this example, the y-axis direction) can be changed.

[0131] Figures 11 to 15 show the state in which the mark portion 24B is at the most negative y-axis position relative to the fixed portion 23B (in other words, the scale portion 24cB is furthest from the fixed position) (in other words, the extended state). Figure 16 shows the state in which the mark portion 24B is at the most positive y-axis position relative to the fixed portion 23B (in other words, the scale portion 24cB is closest to the fixed position) (in other words, the contracted state).

[0132] The upward projection 24bB protrudes in the positive z-axis direction from the end face of the marked portion 24B in the positive z-axis direction. In other words, the upward projection 24bB is the portion of the marked portion 24B that is longer in length (in other words, thickness) in the z-axis direction than the portion of the marked portion 24B other than the upward projection 24bB.

[0133] The upper projection 24bB is located at the end of the mark portion 24B in the negative y-axis direction, and also at the center of the mark portion 24B in the x-axis direction. In this example, the upper projection 24bB has a shape that coincides with the notch formed by the notch portion 23bB. Therefore, in this example, when the mark portion 24B is viewed in the negative z-axis direction, the upper projection 24bB has a square shape with edges extending in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, respectively.

[0134] The scale portion 24cB has multiple scale lines on the end face of the upper projection 24bB in the positive z-axis direction. The scale portion 24cB extends across the entire upper projection 24bB in the y-axis direction. In this example, the scale portion 24cB is located in the central part of the upper projection 24bB in the x-axis direction. Alternatively, the scale portion 24cB may be located at the end of the upper projection 24bB in the x-axis direction.

[0135] Each grid line is a straight line extending along the x-axis and having a predetermined length. Multiple grid lines have a predetermined third unit distance between adjacent grid lines in the y-axis direction. In other words, multiple grid lines are equally spaced in the y-axis direction. In this example, the third unit distance is 1 mm. The third unit distance may also be 0.5 mm, 2 mm, etc. Furthermore, for each fourth unit distance in the y-axis direction that is longer than the third unit distance, the length of each grid line may be longer than the other grid lines. For example, the fourth unit distance may be 5 mm, or 10 mm.

[0136] In this example, the tick mark located at the negative end of the y-axis among the multiple tick marks is located on the negative end edge of the upper projection 24bB in the y-axis direction. In this example, the tick mark located at the negative end of the y-axis among the multiple tick marks is located at a distance from the fixed position in the y-axis direction. In this example, the y-axis direction corresponds to the extension direction.

[0137] Furthermore, the scale section 24cB may have numbers representing distance in the y-axis direction in addition to the scale lines. Also, the scale section 24cB may have figures such as arrows, triangles, or rhombuses in addition to, or instead of, the scale lines. In this case, these figures also correspond to marks.

[0138] The fixing position is the position where the connecting part 12 is fixed to the fixing part 23B. In this example, the fixing position is at the position of the second recess 23dB. The separation distance is the length obtained by subtracting the sum of the target length, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, and the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the tube to the fixing position, from the total length of the wire 13 (in other words, the total length), when the connection part 12 is fixed to the fixing part 23B. The distal end of the tube is the distal end of the tube part 11. The distal wire protrusion length is the length of the wire 13 from the distal end of the tube to the distal end of the wire 13. In this example, the target length is 5 mm. However, the target length may also be between 0 mm and 60 mm.

[0139] In this example, the grid lines located at the negative ends of the y-axis correspond to the marks. In this example, the negative ends of the mark section 24B correspond to the edges extending in the x-axis direction perpendicular to the y-axis direction. In this example, the negative ends (in other words, edges) of the mark section 24B also constitute the marks. Note that in this example, since the negative ends of the mark section 24B constitute the marks, the mark section 24B does not need to have a grid section 24cB.

[0140] Incidentally, which of the multiple scale lines corresponds to a position separated by a certain distance from the fixed position in the y-axis direction can vary depending on the target length, the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the pipe to the fixed position, and the total length of the wire 13. Therefore, among the multiple scale lines, the scale line that corresponds to a position separated by a certain distance from the fixed position in the y-axis direction may correspond to a mark.

[0141] Of the multiple leg portions 27B, one pair of leg portions 27B protrudes in the negative z-axis direction from the end face of the fixing portion 23B in the negative z-axis direction. Of the multiple leg portions 27B, the other pair of leg portions 27B protrudes in the negative z-axis direction from the end face of the mark portion 24B in the negative z-axis direction.

[0142] In this example, each leg portion 27B is frustoconical in shape, having a central axis extending in the z-axis direction. However, each leg portion 27B may have a shape other than a frustoconical shape (for example, hemispherical, cylindrical, or polygonal prism). In this example, the position of each leg portion 27B relative to the fixing portion 23B or mark portion 24B is adjustable in the z-axis direction. However, the position of each leg portion 27B relative to the fixing portion 23B or mark portion 24B is not adjustable in the z-axis direction.

[0143] Of the multiple leg portions 27B, the pair of leg portions 27B located on the fixing portion 23B are each located near both ends of the edge of the fixing portion 23B in the positive y-axis direction. Of the multiple leg portions 27B, the pair of leg portions 27B located on the mark portion 24B are each located near both ends of the edge of the mark portion 24B in the negative y-axis direction.

[0144] The number of legs 27B provided by the fixing device 20B may be three. In this case, the multiple legs 27B may be located near both ends of the edge of the mark portion 24B in the negative direction of the y-axis, and near the midpoint of the edge of the fixing portion 23B in the positive direction of the y-axis. In this example, the fixing device 20B and the intermediate section 122 correspond to a catheter fixation system.

[0145] (Example of use) Next, we will describe an example of using the catheter system 1B. First, the user fits a portion of the protrusion 122a into the second recess 23dB. As a result, the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20B in a fixed position so that the second passage of the connecting portion 12 extends in the y-axis direction.

[0146] Next, the user confirms that the distal wire protrusion length matches the target length. Then, the user loosens the fastening of the bolt 25B and nut 26B. This makes the mark portion 24B movable relative to the fixing portion 23B.

[0147] Next, the user adjusts the position of the mark portion 24B relative to the fixing portion 23B by moving the mark portion 24B in the y-axis direction relative to the fixing portion 23B so that the position of the proximal end of the wire coincides with the position of the mark (in this example, the scale line located at the end in the negative direction of the y-axis among the multiple scale lines, and the end edge in the negative direction of the y-axis of the upward projection portion 24bB). Then, the user fastens the bolt 25B and nut 26B. As a result, the mark portion 24B becomes immovable relative to the fixing portion 23B.

[0148] Subsequently, the user removes the connector 12 from the fixing device 20B so that the protrusion 122a is separated from the second recess 23dB. Then, the user manipulates the connector 12 and the wire 13 to alternately advance the tip of the wire 13 and the tip of the tube 11 within the blood vessel of the living body. The user may also manipulate the connector 12 and the wire 13 without removing the connector 12 from the fixing device 20B.

[0149] Subsequently, when the user checks the difference between the distal wire protrusion length and the target length, they fit a portion of the protrusion 122a into the second recess 23dB. As a result, the connector 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20B in a removable position so that the second passage of the connector 12 extends in the y-axis direction.

[0150] Next, the user confirms the distance in the y-axis direction between the position of the proximal end of the wire and the position of the mark. This allows the user to confirm the difference between the distal wire protrusion length and the target length. Then, if the user wishes to match the distal wire protrusion length to the target length, they manipulate the connector 12 and the wire 13 so that the position of the proximal end of the wire aligns with the position of the mark.

[0151] As described above, the catheter system 1B of the second embodiment provides the same functions and effects as the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the catheter system 1B of the second embodiment, the fixing device 20B comprises a fixing portion 23B and a marking portion 24B.

[0152] The fixing portion 23B is detachably fixed at the fixing position of the connecting portion 12 such that the second passage extends in the extending direction. The marked portion 24B has a mark and is fixed to the fixing portion 23B so that its position in the extending direction can be changed.

[0153] Incidentally, connection points are often constructed by linking together multiple components, each having multiple functions. Therefore, there are many different lengths for connection points. Similarly, there are also many different lengths for wires.

[0154] Therefore, it is difficult for the user to accurately recognize the total length of the connection and wire in use, and to quickly estimate the distal wire protrusion length with high accuracy based on the proximal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the fixed position to the proximal end of the wire. As a result, there is a risk that the user may not be able to quickly confirm that the distal wire protrusion length matches the target length with high accuracy.

[0155] In contrast, with catheter system 1B, when the connection part 12 is fixed to the fixing part 23B, the position of the mark part 24B relative to the fixing part 23B can be changed so that the distal wire protrusion length matches the target length when the position of the proximal end of the wire coincides with the position of the mark in the extending direction. This allows the user to quickly confirm with high accuracy that the distal wire protrusion length matches the target length by checking the position of the proximal end of the wire and the position of the mark in the extending direction.

[0156] Furthermore, the fixing device 20B may use other sliding mechanisms (for example, a sliding mechanism using rails, or a sliding mechanism using a ball screw, etc.) as the sliding mechanism for the mark portion 24B to move relative to the fixing portion 23B.

[0157] <First modified example of the second embodiment> Next, a catheter system of the first modified example of the second embodiment will be described. The catheter system of the first modified example of the second embodiment differs from the catheter system of the second embodiment mainly in that it has a scale line that allows for the measurement of the position of the mark portion relative to the fixing portion. The differences will be described below in detail. In the description of the first modified example of the second embodiment, parts that are given the same reference numerals as those used in the second embodiment are the same or substantially the same.

[0158] (composition) As shown in Figure 17, the catheter system 1C of the first modification of the second embodiment differs from the catheter system 1B of the second embodiment in that it is equipped with a fixing device 20C instead of fixing device 20B. Figure 17 is a plan view of catheter system 1C.

[0159] The fastener 20C differs from the fastener 20B of the second embodiment in that it has a mark portion 24C instead of a mark portion 24B. The marking section 24C has a scale section 24eC in addition to the configuration of the marking section 24B in the second embodiment.

[0160] The scale portion 24eC has multiple scale lines on the end face in the positive z-axis direction of the portion of the mark portion 24C other than the upward projection 24bB. The scale portion 24eC extends in the y-axis direction over the entire portion of the mark portion 24C other than the upward projection 24bB. The scale portion 24eC is located in the central part of the mark portion 24C in the x-axis direction.

[0161] Each scale line on the scale section 24eC is a straight line that extends along the x-axis direction and has a predetermined length. The multiple scale lines on the scale section 24eC have a predetermined fifth unit distance between adjacent scale lines in the y-axis direction. In other words, the multiple scale lines on the scale section 24eC are equally spaced in the y-axis direction. In this example, the fifth unit distance is 1 mm. The fifth unit distance may also be 0.5 mm, 2 mm, etc. Furthermore, the multiple scale lines on the scale section 24eC may have a longer scale line length than other scale lines at intervals of a sixth unit distance longer than the fifth unit distance in the y-axis direction. For example, the sixth unit distance may be 5 mm, or 10 mm.

[0162] Furthermore, the scale section 24eC may have numbers representing distances in the y-axis direction in addition to the scale lines. Also, the scale section 24eC may have figures such as arrows, triangles, or rhombuses in addition to, or instead of, the scale lines. For example, in addition to the scale lines, the scale section 24eC may have figures such as arrows, triangles, or rhombuses at intervals of seventh unit distances that are longer than the fifth unit distance in the y-axis direction. For example, the seventh unit distance is 50 mm.

[0163] With this configuration, among the multiple scale lines of the scale section 24eC, the scale line that coincides with the position of the end edge of the fixed section 23B in the negative direction of the y-axis changes as the position of the mark section 24C in the y-axis direction relative to the fixed section 23B changes. Therefore, the user can measure the position of the mark section 24C in the y-axis direction relative to the fixed section 23B by using the scale lines of the scale section 24eC.

[0164] As described above, the catheter system 1C of the first modified example of the second embodiment provides the same functions and effects as the catheter system 1B of the second embodiment. Furthermore, in the catheter system 1C of the first modified example of the second embodiment, the fixing device 20C has a scale line (in this example, a scale line on the scale portion 24eC) that can measure the position of the mark portion 24C in the direction of extension (in this example, the y-axis direction) relative to the fixing portion 23B.

[0165] Incidentally, sometimes only the wire is replaced while the tube is still in place inside the patient's body. In this case, the length of the wire before replacement and the length of the wire after replacement may differ. In such cases, there is a risk that the position of the mark relative to the fixing part may not be adjustable so that the distal wire protrusion length matches the target length for the replaced wire.

[0166] In contrast, with the catheter system 1C, the position of the mark portion 24C relative to the fixing portion 23B can be pre-measured for each of the multiple wires 13 so that the distal wire protrusion length matches the target length. As a result, even when only the wires 13 are replaced while the tube portion 11 is implanted in the patient's body, the position of the mark portion 24C relative to the fixing portion 23B can be easily adjusted so that the distal wire protrusion length of the replaced wire 13 matches the target length.

[0167] Furthermore, a scale line capable of measuring the position of the mark portion 24C in the extension direction relative to the fixing portion 23B may be provided on the end face (in other words, the side surface) of the mark portion 24C in the x-axis direction, or on the end face (in other words, the side surface) of the fixing portion 23B in the x-axis direction.

[0168] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above that are understandable to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0169] 1,1A,1B,1C Catheter System 10,10A Catheter Device 11 Pipe section 12,12A connection 121 Distal part 122 Middle section 122a Convex part 123 Proximal part 123a Large diameter section 123b Small diameter section 124A outer periphery 124aA protrusion 13 wires 20,20A,20B,20C Fixtures 21,21A Base part 21a First recess 21b Scale section 21c Second recess 21c1, 21c1A magnets 21cA Second recess 22 Legs 23B Fixed part 23aB First recess 23bB Notch 23cB downward protrusion 23dB Second recess 24B, 24C Markings 24aB Guide hole 24bB Upper protrusion 24cB scale section 24eC scale section 25B Bolt 26B Nut 27B Legs

Claims

1. A catheter device comprising: a tubular section having a first passage; a connecting section having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at the proximal end of the tubular section and extends in a straight line; and a wire passing through the interior of the first passage and the second passage. The connecting portion is detachably fixed at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in the extending direction, and the fixing device has a mark at a position separated by a distance from the fixed position in the extending direction, Equipped with, Catheter system, wherein the separation distance is the length obtained by subtracting the total length of the wire from the total length of the wire, which is the target length of the distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the tube, which is the distal end of the tube, to the distal end of the wire, when the connecting portion is fixed to the fixing device, and the lengths of the first passage and the second passage from the distal end of the tube to the fixing position.

2. A catheter system according to claim 1, The catheter system wherein the fixing device has a first recess vertically below the proximal end of the connection, which is the proximal end of the connection, when the connection is fixed to the fixing device.

3. A catheter system according to claim 2, A catheter system wherein the first recess has a shape that allows at least a portion of the liquid to be discharged when a liquid is introduced into the first recess.

4. A catheter system according to claim 1 or claim 2, The connecting portion has a protrusion that projects in a direction perpendicular to the second passage, The fixing device is a catheter system having a second recess into which at least a portion of the protrusion fits.

5. A catheter system according to claim 4, The aforementioned protrusion has either a ferromagnetic material or a magnet. The catheter system wherein the second recess has the other of a ferromagnetic material and a magnet.

6. A catheter system according to claim 4, The catheter system includes a main body having the second passage and an outer peripheral portion having the protrusion that surrounds the outer circumference of the main body so that the main body can rotate around a rotation axis extending along the second passage.

7. A catheter system according to claim 4, The connecting portion includes a distal portion adjacent to the pipe portion, an intermediate portion adjacent to the distal portion, and a proximal portion adjacent to the intermediate portion. Each of the distal portion, the intermediate portion, and the proximal portion has a passage that constitutes the second passage, A catheter system in which the intermediate portion includes the convex portion and is removably fixed to the distal portion by screwing into the distal portion, and is removably fixed to the proximal portion by screwing into the proximal portion.

8. A catheter system according to claim 4, The aforementioned protrusion is an annular body having a central axis extending along the second passage, The catheter system wherein the second recess is into which a part of the protrusion fits when the connecting portion is fixed to the fixing device.

9. A catheter system according to claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned fixing device is The connecting portion is fixed in a fixed position such that the second passage extends in the aforementioned extending direction, A mark portion having the aforementioned mark and fixed to the fixing portion so as to be able to change its position in the extending direction, A catheter system equipped with the following features.

10. A catheter system according to claim 9, The fixing device is a catheter system having a scale line capable of measuring the position of the marked portion relative to the fixing portion in the extending direction.

11. A catheter system according to claim 1 or claim 2, The fixing device is a catheter system having an edge that constitutes the mark and extends in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction.

12. A catheter device comprising: a tubular section having a first passage; a connecting section having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at the proximal end of the tubular section and extends in a straight line; and a wire passing through the interior of the first passage and the second passage; and a fixed body constituting at least a part of the connecting section; The fixing device is such that the second passage extends in the extending direction, the fixed object is detachably fixed at a fixed position, and has a mark at a position separated from the fixed position by a distance in the extending direction. Equipped with A catheter fixation system in which the separation distance is the length obtained by subtracting the total length of the wire from the total length of the wire, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the tube, which is the distal end of the wire, to the distal end of the wire, which is the distal end of the wire, when the object to be fixed is fixed to the fixation device, and the lengths of the first passage and the second passage from the distal end of the tube to the fixation position.

13. A catheter device comprising a tubular portion having a first passage, a connecting portion having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at the proximal end, which is the proximal end of the tubular portion, and extending in a straight line, and a wire passing through the inside of the first passage and the second passage, wherein the fixed object constitutes at least a part of the connecting portion, The fixed object is detachably fixed to the fixing device at a fixed position such that the second passage extends in the extending direction. The fixing device has a mark at a position separated by a distance from the fixing position in the extending direction, The separation distance is the length obtained by subtracting the total length of the wire from the total length of the wire, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the tube (the distal end of the tube) to the distal end of the wire (the distal end of the wire), when the object to be fixed is fixed to the fixing device. The fixed object has a protrusion that projects in a direction perpendicular to the second passage, The fixing device is an object to be fixed, having a recess into which at least a portion of the protrusion fits.

14. A catheter device comprising a tubular section having a first passage, a connecting section having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at the proximal end of the tubular section and extends in a straight line, and a wire passing through the inside of the first passage and the second passage, the fixing device for which the connecting section is fixed, The connecting portion is detachably fixed at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in the extending direction, and has a mark at a position separated by a distance from the fixed position in the extending direction. The separation distance is the length obtained by subtracting the total length of the wire from the total length of the wire, which is the sum of the target length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the pipe (the distal end of the pipe) to the distal end of the wire (the distal end of the wire), and the lengths of the first passage and the second passage from the distal end of the pipe to the fixing position, when the connecting portion is fixed to the fixing device.

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