Medical device

A medical device is disclosed, which includes a motor drive device that is connected to a proximal end of an image diagnosis catheter, and that rotates a drive shaft included in the image diagnosis catheter around an axial direction and moves the drive shaft along the axial direction, and a support unit that supports the motor drive device in a state where the motor drive device is separated in a vertical direction from a laying table on which a subject P is laid.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-170153 filed on Aug. 31, 2016, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a medical device.

BACKGROUND ART

In the related art, as a medical device used in acquiring a diagnostic image for diagnosing an affected site inside a living body, an image diagnosis catheter is known which is used for an image diagnosis device using intra vascular ultra sound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

The image diagnosis catheter includes a drive shaft provided with a transmitting and receiving unit for transmitting and receiving an examination wave, and a sheath to which the drive shaft is inserted so as to be movable forward and backward. When in use, the image diagnosis catheter is moved backward, while the drive shaft is rotated by a motor drive device connected to a proximal end of the image diagnosis catheter. This operation enables a so-called pull-back operation (medium drawing operation) for moving the drive shaft from a distal side to a proximal side and a pushing operation for pushing the drive shaft toward the distal side (refer to JP-A-2015-119994).

SUMMARY

When the image diagnosis catheter is used, a subject generally receives treatment in a state where the subject is laid on a bed (also called a laying table). Then, the above-described motor drive device is placed on the laying table in some cases. In order to help prevent interference with a C-arm of an X-ray imaging apparatus, the laying table can have a shape having a width allowing a small margin from a body width of the subject. Therefore, a space where the motor drive device is placed is limited to a lateral position of legs of the subject or a position between both the legs on the laying table.

The present disclosure is made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides a medical device which can more freely design a position for placing a motor drive device.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a medical device is disclosed, which includes a motor drive device that is connected to a proximal end of an image diagnosis catheter, and that rotates a drive shaft included in the image diagnosis catheter around an axial direction and moves the drive shaft along the axial direction, and a support unit that supports the motor drive device in a state where the motor drive device is separated in a vertical direction from a laying table on which a subject is laid.

According to the medical device configured as described above, the motor drive device is supported by the support unit in a state where the motor drive device is separated from the laying table in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to more freely design a position for placing the motor drive device.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a medical device is disclosed comprising: a motor connected to a proximal end of an image diagnosis catheter, and configured to rotate a drive shaft included in the image diagnosis catheter around an axial direction and move the drive shaft along the axial direction; a support configured to support the motor in a state where the motor is separated in a vertical direction from a laying table on which a subject is laid; and an arch shaped vibration resistance member configured to prevent vibrations generated by the motor, which is disposed on an upper surface of the laying table in an arch shape so as to cross one leg of the subject.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method of acquiring a diagnostic image, the method comprising: inserting an image diagnosis catheter into a blood vessel of a subject on a laying table; arranging a distal end of the image diagnosis catheter at a target position inside the blood vessel; connecting a motor drive device to a proximal end of the image diagnosis catheter, the motor drive device configured to rotate a drive shaft included in the image diagnosis catheter around an axial direction and move the drive shaft along the axial direction; and arranging a support unit configured to support the motor drive device in a state where the motor drive device is separated in a vertical direction from the laying table on which the subject is laid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description does not limit the technical scope or the meaning of the terms disclosed in claims. In addition, dimensional proportions in the drawings may be exaggerated and different from actual proportions for convenience of description in some cases.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described.FIG. 1is a perspective view illustrating a medical system1according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.FIGS. 2A and 2Bare plan views illustrating a configuration of an image diagnosis catheter100.FIG. 3is a view for describing a configuration of a motor drive device410.FIG. 4is a view for describing a method of using the medical system1according to the first embodiment.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the image diagnosis catheter100included in the medical system1according to the present embodiment is applicable to intra vascular ultra sound (IVUS). As illustrated inFIG. 3, the image diagnosis catheter100is driven by being connected to the motor drive device410. Hereinafter, the medical system1will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3, the medical system1has an image diagnosis catheter100, an X-ray imaging apparatus200, a laying table300, a medical device400, a control unit500, and a display unit600. In the following description, an extending direction of a rail unit243is referred to as an X-direction, an extending direction of cavity242aand434ais referred to as a Y-direction, and a vertical direction is referred to as a Z-direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the image diagnosis catheter100is inserted into a body cavity of a living body so as to acquire an image of a lesion area. As illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the image diagnosis catheter100has a sheath110inserted into the body cavity of the living body, an outer tube120disposed on a proximal side of the sheath110, an inner shaft130inserted into the outer tube120so as to be movable forward and backward, a drive shaft140which has a vibrator unit145for transmitting and receiving a signal in a distal end and which is rotatably disposed inside the sheath110, a unit connector150which is disposed on a proximal side of the outer tube120and which is configured to accommodate the inner shaft130, and a hub160disposed on a proximal side of the inner shaft130. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the image diagnosis catheter100according to the present embodiment is a rapid exchange (RX) type having a structure in which a guide wire passes through only a distal portion of the image diagnosis catheter100.

In the description herein, a side inserted into the body cavity in the image diagnosis catheter100is referred to as a distal end or a distal side, the hub160side disposed in the image diagnosis catheter100is referred to as a proximal end or a proximal side, and an extending direction of the sheath110is referred to as an axial direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 2A, the drive shaft140passes through the sheath110, the outer tube120connected to the proximal end of the sheath110, and the inner shaft130inserted into the outer tube120, and extends to the inside of the hub160.

The hub160, the inner shaft130, the drive shaft140, and the vibrator unit145are connected to each other so as to respectively and integrally move forward and backward in the axial direction. Therefore, for example, if an operation of pushing the hub160toward the distal side is performed, the inner shaft130connected to the hub160is pushed into the outer tube120and into the unit connector150, thereby causing the drive shaft140and the vibrator unit145to move to the distal side inside the sheath110. For example, if an operation of pulling the hub160to the proximal side is performed, the inner shaft130is drawn from the outer tube120and the unit connector150as indicated by an arrow a1inFIGS. 1 and 2B. The drive shaft140and the vibrator unit145move to the proximal side inside the sheath110as indicated by an arrow a2.

As illustrated inFIG. 2A, when the inner shaft130is pushed most to the distal side, the distal portion of the inner shaft130reaches the vicinity of a relay connector170. In this case, the vibrator unit145is located in the vicinity of the distal end of the sheath110. The relay connector170serves as a connector for connecting the sheath110and the outer tube120to each other.

As illustrated inFIG. 2B, a slippage preventing connector131is disposed in the distal end of the inner shaft130. The slippage preventing connector131has a function of preventing the inner shaft130from slipping out of the outer tube120. When the hub160is pulled most to the proximal side, that is, when the inner shaft130is pulled out most from the outer tube120and the unit connector150, the slippage preventing connector131is configured to be caught on a predetermined position on an inner wall of the unit connector150.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a communicating hole (not illustrated) which allows the inside and the outside of the sheath110to communicate with each other is disposed in the sheath110. The communicating hole is a priming solution discharge hole for discharging a priming solution. When the image diagnosis catheter100is used, a priming process is performed to fill the sheath110with the priming solution in order to efficiently transmit and receive ultrasound by reducing ultrasound attenuation caused by air inside the sheath110. When the priming process is performed, the priming solution can be discharged outward from the communicating hole, and gas such as the air can be discharged from the inside of the sheath110together with the priming solution.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the hub160has direction confirming projections163aand163bused to confirm a direction of the hub160when a port162and the motor drive device410are connected to each other, and a connector unit165internally equipped with an electrode terminal which is mechanically and electrically connected to the motor drive device410.

The X-ray imaging apparatus200is used to see through and image the subject P laid on the laying table300so as to support surgery. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the X-ray imaging apparatus200has an X-ray tube device210, an X-ray image receiving device220, a C-arm230, and an alignment mechanism240.

The X-ray tube device210is disposed at a predetermined distance away from the X-ray image receiving device220so as to face the X-ray image receiving device220. The X-ray tube device210emits X-rays to the X-ray image receiving device220.

The X-ray image receiving device220receives the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube device210, and displays a captured image of the subject P on the display unit600.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the C-arm230has a substantially C-shape, and both ends of the C-arm230support each of the X-ray tube device210and the X-ray image receiving device220.

The alignment mechanism240rotates the C-arm230around the axis in the Z-direction, and moves the C-arm230on an XY plane, thereby moving the C-arm230to various imaging positions. Accordingly, the X-ray tube device210and the X-ray image receiving device220can be aligned with the imaging positions of the subject P. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the alignment mechanism240has a first rotary unit241, a main body portion242, and the rail unit243.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the first rotary unit241rotates the C-arm230around the axis in the Z-direction in a state where the first rotary unit241grips the C-arm230. In addition, in a state of being supported by the main body portion242, the first rotary unit241is configured to be slidable in the Y-direction along the cavity242adisposed so as to extend to the main body portion242in the Y-direction.

The lower surface of the main body portion242has the cavity242aformed so as to extend in the Y-direction. In a state of being supported by the rail unit243, the main body portion242is configured to be slidable in the X-direction.

The rail unit243supports the main body portion242. The rail unit243can be fixed to a ceiling (not illustrated).

The subject P is laid on the laying table300. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the width of the laying table300along the width direction of the subject P is configured to be smaller than the distance at which the X-ray tube device210and the X-ray image receiving device220are separated from each other so that the X-ray tube device210and the X-ray image receiving device220can pass through the laying table300.

The height of the laying table300in the Z-direction can be adjusted by a height adjustment mechanism310. Means for adjusting the height of the laying table300by the height adjustment mechanism310is not particularly limited. However, for example, an electric hydraulic type may be used.

The medical device400supports the motor drive device410in a state where the motor drive device410is separated from the laying table300in the Z-direction. In addition, the medical device400moves the motor drive device410in XYZ-directions, and rotates the motor drive device410around the axis in the Z-direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the medical device400has the motor drive device410, a support unit420, a drive unit430, a first vibration resistance member440, and a second vibration resistance member450.

The motor drive device410is connected to the connector unit165(corresponding to the proximal end of the image diagnosis catheter) of the hub160, thereby rotating the drive shaft140in the axial direction and moving the drive shaft140along the axial direction.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3, the motor drive device410has a scanner device411internally equipped with an external drive source such as a motor, and a movement device412which grips and moves the scanner device411in the axial direction by using motor.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the scanner device411transmits and receives a signal to and from the vibrator unit145by being connected to the connector unit165of the hub160, and transmits a driving force for rotating the drive shaft140.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the movement device412has a scanner gripping portion412afor gripping and fixing the scanner device411, and a catheter support unit412bfor supporting the image diagnosis catheter100so as not to be misaligned when moved.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, it can be preferable that the scanner device411is disposed so as to have the same height as that of the movement device412in the Z-direction. For example, in a case where the scanner device411is disposed above the movement device412in the Z-direction, there is a possibility that the scanner device411may interfere with the support unit420. In addition, in a case where the scanner device411is disposed below the movement device412in the Z-direction, there is a possibility that the scanner device411may interfere with the second vibration resistance member450. In contrast, the scanner device411according to the present embodiment is disposed parallel to the movement device412along the Y-direction. Accordingly, the scanner device411can be prevented from interfering with the support unit420and the second vibration resistance member450. A configuration in which the above-described scanner device411is disposed above and below to the movement device412in the Z-direction is also included in the present disclosure.

Scanning using the ultrasound in the image diagnosis catheter100according to the present embodiment transmits the rotary movement of the motor inside the scanner device411to the drive shaft140, and rotates the vibrator unit145fixed to the distal end of the drive shaft140, thereby operating an image transmitted and received by the vibrator unit145in a substantially radial direction. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the whole image diagnosis catheter100is pulled to the hand-side, and the vibrator unit145is moved in the axial direction. In this manner, a tomographic image of 360° in the enclosing tissue body over the axial direction inside the blood vessel can be obtained in such a manner that any desired position can be scanned.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the support unit420supports the motor drive device410in a state where the motor drive device410is separated from the laying table300in the Z-direction. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the support unit420supports the motor drive device410in a suspended state.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the support unit420is a flexible arm. Here, for example, the flexible arm means a rod-shaped body, which can freely change a shape of the rod-shaped body by applying an external force, and can hold a changed shape. For example, a multi-joint arm can be employed. In the present embodiment, it can be preferable that the support unit420can hold the shape against the external force applied to an extent that the operator unintentionally collides with the support unit420. According to this configuration, the posture or the position of the motor drive device410can be adjusted by adjusting the attitude or the position of the support unit420configured to include a flexible arm. Therefore, the position or the posture of the distal end of the image diagnosis catheter100can be finely adjusted during the procedure, thereby achieving a conveniently improved procedure.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, one end421of the support unit420interlocks with the motor drive device410, and the support unit420extends upward from the one end421in the Z-direction. The other end422of the support unit420interlocks with the first vibration resistance member440.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the drive unit430has a second rotary unit (corresponding to a rotary unit)431which rotates the motor drive device410around the axis in the Z-direction, and a movement unit432which moves the motor drive device410on the XY-plane.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the second rotary unit431rotates the motor drive device410around the axis in the Z-direction by rotating the support unit420around the axis in the Z-direction. The second rotary unit431can be fixed to an upper portion of the first vibration resistance member440.

The movement unit432moves the motor drive device410on the XY-plane by moving the support unit420on the XY-plane. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the movement unit432has a Y-movement unit433and an X-movement unit434.

In a state where the Y-movement unit433is supported by the X-movement unit434, the Y-movement unit433is configured to be slidable in the Y-direction along the cavity434adisposed so as to extend to the X-movement unit434in the Y-direction. The Y-movement unit433is disposed in an upper portion of the second rotary unit431.

A lower surface of the X-movement unit434has the cavity434aformed along the Y-direction. In a state where the X-movement unit434is supported by the rail unit243, the X-movement unit434is configured to be slidable in the X-direction. The X-movement unit434is disposed in an upper portion of the Y-movement unit433.

The first vibration resistance member440restrains vibrations generated by the motor drive device410rotationally operating the drive shaft140. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the first vibration resistance member440is a rubber member.

Similarly to the first vibration resistance member440, the second vibration resistance member450restrains the vibrations generated by the motor drive device410rotationally operating the drive shaft140. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the second vibration resistance member450is disposed on an upper surface of the laying table300in an arch shape so as to cross one leg of the subject P. Both end portions of the second vibration resistance member450are configured to be attachable to and detachable from the laying table300. In addition, the second vibration resistance member450is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the movement device412. The above-described attachment method is not particularly limited. However, for example, bolt fastening may be used.

For example, in a case where the first vibration resistance member440and the second vibration resistance member450are not provided, due to the vibrations generated by the motor drive device410rotationally operating the drive shaft140and heartbeats of the subject P, an image acquired by the image diagnosis catheter100may be disturbed. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the first vibration resistance member440and the second vibration resistance member450are provided. Accordingly, the vibration generated by the motor drive device410rotationally operating the drive shaft140can be restrained. Therefore, the image acquired by the image diagnosis catheter100can be restrained (or prevented) from being disturbed. The above-described configuration in which the first vibration resistance member440and the second vibration resistance member450are not provided is also included in the present disclosure. In this case, the other end422of the support unit420interlocks with the second rotary unit431.

In addition, for example, in a case where the second vibration resistance member450is not provided, in a procedure (to be described later), when the image diagnosis catheter100is inserted into the living body again after the image diagnosis catheter100is inserted into and then removed from the inside of the living body, it can be difficult to insert the image diagnosis catheter100into the living body again through a location into which the image diagnosis catheter100is initially inserted. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, when the image diagnosis catheter100is inserted into the living body again after the image diagnosis catheter100is inserted into the living body and then removed from the inside of the living body, the movement device412of the motor drive device410is attached to the second vibration resistance member450. In this manner, the image diagnosis catheter100can be inserted into the living body again through the location into which the image diagnosis catheter100is initially inserted. That is, the second vibration resistance member450is provided, thereby achieving a conveniently improved procedure.

The control unit500controls various operations of the X-ray tube device210, the alignment mechanism240, the motor drive device410, and the drive unit430. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the control unit500can include a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory.

The display unit600is electrically connected to the control unit500, and displays various images.

Next, a method of using the medical system1according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 4. In the following using method, the image diagnosis catheter100is inserted into the body cavity and is removed from the body cavity in such a way that the X-ray imaging apparatus200sees through and images the subject P.

First, in a state where the hub160is pulled most to the proximal side (refer toFIG. 2B), an operator connects a syringe (not illustrated) containing a priming solution to the port162, pushes a plunger of the syringe, thereby injecting the priming solution into the sheath110.

If the priming solution is injected into the sheath110, the priming solution is released outward from the sheath110via the communicating hole, and gas such as air together with the priming solution is discharged outward from the inside of the sheath110(priming process).

After the priming process is performed, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the motor drive device410is connected to the connector unit165of the image diagnosis catheter100. Then, the operator pushes the hub160until the hub160is attached to the proximal end of the unit connector150, and moves the vibrator unit145to the distal side. In this state, the image diagnosis catheter100is inserted into a desired position inside the body cavity (for example, a blood vessel) along a guide wire (not illustrated) while the guide wire is inserted.

When the image diagnosis catheter100is inserted into the desired position inside the body cavity, the operator first operates the drive unit430so as to adjust a position in the XY-directions of the motor drive device410and an orientation around the axis in the Z-direction. In this manner, the position and the orientation are roughly adjusted so that the distal end of the image diagnosis catheter100is located in the vicinity of a target position inside the body cavity. Then, the operator adjusts a posture or a position of the support unit420configured to include a flexible arm. In this manner, the posture or the position is finely adjusted so that the distal end of the image diagnosis catheter100is located at the target position inside the body cavity, and the image diagnosis catheter100is inserted into the body cavity. That is, according to the medical device400of the present embodiment, a space formed above the laying table300can be effectively utilized for the target position inside the body cavity. In this manner, the image diagnosis catheter100is three-dimensionally accessible to the target position. As described above, in the image diagnosis catheter100, the posture or the position of the drive unit430and the support unit420can be appropriately adjusted in accordance with a situation of the subject P or a situation of the procedure by operating the drive unit430and the support unit420. Therefore, a conveniently improved procedure can be achieved.

In this case, in a state of being separated from the laying table300in the Z-direction, the motor drive device410is supported by the support unit420. Accordingly, a space formed above the laying table300is effectively utilized. Therefore, it is possible to more freely design a position for placing the motor drive device410.

When a tomographic image is obtained at the target position inside the body cavity, the vibrator unit145moves the drive shaft140to the proximal side while rotating together with the drive shaft140(pull-back operation). In this case, the vibrator unit145transmits and receives ultrasound.

The rotation and movement operation of the drive shaft140is controlled by the control unit500. The connector unit165disposed inside the hub160is rotated in a state of being connected to the motor drive device410, and the drive shaft140is rotated in conjunction therewith. The rotational speed of the connector unit165and the drive shaft140can be 1, 800 rpm, for example. Here, as described above, the medical device400according to the present embodiment has the first vibration resistance member440and the second vibration resistance member450. Therefore, the vibrations generated by the motor drive device410rotationally operating the drive shaft140can be restrained (or prevented), and the image acquired by the image diagnosis catheter100can be restrained (or prevented) from being disturbed.

In addition, based on a signal transmitted from the control unit500, the vibrator unit145transmits ultrasound into the body. The signal received by the vibrator unit145and corresponding to reflected waves is transmitted to the control unit500via the drive shaft140and the motor drive device410. The control unit500generates the tomographic image of the body cavity, based on the signal transmitted from the vibrator unit145, and displays a generated image on the display unit600.

After the tomographic image of the body cavity is generated, the image diagnosis catheter100is removed from inside of the body cavity.

When the image diagnosis catheter100is removed from the inside of the body cavity, the operator adjusts the position or the posture of the support unit420configured to include a flexible arm. In this manner, the image diagnosis catheter100is removed from the inside of the body cavity. Then, after the image diagnosis catheter100is removed from inside of the body cavity, the operator operates the drive unit430so as to move a bending portion423of the support unit420in a direction away from the operator, as illustrated inFIG. 4(upward to the right inFIG. 4). This operation can help prevent the procedure from being hindered by the presence of the support unit420, thereby achieving a conveniently improved procedure.

Next, the operator inserts a balloon catheter (not illustrated) having a stent on an outer periphery thereof into the body cavity, and locates the stent at a stenosed site existing inside the body cavity.

Next, the operator inserts the image diagnosis catheter100into the body cavity again in order to confirm whether the stent is properly located in the stenosed site. In this case, the movement device412of the motor drive device410is attached to the second vibration resistance member450. In this manner, the image diagnosis catheter100can be relatively easily inserted through the location into which the image diagnosis catheter100is initially inserted.

As described above, the medical device400according to the present embodiment has the motor drive device410that is connected to the connector unit165of the image diagnosis catheter100, that rotates the drive shaft140around the axial direction, and that moves the drive shaft140along the axial direction, and the support unit420that supports the motor drive device410in a state where the motor drive device410is separated from the laying table300on which the subject P is laid in the Z-direction.

According to the medical device400configured in this way, the support unit420supports the motor drive device410in a state where the motor drive device410is separated from the laying table300. Therefore, it is possible to more freely design a position for placing the motor drive device410.

In addition, for example, when an atherectomy device serving as a device for cutting and removing the stenosed site in the blood vessel is used together in addition to the image diagnosis catheter100, a drive device of the atherectomy device needs to be placed on the laying table300. In this case, in a case where the motor drive device410is placed on the laying table300, there can be a conflict between the drive device of the atherectomy device and the location of the motor drive device410, or a cable becomes entangled in each drive device. In contrast, according to the medical device400of the present embodiment, the support unit420supports the motor drive device410in the state where the motor drive device410is separated from the laying table300. Therefore, the conflict between the drive device of the atherectomy device and the location of the motor drive device410can be prevented, and/or the cable can be prevented from becoming entangled in each drive device.

In addition, the medical device400further has the second rotary unit431which rotates the motor drive device410around the axis in the Z-direction axis, and the movement unit432which moves the motor drive device410on the XY-plane orthogonal to the Z-direction. For example, in a case where the motor drive device410is placed at a lateral position of the leg of the subject P or a position between both the legs on the laying table300, the position for placing the motor drive device410may not be optimal as an insertion target position inside the body cavity. In contrast, according to the configuration including the second rotary unit431and the movement unit432, the motor drive device410can be moved to a suitable position, thereby achieving a conveniently improved procedure.

In addition, the support unit420is a flexible arm, which can freely change a shape thereof by applying an external force, and can hold a changed shape. According to this configuration, the posture or the position of the motor drive device410can be adjusted by adjusting the posture or the position of the support unit420configured to include the flexible arm. Therefore, the position or the posture of the distal end of the image diagnosis catheter100can be finely adjusted during the procedure, thereby achieving a conveniently improved procedure.

In addition, one end421of the support unit420interlocks with the motor drive device410, and the support unit420extends upward from the one end421in the Z-direction. According to this configuration, the support unit420is not located between the motor drive device410and the laying table300. Therefore, the procedure can be prevented from being hindered, thereby achieving a conveniently improved procedure.

In addition, the medical device400further has the first vibration resistance member440and the second vibration resistance member450for restraining the vibrations generated by the motor drive device410rotationally operating the drive shaft140. Therefore, the vibrations generated by the motor drive device410rotationally operating the drive shaft140can be restrained, and the image acquired by the image diagnosis catheter100can be restrained from being disturbed.

Next, a second embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6.FIG. 5is a perspective view illustrating a medical system2according to the second embodiment.FIG. 6is a diagram for describing a method of using the medical system2according to the second embodiment. Description will be omitted with regard to elements common to those in the first embodiment, and characteristic elements only in the second embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals will be given to members, which are the same as those according to the above-described first embodiment, and repeated description will be omitted. Compared to the first embodiment, the second embodiment has a different position with which the other end722of a support unit720interlocks.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the medical system2according to the second embodiment has a medical device700. Other configurations are the same as those according to the first embodiment, and thus, description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the medical device700has the motor drive device410and the support unit720. The motor drive device410is the same as that according to the first embodiment, and thus, description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the support unit720supports the motor drive device410in a state where the motor drive device410is separated from the laying table300in the Z-direction.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the support unit720is a flexible arm.

One end721of the support unit720interlocks with the motor drive device410, and the support unit720extends downward from the one end721in the Z-direction. In the support unit720, the other end722interlocks with a side surface320on the leg side of the subject P in the laying table300. The support unit720may interlock with a side surface other than side surface320on the leg side of the subject P in the laying table300.

Next, a method of using the medical system2according to this embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6. The method of using the medical system2according to the second embodiment is different from the method of using the medical system1according to the first embodiment in a method of inserting the image diagnosis catheter100into the target position inside the body cavity and a method of remove the image diagnosis catheter100from the inside of the body cavity. Accordingly, the method of inserting the image diagnosis catheter100into the body cavity and the method of removing the image diagnosis catheter100from the inside of the body cavity will be described.

When the image diagnosis catheter100is inserted into the target position inside the body cavity, the operator adjusts the posture or the position of the support unit720configured to include the flexible arm. In this manner, the distal end of the image diagnosis catheter100is adjusted so as to be located at the target position inside the body cavity, and then, the image diagnosis catheter100is inserted into the body cavity. That is, according to the medical device700in the present embodiment, the image diagnosis catheter100is three-dimensionally accessible to the target position inside the body cavity.

In addition, when the image diagnosis catheter100is removed from the inside of the body cavity, the operator adjusts the position or the posture of the support unit720configured to include the flexible arm. In this manner, the image diagnosis catheter100is removed from the inside of the body cavity (refer toFIG. 6).

As described above, in the medical device700according to the second embodiment, one end721of the support unit720interlocks with the motor drive device410, the support unit720extends downward from the one end721in the Z-direction, and the other end722interlocks with the laying table300. According to this configuration, the support unit720is not located above the motor drive device410. Therefore, the procedure can be prevented from being hindered, thereby achieving a conveniently improved procedure.

Next, a third embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 7.FIG. 7is a perspective view illustrating a medical system3according to the third embodiment. Description will be omitted with regard to elements common to those in the second embodiment, and characteristic elements only in the third embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals will be given to members, which are the same as those according to the above-described second embodiment, and repeated description will be omitted. Compared to the second embodiment, the third embodiment has a different configuration of a support unit820.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the medical system3according to the third embodiment has a medical device800. Other configurations are the same as those according to the second embodiment, and thus, description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the medical device800has the motor drive device410and the support unit820. The motor drive device410is the same as that according to the first embodiment, and thus, description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the support unit820supports the motor drive device410in a state where the motor drive device410is separated from the laying table300in the Z-direction.

The support unit820is a flexible arm. According to the present embodiment, the image diagnosis catheter100is inserted into the body cavity, and the image diagnosis catheter100is removed from the inside of the body cavity by adjusting the posture or the position of the support unit820serving as the flexible arm.

The support unit820is disposed in a fan shape on the upper surface of the laying table300so as to cross one leg of the subject P. Both end portions of the support unit820can be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the laying table300. In addition, the support unit820can be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the movement device412.

As described above, according to the medical device800of the third embodiment, the support unit820having a simple configuration can support the motor drive device410in a state where the motor drive device410is separated from the laying table300in the Z-direction. Therefore, it is possible to more freely design the position for placing the motor drive device410while the configuration is restrained from becoming complicated.

Next, a fourth embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 8.FIG. 8is a perspective view illustrating a medical system4according to the fourth embodiment. Description will be omitted with regard to elements common to those in the first embodiment, and characteristic elements only in the fourth embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals will be given to members, which are the same as those according to the above-described first embodiment, and repeated description will be omitted. Compared to the first embodiment, the fourth embodiment has a different location for placing the scanner device411.

The laying table350of the medical system4according to the fourth embodiment has a longitudinal wall351extending upward from a side surface located on the left side of the subject P in the Z-direction.

In the present embodiment, the longitudinal wall351functions as a support unit which supports the scanner device411in a state where the scanner device411is separated from the laying table350in the Z-direction. In addition, the longitudinal wall351also functions as a movement device, which grips the scanner device411and causes a motor to move the scanner device411in the axial direction.

As described above, according to the medical device900in the fourth embodiment, the longitudinal wall351functions as the support unit and the movement device. Therefore, according to a simple configuration, it is possible to more freely design the position for placing the motor drive device410.

Hitherto, the image diagnosis catheter according to the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments and modification examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited only to the configurations described in the embodiments and the modification examples. Based on the description in claims, the present disclosure can be appropriately changed.

For example, in the above-described first embodiment, the support unit420is the flexible arm. However, instead of the flexible arm, the support unit420may be a rigid body, which is not deformed.

In addition, in the above-described first embodiment, the motor drive device410is supported by the support unit420configured to include the flexible arm in a state where the motor drive device410is separated from the laying table300in the Z-direction. However, the support unit is not particularly limited as long as the support unit is configured to support the motor drive device410in a state where the motor drive device410is separated from the laying table300in the Z-direction. For example, the support unit may be an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of autonomous flying.

In addition, in the above-described first embodiment, the medical device400has the first vibration resistance member440and the second vibration resistance member450. However, the medical device400may have any one of the first vibration resistance member440and the second vibration resistance member450. In addition, the medical device400may not have the first vibration resistance member440and the second vibration resistance member450.

In addition, in the above-described first embodiment, the scanner device411is disposed parallel to the movement device412along the Y-direction. However, a location where the scanner device411is disposed for the movement device412is not particularly limited. In addition, the scanner device411may be configured to be rotatable around the outer periphery of the movement device412. According to this configuration, depending on the situation of the procedure, the position of the scanner device411for the movement device412can be adjusted, thereby achieving a conveniently improved procedure.

In addition, the image diagnosis catheter100according to the above-described embodiments is a rapid exchange type. However, the image diagnosis catheter100may be an over-the-wire type in which the guide wire extends from the distal end to the proximal end of the image diagnosis catheter100.

In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the image diagnosis catheter used for intra vascular ultra sound (IVUS) as an application target of the image diagnosis catheter according to the present disclosure has been described as an example. However, for example, the present disclosure is also applicable to an image diagnosis catheter used for optical coherence tomography (OCT) or a hybrid-type (dual type) image diagnosis catheter which can be used for both the intra vascular ultra sound and the optical coherence tomography.

In addition, in the above-described first embodiment, the medical device400is used together with the X-ray imaging apparatus200. However, the medical device400is not limited thereto as long as the medical device400is used for an examination in a state where the subject P is laid on the laying table300. For example, the medical device400can be used together with an MRI examination apparatus or a CT examination apparatus.

The detailed description above describes a medical device. The invention is not limited, however, to the precise embodiments and variations described. Various changes, modifications and equivalents can be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. It is expressly intended that all such changes, modifications and equivalents which fall within the scope of the claims are embraced by the claims.