Vascular visualization device, vascular puncture system, and vascular visualization system

Abstract

A blood vessel visualization device (10A) comprises: a mounting part (18) that can be attached to and detached from a visualization target portion (300); and an irradiation part (20) that includes a light source (44) irradiating, with near-infrared light (L1), a first surface (304) of the visualization target portion (300). The mounting part (18) has a wavelength conversion part (24) including a wavelength conversion material (38) that converts near-infrared light (L1) into visible light (L2). The mounting part (18) can be fixed to the visualization target portion (300) in a state where the wavelength conversion part (24) is in contact with a second surface (306) of the visualization target portion (300) on the side opposite to the first surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vascular visualization device, a vascular puncture system, and a vascular visualization system.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-64094 discloses a vein visualization device. The vein visualization device includes an irradiation unit, an imaging unit, an image processing unit, and a display unit. The irradiation unit irradiates near-infrared light onto a puncture target site of a patient. The imaging unit receives reflected light of the near-infrared light irradiated onto the puncture target site and reflected by the puncture target site, and acquires a captured image of the puncture target site. The image processing unit extracts veins from the captured image. The display unit displays the image processed by the image processing unit.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The above-described vein visualization device has a problem in that it has a large and complex configuration because a member for converting near-infrared light into an image is required.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems.

[0005] (1) A first aspect of the present invention is a vascular visualization device for visualizing a blood vessel of a living body, including a mounting part detachable from a visualization target site, and an irradiation unit including a light source unit that irradiates near-infrared light onto a first surface of the visualization target site. The mounting part has a wavelength conversion part including a wavelength conversion material that converts the near-infrared light into visible light, and can be fixed to the visualization target site in a state where the wavelength conversion part is in contact with a second surface of the visualization target site opposite to the first surface.

[0006] (2) The vascular visualization device according to item (1), wherein the mounting part preferably has a mounting base part that contacts the first surface in a state where the mounting part is mounted on the visualization target site.

[0007] (3) The blood vessel visualization device described in item (2), wherein the wavelength conversion unit is preferably detachably attached to the mounting base.

[0008] (4) A vascular visualization device according to item (2) or (3), wherein the light source is preferably attached to the mounting base.

[0009] (5) The blood vessel visualization device described in item (4), wherein the light source is preferably attached to the inner surface of the mounting base.

[0010] (6) A vascular visualization device according to item (4) or (5), wherein the irradiation unit has a power supply unit that supplies power to the light source unit, and the power supply unit is preferably attached to the mounting unit.

[0011] (7) A vascular visualization device according to any one of items (1) to (3), wherein the irradiation unit is preferably provided separately from the attachment unit.

[0012] (8) A blood vessel visualization device according to any one of items (1) to (7), wherein the wavelength conversion unit is preferably formed into a predetermined shape using a material including the wavelength conversion material.

[0013] (9) A blood vessel visualization device according to any one of items (1) to (7), wherein the wavelength conversion unit preferably includes a base unit made of a material that does not contain the wavelength conversion material, and a coating unit formed by coating the surface of the base unit with the wavelength conversion material.

[0014] (10) A blood vessel visualization device according to any one of items (1) to (9), wherein the wavelength conversion material preferably converts the near-infrared light having a wavelength greater than 700 nm and less than or equal to 2500 nm into visible light having a wavelength of 400 nm or more and less than or equal to 700 nm.

[0015] (11) A blood vessel visualization device according to any one of items (1) to (10), wherein the wavelength conversion unit preferably has a puncture hole for inserting the medical device into the blood vessel.

[0016] (12) A blood vessel visualization device according to any one of items (1) to (11), wherein the attachment part preferably has a glove shape.

[0017] (13) A second aspect of the present invention is a vascular puncture system comprising a vascular visualization device described in any one of items (1) to (12), and a medical device for puncturing the blood vessel.

[0018] (14) A third aspect of the present invention is a vascular visualization system comprising a vascular visualization device according to any one of items (1) to (12), a camera for capturing a vascular image displayed on the wavelength conversion unit, and an image processing unit for analyzing the image captured by the camera.

[0019] According to the present invention, with the attachment unit attached to the area to be visualized, near-infrared light is irradiated onto the area to be visualized from the light source unit. As a result, the near-infrared light penetrates the parts of the area to be visualized other than the blood vessels. In other words, the near-infrared light is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood within the blood vessels of the area to be visualized. The transmitted light of the near-infrared light that has passed through the area to be visualized is converted into visible light by the wavelength conversion material of the wavelength conversion unit. Therefore, a visible image of blood vessels is displayed on the wavelength conversion unit. In other words, the blood vessel visualization device can display an image of blood vessels on the wavelength conversion unit located above the area to be visualized without using a component that converts near-infrared light into an image. Therefore, blood vessels can be visualized with a small and simple configuration.

[0020] Furthermore, since the wavelength conversion unit can be fixed to the visualization target area while in contact with the second surface of the visualization target area, near-infrared light transmitted through the visualization target area can be efficiently received by the wavelength conversion unit. Therefore, the vascular image can be displayed more clearly on the wavelength conversion unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration explanatory diagram of a blood vessel visualization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2A is a bottom view of the blood vessel visualization device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a plan view of the blood vessel visualization device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram taken along line III-III of FIG. 2B. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration explanatory diagram of a blood vessel visualization device according to a modification. [Figure 5] FIG. 5A is a schematic bottom view of the blood vessel visualization device of FIG. 4. FIG. 5B is a plan view of the blood vessel visualization device of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 5B. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration explanatory diagram of a blood vessel puncture system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partially omitted cross-sectional explanatory diagram of a wavelength conversion unit according to a modification.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, a blood vessel visualization system 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a blood vessel visualization device 10A, a camera 14, and an information processing device 16.

[0023] The blood vessel visualization device 10A visualizes the blood vessel 302 (see FIG. 3) of the visualization target site 300 of the living body. In the present embodiment, the visualization target site 300 is the hand of the human body. However, the visualization target site 300 may be a site such as the forearm, upper arm, foot, lower leg, thigh, etc. of the human body.

[0024] In Figures 1 to 3, the blood vessel visualization device 10A comprises a mounting section 18 and an irradiation section 20. The mounting section 18 is detachable from the area to be visualized 300. The mounting section 18 has a shape corresponding to the area to be visualized 300. Specifically, in this embodiment, the mounting section 18 has a glove shape that surrounds each finger, palm, back of hand, and wrist. The mounting section 18 is divided into five fingers. The tips of each fingertip of the mounting section 18 are closed. The proximal end of the mounting section 18 opposite the fingertips is open for inserting and removing the hand from the mounting section 18. The size and shape of the mounting section 18 can be set as appropriate.

[0025] For example, if the area to be visualized 300 is the foot, the attachment part according to the present invention is formed in a shape that surrounds each toe, sole, heel, instep, and ankle. In this case, the attachment part is preferably divided into five toes. Also, for example, if the area to be visualized 300 is the forearm, upper arm, lower leg, and thigh, the attachment part according to the present invention is formed in a ring shape or a C shape.

[0026] In Figure 3, the mounting portion 18 has a mounting base portion 22 and a wavelength conversion portion 24. When the mounting portion 18 is mounted on the area to be visualized 300, the inner surface of the mounting base portion 22 covers the first surface 304 of the area to be visualized 300. When the mounting portion 18 is mounted, the inner surface of the wavelength conversion portion 24 covers the second surface 306 of the area to be visualized 300, which is opposite to the first surface 304. When the mounting portion 18 is mounted, the inner surface of the wavelength conversion portion 24 is in contact (close contact) with the second surface 306 of the area to be visualized 300. In this embodiment, the first surface 304 is the palm side of the hand, and the second surface 306 is the dorsal side of the hand.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2A and 3, the mounting base 22 includes a wrist base 26, a palm base 28, and five finger bases 30. When the mounting base 18 is worn, the wrist base 26 covers the inner surface of the wrist, the palm base 28 covers the palm, and each finger base 30 covers the inner surface of each finger. When the mounting base 18 is worn, each finger base 30 is in contact with (closely attached to) the inner surface of each finger. The wrist base 26 is integrally connected to the palm base 28. Each finger base 30 is integrally connected to the palm base 28 so as to protrude from the palm base 28.

[0028] The mounting base portion 22 is flexible. In this case, the mounting base portion 22 can be easily deformed to match the shape of the area to be visualized 300. The constituent material of the mounting base portion 22 is a soft resin material. However, the mounting base portion 22 may be formed from a hard resin material. The mounting base portion 22 is incapable of converting near-infrared light L1 to visible light L2.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2B and 3, the wavelength conversion unit 24 includes a wrist covering portion 32, a back of the hand covering portion 34, and five finger covering portions 36. When the attachment portion 18 is attached, the inner surface of the wrist covering portion 32 is in contact with (closely attached to) the outer surface of the wrist, the back of the hand covering portion 34 is in contact with (closely attached to) the back of the hand, and each finger covering portion 36 is in contact with (closely attached to) the outer surface of each finger. The wrist covering portion 32 is integrally connected to the back of the hand covering portion 34. Each finger covering portion 36 is integrally connected to the back of the hand covering portion 34 so as to protrude from it. The wavelength conversion unit 24 is flexible. In this case, the wavelength conversion unit 24 can be easily deformed to match the shape of the area to be visualized 300.

[0030] The wavelength conversion unit 24 includes a wavelength conversion material 38 (optical upconversion material) that converts near-infrared light L1 to visible light L2. The wavelength conversion material 38 converts near-infrared light L1 with a wavelength greater than 700 nm and less than or equal to 2500 nm to visible light L2 with a wavelength between 400 nm and 700 nm. The wavelength conversion material 38 includes, for example, an inorganic optical upconversion emitter or an organic optical upconversion emitter. The inorganic optical upconversion emitter has, for example, rare earth elements. The organic optical upconversion emitter has, for example, an organometallic complex or a polycyclic aromatic compound.

[0031] The wavelength conversion unit 24 is formed into a predetermined shape using a material containing the wavelength conversion material 38. Here, "material containing the wavelength conversion material 38" includes a material consisting solely of the wavelength conversion material 38 and a mixed material obtained by mixing the wavelength conversion material 38 with other materials. In this embodiment, for example, the wavelength conversion unit 24 is formed into a predetermined shape using only the wavelength conversion material 38. However, the wavelength conversion unit 24 may also be formed into a predetermined shape using a mixed material.

[0032] In Figures 1 and 3, the wavelength conversion unit 24 is detachably attached to the mounting base unit 22. The wavelength conversion unit 24 is detachably fixed to the mounting base unit 22 by a fastening part 40. The fastening part 40 is, for example, a zipper, button, hook, etc.

[0033] The fastening portion 40 removably locks the outer edge of the wavelength conversion portion 24 to the outer edge of the mounting base portion 22. In other words, the fastening portion 40 locks the outer edge of the wrist covering portion 32 to the outer edge of the wrist base portion 26. Furthermore, the fastening portion 40 removably locks the outer edge of the back of the hand covering portion 34 to the outer edge of the palm base portion 28. In addition, the fastening portion 40 removably locks the outer edge of each finger covering portion 36 to the outer edge of each finger base portion 30. In such a mounting portion 18, the wavelength conversion portion 24 is interchangeable with respect to the mounting base portion 22.

[0034] The attachment portion 18 may omit the multiple finger base portions 30 and the multiple finger covering portions 36. In this case, when the attachment portion 18 is attached, each finger is exposed to the outside from the attachment portion 18.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2A and 3, the irradiation unit 20 includes a film section 42, a plurality of light source sections 44, a power supply line 46, and a power supply unit 48. The film section 42 is fixed to the inner surface of the palm base section 28. The film section 42 is a polymer film and is flexible. The thickness of the film section 42 is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm. However, the thickness of the film section 42 can be set as appropriate.

[0036] Each light source unit 44 emits near-infrared light L1 that is greater than 700 nm and less than or equal to 2500 nm. The light source unit 44 is, for example, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The organic light-emitting diode is formed on the film portion 42. In this case, the film portion 42 and the multiple light source portions 44 can be easily bent, so that the multiple light source portions 44 can be efficiently brought into close contact with the first surface 304 of the visualization target portion 300.

[0037] Each light source unit 44 is not limited to an organic light-emitting diode, but may be a so-called lamp-type or chip-type light-emitting diode. The film unit 42 may be fixed to the outer surface of the palm base unit 28. In this case, the mounting base unit 22 is made of a material that transmits near-infrared light L1. The number, arrangement, size, and shape of the light source units 44 can be changed as appropriate.

[0038] The power supply line 46 supplies power from the power supply unit 48 to each light source unit 44. The power supply line 46 connects the power supply unit 48 and the film unit 42 to each other. The film unit 42 has a conductive pattern (not shown) formed on it to guide the power supplied from the power supply line 46 to each light source unit 44. The power supply line 46 is, for example, a cable embedded inside the mounting base unit 22. However, the power supply line 46 may be fixed to the inner surface of the mounting base unit 22.

[0039] The power supply unit 48 is, for example, a primary battery or a secondary battery (battery). The power supply unit 48 is fixed to the mounting base unit 22. Specifically, the power supply unit 48 is fixed to the wrist base unit 26. The irradiation unit 20 may be configured to wirelessly supply power from the power supply unit 48 to each light source unit 44. In this case, the power supply line 46 is not required.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, the camera 14 captures a vascular image 400, which will be described later, displayed on the wavelength conversion unit 24. The camera 14 transmits the captured image to the information processing device 16. The camera 14 is connected to the information processing device 16 by wire. The camera 14 may also be connected to the information processing device 16 by wireless connection. Alternatively, the camera 14 may transmit the captured image to the information processing device 16 via an internet connection.

[0041] The information processing device 16 comprises an arithmetic unit 50, a storage unit 52, a display unit 54, and a speaker 56. The arithmetic unit 50 is composed of a processor (processing circuit) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0042] The arithmetic unit 50 includes a control unit 58 and an image processing unit 60. The arithmetic unit 50 implements the control unit 58 and the image processing unit 60 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 52. The arithmetic unit 50 may implement at least a portion of the control unit 58 and the image processing unit 60 using an integrated circuit. Examples of integrated circuits include ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0043] The storage unit 52 includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory. Examples of volatile memory include RAM (Random Access Memory). This volatile memory is used as the processor's working memory and temporarily stores data necessary for processing or calculations. Examples of non-volatile memory include ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory. This non-volatile memory is used as storage memory. Programs, tables, maps, etc., are stored in this non-volatile memory. At least a part of the storage unit 52 may be incorporated into the processor or integrated circuit described above.

[0044] The control unit 58 is responsible for the overall control of the information processing device 16. The control unit 58 stores the images received from the camera 14 in the storage unit 52. The image processing unit 60 analyzes the images stored in the storage unit 52. Specifically, the image processing unit 60 extracts, for example, changes in images taken before and after a predetermined medical procedure.

[0045] The display unit 54 displays images received from the camera 14, images processed by the image processing unit 60, etc. The speaker 56 generates alarm sounds, etc.

[0046] Next, the method of using the vascular visualization system 12 will be described. The vascular visualization system 12 is used, for example, to capture continuous or temporal changes in the same blood vessel 302 in the area to be visualized 300. Specifically, the vascular visualization system 12 is used, for example, to evaluate the effectiveness of a medical procedure (e.g., the efficacy of peripheral vasodilators, the effects of exercise therapy) by comparing the vascular images 400 of the target blood vessel 302 before and after the medical procedure.

[0047] In this embodiment, when using the vascular visualization system 12, for example, a vascular visualization device 10A is prepared by attaching a wavelength conversion unit 24 (a wavelength conversion unit 24 with a color close to the color of the area to be visualized 300) to a mounting base unit 22. Then, before performing a medical procedure, the mounting unit 18 of the vascular visualization device 10A is attached to the area to be visualized 300 (left hand in Figure 1, etc.). At this time, since the mounting base unit 22 and the wavelength conversion unit 24 are flexible, they deform to follow the shape of the area to be visualized 300.

[0048] With the attachment portion 18 attached to the area to be visualized 300, the multiple light sources 44 come into close contact with the palm (the first surface 304 of the area to be visualized 300). The back of the hand covering portion 34 also comes into close contact with the back of the hand (the second surface 306 of the area to be visualized 300). Furthermore, the wrist covering portion 32 comes into close contact with the outer surface of the wrist, each finger base portion 30 comes into close contact with the inner surface of each finger, and each finger covering portion 36 comes into close contact with the outer surface of each finger. As a result, the attachment portion 18 is fixed to the area to be visualized 300 by the frictional resistance between the area to be visualized 300 and the attachment portion 18.

[0049] Next, the power supply unit 48 is turned on. As a result, as shown in Figure 3, near-infrared light L1 is irradiated from multiple light sources 44 toward the second surface 306 of the area to be visualized 300. The near-infrared light L1 penetrates the parts of the area to be visualized 300 other than the blood vessels 302. In other words, the near-infrared light L1 is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood within the blood vessels 302 of the area to be visualized 300. The transmitted light of the near-infrared light L1 that has passed through the area to be visualized 300 is converted into visible light L2 by the wavelength conversion material 38 of the wavelength conversion unit 24. Therefore, a visible blood vessel image 400 is displayed on the wavelength conversion unit 24 (see Figure 2B).

[0050] Next, the vascular image 400 displayed on the wavelength conversion unit 24 is captured by the camera 14. The image (still image or video) captured by the camera 14 is transmitted to the information processing device 16 and stored in the storage unit 52. Hereinafter, the image captured before performing the medical procedure may be referred to as the "first image". The first image may be stored in the storage unit 52 of the information processing device 16 via the internet instead of being stored in the storage unit of another computer. The control unit 58 determines, for example, whether the vascular image 400 is normal based on the first image, and if it is abnormal (for example, if blood flow may be obstructed due to stenosis), it generates an alarm sound from the speaker 56.

[0051] Subsequently, for example, a medical procedure is performed on the patient. After the medical procedure is performed, the vascular image 400 displayed on the wavelength conversion unit 24 is photographed by the camera 14 using the same method as described above. The image of the vascular image 400 after the medical procedure, taken by the camera 14, is transmitted to the information processing device 16 and stored in the storage unit 52. Hereinafter, the image taken after the medical procedure is performed may be referred to as the "second image". The second image may be stored in the storage unit 52 of the information processing device 16 via the internet instead of being stored in the storage unit of another computer. The control unit 58 determines, for example, whether the vascular image 400 is normal based on the second image, and if it is abnormal (for example, if blood flow may be obstructed due to stenosis), it generates an alarm sound from the speaker 56.

[0052] Next, the image processing unit 60 analyzes the first image and the second image to extract the parts that have changed between the two images. The control unit 58 displays the analysis results of the image processing unit 60 on the display unit 54. This allows the user (including the patient) to easily and accurately understand the effects of the medical procedure.

[0053] This embodiment provides the following effects.

[0054] According to this embodiment, when the attachment unit 18 is attached to the area to be visualized 300 and near-infrared light L1 is irradiated onto the area to be visualized 300 from the light source unit 44, a visible vascular image 400 is displayed on the wavelength conversion unit 24. In other words, the vascular visualization device 10A can display a visible vascular image 400 on the wavelength conversion unit 24 located above the area to be visualized 300 without using a device to convert near-infrared light L1 into a vascular image. Therefore, the vascular visualization device 10A can be made simple and compact.

[0055] Furthermore, since the wavelength conversion unit 24 can be fixed to the visualization target area 300 while in contact with the second surface 306 of the visualization target area 300, the near-infrared light L1 that has passed through the visualization target area 300 can be efficiently received by the wavelength conversion unit 24. Therefore, the vascular image 400 can be displayed more clearly on the wavelength conversion unit 24.

[0056] The mounting portion 18 has a mounting base portion 22 that contacts the first surface 304 when the mounting portion 18 is mounted on the area to be visualized 300.

[0057] With this configuration, the mounting base portion 22 makes it easier to fix the mounting portion 18 to the area to be visualized 300.

[0058] The wavelength conversion unit 24 is detachably attached to the mounting base unit 22.

[0059] With this configuration, for example, if the wavelength conversion unit 24 is damaged, only the wavelength conversion unit 24 can be replaced. This reduces costs compared to replacing the entire blood vessel visualization device 10A. In addition, by preparing multiple wavelength conversion units 24 of different colors, it is possible to easily replace them when it is desired to use a wavelength conversion unit 24 of a color suitable for the area to be visualized 300. Specifically, by using a wavelength conversion unit 24 of a color close to the color of the area to be visualized 300, the wavelength conversion unit 24 can be made less noticeable to the area to be visualized 300 when attached.

[0060] The light source unit 44 is attached to the mounting base unit 22.

[0061] With this configuration, the light source unit 44 is positioned near the area to be visualized 300, so that near-infrared light L1 can be efficiently irradiated from the light source unit 44 to the area to be visualized 300.

[0062] The light source unit 44 is attached to the inner surface of the mounting base unit 22.

[0063] With this configuration, the light source unit 44 can be brought into contact with (closely attached to) the first surface 304 of the area to be visualized 300, thereby allowing near-infrared light L1 to be irradiated from the light source unit 44 to the area to be visualized 300 more efficiently.

[0064] The irradiation unit 20 has a power supply unit 48 that supplies power to the light source unit 44, and the power supply unit 48 is attached to the mounting unit 18.

[0065] With this configuration, the vascular visualization device 10A becomes more compact and easier to carry compared to the case where the irradiation unit 20 is provided separately from the mounting unit 18.

[0066] The attachment portion 18 has a glove shape.

[0067] With this configuration, the attachment part 18 can be easily attached to a person's hand.

[0068] The blood vessel visualization system 12 includes a camera 14 that captures the blood vessel image 400 displayed on the wavelength conversion unit 24, and an image processing unit 60 that analyzes and processes the image captured by the camera 14.

[0069] With this configuration, the camera 14 and the image processing unit 60 can acquire changes in the vascular image 400 displayed on the wavelength conversion unit 24 over a predetermined period of time.

[0070] (modified version) Next, a modified version of the vascular visualization device 10B will be described. In this modified version, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those of the vascular visualization device 10A described above, and detailed explanations are omitted. In this modified version, components identical to those of the vascular visualization device 10A described above will produce the same effects.

[0071] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the blood vessel visualization device 10B comprises a mounting section 18 and an irradiation section 61. The irradiation section 61 is provided separately from the mounting section 18. The irradiation section 61 has a substrate 62, a plurality of light source units 44, an irradiation support section 64, a power supply line 46, and a power supply unit 48. The substrate 62 is flexible. The plurality of light source units 44 are attached to the substrate 62.

[0072] The light source unit 44 is, for example, a so-called chip-type light-emitting diode. However, the light source unit 44 may be a so-called lamp-type light-emitting diode or the organic light-emitting diode described above. The irradiation support unit 64 supports the substrate 62 in a deformable manner. The power supply line 46 supplies power from the power supply unit 48 to each light source unit 44.

[0073] In this modified example, the irradiation unit 61 is provided separately from the mounting unit 18.

[0074] With this configuration, there is no need to assemble the irradiation unit 61 to the mounting unit 18, so the blood vessel visualization device 10B can be easily manufactured.

[0075] Next, the vascular puncture system 100 according to the present invention will be described. As shown in Figure 7, the vascular puncture system 100 includes a vascular visualization device 10C and a medical device 200.

[0076] The blood vessel visualization device 10C differs from the blood vessel visualization device 10A described above in that a puncture hole 70 for inserting a medical device 200 into a blood vessel 302 is formed in the wavelength conversion unit 24. In other words, the blood vessel visualization device 10C has the same configuration as the blood vessel visualization device 10A described above, except for the puncture hole 70. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same components of the blood vessel visualization device 10C as those of the blood vessel visualization device 10A described above, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0077] The puncture hole 70 is located in a position that includes the area where the blood vessel 302 to be punctured (e.g., the radial artery) is expected to be located, for example, when the attachment part 18 is attached to the area to be visualized 300. Specifically, the puncture hole 70 is located in the central part of the hand back covering part 34, for example. In this embodiment, the puncture hole 70 is a circular hole. The diameter of the puncture hole 70 is set to, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. However, the shape, position, and size of the puncture hole 70 can be set as appropriate.

[0078] The medical device 200 is, for example, a catheter assembly 201. The catheter assembly 201 has a needle body 202, a needle hub 204, a catheter shaft 206, and a catheter hub 208. The needle body 202 is configured to puncture a blood vessel 302. The needle hub 204 is provided at the proximal end of the needle body 202. The catheter shaft 206 extends in a tubular shape. In the initial state, the needle body 202 is inserted through the lumen of the catheter shaft 206. The catheter hub 208 is provided at the proximal end of the catheter shaft 206. The medical device 200 is not limited to the catheter assembly 201, and may be a puncture needle for blood collection, etc.

[0079] The vascular visualization device 10C may have multiple puncture holes 70. In this case, the number and position of the puncture holes 70 can be set as appropriate.

[0080] The vascular puncture system 100 provides the following effects:

[0081] According to the vascular puncture system 100, the medical device 200 (catheter assembly 201) can be inserted into the blood vessel 302 while visualizing the vascular image 400 displayed on the wavelength conversion unit 24, thus enabling smooth vascular puncture with the medical device 200.

[0082] The wavelength conversion unit 24 has a puncture hole 70 for inserting the medical device 200 into a blood vessel 302.

[0083] With this configuration, the medical device 200 can be inserted into the blood vessel 302 through the puncture hole 70. This reduces the puncture resistance compared to the case where the medical device 200 is passed through the wavelength conversion unit 24. It also reduces the possibility of the wavelength conversion unit 24 becoming mixed into the visualization target area 300 as a foreign object.

[0084] The vascular puncture system 100 may be equipped with the vascular visualization device 10A or vascular visualization device 10B described above instead of the vascular visualization device 10C. Furthermore, the vascular puncture system 100 may be equipped with the camera 14 and information processing device 16 described above.

[0085] The blood vessel visualization devices 10A to 10C may include a wavelength conversion unit 24a according to the modified example shown in Figure 8, instead of the wavelength conversion unit 24 described above. The wavelength conversion unit 24a includes a base unit 80 and a coating unit 82. The base unit 80 is made of a material that does not contain the wavelength conversion material 38. The coating unit 82 is formed by coating the inner surface of the base unit 80 (the surface facing the second surface 306 of the visualization target area 300) with the wavelength conversion material 38.

[0086] The coated portion 82 may be formed by coating the outer surface of the base portion 80 (the surface facing the opposite direction from the area to be visualized 300) with the wavelength conversion material 38. The coated portion 82 may be provided on both the inner and outer surfaces of the base portion 80.

[0087] The wavelength conversion units 24, 24a and the mounting base unit 22 may be integrally molded. In other words, the wavelength conversion units 24, 24a may be integrally provided on the mounting base unit 22 so that they cannot be removed from the mounting base unit 22. In this case, the manufacturing of the blood vessel visualization devices 10A to 10C becomes easier.

[0088] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various configurations can be taken without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10A~10C…Vascular visualization device 12…Vascular visualization system 14...Camera 16...Information processing device 18...Attachment part 20, 61...Irradiation part 22...Mounting base section 24, 24a...Wavelength conversion section 38...Wavelength conversion material 44...Light source 48...Power supply section 52...Storage section 60...Image processing unit 70...Puncture site 80...Base part 82...Coating part 100... Vascular puncture system 200... Medical device 300... Site to be visualized 302... Blood vessels 304...First surface 306...Second surface 400... Vascular image L1... Near-infrared light L2…Visible light

Claims

1. A blood vessel visualization device for visualizing blood vessels in living organisms, A detachable attachment part for the area to be visualized, The system includes an irradiation unit that includes a light source unit that irradiates near-infrared light onto the first surface of the area to be visualized, The blood vessel visualization device wherein the mounting portion has a wavelength conversion portion containing a wavelength conversion material that converts the near-infrared light into visible light, and can be fixed to the visualization target area such that the wavelength conversion portion is in contact with a second surface of the visualization target area opposite to the first surface.

2. A blood vessel visualization device according to claim 1, The aforementioned attachment portion has an attachment base portion that contacts the first surface when the attachment portion is attached to the area to be visualized, in a blood vessel visualization device.

3. A blood vessel visualization device according to claim 2, The wavelength conversion unit is detachably attached to the mounting base unit, and the device is a blood vessel visualization device.

4. A blood vessel visualization device according to claim 2, The light source unit is attached to the mounting base unit and is a blood vessel visualization device.

5. A blood vessel visualization device according to claim 4, The light source is attached to the inner surface of the mounting base, and is a blood vessel visualization device.

6. A blood vessel visualization device according to claim 4, The irradiation unit has a power supply unit that supplies power to the light source unit. The power supply unit is a blood vessel visualization device attached to the mounting unit.

7. A blood vessel visualization device according to claim 1, The irradiation unit is provided separately from the attachment unit in this blood vessel visualization device.

8. A blood vessel visualization device according to claim 1, The wavelength conversion unit is formed into a predetermined shape using a material containing the wavelength conversion material, in a blood vessel visualization device.

9. A blood vessel visualization device according to claim 1, The wavelength conversion unit is A base portion made of a material that does not contain the aforementioned wavelength conversion material, A blood vessel visualization device comprising a coating portion formed by coating the surface of the base portion with the wavelength conversion material.

10. A blood vessel visualization device according to claim 1, The wavelength conversion material is used in a blood vessel visualization device that converts near-infrared light with a wavelength greater than 700 nm and less than or equal to 2500 nm into visible light with a wavelength between 400 nm and 700 nm.

11. A blood vessel visualization device according to claim 1, The wavelength conversion unit is a blood vessel visualization device having a puncture hole for inserting a medical device into the blood vessel.

12. A blood vessel visualization device according to claim 1, The aforementioned attachment part is a glove-shaped blood vessel visualization device.

13. A blood vessel visualization device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A vascular puncture system comprising a medical device for puncturing the aforementioned blood vessel.

14. A blood vessel visualization device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A camera for capturing the vascular image displayed in the wavelength conversion unit, A blood vessel visualization system comprising: an image processing unit that analyzes and processes images captured by the aforementioned camera.

Images