Insertion assistance apparatus for medical device and method for using insertion assistance apparatus for medical device

Abstract

Provided are: a medical device insertion assistance apparatus (1) capable of reducing pain when a medical device (C) such as an endoscope or a catheter is inserted into a body cavity; and a method for using the insertion assistance apparatus (1) for the medical device (C). The insertion assistance apparatus (1) for the medical device (C) is used when an elongated medical device (C) is inserted into a body cavity. The insertion assistance apparatus (1) for the medical device (C) is provided with: a hollow cylindrical insertion assistance tube (2) having non-stretchable, non-air-permeable, and flexible properties; a storage container (3) in which the insertion assistance tube (2) is stored; and a pressurizing means for increasing the internal pressure of the storage container (3). The insertion assistance tube (2) is fixed at one end in a state where the inner-peripheral-side space is in communication with the external space of the storage container (3) and such that a folded-back portion (2C) formed on the end side by inversion of the inner and outer peripheral surfaces protrudes from an opening part provided in the storage container (3). The insertion assistance tube (2) is fixed at the other end to the storage container (3) in a state where the inner-peripheral-side space is in communication with the external space of the storage container (3). The opening part is disposed at the entrance of a body cavity, the internal pressure of the storage container (3) is increased by the pressurizing means, thereby bringing the folded-back portion (2C) deeper into the body cavity and enabling the medical device (C) to be inserted from the other end side of the insertion assistance tube (2) through the inner peripheral space of the insertion assistance tube (2) into the body cavity.

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