JP7638507B2 - Sterilization device and method for treating mammals using the same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sterilization device, and more specifically, to a sterilization device that is inserted into the body cavity of a human or mammalian body and directly sterilizes viruses inside the human or mammalian body by irradiating it with light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm.

In recent years, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been raging, and there is a need for a treatment method for infection. Currently, the development of treatment drugs is underway, but there is no clear forecast as to when it will be completed. In addition, the novel coronavirus has spread through genetic mutations in Asia, South America, the United States, Africa, and other regions, so even if a treatment drug or vaccine suitable for the novel coronavirus that spread in China could be developed, it is questionable whether it would be effective against coronaviruses spreading in other countries. For this reason, treatment methods that kill viruses such as the novel coronavirus by surgical methods rather than treatment drugs are being considered. It has been confirmed that the novel coronavirus can also infect mammals such as dogs and cats, so it would be desirable to be able to apply this treatment to mammals such as dogs and cats as well.

One possible surgical method for killing and treating viruses such as the new coronavirus is to use an instrument such as a catheter. A catheter is a medical instrument that is inserted into the human body, and is used by inserting a tube into a body cavity or the like and treating the target organ or the like with a treatment means attached to the tip of the tube.

One possible method for killing viruses such as the new coronavirus using a catheter or other device is to use the balloon catheter described in Patent Document 1. The balloon catheter in Patent Document 1 is provided with a light irradiation section, and is structured so that after the catheter is inserted into the body, sterilization treatment can be performed using ultraviolet light irradiated from the light irradiation section.

JP 2020-81525 A

However, the light emitted from the balloon catheter in Patent Document 1 is emitted through an optical fiber, and therefore has a low light intensity. Therefore, unless ultraviolet light with high sterilizing power is emitted, sufficient effect cannot be obtained. Note that ultraviolet light is harmful to the human body and mammals. Even if it is for treatment, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light is dangerous as it may cause skin cancer or internal cancer.

The present invention was made in consideration of the problems with the conventional inventions, and the object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization device that exerts a sufficient sterilization effect even when using LEDs that irradiate highly safe visible light of 400 nm to 450 nm.

To achieve the above object, the present invention has at least the following configuration or executes the following procedures. Note that in the following description, symbols shown in the drawings may be added to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but the components of the present invention are not limited to those shown in the drawings and should be interpreted broadly to the extent that a person skilled in the art can technically understand them.

A sterilization device according to one aspect of the present invention is a sterilization device to be inserted into the body of a human or mammalian animal, and is characterized in that it comprises: a tube having one end to be inserted into the body and the other end to be placed outside the body; a stretchable balloon provided near one end of the tube; and an LED located on the surface of the balloon and irradiating light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm.
With this configuration, the sterilization device according to one aspect of the present invention can kill viruses in the body not with ultraviolet light but with safe light of 400 nm to 450 nm wavelength. This is because the LED is located on the surface of the balloon, and strong light can be directly irradiated onto the affected area. In the present invention, ultraviolet light refers to light of a wavelength of 1 to 380 nm.

Preferably, the light has a peak wavelength of 405 nm.
With this configuration, it is possible to more reliably kill viruses, since light with a wavelength of 405 nm has a particularly high bactericidal effect.

Preferably, the LED is constructed from a chip having a size of less than 500 microns.
This configuration allows for more reliable placement on the balloon surface, as tips larger than 500 microns would be difficult to place on the balloon surface.

In addition, preferably, the balloon is covered with a protective cover.
With this configuration, the LED on the balloon can be protected. Also, since the LED is surrounded by a protective cover, leakage of electricity can be prevented more reliably.

In a further preferred embodiment, the tube is provided with a side hole for spraying the medicine.
With this configuration, the agent can be sprayed during LED irradiation to more reliably sterilize viruses.

Moreover, a method for treating a mammal according to one aspect of the present invention uses a sterilization device including a tube having one end to be inserted into the body of a mammal and the other end to be placed outside the body, an expandable balloon provided near one end of the tube, and an LED located on the surface of the balloon and irradiating light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm, the method comprising the steps of: inserting one end of the tube into the body of the mammal; inflating the balloon after inserting one end of the tube; and irradiating the balloon with the LED to sterilize viruses after inflating the balloon.
With this configuration, it is possible to sterilize viruses present in the body cavities of mammals, etc. In this specification, it is to be noted that the term "mammal" does not include humans.

In a further preferred embodiment, the medicine is sprayed during irradiation by the LED.
With this configuration, viruses can be sterilized more reliably.

As described above, the present invention makes it possible to safely sterilize viruses in the human or mammalian body.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a sterilization device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross section of a tube 20. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an expanded balloon 30. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a protective cover 70 is provided on the balloon 30. FIG.

Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely a specific example for implementing the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing a sterilization device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The sterilization device 10 includes a tube 20 having one end 21 that is inserted into the body and the other end 22 that is placed outside the body, a stretchable balloon 30 provided near one end 21 of the tube 20, and an LED 40 that is located on the surface of the balloon 30 and irradiates light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm. The other end 22 of the tube 20 is connected to a base 50. The base 50 includes a balloon funnel 51 that supplies air for stretching the balloon 30, a cable funnel 52 for protecting the cable 60, and a drug funnel 53 for injecting a drug. An outlet 61 is provided at the tip of the cable 60, and a valve 54 for preventing backflow of air is provided at the tip of the balloon funnel 51. Although not shown in the figure, a syringe for sending air is connected to the tip of the valve 54 of the balloon funnel 51, and a syringe for sending a drug is connected to the drug funnel 53.

The tube 20 is a triple lumen type catheter. As will be described in more detail later, a triple lumen type catheter has three internal lumens, one for the cable 60 to pass through, one for the drug to pass through, and one for the air to pass through.

A side hole 23 is provided near the tip of one end 21 of the tube 20 for spraying medicine. The medicine may be a COVID-19 vaccine such as Avigan or Demivesicul, or medicines such as Isodine, Kakkonto, or steroids. If the medicine is in a solid form, it is dissolved into a liquid before use. The medicine is sprayed in a mist to make it easier to spread.

The balloon 30 is made of a stretchable silicone material and is formed into a cylindrical shape to cover the tube 20. The balloon 30 is also airtightly attached to the tube 20 to prevent air from leaking. Note that any stretchable material can be used, not just silicone. Specifically, polymeric materials such as polyurethane resin can be used.

Under normal conditions, the balloon 30 naturally shrinks and is attached to the tube 20. Note that the balloon 30 shown in Figure 1 is in an expanded state after air has been pumped into it.

The LEDs 40 used are micro LED chips mounted on a flexible substrate. This allows the LEDs 40 to be more reliably placed on the balloon. The LEDs 40 are 20 microns or less in size and are laid out in a grid of more than 200,000 pieces. If the size of each LED 40 chip were to exceed 500 μm, they would not be able to be placed on the surface of the balloon 30, so the size of the LEDs 40 used must be less than 500 μm.

The LED 40 used emits purple light with a wavelength of 400 to 450 nm. LEDs 40 with a wavelength of 400 to 420 nm are preferred, with LEDs with a peak wavelength of 405 nm being particularly preferred. This is because light with a wavelength of 405 nm has a particularly strong sterilizing effect.

The base 50 includes a balloon funnel 51, a cable funnel 52, and a drug funnel 53. The balloon funnel 51 is connected to a tube for sending air to the balloon 30, the cable funnel 52 is connected to a tube in which the cable 60 is arranged, and the drug funnel 53 is connected to a tube for sending a drug. The base 50 is made of plastic, but may be made of a material other than plastic.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing a cross section of the tube 20. The tube 20 uses a triple lumen type catheter and has three lumens, namely, a distal 24, an intermediate 25, and a proximal 26. A cable 60 is arranged at the distal 24, the intermediate 25 is a tube through which a drug passes, and the proximal 26 is a tube through which air passes. The arrangement may be changed as necessary. Specifically, the intermediate 25 may be a tube through which air passes, and the proximal 26 may be a tube through which a drug passes. The intermediate 25 is also connected to a side hole 23.

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section of the expanded balloon 30. The balloon 30 is bonded to cover the entire circumference of the tube 20, and is constructed to prevent air leakage. In addition, an LED 40 is disposed on the surface of the balloon 30 and is connected to a cable 60. Note that the intermediate portion 25 is not shown in Figure 3.

Figure 4 shows the balloon 30 with a protective cover 70 attached. By providing the protective cover 70, the LEDs 40 arranged on the surface of the balloon 30 can be protected more reliably. In addition, since the LEDs 40 are provided on the surface of the balloon 30 in the sterilization device 10, the possibility of electrical leakage cannot be denied. However, by providing the protective cover 70, electrical leakage can be prevented more reliably because the connection point between the LEDs 40 and the cable 60 is covered by the protective cover 70.

It is preferable that the protective cover 70 is made of the same material as the balloon 30. Specifically, if the balloon 30 is made of silicon, it is preferable to use a silicon material. It is preferable that the protective cover 70 is made of a film that is highly resistant to chemicals, is not harmful to the body, and is transparent with a transmittance of 85% or more.

Next, a method of using the sterilization device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The method of using the sterilization device 10 described below can be applied to both the human body and mammals. Mammals include dogs and cats.

In the method of using the sterilization device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, one end 21 of the tube 20 is inserted into a body cavity or the like in the body with the balloon 30 in a deflated state, and inserted to a predetermined location. After being inserted to the predetermined location, air is sent from the balloon funnel 51 to expand the balloon 30, and the LED 40 arranged on the surface of the balloon 30 is positioned so as to be located near the affected area. Note that it is acceptable for the LED 40 to come into contact with the affected area. In addition, as a method of inserting one end 21 of the tube 20 into a body cavity or the like in the body, a small hole may be made in the body as in thoracoscope surgery, and the tube may be inserted through the hole, or through the nose or mouth. In addition, it is preferable to insert the tube 20 together with a camera and insert it while viewing it on a television monitor, since this allows the tube 20 to be positioned more reliably near the affected area.

After placing the expanded balloon 30 near the affected area, the LED 40 (light with a wavelength of 400 to 450 nm) is irradiated to sterilize viruses and other pathogens in the affected area. Note that it is preferable to supply medicine from the medicine funnel 53 and spray the medicine from the side hole 23 while the LED 40 is irradiating, as this enhances the effect. The irradiation time can be set as needed, but as a guideline, it is about 5 seconds to 60 minutes.

The sterilization device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to a gastroscope, endoscope, laparoscope, etc. Specifically, it may be attached to the cable of a gastroscope, endoscope, or laparoscope.

The sterilization device 10 of the present invention can sterilize viruses inside the body directly using light with a wavelength of 400 to 450 nm. Therefore, unlike ultraviolet light, it is useful because it can sterilize viruses inside the body more safely. In addition, because it sterilizes using light with a wavelength of 400 to 450 nm, it is also effective against novel coronaviruses whose genes have mutated in Asia, South America, the United States, and Africa. In other words, it can eradicate novel coronaviruses more reliably regardless of region.

10 Sterilization device 20 Tube 21 One end 22 Other end 23 Side hole 24 Distal 25 Middle 26 Proximal 30 Balloon 40 LED
50 Base 51 Balloon funnel 52 Cable funnel 53 Drug funnel 54 Valve 60 Cable 61 Outlet 70 Protective cover

Claims (9)

A sterilization device for use by being inserted into the human or mammalian body,
a tube having one end to be inserted into the body and the other end to be placed outside the body;
a stretchable balloon provided near one end of the tube and expanded by supplying gas thereto ;
A sterilization device comprising: an LED located on the surface of the balloon and irradiating light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm. The sterilization device according to claim 1, characterized in that the LED emits light having a peak wavelength of 405 nm. The sterilization device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the LED is composed of a chip with a size of less than 500 microns. The sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the balloon is covered with a protective cover. The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the tube has a side hole for spraying the agent. A tube having one end to be inserted into a mammalian body (excluding humans) and the other end to be placed outside the body;
a stretchable balloon provided near one end of the tube and expanded by supplying gas thereto ;
A method for treating a mammal (excluding humans) using a sterilization device comprising: an LED located on the surface of the balloon and emitting light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm;
inserting one end of the tube into the mammal (excluding humans) ;
inserting one end of the tube and then inflating the balloon;
and after inflating the balloon, irradiating the balloon with the LED to kill viruses. 7. The method for treating a mammal (excluding humans) according to claim 6, characterized in that a medicine is sprayed during irradiation with the LED. A sterilization device for use by being inserted into the human or mammalian body,
a tube having one end to be inserted into the body and the other end to be placed outside the body;
a stretchable balloon provided near one end of the tube and expanded by supplying gas thereto;
An LED located on the surface of the balloon and irradiating light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm;
The tube is provided with a side hole for spraying the medicine,
A sterilization device characterized in that three lumens are provided inside the tube, and a tube through which a cable connected to a power source for irradiating the LED passes, a tube through which the drug passes, and a tube through which air for expanding and contracting the balloon passes are arranged in the three lumens. A tube having one end to be inserted into the dog or cat's body and the other end to be placed outside the body;
a stretchable balloon provided near one end of the tube;
A method for treating dogs or cats using a sterilization device comprising: an LED located on the surface of the balloon and emitting light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm;
inserting one end of the tube into the dog or cat;
inserting one end of the tube and then inflating the balloon;
A method for treating dogs or cats, comprising the steps of: inflating the balloon and then irradiating the balloon with the LED to kill viruses.

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