Catheter and assembling method thereof, sputum suction tube assembly and endoscope kit

Abstract

The invention provides a catheter and an assembling method thereof, a sputum suction tube assembly and an endoscope kit, and relates to the technical field of medical instruments. The catheter comprises a catheter body, a transparent film and a fixing piece, the transparent film covers the opening, and a regular light-transmitting area can be formed through the end face of the opening, so that the light-transmitting area is smoother and more reliable, and the imaging quality is effectively improved. The fixing piece is located on the periphery of the edge part of the transparent film. The catheter body, the transparent film and the fixing piece are relatively fixed and connected in a sealed mode. The fixing position of the transparent film can be arranged on the periphery of the catheter body on the basis that the catheter opening is sealed, so that the light-transmitting part and the fixing part of the transparent film are independently arranged. Even if the glue overflows, shrinks and the like occur in the assembly process, the transparent film can still meet the design requirements even if the light-transmitting part, corresponding to the opening, of the transparent film only changes slightly or does not change, and the image acquisition effect of the endoscope is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a catheter and its assembly method, a suction catheter assembly, and an endoscope kit. Background Technology

[0002] As a key component of medical devices inserted into the human body, the catheter has a closed structure at its end, which isolates it from the internal environment of the body during medical treatment. This can prevent particles and impurities generated by internal components from contaminating the patient's cavity or surgical area. At the same time, the closed catheter structure also facilitates overall cleaning, disinfection and sterilization, effectively reducing the risk of cross-infection and ensuring the safety and structural stability of use during diagnosis and treatment.

[0003] In the existing technology, during the process of closing the distal opening of the catheter, the assembler attaches a transparent glass slide to the inside of the catheter. However, the stability of the attached transparent glass slide is unreliable, the imaging quality is poor, and the use effect of the catheter cannot meet the design expectations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a catheter and its assembly method, a suction catheter assembly, and an endoscope kit to solve the aforementioned technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a catheter, which includes a catheter body, a transparent membrane, and a fixing member. The catheter body has a through-channel, and an opening is provided at the distal end of the catheter body, which communicates with the through-channel. The transparent membrane covers the opening, and the edge portion of the transparent membrane extends to the outer wall of the catheter body. The fixing member is located on the outer periphery of the edge portion of the transparent membrane. The catheter body, the transparent membrane, and the fixing member are relatively fixed and sealed together.

[0006] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a suction catheter assembly, which includes the catheter as described in the first aspect.

[0007] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an endoscope kit that includes a suction catheter assembly as described in the second aspect.

[0008] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a method for assembling a catheter for a catheter as described in the first aspect, comprising covering the opening of the catheter body with a transparent membrane, wherein the edge portion of the transparent membrane is fitted around the outer periphery of the catheter body, placing a fixing member around the outer periphery of the edge portion of the transparent membrane, and fixing and sealing the transparent membrane, the fixing member, and the outer side wall of the catheter body together.

[0009] The technical solution adopted in this application achieves the following beneficial effects: the catheter can be used in conjunction with instruments such as suction catheters and negative pressure suction sheaths. For example, the catheter is placed inside the suction catheter to form a distally closed guiding channel within the suction catheter. The endoscope can be inserted into the guiding channel of the catheter. Because the distal end of the catheter has a closed structure, this can isolate the endoscope from the human body cavity environment, thereby preventing contamination of the endoscope during use and enabling the endoscope to be reused.

[0010] Compared to existing technologies, the transparent membrane in this application covers the opening, allowing light to pass through and ensuring the endoscope can acquire images. The transparent membrane covers the opening and forms a regular light-transmitting area based on the opening's end face, making the light-transmitting area flatter and more reliable, effectively improving image quality. The fixing component is located on the outer periphery of the transparent membrane's edge, and the catheter body, the edge of the transparent membrane, and the fixing component are relatively fixed and sealed together. This allows for adjusting the fixing position of the transparent membrane to the outer periphery of the catheter body while ensuring a sealed catheter opening, so that the light-transmitting and fixing parts of the transparent membrane are independently positioned. Even if glue overflows or shrinks during assembly, the light-transmitting part of the transparent membrane corresponding to the opening only changes slightly or not at all, and the transparent membrane still meets design requirements, ensuring the endoscope's image acquisition effect.

[0011] Furthermore, compared to the existing solution of bonding a transparent glass sheet inside the conduit, the conduit body, the edge portion of the transparent membrane, and the fasteners in this application are relatively fixed and sealed together. This not only avoids the problem of difficult assembly due to the small internal space of the conduit body, but also increases the operating space for assembly personnel, improves the visualization of assembly, increases the fixed area between the transparent membrane and the conduit body, improves the installation stability of the transparent membrane, and simplifies the assembly process. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a catheter shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is an exemplary embodiment of the present application illustrating an explosion of a conduit; Figure 3 This is an exploded cross-sectional view of a conduit shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view of a catheter shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of point a; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fastener shown in another exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fastener shown in another exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fastener shown in yet another exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a suction catheter assembly shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a suction catheter assembly shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an endoscope kit shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a catheter assembly method in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 13 This is an exemplary embodiment of the present application illustrating the assembly of the catheter body and the transparent membrane; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of catheter assembly shown in another exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the catheter structure from another perspective, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0014] In the diagram: 1. Suction catheter assembly; 100. Catheter; 110. Catheter body; 110a. First segment; 110b. Second segment; 111. Communication channel; 112. Opening; 113. Step; 120. Transparent membrane; 120a. First region; 120b. Second region; 130. Fixing element; 131. Installation channel; 132. Compression section; 133. Notch; 200. Suction catheter; 210. Suction channel; 300. Endoscope; 2. Endoscope kit. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0016] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0017] In implementing the embodiments of this application, the applicant discovered that in the prior art, during the assembly process of closing the distal opening of the catheter, the assembler applies adhesive around the transparent glass slide and then bonds the transparent glass slide to the inside of the catheter. However, because the diameter of the catheter is small and its internal space is confined, the adhesive is prone to overflow and shrinkage during the curing process. During this period, the relative position of the transparent glass slide may change, such as tilting or shifting. This may affect the light transmission performance of the transparent glass slide, causing the endoscope inside the catheter to be unable to obtain accurate and clear images, and may also lead to a decrease in the sealing of the catheter, resulting in endoscope contamination.

[0018] An embodiment of this application provides a catheter 100, please refer to... Figure 1 By adjusting the fixed position of the transparent membrane 120, the imaging quality of the endoscope 300 with the inserted catheter 100 is improved, so that the effect of the catheter 100 meets the design expectations.

[0019] Please see Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The catheter 100 includes a catheter body 110, a transparent membrane 120, and a fixation element 130. The catheter body 110 may be a tubular structure with a through-channel 111. The distal end of the catheter body 110 has an opening 112 that connects to the through-channel 111. Exemplarily, the catheter body 110 may be a transparent polycarbonate layer or a transparent polyurethane layer, etc., and is not limited thereto. Transparent polycarbonate or transparent polyurethane both possess good light transmittance, biocompatibility, strength, and toughness, are easy to process and mold, and ensure safe and stable interventional use. The catheter 100 can be used in conjunction with instruments such as a suction catheter 200 and a negative pressure suction sheath. For example, the catheter 100 is disposed inside the suction catheter 200 to form a distally closed through-channel 111 within the suction catheter 200. The endoscope 300 can be inserted into the communication channel 111 of the catheter 100. Since the distal end of the catheter 100 adopts a closed structure, the endoscope 300 can be isolated from the human body cavity environment, thereby avoiding contamination of the endoscope 300 during use and enabling the endoscope 300 to be reused.

[0020] Please see Figure 2 The transparent membrane 120 can be a sheet-like structure, and its shape can be rectangular, circular, or other irregular shapes, without limitation. The transparent membrane 120 is light-transmitting, allowing light to pass through. For example, the transparent membrane 120 can be a polystyrene layer, a polyethylene layer, or a polyvinylidene chloride layer, without limitation. Polystyrene, polyethylene, or polyvinylidene chloride all possess good light transmittance, biocompatibility, and chemical stability. Simultaneously, their material molding and welding properties are excellent, ensuring both clear imaging by the endoscope 300 and a stable sealing and isolation effect. The transparent membrane 120 covers the opening 112, and the edge of the transparent membrane 120 extends to the outer wall of the catheter body 110. Further, the insertion part of the endoscope 300 is inserted into the guiding channel 111, and the distal end face of the insertion part can be correspondingly positioned with the opening 112. The insertion part has a camera and an illumination module. The illumination light from the illumination module can pass through the transparent membrane 120 and illuminate the inner wall of the human cavity or organ. Simultaneously, the camera can acquire image information of the illuminated area. In this embodiment, the transparent film 120 covers the opening 112. The transparent film 120 is able to transmit light, ensuring that the endoscope 300 can perform image acquisition.

[0021] Please see Figure 2 The transparent membrane 120 covers the opening 112 and can form a regular light-transmitting area based on the end face of the opening 112, making the light-transmitting area more flat and reliable, effectively improving the imaging quality of the endoscope 300. The fixing member 130 is located on the outer periphery of the edge portion of the transparent membrane 120, and the catheter body 110, the transparent membrane 120, and the fixing member 130 are relatively fixed and sealed together. For example, the fixing member 130 can be a polyurethane layer, a silicone layer, or a polyvinyl chloride layer, and is not limited thereto. Polyurethane, silicone, or polyvinyl chloride all have properties such as elasticity and good biocompatibility, are easy to deform and assemble, and can reliably tension the transparent membrane 120, adapting to medical scenarios. This allows the fixing position of the transparent membrane 120 to be adjusted to the outer periphery of the catheter body 110 while achieving the sealing of the opening 112 of the catheter 100, so that the light-transmitting part and the fixing part of the transparent membrane 120 are set independently. Even if glue overflows or shrinks during the assembly process, the light-transmitting part of the transparent film 120 corresponding to the opening 112 will only change slightly or not at all. The transparent film 120 can still meet the design requirements and ensure the image acquisition effect of the endoscope 300.

[0022] Furthermore, compared to the existing solution of bonding a transparent glass sheet to the conduit 100, the arrangement of fixing and sealing the conduit body 110, the edge portion of the transparent membrane 120, and the fastener 130 in this application can avoid the problem of difficult assembly due to the small internal space of the conduit body 110, increase the operating space for assembly personnel, improve the visualization of assembly, increase the fixing area between the transparent membrane 120 and the conduit body 110, improve the installation stability of the transparent membrane 120, and simplify the assembly process.

[0023] In a more specific implementation, please refer to Figure 3 The transparent membrane 120 may include a first region 120a and a second region 120b, with the second region 120b surrounding the first region 120a. The first region 120a and the opening 112 are correspondingly arranged. The second region 120b, the catheter body 110, and the fixing member 130 are relatively fixed and sealed together. The first region 120a can serve as the light-transmitting imaging area of ​​the endoscope 300, allowing light to pass through and be successfully collected by the endoscope 300. The second region 120b is relatively fixed and forms a sealed connection with the catheter body 110 and the fixing member 130. The connection method includes welding, bonding, etc., and is not limited. This ensures reliable positioning of the transparent membrane 120 and guarantees a sealing effect at the distal end of the catheter 100, effectively isolating the human body cavity from the endoscope 300 and preventing contamination of the endoscope 300.

[0024] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 3 At least the portion of the transparent membrane 120 corresponding to the opening 112 is in a taut state. This area of ​​the transparent membrane 120, corresponding to the opening 112, is used for light transmission to allow the endoscope 300 to acquire images or illuminate the interior of the human body. This arrangement ensures that light is stably transmitted along a predetermined path when passing through the taut transparent membrane 120, significantly reducing irregular refraction, scattering, and deflection of light caused by slackness, wrinkles, or bending of the transparent membrane 120. This avoids defects such as blurriness, distortion, and ghosting in the images acquired by the endoscope 300, effectively guaranteeing the clarity and accuracy of the endoscope 300's imaging, and providing a reliable visual basis for clinical diagnosis and observation.

[0025] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 3The fixing member 130 can be a ring structure, including circular, rectangular, or elliptical ring structures, etc., without limitation. Furthermore, the fixing member 130 has an installation channel 131, which corresponds to the catheter body 110. The fixing member 130 is sleeved on the outside of the catheter body 110 and is movably disposed relative to the catheter body 110. Preferably, the shape of the fixing member 130 can correspond to that of the catheter body 110; for example, if the catheter body 110 is a cylinder, the fixing member 130 can be a ring structure. The fixing member 130 can be sleeved on the outside of the catheter body 110 and form a movable fit with the catheter body 110. By adjusting the axial position of the fixing member 130 relative to the catheter body 110, a pulling force can be applied to the edge portion of the transparent membrane 120, so that the transparent membrane 120 relative to the light-transmitting area corresponding to the opening 112 is always kept in a flat and taut state. This also facilitates fine-tuning of the tension of the transparent membrane 120 during assembly, further ensuring the imaging quality of the endoscope 300.

[0026] In some other cases, the fastener 130 can be a split snap-fit ​​structure. The fastener 130 can include at least two symmetrically distributed snap-fit ​​sub-pieces. Multiple snap-fit ​​sub-pieces are connected in sequence and correspondingly snap and clamp the edge portion of the transparent film 120. This will not be described in detail here.

[0027] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The catheter body 110 includes a first segment 110a and a second segment 110b connected to each other. The first segment 110a and the second segment 110b can be integrally molded, for example, by injection molding. Of course, in some other cases, the first segment 110a and the second segment 110b can be detachably connected, for example, by threaded connection, which is not a limitation here. The outer diameter of the first segment 110a is smaller than the outer diameter of the second segment 110b, and a step 113 is provided at the connection between the first segment 110a and the second segment 110b. The fixing member 130 is sleeved on the first segment 110a and is limited and stopped by the step 113. The fixing member 130 can be fitted onto the first segment 110a, which has a smaller outer diameter. At least a portion of the fixing member 130 can be hidden outside the first segment 110a relative to the second segment 110b, reducing the difference in outer diameter between them. This effectively reduces the overall change in the outer diameter of the catheter 100, preventing irritation to the body cavity due to sudden changes in local outer diameter, and improving the smoothness and safety of the catheter 100 intervention process. Furthermore, along the axial direction of the catheter body 110, the fixing member 130 can form a stop and limit with the step 113, allowing the fixing member 130 to move to a preset position on the catheter body 110, preventing it from moving beyond its range. This also provides a positioning reference for the assembly personnel, ensuring proper installation.

[0028] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 6 The end of the fastener 130 has a notch 133. In one embodiment, the notch 133 can penetrate the wall of the fastener 130 and extend along the axis of the fastener 130. Of course, in other cases, the notch 133 may not penetrate the wall of the fastener 130, and may extend in a direction intersecting the axis of the fastener 130. This can change the deformation capability of the fastener 130, so that the fastener 130 can be quickly and smoothly installed on the outer periphery of the transparent membrane 120. This is not a limitation. It should be noted that the notch 133 at the end of the fastener 130 can effectively reduce the structural stiffness of this part and improve the elastic deformation capability of the end of the fastener 130, making it easier for the fastener 130 to undergo adaptive deformation during the process of fitting and assembling it into the conduit body 110, and greatly reducing the assembly difficulty of the fastener 130.

[0029] Meanwhile, the notch 133 allows the end of the fastener 130 to have a better deformation capacity than other parts. For example, when the fastener 130 and the conduit body 110 form an interference fit, as the deformation capacity of the fastener 130 decreases, the pulling force of the fastener 130 on the transparent membrane 120 will gradually increase during the assembly process, thereby smoothly and reliably maintaining the light-transmitting area of ​​the transparent membrane 120 in a taut state.

[0030] In this embodiment, the fixing member 130 is elastic, and when driven, it can compress the transparent film 120 inward. For example, under the clamping action of external force or other fixing structures, the fixing member 130 can undergo elastic deformation, contracting inward and continuously compressing the edge of the transparent film 120. The external force can move the fixing member 130 relative to the conduit body 110, and the radial and circumferential forces of the fixing member 130 pull on the transparent film 120, keeping the light-transmitting area of ​​the transparent film 120 flat and taut at all times, achieving tension of the transparent film 120 without additional auxiliary structures. After subsequent fixation, this ensures that the transparent film 120 will not experience loosening, wrinkles, or other problems affecting imaging during long-term use.

[0031] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 7 The fastener 130 may include a compression section 132, the inner diameter of which gradually decreases along the direction from the distal end to the proximal end of the fastener 130, and at least a portion of the compression section 132 is fitted over the outer periphery of the edge portion of the transparent film 120. In one case, such as Figure 7 As shown, the compression section 132 extends to the opposite ends of the fastener 130. Alternatively, in some other cases, such as... Figure 8As shown, the extrusion section 132 is disposed on a portion of the fixing member 130, and the extrusion section 132 extends to the proximal end of the fixing member 130. For example, the inner wall of the extrusion section 132 includes an extrusion surface, which can continuously act on the outer periphery of the edge portion of the transparent film 120 to drive the edge portion of the transparent film 120 to move, so that the portion of the transparent film 120 corresponding to the opening 112 remains taut. Preferably, the inner diameter of the distal end face of the extrusion section 132 is smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of the transparent film 120 disposed on the outer periphery of the conduit body 110. This arrangement allows at least a portion of the extrusion section 132 to cover the outer periphery of the edge of the transparent film 120. During the assembly of the fixing member 130, the gradually shrinking inner diameter allows the extrusion force and pulling force of the extrusion section 132 on the edge of the transparent film 120 to gradually and smoothly increase, avoiding damage to the transparent film 120 due to stress concentration, while achieving uniform tension on the transparent film 120, ensuring that the light-transmitting area is always in a flat and reliable taut state.

[0032] In this embodiment, the fixing member 130 and the catheter body 110 are interference-fitted. The interference fit between the fixing member 130 and the catheter body 110 provides a continuous and stable preload for the fixing member 130, enhancing the pulling effect of the fixing member 130 on the edge of the transparent membrane 120. This prevents the fixing member 130 from loosening or shifting during use, ensuring that the light-transmitting area of ​​the transparent membrane 120 remains taut for a long time. This effectively prevents abnormal light refraction caused by the loosening of the transparent membrane 120, ensuring that the imaging quality of the endoscope 300 remains stable and reliable.

[0033] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 2 The edge portion of the transparent membrane 120 is bonded between the catheter body 110 and the fixing member 130. For example, both the inner and outer sides of the edge portion of the transparent membrane 120 are coated with adhesive. While the fixing member 130 moves relative to the catheter body 110, the edge portion of the transparent membrane 120 is stably bonded between the catheter body 110 and the fixing member 130. This arrangement allows the bonding and fixing operation to be completed simultaneously with the tensioning and fixing of the transparent membrane 120 by the fixing member 130, simplifying the overall assembly process, ensuring a firm and reliable bond for the transparent membrane 120, and improving the sealing performance between the transparent membrane 120 and the catheter body 110, thus meeting the safety requirements for medical device use.

[0034] In some other embodiments, the transparent membrane 120, the catheter body 110, and the fixing element 130 are welded together. It should be noted that the welding method can be ultrasonic welding, hot-melt welding, or laser welding, etc., and is not limited thereto. The transparent membrane 120, the catheter body 110, and the fixing element 130 form an integrated structure through welding, which enables a stronger overall connection between the three components. This effectively avoids problems such as detachment or loosening during use, cleaning, or sterilization, significantly improving the structural connection's robustness and sealing reliability, ensuring the overall structural stability of the catheter 100, and extending the product's service life.

[0035] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 2 The outer diameter of the catheter body 110 is 2.4mm-2.5mm, such as 2.4mm, 2.45mm, or 2.5mm, and is not limited. The inner diameter of the catheter body 110 is 2.2-2.3mm, such as 2.2mm, 2.25mm, or 2.3mm, and is not limited. Neither the inner nor outer diameter of the catheter body 110 should be too large or too small. An excessively large outer diameter increases interventional resistance, easily damages cavity tissue, and results in poor compatibility with matching instruments and low welding reliability. An excessively small outer diameter leads to insufficient structural strength, easy bending and deformation, and also affects the insertion of the endoscope 300. An excessively large inner diameter of the catheter body 110 results in a thinner tube wall and easy weld collapse; an excessively small inner diameter results in insufficient space for the insertion of the endoscope 300, making operation inconvenient. Using a catheter body 110 of appropriate size ensures smooth and safe intervention, sufficient structural strength, and compatibility with the insertion and welding assembly requirements of the endoscope 300.

[0036] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 2 The outer diameter of the fastener 130 is 2.8mm-3mm, such as 2.8mm, 2.9mm, or 3.0mm, and is not limited. The inner diameter of the fastener 130 is 2.5mm-2.7mm, such as 2.6mm, 2.65mm, or 2.7mm, and is not limited. Neither the inner nor outer diameter of the fastener 130 should be too large or too small. An excessively large outer diameter of the fastener 130 will increase the overall outer diameter, raising the risk of intervention and making it easier to damage the transparent membrane 120 during welding. An excessively small outer diameter of the fastener 130 will result in insufficient strength and a small welding area. An excessively large inner diameter of the fastener 130 will easily lead to a large fitting clearance, incomplete welding, and inability to effectively tension the transparent membrane 120. An excessively small inner diameter of the fastener 130 will make assembly difficult and easily cause damage to the transparent membrane 120. Using a fastener 130 of appropriate size can reduce the risk of intervention and assembly difficulty, ensure a firm weld, and effectively tension the transparent membrane 120.

[0037] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 2The thickness of the transparent film 120 is 0.05mm-0.06mm, such as 0.05mm, 0.055mm, or 0.06mm, and there are no restrictions. The thickness of the transparent film 120 should not be too large or too small. If the thickness of the transparent film 120 is too large, it will reduce light transmittance, increase light refraction, affect image quality, and make welding and bonding difficult. If the thickness of the transparent film 120 is too small, the film strength will be insufficient, making it easy to be pulled and torn, and it will also be easily melted through during welding, failing to guarantee sealing and structural stability. Using a transparent film 120 of appropriate thickness can balance light transmission and imaging, structural strength, and welding sealing, meeting the application requirements.

[0038] An embodiment of this application provides a suction catheter assembly 1, please refer to... Figure 9 The suction catheter assembly 1 includes the catheter 100 as described above. Further details can be found in the following documents. Figure 10 The suction catheter assembly 1 also includes a suction tube 200, which has a suction channel 210. The catheter 100 can be placed in the suction channel 210 for insertion of the endoscope 300. In this way, the suction catheter assembly 1 has the beneficial effects of any of the aforementioned solutions, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0039] An embodiment of this application provides an endoscope kit 2, please refer to... Figure 11 Endoscope kit 2 includes the suction catheter assembly 1 as described above. Furthermore, endoscope kit 2 also includes an endoscope 300, which is inserted into catheter 100, and will not be described further here. Thus, endoscope kit 2 possesses the beneficial effects of any of the aforementioned solutions, and will not be described further here.

[0040] Embodiments of this application provide a method for assembling a catheter, used for the catheter as described above. Please refer to... Figure 12 The assembly methods for the catheter include: Step S110: Cover the opening of the catheter body with a transparent membrane, and the edge of the transparent membrane is wrapped around the periphery of the catheter body.

[0041] like Figure 13 As shown, the assembler can cover the opening 112 of the catheter 100 body with the transparent membrane 120 and fit the edge of the transparent membrane 120 against the outer periphery of the catheter 100 body. Preferably, the assembler can precisely align the middle area of ​​the transparent membrane 120 with the opening 112 to evenly increase the length of the edge portion, thereby improving the connection stability between the transparent membrane 120 and the catheter 100 body. This ensures unobstructed and unshifted endoscopic imaging, while providing initial positioning for the transparent membrane 120 and preventing wrinkles, curling, or displacement during assembly.

[0042] Step S120: Place the fastener on the outer periphery of the edge portion of the transparent film.

[0043] like Figure 14 As shown, the assembler can place the retainer 130 on the outer periphery of the edge portion of the transparent membrane 120. Specifically, the retainer 130 is a ring structure. The assembler aligns the retainer 130 with the distal end of the catheter 100 body and smoothly pushes it along the axial direction of the catheter 100 from the distal end to the proximal end, so that the retainer 130 partially or completely covers the edge portion of the transparent membrane 120. In some other cases, the retainer 130 can be a clip, which the assembler uses to clamp the transparent membrane 120 on the outer periphery of the edge portion; this will not be elaborated further here. By covering and limiting the edge of the transparent membrane with the retainer, the relative position of the transparent membrane can be further fixed, and a uniform pulling force can be applied to the transparent membrane, keeping the portion of the transparent membrane corresponding to the opening taut and flat, reducing light refraction, and improving the imaging clarity of the endoscope.

[0044] Step S130: Fix and seal the transparent membrane, the fixation piece, and the outer wall of the catheter body together.

[0045] The assembler can seal and secure the transparent membrane 120, the fastener 130, and the outer wall of the conduit 100 body together. For example, as... Figure 15 As shown, the assembler can apply adhesive to both the inner and outer sides of the edge portion of the transparent membrane 120, and then drive the fixing member 130 to move. While the fixing member 130 moves relative to the body of the conduit 100, the edge portion of the transparent membrane 120 is stably bonded between the body of the conduit 100 and the fixing member 130.

[0046] This allows the three components to form a stable and reliable integrated structure, ensuring a firm and secure connection between the transparent membrane 120, the fixing element 130, and the catheter 100 body, while also achieving a good seal on the catheter 100 body. This effectively isolates the human body cavity from the internal communication channel, preventing contamination of the endoscope and enabling safe reuse of the endoscope. Simultaneously, this positions the transparent membrane 120 on the outer periphery of the catheter 100 body, allowing the transparent and fixing portions of the transparent membrane 120 to be independently configured.

[0047] In this application, according to an optional embodiment, fixing and sealing the transparent membrane, the fixator, and the outer wall of the catheter body together includes: The edge portion of the transparent membrane is bonded between the fixture and the catheter body.

[0048] The assembler adheres the edge portion of the transparent membrane, the fixing element, and the catheter body to each other. For example, the assembler can apply adhesive to both the inner and outer sides of the edge portion of the transparent membrane, and then drive the fixing element to move. As the fixing element moves relative to the catheter body, the edge portion of the transparent membrane is stably adhered between the catheter body and the fixing element. In other embodiments, the assembler can pre-apply adhesive layers to both the inner and outer sides of the edge portion of the transparent membrane; these adhesive layers can stably adhere the edge portion of the transparent membrane between the catheter body and the fixing element, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0049] This design allows for simultaneous tensioning and bonding of the transparent membrane by the fasteners, simplifying the overall assembly process, ensuring a strong and reliable bond, and improving the sealing performance between the transparent membrane and the catheter body, thus meeting the safety requirements for medical device use.

[0050] According to another alternative embodiment, fixing and sealing the transparent membrane, the fixator, and the outer wall of the catheter body together includes: The edge of the transparent membrane, the catheter body, and the fixing components are welded together as one piece.

[0051] Assembly personnel can weld the transparent membrane, conduit body, and fixing components into an integrated structure using welding processes. The welding method can be ultrasonic welding, hot melt welding, or laser welding, and there are no limitations. For example, by fitting the fixing components onto the outer periphery of the transparent membrane's edge, the transparent membrane, conduit body, and fixing components can be pre-fixed to each other. The edge of the transparent membrane, the contact area between the fixing components and the conduit body, are aligned with the ultrasonic welding head. High-frequency vibration melts the plastic at the contact surface, and then pressure is applied, held, and cooled to solidify.

[0052] Welding technology can improve the connection rigidity between the transparent membrane, the catheter body and the fixing components, effectively avoiding problems such as detachment and loosening during use, cleaning or sterilization, greatly improving the firmness of the structural connection and the reliability of the seal, ensuring the structural stability of the catheter and extending its service life.

[0053] In this embodiment of the application, the method for assembling the catheter further includes: at least tightening the portion of the transparent membrane corresponding to the opening, as follows: The assembler must at least taut the portion of the transparent membrane corresponding to the opening. This tautness can be maintained by pulling the transparent membrane or by applying heat, etc. For example, the assembler can hold and drive the fixing device, causing the edge of the transparent membrane to move away from the opening, thus pulling and taut the portion corresponding to the catheter opening. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the assembler can position the catheter body with the assembled transparent membrane and fixing device in a heat-pressing fixture, applying heat and constant pressure to the periphery of the fixing device. This causes the edge of the transparent membrane to stretch and be uniformly stretched. After cooling and setting, the portion of the transparent membrane corresponding to the opening can remain taut, flat, and wrinkle-free for a long time, achieving a sealed fixation. This will not be elaborated further here. By tautning the portion of the transparent membrane corresponding to the opening, this portion remains flat, smooth, and without wrinkles or slack, preventing irregular refraction and scattering of light, thereby ensuring clear and stable endoscopic imaging and meeting the observation needs of subsequent diagnosis and treatment.

[0054] According to one alternative implementation, at least stretching the portion of the transparent film corresponding to the opening includes: Before fixing and sealing the transparent membrane, the fixation element, and the outer wall of the catheter body together, the fixation element is slid along the distal end of the catheter body towards the proximal end. This causes the inner wall of the compression section of the fixation element to compress and move the edge portion of the transparent membrane, thereby tightening the portion of the transparent membrane corresponding to the opening, as follows: Before the transparent membrane, the fixator, and the outer wall of the catheter body are fixed and sealed together, the assembler can directly hold or drive the fixator through other components, causing it to slide along the axial direction of the catheter body from the distal end to the proximal end. During the sliding process, the compressive force between the inner wall of the compression section and the edge of the transparent membrane gradually increases, and the fixator continuously compresses and drives the edge of the transparent membrane to move proximally in sync. Through this pulling and compressing action, at least the area corresponding to the opening of the transparent membrane can be uniformly tightened, preventing membrane wrinkles and loosening, ensuring the smoothness of the light-transmitting area, and thus ensuring clear and stable endoscopic imaging.

[0055] Preferably, as the fastener slides along the conduit body, it abuts against the step on the outer periphery of the conduit body. At this time, the step can provide tactile feedback to the assembly personnel or provide a positioning reference for other components, so as to ensure that the fastener can move to the predetermined position and avoid the fastener moving beyond the preset range and pulling and damaging the transparent film.

[0056] According to another alternative embodiment, at least the portion of the transparent film corresponding to the opening is stretched, including: After placing the retainer around the edge of the transparent membrane, squeeze the retainer to compress the edge of the transparent membrane through the inner wall of the retainer, and drive the retainer to slide from the distal end to the proximal end along the catheter body to tighten the portion of the transparent membrane corresponding to the opening, as follows: After placing the fixator on the outer periphery of the transparent membrane's edge, the assembler can directly grasp the fixator by hand and apply radial pressure using the assembly fixture. This causes the fixator to elastically deform and tightly clamp the edge of the transparent membrane. The assembler then smoothly slides the fixator along the axial direction of the catheter body from the distal end to the proximal end. At this point, friction exists between the transparent membrane and the fixator, and the edge of the transparent membrane can pull on it, ensuring that at least the portion of the transparent membrane corresponding to the opening remains taut and flat. This ensures a reliable clamping fit between the compression section and the edge of the transparent membrane, preventing relative slippage during sliding. It also drives the edge of the transparent membrane to move synchronously, uniformly tightening the area of ​​the transparent membrane corresponding to the opening, keeping it flat, wrinkle-free, and without slack. Simultaneously, it completes the pre-positioning of the transparent membrane, ensuring clear endoscopic imaging and secure membrane fixation.

[0057] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0058] Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatus in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0059] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A catheter, characterized in that, The catheter includes a catheter body (110), a transparent membrane (120), and a fixation element (130), wherein: The catheter body (110) has a through-channel (111) that extends through itself, and the distal end of the catheter body (110) is provided with an opening (112) that connects to the through-channel (111). The transparent membrane (120) covers the opening (112), and the edge portion of the transparent membrane (120) extends to the outer wall of the catheter body (110); and The fixing member (130) is located on the outer periphery of the edge portion of the transparent membrane (120), and the catheter body (110), the transparent membrane (120) and the fixing member (130) are fixed and sealed together.

2. The catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least the portion of the transparent film (120) corresponding to the opening (112) is in a taut state; And / or, the transparent membrane (120) includes a first region (120a) and a second region (120b), the second region (120b) being arranged around the first region (120a), the first region (120a) and the opening (112) being correspondingly arranged, and the second region (120b), the catheter body (110) and the fixing member (130) being relatively fixed and sealed together.

3. The catheter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fixing member (130) is a ring structure. The fixing member (130) is sleeved on the outside of the catheter body (110), and the fixing member (130) is movably arranged relative to the catheter body (110). And / or, the catheter body (110) is a transparent polycarbonate layer or a transparent polyurethane layer, the transparent membrane (120) is a polystyrene layer, a polyethylene layer or a polyvinylidene chloride layer, and the fastener (130) is a polyurethane layer, a silicone layer or a polyvinyl chloride layer. And / or, the outer diameter of the catheter body (110) is 2.4mm-2.5mm, and the inner diameter of the catheter body (110) is 2.2mm-2.3mm; And / or, the outer diameter of the fastener (130) is 2.8mm-3mm, and the inner diameter of the fastener (130) is 2.5mm-2.7mm; And / or, the thickness of the transparent film (120) is 0.05mm-0.06mm.

4. The catheter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The catheter body (110) includes a first segment (110a) and a second segment (110b) connected to each other. The outer diameter of the first segment (110a) is smaller than the outer diameter of the second segment (110b). A step (113) is provided at the connection between the first segment (110a) and the second segment (110b). The fixing member (130) is sleeved on the first segment (110a) and is limited and stopped by the step (113). And / or, the end of the fastener (130) is provided with a notch (133); And / or, the fastener (130) is elastic; And / or, the fastener (130) includes a compression section (132) whose inner diameter gradually decreases along the direction from the distal end to the proximal end of the fastener (130), and at least a portion of the compression section (132) is fitted onto the outer periphery of the edge portion of the transparent film (120). And / or, there is an interference fit between the fastener (130) and the catheter body (110).

5. The catheter according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The edge portion of the transparent membrane (120) is bonded between the catheter body (110) and the fixing member (130); Alternatively, the transparent membrane (120), the catheter body (110), and the fixing member (130) may be welded together as a single unit.

6. A suction catheter assembly, characterized in that, The suction catheter assembly includes the catheter as described in any one of claims 1-5.

7. An endoscope kit, characterized in that, The endoscope kit includes the suction catheter assembly as described in claim 6.

8. A method for assembling a catheter, used for the catheter as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, include: The transparent membrane is placed over the opening of the catheter body, with the edge of the transparent membrane covering the outer periphery of the catheter body. The fastener is placed on the outer periphery of the edge portion of the transparent film; The transparent membrane, the fixing member, and the outer wall of the catheter body are fixed and sealed together.

9. The assembly method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The assembly method further includes: at least tightening the portion of the transparent film corresponding to the opening; And / or, the step of fixing and sealing the transparent membrane, the fixation member, and the outer wall of the catheter body together includes: bonding the edge portion of the transparent membrane between the fixation member and the catheter body, or welding the edge portion of the transparent membrane, the catheter body, and the fixation member together.

10. The assembly method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of at least tightening the portion of the transparent film corresponding to the opening includes: Before the transparent membrane, the fixing member, and the outer wall of the catheter body are fixed and sealed together, the fixing member is driven to slide from the distal end to the proximal end of the catheter body, so that the inner wall of the squeezing section of the fixing member squeezes and drives the edge portion of the transparent membrane, so that the portion of the transparent membrane corresponding to the opening is tightened. Alternatively, after placing the fixation member on the outer periphery of the edge portion of the transparent membrane, the fixation member is squeezed to compress the edge portion of the transparent membrane through the inner wall of the fixation member, and the fixation member is driven to slide along the distal end of the catheter body toward the proximal end, so that the portion of the transparent membrane corresponding to the opening is taut.

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