A breathing machine and anesthetic machine internal pipeline bacterial sampling device

Abstract

The application provides a ventilator and anesthetic machine internal pipeline bacterial sampling device, which is used in the state that the ventilator / anesthetic machine main machine outlet is not connected with the human airway, and comprises: an output pipeline, the inlet of which is connected with the outlet of the ventilator / anesthetic machine main machine through a quick connector; a rotary opening and closing mechanism, which is sleeved with the outlet of the output pipeline, and a bacterial sampling device is fixed below the rotary opening and closing mechanism; a sampling dish is arranged in the bacterial sampling device, and a bacterial culture medium is arranged in the sampling dish. The ventilator and anesthetic machine internal pipeline bacterial sampling device can directly collect the bacteria in the output gas of the ventilator / anesthetic machine, and facilitates early discovery of bacterial contamination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medical devices, and particularly relates to a bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of ventilators and anesthesia machines. Background Technology

[0002] In modern clinical medicine, ventilators and anesthesia machines are crucial devices for maintaining patients' respiratory function and ensuring surgical safety. The microbial contamination status of their internal tubing directly affects patient treatment outcomes and life safety. Severe contamination of the tubing can lead to serious complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and postoperative infections, significantly increasing treatment duration and mortality rates, while also substantially raising medical costs. Bacterial contamination is the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. Bacteria have a strong ability to survive on environmental surfaces and can form biofilms, easily leading to long-term contamination of tubing. Therefore, regular and precise bacterial sampling and monitoring of the internal tubing of these devices is a core element in preventing hospital-acquired infections and ensuring medical quality.

[0003] However, there is currently a lack of effective methods for bacterial sampling of the internal tubing of anesthesia machines and ventilators. Existing sampling methods, such as swab smears, are limited to routine equipment maintenance, requiring professional engineers to completely disassemble the machine. This method has significant limitations: firstly, disassembly is time-consuming and labor-intensive, interrupting normal equipment use, increasing downtime, and affecting the continuity of clinical care, thus impacting the operation and revenue of medical institutions; secondly, disassembly requires highly skilled engineers, and frequent disassembly can lead to wear and tear on equipment components, decreased sealing, shortened equipment lifespan, and increased maintenance costs. Furthermore, swab smears, limited by their length, can only collect microbial samples from the surface of the tubing, failing to cover the complex internal structures and blind spots, easily resulting in incomplete sampling and inaccurate test results reflecting the overall contamination status of the tubing.

[0004] More importantly, due to the reliance on equipment disassembly, existing sampling methods are difficult to promote and apply as routine monitoring tools in clinical practice, both in terms of cost and timeliness. A few medical institutions can only conduct sampling tests once a year during equipment maintenance, failing to achieve dynamic monitoring and timely intervention of internal pipeline contamination; most medical institutions do not conduct this monitoring program at all, leaving the contamination status of internal pipelines in a "blind box" state. This makes it impossible to detect many potential microbial contamination risks in a timely manner, significantly increasing the risk of infection when patients use contaminated equipment. Especially in primary healthcare institutions, due to a shortage of professional engineers and long equipment maintenance cycles, sampling and monitoring of internal pipelines is even more difficult to carry out effectively, failing to effectively address weaknesses in clinical infection control.

[0005] In summary, the current challenges in bacterial sampling of the internal tubing of anesthesia machines and ventilators, including complex operation, poor compliance, poor timeliness, and limited sampling, have become significant bottlenecks restricting clinical microbial contamination monitoring and infection control. There is an urgent need for a new type of sampler that does not require disassembly, is easy to operate, and provides comprehensive sampling to meet the daily monitoring needs of medical institutions at all levels. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of ventilators and anesthesia machines, thereby solving the problems of complex operation, poor compliance, poor timeliness, and limited sampling in the current bacterial sampling of the internal tubing of anesthesia machines and ventilators.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0008] This invention provides a bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of a ventilator and anesthesia machine. The bacterial sampling device is used when the air outlet of the ventilator / anesthesia machine is not connected to the human airway. It includes: an output tubing, the inlet of which is connected to the air outlet of the ventilator / anesthesia machine via a quick connector; a rotating opening and closing mechanism, which is sleeved with the outlet of the output tubing; the bacterial sampling device is fixed below the rotating opening and closing mechanism; and a sampling dish containing bacterial culture medium is provided inside the bacterial sampling device.

[0009] Furthermore, the sampling dish is fixed inside the sampling dish holder. The sampling dish holder is provided with several circular through holes and a circular protrusion at the bottom. The lower connecting pipe is threadedly connected to the sampling dish holder.

[0010] Furthermore, bacterial culture media include chromogenic media for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

[0011] Furthermore, the rotary opening and closing mechanism includes a connecting rod, a rotating handle, a rotating frame, an upper connecting base, and a lower connecting base. The rotating handle is mounted on the rotating frame. The upper connecting base is connected to the rotating frame via a ball bearing. The upper connecting base has a connecting sleeve on top, which is sleeved with the output pipeline. The lower connecting base has a first guide post.

[0012] Furthermore, the rotating frame is provided with several arc-shaped guide grooves. The upper and lower connecting bases are slidably fixed in the arc-shaped guide grooves by first guide posts. The interior of the rotating frame is fixed to the connecting rod by a second fixing post. The other end of the connecting rod is connected to the blade by the first fixing post. The blade is simultaneously connected to the lower connecting base by a third fixing post. The blade is circumferentially arranged around the center point of an upper connecting base, and the included angle between two adjacent blades is equal. The blade has an arc-shaped structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the outer surface of the rotating handle is provided with anti-slip texture.

[0014] Furthermore, the inner ring of the ball bearing is tightly fitted with the rotating frame, and the outer ring is tightly fitted with the corresponding mounting part of the upper connecting base.

[0015] Furthermore, the lower connecting base is threaded to the bottom of the lower connecting pipe, and the bottom of the lower connecting pipe is provided with stepped connecting threads.

[0016] Furthermore, when the bacterial sampling device is connected to the anesthesia machine, the first quick connector at the outlet of the anesthesia machine is connected to the bacterial sampling device at the stepped connection thread via the output pipeline, and at the circuit end of the anesthesia machine, it is connected to the air bag via the breathing circuit pipeline via the second quick connector. The air bag is equipped with a one-way valve at the connection point of the breathing circuit pipeline. The air bag and the bacterial sampling device are connected to form a complete circuit via the first connecting pipeline.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of ventilators and anesthesia machines described in this invention has the following advantages:

[0018] This invention's bacterial sampling device can directly collect bacteria from the output gas of a ventilator / anesthesia machine, facilitating early detection of bacterial contamination in the internal tubing of the ventilator / anesthesia machine. The quick-connect design allows for the rotation of multiple devices, improving detection efficiency. A one-way valve with anti-backflow mechanism, combined with a rotary opening and closing mechanism, isolates and prevents gas leakage or equipment contamination during sampling. A slight gap exists between the sampling dish opening and the output tubing to ensure gas escape.

[0019] In this invention, the bacterial sampling device allows gas to flow through the complete piping system inside the ventilator / anesthesia machine (including the internal pipes of the main unit, the humidifier interface, the inhalation and exhalation valves, and other areas where bacteria may be hidden) during use. This provides a more accurate reflection of whether the gas discharged from the device in "working state" carries bacteria than simply wiping the interface or static culture. The test results are more representative of the actual situation when the patient uses the device. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0021] In the attached diagram:

[0022] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the overall installation of the bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of the anesthesia machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic front view of the overall installation of the bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of the anesthesia machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a side view of the overall installation of the bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of the anesthesia machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is an isometric view of the overall installation of the bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of the ventilator described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the structure at the pipe output pipe of the bacterial sampling device described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic front view of the structure of the pipe output pipe of the bacterial sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view at point AA in the main view of the structure of the pipe output pipe of the bacterial sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 This is an enlarged view of section A in the cross-sectional view of section AA of the bacterial sampling device described in this embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a top view of the rotating opening and closing mechanism of the bacterial sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, without the upper connecting base structure.

[0031] Figure 10 This is an isometric view of the rotating opening and closing mechanism of the bacterial sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, without the upper connecting base structure.

[0032] Figure 11 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the lower connecting base in the rotating opening and closing mechanism of the bacterial sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 12 This is an isometric view of the sampling dish fixing seat in the rotating opening and closing mechanism of the bacterial sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 1. Output tubing; 2. Upper connecting base; 3. Rotating frame; 4. Lower connecting base; 5. Lower connecting tubing; 6. Sampling dish holder; 7. Sampling dish; 8. Connecting rod; 9. Rotating handle; 10. Blade; 11. First guide post; 12. First fixed post; 13. Second fixed post; 14. Third fixed post; 15. Anesthesia machine main unit control panel; 17. First connecting tubing; 18. Arc-shaped guide groove; 19. First quick connector; 20. Ventilator main unit; 21. Second quick connector; 22. Air bag; 23. Breathing circuit tubing; 24. Air bag quick connector; 25. Anesthesia machine main unit; 26. Ventilator main unit control panel; 27. One-way valve; 28. Ball bearing; 29. ​​Inlet tubing. Detailed Implementation

[0036] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0038] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0040] See Figures 1-12As shown, the intake line 29 is the intake line of the ventilator. Based on the aforementioned intake modes, it is divided into ventilators capable of single-outlet mode and ventilators unable to perform single-outlet mode. The connection method for the intake line 29 of the ventilator in single-outlet mode is as follows: Figure 4 At this point, the ventilator can be set to single-outlet mode via the ventilator control panel 26. Simply connect the bacterial sampling device to the outlet end via the first quick connector 19. For ventilators where the inlet tubing 29 cannot be set to single-outlet mode, the connection method is as follows: Figure 1 At this point, after setting the ventilator main unit control panel 26, the connecting pipe at the air intake pipe 29 can be connected to the air bag and one-way valve in the same way as the connection method of the anesthesia machine main unit circuit end.

[0041] This embodiment provides a bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of a ventilator and anesthesia machine. The bacterial sampling device is used when the air outlet of the ventilator main unit 20 or the anesthesia machine main unit 25 is not connected to the human airway. It includes an output tubing 1, which is connected to the air outlet of the ventilator main unit 20 or the anesthesia machine main unit 25 through a first quick connector 19; a rotating opening and closing mechanism, which is sleeved with the output tubing 1; a sampling component is fixed below the rotating opening and closing mechanism; a sampling dish 7 is provided inside the sampling component; and a bacterial culture medium is provided in the sampling dish 7.

[0042] In actual connection, the bacterial sampling device can be split into several connection sections according to actual needs, and tubing clamps can be used to extend the connection as needed, while also facilitating the disassembly of the bacterial sampling device. During use, the actual air output mode selection and air output status are displayed in real time via the anesthesia machine main control panel 15 / ventilator main control panel 26.

[0043] Instructions for using the bacterial sampling device:

[0044] 1. Preparation stage: Connect the quick connector to the air outlet of the ventilator or the anesthesia machine. Set the sampling parameters on the anesthesia machine main control panel 15 / ventilator main control panel 26 (tidal volume is the maximum value of the ventilator or anesthesia machine, oxygen concentration is the minimum value, the pre-output power of the inflation pump, and the preset sampling time is 10 minutes). At this time, the rotating opening and closing mechanism closes to prevent contamination by bacteria.

[0045] 2. Sampling stage: Manually open the rotating opening and closing mechanism blades. The anesthesia machine main control panel 15 / ventilator main control panel 26 controls the start of sampling. The air pump inside the ventilator main unit 20 or anesthesia machine main unit 25 is activated, so that gas flows into the sampling dish through the internal tubing of the ventilator or anesthesia machine. The sampling dish captures bacteria in the gas.

[0046] 3. End Stage: After the preset sampling time is reached, manually close the rotating opening and closing mechanism blades. The display records the data, and the connected output tubing is disconnected and sent directly to the laboratory for culture. In actual sampling operations, various bacteria can be sampled according to the specific circumstances, and the culture medium in the sampling dish can be selected based on the sampled bacteria. When the sampling dish is OxoidBrilliance™ MRSA medium, the contamination status of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the internal tubing of the ventilator or anesthesia machine can be determined by colorimetric analysis.

[0047] The bacterial sampling device can directly collect bacteria from the output gas of ventilators / anesthesia machines, facilitating early detection of bacterial contamination in the internal tubing of these machines. The quick-connect design allows for the rotation of multiple devices, improving testing efficiency. A one-way valve with anti-backflow mechanism, combined with a rotary opening and closing mechanism, isolates and prevents gas leakage or equipment contamination during sampling.

[0048] Specifically, in this embodiment, the sampling dish 7 is fixed inside the sampling dish holder 6. The sampling dish holder 6 has several circular through holes and a circular protrusion at its bottom. The lower connecting pipe 5 is threadedly connected to the sampling dish holder 6. The circular protrusion prevents the sampling dish 7 from being blown out and facilitates screwing the sampling dish holder 6 into the lower connecting pipe 5. While the sampling dish 7 is fixed inside the sampling dish holder 6, in actual connection, the bottom of the sampling dish 7 can be glued to the sampling dish holder.

[0049] Specifically, in this embodiment, the bacterial culture medium includes a chromogenic medium for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In practical use, Oxoid Brilliance™ MRSA medium can be used. Oxoid Brilliance™ MRSA medium is typically cultured aerobically at a constant temperature of 35-37°C for 18-24 hours, exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity. For aeration environments, as long as suitable culture conditions are maintained, including appropriate ventilation, stable temperature and humidity within the workbench, and avoiding direct impact of strong airflow on the medium, Oxoid Brilliance™ MRSA medium can adapt well, allowing MRSA to grow normally and facilitating detection. The medium utilizes a special chromogenic substrate and a selective inhibitor. The chromogenic substrate reacts with specific enzymes produced by MRSA, giving MRSA colonies a unique color for easy identification; the selective inhibitor inhibits the growth of other non-target bacteria, thereby improving the specificity of the detection.

[0050] Oxoid Brilliance™ MRSA medium exhibits high sensitivity and specificity, accurately detecting MRSA in clinical samples and reducing false positive and false negative results. Furthermore, this medium is relatively easy to use, requiring no complex procedures, which helps improve post-sampling testing efficiency.

[0051] Specifically, in this embodiment, the rotating opening and closing mechanism includes a connecting rod 8, a rotating handle 9, a rotating frame 3, an upper connecting base 2, and a lower connecting base 4. The rotating handle 9 is mounted on the rotating frame 3. The upper connecting base 2 is connected to the rotating frame 3 via ball bearings 28. The upper connecting base 2 has a connecting sleeve on top, which is sleeved with the output pipe 1. The upper connecting base 2 and the lower connecting base 4 have the same structure but different installation positions. The lower connecting base 4 is provided with a first guide post 11. The rotating frame 3 is provided with several arc-shaped guide grooves 18. The upper connecting base 2 and the lower connecting base 4 are slidably fixed in the arc-shaped guide grooves 18 via the first guide post 11. The rotating frame 3 is fixed to the connecting rod 8 via a second fixing post 13. The other end of the connecting rod 8 is connected to the blade 10 via a first fixing post 12. The blade 10 is simultaneously connected to the lower connecting base 4 via a third fixing post 14. The blades 10 are arranged circumferentially around the center point of the upper connecting base 2, and the included angle between two adjacent blades 10 is equal. The blades 10 have an arc-shaped structure.

[0052] Specifically, in this embodiment, the outer surface of the rotating handle 9 is provided with anti-slip texture to increase the friction between the operator's hand and the rotating handle, making it easier to apply force to operate the rotating frame.

[0053] Specifically, in this embodiment, the inner ring of the ball bearing 28 is tightly fitted with the rotating frame 3, and the outer ring is tightly fitted with the corresponding mounting part of the upper connecting base 2.

[0054] The rotational motion of the rotating frame 3 is transmitted through the connecting rod 8 and converted into the rotation of the blade 10 around the third fixed column 14. At the same time, the first guide column 11 slides along the arc-shaped guide groove 18, guiding the upper connecting base 2 and the lower connecting base 4 to generate relative displacement, thereby realizing the circumferential opening and closing motion of the blade 10.

[0055] Specifically, in this embodiment, the lower connecting base 4 is threaded to the bottom of the lower connecting pipe 5, and the bottom of the lower connecting pipe 5 is provided with stepped connecting threads.

[0056] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the bacterial sampling device is connected to the anesthesia machine, the first quick connector 19 at the outlet of the anesthesia machine is connected to the bacterial sampling device at the stepped connection thread via the output pipeline 1, and at the circuit end of the anesthesia machine, it is connected to the air bag 22 via the breathing circuit pipeline 23 via the second quick connector 21. The air bag 22 is provided with a one-way valve at the connection of the breathing circuit pipeline 23. The air bag 22 and the bacterial sampling device are connected to form a complete circuit via the first connecting pipeline 17.

[0057] When the bacterial sampling device is in use, the gas flows through the complete tubing system inside the ventilator / anesthesia machine (including the internal tubing of the main unit, the humidifier interface, the inhalation and exhalation valves, and other areas where bacteria may be hidden). This provides a more accurate reflection of whether the gas emitted by the device in "working condition" is bacteria-laden than simply wiping the interface or static culture. The test results are more representative of the actual situation when the patient uses the device.

[0058] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of a ventilator and anesthesia machine, characterized in that, The bacterial sampling device is used when the air outlet of the ventilator / anesthesia machine is not connected to the human airway. It includes: an output tube, the inlet of which is connected to the air outlet of the ventilator / anesthesia machine via a quick connector; a rotating opening and closing mechanism, which is sleeved with the outlet of the output tube, and the bacterial sampling device is fixed below the rotating opening and closing mechanism. The bacterial sampling device contains a sampling dish containing bacterial culture medium. The sampling dish is fixed inside the sampling dish holder. The sampling dish holder is provided with several circular through holes and a circular protrusion at the bottom. The lower connecting pipe is threadedly connected to the sampling dish holder. The rotary opening and closing mechanism includes a connecting rod, a rotating handle, a rotating frame, an upper connecting base, and a lower connecting base. The rotating handle is located on the rotating frame. The upper connecting base is connected to the rotating frame via a ball bearing. The upper connecting base has a connecting sleeve on top, which is sleeved with the output pipeline. The lower connecting base has a first guide post. The rotating frame is provided with several arc-shaped guide grooves. The upper connecting base and the lower connecting base are slidably fixed in the arc-shaped guide grooves by the first guide post. The interior of the rotating frame is fixed to the connecting rod by the second fixing post. The other end of the connecting rod is connected to the blade by the first fixing post. The blade is connected to the lower connecting base by the third fixing post. The blade is circumferentially arranged around the center point of the upper connecting base, and the included angle between two adjacent blades is equal. The blade has an arc-shaped structure.

2. The bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of a ventilator and anesthesia machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Bacterial culture media include chromogenic media for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

3. The bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of a ventilator and anesthesia machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the rotating handle is provided with anti-slip texture.

4. The bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of a ventilator and anesthesia machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner ring of the ball bearing fits tightly with the rotating frame, and the outer ring fits tightly with the corresponding mounting part of the upper connecting base.

5. The bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of a ventilator and anesthesia machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower connecting base is threaded to the bottom of the lower connecting pipe, and the bottom of the lower connecting pipe is provided with stepped connecting threads.

6. The bacterial sampling device for the internal tubing of a ventilator and anesthesia machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the bacterial sampling device is connected to the anesthesia machine, the first quick connector at the outlet of the anesthesia machine is connected to the bacterial sampling device at the stepped connection thread via the output pipeline, and at the circuit end of the anesthesia machine, it is connected to the air bag via the breathing circuit pipeline via the second quick connector. The air bag is equipped with a one-way valve at the connection point of the breathing circuit pipeline. The air bag and the bacterial sampling device are connected to form a complete circuit via the first connecting pipeline.

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