Branch connector and catheter

Abstract

A catheter and a branch connector capable of improving sealing property and having high versatility are provided. In a branch connector (40) for a catheter (100), the branch connector (40) has a first end portion (44) to which a catheter body (10) is attached and in which a first hole portion (43) is formed to communicate with the catheter body (10), and a second end portion (49) having an elastic member in which a second hole portion (48) is formed to insert a linear instrument (20) and to communicate with the first hole portion (43) and to have a flow path area smaller than that of the first hole portion (43).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates primarily to a catheter capable of measuring oxygen partial pressure and a branch connector for the catheter. Background Technology

[0002] Acute kidney injury (AKI), which occurs in 30–50% of intensive care unit patients, even in mild cases, negatively impacts patient prognosis, with a mortality rate as high as 60% when blood purification is required. Furthermore, the progression to chronic renal insufficiency is also a concern. Regarding AKI, hypoxia in the renal medulla is one of the causes, and it is considered that the partial pressure of oxygen in the renal medulla can be inferred by measuring the partial pressure of oxygen in the urine within the bladder. To measure this partial pressure of oxygen in the urine within the bladder, a urethral catheter has been proposed, in which an oxygen partial pressure measuring sensor protrudes from the side hole of the urethral catheter to measure the partial pressure of oxygen within the bladder or in the bladder wall.

[0003] The urethral catheter comprises a catheter body, a balloon portion, a branch connector, a sensor portion, and a urination channel. The sensor portion, used to measure oxygen partial pressure, is inserted into the catheter body through a hole formed in the branch connector. Conventionally, medical devices for flow path switching (e.g., see Patent Document 1) and medical devices for lead fixation (e.g., see Patent Document 2) have been proposed. The flow path switching device has a slit-shaped partition wall member at the syringe connection point to prevent leakage at the connection point between the two devices. The lead fixation device reliably secures the lead even in a high-moisture state when it fixes the lead inside the catheter.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4556701

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 5151322 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, in the urethral catheters and medical devices according to the above-mentioned prior art, when using a linear sensor section for measuring oxygen partial pressure, or a sensor section with a thickness that is very thin even compared to the thickness of the catheter body, if the seal is not sufficient, leakage may occur from the position where the sensor section is inserted into the branch connector.

[0010] Furthermore, the medical devices used for flow path switching according to the above-mentioned conventional technology are only inserted into the tip of the syringe, resulting in a small insertion depth. In cases where devices with a larger insertion depth, such as linear sensor parts, are inserted through the partition wall members, leakage may occur.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a catheter and branch connector that solves the problems caused by the prior art and can improve sealing performance and have high versatility.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] The branch connector for catheters of the present invention is characterized in that the branch connector has a first end and a second end, the first end being for mounting a catheter body and having a first hole in communication with the catheter body, the second end having an elastic member having a second hole in which a linear instrument is inserted, the second hole communicating with the first hole and having a smaller flow path area than the first hole.

[0014] In this case, the elastic member may also be made of silicone. Alternatively, the branch connector may have a main body and a sensor connection port, the main body having the first end and the sensor connection port having the second end, the sensor connection port being provided with a connector for detachably engaging with the main body. Alternatively, the main body and the sensor connection port may be made of an elastic material, and the connector may be made of a resin material. Alternatively, the connector may be formed in a cylindrical shape with a flange. Alternatively, the main body may have a drain pipe communicating with the first hole and branching in a direction intersecting the direction in which the sensor connection port is inserted into the main body. Alternatively, the sensor connection port may have a valve for opening and closing the flow path connecting the connector to the second end. Alternatively, the first end may have a cylindrical portion for mounting another conduit.

[0015] In addition, the catheter of the present invention is characterized by having the branch connector.

[0016] In this case, it is also possible that an information transmission unit for transmitting the detection results obtained by the sensor is provided on the outer side of the second end.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] In this invention, conduits and branch connectors that improve sealing and offer high versatility can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the insertion of a urethral balloon catheter into the bladder.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the tip of the urethral balloon catheter.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view showing the branch connector of the urethral balloon catheter.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view showing a modified branch connector.

[0023] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view showing a modified branch connector.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of a modified urethral balloon catheter. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the urethral balloon catheter of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the insertion of a urethral balloon catheter into the bladder.

[0027] 100 urethral balloon catheters Figure 1 As shown, it includes a catheter body 10, a probe (instrument) 20, and a branch connector 40.

[0028] The catheter body 10 is tubular, allowing fluid to flow through it and the probe 20 to pass through. In this embodiment, the catheter body 10 is made of silicone, but it can also be made of latex, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, thermoplastic resins such as PVC, polyurethane rubber, fluororubber, and fluorinated vinyl resin. A balloon 12 is disposed near the tip 11 of the catheter body 10. When inserted into the bladder 30, the balloon 12 is inflated to secure the catheter body within the bladder 30.

[0029] The branch connector 40 is formed of an elastic material such as silicone, but it can also be formed of latex, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, thermoplastic resins such as PVC, polyurethane rubber, fluororubber, and fluorinated vinyl resin.

[0030] The probe 20 incorporates a fiber optic mini-sensor (optical electrode) that measures the intensity of light emitted by a fluorescent dye that reacts with urine 31 within the bladder 30, a dual-fiber laser Doppler probe, and a temperature sensor. Thus, the probe 20 can measure the partial pressure of oxygen in urine. Furthermore, the probe 20 can be coated to reduce friction with the inner lumen of the catheter body 10. As a coating agent, examples include Teflon (registered trademark) coating, Parexil, and hydrophilic polymers; any material that reduces friction with the inner lumen of the catheter body 10 is acceptable. Additionally, the inner lumen side of the catheter body 10 can also be treated with the aforementioned coating agent.

[0031] The urethral balloon catheter 100 will be described in further detail below.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the tip of the urethral balloon catheter. Figure 2 middle, Figure 2 (a) indicates the case where the probe 20 is housed within the catheter body 10. Figure 2 (b) indicates the case where probe 20 protrudes from the main body of the catheter.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the tubing portion 10a and the insertion end 10b are combined to form the catheter body 10. This catheter body 10 is located near the tip 11, that is, near the tip 11 and the balloon 12 (see reference). Figure 1 Between the bladder body 30 and the bladder 30, a pair of transverse holes (side holes) 13 are formed to allow urine 31 stored within the bladder 30 to flow through. These two transverse holes (side holes) 13 are arranged opposite to each other and are each formed to penetrate the wall portion 15 of the catheter body 10 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z. These two transverse holes (side holes) 13 are formed to have an elongated shape extending along the axial direction Z. It is preferable to form two of these transverse holes (side holes) 13, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0034] A longitudinal hole (top hole) 14 is formed at the top end 11 of the catheter body 10. This longitudinal hole (top hole) 14 has a generally circular shape and is formed to penetrate the top end 11 along the axial direction Z. That is, the longitudinal hole (top hole) 14 penetrates the top end 11 of the catheter body 10 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which a pair of transverse holes (side holes) 13 penetrate the catheter body 10. This longitudinal hole (top hole) may also be a top end with an obtuse angle obtained by grinding the top end of the catheter body, or it may be a top end formed by molding and bonded to the catheter body.

[0035] The inner circumference of the longitudinal hole (top hole) 14 is formed to be equal to or shorter than the inner circumference of the flow path 16 passing through the interior of the conduit body 10. That is, the flow path area of ​​the longitudinal hole (top hole) 14 is equal to or less than the flow path area of ​​the flow path 16. In addition, the inner circumference of the longitudinal hole (top hole) 14 is formed to be longer than the outer circumference of the probe 20. As a result, the probe 20 can slide through the longitudinal hole (top hole) 14. Alternatively, the longitudinal hole (top hole) 14 of the conduit body 10 may have a substantially circular shape, and the inner circumference of the longitudinal hole (top hole) 14 may have a length approximately the same as the outer circumference of the probe, thereby preventing the probe 20 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z.

[0036] The insertion end 10b of the catheter body 10 has an inclined portion 18, which forms a conical inner circumferential surface. The inclined portion 18 is formed such that the angle between the inclined portion 18 and the axial direction Z is more acute than that between the outer circumferential surface of the insertion end 10b and the axial direction Z. As a result, when the probe 20 is pressed toward the tip 11, the probe 20 can be guided by the inclined portion 18 and easily pass through the longitudinal hole 14.

[0037] The catheter body 10 has a gap between the flow path 16 and the probe 20, allowing urine 31 to flow through the gap. Alternatively, the flow path 16 and the probe 20 can be formed in different tubing within the catheter body 10.

[0038] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view showing the branch connector of the urethral balloon catheter.

[0039] Branch connector 40, etc. Figure 3 As shown, the device includes a main body 41 and a sensor connection port 42 that is detachably attached to the main body 41. In this embodiment, the main body 41 and the sensor connection port 42 are designed to be detachable, but the main body 41 and the sensor connection port 42 can also be integrally formed.

[0040] The main body 41 is formed of silicone and has a first end 44 for mounting the catheter body 10 and has a first hole 43 communicating with the catheter body 10.

[0041] An inclined surface 45 is formed in the first end portion 44, which narrows in a funnel shape towards the first hole portion 43. As a result, the tip of the probe 20 inserted into the branch connector 40 is guided by the inclined surface 45 toward the first hole portion 43.

[0042] The main body 41 is provided with an delivery line 46 for inflating the balloon 12 by delivering gas or liquid such as air or sterile water. The delivery line 46 is equipped with a one-way valve, which allows the syringe to be connected to the one-way valve.

[0043] Furthermore, the main body 41 is provided with a drainage tube 47, which communicates with the first hole 43 and branches in a direction that intersects the direction in which the sensor connection port 42 is inserted into the main body 41, i.e., the direction in which the probe 20 is inserted. The drainage tube 47 can be longer than the total length of the branch connector 40, and the flow area of ​​the tube can also be the same as that of the branch connector 40. Therefore, when using the urethral balloon catheter 100, it is possible to prevent, for example, the catheter body 10 from being pulled by devices connected to the branch connector 40, and to drain fluid without causing urine to remain in the branch connector 40. The branch connector 40, by providing the drainage tube 47, allows the probe 20 to be inserted into the catheter body 10 in a straight path. The drainage tube 47 has a funnel portion (not shown) at its top, which is configured to allow a urine collection bag or the like to be connected to the funnel portion. Thus, urine and other fluids that pass through the catheter body 10 and flow into the branch connector 40 from the first hole 43 flow out through the drainage tube 47 into the urine collection bag or the like. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drain pipe 47 is provided in the main body 41 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sensor connection port 42 is inserted into the main body 41, i.e., the direction in which the conduit body 10 and the probe 20 are inserted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The drain pipe 47 may also be configured to extend in the same direction as the delivery pipe 46, inclined relative to the direction in which the conduit body 10 and the probe 20 are inserted into the main body 41 and separated from the first end 44.

[0044] The sensor connection port 42 is mainly formed of silicone and has a second end portion 49, and a second hole portion 48 for inserting the linear probe 20 is formed in the second end portion 49. In addition, the sensor connection port 42 may also be formed of ABS resin, polycarbonate, or the like. The second hole portion 48 is formed as an elastic member. In the present embodiment, the second hole portion 48 is formed as a circular hole in the center of a silicone sheet formed in a circular shape, communicates with the first hole portion 43, and has a flow path area smaller than that of the first hole portion 43. The length of the inner circumference of the second hole portion 48 is longer than the length of the outer circumference of the probe 20 in a state where the probe 20 is not inserted. That is, when the probe 20 has a circular cross section, the inner diameter of the second hole portion 48 is smaller than the outer diameter of the probe 20. The second hole portion 48 is provided so that the inner circumference can be elongated and expanded in diameter when the probe 20 is inserted by forming a silicone sheet. At this time, the second hole portion 48 is formed as a circular shape in the center of the silicone sheet formed in a circular shape, so that tensile stress acts substantially uniformly when the diameter is expanded. Therefore, the contact surface with the probe 20 is in close contact with the probe 20 in a substantially uniform fastening manner, and high sealing performance can be achieved. In addition, in the present embodiment, the second hole portion 48 is formed in one silicone sheet, but for example, the second hole portion 48 may be formed by overlapping two or more silicone sheets and penetrating the overlapping silicone sheets respectively. In addition, the second end portion 49 may be formed in a cylindrical shape and have a circular shape expanded in a flange shape at the end of the cylindrical shape portion. In addition, no member is interposed in the flow path connecting the connection head portion 50 and the second hole portion 48 in the sensor connection port 42 of the present embodiment, but a valve for opening and closing the flow path between the connection head portion 50 and the second hole portion 48 may be provided.

[0045] In addition, a connection head portion 50 for detachably coupling with the main body portion 41 is provided in the sensor connection port 42. The connection head portion 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape using a resin material, and integrally has a flange portion 51 extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis in the vicinity of the center in the axial direction of the cylindrical shape, that is, the direction in which the probe 20 is inserted. When the flange portion 51 is inserted into the funnel portion having a funnel shape formed in the main body portion 41, it is inserted while pushing open the funnel portion. Thereby, the sensor connection port 42 can be easily inserted and removed with respect to the main body portion 41. The connection head portion 50 is fixed to the portion formed of silicone in the sensor connection port 42 with a certain degree of strength. For example, the connection head portion 50 is manufactured by a method such as edge molding (Japanese: リム成型).

[0046] The flow path area of the connection head portion 50 is smaller than the flow path area of the body portion 52 of the sensor connection port 42, but larger than the flow path area of the second hole portion 48. The branch connector 40 can remove the sensor connection port 42, and by only removing the sensor connection port 42, the probe 20 can also be removed integrally. Therefore, the probe 20 can be easily replaced.

[0047] The branch connector 40 is configured such that, when the main body 41 is engaged with the sensor connection port 42 and both the main body 41 and the sensor connection port 42 are in a straight, unbent state, the connector 50, the first hole 43, and the second hole 48 are aligned in a straight line. Therefore, when the main body 41 and the sensor connection port 42 are in a straight, unbent state, the linear probe 20 inserted from the second hole 48 is guided directly by the flow path formed within the connector 50 towards the first hole 43 or around the inclined surface 45 formed around the first hole 43 as it passes through the connector 50. When inserting the probe 20 into the catheter body 10, the probe 20 may have difficulty reaching the top of the catheter body 10 due to frictional resistance; therefore, a lubricant or a guide device (not shown) for guiding the probe 20 is used.

[0048] The branch connector 40 of the urethral balloon catheter 100 of this embodiment has a first end 44 and a second end 49. The first end 44 is mounted on the catheter body 10 and has a first hole 43 communicating with the catheter body 10. The second end 49 has an elastic member, and a second hole 48 for inserting a linear probe 20 is formed in the elastic member. The second hole 48 communicates with the first hole 43 and has a smaller flow path area than the first hole 43. Therefore, the second hole 48 can be in close contact with the probe 20 or other devices inserted into the branch connector 40 in a secure manner, and other devices can be inserted when the devices are linear of the same thickness. Therefore, the sealing at the contact surface with the probe 20 can be improved, and versatility can be increased.

[0049] The above description illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is provided to facilitate understanding of the invention and does not limit its scope. The invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and its equivalents are included. For example, the above embodiment describes a urethral balloon catheter 100 inserted into the bladder 30, but the invention is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to catheters used in other locations, such as catheters inserted into the upper urinary tract.

[0050] Furthermore, the above embodiment describes a urethral balloon catheter 100 pre-bonded with the catheter body 10 and the branch connector 40, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first end 44 may also have a cylindrical portion 53 for inserting and mounting a funnel-shaped portion 61 into another commercially available conduit 60. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of applications, such as conduits with different tip structures and diameters. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In this configuration, a branch connector 40 is set using a single component, but it can also be configured as follows: Figure 5The branch connector 40 is configured to have a main body 41 and a sensor connection port 42, and both can be installed and removed.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the probe 20 is connected to the measuring device via a wired connection, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it can also be as follows: Figure 6 As shown, an information transmission unit 54 for transmitting the detection results obtained by the probe 20 to the measuring device is provided at the second end 49 via a cable 55. This eliminates the need for a wired connection cable, thus expanding the user's range of motion in the clinical setting. When applying this invention to a urethral balloon catheter, given the conditions in the medical setting, the urethral balloon catheter is positioned at the lower part of the body. However, since biomonitoring devices used in resuscitation, ICUs (Intensive Care Units), etc., are often located above the upper body, extending the flexible cable from the lower to the upper body is obviously disadvantageous from the perspective of device handling and increased unit price. Therefore, by providing a data transmission unit 54 at the end of the branch connector 40 via a cable 55, the need for an extended flexible cable is eliminated, and by equipping the biomonitoring device with a data receiving unit, a more user-friendly product can be provided.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where a linear probe 20 is inserted into the second hole 48 of the urethral balloon catheter 100 is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Any device that extends in a linear form is acceptable, and devices other than sensors may also be inserted into the second hole 48.

[0053] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0054] 10. Catheter body; 10a. Tube section; 10b. Insertion end; 11. Tip; 12. Balloon; 14. Longitudinal hole; 15. Wall; 16. Flow path; 18. Inclined section; 20. Probe (instrument); 30. Bladder; 31. Urine; 40. Branch connector; 41. Main body; 42. Sensor connection port; 43. First hole; 44. First end; 45. Inclined surface; 46. Delivery tube; 47. Drainage tube; 48. Second hole; 49. Second end; 50. Connector; 51. Flange; 52. Tube; 53. Cylindrical part; 54. Information transmission part; 55. Cable; 60. Catheter; 61. Funnel part; 100. Urethral balloon catheter; Z, Axial direction.

Claims

1. A branch connector for a catheter, characterized in that, The branch connector has a main body and a sensor connection port. The main body has a first end portion. The sensor connection port has a second end. The first end is for mounting the catheter body and has a first hole communicating with the catheter body. At the second end, the second hole for inserting a linear device is formed into a circular shape using silicone. The sensor connection port is provided with a cylindrical connector for easy attachment and detachment from the main body. The second orifice is connected to the first orifice and has a smaller flow path area than the first orifice. An inclined surface is formed within the first end such that the opening cross-section narrows in a funnel shape towards the first hole. The flow path area of ​​the connector is larger than that of the second hole. With the main body and the sensor connection port engaged, the second hole, the connector, and the first hole are aligned in a straight line, such that the device inserted from the second hole is guided by the connector toward the first hole or the inclined surface.

2. The branch connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body and the sensor connection port are formed of elastic material, and the connector is formed of resin material.

3. The branch connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector has a flange.

4. The branch connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body is provided with a drain pipe, which is connected to the first hole and branches in a direction that intersects with the direction in which the sensor connection port is inserted into the main body.

5. The branch connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor connection port is provided with a valve, which is used to open and close the flow path connecting the connector to the second end.

6. The branch connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end has a cylindrical portion for mounting additional conduits.

7. A catheter, characterized in that, The catheter has the branch connector as described in claim 1.

8. The catheter according to claim 7, characterized in that, An information transmission unit for transmitting the detection results obtained by the sensor is provided on the outer side of the second end.

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