Visual pressure measuring catheter

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of pressure measuring catheters, and particularly discloses a visual pressure measuring catheter which comprises a pipe body and a three-way valve communicated with the pipe body, the three-way valve is further communicated with a catheter connector and a syringe connector respectively; the pipe body comprises a pressure measuring pipe and a correction pipe, the pressure measuring pipe is perpendicular to the correction pipe, the pressure measuring pipe is marked with a pressure scale line, one end of the pressure measuring pipe away from the correction pipe is provided with a gas permeable overflow stopper, and the correction pipe is connected with the three-way valve; a defoaming structure for eliminating bubbles is arranged in the pipe body. The application has the effects of simple operation, less influence of bubbles, high detection precision and high integration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pressure measurement catheter technology, and in particular to a visual pressure measurement catheter. Background Technology

[0002] Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) refers to the pressure inside the abdominal cavity. Clinically, the most common and convenient method for measuring IAP is to use a bladder catheter / urine catheter connected to a pressure measuring device to measure intravesical pressure, which indirectly reflects intra-abdominal pressure. Therefore, in clinical practice, measuring IAP usually involves measuring intravesical pressure, as this allows for both inference of IAP values ​​and assessment of the patient's urinary function.

[0003] There are two main methods for measuring intravesical pressure: the electronic sensor method and the simplified bladder manometry method (water column method). Electronic sensor method: A small amount of normal saline is injected into the bladder through a catheter, and then a pressure sensor and / or monitor are connected to record the readings. Water column method: The patient lies completely supine, and the catheter and the pressure measuring tube are connected via a three-way valve. Normal saline is injected into the bladder using a syringe through the three-way valve. The syringe is then closed, and the catheter and pressure measuring tube are opened, ensuring the measuring tube remains vertical. The height of the liquid column in the measuring tube is observed; this height (cm) is approximately equal to the intravesical pressure (mmHg).

[0004] Although the water column method has lower accuracy and cannot be continuously monitored compared to the electronic sensor method, it has simpler equipment, lower cost, and faster measurement speed, making it more suitable for scenarios with limited resources or those requiring rapid screening.

[0005] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, the inventors believe that the following defects exist: In order to maintain the vertical state of the pressure measuring tube and take readings during water column testing, the pressure measuring tube and the ruler need to be fixed on the support. Moreover, when zeroing before testing, it is necessary to visually estimate or use a straight rod to align the zero mark with the patient's pubic symphysis, resulting in low integration between various structures, a more complex testing process, and easy interference from air bubbles in the liquid during readings, affecting the testing accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the issues of complex testing processes and the susceptibility of testing accuracy to air bubbles, this application provides a visual pressure-measuring conduit.

[0007] The visual pressure-measuring catheter provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A visual pressure-measuring catheter includes a tube body and a three-way valve communicating with the tube body, wherein the three-way valve is also connected to a urinary catheter connector and a syringe connector respectively.

[0009] The tube body includes a pressure measuring tube and a calibration tube. The pressure measuring tube is perpendicular to the calibration tube. The pressure measuring tube is marked with pressure scale lines. A venting and overflow prevention element is provided at the end of the pressure measuring tube away from the calibration tube. The calibration tube is connected to the three-way valve.

[0010] The tube body is equipped with an anti-foaming structure for eliminating air bubbles.

[0011] Optionally, a float adapted to the pressure measuring tube is provided inside the pressure measuring tube.

[0012] Optionally, the defoaming structure is a hydrophilic layer disposed on the inner wall of the pressure measuring tube.

[0013] Optionally, the overflow stopper is provided with a sealing mechanism. When the float rises to its highest point, the sealing mechanism seals the overflow stopper, preventing liquid from passing through it.

[0014] Optionally, the inner wall of the correction tube is provided with a buffer block for reducing the liquid flow rate.

[0015] Optionally, the calibration tube includes a horizontal arm and a U-shaped bend, and the U-shaped bend of the calibration tube is inverted when the overflow stop end of the pressure measuring tube is facing upward.

[0016] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0017] 1. A specified amount of normal saline is injected into the bladder using a syringe. Then, the syringe is closed, the catheter and tubing are opened, and the calibration tube is positioned directly over the pubic symphysis while the pressure measuring tube remains vertical. At this point, the normal saline flows into the tubing due to the pressure inside the bladder and forms a liquid surface in the pressure measuring tube. Once the liquid surface stabilizes, medical staff can observe the position of the liquid surface to determine the bladder pressure value. Throughout the process, the defoaming structure effectively eliminates air bubbles in the liquid and on the inner wall of the pressure measuring tube. When the calibration tube is positioned over the pubic symphysis, the connecting tube can be moved to allow the calibration tube to align with the pubic symphysis, thereby improving the zeroing accuracy. The detection process is relatively simple to operate, less affected by air bubbles, has high detection accuracy, and high integration.

[0018] 2. The hydrophilic layer effectively suppresses the generation of air bubbles, thus preventing them from interfering with the readings and avoiding changes in the effective volume of the liquid column caused by air bubbles on the inner wall of the pressure measuring tube, which could lead to a falsely high liquid column height. Conventional pressure measuring tubes typically lack a coating or have a hydrophobic layer inside to reduce liquid adhesion and quickly stabilize the liquid level. However, this application uses a hydrophilic layer to induce liquid adhesion when the liquid level fluctuates, increasing both retention time and volume. This allows medical personnel to infer the highest pressure within the bladder by observing the highest point of adhesion after the liquid level stabilizes, and simultaneously determine the current pressure by observing the float position, thus obtaining more detailed data.

[0019] 3. When the liquid in the pressure measuring tube reaches the maximum measurement value, the float and the overflow stop are pressed together. Since the float and the pressure measuring tube are compatible, the float blocks most of the liquid. The small amount of liquid that rises through the tiny gap between the float and the pressure measuring tube due to capillary action is absorbed by the water-absorbing particles. After absorbing water, the water-absorbing particles expand and block the porous flow channels, further preventing the liquid from flowing out of the pressure measuring tube. That is, when the liquid column in the pressure measuring tube reaches 25 mmHg, the float and the sealing component provide double protection against the liquid, effectively preventing leakage caused by biological hazards.

[0020] 4. When the liquid enters the calibration tube at high speed, the buffer block effectively slows down the liquid flow rate, preventing the float from fluctuating too much due to inertia and other factors. At the same time, the damping effect of the buffer block effectively suppresses the float oscillation caused by pressure fluctuations in the urinary system due to factors such as coughing and breathing, and speeds up the float stabilization speed, thereby reducing detection errors and speeding up the detection process.

[0021] 5. As liquid enters the connecting tube through the three-way valve, the U-shaped bend traps air bubbles without affecting the height of the liquid column in the pressure measuring tube, thus reducing the amount of gas entering the tube and further suppressing gas generation. Simultaneously, before taking a reading, medical personnel can look down at the highest point of the U-shaped bend. If the bubbles gathered at the highest point of the U-shaped bend are located in the middle of the horizontal circle, the pressure measuring tube is vertical; if the bubbles are not located in the middle of the horizontal circle, the pressure measuring tube is tilted. This structure is simple and requires no additional manual operation. Furthermore, the U-shaped bend's function of collecting pre-existing gas reduces the probability of subsequent bubble generation. Combined with the hydrophilic layer of the pressure measuring tube, this effectively prevents the formation of air bubbles within the tube. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the tube used in this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram used in this application to illustrate the closed mechanism;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram used in this application to illustrate the U-shaped bend of the connecting pipe.

[0026] Reference numerals: 1. Tube body; 11. Pressure measuring tube; 12. Calibration tube; 13. Connecting tube; 2. Three-way valve; 21. Catheter connector; 22. Syringe connector; 3. Anti-overflow component; 4. Float; 5. Buffer block; 6. Horizontal ring; 71. Elastic membrane; 72. Vent hole; 73. Vent channel. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0028] This application discloses a visual pressure-measuring catheter. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The visual pressure-measuring catheter includes a tube body 1 and a three-way valve 2 connected to the tube body 1. The three-way valve 2 is also connected to a catheter connector 21 and a syringe connector 22. The tube body 1 includes a pressure measuring tube 11, a calibration tube 12, and a connecting tube 13. The pressure measuring tube 11 and the calibration tube 12 are perpendicular. Both the pressure measuring tube 11 and the calibration tube 12 are transparent rigid tubes. The materials of the pressure measuring tube 11 and the calibration tube 12 can be glass or plastic. The connecting tube 13 is a transparent flexible tube. The pressure measuring tube 11 is marked with pressure scale lines. The end of the pressure measuring tube 11 away from the calibration tube 12 is provided with a breathable anti-overflow component 3. The connecting tube 13 is connected to the three-way valve 2. The tube body 1 is provided with an anti-foaming structure for eliminating air bubbles.

[0029] The pressure scale is converted to intrabladder pressure and the unit is mmHg. The highest scale of this application is 25 mmHg. Multicolored transparent lines or multicolored transparent partition markings or multicolored stickers can also be set on the pressure measuring tube 11 for partitioning. The partitioning is based on the IAH level. For example, 12-15 mmHg is the green zone (Level I), 16-20 mmHg is the yellow zone (Level II), 21-25 mmHg is the red zone (Level III), and above 25 mmHg has reached the maximum limit of the pressure measuring tube 11 (>25 mmHg is the highest level, Level IV).

[0030] Specifically, when testing intrabladder pressure, both the catheter and syringe are connected to the three-way valve 2. The three-way valve 2 is closed to the tube body 1, while the syringe and catheter are open. A specified amount of saline solution is then injected into the bladder through the syringe. The syringe is then closed, the catheter and tube body 1 are opened, and the calibration tube 12 is positioned directly above the pubic symphysis. The pressure measuring tube 11 remains vertical. At this point, the saline solution flows into the tube body 1 under the influence of intrabladder pressure, forming a liquid level in the pressure measuring tube 11. Once the liquid level stabilizes, medical personnel can observe the liquid level to determine the intrabladder pressure value. Throughout the process, the defoaming structure effectively eliminates air bubbles in the liquid and on the inner wall of the pressure measuring tube 11. When the calibration tube 12 is aligned with the pubic symphysis, the connecting tube 13 can be moved to allow the calibration tube 12 to be aligned with the pubic symphysis, thus improving zeroing accuracy. The testing process is relatively simple, less affected by air bubbles, has high accuracy, and high integration.

[0031] Reference Figure 2The pressure measuring tube 11 contains a float 4 that is compatible with it. The surface of the float 4 can be brightly colored; in this application, it is red to facilitate observation by medical personnel when the pressure is below level III. A pressure of level III or higher indicates that immediate surgery is required. As the fluid rises within the pressure measuring tube 11, it pushes the float 4 upwards. The bright color of the float 4 makes it more visible, allowing medical personnel to quickly and accurately observe the current pressure. When the patient's bladder pressure reaches level IV, the float 4 rises to its highest point and presses against the overflow preventer 3. At this point, because the float 4 is compatible with the inner wall of the pressure measuring tube 11, it seals the tube, preventing fluid from flowing out of the tube.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 The defoaming structure is a hydrophilic layer disposed on the inner wall of the pressure measuring tube 11. The hydrophilic layer can be polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, or a phospholipid polymer coating. The hydrophilic layer greatly increases the surface energy of the inner wall of the pressure measuring tube 11, causing the liquid to tend to spread into a thin film on the surface of the inner wall of the pressure measuring tube 11. The strongly hydrophilic surface has "superwetting" properties, thereby expelling the gas from the inner wall of the pressure measuring tube 11, eliminating the nucleation points of bubbles, and effectively suppressing the generation of bubbles. This avoids bubbles interfering with the readings and also prevents bubbles on the inner wall of the pressure measuring tube 11 from causing changes in the effective volume of the liquid column, which could lead to a falsely high liquid column height.

[0033] Furthermore, conventional pressure measuring tubes 11 typically lack a coating or are coated with a hydrophobic layer to reduce liquid adhesion and quickly stabilize the liquid level. However, this application utilizes a hydrophilic layer so that when the liquid level fluctuates, although the floating of the float 4 scrapes off some of the liquid adhering to the wall, some liquid remains on the numerous uneven areas of the inner wall of the pressure measuring tube 11, increasing the retention time and amount. Moreover, the scale on the pressure measuring tube 11 of this application is a scale that has already factored in the weight of the float 4 and the additional artificial height brought by the hydrophilic layer. This makes it easier for medical personnel to infer the highest pressure in the bladder by observing the highest point of the adhesion after the liquid level stabilizes, and to obtain the current pressure by observing the position of the float 4, thus obtaining more detailed data.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The overflow stopper 3 is equipped with a sealing mechanism. When the float 4 rises to its highest position, the sealing mechanism seals the overflow stopper 3, preventing liquid from passing through. The sealing mechanism includes a porous channel formed on the overflow stopper 3 and polymer water-absorbing particles placed in the porous channel. That is, the overflow stopper 3 is a polymer porous block. When the water-absorbing particles are not in contact with water, the water-absorbing particles are slightly smaller than the porous channel. When the liquid in the pressure measuring tube 11 reaches the maximum measuring value, the float 4 and the overflow stopper 3 are pressed together. Since the float 4 is adapted to the pressure measuring tube 11, the float 4 blocks most of the liquid. A small amount of liquid that rises through the tiny gap between the float 4 and the pressure measuring tube 11 due to capillary action is absorbed by the absorbent particles. After absorbing water, the absorbent particles expand and block the porous flow channel, further preventing the liquid from flowing out of the pressure measuring tube 11. That is, when the liquid column in the pressure measuring tube 11 reaches 25 mmHg, the float 4, together with the sealing component, double-blocks the liquid, effectively preventing leakage of biological hazards.

[0035] The sealing mechanism can also be an elastic membrane 71 located at the end of the overflow stopper 3 near the float 4. The elastic membrane 71 has a vent hole 72, and the overflow stopper 3 has a permeable air passage 73 parallel to the length of the pressure measuring tube 11. The permeable air passage 73 is offset from the vent hole 72, and the bottom of the overflow stopper 3 has an arc shape adapted to the float 4. When the elastic membrane 71 is in a free state, it naturally sinks due to gravity, at which point the vent hole 72 and the permeable air passage 73 are not blocked. During the rise of the float 4, the float 4 pushes the air above it out through the vent hole 72 and the permeable air passage 73. When the float 4 rises to its maximum height, i.e., when the float 4 abuts against the overflow stopper 3, the float 4 pushes the elastic membrane 71 to abut against the overflow stopper 3. At this point, the vent hole 72 is blocked by the float 4 and the overflow stopper 3, and the permeable air passage 73 is blocked by the elastic membrane 71, thus effectively preventing liquid leakage. Compared with the above-mentioned porous flow channel combined with water-absorbing particle structure, this sealing structure has a stronger ability to resist humid environments, so it has a longer shelf life, but its sealing performance is slightly lower.

[0036] Reference Figure 2 The inner wall of the calibration tube 12 is equipped with a buffer block 5 to reduce the liquid flow rate. The buffer block 5 has a porous liquid-permeable structure. When liquid enters the calibration tube 12 at high speed, the buffer block 5 effectively slows down the liquid flow rate, preventing the float 4 from fluctuating too much due to inertia and other factors. At the same time, the damping effect of the buffer block 5 effectively suppresses the oscillation of the float 4 caused by pressure fluctuations in the urinary system due to factors such as coughing and breathing, and accelerates the stabilization speed of the float 4, thereby reducing detection errors and speeding up the detection process.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4The connecting pipe 13 has a U-shaped bend, and when the pressure measuring pipe 11's overflow stop 3 end is facing upwards, the U-shaped bend of the connecting pipe 13 is inverted. A target-shaped horizontal ring 6 is marked at the highest point of the U-shaped bend. In this application, the connecting pipe 13's U-shaped bend is a transparent rigid pipe or a transparent semi-flexible pipe. When the connecting pipe 13 is in a free state, the U-shaped bend of the connecting pipe 13 automatically returns to a U-shape, while the other parts of the connecting pipe 13 are transparent flexible pipes. If the U-shaped bend of the connecting pipe is a transparent semi-flexible pipe, it can be achieved by applying a hardened coating to the surface of the U-shaped bend or by designing the U-shaped bend separately from other parts to make it a transparent semi-flexible pipe. The connecting pipe 13 tapers at the lower end of its U-shaped bend near the three-way valve 2, and at the higher end, the U-shaped bend transitions from a taper to the same diameter as the main body of the connecting pipe 13. A hydrophobic layer is applied to the inner wall at the top of the U-bend. The hydrophobic layer is opposite to the wall of the connecting pipe 13 of the horizontal ring 6, and the area of ​​the hydrophobic layer is smaller than that of the horizontal ring 6. A hydrophilic / neutral layer can also be applied to the opposite side of the hydrophobic layer of the U-bend, and the height of the hydrophobic layer does not exceed half of the inner diameter of the connecting pipe 13 at its location.

[0038] As the liquid enters the connecting pipe 13 through the three-way valve 2, the liquid flow rate increases at the constriction of the U-shaped bend. The faster the flow rate, the lower the static pressure of the liquid. As the pressure decreases, the gas dissolved in the liquid is more likely to precipitate. When the liquid just passes through the constriction, the liquid pressure is also low. At this time, a large number of gas molecules precipitate and accumulate, eventually forming visible bubbles. Because the bubble density is small, the bubbles continue to accumulate at the highest point of the U-shaped bend. Due to the hydrophobic layer, a large amount of gas accumulates at the top of the U-shaped bend. The hydrophobic top surface is not conducive to liquid wetting, so that a certain amount of gas phase is retained at the top of the U-shaped bend. That is, the U-shaped bend has a bubble trapping function and does not affect the height of the liquid column in the pressure measuring tube 11, thereby reducing the gas content entering the pressure measuring tube 11 and further suppressing the generation of gas in the pressure measuring tube 11.

[0039] Before taking readings of the pressure measuring tube 11, medical personnel look down at the highest point of the U-shaped bend. If the gas cavity gathered at the highest point of the U-shaped bend is located in the middle of the horizontal ring 6, then the pressure measuring tube 11 is in a vertical state. If the gas cavity is not located in the middle of the horizontal ring 6 or is deformed, then the pressure measuring tube 11 is in a tilted state. This structure is simple and requires no additional manual operation. In order to reduce production costs, this application does not apply any coating (i.e., neutral layer) on the opposite side of the hydrophobic layer, so that liquid is always present at the top of the U-shaped bend due to pressure and tension. In conjunction with the hydrophobic layer, the gas and liquid at the top of the U-shaped bend always coexist, avoiding excessive gas from blocking the continuity of the liquid and thus making it impossible to observe the tilt state of the pressure measuring tube 11.

[0040] The implementation principle of a visual pressure-measuring catheter in this application embodiment is as follows: when detecting intrabladder pressure, both the catheter and the syringe are connected to the three-way valve 2, so that the three-way valve 2 closes the passage to the tube body 1 and opens the passage to the syringe and the catheter, and then a specified amount of physiological saline is injected into the bladder through the syringe.

[0041] Then, the syringe access is closed, the catheter and tube 1 access is opened, and the correction tube 12 is aligned with the pubic symphysis. The pressure measuring tube 11 is adjusted by observing the positional relationship between the horizontal ring 6 at the highest point of the U-shaped bend and the air bubble, so that the pressure measuring tube 11 is always kept vertical. At this time, the saline solution flows into the tube 1 under the action of the intrabladder pressure. The liquid pushes the float 4 to move. After the float 4 tends to stabilize, the medical staff can observe the position of the float 4 to obtain the value of the intrabladder pressure.

[0042] During the process of liquid entering the tube 1, the U-shaped bend of the connecting tube 13 first causes some gas molecules in the liquid to gather into bubbles through the narrowing and widening of the opening, and the bubbles are collected at the highest point of the U-shaped bend. Meanwhile, the hydrophilic layer inside the pressure measuring tube 11 inhibits the generation of bubbles. That is, the dual cooperation of the U-shaped bend and the hydrophilic layer effectively avoids the interference of bubbles on the reading.

[0043] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A visual pressure-measuring catheter, characterized in that: It includes a tube body (1) and a three-way valve (2) connected to the tube body (1), and the three-way valve (2) is also connected to a catheter connector (21) and a syringe connector (22). The tube body (1) includes a pressure measuring tube (11), a calibration tube (12) and a connecting tube (13) connected in sequence. The pressure measuring tube (11) is perpendicular to the calibration tube (12). Both the pressure measuring tube (11) and the calibration tube (12) are rigid tubes. The pressure measuring tube (11) is marked with pressure scale lines. A venting and overflow prevention component (3) is provided at the end of the pressure measuring tube (11) away from the calibration tube (12). The connecting tube (13) is connected to the three-way valve (2). The tube body (1) is provided with a defoaming structure for eliminating air bubbles; The pressure measuring tube (11) is provided with a float (4) that is compatible with the pressure measuring tube (11). The defoaming structure is a hydrophilic layer disposed on the inner wall of the pressure measuring tube (11); The connecting pipe (13) is provided with a U-shaped bend, and when the value of the overflow part (3) end of the pressure measuring pipe (11) is facing upward, the U-shaped bend of the connecting pipe (13) is inverted, and a horizontal ring (6) is marked at the highest point of the U-shaped bend.

2. The visual pressure-measuring catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overflow stop (3) is provided with a sealing mechanism. When the float (4) rises to the highest position, the sealing mechanism seals the overflow stop (3) so that the overflow stop (3) cannot be permeated by liquid.

3. The visual pressure-measuring catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the correction tube (12) is provided with a buffer block (5) for reducing the liquid flow rate.

Images