Disposable sputum suction tube matched with bronchoscope

Abstract

The present invention provides a disposable bronchoscope suction tube, the disposable bronchoscope suction tube including a flexible tube body, the tube body defining a fitting channel, the fitting channel being adapted to the bronchoscope insertion tube, so that the tube body can be connected to the bronchoscope insertion tube through the fitting channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope suction catheter. Background Technology

[0002] A bronchoscope is a medical device inserted through the mouth or nose into a patient's lower respiratory tract for observation, biopsy sampling, bacteriological and cytological examination of lesions in the lobes, segments, and subsegments of the lungs. When used with a TV system, it can be used for photography, teaching, and dynamic recording. In clinical scenarios requiring fiberoptic / electronic bronchoscopes (fiberoptic bronchoscopes), such as difficult endotracheal intubation in the field of anesthesia, the bronchoscope's suction channel can aspirate secretions from the oropharyngeal airways during intubation, resulting in a clearer bronchoscope view and improving the success rate of intubation. In critically ill patients, fiberoptic bronchoscopes can also aspirate pulmonary and tracheal secretions and sputum under guidance, improving oxygenation.

[0003] Currently, some fiberoptic bronchoscopes used in clinical practice have built-in suction channels, which can theoretically be used for sputum suction, while others do not. For fiberoptic bronchoscopes with built-in suction channels, the diameter of the insertion tube is generally small, making it difficult to effectively clear secretions from the mouth, pharynx, and airway in some cases. Furthermore, the suction channel needs to be cleaned and disinfected after each use; incomplete cleaning and disinfection can easily lead to cross-infection. Fiberoptic bronchoscopes without suction channels cannot be used for sputum suction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a disposable bronchoscope suction tube, the disposable bronchoscope suction tube including a flexible tube body, the tube body defining a fitting channel, the fitting channel being adapted to the bronchoscope insertion tube, so that the tube body can be connected to the bronchoscope insertion tube through the fitting channel.

[0005] Furthermore, the fitting channel is defined by the outer wall of the tube.

[0006] Furthermore, a through hole is provided on the side wall of one end of the tube.

[0007] Furthermore, the outer wall of the tube body has a smooth transition in the circumferential direction.

[0008] Furthermore, the flexibility of the tube body is superior to that of the bronchoscope insertion tube it is matched with.

[0009] Furthermore, the disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope suction catheter also includes a connector assembly, one end of which is connected to the tube body, and the other end is adapted to connect to an external tubing.

[0010] Furthermore, the pipe body includes a buffer section, the wall thickness of which is less than the wall thickness of the rest of the pipe body.

[0011] Furthermore, the disposable bronchoscope suction tube also includes a node fixation component. The node fixation component is provided with a first channel and a second channel. The first channel and the second channel are respectively adapted to the tube body and the bronchoscope insertion tube, so that the node fixation component can connect the tube body and the bronchoscope insertion tube at the same time.

[0012] Furthermore, the node fixation component includes a first port, a second port, and a third port, wherein the channel between the first port and the second port is defined as the first channel, and the channel between the first port and the third port is defined as the second channel.

[0013] Furthermore, the hardness of the node retaining component is higher than that of the tube body.

[0014] The disposable bronchoscope suction catheter of this invention has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and is compatible with various current bronchoscope products. For bronchoscopes without a suction channel, it expands their functionality, allowing suctioning during bronchoscopy. For bronchoscopes with a built-in suction channel, it provides an effective suction channel when the diameter of the suction channel is too small to effectively clear secretions from the patient's mouth, pharynx, and airway. During bronchoscopy, the built-in suction channel is not required, greatly reducing the workload of cleaning and disinfecting the bronchoscope. Furthermore, the disposable suction catheter minimizes the risk of cross-infection.

[0015] The following will further explain the concept, specific structure, and technical effects of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, features, and effects of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope and suction catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention, which also shows the fiberoptic bronchoscope it is matched with.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one end of the suction catheter for a disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Another perspective on the structure;

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after the suction catheter of a disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope is connected to the fiberoptic bronchoscope.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 4A schematic diagram of the structure of one end of the disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope's suction catheter after it is connected to the fiberoptic bronchoscope.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the other end of the suction catheter for a disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the node fixation component of the suction catheter for a disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope;

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the node fixation component of the suction catheter for a disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope;

[0024] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 10—Disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope with suction catheter.

[0027] 110——tube body,

[0028] 120 – Attraction Channel

[0029] 130—Matching Channel

[0030] 140 - Opening

[0031] 150 - Through hole

[0032] 160 — Connector assembly

[0033] 170—Node holding assembly,

[0034] 171—Port 1

[0035] 172 – Second port

[0036] 173 – Third port,

[0037] 174—Opening,

[0038] 20—Fiberoptic bronchoscope,

[0039] 200 — Insertion tube. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. The accompanying drawings are schematic diagrams or conceptual diagrams, and the relationships between the thickness and width of each part, as well as the proportional relationships between each part, etc., are not entirely consistent with their actual values.

[0041] Figure 1 and Figure 4 An embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising a disposable bronchoscope suction catheter 10 and a matching bronchoscope thereof, wherein the disposable bronchoscope suction catheter 10 is adapted to be used in conjunction with a bronchoscope 20, specifically, the disposable bronchoscope suction catheter 10 is adapted to be used in conjunction with the insertion tube 200 of the bronchoscope 20.

[0042] The disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope suction catheter 10 includes a tube body 110, which is similar to the tube body of existing disposable suction catheters. The tube body 110 is a flexible, slender tubular structure. Unlike the round tubular structure of existing disposable suction catheters, the tube body 110 has an irregularly shaped tubular structure.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the tube wall of the tube body 110 defines both the suction channel 120 and the fitting channel 130. The suction channel 120 is defined by the inner wall of the tube body 110, and the fitting channel 130 is defined by the outer wall of the tube body 110. The suction channel 120 is used for suctioning sputum and is arranged in a closed loop in the circumferential direction. The fitting channel 130 is used to connect with the insertion tube 200 of the fiberoptic bronchoscope 20 and is arranged in an open loop in the circumferential direction.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, the channel size of the fitting channel 130 is adapted to the outer diameter of the insertion tube 200, allowing the insertion tube 200 to be positioned within the fitting channel 130. The size of the open loop 140 of the fitting channel 130 is smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion tube 200. Combined with the flexibility of the tube body 110, the insertion tube 200 can enter the fitting channel 130 from the opening 140 and fit within it, forming a state where the tube body 110 surrounds the insertion tube 200 through its outer wall. At this time, the suction channel 120 is positioned beside the insertion tube 200, and the port of the suction channel 120 can be positioned near the end of the insertion tube 200, so that suctioning can be performed using the disposable bronchoscope-compatible suction tube 10 during fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

[0045] The material used to make the tube body 110 can be the same as that used for existing disposable suction catheters, usually medical polymer materials such as silicone or polyurethane. This material allows the tube body 110 to fit tightly against the insertion tube 200 when it is connected to the insertion tube 200, i.e., when the insertion tube 200 is placed in the fitting channel 130, making it difficult for the insertion tube 200 to come out of the opening 140. At the same time, the tube body 110 needs to wrap around the length of the insertion tube 200 during use, so that there is sufficient friction between the two to prevent them from misaligning axially or circumferentially.

[0046] The flexibility of the tube body 110 must be greater than that of the insertion tube 200 so that the tube body 110 can bend accordingly with the insertion tube 200 without hindering its normal operation. The flexibility of the tube body 110 is related to factors such as its manufacturing material, size, and wall thickness. For current disposable suction catheters, it is easy to achieve a greater flexibility of the tube body 110 than that of the insertion tube 200 by adjusting these factors.

[0047] In some extreme cases, misalignment may occur between the tube body 110 and the insertion tube 200 in the axial or circumferential direction. This may occur when the insertion tube 200 undergoes extreme morphological changes during operation, such as excessive bending or torsion, which could cause separation of the tube body 110 and the insertion tube 200 at local locations. To address this, one or more buffer sections can be provided on the tube body 110. These buffer sections can be evenly distributed across the tube body 110, with a wall thickness less than that of the rest of the tube body 110. This allows the stress at the local locations that could cause misalignment between the tube body 110 and the insertion tube 200 in the axial or circumferential direction to be released through the minor deformation of the buffer sections.

[0048] In this embodiment, the outermost contour of the tube 110 is based on a circle, but other shapes such as ellipse can also be used. When the tube 110 wraps around the insertion tube 200, the overall structure is roughly cylindrical. The outer wall of the tube 110 is smoothly rounded in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the edges of the ends of the tube 110 are also rounded.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, one end of the tube body 110, specifically the end corresponding to the end of the insertion tube 200 during use, has a through hole 150 on its side wall to facilitate suctioning; as Figure 6 As shown, a connector assembly 160 is connected to the other end of the tube body 110. One end of the connector assembly 160 is shaped to fit the tube body 110 for connection. The other end of the connector assembly 160 is suitable for connection to an external tubing, such as the external tubing of a suction device. The connector at this end can adopt a commonly used structure, such as a pagoda head.

[0050] refer to Figure 4 When the tube body 110 and the insertion tube 200 are installed together, the end of the tube body 110 near the connector assembly 160 will inevitably separate from the insertion tube 200, and the tube body 110 and the insertion tube 200 will form a fork. If the tube body 110 is pulled towards the end of the insertion tube 200 at this point, the two can be easily separated. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a structure at the fork that can bind the two together.

[0051] In this embodiment, a node retaining assembly 170 is used at the bifurcation point of the tube body 110 and the insertion tube 200 to prevent the tube body 110 and the insertion tube 200 from being easily separated at the bifurcation point. Figures 7 to 9 As shown. The connecting assembly 170 generally has a three-way structure, including a first port 171, a second port 172, and a third port 173. The tube body 110 is adapted to enter through the first port 171 and exit through the second port 172, or to enter through the second port 172 and exit through the first port 171, thereby providing a first channel for the tube body 110 to pass through between the first port 171 and the second port 172. The insertion tube 200 is adapted to enter through the first port 171 and exit through the third port 173, or to enter through the third port 173 and exit through the first port 171, thereby providing a second channel for the insertion tube 200 to pass through between the first port 171 and the third port 173.

[0052] The first channel and the second channel share a common port, namely the first port 171, and separate within the node retention assembly 170, leading to the second port 172 and the third port 173 respectively. Thus, the first channel and the second channel share a common channel on the side of the node retention assembly 170 closest to the first port 171. The size of the common channel is adapted to the outer diameter of the overall structure when the tube body 110 and the insertion tube 200 are connected. The size of the first channel gradually changes after passing through the common channel to adapt to the outer diameter of the tube body 110, or it may maintain the size of the common channel. The size of the second channel gradually changes after passing through the common channel to adapt to the insertion tube 200. Preferably, the length of the second channel after passing through the common channel can be set slightly longer, which is beneficial to improving the support and stability of the node retention assembly 170.

[0053] In this embodiment, the second channel is similar to the fitting channel 130, and it is also an open-loop structure in the circumferential direction, with an opening 174. The size of the opening 174 is smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion tube 200, and the overall structure of the insertion tube 200 and the tube body 110 connected to the insertion tube 200 can enter the corresponding channel of the node retention assembly 170 from the opening 174.

[0054] The hardness of the node retention component 170 needs to be higher than that of the tube body 110 to ensure its support and stability at the bifurcation point. Simultaneously, it should possess a certain degree of elasticity or recoverable deformation to allow the insertion tube 200 and the overall structure connecting the tube body 110 and the insertion tube 200 to enter the corresponding channel of the node retention component 170 from the opening 174. However, the hardness requirement is relatively lenient. Even with higher hardness, its connection to the tube body 110 and the insertion tube 200 can be achieved through appropriate installation methods. For example, the tube body 110 can be inserted into the node retention component 170 from the second port 172 until its end reaches the position of the first port 171. Then, the insertion tube 200 can be inserted into the node retention component 170 from the third port 173 until its end reaches the position of the first port 171. At this point, the insertion tube 200 is embedded in the tube body 110 within the common channel of the node retention component 170. In channel 130, the two are connected at the ends, and then the node retention assembly 170 is gradually moved away from the end of the insertion tube 200. During this process, the corresponding part of the tube body 110 is continuously connected to the corresponding part of the insertion tube 200 until the node retention assembly 170 moves to the desired position. Therefore, in some other embodiments, the second channel of the node retention assembly 170 adopts a closed-loop structure, or the node retention assembly 170 itself has relatively high rigidity, so it can still be connected to the tube body 110 and the insertion tube 200.

[0055] The disposable bronchoscope with suction catheter in this embodiment expands the functionality of bronchoscopes without suction channels, allowing suctioning to be performed during bronchoscopy. For bronchoscopes with built-in suction channels, it provides a suitable and effective suction channel, eliminating the need for the bronchoscope to use its own suction channel, greatly reducing the workload of cleaning and disinfecting the bronchoscope. At the same time, the disposable suction catheter minimizes the risk of cross-infection.

[0056] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of the present invention without creative effort. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of the present invention through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope suction catheter, characterized in that, include: The tube has a flexible body, the outer wall of which defines a fitting channel that is adapted to the bronchoscope insertion tube and is circumferentially open-loop. The size of the open-loop opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the bronchoscope insertion tube, so that the tube can be connected to the bronchoscope insertion tube by entering the fitting channel from the open-loop opening and fitting it therein, while the tube can fit tightly against the bronchoscope insertion tube. A node retention assembly includes a first port, a second port, and a third port. A first channel is provided between the first port and the second port, and a second channel is provided between the first port and the third port. The first channel and the second channel share a common channel on the side near the first port. The size of the common channel is adapted to the outer diameter of the overall structure when the tube body and the bronchoscope insertion tube are connected. The size of the first channel gradually changes to adapt to the outer diameter of the tube body after passing through the common channel, and the size of the second channel gradually changes to adapt to the outer diameter of the bronchoscope insertion tube after passing through the common channel. The second channel has an open-loop structure in the circumferential direction, and the size of the open-loop opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the bronchoscope insertion tube, so that the bronchoscope insertion tube can enter the second channel from the open-loop opening of the second channel.

2. The disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope suction catheter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A through hole is provided on the side wall of one end of the tube.

3. The disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope suction catheter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the tube body has a smooth transition in the circumferential direction.

4. The disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope suction catheter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flexibility of the tube is greater than that of the bronchoscope insertion tube it is matched with.

5. The disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope suction catheter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a connector assembly, one end of which is connected to the pipe body and the other end is adapted to connect to an external pipeline.

6. The disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope suction catheter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe body includes a buffer section, the wall thickness of which is less than the wall thickness of the rest of the pipe body.

7. The disposable fiberoptic bronchoscope suction catheter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hardness of the node retaining component is higher than that of the tube body.

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