A bronchoalveolar lavage device

Abstract

This utility model discloses an alveolar lavage device, belonging to the field of medical device technology, for alveolar lavage. The device includes a collection bottle, an lavage tubing, and a three-way valve. The lavage tubing channel has an added support structure on its wall to enhance its strength, ensuring lavage yield and controllability while reducing wall thickness and increasing internal flow area. Simultaneously, the silanization treatment of the inner wall of the collection bottle reduces the adsorption of cellular components in the lavage fluid, ensuring sample quality and providing a more reliable basis for subsequent steps such as cellular component analysis, pathogen culture and identification, and biochemical marker detection. Compared with conventional bronchoalveolar lavage, tubing lavage reduces specimen contamination, increases the reabsorption rate of alveolar lavage samples, and reduces the impact of lavage complications on lavage quality. This device has wide clinical applications and high application and promotion value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to an alveolar lavage device. Background Technology

[0002] Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a low-risk endoscopic diagnostic procedure widely used in clinical practice and often provides important diagnostic information. On the other hand, it may also provide some prognostic information. It has been widely used in the diagnosis of pulmonary infectious diseases, interstitial lung disease, diffuse bilateral lung disease, and tumors. Its core principle is to inject sterile saline into the distal airways and collect the lavage fluid for analysis of its cytological, microbiological, and tumor cell components, assisting in the diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of respiratory diseases. BAL includes bronchoscopic lavage and catheter-based lavage.

[0003] During bronchoscopic lavage, the physician precisely injects sterile saline solution into the patient's distal airways, particularly the bronchioles directly communicating with the alveoli, through a bronchoscope. This ensures the saline solution evenly covers the alveolar surface, effectively dissolving and carrying away various alveolar components. Following the saline injection, the lavage fluid is recovered. This recovered fluid contains a significant amount of alveolar surface lining fluid. Detailed analysis of the recovered lavage fluid provides information about lung diseases. Of all diagnostic tests, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) has particular value in diagnosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), such as alveolar hemorrhage, alveolar protein deposition, bronchoalveolar carcinoma, histiocytosis X (also known as Langerhans cell histiocytosis), and Pneumocystis carcinoma, often avoiding the need for surgical lung biopsy. For other ILDs, BAL examination combined with clinical manifestations and high-resolution CT (HRCT) can provide supporting or ruling diagnostic evidence. This method is also a very practical research tool, as some genetic and molecular markers with diagnostic / prognostic significance can be obtained through BAL testing. In addition, BAL is helpful in diagnosing infectious diseases such as bacterial pneumonia, tuberculosis, fungal infections, or viral pneumonia.

[0004] Bronchoalveolar lavage is most widely used when performed directly through a flexible bronchoscopy channel. Compared to bronchoscopic lavage, catheter-based lavage uses a suction catheter through the working channel of the bronchoscope. This suction catheter can extend into the more peripheral lumen, reaching subsegmental or sub-subsegmental bronchi. The catheter is used to reach the target location for lavage through the working channel of the bronchoscope. Catheter-based bronchial lavage has a higher reabsorption rate (approaching 50%). However, due to the limitations of the bronchoscopy working channel, the catheter diameter is relatively small and requires a certain level of strength, which can be achieved by increasing the catheter wall thickness. The catheter has a certain strength to allow it to directly reach the lesion site. This can lead to a reduction in the inner diameter of the catheter, affecting irrigation efficiency. If the wall thickness of the catheter is reduced, its strength will decrease, making it difficult to operate and preventing it from reaching the target location. In addition, when the lavage fluid from bronchoscopy enters the collection bottle, components such as cells, pathogens, and biochemical markers can be adsorbed onto the inner wall of the collection bottle due to interactions such as electrostatic forces, van der Waals forces, or hydrogen bonds. This may affect the quality of the specimen and further affect the accuracy and reliability of the disease diagnosis based on the specimen. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides an alveolar lavage device that can effectively improve the recovery rate and reabsorption quality of the lavage fluid.

[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: An alveolar lavage device includes a collection bottle, an lavage tubing, and a three-way valve; The distal end of the irrigation conduit has an insertion portion, and the inside of the irrigation conduit has a fluid channel for injecting or absorbing water. The insertion portion is provided with a liquid hole that communicates with the fluid channel. The wall of the fluid channel has a support structure to enhance the strength of the irrigation conduit. The inner wall of the collection bottle is provided with a siliconized layer, and an inlet and an air hole are formed on the collection bottle. The air hole is used to connect to a negative pressure device through a pipeline, and the proximal end of the irrigation conduit is used to connect to the inlet of the collection bottle and the injection device through a three-way valve.

[0007] Preferably, the liquid orifice is located on the side wall at the distal end of the irrigation conduit.

[0008] Preferably, the distal end of the irrigation conduit is provided with a plurality of liquid holes, which are spaced apart along the circumferential and / or axial direction of the conduit.

[0009] Preferably, the support structure includes multiple ribs, which are axially arranged on the inner wall of the irrigation conduit and are circumferentially distributed axially. Preferably, the ribs are spirally arranged on the inner wall of the irrigation conduit.

[0010] Preferably, the wall thickness of the irrigation conduit is less than 0.3 mm, and the total thickness of the ribs in the irrigation conduit is 0.5-0.7 mm.

[0011] Preferably, the distal end of the irrigation catheter is provided with a flexible guide portion.

[0012] Preferably, the three-way valve includes a valve body, on which a liquid suction end, a liquid injection end, and a conduit end are provided; The suction end is connected to the inlet of the collection bottle via a suction tube, the injection end is connected to the injection device, and the conduit end is connected to the proximal end of the irrigation conduit. A valve plate is provided in the valve body to control the connection between the irrigation conduit and the collection bottle and the injection device, respectively.

[0013] Preferably, the liquid collecting bottle is provided with a scale for measuring the amount of liquid in the bottle.

[0014] Preferably, the volume of the collection bottle is 40-60 ml.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects: This application discloses an alveolar lavage device comprising a collection bottle, an lavage tubing, and a three-way valve. The lavage tubing, as a key component, has a liquid orifice at its distal insertion point, which connects to the internal fluid channel, allowing for the smooth injection and recovery of physiological saline. Simultaneously, a supporting structure is added to the wall of the fluid channel, enhancing the strength of the lavage tubing. This ensures sufficient strength even with reduced wall thickness and increased internal flow area, allowing for successful insertion deep into the bronchi and effectively improving lavage and recovery efficiency. Furthermore, the silicified layer inside the collection bottle possesses high chemical inertness and low adsorption capacity, forming a protective film covering the inner wall of the collection bottle. This effectively reduces the adsorption of cells, pathogenic microorganisms, and biochemical markers in the lavage fluid, further improving sample quality (the quantity of samples in the recovered lavage fluid). This is of paramount importance for subsequent steps such as cellular component analysis, pathogenic microorganism culture and identification, and biochemical marker detection. Higher sample quality means obtaining more and more accurate disease information, which helps doctors make more accurate diagnoses and disease assessments. This bronchoalveolar lavage device not only improves the efficiency of lavage fluid recovery, but also significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as lung infectious diseases, interstitial lung diseases and tumors by improving sample quality. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the alveolar lavage device of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the distal end of the irrigation catheter of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the three-way valve of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the irrigation catheter of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the irrigation catheter in another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the irrigation catheter in Embodiment 2 of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the operational status of the bronchoalveolar lavage device of this utility model.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Collection bottle; 2. Negative pressure tube; 3. Suction tube; 4. Three-way valve; 5. Irrigation tube; 6. Guide section; 7. Liquid hole; 8. Support structure; 9. Negative pressure device; 10. Bronchoscope; 11. Suction end; 12. Injection end; 13. Tube end; 14. Screw cap. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0020] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] In response to the issues mentioned in the background art, such as the inner diameter of the catheter directly affecting the lavage efficiency and the collection bottle affecting the sample recovery rate in the lavage fluid, this application proposes an alveolar lavage device that can not only improve lavage efficiency but also improve the quality of sample recovery.

[0022] Please see Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the bronchoalveolar lavage device of this application. Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the irrigation catheter and the guide section. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection status of the three-way valve to the irrigation tubing and the suction tubing, respectively. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the support structure inside the irrigation catheter in Example 1. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal support structure of the irrigation catheter in another embodiment. Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the irrigation catheter in Example 2.

[0023] This application provides an alveolar lavage device, including a collection bottle 1, an lavage tubing 5, and a three-way valve 4; An insertion portion is formed at the distal end of the irrigation conduit 5. A fluid channel for injecting or recovering irrigation fluid is formed inside the irrigation conduit. The insertion portion is provided with a liquid hole 7, which communicates with the fluid channel. A support structure is formed on the wall of the fluid channel to enhance the strength of the irrigation conduit. The collection bottle 1 has an inlet and an air hole. The inside of the collection bottle 1 is provided with a siliconized layer. The air hole of the collection bottle 1 is used to connect to the negative pressure device 9. The proximal end of the irrigation conduit is connected to the inlet of the collection bottle 1 and the injection device through a three-way valve.

[0024] It should be noted that the strength of the irrigation catheter is used to characterize the operability of the irrigation catheter during the irrigation process. When the strength of the irrigation catheter is too low, it will be difficult to enter the target position during the operation of the irrigation catheter because the irrigation catheter is relatively soft.

[0025] In use, the alveolar lavage device provided in this application has an lavage catheter that passes through the working port of the bronchoscope 10, allowing the insertion part to extend into the bronchus. Because the inner wall of the lavage catheter has a supporting structure, this structure allows the strength of the lavage catheter to remain unchanged even with a reduced wall thickness, enabling the distal end of the lavage catheter to still extend deep into the subsegmental bronchus. Reducing the wall thickness increases the internal flow area of ​​the lavage catheter, thus improving the lavage and retrieval efficiency. Secondly, a silicified layer is formed in the collection bottle. The silicified material has high chemical inertness and low adsorption, enabling it to form… A protective film forms on the inner wall of the lavage bottle, effectively reducing the adsorption of cells from the lavage fluid onto the inner wall, thereby improving the quality of the recovered sample. Furthermore, during use, the lavage catheter tip can directly extend deep into the subsegmental bronchi. A three-way valve controls the connection between the lavage catheter, the collection bottle, and the injection device, enabling precise lavage of the corresponding alveoli, while improving lavage efficiency and reducing the risk of contamination. Compared to conventional bronchoalveolar lavage, catheter-based lavage reduces sample contamination, increases the quality of alveolar lavage samples, and reduces the impact of lavage complications on lavage quality.

[0026] In some embodiments, the distal end of the lavage catheter 5 is provided with a guide portion 6, which is made of a flexible material. During the process of the lavage catheter being inserted into the bronchus of the lung, the guide portion 6 comes into contact with the tracheal tissue to avoid damage to the tracheal tissue, thereby ensuring the safety of the lavage catheter bronchial lavage procedure.

[0027] The guide section 6 is preferably made of medical-grade silicone material. One end of the guide section 6 is connected to the distal end of the irrigation catheter, and the other end has a hemispherical structure.

[0028] In some embodiments, a plurality of liquid holes 7 are provided at the distal end of the conduit. The plurality of liquid holes are provided on the wall of the distal end of the irrigation conduit, that is, the axial direction of the liquid holes is perpendicular to the axial direction of the irrigation conduit, and the plurality of liquid holes are provided at intervals along the axial direction or axial direction of the irrigation conduit 5.

[0029] The area of ​​the liquid pore is 0.5-2 square millimeters.

[0030] For example, there are three liquid holes, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the irrigation conduit and are staggered relative to each other along the axial direction of the irrigation conduit.

[0031] For example, there are four liquid holes, which are divided into two groups. The two groups of liquid holes are spaced apart along the axial direction of the irrigation conduit, and the two liquid holes in each group are symmetrically arranged along the axial direction of the irrigation conduit.

[0032] The irrigation catheter is made of polyether block polyamide.

[0033] In some embodiments, the three-way valve 4 includes a valve body, on which a suction end 11, an injection end 12, and a conduit end 13 are provided. The suction end 11 is connected to the inlet of the collection bottle 1 through a suction tube 3, the injection end 12 is connected to an injection device, and the conduit end 13 is connected to the proximal end of the irrigation conduit. A valve plate is provided in the valve body, and the valve plate controls the communication devices between the irrigation conduit and the collection bottle and the injection device, respectively.

[0034] During use, the irrigation catheter enters the bronchus of the lung through the working channel of the bronchoscope 10. The valve body connects the irrigation catheter to the infusion device. At this time, the irrigation catheter is disconnected from the collection bottle. Physiological saline is injected into the bronchus of the lung through the irrigation catheter via the infusion device. When collecting the irrigation fluid, the valve body connects the irrigation catheter to the collection bottle. At this time, the irrigation catheter is disconnected from the infusion device. Under negative pressure, the irrigation fluid enters the irrigation catheter through the liquid hole 7 in sequence, and then enters the collection bottle through the three-way valve 4 and the suction tube 3 in sequence.

[0035] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the irrigation catheter is less than 2.8 mm, preferably 2.6 mm or 1.8 mm, corresponding to an inner diameter of 3 mm and 2 mm for the bronchoscope, and the wall thickness of the irrigation catheter is less than 0.3 mm.

[0036] The wall thickness of commonly used catheters is generally greater than 0.5 mm. This is because the catheter needs to have a certain strength so that it can extend deep into the subsegmental bronchi and resist negative pressure to prevent the catheter from collapsing when recovering the lavage fluid. Although the wall thickness of the lavage catheter in this application is less than 0.3 mm, it increases the flow area of ​​the lavage catheter, but it reduces the strength of the lavage catheter. Therefore, a support structure is set on the inner wall of the lavage catheter to improve the strength of the lavage catheter so that it can still extend deep into the subsegmental bronchi.

[0037] See Figure 4 The support structure 8 consists of multiple ribs installed on the inner wall of the irrigation conduit. The ribs extend axially from the distal end of the irrigation conduit and are spaced apart circumferentially along the irrigation conduit. The maximum thickness of the ribs and the wall of the irrigation conduit is 0.5-0.7 mm. It should be noted that this maximum thickness is the total thickness of the ribs and the irrigation conduit. The thickness of the wall at the location where there are no ribs is 0.3 mm.

[0038] The cross-section of the rib is a raised arc shape, and the two sides of the rib are smoothly connected to the inner wall of the irrigation catheter. By adding ribs to the wall of the irrigation catheter, the flow area of ​​the irrigation catheter can be increased, which can effectively improve the strength of the irrigation catheter, so that the irrigation catheter can be inserted deep into the bronchus.

[0039] Ribs can also be arranged in a spiral pattern, with multiple ribs spaced at the same spiral direction and arranged by bolts. Ribs can not only increase the axial strength of the irrigation conduit, but also improve the circumferential strength of the irrigation conduit.

[0040] See Figure 5 Another form of support structure is a spiral line disposed inside the irrigation conduit, which extends from the distal end of the irrigation conduit to the proximal end in a spiral arrangement. In some embodiments, the collection bottle includes a bottle body, with a collection chamber formed inside the bottle body. An air hole and a liquid inlet are respectively located on the top of the bottle body and communicate with the collection chamber. The air hole is connected to a negative pressure device 9 through a negative pressure pipe 2. A spiral cap 14 is provided at the end of the negative pressure pipe 2, and the negative pressure pipe 2 is connected to the negative pressure device 9 through the spiral cap 14. The liquid inlet is connected to the end of a suction pipe 3. During the process of recovering the rinsing liquid, the negative pressure device 9 is activated. Under the action of negative pressure, the rinsing liquid enters the collection chamber through the suction pipe 3.

[0041] The collection bottle 1 undergoes a silanization treatment, which involves coating the inner wall of the washing bottle with a silanizing substance, such as silicone oil or silicone resin. This silanizing substance is highly chemically inert and does not readily react with other substances. It reduces the adsorption capacity of the washing bottle's inner wall for components in the washing solution. During the washing process, cells, pathogenic microorganisms, biochemical markers, and other components in the washing solution are less likely to be adsorbed by the inner wall of the washing bottle, thus ensuring that these components can be fully recovered and used for subsequent analysis and diagnosis. This helps improve the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis.

[0042] In addition, siliconized materials have excellent lubricating properties, and the inner wall of the collection bottle after siliconization is smoother. This helps to reduce the flow resistance of the liquid in the bottle, making the flushing solution smoother during injection and recovery, and less likely to leave residue.

[0043] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the collection bottle 1 is provided with graduation lines for measuring the amount of rinsing liquid in the collection bottle 1. The volume of the collection bottle 1 is 40-60 ml, preferably 50 ml.

[0044] Example 1 An alveolar lavage device includes a collection bottle 1, an lavage tubing 5, and a three-way valve 4; See Figure 4The irrigation conduit 5 has an outer diameter of 2.6 mm, a length of 90 mm, and a wall thickness of 0.3 mm. The internal support structure of the irrigation conduit includes four ribs, which are distributed circumferentially along the inner wall of the irrigation conduit. The thickness of each rib is 0.4 mm, and the total wall thickness of the irrigation conduit at the rib positions is 0.7 mm. The ribs are arc-shaped structures that bulge towards the center of the irrigation conduit. The ribs are arranged in a spiral shape along the axial direction of the irrigation conduit. The spiral ribs in the irrigation conduit increase the flow area of ​​the fluid channel and compensate for the strength of the irrigation conduit, allowing the irrigation conduit to extend deep into the bronchus.

[0045] The distal end of the irrigation tubing is provided with four liquid holes, each with an area of ​​1 square millimeter. The proximal end of the irrigation tubing is connected to the tubing end of the three-way valve. The suction end of the three-way valve is connected to the gas collecting bottle through a suction tube. The injection end of the three-way valve is connected to the injection device. The wall of the liquid collecting chamber of the liquid collecting bottle is covered with a silicone resin layer. The volume of the gas collecting bottle is 50 ml.

[0046] See Figure 7 In bronchial lavage, the inner diameter (working channel) of the bronchoscope is greater than 2.8 mm. The bronchoscope 10 is inserted into the target bronchus of the lung through the airway and the secretions along the way are aspirated. Then the lavage catheter is inserted into the working channel of the bronchoscope and into the bronchus of the lung. When the distal end of the lavage catheter extends out of the bronchoscope, the lavage catheter is continued to be extended into the target position deep in the bronchus.

[0047] Then, by switching the three-way valve, the irrigation catheter is connected to the infusion device, and physiological saline is injected into the bronchus through the irrigation catheter. Then, the three-way valve is switched again to connect the irrigation catheter to the collection bottle, and the negative pressure device is activated to recover the irrigation fluid (physiological saline mixed with cells). The amount of irrigation fluid recovered can be clearly identified by the scale on the collection bottle. Since the collection bottle is siliconized, cells are prevented from adhering to the inner wall of the collection bottle, thus ensuring the quality of cell recovery. At the same time, the use of catheter-based bronchial lavage can effectively avoid contamination of the specimen at the sampling site by secretions from the upper respiratory tract, and has a higher reabsorption rate. This design makes the flow and recovery of irrigation fluid in the alveoli and bronchi more efficient.

[0048] Example 2 The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 lies in the structure of the irrigation catheter; the rest of the structure is the same and will not be described in detail.

[0049] See Figure 6A bronchoalveolar lavage device includes an lavage catheter 5 with an outer diameter of 1.8 mm, a length of 110 mm, and a wall thickness of 0.2 mm. The internal support structure of the lavage catheter includes four ribs distributed circumferentially along the inner wall of the lavage catheter. The ribs are 0.3 mm thick and are arc-shaped structures protruding towards the center of the lavage catheter. The ribs are arranged spirally along the axial direction of the lavage catheter. The spiral ribs in the lavage catheter increase the flow area of ​​the fluid channel and compensate for the strength of the lavage catheter, allowing the lavage catheter to extend deep into the bronchus. Compared with an lavage catheter of the same diameter, the fluid channel area of ​​the lavage catheter is increased by 30%, thus improving the lavage efficiency.

[0050] The above content is only for illustrating the technical concept of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications made to the technical solution based on the technical concept proposed in this utility model shall fall within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A bronchoalveolar lavage device, characterized in that, Includes collection bottle, flushing tubing, and three-way valve; The distal end of the irrigation conduit has an insertion portion, and the inside of the irrigation conduit has a fluid channel for injecting or absorbing water. The insertion portion is provided with a liquid hole that communicates with the fluid channel. The wall of the fluid channel has a support structure to enhance the strength of the irrigation conduit. The inner wall of the collection bottle is provided with a siliconized layer, and an inlet and an air hole are formed on the collection bottle. The air hole is used to connect to a negative pressure device through a pipeline. The proximal end of the irrigation conduit is used to connect to the inlet of the collection bottle and the injection device through a three-way valve. The support structure includes multiple ribs, which are arranged axially on the inner wall of the irrigation conduit and are distributed circumferentially along the axis.

2. The alveolar lavage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid orifice is located on the side wall at the distal end of the irrigation conduit.

3. The alveolar lavage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distal end of the irrigation conduit is provided with multiple liquid holes, which are spaced apart along the circumferential and / or axial direction of the conduit.

4. The alveolar lavage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ribs are spirally arranged on the inner wall of the irrigation conduit.

5. The alveolar lavage device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the irrigation conduit is less than 0.3 mm, and the total thickness of the ribs in the irrigation conduit is 0.5-0.7 mm.

6. The alveolar lavage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distal end of the irrigation catheter is provided with a flexible guide section.

7. The alveolar lavage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three-way valve includes a valve body, on which a liquid suction end, a liquid injection end, and a conduit end are provided; The suction end is connected to the inlet of the collection bottle via a suction tube, the injection end is connected to the injection device, and the conduit end is connected to the proximal end of the irrigation conduit. A valve plate is provided in the valve body to control the connection between the irrigation conduit and the collection bottle and the injection device, respectively.

8. The alveolar lavage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid collecting bottle is equipped with graduations to measure the amount of liquid in the bottle.

9. The alveolar lavage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The volume of the collection bottle is 40-60 ml.

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