KR102599513B1 - Denervation catheter for manipulable according to blood vessel diameter - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention include a shaft; a head portion disposed at one end of the shaft; and a handle portion disposed on the other end of the shaft, wherein the head portion includes an expandable frame; and an electrode disposed on the frame, wherein the handle part includes a moving part and a fixed part, and the moving part includes a handle moving member connected to the frame, wherein the handle moving member is connected to the fixed part. Disclosed is a catheter whose frame expands or contracts as it moves in a first direction.

Description

Nerve blocking catheter that can be manipulated according to the blood vessel diameter {DENERVATION CATHETER FOR MANIPULABLE ACCORDING TO BLOOD VESSEL DIAMETER}

The present invention relates to a catheter for nerve blocking, and more specifically, to a catheter for nerve blocking that can be manipulated according to the diameter of the blood vessel.

Nerve block is a procedure that blocks part of the nerve path to prevent stimulation or information from being transmitted to various nerves, such as the sensory nerves and autonomic nerves. These nerve blocks are increasingly being used widely for the treatment of various diseases including arrhythmia, pain relief, and plastic surgery.

In particular, in recent years, as it has been confirmed that these nerve blocks are effective in treating high blood pressure, efforts are being made to apply these nerve blocks as a method to effectively treat high blood pressure.

In the case of high blood pressure, it is possible to control blood pressure with drugs in most cases, so to date, many patients with high blood pressure are treated for high blood pressure by relying on drugs. However, this method of lowering blood pressure with drugs has several problems, including the inconvenience of having to continuously take the drug, cost, and side effects such as organ damage due to long-term use of the drug. In addition, some hypertensive patients suffer from intractable hypertension that cannot be controlled with medication. Since such refractory hypertension cannot be treated with medication, there is a high risk of causing accidents such as stroke, arrhythmia, kidney disease, etc. to the patient, so treatment of refractory hypertension is a very serious and urgent problem.

In such situations, nerve block surgery is attracting attention as a groundbreaking method for treating high blood pressure. In particular, nerve block surgery to treat high blood pressure can be performed by applying thermal stimulation to the renal nerve, that is, the sympathetic nerve around the renal artery, thereby deactivating nerve conduction and blocking the renal nerve. When the renal nerves are activated, the production of renin hormone by the kidneys increases, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, it has been proven through several recent experiments that high blood pressure can be treated because nerve conduction may not occur when these renal nerves are blocked.

As such, a representative method of blocking renal nerves for the treatment of high blood pressure is to use a catheter. Nerve block surgery using a catheter involves inserting a catheter into a part of the body, such as the thigh, placing the distal end of the catheter in the renal artery along the blood vessel, and generating heat through RF (Radio Frequency) energy from the distal end of the catheter. This can be achieved by blocking the sympathetic nerves around the renal artery.

This type of nerve block using a catheter makes a much smaller incision compared to nerve block through open surgery, so potential complications and side effects can be greatly reduced, and it has the advantage of having a very short treatment and recovery time due to local anesthesia, making it the next generation. It is attracting attention as a treatment method for high blood pressure.

However, catheter-related technology for application to nerve blocks, etc. is still underdeveloped and has many areas for improvement.

In particular, according to the conventional catheter configuration, the head of the catheter may be unintentionally bent during the operator's manipulation to bring the electrode of the catheter head closer to the blood vessel, causing damage to the inner wall of the blood vessel due to the catheter. Problems may arise in which the catheter head cannot be placed in the correct area. Furthermore, because the size of a patient's blood vessels varies from person to person, the demand for catheters that can be customized to the size of the patient's blood vessels is increasing. In addition, there is a need for the operator to easily manipulate the catheter.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a catheter for nerve blocking that can be manipulated according to the diameter of a blood vessel is provided. A catheter for nerve blocking that is equipped with a plurality of electrodes can block or remove nerves around blood vessels and is easy to operate. .

In addition, the present invention can provide a catheter for nerve blocking with a slide handle structure that is easy to operate by the user.

In addition, the present invention can provide a catheter for nerve blocking in which the position of the electrode can be adjusted to suit the size (eg, diameter) of the patient's blood vessel according to the user's manipulation.

The problem to be solved in the embodiment is not limited to this, and also includes purposes and effects that can be understood from the means of solving the problem or the embodiment described below.

A catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a shaft; a head portion disposed at one end of the shaft; and a handle portion disposed on the other end of the shaft, wherein the head portion includes an expandable frame; and an electrode disposed on the frame, wherein the handle part includes a moving part and a fixed part, and the moving part includes a handle moving member connected to the frame, wherein the handle moving member is connected to the fixed part. As the frame moves along the first direction, the frame expands or contracts.

It may include a driving tube connected to the moving part.

The distance between the electrode and the driving tube may increase or decrease in response to expansion or contraction of the frame.

The moving part includes a handle slider disposed below the handle moving member; a tube holder disposed below the handle slider; It may include a movable support member disposed below the tube holder.

The driving tube may pass through the movable support member, the tube holder may be coupled to the movable support member, and the handle slider may be coupled to the tube holder.

The handle moving member may be connected to the handle slider.

The fixing part may include a first housing and a second housing facing the first housing, and the movable support member and the tube holder may be disposed in the first housing and the second housing.

The moving unit may move along the first direction in response to movement of the handle moving member.

The fixed portion may include a first adjusting member in contact with the moving portion, and the moving portion may include a second adjusting member contacting the first adjusting member.

The first adjustment member may include a protrusion or groove, and the second adjustment member may include a groove or protrusion.

The first adjustment member may at least partially overlap the second adjustment member in the first direction.

The first adjustment member may be disposed on the handle slider, and the second adjustment member may be disposed on at least one of the first housing and the second housing.

A plurality of the first adjustment member or the second adjustment member may be spaced apart from each other at the same or different intervals along the first direction.

The separation distance between the plurality of first or second adjustment members in the first direction may decrease or increase as the plurality of first or second adjustment members move toward the head portion.

The head portion includes a first support member located on a distal end side; a second support member located at a proximal end side of the first support member; a drive tube extending in the first direction, penetrating the first support member or the second support member, and being fixed to the first support member or the second support member; a connecting member whose one end is connected to the first support member and the other end is connected to the second support member; wherein the electrode is located on the connecting member to generate heat, and the driving tube is connected to the moving unit. It can be connected to and move along the first direction to change the distance between the first support member and the second support member.

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to implement a nerve blocking catheter that can block or remove nerves around blood vessels and is easy to operate by having a plurality of electrodes.

In addition, the present invention can implement a catheter for nerve blocking with a slide handle structure that is easy to operate by the user.

In addition, the present invention can implement a catheter for nerve blocking in which the position of the electrode can be adjusted to suit the size (eg, diameter) of the patient's blood vessel according to the user's manipulation.

The various and beneficial advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described content, and may be more easily understood through description of specific embodiments of the present invention.

1 is a conceptual diagram of a catheter according to an embodiment,
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the head portion of a catheter according to an embodiment,
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first support member at the head of the catheter according to the embodiment;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second support member at the head of the catheter according to the embodiment;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a driving tube of a catheter according to an embodiment;
Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the movement of the first support member as the driving tube moves in the catheter according to the embodiment;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the handle portion of the catheter according to the embodiment;
Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the handle portion of the catheter according to the embodiment;
Figure 10 is another perspective view of the handle portion of the catheter according to the embodiment,
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the catheter according to the embodiment;
Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a driving tube, a tube holder, a handle slider, etc. in the handle portion of a catheter according to an embodiment;
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view when the handle moving member moves to the proximal side in the handle portion of the catheter according to the embodiment;
Figure 14 is another perspective view of Figure 13,
Figure 15 is a cutaway view of the tube holder in Figure 13;
Figure 16 is a side view of the head part in Figure 13,
Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of use of the head part in Figure 13,
Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view when the handle moving member moves to the distal side in the handle portion of the catheter according to the embodiment;
Figure 19 is another perspective view of Figure 18,
Figure 20 is a cutaway view of the tube holder in Figure 18;
Figure 21 is a diagram showing the head part in Figure 18,
Figure 22 is a diagram showing the inside of the handle of the catheter according to the embodiment;
Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the handle of the catheter according to the embodiment;
Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example of the position of the handle moving member for each step in the handle portion of the catheter according to the embodiment;
Figure 25 is a diagram showing the head portion corresponding to the position of the handle moving member for each step in the catheter according to the embodiment;
Figure 26 is a diagram showing the positions of the connection member and electrode of the head portion corresponding to the position of the handle moving member for each step in the catheter according to the embodiment.

Since the present invention can be subject to various changes and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated and described in the drawings. However, this does not specify the present invention

It is not intended to be limiting to the embodiment, and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as second, first, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. Terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, the second component may be referred to as the first component without departing from the scope of the present invention, and similarly, the first component may also be referred to as the second component. The term and/or includes any of a plurality of related stated items or a combination of a plurality of related stated items.

When a component is said to be “connected” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but that other components may exist in between. something to do. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a component is “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

The terms used in this application are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense. No.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, but identical or corresponding components will be assigned the same reference numbers regardless of reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the catheter according to the present specification, the first direction may correspond to the extension direction of the driving tube. Accordingly, the head portion, shaft, and handle portion may have a structure extending in the first direction. And the first direction may correspond to the 'X-axis direction' in the drawing. And the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction and may correspond to the 'Y-axis direction' in the drawing. The third direction is a direction perpendicular to the first and second directions and may correspond to the 'Z-axis direction' in the drawing. Furthermore, the direction toward the operator or user is described as 'proximal', and the direction toward the area where nerve resection is performed (e.g., blood vessel) is described as 'distal'. For example, the handle portion is located proximal to the head portion or shaft. And the head portion is located distal to the shaft or handle portion. Additionally, moving along the first direction means moving in the first direction or in a direction opposite to the first direction (eg, linear reciprocating motion). The following will be explained based on these details.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a catheter according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the head portion of a catheter according to an embodiment, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first support member in the head portion of a catheter according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second support member at the head of the catheter according to the embodiment, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the driving tube of the catheter according to the embodiment, and Figures 6 and 7 are the driving tube of the catheter according to the embodiment. This is a diagram showing that the first support member moves due to the movement of .

Referring to FIG. 1, the catheter 10 according to the embodiment may include a head portion 100, a shaft 200, and a handle portion 300. The user or operator can hold the handle 300 to insert the guide wire into the patient's body and also insert the head 100. And when the head part 100 reaches the desired position (treatment position) in the patient's body (e.g., blood vessel), the operator can expand the frame (or connection member/electrode) of the head part 100 through manipulation. there is. Additionally, the operator can inject energy to generate heat in the electrode through manipulation and perform procedures such as nerve removal. That is, ablation can be performed in the head portion 100. Furthermore, the shaft 200 may be made of a flexible material to easily move within the patient's body.

The head portion 100 may be located distal to the shaft 200, and the handle portion 300 may be located proximal to the shaft 200. Additionally, various devices (power supplies, electronic devices), etc. may be connected to the handle unit 300.

In addition, as described above, the distal end (distal end, etc.) of the catheter 10 refers to the end on the side that reaches the treatment site among both ends in the longitudinal direction of the catheter. That is, the catheter 10 has both ends extending long in one direction, and may be configured to move along the internal space of a blood vessel, etc. And the end of the catheter 10 located on the operator's side is the proximal side or the proximal end, and the end on the side that is located on the opposite side of the proximal end and reaches the treatment site first at the forefront is the distal side or the distal end. It is the distal end.

In addition, the operator can adjust the movement of the distal end of the catheter 10 by being positioned at the proximal end of the catheter 10 as described above. That is, the operator can adjust the movement of the head portion of the catheter 10.

Looking further at Figure 2, the head portion 100 of the catheter according to the present invention includes a first support member 110, a second support member 120, a driving tube (OT), a connection member 130, and an electrode 140. And it may include a shaft body 150. Additionally, the drive tube OT may be surrounded by a cover CV as described later. In other words, the head unit 100 may include an expandable frame and electrodes 140. Hereinafter, the expandable frame may refer to a connection member (or connection member/electrode).

The first support member 110 may be located on the distal end side of the head portion 100. That is, the first support member 110 may be located at an end of both ends of the head 100 that faces the treatment area rather than the operator. Additionally, the first support member 110 may have a hollow interior. The configuration of this first support member 110 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

Looking further at FIG. 3, the first support member 110 may have a cylindrical shape with a hollow interior. For example, the first support member 110 may have a first hollow V1. The first hollow V1 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the head portion 100 and may have both ends open. That is, in the configuration of FIG. 3, the first hollow V1 of the first support member 110 is formed approximately in the left and right directions, and the left and right ends may be open, respectively. Accordingly, a predetermined component may be inserted into this hollow of the first support member 110.

Looking further at FIG. 4 , the second support member 120 may be located closer to the proximal end of the head portion 100 than the first support member 110 . That is, the second support member 120 is located on the distal end side of the entire head portion 100, but may be located on the proximal side of the head portion 100 rather than the first support member 110. . For example, as shown in the configuration of FIG. 2, the second support member 120 is spaced apart from the first support member 110 by a predetermined distance, and is positioned closer to the head portion 100 than the first support member 110. It may be configured to be located on the right side, which can be said to be the proximal side of.

And, like the first support member 110, the second support member 120 may have a second hollow V2 formed therein. The second hollow V2 of the second support member 120 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the head portion 100 and may be configured to have both ends open. For example, the second support member 120 may be configured to be symmetrical in the longitudinal direction of the head portion 100 with respect to the first support member 110 shown in FIG. 4 . Accordingly, a predetermined component may be inserted into the second hollow V2 of the second support member 120.

The first support member 110 and the second support member 120 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the head portion 100. And the distance between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 may change. The configuration of the distance change between them will be described later.

The first support member 110 and/or the second support member 120 may be made of various biocompatible materials. For example, these support members may be made of soft materials such as rubber or plastic, as well as hard materials such as metal.

In particular, these support members may be made of soft and flexible materials. Accordingly, the first support member 110 is located at the front end of the head portion 100 and is likely to come into contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel, etc. when the head portion 100 moves along the blood vessel, etc., so it is made of a soft and flexible material. By configuring it, damage to blood vessels, etc. can be prevented and direction changes can be easily made.

The drive tube (OT) may be configured in a tube shape, that is, in a tube shape. The configuration of the driving tube OT will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5.

Looking further at FIG. 5, the drive tube OT may be configured to extend long in one direction. Here, the longitudinal direction of the driving tube OT may coincide with the longitudinal direction of the head unit 100. In particular, the drive tube OT may extend from the distal end of the head portion 100 to the proximal end of the head portion 100 . Accordingly, the distal end of the drive tube (OT) may be located on the side of the treatment site, and the proximal end of the drive tube (OT) may be located on the operator's side. Therefore, the operator can move the drive tube OT longitudinally by manipulating the proximal end of the drive tube OT.

The driving tube OT may include a third hollow V3 extending along the longitudinal direction (first direction). And both ends of the third hollow V3 of the driving tube OT may be open. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the driving tube OT is formed to extend approximately in the left and right directions, and both left and right ends of the third hollow V3 may be configured to be open. .

In this way, the third hollow V3 is formed inside the driving tube OT, and since both ends of the third hollow V3 are open, the inside of the driving tube OT has a predetermined structure. Elements can be inserted or moved.

The driving tube OT may be inserted into both the first hollow V1 of the first support member 110 and the second hollow V2 of the second support member 120. That is, the drive tube OT may be configured so that a portion of its outer surface is surrounded by the first support member 110 and the second support member 120. At this time, since the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 are located on the distal end side of the head portion 100, a portion of the distal end of the drive tube OT is connected to the first support member 110. and may be surrounded by the second support member 120.

The driving tube OT may be fixed to the first support member 110 or the second support member 120. That is, the driving tube OT is inserted into the first hollow V1 of the first support member 110 or the second hollow V2 of the second support member 120, and the first support member 110 Alternatively, it may be fixed to the second support member 120. And since the driving tube OT is fixed to the first support member 110 or the second support member 120, when it is moved in the longitudinal direction, the first support member 110 or the second support member 120 ) can be moved in the longitudinal direction. This movement configuration will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Looking further at Figure 6, the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and the first and second hollows of the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 have The drive tube (OT) is inserted. At this time, the driving tube OT may be inserted into the second hollow of the second support member 120 and may be configured to freely move in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the left and right directions of the drawing. To this end, the outer diameter of the driving tube OT may be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the second support member 120. In addition, the driving tube OT is inserted into the hollow of the first support member 110 and is coupled and fixed to the first support member 110.

In this configuration, when the driving tube OT is moved in the A1 direction (opposite to the first direction), the first support member 110 coupled and fixed to the driving tube OT moves in the right direction as shown in FIG. 7. can be moved to That is, when the operator pulls the proximal end of the driving tube (OT), the driving tube (OT) moves in the A1 direction. At this time, since the driving tube OT can freely move in the hollow of the second support member 120 in the longitudinal direction, the position of the second support member 120 may not change. However, since the first support member 110 is fixed to the driving tube OT, when the driving tube OT moves in the A1 direction, the first support member 110 can also move in the A1 direction. Conversely, when the operator pushes the proximal end of the drive tube (OT), the drive tube (OT) moves in the opposite direction of A1, which may cause the first support member 110 to also move in the opposite direction of A1. there is. Then, the structure of the head unit 100 can be changed from the state of FIG. 7 to the state of FIG. 6.

In this way, when the driving tube OT moves the first support member 110 or the second support member 120 along the longitudinal direction (first direction), the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 ) the distance between them can change. For example, when the driving tube OT moves in the A1 direction (opposite to the first direction) in the state of FIG. 6, the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 as in the state of FIG. 7. ) the distance between them can become closer. Conversely, when the driving tube OT moves in the opposite direction (first direction) to A1 in the state of FIG. 7, the distance between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 may increase.

The connecting member 130 may be configured to connect the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 to each other. That is, one end of the connecting member 130 may be connected and fixed to the first support member 110, and the other end of the connecting member 130 may be connected and fixed to the second support member 120. The connecting member 130 may be configured in the form of a rod or plate extending long in one direction.

When the distance between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 narrows, the connection member 130 may be configured to be bent at least in part as the distance between both ends becomes closer. And this bending portion of the connecting member 130 may be configured to be away from the central axis of the head portion 100. That is, when the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 approach each other and the connection member 130 is bent, the bending portion may be configured to be away from the central axis of the driving tube OT.

In particular, in the head unit 100 according to the present invention, the distance between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 can be adjusted by the driving tube OT. That is, as the driving tube OT moves in the longitudinal direction, the distance between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 may vary. Therefore, in the case of the head portion 100 according to the present invention, the connecting member 130 can be bent, expanded, or straightened through movement of the driving tube OT.

Meanwhile, the connecting member 130 is made of a material that can be bent when the distance between both ends narrows because a bending portion must be formed according to the movement of the first support member 110 or the second support member 120. It can be configured. For example, the connecting member 130 may be made of a material such as metal or polymer. However, the present invention is not limited to a specific material of the connecting member 130, and the connecting member 130 may be made of various materials as long as a bending portion can be formed in some parts.

A plurality of connection members 130 may be provided between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, three connecting members 130 may be provided. However, the present invention is not limited to a specific number of connecting members 130, and the connecting members 130 may be configured in various numbers. When a plurality of connection members 130 are provided in this way, each connection member 130 is bent at least in part when the distance between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 becomes closer, thereby bending. The area may be configured in a direction away from the central axis of the drive tube (OT).

The electrode 140 is mounted on the connection member 130 and can generate heat by receiving power. And the heat generated by the electrode 140 can apply thermal stimulation to surrounding tissues. For example, the heat generated by the electrode 140 can ablate surrounding tissue. At this time, the electrode 140 can excise the nerves around the blood vessels by generating heat of approximately 40 to 80 degrees Celsius, thereby blocking the nerves. However, the temperature of the heat generated by the electrode 140 may be implemented in various ways depending on the use or purpose of the head unit 100.

The electrode 140 can contact the blood vessel wall and apply heat to the nerve tissue located around the blood vessel, so it can be in close contact with the blood vessel wall. Accordingly, the electrode 140 may be formed in a curved shape so that the surface in contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel can correspond to the shape of the inner wall. For example, the electrode 140 may have a circular, semicircular, or oval cross-sectional shape.

In particular, the electrode 140 may be provided at a bending portion of the connection member 130. The bending portion of the connection member 130 may be configured to be furthest from the central axis of the head portion 100 according to a change in the distance between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120. Accordingly, when the electrode 140 is provided at the bending portion of the connecting member 130, the electrode 140 may be located closest to the inner wall of the blood vessel.

In this configuration, when the degree of bending of the connection member 130 is most severe as the distance between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 becomes shorter, the electrode 140 approaches the inner wall of the blood vessel. may be lost, and in this case, the head of the head unit 100 may be open. Conversely, when the connection member 130 is straightened or the degree of bending is weakened as the distance between the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 increases, the electrode 140 is furthest from the inner wall of the blood vessel. may be lost, and in this case, the head of the head unit 100 may be closed.

The electrode 140 may be made of a material such as platinum or stainless steel, but the present invention is not limited to a specific material of the electrode 140, and may be made of various materials in consideration of various factors such as heat generation method and treatment area. It can be composed of:

The electrode 140 may generate heat using radio frequency (RF). For example, the electrode 140 is electrically connected to a high-frequency generating unit and emits high-frequency energy to ablate a nerve. However, it is not limited to this method.

Meanwhile, the electrode 140 present in the head unit 100 can act as a cathode, and the anode corresponding to this cathode can be connected to an energy supply unit such as a high frequency generation unit like the cathode, and can be used on the body in the form of a patch or the like. It can be attached to a specific part of the.

Two or more electrodes 140 may be included in the head portion 100. In particular, when the head portion 100 includes two or more connection members 130, the electrode 140 may be provided for each connection member 130. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the head portion 100 according to the present invention includes three connection members 130 and three electrodes 140, and each bending portion of each connection member 130 It may be configured to be equipped with one electrode 140.

The shaft body 150 may be configured to extend long in one direction. For example, the shaft body 150 may be configured to extend approximately in the left and right directions, as shown in FIG. 2 . In particular, the shaft body 150 extends from the distal end of the head 100 where the first support member 110 and the second support member 120 are located to the proximal end of the head 100 where the operator is located. It may be configured in a long extended form.

The shaft body 150 may be located closer to the proximal end of the head portion 100 than the second support member 120. For example, the shaft body 150 may be located to the right of the second support member 120, as shown. At this time, the shaft body 150 may be configured to be in contact with the second support member 120. That is, the left end (distal end) of the shaft body 150 may be configured to contact the right end (proximal end) of the second support member 120.

Additionally, the shaft body 150 and the second support member 120 may be contacted and fixed to each other. In this case, the space between the second support member 120 and the shaft body 150 may not be exposed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent blood or foreign substances from penetrating into the hollow of the second support member 120 or the outer surface of the driving tube OT.

Additionally, the shaft body 150 may have a fourth hollow formed in the longitudinal direction. For example, the shaft body 150 may have a fourth hollow formed in the internal space approximately in the left and right directions.

This fourth hollow may be open at both ends in the longitudinal direction. For example, in the case where the shaft body 150 is formed long in the left and right direction, the fourth hollow may also be formed long in the left and right direction, and the left and right ends of the fourth hollow may be configured to be open, respectively. there is. The driving tube OT may be inserted into this fourth hollow and be movable in the longitudinal direction. That is, when the operator (operator) holds the proximal end of the driving tube OT and moves it in the longitudinal direction, the driving tube OT can freely move in the longitudinal direction while being inserted into the fourth hollow. At this time, in order to allow the driving tube OT to move freely inside the fourth hollow, at least a portion between the outer surface of the driving tube OT and the surface of the fourth hollow may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. That is, the diameter of the fourth hollow may be somewhat larger than the outer diameter of the driving tube OT.

The shaft body 150 occupies most of the total length of the head portion 100 and may be located outside the head portion 100. Additionally, a large portion of the shaft body 150 may be located inside a blood vessel. Accordingly, the shaft body 150 is biocompatible and may be made of a material that is flexible and bendable so that it can be easily moved within the blood vessel and bent according to the shape of the blood vessel.

The head portion 100 according to the present invention may further include a guide wire 160.

The guide wire 160 is a wire for guiding the head unit 100 to the treatment area, and may be configured to reach the treatment area before the head unit 100. The guide wire 160 may be configured to extend long in one direction. And the guide wire 160 may be inserted into the third hollow V3 of the driving tube OT. That is, the guide wire 160 is inserted into the third hollow V3 through openings at both ends of the driving tube OT, and may be configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction within the third hollow V3. In particular, the guide wire 160 has a wire shape and may have a considerably smaller diameter than the driving tube (OT). Accordingly, the guide wire 160 can freely move in the longitudinal direction within the hollow interior of the driving tube OT. In this configuration, the guide wire 160 moves along the inside of the blood vessel and reaches the treatment site first, and the driving tube (OT), the first support member 110, the second support member 120, and the connection member 130 ), etc. can be moved to the treatment area with the guide wire 160 inserted into each hollow.

In this case, the driving tube OT may be a component for passing the guide wire 160. Additionally, the driving tube OT may be used to open or close the head of the head unit 100, as described above. Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the component that passes the guide wire 160 can be a component that controls the open/close of the head of the head unit 100. Therefore, other than the driving tube OT for moving the head 100 through the guide wire 160, there is no need for a separate operating member to open/close the head 100.

In addition, according to this configuration of the present invention, the driving tube OT can be configured not to protrude more distally than the first support member 110, regardless of whether the head of the head unit 100 is open or closed. For example, in the configuration of FIG. 4, to open the head of the head unit 100, the driving tube OT moves in the direction A1, and to close the head of the head unit 100, the driving tube OT moves in the opposite direction of A1. You can move in any direction. At this time, since the distal end of the driving tube (OT) is fixed to the first support member 110, the first support member 110 also moves along with the movement of the driving tube (OT), and the driving tube (OT) The distal end may be configured not to protrude to the left of the first support member 110. Accordingly, in the process of manipulating the driving tube OT to open or close the head of the head unit 100, the protruding end of the driving tube OT can be prevented from damaging blood vessels, etc.

Additionally, according to this configuration of the present invention, there is no fear of the driving tube OT being separated from the first hollow. For example, when the driving tube OT moves to the right, the driving tube OT is fixed to the first support member 110, so the distal end of the driving tube OT is connected to the first support member 110. ), there is no fear of separation of the first support member 110 and the driving tube OT.

And according to this configuration of the present invention, the coupled state of the second support member 120 and the shaft body 150 can be stably maintained. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the driving tube OT can move freely while inserted into the hollow of the second support member 120, so even if the driving tube OT moves in the left and right directions, the driving tube OT can move freely in the left and right directions. 2 The position of the support member 120 may not be changed. Accordingly, the mutual positions of the second support member 120 and the shaft body 150 can be stably maintained.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the handle part of the catheter according to the embodiment, Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the handle part of the catheter according to the embodiment, Figure 10 is another perspective view of the handle part of the catheter according to the embodiment, and Figure 11 is the embodiment. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the handle part of the catheter according to the embodiment, Figure 12 is a diagram showing a drive tube, tube holder, handle slider, etc. in the handle part of the catheter according to the embodiment, and Figure 13 is a handle moving member in the handle part of the catheter according to the embodiment. is a cross-sectional view when it has moved to its maximum proximal side, FIG. 14 is another perspective view of FIG. 13, FIG. 15 is a view cut away from the tube holder in FIG. 13, FIG. 16 is a side view of the head portion in FIG. 13, and FIG. 17 is FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of use of the head portion, FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view when the handle moving member moves to the distal side in the handle portion of the catheter according to the embodiment, FIG. 19 is another perspective view of FIG. 18, and FIG. 20 is a view showing the tube holder in FIG. 18 cut away, FIG. 21 is a view showing the head part in FIG. 18, FIG. 22 is a view showing the inside of the handle part of the catheter according to the embodiment, and FIG. 23 is a view showing the embodiment. It is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the handle part of the catheter according to the embodiment, Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example of the position of the handle moving member for each step in the handle part of the catheter according to the embodiment, and Figure 25 is the handle movement for each step in the catheter according to the embodiment. Figure 26 is a diagram showing the head portion corresponding to the position of the member, and Figure 26 is a diagram showing the positions of the connection member and electrode of the head portion corresponding to the position of the handle moving member for each step in the catheter according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the handle portion 300 of the catheter according to the embodiment may be disposed at the other end or proximal to the shaft. And the handle unit 300 may be connected to the shaft as described above.

The handle unit 300 according to the embodiment may include a moving part and a fixed part. Specifically, the handle unit 300 includes a handle moving member 310, a handle slider 320, a tube holder 330, a moving support member 340, a housing 350, a handle housing 360, and a lower housing 370. ), a tip portion 380, an injection port 390, and a cable 395.

The handle moving member 310 may be located at the upper part of the handle unit 300. For example, the handle moving member 310 may be located at an end in the third direction (Z-axis direction). The handle moving member 310 can move along the first direction (X-axis direction). As the handle moving member 310 moves along the first direction with respect to the fixing part, the frame or connection member of the head part may expand or contract.

The handle slider 320 may be disposed below the handle moving member 310. The handle slider 320 may be connected to the handle moving member 310. The handle moving member 310 may move in response to the movement of the handle slider 320. For example, as the handle moving member 310 moves in the first direction, the handle slider 320 may also move in the first direction.

The tube holder 330 may be connected to the driving tube OT. In an embodiment, the tube holder 330 may be placed below the handle moving member 310 or the handle slider 320. The tube holder 330 may include a first tube holder 331 and a second tube holder 332.

The first tube holder 331 and the second tube holder 332 may be coupled to each other. And the first tube holder 331 and/or the second tube holder 332 may include a groove in which the driving tube OT is seated. Alternatively, the first tube holder 331 and the second tube holder 332 may have a hole through which the drive tube OT passes. Accordingly, the first tube holder 331 and the second tube holder 332 may be combined with the driving tube OT. For example, the first tube holder 331 may be placed on the second tube holder 332. Accordingly, the driving tube OT may be disposed between the first tube holder 331 and the second tube holder 332.

Additionally, the first tube holder 331 may be disposed between the second tube holder 332 and the handle slider 320. Furthermore, the tube holder 330 can be combined with the upper handle slider 320. Accordingly, when the handle moving member 310 moves along the first direction by the user or operator, the tube holder 330 may also move along the first direction. At this time, the driving tube OT fixed to the tube holder 330 may also move along the first direction.

The movable support member 340 may be disposed below the handle movable member 310 and the handle slider 320. Additionally, at least a portion of the movable support member 340 may be disposed below the tube holder 330. The movable support member 340 may include a groove or hole in which the driving tube OT sits. Accordingly, the movable support member 340 can support the driving tube OT. Furthermore, the movable support member 340 may include a hole on the inside. A tube holder 330 may be located in the hole inside the movable support member 340. And, as described above, the driving tube OT that penetrates the movable support member 340 may also penetrate the tube holder 330 in the hole and be coupled to the tube holder 330. For example, the movable support member 340 may at least partially overlap the tube holder 330 in the first direction.

The movable support member 340 may be coupled to the housing 350. That is, even if the driving tube OT, the tube holder 330, or the handle moving member 310 moves along the first direction, the moving support member 340 may not move along the first direction. In other words, the movable support member 340 may be a fixed component even when the handle movable member 310 moves. Alternatively, the fixing part may include a movable support member 340.

The housing 350 may be located outside the handle unit 300. For example, the housing 350 may include a first housing 351 and a second housing 352.

The first housing 351 may be positioned to face the second housing 352. Additionally, the first housing 351 and the second housing 352 may be coupled to each other. And there may be a space inside the first housing 351 and the second housing 352. The above-described handle slider 320, tube holder 330, movable support member 340, etc. may be located in the space.

Additionally, the driving tube OT may penetrate the housing 350. And even if the driving tube OT moves in the first direction in response to the movement of the handle moving member 310, the housing 350 can be fixed. That is, the housing 350 may be a fixed part.

The handle housing 360 may be located on the upper part of the handle unit 300. And it may be placed below the handle moving member 310. Furthermore, the handle housing 360 includes a hole, and the handle moving member 310 and the handle slider 320 can be coupled to each other through the hole of the handle housing 360. The handle housing 360 may be combined with the housing 350. Additionally, the handle housing 360 may be fixed to the housing 350. Accordingly, the handle housing 360 may be a fixed part.

The lower housing 370 may face the handle housing 360. And the lower housing 370 may be disposed below the handle unit 300. The lower housing 370 may be combined with the housing 350.

The lower housing 370 can provide an improved grip to the user or operator. Furthermore, for ease of operation, the lower housing 370 includes a handle moving member 310, a handle housing 360, a handle slider 320, a tube holder 330, and a moving support member 340 in the third direction. May overlap. Furthermore, the lower housing 370 and the handle housing 360 can prevent foreign substances from entering the housing 350. In other words, the reliability of the catheter can be improved.

In this specification, various coupling methods such as protrusions/grooves, screw couplings, or joining members may be applied to the coupling between components or members.

The tip portion 380 may be disposed at one end of the handle portion 300. In an embodiment, the tip portion 380 may be disposed on the distal side of the housing 350 and coupled to the housing 350. In particular, the driving tube OT may penetrate the tip portion 380. At this time, the tip portion 380 may be fixed to the housing 350. Accordingly, the driving tube OT may move along the first direction relative to the tip portion 380.

The injection port 390 may be connected to the drive tube (OT). In particular, the driving tube OT may be a hollow tube as described above. At this time, a guide tube or guide wire, etc. may be inserted into the hollow of the driving tube OT. The injection port 390 may be a support member into which the above-described guide tube or guide wire is inserted. The injection port 390 is connected to the driving tube OT and can move along the first direction.

Cable 395 may be connected to the handle unit 300. The cable 395 may provide electrical energy to the head portion through the handle portion 300 and the shaft. Accordingly, the electrode in the above-described head portion can convert electrical energy into heat energy. And as described above, nerve removal can be achieved using converted heat energy.

In the handle portion 300 of the catheter according to the present invention, the moving portion may include a component that moves in the first direction. The moving part may include a handle moving member 310, a handle slider 320, a tube holder 330, and a drive tube (OT). Additionally, in the handle unit 300, the fixed part may be a member that is relatively fixed to the moving part. For example, the fixing part may include a housing 350, a handle housing 360, a lower housing 370, a tip portion 380, etc.

And, in response to the movement of the handle moving member 310 by the operator, the moving part may move along the first direction. Additionally, in the handle unit 300, the moving unit may be connected to the first support member or frame of the head unit. Accordingly, when the user moves the handle moving member 310 in the first direction, the first support member or frame connected to the moving part of the handle unit 300 may move along the first direction. And the gap between the first support member and the second support member may change. For example, when the gap between the first support member and the second support member is reduced, the connection member of the head portion may expand outward. In this specification, the outside/inside is explained based on the center of the driving tube (e.g., center of gravity, etc.). And when the gap between the first support member and the second support member increases, the connection member of the head portion may be contracted inward.

In addition, in response to the movement of the moving part or the expansion or contraction of the frame (first support member), the distance between the electrodes disposed on the connection member and the driving tube OT may increase or decrease.

Looking further at FIGS. 11 and 12 , the drive tube OT may be surrounded by a first tube holder 331 and a second tube holder 332 . And the first tube holder 331 and the second tube holder 332 can move along the first direction within the hole of the movable support member 340. However, the tube holder 330 can only move within the hole of the movable support member 340. Likewise, the handle slider 320 can move along the first direction within the slider groove 351IG of the housing 350. For example, the slider groove 351IG and the hole of the movable support member 340 may function as a stopper.

Additionally, the handle moving member 310 may be coupled to the lower handle slider 320. For example, the protrusion of the handle slider 320 may be inserted into the groove of the handle moving member 310.

Furthermore, the handle slider 320 may be combined with the second tube holder 332. And the second tube holder 332 can be combined with the first tube holder 331. At this time, the driving tube OT may be mounted in the groove of the first tube holder 331. And the protrusion of the second tube holder 332 may be inserted into the groove of the first tube holder 331. Accordingly, the first tube holder 331, the second tube holder 332, and the driving tube OT can be coupled to each other. Additionally, based on the tube holder 330, the driving tube OT may penetrate the tube holder 330. For example, at least a portion of the first tube holder 331 may be located on the upper part of the drive tube OT. And at least a portion of the second tube holder 332 may be located below the driving tube OT. Furthermore, the driving tube OT may overlap the tube holder in a third direction. Additionally, a cover (CV) may be disposed in some areas of the driving tube (OT). Accordingly, the driving tube OT can be easily moved and damage to the driving tube OT can be prevented.

The injection port 390 may be located at the proximal end of the driving tube OT, and the tip portion 380 may be located at the distal end of the handle portion 300. The tip portion 380 can suppress bending or bending of the shaft.

As described above, the diameter or separation distance of the electrode may change based on the center of the driving tube in the head part in response to the movement of the handle moving member 310 in the handle part 300.

Looking further at FIGS. 13 to 16, when the handle moving member 310 moves to its maximum proximal side as shown, the drive tube OT also moves to its maximum in the direction opposite to the first direction along the handle moving member 310. You can. Alternatively, the handle slider 320 may contact the proximal inner surface within the slider groove of the first housing 351. Furthermore, the first tube holder 331 and the second tube holder 332 may be in contact with the proximal side within the groove 340h2 of the movable support member 340. Correspondingly, the first support member 110 connected to the driving tube OT may also move to its maximum proximal side, thereby reducing the gap between the first support member 110 and the second support member. Correspondingly, the connecting member 130 extends outward, and the electrodes 140 may be spaced apart from each other at a maximum based on the center of the catheter or the center of the driving tube OT. A driving tube (OT) may be located in the first hollow (V1). For example, the center of the driving tube OT may correspond to the center of the first hollow V1. And when the diameter of the blood vessel is large, the handle moving member 310 on the handle housing 360 is moved proximally to adjust the electrode 140 or the connecting member 130 of the head portion 100 to suit or match the diameter of the blood vessel. Can expand outward. Accordingly, the maximum diameter r1 between the center of the head unit 100 (or the center of the driving tube/first hollow) and the electrode 140 may be maximized.

As shown in FIG. 17, as the user moves the handle moving member 310 to the right or proximal side, the first support member 110 of the head portion moves proximally within the blood vessel (VS) so that the connecting member and the electrode Can expand outward. In other words, the position of the electrode can be adjusted in response to the blood vessel diameter. And the electrode can contact the inside of the blood vessel.

Additionally, the cover CV surrounding the driving tube OT may overlap the groove 340h1 of the movable support member 340 in the third direction. That is, the cover CV may be arranged to be offset from the groove 340h1 of the movable support member 340 in the third direction. As a result, the driving tube (OT) can be protected when the driving tube (OT) and the cover (CV) are moved.

Referring to FIGS. 18 to 21 , when the handle moving member 310 moves distally to its maximum as shown, the drive tube OT may also move to its maximum in the first direction along the handle moving member 310. Alternatively, the handle slider 320 may contact the distal inner surface within the slider groove of the first housing 351. Furthermore, the first tube holder 331 and the second tube holder 332 may be in contact with the distal side within the groove 340h2 of the movable support member 340.

Correspondingly, the first support member 110 connected to the driving tube OT may also move to the distal side, thereby increasing the gap between the first support member 110 and the second support member. Correspondingly, the connecting member 130 may be reduced inward, and the electrodes 140 may be spaced apart at a minimum relative to the center of the catheter or the center of the driving tube OT.

And when the diameter of the blood vessel is small, the handle moving member 310 on the handle housing 360 is moved distally to move the electrode 140 or the connecting member 130 of the head portion 100 inward to suit the diameter of the blood vessel. It can be reduced. Alternatively, the head portion 100 can be easily introduced into a blood vessel in a reduced state without damaging the blood vessel. Accordingly, the minimum diameter r2 between the center of the head unit 100 (or the center of the driving tube/first hollow) and the electrode 140 may be maximized.

Looking further at FIGS. 22 and 23 , the fixed portion may include a first adjustment member in contact with the moving portion. And the moving part may include a second adjustment member in contact with the first adjustment member. The first adjustment member may include protrusions or grooves. And the second adjustment member may include grooves or protrusions. For example, if the first adjustment member is a protrusion, the second adjustment member may include a groove.

The first housing 351 or the second housing 352 may include a slider groove 351IG (see FIG. 11) that accommodates the handle slider 320. The handle slider 320 can move along a first direction within the slider groove 351IG.

And the first adjustment member may be disposed in at least one of the first housing and the second housing. Additionally, the second adjustment member may be disposed on the handle slider.

In an embodiment, the first adjustment members 351h and 352h may be grooves. The first adjustment members 351h and 352h may be formed by a plurality of housing protrusions 351p and 352p. Additionally, there may be a plurality of first adjustment members 351h and 352h due to the plurality of housing protrusions 351p and 352p.

And the second adjustment members 320p1 and 320p2 may be protrusions. For example, the second adjustment members 320p1 and 320p2 may be located on the outer surface of the handle slider 320. And the second adjustment members 320p1 and 320p2 may have a structure that protrudes outward.

And the second adjustment member of the moving part can move along the first direction. Additionally, when the second adjustment member moves, the second adjustment member may contact the first adjustment member. As shown, the second adjustment members 320p1 and 320p2 may contact adjacent first adjustment members 351h and 352h.

Additionally, the first adjustment members 351h and 352h may at least partially overlap the second adjustment members 320p1 and 320p2 in the first direction. Accordingly, the second adjustment members 320p1 and 320p2 are in contact with the first adjustment members 351h and 352h, and the positions of the handle slider 320 and the driving tube are adjusted according to the positions of the first adjustment members 351h and 352h in contact. can be adjusted.

A plurality of first or second adjustment members may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at the same or different intervals along the first direction. For example, adjacent first adjustment members (or second adjustment members) may have the same or different separation distances in the first direction.

The first adjustment member may include a 1-1 adjustment member 351h and a 1-2 adjustment member 352h. The 1-1st adjustment member 351h and the 1-2nd adjustment member 352h may be positioned to face each other. Additionally, the 1-1st adjustment member 351h and the 1-2nd adjustment member 352h may overlap in the second direction.

The second adjusting member may include a 2-1 adjusting member 320p1 disposed on one side of the handle slider 320 and a 2-2 adjusting member 320p2 disposed on the other side. The 2-1st adjustment member 320p1 and the 2-2nd adjustment member 320p2 may overlap in the second direction (Y-axis direction). For example, the 2-1st adjustment member 320p1 and the 2-2nd adjustment member 320p2 may be positioned opposite to each other.

Furthermore, the 2-1st adjustment member 320p1 and the 2-2nd adjustment member 320p2 may be located at the outermost side of the handle slider 320. That is, the 2-1st adjustment member 320p1 and the 2-2nd adjustment member 320p2 may be located closest to the housing in the handle slider 320. With this configuration, as the handle slider 320 moves in the first direction, it comes into contact with the first adjustment member of the housing and the position of the handle moving member can be adjusted step by step. That is, the movement of the second adjustment member is carried out step by step through contact with the first adjustment member, and the driving tube can also be moved step by step corresponding to the steps. Additionally, the first support member and connection member connected to the driving tube may also be moved or expanded step by step. In other words, as the user or operator manipulates the handle moving member step by step, the position of the electrode of the head portion or the distance (diameter) from the driving tube can be adjusted. As a result, it is possible to provide a catheter that can be customized to the size of the patient's blood vessel. That is, according to the catheter according to the embodiment, the user can perform a nerve removal procedure on a large-diameter blood vessel or a large-diameter blood vessel with easy manipulation. Furthermore, there is an advantage that there is no need to replace the catheter, especially the head portion, depending on the size of the diameter.

As a modified example, the 1-1st adjustment member 351h and the 1-2nd adjustment member 352h may be arranged to partially overlap or be offset in the second direction. In this case, the position of the driving tube can be adjusted in a number of steps greater than the number of first adjustment members.

Additionally, the 2-1st adjustment member 320p1 and the 2-2nd adjustment member 320p2 may be disposed to partially overlap or be offset in the second direction. In this case, the position of the driving tube can be adjusted in a number of steps greater than the number of second adjustment members.

Referring to FIGS. 24 to 26, the handle moving member can be moved step by step along the first direction by the above-described first and second adjustment members. That is, when the operator moves the handle moving member along the first direction (eg, left/right), the handle slider can also be moved along the first direction (eg, left/right). Additionally, as the first adjustment member of the handle slider contacts the second adjustment member of the housing, which is a fixed part, the position or degree of movement of the handle slider can be adjusted step by step. For example, when the first adjustment member is seated on the second adjustment member, it may be fixed to the second adjustment member until the handle moving member (or handle slider) is further moved. In this way, in the catheter according to the embodiment, the user can perform nerve ablation while sliding the handle moving member according to the diameter of the patient's blood vessel. In addition, the catheter can easily adjust the stage, and during the procedure, the position of the electrode is fixed according to the stage, so the operator does not continuously press the handle moving member. In other words, the operator can more comfortably perform procedures such as nerve resection.

And in the embodiment, the position or movement of the handle moving member (or handle slider) may be adjusted from level 0 to level 5.

In the case of stage 0, the handle moving member may be located at the outermost or most distal side of the handle portion. Accordingly, the first gap (gap0) between the distal end side of the handle housing and the handle moving member may be minimized. In addition, the distance between the electrodes (first diameter, L0) from the center of the first support member (center of the first hollow) or the center of the driving tube in the head portion may be minimized.

In the case of steps 1 to 4, the handle moving member in the handle unit may be positioned by moving a certain distance to the proximal side. As step 1 progresses from step 4 to step 4, the handle moving member in the handle portion may become closer to the most proximal side. Additionally, in steps 1 to 4, the distal end side of the handle housing and the handle moving member may be spaced apart by a second gap (gap1) to a fifth gap (gap4). The second gap (gap1) may be larger than the first gap (gap0). And the second gap (gap1) to the fifth gap (gap4) may gradually increase.

In addition, as you progress from stage 1 to stage 4, the second diameter (L1) to the fifth diameter (L4) between the electrodes from the center of the first support member (center of the first hollow) in the head portion or the center of the driving tube may increase. there is. For example, the second diameter L1 may be larger than the first diameter L0. Additionally, as the step increases, the separation distance between the electrode and the driving tube or the first support member may increase.

And in the case of step 5, the handle moving member may be located on the most proximal side or the most proximal side of the handle unit. Accordingly, the sixth gap (gap5) between the distal end side of the handle housing and the handle moving member may be maximized. The sixth gap (gap5) may be larger than the fifth gap (gap4).

Additionally, the gap between the proximal end side of the handle housing and the handle moving member can be minimized. In addition, the sixth diameter L5 between the electrodes from the center of the first support member (center of the first hollow) or the center of the driving tube in the head portion may be maximum. Furthermore, the sixth diameter L5 may be larger than the fifth diameter L4.

Additionally, in this specification, diameter may be expressed as length, separation distance, etc., as described above.

Additionally, in the catheter according to the embodiment, there are a plurality of first or second adjustment members, and they may be arranged to have the same separation distance along the first direction. At this time, the position differences (d1, d2, d3, d4) of the electrodes in the front and back stages may be different. For example, the position difference may mean a length facing outward. In this way, even if the handle moving member or handle slider changes by the same distance in the first direction according to each step, the distance between the electrode and the driving tube in the head part may change differently.

As a modified example, in the following catheter, the first or second adjustment members may be plural, and may be arranged to have different separation distances along the first direction. Accordingly, the distance between the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member may increase or decrease along the first direction as it moves toward the head portion.

For example, the distance between the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member may decrease along the first direction as it moves toward the head portion. At this time, the difference in position of the electrodes in the front and back stages may be the same. Accordingly, when the operator moves the slider of the handle moving member in each step, the diameter of the head portion (electrode) can be uniformly changed. In other words, the change in position of the electrode can be made constant.

Additionally, the distance between the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member may increase along the first direction toward the head portion. At this time, the difference in the position of the electrodes in the front and back stages may also be different. Accordingly, the diameter of the electrode in the first stage can be sufficiently secured. In other words, the electrode can be expanded in the minimum stage to the minimum range of the diameter of the patient's blood vessel. And in the later stages, the diameter of the electrode can be precisely adjusted. With this configuration, the operator can precisely adjust the electrode or expansion degree within a predetermined range. Accordingly, the accuracy of the procedure and damage to blood vessels can be minimized.

Although the above description focuses on the examples, this is only an example and does not limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to You will see that various variations and applications are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. And these variations and differences in application should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (15)

shaft;
a head portion disposed at one end of the shaft; and
It includes a handle portion disposed on the other end of the shaft,
The head portion includes an expandable frame; And an electrode disposed on the frame,
The handle part includes a moving part and a fixed part,
The moving unit includes a handle moving member connected to the frame,
It further includes a driving tube connected to the moving part,
As the handle moving member moves along a first direction with respect to the fixing unit, the frame expands or contracts,
The moving part,
a handle slider disposed below the handle moving member;
a tube holder disposed below the handle slider;
A catheter comprising a movable support member disposed below the tube holder.
delete According to paragraph 1,
The electrode is a catheter whose separation distance from the driving tube increases or decreases in response to expansion or contraction of the frame.
delete According to paragraph 1,
The driving tube passes through the movable support member,
The tube holder is coupled to the movable support member,
The handle slider is a catheter coupled with the tube holder.
According to paragraph 1,
The handle moving member is a catheter connected to the handle slider.
According to paragraph 1,
The fixing unit includes a first housing and a second housing facing the first housing,
A catheter wherein the movable support member and the tube holder are disposed within the first housing and the second housing.
According to paragraph 1,
The moving unit is a catheter that moves along the first direction in response to movement of the handle moving member.
According to paragraph 1,
The fixed portion includes a first adjustment member in contact with the moving portion,
The catheter comprising: a second adjustment member in contact with the first adjustment member of the moving unit.
According to clause 9,
The first adjustment member includes a protrusion or groove,
A catheter wherein the second adjustment member includes a groove or a protrusion.
According to clause 9,
A catheter wherein the first adjustment member overlaps the second adjustment member at least partially in the first direction.
According to clause 9,
the first adjustment member is disposed on the handle slider,
The second adjustment member is a catheter disposed in at least one of the first housing and the second housing.
According to clause 9,
A catheter wherein a plurality of the first or second adjustment members are spaced apart from each other at the same or different intervals along the first direction.
According to clause 9,
A catheter in which a plurality of the first or second adjustment members are spaced apart from each other in the first direction and decrease or increase as they move toward the head.
According to paragraph 1,
The head part,
A first support member located on the distal end side;
a second support member located at a proximal end side of the first support member;
a drive tube extending in the first direction, penetrating the first support member or the second support member, and being fixed to the first support member or the second support member;
It includes a connecting member whose one end is connected to the first support member and the other end is connected to the second support member,
The electrode is located on the connecting member to generate heat,
The driving tube is connected to the moving unit and moves along the first direction to change the distance between the first support member and the second support member.

Images