Patent Publication Number: US-7708744-B2

Title: Device for introduction of long item

Description:
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/067,771 filed on Mar. 1, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,966 B2, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a device for introduction of a long item for medical use, such as guidewire and catheter (the device will be referred to as inserter hereinafter). 
   BACKGROUND DISCUSSION 
   It has been common practice to use a guidewire inserter for introduction of a catheter guidewire (long item) into a puncture needle, catheter, or sheath. 
   The guidewire inserter is used to straighten a guidewire having a curved tip. It is a cylindrical body made up of a guidewire inlet at its proximal end, a guidewire outlet at its distal end, and a guidewire passage connecting the inlet and outlet. It is used in such a way that the guidewire outlet is brought into contact with the proximal end of the puncture needle, catheter, or sheath, and the guidewire is inserted into the guidewire inlet and then further inserted into the puncture needle, catheter, or sheath through the guidewire passage and the guidewire outlet. 
   The conventional guidewire inserter as mentioned above has the disadvantage of presenting difficulties in inserting into the inserter a guidewire having a curved tip. The guidewire is so curved as to fit to a specific part of blood vessel. Therefore, with the conventional guidewire inserter, it is difficult to inert a guidewire having a curved tip (in J shape, double-angle shape, or angle shape) into the inserter while straightening the curved tip. 
   In order to address this problem, in JP 7-155382 A, there has been proposed a guidewire inserter having a groove, which introduces the guidewire, at its proximal end (near the guidewire inlet). This groove has a V-shaped cross section whose width remains constant in the longitudinal direction of the guidewire inserter and changes in the thickness direction of the guidewire inserter. 
   However, the above-mentioned guidewire inserter having a groove at its proximal end does not permit the recent guidewire with a sharply curved J-shape tip to be inserted easily, with the curved tip being straightened. 
   The difficulty in inserting the guidewire into the opening of the rear end of the guidewire inserter may be solved by inserting the rear end of the guidewire into the distal end (or the guidewire outlet) of the guidewire inserter and then moving the guidewire inserter to the distal end of the guidewire. This procedure, however, takes a long time to move the guidewire inserter from the rear end to the distal end of a guidewire longer than 150 cm. 
   The above-mentioned problem is also involved with the angiography catheter, which needs a catheter inserter to straighten the curved tip at the time of insertion into the living body. 
   Another problem with the conventional guidewire inserter is that it is difficult to connect the distal end (or the guidewire outlet) of the guidewire inserter to the proximal end of the puncture needle, catheter, or sheath. The incomplete or misaligned connection prevents smooth insertion of the distal end of the guidewire, with its curved tip straightened. 
   During operation, it is often necessary to hold both the guidewire and the guidewire inserter with one hand. It is also necessary to hold both the guidewire and the guidewire inserter simultaneously in order to take out the guidewire from the container (or the holder tube) and insert it into the guidewire inserter. The conventional guidewire inserter prevents handling in such a way, with the result that only the guidewire inserter is pulled off from the holder tube. 
   SUMMARY 
   It is a first object of the present invention to provide a device for introduction of a long item. The device permits easy insertion of a medical long item with a curved tip while straightening the curved tip during insertion. 
   It is a second object of the present invention to provide a device for introduction of a long item. The device permits easy and adequate introduction of a medical long item with a curved tip into a puncture needle, catheter, or sheath. 
   It is a third object of the present invention to provide a device for introduction of a long item. The device permits easy insertion of a medical long item with a curved tip and also exhibits good handling properties such that the device can be held together with the medical long item simultaneously by one hand. 
   The present invention to achieve the above-mentioned objects is defined in the following paragraphs (1) to (38). 
   (1) A device for introduction of a long item for medical use, which is a tubular member having a bore for passage of a long item and which has a slit cutting across the wall thereof over the total length thereof, wherein the tubular member has a distal end which is constructed such that a part thereof in the circumferential direction projects in the distal direction and the slit cuts through the projecting part. 
   (2) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in paragraph (1), wherein the projecting part takes on a mountain-like shape having a vertex and slopes in its plan view, and the slit passes through the vertex or slope of the mountain-like shape. 
   (3) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in paragraphs (1) or (2), wherein the projecting part has a length no shorter than 1 mm, particularly 1 to 3 mm. 
   (4) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraph (1) to (3), wherein the tubular member has at the proximal end thereof an aperture which results from the slit expanding toward the proximal end. 
   (5) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in paragraphs (4), wherein the aperture roughly takes on a V-shape. 
   (6) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (1) to (5), wherein d/Dmax is 0.2 to 2.0, where Dmax denotes the maximum apart distance of the aperture and d denotes the outside diameter of the long item. 
   (7) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (1) to (6), wherein the slit tightly closes at least partly across the thickness of the wall of the tubular member. 
   (8) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (1) to (7), wherein the tubular member has a part whose outside diameter gradually tapers in going from the proximal to the distal end. 
   (9) A device for introduction of a long item for medical use, which is a tubular member having a bore for passage of a long item, wherein the tubular member has a plurality of projections on the circumferential direction of the distal end thereof so that the distal end thereof is connected at the proximal end of a tube, with the projections coming into contact with the inside of the tube at the time of insertion. 
   (10) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in paragraph (9), wherein the projections are arranged at equiangular intervals along the circumferential direction of the tubular member. 
   (11) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in paragraph (9) or (10), wherein the projections are protruded rims extending in the longitudinal direction of the tubular member. 
   (12) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (9) or (11), wherein the projections have the outermost surface which slopes with respect to the central axis of the tubular member. 
   (13) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in paragraph (12), wherein the slope has an angle of 0.5 to 45°. 
   (14) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (9) or (13), wherein the projections have the outermost surface which convexly curves. 
   (15) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (9) or (14), wherein the projections are integrally formed from a material which is identical with or different from the material of the tubular member. 
   (16) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (9) to (15), wherein the tubular member has at the proximal end thereof an open part at which the bore opens. 
   (17) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (9) to (16), wherein the tubular member has a slit, which extends in the longitudinal direction thereof and cuts across the wall thereof. 
   (18) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in paragraph (17), wherein the slit has at the proximal end thereof an aperture, which results from the width of the slit expanding toward the proximal end. 
   (19) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in paragraph (17), wherein the slit has at the proximal end thereof an aperture which results from the width of the slit expanding toward the proximal end and which has a roughly V-shaped aperture communicating with the open part. 
   (20) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (17) to (19), wherein the slit tightly closes at least partly across the thickness of the wall of the tubular member. 
   (21) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (17) to (20), wherein the projections are formed in pair in the opposite direction with respect to a plane containing the slit. 
   (22) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (9) to (21), wherein the projections have a function to prescribe the depth of insertion into the tube. 
   (23) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (9) to (22), wherein the projections have a function to align the tubular member and the tube with each other. 
   (24) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (9) to (23), wherein the tubular member has a part whose outside diameter gradually tapers in going from the proximal to the distal end. 
   (25) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (9) to (24), wherein the tubular member has at the proximal end thereof a connecting part capable of connection to the container holding the long item. 
   (26) A device for introduction of a long item for medical use, which is a tubular member having a bore for passage of a long item and which has a slit extending in the longitudinal direction thereof and cutting across the wall thereof, wherein the tubular member has at the proximal end thereof a pair of wing-like projections projecting in the mutually opposite directions. 
   (27) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in paragraph (26), wherein the projections assume a flat shape. 
   (28) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in paragraph (26), wherein the projections assume a shape having a curved part. 
   (29) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in paragraph (26), wherein the projections assume a shape having a flat part and a curved part. 
   (30) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (26) to (29), wherein the projections have a length in the longitudinal direction of the tubular member with 10 to 50% of the total length of the device for introduction of a long item. 
   (31) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (26) to (30), wherein the tubular member has at the proximal end thereof an open part at which the bore opens. 
   (32) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in paragraph (31), wherein the inner surface of the open part has a surface treatment to reduce friction. 
   (33) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraph (31) or (32), wherein the region in which the open part is formed and the region in which the projections are formed overlap at least partly with each other in the longitudinal direction of the tubular member. 
   (34) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (26) to (33), wherein the slit has at the proximal end thereof an aperture which results from the width of the slit expanding toward the proximal end. 
   (35) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (31) to (33), wherein the slit has at the proximal end thereof an aperture which results from the width of the slit expanding toward the proximal end and which has a roughly V-shaped aperture communicating with the open part. 
   (36) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (26) to (35), wherein the slit tightly closes at least partly across the thickness of the wall of the tubular member. 
   (37) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (26) to (36), wherein the tubular member has a part whose outside diameter gradually tapers in going from the proximal to the distal end. 
   (38) The device for introduction of a long item as defined in any of paragraphs (26) to (37), wherein the tubular member has at the proximal end thereof a connecting part capable of connection to the container holding the long item. 
   The device according to the present invention makes it possible to easily insert a long item for medical use, such as guidewire and catheter with a curved tip, while straightening the curved tip or keeping the straight shape. Therefore, it permits easy and certain insertion of a long item for medical use having a curved tip into the bore of a puncture needle, catheter, or sheath. 
   The device according to the present invention makes it possible to easily and adequately connect the distal end of a long-item inserting device to the proximal end of a tube, such a puncture needle, catheter, and sheath. It also makes it possible to easily and certainly insert a medial long item having a curved tip into the tube from a long-item inserting device. 
   The device according to the present invention makes it possible to hold the medical long item and the long-item inserting device simultaneously by one hand. Therefore, it improves handling properties at the time of moving a medical long item to a long-item inserting device from a container of a medical long item or at the time of inserting a medical long item into the bore of a puncture needle, catheter, or sheath. 
   Consequently, the present invention contributes to rapid and adequate medical practice through easy insertion of a medical long item into the bore of a tube. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view showing the device for introduction of a long item according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the device being used as a guidewire inserter. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the guidewire inserter shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a sectional side view of the guidewire inserter shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along the line B-B in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 6  is a side view showing the device for introduction of a long item according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with the device being used as a guidewire inserter. 
       FIG. 7  is a longitudinal sectional view of the guidewire inserter shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view of the guidewire inserter shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 10  is a sectional view taken along the line B-B in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 11  is a sectional view taken along the line C-C in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating the guidewire inserter (shown in  FIG. 6 ) connected to a tube. 
       FIG. 13  is a side view showing the device for introduction of a long item according to the third embodiment of the present invention, with the device being used as a guidewire inserter. 
       FIG. 14  is a longitudinal sectional view of the guidewire inserter shown in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 15  is a plan view of the guidewire inserter shown in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 16  is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 17  is a sectional view taken along the line B-B in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 18  is a sectional view taken along the line C-C in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 19  is a side view showing the device for introduction of a long item according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, with the device being used as a guidewire inserter. 
       FIG. 20  is a longitudinal sectional view of the guidewire inserter shown in  FIG. 19 . 
       FIG. 21  is a plan view of the guidewire inserter shown in  FIG. 19 . 
       FIG. 22  is a sectional side view illustrating how to use the guidewire inserter according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 23  is a sectional side view illustrating how to use the guidewire inserter according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 24  is a sectional side view illustrating how to use the guidewire inserter according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 25  is a sectional side view illustrating how to use the guidewire inserter according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 26  is a sectional side view illustrating how to use the guidewire inserter according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 27  is a partly sectional plan view illustrating how to use the guidewire inserter according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 28  is a sectional side view showing the device for introduction of a long item according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, with the device being used as a catheter inserter. 
       FIG. 29  is a sectional side view illustrating how to use the catheter inserter according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 30  is a sectional side view illustrating how to use the catheter inserter according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
   First Embodiment 
     FIG. 1  is a plan view showing the device for introduction of a long item according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The device is used as a guidewire inserter.  FIGS. 2 and 3  are a side view and a sectional side view, respectively, of the guidewire inserter shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along the line B-B in  FIG. 2 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 to 5 , the guidewire inserter  1  is a tubular member  2  having a bore  22  (guidewire passage) inside that permits the guidewire, which is a medical long item, to pass through. 
   The tubular member  2  includes two parts: a cylindrical part (near the proximal end) having an approximately constant outside diameter, and a tapered part  21  having a decreasing outside diameter in going to the distal end. The tapered part  21  facilitates easy insertion of the guidewire inserter  1 . 
   Incidentally, the tapered part  21  may be uniformly or stepwise tapered over its total length. (Refer to  FIGS. 1 and 2 .) 
   The distal end  25  of the tubular member  2  should preferably be tapered to its end. The distal end  25  is inserted into and connected to a puncture needle, a catheter, a hub of a catheter, a connector, or a sheath (not shown). It also straightens the curved tip of the guidewire. The tapered shape of the distal end  25  facilitates insertion and connection. 
   The bore  22  has its both ends opened at the proximal end and distal end of the tubular member  2 . The opening at the proximal end of the tubular member  2  constitutes the inlet  23  for the guidewire. The opening at the distal end of the tubular member  2  constitutes the outlet  24  for the guidewire. The inlet  23  and outlet  24  may take on any shape (ellipse and polygon) although they are round in the figures. 
   The bore  22  does not necessarily have a constant inside diameter over its total length. The bore  22  shown in  FIG. 3  has a larger inside diameter near the proximal end of the tubular member  2 . 
   The inside diameter of the bore  22  should be large enough for the guidewire to pass through. To be concrete, it should preferably be 0.3 to 1.5 mm. For use as an inserter for an angiography catheter (mentioned later), the inside diameter should preferably be 0.3 to 2.5 mm, more preferably 0.4 to 2.2 mm. 
   The tubular member  2  may be made of a stiff but somewhat resilient material, such as polyolefin (polyethylene and polypropylene), polyamide, and polycarbonate. 
   The tubular member  2  has a slit  3  formed over its total length. The slit  3  penetrates the wall of the tubular member  2 . The slit  3  is straight in its plan view ( FIG. 1 ) and is parallel to the central axis of the tubular member  2 . 
   The slit  3  facilitates insertion of the guidewire because it opens when the guidewire is inserted into the bore  22  of the tubular member  2 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , the slit  3  has a straight cross section. In other words, it should tightly close over the entire distance from the bore  22  of the tubular member  2  to the outside of the tubular member  2 . Alternatively, the slit  3  may have a Y- or V-shaped cross section, in which case it closes only at the bore side. 
   The slit  3  prevents the guidewire from escaping from the bore  22  unexpectedly after the guidewire has been inserted into the bore  22 , because it tightly closes at least partly across the thickness of the wall. 
   The slit  3  gradually expands near the proximal end of the tubular member  2 , thereby constituting an aperture  4 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . The aperture  4  takes on a V-shape in its plan view. The aperture  4  facilitates insertion of the guidewire into the bore  22 , because it functions as a starting point for insertion. In other words, one who wants to insert the guidewire into the inserter may insert the guidewire into the aperture  4  and then push it into the bore  22 . As the guidewire is pushed into the bore  22 , the slit  3  opens such that opening gradually moves to the distal end. 
   In the illustrated constitution, the aperture  4  is most widely apart at the proximal end of the tubular member  2 . The maximum apart distance (Dmax) of the aperture  4  is not specifically restricted; however, it should preferably be such that the ratio of d/Dmax (where d is the outside diameter of the guidewire) is about 0.2 to 2.0, preferably about 0.5 to 0.9. The aperture  4  specified above facilitates insertion of the guidewire into the slit  3  through the aperture  4 . 
   The aperture  4  is not specifically restricted in its length in the longitudinal direction (or the longitudinal direction of the tubular member  2 ); however, it should be about 0.1 to 2.5 mm long, preferably about 0.1 to 3.0 mm long. 
   The tubular member  2  has a projection  5  at its distal end. This projection  5  is a distally projecting part of the circumferential direction of the tubular member  2 . (This part is at the upper side in  FIG. 2 .) This projection  5  takes on a mountain-like shape, with a vertex and slopes, in its plan view ( FIG. 1 ). The slit  3  passes through the vertex of the mountain-like shape of the projection  5 . In other words, the projection  5  is symmetrical with respect to the slit  3 . The projection may also be formed such that the slit  3  passes through the slope of the mountain-like shape. 
   The projection  5  contributes to strength and prevents the curved tip of the guidewire from being caught by the slit  3  when the curved tip is straightened at the distal end  25 . Therefore, it facilitates straightening of the curved tip of the guidewire and also facilitates insertion of the guidewire into the puncture needle, catheter, or sheath. 
   The projection  5  is not specifically restricted in the projecting length L 1  in the distal direction; however, the projecting length should preferably be no shorter than 1 mm, more preferably about 1 to 3 mm. 
   Incidentally, the embodiment with the projection  5  may be replaced by the other one in which the slit  3  parallel to the central axis of the tubular member  2  deviates from the central axis near the distal end  25 . In this case, the slit  3  may be formed such that its direction is inclined  20  to  300  with respect to the central axis of the tubular member  2  at that part away from the distal end  25 . The slit  3  formed in this manner prevents the curved tip from being caught by the slit  3  when the curved tip of the guidewire is straightened. 
   Second Embodiment 
     FIG. 6  is a side view showing the device for introduction of a long item according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The device is used as a guidewire inserter.  FIGS. 7 and 8  are respectively a longitudinal sectional view and a plan view of the guidewire inserter shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 9  is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 10  is a sectional view taken along the line B-B in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 11  is a sectional view taken along the line C-C in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating the guidewire inserter (shown in  FIG. 6 ) connected to a tube. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 6 to 12 , the guidewire inserter  101  is a tubular member  102  having a bore  122  (guidewire passage) inside that permits the guidewire  108 , which is a medical long item, (described later) to pass through. 
   The tubular member  102  includes two parts: a cylindrical part (near the proximal end) having an approximately constant outside diameter, and a tapered part  121  having a decreasing outside diameter in going to the distal end. In this embodiment, the tapered part  121  is formed at the distal end of the tubular member  102 . The tapered part  121  facilitates easy and smooth insertion of the guidewire inserter  101  into the tube  110  (mentioned later). 
   Incidentally, the tapered part  121  may be uniformly or stepwise tapered over its total length. Two or more tapered parts may be formed. In this embodiment, the tapered part is formed also near the inlet  123  at the proximal end of the tubular member  102 . 
   The distal end (or the tapered part  121 ) of the tubular member  102  is inserted into and connected to the tube  110 , such as a puncture needle, a catheter, a hub of a catheter, a Y-connector, or a sheath (not shown). It also straightens the curved tip  181  of the guidewire  108 . The tapered distal end of the tubular member  102  facilitates insertion into and connection to the tube  110 . 
   The bore  122  of the tubular member  102  has a roughly circular cross section. The distal end of the bore  122  opens at the distal end of the tubular member  102 , and the proximal end of the bore  122  opens at the open part  105  (mentioned later). The proximal end opening of the bore  122  constitutes the inlet  123  for the guidewire  108 , and the distal end opening of the bore  122  constitutes the outlet  124  for the guidewire  108 . The shape of the inlet  123  and outlet  124  may be circle or any shape other than circle such as ellipse and polygon. 
   The bore  122  does not necessarily have a constant inside diameter over its total length. The illustrated bore  122  changes in inside diameter such that the inside diameter gradually increases near the proximal end in going toward the proximal end. This structure facilitates easy insertion of the guidewire  108  into the bore  122  through the inlet  123 . 
   The inside diameter of the bore  122  should be large enough for the guidewire  108  to pass through. To be concrete, it should preferably be about 0.4 to 1.5 mm, more preferably about 0.9 to 1.3 mm. 
   The inside diameter (the minimum inside diameter) of the distal end of the bore  122  should preferably be slightly larger than the outside diameter of the guidewire  108 , so that a clearance is left between the inside of the bore  122  and the outside of the guidewire  108 . This structure helps straighten adequately the curved tip of the guidewire  108 . 
   The tubular member  102  may be made of a stiff but somewhat resilient material, such as polyolefin (polyethylene and polypropylene), polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester (polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate), polyurethane, SEBS resin, fluorocarbon resin, and thermoplastic elastomer (polyolefin elastomer, polyamide elastomer, polyester elastomer, and polyurethane elastomer). They may be used alone or in combination with one another in the form of polymer alloy or laminated composite material. 
   The tubular member  102  has a slit  103  formed over its total length. The slit  103  penetrates the wall of the tubular member  102 . The slit  103  is straight in its plan view ( FIG. 8 ). 
   The slit  103  facilitates insertion of the guidewire  108  because it opens when the guidewire  108  is inserted into the bore  122  of the tubular member  102 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 9 , the slit  103  has a straight cross section. In other words, it should tightly close over the entire distance from the bore  122  of the tubular member  102  to the outside of the tubular member  102 . Alternatively, the slit  103  may have a Y- or V-shaped cross section, in which case it closes only at the bore side. 
   The slit  103  prevents the guidewire  108  from escaping from the bore  122  unexpectedly after the guidewire  108  has been inserted into the bore  122 , because it tightly closes at least partly across the thickness of the wall. 
   As shown in  FIG. 8 , the slit  103  is formed such that its width gradually expands toward the proximal end, thereby constituting an aperture  104 . The aperture  104  takes on a V-shape in its plan view. The end of the aperture  104  (where the aperture has the maximum width) communicates with the open space of the open part  105 . 
   The aperture  104  facilitates insertion of the guidewire  108  into the bore  122 , because it functions as a starting point for insertion. In other words, one who wants to insert the guidewire  108  into the inserter may insert the guidewire  108  into the aperture  104  and then push it into the bore  122 . As the guidewire  108  is pushed into the bore  122 , the slit  103  opens such that opening gradually moves to the distal end. 
   The aperture  104  is not specifically restricted in its length in the longitudinal direction (or the longitudinal direction of the tubular member  102 ); however, it should be about 5 to 100 mm long, preferably about 15 to 50 mm long. 
   The guidewire inserter  101  has at its proximal end a connector  106  for connection to the holder tube  109  that accommodates the guidewire  108 . 
   The connector  106  has a C-shaped cross-section (resembling a partly cut circle), as shown in  FIG. 10 . The space  162  inside the connector  106  receives the guidewire  108 . The holder tube  109  is connected to the connector  106  such that its distal end fits into the space  162  inside the connector  106  (as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 10 ). The guidewire  108  being fed from the holder tube  109  enters the space  162  inside the connector  106 . 
   The inside diameter of the connector  106  should be slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the holder tube  109 , so that the space  162  slightly expands when the holder tube  109  is connected by fitting to the connector  106 . This constitution ensures the holder tube  109  to firmly fit and connect to the connector  106 . 
   The space  162  inside the connector  106  is coaxial with the bore  122  of the tubular member  102  (with its central axis being indicated by S) as shown in  FIG. 7 . This constitution permits the guidewire  108  to smoothly pass through the space  162  inside the connector  106 , the opening  105 , and the inlet  123 , and to enter the bore  122  of the tubular member  102 . 
   The shape of the connector  106  is not limited to the illustrated one; it may have any shape and structure so long as it permits connection to the holder tube  109 . 
   Between the inlet  123  of the tubular member  102  and the connector  106  is an open part  105  at which the bore  122  of the tubular member  102  opens. This open part  105  functions as the guidewire holder that holds the guidewire  108 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 11 , the open part  105  is a curved plate. However, it may also take on any shape, such as flat plate or rod. 
   As shown in  FIG. 11 , the internal surface  151  of the open part  105  should preferably be a concavely curved surface. However, it may also be a flat surface. It permits the guidewire  108  to be slid distal or proximal thereon as the guidewire  108  placed thereon is moved under pressure by a finger. 
   The internal surface  151  may have a surface treatment that reduces frictional resistance against the guidewire  108 . In this way it is possible to feed or retract the guidewire  108  smoothly while straightening the curved tip  181 . This object may be achieved by forming minute surface irregularities (emboss) or grooves (particularly those perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) on the internal surface  151  or by coating the internal surface  151  with polytetrafluoroethylene or the like that has a low coefficient of friction. 
   The inlet  123  of the tubular member  102  is surrounded by a slope  126  with a prescribed angle with respect to the central axis S (or the internal surface  151 ) of the tubular member  102 . The angle α between the slope  126  and the internal surface  151  should preferably be about 60 to 170°, more preferably about 80 to 135°, as shown in  FIG. 7 . This constitution permits the guidewire  108  to be moved distal more smoothly. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  8 , and  9 , the distal end of the tubular member  102  has on its outer surface a pair of protruded rims  107 , which project in the mutually opposite directions with respect to the central axis S of the tubular member  102 . The protruded rims  107  extend in the longitudinal direction of the tubular member  102  and project symmetrically with respect to the plane containing the slit  103  (the vertical direction in  FIG. 9 ). In other words, the two protruded rims  107  are formed at intervals of 180° in the circumferential direction of the tubular member  102 . 
   The protruded rims  107  are formed such that they come into contact with and fit to the inner surface of the hub  111  when the distal end of the tubular member  102  is inserted into the hub  111  of the tube  110 . This constitution permits stable connection between the tubular member  102  and the tube  110 . For adequate connection, the protruded rims  107  should meet the following requirements. 
   The protruded rims  107  should have an outermost surface  171  sloped at a prescribed angle with respect to the central axis S of the tubular member  102 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The outermost surface  171  should be sloped such that the distal end approaches the central axis S of the tubular member  102 . The protruded rims  107  having the sloped outermost surface  171  ensures stable fitting to the bore of the hub  111 , because the hub  111  at the proximal end of the tube  110  is usually tapered toward the distal end as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
   The angle β (shown in  FIG. 8 ) between the central axis S of the tubular member  102  and the outermost surface (or sloped surface)  171  should be substantially or approximately equal to the taper angle of the tapered bore of the hub  111  into which the tubular member  102  is fitted. It should preferably be about 0.5 to 45°, more preferably about 0.8 to 10°, and most desirably 1.6 to 1.8°. This angle conforms to the ISO 594/1 Luer taper standard. 
   The outermost surface  171  of the protruded rims  107  has an arcuate convex cross section as shown in  FIG. 9 . This constitution contributes to stable fitting to the bore of the hub  111 , which has usually a circular cross section. The convex outermost surface  171  should preferably have a radius of curvature of about one half the inside diameter of the hub  111 . 
   The protruded rims  107  determine the depth of insertion into the tube  110 . They also align the tubular member  102  with the tube  110 , as explained in the following. 
   As shown in  FIG. 12 , the tube  110  includes the hub  111  (which has a tapered bore) and the catheter (or puncture needle)  112  (which is connected to the distal end of the hub  111 ). The protruded rims  107 , with their outermost surfaces  171  formed properly apart, permit the distal end of the tubular member  102  to stop at an adequate position in the hub  111  at the time of insertion into the hub  111 . Thus, when the tubular member  102  is fit into the hub  111 , its distal end is accurately positioned. For example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the outlet  124  at the distal end of the tubular member  102  can be made to approximately coincide with the position of the opening (shaft inlet)  113  at the proximal end of the catheter  112 . Positioning in this manner permits the distal end of the guidewire  108  fed from the inlet  124  to be inserted into the catheter  112  smoothly and certainly. 
   The outermost surfaces  171  of the protruded rims  107  are equally away from the central axis S, so that the central axis of the hub  111  approximately coincides with the central axis S of the tubular member  102  at the time of insertion into the hub  111 . 
   Thus, when the tubular member  102  is inserted into the hub  111 , the center of the outlet  124  at the distal end of the tubular member  102  approximately coincides with the opening (shaft entrance)  113  at the proximal end of the catheter  112 . As the result, the distal end of the guidewire  108 , which has been fed from the outlet  124 , is inserted into the catheter  112  smoothly and certainly. 
   The protruded rims  107  extend in the longitudinal direction of the tubular member  102 ; however, their length L 2  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) is not specifically restricted. It should be about 2 to 35%, preferably about 5 to 20%, of the total length of the guidewire inserter  101 . An excessively short length L 2  would lead to an instable connection to the tube  110  (hub  111 ), and an excessively long length L 2  would make operation difficult. 
   As shown in  FIG. 9 , which is a sectional view of the tubular member  102 , the angle between the two protruded rims  107  and the slit  103  is approximately 90° in the circumferential direction. This constitution helps the slit  103  to open easily and hence facilitates insertion of the guidewire  108  into the bore  122  through the slit  103 . 
   Incidentally, the protruded rims  107  are not limited in shape to that illustrated above, but they may take on any shape. Moreover, the protruded rims  107  are not limited in number and arrangement to those shown in the drawings. However, it is desirable that they be formed at equal intervals (for example, 120° or 90°) in the circumferential direction of the tubular member  102 . 
   The open part  105 , the connector  106 , and the protruded rims  107  may be made of any of polyolefin (polyethylene and polypropylene), polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester (polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate), polyurethane, SEBS resin, fluorocarbon resin, and thermoplastic elastomer (polyolefin elastomer, polyamide elastomer, polyester elastomer, and polyurethane elastomer). They may be used alone or in combination with one another in the form of polymer alloy or laminated composite material. 
   The tubular member  102 , the open part  105 , the connector  106 , and the protruded rims  107  should preferably be formed integrally from the same material; however, they may also be formed from different materials differing in color or may be formed separately and then assembled by adhesion or fusion bonding. 
   Third Embodiment 
     FIG. 13  is a side view showing the device for introduction of a long item according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The device is used as a guidewire inserter.  FIGS. 14 and 15  are respectively a longitudinal sectional view and a plan view of the guidewire inserter shown in  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 16  is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 17  is a sectional view taken along the line B-B in  FIG. 13 .  FIG. 18  is a sectional view taken along the line C-C in  FIG. 13 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 13 to 18 , the guidewire inserter  201  is a tubular member  202  having a bore  222  (guidewire passage) inside that permits the guidewire, which is a medical long item, to pass through. 
   The tubular member  202  includes two parts: a cylindrical part (near the proximal end) having an approximately constant outside diameter, and a tapered part  221  having a decreasing outside diameter in going to the distal end. The tapered part  221  facilitates easy and smooth insertion of the guidewire inserter  201  into the sheath or the like (mentioned later). 
   Incidentally, the tapered part  221  may be uniformly or stepwise tapered over its total length. Two or more tapered parts may be formed. 
   The distal end  225  of the tubular member  202  is smaller in outside diameter than other parts. It may be tapered toward the distal end. It is inserted into and connected to a puncture needle, catheter, a hub of a catheter, Y-connector, or a sheath (not shown). It also straightens the curved tip of the guidewire. Being smaller than other parts, particularly being tapered distal, it facilitates insertion into and connection to the sheath or the like. 
   Where it is necessary to connect the tubular member  202  to a device (like Y-connector) in which the space therein branches away, the distal end  225  of the tubular member  102  may be provided with a thin tubular member having a tapered end (which is prepared separately). Such an additional tubular member permits the guidewire (with its curved tip straightened) to be inserted into a Y-connector, while preventing the curved tip from entering the branch in the Y-connector. 
   The bore  222  of the tubular member  202  has an approximately circular cross section. The distal end of the bore  222  opens at the distal end of the tubular member  202 , and the proximal end of the bore  222  opens at the open part  205  (mentioned later). The proximal end opening of the bore  222  constitutes the inlet  223  for the guidewire, and the distal end opening of the bore  222  constitutes the outlet  224  for the guidewire. The shape of the inlet  223  and outlet  224  may be circle or any shape other than circle such as ellipse and polygon. 
   The bore  222  does not necessarily have a constant inside diameter over its total length. The illustrated bore  222  changes in inside diameter such that the inside diameter gradually increases near the proximal end in going toward the proximal end. This structure facilitates easy insertion of the guidewire into the bore  222  through the inlet  223 . 
   The inside diameter of the bore  222  should be large enough for the guidewire to pass through. To be concrete, it should preferably be about 0.4 to 1.5 mm, more preferably about 0.9 to 1.3 mm. 
   The inside diameter (the minimum inside diameter) of the distal end of the bore  222  should preferably be slightly larger than the outside diameter of the guidewire, so that a clearance is left between the inside of the bore  222  and the outside of the guidewire. This structure helps straighten adequately the curved tip of the guidewire. 
   The tubular member  202  may be made of a stiff but somewhat resilient material, such as polyolefin (polyethylene and polypropylene), polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester (polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate), polyurethane, SEBS resin, fluorocarbon resin, and thermoplastic elastomer (polyolefin elastomer, polyamide elastomer, polyester elastomer, and polyurethane elastomer). They may be used alone or in combination with one another in the form of polymer alloy or laminated composite material. 
   The tubular member  202  has a slit  203  formed over its total length. The slit  203  cuts across the wall of the tubular member  202 . The slit  203  is straight in its plan view ( FIG. 15 ). 
   The slit  203  facilitates insertion of the guidewire because it opens when the guidewire is inserted into the bore  222  of the tubular member  202 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 16 , the slit  203  has a straight cross section. In other words, it should tightly close over the entire distance from the bore  222  of the tubular member  202  to the outside of the tubular member  202 . Alternatively, the slit  203  may have a Y- or V-shaped cross section, in which case it closes only at the bore side. 
   The slit  203  prevents the guidewire from escaping from the bore  222  unexpectedly after the guidewire has been inserted into the bore  222 , because it tightly closes at least partly across the thickness of the wall. 
   As shown in  FIG. 15 , the slit  203  is formed such that its width gradually expands toward the proximal end, thereby constituting an aperture  204 . The aperture  204  takes on a V-shape in its plan view. The end of the aperture  204  (where the aperture has the maximum width) communicates with the open space of the open part  205 . 
   The aperture  204  facilitates insertion of the guidewire into the bore  222 , because it functions as a starting point for insertion. In other words, one who wants to insert the guidewire into the inserter may insert the guidewire into the aperture  204  and then push it into the bore  222 . As the guidewire is pushed into the bore  222 , the slit  203  opens such that opening gradually moves to the distal end. 
   The aperture  204  is not specifically restricted in its length in the longitudinal direction (or the longitudinal direction of the tubular member  202 ); however, it should be about 5 to 100 mm long, preferably about 15 to 50 mm long. 
   The guidewire inserter  201  has at its proximal end a connector  206  for connection to the holder tube  209  that accommodates the guidewire. 
   The connector  206  has a C-shaped cross-section (resembling a partly cut circle), as shown in  FIG. 17 . The space  262  inside the connector  206  receives the guidewire. The holder tube  209  is connected to the connector  206  such that its distal end fits into the space  262  inside the connector  206  (as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 17 ). The guidewire being fed from the holder tube  209  enters the space  262  inside the connector  206 . 
   The inside diameter of the connector  206  should be slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the holder tube  209 , so that the space  262  slightly expands when the holder tube  209  is connected by fitting to the connector  206 . This constitution ensures the holder tube  209  to firmly fit and connect to the connector  206 . 
   The space  262  inside the connector  206  is coaxial with the bore  222  of the tubular member  202 . This constitution permits the guidewire to smoothly pass through the space  262  inside the connector  206 , the opening  205 , and the inlet  223 , and to enter the bore  222  of the tubular member  202 . 
   The shape of the connector  206  is not limited to the illustrated one; it may have any shape and structure so long as it permits connection to the holder tube  209 . 
   Between the inlet  223  of the tubular member  202  and the connector  206  is an open part  205  at which the bore  222  of the tubular member  202  opens. This open part  205  functions as the guidewire holder that holds the guidewire. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the internal surface  251  of the open part  205  should preferably be a concavely curved surface or a flat surface. It permits the guidewire to be slid distal or proximal thereon as the guidewire placed thereon is moved under pressure by a finger. 
   The internal surface  251  may have a surface treatment that reduces frictional resistance against the guidewire. In this way it is possible to feed or retract the guidewire smoothly. This object may be achieved by forming minute surface irregularities (emboss) or grooves (particularly those perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) on the internal surface  251  or by coating the internal surface  251  with polytetrafluoroethylene or the like that has a low coefficient of friction. 
   The inlet  223  of the tubular member  202  is surrounded by a slope  226  with a prescribed angle with respect to the central axis (or the internal surface  251 ) of the tubular member  202 . The angle α between the slope  226  and the internal surface  251  should preferably be about 60 to 170°, more preferably about 80 to 135°, as shown in  FIG. 14 . This constitution permits the guidewire to be moved distal more smoothly. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 18 , the open part  205  has on its both sides a pair of wing-like protruded pieces  207 , which project in the mutually opposite direction from the central axis of the guidewire inserter  201 . 
   The flat protruded pieces  207  help the operator to hold both the guidewire and the guidewire inserter  201  simultaneously with one hand. 
   The protruded pieces  207  may be curved so that they are fit well with the operator&#39;s fingers. Thus, they help the operator to hold more easily both the guidewire and the guidewire inserter  201  simultaneously with one hand. 
   The protruded pieces  207  may be composed of a curved part and a flat part, so that the flat part helps the operator to hold both the guidewire and the guidewire inserter  201  simultaneously with one hand if the curved part does not fit well with the operator&#39;s fingers. 
   The protruded pieces  207  should have a length L 3  (in the longitudinal direction of the tubular member  202 ), which is about 10 to 50%, preferably about 20 to 40%, of the total length of the guidewire inserter  201 . This length is suitable for easy holding and good operation. 
   The protruded pieces  207  and the open part  205  should preferably be formed in such a way that they partly (preferably more than half, more preferably entirely) overlap with each other in the longitudinal direction. This constitution permits the guidewire to be moved distal and proximal (to straighten the curved tip) more easily. 
   The open part  205 , the connector  206 , and the protruded prices  207  may be made of any of polyolefin (polyethylene and polypropylene), polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester (polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate), polyurethane, SEBS resin, fluorocarbon resin, and thermoplastic elastomer (polyolefin elastomer, polyamide elastomer, polyester elastomer, and polyurethane elastomer). They may be used alone or in combination with one another in the form of polymer alloy or laminated composite material. 
   The tubular member  202 , the open part  205 , the connector  206 , and the protruded pieces  207  should preferably be formed integrally from the same material; however, they may also be formed from different materials differing in color or may be formed separately and then assembled by adhesion or fusion bonding. 
   Fourth Embodiment 
     FIG. 19  is a side view showing the device for introduction of a long item according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The device is used as a guidewire inserter.  FIGS. 20 and 21  are respectively a longitudinal sectional view and a plan view of the guidewire inserter shown in  FIG. 19 .  FIGS. 22 to 27  are views illustrating how to use the guidewire inserter shown in  FIGS. 19 to 21 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 19 to 21 , the guidewire inserter  301  is a tubular member  302  having a bore  322  (guidewire passage) inside that permits the guidewire  314 , which is a medical long item, to pass through. 
   The tubular member  302  includes two parts: a cylindrical part (near the proximal end) having an approximately constant outside diameter, and a tapered part  321  having a decreasing outside diameter in going to the distal end. In this embodiment, the tapered part  321  is formed at the distal end of the tubular member  302 . The tapered part  321  facilitates easy and smooth insertion of the guidewire inserter  301  into the tube  310  (mentioned later). 
   Incidentally, the tapered part  321  may be uniformly or stepwise tapered over its total length. Two or more tapered parts may be formed. In this embodiment, the tapered part  321  is formed also near the inlet  323  at the proximal end of the tubular member  302 . 
   The distal end (or the tapered part  321 ) of the tubular member  302  is inserted into and connected to the tube  310 , such as a puncture needle, a catheter, a hub of a catheter, a Y-connector, or a sheath (not shown). It also straightens the curved tip  315  of the guidewire  314 . The tapered distal end of the tubular member  302  facilitates insertion into and connection to the tube  310 . 
   The bore  322  of the tubular member  302  has an approximately circular cross section. The distal end of the bore  322  opens at the distal end of the tubular member  302 , and the proximal end of the bore  322  opens at the open part  305  (mentioned later). The proximal end opening of the bore  322  constitutes the inlet  323  for the guidewire  314 , and the distal end opening of the bore  322  constitutes the outlet  324  for the guidewire  314 . The shape of the inlet  323  and outlet  324  may be circle or any shape other than circle such as ellipse and polygon. 
   The bore  322  does not necessarily have a constant inside diameter over its total length. The illustrated bore  322  changes in inside diameter such that the inside diameter gradually increases near the proximal end in going toward the proximal end. This structure facilitates easy insertion of the guidewire  314  into the bore  322  through the inlet  323 . 
   The inside diameter of the bore  322  should be large enough for the guidewire  314  to pass through. To be concrete, it should preferably be about 0.4 to 1.5 mm, more preferably about 0.9 to 1.3 mm. 
   The inside diameter (the minimum inside diameter) of the distal end of the bore  322  should preferably be slightly larger than the outside diameter of the guidewire  314 , so that a clearance is left between the inside of the bore  322  and the outside of the guidewire  314 . This structure helps straighten adequately the curved tip of the guidewire  314 . 
   The tubular member  302  may be made of a stiff but somewhat resilient material, such as polyolefin (polyethylene and polypropylene), polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester (polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene, terephthalate), polyurethane, SEBS resin, fluorocarbon resin, and thermoplastic elastomer (polyolefin elastomer, polyamide elastomer, polyester elastomer, and polyurethane elastomer). They may be used alone or in combination with one another in the form of polymer alloy or laminated composite material. 
   The tubular member  302  has a slit  303  formed over its total length. The slit  303  cuts across the wall of the tubular member  302 . The slit  303  is straight in its plan view ( FIG. 21 ). 
   The slit  303  facilitates insertion of the guidewire  314  because it opens when the guidewire  314  is inserted into the bore  322  of the tubular member  302 . 
   The slit  303  has a straight cross section. In other words, it should tightly close over the entire distance from the bore  322  of the tubular member  302  to the outside of the tubular member  302 . Alternatively, the slit  303  may have a Y- or V-shaped cross section, in which case it closes only at the bore side. 
   The slit  303  prevents the guidewire  314  from escaping from the bore  322  unexpectedly after the guidewire  314  has been inserted into the bore  322 , because it tightly closes at least partly across the thickness of the wall. 
   As shown in  FIG. 21 , the slit  303  is formed such that its width gradually expands toward the proximal end, thereby constituting an aperture  304 . The aperture  304  takes on a V-shape in its plan view. The end of the aperture  304  (where the aperture has the maximum width) communicates with the open space of the open part  305 . 
   The aperture  304  facilitates insertion of the guidewire  314  into the bore  322 , because it functions as a starting point for insertion. In other words, one who wants to insert the guidewire  314  into the inserter may insert the guidewire  314  into the aperture  304  and then push it into the bore  322 . As the guidewire  314  is pushed into the bore  322 , the slit  303  opens such that opening gradually moves to the distal end. 
   The aperture  304  is not specifically restricted in its length in the longitudinal direction (or the longitudinal direction of the tubular member  302 ); however, it should be about 5 to 100 mm long, preferably about 15 to 50 mm long. 
   The tubular member  302  has a projection  309  at its distal end. This projection  309  is a distally projecting part of the circumferential direction of the tubular member  302 . (This part is at the upper side in  FIGS. 19 and 20 .) This projection  309  takes on a mountain-like shape, with a vertex and slopes, in its plan view ( FIG. 21 ). The slit  303  passes through the vertex of the mountain-like shape of the projection  309 . In other words, the projection  309  is symmetrical with respect to the slit  303 . The projection may also be formed such that the slit  303  passes through the slope of the mountain shape. 
   The projection  309  contributes to strength and prevents the curved tip  315  of the guidewire  314  from being caught by the slit  303  when the curved tip  315  is straightened at the tapered part  321 . Therefore, it facilitates straightening of the curved tip  315  of the guidewire  314  and also facilitates insertion of the guidewire  314  into the puncture needle, catheter, or sheath. 
   The projection  309  is not specifically restricted in the projecting length in the distal direction; however, the projecting length should preferably be no shorter than 1 mm, more preferably about 1 to 3 mm. 
   The guidewire inserter  301  has at its proximal end a connector  306  for connection to the holder tube  316  that accommodates the guidewire  314 . 
   The connector  306  has a C-shaped cross-section (resembling a partly cut circle). The space  362  inside the connector  306  receives the guidewire  314 . The holder tube  316  is connected to the connector  306  such that its distal end fits into the space  362  inside the connector  306  (as shown in  FIG. 20 ). The guidewire  314  being fed from the holder tuber  316  enters the space  362  inside the connector  306 . 
   The inside diameter of the connector  306  should be slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the holder tube  316 , so that the space  362  slightly expands when the holder tube  316  is connected by fitting to the connector  306 . This constitution ensures the holder tube  316  to firmly fit and connect to the connector  306 . 
   The space  362  inside the connector  306  is coaxial with the bore  322  of the tubular member  302  (with its central axis being indicated by S) as shown in  FIG. 20 . This constitution permits the guidewire  314  to smoothly pass through the space  362  inside the connector  306 , the opening  305 , and the inlet  323 , and to enter the bore  322  of the tubular member  302 . 
   The shape of the connector  306  is not limited to the illustrated one; it may have any shape and structure so long as it permits connection to the holder tube  316 . 
   Between the inlet  323  of the tubular member  302  and the connector  306  is an open part  305  at which the bore  322  of the tubular member  302  opens. This open part  305  functions as the guidewire holder that holds the guidewire  314 . 
   The open part  305  is a curved plate. However, it may also take on any shape, such as flat plate or rod. 
   The internal surface  351  of the open part  305  should preferably be a concavely curved surface. However, it may also be a flat surface. It permits the guidewire  314  to be slid distal or proximal thereon as the guidewire  314  placed thereon is moved under pressure by a finger. 
   The internal surface  351  may have a surface treatment that reduces frictional resistance against the guidewire  314 . In this way it is possible to feed or retract the guidewire  314  smoothly while straightening the curved tip  315 . This object may be achieved by forming minute surface irregularities (emboss) or grooves (particularly those perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) on the internal surface  351  or by coating the internal surface  351  with polytetrafluoroethylene or the like that has a low coefficient of friction. 
   The inlet  323  of the tubular member  302  is surrounded by a slope  326  with a prescribed angle with respect to the central axis S (or the internal surface  351 ) of the tubular member  302 . The angle α between the slope  326  and the internal surface  351  should preferably be about 60 to 170°, more preferably about 80 to 135°, as shown in  FIG. 20 . This constitution permits the guidewire  314  to be moved distal more smoothly. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 21 , the open part  305  has on its both sides a pair of wing-like protruded pieces  308 , which project in the mutually opposite direction from the central axis of the guidewire inserter  301 . 
   The flat protruded pieces  308  help the operator to hold both the guidewire and the guidewire inserter  301  simultaneously with one hand. 
   The protruded pieces  308  may be curved so that they are fit well with the operator&#39;s fingers. Thus, they help the operator to hold more easily both the guidewire and the guidewire inserter  301  simultaneously with one hand. 
   The protruded pieces  308  may be composed of a curved part and a flat part, so that the flat part helps the operator to hold both the guidewire and the guidewire inserter  301  simultaneously with one hand if the curved part does not fit well with the operator&#39;s fingers. 
   The protruded pieces  308  should have a length L 4  (in the longitudinal direction of the tubular member  302 ), which is about 10 to 50%, preferably about 20 to 40%, of the total length of the guidewire inserter  301 . This length is suitable for easy holding and good operation. 
   The protruded pieces  308  and the open part  305  should preferably be formed in such a way that they partly (preferably more than half, more preferably entirely) overlap with each other in the longitudinal direction. This constitution permits the guidewire to be moved distal and proximal (to straighten the curved tip) more easily. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 21 , the distal end of the tubular member  302  has on its outer surface a pair of protruded rims  307 , which project in mutually opposite directions with respect to the central axis S of the tubular member  302 . The protruded rims  307  extend in the longitudinal direction of the tubular member  302  and project symmetrically with respect to the plane containing the slit  303 . In other words, the two protruded rims  307  are formed at intervals of 180° in the circumferential direction of the tubular member  302 . 
   The protruded rims  307  are formed such that they come into contact with and fit to the inner surface of the hub  311  when the distal end of the tubular member  302  is inserted into the hub  311  of the tube  310 . This constitution permits stable connection between the tubular member  302  and the tube  310 . For adequate connection, the protruded rims  307  should meet the following requirements. 
   The protruded rims  307  should have an outermost surface  371 , which is sloped at a prescribed angle with respect to the central axis S of the tubular member  302 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . The outermost surface  371  should be sloped such that the distal end approaches the central axis S of the tubular member  302 . The protruded rims  307  having the sloped outermost surface  371  ensures stable fitting to the bore of the hub  311 , because the hub  311  at the proximal end of the tube  310  is usually tapered toward the distal end as shown in  FIG. 27 . 
   The angle β (shown in  FIG. 21 ) between the central axis S of the tubular member  302  and the outermost surface (or sloped surface)  371  should be substantially or approximately equal to the taper angle of the tapered bore of the hub  311  into which the tubular member  302  is fitted. It should preferably be about 0.5 to 45°, more preferably about 0.8 to 10°, and most desirably 1.6 to 1.8°. This angle conforms to the ISO 594/1 Luer taper standard. 
   The outermost  371  surface of the protruded rims  307  has an arcuate convex cross section. This constitution contributes to stable fitting to the bore of the hub  311 , which has usually a circular cross section. The convex outermost surface  371  should preferably have a radius of curvature of about one half the inside diameter of the hub  311 . 
   The protruded rims  307  determine the depth of insertion into the tube  310 . They also align the tubular member  302  with the tube  310 , as explained in the following. 
   As shown in  FIG. 27 , the tube  310  includes the hub  311  (which has a tapered bore) and the catheter (or puncture needle)  312  (which is connected to the distal end of the hub  311 ). The protruded rims  307 , with their outermost surfaces  371  formed properly apart, permit the distal end of the tubular member  302  to stop at an adequate position in the hub  311  at the time of insertion into the hub  311 . Thus, when the tubular member  302  is fit into the hub  311 , its distal end is accurately positioned. For example, as shown in  FIG. 27 , the outlet  324  at the distal end of the tubular member  302  can be made to approximately coincide with the position of the opening (shaft inlet)  313  at the proximal end of the catheter  312 . Positioning in this manner permits the distal end of the guidewire  314  fed from the inlet  324  to be inserted into the catheter  312  smoothly and certainly. 
   The outermost surfaces  371  of the protruded rims  307  are equally away from the central axis S, so that the central axis of the hub  311  approximately coincides with the central axis S of the tubular member  302  at the time of insertion into the hub  311 . 
   Thus, when the tubular member  302  is inserted into the hub  311 , the center of the outlet  324  at the distal end of the tubular member  302  approximately coincides with the opening (shaft entrance)  313  at the proximal end of the catheter  312 . As the result, the distal end of the guidewire  314 , which has been fed from the outlet  324 , is inserted into the catheter  312  smoothly and certainly. 
   The protruded rims  307  extend in the longitudinal direction of the tubular member  302 ; however, their length L 5  (shown in  FIG. 21 ) is not specifically restricted. It should be about 2 to 35%, preferably about 5 to 20%, of the total length of the guidewire inserter  301 . An excessively short length L 5  would lead to an instable connection to the tube  310  (hub  311 ), and an excessively long length L 5  would make operation difficult. 
   The angle between the two protruded rims  307  and the slit  303  is approximately 90° in the circumferential direction. This constitution helps the slit  303  to open easily and hence facilitates insertion of the guidewire  314  into the bore  322  through the slit  303 . 
   Incidentally, the protruded rims  307  are not limited in shape to that illustrated above, but they may take on any shape. Moreover, the protruded rims  307  are not limited in number and arrangement to those shown in the drawings. However, it is desirable that they be formed at equal intervals (for example, 120° or 90°) in the circumferential direction of the tubular member  302 . 
   The open part  305 , the connector  306 , the protruded rims  307 , and the protruded pieces  308  may be made of any of polyolefin (polyethylene and polypropylene), polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester (polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate), polyurethane, SEBS resin, fluorocarbon resin, and thermoplastic elastomer (polyolefin elastomer, polyamide elastomer, polyester elastomer, and polyurethane elastomer). They may be used alone or in combination with one another in the form of polymer alloy or laminated composite material. 
   The tubular member  302 , the open part  305 , the connector  306 , the protruded rims  307 , and the protruded pieces  308  should preferably be formed integrally from the same material. However, they may also be formed from different materials differing in color or may be formed separately and then assembled by adhesion or fusion bonding. 
   According to the present invention, the guidewire inserter is used in the way explained below with reference to  FIGS. 22 to 27 . 
   In the first step shown in  FIG. 22 , the connector  306  of the guidewire inserter  301  is connected to the distal end of the holder tube  316 . The guidewire  314  is fed to distal by pushing it with the finger against the internal surface  351  of the open part  305 , while holding the open part  305  and the protruded pieces  308  with one hand. 
   In the next step shown in  FIG. 23 , the guidewire  314  is inserted into the aperture  304 , while keeping the curved tip  315  of the guidewire  314  at a position beyond the distal end (or the projection  309 ) of the guidewire inserter  301 . 
   Then, the portion in the aperture  304  of the guidewire  314  is push into the bore  322  (as indicated by an arrow in  FIG. 23 ), thereby squeezing the guidewire  314  into the slit  303 . The slit  303  is kept opened toward the distal end, thereby sequentially inserting the guidewire  314  into the bore  322 , as shown in  FIG. 24 . 
   The above-mentioned procedure is continued up to the distal end of the tubular member  302 , thereby inserting the guidewire  314  into the bore  322 , as shown in  FIG. 25 . In this state, the guidewire  314  passes through the inlet  323  and the bore  322  and projects in the distal direction from the outlet  324 . The curved tip  315  of guidewire  314 , which projects from the outlet  324 , retains its curved shape. 
   In the next step shown in  FIG. 26 , the guidewire  314  is pulled toward the proximal end, so that the curved tip  315  is nearly straightened and put in the bore  322 . This procedure is carried out by moving the guidewire  314  toward the proximal end, while pushing the guidewire  314  with the thumb finger against the internal surface  351  and holding the open part  305  and the protruded pieces  308  with one hand. During this procedure, the projection  309  at the distal end of the tubular member  302  prevents the curved tip  315  from being caught by the slit  303 . In this way it is possible to straighten the curved tip of the guidewire  314  easily and certainly. 
   In the next step shown in  FIG. 27 , the distal end of the guidewire inserter  3   b   1  is inserted and connected into the bore of the hub  311  of the tube  310 , while keeping the state shown in  FIG. 26 . To carry out this procedure, the guidewire inserter  301  is hold with one hand and the tube  310  with the other hand to move them toward each other. 
   The tapered part  321  is kept inserting into the hub  311  until the outermost surface  371  of the protruded pieces  307  come into close contact with the inside of the hub  311 . (This procedure is possible because the inside of the hub  311  is tapered toward the distal end, and the outermost surface  371  of the protruded pieces  307  is sloped and convexly curved, as mentioned above.) In this state, the distal end of the guidewire inserter  301  is fitted and connected to the tube  310 , as shown in  FIG. 27 . It is to be noted that the outlet  324  at the distal end of the tubular member  302  nearly coincides with the position of the proximal opening  313  (shaft entrance) of the catheter  312 , and the center of the outlet  324  nearly coincides with the center of the proximal opening  313 . 
   After the guidewire inserter  301  has been fitted and connected to the tube  310 , the guidewire  314  is fed to distal in the same way as mentioned above, so that the guidewire projects from the outlet  324  and enters the catheter  312  of the tube  310 . As described above, the outlet  324  of the tubular member  302  nearly coincides with the proximal opening  313  of the catheter  312  and the center of the outlet  324  nearly coincides with the center of the proximal opening  313 . Therefore, the guidewire  314 , which has projected from the outlet  324 , enters the catheter  312  smoothly and certainly. 
   The advantage of this embodiment is that it is possible to connect the guidewire inserter  301  to the tube  310  and to feed the guidewire  314  into the catheter  312  easily and certainly because the curved tip  315  of the guidewire  314  is adequately straightened. 
   Fifth Embodiment 
     FIG. 28  is a sectional side view showing the device for introduction of a long item according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The device is used as a catheter inserter.  FIG. 29  is a sectional side view illustrating how to use the catheter inserter according to the present invention (with the curved tip  418  of the catheter  408  inserted into the bore  422  and straightened).  FIG. 30  is a sectional side view illustrating how to use the catheter inserter according to the present invention (with the catheter inserter  401  removed from the catheter  408 ). In what follows, the catheter inserter will be explained with reference to these drawings, with emphases placed on differences from the guidewire inserter explained in the first embodiment. 
   The catheter inserter  401  is a tubular member  402  similar to that mentioned above, which has therein a bore  422  (guidewire passage) that permits the catheter  408 , which is the medical long item, to pass through. The tubular member  402  has a slit  403 , an aperture  404 , and a protruded part  405 , as in the case mentioned above. 
   Incidentally, the tubular member  402  may have, on the sides of its distal end  425 , a pair of protruded rims projecting in the mutually opposite directions from its central axis. 
   The tubular member  402  may also have, on the sides of its proximal end, a pair of wing-like protruded pieces, which project in the mutually opposite direction from the central axis of the catheter inserter  401 . 
   In the illustrated case, the catheter  408  inserted into the bore  422  is an angiography catheter of pigtail type (having a curved tip  481  which is looped). This catheter  408  has a hub  483  at its proximal end. 
   The catheter inserter according to the present invention should be used in the following manner. 
   First, the catheter  408  is inserted into the aperture  404 , while placing the curved tip  481  of the catheter  408  beyond the distal projection  405  of the catheter inserter  401 . 
   Next, the part in the aperture  404  of the catheter  408  is pushed into the bore  422 , thereby squeezing the catheter  408  into the slit  403 . This procedure causes the slit  403  to gradually open toward the distal end and hence causes the catheter  408  to be sequentially inserted into the bore  422 . 
   The foregoing procedure is continued up to the distal end of the tubular member  402 , thereby inserting the catheter  408  completely into the bore  422 , as shown in  FIG. 28 . In this stage, the catheter  408  passes through the inlet  423  and the bore  422  and projects from the distal end of the outlet  424 . Then, the curved tip  481  of the catheter  408  projects from the distal end of the outlet  424  while keeping its looped shape. 
   Then, the catheter  408  is pulled toward the proximal end, thereby inserting the curved tip  481  into the bore  242 . In this stage, the curved tip  481  is nearly straightened, as shown in  FIG. 29 . During this procedure, the projection  405  at the distal end of the tubular member  402  prevents the curved tip  481  from being caught by the slit  403 . In this way it is possible to straighten the curved tip  481  of the catheter  408  easily and certainly. 
   The same effect as mentioned above will be produced for catheters of any type (for example, catheter of Jadkins type and catheter of Amplatz type), regardless of the shape of the curved tip  481  of the catheter  408 . 
   The distal end  425  of the catheter inserter  401  is inserted and connected to the proximal end of the sheath and then the catheter  408  is fed to distal. In this way the catheter  408  is inserted into the sheath. Since the curved tip  481  of the catheter  408  has been straightened, the distal end  425  is easily and certainly connected to the sheath and the catheter  408  is fed easily and certainly into the sheath. In the case where the distal end  425  of the catheter inserter  401  is inserted into the proximal of the guidewire catching the blood vessel, the catheter  408  can be fed easily and certainly into the blood vessel. 
   There may be an instance in which the catheter  408  has to be removed from the catheter inserter  401 , with catheter  408  left in the bore  422  of the catheter inserter  401 . In this case, the procedure for removal is carried out as follows because the catheter  408  has the hub  483  at its proximal end. 
   As shown in  FIG. 30 , the catheter  408  is inserted into the aperture  404  and squeeze the catheter  408  into the slit  403  while pulling it out of the bore  422 , so that the slit  403  gradually opens in going toward the distal end, thereby allowing the catheter  408  to be sequentially removed from the bore  422 . (The removed catheter  408  is indicated by a dotted line in  FIG. 30 .) 
   Since the catheter inserter  401  according to this embodiment has the slit  403 , which cuts across the wall of the tubular member  402  over the total length of the tubular member  402 , it is possible to remove the catheter  408  from the catheter inserter  401  easily and rapidly. 
   Incidentally, the catheter to be inserted into the catheter inserter  401  is not limited to the angiography catheter mentioned above; but it includes catheters of any kind and use. 
   The embodiments mentioned above to illustrate the present invention are not intended to restrict the scope of the present invention. They may be modified by replacement with equivalent components or by addition of other components. 
   For example, the slit, which is straight in plan views of  FIGS. 1 ,  8 ,  15 , and  21 , may be totally or partly curved or bent or zigzag. 
   The device for introduction of a long item, which is covered in the present invention, is not limited to the guidewire inserter and catheter inserter mentioned above. It includes any device to introduce a long item for medical use other than guidewire and catheter.