Abstract:
Medical devices that are inserted into a body and that are used for treating a lumen inside a body sometimes use an insertion aid during insertion. However, there was a tendency for the relative positions of the insertion aid and the medical device to change, causing problems such as reduced operability and the insertion aid breaking the medical device during insertion. Disclosed are an insertion aid used by being placed within a medical device, and a medical device using said insertion aid. The insertion aid has a mechanism for holding said medical device from the inside, and said medical device uses said insertion aid, thereby making it possible to fix the relative positions of the insertion aid and the medical device when necessary.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an insertion aid which is placed and used in a medical device which is inserted into a body and used for treating a lumen in the body, and medical device using the insertion aid. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    An angioplasty for improving blood flow in a peripheral blood vessel by dilating the stenosis lesion or obstruction lesion in the blood vessel when stenosis or obstruction occurs in a vascular vessel such as a blood vessel (PTA: Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty; PTCA: Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty; and the like) has become general as an operation in this kind of cases. A dilatation catheter in PTA and PTCA is used together with a guide catheter and a guide wire as a set, in order to mainly dilate the stenosis lesion or the obstruction lesion in the blood vessel. The angioplasty using the dilatation catheter is generally performed as follows: First, a guide catheter is inserted from a femoral artery and passes through an aorta, and its tip is placed at an entrance of a coronary artery. Next, only a guide wire, which has been previously inserted into a dilatation catheter, is caused to move forward over a stenosis lesion or a obstruction lesion in the blood vessel, and then a dilatation catheter is caused to move forward along the guide wire. After that, a dilatation part (balloon) is expanded in a state in which it is placed at the stenosis lesion or the obstruction lesion to dilate the stenosis lesion or the obstruction lesion. After the dilatation of the stenosis lesion or the obstruction lesion, the dilatation part is shrunk and removed from the body. 
         [0003]    The use of this dilatation catheter is not limited to the treatment of the stenosis lesion or the obstruction lesion in the blood vessel, and is useful in various medical applications including insertion into a blood vessel as well as insertion into various body cavities and tubular tissues. However, in a case in which it is used for treating a blood vessel, for example, when the degree of the stenosis progresses and it is difficult to pass through the stenosis lesion for the guide wire, a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel such as a straight microcatheter or a tapered microcatheter or dilatation catheter is sometimes used together with the guide wire. Even if they are used together with the guide wire, however, neither the obtained effects nor ease of use is sufficient. In addition, even if the guide wire passes through the stenosis lesion, it is sometimes difficult to cause the dilatation catheter to move forward along the guide wire. An effective mechanism or aid in such a case has been desired. 
         [0004]    On the other hand, with respect to a treatment for lumens other than the blood vessel, a treatment method in which an obstruction site in a lacrimal duct from a lacrimal canaliculus to an inferior nasal meatus is dilated by using a dilatation catheter for treating a lacrimal duct having a dilatation part which is expanded with pressure; and a treatment method in which a bougie is inserted into a lacrimal duct to remove an obstruction site, then a lacrimal duct tube is inserted into the lacrimal duct by using a stylet-shaped insertion aid, next the insertion aid is removed to indwell the lacrimal duct tube in the lacrimal duct for a predetermined time to prevent the re-obstruction, are adopted. In these treatments, it is necessary to insert the dilatation catheter for treating a lacrimal duct or the lacrimal duct tube into the curved lacrimal duct. These tubes are required to have contrary properties, that is, a property capable of applying force for insertion (that is, rigidity of a tube) and tip-softness for preventing breaking through a wall surface of the lacrimal duct. It is not always easy, however, to provide the contrary properties to the tube itself, and therefore, an insertion aid may be sometimes used. For example, a lacrimal duct tube may be used in a state in which the tip thereof is softened by inserting halfway an insertion aid into the lacrimal duct tube for softening the tip upon the insertion into the lacrimal duct. In such a case, the relative position to the lacrimal duct tube easily shifts, and the operability is problematically reduced. Although it is often preferable to keep the tip of the lacrimal duct tube open, this sometimes cannot be performed, because the insertion aid tends to penetrate through the tip end area of the lacrimal duct tube upon the insertion. In addition, because of the tendency of the easy penetration upoon the insertion, as described above, damages in which the aid breaks through the tip end of the lacrimal duct tube or another medical device may occur. 
         [0005]    Although its object and structure are different from those of the present invention, Patent Document 1 discloses an anchor-type guide wire having an ejection part which serves to fix a guide wire to an organ wall of a living body. This technique is characterized in that a sheath made of a metal tube previously houses a core wire having an original shape, which projects outside from the sheath in a free space, and the core wire is slid from the sheath and exposes at a desired position, and the core wire is slide back and housed again in the sheath upon the recovery. In this case, very great force is necessary to take the wire into and out from the sheath having a diameter smaller than that of the original shape of the core wire by sliding the wire. On the contrary, when a slidable core wire is designed within a practical range, the original shape which has projected outside becomes very weak. According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, accordingly, though the anchor effect to an organ wall of a living body may be observed sometimes, the ability to hold a medical device from the inside thereof when the medical device is inserted into the body, which is the purpose of the present invention, is quite insufficient. 
       CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
       [0006]    Patent Document 1: JP-A No. 8-71158 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0007]    The present invention provides an insertion aid which is placed and used in a medical device which is inserted into a body and used for treating a lumen in the body, wherein the aid is capable of holding the medical device from the inside with sufficient force, when it is desired to fix the relative positions of the insertion aid and the medical device, and a medical device using the same. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0008]    In order to solve the problems described above, painstaking studies have been made. As a result, it has been found that in a case in which an insertion aid is placed inside a medical device, when the insertion aid has a function of holding the medical device from the inside, the problems can be solved, and the present invention has been completed. 
         [0009]    That is, the gists of the present invention are as follows: 
         [0010]    (1) An insertion aid which is placed in a medical device and is used at the time when the medical device is inserted into a body, comprising a mechanism for holding the medical device from the inside. 
         [0011]    (2) The insertion aid according to (1) described above, wherein the holding mechanism is a mechanism in which a part of the insertion aid having a predetermined diameter protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter. 
         [0012]    (3) The insertion aid according to (2) described above, wherein the holding mechanism is a mechanism in which a coiled spring having a predetermined diameter is placed on a part of the insertion aid, and the spring is axially compressed whereby it protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter. 
         [0013]    (4) The insertion aid according to (2) described above, wherein the holding mechanism is a mechanism in which a rubber elastic tubular member having a predetermined diameter is placed on a part of the insertion aid, and the tubular member is axially compressed whereby it protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter. 
         [0014]    (5) The insertion aid according to (2) described above, wherein the holding mechanism is a mechanism in which a spirally cut tube having a predetermined diameter is placed on a part of the insertion aid, and the spirally cut tube is radially unwound whereby it protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter. 
         [0015]    (6) The insertion aid according to (2) described above, wherein the holding mechanism is a mechanism in which a balloon expandable by pressure is placed on a part of the insertion aid, and a pressure is introduced into the balloon whereby it protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter. 
         [0016]    (7) The insertion aid according to any one of (1) to (6) described above, wherein the holding mechanism is a mechanism in which an area having a predetermined diameter placed on a part of the insertion aid is deformed by operation of a control unit placed on a base end whereby it protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter. 
         [0017]    (8) A medical device comprising the insertion aid according to any one of (1) to (7) described above. 
         [0018]    (9) The medical device according to (8) described above, wherein the medical device is a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel. 
         [0019]    (10) The medical device according to (8) described above, wherein the medical device is a dilatation catheter for treating a lacrimal duct. 
         [0020]    (11) The medical device according to (8) described above, wherein the medical device is a tube for treating a lacrimal duct. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0021]    The insertion aid which is placed and used in a medical device when the medical device is inserted into a body, and which has a mechanism for holding the medical device from the inside has been invented. When it is desired to fix the relative positions of the insertion aid and the medical device, the insertion aid according to the present invention can hold the medical device with sufficient strength. Consequently, for example, catheters for treating a stenotic vessel having further improved response capability to a highly stenotic part of a vessel, and dilatation catheters for treating a lacrimal duct and tubes for treating a lacrimal duct having further improved operability and safety can be obtained. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view showing one embodiment of a guide wire, which is an insertion aid according to the present invention used in a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view showing one embodiment in which a guide wire, which is an insertion aid according to the present invention used in a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel, is in a state in which the guide wire holds the medical device from the inside. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view illustrating an embodiment of an insertion aid and a medical device containing the same, according to the present invention, which device is a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel (dilatation catheter). 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view showing another embodiment of a guide wire, which is an insertion aid according to the present invention used in a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view showing one embodiment in which a guide wire, which is an insertion aid according to the present invention, is in a state in which the guide wire holds a medical device from the inside. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view illustrating an embodiment of an insertion aid and a medical device containing the same, according to the present invention, which device is a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel (microcatheter). 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view showing an insertion aid (bougie) according to the present invention used in a medical device for treating a lacrimal duct. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view showing an insertion aid (bougie) according to the present invention used in a medical device for treating a lacrimal duct. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a schematic view showing an insertion aid (bougie) used in a medical device for treating a lacrimal duct, according to the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a schematic view showing an insertion aid (bougie) according to the present invention used in a medical device for treating a lacrimal duct. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a schematic view showing an insertion aid (bougie) according to the present invention used in a medical device for treating a lacrimal duct. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a schematic view showing an insertion aid (bougie) according to the present invention used in a medical device for treating a lacrimal duct. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a schematic view showing an insertion aid (bougie) according to the present invention used in a medical device for treating a lacrimal duct. 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is a schematic view showing an insertion aid (bougie) according to the present invention used in a medical device for treating a lacrimal duct. 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  is a schematic view illustrating a state in which an insertion aid (bougie) according to the present invention used in a medical device for treating a lacrimal duct is placed inside of a dilatation catheter for treating a lacrimal duct, and holds the dilatation catheter for treating a lacrimal duct from the inside. 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  is a schematic view of a tip end showing a state in which an insertion aid (bougie) according to the present invention used in a medical device treating a lacrimal duct is placed inside of a tube for treating a lacrimal duct, and holds the tube for treating a lacrimal duct from the inside. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0038]    Embodiments of insertion aids and medical device containing the same according to the present invention will be explained below. 
         [0039]    In the explanations below, a guide wire and a bougie are shown as typical examples of the insertion aid, but the constitution of the present invention can be applied to insertion aids other than the guide wire and bougie within a range where the effects of the present invention can be obtained. In addition, the medical device will be explained with several concrete examples, but the insertion aid of the present invention can be applied to various medical devices within a range where the effects of the present invention can be obtained, as the same as above. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 1 to 3  show a first embodiment of an insertion aid of the present invention. 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  is a whole schematic view showing guide wire  001  which is an insertion aid according to the present invention used in a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel. Coiled spring  011  having a predetermined diameter is placed between body  012  of the guide wire which is an insertion aid used in a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel and flexible tip area  014  thereof. In addition, linear member  013  is connected to flexible tip area  014  and control unit  015  placed on a base end, and is placed so that it passes through inside of body  012  and the inside of coiled spring  011 . Coiled spring  011  having a predetermined diameter is placed between body  012  of the guide wire and flexible tip area  014  thereof so that it has the predetermined diameter (size) which is the same as their outer diameters. 
         [0042]    The position of coiled spring  011  may be appropriately decided depending on the medical device used and the using mode so that it is placed inside the medical device. The position is not limited to the tip end of insertion aid  001  as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , and it may be placed at any place such as an intermediate area or a base end area. When coiled spring  011  is placed at the intermediate area or the base end area, body  012  may be divided into two areas, and a flexible tip area may be placed at the most tip end of the tip side. Linear member  013  may be connected to the flexible tip area or to the base end area of the tip side of body  012 . 
         [0043]    The flexible tip area serves to improve safety by providing flexibility to the tip end area of guide wire  001 . For this reason, the shape, structure, size, and material thereof are not particularly limited so long as the flexibility can be secured, and known structures such as single lines, coiled wires, and braid lines made of a metal or resin may be adopted. This point applies to other embodiments (guide wires and bougies) described below. 
         [0044]    Here, it is preferable to decide the predetermined diameter based on an area where the vertical length to the longitudinal direction of the medical device is the maximum in an area where insertion aid  001  is placed inside. The reason therefor is that the area where the vertical length is the maximum is a standard to determine whether the insertion into the inside of the medical device can be performed or not. If the insertion into the inside of the medical device can be secured, the predetermined diameter may be larger than the area where the vertical length is the maximum. It is desirable, however, that the predetermined diameter is equal to that of the area where the vertical length is the maximum, in terms of the operability of the medical device and the insertion aid when they are inserted into a body. These points apply to other embodiments below. 
         [0045]      FIG. 2  is a whole schematic view of guide wire  001  which is the insertion aid according to the present invention used in a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel, and shows a state in which coiled spring  021  having the predetermined diameter protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter by compression in the axial direction of guide wire  001 . 
         [0046]    Here, the phrase “protruded in relation to the predetermined diameter” means that the diameter of area ( 011  ( 021 )) having the predetermined diameter in insertion aid  001  is larger than the predetermined diameter. When the diameter becomes larger as above, area ( 021  ( 011 )) is brought into pressure contact with a wall forming the inside of a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel, which is the medical device into which guide wire  001  is inserted. As a result, guide wire  001 , which is the insertion aid, is fixed within the catheter for treating a stenotic vessel with a sufficient force. This mechanism enables guide wire  001  to hold the catheter for treating a stenotic vessel from the inside. These points apply to other embodiments below. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, control unit  025  moves relative to body  022  toward the base end, while it pulls linear member  023  and flexible tip area  024  connected thereto. A structure to transform control unit  025  relative to body  022  and a structure to maintain the pull, which is formed if necessary, are not particularly limited. The structure to maintain the pull has preferably a mechanism in which the pull is easily released so that the guide wire can be removed from the catheter when the guide wire becomes unnecessary. 
         [0048]    Known mechanisms may be appropriately applied to such a mechanism to maintain or release of the pull. Examples thereof include a mechanism in which control unit  025  and body  022  are screwed; a mechanism in which a depression and a protrusion, which engage each other, are made on control unit  025  and body  022  respectively, and the engagement and the release of the protrusion and the depression is performed by rotating control unit  025  to body  022 ; a mechanism in which, as the same as above, a depression and a protrusion are made, and control unit  025  is slid in an axial direction of body  022 , whereby the protrusion moves in an almost vertical direction to the axial direction to perform the engagement of the protrusion with the depression or release the engagement; a mechanism in which a small hole which passes completely through from body  022  to control unit  025  is made in an almost vertical direction to the longitudinal direction of body  022  when control unit  025  is moved by pulling it toward the base end, and a pin is inserted into or pulled out from the hole; and a mechanism in which when a gap is formed between the terminal of the base end area of body  022  and the control unit, a member which fits the gap is inserted into or pulled out from the gap, and the like. In addition, a structure of a control unit shown in  FIG. 7 , or the like, described below, may be employed. 
         [0049]    In the first embodiment, coiled spring  021  having the predetermined diameter is axially compressed by narrowing the space between body  022  and flexible tip area  024 , and each element of the winding wire of coiled spring  021  shifts (that is, deforms) to linear member  023 , whereby the coiled spring protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter (that is, area ( 011  ( 021 )) having the predetermined diameter expands in a vertical direction to the axial direction of the guide wire). Properties of coiled spring  021  such as a material, a coil diameter, a wire diameter, wire turns, and a spring constant should be appropriately decided depending on the insertion aid used and the medical device containing the same. If the spring constant is insufficiently large, however, the holding force cannot be obtained. It is, thus, at least 1 gf/mm (9.8×10 −3  N/mm), preferably 5 gf/mm (49×10 −3  N/mm) or more. If there is an insufficient clearance between the outer diameter of linear member  023  and the inner diameter of coiled spring  021 , the elements of the winding wire do not shift when the spring is compressed and thus the protrusion insufficiently occurs. For this reason, the difference between the outer diameter of linear member  023  and the inner diameter of coiled spring  021  is preferably equal to or more than an outer diameter of the coil forming coiled spring  021 . In order to sufficiently protrude the spring, the compression amount on the operation is preferably ⅓ the length of coiled spring  021  placed or more. 
         [0050]    Coiled spring  011  ( 021 ), body  012  ( 022 ), linear member  013  ( 023 ), flexible tip area  014  ( 024 ), and control unit  015  ( 025 ), which are the members forming the guide wire in this embodiment, can be appropriately produced using known materials such as metals and various resins. 
         [0051]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a tip end part showing a state in which guide wire  001 , which is the insertion aid according to the present invention used in the catheter for treating a stenotic vessel, is placed inside catheter  036  for treating a stenotic vessel, and holds dilatation catheter ( 036 ), which is the catheter for treating a stenotic vessel, from the inside. Dilatation catheter ( 036 ) is composed of dilatation part  037  for dilating a stenotic area, outer tube  038 , and inner tube  039  for passing (inserting) guide wire  001 . The state in which coiled spring  031  in guide wire  001  placed inside (in this embodiment, in an inner space of inner tube  039 ) protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter, and presses inner tube  039  (that is, it is brought into pressure contact with the wall surface of inner tube  039 ), whereby the spring holds the catheter from the inside, is shown. When the structure is formed described above, it is possible to easily keep a relative position between guide wire  001  which is the insertion aid and catheter  036  for treating a stenotic vessel which is the medical device with a sufficient strength. 
         [0052]    In this embodiment, when the state in which each element of the winding wire of coiled spring  031  shifts is released by using the control unit (it is not shown in  FIG. 3 ), the state can be easily returned to the original state of the coiled spring having the predetermined diameter (the state shown in  FIG. 1 ). When guide wire  001  becomes unnecessary, therefore, it can be also easily removed therefrom. As described above, by operating the control unit, area ( 011  ( 031 )) having the predetermined diameter can be deformed, whereby it protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter (that is, the area ( 011  ( 031 )) having the predetermined diameter expands in a vertical direction to the axial direction of guide wire  001 ), or on the contrary, the protrusion can be released, that is, the area can return from the state in which the area is expands in the vertical direction to the original size. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 4 to 6  show a second embodiment of an insertion aid according to the present invention. 
         [0054]      FIG. 4  is a whole schematic view showing guide wire  002  which is an insertion aid according to the present invention used in a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel. Rubber elastic tubular member  041  having a predetermined diameter is placed between body  042  of guide wire  002 , which is the insertion aid used in a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel, and flexible tip area  044  of the body, through which linear member  043  which is connected to flexible tip area  044  and control unit  045  placed on the base end and passes through the inside of body  042 , passes. Tubular member  041  having the predetermined diameter is placed between body  042  of guide wire  002  and flexible tip area  044  so that it has the predetermined diameter, which is the same as their outer diameters (sizes). 
         [0055]      FIG. 5  is a whole schematic view of guide wire  002  which is the insertion aid according to the present invention used in a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel, and shows a state in which tubular member  051  having the predetermined diameter is compressed in an axial direction of guide wire  002 , whereby it protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , control unit  055  moves relative to body  052  toward the base end, while it pulls linear member  053  and flexible tip area  054  connected thereto. The same structures as in the first embodiment are also applicable to the structure to transfer control unit  055  relative to body  052  in the second embodiment. 
         [0057]    In the second embodiment, tubular member  051  having the predetermined diameter is axially compressed by narrowing a space between body  052  and flexible tip area  054 , and tubular member  051  deforms so that it expands in the diameter direction, whereby the tubular member protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter (that is, area ( 041  ( 051 )) having the predetermined diameter expands in a vertical direction to the axial direction of the guide wire). Properties of tubular member  051  such as a material, inner and outer diameters, and a length should be appropriately decided depending on the insertion aid used and the medical device containing the same. As it is desired to return the diameter to the original predetermined diameter again after the deformation, rubber elastic materials are preferable. If the elastic modulus of the rubber elastic material is not small to some extent, sufficient protrusion cannot occur with respect to the compression. On the contrary, it is too small, holding force cannot be obtained. In view of these points, the bending elastic modulus is preferably 285 MPa or less and 5 MPa or more, and it is more preferably 170 MPa or less and 12 MPa or more. The surface softness of the rubber elastic material may be appropriately selected based on the properties of the inside wall surface of the medical device to be held, and when the material has softness to some extent, friction easily occurs and the holding property may be sometimes improved. The Shore D hardness, therefore, is preferably 64 or less, more preferably 27 or less. The bending elastic modulus and the Shore D hardness can be determined in accordance with JIS K 7171 and JIS K 6253, respectively. 
         [0058]    Body  042  ( 052 ), linear member  043  ( 053 ), flexible tip area  044  ( 054 ), and control unit  045 ( 055 ) which are the members forming guide wire  002  in the second embodiment, can be appropriately produced using known materials such as metals and various resins, similar to the first embodiment. 
         [0059]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view of a tip end part showing a state in which guide wire  002 , which is the insertion aid according to the present invention used in the catheter for treating a stenotic vessel, is placed inside of catheter  066  for treating a stenotic vessel, and holds microcatheter ( 066 ), which is the catheter for treating a stenotic vessel, from the inside. Passage  067  for passing (inserting) guide wire  002  is provided in microcatheter ( 066 ). The state in which tubular member  061  of guide wire  002  placed in passage  067  protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter (that is, area ( 041  ( 061 ) having the predetermined diameter) expands in a vertical direction to the axial direction of the guide wire), and presses passage  067  for passing guide wire  002  (that is, it is brought into pressure contact with the inside wall surface forming passage  067 ), whereby the tubular member holds microcatheter ( 066 ) from the inside, is shown. When the structure is formed described above, it is possible to fix a relative position between guide wire  002 , which is the insertion aid, and catheter  066  for treating a stenotic vessel, which is the medical device, and to easily hold catheter  066  with sufficient strength. 
         [0060]    In this embodiment, the tubular member which deforms so that it expands in the diameter direction can be easily returned to the original state of the tubular member having the predetermined diameter (the state shown in  FIG. 4 ), by the control unit (it is not shown in  FIG. 6 ). When guide wire  002  becomes unnecessary, therefore, it can be easily removed therefrom. As described above, by operating the control unit, area ( 041  ( 061 )) having the predetermined diameter can be deformed, whereby it protrudes in relation to the area (that is, area ( 041  ( 061 )) having the predetermined diameter expands in a vertical direction to the axial direction of guide wire  002 ), or on the contrary, the protrusion can be released, that is, the area can return from the state in which the area is expands in the vertical direction to the axial direction of guide wire  002  to the original size. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 7 and 8  show a third embodiment of an insertion aid according to the present invention. 
         [0062]      FIG. 7  is a whole schematic view of bougie  003  which is an insertion aid according to the present invention used in a medical device treating a lacrimal duct. Coiled spring  071  having a predetermined diameter is placed between body  072  of insertion aid (bougie)  003  used in a medical device treating a lacrimal duct and tip end area  074 , through which linear member  073  which is connected to tip end area  074  and control unit  075  placed on the base end and passes through the inside of body  072 , passes. Coiled spring  071  having the predetermined diameter is placed between body  072  and tip area  074  thereof so that it has the predetermined diameter, which is the same as their outer diameters (sizes). 
         [0063]    Control unit  075  is composed of shank  076  and outer tube portion  077 . Shank  076  has, on its tip side, engaging portion  078  having a shape engaging with notch  079  which is provided in the base end side of body  072 . The base end area of body  072  is inserted into outer tube portion  077 , and both are fixed. On the other hand, shank  076  is movable in parallel to and relative to an axial direction of outer tube portion  077 , and is rotatably engaged with outer tube portion  077  around a central axis in the axial direction of outer tube portion  077 . Linear member  073  is joined to shank  076  on the base end side. 
         [0064]      FIG. 8  is a whole schematic view of insertion aid (bougie)  003  according to the present invention used in a medical device treating a lacrimal duct, and shows a state in which coiled spring  081  having a predetermined diameter is compressed in an axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  003 , whereby it protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter. 
         [0065]    In  FIG. 8 , control unit  085  (in particular, shank  086 ) moves relative to body  082  toward the base end, while it pulls linear member  083  and tip end area  084  connected thereto. In this embodiment, the structure in which control unit  085  (in particular, shank  086 ) moves relative to body  082  in a longitudinal direction of body  082 , and the resulting state is maintained is as follows. That is, in the state shown in  FIG. 7 , shank  076  is pulled in an axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  003 , and engaging portion  078  is pulled out from notch  079 . While that state is maintained, shank  076  ( 086 ) is rotated around a central axis in the axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  003 , and an edge of the tip side engaging portion  078  ( 088 ) and a side end portion of base end  070  ( 080 ) of body  072  ( 082 ) are abutted to each other. This compresses coiled spring  071  ( 081 ) in a length of a portion where notch  079  ( 089 ) and engaging portion  078  ( 088 ) are engaged, as shown in  FIG. 8 , whereby a state in which coiled spring  081  having the predetermined diameter can protrude in relation to the predetermined diameter on the base end side can be maintained. When the opposite operation is performed in the state shown in  FIG. 8 , it is also possible to release the pull, and easily return it to the state shown in  FIG. 7 . As described above, by operating control unit  085  ( 075 ) (in particular, shank  086  ( 076 )), area ( 071  ( 081 )) having the predetermined diameter can be deformed, whereby it protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter (that is, area ( 071  ( 081 )) having the predetermined diameter expands in a vertical direction to the axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  003 ), or on the contrary, the protrusion can be released, that is, the area can return from the state in which the area is expands in the vertical direction to the axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  003  to the original size. 
         [0066]    In this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , the structure in which the control unit (including its forming members) is moved toward the base end side in the longitudinal direction of the insertion aid, and rotated, whereby the pull is maintained, or it is rotated as above and is moved toward the tip side in the longitudinal direction, whereby the pull is released, is adopted, but other structures such as the structure described in the first embodiment may be adopted. 
         [0067]    In the third embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8 , coiled spring  081  having the predetermined diameter is axially compressed by narrowing the space between body  082  and tip end area  084 , and each element of the winding wire of coiled spring  081  shifts to linear member  083 , whereby the coiled spring protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter (that is, area ( 071  ( 081 )) having the predetermined diameter expands in a vertical direction to the axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  003 ). Properties of coiled spring ( 071 ,  081 ) such as a material, a coil diameter, a wire diameter, wire turns, and a spring constant should be appropriately decided depending on the insertion aid used and properties of wall surfaces of the inside of the medical device containing the same. If the spring constant is insufficiently large, however, the holding force cannot be obtained. It is, thus, at least 1 gf/mm (9.8×10 −3  N/mm), preferably 5 gf/mm (49×10 −3  N/mm) or more. If there is an insufficient clearance between the linear member and the coil inner diameter, the elements of the winding wire do not shift when the spring is compressed and thus the protrusion insufficiently occurs. For this reason, the difference between the outer diameter of linear member  083  and the inner diameter of coiled spring  081  is preferably eaqual to or more than an outer diameter of coil forming coiled spring  081 . In order to sufficiently protrude the spring, the compression amount on the operation is preferably ⅓ the length of coiled spring  081  placed or more. 
         [0068]    Coiled spring  071  ( 081 ), body  072  ( 082 ), linear member  073  ( 083 ), tip end area  074  ( 084 ), and control unit  075  ( 085 ), which are the members forming insertion aid (bougie)  033  in this embodiment, can be appropriately produced using known materials such as metals and various resins. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show a fourth embodiment of an insertion aid according to the present invention. 
         [0070]      FIG. 9  is a whole schematic view showing insertion aid (bougie)  004  according to the present invention used in a medical device treating a lacrimal duct. Rubber elastic tubular member  091  having a predetermined diameter is placed between body  092  of insertion aid (bougie)  004  used in a medical device treating a lacrimal duct and tip end area  094  of the body, through which linear member  093  which is connected to tip end area  094  and control unit  095  placed on the base end and passes through the inside of body  092 , passes. Rubber elastic tubular member  091  having the predetermined diameter is placed between body  092  and tip end area  094  so that it has the predetermined diameter, which is the same as their outer diameters (sizes). 
         [0071]    Control unit  095  substantially has the same structure as in the third embodiment, and thus detailed explanations are omitted. 
         [0072]      FIG. 10  is a whole schematic view showing insertion aid (bougie)  004  according to the present invention used in a medical device treating a lacrimal duct. A state in which tubular member  101  having the predetermined diameter is compressed in the axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  004 , whereby it protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter, is shown. 
         [0073]    In  FIG. 10 , control unit  105  (in particular, shank  106 ) moves relative to body  102  toward the base end, while it pulls linear member  103  and tip end area  104  connected thereto. In this embodiment, the structure in which control unit  105  (shank  106 ) moves relative to body  102  is substantially the same as in the third embodiment, and thus the detailed explanations are omitted. Similar to the case of the third embodiment, the other embodiments explained in the first embodiment may by adopted as the structure of control unit ( 095 ,  105 ), in addition to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
         [0074]    In the fourth embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 10 , tubular member  101  having the predetermined diameter is axially compressed by narrowing the space between body  102  and flexible tip area  104 , tubular member  101  deforms so that it expands in the diameter direction, whereby the tubular member protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter (that is, area ( 091  ( 101 )) having the predetermined diameter expands in a vertical direction to the axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  004 ). Properties of tubular member ( 091 ,  101 ) such as a material, inner and outer diameters, and a length should be appropriately decided depending on the insertion aid used and properties of the inside wall surface of the medical device containing the same. As it is desired to return the diameter to the original predetermined diameter again after the deformation, rubber elastic materials are preferable. If the elastic modulus of the rubber elastic material is not small to some extent, sufficient protrusion cannot occur with respect to the compression. On the contrary, it is too small, holding force cannot be obtained. In view of these points, the bending elastic modulus of the rubber elastic material is preferably 285 MPa or less and 5 MPa or more, and it is more preferably 170 MPa or less and 12 MPa or more. The surface softness of tubular member  101  may be appropriately selected based on the properties of the inside wall surface of the medical device to be held, and when the material has softness to some extent, friction easily occurs and the holding property may be sometimes improved. The Shore D hardness, therefore, is preferably 64 or less, more preferably 27 or less. 
         [0075]    Body  092  ( 102 ), linear member  093  ( 103 ), tip end area  094  ( 104 ), and control unit  095  ( 105 ), which are the members forming insertion aid in the fourth embodiment, can be appropriately produced using known materials such as metals and various resins. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 11 and 12  show a fifth embodiment of an insertion aid according to the present invention. 
         [0077]      FIG. 11  is a whole schematic view showing insertion aid (bougie)  005  according to the present invention used in a medical device treating a lacrimal duct. Body  112  of insertion aid (bougie)  005  used in the medical device treating a lacrimal duct is a tube made of, for example, stainless steel, and a part of its tip end is formed into tube  111  having the predetermined diameter, on which spiral notches are formed by spirally cutting it. Tube  111  spirally cut is placed in a state in which core material  113  passes through the inside thereof. Core material  113  is connected to control unit  115  placed at the base end and the most tip end of tube  111  placed at the tip area, and is placed in the state in which it passes through the inside of body  112 . The most tip end of core material  113  is connected and fixed to the most tip end of tube  111 . Tube  111  on which the spiral notches are formed by spiral cut can be integrally formed with the tip end area of body  112  by, for example, spirally cut the tip end of a stainless tube. Also, tube  111  may be formed by winding an elongated flat plate made of a metal or resin to form a spiral tube, and tube  111  obtained may be fixed to the tip end of body  112  in a known method. 
         [0078]    Control unit  115  is connected to and fixed to the base end side of core material  113 , and rotatably provided on the base end side of body  112  around core material  113  as the central axis. When tube  111  expands to the axial direction of body  112 , (for example, a state shown in  FIG. 12 ), in order to controll a size of the expanding tube and maintain the size, control unit  115  is formed so that a rotation angle is controlled and kept. 
         [0079]      FIG. 12  is a whole schematic view showing insertion aid (bougie)  005  according to the present invention used in the medical device treating a lacrimal duct. A state in which tube  121  having the predetermined diameter, on which spiral notches are formed by spirally cutting, is unwound (that is, deforms) in a direction in which the spiral is loosened by control unit  125  and core material  123 , whereby it protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter (that is, area ( 111  ( 121 )) having the predetermined diameter expands in a vertical direction to the axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  005 ), is shown. In addition, it is possible to easily return the state in which control unit  125  is rotated to loosen the spiral and the tube expands in the vertical direction to the axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  005  to the original state of the spiral as shown in  FIG. 11 . As described above, by operating control unit  115  or  125 , area ( 111  ( 121 )) having the predetermined diameter can be deformed, whereby it protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter (that is, area ( 111  ( 121 )) having the predetermined diameter expands in the virtical direction to the axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  005 ), or on the contrary, the protrusion can be released, that is, the area can return from the state in which the area expands in the vertical direction of insertion aid (bougie)  005  to the original size. 
         [0080]    Properties of tube  111  ( 121 ) on which the spiral notches are formed by spirally cutting such as a material, a shape of the spiral, and a pitch should be appropriately decided depending on the insertion aid used and properties of the inside wall surface of the medical device containing the same. In order to obtain a sufficient holding force, a material having a certain amount of strength, such as a stainless steal, is preferably used. If the pitch of the spiral is small, it may be difficult to obtain the holding strength, or a large number of rotations may be necessary for unwinding to increase the diameter, and therefore, the pitch is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 1 mm or more. 
         [0081]    Body  112  ( 122 ), tube  111  ( 121 ), core material  113  ( 123 ), and control unit  115  ( 125 ), which are members forming the insertion aid in the fifth embodiment, can be appropriately produced using known materials such as metals and various resins other than the materials described above. In  FIGS. 11 and 12 , as the core material, the tubular member is used, but a solid singly wire which is not tubular may be used as the material. 
         [0082]      FIGS. 13 and 14  show a sixth embodiment of an insertion aid according to the present invention. 
         [0083]      FIG. 13  is a whole schematic view showing insertion aid (bougie)  006  according to the present invention used in a medical device treating a lacrimal duct. Balloon  131  which is expandable or shrinkable by a pressure is placed between body  132  of insertion aid (bougie)  006  used in a medical device treating a lacrimal duct and tip end area  134 . In this embodiment, a structure in which a pressure can be introduced into balloon  131  through pressure lumen  133  communicating with expansion port  135  is employed. That is, inner tube  136  provided with pressure lumen  133  is placed inside body  132 , and expansion port  135  having a lumen over its entire length on their base end sides. In addition, tip end area  134  is placed at the tip of inner tube  136  extending from the tip end of body  132 , and balloon  131  is provided between a base end of tip end area  134  and a tip end of body  132  so that inner tube  136  is covered with the balloon. Further, small hole  137 , which communicates pressure lumen  133  with the inside of balloon  131 , is provided in the area in which inner tube  136  is covered with balloon  131 . The inside of balloon  131  is communicated from an opening on the base end side of expansion port  135  through pressure lumen  133  and small hole  137  by the structure described above. A pressure is introduced into balloon  131  by injecting fluid, using, for example, a syringe from the base end side of expansion port  135 , whereby the balloon can be expanded (that is, deforms). On the contrary, when the fluid is sucked from the inside of balloon  131 , the introduced pressure can be lowered, whereby balloon  131  can be easily shrunk (that is, deforms). As described above, by operating the pressure control through expansion port  135 , area ( 131 ) having the predetermined diameter can be deformed, whereby it protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter (that is, area ( 131 ) having the predetermined diameter expands in the virtical direction to the axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  006 ), or on the contrary, the protrusion can be released, that is, the area can return from a state in which the area expands in the vertical direction of insertion aid (bougie)  006  to the original size. 
         [0084]      FIG. 14  is a whole schematic view showing insertion aid (bougie)  006  according to the present invention used in a medical device treating a lacrimal duct, and shows a state in which a pressure is introduced into balloon  141  which is expandable or shrinkable by a pressure and it protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter (that is, area ( 131  ( 141 )) having the predetermined diameter expands in the vertical direction to the axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  006 ). Properties of balloon ( 131 ,  141 ) such as a material, a size, and a balloon compliance should be appropriately decided depending on the insertion aid used and properties of the inside wall surface of the medical device containing the same. In order to make a film thickness of the balloon as thin as possible, the material is preferably nylon or nylon elastomer. In order to maintain the pressure resistance, the compliance is preferably as small as possible, and it is preferably 1 mm/MPa or less. The compliance is defined as an increase (mm) of a diameter of a balloon per unit pressure (MPa). Expansion port  145  may have a valve or cock to maintain the expansion state of balloon  141 , which is not shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0085]    Body  132  ( 142 ), inner tube  136  ( 146 ), expansion port  135  ( 145 ), and tip end area  134  ( 144 ), which are the members forming the insertion aid in the sixth embodiment, can be appropriately produced using known materials such as metals and various resins. 
         [0086]      FIG. 15  is a schematic view showing a state in which insertion aid  007  according to the present invention used in a medical device treating a lacrimal duct is placed inside dilatation catheter  150  for treating a lacrimal duct, and holds dilatation catheter  150  for treating a lacrimal duct, which is the medical device treating a lacrimal duct, from the inside. In this view, the bougie of the fourth embodiment is used as the insertion aid. 
         [0087]    Dilatation catheter  150  for treating a lacrimal duct is composed of dilatation part  152  for dilating a stenotic area, outer tube  153 , inner tube  155  having lumen  154  for introducing the insertion aid, and expansion port  156  for introducing fluid to expand dilatation part  152 .  FIG. 15  shows a state in which tubular member  151  of insertion aid (bougie)  007  placed in the inside of dilatation catheter  150  for treating a lacrimal duct, that is, lumen  154  protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter (that is, the area having a predetermined diameter expands in a vertical direction to the axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  007 ) and presses an inside wall of inner tube  155 , whereby insertion aid  007  holds dilatation catheter  150  for treating a lacrimal duct from the inside. 
         [0088]      FIG. 16  is a schematic view showing a state in which insertion aid  008  according to the present invention used in a medical device treating a lacrimal duct is placed inside tube  160  for treating a lacrimal duct, and holds tube  160  for treating a lacrimal duct, which is the medical device treating a lacrimal duct, from the inside. In this view, the bougie of the third embodiment is used as the insertion aid. 
         [0089]    Tube  160  for treating a lacrimal duct is composed of body portion  162  which is indwelled in a stenotic area, and stopper  165  in a punctum, and lumen  163  for passing insertion aid  008  is placed inside body portion  162 . Tip end area  164  of body portion  162 , which communicates with lumen  163  and opens at the most tip side, is provided at a tip of body portion  162 . The size of opening  167  on the base end side of tip end area  164  is preferably smaller than the maximum width of the most tip of tip end area  166  of insertion aid (bougie)  008  so that tip end area  166  does not eject from the most tip end of the opening at tip end area  164  of body portion  162 . 
         [0090]      FIG. 16  shows a state in which coiled spring  161  of insertion aid (bougie)  008  which is placed inside tube  160  for treating a lacrimal duct, that is, in lumen  163 , protrudes in relation to the predetermined diameter (that is, the area having the predetermined diameter expands in the vertical direction to the axial direction of insertion aid (bougie)  008 ) and press the surface of the inner wall forming lumen  163 , whereby insertion aid (bougie)  008  holds tube  160  for treating a lacrimal duct from the inside. 
         [0091]    A case in which tip end area  164  of body portion  162  opens is more likely to be preferable, because secretion products and contaminants are not indwelled therein, but it is necessary that the tip edge has an adequate strength, because insertion aid (bougie)  008  penetrates through the tip edge upon the insertion and the lacrimal duct is injured, or a structure in which it is difficult for the insertion aid to penetrate the tip edge is necessary, if the tip edge is low in the strength. Tube  160  for treating a lacrimal duct shown in  FIG. 16  is excellent, because insertion aid (bougie)  008  presses tube  160  for treating a lacrimal duct from the inside and integrated with the tube, and not only the insertion operability is improved but also it is hard to shift the relative position. In addition, even if insertion aid (bougie)  008  is brought into contact with tip end area  164  of tube  160  for treating a lacrimal duct, there is a room in which tip end area  166  of insertion aid (bougie)  008  can move back, and there is a buffer effect (that is, coiled spring  161  deforms to absorb the pushing force), whereby the safety against the penetration is improved. 
       EXAMPLES 
       [0092]    Concrete Examples of the present invention will be explained in detail below. 
       Example 1 
       [0093]    A guide wire, which was an insertion aid used in a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel, having a structure shown in  FIG. 1 , was produced by combining a body of the guide wire of a stainless steel tubular member whose surface was coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, and having an outer diameter of 0.36 mm, an inner diameter of 0.22 mm, and a length of about 1600 mm; a flexible tip area of a stainless steel taper core wire around which a stainless steel coil member was wound, having an outer diameter of 0.36 mm and a length of about 200 mm; a stainless steel linear member having an outer diameter of 0.15 mm; a stainless steel coiled spring having a predetermined diameter of a coil diameter of 0.36 mm, and having a wire diameter of 0.07 mm, wire turns of 30, a spring constant of 5 gf/mm (49×10 −3  N/min), and a length of 6 mm; and a stainless steel control unit having an outer diameter 0.36 mm. 
         [0094]    In this guide wire, when the control unit was slid 3 mm toward the base end, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the coiled spring could protrude up to the maximum diameter of 0.55 mm in relation to the outer diameter of the guide wire of 0.36 mm (that is, the area having the outer diameter of 0.36 mm could deform and expand until the diameter reached at most 0.55 mm). 
         [0095]    When this guide wire was used in a PTCA catheter of a 14 system (an applicable guide wire inner diameter: 0.014 inch (0.36 mm)), as shown in  FIG. 3 , it could hold the dilatation catheter, which was the catheter for treating a stenotic vessel, form the inside so that the relative position between the guide wire and the PTCA catheter was firmly fixed. 
       Example 2 
       [0096]    A guide wire, which was an insertion aid used in a catheter for treating a stenotic vessel, having a structure shown in  FIG. 4 , was produced by combining a body of the guide wire of a stainless steel cylindrical member whose surface was coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, and having an outer diameter of 0.36 mm, an inner diameter of 0.22 mm, and a length of about 1600 mm; a flexible tip area of a stainless steel taper core wire around which a stainless steel coil member was wound, having an outer diameter of 0.36 mm and a length of about 200 mm; a stainless steel linear member having an outer diameter of 0.15 mm; a tubular member having a predetermined diameter which was made of polyamide elastomer having a Shore hardness of D 27 and a bending elastic modulus of 12 MPa, and having an outer diameter of 0.36 mm, an inner diameter of 0.20 mm and a length of 4 mm; and a stainless steel control unit having an outer diameter 0.36 mm. 
         [0097]    According to this guide wire, when the control unit was slid 1 mm toward the base end, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the tubular member could protrude up to the maximum diameter of 0.47 mm in relation to the outer diameter of the guide wire of 0.36 mm (that is, the area having the outer diameter of 0.36 mm could deform and expand until the diameter reached at most 0.47 mm). 
         [0098]    When this guide wire was used in a microcatheter for penetration of a 14 system (an applicable guide wire inner diameter: 0.014 inch (0.36 mm)), as shown in  FIG. 6 , it could hold the microcatheter, which was the catheter for treating a stenotic vessel, form the inside so that the relative position between the guide wire and the microcatheter was firmly fixed. 
       Example 3 
       [0099]    An insertion aid (bougie) used in a medical device for treating a lacrimal duct, having a structure shown in  FIG. 7 , was produced by combining a body of an insertion aid (bougie) of a stainless steel cylindrical member having an outer diameter of 0.48 mm, an inner diameter of 0.30 mm, and a length of 60 mm; a tip end area made of stainless steel and having an outer diameter of 0.48 mm, an inner diameter of 0.30 mm, and a length of 2 mm; a stainless steel linear member having an outer diameter of 0.18 mm; a stainless steel coiled spring having a predetermined diameter of a coil diameter of 0.48 mm, and having a wire diameter of 0.09 mm, wire turns of 40, a spring constant of 10 gf/mm (98×10 −3  N/mm), and a length of 8 mm; and a control unit made of a styrene-butadiene material. 
         [0100]    In this insertion aid (bougie), when the control unit was slid 3 mm toward the base end, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the coiled spring could protrude up to the maximum diameter of 0.70 mm in relation to the outer diameter of the body of the insertion aid (bougie) of 0.48 mm (that is, the area having the outer diameter of 0.48 mm could deform and expand until the diameter reached at most 0.70 mm). 
         [0101]    When this insertion aid (bougie) was used in a polyurethane tube for treating a lacrimal duct having an inner diameter 0.52 mm, as shown in  FIG. 16 , it could hold the tube for treating a lacrimal duct from the inside. When the insertion aid (bougie) was inserted halfway into the lacrimal duct tube and used, the relative position to the lacrimal duct tube could be freely set and it was hard to shift it; that is, it had excellent operability. In addition, since the insertion aid (bougie) and the lacrimal duct tube were firmly fixed, the penetration through the tip was difficult upon the insertion, and a highly safe medical device for treating a lacrimal duct as shown in  FIG. 16  could be obtained by the combination with the lacrimal duct tube having an open tip. Further, it was confirmed that the medical device is a medical device treating a lacrimal duct in which even if a very great force was applied to the tip end when the insertion aid is inserted into the lacrimal duct tube, the insertion aid (bougie) of the present aspect had a structure in which it was axially compressed through the coiled spring, and therefore the penetration was also difficult due to this buffer effect. 
       Example 4 
       [0102]    An insertion aid (bougie) used in a medical device for treating a lacrimal duct, having a structure shown in  FIG. 9 , was produced by combining a body of an insertion aid (bougie) of a stainless steel cylindrical member having an outer diameter of 0.48 mm, an inner diameter of 0.30 mm, and a length of 60 mm; a tip end area made of stainless steel and having an outer diameter of 0.48 mm, an inner diameter of 0.30 mm, and a length of 2 mm; a stainless steel linear member having an outer diameter of 0.18 mm; a tubular member having a predetermined diameter which was made of polyamide elastomer having a Shore hardness of D 27 and a bending elastic modulus of 12 MPa, and had an outer diameter of 0.48 mm, an inner diameter of 0.20 mm, and a length of 5 mm; and a control unit made of a styrene-butadiene material. 
         [0103]    In this insertion aid (bougie), when the control unit was slid 1 mm toward the base end, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the tubular member could protrude up to the maximum diameter of 0.56 mm in relation to the outer diameter of the body of the insertion aid (bougie) of 0.48 mm (that is, the area having the outer diameter of 0.48 mm could deform and expand until the diameter reached at most 0.56 mm). 
         [0104]    When this insertion aid (bougie) was used in a polyurethane tube for treating a lacrimal duct having an inner diameter 0.52 mm, as shown in  FIG. 16 , it could hold the tube for treating a lacrimal duct from the inside. When the insertion aid (bougie) was inserted halfway into the lacrimal duct tube and used, the relative position to the lacrimal duct tube could be freely set and it was hard to shift it; that is, it had excellent operability. In addition, since the insertion aid (bougie) and the lacrimal duct tube were firmly fixed, the penetration through the tip was difficult upon the insertion, and a highly safe medical device for treating a lacrimal duct as shown in  FIG. 16  could be obtained by the combination with the lacrimal duct tube having an open tip. Further, it was confirmed that the medical device is a medical device treating a lacrimal duct in which even if a very great force was applied to the tip end, the insertion aid (bougie) of the present invention had a structure in which it is compressed in the axial direction through the tubular member, and therefore the penetration was also difficult due to this buffer effect. 
       Example 5 
       [0105]    An insertion aid (bougie) used in a medical device for treating a lacrimal duct, having a structure shown in  FIG. 9 , was produced by combining a body of an insertion aid (bougie) of a stainless steel cylindrical member having an outer diameter of 0.63 mm, an inner diameter of 0.50 mm, and a length of 170 mm; a tip end area made of stainless steel and having an outer diameter of 0.63 mm, an inner diameter of 0.50 mm, and a length of 5 mm; a stainless steel linear member having an outer diameter of 0.30 mm; a tubular member having a predetermined diameter which was made of polyamide elastomer having a Shore hardness of D 27 and a bending elastic modulus of 12 MPa, and had an outer diameter of 0.63 mm, an inner diameter of 0.30 mm and a length of 6 mm; and a control unit made of a styrene-butadiene material. 
         [0106]    In this insertion aid (bougie), when the control unit was slid 1.5 mm toward the base end, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the tubular member could protrude up to the maximum diameter of 0.74 mm in relation to the outer diameter of the body of the insertion aid (bougie) of 0.63 mm (that is, the area having the outer diameter of 0.63 mm could deform and expand until the diameter reached at most 0.74 mm). When this insertion aid (bougie) was used in a dilatation catheter for treating a lacrimal duct, having a lumen with an inner diameter of 0.70 mm, as shown in  FIG. 15 , it could hold the dilatation catheter for treating a lacrimal duct from the inside so that the relative position between the insertion aid (bougie) and the dilatation catheter for treating a lacrimal duct could be firmly fixed. 
       Example 6 
       [0107]    A spiral tube having an outer diameter of 0.63 mm and a pitch of 0.6 mm at a part of a tip area of a body of an insertion aid (bougie), which was a stainless steel cylindrical member having an outer diameter 0.63 mm, an inner diameter 0.50 mm, and a length 165 mm was formed. Then; a stainless steel core material having an outer diameter of 0.36 mm, which was connected to a control unit placed at the base end and placed in the body inside is welded to the most tip of the spiral tube to produce an insertion aid (bougie) used in a medical device for treating a lacrimal duct, having a structure shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0108]    In this insertion aid (bougie), as shown in  FIG. 12 , when the control unit was rotated, the spiral tube could protrude up to the maximum diameter of 0.88 mm in relation to the outer diameter of the body of the insertion aid (bougie) of 0.63 mm (that is, the area having the outer diameter of 0.63 mm could deform and expand until the diameter reached at most 0.88 mm). 
         [0109]    When this insertion aid (bougie) was used in a dilatation catheter for treating a lacrimal duct having a lumen with an inner diameter of 0.70 mm as shown in  FIG. 15 , it could hold the dilatation catheter for treating a lacrimal duct from the inside so that the relative position between the insertion aid (bougie) and the dilatation catheter for treating a lacrimal duct could be firmly fixed. 
       Example 7 
       [0110]    An insertion aid (bougie) used in a medical device treating a lacrimal duct, having a structure shown in  FIG. 13 , was produced by combining a body of an insertion aid (bougie) of a stainless steel cylindrical member having an outer diameter of 0.63 mm, an inner diameter of 0.50 mm, and a length of 165 mm; a tip end area made of stainless steel and having an outer diameter of 0.63 mm, an inner diameter of 0.50 mm, and a length of 5 mm; a stainless steel tubular member having a pressure lumen with an outer diameter of 0.45 mm and an inner diameter of 0.25 mm; a dilatation part having a predetermined diameter which was Made of polyamide elastomer having a Shore hardness of D 69, outer diameter of 0.63 mm, and a compliance of 0.2 mm/MPa; and an expansion port made of a styrene-butadiene material. 
         [0111]    In this insertion aid, as shown in  FIG. 14 , when a pressure of 0.6 MPa was introduced into the dilatation part from the expansion port, the dilatation part could protrude up to 0.75 mm in relation to the outer diameter of the body of the insertion aid (bougie) of 0.63 mm, (that is, the area having the outer diameter of 0.63 mm could deform and expand until the diameter reached at most 0.75 mm). 
         [0112]    When this insertion aid (bougie) was used in a dilatation catheter for treating a lacrimal duct having a lumen with an inner diameter of 0.70 mm as shown in  FIG. 15 , it could hold the dilatation catheter for treating a lacrimal duct from the inside so that the relative position between the insertion aid (bougie) and the dilatation catheter for treating a lacrimal duct could be firmly fixed. 
       REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       [0113]      001  Guide wire of a first embodiment 
         [0114]      002  Guide wire of a second embodiment 
         [0115]      003  Insertion aid (bougie) of a third embodiment 
         [0116]      004  Insertion aid (bougie) of a fourth embodiment 
         [0117]      005  Insertion aid (bougie) of a fifth embodiment 
         [0118]      006  Insertion aid (bougie) of a sixth embodiment 
         [0119]      007  Insertion aid (bougie) of a fourth embodiment 
         [0120]      008  Insertion aid (bougie) of a third embodiment 
         [0121]      011  Coiled spring 
         [0122]      012  Body of guide wire 
         [0123]      013  Linear member 
         [0124]      014  Flexible tip area 
         [0125]      015  Control unit 
         [0126]      021  Coiled spring 
         [0127]      022  Body of guide wire 
         [0128]      023  Linear member 
         [0129]      024  Flexible tip area 
         [0130]      025  Control unit 
         [0131]      031  Coiled spring 
         [0132]      036  Catheter for treating stenotic vessel (dilatation catheter) 
         [0133]      037  Dilatation part 
         [0134]      038  Outer tube 
         [0135]      039  Inner tube 
         [0136]      041  Tubular member 
         [0137]      042  Body 
         [0138]      043  Linear member 
         [0139]      044  Flexible tip area 
         [0140]      045  Control unit 
         [0141]      051  Tubular member 
         [0142]      052  Body 
         [0143]      053  Linear member 
         [0144]      054  Flexible tip area 
         [0145]      055  Control unit 
         [0146]      061  Fluid passage 
         [0147]      066  Catheter for treating stenotic vessel (microcatheter) 
         [0148]      067  Passage for passing guide wire 
         [0149]      070  Side end portion of base end of body  072   
         [0150]      071  Coiled spring 
         [0151]      072  Body 
         [0152]      073  Linear member 
         [0153]      074  Tip end area 
         [0154]      075  Control unit 
         [0155]      076  Shank 
         [0156]      077  Outer tube portion 
         [0157]      078  Engaging portion 
         [0158]      079  Notch 
         [0159]      080  Side end portion of base end of body  082   
         [0160]      081  Coiled spring 
         [0161]      082  Body 
         [0162]      083  Linear member 
         [0163]      084  Tip end area 
         [0164]      085  Control unit 
         [0165]      086  Shank 
         [0166]      087  Outer tube portion 
         [0167]      088  Engaging portion 
         [0168]      089  Notch 
         [0169]      091  Tubular member 
         [0170]      092  Body 
         [0171]      093  Linear member 
         [0172]      094  Tip end area 
         [0173]      095  Control unit 
         [0174]      101  Tubular member 
         [0175]      102  Body 
         [0176]      103  Linear member 
         [0177]      104  Tip end area 
         [0178]      105  Control unit 
         [0179]      106  Shank 
         [0180]      111  The most tip end of spirally cut tube 
         [0181]      112  Body 
         [0182]      113  Core material 
         [0183]      115  Control unit 
         [0184]      121  The most tip end of spirally cut tube 
         [0185]      122  Body 
         [0186]      123  Core material 
         [0187]      125  Control unit 
         [0188]      131  Balloon 
         [0189]      132  Body 
         [0190]      133  Pressure lumen 
         [0191]      134  Tip end area 
         [0192]      135  Expansion port 
         [0193]      136  Inner tube 
         [0194]      137  Small hole 
         [0195]      141  Balloon 
         [0196]      142  Body 
         [0197]      143  Pressure lumen 
         [0198]      144  Tip end area 
         [0199]      145  Expansion port 
         [0200]      146  Inner tube 
         [0201]      147  Small hole 
         [0202]      151  Tubular member 
         [0203]      152  Dilatation part 
         [0204]      153  Outer tube 
         [0205]      154  Lumen for passing insertion aid 
         [0206]      155  Inner tube 
         [0207]      156  Expansion port 
         [0208]      161  Coiled spring 
         [0209]      162  Body portion 
         [0210]      163  Lumen for passing insertion aid 
         [0211]      164  Tip end area of body 
         [0212]      165  Stopper 
         [0213]      166  Tip end area 
         [0214]      167  Opening of base end side of tip end area  164