Method for operating ft catheter

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a method for operating an FT catheter that enables even a moderately experienced operator to perform treatment accurately without relying on an expert operator. [Solution] An FT catheter (1) comprising an outer tube (10), an inner tube (20), a fallopian tube endoscope (30), and a balloon (40). A target site (101) is gradually expanded by repeating: a first step for bringing the distal end portion of the balloon (40) into contact with the target site (101) by pressurizing the balloon (40) and moving the same to the distal end side of the inner tube (20); a second step for moving the distal end portion to the rear end side of the fallopian tube endoscope (30); a third step for further pressurizing the balloon (40) to bring the outer periphery of the balloon (40) into contact with itself; a fourth step for moving the balloon (40) to the distal end side of the fallopian tube endoscope (30), further expanding the balloon (40), and expanding the target site; and a fifth step for depressurizing the balloon (40) to reduce the size of a protruding portion (41) of the balloon (40).

Description

FT catheter operation method

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating an FT catheter used in infertility treatment.

[0002] As one of the infertility treatments, a Falloposcopic Tuboplasty (FT) catheter equipped with a fallopian tube (endoscope) is known (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-115364

[0004] FT catheters have come to be used as one of the minimally invasive treatments (surgeries), but they have had problems such as complex and difficult operation methods, which can damage the fallopian tube lumen during treatment and the expensive FT catheter itself. In particular, when using a fallopian tube endoscope that uses an expensive optical fiber, there is a problem that the optical fiber can break during treatment. As a result, because operation by an experienced doctor (operator) is required, the number of treatment facilities that can perform treatment using FT catheters is limited.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has an object to provide a method for operating an FT catheter that allows even an operator with some experience to perform treatment accurately without relying on an experienced operator.

[0006] As a result of intensive research and development into the above-mentioned problems, the inventors of the present invention have discovered the following revolutionary method for operating an FT catheter.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is a method for operating an FT catheter for expanding a target site in a fallopian tube, the method comprising: an outer tube having an outer tube inner tube; an inner tube having an inner tube inner tube movably arranged in the axial direction within the outer tube inner tube; a fallopianoscope arranged axially movably within the inner tube inner tube of the inner tube; and a balloon fixed to the tip of the outer tube and the tip of the inner tube and inflating radially inward of the outer tube when pressurized, the method comprising a first step of adjusting the pressure of the balloon and moving the tip of the protruding part of the balloon to a position where it is in contact with or nearly in contact with the target site; and a second step of moving the tip of the fallopianoscope toward the rear end along the axial direction. a third step of a radially inward expanding operation in which the balloon is pressurized to inflate it radially inward of the outer tube so that the outer peripheries of the balloons come into contact with each other; a fourth step of a target site expanding operation in which the tip of the fallopian tube is moved axially toward the tip end to expand the outer periphery of the protrusion and expand the target site; and a fifth step of a contracting operation in which the pressure on the balloon is reduced, the tip of the inner tube is moved axially toward the rear end to shorten the protruding length of the balloon, and the method is characterized by repeating the first step to the fifth step.

[0008] Here, "up to a position where the tip of the balloon's protruding part is almost in contact with the target site" refers to a position where the condition of the target site can be observed using the fallopian tube endoscope; for example, a range of 0.0 mm to 5 mm from the target site is sufficient, and a range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm is preferable.

[0009] In this first aspect, the target site can be gradually expanded by appropriately and timely utilizing the inflation and deflation of the balloon, the distal or proximal movement of the inner tube along the axis of the fallopian tube, and the distal or proximal movement of the fallopianoscope along the axis of the fallopianoscope. In particular, the inflation of the balloon brings the periphery of the balloon into contact with the target site, and the distal end of the balloon is inflated by moving the fallopianoscope, thereby avoiding damage to the fallopian tube lumen and gradually and reliably expanding the target site to the desired size. The steps ensuring stable expansion allow even non-experienced physicians (operators) with some familiarity with FT catheters to perform fallopianoscopic salpingoplasty, bringing dreams and hope to many patients. Furthermore, by moving the distal end of the balloon protrusion to a position where it is in contact with or nearly in contact with the target site, the condition of the target site can be accurately grasped.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention is a method for operating an FT catheter according to the first aspect, characterized in that a camera is provided at the tip of the fallopian tube scope, and the first, fourth, and fifth steps include camera movement operations that place the camera approximately flush with the tip of the balloon or protrude beyond the tip.

[0011] According to the second aspect, the image is always captured reliably by the camera of the fallopian tube scope, allowing the operator to concentrate on treatment without worry.

[0012] A third aspect of the present invention is a method for operating an FT catheter described in the first or second aspect, characterized in that a flush lumen is provided at the tip of the fallopianoscope, a third port is provided on the rear end side of the fallopianoscope, the flush lumen and the third port are connected to the fallopianoscope's inner tube, and the method includes a step of discharging the perfusion fluid injected from the third port from the flush lumen.

[0013] According to the third aspect, since flushing of the irrigation fluid can be performed not only from the tip of the outer tube or the balloon but also from the tip of the fallopianoscope, it is possible to reduce friction caused by movement of the inner tube or the fallopianoscope and to more effectively clean the camera. Furthermore, since movement of the fallopianoscope is involved in the second and third steps, flushing from the tip of the fallopianoscope can reliably reduce friction with the balloon caused by movement of the fallopianoscope and maintain the clarity of the image from the camera.

[0014] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an FT catheter according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the main parts of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of a camera of a fallopianoscope according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating pressurization of a balloon according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating pressurization of a balloon following FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating depressurization of a balloon according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating flushing using irrigation fluid. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the main parts of a method for operating an FT catheter according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram using a fallopian tube as an example in a method for operating an FT catheter according to the present invention, where (a) is when the target site is reached, (b) is when pressure is reduced, and (c) is when the target site is dilated. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 10, where (a) is when the target site is observed, (b) is when dilation of the target site is completed, and (c) is when the outcome of treatment is confirmed.

[0015] A method for operating an FT catheter will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an FT catheter according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the main parts of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a front view of a camera of a fallopian tube scope according to the present invention. The FT catheter of the present invention will be described in detail based on Figs. 1 to 3. Note that Fig. 2 and subsequent figures are simplified drawings.

[0017] The FT catheter 1 of this embodiment is used in fallopian tube surgery (FT), which is a treatment (such as infertility treatment) for a target site 101 for the purpose of opening a stricture or blockage in the fallopian tube 100 (described later). FT is a minimally invasive procedure that causes almost no pain or bleeding after the treatment (surgery), and is currently attracting attention because it is covered by health insurance and the high-cost medical care system.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2 , the FT catheter 1 includes an outer cylinder 10 , an inner cylinder 20 , a fallopian tube 30 , and a balloon 40 .

[0019] The FT catheter 1 has an elongated shape, and a line along the longitudinal direction is defined as the axis X. For ease of explanation, the part that moves inside the body while searching for the uterus and fallopian tubes is defined as the tip side, the side opposite the tip side as the rear end side, and the tip of the tip side as the tip portion (see Figure 1).

[0020] The outer tube 10 has a cylindrical tube shape, has a substantially constant outer diameter and inner diameter over its entire length, and has an inner tube 11 that penetrates through the entire length, an outer tube hub 12 provided at the rear end, and a first port 13 provided in the outer tube hub 12. As shown in Figure 1, the tip end is curved to prevent damage to the FT catheter 1 and to living tissue.

[0021] The constituent material of the outer cylinder 10 is not particularly limited as long as it is flexible. Examples of constituent materials of the outer cylinder 10 include polyolefin, polyester, elastomer resin, flexible polymeric material, soft polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyamide, fluororesin, etc. Examples of polyolefin include polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, etc. Examples of polyester include polyethylene terephthalate, etc. Examples of elastomer resin include polyolefin elastomer, polyester elastomer, polyamide elastomer, polyurethane elastomer, etc. Examples of flexible polymeric material include polytetrafluoroethylene, polyimide, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, silicone rubber, etc.

[0022] The inner cylinder 20 has a cylindrical tube shape, has a substantially constant outer diameter and inner diameter over its entire length, and includes an inner cylinder inner tube 21 that penetrates over its entire length, an inner cylinder hub 22 provided at the rear end, and a second port 23 provided in the inner cylinder hub 22. The inner cylinder 20 is disposed inside the outer cylinder inner tube 11, and is movable within the outer cylinder inner tube 11 along the axial X direction between the front end side and the rear end side.

[0023] Relatively hard resin materials or metal materials can be used as the constituent material of the inner tube 20. Examples of resin materials that can be used to form the inner tube 20 include fluororesin, polycarbonate, polyimide, and PEEK resin. Examples of metal materials that can be used to form the inner tube 20 include stainless steel, titanium, and titanium alloys.

[0024] The fallopianoscope 30 has a cylindrical tube shape, has a substantially constant outer diameter and inner diameter over its entire length, and includes an inner fallopianoscope tube 31 that runs through the entire length except for the tip, an operating section 32 provided on the rear end side, a fallopianoscope hub 33, and a third port 34 provided on the fallopianoscope hub 33. The fallopianoscope 30 is disposed inside the inner cylinder inner tube 21 and is movable within the inner cylinder inner tube 21 along the direction of axis X toward the tip side and the rear end side.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 3, a camera 35 for capturing images of the inside of the body is provided at the tip of the fallopian tube scope 30. The camera 35 has an image sensor 35a provided in the center, and multiple light sources 35b arranged to surround the image sensor 35a. A third porthole (flash lumen) 34b communicating with the third port 34 is provided on one side (right side) of the image sensor 35a. In addition, a guidewire lumen 36 through which a guidewire (not shown) passes may be provided on the other side (left side) of the image sensor 35a. The arrangement of each component can be freely selected.

[0026] The image sensor 35a is an imaging unit that uses light from the light source 35b to capture images of the inside of the body, and is composed of, for example, a CMOS, a CCD, or the like. Although CMOS has inferior image quality compared to CCD, it has the advantages of fast processing speed and low cost. An example of the light source 35b is an LED. The image (video) captured by the image sensor 35a using the light emitted from the light source 35b can be displayed on an external monitor (not shown) or the like by a doctor (operator) who operates the FT catheter 1 to perform treatment or surgery, allowing the doctor (operator) to grasp the status of the inside of the body in real time.

[0027] 2, a cord 37 is wired to the fallopianoscope inner tube 31, electrically connecting the camera 35 and an external monitor. A space (lumen) is formed between the outer periphery of this cord 37 and the inner periphery of the fallopianoscope inner tube 31, allowing a fluid (irrigation fluid) such as physiological saline to flow through a third porthole 34a, which will be described later.

[0028] The balloon 40 is a tool that dissociates adhesions at the target site 101 by applying pressure to it and causing it to protrude from the tip of the outer tube 10, and is fixed to the tip of each of the outer tube 10 and the inner tube 20 by, for example, adhesive, welding, fasteners, or integral formation. In other words, it is a cylindrical member that connects the outer tube 10 and the inner tube 20 to each other.

[0029] The balloon 40, excluding the portion fixed to the outer tube 10, is housed between the inner periphery of the outer tube 10 and the outer periphery of the inner tube 20. By applying pressure between the inner periphery of the outer tube 10 and the inner periphery of the balloon 40 adjacent to the inner periphery of the outer tube 10, the balloon 40 expands radially inward of the outer tube 10. Then, by pushing the distal end of the inner tube 20 toward the distal end along the axis X while the outer peripheries of the balloons 40 are in contact with each other (i.e., a portion of the outer periphery of the balloon 40 is in contact with or adjacent to the outer periphery of a different portion of the balloon 40), the balloon 40 protrudes outward from the distal end of the outer tube 10, forming a protruding portion 41 of the balloon 40 (see FIG. 5 ). The balloon 40 can be pressurized by fluid pressurization using a balloon inflation fluid or air pressurization. The balloon 40 can be retracted into the outer tube inner tube 11 by depressurizing it from the pressurized state and pulling the distal end of the inner tube 20 back toward the rear end.

[0030] The balloon 40 is formed to be elastically deformable so as to expand radially inward of the outer cylinder 10 and protrude from the tip of the outer cylinder 10. The material constituting the balloon 40 can be selected from polyolefin, polyester, elastomer resin, flexible polymeric material, soft polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyamide, polyisoprene, polyester, fluororesin, etc.

[0031] Next, an example of the operation of pressurizing and depressurizing the balloon 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 . The first port 13 provided in the sheath tube hub 12 of the sheath tube 10 has a first porthole 13a penetrating toward the center. Perfusion fluid (balloon inflation fluid) is delivered through the first porthole 13a and the sheath tube inner tube 11 into the space between the inner circumference of the sheath tube 10 and the inner circumference of the balloon 40, pressurizing the balloon 40. The pressurized balloon 40 expands radially inward (toward the center) of the sheath tube 10. That is, it is pressed radially inward and elastically deforms (see FIG. 4 ). Finally, the outer peripheries of the balloon 40 come into contact with each other. In this state, when the distal end of the inner tube 20 is moved distally along the axis X, the distal end of the balloon 40 protrudes forward of the distal end of the sheath tube 10, forming a protrusion 41 (see FIG. 5 ).

[0032] Meanwhile, the balloon 40 is depressurized by withdrawing (draining) the perfusion fluid through the first porthole 13a. In this depressurized state, the length of the protruding portion 41 of the balloon 40 can be adjusted or the balloon 40 can be retracted by moving the distal end of the inner tube 20 toward the proximal end along the axis X (see FIG. 6). The pressure applied to the balloon 40 can be adjusted by changing the amount of perfusion fluid. While pressurization and depressurization using perfusion fluid have been described, the same applies to air pressure.

[0033] Next, the release of perfusion fluid will be described with reference to Fig. 7. (1) Release of perfusion fluid from the tip of the inner tube (Flush A) As shown in Fig. 7, the second port 23 provided in the inner tube hub 22 of the inner tube 20 has a second porthole 23a penetrating toward the center. The perfusion fluid is sent into the inner tube 21 of the inner tube through the second porthole 23a, flows between the inner circumference of the inner tube 20 and the outer circumference of the fallopianoscope 30 (lumen), and is released into the body (fallopian tube lumen) from the tip of the outer tube 10 (see A in Fig. 7). When the tip of the balloon 40 protrudes from the tip of the outer tube 10, the perfusion fluid flows between the inner circumference of the inner tube 20 and the outer circumference of the fallopianoscope 30 and between the inner circumference of the balloon 40 and the outer circumference of the fallopianoscope 30, and is released into the body from the tip of the balloon 40.

[0034] (2) Release of Irrigation Fluid from the Tip of the Fallopian Scope (Flush B) A cord 37 is wired inside the fallopianoscope inner tube 31 of the fallopianoscope 30. However, the cord 37 is thin, and a space is formed between the outer periphery of the cord 37 and the inner periphery of the fallopianoscope inner tube 31. This space can be used as a lumen for the irrigation fluid. A third port 34 provided in the fallopianoscope hub 33 has a third porthole 34a that penetrates toward the center. The irrigation fluid is sent into the fallopianoscope inner tube 31 through the third porthole 34a, flows through the lumen, communicates with this lumen, and is released into the body from a third porthole (flushing lumen) 34b at the tip of the fallopianoscope 30 (see B in FIG. 7 ).

[0035] It should be noted that Flash A cannot be performed when the balloon 40 is pressurized because the inner circumference of the balloon 40 comes into contact with the fallopian tube endoscope 30, eliminating the space for the irrigation fluid to flow. However, this does not occur with Flash B, and it can be performed regardless of the pressurized or depressurized state of the balloon 40.

[0036] Furthermore, a method of operating the FT catheter 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6, 8, and 9. The camera 35 at the tip of the fallopian tube scope 30 is always in an imaging state, and based on the image on the monitor, the operator can promptly grasp the state inside the fallopian tube 100 (the fallopian tube lumen), the pressurization and depressurization state of the balloon 40, and the positional relationship of the balloon 40 within the fallopian tube 100 during treatment. Furthermore, the position of the camera 35 within the fallopian tube 100 is often nearly flush with the tip of the balloon 40 or protrudes beyond the tip, and the camera movement operation to adjust this positional relationship is performed by the operator.

[0037] First, the tip of the outer cylinder 10 is inserted into the uterus, and the entrance of the fallopian tube 100 is found using the fallopian tube scope 30. Next, the tip of the outer cylinder 10 is placed against the entrance of the fallopian tube 100, and the fallopian tube scope 30 is inserted into the fallopian tube, and the target site (such as a narrowed or blocked portion) 101 of the fallopian tube 100 is observed using the fallopian tube scope 30.

[0038] 4, perfusion fluid is supplied from the first port 13 of the outer cylinder 10 and sent through the outer cylinder inner tube 11 to between the inner circumference of the outer cylinder inner tube 11 and the inner circumference of the balloon 40. As a result, the balloon 40 is pressurized and pushed radially inward of the outer cylinder 10, elastically deforming, and ultimately the outer circumferences of the balloons 40 come into contact with each other.

[0039] 5, the distal end of the inner tube 20 is advanced along the direction of axis X toward the distal end of the outer tube 10. As this advancement progresses, one end of the balloon 40 fixed to the distal end of the inner tube 20 moves toward the distal end, and a portion of the balloon 40 protrudes beyond the distal end of the outer tube 10, forming a protruding portion 41 of the balloon 40. Then, the following steps are repeated.

[0040] <Adjusting the Movement of the Balloon Tip: First Step> While adjusting the pressure on the balloon 40, gradually move the inner tube 20 toward the tip, and stop the movement of the inner tube 20 at a position where the tip of the protruding portion 41 contacts or nearly contacts the target site 101. The protruding length of the protruding portion 41 can be adjusted by the movement distance of the tip of the inner tube 20 and the amount of perfusion fluid.

[0041] <Retracting the Fallopian Scope: Second Step: See FIG. 8> Next, the tip of the fallopianoscope 30 is retracted toward the rear end along the axis X. At this time, it is advisable to withdraw the irrigation fluid from the first port 13 to reduce the pressure on the balloon 40. The outer periphery of the fallopianoscope 30 and the outer periphery of the balloon 40 may be in contact with each other, which can prevent friction that occurs when the fallopianoscope 30 moves. As a result, the risk of damage to the fallopianoscope or the balloon due to friction between the fallopianoscope 30 and the balloon 40 can be reduced.

[0042] <Balloon Radial Inward Expansion Operation: Third Step: See FIG. 8> Next, the balloon 40 is further pressurized and inflated radially inward of the outer tube 10 so that the outer peripheries of the balloons 40 come into contact with each other (see arrow A in FIG. 8).

[0043] <Operation to expand target area: Fourth step: see Figure 9> Next, the tip of the fallopian tube scope 30 is moved again toward the tip along the axis X direction so as to push and expand the balloon 40, causing the protruding portion 41 of the balloon 40 to further expand toward the fallopian tube cavity and the target area 101, and this expansion force is used to expand the target area 101.

[0044] <Operation to reduce the balloon protrusion: 5th step: see Figure 6> Then, while reducing the pressure on the balloon 40, the tip of the inner tube 20 is moved toward the rear end along the axis X direction to shorten the protruding length of the protrusion 41 of the balloon 40, and the target site 101 is observed with the fallopian tube scope 30.

[0045] By repeating the above first to fifth steps, the target site 101 can be gradually widened from the inside while observing the target site 101 by utilizing the length of the protruding portion 41 of the balloon 40. Furthermore, flushing of the perfusion fluid during these steps is performed as appropriate to reduce friction between the outer periphery of the balloon 40 and the lumen surface, clean the camera, and so on. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above in the description of the release of perfusion fluid from the tip of the fallopianoscope, a release operation can be performed in which the perfusion fluid is released from the third porthole 34a near the camera 35 of the fallopianoscope 30, thereby more accurately cleaning the camera 35.

[0046] 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams showing the relationship between the FT catheter and the fallopian tubes, and also reflect the steps described above.

[0047] FIG. 10( a ) shows the first step, in which it is confirmed while viewing the image from the fallopian tube scope 30 whether the tip of the protruding portion 41 of the balloon 40 is in contact with or almost in contact with the target site 101 .

[0048] In Figure 10 (b), after confirmation is completed, the fallopian tube scope 30 is moved toward the rear end along the axis X (second step), and the balloon 40 is pressurized, causing the balloon 40 to expand further radially inward of the outer tube 10 (third step).

[0049] In FIG. 10(c), the tip of the fallopian tube scope 30 is again moved toward the tip along the axis X, slightly dilating the target area 101 (fourth step).

[0050] In FIG. 11( a ), the dilated state of the target site 101 is confirmed by the fallopian tube scope 30 .

[0051] In FIG. 11(b), the target region 101 is expanded to a desired size.

[0052] In FIG. 11C, the protruding portion 41 of the balloon 40 is retracted, and the expanded state and state of the fallopian tube lumen are observed by the fallopianoscope 30.

[0053] If the target site 101 is expanded all at once, there is a risk of damaging the fallopian tube lumen surface or tissue. Furthermore, expanding an area that has been congenitally or pathologically narrowed or blocked for a long period of time places a great deal of strain on the body tissue, which may cause pain to the patient later. The operating method of this embodiment uses the fallopianoscope 30 to constantly monitor the treatment status, and by utilizing the movement of the fallopianoscope 30, the target site 101 can be gradually expanded and reliably expanded to the desired size, thereby achieving treatment (minimally invasive treatment / surgery) that places less strain on the patient. Furthermore, by following the operating method steps of this embodiment, even a physician with some familiarity with the FT catheter 1 can perform the treatment without relying on an experienced physician.

[0054] After expanding the target area 101, the operator reduces the pressure on the balloon 40, retracts the tip of the inner tube 20 along the axis X, retracts the balloon 40 as well, and removes the FT catheter 1 from the uterus, completing the fallopianoscopic salpingoplasty.

[0055] The distal end of the balloon 40 protruding from the distal end of the outer tube 10 has been described as having a cylindrical tube shape (tubular shape), but it may also have a tapered shape that slopes inward toward the distal end, or a pair of left and right combined shapes. The protruding shape of the balloon 40 can be freely selected. Furthermore, the balloon 40 stored inside the outer tube 10 has been described as having a linear shape, but it may also have an accordion shape, a folded shape, or the like.

[0056] (Other Embodiments) In the first embodiment, the camera 35 is provided at the tip of the fallopianoscope, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a fallopianoscope using optical fibers may be used instead of a camera. Even in the case of a fallopianoscope using optical fibers, by using the FT catheter operation method according to the present invention, the optical fibers are not damaged compared to the case of using conventional operation methods, and as in the first embodiment, even an operator with some experience can accurately operate the FT catheter without relying on an experienced operator.

[0057] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, location, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0058] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 FT catheter 10 Outer cylinder 11 Outer cylinder inner tube 12 Outer cylinder hub 13 First port 13a First porthole 20 Inner cylinder 21 Inner cylinder inner tube 22 Inner cylinder hub 23 Second port 23a Second porthole 30 Fallopian tube (endoscope) 31 Fallopian tube 32 Operation unit 33 Fallopian tube hub 34 Third port 34a, 34b Third porthole 35 Camera 35a Image sensor 35b Light source 36 Guide wire lumen 37 Cord 40 Balloon 41 Protrusion 100 Fallopian tube 101 Target site X axis

Claims

1. A method for operating an FT catheter for expanding a target site in a fallopian tube, the method comprising: an outer tube having an outer tube inner tube; an inner tube having an inner tube inner tube arranged axially movable within the outer tube inner tube; a fallopianoscope arranged axially movable within the inner tube inner tube of the inner tube; and a balloon fixed to the tip of the outer tube and the tip of the inner tube, which expands radially inward of the outer tube when pressurized, the method comprising: a first step of a movement adjustment operation for adjusting the pressure of the balloon and moving the tip of the protruding part of the balloon to a position where it contacts or nearly contacts the target site; a second step of a retraction operation for moving the tip of the fallopianoscope toward the rear end along the axial direction; a third step of a radial inward expansion operation for pressurizing the balloon and expanding it radially inward of the outer tube so that the outer peripheries of the balloons contact each other; and a fourth step of a target site expansion operation for moving the tip of the fallopianoscope toward the tip along the axial direction and expanding the outer periphery of the protruding part to expand the target site. and a fifth step of a contraction operation in which the pressure on the balloon is reduced, the tip end of the inner tube is moved toward the rear end along the axial direction, and the protruding length of the protruding portion of the balloon is shortened, wherein the first step to the fifth step are repeated.

2. The method for operating an FT catheter according to claim 1, wherein a camera is provided at the tip of the fallopian tube scope, and the first, fourth and fifth steps include camera movement operations that place the camera substantially flush with the tip of the balloon or that protrude beyond the tip.

3. A method for operating an FT catheter as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a flush lumen is provided at the tip of the fallopianoscope, a third port is provided on the rear end side of the fallopianoscope, the fallopianoscope inner tube is connected to the flush lumen and the third port, and the step includes a discharge operation for discharging the perfusion fluid injected from the third port from the flush lumen.

Images