JP2021065257A - Light irradiation device and light irradiation system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a light irradiation device that can make a diameter of the device smaller in the device capable of irradiation with light from an optical fiber in a direction intersecting with a long axis direction of the device.SOLUTION: A light irradiation device includes: a hollow shaft 110 having a long-sized outer shape; and an optical fiber 250 housed inside the hollow shaft for irradiation with light from the tip surface, which has a curved part 251, and whose tip surface is oriented to a direction intersecting with a long axis direction of the hollow shaft by the curved part. The tip surface of the optical fiber is exposed to the outside from an outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft, or is in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the hollow shaft, and does not protrude to the outside beyond the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a light irradiation device and a light irradiation system.

In cancer treatment, surgical, radiological, and drug (chemical) methods are used alone or in combination, and each technique has been developed in recent years. However, there are many cancers for which a satisfactory treatment technique has not yet been found, and further development of the treatment technique is expected. As one of the cancer treatment techniques, a technique called PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) is known. In PDT, a light-sensitive substance is intravenously administered and then irradiated with light to generate active oxygen in cancer cells and kill the cancer cells (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). However, PDT has a low selectivity for accumulation of light-sensitive substances in cancer cells, and the magnitude of side effects due to its uptake into normal cells becomes an issue, and PDT is not widely used as a therapeutic technique.

Therefore, as a treatment technique that has been attracting attention in recent years, there is NIR-PIT (Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy). In NIR-PIT, a complex in which two compounds of an antibody against a specific antigen of cancer cells and a photosensitive substance (for example, IRDye700DX) are bound is used. When administered intravenously, this complex selectively accumulates in cancer cells in the body. Then, by irradiating light having an excitation wavelength (for example, 690 nm) of the photosensitive substance in the complex, the complex is activated and exhibits an anticancer effect (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In NIR-PIT, side effects can be reduced as compared with PDT by the accumulation selectivity to cancer by the antibody and local light irradiation. Further, since NIR-PIT performs light irradiation (NIR irradiation) in a near-infrared region of, for example, 690 nm, the effect of NIR irradiation on the immune system can be expected (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2).

The predetermined wavelength region including 690 nm exemplified above is also called a spectroscopic window of a living body, and although it is a wavelength region in which light is absorbed less by biological components than other wavelength regions, light irradiation from the body surface is performed. However, there is a problem that it cannot be applied to cancers deep inside the body due to insufficient light permeability. Therefore, in recent years, research has been conducted on NIR-PIT that irradiates light at a position closer to cancer cells instead of irradiating light from the body surface (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 3). For example, Patent Documents 2 to 4 disclose devices that can be used in such PDT and NIR-PIT. Both the devices described in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 are used by being inserted into a living lumen such as a blood vessel, and can irradiate a deep part of the body with light transmitted by an optical fiber. In addition, the device described in Patent Document 4 uses laser light to form a wound in a body tissue.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-523907 JP-A-2018-867 Special Table 2007-528752 Special Table 2009-533078

Makoto Mitsunaga, Mikako Ogawa, Nobuyuki Kosaka Lauren T. Rosenblum, Peter L. Choyke, and Hisataka Kobayashi, Cancer Cell-Selective In Vivo Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy Targeting Specific Membrane Molecules, Nature Medicine 2012 17 (12) :, p.1685-1691 Kazuhide Sato, Noriko Sato, Biying Xu, Yuko Nakamura, Tadanobu Nagaya, Peter L. Choyke, Yoshinori Hasegawa, and Hisataka Kobayashi, Spatially selective depletion of tumor-associated regulatory T cells with near-infrared photoimmunotherapy, Science Translational Medicine 2016 Vol.8 Issue352, ra110 Shuhei Okuyama, Tadanobu Nagaya, Kazuhide Sato, Fusa Ogata, Yasuhiro Maruoka, Peter L. Choyke, and Hisataka Kobayashi, Interstitial near-infrared photoimmunotherapy: effective treatment areas and light doses needed for use with fiber optic diffusers, Oncotarget 2018 Feb 16; 9 (13) :, p.11159-11169

Here, the optical fiber generally transmits light by total reflection of light utilizing the difference in refractive index between the core and the clad covering the outer peripheral surface of the core, and emits light from the core exposed at the tip. On the other hand, in a device that is inserted into the living lumen and used to irradiate light deep inside the body, the light irradiation direction is the direction of the tissue surrounding the living lumen, that is, the direction intersecting the long axis direction of the device. Is preferable. In this regard, the device described in Patent Document 4 is provided with a guide means (guide member), and by moving the optical fiber using this guide means, the direction in which the tip of the optical fiber intersects the long axis direction of the device. Can be turned to. However, the technique described in Patent Document 4 has a problem that the structure of the device becomes complicated and the diameter of the device becomes large. Further, in the devices described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, no consideration is given to irradiating light in a direction intersecting the long axis direction of the device.

It should be noted that such a problem is not limited to PDT and NIR-PIT, but is common to all devices used in examinations or treatments including the process of irradiating light in the body. Moreover, such a problem is not limited to the device inserted into the blood vessel, but also in the biological lumen such as the vascular system, the lymph gland system, the biliary system, the urinary tract system, the airway system, the digestive system, the secretory gland and the reproductive organ. Common to all devices inserted in.

The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, and in a device capable of irradiating light from an optical fiber in a direction intersecting the long axis direction of the device, the diameter of the device is reduced. The purpose is.

The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following forms.

(1) According to one embodiment of the present invention, a light irradiation device is provided. This light irradiation device is a hollow shaft having a long outer shape and an optical fiber housed inside the hollow shaft and irradiating light from a tip surface, and has a curved portion, and the curved portion is used to describe the light irradiation device. An optical fiber whose tip surface is oriented in a direction intersecting the major axis direction of the hollow shaft is provided, and the tip surface of the optical fiber is exposed to the outside from the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft or is hollow. It is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the shaft and does not protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft.

According to this configuration, since the tip surface of the optical fiber is exposed to the outside from the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft or is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the hollow shaft, light from the tip surface of the optical fiber is emitted from the hollow shaft. It is possible to irradiate in a direction intersecting the long axis direction of the device (that is, the long axis direction of the device). Further, since the tip surface of the optical fiber does not project outward from the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft, for example, by moving the optical fiber using a guide means, the tip surface of the optical fiber intersects the long axis direction of the hollow shaft. The diameter of the light irradiation device can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the light irradiation device is oriented in the direction of the light.

(2) In the light irradiation device of the above embodiment, a through hole for communicating the inside and the outside of the hollow shaft is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft, and the tip of the optical fiber has the through hole. It may be fixed to the hollow shaft in a state of being inserted into the hollow shaft, and the tip surface may be exposed to the outside from the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft.
According to this configuration, since the tip surface of the optical fiber is exposed to the outside from the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft, the light emitted from the optical fiber can be irradiated to the outside without passing through a shield. As a result, the light irradiation density in the light irradiation device can be increased, and the living tissue can be efficiently irradiated with light.

(3) In the light irradiation device of the above-described embodiment, a light-transmitting window portion that transmits light inside the hollow shaft to the outside is formed on at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft. The optical fiber may be fixed to the hollow shaft with the tip surface in contact with the window portion.
According to this configuration, since the tip surface of the optical fiber is in contact with the light-transmitting window portion, the entire tip portion of the optical fiber can be housed inside the hollow shaft and emitted from the optical fiber. The light to be generated can be irradiated to the outside through the window portion. As a result, the safety of the light irradiation device can be improved. Further, it is possible to control the light emitted from the light irradiation device by changing the properties of the material constituting the window portion (for example, light diffusivity, polarization property, etc.) and the shape of the window portion (for example, surface processing, etc.). it can.

(4) In the light irradiation device of the above embodiment, at least a part of the curved portion of the optical fiber is arranged inside the hollow shaft on one side with respect to a plane including the axis of the hollow shaft, and the light. The tip surface of the fiber may be located inside the hollow shaft on the other side of the plane.
According to this configuration, at least a part of the curved portion of the optical fiber and the tip surface of the optical fiber are arranged inside the hollow shaft on the opposite side of the plane including the axis of the hollow shaft, so that the curved portion of the optical fiber is formed. The curvature of the part can be increased. As a result, the loss of light due to the bending of the optical fiber can be reduced, so that the light irradiation density in the light irradiation device can be increased, and the living tissue can be efficiently irradiated with light.

(5) The light irradiation device of the above-described embodiment may further include a light-transmitting holding member that holds the shape of the curved portion of the optical fiber.
According to this configuration, the shape of the curved portion is held by the holding member in a state where the tip surface of the optical fiber is directed by the curved portion in the direction intersecting the major axis direction of the hollow shaft. Therefore, the configuration of the light irradiation device can be simplified as compared with the configuration in which the optical fiber is moved by using the guide means, so that the diameter of the light irradiation device can be further reduced.

(6) In the light irradiation device of the above-described embodiment, the holding member may be arranged at least adjacent to the inner peripheral side of the curved portion.
According to this configuration, the shape of the curved portion of the optical fiber can be maintained at least from the inner peripheral side of the curved portion.

(7) In the light irradiation device of the above embodiment, the light emitting direction from the tip surface of the optical fiber and the long axis direction of the hollow shaft may intersect.
According to this configuration, since the light emitting direction from the tip surface of the optical fiber and the long axis direction of the hollow shaft intersect, light is emitted from the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft to the side of the light irradiation device. Can be irradiated. Here, the light irradiation device is a device that is used by being inserted into a living lumen (for example, a blood vessel) and irradiates a living lumen wall (for example, a blood vessel wall) or a living tissue behind the living lumen with light. Therefore, by adopting this configuration that can irradiate light to the side of the light irradiation device, it is possible to efficiently irradiate the target tissue with light while suppressing the irradiation of body fluid (for example, blood). Can be done. As a result, the safety of the light irradiation device can be improved and the light irradiation density can be increased.

(8) According to one embodiment of the present invention, a light irradiation system is provided. This light irradiation system includes a light irradiation device of the above-described embodiment and a long tube-shaped catheter into which the light irradiation device is inserted, and the catheter is used when the light irradiation device is inserted into the catheter. A light transmitting portion for transmitting internal light to the outside is provided at a position corresponding to the tip surface of the optical fiber.
According to this configuration, the light irradiation system is individually provided with a light irradiation device and a catheter having a light transmitting portion for transmitting internal light to the outside at a position corresponding to the tip surface of the optical fiber. It is possible to improve the degree of freedom of the procedure and expand the range of procedures.

The present invention can be realized in various aspects, for example, a catheter, a light irradiation device, a light irradiation system in which these are separate or integrated, a catheter, a light irradiation device, and a light irradiation system. It can be realized in the form of a manufacturing method or the like.

It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the light irradiation system of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the cross-sectional structure in A1-A1 line of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the cross-sectional structure in A2-A2 line of FIG. It is a top view of the light irradiation device seen from the B direction of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the use state of a light irradiation system. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the light irradiation device of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the cross-sectional structure in A1-A1 line (FIG. 1) of the light irradiation device of 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the cross-sectional structure in A2-A2 line (FIG. 1) of the light irradiation device of 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the light irradiation device of 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the light irradiation device of 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the cross-sectional structure in line CC (FIG. 10) of the light irradiation device of 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the light irradiation device of 6th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the light irradiation device of 7th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the cross-sectional structure in the DD line (FIG. 13) of the light irradiation device of 7th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the light irradiation device of 8th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the light irradiation device of 9th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the light irradiation device of 10th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the light irradiation device of 11th Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation system of the first embodiment. The light irradiation system is used by inserting it into a biological lumen such as a vascular system, a lymph gland system, a biliary system, a urinary tract system, an airway system, a digestive system, a secretory gland and a reproductive organ. The light irradiation system is a system that irradiates light transmitted from the lumen of a living body toward a living tissue through an optical fiber. The light irradiation system can be used in, for example, PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) and NIR-PIT (Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy). The light irradiation system includes a catheter 1 and a light irradiation device 2 that is inserted into and used in the catheter 1. In FIG. 1, the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2 are shown separately.

In FIG. 1, an axis passing through the center of the catheter 1 and an axis passing through the center of the light irradiation device 2 are represented by an axis line O (dashed line), respectively. Hereinafter, the axes passing through the centers of each other will be described as being aligned with the axis O in the state where the light irradiation device 2 is inserted into the catheter 1, but the axes passing through the centers of both in the inserted state may be different from each other. Good. Further, FIG. 1 shows XYZ axes that are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis corresponds to the long axis direction (axis O direction) of the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2, the Y-axis corresponds to the height direction of the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2, and the Z-axis corresponds to the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device. Corresponds to the width direction of 2. Hereinafter, the left side (-X-axis direction) of FIG. 1 is referred to as the catheter 1, the light irradiation device 2, and the "tip side" of each component, and the right side (+ X-axis direction) of FIG. 1 is referred to as the catheter 1, the light irradiation device 2. , And the "base end side" of each component. Further, with respect to the catheter 1, the light irradiation device 2, and each component, the end portion located on the distal end side is referred to as a "tip", and the distal end and its vicinity are referred to as a "tip portion". Further, the end portion located on the proximal end side is referred to as a "base end", and the proximal end and its vicinity are referred to as a "base end portion". The distal end side corresponds to the "distal side" inserted into the living body, and the proximal end side corresponds to the "proximal side" operated by a surgeon such as a doctor. These points are also common to the figures showing the overall configuration after FIG. 1.

The catheter 1 has a long tube shape and includes a shaft 110, a tip tip 120, and a connector 140. The shaft 110 is an elongated member extending along the axis O. The shaft 110 has a hollow substantially cylindrical shape (tube shape) in which both ends of the tip portion 110d and the base end portion 110p are open. The shaft 110 has a lumen 110L inside. The lumen 110L functions as a guide wire lumen for inserting the guide wire through the catheter 1 at the time of delivery of the catheter 1. The lumen 110L functions as a device lumen for inserting the light irradiation device 2 through the catheter 1 after the delivery of the catheter 1. In this way, the diameter of the catheter 1 can be reduced by using both the guide wire lumen and the device lumen as a single lumen. The outer diameter, inner diameter and length of the shaft 110 can be arbitrarily determined.

The tip tip 120 is a member that is joined to the tip of the shaft 110 and advances in the lumen of the living body ahead of other members. As shown in FIG. 1, the tip tip 120 has an outer shape whose diameter is reduced from the proximal end side to the distal end side in order to facilitate the progress of the catheter 1 in the living lumen. A through hole 120h is formed in a substantially central portion of the tip tip 120 so as to penetrate the tip tip 120 in the O-direction of the axis. Here, the opening diameter Φ1 of the through hole 120h is smaller than the inner diameter Φ2 of the lumen 110L of the shaft 110. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, at the boundary between the shaft 110 and the tip tip 120, a step is formed due to the inner surface 120i of the tip tip 120 protruding. The opening 120o of the tip tip 120 communicates with the through hole 120h and is used when inserting a guide wire (not shown) into the catheter 1. The outer diameter and length of the tip tip 120 can be arbitrarily determined.

The connector 140 is a member that is arranged on the proximal end side of the catheter 1 and is gripped by the operator. The connector 140 includes a substantially cylindrical connecting portion 141 and a pair of blades 142. The base end portion 110p of the shaft 110 is joined to the tip end portion of the connecting portion 141, and the blade 142 is joined to the base end portion. The blade 142 may have a structure integrated with the connector 140. The opening 140o of the connector 140 leads to the lumen 110L via the inside of the connector 140, and is used when inserting the light irradiation device 2 into the catheter 1. The outer diameter, inner diameter and length of the connecting portion 141 and the shape of the blade 142 can be arbitrarily determined.

The shaft 110 of the catheter 1 is further provided with a light transmitting portion 139 and first marker portions 131 and 132. The light transmitting portion 139 transmits the light inside the shaft 110 to the outside. The light transmitting portion 139 is a hollow member having a substantially cylindrical shape, has an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the shaft 110, and has an inner diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter Φ2 of the lumen 110L of the shaft 110. In other words, the light transmitting portion 139 is provided in the entire circumferential direction, and transmits the light inside the shaft 110 to the outside in the entire circumferential direction. The light transmitting portion 139 is joined to the shaft 110 at the proximal end side and the distal end side, respectively. The light transmitting portion 139 can be formed of a transparent (including translucent) resin material having light transmission, for example, acrylic resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, or the like.

The first marker portions 131 and 132 function as markers indicating the positions of the light transmitting portions 139. The first marker portion 131 is provided close to the tip portion of the light transmitting portion 139, and functions as a mark indicating the position of the tip portion of the light transmitting portion 139. The first marker portion 132 is provided close to the proximal end portion of the light transmitting portion 139, and functions as a mark indicating the position of the proximal end portion of the light transmitting portion 139. The first marker portions 131 and 132 are hollow members having a substantially cylindrical shape, respectively. In the example of FIG. 1, the first marker portions 131 and 132 are respectively arranged in recesses formed on the outer surface of the shaft 110 and are joined to the outer surface of the shaft 110. In other words, the first marker portions 131 and 132 are embedded in the outer surface of the shaft 110 so as to surround the circumferential direction of the shaft 110, respectively. The first marker portions 131 and 132 may be provided so as to project from the outer surface of the shaft 110 by being joined to the outer surface of the shaft 110 having no recess. At least one of the first marker portions 131 and 132 may be omitted.

The light irradiation device 2 has an elongated outer shape, and includes a shaft 210, a tip tip 220, a connector 240, an optical fiber 250, and a holding member 260. The shaft 210 is an elongated member extending along the axis O. The shaft 210 has a hollow substantially cylindrical shape (tube shape) in which both ends of the tip portion 210d and the base end portion 210p are open. A through hole 210h that communicates the inside and the outside of the shaft 210 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 210 on the tip end side. The tip of the optical fiber 250 is inserted into the through hole 210h. An optical fiber 250 and a holding member 260 are housed inside (inside) the shaft 210. Further, the void portion of the inside of the shaft 210 except for the optical fiber 250 and the holding member 260 is filled with the resin member 270. The shaft 210 corresponds to a "hollow shaft".

The tip tip 220 is a member that is joined to the tip 210d of the shaft 210 and advances the lumen 110L of the catheter 1 ahead of other members. As shown in FIG. 1, the tip tip 220 is a substantially cylindrical member extending in the long axis direction of the light irradiation device 2. Here, the outer diameter Φ3 of the tip tip 220 and the shaft 210 (in other words, the outer diameter Φ3 of the light irradiation device 2) is larger than the opening diameter Φ1 of the through hole 120h of the catheter 1, and the shaft 110 of the catheter 1 And it is preferable that the inner diameter of the light transmitting portion 139 is smaller than the inner diameter Φ2 (Φ1 <Φ3 <Φ2).

The connector 240 is a member that is arranged on the base end side of the light irradiation device 2 and is gripped by the operator. The connector 240 includes a substantially cylindrical connecting portion 241 and a pair of blades 242. The base end portion 210p of the shaft 210 is joined to the tip end portion of the connecting portion 241 and the blade 242 is joined to the base end portion of the connecting portion 241. The blade 242 may have a structure integrated with the connector 240.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view illustrating the cross-sectional configuration of the lines A1-A1 of FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating the cross-sectional configuration of the lines A2-A2 of FIG. The XYZ axes shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 correspond to the XYZ axes of FIG. 1, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the optical fiber 250 includes a core 250c extending in the long axis direction (axis O direction) of the light irradiation device 2 and a clad 250cl covering the outer peripheral surface (outer surface) of the core 250c. I have. The core 250c is located substantially in the center of the clad 250cl and has a higher refractive index than the clad 250cl. The clad 250cl has a uniform refractive index. The optical fiber 250 transmits light by total internal reflection of light utilizing the difference in refractive index between the core 250c and the clad 250cl.

The optical fiber 250 of the present embodiment is a plastic optical fiber in which both the core 250c and the clad 250cl are made of resin. The core 250c can be formed of, for example, a polymethylmethacrylate resin (PMMA), polystyrene, polycarbonate, a weighted hydrogenated polymer, a fluorine-based polymer, a silicon-based polymer, a norbornene-based polymer, or the like. The core 250c is classified into a single mode and a multi-mode according to the number of modes in which light propagates, and either of them may be used in the present embodiment. Further, in the case of the multi-mode core 250c, it is classified into a step index and a graded index according to the refractive index distribution, but in this embodiment, either of them may be used. The clad 250cl can be formed of, for example, a fluorine-based polymer. As the optical fiber 250, a quartz glass optical fiber or a multi-component glass optical fiber may be used instead of the plastic optical fiber. The length of the optical fiber 250 in the major axis direction can be arbitrarily determined. Further, the optical fiber 250 may be formed of only the core 250c, or may further include one or more protective layers covering the clad 250cl.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tip end side of the optical fiber 250 is inserted inside the shaft 210 and fixed by the resin member 270. The base end side of the optical fiber 250 passes through the inside of the connector 240 and is pulled out to the outside. The base end portion of the optical fiber 250 is directly connected to the light source 3 via a connector (not shown) or indirectly via another optical fiber. The light source 3 is, for example, a laser light generator that generates laser light of an arbitrary wavelength.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the light irradiation device 2 as viewed from the direction B of FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a usage state of the light irradiation system. In the round frame shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, an enlarged view of the vicinity of the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 is shown. As shown in FIG. 5, a curved portion 251 in which the optical fiber 250 is curved in the + Y axis direction is formed on the tip end side of the optical fiber 250. Here, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plane SO including the axis (that is, the axis O) of the shaft 210 is defined. The plane SO is a plane extending in the Z-axis direction, but in FIGS. 2 and 3 which are cross-sectional views, the plane SO is represented by a broken line. At this time, in the optical fiber 250, a part 251s (FIG. 5: one-dot chain line round frame) on the proximal end side of the curved portion 251 and the entire proximal end side of the curved portion 251 (FIG. 2) are inside the shaft 210. Is arranged on one side D1 with respect to the plane SO. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the tip end portion and the tip end surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 are arranged on the opposite side D2 with respect to the plane SO inside the shaft 210. In the illustrated example, one side D1 is in the −Y axis direction with respect to the plane SO, and the other side D2 is in the + Y axis direction with respect to the plane SO.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the tip of the optical fiber 250 is fixed to the shaft 210 in a state of being inserted into the through hole 210h of the shaft 210. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 is exposed to the outside from the outer peripheral surface (outer surface) of the shaft 210. At the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250, the core 250c is exposed by cutting the optical fiber 250 so as to be about 90 degrees (perpendicular) with respect to the central axis of the core 250c. From the exposed core 250c, the laser beam LT generated by the light source 3 and transmitted via the optical fiber 250 is irradiated (FIG. 5). That is, the core 250c exposed on the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 functions as a light irradiation unit 239 that irradiates the laser beam LT to the outside. In the example of this embodiment, the direction DLT of the laser beam LT is the + Y-axis direction perpendicular to the long-axis direction (X-axis direction) of the shaft 210.

In the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250, the core 250c is subjected to a well-known process (for example, a process of cutting the tip surface 255 diagonally, a process of forming a notch, a sandblast process, a chemical process). May be good. Further, a resin body or a light reflection mirror for transmitting, refracting, and amplifying the laser beam LT may be provided at or near the tip of the core 250c. The resin body can be formed, for example, by applying it to an acrylic ultraviolet curable resin in which fine quartz powder is dispersed and curing it with ultraviolet light.

Further, as shown in the round frame of FIG. 5, the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 is housed inside the outer peripheral surface S210 of the shaft 210, and does not project outward from the outer peripheral surface S210. The distance L1 between the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 and the outer peripheral surface S210 of the shaft 210 can be arbitrarily determined. That is, the distance L1 may be 0 or a value larger than 0. When the distance L1 is 0, the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 and the outer peripheral surface S210 of the shaft 210 are located on substantially the same plane. Here, "on substantially the same plane" means to allow an error. When the distance L1 is a value larger than 0, the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 is located inside the outer peripheral surface S210 of the shaft 210.

As described above, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the direction in which the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 that irradiates the laser beam LT intersects the long axis direction (axis O direction) of the shaft 210 by the curved portion 251 of the optical fiber 250. Is aimed at. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, the light LT is irradiated from the exposed core 250c (light irradiation unit 239) on the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 toward one direction of the side surface of the light irradiation device 2.

The holding member 260 is a member that holds the shape (curved shape) of the curved portion 251 of the optical fiber 250. As shown in FIG. 5, the holding member 260 is arranged inside the shaft 210 and at the position of the curved portion 251 of the optical fiber 250. Further, the holding member 260 is arranged so as to cover the entire outer peripheral surface of the curved portion 251 of the optical fiber 250. The holding member 260 is made of a light-transmitting resin. Here, the light-transmitting resin means a resin that is transparent or translucent and has a property of transmitting light. As the light-transmitting resin, for example, any resin such as an epoxy resin filled with an inorganic powder can be used. The light-transmitting resin used for the holding member 260 preferably has a high light-transparency in the wavelength range (for example, 650 nm to 700 nm) used in PDT and NIR-PIT as compared with other wavelength ranges. The holding member 260 may be formed by mixing a plurality of different types of light-transmitting resins.

With respect to such a light transmissive holding member 260, the refractive index R6 of the holding member 260 is preferably smaller than the refractive index R5 of the member (that is, clad 250cl) constituting the outer surface of the optical fiber 250 (R6 <R5). ). Further, the refractive index R7 of the resin member 270 is preferably smaller than the refractive index R6 of the holding member 260 (R7 <R6). That is, the relationship between the refractive index R5 of the clad 250cl, the refractive index R6 of the holding member 260, and the refractive index R7 of the resin member 270 is preferably "R7 <R6 <R5". Representative values such as catalog values can be used for the refractive index R5 of the clad 250cl, the refractive index R6 of the holding member 260, and the refractive index R7 of the resin member 270.

Here, it is assumed that the first member and the second member having different refractive indexes are arranged adjacent to each other. In such a case, in general, the light traveling from the first member to the second member has a larger difference in refractive index between the first member and the second member, the more the boundary surface between the first member and the second member. It becomes easy to totally reflect (that is, it does not proceed to the second member). On the other hand, the smaller the difference in the refractive index between the first member and the second member, the easier it is to proceed from the first member to the second member while refracting at the boundary surface between the first member and the second member. In this respect, in the light irradiation device 2 of the present embodiment, the refractive index R6 of the holding member 260 is smaller than the refractive index R5 of the clad 250cl forming the outer surface of the optical fiber 250 (R6 <R5). Therefore, as compared with the case where the shape of the curved portion 251 is held by using, for example, a holding member having a refractive index similar to that of the clad 250cl or a refractive index higher than the refractive index of the clad 250cl. The light inside the optical fiber 250 can be reflected at the boundary between the clad 250cl and the holding member 260. Therefore, the light leaking through the holding member 260 can be reduced. Further, the refractive index R7 of the resin member 270 is smaller than the refractive index R6 of the holding member 260 (R7 <R6). Therefore, when the resin member 270 and the holding member 260 are compared, the difference in the refractive index between the resin member 270 and the clad 250cl is larger than the difference in the refractive index between the holding member 260 and the clad 250cl. Therefore, the light leaking through the resin member 270 can be reduced.

The shaft 210 of the light irradiation device 2 is further provided with second marker portions 231,232. The second marker units 231 and 232 function as markers indicating the positions of the light irradiation units 239 (that is, the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250). The second marker unit 231 is provided close to the tip end side of the light irradiation unit 239, and functions as a mark indicating the position of the tip end side of the light irradiation unit 239. The second marker unit 232 is provided close to the base end side of the light irradiation unit 239, and functions as a mark indicating the position of the base end side of the light irradiation unit 239. The second marker portions 231 and 232 are hollow members having a substantially cylindrical shape, respectively. In the example of FIG. 5, the second marker portions 231 and 232 are respectively arranged in the recesses formed on the outer surface of the shaft 210 and are joined to the outer surface of the shaft 210. In other words, the second marker portions 231 and 232 are embedded in the outer surface of the shaft 210 so as to surround the circumferential direction of the shaft 210, respectively. The second marker portions 231 and 232 may be provided so as to project from the outer surface of the shaft 210 by being joined to the outer surface of the shaft 210 having no recess. At least one of the second marker portions 231,232 may be omitted.

The first marker portions 131 and 132 of the catheter 1 and the second marker portions 231 and 232 of the light irradiation device 2 can be formed of a resin material or a metal material having radiation opacity. For example, when a resin material is used, it can be formed by mixing a radiation-impermeable material such as bismuth trioxide, tungsten, or barium sulfate with a polyamide resin, a polyolefin resin, a polyester resin, a polyurethane resin, a silicon resin, a fluororesin, or the like. For example, when a metal material is used, it can be formed of a radiation-impermeable material such as gold, platinum, tungsten, or an alloy containing these elements (for example, platinum-nickel alloy).

The shaft 110 of the catheter 1, the shaft 210 of the light irradiation device 2, and the resin member 270 of the light irradiation device 2 preferably have antithrombotic properties, flexibility, and biocompatibility, and may be made of a resin material or a metal material. Can be formed. As the resin material, for example, polyamide resin, polyolefin resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, silicon resin, fluororesin and the like can be adopted. As the metal material, for example, stainless steel such as SUS304, nickel titanium alloy, cobalt chromium alloy, tungsten steel and the like can be adopted. Further, the shaft 110 and the shaft 210 may be formed into a bonded structure in which a plurality of the above-mentioned materials are combined. The tip 120 of the catheter 1 and the tip 220 of the light irradiation device 2 are preferably flexible, and can be formed of, for example, a resin material such as polyurethane or polyurethane elastomer. The connector 140 of the catheter 1 and the connector 240 of the light irradiation device 2 can be formed of a resin material such as polyamide, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyacetal, and polyether sulfone.

A method of using the light irradiation system will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5. First, the operator inserts a guide wire into the lumen of the living body. Next, the operator inserts the proximal end side of the guide wire from the opening 120o of the tip tip 120 of the catheter 1 shown in FIG. 1 into the lumen 110L and projects it from the opening 140o of the connector 140. Next, the operator pushes the catheter 1 into the lumen of the living body along the guide wire, and the light transmitting portion 139 of the catheter 1 is directed to the target site of light irradiation (for example, in the case of NIR-PIT, the cancer cell. Deliver to (near). By inserting the guide wire through the through hole 120h formed in the tip tip 120 of the catheter 1 in this way, the operator can easily deliver the catheter 1 to the target site in the living lumen. At the time of delivery, the operator positions the catheter 1 in the lumen of the living body while confirming the positions of the first marker portions 131 and 132 arranged in the vicinity of the light transmitting portion 139 in the X-ray image. be able to. The surgeon then removes the guide wire from the catheter 1.

Next, the operator inserts the light irradiation device 2 through the opening 140o of the connector 140 of the catheter 1. The operator pushes the light irradiation device 2 toward the tip end side of the catheter 1 along the lumen 110L of the catheter 1. Here, as described above, if the outer diameter Φ3 of the light irradiation device 2 is smaller than the diameter Φ2 of the lumen 110L of the catheter 1 and larger than the diameter Φ1 of the through hole 120h of the tip tip 120, the catheter 1 can be formed. When the light irradiation device 2 is inserted, the tip surface 220e of the light irradiation device 2 abuts on the inner surface 120i of the tip chip 120, so that the light irradiation device 2 can be prevented from coming off to the tip side (FIG. 5).

After that, the operator confirms the positional relationship between the first marker units 131 and 132 and the second marker units 231,232 in the X-ray image, thereby confirming the positional relationship between the light transmitting unit 139 and the light irradiation unit 239 (optical fiber). Align the position with the tip surface 255) of the 250 in the O direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the laser beam LT emitted from the light irradiation unit 239 (tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250) can be transmitted through the light transmission unit 139 of the catheter 1 and emitted to the external biological tissue. In the catheter 1 of the present embodiment, the light transmitting portion 139 is provided in the entire circumferential direction. Therefore, in the light irradiation system of the present embodiment, the operator only needs to align the light transmitting portion 139 and the light irradiation portion 239 in the axis O direction (X-axis direction), and the light transmitting portion in the circumferential direction. It is not necessary to align the 139 with the light irradiation unit 239.

As described above, according to the light irradiation device 2 of the first embodiment, the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 is exposed to the outside from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 210 (FIGS. 4 and 5). Therefore, the optical LT from the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 can be irradiated to the DLT in the direction intersecting the long axis direction of the shaft 210 (that is, the long axis direction of the light irradiation device 2 and the axis O direction) (FIG. FIG. 5). Further, the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 does not project outward from the outer peripheral surface S210 of the shaft 210 (lower round frame in FIG. 5). Therefore, for example, by moving the optical fiber using a guide means, the diameter of the light irradiation device 2 can be reduced as compared with a configuration in which the tip surface of the optical fiber is directed in a direction intersecting the major axis direction of the hollow shaft.

Further, according to the light irradiation device 2 of the first embodiment, the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 is exposed to the outside from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 210 (FIGS. 4 and 5). Therefore, the optical LT emitted from the core 250c of the optical fiber 250 can be irradiated to the outside without passing through a shield. As a result, the light irradiation density in the light irradiation device 2 can be increased, and the living tissue can be efficiently irradiated with light. Further, at least a part 251s (FIG. 5: one-dot chain line round frame) of the curved portion 251 of the optical fiber 250 and the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 form a flat surface SO including the axis O of the shaft 210 inside the shaft 210. It is arranged on the opposite side (FIGS. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5). Therefore, the curvature of the curved portion 251 of the optical fiber 250 can be increased. As a result, the loss of light due to the bending of the optical fiber 250 can be reduced, so that the light irradiation density in the light irradiation device 2 can be increased, and the living tissue can be efficiently irradiated with light.

Further, according to the light irradiation device 2 of the first embodiment, the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 is oriented in the long axis direction of the shaft 210 (that is, the long axis direction of the light irradiation device 2 and the axis O direction) by the curved portion 251. The shape of the curved portion 251 is held by the holding member 260 in a state of being oriented in the intersecting direction. Therefore, the configuration of the light irradiation device 2 can be simplified as compared with the configuration in which the optical fiber is moved by using the guide means, so that the diameter of the light irradiation device 2 can be further reduced. Further, since the holding member 260 is arranged adjacent to the entire circumference of the curved portion 251 of the optical fiber 250, the shape of the curved portion 251 of the optical fiber 250 can be firmly held.

Further, according to the light irradiation device 2 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the light LT emission direction DLT from the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 and the long axis direction (axis O direction) of the shaft 210. The light LT can be irradiated from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 210 to the side of the light irradiation device 2. Here, the light irradiation device 2 is a device that is used by being inserted into a living lumen (for example, a blood vessel) and irradiates a living lumen wall (for example, a blood vessel wall) or a living tissue behind the living lumen with light LT. .. Therefore, by adopting the above-mentioned configuration capable of irradiating the side of the light irradiation device 2 with the light LT, the light LT can be efficiently applied to the target tissue while suppressing the irradiation of the body fluid (for example, blood) with the light LT. Can be irradiated. As a result, the safety of the light irradiation device 2 can be improved and the light irradiation density can be increased.

Further, in the light irradiation system of the first embodiment, the light transmission unit that transmits the internal light LT to the outside at a position corresponding to the light irradiation device 2 and the tip surface 255 (that is, the light irradiation unit 239) of the optical fiber 250. A catheter 1 having a 139 and a catheter 1 are individually provided. Therefore, the degree of freedom in device design can be improved, and the range of procedures can be expanded.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation device 2A of the second embodiment. The light irradiation system of the second embodiment includes the catheter 1 described in the first embodiment and the light irradiation device 2A shown in FIG. The light irradiation device 2A includes a shaft 210A instead of the shaft 210, an optical fiber 250A instead of the optical fiber 250, and a light irradiation unit 239A instead of the light irradiation unit 239.

The shaft 210A has a window portion 212 instead of the through hole 210h described in the first embodiment. The window portion 212 is an arc-shaped plate-shaped member, which is fitted into a part of the shaft 210A and joined to the shaft 210A. Any bonding agent such as an epoxy adhesive can be used for bonding. The window portion 212 can be formed of a transparent (including translucent) resin material having light transmission, for example, acrylic resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, or the like. With such a configuration, the window portion 212 has a light transmission property that allows light inside the shaft 210A to pass through to the outside of the shaft 210. The optical fiber 250A is fixed to the shaft 210A in a state where the tip surface 255A of the optical fiber 250A is in contact with the window portion 212 of the shaft 210A. The laser beam LT generated by the light source 3 and transmitted via the optical fiber 250A is emitted from the tip surface 255A of the optical fiber 250A to the outside through the window portion 212 (FIG. 6). Therefore, in the light irradiation device 2A, the portion of the window portion 212 that is in contact with the tip surface 255A of the optical fiber 250A functions as the light irradiation portion 239A.

As described above, the configuration of the light irradiation device 2A can be changed in various ways, and the tip surface 255A of the optical fiber 250A is the inner peripheral surface of the shaft 210A, specifically, the window portion 212 provided on the shaft 210A. It may be in contact with the inner surface. Various changes can be made to the configuration of the window portion 212. For example, the window portion 212 may have a hollow substantially cylindrical shape having an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the shaft 210A. In this case, the window portion 212 is formed in the entire circumferential direction of the light irradiation device 2A. For example, the properties of the material constituting the window portion 212 (for example, light diffusivity, polarization property, etc.) and the shape of the window portion 212 (for example, surface processing, etc.) may be changed.

The light irradiation system of the second embodiment as described above can also achieve the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above. Further, according to the light irradiation device 2A of the second embodiment, the tip surface 255A of the optical fiber 250A is in contact with the light transmitting window portion 212. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the entire tip portion of the optical fiber 250A can be housed inside the shaft 210A, and the optical LT emitted from the optical fiber 250A is transmitted through the window portion 212. It can be irradiated to the outside. As a result, the safety of the light irradiation device 2A can be improved. Further, the light LT emitted from the light irradiation device 2A can be controlled by changing the properties of the material constituting the window portion 212 and the shape of the window portion 212.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view illustrating the cross-sectional configuration of the light irradiation device 2B of the third embodiment in line A1-A1 (FIG. 1). FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating the cross-sectional configuration of the light irradiation device 2B of the third embodiment in line A2-A2 (FIG. 1). The light irradiation system of the third embodiment includes the catheter 1 described in the first embodiment and the light irradiation device 2B shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The light irradiation device 2B includes an optical fiber 250B instead of the optical fiber 250.

The optical fiber 250B differs from the first embodiment only in the position inside the shaft 210. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, in the optical fiber 250B, the curved portion 251 and the entire base end side of the curved portion 251 form a plane SO (axis O of the shaft 210) inside the shaft 210. It is arranged on the other side D2 with respect to the including plane). Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the tip end portion and the tip end surface 255 of the optical fiber 250B are arranged on the opposite side D2 with respect to the plane SO inside the shaft 210. That is, in the optical fiber 250B, the entire optical fiber 250B is arranged on the same side D2 (+ Y axis direction) with respect to the plane SO (FIGS. 7 and 8).

As described above, the configuration of the light irradiation device 2A can be changed in various ways. For example, the optical fiber 250B may be arranged at an arbitrary position inside the shaft 210. For example, the optical fiber 250B is shaped in a spiral or wavy shape, and the curved portion 251 and the tip portion and the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250B have one side D1 and the other side D2 inside the shaft 210. It may be arranged across and. For example, at least a part of the optical fiber 250B may be embedded in the thick portion of the shaft 210. The light irradiation system of the third embodiment as described above can also achieve the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above.

<Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation device 2C of the fourth embodiment. The light irradiation system of the fourth embodiment includes the catheter 1 described in the first embodiment and the light irradiation device 2C shown in FIG. The light irradiation device 2C does not include the holding member 260 and the resin member 270 described in the first embodiment, but includes a joining member 265. The joining member 265 is arranged between the wall surface of the through hole 210h of the shaft 210 and the tip end portion of the optical fiber 250. By fixing the shaft 210 and the optical fiber 250, the joining member 265 holds a state in which the tip end portion of the optical fiber 250 is inserted into the through hole 210h. The joining member 265 can be formed by any joining agent, for example, a metal solder such as silver brazing, gold brazing, zinc, Sn-Ag alloy, Au-Sn alloy, or an adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive.

As described above, the configuration of the light irradiation device 2C can be changed in various ways, and for example, the holding member 260 that holds the shape of the curved portion 251 of the optical fiber 250 may not be provided. For example, the resin member 270 that seals the inside of the shaft 210 may not be provided. For example, a joining member 265 arranged between the wall surface of the through hole 210h of the shaft 210 and the tip end portion of the optical fiber 250 may be provided. The light irradiation system of the fourth embodiment as described above can also achieve the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above.

<Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation device 2D according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view illustrating the cross-sectional configuration of the light irradiation device 2D of the fifth embodiment on the CC line (FIG. 10). The light irradiation system of the fifth embodiment includes the catheter 1 described in the first embodiment and the light irradiation device 2D shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The light irradiation device 2D includes a holding member 260D instead of the holding member 260. The holding member 260D is arranged adjacent to the inner peripheral side of the curved portion 251 of the optical fiber 250. The inner peripheral side of the curved portion 251 means the inside of the portion having a curved shape in the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber 250, and in the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11, it means the + Y-axis direction side. A resin member 270 is arranged on the outer peripheral side (FIG. 10, FIG. 11: -Y-axis direction side) of the curved portion 251 of the optical fiber 250.

As described above, the configuration of the holding member 260D of the light irradiation device 2D can be changed in various ways, and the holding member 260D may be arranged only on the inner peripheral side of the curved portion 251 of the optical fiber 250. In the example of FIG. 11, the holding member 260D is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the curved portion 251 over a range of about 170 degrees in the circumferential direction, but the range in which the holding member 260D is provided is arbitrarily changed. It is possible, for example, 30 degrees, 90 degrees, or 270 degrees. Further, in the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11, the outer peripheral side of the curved portion 251 is filled with the resin member 270, but the outer peripheral side of the curved portion 251 is not filled with the resin member 270. There may be. The light irradiation system of the fifth embodiment as described above can also achieve the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above. Further, according to the light irradiation device 2D of the fifth embodiment, the shape of the curved portion 251 of the optical fiber 250 can be maintained at least from the inner peripheral side of the curved portion 251.

<Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation device 2E of the sixth embodiment. The light irradiation system of the sixth embodiment includes the catheter 1 described in the first embodiment and the light irradiation device 2E shown in FIG. The light irradiation device 2E includes a shaft 210E instead of the shaft 210, an optical fiber 250A instead of the optical fiber 250, and a light irradiation unit 239E instead of the light irradiation unit 239.

The shaft 210E does not have the through hole 210h described in the first embodiment, and is formed of a transparent (including translucent) resin material having light transmission. The optical fiber 250E is fixed to the shaft 210E in a state where the tip surface 255E of the optical fiber 250E is the inner peripheral surface of the shaft 210E and is in contact with the corresponding positions between the second marker portions 231 and 232. .. The laser beam LT generated by the light source 3 and transmitted via the optical fiber 250E is emitted from the tip surface 255E of the optical fiber 250E to the outside via the shaft 210E (FIG. 12). Therefore, in the light irradiation device 2E, the portion of the shaft 210E that is in contact with the tip surface 255E of the optical fiber 250E functions as the light irradiation unit 239E.

As described above, the configuration of the light irradiation device 2E can be changed in various ways, and the tip surface 255E of the optical fiber 250E may be in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the shaft 210E. The shaft 210E may have light transmission at least in a part where the tip surface 255E of the optical fiber 250E is in contact with the shaft 210E. Therefore, as described above, the entire shaft 210E may be formed of a resin material having light transmission, or the thickness of the shaft 210E may be reduced at a part where the tip surface 255E of the optical fiber 250E is in contact with the shaft 210E. The light transmission may be imparted by the conversion. The light irradiation system of the sixth embodiment as described above can also achieve the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above.

<7th Embodiment>
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation device 2F of the seventh embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view illustrating the cross-sectional configuration of the light irradiation device 2F of the seventh embodiment on the DD line (FIG. 13). The light irradiation device 2F of the seventh embodiment includes the catheter 1 described in the first embodiment and the light irradiation device 2F shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The light irradiation device 2F includes a shaft 210F instead of the shaft 210, a holding member 260F instead of the holding member 260F, and an optical fiber 280.

The shaft 210F has two through holes 210h arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction. As described in the first embodiment, the tip of the optical fiber 250 is inserted into the through hole 210h on one side (+ Y-axis direction). The tip of the optical fiber 280 is inserted into the through hole 210h on the other side (in the −Y axis direction). The optical fiber 280 has the same configuration as the optical fiber 250 except for the arrangement in the shaft 210F. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in the optical fiber 280, a part 281s (FIG. 13: two-dot chain line round frame) on the proximal end side of the curved portion 281 and the entire proximal end side of the curved portion 281 are formed. Inside the shaft 210F, it is arranged on the other side D2 with respect to the plane SO. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the tip end portion and the tip end surface 285 of the optical fiber 280 are arranged on one side D1 with respect to the plane SO inside the shaft 210F. That is, the optical fiber 250 and the optical fiber 280 are arranged inside the shaft 210F so that the positional relationship between the front and rear of the curved portions 251,281 is reversed. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the optical fiber 250 and the optical fiber 280 are preferably arranged so as to be displaced in the Z-axis direction in order to avoid interference inside the shaft 210F.

The tip of the optical fiber 280 is fixed to the shaft 210F in a state of being inserted into the through hole 210h of the shaft 210F. Further, the tip surface 285 of the optical fiber 280 is exposed to the outside from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 210F. The tip surface 285 of the optical fiber 280 is housed inside the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 210F, and does not project outward from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 210F. On the tip surface 285 of the optical fiber 280, the clad 280cl is removed to expose the core 280c. From the exposed core 280c, the laser beam LT generated by the light source 3 and transmitted via the optical fiber 280 is irradiated (FIG. 13). That is, the tip surface 285 of the optical fiber 280 functions as a light irradiation unit 239, similarly to the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250. As described above, the light irradiation device 2F is provided with a plurality of light irradiation units 239. The holding member 260F holds each curved shape of the curved portion 251 of the optical fiber 250 and the curved portion 281 of the optical fiber 280.

As described above, the configuration of the light irradiation device 2F can be variously changed, and by providing the optical fibers 250 and 280, the configuration may include two light irradiation units 239. The optical fiber 250 and the optical fiber 280 may differ in material, numerical aperture (NA), and other performance. In the above example, in the shaft 210F, a portion where the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 is exposed (first light irradiation portion 239) and a portion where the tip surface 285 of the optical fiber 280 is exposed (second light irradiation portion 239). ) Is a different position in the circumferential direction. However, these may be at different positions in the long axis direction (axis O direction) of the shaft 210F. Further, for example, by providing three or more optical fibers, a configuration may be provided in which three or more light irradiation units 239 are provided. The light irradiation system of the seventh embodiment as described above can also achieve the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above. Further, according to the light irradiation device 2F of the seventh embodiment, a plurality of light irradiation units 239 can be provided.

<8th Embodiment>
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation device 2G of the eighth embodiment. The light irradiation system of the eighth embodiment includes the catheter 1 described in the first embodiment and the light irradiation device 2G shown in FIG. The light irradiation device 2G includes an optical fiber 250G instead of the optical fiber 250. The shape of the tip surface 255G (in other words, the emission end of the laser beam LT) of the optical fiber 250G is different from that of the optical fiber 250 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the optical fiber 250G is cut so as to have an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the central axis of the core 250c to form a tip surface 255G. Further, in the light irradiation device 2G, the direction DLT of the laser beam LT irradiated from the light irradiation unit 239G (that is, the tip surface 255G of the optical fiber 250) is different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the laser beam LT emitted from the light irradiation unit 239G is inclined toward the tip end side of the light irradiation device 2G.

In this way, the configuration of the light irradiation device 2G can be changed in various ways. For example, the tip surface 255G of the optical fiber 250G is cut diagonally so as to have an arbitrary angle with respect to the central axis of the core 250c. You may. For example, the tip surface 255G of the optical fiber 250G (specifically, the core 250c exposed on the tip surface 255G) may be subjected to a process of giving an uneven shape, a process of imparting a notch, or the like. Further, for example, the direction DLT of the laser beam LT emitted from the light irradiation unit 239G can be arbitrarily changed as long as it intersects the major axis direction of the shaft 210 (light irradiation device 2G). For example, the direction DLT of the laser beam LT may be inclined toward the tip end side of the light irradiation device 2G, or may be inclined toward the proximal end side of the light irradiation device 2G. The light irradiation system of the eighth embodiment as described above can also achieve the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above.

<9th embodiment>
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation device 2H of the ninth embodiment. The light irradiation system of the ninth embodiment includes the catheter 1 described in the first embodiment and the light irradiation device 2H shown in FIG. The light irradiation device 2H includes an optical fiber 250H instead of the optical fiber 250. The optical fiber 250H differs from the first embodiment only in the arrangement inside the shaft 210. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, in the optical fiber 250H, a part 251s (FIG. 16: one-dot chain line round frame) on the base end side of the curved portion 251 is a flat surface SO (shaft) as in the first embodiment. It is arranged on one side D1 with respect to the plane including the axis O of 210). On the other hand, the optical fiber 250H is arranged on the other side D2 (the same side as the side on which the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250H is arranged) with respect to the plane SO on the base end side of the curved portion 251. There is.

As described above, the configuration of the light irradiation device 2H can be changed in various ways, and the base end side of the optical fiber 250H and the tip end surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 are located inside the shaft 210. , The shaft 210 may be arranged on the same side with respect to the plane including the axis O. In this way, the optical fiber 250H can have an arbitrary shape. The light irradiation system of the ninth embodiment as described above can also achieve the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above.

<10th Embodiment>
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation device 2I of the tenth embodiment. The light irradiation system of the tenth embodiment includes the catheter 1 described in the first embodiment and the light irradiation device 2I shown in FIG. The light irradiation device 2I includes an optical fiber 250I instead of the optical fiber 250. The optical fiber 250I has a curved portion 251I having a shape different from that of the curved portion 251 described in the first embodiment. The curved portion 251I shown by the broken line round frame includes the first curved portion 251a, the straight portion 251c, and the second curved portion 251b from the tip end side to the base end side. The first curved portion 251a and the second curved portion 251b are curved portions provided to direct the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250I in a direction intersecting the major axis direction of the shaft 210, and are curved from the extending direction of the optical fiber 250I. It is a curve attached in the + Y-axis direction. The straight portion 251c is a portion provided between the first curved portion 251a and the second curved portion 251b where the optical fiber 250I extends linearly.

As described above, the configuration of the light irradiation device 2I can be changed in various ways, and the "curved portion 251I" for directing the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250I in the direction intersecting the long axis direction of the shaft 210 is curved. A portion having no shape (straight portion 251c) may be included. In this way, the optical fiber 250I can have an arbitrary shape. The light irradiation system of the tenth embodiment as described above can also achieve the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above.

<11th Embodiment>
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the light irradiation device 2J of the eleventh embodiment. The light irradiation system of the tenth embodiment includes the catheter 1 described in the first embodiment and the light irradiation device 2J shown in FIG. The light irradiation device 2J includes an optical fiber 250J instead of the optical fiber 250. The optical fiber 250J has a curved portion 251J having a shape different from that of the curved portion 251 described in the first embodiment. The curved portion 251J shown by the broken line round frame includes the first curved portion 251a, the third curved portion 251d, and the second curved portion 251b from the tip end side to the base end side. The first curved portion 251a and the second curved portion 251b are curved portions provided to direct the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250J in a direction intersecting the major axis direction of the shaft 210, and are curved from the extending direction of the optical fiber 250J. It is a curve attached in the + Y-axis direction. The third curved portion 251d is a curved portion provided between the first curved portion 251a and the second curved portion 251b and provided in a direction different from that of the first curved portion 251a and the second curved portion 251b. ..

As described above, the configuration of the light irradiation device 2J can be changed in various ways, and the "curved portion 251J" for directing the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250J in the direction intersecting the long axis direction of the shaft 210 is various. The curved portion in the direction of (1st curved portion 251a, 3rd curved portion 251d, 2nd curved portion 251b) may be included. In this way, the optical fiber 250J can have an arbitrary shape. The light irradiation system of the eleventh embodiment as described above can also achieve the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above.

<Modified example of this embodiment>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

[Modification 1]
In the first to eleventh embodiments, an example of the configuration of the catheter 1 and the light irradiation devices 2, 2A to 2J is shown. However, the configurations of the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2 can be changed in various ways. For example, the light irradiation system may be configured only by the light irradiation device 2 without the catheter 1.

For example, a braided body or a reinforcing layer made of a coil body may be embedded in the shaft 110 of the catheter 1 and the shafts 210, 210A, 210E, 210F of the light irradiation device 2. In this way, the torque transmission property and the shape retention property of the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2 can be improved. For example, the outer surface of the catheter 1 and the outer surface of the light irradiation device 2 may be coated with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic resin. In this way, the slipperiness of the catheter 1 in the living lumen can be improved. In addition, the slipperiness of the light irradiation device 2 in the lumen 110L of the catheter 1 can be improved. Further, an antithrombotic material such as heparin may be coated on the outer surface of the catheter 1 or the outer surface of the light irradiation device 2. In this way, it is possible to suppress a decrease in laser output due to thrombus adhesion to the inner and outer surfaces of the catheter 1 and the outer surface of the light irradiation device 2 due to irradiation with emitted light (laser light) LT.

For example, the catheter 1 may be provided with an expansion portion that can be expanded in the radial direction (YZ direction). As the expansion portion, for example, a balloon made of a flexible thin film or a mesh body having a mesh of strands can be used. The extension portion may be provided on at least one of the tip end side of the light transmitting portion 139 and the proximal end side of the light transmitting portion 139 in the shaft 110. In this way, the catheter 1 can be fixed in the living lumen by expanding the dilated portion after positioning the catheter 1 in the living lumen. Further, if a balloon is used as the expansion portion, the blood flow at the light irradiation site can be blocked, so that the light blocking due to the blood flow can be suppressed.

For example, the catheter 1 may be configured as a multi-lumen catheter having a plurality of lumens different from the lumen 110L. Similarly, the light irradiation device 2 may be configured as a multi-lumen catheter having a separate lumen different from the lumen 210 L through which the first optical fiber 250 is inserted. In this case, the shaft 210 may be made of a hollow, substantially cylindrical member, and the tip tip 220 may be provided with a through hole extending along the axis O direction.

For example, the inner surface of the tip tip 120 of the catheter 1 and the outer surface of the tip tip 220 of the light irradiation device 2 may be formed of a magnetic material so as to attract each other. In this way, as shown in FIG. 5, the light irradiation device 2 can be inserted into the catheter 1 and the state in which the tip tip 220 is pressed against the tip tip 120 can be easily maintained. For example, the tip 120 of the tip of the catheter 1 may be omitted, and a configuration in which the tip of the shaft 110 is open may be adopted.

[Modification 2]
In the first to eleventh embodiments, an example of the configuration of the optical fibers 250, 250A, 250B, 250E, 250G to 250J, the holding members 260, 260D, 260F, and the joining member 265 for the light irradiation devices 2, 2A to 2J. Indicated. However, these configurations can be modified in various ways. For example, the curved portion 251 for crossing the tip of the optical fiber 250 in the long axis direction of the light irradiation device 2 is not limited to the shape shown in the figure, and any shape can be adopted. For example, the optical fiber 250 may have a separate curved portion different from the curved portion 251 for crossing the tip of the optical fiber 250 in the long axis direction of the light irradiation device 2. This curved portion may be provided, for example, on the proximal end side of the curved portion 251. The shape of the curved portion can be arbitrarily determined, and can be, for example, a spiral shape along the inner peripheral surface of the shaft 210, a wave shape, or a bellows shape.

For example, in the configuration of the seventh embodiment having a plurality of optical fibers 250 and 280, at least a part of the optical fibers may be linear without a curved portion. The linear optical fiber may be arranged so that the tip surface is exposed to the outside from the outer peripheral surface of the tip tip 220. Further, the tip tip 220 may be formed of a light-transmitting resin material, and then the tip surface of the linear optical fiber may be arranged in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tip tip 220. In these cases, a light irradiation unit that irradiates light can be formed toward the front of the light irradiation device 2 (along the major axis direction of the shaft 210).

For example, the range of the holding member 260 arranged adjacent to the periphery of the curved portion 251 in the long axis direction (axis O direction) can be arbitrarily determined. Specifically, the holding member 260 may be provided up to the tip of the shaft 210 (the boundary surface between the shaft 210 and the tip tip 220). For example, the holding member 260 may include an inner holding member arranged adjacent to the inner peripheral side of the curved portion 251 and an outer holding member arranged adjacent to the outer peripheral side of the curved portion 251. In this case, the material and refractive index of the inner holding member and the material and refractive index of the outer holding member may be the same or different from each other. For example, the holding member 260 may be arranged adjacent only to the outer peripheral side of the curved portion 251.

[Modification 3]
In the first to eleventh embodiments, an example of the configuration of the light transmitting unit 139 and the light irradiating unit 239, 239A, 239E, 239G is shown. However, the configurations of the light transmitting unit 139 and the light irradiating unit 239 can be changed in various ways. For example, the light transmitting portion 139 and the first marker portions 131 and 132 may be integrally formed by forming the light transmitting portion 139 with a material having radiation opacity. Similarly, by forming at least the tip portion (light irradiation portion 239) of the clad 250cl with a material having radiation opacity, the light irradiation portion 239 and the second marker portions 231 and 232 are integrally formed. May be good. Similarly, by forming the window portion 212 with a radiation-impermeable material, the light irradiation portion 239 and the second marker portions 231,232 may be integrally formed.

For example, the light transmitting portion 139 may be formed by thinning a part of the shaft 110. For example, at least one of the light transmitting portions 139 may be formed as a notch (a through hole communicating inside and outside the shaft) formed in the shaft 110. In this way, the light transmitting portion 139 can be easily formed. For example, the range of the axis O direction (X axis direction) and the range of the circumferential direction (YZ axis direction) in which the light transmitting portion 139 is provided can be arbitrarily changed. Specifically, for example, the light transmitting portion 139 may be provided in a wide range in the axis O direction.

For example, the catheter 1 may further include a separate marker portion arranged at an arbitrary position, such as the distal end side of the light transmitting portion 139 or the proximal end side of the light transmitting portion 139. For example, the light irradiation device 2 may further include a separate marker unit arranged at an arbitrary position such as the tip end side of the light irradiation unit 239 or the base end side of the light irradiation unit 239. The shape of the marker portion of the catheter 1 and the light irradiation device 2 can be arbitrarily determined, and may be a shape extending in the entire or a part of the circumferential direction (YZ direction) or a shape extending in the axis O direction (X-axis direction). , It may be a shape that surrounds the circumference of the shaft. Further, the tip 120 of the catheter 1 and the tip 220 of the light irradiation device 2 may be configured as a marker portion.

[Modification example 4]
The configurations of the catheter 1 of the first to eleventh embodiments and the light irradiation devices 2, 2A to 2J, and the configurations of the catheter 1 of the above-mentioned modifications 1 to 3 and the light irradiation devices 2, 2A to 2J are appropriately combined. You may. For example, in the configuration of the second or sixth embodiment (the configuration in which the tip surface 255 of the optical fiber 250 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the shaft 210), the optical fiber 250 described in the third, ninth to eleventh embodiments. The arrangement may be adopted, the joining member 265 described in the fourth embodiment may be provided, the holding member 260 described in the fifth embodiment may be provided, and the plurality of optical fibers described in the seventh embodiment may be provided. The fiber may be provided, or may be provided with the processed optical fiber described in the eighth embodiment.

Although the present embodiment has been described above based on the embodiments and modifications, the embodiments of the above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present embodiment and do not limit the present embodiment. This aspect may be modified or improved without departing from its spirit and claims, and this aspect includes its equivalents. In addition, if the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it may be deleted as appropriate.

1 ... catheter 2, 2A to 2J ... light irradiation device 3 ... light source 110 ... shaft 120 ... tip tip 131, 132 ... first marker part 139 ... light transmission part 140 ... connector 141 ... connection part 142 ... blade 210, 210A, 210E , 210F ... Shaft 212 ... Window 220 ... Tip tip 231,232 ... Second marker part 239, 239A, 239E, 239G ... Light irradiation part 240 ... Connector 241 ... Connection part 242 ... Blade 250, 250A, 250B, 250E, 250G ~ 250J ... Optical fiber 250c ... Core 250cl ... Clad 251,251I, 251J ... Curved part 251a ... First curved part 251b ... Second curved part 251c ... Straight part 251d ... Third curved part 255, 255A, 255E, 255G ... Tip Surfaces 260, 260D, 260F ... Holding member 265 ... Joining member 270 ... Resin member 280 ... Optical fiber 280c ... Core 280cl ... Clad 281 ... Curved portion 285 ... Tip surface

Claims (8)

It is a light irradiation device
A hollow shaft with a long outer shape and
An optical fiber housed inside the hollow shaft and irradiating light from the tip surface, which has a curved portion, and the curved portion faces the direction in which the tip surface intersects in the long axis direction of the hollow shaft. Optical fiber and
With
The tip surface of the optical fiber is
Exposed to the outside from the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft, or in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the hollow shaft,
A light irradiation device that does not project outward from the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft. The light irradiation device according to claim 1.
A through hole that communicates the inside and the outside of the hollow shaft is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft.
The optical fiber is a light irradiation device in which the tip end portion is fixed to the hollow shaft in a state of being inserted into the through hole, and the tip end surface is exposed to the outside from the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft. The light irradiation device according to claim 1.
A light-transmitting window portion that transmits light inside the hollow shaft to the outside is formed on at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the hollow shaft.
The optical fiber is a light irradiation device in which the tip surface is fixed to the hollow shaft in a state of being in contact with the window portion. The light irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
At least a part of the curved portion of the optical fiber is arranged inside the hollow shaft on one side with respect to a plane including the axis of the hollow shaft.
A light irradiation device in which the tip surface of the optical fiber is arranged on the other side of the plane inside the hollow shaft. The light irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and further
A light irradiation device including a light transmissive holding member that holds the shape of the curved portion of the optical fiber. The light irradiation device according to claim 5.
A light irradiation device in which the holding member is arranged at least adjacent to the inner peripheral side of the curved portion. The light irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A light irradiation device in which the light emitting direction from the tip surface of the optical fiber and the long axis direction of the hollow shaft intersect. It is a light irradiation system
The light irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
A long tube-shaped catheter into which the light irradiation device is inserted,
With
The catheter
A light irradiation system having a light transmitting portion for transmitting internal light to the outside at a position corresponding to the tip surface of the optical fiber when the light irradiation device is inserted into the catheter.

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