Operating tool for linear members

Abstract

To provide an operation tool for a linear member which can rotate a linear member through a holding member with respect to a connection member coupled to a medical tube, and detach the holding member from the connection member as required.SOLUTION: An operation tool 10 of a linear member comprises: a connection member 20 connected to a base end part of a medical tube 1; and a holding member 70 for holding the linear member 2, where the holding member 70 is detachably fitted to the connection member 20 through an attachment / detachment structure, and is rotatable to the medical tube 1 through the connection member 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0004] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating tool for a linear member, for example, for easily performing various operations such as pushing, pulling, and rotating a linear member such as a guide wire.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for the examination and treatment of tubular organs of the human body such as bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, blood vessels, ureters, tracheas, etc., and human tissues such as body cavities, a medical tube such as a catheter is inserted to administer drugs such as contrast agents and anticancer agents, or a part of the tissue is collected by forceps or the like through the medical tube. When inserting such a medical tube, a relatively thin and flexible guide wire is inserted into the inside of the tubular organ or the like, and after the tip thereof reaches the target location, the medical tube is inserted along the outer periphery of this guide wire.

[0003] When operating the above guide wire, a predetermined portion of the guide wire is grasped. However, since the guide wire is thin, it is difficult to grasp and operate. Therefore, an operating tool having a larger outer diameter than the guide wire is attached to a predetermined portion of the guide wire, the guide wire is held by the operating tool, and then the operating tool is grasped to operate the guide wire.

[0004] As a conventional operating tool of this type, in FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1 below, there is described a wire operating instrument including a substantially cylindrical fitting member screwed to the base end portion of a catheter, a chuck member for sandwiching a guide wire, a substantially cylindrical wire operating clip for housing and holding the chuck member for sandwiching, and a connecting member screwed to the outer periphery of the tip end portion of the wire operating clip and connected to the fitting member. A circumferential protrusion projects from the inner periphery of the base end portion of the fitting member. Further, the connecting member has a large-diameter portion and a small-diameter portion that is continuously provided on the tip end side thereof and has a smaller diameter than the large-diameter portion, and a tip outer convex portion projects from the outer periphery of the tip end of the small-diameter portion. <​​The smaller diameter portion of the connecting member is inserted into the fitting member, thereby rotatably connecting the connecting member and the wire handling grip to the fitting member. Furthermore, the external projection at the tip of the smaller diameter portion engages with the circumferential projection of the fitting member, preventing the connecting member and the wire handling grip from detaching from the fitting member. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-73069 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] By the way, in order to get the tip of the guidewire to the target location such as a tubular organ, in addition to pushing the guidewire in or rotating it, it may also be necessary to make subtle adjustments to the position of the guidewire tip, for example, by pulling only the guidewire back towards the proximal end while maintaining the position of the medical tube.

[0008] In the wire manipulation device described in Patent Document 1, the connecting member and wire manipulation grip are rotatable relative to the fitting member screwed onto the catheter proximal end, but the connecting member and wire member cannot be removed from the fitting member. Therefore, it is not possible to pull back only the guidewire towards the proximal end while maintaining the catheter's placement position within the tubular organ, and fine adjustment of the guidewire tip's position is not possible.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a tool for manipulating a linear member that allows the linear member to be rotated via a holding member relative to a connecting member connected to a medical tube, and that allows the holding member to be removed from the connecting member as needed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an operating tool for manipulating a linear member inserted into a medical tube, comprising a connecting member connected to the base end of the medical tube and a holding member for holding the linear member, wherein the holding member is detachably attached to the connecting member via a detachable structure and is rotatable relative to the medical tube via the connecting member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the holding member is rotatable with respect to the medical tube via the connecting member. Therefore, with the connecting member connected to the base end of the medical tube, the linear member can be rotated relative to the medical tube by rotating the holding member via the connecting member. Furthermore, since the holding member is detachably attached to the connecting member via a detachable structure, the holding member can be removed from the connecting member as needed, allowing the position of the linear member within the body to be adjusted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This diagram shows one embodiment of a linear member operating tool according to the present invention, and is an exploded view thereof. [Figure 2] This is an assembly diagram of the operating device for the linear member. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the operating tool for the linear member. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the locking portion that constitutes the operating device for the linear member. [Figure 5] The first holder portion that constitutes the operating tool for the linear member is shown, with (a) being a cross-sectional view taken along the line of arrow AA in Figure 1, and (b) being a longitudinal cross-sectional view. [Figure 6] The second holder portion that constitutes the operating tool for the linear member is shown, with (a) being a cross-sectional view taken along the line of arrow BB in Figure 1, and (b) being a longitudinal cross-sectional view. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled state of the first holder portion and the second holder portion that constitute the operating tool for the linear member. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of a holding member that constitutes an operating tool for a linear member. [Figure 9] A modified example of a holder that constitutes an operating tool for a linear member is shown. (a) is a cross-sectional view of a state where the first holder part and the second holder part are open, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of a state where the first holder part and the second holder part are closed and assembled. [Figure 10] Another embodiment of an operating tool for a linear member according to the present invention is shown. (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a first use state, (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a second use state, and (c) is a cross-sectional view showing a third use state.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] (An embodiment of an operating tool for a linear member) Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, an embodiment of an operating tool for a linear member according to the present invention will be described. <>

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the operating tool 10 for a linear member in this embodiment (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "operating tool 10") is for operating a linear member 2 inserted into a medical tube 1, and has a connecting member 20 connected to the proximal end portion of the medical tube 1 and a holding member 70 for holding the linear member 2. The holding member 70 is detachably attached to the connecting member 20 via a detachable structure and is rotatable with respect to the medical tube 1 via the connecting member 20.

[0015] In the following description, the "proximal end portion" or "proximal end" of each member such as the medical tube 1, the connecting member 20, the locking portion 30, the holder 40, the first holder portion 50, the second holder portion 60, the holding member 70, the main body portion 80, the cap 90, etc. means the end portion or end (proximal end portion, proximal end) closer to the hand of the operator who operates the operating tool 10, and the "distal end portion" or "distal end" means the end portion or end (distal end portion, distal end) on the opposite side of the proximal end portion or proximal end.

[0016] The medical tube 1 in this embodiment has a substantially cylindrical shape extending with a predetermined length, and is, for example, a catheter, a sheath, or the like. On the other hand, the linear member 2 in this embodiment has a linear shape extending with a predetermined length, and is, for example, a guide wire. Further, a connector 3 is attached to the proximal end portion of the medical tube 1. Further, on the distal end side of the medical tube 1, a balloon 6 is attached and a plurality of radiopaque markers 7 are arranged.

[0017] Further, the connector 3 has a connection port 4 extending along the axis of the medical tube 1 and a fluid injection port 5 extending obliquely outward with respect to the connection port 4. The connection port 4 has a cylindrical shape communicating with a lumen for inserting a linear member (not shown) inside the medical tube 1, and the linear member 2 is inserted therethrough. Further, a screwing projection 4a projects from the outer periphery of the proximal end of the connection port 4. On the other hand, the fluid injection port 5 communicates with a lumen for balloon expansion (not shown) inside the medical tube 1, and when a fluid such as physiological saline or a contrast agent is injected into the fluid injection port 5, the balloon 6 is expanded.

[0018] Further, the connection member 20 in this embodiment has a lock portion 30 connected to the proximal end portion of the medical tube 1 and a holder 40 rotatably attached to the lock portion 30 and detachable from the holding member 70.

[0019] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the lock portion 30 constituting the connection member 20 will be described in detail. The holder 40, which is another member constituting the connection member 20, will be described in detail later.

[0020] The locking portion 30 in this embodiment has a main body 31 with a circular outer circumference. A flange portion 32 extends radially outward from the outer circumference of the base end of the main body 31. In addition, multiple protrusions 31a extending along the axial direction are formed on the outer circumference of the main body 31, making it easier to grip the locking portion 30. Furthermore, a cylindrical portion 33 protrudes from the base end face 33a of the main body 31. Moreover, an insertion hole 34 is formed along the axial direction of the main body 31, at the radial center of the main body 31 and from the tip end side of the main body 31.

[0021] Furthermore, a recess 35 is formed at the radial center of the main body 31, on the base end side of the main body 31, and communicates with the insertion hole 34. This recess 35 has a circular recess shape, formed via a tapered portion 35a that gradually decreases in diameter from the base end surface of the cylindrical portion 33 toward the axial tip of the main body 31. In addition, a tapered portion 35b is provided further inside from the recess 35 (towards the tip of the main body 31), which gradually decreases in diameter toward the axial tip of the main body 31, and the recess 35 communicates with the insertion hole 34 via this tapered portion 35b.

[0022] Furthermore, an annular projection-shaped locking portion 36 is provided protruding from the outer circumference of the base end of the cylindrical portion 33.

[0023] Furthermore, an annular groove-shaped insertion groove 37 is formed around the insertion hole 34 on the tip side of the main body 31. A spiral projection 37a is provided protruding from the inner surface of this insertion groove 37, which is located radially outward. As shown in Figure 3, the connection port 4 of the connector 3 attached to the base end of the medical tube 1 is inserted into the insertion groove 37, and the screw-fitting projection 4a of the connection port 4 is screwed into the spiral projection 37a, thereby connecting the locking portion 30 that constitutes the connecting member 20 to the base end of the medical tube 1 via the connector 3 (a so-called Luer lock structure or screw lock structure). On the tip surface of the main body 31, a cylindrical insertion projection 38 protrudes from the inner surface periphery located radially inward of the insertion groove 37, which is inserted into the connection port 4 (see Figure 3).

[0024] Next, the retaining member 70 will be described in detail.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the holding member 70 of this embodiment has a main body portion 80 provided with a chuck portion 85 for holding the linear member 2, and a cap 90 attached to the tip portion 83 of the main body portion 80.

[0026] The main body portion 80 is tubular in shape as a whole, through which the linear member 2 can be inserted. Specifically, the main body portion 80 in this embodiment has a substantially cylindrical gripping portion 81 which is the part that the operator grips, a tapered portion 82 which gradually decreases in diameter from the tip of the gripping portion 81 toward the axial end of the main body portion 80, and a tip portion 83 which extends from the tip of the tapered portion 82 in a substantially cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the gripping portion 81 and is inserted into the cap 90.

[0027] Furthermore, a male screw portion 84 is provided on the outer circumference of the base end of the tip portion 83. In addition, a chuck portion 85 is provided on the axial tip side of the tip portion 83, which has a four-pronged claw shape and is capable of gripping and holding the linear member 2.

[0028] On the other hand, the cap 90, like the main body 80, is tubular in shape as a whole, through which the linear member 2 can be inserted. Specifically, the cap 90 in this embodiment has a substantially cylindrical tubular portion 91 into which the tip portion 83 of the main body 80 is inserted, and a tapered portion 92 that gradually decreases in diameter from the tip of the tubular portion 91 toward the axial tip of the cap 90. As shown in Figure 3, the tip surface of the chuck portion 85 provided on the tip portion 83 abuts against the inner surface of the tapered portion 92.

[0029] Furthermore, the tip of the cap 90 is provided with a protrusion 93 that fits into a recess 35 provided at the base end of the locking portion 30. In this embodiment, the protrusion 93 extends from the tip of the tapered portion 92, becoming smaller in diameter than the cylindrical portion 91 and extending in a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0030] Furthermore, a female threaded portion 94 is provided on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 91, in a predetermined range from the base end to the tip end, into which the male threaded portion 84 of the main body portion 80 is screwed. Therefore, by inserting the tip portion 83 of the main body portion 80 into the cylindrical portion 91 and screwing the male threaded portion 84 into the female threaded portion 94, the cap 90 is screwed onto the outer circumference of the tip portion 83 of the main body portion 80 (see Figure 8).

[0031] Then, with the linear member 2 inserted inside the main body 80 and the cap 90, the main body 80 and the cap 90 are rotated relative to each other, as shown by arrow F1 in Figure 8, so that the leading edge surface of the tip portion 83 of the main body 80 approaches the inner surface of the tapered portion 92 of the cap 90. As a result, the leading edge surface of the chuck portion 85 provided on the tip portion 83 is pressed against the inner surface of the tapered portion 92, causing the four-jaw shaped chuck portion 85 to bend radially inward into the main body 80, thereby gripping and holding the linear member 2. Consequently, the holding member 70 can hold the linear member 2 while restricting its rotation and restricting its axial movement.

[0032] Furthermore, the outer circumference of the cap 90 is provided with multiple protrusions 95 that extend in a ridge along its axial direction. In this embodiment, the ridged protrusions 95 extend axially across the tapered portion 92 and the cylindrical portion 91, and multiple such protrusions 95 are provided on the outer circumference of the cap 90 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, four protrusions 95 extend on the outer circumference of the cap 90 at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction. Each protrusion 95 is inserted into grooves 54, 54, 57, and 67 provided in the holder 40 as shown in Figure 7.

[0033] Furthermore, the base end of the cap 90 is designed to engage with and disengage from the engaging portion (cap engaging portion 56, 66, described later) of the holder 40. In this embodiment, the base end surface of each projection 95 has an engaged portion 96 formed thereon, which is tapered in shape, with the amount of projection 95 protruding from the outer circumference of the cap 90 gradually decreasing towards the base end of the cap 90. The cap engaging portions 56, 66 of the holder 40 engage with and disengage from the engaged portions 96, 96 of a predetermined pair of projections 95, 95 that are arranged facing each other in the radial direction of the cap 90. The above-mentioned engaged portions 96 constitute the "base end" of the cap 90 in this invention.

[0034] Next, we will describe in detail the holder 40 that constitutes the connecting member 20.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 7, the holder 40 of this embodiment has at least a first holder portion 50 and a second holder portion 60 that are separated in the circumferential direction, and both holder portions 50 and 60 are assembled to embrace at least a part of the lock portion 30 from the outside.

[0036] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the first holder portion 50 has a body 51 that is roughly half-cylindrical in shape. Similarly, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second holder portion 60 also has a body 61 that is roughly half-cylindrical in shape, and when the two holder portions 50 and 60 are assembled together, a roughly cylindrical holder 40 is formed. Note that the first holder portion 50 and the second holder portion 60 are not integrally formed but are separate and independent parts.

[0037] Furthermore, holder assembly portions 53, which are elastic pieces that can be bent and deformed, are provided protruding from both circumferential and axial ends of the main body 51 of the first holder portion 50 (see Figures 5(a) and (b)). Each holder assembly portion 53 consists of a base portion 53a that protrudes circumferentially from each circumferential end of the main body 51, and a claw portion 53b that protrudes radially inward from the inside of the tip of the base portion 53a of the main body 51.

[0038] On the other hand, at both circumferential and axial ends of the main body 61 of the second holder portion 60, concave holder assembly portions 63 are provided that can engage with the holder assembly portion 53 (see Figures 6(a) and (b)). Each holder assembly portion 63 is formed at each circumferential end of the main body 61 and consists of a base insertion recess 63a into which the base portion 53a of the holder assembly portion 53 is inserted, and a claw engagement recess 63b connected to the base insertion recess 63a into which the claw portion 53b of the holder assembly portion 53 enters and engages.

[0039] Then, as shown in Figure 7, when the circumferential ends of both holder portions 50 and 60 are brought close together so that they abut each other, the base portion 53a of the holder assembly portion 53 of each first holder portion 50 is inserted into the base insertion recess 63a of the holder assembly portion 63 of each second holder portion 60, and the claw portion 53b of the holder assembly portion 53 enters into the claw portion engagement recess 63b of the holder assembly portion 63 and engages, so that both holder portions 50 and 60 are assembled together.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 6(a), groove-forming recesses 54a and 64a are formed on the inside of both circumferential ends of the main bodies 51 and 61, respectively, extending along the axial direction of the main bodies 51 and 61. Then, as shown in Figure 7, when the two holder portions 50 and 60 are assembled together, the groove-forming recess 54a of the main body 51 and the groove-forming recess 64a of the main body 61 form a pair of grooves 54 and 54 on the inside of the abutting portions of the two holder portions 50 and 60 (the portions where both circumferential ends abut each other), with a roughly U-shaped cross-section and extending along the axial direction of the main bodies 51 and 61.

[0041] Furthermore, gaps 55 and 65 are formed in the circumferential central portions of the main bodies 51 and 61 (at positions perpendicular to the pair of grooves 54 and 54), respectively, penetrating the main bodies 51 and 61 radially and extending along the axial direction of the main bodies 51 and 61.

[0042] The main bodies 51 and 61 each have flexible cap engagement portions 56 and 66 formed on them via the aforementioned gaps 55 and 65. The fixed end of each cap engagement portion 56 and 66 is positioned towards the tip end of the main bodies 51 and 61, and the free end is positioned towards the base end of the main bodies 51 and 61.

[0043] Specifically, as shown in Figures 5(b) and 6(b), each cap engagement portion 56, 66 consists of elongated plate-shaped extension pieces 56a, 66a that extend from a position radially inward of the main body 51, 61 toward the base end of the main body 51, 61 on the inner surface of the tip side of the gap 55, 65, and claw portions 56b, 66b that protrude radially inward of the main body 51, 61 from the inner surface of the tip of the extension pieces 56a, 66a. Furthermore, the surfaces of the claw portions 56b, 66b that face toward the base end of the main body 51, 61 form tapered surfaces 56c, 66c that gradually decrease in height from the tip side toward the base end of the main body 51, 61.

[0044] Furthermore, grooves 57 and 67 are formed within the gaps 55 and 65 of the main bodies 51 and 61 via the cap engagement portions 56 and 66. That is, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, grooves 57 and 67 are formed within the gaps 55 and 65 of the main bodies 51 and 61, on the inner side of the main bodies 51 and 61 beyond the cap engagement portions 56 and 66, and have a roughly U-shaped cross-section, extending along the axial direction of the main bodies 51 and 61.

[0045] When the two holder parts 50 and 60 are assembled together, as shown in Figure 7, a pair of grooves 54, 54 and grooves 57, 67 are arranged perpendicularly to each other. By aligning the multiple protrusions 95 provided on the outer circumference of the cap 90 that constitutes the holding member 70 with these grooves 54, 54, 57, and 67, and pushing the cap 90 against the holder 40, the corresponding protrusions 95 of the cap 90 are inserted into the grooves 54, 54, 57, and 67, respectively, thereby restricting the rotation of the cap 90 relative to the holder 40.

[0046] Furthermore, as the projections 95 of the cap 90 are inserted into the grooves 54, 54, 57, 67 of the holder 40 and the cap 90 is pushed into the holder 40, the tapered portion 92 of the cap 90 presses against the tapered surfaces 56c, 66c of the claw portions 56b, 66b of the cap engagement portions 56, 66, causing the extended pieces 56a, 66b of the cap engagement portions 56, 66 to bend and deform radially outward relative to the holder 40. As the cap 90 is pushed further in and the claw portions 56b, 66b of the cap engagement portions 56, 66 reach the engaged portions 96, 96 provided at the base end of the cap 90, the extended pieces 56a, 66b of the cap engagement portions 56, 66 elastically return to their original position, and as shown in Figure 3, the claw portions 56b, 66b of the cap engagement portions 56, 66 engage with the engaged portions 96, 96 at the base end of the cap 90. As a result, the cap 90 is attached to the holder 40 in a state where it is prevented from coming off (the axial movement of the cap 90 relative to the holder 40 is restricted), and the holder 40 and the cap 90 become one unit.

[0047] Thus, in this embodiment, the cap engaging portions 56, 66, which constitute the "engaging portion" in the present invention, engage with the engaged portions 96, 96 provided at the base end of the cap 90, thereby enabling the cap 90 to be attached to the locking portion 30 via the holder 40.

[0048] Furthermore, as described above, when the cap 90 is attached to the holder 40, the protrusion 93 provided on the tip of the cap 90 fits into the recess 35 provided on the base end of the locking portion 30 (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the protrusion 93 fits into the recess 35 with the outer surface of the tapered portion 92 on the cap 90 side in contact with the inner surface of the tapered portion 35a on the locking portion 30 side. As a result, the retaining member 70 is configured to rotate around the axis C of the operating tool 10 relative to the locking portion 30 constituting the connecting member 20, as shown by arrows R1 and R2 in Figures 2 and 3, due to the interlocking recess 35 and protrusion 93.

[0049] Furthermore, as described above, when the cap 90 is attached to the holder 40, the cap 90 constituting the retaining member 70 is positioned inside both holder portions 50 and 60, and the tip portion 83 of the main body portion 80 is positioned inside this cap 90. In other words, both holder portions 50 and 60 are positioned outside the cap 90 of the retaining member 70, including the tip portion 83 of the main body portion 80. That is, in this embodiment, both holder portions 50 and 60 have a structure that embraces (holds) the cap 90 of the retaining member 70, including the tip portion 83 of the main body portion 80, from the outside.

[0050] Furthermore, as described above, when the cap 90 is attached to the holder 40, if the cap 90 is pulled out of the holder 40 with a force greater than the engagement force between the cap engagement portions 56, 66 and the base end of the cap 90, as shown by arrow F2 in Figure 3, the claw portions 56b, 66b of the cap engagement portions 56, 66 are pressed by the engaged portions 96, 96 of the cap 90. As a result, the extended pieces 56a, 66b of the cap engagement portions 56, 66 are deformed radially outward from the holder 40, and the claw portions 56b, 66b are released from the engaged portions 96, 96, making it possible to remove the cap 90 from the holder 40.

[0051] Furthermore, on the tip side of the main body 51, 61, from inside the extended pieces 56a, 65a of the cap engaging portions 56, 66, there are locking portions 58, 68 that protrude radially inward from the main body 51, 61 and are formed along the circumferential direction of the main body 51, 61. As shown in Figure 3, when both holder portions 50, 60 are assembled via the holder assembly portions 53, 63, the locking portion 36 of the locking portion 30 engages with the locking portions 58, 68, so that the holder 40 constituting the connecting member 20 is rotatably and securely attached to the locking portion 30 constituting the connecting member 20. Also, in this state, both holder portions 50, 60 embrace the cylindrical portion 33 and the locking portion 36, which are part of the locking portion 30, from the outside (see Figure 3).

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, the holder 40 constituting the connecting member 20 is rotatably mounted on the locking portion 30 constituting the connecting member 20, and is configured to be detachably attached to the cap 90 constituting the holding member 70 (see Figure 3). The "attachment and detachment structure" between the connecting member and the holding member in the present invention consists of cap engagement portions 56, 66 provided on the holder 40 and engaged portions 96, 96 provided on the base end of the cap 90.

[0053] (modified version) The shapes and structures of the medical tube, connecting member, locking part and holder constituting the connecting member, retaining member, main body and cap constituting the retaining member, etc., in the embodiments described above are not limited to the above-described forms.

[0054] For example, the locking portion 30 in this embodiment has a circular outer circumference, but the locking portion may have an angular or elliptical outer circumference, as long as it can be grasped by an operator. Also, the locking portion 30 in this embodiment is connected to the base end of the medical tube 1 by a so-called Luer lock structure, but the locking portion may be connected to the base end of the medical tube by a press-fit structure, for example.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body portion 80 constituting the holding member 70 has a chuck portion 85 integrally formed with the gripping portion 81, etc., but for example, the chuck portion may be made of a separate metal chuck from the gripping portion, etc. Moreover, although the main body portion 80 and the cap 90 are generally cylindrical in shape, they may also be rectangular or other shapes, as long as a linear member can be inserted through them. In addition, the outer circumference of the cap 90 is provided with four protrusions 95 that form ridges, but the number of protrusions may be 1 to 3 or 5 or more, and the shape of the protrusions may not be a shape that extends into a ridge, but a simple projection shape, as long as it fits into the groove provided in the holder.

[0056] Furthermore, although the holder 40 in this embodiment consists of a separate first holder portion 50 and a second holder portion 60, as shown in Figure 9, these may be integrally formed.

[0057] The modified holder 40A shown in Figure 9 has an elastic piece-shaped holder assembly portion 53 at one circumferential end of the first holder portion 50, and a concave holder assembly portion 53 at one circumferential end of the second holder portion 60 that can engage with the holder assembly portion 53. Meanwhile, the other circumferential ends of both holder portions 50 and 60 are connected to each other via a thin plate-shaped hinge portion 59, so that both holder portions 50 and 60 are integrally formed (see Figure 9(a)).

[0058] Then, as shown in Figure 9(b), when the hinge portion 59 is bent and the circumferential ends of both holder portions 50 and 60 are brought close to each other, the holder assembly portion 53 of the first holder portion 50 fits into and engages with the holder assembly portion 63 of the second holder portion 60, so that both holder portions 50 and 60 are assembled to each other.

[0059] Furthermore, although the holder 40 in this embodiment consists of a first holder portion 50 and a second holder portion 60, which are each half-cylindrical in shape, the holder may also be, for example, a first holder portion that is roughly U-shaped and a second holder portion that is lid-shaped and covers its opening, or a first holder portion and a second holder portion that are roughly U-shaped relative to each other. It is sufficient that the holder has at least a first holder portion and a second holder portion that are separated in the circumferential direction, and that both holder portions can be assembled to embrace a part of the locking portion and a part of the retaining member from the outside.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holder 40 is provided with four grooves 54, 54, 57, and 67, but the number of grooves may be 1 to 3 or 5 or more. Also, in this embodiment, the grooves 54, 54, 57, and 67 are concave grooves that extend over a wide area in the axial direction of the holder 40, but the grooves may be concave grooves that extend over a relatively short length within a predetermined area of ​​the holder.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the "attachment and detachment structure" between the connecting member 20 and the holding member 70 consists of cap engaging portions 56, 66 provided on the holder 40 and engaged portions 96, 96 provided on the base end of the cap 90. However, the attachment and detachment structure between the holding member and the connecting member may also be, for example, (1) an elastically deformable member provided on the base end side of the holder, and a structure in which this member engages with and disengages from the base end of the cap (this will be described later), (2) a flexible, elastic piece-shaped engaging portion provided on the cap side, and an engaged portion on the holder side that engages with the elastically deformable engaging portion, or (3) engaging portions that can engage with each other provided on both the holder and the cap, as long as the connecting member and the holding member are detachable.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cap engaging portions 56, 66 provided on the holder 40 engage with the engaged portions 96, 96 at the base end of the cap 90. However, the engagement position between the engaging portion and the engaged portion is not particularly limited, and for example, the engagement may occur at an intermediate position in the axial direction of the cap.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a protrusion 93 is provided at the tip of the cap 90, and a recess 35 into which the protrusion 93 fits is provided at the base end of the locking part 30. However, a protrusion may be provided at the base end of the locking part, and a recess into which the protrusion fits may be provided at the tip of the cap.

[0064] (Effects and Benefits) Next, an example of how to use the operating tool 10 according to the present invention, which has the above structure, and its effects will be described.

[0065] The linear member 2 in this embodiment can be used, for example, to position a medical tube 1 such as a catheter or to implant a medical device such as a stent at a predetermined location in human tissue such as blood vessels, bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, ureters, tracheas, or body cavities, and the location of use is not particularly limited. The operating tool 10 of the present invention is for making it easier to operate such a linear member 2, but in actual use, the linear member 2 is held by the operating tool 10 in the following manner, for example.

[0066] Specifically, first, the connection port 4 of the connector 3 attached to the base end of the medical tube 1 is inserted into the insertion groove 37 of the locking part 30, and the threaded projection 4a of the connection port 4 and the spiral projection 37a are screwed together, thereby connecting the locking part 30 to the base end of the medical tube 1 via the connector 3.

[0067] Furthermore, by aligning the locking portions 58 and 68 of both holder portions 50 and 60 with the locking portion 36 of the locking portion 30, and then assembling both holder portions 50 and 60 via the holder assembly portions 53 and 63, the holder 40 can be attached to the locking portion 30 in a rotatable and secure manner.

[0068] In the above state, the multiple protrusions 95 of the cap 90 are aligned with the grooves 54, 54, 57, and 67 of the holder 40, and the holding member 70, i.e., the cap 90 attached to the main body 80, is pushed into the holder 40. Then, the corresponding protrusions 95 of the cap 90 are inserted into the grooves 54, 54, 57, and 67 of the holder 40, restricting the rotation of the cap 90 relative to the holder 40, and the respective cap engagement parts 56, 66 engage with the engaged parts 96, 96 at the base end of the cap 90, so that the cap 90 can be attached to the holder 40 in a state where it cannot come off. In other words, the cap 90 that constitutes the holding member 70, and by extension the entire holding member 70, can be attached to the base end of the medical tube 1 via the locking part 30, which is the connecting member 20, and the holder 40.

[0069] Subsequently, the linear member 2 is inserted through the medical tube 1, the connection port 4 of the connector 3, the insertion hole 34 of the locking part 30, the cap 90, and the main body part 80 (the linear member 2 may be inserted through these beforehand), and the main body part 80 and the cap 90 are rotated relative to each other in the direction of arrow F1 in Figure 8, so that the four-pronged chuck part 85 grips and holds the linear member 2, allowing the operating tool 10 to hold the linear member (see Figure 3).

[0070] Furthermore, in this operating device 10, the holding member 70 is rotatable relative to the medical tube 1 via the connecting member 20. That is, the holding member 70 is rotatable relative to the medical tube 1 while attached to the connecting member 20. Therefore, with the connecting member 20 connected to the base end of the medical tube 1, the linear member 2 can be rotated relative to the medical tube 1 by rotating the holding member 70 via the connecting member 20 relative to the medical tube 1.

[0071] Furthermore, since the retaining member 70 is detachably attached to the connecting member 20 via a detachable structure (in this case, the cap engaging portions 56, 66 of the holder 40 and the engaged portions 96, 96 of the cap 90), the retaining member 70 can be removed from the connecting member 20 as needed, and the position of the linear member 2 inside the body can be adjusted.

[0072] Furthermore, since the holding member 70 is attached to the connecting member 20, and the medical tube 1 can be operated with the connecting member 20 and the holding member 70 integrated, the pushability can be improved. In other words, the state in which the linear member 2 is inserted into the medical tube 1 is maintained, as if the medical tube 1 and the linear member 2 were integrated, and the portion that the operator can grasp is made larger, so it becomes easier to transmit pushing force to the medical tube 1, and the pushability can be improved.

[0073] As a result, it can be suitably used in the following cases. For example, during hemodialysis, a medical tube is sometimes inserted into a large blood vessel (shunt) formed by an anastomosis of an artery and a vein in order to increase the blood circulation volume. In this case, intimal thickening occurs within the blood vessel, narrowing the lumen of the blood vessel and making it difficult to push in the medical tube 1. In addition to intimal thickening within the blood vessel, for example, stenosis or calcified lesions may occur within tubular organs, making it difficult to push in the medical tube 1. Even in such cases, this manipulator 10 can be suitably used because it provides the great pushability described above.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the connecting member 20 has a locking portion 30 connected to the base end of the medical tube 1, and a holder 40 that is rotatably mounted on the locking portion 30 and allows the retaining member 70 to be attached and detached. The holder 40 has at least a first holder portion 50 and a second holder portion 60 that are separated in the circumferential direction, and both holder portions 50 and 60 are assembled to embrace a part of the locking portion 30 and a part of the retaining member 70 from the outside.

[0075] According to the above embodiment, the holder 40 has at least a first holder portion 50 and a second holder portion 60 that are separated in the circumferential direction, and both holder portions 50 and 60 are configured to be assembled so as to embrace a part of the lock portion 30 from the outside, making it easier to assemble the holder 40 to the lock portion 30.

[0076] Furthermore, since both holder portions 50 and 60 are assembled to embrace a portion of the holding member 70, the portion of the holding member 70 that is embraced can be properly protected.

[0077] Furthermore, since a relatively large locking area of ​​the holder 40 with respect to the locking part 30 (in this case, the locking area between the locking part 36 and the locked parts 58, 68) can be secured, it becomes more difficult for the holder 40 to come off the locking part 30.

[0078] However, if one attempts to provide two structures with different functions—a connection structure for the base end of the medical tube 1 and a detachable structure for the holding member 70—on a single component, it becomes difficult to provide both structures if there is insufficient space. In this embodiment, the connection member 20 has two components with different structures: a locking portion 30 that connects to the base end of the medical tube 1, and a holder 40 that is rotatably mounted on the locking portion 30 and allows the holding member 70 to be attached and detached. Therefore, it is easy to provide both the connection structure for the base end of the medical tube 1 and the detachable structure for the holding member 70.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holding member 70 has a main body 80 provided with a chuck portion 85 for gripping the linear member 2, and a cap 90 attached to the tip portion 83 of the main body 80. The cap 90 is detachably attached to the lock portion 30 via a holder 40. The holder 40 has grooves 54, 54, 57, and 67 formed on its inner circumference along the axial direction, and the cap 90 has projections 95 that extend axially and are inserted into and removed from the grooves 54, 54, 57, and 67.

[0080] According to the above embodiment, by simply aligning the protrusions 95 of the cap 90 with the grooves 54, 54, 57, 67 on the inner circumference of the holder 40 and pushing the cap 90 into the holder 40, the protrusions 95 of the cap 90 are inserted into the grooves 54, 54, 57, 67 of the holder 40, thereby restricting the rotation of the cap 90 relative to the holder 40, making it easier to assemble the cap 90 to the holder 40, and also making it easier to remove the cap 90 from the holder 40.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the holder 40 is provided with engaging portions (here, cap engaging portions 56, 66), and the cap 90 is attached to the locking portion 30 via the holder 40 by engaging these engaging portions with the base end portion of the cap 90 (here, the engaged portion 96, 96).

[0082] According to the above embodiment, the cap engaging portions 56 and 66 provided on the holder 40 engage with the base end of the cap 90, so the axial length of the operating tool 10 can be shortened and made more compact (because the cap engaging portions 56 and 66 of the holder 40 engage with the base end of the cap 90, increasing the axial overlap (overlapping) portion between the holder 40 and the cap 90).

[0083] Furthermore, since the holder 40 is provided with cap engagement portions 56 and 66, and the cap engagement portions 56 and 66 engage with the cap 90 using the base end of the cap 90, there is no need to specifically provide a structure for the cap engagement portions 56 and 66 to engage with the cap 90. This simplifies the shape of the cap 90 and makes the cap 90 more versatile.

[0084] Furthermore, since the cap engagement portions 56 and 66 of the holder 40 engage with the base end of the cap 90, the engagement point between the holder 40 and the cap 90 can be positioned closer to the operator's hand, thereby improving the operability of the linear member 2.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the holding member 70 has a main body 80 provided with a chuck portion 85 for holding the linear member 2, and a cap 90 that is attached to the tip portion 83 of the main body 80. A protrusion 93 is provided at the tip of the cap 90, and a recess 35 is provided at the base end of the lock portion 30 into which the protrusion 93 fits.

[0086] According to the above embodiment, when the cap 90 is attached to the locking portion 30 via the holder 40, the protrusion 93 fits into the recess 35 (see Figure 3). Therefore, even when multiple members are interposed between the connecting member 20 and the holding member 70, such as when the connecting member 20 has the holder 40 and the holding member 70 has the cap 90, axial wobble between the locking portion 30 and the cap 90 can be prevented, making it easier to rotate the cap 90, and by extension the entire holding member 70, relative to the locking portion 30. The same effect can be obtained even when the base end of the locking portion 30 is provided with a protrusion and the tip of the cap 90 is provided with a recess into which the protrusion fits.

[0087] (Other embodiments of the operating device for linear members) Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the linear member operating tool according to the present invention. Parts substantially identical to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0088] The operating tool 10A for the linear member of this second embodiment (hereinafter also simply referred to as "operating tool 10A") differs from the above embodiment in the "attachment and detachment structure" between the connecting member 20A and the holding member 70.

[0089] In other words, the holder 40A constituting the connecting member 20A in this embodiment has a thin, disc-shaped, elastically deformable elastic engaging member 45 attached to its base end face via a retaining member 47 in a non-detachable state, and the base end opening of the holder 40A is closed by the elastic engaging member 45. Furthermore, a circular hole-shaped insertion hole 45a is formed in the radial center of the elastic engaging member 45. This elastic engaging member 45 engages with and disengages from the base end of the cap 90 constituting the retaining member 70 (see Figures 10(a) and (c)).

[0090] In other words, as shown in Figure 10(a), when the cap 90 is not attached to the holder 40A, the outer surface of the tapered portion 92 of the cap 90 is in contact with the front peripheral edge of the insertion hole 45a of the elastic engaging member 45. When the holding member 70, together with the cap 90, is pushed into the holder 40A in this state (see arrow F1 in Figure 10(a)), as shown in Figure 10(b), the peripheral edge of the insertion hole 45a is pushed open by the tapered portion 92 of the cap 90. As the cap 90 is pushed further in and its base end passes through the insertion hole 45a, the elastic engaging member 45 elastically returns to its original position, and the back peripheral edge of the insertion hole 45a engages with the engaged portions 96a, 96a of the base end of the cap 90 (in this embodiment, the tapered surface portion and its inner portion), thereby securing the cap 90 to the holder 40A in a way that prevents it from coming off.

[0091] Furthermore, if you want to remove the cap 90 from the holder 40A, from the state shown in Figure 10(c), as shown by arrow F2, if you pull the cap 90 out of the holder 40A with a force greater than the engagement force between the back peripheral edge of the insertion hole 45a of the elastic engagement member 45 and the base end of the cap 90, the engaged portions 96a, 96a of the cap 90 will press the elastic engagement member 45 from the back and curl up, releasing the engagement between the engaged portions 96a, 96a and the back peripheral edge of the insertion hole 45a of the elastic engagement member 45, so that the cap 90 can be removed from the holder 40A.

[0092] In this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the above embodiment, the advantage is that the attachment and detachment structure between the connecting member 20A and the retaining member 70 can be provided relatively easily.

[0093] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modified embodiments are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention, and such embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1. Medical tubing 2 Linear members 10,10A Operating tool for linear members (operating tool) 20,20A Connecting Member 30 Locking part 35 recess 40,40A holder 50 First Holder Section 60 Second Holder Section 56, 66 Cap engagement part (engagement part) 70 Retaining member 80 Main body 85 Chuck part 90 caps 93 Convex part

Claims

1. A manipulator for manipulating a linear member inserted into a medical tube, A connecting member connected to the base end of the aforementioned medical tube, It has a holding member for holding the linear member, The retaining member is detachably attached to the connecting member via a detachable structure and is rotatable relative to the medical tube via the connecting member. The aforementioned connecting member is A locking portion connected to the base end of the aforementioned medical tube, It has a holder that is rotatably mounted on the locking part and allows the retaining member to be attached and detached, The aforementioned holder is It has at least a first holder portion and a second holder portion that are separated in the circumferential direction, The operator for a linear member is characterized in that both holder portions are assembled to embrace a part of the lock portion and a part of the holding member from the outside, and when the holder is rotated relative to the lock portion in this assembled state, the holding member also rotates integrally with it.

2. The aforementioned retaining member is A main body portion is provided with a chuck portion for holding the aforementioned linear member, It has a cap that is attached to the tip of the main body, The cap is detachably attached to the locking portion via the holder. The holder has a groove formed along the axial direction on its inner circumference. The operating tool for a linear member according to claim 1, wherein the cap has a projection that extends axially and is inserted into and removed from the groove.

3. The holder is provided with an engaging portion, The linear member operating tool according to claim 2, wherein the engaging portion engages with the base end of the cap, thereby enabling the cap to be attached to the locking portion via the holder.

4. The aforementioned retaining member is A main body portion is provided with a chuck portion for holding the aforementioned linear member, It has a cap that is attached to the tip of the main body, A protrusion is provided on either the tip of the cap or the base end of the locking part. The linear member operating tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a recess into which the protrusion fits is provided at the tip of the cap or the other end of the base of the locking part.

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