Catheter device

Abstract

A catheter device according to the present disclosure comprises: an expansion / contraction part that can be expanded / contracted; a plurality of temperature sensors fixed to the expansion / contraction part; and a heat conduction plate material that is laminated on the expansion / contraction part and that is in contact with the plurality of temperature sensors. When the expansion / contraction part is in a first contraction state, the expansion / contraction part is in a sheet shape having at least one main surface. The heat conduction plate material has heat conductivity higher than that of the expansion / contraction part and has an area greater than that of the temperature sensors in contact therewith when viewed in the lamination direction of the heat conduction plate material and the expansion / contraction part. When the expansion / contraction part is in the first contraction state, the expansion / contraction part is folded at a plurality of folds to bring the inner walls thereof close to each other. The heat conduction plate material is provided to the expansion / contraction part in a manner spanning across one of the plurality of folds.

Description

Catheter Device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to catheter devices.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a catheter equipped with a plurality of temperature sensors and used to measure the internal temperature of a hollow organ in the body such as the esophagus.

[0003] Patent No. 6755630

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for catheter devices equipped with temperature sensors that have an expanded temperature measurement range.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a catheter device equipped with a temperature sensor that has an expanded temperature measurement range.

[0006] A catheter device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an expansion / contraction section that is expandable and contractible, a plurality of temperature sensors fixed to the expansion / contraction section, and a heat-conducting plate material that is stacked on the expansion / contraction section and in contact with the plurality of temperature sensors; when the expansion / contraction section is in a first contracted state, the expansion / contraction section is sheet-shaped with at least one main surface, and the heat-conducting plate material has higher thermal conductivity than the expansion / contraction section and has a larger area than the plurality of temperature sensors that it contacts, as viewed in the stacking direction of the heat-conducting plate material and the expansion / contraction section; when the expansion / contraction section is in the first contracted state, the expansion / contraction section is folded back at a plurality of folds to bring its inner walls closer together, and the heat-conducting plate material is provided in the expansion / contraction section across one of the folds.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a catheter device equipped with a temperature sensor, which has an expanded temperature measurement range.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a catheter device in an expanded state according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a catheter device in an expanded state according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a catheter device in a first contracted state according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a catheter device in a second contracted state according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a catheter device in an expanded state. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of a catheter device in an expanded state. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a catheter device in an expanded state according to a first modification of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a catheter device in an expanded state according to a first modification of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a catheter device in an expanded state according to a third modification of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a catheter device in a second contracted state according to a fourth modification of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a catheter device in an expanded state according to a fifth modification of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a catheter device in an expanded state according to a fifth modification of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a plan view of a modified catheter device in an expanded state according to a fifth modification of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a modified example of the catheter device in an expanded state according to Modification 5. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a modified example of the catheter device in an expanded state according to Modification 5. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a catheter device in an expanded state according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a catheter device in a first contracted state according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a catheter device in an expanded state according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a catheter device in a first contracted state according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0009] (Background to the Disclosure) For example, a balloon catheter with a temperature sensor disposed in the balloon is known. For example, a user inserts a deflated balloon catheter into a patient's esophagus through a nostril and expands it within the esophagus. When the balloon catheter is expanded, the temperature sensor disposed in the balloon measures the temperature within the esophagus.

[0010] Such balloon catheters are used, for example, to perform ablation, which burns myocardium to treat atrial fibrillation. The user places the balloon catheter in the esophagus and performs ablation while measuring the temperature inside the esophagus with a temperature sensor. Specifically, if a predetermined temperature rise is detected, the ablation is interrupted. This prevents damage to the esophagus caused by the heat of the ablation.

[0011] However, the measurement range of the temperature sensor is limited to the area around the temperature sensor, making it difficult to measure the temperature around the balloon where the temperature sensor is not located. As a result, the temperature sensor may not be able to adequately detect a temperature rise.

[0012] Therefore, the present inventors have studied the configuration of a catheter device with an expanded temperature measurement range, and have arrived at the present disclosure.

[0013] Hereinafter, a first embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, elements are exaggerated for ease of explanation.

[0014] (First embodiment) [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a catheter device 1 in an expanded state according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a catheter device 1 in an expanded state according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a catheter device 1 in a first contracted state according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a catheter device 1 in a second contracted state according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figs. 2 to 4 show cross sections taken in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the catheter device 1.

[0015] In the drawings, the X, Y, and Z directions respectively indicate the horizontal, vertical, and length directions (longitudinal direction) of the catheter device 1. Note that in Figures 1 to 4, some elements are omitted for ease of explanation.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1 , the catheter device 1 includes an expansion / contraction section 10 , a plurality of temperature sensors 20 , and a plurality of heat-conducting plates 30 .

[0017] <Expansion / Contraction Section> The expansion / contraction section 10 is capable of expansion and contraction. For example, the expansion / contraction section 10 is attached to the tip of a tube. The expansion / contraction section 10 is put into a contracted state by removing gas or liquid from the inside via the tube, and is put into an expanded state by sending gas or liquid into the inside via the tube.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the expanded state refers to a state in which the expansion / contraction unit 10 is inflated or unfolded. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the contracted state refers to a state in which the expansion / contraction unit 10 is deflated. In this embodiment, in the contracted state, the expansion / contraction unit 10 is deflated and folds like an umbrella.

[0019] The expansion / contraction section 10 can be in two contracted states: a first contracted state and a second contracted state. The first contracted state is the contracted state before the catheter device 1 is expanded. On the other hand, the second contracted state is the contracted state after the catheter device 1 is expanded from the first contracted state to the expanded state, and then some or all of the gas or liquid inside is discharged to contract the catheter device.

[0020] The expansion / contraction unit 10 is, for example, a balloon. Alternatively, the expansion / contraction unit 10 may be a flexible substrate or the like other than a balloon. In the case of a flexible substrate, the expansion / contraction unit 10 can be expanded and contracted by a stylet connected to the flexible substrate.

[0021] Here, each state of the expansion / contraction portion 10 will be described in more detail.

[0022] 1 and 2 , when the expansion / contraction unit 10 is in an expanded state, the expansion / contraction unit 10 has a generally cylindrical shape. In other words, in the expanded state, the expansion / contraction unit 10 forms an internal space K extending in the longitudinal direction (Z direction). The expansion / contraction unit 10 has an inner wall 12 facing the internal space K and an outer wall 13 opposite the inner wall 12.

[0023] In this embodiment, the axis C of the internal space K extends parallel to the longitudinal direction (Z direction). For example, the axis C is an axis passing through the center of the expansion and contraction unit 10 when viewed from the longitudinal direction (Z direction).

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, when the expansion and contraction unit 10 is in the first contracted state, the expansion and contraction unit 10 is sheet-like. "Sheet-like" means that the expansion and contraction unit 10 has at least one main surface. The main surface may be flat or curved. In this embodiment, when the expansion and contraction unit 10 is in the first contracted state, the expansion and contraction unit 10 is sheet-like with multiple main surfaces P1 extending in the longitudinal direction (Z direction).

[0025] When the expansion / contraction unit 10 is in the first contracted state, the expansion / contraction unit 10 has a plurality of first folds 14A-14H extending linearly along the axis C. The plurality of first folds 14A-14H protrude outward from the interior space K. The expansion / contraction unit 10 folds back portions of the expansion / contraction unit 10 at the first folds 14A-14H, bringing the inner walls 12 of the expansion / contraction unit 10 closer to each other on both sides of each of the first folds 14A-14H. Furthermore, the expansion / contraction unit 10 has second folds 15A-15H extending linearly along the axis C. The second folds 15A-15H are recessed inward into the interior space K. The expansion / contraction unit 10 folds back portions of the expansion / contraction unit 10 at the plurality of second folds 15A-15H, bringing the outer walls 13 of the expansion / contraction unit 10 closer to each other. The second folds 15A to 15H and the first folds 14A to 14H are alternately formed on the outer periphery of the expansion / contraction section 10. In this embodiment, the expansion / contraction section 10 has an even number (eight) of first folds 14A to 14H and an even number (eight) of second folds 15A to 15H.

[0026] The multiple main surfaces P1 of the inflation / deflation section 10 are separated by multiple first folds 14A-14H and multiple second folds 15A-15H. Each of the multiple main surfaces P1 is provided between one of the multiple first folds 14A-14H and the adjacent second fold 15A-15H. In other words, one first fold 14A-14H or one second fold 15A-15H is formed between two adjacent main surfaces P1.

[0027] When the expansion / contraction portion 10 is in the first contracted state, the second folds 15A to 15H uniformly approach the axis C of the internal space K. The expansion / contraction portion 10 may be symmetrical about the axis C of the internal space K.

[0028] When the expansion / contraction unit 10 is in the first contracted state, the inner walls 12 on both sides of the first folds 14A to 14H approach each other, forming a divergence angle between the inner walls 12. The divergence angle of the first folds 14A to 14H in the first contracted state is constant, that is, a first divergence angle θ1. Note that the divergence angle does not have to be constant across the first folds 14A to 14H.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4 , even when the expansion / contraction unit 10 is in the second contracted state, the expansion / contraction unit 10 still has first folds 14A-14H and second folds 15A-15H. When the expansion / contraction unit 10 is in the second contracted state, the expansion / contraction unit 10 contracts into a flattened shape having a major axis L in a cross section (XY plane) taken in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first folds 14A-14H. The flattened shape is symmetrical with respect to the major axis L. The first folds 14C and 14G are located on the major axis L and face each other. The first folds 14A, 14B, and 14H are located on one side (+Y side) of the major axis L, and the first folds 14D, 14E, and 14F are located on the other side (-Y side) of the major axis L. The first folds 14A, 14B, 14H on one side of the long axis L face the first folds 14E, 14D, 14F on the other side of the long axis L, respectively.

[0030] When the expansion / contraction unit 10 is in the second contracted state, the inner walls 12 of the expansion / contraction unit 10 on both sides of each of the first folds 14A, 14B, 14D, 14E, 14F, and 14H are spaced farther apart than in the first contracted state, forming an expansion angle. Therefore, the internal space K in the second contracted state is larger than in the first contracted state. The expansion angles of the first folds 14A, 14B, 14D, 14E, 14F, and 14H in the second contracted state are constant and are the second expansion angle θ2. Meanwhile, the expansion angles of the first folds 14C and 14G are different from the second expansion angle θ2 and are the third expansion angle θ3.

[0031] In this embodiment, the second expansion angle θ2 is larger than the first expansion angle θ1 and the third expansion angle θ3. The third expansion angle θ3 may be equal to the first expansion angle θ1, larger than the first expansion angle θ1, or smaller than the first expansion angle θ1.

[0032] The first folds 14C and 14G may be bent so that they are easier to bend than the other first folds 14A, 14B, 14D, 14E, 14F, and 14H.

[0033] Returning to FIG. 2, even when the expansion / contraction section 10 is in the expanded state, the expansion / contraction section 10 has first folds 14A-14H and second folds 15A-15H. Compared to the first contracted state and the second contracted state, the inner walls 12 on both sides of the first folds 14A-14H are farther apart from each other. The expansion angle of the first folds 14A-14H in the expanded state is constant and is a fourth expansion angle θ4. In this embodiment, the fourth expansion angle θ4 is greater than the expansion angles θ1-θ3.

[0034] <Sensor> The plurality of temperature sensors 20 are sensors that can acquire temperature information around the temperature sensor 20. As the temperature sensor, for example, a thermistor, a chip thermistor, a thermocouple, a semiconductor sensor, or a combination of these can be used.

[0035] 1 , the plurality of temperature sensors 20 are fixed to the expansion / contraction section 10. The plurality of temperature sensors 20 are stacked on a plurality of heat conduction plates 30 provided on the outer wall 13 of the expansion / contraction section 10 and fixed to the expansion / contraction section 10. When the expansion / contraction section 10 is in the first contracted state, the plurality of temperature sensors 20 and the plurality of heat conduction plates 30 are arranged on a plurality of main surfaces P1 of the expansion / contraction section 10.

[0036] When the temperature sensor 20 is in contact with the living body, the temperature sensor 20 can directly acquire the temperature of the living body. When the temperature sensor 20 is not in contact with the living body but the heat conduction plate 30 is in contact with the living body, the temperature sensor 20 can acquire the temperature of the living body via the heat conduction plate 30.

[0037] The plurality of temperature sensors 20 are provided on the heat conduction plate 30 away from the first folds 14A to 14H. In this embodiment, the plurality of temperature sensors 20 are provided on the heat conduction plate 30 on one side of the first folds 14A to 14H.

[0038] The temperature sensors 20 are electrically connected to the control device by wiring and are controlled by the control device, and information measured by the temperature sensors 20 is sent to the control device.

[0039] <Heat Conduction Plates> The multiple heat conduction plates 30 are laminated on the outer wall 13 of the expansion / contraction section 10 and are in contact with the multiple temperature sensors 20 to conduct heat from surrounding heat sources to the temperature sensors 20. Here, "contact" includes both direct contact and indirect contact via other members such as adhesive or solder. One temperature sensor 20 is provided on each of the multiple heat conduction plates 30. In other words, the catheter device 1 has the same number of heat conduction plates 30 and temperature sensors 20.

[0040] The multiple heat conduction plates 30 are arranged spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction (Z direction) on the outer wall 13 of the expansion / contraction section 10. For example, the multiple heat conduction plates 30 are arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction (Z direction) on the outer wall 13 of the expansion / contraction section 10. The multiple heat conduction plates 30 are arranged at intervals of 3 mm, for example. In conjunction with the arrangement of the multiple heat conduction plates 30, the multiple temperature sensors 20 are also arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction (Z direction).

[0041] More specifically, one heat conduction plate 30 is provided in the expansion / contraction section 10 from one side to the other side of one of the first folds 14A to 14H. In other words, one heat conduction plate 30 is provided across one of the first folds 14A to 14H. Therefore, one heat conduction plate 30 also forms a fold that follows one of the first folds 14A to 14H.

[0042] The plurality of heat-conducting plates 30 have higher thermal conductivity than the expansion / contraction portion 10. For example, the plurality of heat-conducting plates 30 are formed of copper foil. The plurality of heat-conducting plates 30 may be formed of a material other than copper as long as the material has higher thermal conductivity than the expansion / contraction portion 10.

[0043] A plurality of heat-conducting plates 30 may be collectively referred to as a heat-conducting plate material.

[0044] The configurations of the temperature sensor 20 and the heat conduction plate 30 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 5A and 5B. Figure 5A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter device 1 in the expanded state shown in Figure 4. Figure 5B is a plan view of a portion of the catheter device in the expanded state, viewed from the stacking direction of the heat conduction plate 30 and the expansion / contraction unit 10. The stacking direction of the heat conduction plate 30 and the expansion / contraction unit 10 coincides with the thickness direction of the heat conduction plate 30 when the catheter device 1 is deployed, so that the expansion / contraction unit 10 is planar.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5A , the heat conduction plate 30 and the temperature sensor 20 are stacked in this order on the expansion / contraction portion 10. Here, "stacked" refers to both being stacked in direct contact with the expansion / contraction portion 10 and being stacked in indirect contact with the expansion / contraction portion 10 via another material, such as adhesive or solder, sandwiched between the two. The temperature sensor 20 has a first main surface R1 facing the expansion / contraction portion 10 and a second main surface R2 opposite the first main surface R1. The heat conduction plate 30 is disposed between the expansion / contraction portion 10 and the first main surface R1. The heat conduction plate 30 is stacked on the expansion / contraction portion 10 by, for example, screen printing, and is formed integrally with the expansion / contraction portion 10. The temperature sensor 20 is fixed to the heat conduction plate 30 by, for example, soldering.

[0046] The thickness t2 of one heat conduction plate 30 is smaller than the thickness t1 of one temperature sensor 20. The thickness t2 of one heat conduction plate 30 is, for example, 1 / 100 to 1 / 4, and preferably 1 / 10, of the thickness t1 of one temperature sensor 20. The thickness t2 of one heat conduction plate 30 is, for example, 5 μm to 30 μm.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5B , when viewed from the stacking direction of the heat conduction plate 30 and the expansion / contraction unit 10, the temperature sensor 20 and the heat conduction plate 30 have a rectangular shape. The heat conduction plate 30 has a rectangular shape with, for example, 3 mm sides. When viewed from the stacking direction of the heat conduction plate 30 and the expansion / contraction unit 10, the temperature sensor 20 is located inside the heat conduction plate 30. In other words, the heat conduction plate 30 has a larger area than the temperature sensor 20 in contact with the heat conduction plate 30. Specifically, the area of ​​the heat conduction plate 30 is, for example, 5 times or 15 times or more, and preferably 150 times or more, the area of ​​the temperature sensor 20. With this configuration, when a heat source occurs near an area of ​​the heat conduction plate 30 where the temperature sensor 20 is not provided, the heat from the heat source can be conducted to the temperature sensor 20 by the heat conduction plate 30.

[0048] The temperature sensor 20 may be disposed in a central region in the Z direction of the heat conduction plate 30, which is away from the first fold 14A. The central region in the Z direction is, for example, the central region when the heat conduction plate 30 is divided into three equal regions in the Z direction.

[0049] [Effects] The catheter device 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0050] The catheter device 1 includes an expansion / contraction section 10 that is expandable and contractible, multiple temperature sensors 20 fixed to the expansion / contraction section 10, and multiple heat-conducting plates 30 (heat-conducting plate materials) stacked on the expansion / contraction section 10 and in contact with the multiple temperature sensors 20. When the expansion / contraction section 10 is in a first contracted state, the expansion / contraction section 10 is sheet-shaped with at least one main surface P1. The multiple heat-conducting plates 30 have higher thermal conductivity than the expansion / contraction section 10 and, when viewed in the stacking direction of the heat-conducting plates 30 and the expansion / contraction section 10, have a larger area than the multiple temperature sensors 20 that they contact. When the expansion / contraction section 10 is in the first contracted state, the expansion / contraction section 10 is folded back at multiple folds (multiple first folds 14A to 14H) to bring the inner walls 12 closer to each other. The heat-conducting plate 30 is provided in the expansion / contraction section 10 across one of the multiple first folds 14A to 14H.

[0051] With this configuration, providing multiple heat-conducting plates 30 allows for temperature measurement over a wider range. Specifically, providing multiple heat-conducting plates 30 allows for measurement of the temperature around the expansion / contraction section 10 where no temperature sensors 20 are located. This allows for an expanded temperature measurement range in the catheter device 1. Furthermore, because the multiple heat-conducting plates 30 have high thermal conductivity, heat can be conducted from the heat source to the multiple temperature sensors 20 more efficiently and in a shorter time. This improves the responsiveness of temperature measurement. Furthermore, by bringing the inner walls 12 into contact with each other, the first folds 14A-14H can protrude outward. Therefore, the heat-conducting plates 30 extending across the first folds 14A-14H are more likely to come into contact with the living body, such as the esophagus. Using multiple temperature sensors 20 facilitates measurement of the living body's temperature.

[0052] In the catheter device 1 , the plurality of temperature sensors 20 are located inside the plurality of heat-conducting plates 30 when viewed from the stacking direction of the heat-conducting plates 30 and the expansion / contraction section 10 .

[0053] With this configuration, the heat received by the plurality of heat-conducting plates 30 can be more easily transferred to the plurality of temperature sensors 20 compared to when the plurality of temperature sensors 20 protrude from the plurality of heat-conducting plates 30 .

[0054] In the catheter device 1, each of the plurality of temperature sensors 20 has a first main surface R1 facing the expansion / contraction section 10 and a second main surface R2 opposite to the first main surface R1. The plurality of heat-conducting plates 30 are provided between the expansion / contraction section 10 and the first main surfaces R1 of the plurality of temperature sensors 20.

[0055] This configuration can improve the adhesion between the heat-conducting plates 30 and the expansion / contraction section 10. Therefore, detachment of the heat-conducting plates 30 can be suppressed.

[0056] In the catheter device 1, the heat-conducting plates 30 are spaced apart from one another.

[0057] With this configuration, by dividing each heat conduction plate 30 into smaller sections, the heat conduction plate 30 is less susceptible to influences other than those being measured, and heating of the heat conduction plate 30 itself can be suppressed, thereby improving the accuracy of temperature measurement in the catheter device 1.

[0058] In the catheter device 1, the plurality of temperature sensors 20 are provided on each of the plurality of heat-conducting plates 30.

[0059] This configuration makes it easier to identify the area where heat is being generated.

[0060] In the catheter device 1 , the plurality of heat-conducting plates 30 have a thickness smaller than that of the plurality of temperature sensors 20 .

[0061] With this configuration, the plurality of heat-conducting plates 30 can more easily follow the deformation of the expansion / contraction section 10 .

[0062] In the catheter device 1 , the plurality of heat-conducting plates 30 are integrally formed with the expansion / contraction section 10 .

[0063] Such a configuration makes the catheter device 1 easier to manufacture.

[0064] In the catheter device 1, when the expansion / contraction section 10 is in a second contraction state different from the first contraction state, the expansion / contraction section 10 forms an expansion angle by moving the inner walls 12 apart from each other at the multiple first folds 14A, 14B, 14D, 14E, 14F, and 14H from the first contraction state.

[0065] With this configuration, the heat conduction plate 30 of the expansion / contraction unit 10 in the second contracted state is more likely to come into contact with the living body because it is wider than in the first contracted state. On the other hand, if the second contracted state is smaller than the expanded state, compression of the living body by the expansion / contraction unit 10 in the second contracted state can be suppressed.

[0066] In the catheter device 1, the expansion / contraction section 10 has an even number of first folds 14A to 14H.

[0067] This configuration makes it easier to contract the expansion / contraction unit 10 into a flat shape compared to when the expansion / contraction unit 10 has an odd number of folds. When a living body forms a flat space, the plurality of heat conduction plates 30 are more likely to come into contact with the living body.

[0068] In the catheter device 1, when the expansion / contraction section 10 is in the second contracted state, the expansion / contraction section 10 contracts into a flattened shape having a major axis L in a cross section perpendicular to the first folds 14A to 14H. Two of the first folds 14A to 14H face each other on the major axis L.

[0069] This configuration makes it even easier to contract the expansion / contraction section 10 into a flat shape having a long axis.

[0070] In the catheter device 1, the spreading angles of the two opposing first folds 14C and 14G are different from the spreading angles of the other first folds 14A, 14B, 14D, 14E, 14F, and 14H.

[0071] This configuration makes it even easier to contract the expansion / contraction section 10 into a flat shape having a long axis.

[0072] In the catheter device 1, the plurality of temperature sensors 20 are provided away from the plurality of first folds 14A to 14H.

[0073] This configuration can prevent bending stress from being applied to the temperature sensors 20. Therefore, the temperature sensors 20 can be prevented from breaking down or coming off.

[0074] In the catheter device 1, the expansion / contraction section 10 is a balloon or a flexible substrate.

[0075] This configuration makes it easy for the expansion and contraction portion 10 to expand and contract.

[0076] In this embodiment, the expansion / contraction unit 10 is folded like an umbrella in the contracted state, but this is not limiting. In the contracted state, the expansion / contraction unit 10 may be spirally wound or irregularly collapsed. In the contracted state, it is sufficient that the internal space K of the expansion / contraction unit 10 is smaller than in the expanded state.

[0077] In this embodiment, the expansion / contraction unit 10 is a balloon or a flexible substrate, but is not limited to this. The expansion / contraction unit 10 may have, for example, a wire that curves and expands radially to form a basket portion that surrounds the internal space K.

[0078] In this embodiment, the expansion / contraction unit 10 in the contracted state has eight first folds 14A to 14H, but is not limited to this. The expansion / contraction unit 10 may have four or more folds that protrude outward.

[0079] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the expansion / contraction unit 10 forms the first folds 14A to 14H when the expansion / contraction unit 10 is in the expanded state, but this is not limiting. For example, when the expansion / contraction unit 10 is in the expanded state, the expansion / contraction unit 10 may not form the first folds 14A to 14H, and the outer wall 13 may form the circumferential surface of a cylinder.

[0080] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which a divergence angle is formed between the inner walls 12 when the expansion / contraction unit 10 is in the first contracted state, but this is not limiting. When the expansion / contraction unit 10 is in the first contracted state, the inner walls 12 on both sides of the first folds 14A to 14H may be in contact with each other. That is, the first divergence angle θ1 may be 0°. In this case, the portions of the expansion / contraction unit 10 that form the first folds 14A to 14H may be referred to as "vanes." When the expansion / contraction unit 10 is in the first contracted state, the multiple vanes may be wound. Specifically, the multiple vanes may be arranged radially when viewed from the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the expansion / contraction unit 10 and may be wound spirally around the axis C.

[0081] In the present embodiment, an example in which one heat conduction plate 30 is provided across one of the first folds 14A to 14H has been described, but this is not limiting. One heat conduction plate 30 may be provided across multiple adjacent folds among the first folds 14A to 14H.

[0082] In the present embodiment, an example in which one temperature sensor 20 is provided for each of the plurality of heat conduction plates 30 has been described, but this is not limiting. Multiple temperature sensors 20 may be provided for one heat conduction plate 30. Furthermore, the catheter device 1 may have a temperature sensor that is not in contact with the heat conduction plate 30.

[0083] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 20 is formed inside the heat conduction plate 30 when viewed from the stacking direction of the heat conduction plate 30 and the expansion / contraction unit 10, but this is not limiting. The catheter device 1 may have a temperature sensor 20 that protrudes from the heat conduction plate 30 when viewed from the stacking direction of the heat conduction plate 30 and the expansion / contraction unit 10.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the heat conduction plate 30 has been described as having a rectangular shape, but is not limited thereto. When viewed from the stacking direction of the heat conduction plate 30 and the expansion / contraction section 10, the heat conduction plate 30 may have any shape.

[0085] [Modifications] Modifications will be described below. In the modifications, the same or equivalent components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0086] <Modification 1> Fig. 6A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter device 101 in the expanded state of Modification 1. Fig. 6B is a plan view of a portion of the catheter device 101 in the expanded state, as seen from the stacking direction of the heat-conducting plate 30 and the expansion / contraction unit 10.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the catheter device 101 has a heat-conducting plate 30 located away from the fold.

[0088] In the catheter device 101, the temperature sensors 20 are provided in central regions of the heat conduction plates 30. The central regions of the heat conduction plates 30 refer to, for example, the central regions obtained by dividing the heat conduction plate 30 into three equal regions in the Z direction and in the direction along the outer periphery of the expansion / contraction section 10. When the heat conduction plate 30 has a rectangular shape, the central region of the heat conduction plate 30 refers to, for example, the region near the intersection of two diagonals of the heat conduction plate 30.

[0089] With this configuration, heat generated at the edges and corners of the heat conducting plate 30 can be conducted more uniformly to the temperature sensor 20 .

[0090] <Modification 2> Fig. 7A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter device 201 in the expanded state of Modification 2. Fig. 7B is a plan view of a portion of the catheter device 201 in the expanded state, as seen from the stacking direction of the heat-conducting plate 230 and the expansion / contraction unit 10.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the catheter device 201 has a heat-conducting plate 230 located away from the fold.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 7A, the temperature sensor 20 and a heat conduction plate 230 are stacked in this order in the expansion / contraction section 10. The heat conduction plate 230 is provided on the second main surface R2 of the temperature sensor 20. The heat conduction plate 230 is provided on the second main surface R2 of the temperature sensor 20, the side surface of the temperature sensor 20, and the expansion / contraction section 10 so as to cover the temperature sensor 20. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7B, it is possible to prevent the second main surface R2 and the side surface of the temperature sensor 20 from being exposed from the heat conduction plate 230.

[0093] The temperature sensor 20 is adhered to the expansion / contraction unit 10 by, for example, an adhesive. The heat-conducting plate 230 is adhered to the temperature sensor 20 and the expansion / contraction unit 10 by, for example, an adhesive.

[0094] With this configuration, the heat conducting plate 230 functions as a protective layer for the temperature sensor 20. Therefore, the temperature sensor 20 can be prevented from breaking down or coming off.

[0095] In the second modification, the heat conduction plate 230 covers the second main surface R2 and the side surface of the temperature sensor 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the heat conduction plate 230 may expose a part of the side surface or the second main surface R2 of the temperature sensor 20.

[0096] <Modification 3> FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a catheter device 301 in an expanded state according to Modification 3. As shown in FIG.

[0097] 8, a catheter device 301 has a single heat-conducting plate material 330 instead of multiple heat-conducting plates 30. The heat-conducting plate material 330 is provided on the outer wall 13 of the expansion / contraction unit 10. For example, the heat-conducting plate material 330 covers the entire outer wall 13 of the expansion / contraction unit 10. The heat-conducting plate material 330 is provided with multiple temperature sensors 20.

[0098] Such a configuration allows a wider range of temperatures to be conducted to the multiple temperature sensors 20 .

[0099] In Modification 3, an example in which the heat-conducting plate material 330 covers the entire expansion / contraction unit 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The heat-conducting plate material 330 only needs to have an area larger than that of the temperature sensor 20 with which it is in contact. Part of the expansion / contraction unit 10 may be exposed from the heat-conducting plate material 330.

[0100] <Modification 4> FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a catheter device 401 in a second contracted state according to Modification 4. As shown in FIG.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 9 , when the expansion / contraction unit 410 is in the second contracted state, the expansion / contraction unit 410 has first folds 44A to 44H that protrude outward from the internal space K and second folds 45A to 45H that are recessed inward into the internal space K. When the expansion / contraction unit 410 is in the second contracted state, the expansion / contraction unit 410 contracts into a flattened shape having a major axis L in a cross section (XY plane) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Z direction). The expansion / contraction unit 410 is symmetrical with respect to the major axis L. The inwardly recessed second folds 45C and 45G are located on the major axis L and face each other. The first folds 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44H are located on one side (+Y side) of the major axis L, and the first folds 44D, 44E, 44F, and 44G are located on the other side (-Y side) of the major axis L. The first folds 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44H on one side of the long axis L face the first folds 44D, 44E, 44F, and 44G on the other side of the long axis L, respectively.

[0102] When the expansion / contraction section 410 is in the second contracted state, the expansion / contraction section 410 moves the inner walls 12 of the expansion / contraction section 10 on both sides of each first fold 44A, 44B, 44E, 44F farther apart than in the first contracted state, forming a divergence angle (e.g., second divergence angle θ2). Meanwhile, the divergence angles (e.g., fifth divergence angle θ5) of the first folds 44C, 44D, 44G, 44H, 44C, 44D, 44G, 44H, are different from those of the other folds. The divergence angles of the first folds 44C, 44D, 44G, 44H may be smaller than those of the other folds. The divergence angles of the first folds 44C, 44D, 44G, 44H may be 0°.

[0103] The first folds 44C, 44D, 44G, 44H or the second folds 45C, 45G may be bent so that they are easier to bend than the other folds.

[0104] <Modification 5> Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a catheter device 501 in an expanded state according to Modification 5. Fig. 11A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the catheter device 501 in an expanded state according to Modification 5. Fig. 11B is a plan view of a portion of the catheter device 501 in an expanded state, as viewed from the stacking direction of the heat-conducting plate 530 and the expansion / contraction unit 10. Figs. 12A to 12E are plan views of a portion of the catheter device 501 in an expanded state, showing modifications of the opening 551.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 10, 11A, and 11B, the catheter device 501 has a heat-conducting plate 530 provided with a plurality of openings 551 penetrating in the stacking direction.

[0106] 11B , in the heat conduction plate 530, at least some of the multiple openings 551 are provided in a first region R51 that straddles one of the folds 14 (a collective term for the folds 14A to 14H). In other words, in the heat conduction plate 530, at least some of the multiple openings 551 are provided at positions that overlap the fold 14.

[0107] In the fifth modification, an opening 551 is also provided in a second region R52 of the heat-conducting plate 530, which is adjacent to the first region R51 and is away from the fold 14.

[0108] On the other hand, in the heat conduction plate 530, the temperature sensor 20 is arranged in a third region R53 different from the first region R51 and the second region R52. No opening 551 is provided in the third region R53 where the temperature sensor 20 is arranged. In Modification 5, the third region R53 is arranged adjacent to the first region R51, with the first region R51 (i.e., the fold 14) sandwiched between the third region R53 and the second region R52. Note that the third region R53 may also be arranged adjacent to the second region R52.

[0109] The third region R53 has an area smaller than that of the second region R52. The area of ​​the third region R53 is preferably 10 times or more and 300 times or less the projected area of ​​the temperature sensor 20.

[0110] By providing the temperature sensor 20 in the third region R53 instead of the first region R51, it can be separated from the fold 14. Therefore, the temperature sensor 20 is less likely to be subjected to a force caused by bending along the fold 14, and the temperature sensor 20 is less likely to be damaged.

[0111] In the fifth modification, each opening 551 has a rectangular shape, and the openings 551 are regularly arranged in the heat-conducting plate 530. Specifically, the openings 551 are arranged in a matrix aligned in the X direction and the Z direction. The openings 551 may be arranged at equal intervals in the X direction and the Z direction.

[0112] It should be noted that the openings 551 may have any shape and may be arranged differently than in a matrix, as shown in Figures 12A to 12E.

[0113] 11B , in Modification 5, the total opening area of ​​the openings 551 in one heat conduction plate 530 is larger than the area of ​​the heat conduction plate 530 that defines the openings 551 in the first region R51 and the second region R52. Moreover, on the side (+X side) opposite to the one side of the fold 14 where the temperature sensor 20 is provided, the total opening area of ​​the openings 551 is larger than the area of ​​the heat conduction plate 530 that defines the openings 551.

[0114] Note that on the side (+X side) opposite to the one side of the fold 14 where the temperature sensor 20 is provided, the total opening area of ​​the opening 551 may be smaller than the area of ​​the heat conduction plate 530 that defines the opening 551. With this configuration, the thermal resistance of the heat conduction plate 530 is reduced, and the temperature responsiveness of the temperature sensor 20 is improved.

[0115] [Effects] The catheter device 501 according to the fifth modification can provide the following effects.

[0116] In the catheter device 501, the heat-conducting plate 530 is provided with a plurality of openings 551 penetrating in the stacking direction.

[0117] This configuration improves the flexibility of the heat conduction plate 530. This makes it easier to expand the catheter device 501 from the first contracted state to the expanded state, and the heat conduction plate 530 comes into contact with the living body, such as the esophagus. In addition, it also makes it easier to contract the catheter device 501 from the expanded state to the first contracted state or the second contracted state, making it easier to reduce the size of the catheter device 501 in each contracted state.

[0118] In the catheter device 501, the heat-conducting plate 530 defines a first region R51 spanning one of the plurality of folds 14 and a second region R52 adjacent to the first region R51. A plurality of openings 551 are provided in the first region R51.

[0119] This configuration improves the flexibility of the heat conduction plate 530 around the folds 14. When the catheter device 501 is expanded from the first contracted state to the expanded state, the folds 14 are more easily stretched, the expansion / contraction section 10 is more easily expanded, and the heat conduction plate 530 is more easily brought into contact with the living body.

[0120] In the catheter device 501, the multiple openings 551 are provided in the second region R52.

[0121] With this configuration, compared to a heat conduction plate 530 without an opening in the second region R52, it is possible to reduce the area of ​​the heat conduction plate 530 while maintaining the outer contour of the heat conduction plate 530 and the area that comes into contact with the living body, such as the esophagus, and at the same time, the heat capacity of the heat conduction plate 530 is reduced, and the temperature responsiveness of the temperature sensor 20 is improved.

[0122] In the catheter device 501, the heat-conducting plate 530 further defines a third region R53, which is different from the first region R51 and the second region R52 and in which at least one of the plurality of temperature sensors 20 is provided.

[0123] With this configuration, the thermal resistance of the heat-conducting plate 530 in the third region R53 can be reduced compared to when the opening 551 is provided in the third region R53. As a result, the temperature response of the temperature sensor 20 is improved.

[0124] It is to be noted that only one opening 551 may be formed in the heat-conducting plate 530 .

[0125] (Embodiment 2) A catheter device 601 according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described. In embodiment 2, differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described, and descriptions that overlap with embodiment 1 will be omitted. In embodiment 2, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in embodiment 1 will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0126] Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a catheter device 601 in an expanded state according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view of the catheter device 601 in a first contracted state. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the catheter device 601 in an expanded state. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the catheter device 601 in a first contracted state.

[0127] In the second embodiment, the catheter device 601 differs from the catheter device 1 according to the first embodiment in the structure of the expansion / contraction section 610. The expansion / contraction section 610 may be formed from the same material as the expansion / contraction section 10 according to the first embodiment (e.g., a flexible substrate).

[0128] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the catheter device 601 includes an expansion / contraction section 610, a case 611 (FIG. 14), a plurality of temperature sensors 20, and a plurality of heat-conducting plates 30.

[0129] 13 , the expansion / contraction portion 610 is a sheet-like member having folds 644 and 645. The expansion / contraction portion 610 has a first end 621 and a second end 622 that are spaced apart from each other in the X direction and extend in the longitudinal direction (Z direction). The expansion / contraction portion 610 has a front surface 623 that extends between the first end 621 and the second end 622, and a back surface 624 opposite the front surface.

[0130] The folds 644, 645 extend in the longitudinal direction between the first end 621 and the second end 622. The folds 644 are mountain folds and the folds 645 are valley folds, and the folds 644, 645 are alternately arranged from the first end 621 to the second end 622. Therefore, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, the expansion / contraction portion 610 has a pleated fold structure and is a corrugated sheet-like member.

[0131] 15 , when the expansion / contraction portion 610 is in the expanded state, the distance in the X direction between the first end 621 and the second end 622 is a first distance D1, the distance between adjacent mountain folds 644 is a second distance D2, and the distance between adjacent valley folds 645 is a third distance D3. As shown in FIG. 16 , when the expansion / contraction portion 610 is in the first contracted state, the distance in the X direction between the first end 621 and the second end 622 is a fourth distance D4, the distance between adjacent mountain folds 644 is a fifth distance D5, and the distance between adjacent valley folds 645 is a sixth distance D6. The fourth distance D4 is smaller than the first distance D1, the fifth distance D5 is smaller than the second distance D2, and the sixth distance D6 is smaller than the third distance D3.

[0132] In other words, the expansion / contraction section 610 has a structure that expands and contracts in the X direction, and the change in dimension in the X direction is greater than the change in dimension in the Y direction or Z direction.

[0133] The case 611 is a member that houses the expansion / contraction unit 610 in the first contracted state (see FIG. 16). In FIG. 13, a part of the case 611 is omitted.

[0134] 13 and 14 , the case 611 has a main body 614 and a cap 615. The main body 614 is a tubular member with at least one open end and defines a space therein for accommodating the expansion / contraction unit 610. The cap 615 is a member that closes one end of the main body 614 and is detachable from the main body 614. One end of the expansion / contraction unit 610 is connected to the cap 615. Therefore, by pulling the cap 615 away from the main body 614 in the longitudinal direction, the expansion / contraction unit 610 is removed from the main body 614 and expands, changing from the first contracted state to the expanded state.

[0135] 13 , the catheter device 601 further includes two support portions 613 that extend along the first end 621 and the second end 622 of the expansion / contraction portion 610 and are bundled together at each longitudinal end of the expansion / contraction portion 610. On one longitudinal side, the support portions 613 are bundled together and pass through the inside of the main body 614. The support portions 613 may protrude from the side of the main body 614 opposite the cap 615. On the other longitudinal side, the support portions 613 are connected to the inner wall surface of the cap 615. Each support portion 613 is, for example, a wire connected to the first end 621 or the second end 622.

[0136] In the expanded state, by pulling the support parts 613 passing through the main body 614 in a direction (+Z direction) in which the cap 615 approaches the main body 614, the separated support parts 613 can be brought closer to each other, and the expansion / contraction part 610 can be retracted into the main body 614. Specifically, by pulling the support parts 613, the spacing between the support parts 613 in the X direction, i.e., the spacing between the first end 621 and the second end 622, can be reduced, and the expansion / contraction part 610 can be contracted to a first contracted state and stored within the main body 614.

[0137] In the second embodiment, the main body 614 is cylindrical, and the cap 615 has a rounded tip. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent damage to the living body when the catheter device 601 is introduced into the living body.

[0138] In the second embodiment, the temperature sensors 20 are stacked only on one side in the stacking direction, i.e., on the surface 623, of the expansion / contraction section 610. Furthermore, the temperature sensors 20 are stacked on one side in the X direction of the mountain fold 644, and are omitted from the other side in the X direction. With this configuration, in the first contracted state, it is possible to prevent the temperature sensors 20 from coming into contact with each other and peeling off, and the temperature sensors 20 can be protected by the expansion / contraction section 610.

[0139] In the second embodiment, the heat-conducting plate 30 and the temperature sensor 20 are provided on only one of the adjacent mountain folds 644 .

[0140] [Effects] The catheter device 601 according to the second embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0141] In the catheter device 601, the expansion / contraction portion 610 is sheet-like and extends between a first end 621 and a second end 622 spaced apart from the first end 621. The expansion / contraction portion 610 has a plurality of folds 644, 645 extending along the first end 621 between the first end 621 and the second end 622. When the expansion / contraction portion 610 is in the first contracted state, the distance between the first end 621 and the second end 622 is smaller than when the expansion / contraction portion 610 is in the expanded state.

[0142] This configuration facilitates space-saving of the expansion / contraction section 610 in the first contracted state, making it easier to introduce the catheter device 601 into a living body even if it has an expanded shape in the expanded state and an expanded temperature measurement range.

[0143] In the catheter device 601, the multiple folds 644, 645 have alternating mountain folds and valley folds arranged from the first end 621 toward the second end 622. When the expansion / contraction portion 610 is in the first contracted state, the spacing between adjacent mountain folds is smaller and the spacing between adjacent valley folds is smaller than when the expansion / contraction portion 610 is in the expanded state.

[0144] This configuration makes it easier to achieve space saving for the expansion / contraction section 610 in the first contracted state.

[0145] In the catheter device 601, the plurality of temperature sensors 20 are stacked on one side in the stacking direction in the expansion / contraction section 610.

[0146] With this configuration, it becomes easier to achieve space saving for the expansion / contraction section 610 in the first contracted state compared to when the temperature sensors 20 are provided on both sides of the expansion / contraction section 610 .

[0147] The catheter device 601 further includes a case 611 that houses the expansion / contraction section 610 in the first contracted state.

[0148] This configuration can prevent the temperature sensor 20 from falling off when it is introduced into a living body.

[0149] In the catheter device 601, the case 611 has a cylindrical main body 614 and a cap 615 that is removable from the open end of the main body 614. The cap 615 is connected to an end of the expansion / contraction section 610 in the longitudinal direction.

[0150] This configuration allows the catheter device 601 to be easily expanded by the action of pulling the cap 615 away from the body 614.

[0151] It should be noted that, in this specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as expressing or implying relative importance or ranking of technical features. Features qualified as "first" and "second" expressly or imply the inclusion of one or more of such features.

[0152] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.

[0153] (Summary of embodiment) (1) A catheter device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an expansion / contraction section that is expandable and contractible, a plurality of temperature sensors fixed to the expansion / contraction section, and a heat-conducting plate material that is stacked on the expansion / contraction section and in contact with the plurality of temperature sensors, and when the expansion / contraction section is in a first contracted state, the expansion / contraction section is sheet-shaped with at least one main surface, and the heat-conducting plate material has higher thermal conductivity than the expansion / contraction section and has a larger area than the plurality of temperature sensors that it contacts, when viewed in the stacking direction of the heat-conducting plate material and the expansion / contraction section.

[0154] (2) In the catheter device of (1), the plurality of temperature sensors may be located inside the heat-conducting plate material when viewed from the stacking direction of the heat-conducting plate material and the expansion / contraction section.

[0155] (3) In the catheter device of (1) or (2), each of the plurality of temperature sensors may have a first main surface facing the expansion / contraction section and a second main surface opposite the first main surface, and the heat-conducting plate material may be provided between the expansion / contraction section and the first main surfaces of the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0156] (4) In any one of the catheter devices (1) to (3), each of the plurality of temperature sensors may have a first main surface facing the expansion / contraction section and a second main surface opposite the first main surface, and the heat-conducting plate material may be provided on the second main surface of the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0157] (5) In the catheter device of any one of (1) to (4), the heat-conducting plate material may have a plurality of heat-conducting plates spaced apart from each other.

[0158] (6) In the catheter device of (5), the plurality of temperature sensors may be provided on each of the plurality of heat-conducting plates.

[0159] (7) In the catheter device of (6), the plurality of temperature sensors may be provided in the central region of the plurality of heat conductive plates.

[0160] (8) In the catheter device of any one of (1) to (7), the heat conductive plate material may have a thickness smaller than that of the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0161] (9) In the catheter device of any one of (1) to (8), the heat-conducting plate material may be formed integrally with the expansion / contraction section.

[0162] (10) In any one of the catheter devices (1) to (9), when the expansion / contraction section is in a first contraction state, the expansion / contraction section is folded back at multiple folds to bring the inner walls closer together, and the heat-conducting plate material may be provided in the expansion / contraction section across one of the multiple folds.

[0163] (11) In the catheter device of (10), when the expansion / contraction section is in a second contraction state different from the first contraction state, the expansion / contraction section may form an expansion angle by separating the inner walls from each other at multiple folds more than in the first contraction state.

[0164] (12) In the catheter device of (11), the expansion / contraction section may have an even number of folds.

[0165] (13) In the catheter device of (12), when the expansion / contraction section is in the second contracted state, the expansion / contraction section may contract into a flat shape having a long axis in a cross section perpendicular to the plurality of folds, and two of the plurality of folds may face each other on the long axis.

[0166] (14) In the catheter device of (13), the divergence angles of two opposing folds may be different from the divergence angles of the other folds.

[0167] (15) In the catheter device of any one of (10) to (14), the plurality of temperature sensors may be provided apart from the plurality of folds.

[0168] (16) In the catheter device of any one of (1) to (15), the expansion / contraction portion may be a balloon or a flexible substrate.

[0169] (17) In the catheter device of any one of (1) to (16), the heat-conducting plate material is provided with one or more openings penetrating in the stacking direction.

[0170] (18) In the catheter device of (17), the heat conductive plate material defines a first region spanning one of the plurality of folds and a second region adjacent to the first region, and one or more openings are provided in the first region.

[0171] (19) In the catheter device of (18), the one or more openings are provided in the second region.

[0172] (20) In the catheter device of (19), the heat-conducting plate material further defines a third region different from the first region and the second region, in which at least one of the plurality of temperature sensors is provided.

[0173] (21) In any one of the catheter devices (1) to (20), the expansion / contraction section is sheet-shaped extending between a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, and has a plurality of folds extending along the first end between the first end and the second end, and when the expansion / contraction section is in the first contracted state, the distance between the first end and the second end is smaller than when the expansion / contraction section is in the expanded state.

[0174] (22) In the catheter device of (21), the plurality of folds have mountain folds and valley folds that alternate from the first end toward the second end, and when the expansion / contraction section is in the first contracted state, the spacing between adjacent mountain folds is smaller and the spacing between adjacent valley folds is smaller than when the expansion / contraction section is in the expanded state.

[0175] (23) In the catheter device of (21) or (22), the plurality of temperature sensors are stacked on one side in the stacking direction in the expansion / contraction section.

[0176] (24) The catheter device according to any one of (21) to (23), further comprising a case that houses the expansion / contraction section in the first contracted state.

[0177] (25) In the catheter device of (24), the case has a cylindrical body and a removable cap at the open end of the body, and the longitudinal end of the inflation / deflation section is connected to the cap.

[0178] The catheter device of the present disclosure is useful for insertion into a patient's body to measure temperature.

[0179] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 catheter device 10 expansion / contraction section 12 inner wall 13 outer wall 14A-14H first fold 15A-15H second fold 20 temperature sensor 30 heat conducting plate K internal space θ1-θ4 divergence angles

Claims

1. A catheter device comprising: an expansion and contraction section that is expandable and contractible; a plurality of temperature sensors fixed to the expansion and contraction section; and a heat conductive plate material laminated to the expansion and contraction section and in contact with the plurality of temperature sensors, wherein when the expansion and contraction section is in a first contracted state, the expansion and contraction section is sheet-like having at least one main surface, and the heat conductive plate material has higher thermal conductivity than the expansion and contraction section and has a larger area than the plurality of temperature sensors it contacts, when viewed in the stacking direction of the heat conductive plate material and the expansion and contraction section, and when the expansion and contraction section is in the first contracted state, the expansion and contraction section is folded back at a plurality of folds to bring inner walls closer together, and the heat conductive plate material is provided in the expansion and contraction section across one of the plurality of folds.

2. The catheter device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors are located inside the heat-conducting plate material when viewed from the stacking direction of the heat-conducting plate material and the expansion / contraction section.

3. A catheter device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of temperature sensors has a first main surface facing the expansion / contraction section and a second main surface opposite the first main surface, and the heat conductive plate material is provided between the expansion / contraction section and the first main surfaces of the plurality of temperature sensors.

4. A catheter device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of temperature sensors has a first main surface facing the expansion / contraction section and a second main surface opposite the first main surface, and the heat conductive plate material is provided on the second main surface of the plurality of temperature sensors.

5. A catheter device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat-conducting plate material comprises a plurality of heat-conducting plates spaced apart from one another.

6. The catheter device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors are provided on each of the plurality of heat conductive plates.

7. The catheter device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors are provided in central regions of the plurality of heat conductive plates.

8. A catheter device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heat-conducting plate material has a thickness smaller than that of the plurality of temperature sensors.

9. A catheter device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heat-conducting plate material is integrally formed with the expansion / contraction section.

10. The catheter device according to claim 1, wherein when the expansion / contraction section is in a second contraction state different from the first contraction state, the expansion / contraction section causes the inner walls to move apart at the multiple folds from each other relative to the first contraction state, forming an expansion angle.

11. The catheter device according to claim 10, wherein the expansion / contraction section has an even number of folds.

12. The catheter device according to claim 11, wherein when the expansion / contraction section is in the second contracted state, the expansion / contraction section contracts into a flattened shape having a major axis in a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of folds extend, and two of the plurality of folds face each other on the major axis.

13. The catheter device of claim 12, wherein the divergence angle of two opposing folds is different from the divergence angle of any other fold.

14. A catheter device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors are provided away from the plurality of folds.

15. A catheter device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the expansion / contraction portion is a balloon or a flexible substrate.

16. The catheter device according to claim 1, wherein the heat-conducting plate material is provided with one or more openings penetrating in the stacking direction.

17. The catheter device of claim 16, wherein the heat-conducting plate material defines a first region spanning one of the plurality of folds and a second region adjacent to the first region, and the one or more openings are provided in the first region.

18. The catheter device of claim 17, wherein the one or more openings are provided in the second region.

19. The catheter device of claim 18, wherein the heat-conducting plate material further defines a third region different from the first region and the second region, the third region having at least one of the plurality of temperature sensors disposed therein.

20. The catheter device of claim 1, wherein the expansion / contraction portion is sheet-like extending between a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end, and has a plurality of folds extending along the first end between the first end and the second end, and when the expansion / contraction portion is in the first contracted state, the distance between the first end and the second end is smaller than when the expansion / contraction portion is in the expanded state.

21. The catheter device of claim 20, wherein the plurality of folds include alternating mountain folds and valley folds arranged from the first end to the second end, and when the expansion / contraction portion is in the first contracted state, the spacing between adjacent mountain folds is smaller and the spacing between adjacent valley folds is smaller than when the expansion / contraction portion is in the expanded state.

22. The catheter device according to claim 20, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors are stacked on one side in a stacking direction in the expansion / contraction section.

23. The catheter device of claim 20, further comprising a case that houses the expansion contraction portion in the first contracted state.

24. The catheter device according to claim 23, wherein the case has a cylindrical body and a removable cap for an open end of the body, and the longitudinal ends of the expansion and contraction section are connected to the cap.

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