Puncture needle

Abstract

Provided is a puncture needle which makes it possible to secure the echo visibility thereof and sense the punctured length. The puncture needle is provided with a bar-shaped main body part, a first ultrasound reflection structure formed in the main body part, and a second ultrasound reflection structure formed in the main body part and disposed more toward the proximal end side in the direction of axis of the main body part than the first ultrasound reflection structure, in which the second ultrasound reflection structure is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the first ultrasound reflection structure in the axis direction.

Description

puncture needle

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a puncture needle.

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-190413 (Patent Document 1) discloses an ultrasonic endoscopic puncture needle having a plurality of depressions formed on the outer peripheral surface near the tip of the needle tube that is inserted into biological tissue to increase the reflection intensity of ultrasonic echoes. In this ultrasonic endoscopic puncture needle, each depression has an ultrasonic reflection surface that is formed diagonally backward from the surface of the needle tube toward the inside, and the wall of the needle tube is formed in a state where it is removed so that the space in the direction perpendicular to the ultrasonic reflection surface is not obstructed by the wall of the needle tube. This ultrasonic endoscopic puncture needle is said to effectively increase the ultrasonic echo at the tip of the needle tube that is inserted into biological tissue, thereby enabling the acquisition of a clear ultrasonic echo image of the needle tube.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2011-125632 (Patent Document 2) discloses an ultrasound-guided puncture needle for puncturing a target tissue while detecting its position using reflected ultrasound, and an indwelling needle having the same. This puncture needle has grooves on its outer circumferential surface that reflect ultrasound. The grooves include a first groove provided on the outer circumferential surface in a region behind the blade surface and a second groove provided on the outer circumferential surface in a region near the tip where the blade surface is formed. The first grooves extend circumferentially, with both ends facing the blade surface, and multiple first grooves are provided in the axial direction of the puncture needle. This puncture needle is said to be able to more effectively reflect ultrasound, thereby enabling reliable and highly accurate confirmation of its position within the body.

[0004] JP 2010-190413 A JP 2011-125632 A

[0005] When performing procedures such as puncture using a puncture needle under ultrasound, it is important to accurately determine the position of the needle tip to improve the accuracy of the puncture. Furthermore, knowing the puncture length (depth of the puncture needle) can help prevent unexpected damage to surrounding tissue.

[0006] However, with conventional techniques, although it is possible to confirm the position of the puncture needle using an ultrasound, it is difficult to determine the puncture length using an ultrasound.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a puncture needle that ensures the echographic visibility of the puncture needle while also allowing the puncture length to be grasped.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the puncture needle of the present disclosure comprises a rod-shaped main body portion, a first ultrasonic reflection structure formed on the main body portion, and a second ultrasonic reflection structure formed on the main body portion and positioned closer to the base end of the main body portion in the axial direction than the first ultrasonic reflection structure, and the second ultrasonic reflection structure is positioned at a distance from the first ultrasonic reflection structure in the axial direction.

[0009] The puncture needle according to the present disclosure may further include: the main body portion having a rod-shaped barrel portion and a needle tip portion arranged at the tip of the barrel portion; the first ultrasonic reflection structure being arranged at the needle tip portion; and the second ultrasonic reflection structure being arranged at the barrel portion.

[0010] The puncture needle according to the present disclosure may further comprise: the first ultrasonic reflecting structure being disposed at the tip of the needle tip portion.

[0011] The puncture needle according to the present disclosure may further be such that the second ultrasonic reflecting structure is a spiral groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the body portion.

[0012] The puncture needle according to the present disclosure may further be such that the needle tip portion has a cone shape.

[0013] The puncture needle according to the present disclosure may further comprise: the body portion being formed in a cylindrical shape; and the needle tip portion having an opening that connects the internal space of the body portion with the external space.

[0014] It is possible to provide a puncture needle that ensures echographic visibility of the puncture needle and also allows the puncture length to be grasped.

[0015] 1 is a perspective view of a puncture needle according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a side view of the needle tip of the puncture needle according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the reflection of ultrasound in a first ultrasound reflecting structure (first structure); FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the first structure when configured with horizontal grooves; FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the first structure when configured with intersecting grooves; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the first structure when configured with circular depressions; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the first structure when configured with triangular depressions; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the reflection of ultrasound in a second ultrasound reflecting structure (reflecting structure portion); FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a reflecting structure portion when configured with spiral grooves; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a reflecting structure portion when configured with annular grooves; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a reflecting structure portion when configured with multiple annular grooves; FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a reflecting structure portion when configured with dotted circular grooves; FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a reflecting structure portion when configured with annular oblique-line grooves; FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a reflecting structure portion when configured with arc-arrayed grooves; FIG. 15 is a side view of the needle tip of a puncture needle according to a second embodiment, viewed from the blade surface side; FIG. 16 is a side view of the needle tip of a puncture needle according to the second embodiment, viewed from the opposite side to the blade surface. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a first structure formed of a V-shaped groove is formed on the exposed inner surface. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a first structure formed of a circular depression is formed on the exposed inner surface. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a first structure formed of a groove extending from a first blade surface portion through the exposed inner surface to a second blade surface portion is formed on the exposed inner surface. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a first structure formed of a triangular depression is formed on the exposed inner surface. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a first structure formed of a spiral groove is formed on the outer surface of the needle tip portion. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of another case where a first structure formed of a spiral groove is formed on the outer surface of the needle tip portion. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a first structure 4 is formed by a plurality of grooves along the circumferential direction of the body portion, arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction. FIG. 7 is a side view of a puncture needle according to a third embodiment.

[0016] A puncture needle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] First Embodiment Fig. 1 shows a puncture needle 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the side of the main body 1 as seen from the tip end of the puncture needle 100 in a direction oblique to the axis G of the main body 1.

[0018] The puncture needle 100 comprises a rod-shaped main body 1, a first ultrasonic reflection structure 4 formed on the main body 1, and a second ultrasonic reflection structure 5 formed on the main body 1 and positioned closer to the base end in the axial direction of the main body 1 (the direction along the axis G of the main body 1) than the first ultrasonic reflection structure 4.

[0019] The second ultrasonic reflecting structure 5 is arranged axially apart from the first ultrasonic reflecting structure 4. The first ultrasonic reflecting structure 4 and the second ultrasonic reflecting structure 5 will be described later.

[0020] The main body 1 has a rod-shaped trunk 2 and a needle tip 3 arranged at the tip of the trunk 2. In this embodiment, the axis of the trunk 2 overlaps with the axis G of the main body 1, and the axial direction of the trunk 2 is the same as the axial direction of the main body 1. Similarly, the circumferential direction of the main body 1 (the circumferential direction centered on the axial direction) is the same as the circumferential direction of the trunk 2. In this embodiment, the needle tip 3 is the tip of the trunk 2. Hereinafter, the axial direction of the main body 1 and the same direction as this may be simply referred to as the axial direction. Furthermore, the circumferential direction of the main body 1 and the same direction as this may be simply referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0021] The main body 1 can be made of, for example, a metal alloy such as stainless steel, a titanium alloy, or a cobalt-chromium alloy, or a resin such as a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene or nylon. The main body 1 may be solid, or may be cylindrical with a continuous space formed inside the main body 1 along the axis G.

[0022] The body 2 is, for example, rod-shaped and cylindrical. The body 2 may be solid or hollow (for example, cylindrical). In the present embodiment, the case where the body 2 is hollow will be described below as an example.

[0023] As described above, the needle tip 3 is disposed at the tip of the body 2. The needle tip 3 has, for example, a conical shape. Examples of conical shapes include a cone shape and a polygonal pyramid shape including multiple flat portions on the side. Examples of polygonal pyramid shapes include a triangular pyramid shape, a quadrangular pyramid shape, and a pyramid shape with five or more sides. FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the needle tip 3 has a triangular pyramid shape. That is, the needle tip 3 in this embodiment has three flat portions 31 on its side. In the axial direction of the main body 1, the base end portions of the flat portions 31 of the body 2 that are distal to the base end closest to the base end constitute the needle tip 3.

[0024] The needle tip 3 in the shape of a polygonal pyramid, such as a triangular pyramid, can be formed, for example, by cutting or polishing the tip of a rod-shaped material that will become the main body 1 to form a flat portion that will become the flat portion 31 of the polygonal pyramid. The corners of the side surfaces of the needle tip 3, i.e., the boundary portions between adjacent flat portions 31, 31 on the side surfaces of the polygonal pyramid (triangular pyramid in this embodiment), form blade portions 3A that extend from the apex T (the tip of the puncture needle 100) toward the side surface of the main body 1.

[0025] The first ultrasonic reflecting structure 4 (hereinafter referred to as the first structure 4) is a three-dimensional ultrasonic reflecting structure that changes the direction and intensity of reflection of ultrasonic waves W (see FIG. 3) irradiated by an ultrasonic imaging diagnostic device (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an echo device). The reflection of ultrasonic waves W at the first structure 4 will be described later.

[0026] The first structure 4 is disposed on the needle tip portion 3. As will be described later, the first structure 4 is preferably disposed on the tip portion of the needle tip portion 3.

[0027] The first structure 4 may be disposed in a predetermined area on the surface of at least one flat portion 31 of the needle tip 3. This improves the echo visibility of the needle tip 3. The improved echo visibility of the needle tip 3 improves the accuracy of puncture during the procedure.

[0028] The first structures 4 may be arranged on all of the planar portions 31, or on some of the planar portions of all of the planar portions 31. When the needle tip 3 includes planar portions 31 on which the first structures 4 are arranged and planar portions 31 on which the first structures 4 are not arranged, it may be possible to determine the circumferential orientation of the main body 1 (puncture needle 100) (orientation relative to the body surface, i.e., the probe of the ultrasound device) under ultrasound (image diagnosis using an ultrasound device).

[0029] 2, when the needle tip 3 is viewed from the side of the main body 1 (viewed from above along the radial direction of the main body 1), the flat surface 31 includes a triangular region located on the tip side and a partially missing elliptical or parabolic region located on the base end side of the triangular region. The points on the outer periphery of the flat surface 31 that are located on the boundary between the triangular region and the partially missing elliptical or parabolic region are shown as boundary points P and P in FIGS.

[0030] In particular, it is preferable that the first structure 4 be disposed at the tip of the flat portion 31 (i.e., the tip of the needle tip 3). This improves the echo visibility of the tip of the needle tip 3. The improved echo visibility of the tip of the needle tip 3 further improves the accuracy of puncture in the procedure. Specifically, it is preferable that the first structure 4 be disposed on the tip side of the line connecting the boundary points P, P. Note that the first structure 4 may extend from the tip side of the line connecting the boundary points P, P to the base side of the line connecting the boundary points P, P.

[0031] The first structure 4 is preferably formed on the flat surface 31 so as to avoid the vicinity of the blade portion 3A. This maintains the sharpness of the blade portion 3A when the puncture needle 100 punctures, thereby ensuring good puncture performance.

[0032] Due to its three-dimensional shape, as shown in FIG. 3, the first structure 4 can reflect ultrasonic waves W incident from a probe (not shown) of an echo device or the like, as reflected waves W2 of a relatively large intensity in a direction different from the direction of reflected waves W1 that are reflected with the greatest intensity by the area of ​​the planar portion 31 where the first structure 4 is not formed.

[0033] As an example, the first structure 4 can reflect a reflected wave W2 of the incident ultrasonic wave W in a direction along the incident direction of the ultrasonic wave W with a stronger intensity than a reflected wave W3 reflected in a direction along the incident direction of the ultrasonic wave W from an area of ​​the planar portion 31 where the first structure 4 is not formed.

[0034] That is, by arranging the first structure 4 on the flat surface portion 31, as shown in FIG. 3, when a procedure such as puncture is performed while observing with an ultrasound (i.e., under ultrasound) from the base end side (the body surface side of the living body punctured by the puncture needle 100) of the puncture needle 100 (main body portion 1), the ultrasound visibility of the needle tip portion 3 is improved, and this makes it possible to accurately grasp the position of the needle tip with an ultrasound, thereby improving the accuracy of puncture during the procedure.

[0035] The first structure 4 may have a three-dimensional shape such as a concave-convex shape as a structure that changes the direction and intensity of reflection of the ultrasonic wave W (see FIG. 3 ). The concave-convex shape is, for example, a shape that combines recesses, dents, grooves, etc. A specific example of the first structure 4 is a groove shape (see FIG. 4 , for example). The method for forming or processing the first structure 4 is not limited, and laser processing, cutting, rolling, pressing, etc. can be used. When the first structure 4 has a groove shape, for example, the groove width can be 30 μm or more and 100 μm or less (65 μm, as an example).

[0036] 4 shows the first structure 4 in which multiple (three in this embodiment) lateral grooves 41 are formed on the planar portion 31 in a direction perpendicular to the axis G. The lateral grooves 41 are arranged, for example, at equal intervals along the axial direction. The length of each lateral groove 41 in the direction intersecting the axis G is longer for the lateral grooves 41 located on the base end side than for the tip end side. By forming the lateral grooves 41 in a direction perpendicular to the axis G, when performing a procedure such as puncture while observing with an echo from the base end side of the puncture needle 100, ultrasound emitted from the body surface side of the living body punctured with the puncture needle 100 is reflected with high intensity toward the body surface side, improving echo visibility and allowing the position of the needle tip to be accurately determined by echo.

[0037] Other variations of the first structure 4 include a crossed groove shape (see FIG. 5), a large number of small depression shapes (for example, dimple shapes or engraving shapes, see FIGS. 6 and 7), a roughened surface obtained by blasting, and the like.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 5, the first structure 4 may be formed of a plurality of intersecting grooves 42 that intersect with each other. In the example shown in Fig. 5, each intersecting groove 42 intersects with the axial direction. Each intersecting groove 42 may intersect with one or more other intersecting grooves 42 to form a lattice pattern.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 6, the first structure 4 may be formed by arranging a plurality of circular depressions 43, which are dimple-shaped depressions. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the first structure 4 is formed by arranging the circular depressions 43 in a triangular houndstooth pattern.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 7, the first structure 4 may be formed by arranging a plurality of triangular depressions 44, which are an example of engraved depressions. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the first structure 4 is formed by arranging the triangular depressions 44 in a triangular houndstooth pattern.

[0041] 1, the second ultrasonic reflecting structure 5 (hereinafter referred to as the second structure 5) is a three-dimensional ultrasonic reflecting structure that changes the direction and intensity of reflection of ultrasonic waves W (see FIG. 8) irradiated by an echo device. The reflection of ultrasonic waves W in the second structure 5 will be described later.

[0042] The second structure 5 may be disposed on the body 2. The second structure 5 is formed on the outer surface 20, which is the radially outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the body 2. The second structure 5 is preferably disposed at a predetermined distance in the axial direction from the first structure 4. This makes it possible to easily grasp the positional relationship between the first structure 4 and the second structure 5 under ultrasound, ensuring the echographic visibility of the puncture needle 100 while also making it possible to grasp the puncture length. The distance between the first structure 4 and the second structure 5 is preferably at least a distance (e.g., 0.6 mm or more) that allows the first structure 4 and the second structure 5 to be observed separately on ultrasound.

[0043] The extension length of the second structure 5 in the axial direction (the distance from the tip to the base in the axial direction of the second structure 5) may be longer than the separation distance L2 between the first structure 4 and the second structure 5. This improves the echographic visibility of the second structure 5. The improved echographic visibility of the second structure 5 makes it possible to accurately grasp the position of the trunk portion 2, further improving the accuracy of puncture in the procedure. In addition, the first structure 4 and the second structure 5 may be more easily distinguished under echography.

[0044] The second structure 5 may include multiple ultrasound reflecting structures (hereinafter referred to as reflecting structures 50) spaced apart in the axial direction. FIG. 1 shows a case in which the second structure 5 includes a first reflecting structure 50a (an example of a reflecting structure) that is a reflecting structure 50 arranged on the distal side, and a second reflecting structure 50b that is a reflecting structure 50 arranged on the proximal side of the first reflecting structure 50a and adjacent to the first reflecting structure 50a. Although not shown, the second structure 5 may include another reflecting structure 50 in addition to the first reflecting structure 50a and the second reflecting structure 50b. That is, the second structure 5 may include three or more reflecting structures 50.

[0045] The reflecting structure 50 adjacent to the first structure 4 in the axial direction may be disposed at a predetermined distance in the axial direction from the first structure 4. This makes it possible to easily grasp the positional relationship between the first structure 4 and the reflecting structure 50 under echocardiography, ensuring echocardiographic visibility of the puncture needle 100 while also enabling the puncture length to be properly grasped. This improves the accuracy of puncture during the procedure.

[0046] The extension length L1 of the reflecting structure 50 in the axial direction may be longer than the separation distance L2 between the first structure 4 and the reflecting structure 50. This improves the echo visibility of the reflecting structure 50. Also, under echo, the first structure 4 and the reflecting structure 50 may be more easily distinguished from each other. This improves the accuracy of puncturing in the procedure. For example, it may be preferable for the extension length L1 to be 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less, but is not limited to this.

[0047] The reflecting structures 50 adjacent to each other in the axial direction are preferably spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other in the axial direction. This makes it possible to easily grasp the positional relationship between the adjacent reflecting structures 50 under ultrasound, ensuring the echographic visibility of the puncture needle 100 while also enabling the puncture length to be properly grasped. This improves the accuracy of puncture during the procedure.

[0048] The extension length L1 of the reflecting structure 50 in the axial direction may be longer than the separation distance L3 between adjacent reflecting structures 50. This may improve the echo visibility of each reflecting structure 50 and increase the distinguishability between adjacent reflecting structures 50. This improves the accuracy of puncture during the procedure.

[0049] The reflective structure 50 may be formed in a ring shape along the circumferential direction on the outer surface 20 of the body 2, or may be formed in a portion along the circumferential direction. When the reflective structure 50 is formed in a ring shape along the circumferential direction on the outer surface 20 of the body 2, it may be preferable because the main body 1 (puncture needle 100) can be viewed with an ultrasound device regardless of the circumferential orientation. When the reflective structure 50 is formed in a portion along the circumferential direction on the outer surface 20 of the body 2, it may be possible to determine the circumferential orientation of the main body 1 (puncture needle 100). This improves the accuracy of puncture during the procedure.

[0050] Due to its three-dimensional shape, the reflecting structure 50 can reflect ultrasonic waves W incident from a probe (not shown) of an echo device or the like in a direction different from the direction of the reflected wave W4, which is reflected with the greatest intensity by the outer surface 20 of the body 2 on which the second structure 5 is not formed, as a reflected wave W6 of a certain degree of intensity, as shown in Figure 8.

[0051] As an example, the reflecting structure 50 can reflect a reflected wave W6 in a direction along the incident direction of the ultrasonic wave W with a stronger intensity than a reflected wave W5, which is a reflected wave of the incident ultrasonic wave W from the outer surface 20 of the body 2 on which the first structure 4 is not formed, in a direction along the incident direction of the ultrasonic wave W.

[0052] That is, by arranging the second structure 5 (reflective structure 50) on the outer surface 20 of the body 2, as shown in FIG. 8 , when a procedure such as puncture is performed while observing with an ultrasound (i.e., under an ultrasound) from the base end side (the body surface side of the living body punctured by the puncture needle 100) of the puncture needle 100 (main body 1), the visibility of the ultrasound is improved, and this makes it possible to accurately grasp the position of the body 2 with an ultrasound, thereby improving the accuracy of the puncture during the procedure.

[0053] 8 illustrates the first reflective structure 50a as an example of the reflective structure 50, but the same applies to the second reflective structure 50b. That is, by understanding the positional relationship between each reflective structure 50 (second structure 5) and the first structure 4, it is possible to understand the puncture length.

[0054] The reflecting structure 50 may have a three-dimensional shape, such as a concave-convex shape, as a structure that changes the direction and intensity of reflection of the ultrasonic waves W (see FIG. 8 ). The concave-convex shape is, for example, a shape that combines recesses, dents, grooves, etc. The method for forming or processing the reflecting structure 50 is not limited, and laser processing, cutting, rolling, pressing, etc. may be used. From the viewpoint of processability, the second structure 5 is preferably grooved. Various shapes may be used for the groove pattern of the reflecting structure 50. When the reflecting structure 50 has a groove shape, the groove width may be, for example, 20 μm or more and 100 μm or less (40 μm, for example).

[0055] 9 shows a case where the reflective structure 50 is formed with a spiral groove 51 that extends axially along the circumferential direction of the body 2. The spiral groove 51 is formed so as to go around the outer surface 20 of the body 2 in the circumferential direction two or more times. When the reflective structure 50 is formed by forming the spiral groove 51 in the body 2, a surface portion on the outer surface 20 of the body 2 where no groove is formed is formed along the spiral groove 51, so that the body 2 may be less likely to break even when an external force that intersects the axial direction is applied to the body 2. When the reflective structure 50 is formed with the spiral groove 51, the pitch can be, for example, 20 μm or more and 1,000 μm or less (100 μm, as an example).

[0056] Other examples of modifications in which the reflecting structure 50 has a groove shape include the following.

[0057] For example, there is an annular groove 52 (one circle, see FIG. 10 ) that goes around the circumferential direction of the body 2, and there is also a case where a plurality of annular grooves 52 are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction (see FIG. 11 ). In the case of FIG. 10 , each annular groove 52 is a separate reflective structure 50. In the case of FIG. 11 , a single reflective structure 50 is made up of a plurality of annular grooves 52.

[0058] Further, there is also a dotted circular groove 53 (see FIG. 12 ) formed along the circumferential direction and having at least one annular break, and a case where a plurality of such dotted circular grooves 53 are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction (not shown). In the case of FIG. 12 , each dotted circular groove 53 is a separate reflective structure 50.

[0059] Further, there are also examples of an annular diagonal groove 54 (see FIG. 13 ) in which short diagonal grooves 54 a intersecting the circumferential and axial directions are arranged in a ring shape along the circumferential direction, and a case in which a plurality of such annular diagonal grooves 54 are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction (not shown). In the case of FIG. 13 , each annular diagonal groove 54 serves as a separate reflective structure 50.

[0060] In addition, for example, two arc-arranged grooves 55, each formed by arranging a plurality of small arc-shaped grooves 55a in the circumferential direction to form an annular shape, are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction (see FIG. 14). In the case of FIG. 14, the two arc-arranged grooves 55 constitute one reflecting structure 50.

[0061] The reflective structure 50 may be formed not only in the shape of a groove, but also in the shape of a large number of small depressions or a roughened surface obtained by blasting, similar to the first structure 4 .

[0062] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the needle tip portion 3 has a cone-like shape. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the needle tip portion 3 has a blade surface portion 6 on which a blade surface 60 intersecting with the axis G is formed. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and will omit a description of the parts in common with the first embodiment as appropriate.

[0063] 15 and 16 show a side view (radial view) of the needle tip 3 of the puncture needle 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 15 is a side view of the needle tip 3 as seen from the side of the blade surface 60 of the blade surface portion 6. Fig. 16 is a side view of the needle tip 3 as seen from the side opposite the blade surface 60 of the blade surface portion 6. In this embodiment, the trunk portion 2 that is distal to the base end of the blade surface 60 in the axial direction of the main body portion 1 is the needle tip 3.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 15 , the blade surface portion 6 has a first blade surface portion 61, a second blade surface portion 62, and a third blade surface portion 63 as the blade surface 60. The third blade surface portion 63 is a surface portion located on the proximal side of the first blade surface portion 61 or the second blade surface portion 62. In this embodiment, the third blade surface portion 63 is located on the proximal side of the first blade surface portion 61 and the second blade surface portion 62. FIG. 15 illustrates an example in which the puncture needle 100 is a so-called lancet type. The blade surface 60 has an opening 69 that communicates between the internal space of the body portion 2 and the external space. In the puncture needle 100 of this embodiment, a portion of the inner surface 29, which is the surface inside the tube of the body portion 2, is exposed to the outside through the opening 69. Hereinafter, the surface of the inner surface 29 that is distal to the proximal end of the opening 69 in the axial direction of the main body portion 1 is referred to as the exposed inner surface 29 a.

[0065] The first blade surface portion 61 and the second blade surface portion 62 are surface portions located closer to the distal end than the third blade surface portion 63. The first blade surface portion 61 is located on the right side when viewed from the third blade surface portion 63 toward the distal end, and the second blade surface portion 62 is located on the left side when viewed from the third blade surface portion 63 toward the distal end. The first blade surface portion 61 and the second blade surface portion 62 are in the same position in the direction along the axis G. The first blade surface portion 61 and the second blade surface portion 62 are each inclined toward the outside of the cylinder with respect to the third blade surface portion 63. That is, the first blade surface portion 61 is inclined to the right. The second blade surface portion 62 is inclined to the left. The ends of the first blade surface portion 61 and the second blade surface portion 62 on the radially outer side of the main body portion 1 form blade portions 6A extending from the vertex T toward the side surface portion of the main body portion 1.

[0066] The first structure 4 may be disposed, for example, on the blade surface 60, the exposed inner surface 29a, or the outer surface 30 of the needle tip 3 of the body 2 (the portion of the outer surface 20 that corresponds to the needle tip 3). More specifically, the first structure 4 may be disposed on only one, two, or all of the blade surface 60, the exposed inner surface 29a, or the outer surface 30. The first structure 4 does not need to be formed on the entire surface of each of the blade surface 60, the exposed inner surface 29a, or the outer surface 30; it may be formed only on a portion. As in the first embodiment, the first structure 4 is preferably disposed at the tip of the needle tip 3. This improves the echovisibility of the tip of the needle tip 3. More preferably, as shown in FIG. 15 , the first structure 4 is disposed distal to the center Q of the opening 69 in the axial direction in a side view of the needle tip 3 from the blade surface 60 of the blade surface 6. This improves the echovisibility of the tip of the needle tip 3. The accuracy of puncturing in the procedure is further improved by improving the echo visibility of the tip of the needle tip portion 3. The first structure 4 may extend from the tip side of the center Q to the base side of the center Q.

[0067] The first structure 4 can be formed as a grooved shape, a dimpled shape, or a rough surface obtained by blasting, as in the first embodiment.

[0068] 17 shows a case where a plurality of (three in FIG. 17 ) V-shaped grooves 71, each having a V-shape with the apex of the valley located at the tip side, are formed in the exposed inner surface 29 a to constitute the first structure 4. The plurality of V-shaped grooves 71 are arranged, for example, at equal intervals along the axial direction.

[0069] 18 shows a case where a plurality of circular depressions 72, which are dimple-like depressions, are formed on the exposed inner surface 29a to form the first structure 4. The circular depressions 72 may be arranged, for example, in a triangular houndstooth pattern.

[0070] 19 shows a first structure 4 in which multiple grooves 73 are formed along the circumferential direction of the body 2, from the inner end of the first blade surface 61 (the radially inner end of the body 2), through the exposed inner surface 29a, to the inner end of the second blade surface 62. The multiple grooves 73 are arranged, for example, at equal intervals along the axial direction. In this example, the first structure 4 is arranged distally of the center Q. Furthermore, the grooves 73 as the first structure 4 are formed to avoid the vicinity of the blade portion 6A. This maintains the sharpness of the blade portion 6A during puncture with the puncture needle 100, ensuring good puncture performance.

[0071] 20 shows a case in which a triangular depression 74 having an isosceles triangle shape with one vertex located on the tip side and a base along the circumferential direction is formed on the exposed inner surface 29a as the first structure 4. In this example, the first structure 4 is located on the tip side of the center Q.

[0072] 21 to 23 show a case where the first structure 4 is formed on the outer surface 30. FIGS. 21 and 22 show a case where grooves 75 and 76 are formed on the outer surface 30 along the circumferential direction of the barrel portion 2, forming a spiral shape extending in the axial direction. The groove 76 shown in FIG. 22 has a wider pitch (wider spacing along the axial direction) than the groove 75 shown in FIG. 21 . FIG. 23 shows a case where multiple grooves 77 are formed along the circumferential direction of the barrel portion 2, arranged, for example, at equal intervals along the axial direction, to form the first structure 4. In the example shown in FIG. 23 , the grooves 77 are formed to avoid the vicinity of the blade portion 6A. The grooves 75, 76, and 77 can have a groove width of 20 μm or more and 100 μm or less (40 μm, for example). Furthermore, when multiple grooves 75, 76, and grooves 77 are formed, the pitch can be 50 μm or more and 300 μm or less (100 μm, for example).

[0073] (Third Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the needle tip 3 has a cone shape, and in particular a triangular pyramid shape. The third embodiment differs in that the needle tip 3 has a cone shape, but is otherwise similar. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and will omit a description of the parts in common with the first embodiment as appropriate.

[0074] Figure 24 shows a side view of the puncture needle 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 24, the puncture needle 100 according to this embodiment has a conical needle tip 3. A first structure 4 is formed at the tip of the needle tip 3. The first structure 4 may be formed, for example, by arranging annular grooves 49 adjacent to each other in the axial direction.

[0075] In the example shown in FIG. 24, the second structure 5 has a plurality of reflecting structure portions 50 formed by one annular groove 52, which are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction.

[0076] In this way, it is possible to provide a puncture needle that ensures echographic visibility of the puncture needle and also allows the puncture length to be grasped.

[0077] In addition, the configurations disclosed in the above embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies below) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradictions arise. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of not departing from the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0078] The present disclosure is applicable to puncture needles.

[0079] 1: Main Body 100: Puncture Needle 2: Barrel 20: Outer Surface (Outer Peripheral Surface) 29: Inner Surface 29a: Exposed Inner Surface 3: Needle Tip 30: Outer Surface 31: Flat Surface 3A: Blade 4: First Structure (First Ultrasonic Wave Reflecting Structure) 41: Horizontal Groove 42: Intersecting Grooves 49: Annular Groove 5: Second Structure (Second Ultrasonic Wave Reflecting Structure) 50: Reflecting Structure 50a: First Reflecting Structure 50b: Second Reflecting Structure 51: Rasen Groove 52: Annular Groove 53: Dotted Circular Groove 54: Annular Oblique Groove 54a: Oblique Groove 55: Circular Arc Groove 55a: Groove 6: Blade Surface 60: Blade Surface 61: First Blade Surface 62: Second Blade Surface 63 : Third blade surface 69 : Opening 6A : Blade 71 : V-shaped groove 72 : Circular depression 73 : Groove 74 : Triangular depression 75 : Groove 76 : Groove 77 : Groove G : Axis L1 : Extension length L2 : Separation distance L3 : Separation distance P : Boundary point Q : Center T : Vertex W : Ultrasonic wave W1 : Reflected wave W2 : Reflected wave W3 : Reflected wave W4 : Reflected wave W5 : Reflected wave W6 : Reflected wave

Claims

1. A rod-shaped main body; a first ultrasonic reflecting structure formed on the body portion; a second ultrasonic reflecting structure formed on the main body portion and disposed on a proximal end side of the main body portion in an axial direction relative to the first ultrasonic reflecting structure, The second ultrasonic reflecting structure is a puncture needle that is arranged spaced apart from the first ultrasonic reflecting structure in the axial direction.

2. The main body portion has a rod-shaped trunk portion and a needle tip portion disposed at a tip of the trunk portion, The first ultrasonic reflecting structure is disposed at the needle tip portion, The puncture needle according to claim 1 , wherein the second ultrasonic reflecting structure is disposed on the body portion.

3. The puncture needle according to claim 2 , wherein the first ultrasonic reflection structure is disposed at the tip of the needle tip.

4. The puncture needle according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second ultrasonic reflection structure is a spiral groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the body portion.

5. The puncture needle according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the needle tip portion is cone-shaped.

6. The body portion is formed in a cylindrical shape, The puncture needle according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the needle tip has an opening that communicates between an internal space of the body and an external space.