CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER ARRANGEMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a central venous catheter arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Central venous catheter assemblies are well known in the field of medical technology. Central venous catheter assemblies are also referred to as central venous catheters or central venous access devices and are intended for use in infusion therapy. Typically, the catheter tube consists of a thin, flexible plastic tubing with a catheter tip integrally molded to its distal end. To establish central venous access, the distal end of the catheter tube is inserted into a patient's vein in a manner well known in the field of medical technology and advanced toward the heart. The catheter tip is typically positioned in the area of ​​the patient's right atrium.The proximal end of the tube remains on the outside of the patient's body after the access is established and, in conventional central venous catheters, is fluidically connected to at least one catheter supply line via a fixation element. This connection between the catheter tube and the fixation element and / or the catheter supply line is usually fixed, meaning it is one-piece and / or cannot be removed without damage. Depending on the medical indication, the central venous access is established via different veins or different entry points on the patient's body. The length of the catheter tube must therefore be selected depending on the medical indication and / or the patient's body size. Conventional central venous catheter assemblies are therefore available in different versions with regard to the tube length between the proximal and distal tube ends.

[0003] US 2010 / 0331823 A1 discloses a catheter assembly comprising a catheter tube and a connecting device, by means of which a proximal end of the catheter tube can be connected to a catheter supply line. The connecting device also allows for proximal shortening of the catheter tube. Furthermore, the connecting device has a comparatively complex design. The proximal end of the tube is not readily accessible.

[0004] EP 0 422 631 A1 discloses another catheter assembly comprising a tube and an adapter. The adapter acts as a type of connecting device and is pivotable between a release and a locking position. The tube is held by the adapter in the locking position and released in the release position.

[0005] Furthermore, WO 2005 / 089851 A1 discloses a connection system for a proximally trimmable catheter. The connection system comprises a sleeve with a lumen for receiving the catheter. A fork assembly is also provided, which can be attached to the sleeve at the end.

[0006] Furthermore, a clamping adapter for a catheter is known from DE 10 2007 029 229 A1. In this clamping adapter, the proximal end of the catheter is accommodated in a flexible clamping bushing and secured by axially compressing the clamping bushing. A clamping lever, which can be pivoted about a pivot axis running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the clamping adapter, is used to compress the clamping bushing.

[0007] The object of the invention is to create a central venous catheter arrangement of the type mentioned above which allows universal use.

[0008] This object is achieved by a central venous catheter assembly having the feature combination of claim 1. The solution according to the invention makes it possible to easily adapt the length of the catheter tube to the respective requirements. This eliminates the need for manufacturing and storing catheter assemblies with different tube lengths. Furthermore, the tube length can be advantageously shortened starting from the proximal tube end. Shortening starting from the distal tube end is also possible. However, this would severe the catheter tip and potentially render the catheter assembly unusable. The at least one catheter supply line can be a lumen for supplying a medication fluid, which lumen has a catheter hub at its proximal end, which can in particular be a Luer-Lock connector known per se.For the purposes of the invention, "distal" means an orientation toward the body's center, and "proximal" means an orientation away from the body's center. "Shortenable" or "shortenable" within the meaning of the invention refers to a change in length between the proximal and distal ends of the tube, which, however, does not necessarily involve severing a section of the tube. For example, arranging a section of the tube in the form of a loop, a loop, or the like can also result in a change in length between the tube ends and thus shorten the tube within the meaning of the invention. "Releasable" within the meaning of the invention means non-destructive separability.

[0009] Advantageously, the term "detachable" in the sense of the invention encompasses the ability to be easily reconnected after a previous non-destructive separation.

[0010] Further according to the invention, the locking unit is movable relative to the housing from a locking position to a release position, wherein the proximal tube end is operatively connected to the locking unit in the locking position and is secured to the housing by means of the locking unit, and wherein the proximal tube end is detachable from the housing in the release position. The locking unit has a clamping element which, in the locking position, is in a detachable clamp connection with a jacket section of the proximal tube end. This achieves a particularly reliable connection of the proximal tube end to the connecting device, which can be easily released if necessary. Consequently, this embodiment of the invention results in a catheter arrangement that is particularly simple and reliable to handle.

[0011] Further according to the invention, in the release position, the locking unit exposes a housing opening through which at least a portion of the proximal tube end can be removed from the housing. In the locking position, the housing opening is at least partially covered by the locking unit. Advantageously, at least a portion of the proximal tube end is therefore arranged in the housing. The housing opening is aligned substantially radially to the outer surface of the proximal tube end. This ensures good accessibility and manual removal of the proximal tube end from the housing.

[0012] Further according to the invention, the locking unit is pivotably mounted relative to the housing. Advantageously, the locking unit is pivotable about a pivot axis oriented transversely to the axial direction of the proximal tube end. Particularly cost-effective production is achieved if the locking unit is attached to the housing by means of a film hinge.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing has a cylindrical housing section extending substantially coaxially with the proximal tube end and radially encompassing the proximal tube end at least in sections. The cylindrical housing section forms an extension of the housing extending toward the proximal tube section. The radial guidance of the proximal tube end advantageously counteracts unwanted kinking of the catheter tube in the region of the transition between the connecting device and the adjoining tube path.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical housing section has a cone on its distal end, i.e., the end facing the body entry point, which is designed to engage with a body entry point of the catheter tube. The cone allows for a less disruptive attachment of the catheter assembly to the relevant entry point of the catheter tube into the patient's body. Furthermore, the conical design advantageously prevents bleeding in the area of ​​the entry point.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical housing section is formed by a tube element whose inner diameter essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of the catheter tube, so that the latter is guided axially movably within the tube element when the locking unit is released. Advantageously, the tube element is designed to be flexible enough to ensure, on the one hand, comfortable contact of the cylindrical housing section at the entry point and, on the other hand, sufficient radial support of the proximal tube end against unintentional kinking.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting device has at least one connecting element to which at least one catheter supply line can be connected and thus fluidically connected to the catheter tube. The at least one connecting element is advantageously arranged at the proximal end region of the housing. Advantageously, the connecting element is a Luer-Lock connector, known as such in the field of medical technology.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the catheter tip is designed to be atraumatic, particularly as a soft tip. Atraumatic catheter tips are generally known in the field of medical technology. The atraumatic catheter tip is designed in such a way, particularly soft and / or flexible, that injury to the vein is avoided when advancing the distal catheter tube.

[0018] Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the claims and from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a central venous catheter arrangement according to the invention in a locking position and Fig. 2 the catheter arrangement according to Fig. 1 in a release position.

[0019] A central venous catheter arrangement 1 according to the Fig. 1 and 2is intended for use in infusion therapy. The catheter assembly 1 comprises a catheter tube 2 for insertion into a patient's vein, having a distal tube end 3 and a proximal tube end 4. A specifically shaped catheter tip 5 is integrally formed on the distal tube end 3. To establish central access to the patient's venous system, the distal tube end 3 is inserted into a vein of the patient in a manner generally known in the field of medical technology, starting from a body entry point, and the catheter tube 2 is advanced in the vein until the catheter tip 5 has reached a desired position. In particular, for connecting the proximal tube end 4 to at least one, in Fig. 2 A connecting device 7 with a housing 8 and a locking unit 9 is provided for the catheter supply line 6, indicated by dashed lines. The proximal tube end 4 is releasably secured to the connecting device 7 in a manner described in more detail below.

[0020] The locking unit 9 of the connecting device 7 is pivotably mounted relative to the housing 8. For this purpose, the connecting device 7 has a pivot axis 10 which is oriented perpendicular to a main extension direction of the connecting device 7. The locking unit 9 is pivotable relative to the housing 8 about the pivot axis 10 between a locking position V ( Fig. 1 ) and a release position F ( Fig. 2 ) displaceable. The proximal hose end 4 extends at least in sections along an inner wall 11 of the connecting device 7. In the locking position V, the proximal hose end 4 is operatively connected to the locking unit 9 and is thus fixed to the housing 8 of the connecting device 7. The locking unit 9 is designed as a clamping element which, in the locking position V, acts radially on a hose jacket section 12 of the proximal hose end 4 and thus fixes it to the inner wall 11. In the release position F, the operative connection between the proximal hose end 4 or between the hose jacket section 12 and the locking unit 9 is canceled, so that the proximal hose end 4 can be detached from the housing 8 of the connecting device 7.

[0021] As shown by Fig. 2 As can be seen, the housing 8 has a housing opening 13, which is released by the locking unit 9 in the release position F and covered in the locking position V. In this respect, in the release position F, at least a portion of the proximal tube end 4 is accessible through the housing opening 13 and can be removed from the housing 8. The housing opening 13 is oriented substantially radially to the proximal tube end 4.

[0022] The housing 8 of the connecting device 7 has a cylindrical housing section 14 extending substantially coaxially to the proximal tube end 4. The cylindrical housing section 14 radially encompasses a second tube jacket section 15 of the proximal tube end 4 and has a cone 17 on its distal end face 16. The cone 17 is, in the applied state of the catheter arrangement 1, adapted to be applied to a non-identified Fig. 2 formed at the body entry point S indicated only by dashed lines. The cylindrical housing section 14 is formed by a hose element 18, the inner diameter 19 of which essentially corresponds to the outer diameter 20 of the second hose jacket section 15 of the catheter tube 2. In this way, the proximal hose end 4 is guided axially movably in the hose element 18 as soon as the locking unit 9 assumes its release position F.

[0023] In addition, the connecting device 7 has a connecting element 21 designed as a Luer-Lock connector. The connecting element 21 is arranged at the proximal end of the housing 8 and can be fluidly connected to the catheter supply line 6. A fluid-conducting connection can therefore be established between the catheter supply line 6 and the end region of the proximal tube end 4 via the connecting element 21.

[0024] Furthermore, the catheter arrangement 1 has a soft tip known per se as the catheter tip 5, which is designed to be atraumatic so that injury to the vein is avoided when the distal tube end 3 is advanced through the catheter tip 5.

[0025] To achieve a selected tube length between the proximal tube end 4 and the distal tube end 3, the catheter tube 2 is shortened starting from the proximal tube end 4. Starting from the Fig. 1 For this purpose, in the state of the catheter assembly 1 shown in FIG. 1, the locking unit 9 is first moved from the locking position V into the release position F. In this way, the clamping connection between the locking unit 9 and the hose jacket section 12 of the proximal hose end 4 is released. In addition, by pivoting the locking unit 9 from the locking position V into the release position F, the housing opening 13 is released. In this way, a section of the proximal hose end 4 is accessible through the housing opening 13 and, in particular, can be manually removed from the housing 8, as shown in FIG. Fig. 2 is indicated schematically. Since the second hose jacket section 15 of the proximal hose end 4 is guided axially movably in the cylindrical housing section 14 formed by the hose element 18, the section of the proximal hose end 4 released by the locking unit 9 can be pulled out of the housing opening 13. The length of the catheter tube 2 can be shortened by severing a section of the proximal hose end 4 along a Fig. 2 visible dashed cutting line L. The proximal tube end 4 shortened in this way can be drawn into the housing 8 by an axial movement of the catheter tube 2 in the distal direction through the housing opening 13 and subsequently secured to the connecting device 7 by pivoting the locking unit 9 from the release position F into the locking position V.

Claims

1. Central venous catheter assembly (1) for applying a central access to a venous system of a patient, having a catheter tube (2) for inserting into a vein of the venous system, with a distal tube end (3) having a catheter tip (5), and with a proximal tube end (4), which can be connected in a fluid-conducting manner to at least one catheter supply line (6), wherein a connecting device (7) with a housing (8) and with a locking unit (9) is provided, wherein the proximal tube end (4) is fastened releasably to the connecting device (7) in such a way that the catheter tube (2), starting from the proximal tube end (4), can be shortened in order to obtain a selected tube length between the proximal tube end (4) and the distal tube end (3), and wherein the proximal tube end (4) can be connected by means of the connecting device (7) to the at least one catheter supply line (6) in a fluid-conducting manner, and the locking unit (9) has a clamping element which is fastened to the housing (8) so as to be pivotable relative to the housing (8) from a locking position (V) to a release position (F), and which in the locking position (V) acts radially on a tube jacket portion (12) of the proximal tube end (4) in such a way that the proximal tube end (4) is fastened to the housing (8) by means of the clamping element, wherein the proximal tube end (4) in the release position (F) is releasable from the housing (8), characterized in that the locking unit (9) in the release position (F) frees a housing opening (13), which is oriented substantially radially with respect to the jacket surface of the proximal tube end (4) and through which at least a portion of the proximal tube end (4) is removable from the housing (8).

2. Central venous catheter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (8) has a cylindrical housing portion (14) which extends substantially coaxially to the proximal tube end (4) and which engages radially around the proximal tube end (4) at least in sections.

3. Central venous catheter assembly (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the cylindrical housing portion (14) has, on its distal end face (16), a cone (17) which is designed to bear on a point of entry of the catheter tube (2) into the body.

4. Central venous catheter assembly (1) according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the cylindrical housing portion (14) is formed by a tube element (18), the internal diameter (19) of which substantially corresponds to the external diameter (20) of the catheter tube (2), so that the latter is guided axially movably in the tube element (18) in a release position (F) of the locking unit (9).

5. Central venous catheter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting device (9) has at least one connector element (21), to which the at least one catheter supply line (6) can be attached and can be connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the catheter tube (2).

6. Central venous catheter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the catheter tip (5) is designed to be atraumatic, in particular as a soft tip.