Patent Description:
In recent years, a procedure of inserting a catheter into a lumen of a blood vessel or the like such that a contrast agent, a drug solution, or the like is administered, or such that a stent or the like is inserted and indwelt in the lumen by the catheter has been performed. Such a medical elongated body such as the catheter is normally accommodated in a storage case having a predetermined shape so as to be stored and is carried. For example, PTL <NUM> discloses a storage case for a catheter, with a holder as a pipe body that is wound to form a ring-like shape maintaining the shape with a connection member.

[PTL1] <CIT> <CIT> and <CIT> disclose examples of known storage cases.

In a case where a plurality of catheters, which are assembled when used, are packaged, similar to a guiding catheter and an inner catheter that is inserted in the guiding catheter, the catheters are individually packaged in a primary package case in a state in which the catheters are individually accommodated in holders as individual pipe bodies, respectively, and then the package cases are collectively packaged in a secondary package case such as a box. Hence, costs increase by the individual packages of the catheters, effort and time is required because an operator needs to open the individual primary package cases when the package cases are opened, and thus an environmental impact increases with an increase in waste.

The present invention is made to solve such a problem described above, and an object thereof is to provide a storage case for a medical elongated body with which it is possible to reduce costs, to improve workability, and to reduce an environmental impact.

In order to achieve the object described above, there is provided a storage case that accommodates a plurality of medical elongated bodies, which are assembled when used, the storage case including: a plurality of pipe bodies wound to form a ring-like shape that are connected to each other in order to accommodate the medical elongated bodies, respectively.

Since the storage case having a configuration as described above includes the plurality of pipe bodies that are connected in order to accommodate the plurality of medical elongated bodies, respectively, which are assembled when used, the pipe bodies can be collectively accommodated in one package case. Therefore, it is possible to reduce costs with the medical elongated bodies not individually packaged, to reduce time and effort required for the opening of the package cases such that workability improves, and the waste is reduced such that it is possible to reduce an environmental impact.

A winding direction of the at least one pipe body is a direction opposite to the winding direction of the other pipe bodies. In this manner, the medical elongated body is pulled out from one pipe body with a portion between proximal opening portions of the pipe bodies, from which the medical elongated bodies are pulled out, grasped. Then, it is possible to easily assemble the pulled-out medical elongated body with another medical elongated body that is accommodated in another pipe body of which the proximal opening portion has an opposite direction without changing the grasped portion, and thus the operability improves.

The at least two pipe bodies have the same winding direction, and proximal opening portions, from which the medical elongated body is pulled out, approach. In this manner, the medical elongated body is pulled out from one pipe body with a portion in the vicinity of the proximal opening portions of the pipe bodies grasped. Then, it is possible to easily assemble the pulled-out medical elongated body with another medical elongated body that is accommodated in another pipe body of which the proximal opening portion has the same direction without changing the grasped portion, and thus the operability improves.

The storage case further includes an assistive member for grasping the storage case. In this manner, it is possible to easily recognize the portion that is grasped and it is easy to perform grasping, and thus the operability improves.

At least two of the pipe bodies are disposed to overlap each other in a direction along the center axis of winding. In this manner, the overlapped pipe bodies are not disposed on the same plane. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the maximum outer diameter of the winding of the pipe body, it is possible to perform storage in a compact space, and a wide width is formed with the plurality of pipe bodies overlapped such that it is easy to hold the pipe body by hand. Further, opening portions of the pipe bodies can be close to each other in the portion that is grasped, it is easy to hold the pipe body by hand, and the operability improves.

One of the pipe bodies is an outer pipe body, and another one of the pipe bodies is an inner pipe body disposed on the center side of the winding of the outer pipe body. The medical elongated body, which is accommodated in the outer pipe body, is a guiding catheter. The medical elongated body, which is accommodated in the inner pipe body, is an inner catheter that is inserted into the inside of the guiding catheter. In this manner, it is possible to accommodate, in the outer pipe body, the guiding catheter, which is thin and is easily bent in a state in which the catheter has a curvature radius to the largest extent so as to provide a wide space in the inside thereof to the greatest extent.

The storage case further includes a plurality of connection members that connect the plurality of pipe bodies. The connection member, which is connected in the vicinity of the proximal opening portion from which the medical elongated body is pulled out, has a color different from that of the other connection member. In this manner, it is likely to easily recognize the portion of the storage case which is grasped, and thus the operability improves.

The storage case further includes a package case that collectively accommodates the plurality of connected pipe bodies. In this manner, it is possible to reduce costs without individual package of the medical elongated bodies, time and effort required for the opening of the package is reduced such that the workability improves, and the waste is reduced such that it is possible to reduce the environmental impact.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. Note that a dimension ratio in the figures is enlarged and this is different from an actual ratio in some cases, depending on the description. In addition, in the specification, a "winding direction" of a pipe body that accommodates a medical elongated body means a direction in which from one end of the pipe body, at which a proximal opening portion from which the medical elongated body is pulled out is formed, and bending and winding is performed toward the other end portion on the opposite side. Note that the proximal opening portion of the pipe body is an opening portion on a side from which the medical elongated body accommodated in the pipe body is pulled out. In addition, a distal end opening portion of the pipe body is an opening portion provided at an end portion on the opposite side from the proximal opening portion of the pipe body.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a storage case <NUM> according to a first embodiment is a device that accommodates a guiding catheter <NUM> and an inner catheter <NUM> which are known and assembled when used, in order to store and carry the catheters. The guiding catheter <NUM> is a catheter for guiding to a lumen in the inside via the medical device such as a balloon catheter, and is thin to be folded so as to provide a wide space in the inside thereof to the largest extent. Therefore, in order to reduce the folding of the guiding catheter <NUM> when the guiding catheter <NUM> is inserted to a target position, the inner catheter <NUM> is inserted as a reinforcement member to the lumen of the guiding catheter <NUM>. The guiding catheter <NUM> is provided with locking threads <NUM> of a rotation-locking type connector in a hub portion <NUM> into which the inner catheter <NUM> is inserted, and a hub portion <NUM> of the inner catheter <NUM> is provided with a locking rotation portion <NUM> having an inner peripheral surface on which a screw groove to which the locking thread <NUM> is screwed by rotation is provided. The inner catheter <NUM> is inserted into the guiding catheter <NUM> from a proximal portion of the guiding catheter <NUM>, the locking rotation portion <NUM> is caused to rotate so as to engage with the locking thread <NUM>, and thereby it is possible to maintain a state in which the inner catheter <NUM> is assembled to the guiding catheter <NUM>.

Note that reasons why the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM>, which are assembled when used, are not assembled until the catheters are used, include a possibility that insufficient sterilization will be performed, and a difficulty in priming in a gap between both catheters, with only slight gap formed between both, when the inner catheter <NUM> is inserted into the guiding catheter <NUM>.

The storage case <NUM> includes an outer pipe body <NUM> (pipe body) that accommodates the guiding catheter <NUM>, an inner pipe body <NUM> (pipe body) that accommodates the inner catheter <NUM>, a connection member <NUM> for maintaining shapes of the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM>, a holding member <NUM> that holds a proximal portion of the guiding catheter <NUM>, and a package case <NUM> that holds the catheters inside in a sterilized state. Note that the proximal portion of the catheter means a hand side on which an operator performs operation, as a side opposite to a portion that is inserted into a living body.

The outer pipe body <NUM> has a spiral shape as a whole, with a tube that extends by a predetermined length and is wound. The outer pipe body <NUM> holds the guiding catheter <NUM> so as to store and carry the catheter, with the guiding catheter <NUM> inserted through an outer pipe opening portion <NUM> (proximal opening portion) of the end portion that is positioned on an outer side (opposite side on the center side of the winding) of the winding.

The outer pipe opening portion <NUM> is provided with a holder hub <NUM>. The holder hub <NUM> is a pipe body into which the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> is inserted on one end side of the holder hub, and a strain relief <NUM> provided on the distal side of the hub portion <NUM> of the guiding catheter <NUM> is inserted the other end side thereof, and the holder hub holds the strain relief <NUM>. It is possible to reliably maintain a state in which the guiding catheter <NUM> is connected to the outer pipe body <NUM> by the holder hub <NUM>. Note that, in a case where the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> holds the strain relief <NUM> through processing or the like, the holder hub <NUM> may not be provided in the outer pipe opening portion <NUM>.

The inner pipe body <NUM> has a spiral shape as a whole, with a tube that extends by a predetermined length and is wound on the center side of the winding of the outer pipe body <NUM>. The inner pipe body <NUM> holds the inner catheter <NUM> so as to store and carry the catheter with the inner catheter <NUM> inserted through an inner pipe opening portion <NUM> (proximal opening portion) of an end portion that is positioned on the center side of the winding. The winding direction (clockwise direction in <FIG>) of the inner pipe body <NUM> from the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> is an opposite direction to the winding direction (counterclockwise direction in <FIG>) of the outer pipe body <NUM> from the outer pipe opening portion <NUM>. The portion between the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> and the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> functions as a grasp portion <NUM> such that the operator grasps the portion. The grasp portion <NUM> is provided in the vicinity of the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> and the inner pipe opening portion <NUM>.

The inner pipe opening portion <NUM> is provided with a holder hub <NUM>. The holder hub <NUM> is a pipe body with one end side inserted into the inner pipe opening portion <NUM>. In addition, the inner catheter <NUM> is inserted into the holder hub <NUM> on the other end side. At this time, a strain relief <NUM> provided on the distal side of the inner catheter is inserted into a lumen of the holder hub <NUM>, or the hub portion <NUM> of the inner catheter <NUM> is fixed on an outer front surface of the holder hub <NUM>. In this manner, the position of the inner catheter <NUM> is maintained. Therefore, it is possible to reliably maintain a state in which the inner catheter <NUM> is connected to the inner pipe body <NUM> through the holder hub <NUM>. Note that, in a case where the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> can hold the strain relief <NUM> or the hub portion <NUM> through processing or the like, the holder hub <NUM> may not be provided in the inner pipe opening portion <NUM>.

It is preferable that the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> and the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> are separated in a circumferential direction such that the grasp portion <NUM> is provided therebetween. For example, a separation angle α is set to <NUM>° at a position at which the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> and the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> are coincident in the circumferential direction. In a case where the clockwise side in <FIG> is set to plus, and the counterclockwise side is set to minus, it is preferable that the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> is positioned in a range of <NUM>° to +<NUM>°. Here, the separation angle α is an angle formed at an intersection point between a straight line from the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> to the center of the winding of the outer pipe body <NUM> and a straight line from the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> to the center of the winding of the inner pipe body <NUM>.

There is no particular limitation on a material of the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> and it is possible to apply polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene propylene copolymer, a polyolefin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, or polyimide.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the several connection members <NUM> are provided in the circumferential direction of the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> and are fixed in a state in which adjacent tubes are arranged side by side from each other, and the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> are connected. The connection member <NUM> is provided with recessed portions <NUM> into which the outer pipe body <NUM> or the inner pipe body <NUM> is accommodated and which are disposed side by side. The outer pipe body <NUM> or the inner pipe body <NUM> is inserted into the recessed portion <NUM> and is connected, and thereby the spiral shape of the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> is maintained. In other words, the connection member <NUM> exhibits, as one member, both of a function of maintaining a winding state of the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> and a function of connecting the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM>. There is no particular limitation on a material of the connection member <NUM> and it is possible to apply polyethylene, polypropylene, a polyolefin such as ethylene propylene copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, polycarbonate, various types of resin material such as acrylic resin, or the like.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the holding member <NUM> is a member that holds the proximal portion of the guiding catheter <NUM>, with one end connected to the outer pipe body <NUM>, and the other end connected to the proximal portion of the guiding catheter <NUM>. The holding member <NUM> is provided with first recessed portions <NUM> into which the outer pipe bodies <NUM> are accommodated and which are disposed side by side. The outer pipe bodies <NUM> are inserted into the first recessed portion <NUM> and are connected, and thereby the holding member is connected to the outer pipe body <NUM>. Further, the holding member <NUM> is provided with second recessed portions <NUM> on a side opposite to the end portion in which the first recessed portion <NUM> is formed, the proximal portion of the guiding catheter <NUM> is inserted into and is connected to the second recessed portion <NUM>, and thereby it is possible to hold the proximal portion of the guiding catheter <NUM>. For example, the proximal portion of the guiding catheter <NUM> is a portion of the hub portion <NUM> or between the hub portion <NUM> and a locking thread <NUM>. In addition, the holding member <NUM> is also used as a member that holds the end portion of the inner pipe body <NUM> on the center side of the winding.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the package case <NUM> holds the catheters inside in a state in which the whole catheters are sterilized, with the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> accommodated in the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> which are maintained to have the shape by the connection member <NUM>. The package case <NUM> is formed to have a rectangular shape; however, there is no particular limitation on the shape. In general, the package case <NUM> is packaged with secondary package case with a box (not illustrated) so as to be stored and carried.

Next, a method of taking out the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> from the storage case <NUM> according to the first embodiment will be described.

First, the package case <NUM> is taken out from the box, the package case <NUM> is broken, and the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM>, which accommodate the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM>, are taken out. Next, a syringe (not illustrated) is inserted into the hub portion <NUM> of the guiding catheter <NUM>, and a physiological salt solution is injected such that priming is performed on the inside of the guiding catheter <NUM>. Next, a syringe (not illustrated) is inserted into the hub portion <NUM> of the inner catheter <NUM>, and the physiological salt solution is injected such that the priming is performed on the inside of the inner catheter <NUM>. Next, the grasp portion <NUM> is grasped with one hand, and, as illustrated in <FIG>, the inner catheter <NUM> is pulled out from the inner pipe body <NUM> with the other hand. Next, as illustrated in <FIG>, a state in which the grasp portion <NUM> is grasped with one hand is maintained, and the pulled-out inner catheter <NUM> is inserted into the proximal opening portion of the guiding catheter <NUM> with the other hand. Next, as illustrated in <FIG>, the locking rotation portion <NUM> of the inner catheter <NUM> is caused to rotate and to be connected to a locking thread <NUM> of the guiding catheter <NUM>. In this manner, the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are in an assembled state. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, the guiding catheter <NUM> which is in an assembled state with the inner catheter <NUM>, is pulled out from the outer pipe body <NUM> with the hand that pulls out the inner catheter <NUM>. In this manner, the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are in a state of being taken out from the storage case <NUM>.

As described above, the storage case <NUM> according to the first embodiment is for accommodating a plurality of medical elongated bodies that are assembled when used. The storage case <NUM> includes the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> that are wound to form a ring-like shape and are connected to each other in order to accommodate both of the guiding catheter <NUM> (medical elongated body) and the inner catheter <NUM> (medical elongated body), and the connection member <NUM> that connects the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM>. Therefore, in the storage case <NUM>, it is possible to collectively accommodate the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM>, which are assembled when used, are collectively accommodated in one package case <NUM>, and thus there is no need to individually package the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM>. Hence, according to the storage case <NUM> according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce costs, time and effort required for the opening of the package is reduced such that the workability improves, and the waste is reduced such that it is possible to reduce the environmental impact, compared to a case where the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are individually packaged.

In addition, since the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> are connected by the connection member <NUM> and are accommodated in the package case <NUM>, it is possible to reduce a shift of the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> in the package case <NUM>, and it is possible to reduce necessity for individually taking out or a possibility that one catheter falls down.

In addition, since the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> are not integrally formed on both sides of one pipe body, but are formed as separate members, it is possible to reduce collision between a distal portion of the guiding catheter <NUM>, which is accommodated in the outer pipe body <NUM>, and a distal portion of the inner catheter <NUM>, which is disposed in the inner pipe body <NUM>.

In addition, since the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> are connected by the connection member <NUM> prepared as a separate member, the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> are connected by the connection member <NUM>, and thereby it is possible to easily manufacture the storage case <NUM>, and it is possible to separately use the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> after taken out from the package case <NUM> as necessary. In order to separately use the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM>, it is preferable that a first connection member that enables the winding state of the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> to be maintained after the separation and a second connection member that connects the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> are provided.

In addition, since the winding direction from the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> of the outer pipe body <NUM> from which the guiding catheter <NUM> is pulled out is a direction opposite to the winding direction from the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> of the inner pipe body <NUM>, the grasp portion <NUM> between the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> and the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> is grasped, and thereby it is possible to easily insert the inner catheter <NUM> into the guiding catheter <NUM> that is accommodated in the outer pipe body <NUM> without changing the grasped position after the inner catheter <NUM> is pulled out from the inner pipe body <NUM>. Thus, the operability improves. In particular, at the separation angle α of <NUM>° to +<NUM>°, it is possible to easily and smoothly insert the inner catheter <NUM> into the guiding catheter <NUM> that is accommodated in the outer pipe body <NUM> after the inner catheter <NUM> is pulled out from the inner pipe body <NUM>, with the grasped state of the grasp portion <NUM> maintained. Thus, the operability improves.

In addition, one of the pipe body is the outer pipe body <NUM> and the other of the pipe body is the inner pipe body <NUM> that is positioned on the center side of the winding of the outer pipe body <NUM>, the medical elongated body accommodated in the outer pipe body <NUM> is the guiding catheter <NUM>, and the medical elongated body accommodated in the inner pipe body <NUM> is the inner catheter <NUM> that is inserted into the guiding catheter <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to store, in the outer pipe body <NUM>, the guiding catheter <NUM>, which is thin to be easily bent, in a state in which the guiding catheter has a large curvature radius to the greatest extent, in order to provide a wide space inside to the largest extent.

In addition, since the storage case <NUM> of the embodiment has the package case <NUM> that collectively accommodates the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> which are connected to each other, it is possible to reduce the costs without the separate packaging of both the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM>, time and effort required for the opening of the package is reduced such that the workability improves, and the waste is reduced such that it is possible to reduce the environmental impact.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a storage case <NUM> according to a second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the winding direction of an inner pipe body <NUM> is common to the outer pipe body <NUM>. Note that the same reference signs are assigned to the same portions common to those of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The inner pipe body <NUM> of the storage case <NUM> according to the second embodiment has a spiral shape as a whole, with a tube that extends by a predetermined length and is wound on the center side of the winding of the outer pipe body <NUM>. The inner pipe body <NUM> holds the inner catheter <NUM> so as to store and carry the catheter, with the inner catheter <NUM> inserted through an inner pipe opening portion <NUM> (proximal opening portion) of an end portion that is positioned on the outer side of the winding. The winding direction (counterclockwise direction in <FIG>) of the inner pipe body <NUM> from the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> is the same direction as the winding direction of the outer pipe body <NUM> from the outer pipe opening portion <NUM>. The inner pipe opening portion <NUM> of the inner pipe body <NUM> is separated from the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> of the outer pipe body <NUM>. A portion in the vicinity of the winding direction of the inner pipe body <NUM> from the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> functions as a first grasp portion <NUM> that is grasped by the operator, and a portion in the vicinity of the winding direction of the outer pipe body <NUM> from the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> functions as a second grasp portion <NUM> that is grasped next by the operator.

Next, a method of taking out the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> from the storage case <NUM> according to the second embodiment will be described.

First, the package case <NUM> is taken out from the box, the package case <NUM> is broken, and the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> which accommodate the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are removed. Next, a syringe (not illustrated) is inserted into the hub portion <NUM> of the guiding catheter <NUM>, and the physiological salt solution is injected such that the priming is performed on the inside of the guiding catheter <NUM>. Next, a syringe (not illustrated) is inserted into the hub portion <NUM> of the inner catheter <NUM>, and the physiological salt solution is injected such that the priming is performed on the inside of the inner catheter <NUM>. Next, the first grasp portion <NUM> is grasped with one hand, and, as illustrated in <FIG>, the inner catheter <NUM> is pulled out from the inner pipe body <NUM> with the other hand. Next, the hand that holds the first grasp portion <NUM> moves to the second grasp portion <NUM> and grasps the second grasp portion <NUM>, and the pulled-out inner catheter <NUM> is inserted into the proximal opening portion of the guiding catheter <NUM> with the other hand. Next, as illustrated in <FIG>, the locking rotation portion <NUM> of the inner catheter <NUM> is caused to rotate and to be connected to the locking thread <NUM> of the guiding catheter <NUM>. In this manner, the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are in an assembled state. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, the guiding catheter <NUM> which is in an assembled state with the inner catheter <NUM>, is pulled out from the outer pipe body <NUM> with the hand that pulls out the inner catheter <NUM>. In this manner, the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> enter a state in which the catheters are taken out from the storage case <NUM>.

As described above, in the storage case <NUM> according to the second embodiment, the winding direction of the inner pipe body <NUM> from the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> is the same direction as the winding direction of the outer pipe body <NUM> from the outer pipe opening portion <NUM>, and thus the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> is separated from the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> in the winding direction. Therefore, the first grasp portion <NUM> in the vicinity of the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> of the inner pipe body <NUM> is grasped and the inner catheter <NUM> is pulled out. Then, the grasped position is changed to the second grasp portion <NUM> such that it is possible to insert and connect the inner catheter <NUM> into the guiding catheter <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a storage case <NUM> according to a third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment in that the winding direction of an inner pipe body <NUM> is the same as the winding direction of the outer pipe body <NUM>, and the storage case differs from that of the first embodiment in that the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> of the outer pipe body <NUM> is close to an inner pipe opening portion <NUM> of the inner pipe body <NUM>. Note that the same reference signs are assigned to the same portions common to those of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The inner pipe body <NUM> of the storage case <NUM> according to the third embodiment has a spiral shape as a whole, with a tube that extends by a predetermined length and is wound on the center side of the winding of the outer pipe body <NUM>. The inner pipe body <NUM> holds the inner catheter <NUM> so as to store and carry the catheter, with the inner catheter <NUM> inserted through the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> of an end portion that is positioned on the outer side of the winding. The winding direction (counterclockwise direction in <FIG>) of the inner pipe body <NUM> from the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> is the same direction as the winding direction of the outer pipe body <NUM> from the outer pipe opening portion <NUM>. The inner pipe opening portion <NUM> of the inner pipe body <NUM> is close to the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> of the outer pipe body <NUM>. For example, a separation angle γ in the winding direction between the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> and the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> is set to <NUM>° at a position at which the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> and the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> are coincident in the circumferential direction. In a case where the clockwise side in <FIG> is set to plus, and the counterclockwise side is set to minus, it is preferable that the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> is positioned in a range of -<NUM>° to +<NUM>°. Here, the separation angle γ is an angle formed at an intersection point between a straight line from the outer opening portion <NUM> to the center of the winding of the outer pipe body <NUM> and a straight line from the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> to the center of the winding of the inner pipe body <NUM>. In addition, a portion in the vicinity of the winding direction of the inner pipe body <NUM> from the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> and of the outer pipe body <NUM> from the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> functions as a grasp portion <NUM> that is grasped by the operator.

Next, a method of taking out the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> from the storage case <NUM> according to the third embodiment will be described.

First, the package case <NUM> is taken out from the box, the package case <NUM> is broken, and the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> which accommodate the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are removed. Next, a syringe (not illustrated) is inserted into the hub portion <NUM> of the guiding catheter <NUM>, and the physiological salt solution is injected such that the priming is performed on the inside of the guiding catheter <NUM>. Next, a syringe (not illustrated) is inserted into the hub portion <NUM> of the inner catheter <NUM>, and the physiological salt solution is injected such that the priming is performed on the inside of the inner catheter <NUM>. Next, the grasp portion <NUM> is grasped with one hand, and, as illustrated in <FIG>, the inner catheter <NUM> is pulled out from the inner pipe body <NUM> with the other hand. Next, as illustrated in <FIG>, a state in which the grasp portion <NUM> is grasped with one hand is maintained, and the pulled-out inner catheter <NUM> is inserted into the proximal opening portion of the guiding catheter <NUM> with the other hand. Then, the locking rotation portion <NUM> of the inner catheter <NUM> is caused to rotate and to be connected to the locking thread <NUM> of the guiding catheter <NUM>. In this manner, the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are in an assembled state. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, with the grasp portion <NUM> grasped with one hand, the guiding catheter <NUM> which is in an assembled state with the inner catheter <NUM>, is pulled out from the outer pipe body <NUM> with the other hand that pulls out the inner catheter <NUM>. In this manner, the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are in a state of being taken out from the storage case <NUM>.

As described above, in the storage case <NUM> according to the third embodiment, the winding direction of the inner pipe body <NUM> from the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> is the same direction as the winding direction of the outer pipe body <NUM> from the outer pipe opening portion <NUM>, and thus the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> is close to the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> in the winding direction. Therefore, it is possible to easily insert the inner catheter <NUM> into the guiding catheter <NUM> that is accommodated in the outer pipe body <NUM> without changing the grasp position after the inner catheter <NUM> is pulled out from the inner pipe body <NUM>. Thus, the operability improves. In particular, at the separation angle γ of -<NUM>° to +<NUM>°, it is possible to easily and smoothly insert the inner catheter <NUM> into the guiding catheter <NUM> that is accommodated in the outer pipe body <NUM> after the inner catheter <NUM> is pulled out from the inner pipe body <NUM> with the grasped state of the grasp portion <NUM> maintained. Thus, the operability improves.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a storage case <NUM> according to a fourth embodiment differs from that of the third embodiment only in that an assistive member <NUM> for assisting the grasp is added. Note that the same reference signs are assigned to the same portions common to those of the third embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The assistive member <NUM> of the storage case <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment is formed of a single sheet-shaped member, and is provided with a pair of engagement portions <NUM> that is interposed between the grasp portions <NUM> of the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> and engages with the grasp portions <NUM>. The engagement portion <NUM> is formed with a notch in the assistive member <NUM>. In addition, the assistive member <NUM> is provided with an insertion hole <NUM>, into which a thumb is inserted, at a position on the center side of the winding direction from the inner pipe body <NUM> in a state in which the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> are attached.

There is no particular limitation on a material of the assistive member <NUM> and it is possible to apply paper or a resin material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene propylene copolymer, a polyolefin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, or polyimide. Note that the assistive member <NUM> may not be the sheet-shaped member.

In a case where the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are taken out from the storage case <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment, not only the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM> are grasped, but also the assistive member <NUM> is grasped with the thumb inserted into the insertion hole <NUM>, when the grasp portion <NUM> is grasped. As described above, with the assistive member <NUM> present, it is possible to easily recognize the portion that is grasped and it is easy to perform grasping, and thus the operability improves.

Note that a modification example of the storage case <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, may include an insertion hole <NUM> of an assistive member <NUM> that has an elongated shape in one direction. In this manner, it is possible to collectively insert fingers other than the thumb into the insertion hole <NUM> so as to perform the grasp. In addition, the insertion hole of the assistive member is not formed on the center side of the winding of the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM>, and may be formed on the outer side. In addition, as another modification example illustrated in <FIG>, a grip portion <NUM> having a shape that is easily gripped by fingers may be provided at an edge portion of an assistive member <NUM>. In addition, a portion in which the assistive member is connected is not provided on the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe body <NUM>, and may be provided on the connection member <NUM>.

In addition, various types of information may be provided on the assistive member <NUM>. The information includes a precautionary note that is referred to when the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are taken out from the storage case <NUM> or when the catheters are used.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a storage case <NUM> according to a fifth embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that a third pipe body <NUM> (pipe body) is added. Note that the same reference signs are assigned to the same portions common to those of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The storage case <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment includes the third pipe body <NUM>, in which a tube extending by a predetermined length is wound on the center side of the winding of the inner pipe body <NUM>. The outer pipe body <NUM>, the inner pipe body <NUM>, and the third pipe body <NUM> are connected by a connection member <NUM>. The third pipe body <NUM> accommodates a guide wire <NUM> (medical elongated body) that can be pulled out from a third opening portion <NUM> (proximal opening portion) of an end portion that is positioned on the center side of the winding, and the third pipe body holds the guide wire <NUM> so as to store and carry the guide wire. For example, the guide wire <NUM> is used to guide the guiding catheter <NUM>, which is in the assembled state with the inner catheter <NUM>, into a body lumen. In addition, the winding direction (counterclockwise direction in <FIG>) of the third pipe body <NUM> from the third opening portion <NUM> is the opposite direction to the winding direction of the inner pipe body <NUM> from the inner pipe opening portion <NUM>, and is the same direction as the winding direction of the outer pipe body <NUM> from the outer pipe opening portion <NUM>. The portion between the third opening portion <NUM> and the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> between the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> and the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> functions as a grasp portion <NUM> such that the operator grasps the portion. The grasp portion <NUM> is provided in the vicinity of all of the outer pipe opening portion <NUM>, the inner pipe opening portion <NUM>, and the third opening portion <NUM>.

An inserter <NUM> is connected to the third opening portion <NUM> of the third pipe body <NUM>, and a holder hub <NUM> is connected to an end portion on the opposite side to the third opening portion <NUM>.

The inserter <NUM> communicates with the lumen of the third pipe body <NUM> and is formed to have a tube shape with a diameter reduced toward a distal end. The inserter <NUM> protects the distal end of the guide wire <NUM> and guides the guide wire <NUM> when the guide wire is inserted into the catheter or the like.

The holder hub <NUM> communicates with the lumen of the third pipe body <NUM> such that a liquid such as a physiological salt solution or the like is injected from a syringe, with the syringe connected thereto, and thereby it is possible to guide the liquid into the lumen of the third pipe body <NUM>.

There is no particular limitation on materials of the third pipe body <NUM>, the inserter <NUM>, and the holder hub <NUM>, and, for example, it is possible to apply various types of resin materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, a polyolefin such as ethylene propylene copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, polycarbonate, or an acrylic-based resin. However, it is preferable that a relatively soft material is used so as to be elastically deformed.

Next, a method of taking out the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> from the storage case <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment will be described.

First, the package case <NUM> is taken out from the box, the package case <NUM> is broken, and the outer pipe body <NUM>, the inner pipe body <NUM>, and the third pipe body <NUM>, which accommodate the guiding catheter <NUM>, the inner catheter <NUM>, and the guide wire <NUM>, are taken out. Next, a syringe (not illustrated) is inserted into the holder hub <NUM>, and the physiological salt solution is injected into the third pipe body <NUM>. Next, the grasp portion <NUM> is grasped with one hand, the holder hub <NUM> is detached with the other hand, as illustrated in <FIG>, such that the guide wire <NUM> is pulled out from the third pipe body <NUM> and the guide wire <NUM> enters a vat containing the physiological salt solution. Next, a state in which the grasp portion <NUM> is grasped with one hand is maintained, and, in the same procedure as that of the first embodiment, the inner catheter <NUM> is inserted into and is connected to the proximal opening portion of the guiding catheter <NUM> with the hand that has pulled out the guide wire <NUM>. Then, the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are pulled out from the outer pipe body <NUM> in the assembled state of the catheters. In this manner, the guide wire <NUM>, the guiding catheter <NUM>, and the inner catheter <NUM> are in a state of being taken out from the storage case <NUM>.

As described above, in the storage case <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment, since the outer pipe body <NUM>, the inner pipe body <NUM>, and the third pipe body <NUM>, which accommodate the guide wire <NUM>, the guiding catheter <NUM>, and the inner catheter <NUM> which are assembled when used, are connected to each other, it is possible to collectively accommodate the catheters and the wire in one package case. Therefore, there is no need to individually package the guide wire <NUM>, the guiding catheter <NUM>, and the inner catheter <NUM>. Hence, according to the storage case <NUM>, it is possible to reduce costs, time and effort required for the opening of the package is reduced such that the workability improves, and the waste is reduced such that it is possible to reduce the environmental impact, compared to a case where the guide wire <NUM>, the guiding catheter <NUM>, and the inner catheter <NUM> are individually packaged.

In addition, the third pipe body <NUM>, the inner pipe body <NUM>, and the outer pipe body <NUM> are disposed to have the winding directions which are alternately opposite from the opening portion in an order in which the medical elongated bodies accommodated in the pipe bodies, respectively, are pulled out, and thus the grasp portion <NUM> is close to all of the outer pipe opening portion <NUM>, the inner pipe opening portion <NUM>, and the third opening portion <NUM>. Therefore, in a pulling-out operation, it is easy to recognize the next operation without changing the portion that is grasped, and thus the operability improves. Note that the winding directions of the pipe bodies from the opening portions may not be alternately opposite in accordance with the pulling-out procedure of the medical elongated bodies accommodated in the pipe bodies, respectively. In addition, after the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are assembled to be pulled out, the guide wire <NUM> may be pulled out from the third pipe body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a storage case <NUM> according to a sixth embodiment differs from the storage cases according to the first to fifth embodiments described above in that the medical elongated bodies are disposed side by side such that a first pipe body <NUM> and a second pipe body <NUM> overlap each other. Note that the same reference signs are assigned to the same portions common to those of the embodiments described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The storage case <NUM> includes a first pipe body <NUM> (pipe body) that accommodates the guiding catheter <NUM>, a second pipe body <NUM> (pipe body) that accommodates the inner catheter <NUM>, a first connection member <NUM> for maintaining shapes of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>, a second connection member <NUM> (connection member) for connecting the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>, and a package case <NUM> that holds the pipe bodies and members inside in a sterilized state.

The first pipe body <NUM> has a spiral shape as a whole, with a tube that extends by predetermined length and is wound. The first pipe body <NUM> holds the guiding catheter <NUM> so as to store and carry the catheter with the guiding catheter <NUM> inserted through a first opening portion <NUM> (proximal opening portion) of the end portion that is positioned on an outer side (opposite side on the center side of the winding) of the winding.

The second pipe body <NUM> has a spiral shape as a whole, with a tube that extends to a predetermined length and is wound. The second pipe body <NUM> holds the inner catheter <NUM> so as to store and carry the catheter, with the inner catheter <NUM> inserted through a second opening portion <NUM> (proximal opening portion) of an end portion that is positioned on the outer side of the winding. A winding direction (counterclockwise direction in <FIG>) of the second pipe body <NUM> from the second opening portion <NUM> is the same direction as the winding direction of the first pipe body <NUM> from the first opening portion <NUM>. The maximum outer circumferential diameters of the winding of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are substantially equal to each other. The first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are disposed to overlap each other in a direction along the center axis of the winding. In other words, two planes on which the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are wound are positioned to be substantially parallel to each other. The portion of the first opening portion <NUM> and the second opening portion <NUM> on the winding direction side functions as a grasp portion <NUM> such that the operator grasps the portion. The grasp portion <NUM> is provided in the vicinity of both of the first opening portion <NUM> and the second opening portion <NUM>.

There is no particular limitation on materials of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>, and it is possible to apply polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene propylene copolymer, a polyolefin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, or polyimide.

Several first connection members <NUM> are provided in the circumferential direction of the first pipe body <NUM> the second pipe body <NUM> and are fixed in a state in which adjacent tubes are arranged side by side from each other. The first connection member <NUM> is provided with recessed portions <NUM> into which the first pipe body <NUM> or the second pipe body <NUM> is accommodated and which are disposed side by side. The first pipe body <NUM> or the second pipe body <NUM> is pushed into the recessed portion <NUM> and is connected, and thereby the spiral shapes of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are maintained.

Several second connection members <NUM> are provided in the circumferential direction (winding direction) of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> and are fixed in a state in which the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are disposed side by side. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second connection member <NUM> is provided with recessed portions <NUM> into which the first pipe body <NUM> or the second pipe body <NUM> is accommodated and which are disposed side by side. The first pipe body <NUM> or the second pipe body <NUM> is inserted into the recessed portion <NUM> so as to be connected, and thereby the connection state between the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> is maintained.

There is no particular limitation on materials of the first connection member <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM> and it is possible to apply polyethylene, polypropylene, a polyolefin such as ethylene propylene copolymer, PVC, polystyrene, polyamide, polycarbonate, various types of resin material such as acrylic resin, or the like.

Next, a method of taking out the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> from the storage case <NUM> according to the sixth embodiment will be described.

First, the package case <NUM> is taken out from the box, the package case <NUM> is broken, and the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> which accommodate the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are taken out. Next, a syringe (not illustrated) is inserted into the hub portion <NUM> of the guiding catheter <NUM>, and the physiological salt solution is injected such that the priming is performed on the inside of the guiding catheter <NUM>. Next, a syringe (not illustrated) is inserted into the hub portion <NUM> of the inner catheter <NUM>, and the physiological salt solution is injected such that the priming is performed on the inside of the inner catheter <NUM>. Next, the grasp portion <NUM> is grasped with one hand and the inner catheter <NUM> is pulled out from the second pipe body <NUM> with the other hand. Next, a state in which the grasp portion <NUM> is grasped with one hand is maintained, and the pulled-out inner catheter <NUM> is inserted into the proximal opening portion of the guiding catheter <NUM> with the other hand. As illustrated in <FIG>, the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are in the assembled state. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, with the grasp portion <NUM> grasped with one hand, the guiding catheter <NUM> which is in the assembled state with the inner catheter <NUM>, is pulled out from the first pipe body <NUM> with the other hand that pulls out the inner catheter <NUM>. In this manner, the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> are in the state of being taken out from the storage case <NUM>.

As described above, in the storage case <NUM> according to the sixth embodiment, since the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are disposed to overlap each other in a direction along the center axis of the winding, it is possible to reduce the maximum outer circumferential diameters of the winding of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> without disposing the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> on the same surface such that it is possible to perform storage in a compact space and a wide width is formed with the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> overlapping each other. Further, both of the first opening portion <NUM> and the second opening portion <NUM> are easily caused to be close to the grasp portion <NUM>, the grasp is easily performed and the operability improves.

In addition, in the storage case <NUM> according to the sixth embodiment, since the second connection member <NUM> that connects the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> is separately provided from the first connection member <NUM> for maintaining the winding states of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>, it is possible to sufficiently reduce a shift of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> in the package case <NUM>. In addition, when the storage case <NUM> according to the sixth embodiment is taken out from the package case <NUM>, it is possible to sufficiently reduce a concern that one of the pipe bodies will fall down.

Further, in the storage case <NUM> according to the sixth embodiment, since the second connection member <NUM> that connects the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> is separately provided from the first connection member <NUM> for maintaining the winding states of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>, it is possible to take out the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> from the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> after the second connection member <NUM> is detached to be separated, with the winding states maintained by the first connection member <NUM>, as necessary.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a storage case <NUM> according to a seventh embodiment differs from the storage cases according to the first to sixth embodiments described above in that a structure that connects a first pipe body <NUM> and a second pipe body <NUM> that accommodate the medical elongated bodies is provided. Note that the same reference signs are assigned to the same portions common to those of the embodiments described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The storage case <NUM> includes the first pipe body <NUM> (pipe body) that accommodates the guiding catheter <NUM>, the second pipe body <NUM> (pipe body) that accommodates the inner catheter <NUM>, a first connection member <NUM> (connection member) for maintaining shapes of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>, a second connection member <NUM> (connection member) that connects the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>, and the package case <NUM> that holds the pipe bodies and members inside in the sterilized state.

The first pipe body <NUM> has a spiral shape as a whole, with a tube that extends by predetermined length and is wound. The first pipe body <NUM> holds the guiding catheter <NUM> so as to store and carry the catheter with the guiding catheter <NUM> inserted through a first opening portion <NUM> (proximal opening portion) of the end portion that is positioned on the outer side of (opposite side on the center side of the winding) of the winding.

The second pipe body <NUM> has a spiral shape as a whole, with a tube that extends to a predetermined length and is wound. The second pipe body <NUM> holds the inner catheter <NUM> so as to store and carry the catheter, with the inner catheter <NUM> inserted through a second opening portion <NUM> (proximal opening portion) of an end portion that is positioned on the outer side of the winding. A winding direction (counterclockwise direction in <FIG>) of the second pipe body <NUM> from the second opening portion <NUM> is the same direction as the winding direction of the first pipe body <NUM> from the first opening portion <NUM>. The maximum outer circumferential diameters of the winding of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are substantially equal to each other. The first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are disposed to overlap each other in a direction along the center axis of the winding. In other words, two planes on which the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are wound are positioned to be substantially parallel to each other. There is no particular limitation on the materials of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, several first connection members <NUM> are provided in the circumferential direction of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> and are fixed in a state in which adjacent tubes are arranged side by side from each other. The first connection member <NUM> is provided with a plurality of recessed portions <NUM> into which the first pipe body <NUM> or the second pipe body <NUM> is accommodated and which are disposed side by side. The first pipe body <NUM> or the second pipe body <NUM> is pushed into the recessed portion <NUM> and is connected, and thereby the spiral shapes of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are maintained. Note that there is no particular limitation on the number of recessed portions <NUM> in the single first connection member <NUM>.

One or more (two in the embodiment) second connection members <NUM> are provided in the circumferential direction (winding direction) of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> and are fixed in a state in which the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are disposed side by side. The second connection member <NUM> is provided with one or more (two in the embodiment) recessed portions <NUM> in which the first pipe body <NUM> is accommodated, and one or more (two in the embodiment) recessed portions <NUM> which are disposed on a side opposite to the recessed portions <NUM> and in which the second pipe body <NUM> is accommodated. The first pipe body <NUM> is pushed to be connected to the recessed portion <NUM> positioned on one side of the second connection member <NUM>, and the second pipe body <NUM> is pushed to be connected to the recessed portion <NUM> positioned on a side opposite to the second connection member <NUM>. In this manner, the second connection member <NUM> maintains an appropriate connection state between the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> which overlap each other in a direction along the center axis of the winding. Note that there is no particular limitation on the number of second connection members <NUM>. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the number of recessed portions <NUM> and the number of recessed portions <NUM> which are formed in the second connection member <NUM>. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the materials of the first connection member <NUM> and the second connection member <NUM>.

As described above, in the storage case <NUM> according to the seventh embodiment, the second connection member <NUM> that connects the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> is separately provided from the first connection member <NUM> for maintaining the winding states of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to detach the second connection member <NUM> such that the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are separated from each other, with the winding states of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> maintained by the first connection member <NUM>, as necessary. After the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are separated from each other, it is possible to take out the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> from the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>. The recessed portions <NUM> and the recessed portions <NUM> are positioned on a side opposite to the second connection member <NUM> when the connection is canceled by the second connection member <NUM>, with the winding states of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> maintained by the first connection member <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to cause the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> to move in only one direction in which the pipe bodies are separated from each other, and thus the operation is easily performed.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a storage case <NUM> according to an eighth embodiment differs from the storage cases according to the first to seventh embodiments described above in that a first pipe body <NUM> and a second pipe body <NUM>, which accommodate the medical elongated bodies, are disposed side by side such that the pipe bodies overlap each other in a state in which the center axis of the winding is deviated. Note that the same reference signs are assigned to the same portions common to those of the embodiments described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The storage case <NUM> includes the first pipe body <NUM> (pipe body) that accommodates the guiding catheter <NUM>, the second pipe body <NUM> (pipe body) that accommodates the inner catheter <NUM>, the first connection member <NUM> (connection member) for maintaining shapes of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>, a second connection member <NUM> (connection member) that connects the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>, and the package case <NUM> that holds the pipe bodies and members inside in the sterilized state.

The first pipe body <NUM> has a spiral shape as a whole, with a tube that extends to a predetermined length and is wound. The first pipe body <NUM> holds the guiding catheter <NUM> so as to store and carry the catheter with the guiding catheter <NUM> inserted through a first opening portion <NUM> (proximal opening portion) of the end portion that is positioned on the outer side of (opposite side on the center side of the winding) of the winding.

The second pipe body <NUM> has a spiral shape as a whole, with a tube that extends to a predetermined length and is wound. The second pipe body <NUM> holds the inner catheter <NUM> so as to store and carry the catheter, with the inner catheter <NUM> inserted through a second opening portion <NUM> (proximal opening portion) of an end portion that is positioned on the outer side of the winding. A winding direction (counterclockwise direction in <FIG>) of the second pipe body <NUM> from the second opening portion <NUM> is the same direction as the winding direction of the first pipe body <NUM> from the first opening portion <NUM>. The maximum outer circumferential diameters of the winding of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are substantially equal to each other. The first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are disposed to overlap each other in a direction along the center axis of the winding, in a state in which the center axes of the winding are deviated. There is no particular limitation on the materials of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>.

Several first connection members <NUM> are provided in the circumferential direction of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>, are fixed in a state in which adjacent tubes are arranged side by side from each other, and the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> maintain the spiral shape.

The second connection member <NUM> is provided with recessed portions <NUM> into which the first pipe body <NUM> or the second pipe body <NUM> is accommodated and which are disposed side by side. Both of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are inserted into the recessed portion <NUM> so as to be connected, and thereby the connection state between the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> is maintained. Note that the second connection member <NUM> according to the embodiment has the same structure (refer to <FIG>) as that of the first connection member <NUM>, and the first connection member <NUM> may have a different structure. The center axes of the winding of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are deviated, and thereby the second connection member <NUM> is provided in a region A in which the tube of the first pipe body <NUM> and the tube of the second pipe body <NUM> do not overlap in the center axis direction of the winding. Note that two regions A are present on a side opposite to the circumferential direction, and the second connection member <NUM> is provided in one region A. Therefore, forced deformation of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> is reduced such that the tube is positioned on the flat surface on both sides on the side opposite to the circumferential direction, and thus the winding surface is not bent. Hence, excessive deformation of the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> inside the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> is reduced, and it is possible to reduce an increase in sliding resistance when the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are pulled out from the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>.

As described above, in the storage case <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment, the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are disposed side by side so as to overlap each other in a state in which the center axes of the winding are deviated. Therefore, it is possible to easily connect the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> by the second connection member <NUM> in the region A in which the tubes of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are arranged side by side.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a storage case <NUM> according to a ninth embodiment differs from the storage case <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment in that the two second connection members <NUM> are provided. Note that the same reference signs are assigned to the same portions common to those of the embodiments described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

In the storage case <NUM> according to ninth embodiment, the center axes of the winding of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are deviated, and thereby two regions A in which the tubes of the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are arranged side by side are provided, and the second connection member <NUM> is provided in each of the region A. Therefore, the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are strongly connected by the second connection member <NUM>, and it is possible to sufficiently reduce the shift in the package case <NUM>. In addition, when the storage case <NUM> according to the ninth embodiment is detached from the package case <NUM>, it is possible to sufficiently reduce a concern that one of the pipe bodies will fall down.

In addition, the second connection member that connects the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> may be provided with a step such that a recessed portion <NUM> in which the first pipe body <NUM> is accommodated and a recessed portion <NUM> in which the second pipe body <NUM> is accommodated are positioned at different heights as a second connection member <NUM> as a modification example illustrated in <FIG>. When the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are connected by the second connection member <NUM> in two regions A positioned on a side opposite to the circumferential direction by using the second connection member <NUM> having such a configuration, the winding surface is appropriately maintained, and the winding surface is not bent. Hence, excessive deformation of the guiding catheter <NUM> and the inner catheter <NUM> inside the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> is reduced, and it is possible to reduce an increase in sliding resistance when the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM> are pulled out from the first pipe body <NUM> and the second pipe body <NUM>.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it is possible for those skilled in the art to perform various modifications within the technical ideas of the present invention. For example, as a modification example of the first embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, among the plurality of connection members, the first connection member <NUM> that fixes the vicinity of the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> of the outer pipe body <NUM> and the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> of the inner pipe body <NUM> may have a color different from that of the second connection member <NUM>. For example, it is possible to set the first connection member <NUM> in red, and the second connection member <NUM> in white. As described above, the grasp portion <NUM> is easily recognized with the first connection member <NUM> having a different color, and the operability improves.

In addition, as another modification example of the first embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, a holder hub <NUM> into which a syringe <NUM> can be inserted is provided at an end portion (distal opening portion) on the side opposite to the side on which the outer pipe opening portion <NUM> of the outer pipe body <NUM> is formed, or an end portion (distal opening portion) on the side opposite to the side on which the inner pipe opening portion <NUM> of the inner pipe body <NUM> is formed. The holder hub <NUM> communicates with the lumens of the inner pipe body <NUM> or the outer pipe body <NUM>, the syringe <NUM> is connected such that a liquid such as the physiological salt solution is injected from a syringe <NUM>, and thereby it is possible to guide the liquid to the lumens of the inner pipe body <NUM> and the outer pipe body <NUM>. In this manner, it is possible to wet lubricating coating provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner catheter <NUM> in the inner pipe body <NUM>, and on the outer peripheral surface of the guiding catheter <NUM> in the outer pipe body <NUM> such that it is possible to exhibit lubricating properties. Note that the holder hub <NUM> is not limited to only the first embodiment, and may be provided even on the pipe bodies of the second to ninth embodiments.

In addition, there is no particular limitation on the medical elongated bodies accommodated in the storage case, as long as the medical elongated bodies are assembled when used. For example, the medical elongated body may be a catheter for medical treatment (procedure) such as a guiding catheter and a balloon catheter, or may be a dilator or a sheath having a lumen into which a dilator can be inserted. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the number of medical elongated bodies and the pipe bodies which are accommodated in one package case.

Claim 1:
A storage case (<NUM>, <NUM>) that is configured to accommodate a plurality of medical elongated bodies (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), which are assembled when used, the storage case (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of pipe bodies (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) wound to form a ring-like shape
characterized in that
the plurality of pipe bodies (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are separably connected to each other in order to accommodate each of the medical elongated bodies (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
and disposed side by side such that the pipe bodies overlap each other in a state in which the center axis of the winding is deviated, and
at least two second connection members (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) that connect the first pipe body (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the second pipe body (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are provided.