Catheter system, catheter fixation system, object to be fixed, and fixation tool

Abstract

A catheter system 1 comprises a catheter device 10 and a fixation tool 20. The catheter device comprises: a tube part 11 having a first passage; a connection part 12 having a second passage which extends along a straight line; and a wire 13 passing through the first passage and the second passage. On the fixation tool, the connection part is removably fixed at a fixation position so that the second passage extends in an extending direction. The fixation tool has a mark at a position located apart from the fixation position by a separation distance in the extending direction. The separation distance is a length obtained, in a state in which the connection part is fixed to the fixation tool, by subtracting, from the full length of the wire, the sum of a target length representing a target value of a distal-side wire protrusion length, which is a wire length from the distal end of the tube part to the distal end of the wire, and the lengths of the first passage and the second passage from the distal end of the tube part to the fixation position.

Description

Catheter system, catheter fixing system, fixed body, and fixing device

[0001] The present invention relates to a catheter system, a catheter fixing system, a fixed body, and a fixing device.

[0002] A catheter system including a catheter device and a fixture is known. For example, in the catheter system described in Patent Document 1, the catheter device includes a tubular portion having a first passage, a connecting portion having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at a proximal end of the tubular portion and extends along a straight line, and a wire passing through the first passage and the second passage. Furthermore, the connecting portion is fixed to the fixture.

[0003] Patent No. 5124057

[0004] However, if the distal wire extension length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the tubular section, or the end of the wire, to the distal end of the wire, does not match the target length with high accuracy, it is difficult for the user to properly operate the distal end of the tubular section. For this reason, the distal wire extension length is measured by taking an X-ray of the area including the distal end of the tubular section and the distal end of the wire during use of the catheter device.

[0005] However, for example, when the distal end of the tubular section is considerably thin, it is often difficult to measure the distal wire extension length by imaging, which poses a problem that it is not possible to match the distal wire extension length with a target length with high accuracy.

[0006] One of the objects of the present invention is to match the distal wire extension length to a target length with high accuracy.

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a catheter system includes a catheter device and a fixture. The catheter device includes a tubular portion having a first passageway, a connecting portion having a second passageway communicating with the first passageway at a proximal end that is the proximal end of the tubular portion and extending along a straight line, and a wire passing through the first passageway and the second passageway. The fixture removably fixes the connecting portion at a fixed position so that the second passageway extends in the extension direction, and has a mark at a position spaced a distance from the fixed position in the extension direction.

[0008] The separation distance is the length obtained by subtracting the sum of the target length, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the tubular portion, which is the distal end of the tubular portion, to the distal end of the wire, which is the distal end of the wire, when the connection portion is fixed to the fixture, and the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the tubular portion to the fixed position, from the total length of the wire.

[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, a catheter fixing system includes a fixable body and a fixing device, wherein the fixable body constitutes at least a part of a connecting portion of a catheter device including a tubular portion having a first passage, a connecting portion having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at a proximal end that is the end proximal to the tubular portion and extends along a straight line, and a wire that passes through the inside of the first passage and the second passage.

[0010] The fixture removably fixes the fixed body at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in the extension direction, and has a mark at a position spaced a distance from the fixed position in the extension direction.

[0011] The separation distance is the length obtained by subtracting the sum of the target length, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the tubular portion, which is the distal end of the tubular portion, to the distal end of the wire, which is the distal end of the wire, when the object to be fixed is fixed to the fixing device, and the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the tubular portion to the fixing position, from the total length of the wire.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the fixed body constitutes at least a part of a connecting portion of a catheter device that includes a tubular portion having a first passage, a connecting portion having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at a proximal end that is the proximal end of the tubular portion and extends along a straight line, and a wire that passes through the inside of the first passage and the second passage.

[0013] The fixed body is removably fixed to the fixture at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in the extension direction. The fixture has a mark at a position separated by a separation distance from the fixed position in the extension direction. The separation distance is the sum of the target length, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the tubular portion, which is the distal end of the tubular portion, to the distal end of the wire, which is the distal end of the wire, when the fixed body is fixed to the fixture, and the lengths of the first passage and the second passage from the distal end of the tubular portion to the fixing position, minus the total length of the wire. The fixed body has a protrusion that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the second passage. The fixture has a recess into which at least a portion of the protrusion fits.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, the fixing device fixes the connection portion of a catheter device that includes a tubular portion having a first passage, a connecting portion having a second passage that communicates with the first passage at a proximal end that is the proximal end of the tubular portion and extends along a straight line, and a wire that passes through the inside of the first passage and the second passage.

[0015] The fixture has a connecting portion removably fixed at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in the extension direction, and has a mark at a position separated by a separation distance from the fixed position in the extension direction. The separation distance is a length obtained by subtracting the sum of a target length, which is a target value for a distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the tubular portion, which is the end of the wire distal side, to the distal end of the wire, and the lengths of the first passage and the second passage from the distal end of the tubular portion to the fixing position, from the total length of the wire when the connecting portion is fixed to the fixture.

[0016] The distal wire extension length can be matched to the target length with high accuracy.

[0017] 1 is a perspective view of a catheter system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a catheter system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of a catheter system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged sectional view of a catheter system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a catheter system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a catheter system according to a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged sectional view of a catheter system according to a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a catheter system according to a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a catheter system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a catheter system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side view of a catheter system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a catheter system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a catheter system according to the second embodiment.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of a catheter system, a catheter fixing system, a fixed body, and a fixing tool of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17.

[0019] <First embodiment> (Overview) A catheter system of a first embodiment includes a catheter device and a fixture. The catheter device includes a tubular portion having a first passageway, a connecting portion having a second passageway that communicates with the first passageway at a proximal end of the tubular portion and extends along a straight line, and a wire that passes through the first passageway and the second passageway.

[0020] The fastener has a connecting portion removably fixed at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in the extension direction, and has a mark at a position spaced a distance from the fixed position in the extension direction.

[0021] The separation distance is the length obtained by subtracting the sum of the target length, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the distal end of the tubular portion, which is the distal end of the tubular portion, to the distal end of the wire, which is the distal end of the wire, when the connection portion is fixed to the fixture, and the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the tubular portion to the fixed position, from the total length of the wire.

[0022] According to this, by fixing the connecting portion to the fixture and aligning the position of the proximal end of the wire, which is the end of the wire on the proximal side in the extension direction, with the position of the mark, it is possible to match the distal wire extension length with the target length with high accuracy. Next, the catheter system of the first embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0023] (Configuration) Hereinafter, the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment will be described using a right-handed Cartesian coordinate system having an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis as shown in Figures 1 to 6. Note that in this specification, a similar coordinate system is also used in Figures 7 to 17 described later.

[0024] In this example, the x-axis direction, y-axis direction, and z-axis direction may be respectively expressed as the left-right direction of the catheter system 1, the front-rear direction of the catheter system 1, and the up-down direction of the catheter system 1. Furthermore, in this example, the positive x-axis direction, negative x-axis direction, positive y-axis direction, negative y-axis direction, positive z-axis direction, and negative z-axis direction may be respectively expressed as the rightward direction of the catheter system 1, the leftward direction of the catheter system 1, the frontward direction of the catheter system 1, the rearward direction of the catheter system 1, the upward direction of the catheter system 1, and the downward direction of the catheter system 1. In this example, the positive z-axis direction and negative z-axis direction correspond to the vertically upward direction and the vertically downward direction, respectively.

[0025] 1 to 6 , the catheter system 1 includes a catheter device 10 and a fixture 20. In this example, the catheter device 10 is introduced into a blood vessel of a living body and used for intravascular surgery. For example, the catheter device 10 is used to inject a contrast agent or a drug, deliver a coil for embolizing a blood vessel or an aneurysm, or deliver a treatment device for removing a thrombus or dilating a stenotic area. For example, the catheter device 10 is used for treatment of a blood vessel in the brain. Note that the catheter device 10 may also be used for treatment of a blood vessel in a living body other than a blood vessel in the brain.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a view of the catheter system 1 as seen from a position to the right, rear, and above the catheter system 1 (in other words, a right rear-upper perspective view). Fig. 2 is a view of the catheter system 1 as seen from above the catheter system 1 (in other words, a plan view). Fig. 3 is a view of the catheter system 1 as seen from the right side of the catheter system 1 (in other words, a right side view).

[0027] Fig. 4 is a view of a portion of a cross section of the catheter system 1 taken along a plane represented by line IV-IV in Fig. 2, viewed in the positive direction of the y-axis. Fig. 5 is a right rear-upper perspective view of the catheter system 1 in a state in which the catheter device 10 has been separated from the fixture 20. Fig. 6 is a view of the catheter system 1 as viewed from a position to the right, rear, and below the catheter system 1 in a state in which the catheter device 10 has been separated from the fixture 20 (in other words, a right rear-lower perspective view).

[0028] The catheter device 10 includes a tube portion 11, a connecting portion 12, and a wire 13. The tube portion 11 is a tubular body. Therefore, the tube portion 11 has a first passage therein over the entire length of the tube portion 11. The first passage may be referred to as a lumen. The tube portion 11 is flexible. In this example, a cross section of the tube portion 11 taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tube portion 11 is annular.

[0029] In this example, the length of the tubular portion 11 is 1.50 m, 1.53 m, 1.56 m, 1.57 m, 1.60 m, or 1.65 m. The length of the tubular portion 11 may be 0.50 m to 2.0 m. For example, the length of the tubular portion 11 used for blood vessels in the head is often 1.50 m to 1.65 m. The length of the tubular portion 11 used for blood vessels in the abdomen is often 1.10 m to 1.50 m. In this example, the outer diameter of the cross section of the tubular portion 11 is 0.3 mm to 1 mm. The outer diameter of the cross section of the tubular portion 11 may be 1 mm to 5 mm. In this example, the inner diameter of the cross section of the tubular portion 11 (in other words, the diameter of the first passage) is 0.2 mm to 0.9 mm. The inner diameter of the cross section of the tubular portion 11 may be 0.9 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0030] 1 to 6 show the proximal end portion of the tubular portion 11, and omit depictions of the portion of the tubular portion 11 that is distal to the proximal end portion. Similarly, in Figures 7 to 17 described below, depictions of the portion of the tubular portion 11 that is distal to the proximal end portion are omitted.

[0031] In this specification, the term "distal side" refers to the side closer to the tip of the catheter device 10 (in this example, the tip of the tube 11 or wire 13, which is the front end of the catheter device 10 when introduced into a blood vessel). In addition, in this specification, the term "proximal side" refers to the side farther from the tip of the catheter device 10.

[0032] The connecting portion 12 has a second passage therein. The second passage communicates with the first passage of the tubular portion 11 at the proximal end, which is the end on the proximal side of the tubular portion 11, and extends along a straight line. In this example, the second passage is cylindrical and extends along a straight line. In this example, the diameter of the second passage is equal to the diameter of the first passage. Note that the diameter of the second passage may be different from the diameter of the first passage.

[0033] The connecting portion 12 includes a distal portion 121 adjacent to the tubular portion 11 , an intermediate portion 122 adjacent to the distal portion 121 , and a proximal portion 123 adjacent to the intermediate portion 122 .

[0034] Each of the distal portion 121, the intermediate portion 122, and the proximal portion 123 has a passage therein that forms the second passage. The distal portion 121 is connected to the tubular portion 11 at the proximal end of the tubular portion 11. In this example, the distal portion 121 is formed integrally with the tubular portion 11. The distal portion 121 may also be called a hub.

[0035] The intermediate portion 122 is connected to the distal portion 121 at the proximal end of the distal portion 121. In this example, the intermediate portion 122 is cylindrical with a central axis extending along the second passage. The intermediate portion 122 is removably fixed to the distal portion 121 by being threadedly engaged with the distal portion 121.

[0036] The intermediate portion 122 has a protruding portion 122a that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the second passage. The protruding portion 122a is an annular body having a central axis that extends along the second passage. In this example, the annular body is a circular annular body. Note that the protruding portion 122a may have rounded or filleted corners.

[0037] In this example, the protrusion 122a has a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron, cobalt, or nickel). For example, the protrusion 122a may have a plate-like ferromagnetic material only on the outer circumferential surface or in the vicinity of the outer circumferential surface. Alternatively, the entire protrusion 122a may be made of a ferromagnetic material. Alternatively, the protrusion 122a may be made of a material containing a powdered ferromagnetic material. In this example, the intermediate portion 122 corresponds to the object to be fixed.

[0038] The proximal portion 123 is connected to the intermediate portion 122 at the proximal end of the intermediate portion 122. The proximal portion 123 is removably fixed to the intermediate portion 122 by being threadedly engaged with the intermediate portion 122. In this example, the proximal portion 123 is a Y-shaped connector (in other words, a Y connector).

[0039] The proximal portion 123 has a large diameter portion 123a. The large diameter portion 123a constitutes the proximal end of the proximal portion 123 and is cylindrical with a central axis extending along the second passage. The diameter of the large diameter portion 123a is longer than the diameter of the portion of the intermediate portion 122 other than the protruding portion 122a. In this example, the large diameter portion 123a is a hemostatic valve.

[0040] The wire 13 is a thin wire and passes through the first passage of the pipe portion 11 and the second passage of the connection portion 12 .

[0041] The length of the wire 13 is longer than the sum of the length of the first passage of the pipe portion 11 and the length of the second passage of the connection portion 12. In this example, the length of the wire 13 is 2.0 m. The length of the wire 13 may be selected depending on the sum of the length of the first passage and the length of the second passage, and may be, for example, 0.50 m to 3 m. The diameter of the wire 13 is slightly shorter than the diameter of the first passage. In this example, the diameter of the wire 13 is 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. The diameter of the wire 13 may be 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0042] 1 to 6, a portion of the wire 13 that is proximal to the tubular portion 11 is shown, and a portion of the wire 13 that is distal to the tubular portion 11 is not shown. Similarly, in Figures 7 to 17 described below, a portion of the wire 13 that is distal to the tubular portion 11 is not shown.

[0043] Fixture 20 includes a base 21 and multiple (four in this example) legs 22. Base 21 is flat and extends along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis. In this example, base 21 is rectangular with short sides extending in the x-axis direction and long sides extending in the y-axis direction.

[0044] In this example, the length of the long side of the base portion 21 is 520 mm. The length of the long side of the base portion 21 may be 300 mm to 600 mm. In this example, the length of the short side of the base portion 21 is 120 mm. The length of the short side of the base portion 21 may be 60 mm to 240 mm. The base portion 21 may have a shape other than a rectangle (for example, a trapezoid, a triangle, a semi-ellipse, or a rectangle with rounded corners).

[0045] The base portion 21 has a first recess 21 a, a scale portion 21 b, and a second recess 21 c. The first recess 21 a forms a bottomed hole on the end face of the base portion 21 in the positive direction of the z axis. When the connection portion 12 is fixed to the fixture 20, the first recess 21 a is located vertically below the connection portion proximal end portion (in this example, the large diameter portion 123 a), which is the proximal end portion of the connection portion 12.

[0046] In this example, the first recess 21a extends over an area that includes the large diameter portion 123a when the catheter system 1 is viewed in the negative direction of the z axis with the connecting portion 12 fixed to the fixture 20. In other words, the first recess 21a extends in the y axis direction from a position further in the negative direction of the y axis than the large diameter portion 123a to a position further in the positive direction of the y axis than the large diameter portion 123a, and in the x axis direction from a position further in the negative direction of the x axis than the large diameter portion 123a to a position further in the positive direction of the x axis than the large diameter portion 123a.

[0047] In this example, the length of the first recess 21a in the y-axis direction is 40 mm. However, the length of the first recess 21a in the y-axis direction may be 20 mm to 60 mm.

[0048] The first recess 21 a has a shape that allows at least a portion of a liquid to be discharged from the first recess 21 a when the liquid is introduced into the first recess 21 a. For example, the first recess 21 a may have a shape that prevents the liquid from being stored in the first recess 21 a when the liquid is introduced into the first recess 21 a.

[0049] In this example, the first recess 21a extends in the x-axis direction from the end face of the base portion 21 facing in the negative x-axis direction to the end face of the base portion 21 facing in the positive x-axis direction. In this example, the bottom surface of the hole formed by the first recess 21a is a horizontal plane.

[0050] The bottom surface of the hole formed by the first recess 21a may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. For example, the bottom surface of the hole formed by the first recess 21a may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that one of both ends in the x-axis direction is higher than the other. The bottom surface of the hole formed by the first recess 21a may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the center in the x-axis direction is higher than both ends in the x-axis direction. The first recess 21a may have a hole in the bottom surface of the hole formed by the first recess 21a that penetrates the base portion 21 in the z-axis direction.

[0051] The scale portion 21b has multiple scale lines on the end face of the base portion 21 in the positive direction of the z-axis. The scale portion 21b extends in the y-axis direction from the end of the base portion 21 in the negative direction of the y-axis to a position further in the negative direction of the y-axis than the first recess 21a. In this example, the scale portion 21b is located in the center of the base portion 21 in the x-axis direction. However, the scale portion 21b may also be located at an end of the base portion 21 in the x-axis direction.

[0052] Each scale line is a straight line extending along the x-axis direction and having a predetermined length. The interval between adjacent scale lines in the y-axis direction is a predetermined first unit distance. In other words, the scale lines are equally spaced in the y-axis direction. In this example, the first unit distance is 1 mm. The first unit distance may be 0.5 mm, 2 mm, or the like. Furthermore, the length of each of the scale lines in the y-axis direction may be longer than the other scale lines by a second unit distance that is longer than the first unit distance. For example, the second unit distance is 5 mm or 10 mm.

[0053] In this example, the scale line located at the end in the negative y-axis direction of the plurality of scale lines is located on the end side in the negative y-axis direction of the base portion 21. In this example, the scale line located at the end in the negative y-axis direction of the plurality of scale lines is located at a distance from the fixed position in the y-axis direction. In this example, the y-axis direction corresponds to the extension direction.

[0054] In addition to the scale lines, the scale portion 21b may have numbers indicating distances in the y-axis direction. Furthermore, the scale portion 21b may have figures such as arrows, triangles, or diamonds in addition to or instead of the scale lines. In this case, the figures also correspond to marks.

[0055] The fixing position is the position where the connection portion 12 is fixed to the fixture 20. In this example, the fixing position is the position of the second recess 21c. The separation distance is the total length of the wire 13 (in other words, the total length) minus the sum of the target length, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length when the connection portion 12 is fixed to the fixture 20, and the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the tubular portion to the fixing position. The distal end of the tubular portion is the distal end of the tubular portion 11. The distal wire protrusion length is the length of the wire 13 from the distal end of the tubular portion to the wire distal end, which is the distal end of the wire 13. In this example, the target length is 5 mm. The target length may be a length of 0 mm to 60 mm.

[0056] In this example, the scale line located at the end of the negative y-axis direction of the multiple scale lines corresponds to the mark. In this example, the end edge of the base portion 21 in the negative y-axis direction corresponds to the edge extending in the x-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the y-axis direction. In this example, the end edge of the base portion 21 in the negative y-axis direction (in other words, the edge) also constitutes the mark. Note that in this example, since the end edge of the base portion 21 in the negative y-axis direction constitutes the mark, the base portion 21 does not need to have the scale portion 21b.

[0057] Which of the multiple scale lines is located at the separation distance from the fixed position in the y-axis direction may vary depending on the target length, the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the tube portion to the fixed position, and the overall length of the wire 13. Therefore, the scale line located at the separation distance from the fixed position in the y-axis direction may correspond to the mark. Alternatively, the scale portion 21b may only have a scale line located at the separation distance from the fixed position in the y-axis direction.

[0058] The second recess 21c forms a bottomed hole in the end face of the base portion 21 in the positive direction of the z-axis. The hole formed by the second recess 21c has a shape into which a portion of the protrusion 122a can be removably fitted, so that the second passage of the connection portion 12 extends in the y-axis direction when the connection portion 12 is fixed to the fixture 20. In this example, the portion of the protrusion 122a that fits into the hole formed by the second recess 21c is the end portion of the protrusion 122a in the vertically downward direction.

[0059] In this example, the second recess 21c is located in the center of the base portion 21 in the x-axis direction, and is located further in the positive y-axis direction than the first recess 21a.

[0060] In this example, the second recess 21 c has a magnet 21 c 1. In this example, the magnet 21 c 1 is located on or near the bottom surface of the hole formed by the second recess 21 c. In this example, the magnet 21 c 1 is located in the center of the bottom surface of the hole formed by the second recess 21 c.

[0061] With this configuration, a portion of the protrusion 122a fits into the second recess 21c so that the second passage of the connection portion 12 extends in the y-axis direction. At this time, the magnetic force of the magnet 21c1 in the second recess 21c acts to attract the protrusion 122a. This makes it easier for the portion of the protrusion 122a to fit into the second recess 21c and makes it less likely for the portion of the protrusion 122a to accidentally come out of the second recess 21c. In this way, the connection portion 12 is removably fixed to the fixing device 20 at the fixed position so that the second passage of the connection portion 12 extends in the y-axis direction.

[0062] In this example, the second recess 21c has a magnet 21c1, and the protrusion 122a has a ferromagnetic material. Alternatively, the second recess 21c may have a ferromagnetic material, and the protrusion 122a may have a magnet.

[0063] The multiple legs 22 protrude in the negative direction of the z axis from an end face of the base 21 that faces in the negative direction of the z axis. In this example, each leg 22 is frustum-shaped having a central axis extending in the z axis direction. Note that each leg 22 may have a shape other than a frustum-shaped (for example, a cylindrical, hemispherical, or polygonal prism shape). In this example, the position of each leg 22 relative to the base 21 in the z axis direction is adjustable. Note that the position of each leg 22 relative to the base 21 in the z axis direction may not be adjustable.

[0064] The multiple legs 22 are located at the four corners of the base portion 21. The number of legs 22 included in the fixing device 20 may be three. In this case, the multiple legs 22 may be located near both ends of the end side of the base portion 21 in the negative y-axis direction and near the midpoint of the end side in the positive y-axis direction. In this example, the fixing device 20 and the intermediate portion 122 correspond to a catheter fixing system.

[0065] (Example of Use) Next, we will explain an example of use of the catheter system 1. First, the user fits a part of the convex portion 122a into the second concave portion 21c. As a result, the connection portion 12 is removably fixed to the fixing device 20 at the fixed position so that the second passage of the connection portion 12 extends in the y-axis direction.

[0066] Next, the user aligns the position of the wire proximal end, which is the proximal end of the wire 13, with the positions of the marks (in this example, the scale line located at the end in the negative y-axis direction of the multiple scale lines and the end edge of the base portion 21 in the negative y-axis direction). Next, the user confirms that the distal wire protrusion length matches the target length.

[0067] Thereafter, the user removes the connecting portion 12 from the fixing device 20 so that the convex portion 122a is separated from the second concave portion 21c. Next, the user manipulates the connecting portion 12 and the wire 13 to alternately advance the tip of the wire 13 and the tip of the tube portion 11 within the blood vessel of the living body. Note that the user may manipulate the connecting portion 12 and the wire 13 without removing the connecting portion 12 from the fixing device 20.

[0068] Thereafter, when the user checks the difference between the distal wire protrusion length and the target length, the user fits a portion of the protrusion 122a into the second recess 21c, thereby removably fixing the connecting portion 12 to the fixing device 20 at the fixed position so that the second passage of the connecting portion 12 extends in the y-axis direction.

[0069] Next, the user checks the distance in the y-axis direction between the position of the proximal end of the wire and the position of the mark. This allows the user to check the difference between the distal wire extension length and the target length. If the user wants to match the distal wire extension length to the target length, the user manipulates the connection portion 12 and the wire 13 to match the position of the proximal end of the wire to the position of the mark.

[0070] As described above, the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment includes the catheter device 10 and the fixture 20. The catheter device 10 includes the tubular section 11 having a first passageway, the connecting section 12 having a second passageway that communicates with the first passageway at the proximal end that is the end on the proximal side of the tubular section 11 and extends along a straight line, and the wire 13 that passes through the inside of the first passageway and the second passageway.

[0071] The fixing device (20) has the connecting portion (12) removably fixed at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in the extension direction, and has a mark at a position spaced a distance from the fixed position in the extension direction.

[0072] The separation distance is the total length of the wire 13 minus the sum of the target length, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire 13 from the distal end of the tube 11, which is the distal end of the tube 11, to the distal end of the wire 13, which is the distal end of the wire 13, when the connection portion 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20, and the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the tube 11 to the fixed position.

[0073] By fixing the connection portion 12 to the fixing device 20 and aligning the position of the proximal end of the wire, which is the proximal end of the wire 13, with the position of the mark in the extension direction, the distal wire protrusion length can be matched to the target length with high accuracy.

[0074] Furthermore, in the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment, the fixing device 20 has a first recess 21a vertically below the proximal end of the connecting portion, which is the proximal end of the connecting portion 12, when the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20.

[0075] However, the proximal end of the connection part may be operated by the user's hand, and therefore, if the proximal end of the connection part is operated while the connection part is fixed to the fixture, there is a risk that the fixture may prevent the user from operating the proximal end of the connection part by hand.

[0076] In contrast, according to the catheter system 1, the fixing device 20 has a first recess 21a vertically below the proximal end of the connecting portion when the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20. This prevents the fixing device 20 from interfering with the operation of the proximal end of the connecting portion by the user's hand when the proximal end of the connecting portion is operated while the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fixing device 20.

[0077] Fixture 20 does not have to have first recess 21 a. In this case, for example, the diameter of intermediate portion 122 may be longer than the diameter of large diameter portion 123 a so that a sufficient gap is formed between the proximal end of connection portion 12 and base portion 21 when connection portion 12 is fixed to fixture 20.

[0078] Furthermore, in the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment, the first recess 21a has a shape that allows at least a part of the liquid to be discharged when the liquid is introduced into the first recess 21a.

[0079] However, liquid may leak from the proximal end of the connection portion. In this case, there is a risk that the liquid may accumulate in the first recess 21 a. In contrast, the catheter system 1 can prevent liquid from accumulating in the first recess 21 a.

[0080] Furthermore, for example, if the total amount of leaking liquid is small compared to the volume of the first recess 21a, the first recess 21a may have a shape that allows the liquid to be stored when the liquid is introduced into the first recess 21a.

[0081] Furthermore, in the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment, the connecting portion 12 has a protrusion 122a that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the second passage. The fixing device 20 has a second recess 21c into which at least a part of the protrusion 122a fits.

[0082] This allows the position where the connection portion 12 is fixed to the fixture 20 to be set accurately at a predetermined position.

[0083] Furthermore, in the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment, the convex portion 122a has one of a ferromagnetic material and a magnet (in this example, the ferromagnetic material), and the second concave portion 21c has the other of a ferromagnetic material and a magnet (in this example, the magnet 21c1).

[0084] This makes it possible to easily fix the connection portion 12 to the fixing device 20 and also to prevent the connection portion 12 from accidentally coming off the fixing device 20. Furthermore, the connection portion 12 can be easily removed from the fixing device 20.

[0085] The convex portion 122a and the second concave portion 21c may not necessarily include a ferromagnetic material or a magnet.

[0086] Furthermore, in the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment, the connection section 12 includes a distal section 121 adjacent to the tubular section 11, an intermediate section 122 adjacent to the distal section 121, and a proximal section 123 adjacent to the intermediate section 122. The distal section 121, the intermediate section 122, and the proximal section 123 each have a passage that forms the second passage. The intermediate section 122 includes a convex section 122a, and is removably fixed to the distal section 121 by being screwed onto it, and is removably fixed to the proximal section 123 by being screwed onto it.

[0087] The connecting portion is often composed of multiple parts that are removably fixed by screwing together. Therefore, according to the catheter system 1, the configuration of the connecting portion 12 can be easily changed between a configuration without the intermediate portion 122 and a configuration with the intermediate portion 122.

[0088] The connecting portion 12 may not include the intermediate portion 122. In this case, the connecting portion 12 may be removably fixed to the distal portion 121 by threading the proximal portion 123 into the distal portion 121, and the distal portion 121 or the proximal portion 123 may have a convex portion 122a. The distal portion 121 may also be composed of multiple components. In this case, the multiple components may be removably fixed by threading them together. The proximal portion 123 may also be composed of multiple components. In this case, the multiple components may be removably fixed by threading them together.

[0089] Furthermore, in the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment, the protrusion 122a is an annular body having a central axis extending along the second passage. A part of the protrusion 122a fits into the second recess 21c when the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fixture 20.

[0090] Incidentally, the connection part may be operated so as to rotate about a rotation axis extending along the second passage. In this case, if the connection part can be fixed to the fixture only when the connection part is rotated to a specific position, it may be difficult to fix the connection part to the fixture.

[0091] In contrast, according to the catheter system 1, the convex portion 122a of the connecting portion 12 is annular. Therefore, regardless of the rotational position of the base portion 21, the connecting portion 12 can be fixed to the fixing device 20 by fitting the convex portion 122a into the second recess 21c. As a result, the connecting portion 12 can be easily fixed to the fixing device 20. Note that the convex portion 122a may have a portion of the annular body missing. Also, the convex portion 122a does not have to be annular.

[0092] Furthermore, in the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment, the fixture 20 has an edge that forms a mark and extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction.

[0093] This allows the user to easily confirm the position of the proximal end of the wire and the position of the mark by touching the edge of fixture 20 and the proximal end of the wire. Note that the edge of fixture 20 does not have to constitute the mark. In this case, any one of the multiple scale lines on scale portion 21b may constitute the mark. Also, fixture 20 does not have to have an edge extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction. In this case, any one of the multiple scale lines on scale portion 21b may constitute the mark.

[0094] <First Modification of First Embodiment> Next, a catheter system according to a first modification of the first embodiment will be described. The catheter system according to the first modification of the first embodiment differs from the catheter system according to the first embodiment mainly in that the connection section does not include an intermediate section. The following description will focus on this difference. In the description of the first modification of the first embodiment, components that are assigned the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are the same or substantially similar components.

[0095] (Configuration) As shown in Figs. 7 to 10, a catheter system 1A according to a first modified example of the first embodiment includes a catheter device 10A and a fixture 20A.

[0096] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the catheter system 1A. Fig. 8 is a view of a portion of a cross section of the catheter system 1A taken along a plane represented by line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7, viewed in the positive direction of the y-axis. Fig. 9 is a right rear upper perspective view of the catheter system 1A in a state in which the catheter device 10A has been separated from the fixture 20A. Fig. 10 is a right rear lower perspective view of the catheter system 1A in a state in which the catheter device 10A has been separated from the fixture 20A.

[0097] The catheter device 10A differs from the catheter device 10 of the first embodiment in that it includes a connection portion 12A instead of the connection portion 12. The connection portion 12A includes a distal portion 121 adjacent to the tubular portion 11, a proximal portion 123 adjacent to the distal portion 121, and an outer peripheral portion 124A surrounding the outer periphery of the proximal portion 123.

[0098] Each of the distal portion 121 and the proximal portion 123 has a passage therein that forms the second passage. The distal portion 121 is connected to the tubular portion 11 at the proximal end of the tubular portion 11. In this example, the distal portion 121 is formed integrally with the tubular portion 11. The distal portion 121 may also be called a hub.

[0099] The proximal portion 123 is connected to the distal portion 121 at the proximal end of the distal portion 121. The proximal portion 123 is removably fixed to the distal portion 121 by being threadedly engaged with the distal portion 121. In this example, the proximal portion 123 is a Y-shaped connector (in other words, a Y connector).

[0100] The proximal portion 123 has a large diameter portion 123a and a small diameter portion 123b. The large diameter portion 123a constitutes the proximal end of the proximal portion 123 and is cylindrical with a central axis extending along the second passage. In this example, the large diameter portion 123a is a hemostatic valve. The small diameter portion 123b constitutes the distal end of the proximal portion 123 and is cylindrical with a central axis extending along the second passage. The diameter of the small diameter portion 123b is shorter than the diameter of the large diameter portion 123a. In this example, the distal portion 121 and the proximal portion 123 correspond to the main body portion.

[0101] The outer peripheral portion 124A surrounds the outer periphery of the small diameter portion 123b so that the small diameter portion 123b can rotate around a rotation axis extending along the second passage. In this example, the cross section of the outer peripheral portion 124A taken along a plane perpendicular to the second passage is C-shaped, and the outer peripheral portion 124A has a predetermined thickness in the direction along the second passage.

[0102] In this example, the outer peripheral portion 124A is made of an elastic material (for example, rubber, resin, or metal) and is removably attached to the small diameter portion 123b by elastic deformation.

[0103] The outer peripheral portion 124A has a protrusion 124aA that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the second passage. In this example, the protrusion 124aA protrudes vertically downward. In this example, a cross section of the protrusion 124aA taken along a horizontal plane is rectangular with a short side extending in the y-axis direction and a long side extending in the x-axis direction. Note that the corners of the protrusion 124aA may be rounded or filleted.

[0104] In this example, the convex portion 124aA has a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron or nickel). For example, the convex portion 124aA may have a plate-shaped ferromagnetic material only on the outer wall surface or in the vicinity of the outer wall surface. Alternatively, the entire convex portion 124aA may be made of a ferromagnetic material. Alternatively, the convex portion 124aA may be made of a material containing a powdered ferromagnetic material. In this example, the outer peripheral portion 124A corresponds to the object to be fixed.

[0105] Note that the outer circumferential portion 124A may have a member that engages with the proximal portion 123 so as to prohibit movement of the outer circumferential portion 124A relative to the small diameter portion 123b in the direction along the second passage. For example, the outer circumferential portion 124A and the small diameter portion 123b may have, on the surfaces where the outer circumferential portion 124A and the small diameter portion 123b contact each other, a protrusion that extends along a plane perpendicular to the second passage and a groove into which the protrusion fits. Note that the outer circumferential portion 124A may be configured so that the proximal portion 123 cannot rotate.

[0106] Fixture 20A differs from fixture 20 of the first embodiment in that it includes base portion 21A instead of base portion 21. Base portion 21A differs from base portion 21 of the first embodiment in that it includes second recess 21cA instead of second recess 21c.

[0107] The second recess 21cA forms a bottomed hole on the end surface of the base portion 21A facing in the positive direction of the z-axis. The hole formed by the second recess 21cA has a shape into which the protrusion 124aA can be removably fitted so that the second passage of the connection portion 12A extends in the y-axis direction when the connection portion 12A is fixed to the fixture 20A.

[0108] In this example, the second recess 21cA is located in the center of the base portion 21A in the x-axis direction, and is located further in the positive y-axis direction than the first recess 21a.

[0109] In this example, the second recess 21cA has a magnet 21c1A. In this example, the magnet 21c1A is located at or near the bottom surface of the hole formed by the second recess 21cA. In this example, the magnet 21c1A extends over the entire bottom surface of the hole formed by the second recess 21cA.

[0110] With this configuration, the protrusion 124aA fits into the second recess 21cA so that the second passage of the connection portion 12A extends in the y-axis direction. At this time, the magnetic force of the magnet 21c1A in the second recess 21cA acts to attract the magnet 21c1A to the protrusion 124aA. This makes it easier for the protrusion 124aA to fit into the second recess 21cA and makes it less likely for the protrusion 124aA to accidentally come off the second recess 21cA.

[0111] In this manner, the connecting portion 12A is removably secured to the anchor 20A in a fixed position such that the second passageway of the connecting portion 12A extends in the y-axis direction. In this example, the anchor 20A and the outer periphery 124A correspond to a catheter anchoring system.

[0112] As described above, the catheter system 1A of the first modified example of the first embodiment provides the same functions and effects as the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the catheter system 1A of the first modified example of the first embodiment, the connection portion 12A includes a main body portion (in this example, the distal portion 121 and the proximal portion 123) having the second passage, and an outer circumferential portion 124A having a convex portion 124aA and surrounding the outer periphery of the main body portion so that the main body portion is rotatable around a rotation axis extending along the second passage.

[0113] Incidentally, the connection part may be operated so as to rotate about a rotation axis extending along the second passage. In this case, if the connection part can be fixed to the fixture only when the connection part is rotated to a specific position, it may be difficult to fix the connection part to the fixture.

[0114] In contrast, according to the catheter system 1A, the main body of the connecting portion 12A is rotatable relative to the outer circumferential portion 124A having the convex portion 124aA. Therefore, regardless of the rotational position of the main body, the outer circumferential portion 124A can be fixed to the fixing device 20A. As a result, the connecting portion 12A can be easily fixed to the fixing device 20A.

[0115] Second Embodiment Next, a catheter system according to a second embodiment will be described. The catheter system according to the second embodiment differs from the catheter system according to the first embodiment mainly in that the fixing device is configured to change the position of the mark. The following description will focus on this difference. In the description of the second embodiment, components that are assigned the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are the same or substantially similar components.

[0116] (Configuration) As shown in Figs. 11 to 16, the catheter system 1B of the second embodiment differs from the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment in that a fixture 20B is provided instead of the fixture 20.

[0117] Fig. 11 is a right rear-upper perspective view of the catheter system 1B. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the catheter system 1B. Fig. 13 is a right side view of the catheter system 1B. Fig. 14 is a right rear-upper perspective view of the catheter system 1B in a state in which the catheter device 10 is separated from the fixing device 20B. Fig. 15 is a right rear-lower perspective view of the catheter system 1B in a state in which the catheter device 10 is separated from the fixing device 20B. Fig. 16 is a right rear-upper perspective view of the catheter system 1B in a contracted state of the fixing device 20B.

[0118] Fixing device 20B includes fixing portion 23B, marking portion 24B, a pair of bolts 25B, a pair of nuts 26B, and multiple (four in this example) legs 27B. Fixing portion 23B is flat and extends along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis. In this example, fixing portion 23B is rectangular with a short side extending in the x-axis direction and a long side extending in the y-axis direction.

[0119] In this example, the length of the long side of the fixing portion 23B is 300 mm. The length of the long side of the fixing portion 23B may be 100 mm to 500 mm. In this example, the length of the short side of the fixing portion 23B is 120 mm. The length of the short side of the fixing portion 23B may be 60 mm to 240 mm. The fixing portion 23B may have a shape other than a rectangle (for example, a trapezoid, a triangle, a semi-ellipse, or a rectangle with rounded corners).

[0120] The fixing portion 23B has a first recess 23aB, a notch 23bB, a downward protrusion 23cB, and a second recess 23dB. The first recess 23aB has the same configuration as the first recess 21a of the first embodiment.

[0121] The cutout portion 23bB forms a cutout at the end of the fixed portion 23B in the negative direction of the y-axis. The cutout portion 23bB is located in the center of the fixed portion 23B in the x-axis direction. In this example, the cutout formed by the cutout portion 23bB is square-shaped with sides extending in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction when the fixed portion 23B is viewed in the negative direction of the z-axis.

[0122] In this example, the length of the edge of the notch formed by the cutout portion 23bB is 40 mm. However, the length of the edge of the notch formed by the cutout portion 23bB may be 20 mm to 60 mm. Furthermore, the notch formed by the cutout portion 23bB may be rectangular.

[0123] The downward protrusion 23cB protrudes in the negative direction of the z axis from the end face of the fixed portion 23B that faces in the negative direction of the z axis. In other words, the downward protrusion 23cB is a portion of the fixed portion 23B that is longer in the z axis direction (i.e., thicker) than the remaining portions of the fixed portion 23B.

[0124] When the fixed portion 23B is viewed in the positive direction of the z-axis, the downward protrusion 23cB has a rectangular shape with a long side coinciding with a short side of the fixed portion 23B and a short side extending in the y-axis direction. The downward protrusion 23cB is located at the end of the fixed portion 23B in the positive direction of the y-axis and extends over the entire fixed portion 23B in the x-axis direction.

[0125] The second recess 23dB has a configuration similar to that of the second recess 21c in the first embodiment. Therefore, in this example, the second recess 23dB has a magnet (not shown). Note that the second recess 23dB does not necessarily have to have a magnet.

[0126] The mark portion 24B is a flat plate extending along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis. In this example, the mark portion 24B is rectangular in shape with short sides extending in the x-axis direction and long sides extending in the y-axis direction.

[0127] In this example, the length of the long side of the mark portion 24B is 260 mm. The length of the long side of the mark portion 24B may be 150 mm to 400 mm. In this example, the length of the short side of the mark portion 24B is equal to the length of the short side of the fixed portion 23B. The length of the short side of the mark portion 24B may be different from the length of the short side of the fixed portion 23B. The mark portion 24B may have a shape other than a rectangle (for example, a trapezoid, a triangle, a semi-ellipse, or a rectangle with rounded corners).

[0128] The mark portion 24B has a pair of guide holes 24aB, an upward protrusion 24bB, and a scale portion 24cB.

[0129] Each guide hole 24aB is a linear elongated hole extending in the y-axis direction. Each guide hole 24aB penetrates the mark portion 24B in the z-axis direction. A pair of guide holes 24aB are spaced apart from each other in the x-axis direction. In other words, the pair of guide holes 24aB are parallel to each other. In this example, the pair of guide holes 24aB are located at both ends of the mark portion 24B in the x-axis direction.

[0130] The bolt 25B and the nut 26B are fastened to each other via the guide hole 24aB so as to sandwich the fixed portion 23B and the mark portion 24B in the z-axis direction. With this configuration, when the bolt 25B and the nut 26B are fastened to each other, the mark portion 24B is immovable relative to the fixed portion 23B. Furthermore, when the bolt 25B and the nut 26B are loosened, the mark portion 24B is movable relative to the fixed portion 23B in the direction in which the guide hole 24aB extends (in this example, the y-axis direction). Therefore, the mark portion 24B is fixed to the fixed portion 23B so that its position in the extension direction (in this example, the y-axis direction) can be changed.

[0131] 11 to 15 show a state in which the mark portion 24B is located at the most negative position on the y-axis relative to the fixed portion 23B (in other words, the scale portion 24cB is farthest from the fixed position) (in other words, the extended state), while Fig. 16 shows a state in which the mark portion 24B is located at the most positive position on the y-axis relative to the fixed portion 23B (in other words, the scale portion 24cB is closest to the fixed position) (in other words, the contracted state).

[0132] The upward protrusion 24bB protrudes in the positive direction of the z-axis from the end face of the mark portion 24B in the positive direction of the z-axis. In other words, the upward protrusion 24bB is a portion of the mark portion 24B that is longer in the z-axis direction (in other words, thicker) than the portions of the mark portion 24B other than the upward protrusion 24bB.

[0133] The upward protrusion 24bB is located at the end of the mark portion 24B in the negative y-axis direction and at the center of the mark portion 24B in the x-axis direction. In this example, the upward protrusion 24bB has a shape that matches the notch formed by the notch 23bB. Therefore, in this example, when the mark portion 24B is viewed in the negative z-axis direction, the upward protrusion 24bB is square-shaped with edges extending in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.

[0134] The scale portion 24cB has multiple scale lines on the end surface of the upward protrusion 24bB in the positive direction of the z-axis. The scale portion 24cB extends over the entire upward protrusion 24bB in the y-axis direction. In this example, the scale portion 24cB is located in the center of the upward protrusion 24bB in the x-axis direction. However, the scale portion 24cB may also be located at the end of the upward protrusion 24bB in the x-axis direction.

[0135] Each scale line is a straight line extending along the x-axis direction and having a predetermined length. The interval between adjacent scale lines in the y-axis direction is a predetermined third unit distance. In other words, the multiple scale lines are equally spaced in the y-axis direction. In this example, the third unit distance is 1 mm. The third unit distance may be 0.5 mm, 2 mm, or the like. Furthermore, the multiple scale lines may be longer than the other scale lines by a fourth unit distance in the y-axis direction, which is longer than the third unit distance. For example, the fourth unit distance is 5 mm or 10 mm.

[0136] In this example, the scale line located at the end in the negative y-axis direction of the plurality of scale lines is located on the end edge of the upward protrusion 24bB in the negative y-axis direction. In this example, the scale line located at the end in the negative y-axis direction of the plurality of scale lines is located at a distance from the fixed position in the y-axis direction. In this example, the y-axis direction corresponds to the extension direction.

[0137] The scale portion 24cB may have numbers indicating distances in the y-axis direction in addition to the scale lines. The scale portion 24cB may have figures such as arrows, triangles, or diamonds in addition to or instead of the scale lines. In this case, the figures also correspond to marks.

[0138] The fixed position is the position where the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fixing portion 23B. In this example, the fixed position is the position of the second recess 23dB. The separation distance is the total length of the wire 13 (in other words, the total length) minus the sum of the target length, which is the target value of the distal wire protrusion length when the connecting portion 12 is fixed to the fixing portion 23B, and the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the tubular portion to the fixing position. The distal end of the tubular portion is the distal end of the tubular portion 11. The distal wire protrusion length is the length of the wire 13 from the distal end of the tubular portion to the wire distal end, which is the distal end of the wire 13. In this example, the target length is 5 mm. The target length may be a length of 0 mm to 60 mm.

[0139] In this example, the scale line located at the end of the multiple scale lines in the negative y-axis direction corresponds to the mark. In this example, the end edge of mark portion 24B in the negative y-axis direction corresponds to the edge extending in the x-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the y-axis direction. In this example, the end edge (in other words, the edge) of mark portion 24B in the negative y-axis direction also constitutes a mark. Note that in this example, because the end edge of mark portion 24B in the negative y-axis direction constitutes a mark, mark portion 24B does not need to have scale portion 24cB.

[0140] Incidentally, which of the multiple scale lines is the scale line positioned at the separation distance from the fixed position in the y-axis direction may vary depending on the target length, the lengths of the first and second passages from the distal end of the tube portion to the fixed position, and the overall length of the wire 13. Therefore, of the multiple scale lines, the scale line positioned at the separation distance from the fixed position in the y-axis direction may correspond to the mark.

[0141] One pair of legs 27B of the plurality of legs 27B protrude in the negative direction of the z axis from an end face of fixed portion 23B facing the negative side of the z axis, and another pair of legs 27B of the plurality of legs 27B protrude in the negative direction of the z axis from an end face of mark portion 24B facing the negative side of the z axis.

[0142] In this example, each leg 27B has a truncated cone shape having a central axis extending in the z-axis direction. Note that each leg 27B may have a shape other than a truncated cone shape (for example, a hemispherical shape, a cylindrical shape, or a polygonal prism shape). In this example, the position of each leg 27B relative to the fixed part 23B or the mark part 24B in the z-axis direction is adjustable. Note that the position of each leg 27B relative to the fixed part 23B or the mark part 24B in the z-axis direction may not be adjustable.

[0143] Of the multiple legs 27B, a pair of legs 27B located on fixed portion 23B are located near both ends of the edge of fixed portion 23B in the positive direction of the y-axis. Of the multiple legs 27B, a pair of legs 27B located on mark portion 24B are located near both ends of the edge of mark portion 24B in the negative direction of the y-axis.

[0144] The number of legs 27B included in fixing device 20B may be three. In this case, the legs 27B may be located near both ends of the end side of marking portion 24B in the negative y-axis direction and near the midpoint of the end side of fixing portion 23B in the positive y-axis direction. In this example, fixing device 20B and intermediate portion 122 correspond to a catheter fixing system.

[0145] (Example of Use) Next, an example of use of the catheter system 1B will be described. First, the user fits a part of the protrusion 122a into the second recess 23dB. As a result, the connection part 12 is removably fixed to the fixing device 20B at the fixed position so that the second passage of the connection part 12 extends in the y-axis direction.

[0146] Next, the user confirms that the distal wire protrusion length matches the target length, and then loosens the bolt 25B and the nut 26B, which allows the mark portion 24B to move relative to the fixed portion 23B.

[0147] Next, the user adjusts the position of the marked portion 24B relative to the fixed portion 23B by moving the marked portion 24B in the y-axis direction relative to the fixed portion 23B so that the position of the proximal end of the wire coincides with the position of the marks (in this example, the scale line located at the end in the negative y-axis direction of the multiple scale lines and the end edge of the upward protrusion 24bB in the negative y-axis direction). Next, the user tightens the bolt 25B and the nut 26B. This makes the marked portion 24B immovable relative to the fixed portion 23B.

[0148] Thereafter, the user removes connecting portion 12 from fixing device 20B so that convex portion 122a is separated from second concave portion 23dB. Next, the user manipulates connecting portion 12 and wire 13 to alternately advance the tip of wire 13 and the tip of tubular portion 11 within the blood vessel of the living body. Note that the user may manipulate connecting portion 12 and wire 13 without removing connecting portion 12 from fixing device 20B.

[0149] Thereafter, when the user checks the difference between the distal wire protrusion length and the target length, he or she fits a portion of the protrusion 122a into the second recess 23dB, thereby removably fixing the connecting portion 12 to the fixing device 20B at the fixed position so that the second passage of the connecting portion 12 extends in the y-axis direction.

[0150] Next, the user checks the distance in the y-axis direction between the position of the proximal end of the wire and the position of the mark. This allows the user to check the difference between the distal wire extension length and the target length. If the user wants to match the distal wire extension length to the target length, the user manipulates the connection portion 12 and the wire 13 to match the position of the proximal end of the wire to the position of the mark.

[0151] As described above, the catheter system 1B of the second embodiment provides the same functions and effects as the catheter system 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the catheter system 1B of the second embodiment, the fixing device 20B includes a fixing portion 23B and a mark portion 24B.

[0152] The fixing portion 23B is detachably fixed to the connecting portion 12 at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in the extension direction. The marking portion 24B has a mark and is fixed to the fixing portion 23B so that its position in the extension direction can be changed.

[0153] In many cases, a connection is made by connecting multiple components selected from multiple components each having multiple functions. For this reason, there are many different lengths for the connection, and there are also many different lengths for the wire.

[0154] Therefore, it is difficult for the user to accurately recognize the overall length of the connection part and wire in use and to quickly and accurately estimate the distal wire extension length based on the proximal wire extension length, which is the length of the wire from the fixed position to the proximal end of the wire, which may prevent the user from quickly confirming that the distal wire extension length matches the target length with high accuracy.

[0155] In contrast, with the catheter system 1B, when the position of the proximal end of the wire coincides with the position of the mark in the extension direction while the connection portion 12 is fixed to the fixing portion 23B, the position of the mark 24B relative to the fixing portion 23B can be changed so that the distal wire extension length coincides with the target length. This allows the user to quickly confirm that the distal wire extension length coincides with the target length with high accuracy by checking the positions of the proximal end of the wire and the mark in the extension direction.

[0156] In addition, the fixing device 20B may use another slide mechanism (for example, a slide mechanism using a rail, or a slide mechanism using a ball screw, etc.) as the slide mechanism for moving the mark portion 24B relative to the fixing portion 23B.

[0157] <First Modification of Second Embodiment> Next, a catheter system according to a first modification of the second embodiment will be described. The catheter system according to the first modification of the second embodiment differs from the catheter system according to the second embodiment mainly in that it has a scale line that allows the position of the marking portion relative to the fixing portion to be measured. The following description will focus on these differences. In the description of the first modification of the second embodiment, parts that are assigned the same reference numerals as those used in the second embodiment are the same or substantially similar parts.

[0158] (Configuration) As shown in Fig. 17 , a catheter system 1C of a first modified example of the second embodiment differs from the catheter system 1B of the second embodiment in that a fixing device 20C is provided instead of the fixing device 20B. Fig. 17 is a plan view of the catheter system 1C.

[0159] Fixture 20C differs from fixture 20B of the second embodiment in that it includes mark portion 24C instead of mark portion 24B. Mark portion 24C has a scale portion 24eC in addition to the configuration of mark portion 24B of the second embodiment.

[0160] The scale portion 24eC has multiple scale lines on the end face of the mark portion 24C in the positive direction of the z-axis, except for the upward protrusion 24bB. The scale portion 24eC extends in the y-axis direction over the entire portion of the mark portion 24C, except for the upward protrusion 24bB. The scale portion 24eC is located in the center of the mark portion 24C in the x-axis direction.

[0161] Each graduation line of the graduated portion 24eC is a straight line extending along the x-axis direction and having a predetermined length. The graduation lines of the graduated portion 24eC have a predetermined fifth unit distance between adjacent graduation lines in the y-axis direction. In other words, the graduation lines of the graduated portion 24eC are equally spaced in the y-axis direction. In this example, the fifth unit distance is 1 mm. The fifth unit distance may be 0.5 mm, 2 mm, or the like. Furthermore, the graduation lines of the graduated portion 24eC may be longer than the other graduation lines at intervals of a sixth unit distance, which is longer than the fifth unit distance, in the y-axis direction. For example, the sixth unit distance is 5 mm or 10 mm.

[0162] The scale portion 24eC may have numbers representing distances in the y-axis direction in addition to the scale lines. The scale portion 24eC may have figures such as arrows, triangles, or diamonds in addition to or instead of the scale lines. For example, the scale portion 24eC may have figures such as arrows, triangles, or diamonds at every seventh unit distance in the y-axis direction, which is longer than the fifth unit distance, in addition to the scale lines. For example, the seventh unit distance is 50 mm.

[0163] With this configuration, among the multiple graduations on the scale portion 24eC, the graduation that coincides with the position of the edge of the fixed portion 23B in the negative y-axis direction changes in accordance with the change in the position of the mark portion 24C in the y-axis direction relative to the fixed portion 23B. Therefore, by using the graduations on the scale portion 24eC, the user can measure the position of the mark portion 24C in the y-axis direction relative to the fixed portion 23B.

[0164] As described above, the catheter system 1C of the first modified example of the second embodiment achieves the same functions and effects as the catheter system 1B of the second embodiment. Furthermore, in the catheter system 1C of the first modified example of the second embodiment, the fixing device 20C has graduations (in this example, graduations on the graduation portion 24eC) that allow the position of the mark portion 24C in the extension direction (in this example, the y-axis direction) relative to the fixing portion 23B to be measured.

[0165] However, sometimes the wire is replaced alone while the tube portion is still indwelling in the patient's body. In this case, the length of the wire before replacement may differ from the length of the wire after replacement. In such a case, it may be impossible to adjust the position of the mark portion relative to the fixing portion so that the distal wire protrusion length of the replaced wire matches the target length.

[0166] In contrast, with the catheter system 1C, the position of the mark portion 24C relative to the fixing portion 23B can be measured in advance so that the distal wire protrusion length matches the target length for each of the multiple wires 13. As a result, even if only the wire 13 is replaced while the tube portion 11 is indwelled within the patient's body, the position of the mark portion 24C relative to the fixing portion 23B can be easily adjusted for the replaced wire 13 so that the distal wire protrusion length matches the target length.

[0167] In addition, the scale line that can measure the position of the mark portion 24C in the extension direction relative to the fixed portion 23B may be provided on the end face (in other words, the side face) of the mark portion 24C in the x-axis direction, or on the end face (in other words, the side face) of the fixed portion 23B in the x-axis direction.

[0168] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art may be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0169] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Catheter system 10, 10A Catheter device 11 Tube portion 12, 12A Connection portion 121 Distal portion 122 Middle portion 122a Convex portion 123 Proximal portion 123a Large diameter portion 123b Small diameter portion 124A Outer periphery 124aA Convex portion 13 Wire 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Fixing device 21, 21A Base portion 21a First recess 21b Scale portion 21c Second recess 21c1, 21c1A Magnet 21cA Second recess 22 Leg portion 23B Fixing portion 23aB First recess 23bB Cutout portion 23cB Downward protrusion 23dB Second recess 24B, 24C Mark portion 24aB Guide hole 24bB Upper protrusion 24cB Scale portion 24eC Scale portion 25B Bolt 26B Nut 27B Leg portion

Claims

a catheter device comprising: a tubular section having a first passage; a connecting section having a second passage communicating with the first passage at a proximal end, which is the proximal end of the tubular section, and extending along a straight line; and a wire passing through the insides of the first passage and the second passage; and a fixture to which the connecting section is removably fixed at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in an extension direction, and which has a mark at a position separated by a distance from the fixed position in the extension direction, wherein the distance is a total length of the wire minus a target length, which is a target value for a distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the tubular section distal end, which is the distal end of the tubular section, to the wire distal end, which is the distal end of the wire, when the connecting section is fixed to the fixture.

2. A catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device has a first recess vertically below the proximal end of the connection part, which is the proximal end of the connection part, when the connection part is fixed to the fixing device.

3. A catheter system according to claim 2, wherein the first recess has a shape that allows at least a portion of a liquid to be discharged when the liquid is introduced into the first recess.

4. A catheter system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection portion has a convex portion protruding in a direction perpendicular to the second passage, and the fixing device has a second concave portion into which at least a portion of the convex portion fits.

5. A catheter system according to claim 4, wherein the convex portion has one of a ferromagnetic material and a magnet, and the second concave portion has the other of a ferromagnetic material and a magnet.

6. A catheter system as described in claim 4 or 5, wherein the connection portion includes a main body portion having the second passage, and an outer circumferential portion surrounding the outer periphery of the main body portion so that the main body portion is rotatable around a rotation axis extending along the second passage, and having the convex portion.

7. A catheter system as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the connection portion includes a distal portion adjacent to the tubular portion, an intermediate portion adjacent to the distal portion, and a proximal portion adjacent to the intermediate portion, each of the distal portion, the intermediate portion, and the proximal portion having a passage constituting the second passage, and the intermediate portion includes the convex portion and is removably fixed to the distal portion by screwing onto it, and is removably fixed to the proximal portion by screwing onto it.

8. A catheter system as described in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the convex portion is an annular body having a central axis extending along the second passage, and a portion of the convex portion fits into the second concave portion when the connection portion is fixed to the fixing device.

9. A catheter system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing device comprises: a fixing portion to which the connection portion is removably fixed at the fixed position so that the second passage extends in the extension direction; and a mark portion having the mark and fixed to the fixing portion so that its position in the extension direction can be changed.

10. A catheter system according to claim 9, wherein the fixing device has a scale mark that allows the position of the mark portion relative to the fixing portion in the extension direction to be measured.

11. A catheter system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing device has an edge which constitutes the mark and extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction.

12. A catheter fixing system comprising: a tubular section having a first passage; a connecting section having a second passage communicating with the first passage at a proximal end, which is the proximal end of the tubular section, and extending along a straight line; and a wire passing through the insides of the first passage and the second passage, a fixed body constituting at least a part of the connecting section; and a fixture to which the fixed body is removably fixed at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in an extension direction, and having a mark at a position separated by a separation distance from the fixed position in the extension direction, wherein the separation distance is the total length of the wire minus the sum of a target length, which is a target value for a distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the tubular section distal end, which is the distal end of the tubular section, to the wire distal end, which is the distal end of the wire, when the fixed body is fixed to the fixture.

13. A catheter device comprising a tubular section having a first passage, a connecting section having a second passage communicating with the first passage at a proximal end that is the proximal end of the tubular section and extending along a straight line, and a wire passing through the insides of the first passage and the second passage, a fixed body constituting at least a part of the connecting section, wherein the fixed body is removably fixed to a fixing device at a fixed position such that the second passage extends in an extension direction, and the fixing device has a mark at a position separated by a separation distance from the fixing position in the extension direction, and the separation distance is a length obtained by subtracting from the total length of the wire the sum of a target length that is a target value of a distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the tubular section distal end that is the distal end of the tubular section to the wire distal end that is the distal end of the wire, and the lengths of the first passage and the second passage from the tubular section distal end to the fixing position, when the fixed body is fixed to the fixing device, and the fixed body has a protrusion that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the second passage, The fixing device has a recess into which at least a portion of the protrusion fits.

14. A fixture for fixing a connecting part of a catheter device comprising a tubular section having a first passage, a connecting part having a second passage communicating with the first passage at a proximal end, which is the proximal end of the tubular section, and extending along a straight line, and a wire passing through the insides of the first passage and the second passage, wherein the connecting part is removably fixed at a fixed position so that the second passage extends in an extension direction, and has a mark at a position separated by a distance from the fixed position in the extension direction, the distance being a length obtained by subtracting from the total length of the wire the sum of a target length, which is a target value for a distal wire protrusion length, which is the length of the wire from the tubular section distal end, which is the distal end of the tubular section, to the wire distal end, which is the distal end of the wire, and the length of the first passage and the second passage from the tubular section distal end to the fixed position, when the connecting part is fixed to the fixture.

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