Light irradiation device and light irradiation system

Abstract

The light irradiation device (2) is a long medical light irradiation device and includes an optical fiber (210) that transmits light emitted by a light source to a distal end. The distal end of the optical fiber (210) is formed into a bent portion (220) that is bent with respect to the axial direction of the proximal end to which the distal end is connected. The light irradiation device (2) emits light from the distal end of the bent portion (220) of the optical fiber (210), thereby emitting light in a direction that intersects with the axial direction of the proximal end.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a light irradiation device and a light irradiation system that are inserted into a biological lumen to irradiate light. [Background technology]

[0002] Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well-known technique for treating diseases. In PDT, a photosensitive substance is administered to the body, and then the body is irradiated with light. As a result, cancer cells may be killed by reactive oxygen species generated in the cancer cells. However, it is difficult to selectively accumulate the photosensitive substance in cancer cells with PDT. The occurrence of side effects due to the uptake of the photosensitive substance by normal cells is a challenge for PDT.

[0003] In response to this, NIR-PIT (Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy) has recently been proposed. NIR-PIT uses a complex compound consisting of an antibody against a specific antigen of cancer cells and a photosensitive substance. When administered to the body, the complex is easily selectively accumulated in cancer cells. Subsequently, the complex is activated by irradiation with light at an excitation wavelength of the photosensitive substance in the complex (for example, a wavelength including 690 nm) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In NIR-PIT, the complex is selectively accumulated in cancer cells by the antibody, and when light is irradiated locally onto the cancer cells, side effects are less likely to occur compared to PDT.

[0004] The wavelength range including 690nm is also known as the spectroscopic window of living organisms, as it is a wavelength range in which less light is absorbed by biological components compared to other wavelength ranges. On the other hand, light in the wavelength range including 690nm does not easily penetrate into the body even when irradiated from the body surface, making it difficult to treat cancer deep inside the body with irradiation from the body surface.

[0005] Therefore, techniques have been proposed to irradiate cancer cells with light from a position closer to them, rather than from the body surface. For example, the light irradiation device described in Patent Document 2 transmits light emitted from an externally located light source to the tip of an optical fiber, and then emits it in one direction on the side. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-523907 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-867 [Overview of the project]

[0007] In the optical irradiation device described in Patent Document 2, the axial direction of the optical fiber that transmits the light emitted from the light source coincides with the axial direction of the optical irradiation device all the way to its tip. In other words, the axial direction of the tip of the optical fiber and the axial direction of the optical irradiation device are parallel. Therefore, in the optical irradiation device of Patent Document 2, in order to emit light in a direction intersecting the axial direction (to the side), it is necessary to provide a resin body that connects the core of the optical fiber to a part of the side surface of the optical irradiation device, or a mirror that reflects the light emitted in the axial direction to the side. As a result, the configuration of the tip of the optical irradiation device becomes complex. Furthermore, when light passes through the resin body, etc., energy loss of light is more likely to occur. Therefore, it has been difficult for conventional optical irradiation devices to efficiently emit light in a direction intersecting the axial direction with a simple configuration.

[0008] A typical object of this disclosure is to provide a light irradiation device and a light irradiation system that can efficiently emit light in a direction intersecting the axial direction of a long body with a simple configuration.

[0009] The light irradiation device provided in a typical embodiment of this disclosure is elongated in shape, While inserted into the lumen of a living organismA medical light irradiation device that emits light from its tip, comprising an optical fiber that transmits light emitted by a light source to the tip, wherein the tip of the optical fiber is formed as a bent portion that is bent in the axial direction of the base end to which the tip is connected, and the tip of the bent portion In the above, the cut surface is the surface facing the tip direction of the bent portion. However, this becomes the leading edge surface from which light is emitted in the light irradiation device, and the leading edge of the bent portion in the optical fiber. surface By emitting light from, The light emitted from the aforementioned leading edge surface is directed outside the light irradiation device. The optical fiber exits in the direction of the tip of the bent portion, which is in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the base end, and the optical fiber extends to at least a portion of the area where the bent portion is located. to Equipped with a rigidity-providing section The rigidity-imparting portion is fixed to the bent portion of the optical fiber in a manner that allows light to be emitted from the leading edge surface of the bent portion toward the tip, thereby increasing the rigidity of the portion of the optical fiber provided with the rigidity-imparting portion compared to the case where the rigidity-imparting portion is not provided, thereby stabilizing the angle of the bent portion with respect to the axial direction of the base end of the optical fiber. .

[0010] The light irradiation system provided in a typical embodiment of this disclosure is Used while inserted inside the lumen of a living organism. A medical light irradiation system comprising a catheter formed in the shape of a long tube, and a long light irradiation device inserted into the lumen of the catheter and emitting light from its tip, wherein the light irradiation device comprises an optical fiber that transmits light emitted by a light source to its tip, the tip of the optical fiber is formed as a bent portion that is bent in the axial direction of the proximal end to which the tip is connected, and the tip of the bent portion In the above, the cut surface is the surface facing the tip direction of the bent portion. However, this becomes the leading edge surface from which light is emitted in the light irradiation device, and the leading edge of the bent portion in the optical fiber. surface By emitting light from, The light emitted from the aforementioned leading edge surface is directed outside the light irradiation device. The optical fiber exits in the direction of the tip of the bent portion, which is in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the base end, and the optical fiber extends to at least a portion of the area where the bent portion is located. to Equipped with a rigidity-providing section The rigidity-imparting portion is fixed to the bent portion of the optical fiber in a manner that allows light to be emitted from the leading edge surface of the bent portion toward the tip, thereby increasing the rigidity of the portion of the optical fiber provided with the rigidity-imparting portion compared to the case where the rigidity-imparting portion is not provided, thereby stabilizing the angle of the bent portion with respect to the axial direction of the base end of the optical fiber. .

[0011] According to the light irradiation device and light irradiation system described herein, light is emitted efficiently with a simple configuration in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the elongated main body.

[0012] The optical irradiation device disclosed herein is a long, elongated medical optical irradiation device that emits light from its leading edge. The optical irradiation device includes an optical fiber that transmits light emitted from a light source to its leading edge. The leading edge of the optical fiber is formed as a bent portion that is curved in relation to the axial direction of the base end to which the leading edge is connected. The leading edge of the bent portion of the optical fiber becomes the leading edge from which light is emitted in the optical irradiation device. By emitting light from the leading edge of the bent portion of the optical fiber, the optical irradiation device emits light in a direction that intersects the axial direction of the base end.

[0013] According to the optical irradiation device disclosed herein, light is emitted directly from the leading edge of the bent portion of the optical fiber in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the proximal end. Therefore, light emission in a direction intersecting the axial direction is achieved while suppressing the complexity of the configuration of the leading edge of the optical irradiation device. Furthermore, since light is emitted directly from the leading edge of the bent portion of the optical fiber to the outside of the optical irradiation device, energy loss of light is reduced compared to cases where a resin body or the like is provided to adjust the direction of light emission. Thus, light is emitted efficiently in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the main body of the long optical irradiation device with a simple configuration.

[0014] The number of optical fibers in the light irradiation device may be one or more. When multiple optical fibers are used, the ends of the multiple optical fibers are formed as bent portions, so that light is appropriately emitted in a direction that intersects the axial direction of the light irradiation device body.

[0015] Furthermore, when multiple optical fibers are used, some of the optical fibers may be used as an aiming light transmission unit to transmit aiming light that determines the position of the light irradiation. In this case, medical professionals can appropriately determine the irradiation position for treatment by confirming the position where the aiming light is irradiated.

[0016] Together with the tip of the optical fiber, the entire tip of the light irradiation device may be bent with respect to the axial direction. In this case, by grasping the bending direction of the tip of the light irradiation device, medical staff can appropriately grasp the direction in which light is emitted. Therefore, the treatment accuracy is more likely to be improved.

[0017] However, it is also possible to bend only the tip of the optical fiber provided in the light irradiation device without bending the tip of the light irradiation device. Even in this case, light is efficiently emitted in a simple configuration in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the main body of the long light irradiation device.

[0018] A bending part marker part having radiation impermeability may be provided at at least a part of the bending part of the tip in the light irradiation device. In this case, when irradiating living tissue with light using a light irradiation device while medical staff (such as a doctor) takes an image of the inside of the living body using radiation (such as X-rays), by checking the bending part marker part appearing in the captured image, the position and bending direction of the tip (that is, the direction in which light is emitted) can be appropriately grasped. Therefore, the treatment accuracy is more likely to be improved.

[0019] The tip most distal end of the bent part of the optical fiber may be cut obliquely so that the cut surface faces in a direction away from the axis of the proximal end of the optical fiber. In this case, compared with the case where the cut surface is perpendicular to the axis, the cross-sectional area of the core of the optical fiber exposed at the cut surface increases. Therefore, even if an optical fiber with a large core diameter is not adopted, it is easy to secure the cross-sectional area of the core from which light is emitted. Therefore, miniaturization of the light irradiation device becomes easy.

[0020] The light irradiation density at the time when light is emitted from the tip of the optical fiber to the outside of the light irradiation device may be 100 W / cm 2 or more and 10,000 W / cm 2 or less. In this case, it is easy to appropriately obtain the treatment effect by irradiating the photosensitive substance with light.

[0021] Furthermore, the light irradiation density at the point when light is emitted from the light irradiation device to the outside is more preferably 500 W / cm². 2 More than 5000W / cm 2 Further, preferably 800 W / cm² 2 More than 2000W / cm 2 The following may also apply. For example, in this disclosure, the light irradiation density at the time when light is emitted from the light irradiation device to the outside is approximately 1273 W / cm². 2 It is said that... Furthermore, the above conditions for light irradiation density can be applied regardless of the number of optical fibers in the light irradiation device. For example, when light is emitted simultaneously from multiple optical fibers and combined, the above conditions may be applied to the light irradiation density of the combined light.

[0022] The light irradiation device may further include a stiffening component that increases the rigidity of at least a portion of the area where the bent portion is located. By providing a stiffening component, it is possible to stabilize the angle of the bent portion with respect to the axial direction of the proximal end of the optical fiber, for example. In addition, the stiffening component reduces the possibility of unintended changes in the angle of the bent portion when the bent portion is rotated or pushed in. Therefore, the accuracy of treatment can be further improved.

[0023] The rigidity-granting portion may include a tip rigidity-granting portion that covers at least the leading edge of the bent portion with a material that transmits light emitted from the leading edge of the bent portion. In this case, the rigidity of the tip of the bent portion is increased by the tip rigidity-granting portion, and the light emitted from the leading edge of the bent portion passes through the tip rigidity-granting portion and irradiates the biological tissue. Therefore, the operability of operations such as rotation and pushing of the bent portion is easily improved.

[0024] The rigidity-granting portion may include a base rigidity-granting portion located on the base side of the bent portion, rather than the tip end. In this case, the possibility of unintended angle changes occurring on the base side of the bent portion is appropriately reduced. Therefore, the accuracy of treatment can be further improved.

[0025] Furthermore, the material of the base-end stiffening portion does not need to be light-transmitting. Therefore, many materials can be used for the base-end stiffening portion. For example, the base-end stiffening portion may be made of a material with higher rigidity than the tip-end stiffening portion (e.g., metal). In this case, the tip-end stiffening portion achieves both light transmission and stiffness, while the base-end stiffening portion further reduces the possibility of angle changes in the bending portion. Thus, treatment becomes easier to perform more appropriately.

[0026] The light irradiation device may further include a magnetic member that guides at least one of the position and direction of its bent portion within the body by the magnetic force generated when placed in a magnetic field. In this case, when the light irradiation device is inserted into the body, at least one of the position and direction of the bent portion of the light irradiation device is appropriately guided. Therefore, treatment can be performed more appropriately.

[0027] Furthermore, the light irradiation device may be equipped with a light-emitting member at its tip that indicates the position of the bent portion by emitting light via wireless power supply. At least a portion of the light-emitting member may be made of a magnetic member. In this case, not only is the position and direction of the bent portion of the light irradiation device indicated by emitting light from the light-emitting member, but it is also possible to guide at least one of the position and direction of the bent portion by generating a magnetic force in the light-emitting member. In addition, the magnetic member can also serve as the rigidity-providing part as described above. In this case, multiple useful functions are provided to the light irradiation device while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0028] The light irradiation system disclosed herein comprises a catheter and a light irradiation device. The catheter is formed in the shape of a long tube and is flexible. The light irradiation device is elongated and inserted into the lumen of the catheter, and emits light from its leading edge. The light irradiation device includes an optical fiber that transmits light emitted by a light source to its leading edge. The leading edge of the optical fiber is formed as a bent portion that is curved in relation to the axial direction of the proximal end to which the leading edge is connected. The leading edge of the bent portion of the optical fiber becomes the leading edge from which light is emitted in the light irradiation device. The light irradiation system emits light in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the proximal end by emitting light from the leading edge of the bent portion of the optical fiber.

[0029] According to the optical irradiation system disclosed herein, light is emitted directly from the leading edge of the bent portion of the optical fiber in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the proximal end. Therefore, light emission in a direction intersecting the axial direction is achieved while suppressing the complexity of the configuration of the leading edge of the optical irradiation device. Furthermore, since light is emitted directly from the leading edge of the bent portion of the optical fiber to the outside of the optical irradiation device, energy loss of light is reduced compared to cases where a resin body or the like is provided to adjust the direction of light emission. Thus, light is emitted efficiently in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the main body of the long optical irradiation device with a simple configuration. It should be noted that the configuration of the optical irradiation device used in the optical irradiation system can adopt at least one of the multiple configurations of the optical irradiation device described above.

[0030] A posture-holding portion may be provided on the inner surface of a long, tubular catheter. The posture-holding portion protrudes inward from the inner surface of the catheter, contacting the bent portion of the light irradiation device that is advanced through the catheter lumen, and holding the posture of the bent portion. In this case, the contact between the bent portion of the light irradiation device and the posture-holding portion ensures that the bent portion is held at the appropriate position and angle within the catheter. Therefore, the light emitted from the leading edge of the bent portion can be more accurately directed to the target location in the biological tissue. Thus, the accuracy of the treatment can be further improved.

[0031] The surface of the posture-holding portion facing the proximal end may be inclined so that it approaches the proximal end as it moves inward towards the catheter. In this case, the bending portion contacts the surface of the posture-holding portion facing the proximal end, making it easier to reliably tilt the angle of the bending portion with respect to the axial direction of the proximal end of the optical fiber. Therefore, light irradiation in a direction intersecting the axial direction becomes more appropriate.

[0032] The catheter may have a radiopaque projection marker portion on at least a part of its posture-holding section. In this case, a medical professional (e.g., a physician) can appropriately determine the position of the posture-holding section to which the bent portion of the light-irradiating device should make contact by confirming the position of the projection marker portion that appears in the captured image when irradiating the biological tissue with laser light using a light-irradiating device while taking images of the inside of the body using radiation (e.g., X-rays). This makes it easier to further improve the accuracy of treatment.

[0033] When the catheter is viewed from the axial direction, multiple posture-holding sections may be provided at multiple positions on the inner surface of the catheter, each at a different circumferential angle. In this case, a medical professional can easily and accurately adjust the direction of light irradiation by selecting a posture-holding section located in the direction from which light is to be emitted and bringing the bent section of the light irradiation device into contact with it. This makes it easier to further improve the accuracy of treatment.

[0034] Multiple posture-holding sections may be provided at multiple positions spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the catheter. In this case, a healthcare professional can easily bring the bent section of the light irradiation device into contact with the target posture-holding section by understanding the axial position of the target posture-holding section and pushing the bent section of the light irradiation device in the axial direction.

[0035] The details of how to arrange multiple posture-holding parts can be selected as appropriate. For example, multiple posture-holding parts may be arranged spirally along the inner circumference of a long, tubular catheter. In this case, healthcare professionals can more easily select the posture-holding part to which the bent portion will make contact. It is also possible to align the axial positions of the multiple posture-holding parts. Alternatively, it is possible to provide only one posture-holding part on the inner circumference of the catheter.

[0036] The length of each of the multiple posture-holding sections, from the inner circumferential surface of the catheter to its inner end, may be less than or equal to half the inner diameter of the catheter. In this case, when a medical professional brings the bent portion into contact with a posture-holding section axially further forward than a specific posture-holding section, they can avoid contact with the specific posture-holding section and advance the light irradiation device toward the tip. Therefore, the operability when advancing the light irradiation device within the catheter is improved.

[0037] The device may further include a light detection transmission member that transmits light incident on the tip of the catheter or light irradiation device to a light sensor, or a light sensor provided at the tip. In this case, the state of the light incident on the tip of the light irradiation system is appropriately detected by the light sensor. When a light detection transmission member that transmits light incident on the tip to a light sensor is provided, the complexity of the tip configuration of the light irradiation device is suppressed, and the state of light at the tip is appropriately detected. Furthermore, when a light sensor is provided at the tip of the catheter or light irradiation device, the state of light at the tip is directly detected by the light sensor at the tip. In other words, specific changes in light that may occur during the transmission process are less likely to occur. Therefore, the state of light can be detected more accurately.

[0038] In addition, other sensors may be provided at the tip of the light irradiation device, either separately from or together with the light sensor. For example, a temperature sensor may be provided near the tip of the catheter. In this case, the temperature near the tip of the catheter can be appropriately detected. Therefore, for example, temperature increases caused by the emission of light can be appropriately understood.

[0039] A catheter may be equipped with multiple temperature sensors. The temperature measurement locations of each of the multiple temperature sensors may be located at different sites on the catheter. In this case, useful information can be obtained based on the temperature detection results at each of the multiple measurement locations. For example, by checking which of the multiple measurement locations has a higher temperature than the others, it is possible to determine the direction in which light is being irradiated by a light irradiation device. Furthermore, healthcare professionals can improve the accuracy of treatment by more accurately understanding the temperature at each measurement location.

[0040] The catheter may further include wiring extending from the proximal end to the distal end. At least one of the wirings may be arranged spirally in the catheter. The spiral arrangement of the wiring makes it easier to ensure adequate rigidity of the elongated catheter compared to when the wiring is arranged straight along the axial direction. Therefore, the accuracy of the treatment can be further improved.

[0041] The spiral arrangement of the wiring can be selected as appropriate. For example, the wiring of a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermocouple) may be arranged spirally. Also, when multiple temperature sensor measurement positions (measurement points) are placed in a catheter, the measurement positions of the temperature sensors may be placed at each of the multiple positions of the spirally arranged wiring. In this case, it is possible to easily and appropriately arrange the measurement positions of multiple temperature sensors in both the axial and circumferential directions of the elongated catheter.

[0042] Furthermore, at least one of the wires may contain a radiopaque material. In this case, the position of the elongated catheter can be more easily determined by radiography. If the radiopaque wires are arranged in a spiral pattern, the position of the catheter can be determined even more easily.

[0043] The portion of the catheter that transmits light emitted from at least the tip of the light irradiation device may be made of a material with a thermal conductivity of 0.1 W / m·K or higher. In this case, the tip of the light irradiation device is more easily cooled by, for example, blood flow or saline solution. Therefore, the possibility of various malfunctions occurring due to the heat generated by emitting light is reduced. As a result, treatment can be performed more appropriately.

[0044] The catheter may further include a catheter tip attached to its proximal end. The catheter tip may have a through-hole that penetrates the catheter axially, with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the light irradiation device. At least a portion of the catheter tip may be made of a radiopaque material. In this case, healthcare professionals (e.g., physicians) can position the catheter appropriately by determining the position of the tip as it appears in the radiographic image. This makes it easier to further improve the accuracy of treatment. In addition, even if a radiopaque marker is provided at the tip of the catheter, separate from the catheter tip, it becomes easier to determine the position of the catheter tip.

[0045] The light source may emit light with a wavelength of 300 nm to 2000 nm. More preferably, the light source may emit laser light with a wavelength of 600 nm to 1000 nm. In this case, using the light irradiation device of this disclosure in the treatment of diseases using photosensitive materials makes it easier to obtain appropriate therapeutic effects.

[0046] With the light irradiation device inserted into the catheter, a cooling fluid may be introduced into the catheter lumen. In this case, malfunctions caused by the temperature rise due to light irradiation (e.g., thermal damage to biological tissue) are appropriately suppressed by the cooling fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0047] [Figure 1] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the light irradiation system 1 with the light irradiation device 2 and catheter 3 separated. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of the light irradiation system 1, with the light irradiation device 2 attached to the catheter 3 (in use). [Figure 3] This is a magnified view of the vicinity of the tip of the light irradiation device 2. [Figure 4] This is a view of the shaft 310 of catheter 3, seen from the proximal end along the axis O3. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the positions of the multiple posture-holding parts 340 provided on the catheter 3, indicated by dotted lines. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the device body 212 of the light irradiation device 2 in the first modified example. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of the light irradiation system 1 of the second modified example. [Figure 8] This is a magnified view of the vicinity of the tip of catheter 3 in the third modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] Typical embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The light irradiation system 1 of this embodiment is used by being inserted into a lumen of a living organism (for example, at least one of blood vessels, lymphatic glands, urethra, airway, digestive organs, secretory glands, and reproductive organs). While inserted into a lumen of a living organism, the light irradiation system 1 irradiates living tissue with light (laser light in this embodiment). The light irradiation system can be used for at least one of therapies such as PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) and NIR-PIT (Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy).

[0049] The light irradiation system 1 of this embodiment comprises a light irradiation device 2 and a catheter 3. When using the light irradiation system 1, the catheter 3 is first inserted into the lumen of the living body. Next, the light irradiation device 2 is inserted into the lumen 311 of the catheter 3, which is shaped like a long tube. Once insertion is complete, light is irradiated onto the living tissue from the light irradiation device 2. However, it is also possible to use only the light irradiation device 2 without using the catheter 3.

[0050] Figures 1-3, 5, 7, and 8 illustrate mutually orthogonal X and Y axes. In these figures, the lower side (+X direction) is referred to as the "tip side," the upper side (-X direction) as the "proximal side," the left side (+Y direction) as the "left side," and the right side (-Y direction) as the "right side." The light irradiation system 1, light irradiation device 2, and catheter 3 are inserted into the biological lumen from the tip side. The proximal side is manipulated by a medical professional (e.g., a physician).

[0051] (Light irradiation device) The light irradiation device 2 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The light irradiation device emits light from its leading edge. As shown in Figure 1, the shape of the light irradiation device 2 is elongated. The light irradiation device 2 comprises a connector 201 and an optical fiber 210. The connector 201 is located on the base end side of the light irradiation device 2 and is held by the operator. The connector 201 comprises a pair of fin portions 202 and a connecting portion 203. The connecting portion 203 is a substantially cylindrical member. The fin portion 202 is connected to the base end of the connecting portion 203. The optical fiber 210 is connected to the inside of the connecting portion 203. Note that the fin portion 202 and the connecting portion 203 may be formed integrally.

[0052] The base end of the optical fiber 210 is connected directly or indirectly via another optical fiber to a laser light generator (light source) 5 that generates laser light, via a connector (not shown). The tip of the optical fiber 210 is cut and the cladding and sheath are removed. As a result, the light generated by the laser light generator 5 is transmitted to the tip of the optical fiber 210 and emitted from the core in the center of the tip.

[0053] In detail, the optical fiber 210 of this embodiment comprises a first optical fiber having a tip that emits light, and a second optical fiber connected to the base end of the first optical fiber via a connector. The minimum numerical aperture of the first optical fiber is greater than the maximum numerical aperture of the second optical fiber. As a result, the overall loss of light during optical transmission in the optical fiber 210 is suppressed.

[0054] The first optical fiber comprises a first core extending in the longitudinal direction (direction of axis O2) of the light irradiation device 2, and a first cladding covering the outer surface of the first core. The first core is positioned approximately in the center of the first cladding and has a higher refractive index than the first cladding. The refractive index of the first cladding is uniform. The first optical fiber transmits light by totally internalizing it due to the difference in refractive index between the first core and the first cladding. In this embodiment, the first optical fiber is a plastic optical fiber in which both the first core and the first cladding are formed from resin. The first core can be formed from at least one of the following: polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene, polycarbonate, deuterated polymer, norbornene-based polymer, etc. In place of the plastic optical fiber, other optical fibers (e.g., quartz glass optical fiber, or multi-component glass optical fiber, etc.) may be used for the first optical fiber.

[0055] The second optical fiber is connected to the proximal end of the first optical fiber. The second optical fiber comprises a second core and a second cladding that covers the outer surface of the second core. In this embodiment, the second optical fiber is a quartz glass optical fiber in which both the second core and the second cladding are formed from quartz (silicon dioxide). The second core 260c can be formed, for example, by using silicon dioxide as the main component and germanium dioxide, fluorine, etc. as additives. The second cladding 260cl can be formed, for example, from pure quartz glass. Instead of a quartz glass optical fiber, a plastic optical fiber or a multi-component glass optical fiber may be used for the second optical fiber 260.

[0056] The laser light generator 5 may emit laser light with a wavelength of 300 nm to 2000 nm. More preferably, the laser light generator 5 may emit laser light with a wavelength of 600 nm to 1000 nm. In this case, using the light irradiation device 2 for the treatment of diseases using photosensitive substances makes it easier to obtain appropriate therapeutic effects. In this embodiment, the central wavelength of the laser light emitted by the laser light generator 5 is approximately 690 nm.

[0057] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the configuration of the tip of the light irradiation device 2 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of the light irradiation system 1 when the light irradiation device 2 is attached to the catheter 3 (in use). Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the tip of the light irradiation device 2. As shown in Figure 3, the tip of the optical fiber is formed as a bent portion 220 that is bent in the direction of the axis O2 of the proximal end to which the tip is connected. The light irradiation device 2 emits light from the very front end 221 of the bent portion 220 of the optical fiber 210, thereby emitting light in a direction that intersects the direction of the axis O2 of the proximal end (in this embodiment, a direction that intersects the axis O2 obliquely). In other words, the very front end 221 of the bent portion 220 is the very front end from which light is emitted in the light irradiation device 2. The bent portion 220 may also emit light in a direction that intersects perpendicularly with respect to the direction of the axis O2 of the proximal end.

[0058] In this embodiment, the light irradiation device 2 emits light directly from the leading edge 221 of the bent portion 220 of the optical fiber 210 in a direction intersecting the axis O2 of the base end. Therefore, light emission in a direction intersecting the axis O2 is achieved while suppressing the complexity of the configuration of the tip of the light irradiation device 2. Furthermore, since light is emitted directly from the leading edge 221 of the bent portion 220 of the optical fiber 210 to the outside of the light irradiation device 2, energy loss of light is less likely to occur compared to cases where a resin body or the like is provided to adjust the direction of light emission. Thus, light is emitted efficiently with a simple configuration in a direction intersecting the axis O2 of the main body of the elongated light irradiation device 2.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the tip of the optical fiber 210 is bent because the entire tip of the light irradiation device 2 is bent in the direction of the axis O2. Therefore, medical professionals can appropriately determine the direction in which light is emitted by understanding the bending direction of the tip of the light irradiation device 2. Thus, the accuracy of treatment can be further improved.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3, at least a portion of the bent portion 220 in the optical fiber 210 of the light irradiation device 2 is provided with a radiopaque bent portion marker portion 240. Therefore, when a medical professional (e.g., a surgeon) uses radiation (e.g., X-rays) to image the inside of a living body and irradiates the living tissue with light using the light irradiation device 2, they can confirm the position and bending direction (i.e., the direction in which light is emitted) of the bent portion 220 by checking the bent portion marker portion 240 that appears in the captured image. Thus, the accuracy of treatment can be further improved.

[0061] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tip of the bent portion 220 of the optical fiber 210 is cut obliquely such that the cut surface (tip end 221) faces away from the axis O2 (see Figure 3) of the base end of the optical fiber 210. As a result, the cross-sectional area of ​​the core of the optical fiber 210 exposed at the cut surface increases compared to the case where the cut surface is perpendicular to the axis O2. Therefore, it becomes easier to secure a sufficient cross-sectional area of ​​the core from which light is emitted, even without using an optical fiber with a large core diameter. Thus, miniaturization of the light irradiation device 2 becomes easier.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3, at least a portion of the optical fiber 210 where the bent portion 220 is located is provided with a rigidity-enhancing portion 230 (230A, 230B) that increases the rigidity of the optical fiber 210. By providing the rigidity-enhancing portion 230, it is possible to stabilize the angle of the bent portion 220 with respect to the axis O2 direction of the base end of the optical fiber 210, for example. In addition, the rigidity-enhancing portion 230 reduces the possibility of unintended changes in the angle of the bent portion 220 when the bent portion 220 is rotated or pushed in. Therefore, the accuracy of treatment can be further improved.

[0063] In detail, the rigidity-granting section 230 includes a tip rigidity-granting section 230A. The tip rigidity-granting section 230A covers at least the tip of the bendable section 220 with a material that transmits light emitted from the very tip 221 of the bendable section 220. As a result, the rigidity of the tip of the bendable section 220 is increased by the tip rigidity-granting section 230A, and the light emitted from the very tip 221 of the bendable section 220 passes through the tip rigidity-granting section 230A and irradiates the biological tissue. Therefore, the operability of the bendable section 220, such as rotation and pushing operations, is improved.

[0064] Furthermore, the rigidity-granting section 230 includes a base-end rigidity-granting section 230B. The base-end rigidity-granting section 230B increases the rigidity of the optical fiber 210 by covering the base-end side of the bent section 220 (in this embodiment, the connection portion between the bent section 220 and the base end to which the bent section 220 is connected). Therefore, the possibility of unintended angle changes etc. occurring on the base-end side of the bent section 220 is appropriately reduced. Thus, the accuracy of treatment is further improved. Note that the material of the base-end rigidity-granting section 230B does not need to be a light-transmitting material. Therefore, many materials can be used for the base-end rigidity-granting section 230B. As an example, the material of the base-end rigidity-granting section 230B in this embodiment is a material with higher rigidity than the material of the tip rigidity-granting section 230A (in this embodiment, a braided metal). Therefore, the tip rigidity-granting section 230A achieves both light transmission and rigidity-granting to the optical fiber 210, while the base rigidity-granting section 230B further reduces the possibility of angle changes in the bending section 220. As a result, treatment can be performed more appropriately.

[0065] As shown in Figure 3, a magnetic member 240 is provided on the bent portion 220 of the optical fiber 210. The magnetic member 240 functions as a guide member that guides at least one of the position and direction of the bent portion 220 within the body by the magnetic force generated when it is placed in a magnetic field. Therefore, when the light irradiation device 2 is inserted into the body, at least one of the position and direction of the bent portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 is appropriately guided. In detail, in this embodiment, by providing the magnetic member 240 on the bent portion 220, the direction of the leading edge 221 of the bent portion 220 is appropriately guided by the magnetic member. Therefore, the direction of light irradiation is appropriately controlled. In this embodiment, the bent portion marker portion 240 and the magnetic member 240 are used together. However, the bent portion marker portion and the magnetic member may be provided separately.

[0066] Note that the light irradiation device 2 may include a light emitting member at its tip that emits light by wireless power feeding to indicate the position of the bent portion 220. For example, at least a part of the light emitting member may be constituted by the magnetic member 240. In this case, by causing the light emitting member to emit light, not only the position and direction of the bent portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 are indicated, but also by generating a magnetic force in the light emitting member, at least one of the position and direction of the bent portion 220 can be guided. Further, the magnetic member can also serve as the rigidity imparting portion 230 described above. In this case, a plurality of useful functions are imparted to the light irradiation device 2 while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0067] The light irradiation density at the time when light is emitted from the foremost end portion of the optical fiber 210 (that is, the foremost end portion 221 of the bent portion 220) to the outside of the light irradiation device 2 is 100 W / cm 2 or more and 10,000 W / cm 2 or less. In this case, a therapeutic effect by irradiating the photosensitive substance with light can be easily obtained appropriately. Note that the light irradiation density at the time when it is emitted from the light irradiation device 2 to the outside is more preferably 500 W / cm 2 or more and 5,000 W / cm 2 or less, and even more preferably 800 W / cm 2 or more and 2,000 W / cm 2 or less. As an example, in the present embodiment, the light irradiation density at the time when it is emitted from the light irradiation device 2 to the outside is about 1,273 W / cm 2 is set.

[0068] (Catheter) The catheter 3 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5. As shown in Figure 1, the catheter 3 has the shape of a long tube. The catheter 3 comprises a connector 301, a shaft 310, and a tip 320. The connector 301 is located on the proximal end of the catheter 3 and is grasped by the operator. The connector 301 comprises a pair of wing portions 302 and a connecting portion 303. The connecting portion 303 is a substantially cylindrical member. The wing portions 302 are connected to the proximal end of the connecting portion 303. The shaft 310 is connected to the tip of the connecting portion 303. Note that the wing portions 302 and the connecting portion 303 may be formed integrally.

[0069] The shaft 310 should preferably have antithrombotic properties, flexibility, and biocompatibility. The material of the shaft 310 can be at least one of resin materials and metal materials. Examples of resin materials include polyamide resin, polyolefin resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, silicone resin, and fluororesin. Examples of metal materials include stainless steel such as SUS304, nickel-titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, and tungsten steel. It is also possible to construct the shaft 310 by combining multiple materials.

[0070] The shaft 310 is a long, tubular member extending along the axis O3. In this embodiment, the shaft 310 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with both the tip and base ends open. The lumen 311 inside the shaft 310 functions as a guidewire lumen for inserting a guidewire into the catheter 3 during catheter delivery. After the catheter 3 has been delivered, the lumen 311 functions as a device lumen for inserting the light irradiation device 2 into the catheter 3.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tip 320 is connected to the tip of the shaft 310. The tip 320 has an outer shape that narrows in diameter from the proximal end to the tip end in order to allow the catheter 3 to advance smoothly within the biological lumen. A through hole 321 is formed approximately in the center of the tip 320, penetrating in the direction of the axis O2. As shown in Figure 3, the inner diameter Φ1 of the through hole 321 is smaller than the inner diameter Φ3 of the lumen 311 of the shaft 310, and also smaller than the outer diameter of the bent portion 220 of the optical fiber 210 of the light irradiation device 2. Therefore, even if the light irradiation device 2 is sufficiently advanced within the lumen 311 of the catheter 3, there is little possibility that the optical fiber 210 of the light irradiation device 2 will protrude towards the tip through the through hole 321.

[0072] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the inner circumferential surface (i.e., lumen 311) of the shaft 310 of the catheter 3 is provided with posture-holding sections 340 (340A, 340B, 340C, 340D) that hold the position of the bent section 220 of the light irradiation device 2. The posture-holding sections 340 protrude inward from the inner circumferential surface of the shaft 310 of the catheter 3 (i.e., toward the axis O3), thereby contacting the bent section 220 of the light irradiation device 2. As a result, the bent section 220 is held at the appropriate position and angle within the catheter 3. Therefore, the light emitted from the leading edge 221 of the bent section 220 can be more accurately directed to the target location in the biological tissue. Thus, the accuracy of treatment can be further improved.

[0073] As shown in Figure 2, the surface of the posture-holding portion 340 facing the proximal end (i.e., the upward-facing surface in the -X direction in Figure 2) is inclined to move closer to the proximal end as it moves inward towards the shaft 310 of the catheter 3 (i.e., as it approaches the axis O3). As will be described in detail later, the bent portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 is pushed forward from the proximal end to the tip inside the shaft 310. Therefore, when the bent portion 220 comes into contact with the surface of the posture-holding portion 340 facing the proximal end, the angle of the bent portion 220 becomes more reliably inclined with respect to the direction of the axis O2 (see Figure 3) of the proximal end of the optical fiber 210. Thus, light irradiation in the direction intersecting the axis O2 becomes more appropriate.

[0074] Each posture-holding section 340 is provided with a radiopaque projection marker section 341 on at least a portion of it (in this embodiment, on the entire posture-holding section 340). (In Figure 3, only the projection marker section 341A on the posture-holding section 340A and the projection marker section 341C on the posture-holding section 340C are shown.) When medical professionals irradiate biological tissue with laser light using the light irradiation device 2 while taking images of the inside of the body using radiation (e.g., X-rays), they can confirm the position of the projection marker section 341 that appears in the captured image, thereby appropriately determining the position of the posture-holding section 340 to which the bent portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 will make contact. This makes it easier to further improve the accuracy of treatment.

[0075] Figure 4 shows the shaft 310 of the catheter 3 as viewed from the proximal end along the axis O3. As shown in Figure 4, when the catheter 3 is viewed from the direction of the axis O3, multiple posture-holding parts 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D are provided at multiple positions on the inner circumferential surface (i.e., lumen 311) of the shaft 310 of the catheter 3, at mutually different circumferential angles (positions). Medical professionals can easily and accurately adjust the direction of light irradiation by selecting the posture-holding part 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D that is located in the direction from which they want to emit light, and bringing the bent part 220 of the light irradiation device 2 into contact with it. This makes it easier to further improve the accuracy of treatment.

[0076] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the multiple posture-holding sections 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D are positioned at multiple locations spaced apart from each other in the direction of the axis O3 of the catheter 3. Therefore, medical personnel can easily bring the bent section 220 of the light irradiation device 2 into contact with the target posture-holding section by understanding the position of the target posture-holding section in the direction of the axis O3 and pushing the bent section 220 in the direction of the axis O3.

[0077] In detail, in this embodiment, multiple posture-holding portions 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D are arranged spirally on the inner circumferential surface of the shaft 310 of the catheter 3, which has a long tube shape. Therefore, medical professionals can more easily select the posture-holding portion to which the bent portion 220 will make contact from among the multiple posture-holding portions 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D.

[0078] As shown in Figure 4, the length L from the inner circumferential surface to the inner end of each of the multiple posture-holding sections 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D of the catheter 3 shaft 310 is set to be 1 / 2 or less of the inner diameter D of the catheter 3 shaft 310. Therefore, when a medical professional brings the bent section 220 into contact with a posture-holding section that is further forward in the direction of axis O3 than a specific posture-holding section, they can easily avoid the bent section 220 contacting a posture-holding section that is closer to the target posture-holding section, and thus be able to push the bent section 220 of the light irradiation device 2 toward the tip. Consequently, the operability when pushing the light irradiation device 2 within the catheter 3 is improved.

[0079] As shown in Figure 4, the tip side surface (in this embodiment, a part of the tip side surface) of the shaft 310 of the catheter 3 is provided with a light-transmitting portion 330 that transmits light emitted from the very tip 221 of the bent portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 to the outside. In this embodiment, the light-transmitting portion 330 is provided at a position where the bent portion 220 is held by each of the multiple posture-holding portions 340. (In Figure 4, only the light-transmitting portion 330A adjacent to the posture-holding portion 340A and the light-transmitting portion 330C adjacent to the posture-holding portion 340C are shown.) Therefore, the light irradiation system 1 of this embodiment can transmit light emitted from the very tip 221 of the bent portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2 in a direction intersecting the axis O3, and selectively irradiate a specific location on the living body.

[0080] In this embodiment, a light-transmitting portion 330 is provided in the catheter 3 by partially forming the portion of the shaft 310 in which the bent portion 220 is held by the posture-holding portion 340 with a light-transmitting material. However, it is also possible to change the configuration of the light-transmitting portion. For example, a light-transmitting portion may be provided in the catheter by making the entire material of the shaft 310 itself, or the tip of the shaft 310, a light-transmitting material.

[0081] Of the catheter 3, at least the portion that transmits light emitted from the tip 221 of the light irradiation device 2 is made of a material with a thermal conductivity of 0.1 W / m·K or higher. Therefore, the tip of the light irradiation device 2 is more easily cooled by, for example, blood flow or saline solution. As a result, the possibility of various malfunctions occurring due to the heat generated by emitting light is reduced. Consequently, treatment can be performed more appropriately.

[0082] As shown in Figure 4, an optical sensor 350 is provided at the tip of the shaft 310 of the catheter 3. Therefore, the state of light at the tip of the catheter 3 is directly detected by the optical sensor 350 at the tip. In other words, the light detected by the optical sensor 350 is less susceptible to changes in the characteristics of light that may occur during the transmission process. Thus, the state of light can be detected more accurately. In this embodiment, when the bent portion 220 is held by each of the multiple posture-holding portions 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D, an optical sensor 350 is separately provided at a position close to each of the multiple posture-holding portions 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D in order to detect the light emitted from the tip of the bent portion 220. (In Figure 4, only the optical sensor 350A close to posture-holding portion 340A and the optical sensor 350C close to posture-holding portion 340C are shown.) Therefore, the state of light can be appropriately detected regardless of which posture-holding portion the bent portion 220 is in contact with. Note that, in order to simplify the diagram, the wiring extending from the optical sensor 350 has been omitted from the illustration.

[0083] As shown in Figure 4, the catheter 3 of this embodiment is equipped with a temperature sensor 360 at its tip. Therefore, for example, temperature increases caused by light being emitted to biological tissue can be appropriately detected.

[0084] In this embodiment, at least a portion (in this embodiment, the entire tip 320) of the tip of the shaft 310 of the catheter 3 is formed of a radiopaque material, thereby functioning as a marker. Consequently, the position of the tip of the catheter 3 can be appropriately determined by radiographic images or the like.

[0085] (How to use) An example of how to use the light irradiation system 1 of this embodiment will be described. First, the operator inserts a guidewire (not shown) into the biological lumen. Next, the operator inserts the proximal end of the guidewire into the lumen 311 through the through-hole 321 of the tip 320 of the catheter 3, and makes it protrude from the proximal end of the connector 301. The operator pushes the catheter 3 along the guidewire, moving at least one of the multiple light-transmitting parts 330 provided on the catheter 3 to the target site for light irradiation. When moving the catheter 3 within the biological lumen, the operator can appropriately move the catheter 3 to the target site by confirming the position of the protruding marker part 341 using radiographic images. After that, the operator removes the guidewire from the catheter 3.

[0086] The operator inserts the light irradiation device 2 through the proximal opening of the connector 301 of the catheter 3 and advances the light irradiation device 2 along the lumen 311 of the catheter 3 within the biological lumen. The operator brings the bent portion 220, indicated by the bent portion marker 240, into contact with the target posture-holding portion 340, which is indicated by the multiple posture-holding portions 340, indicated by the multiple protruding marker portions 341. As a result, the posture of the bent portion 220 of the optical fiber 210 in the light irradiation device 2 is appropriately held by the target posture-holding portion 340. In this state, light is generated from the laser light generator 5, and light is selectively irradiated from the tip of the bent portion 220 to the target site.

[0087] With the light irradiation device 2 inserted into the catheter 3, the operator can introduce a cooling fluid into the lumen 311 of the catheter 3. Therefore, malfunctions caused by temperature rise due to light irradiation (e.g., thermal damage to biological tissue) are appropriately suppressed by the cooling fluid.

[0088] (modified version) The technology disclosed in the above embodiments is merely an example. Therefore, it is possible to modify the technology illustrated in the above embodiments. Referring to Figures 6 to 8, some modifications of the above embodiments will be described. Note that some of the configurations of the first modification shown in Figure 6, the second modification shown in Figure 7, and the third modification shown in Figure 8 can be the same as those of the above embodiments. Therefore, for the configurations of the first to third modifications, parts that can be the same as those of the above embodiments will be numbered the same as those of the above embodiments, and their descriptions will be omitted or simplified.

[0089] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device body 212 of the light irradiation device 2 in the first modified example. The device body 212 of the light irradiation device 2 in the first modified example contains a plurality of optical fibers 210 inside. Although not shown in detail, a bent portion is formed at the tip of the device body containing the plurality of optical fibers 210, similar to the embodiment described above, by bending the plurality of optical fibers 210. As described above, the number of optical fibers 210 contained in the light irradiation device 2 may be one or more.

[0090] Furthermore, some of the multiple optical fibers provided in the device body 212 of the first modified example include an aiming optical fiber 211 that transmits aiming light to determine the position of the light irradiation. Therefore, medical professionals can appropriately determine the irradiation position of the light for treatment by confirming the position where the aiming light is irradiated. In the example shown in Figure 6, the aiming optical fiber 211 is positioned at the center of the multiple optical fibers 210 that irradiate the light for treatment. Therefore, medical professionals can more accurately aim the light for treatment using the aiming light.

[0091] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the tip of the light irradiation system 1 in the second modified example. The catheter 3 in the second modified example is provided with a light detection transmission member 351 that transmits light incident on the tip (in this embodiment, the vicinity of the position where light is emitted to the outside from the bent portion 220 of the light irradiation device 2) to a light sensor (not shown). The light detection transmission member 351 in this embodiment is an optical fiber, which is inserted from a part of the shaft 310 of the catheter 3 through the inside of the shaft 310 toward the proximal end and connected to the light sensor. In the second modified example, the configuration of the tip of the catheter 3 is kept from becoming complicated by the light sensor, while the state of light at the tip is appropriately detected. Also, as shown in the second modified example, the number of posture holding portions 340 provided on the catheter 3 may be as few as one.

[0092] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the tip of the catheter 3 of the third modified example. The catheter 3 of the third modified example is equipped with a plurality of temperature sensors 360 (360A, 360B, 360C, 360D, 360E). Each measurement position of the plurality of temperature sensors 360 (in this embodiment, the measurement points indicated by 360A, 360B, 360C, 360D, 360E) is located at each of a plurality of locations at the tip of the catheter 3. In detail, in the example shown in Figure 8, each measurement position of the plurality of temperature sensors 360 is located near the passage position of light guided by each of the plurality of posture holding parts 340 (340A, 340B, 340C, 340D, 340E). Therefore, useful information can be obtained based on the temperature detection results at each of the plurality of measurement positions. For example, by checking which of the plurality of measurement positions has a higher temperature than the other measurement positions, it is possible to confirm the direction in which the light is irradiated. Furthermore, healthcare professionals can improve the accuracy of treatment by more accurately understanding the temperature at each measurement point.

[0093] In the third modified catheter 3, the wiring of the temperature sensor 360 is arranged spirally on the shaft 310 of the catheter 3. Therefore, compared to the case where the wiring is arranged straight along the axial direction, the rigidity of the elongated catheter 3 is more easily ensured. Thus, the accuracy of treatment is more easily improved. As an example, in this embodiment, an elongated thermocouple with multiple measurement points is used as the temperature sensor 360. The rigidity of the catheter 3 is ensured by the spiral arrangement of the wiring of the elongated temperature sensor 360.

[0094] In the third modified catheter 3, the wiring of the temperature sensor 360 includes a radiopaque material. Therefore, the position of the elongated catheter 3 can be easily determined by radiography. Furthermore, in the third modified catheter, the position of the catheter 3 can be determined even more easily by arranging the radiopaque wiring of the temperature sensor 360 in a spiral pattern.

[0095] It is also possible to adopt only some of the configurations exemplified in the above embodiments and modifications for a light irradiation system, light irradiation device, or catheter. Furthermore, it is possible to combine multiple configurations shown in different embodiments and modifications. As mentioned above, it is also possible to use only the light irradiation device 2 without using the catheter 3.

Claims

1. A medical light irradiation device that is elongated and emits light from a distal end thereof, an optical fiber that transmits light emitted by a light source to a tip portion; a tip end of the optical fiber is formed in a bent portion bent in an axial direction of a base end to which the tip end is connected, and a most distal end of the bent portion is a most distal end from which light is emitted in the light irradiation device, By emitting light from the most distal end portion of the bent portion of the optical fiber, light is emitted in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the base end portion, The optical fiber includes a stiffness imparting portion that enhances stiffness of at least a portion of a portion where the bent portion is located.

2. 2. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, A light irradiation device, characterized in that the tip portion of the optical fiber is bent by bending an entire tip portion of the light irradiation device in the axial direction.

3. 3. The light irradiation device according to claim 2, A light-irradiating device comprising a bent portion marker portion having radiopaque properties in at least a part of the bent portion of the tip portion of the light-irradiating device.

4. 2. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, A light irradiation device, characterized in that the most distal end of the bent portion of the optical fiber is cut obliquely so that a cut surface faces in a direction away from an axis of the base end.

5. 2. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, The light irradiation density at the time when the light is emitted from the tip of the optical fiber to the outside of the light irradiation device is 100 W / cm ２ More than 10000W / cm ２ A light irradiation device characterized in that:

6. 2. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, a stiffness imparting portion that is made of a material that transmits light emitted from the most distal end of the bent portion and that covers at least the most distal end of the bent portion;

7. 2. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, The light irradiation device, wherein the stiffness imparting portion includes a proximal stiffness imparting portion provided on the bent portion closer to the proximal end than the most distal end portion.

8. 2. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, A light irradiation device further comprising a magnetic member that guides at least one of the position and direction of the bent portion within a living body by a magnetic force generated when the magnetic member is placed in a magnetic field.

9. A medical light irradiation system, comprising: A catheter formed into a long tubular shape; a light irradiation device that is long and is inserted into the lumen of the catheter and emits light from its most distal end; Equipped with the light irradiation device includes an optical fiber that transmits light emitted by a light source to a tip portion; a tip end of the optical fiber is formed in a bent portion bent in an axial direction of a base end to which the tip end is connected, and a most distal end of the bent portion is a most distal end from which light is emitted in the light irradiation device, By emitting light from the most distal end portion of the bent portion of the optical fiber, light is emitted in a direction intersecting an axial direction of the base end portion, A light irradiation system, wherein the optical fiber includes a stiffness imparting portion that increases stiffness of at least a portion of a portion where the bent portion is located.

10. The light illumination system according to claim 9, The catheter is characterized in that it has a posture maintaining section that protrudes inward from its inner surface and contacts the bending portion of the light irradiation device that is pushed through the lumen to maintain the posture of the bending portion.

11. The lighting system according to claim 10, A light irradiation system, characterized in that the surface of the posture maintaining part facing the base end is inclined in a direction approaching the base end side as it moves toward the inside of the catheter.

12. The lighting system according to claim 10, A light irradiation system comprising a radiopaque protruding marker portion on at least a portion of the posture maintaining portion.

13. The lighting system according to claim 10, A light irradiation system characterized in that, when the catheter is viewed in an axial direction, a plurality of the posture maintaining portions are provided at a plurality of positions on the inner surface of the catheter, the positions having different circumferential angles.

14. The lighting system according to claim 13, A light irradiation system, characterized in that a plurality of the posture maintaining units are provided at a plurality of positions spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the catheter.

15. The lighting system according to claim 14, A light irradiation system, characterized in that the length of each of the plurality of posture maintaining parts from the inner peripheral surface of the catheter to its inner end is less than or equal to 1 / 2 of the inner diameter of the catheter.

16. The light illumination system according to claim 9, A light irradiation system further comprising a light detection transmission member that transmits light incident on the tip of the catheter or the light irradiation device to an optical sensor, or an optical sensor provided at the tip.

17. The light illumination system according to claim 9, the catheter further comprising a plurality of temperature sensors; A light irradiation system, characterized in that the temperature measurement positions of each of the plurality of temperature sensors are arranged at each of a plurality of sites on the catheter.

18. The light illumination system according to claim 9, The catheter further includes a wire extending from the base end to the tip end, A light irradiation system, characterized in that the wiring is arranged in a spiral shape.

19. The light illumination system according to claim 9, A light irradiation system characterized in that at least a portion of the catheter that transmits light emitted from the most distal end of the light irradiation device is formed from a material having a thermal conductivity of 0.1 W / m·K or more.

Images