Connecting mechanism for releasable fluid-tight connection of two medical devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection mechanism (200) for connecting a first line portion (10) of a first medical device (400, 500a) extending along a first line axis (16) to a second line portion (82) of a second medical device (300, 500b) extending along a second line axis (86) in a releasable and fluid-tight manner, the connection mechanism (200) comprising: an engagement element (14), the engagement element (14) is arranged to be fixed on the first pipeline part (10) and is designed to engage, in an engagement position, with a reverse engagement element (84) provided on the second pipeline part (82); and a locking element (12) which is displaceable on the first line part (10) and is movable between a release position and a locking position, such that in the locking position, the locking element (12) acts on the engagement element (14), such that in the engagement position, the engagement element (14) is locked on the counter-engagement element (84), and such that in the release position, the engagement element (14) is locked on the counter-engagement element (84). The locking element (12) releases the engagement element (14) such that the engagement element (14) can be released from the engaged position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection mechanism for releasably fluid-sealingly connecting two medical devices. Background Art

[0002] There are risks associated with the percutaneous introduction of medical devices into the blood vessels of a patient. Currently, there are various known methods for introducing medical devices into blood vessels or the body. Commonly used methods include the Seldinger technique.

[0003] In each method, the flow of body fluids must be controlled when a medical device is inserted into a blood vessel in the body. Particular care must be taken when introducing a medical device into the blood system. If the blood vessel pressure is positive, blood can flow out of the medical device. The flowing-out blood can contaminate the surrounding area and also pose an infection risk to the doctor. If the blood vessel pressure is negative, the patient is at risk of air embolism.

[0004] Therefore, during surgery, medical valves such as hemostatic valves, iris valves, laparoscopic ports, etc. are needed to limit or prevent blood loss and air entry.

[0005] In addition, when a medical device is used in the body, it must also be rinsed with a sodium chloride solution, for example, or a drug is introduced into the body in liquid form through the medical device; in this application, fluid tightness must also be ensured.

[0006] The catheter sheath itself is also a medical device and is used in combination with other medical devices such as dilators and cartridges to introduce surgical instruments, implants, or active substances into the patient's body and / or the vascular system (usually an artery). The catheter sheath is designed to penetrate the skin and the blood vessel wall and can be partially positioned within the blood vessel so that surgical instruments can be inserted and advanced through the catheter sheath from outside the body. In this case, sealing the surrounding area is particularly problematic.

[0007] When two or more medical devices are connected, there is also a risk of the devices sliding relative to each other. Sliding can occur inadvertently or due to insufficient fixation between the devices. If the devices slide, it may damage the blood vessel or surrounding tissue. In addition, the position of the devices may change, resulting in the inability to insert an implant or drug. Moreover, sliding will break or open the seal between the medical devices, which will cause unnecessary body fluid leakage.

[0008] EP2569044B1 describes a catheter sheath with a hemostatic valve that can maintain hemostasis around surgical instruments with various cross-sectional diameters during surgery.

[0009] US6551283B1 discloses a medical device and instrument with a hemostatic valve and a hemostatic cannula unit. The hemostatic valve has two separate valve elements, a valve seal, and a valve membrane with complementary shapes.

[0010] US9616213B2 relates to a medical device with an adjustable hemostatic valve and system.

[0011] US9884175B2 shows a medical valve assembly that includes a tube extending between a proximal tube end and a distal tube end.

[0012] US2019 / 0070394A1 shows an expandable introducer device and a method of using the same.

[0013] US2018 / 0256876A1 shows a medical valve with a variable diameter seal. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a connection mechanism for releasable fluid-tight connection of two medical devices, which increases patient safety.

[0015] This object is achieved by a connection mechanism for releasable fluid-tight connection of a first pipeline part of a first medical device and a second pipeline part of a second medical device according to claim 1. In this case, the first pipeline part extends along a first pipeline axis, and the second pipeline part extends along a second pipeline axis. Furthermore, a coupling element is provided, which is arranged to be fixed on the first pipeline part, and the coupling element is designed to engage with a counter-coupling element provided on the second pipeline part in an engagement position. In addition, a locking element is provided on the first pipeline part, which can be displaced between a release position and a locking position. In this case, the locking element can be displaced such that in the locking position, the locking element acts on the coupling element, so that in the engagement position, the coupling element is locked to the counter-coupling element, and such that in the release position, the locking element releases the coupling element, so that the coupling element can be released from the engagement position.

[0016] This configuration enables a firm and definite connectable and releasable connection between two medical devices. This prevents the medical device from accidentally slipping into the second medical device and improves patient safety. By connecting the pipeline parts, a fluid-tight connection is achieved, and no liquid such as blood, other body fluids, or active substances leaks from the connection. Even if the internal pressure in the pipeline parts increases, the connection remains firm and tight because the engagement of the coupling element and the action of the locking element prevent the two pipeline parts from moving away from each other. In addition, when the connection mechanism is provided at the catheter sheath and the dilator, especially when using the dilator to advance the catheter sheath during a vascular intervention procedure, the connection mechanism improves patient safety.

[0017] Using the connecting mechanism according to the present invention, pipeline parts with even larger diameters than those in the prior art can be connected. Pipeline parts with an inner diameter greater than 11 French units can be firmly and fluid-tightly connected.

[0018] Preferably, the engaging element has at least one deflecting part capable of elastic bending and an engaging part. The deflecting part extends obliquely with respect to the first pipeline axis, and the engaging part extends substantially perpendicular to the first pipeline axis. The deflecting part can be at least partially conical. The engaging part is arranged at the free part of the deflecting part to form a radial surface. The engaging part also has a partially cylindrical surface, which can especially extend parallel to the first pipeline axis. Preferably, the deflecting part and the engaging part are integrally formed. In addition, the engaging element can be integrally formed with the pipeline part or connected to the pipeline part in other ways such as by adhesive bonding. In addition, it is conceivable to divide the deflecting part and / or the engaging part into segments surrounding the pipeline part. The elastic bending property of the deflecting part especially enables the connection between the first medical device and the second medical device to be released and connected multiple times.

[0019] It is conceivable that the locking element acts on the deflecting part in the locking position to limit the elastic bending property of the deflecting part. Specifically, its elastic bending property can be limited outward in the radial direction, thereby locking the engaging state of the engaging element. This provides a reliable way to fix the connecting mechanism.

[0020] Preferably, the locking element has an inner conical part, which is at least partially conical and acts on the deflecting part in the locking position. The inner cone acts on the outer side of the deflecting part, thereby limiting the bending property outward in the radial direction. In this case, the outer side of the area of the inner cone of the locking element can also be designed to be conical in the corresponding part to produce a thin-walled structure. It is also conceivable that the entire cone and / or the surface extending obliquely with respect to the axis serves as the inner side of the locking element.

[0021] Advantageously, the locking element has an actuating part that is at least partially cylindrical. This actuating part is provided for manually moving the locking element. It can also have finger recesses to facilitate operation.

[0022] Particularly preferably, a spring element is provided which presses the locking element towards the engaging element. Thus, the locking element is preferably pushed into the locked position and held in this locked position. In order to move the locking element to the release position, the locking element must be moved against the force exerted by the spring element. It is also conceivable that the locking element is pushed away from the engaging element so that it remains in the release position. Specifically, the spring element can be designed as a helical spring or an elastomer. In addition, it is conceivable that the spring element is integrally formed with the locking element. Preferably, the spring element is arranged between the actuating part and the pipeline part. By applying a spring load to the locking element towards the engaging element, a reliable fixing and a defined positioning of the fluid-tight connection can be achieved.

[0023] Preferably, the first pipeline part is designed such that, in the engaged position, the first pipeline part at least partially projects into the second pipeline part. This ensures a fluid-tight connection between the two pipeline parts. Specifically, the end of the second pipeline part can be closed by a valve element through which the first pipeline part passes, thereby achieving a fluid-tight connection to the surrounding area.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the connecting mechanism includes a counter-engaging element which is arranged to be fixed to the second pipeline part and is designed to engage with an engaging element provided on the first pipeline part in the engaged position. Preferably, the counter-engaging element can be designed to correspond to the engaging element. The ability to engage the engaging element into the counter-engaging element ensures a firm and fluid-tight connection.

[0025] The counter-engaging element preferably has a double cone which has a first cone part that is at least partially conical and a second cone part that is at least partially conical.

[0026] The first cone part widens to a maximum diameter along the second pipeline axis, and the second cone part follows this maximum diameter and decreases to a smaller diameter along the second pipeline axis. The first cone part and the second cone part are preferably designed as frustum cones. It is conceivable that the minimum diameter of the second cone part is greater than the minimum diameter of the first cone part. Since the counter-engaging element is designed as a double cone, the engaging element can be elastically deformed in the region of the deflection part when the connection is established and at least partially regain its original shape when the locked position is established. In addition, the advantage of the double-cone design is that a connection can be established regardless of the rotational positions of the engaging element and the counter-engaging element.

[0027] It is conceivable that the second cone part is followed by a cylinder part which is at least partially cylindrical. This cylinder part is suitable for a defined engagement with the cylindrical inner surface of the joint.

[0028] Preferably, in the locked position, the engaging portion interacts with the second conical portion or with the cylindrical portion. The second conical portion and / or the cylindrical portion can be designed such that the engaging element is elastically deformed in the engaged position, thereby applying a force to maintain the connection.

[0029] Preferably, the engaging element abuts against the reverse engaging element in the engaged position, and / or the deflecting portion at least partially abuts against the first conical portion. The connection can be further fixed by a defined contact between the inner surface and the first conical portion in the engaged position, so that even the slightest movement between the engaging element and the reverse engaging element can be prevented during the use of the medical device.

[0030] It is conceivable that a housing portion is provided, which is arranged on or forms the second pipeline portion, and the reverse engaging element is arranged on the housing portion. It is also conceivable that a hemostatic valve element is provided in the housing portion, designed such that in the engaged position, the first pipeline portion at least partially penetrates into the second pipeline portion and passes through the hemostatic valve element. In addition, when the second pipeline portion is not connected to the first pipeline portion, the valve element seals the second pipeline portion from the surrounding area in a fluid-tight manner. The valve element can be designed as a silicone disk with star-shaped or other cutouts, which do not impair the sealing effect but ensure a defined penetration of the first pipeline portion. Preferably, at least two valve elements are provided in the housing portion. More preferably, the valve elements are arranged to rotate relative to each other about the second pipeline axis. This further improves the fluid-tight connection.

[0031] Further details and advantageous embodiments of the present invention can be found in the following description, on the basis of which the embodiments of the present invention are described and explained in more detail. Description of the Drawings

[0032] In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 is a side view of the first pipeline portion of the locking element with the engaging element and the locking mechanism;

[0034] Figure 2 is according to Figure 1 the rear view of the arrangement;

[0035] Figure 3 is according to Figure 1 the front view of the arrangement as seen from the direction of the engaging element;

[0036] Figure 4 shows the arrangement according to Figure 1 wherein the locking element is in the locked position;

[0037] Figure 5 shows the arrangement according to Figure 3arrangement, where the locking element is in the released position;

[0038] Figure 6 shows an arrangement according to Figure 3 with longitudinal cutting engagement elements;

[0039] Figure 7 is a front view of the reverse engagement element of the locking mechanism;

[0040] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of the reverse engagement element with a housing part and a second pipeline part;

[0041] Figure 9 shows the hemostatic valve element in the housing part;

[0042] Figure 10 shows the first pipeline part connected to the second pipeline part, where the locking element is in the locked position;

[0043] Figure 11 shows an arrangement according to Figure 10 where the locking element is in the released position;

[0044] Figure 12 shows the reverse engagement element arranged on the catheter sleeve;

[0045] Figure 13 shows the engagement element arranged on the dilator;

[0046] Figure 14 shows the cartridge, where the engagement element and the reverse engagement element are arranged at opposite ends of the pipeline part;

[0047] Figure 15 shows that the catheter sleeve according to Figure 12 is connected to the cartridge according to Figure 14 by a connecting mechanism. Detailed Description

[0048] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 a side view and a rear view of the first pipeline part 10 with the locking element 12 are shown. The locking element 12 surrounds the engagement element 14, which is arranged to be fixed on the first pipeline part 10 and is shown in different views in Figures 3 to 6 The first pipeline part 10 is arranged along the first pipeline axis 16 and can be part of a first medical device, for example, as shown by reference numeral 400 and reference numeral 500 in Figure 13 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15

[0049] ​The first pipeline section 10 protrudes from the front side 15 of the arrangement of the locking element 12 and the engaging element 14. The locking element 12 consists of two connectable components 18, 20; however, it is also conceivable for the locking element 12 to consist of more than two components or be integrally formed (not shown). The components 18, 20 are designed as half-shell parts, each surrounding half of the pipeline section 10, and are precisely connected to each other by a snap connection 22. A separation point 24 is provided between the two components 18, 20, and this separation point 24 lies in the plane in which the first pipeline axis 16 is located. The components 18, 20 can also be connected together by adhesive bonding (not shown in the figure).

[0050] The locking element 12 is capable of shifting along the axis 16. For manual shifting, the cylindrical actuating part 26 is provided with a concave gripping part 28. With the aid of this concave gripping part 28, an operator, such as a doctor, can safely operate and move the locking element 12. In addition, an outer conical part 30 is provided, which is formed to correspond to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 the conical inner part 32 shown in, so that the locking element 12 is thin and light and the ergonomics are improved.

[0051] Figure 3 The view shows the arrangement of the first pipeline section 10, the engaging element 14, and the locking element 12 when looking at the locking element 12 along the axis 16 from the front. The engaging element 14 has a deformable part 40 that can be elastically bent and an engaging part 42, and this engaging part 42 is also shown in Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 . In this embodiment, the engaging part 42 and the deformable part 40 are integrally formed, but it is also conceivable to design the deformable part 40 and the engaging part as two-piece and / or made of different materials. The engaging part 42 is formed radially away from the axis 16 and forms a surface 44 facing the front side 15. In addition, the engaging part 42 has an inner contour 46, and this inner contour 46 can specifically be in the shape of a lip. The engaging part 42 and the deformable part 40 are divided into four segments that are evenly arranged around the axis 16. However, it is conceivable to provide only one segment, two segments, or more than four segments and / or not arrange these segments evenly around the axis 16.

[0052] Figure 4 The figure shows according to Figure 1However, there is no view of the half-shell 18 that locks the element 12. The engaging element 14 is arranged on the first pipeline section 10 and is shown as being surrounded by the locking element 12. The cylindrical part 48 is arranged adjacent to the deformed part 40. At this part 48, the engaging element 14 is arranged to be fixed on the first pipeline section 10; this can be achieved especially by adhesive bonding. A helical spring 50 surrounding the part 48 is shown. On the one hand, the helical spring 50 abuts against the front side 15 of the contact part 52 of the locking element 12, and on the other hand, the helical spring 50 abuts against the circumferential collar 54 of the cylindrical part 48 of the engaging element 14 away from the front side 15. In this case, the helical spring 50 pushes the locking element 12 against the engaging element 14, causing the locking element to enter the locking position. In the locking position, the inner part 32 at least partially abuts against the outer conical part 56 of the deflected part 40 and restricts or prevents the elastic deformation of the deflected part 40 radially outward. In addition, the deflected part 40 has an inner conical part 58.

[0053] Figure 5 A view according to Figure 4 is shown, but the locking element 12 is in the released position. The helical spring 50 is compressed, and the locking element 12 retracts along the axis 16 away from the front side 15. In addition to the helical spring 50, other spring elements are also conceivable. For example, the spring element can also be integrally formed with the locking element 12 or the engaging element 14 (not shown). In the released position, the inner part 32 does not abut against the outer conical part 56, so that the deflected part 40 can be elastically deflected radially outward according to the dashed line 60. For this purpose, the entire deflected part 40 can be deformed, or a firm connection is formed in the transition region 62 of the part 48 of the deflected part 40. A window-shaped material recess 64 is provided in the region of the deflected part 40, so that only thin webs 66 are left, and these thin webs contribute to the deformation. In addition, in addition to the conical regions 32, 56, 58 and the partially rotationally symmetric geometries of the deflected part 40 and the locking element 12, it is also conceivable to provide simple corresponding surfaces (not shown) that extend obliquely with respect to the axis 16.

[0054] Figure 6 A view according to Figure 4 is shown, in which the engaging element 14 is shown in cross-section. The inner contour 42 on the engaging part 42 is clearly visible. In order to improve the sliding at the surface of the corresponding reverse engaging element 84 (as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 ), the inner contour 42 is preferably circular at the edges 68, 70 facing away from and towards the front side 15.

[0055] Figures 7 to 9 The reverse engaging element 84 is shown in various views and cross-sections. Figure 7A view is shown looking from the front side 80 towards the reverse engagement element 84 surrounding the second pipeline section 82. The second pipeline section 82 is formed along the second pipeline axis 86 and can be part of a second medical device or can be formed in part by a medical device and / or the reverse engagement element 84.

[0056] The second medical device is shown Figure 12 in the form of a catheter sleeve 300 and Figure 14 in the form of a cartridge 500. Further, Figure 15 in, the catheter sleeve 300 and the cartridge are shown connected to each other. A hemostatic valve element 88 is arranged in the pipeline section 82 for sealing the second pipeline section 82.

[0057] Figure 8 A longitudinal section through the reverse engagement element 84 and the housing part 90 is shown, with the reverse engagement element 84 arranged on the housing part 90. The reverse engagement element 84 has a first cone part 92 which widens from the front side 80 along the axis 86 from the diameter D of the pipeline section 82 to a maximum diameter 94. However, the minimum diameter 96 of the first cone part 92 can also be greater than the diameter D. A second cone part 98 is arranged directly at the maximum diameter 94. The second cone part 98 tapers along the axis 86 to a minimum diameter 100. This is followed by a cylindrical part 102 with a diameter of 100. In addition to the first cone part 92, the second cone part 98 and the cylindrical part 102, other non-rotationally symmetric geometries can be envisaged, such as surfaces (not shown) extending obliquely with respect to the axis 86.

[0058] The reverse engagement element 84 can be arranged at the housing part 90 by means of a connecting element 104. The connecting element 104 can in particular be a thread; other types of connections such as snaps or clips are conceivable. Further, by assembling the reverse engagement element 84 to the housing part 90, in particular by screwing or clamping the reverse engagement element 84 to the housing part 90, the valve element 88 can be clamped in a fluid-tight manner. To ensure a firm seal, at least one valve element 88 is provided, but preferably two valve elements 88 are provided.

[0059] Figure 9Shows various hemostatic valve elements 88 arranged in a housing part 90, where the reverse engagement element 84 has been unscrewed and is not shown. To provide an anti-twist arrangement for the valve elements 88, pin-shaped elements 106 are provided in the housing part 90, and these pin-shaped elements 106 correspond to corresponding holes 108 in the valve elements 88. In the valve element 88, a self-sealing channel 110 is provided around the axis 86 in the region of the second pipeline part 82, and this channel enables the first pipeline part 10 or other medical devices 400, 500a to pass through in a fluid-tight manner. The incision can be formed as a perforation 112 or a star-shaped incision 114. In addition, the valve element 88 can be arranged offset relative to the axis 86 to ensure further enhanced sealing.

[0060] Figure 10 Shows a longitudinal section of the first pipeline part 10, which is fluid-tightly connected to the second pipeline part 82 through a connecting mechanism 200. The engagement element 14 is in an engaged position with the reverse engagement element 84. The inner conical part 58 abuts against the first conical part 92. The inner contour 46 of the engagement part 42 abuts against the cylindrical part 102. Since the diameter 100 can be larger than the diameter of the inner contour 46, the deformed part 40 can be deformed in the engaged position. The locking element 12 is pushed by a spring 50 against the outer conical part 56 of the deformed part 40, making it impossible for the deformed part 40 to be further deformed. Therefore, this connection is not releasable and does not allow any relative movement between the pipeline parts 10, 82 along the axes 16, 86.

[0061] Due to the at least partially rotationally symmetric structures of the engagement element 14, the reverse engagement element 84, and the locking element 12, even when the connecting mechanism 200 is in the engaged position and the connection is established, the components 12, 14, 84 can still rotate relative to each other around the axes 16, 86. Even when torsion occurs, the connection remains fluid-tight. This is very advantageous when the position needs to be changed during insertion into the body. In addition, the establishment and release of the connection 200 are independent of the rotational position around the axes 16, 86. In the region of the connecting mechanism 200, the first pipeline axis 16 coincides with the second pipeline axis 86. The first pipeline part 10 extends into the second pipeline part 82 and penetrates into the valve element 88, and the valve element 88 can penetrate into and / or be displaced into the cavity 202. This improves the sealing and simplifies the insertion of the first pipeline part 10. The valve element 88 at least partially contacts the outer side 204 of the first pipeline part 10 with the channel 110 and seals the connection with the surrounding part 206. A second cavity (not shown) can be provided on the opposite side of the cavity 202 facing the front side 80. This second cavity can simplify the withdrawal of the first pipeline part 10 when separating the connection and reduce the wear of the valve element 88.

[0062] Figure 11 Shows according to Figure 10view, but the locking element 12 is shifted to the release position. The spring 50 is compressed. To release the connection, the locking element must be moved from the Figure 10 shown locking position to the release position in the direction of arrow 208. The concave gripping portion 28 and / or the actuating portion 26 are adapted to pull the locking element. This releases the engaging element 12. If the pulling continues in the direction 208, due to the surface contact between the inner profile 46 and the second cone portion 98, the deflecting portion 40 elastically deflects radially outwardly according to the pipeline 60, and the connection is released from the engaged position. Once the engaging portion 42 having the inner profile 46 has overcome the maximum diameter 94, the deflecting portion 40 will return to its Figure 4 shown initial position. If the pulling continues in the direction 208, the first pipeline portion 10 slides out of the second pipeline portion 82 and the valve element 88, and the connection is separated. In the separated state, the second pipeline portion 88 is sealed with the surrounding portion 206 through the valve element 88.

[0063] To further improve the operability, a concave gripping portion 210 is also provided at the housing portion 90. This is advantageous when the housing portion 90 is arranged at or forms a medical device, and the medical device is inserted into the body and will not be pulled out when the connection is separated. To establish the connection, the first pipeline portion 10 must first be inserted into the second pipeline portion 86 in the reverse engaging element 84 in the opposite direction of the arrow 208, and then the locking element 12 must be retracted to the release position in the direction of the arrow 208, so as to achieve the deformability of the deflecting portion 40. The deflecting portion 40 is deformed by the first cone portion 92 and at least partially reshaped by the second cone portion 98 in the engaged position. Once the engaging element 14 is in the engaged position, the locking element 12 can be released, so that the spring 50 pushes it towards the engaging element 14 into the locking position and locks it as described. To further improve the operability of the connection mechanism 200, it can be envisaged that the arrangements of the locking element 12, the engaging element 14 and the spring 50 are coordinated such that the connection can be established without retracting the locking element 12. In this embodiment, pushing the engaging element 14 to the first cone portion 92 causes the deformation of the engaging element 14 and the displacement of the locking element 12, so that it is not necessary to retract the locking element 12 in advance. However, to separate the connection, the locking element 12 must be retracted. This can be achieved by different angles α of the first cone portion 92 relative to the axis 86 and different angles β of the second cone portion 98 relative to the axis 86.

[0064] Figure 12Shows a second medical device in the form of a catheter sleeve 300 with a housing part 90, which housing part 90 has a valve element 88 and a reverse engagement element 84. A second pipeline part 82 is partly formed by the reverse engagement element 84 and the housing part 90. The insertion tube 302 is arranged on the housing part 90 on the front side 80 facing away from the reverse engagement element 84, and this insertion tube 302 continues the pipeline part 86 to its end 304. The pipeline part 86 leads to an opening 306 at the free end 304. The length and inner diameter of the insertion tube 302 can vary according to the use. In addition, the insertion tube 302 can be preformed according to the required purpose and made rigid or flexible. Inside the housing part 90, a branch 308 branched off from the pipeline part 86 is provided, and a three-way valve 310 is arranged at the branching point. Through the three-way valve 310, the pipeline part 86 can be flushed, active substances can be injected, and liquids can be aspirated and sucked.

[0065] Figure 13 Shows a first medical device in the form of a dilator 400, which dilator 400 has a dilator body 402 and a tip 404 for dilating a passage in tissue when inserted into the body. The engagement element 14 and the locking element 12 are arranged on the dilator body 402, and the dilator body 402 forms a first pipeline part 10. In addition, a Luer connector 406 is arranged at the engagement element 14, and this Luer connector continues the pipeline part 10. The pipeline part 10 is continuous from the Luer connector 406 to the tip 404. A syringe (not shown) for injection - especially for flushing - can be connected to the Luer connector 406. In addition, a guide wire (not shown) can be inserted into the pipeline part 10 of the dilator 300 for insertion into the body.

[0066] The dilator 400 is suitable for being connected to the catheter sleeve 300 through a connection mechanism 200 so as to safely introduce the catheter sleeve 300 into the body. The dilator 400 also prevents the insertion tube 302 from kinking when inserted into the body. After insertion, the dilator 300 can be safely separated from the catheter sleeve 300 through the connection mechanism 200 and withdrawn without the risk of body fluid leakage and / or air embolism.

[0067] Figure 14A cartridge 500 is shown that includes a first medical device 500a and a second medical device 500b. A first medical device 500a is formed at one end and a second medical device 500b is formed at the other end, wherein a coupling element 14, a locking element 12, a reverse coupling element 84, and a housing portion 90 are arranged at a common line portion 502. For the line portion 502, the description of the line portion 10 applies to the area of the coupling element 14, and the description of the line portion 82 applies to the area of the housing portion 90 and the reverse coupling element 84. The cartridge 500 is adapted to be connected to a catheter sleeve 300 by a connection mechanism 200. The cartridge 500 can receive an active substance or an implant in the line portion 502, and these active substances or implants can be introduced into a specific anatomical location in the body through the catheter sleeve 300. Such a cartridge 500 with a connection mechanism 200 of a component enables connection to other medical devices such as other cartridges 500, so as to extend the catheter sleeve 300 to the surrounding site 206 in a fluid-tight manner.

[0068] Figure 15 A cartridge 500 connected to a catheter sleeve 300 by a connection mechanism 200 is shown. The locking element 14 is in the locked position. The common line portion 502 can be regarded as the first line portion 10 and is firmly connected to the second line portion 86 in a fluid-tight manner. To release the connection, the same applies to the content described in Figure 10 and Figure 11 . It can be seen that additional first medical devices 500a, 400 including the arrangement of the coupling element 14, the locking element 12, and the line portion 10 can be arranged at the free coupling element 84 at the proximal end of the cartridge 500 at the second medical device 500b. It is also conceivable that two or more cartridges 500 can be connected to each other and arranged one after another.

[0069] With the shown connection mechanism 200, various medical devices such as a catheter sleeve 300, a dilator 400, and / or a cartridge 500 can be connected in a fluid-tight and firm manner and the connection can be released again. In addition, regardless of the rotational position of the medical devices relative to their respective axes 10, 86, 502, the connection can be established, the connection can be released, and / or the medical devices can be rotated relative to each other. This improves the safety of patients using the medical devices 300, 400, 500 with the connection mechanism 200.

Claims

1. A connection mechanism (200) for releasably and fluid-tightly connecting a first pipeline section (10) extending along a first pipeline axis (16) of a first medical device (400, 500a) to a second pipeline section (82) extending along a second pipeline axis (86) of a second medical device (300, 500b), the connection mechanism (200) comprising: An engaging element (14) arranged to be fixed to the first pipeline section (10) and designed to engage with a reverse engaging element (84) provided on the second pipeline section (82) in an engaged position; And A locking element (12) displaceable on the first pipeline section (10) and movable between a release position and a locking position such that: In the locking position, the locking element (12) acts on the engaging element (14) so that in the engaged position, the engaging element (14) is locked to the reverse engaging element (84), and In the release position, the locking element (12) releases the engaging element (14) so that the engaging element (14) can be released from the engaged position.

2. The connecting mechanism (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The engaging element (14) has at least one deflectable part (40) that can be elastically bent and an engaging part (42), the deflectable part (40) extending obliquely with respect to the first pipeline axis (16), and the engaging part (42) extending substantially perpendicular to the first pipeline axis (16).

3. The connecting mechanism (200) according to claim 2, wherein, The locking element (12) acts on the deflectable part (40) in the locking position to limit the elastic bendability of the deflectable part (40).

4. The connecting mechanism (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The locking element (12) has an inner conical part (32) that is at least partially conical and the inner conical part (32) acts on the deflectable part (40) in the locking position.

5. The connecting mechanism (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The locking element (12) has an actuating part (26) that is at least partially cylindrical.

6. The connecting mechanism (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A spring element (50) is provided that pushes the locking element (12) towards the engaging element (14).

7. The connecting mechanism (200) according to claim 6, wherein, The first pipeline section (10) is designed such that in the engaged position it at least partially extends into the second pipeline section (82).

8. The connection mechanism (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, the connection mechanism (200) having a reverse engaging element (84) arranged to be fixed to the second pipeline section (82), the reverse engaging element (84) being designed to engage with the engaging element (14) provided on the first pipeline section (10) in the engaged position.

9. The connecting mechanism (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The reverse engaging element (84) has a double cone having a first conical part (92) that is at least partially conical and a second conical part (98) that is at least partially conical.

10. The connecting mechanism (200) according to claim 9, wherein, The second conical part (98) is adjacent to a cylindrical part (102) that is at least partially cylindrical.

11. The connecting mechanism (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the locked position, the engaging part (42) interacts with the second conical part (98) or the cylindrical part (102).

12. The connecting mechanism (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the engaged position, the engaging element (14) is arranged against the reverse engaging element (84); and / or wherein the deflecting part (40) is arranged at least partially against the first conical part (92).

13. The connecting mechanism (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A housing part (90) is provided, which is arranged on or forms the second pipeline part (82), wherein the reverse engaging element (84) is arranged on the housing part (90), wherein a hemostatic valve element (88) is provided in the housing part (90), and wherein the hemostatic valve element (88) is designed such that in the engaged position, the first pipeline part (10) at least partially penetrates into the second pipeline part (82) and passes through the hemostatic valve element (88).

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