Dialysis cassette

Abstract

To provide a dialysis cassette which enables simplification of the configuration of a dialysis apparatus main body and is attachable to / detachable from the dialysis apparatus main body.SOLUTION: A dialysis cassette 14 attachable to / detachable from a dialysis apparatus main body 12 includes a cassette body 16. The cassette body 16 has a flow path 50 through which dialysis fluid flows. The dialysis cassette 14 further includes a plurality of valve sections 34 provided in the flow path 50. At least one of the plurality of valve sections 34 includes a check valve 70. The check valve 70 is provided at a portion of the flow path 50 where the liquid feeding direction of the dialysis fluid is defined in one direction. The other valve sections 34 include valves opened and closed by valve driving units of the dialysis apparatus main body 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dialysis cassette used in an automated peritoneal dialysis system.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, an automated peritoneal dialysis system is known. The automated peritoneal dialysis system includes a dialysis apparatus main body having a housing and a dialysis cassette that is detachably attached to a slot provided in the dialysis apparatus main body. The dialysis cassette is a fluid circuit member including a pump unit and a plurality of valves. A dialysis fluid bag containing dialysis fluid is connected to the dialysis cassette. The dialysis fluid in the dialysis fluid bag is sucked by the pump unit of the dialysis cassette and flows into the flow path of the dialysis cassette. The dialysis fluid is pushed out from the flow path by the pump unit and sent into the patient's abdominal cavity. Further, the pump unit sucks the dialysis fluid (drainage fluid) in the patient's abdominal cavity into the flow path and pushes out the drainage fluid in the flow path into a drainage container connected to the dialysis cassette.

[0003] As understood from the above, the feeding of the dialysis fluid from the dialysis fluid bag to the patient (fluid supply) and the feeding of the drainage fluid from the patient to the drainage container (fluid discharge) are automatically performed via the dialysis cassette attached to the dialysis apparatus main body. In fluid supply, a plurality of valves are selectively opened and closed to form a predetermined state, so that a portion of the flow path from the dialysis fluid bag toward the patient is opened. In fluid discharge, a plurality of valves are selectively opened and closed to form a predetermined state different from that during fluid supply, so that a portion of the flow path from the patient toward the drainage container is opened.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The dialysis device main body includes a valve drive unit. The valve drive unit individually opens and closes all of a plurality of valves. For this reason, the commands given to the valve drive unit are complex, and the opening and closing control of the plurality of valves is also complex. Moreover, the configuration of the dialysis device main body is complex.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] (1) A first aspect of the present disclosure is a dialysis cassette detachable from a dialysis device main body, the dialysis cassette including: a cassette main body having a flow path through which dialysis fluid flows; a first connection port provided on the cassette main body to which a dialysis fluid bag is connected; a second connection port provided on the cassette main body to which a dialysis tube for sending the dialysis fluid in the dialysis fluid bag to a patient is connected; a third connection port provided on the cassette main body to which a drainage container for storing the dialysis fluid from the patient is connected; a pump unit for flowing the dialysis fluid in the dialysis fluid bag through the flow path via the first connection port and supplying it to the dialysis tube from the second connection port, and for flowing the dialysis fluid in the patient through the flow path via the second connection port and sending it toward the drainage container from the third connection port; and a plurality of valve units provided in the flow path and capable of switching between a state in which the pump unit and the first connection port communicate with each other, a state in which the pump unit and the second connection port communicate with each other, and a state in which the pump unit and the third connection port communicate with each other. At least one of the plurality of valve units has a check valve provided in a portion of the flow path where the feeding direction of the dialysis fluid is defined in one direction. Among the plurality of valve units, valve units other than the valve unit having the check valve have valves that are opened and closed by a valve drive unit of the dialysis device main body.

[0008] Since it is not necessary to open and close the check valve with the valve drive unit, it is easier to control the valve drive unit compared to the case where all of the plurality of valve units are opened and closed by the valve drive unit. In addition, simplification of the configuration of the dialysis device main body can be achieved.

[0009] (2) In the dialysis cassette according to item (1) above, the flow path has an inflow path connected to the inlet of the pump section and an outflow path connected to the outlet of the pump section. The plurality of valve sections have an inlet-side valve section provided in the inflow path and an outlet-side valve section provided in the outflow path, and at least one of the inlet-side valve section or the outlet-side valve section may have the check valve.

[0010] When the inlet-side valve section has a check valve, for example, when pushing out the dialysate from the pump section toward the dialysis tube, it is possible to prevent the dialysate from flowing from the pump section toward the dialysate bag without driving the valve of the inlet-side valve section with the valve drive section. When the outlet-side valve section has a check valve, for example, when sucking the dialysate in the dialysate bag with the pump section, it is possible to prevent the dialysate in the drainage container from being sucked into the pump section without driving the valve of the outlet-side valve section with the valve drive section.

[0011] (3) In the dialysis cassette according to item (2) above, both the inlet-side valve section and the outlet-side valve section may have the check valve.

[0012] In this case, both the above effects when the inlet-side valve section has a check valve and the above effects when the outlet-side valve section has a check valve can be obtained.

[0013] (4) In the dialysis cassette according to any one of items (1) to (3) above, the cassette body has a front surface which is one end surface in the thickness direction of the cassette body and a back surface which is the opposite surface of the front surface. The flow path has a front surface side flow path formed on the front surface, a back surface side flow path formed on the back surface, and a communication hole formed along the thickness direction of the cassette body to communicate the front surface side flow path and the back surface side flow path. The check valve has a shaft portion and an umbrella portion provided at one end of the shaft portion and showing flexibility. The shaft portion of the check valve is inserted into a holding hole formed in the cassette body, and the umbrella portion of the check valve may bend to open the communication hole when the moving direction of the dialysate is the one direction.

[0014] According to this configuration, it is easy to arrange the check valve in the flow path. Further, based on the flexibility of the umbrella portion, while allowing the dialysate to move in a predetermined one direction, it is possible to easily prevent the dialysate from moving in the reverse direction.

[0015] (5) In the dialysis cassette according to any one of the above items (1) to (3), the cassette body has a front surface which is one end surface in the thickness direction of the cassette body and a back surface which is the opposite surface of the front surface, and the flow path has a front surface side flow path formed on the front surface, a back surface side flow path formed on the back surface, and a communication hole formed along the thickness direction of the cassette body to communicate the front surface side flow path and the back surface side flow path. The check valve has a flange portion and a pair of opening / closing portions protruding from the flange portion and capable of contacting or separating from each other. The pair of opening / closing portions of the check valve may separate from each other to open the communication hole when the moving direction of the dialysate is the one direction.

[0016] (6) In the dialysis cassette according to any one of the above items (1) to (3), the cassette body has a front surface which is one end surface in the thickness direction of the cassette body and a back surface which is the opposite surface of the front surface, and the flow path has a front surface side flow path formed on the front surface, a back surface side flow path formed on the back surface, and a communication hole formed along the thickness direction of the cassette body to communicate the front surface side flow path and the back surface side flow path. The check valve has a cylindrical portion and a door portion rotatable with respect to the cylindrical portion. The door portion of the check valve may open when the moving direction of the dialysate is the one direction.

[0017] Even in the configurations shown in item (5) and item (6), the same effects as in item (4) can be obtained. In addition, when adopting item (5) or item (6), it is not necessary to form a holding hole.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, compared with the case where all of a plurality of valve portions are opened and closed by a valve driving portion, it is easy to control the valve driving portion. Further, simplification of the configuration of the dialysis apparatus main body can be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] In the following description, the user refers to an operator who operates the automatic peritoneal dialysis system 10 shown in FIG. 1. A typical example of the user is patient C, but the user is not limited to patient C. The user may be a medical worker such as a doctor. Also, hereinafter, in order to easily distinguish between the dialysis solution sent from the dialysis solution bag 40 shown in FIG. 3 to patient C and the dialysis solution sent from patient C to the drainage container 46, the former is referred to as "dialysis solution" and the latter is referred to as "drainage".

[0021] The automated peritoneal dialysis system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a dialysis device main body 12 and a dialysis cassette 14. The dialysis device main body 12 includes a cassette mounting portion 120. The cassette mounting portion 120 has a slot 122 capable of accommodating the dialysis cassette 14 and a lid member 124 capable of opening and closing the opening 123 of the slot 122. On the front surface of the dialysis device main body 12, a start button 125 for instructing the start of the operation of the device and a stop button 126 for instructing the stop of the operation of the device are provided. On the front surface of the dialysis device main body 12, a touch panel 128 that functions as a display unit and an input unit is further provided. The user can input various setting information via the touch panel 128.

[0022] Although not shown, as will be described later, the dialysis device main body 12 further includes a pump drive unit that operates the pump unit 30 of the dialysis cassette 14, a valve drive unit that operates a plurality of valve units 34 of the dialysis cassette 14, and a heating mechanism that heats the heating unit 36 of the dialysis cassette 14.

[0023] The dialysis cassette 14 includes a cassette main body 16 that is detachable from the slot 122 of the dialysis device main body 12. The dialysis cassette 14 further includes a plurality of first connection ports 22, a second connection port 24, a third connection port 26, a pump unit 30, and a plurality of valve units 34.

[0024] The plurality of first connection ports 22, the second connection port 24, and the third connection port 26 are provided on the cassette main body 16. As shown in FIG. 3, a dialysis fluid bag 40 containing dialysis fluid is connected to each of the plurality of first connection ports 22 via a supply tube 42. The proximal end of a dialysis tube 44 is connected to the second connection port 24. The distal end of the dialysis tube 44 is inserted into the abdominal cavity of the patient C. A drainage container 46 is connected to the third connection port 26 via a drainage tube 48.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cassette body 16 has a plate-shaped base member 18 and a plurality of flexible sheets 20 fixed to the base member 18. The base member 18 is made of a resin material. Examples of the resin material constituting the base member 18 include hard resins such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and polycarbonate. Hereinafter, for the base member 18, one end face facing upward in FIG. 2 is referred to as "front surface 19a", and one end face facing downward in FIG. 2 is referred to as "back surface 19b". The front surface 19a is one end face in the T direction which is the thickness direction of the cassette body 16 (base member 18). The back surface 19b is the other end face in the thickness direction (T direction) of the cassette body 16. Note that the W direction is the width direction of the cassette body 16.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of flexible sheets 20 include a first sheet 21a, a second sheet 21b, and a third sheet 21c. The first sheet 21a and the second sheet 21b are liquid-tightly attached to the front surface 19a of the base member 18. The third sheet 21c is liquid-tightly attached to the back surface 19b of the base member 18.

[0027] The base member 18 constituting the cassette body 16 has a flow path 50. The base member 18 is provided with a pump section 30 for feeding the dialysate, a plurality of valve sections 34 that can be opened and closed, and a heating section 36 for heating the dialysate.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the pump section 30 has a pump chamber 32 which is recessed toward the back surface 19b on the front surface 19a of the base member 18. In the present embodiment, two pump sections 30 are provided. Only one pump section 30 may be provided, or three or more pump sections 30 may be provided.

[0029] The pump chamber 32 is covered by the first sheet 21a. Although not shown in detail, the pump driving unit provided in the dialysis apparatus main body 12 can pull or press a portion of the first sheet 21a corresponding to the pump unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as the "pump region"). The pump driving unit can, for example, draw the dialysis fluid from the dialysis fluid bag 40 into the pump unit 30 by applying a negative pressure to the pump region of the first sheet 21a and pulling the pump region in a direction away from the base member 18. On the other hand, the pump driving unit can discharge the dialysis fluid from the pump unit 30 by applying a positive pressure to the pump region of the first sheet 21a and pushing the pump region toward the base member 18. Thereby, the pump unit 30 serves to circulate the dialysis fluid in the dialysis fluid bag 40 through the flow path 50 via the first connection port 22 and supply it to the dialysis tube 44 from the second connection port 24. That is, the pump unit 30 sucks the dialysis fluid in the dialysis fluid bag 40 and feeds it to the patient C.

[0030] Also, after the liquid feeding path of the dialysis fluid is switched, the pump driving unit can draw the dialysis fluid from the patient C into the pump unit 30 by applying a negative pressure to the pump region of the first sheet 21a in the same manner as described above. Further, the pump driving unit can discharge the dialysis fluid from the pump unit 30 by applying a positive pressure to the pump region of the first sheet 21a in the same manner as described above. Thereby, the pump unit 30 serves to circulate the dialysis fluid (drainage fluid) in the abdominal cavity of the patient C through the flow path 50 via the second connection port 24 and feed it toward the drainage container 46 from the third connection port 26. That is, the pump unit 30 sucks the drainage fluid in the abdominal cavity of the patient C and extrudes it into the drainage container 46.

[0031] In the flow path 50, the dialysate flowing from the dialysate bag 40 towards the patient C and the drainage flowing from the patient C towards the drainage container 46 flow separately. FIG. 4 is a system diagram of the flow path 50. In FIG. 4, the flow of the dialysate from the dialysate bag 40 towards the patient C is indicated by a solid arrow, and the flow of the drainage from the patient C towards the drainage container 46 is indicated by a dashed arrow. Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, in the flow path 50, the portion from the first connection port 22 towards the pump unit 30 is called the first line 52a, and the portion from the pump unit 30 towards the second connection port 24 (dialysis tube 44) is called the second line 52d. Also, in the flow path 50, the portion from the second connection port 24 towards the pump unit 30 is called the third line 52e, and the portion from the pump unit 30 towards the third connection port 26 (drainage container 46) is called the fourth line 52f.

[0032] Actually, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flow path 50 has a front surface side flow path 52S formed on the front surface 19a of the base member 18 and a back surface side flow path 52R formed on the back surface 19b of the base member 18. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the flows of the dialysate and the drainage along the front surface side flow path 52S are indicated by solid arrows, and the flows of the dialysate and the drainage along the back surface side flow path 52R are indicated by dashed arrows.

[0033] The front surface side flow path 52S mainly includes a second heating flow path 102 which is a part of the second line 52d and a valve chamber 72 described later. The parts of the flow path 50 other than the second heating flow path 102 and the valve chamber 72 constitute the back surface side flow path 52R. The front surface side flow path 52S and the back surface side flow path 52R can communicate with each other through the port hole 76 (see FIG. 7) of the valve port 74. Or, the front surface side flow path 52S and the back surface side flow path 52R can communicate with each other through the communication hole 78. Note that the communication hole 78 includes an upstream side communication hole 78a and a downstream side communication hole 78b.

[0034] The pump unit 30 has an inlet 31 and an outlet 33. The downstream end of the inflow path 52b, which is a part of the flow path 50, is connected to the inlet 31. The first line 52a and the third line 52e communicate with the inflow path 52b. The upstream end of the outflow path 52c, which is another part of the flow path 50, is connected to the outlet 33. The second line 52d and the fourth line 52f communicate with the outflow path 52c. As will be described later, the inlet 31 is an inlet for the dialysate and the drainage liquid into the pump chamber 32 of the pump unit 30. The outlet 33 is an outlet for the dialysate and the drainage liquid from the pump chamber 32 of the pump unit 30. That is, the dialysate and the drainage liquid flow in the order of the inflow path 52b, the pump unit 30 (pump chamber 32), and the outflow path 52c. Thus, in the inflow path 52b, the pump unit 30 (pump chamber 32), and the outflow path 52c, the liquid feeding direction of the dialysate and the drainage liquid is determined in one direction.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of valve parts 34 are arranged in the flow path 50. Hereinafter, the valve part 34 provided at the connection point between the first connection port 22 and the first line 52a among the plurality of valve parts 34 is referred to as the first valve part 54. The valve part 34 (inlet side valve part 55) provided in the inflow path 52b among the plurality of valve parts 34 is referred to as the second valve part 56, and the valve part 34 (outlet side valve part 57) provided in the outflow path 52c among the plurality of valve parts 34 is referred to as the third valve part 58. The valve part 34 provided in the upstream part of the second line 52d among the plurality of valve parts 34 is referred to as the fourth valve part 60, and the valve part 34 provided in the downstream part of the second line 52d among the plurality of valve parts 34 is referred to as the fifth valve part 62. The valve part 34 provided at the connection point between the second line 52d and the second connection port 24 among the plurality of valve parts 34 is referred to as the sixth valve part 64, and the valve part 34 provided at the connection point between the second connection port 24 and the third line 52e among the plurality of valve parts 34 is referred to as the seventh valve part 66. The valve part 34 provided at the connection point between the fourth line 52f and the third connection port 26 among the plurality of valve parts 34 is referred to as the eighth valve part 68.

[0036] The second valve portion 56 is the inlet-side valve portion 55 provided in the inflow passage 52b. The third valve portion 58 is the outlet-side valve portion 57 provided in the outflow passage 52c. In the present embodiment, an aspect is exemplified in which the second valve portion 56 and the third valve portion 58 have check valves 70, and the first valve portion 54 and the fourth to eighth valve portions 60 to 68 have valves that are opened and closed by a valve driving portion. However, it is also possible that the valves of the valve portions 34 other than the second valve portion 56 and the third valve portion 58 are check valves 70. This will be collectively described later.

[0037] First, the fourth valve portion 60 will be exemplified and described as a valve that is opened and closed by a valve driving portion. As shown in FIG. 7, the fourth valve portion 60 has a valve chamber 72 that is recessed from the surface 19a side to the back surface 19b side of the base member 18, and a cylindrical valve port 74 provided in the valve chamber 72. The inner hole of the valve port 74 is the port hole 76. The port hole 76 penetrates the base member 18 in the thickness direction (T direction).

[0038] The first sheet 21a covers the valve chamber 72 so as to be able to open and close the port hole 76. Although not shown in detail, the valve driving portion provided in the dialysis apparatus main body 12 has a plurality of pressing portions. One of the plurality of pressing portions presses, toward the valve port 74, the portion of the first sheet 21a facing the valve port 74 of the fourth valve portion 60, thereby being able to block the port hole 76. In this way, the valve of the fourth valve portion 60 is constituted by the first sheet 21a and the valve port 74.

[0039] The first valve portion 54 and the fifth to eighth valve portions 62 to 68 are configured in the same manner as the fourth valve portion 60. Therefore, the valve chambers 72, the valve ports 74, and the port holes 76 of the first valve portion 54 and the fifth to eighth valve portions 62 to 68 are given the same reference numerals as those of the valve chamber 72, the valve port 74, and the port hole 76 of the fourth valve portion 60. Each of the fourth valve portion 60, the fifth valve portion 62, and the seventh valve portion 66 further has a communication hole 78 provided in the valve chamber 72. On the other hand, the first valve portion 54, the sixth valve portion 64, and the eighth valve portion 68 do not have the communication hole 78.

[0040] Among the plurality of pressing portions, except for the above-mentioned one, in the first sheet 21a, the portions facing each of the valve ports 74 of the first valve portion 54, the fifth valve portion 62 to the eighth valve portion 68 can be individually pulled or pressed toward the valve port 74. Therefore, the valve driving portion can selectively open and close the valves of the predetermined valve portion 34 among the first valve portion 54, the fourth valve portion 60 to the eighth valve portion 68. Thereby, a path for sending dialysate from the dialysate bag 40 to the patient C, for example, can be formed in the flow path 50. Or, a path for sending drainage from the patient C to the drainage container 46 can be formed in the flow path 50.

[0041] Next, the second valve portion 56 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The second valve portion 56 includes a valve chamber 72, an upstream communication hole 78a (communication hole 78), a downstream communication hole 78b (communication hole 78), a holding hole 79, and a check valve 70. The upstream communication hole 78a, the valve chamber 72, and the downstream communication hole 78b in the second valve portion 56 are part of the inflow path 52b. The upstream communication hole 78a, the downstream communication hole 78b, and the holding hole 79 penetrate the base member 18 in the thickness direction (T direction) in the same manner as the port hole 76 and the communication hole 78. The check valve 70 is made of a material showing flexibility. A specific example of such a material is rubber.

[0042] In the illustrated example, the check valve 70 is a so-called umbrella type valve 80, which has a shaft portion 82 and an umbrella portion 84. The shaft portion 82 is inserted into the holding hole 79. By this insertion, the umbrella type valve 80 is held by the base member 18 via the holding hole 79. The umbrella portion 84 faces the downstream communication hole 78b on the back surface 19b of the base member 18. The dialysate and the drainage liquid flowing in the inflow path 52b toward the pump section 30 flow from the back surface side flow path 52R on the back surface 19b of the base member 18 into the valve chamber 72 (front surface side flow path 52S) through the upstream communication hole 78a. The dialysate further flows from the valve chamber 72 toward the back surface side flow path 52R on the back surface 19b of the base member 18 through the downstream communication hole 78b. At this time, as shown by the phantom line, the umbrella portion 84 deflects in a direction away from the back surface 19b of the base member 18. Thereby, the downstream communication hole 78b is opened. In other cases, the umbrella portion 84 abuts against the front surface 19a of the base member 18 to close the downstream communication hole 78b.

[0043] The check valve 70 may be a duckbill type valve 90 shown in FIG. 9. In this case, the holding hole 79 is unnecessary. The duckbill type valve 90 has a flange portion 92 and a pair of opening / closing portions 94a, 94b. When the pair of opening / closing portions 94a, 94b are inserted into the downstream communication hole 78b, the flange portion 92 is retained on the inner peripheral surface of the downstream communication hole 78b. As a result, the duckbill type valve 90 is held by the base member 18 via the downstream communication hole 78b. When the dialysate and the drainage liquid flow into the valve chamber 72 through the upstream communication hole 78a, the pair of opening / closing portions 94a, 94b deflect in a direction away from each other as shown by the phantom line. Thereby, the downstream communication hole 78b is opened. In other cases, the pair of opening / closing portions 94a, 94b abut against each other to close the downstream communication hole 78b.

[0044] The check valve 70 may be a flap gate valve 95 shown in FIG. 10. In this case, the holding hole 79 is unnecessary. The flap gate valve 95 has a cylindrical portion 96 and a door portion 97. By inserting the cylindrical portion 96 into the downstream communication hole 78b, the flap gate valve 95 is held by the base member 18 via the downstream communication hole 78b. The door portion 97 protrudes into the back surface side flow path 52R from the downstream communication hole 78b. When the dialysate and the drainage flow into the valve chamber 72 through the upstream communication hole 78a, the door portion 97 rotates as shown by the phantom line and opens. Thereby, the downstream communication hole 78b is opened. In other cases, the door portion 97 remains closed and closes the downstream communication hole 78b.

[0045] The check valve 70 of the third valve portion 58 is configured in the same manner as the check valve 70 of the second valve portion 56. Therefore, a detailed description of the check valve 70 of the third valve portion 58 will be omitted.

[0046] The heating unit 36 has a first heating flow path 100 and a second heating flow path 102 which are main parts of the second line 52d. The first heating flow path 100 is a part of the back surface side flow path 52R. The second heating flow path 102 is the main part of the front surface side flow path 52S.

[0047] Although not shown, the heating mechanism provided in the dialysis apparatus main body 12 has a first heater and a second heater facing each other. With the cassette main body 16 inserted (mounted) into the slot 122, the first heater faces the first heating flow path 100 and the second heater faces the second heating flow path 102. The heating mechanism heats the dialysate flowing through the first heating flow path 100 and the second heating flow path 102 by the first heater and the second heater.

[0048] The automated peritoneal dialysis system 10 is used as follows.

[0049] In FIG. 1, the dialysis cassette 14 is inserted into the slot 122 of the dialysis apparatus main body 12, and the lid member 124 is closed. At this point, each valve of the first valve section 54 and the fourth to eighth valve sections 60 to 68 is in a closed state. When the user presses the start button 125, the automated peritoneal dialysis system 10 starts its operation (fluid delivery process). The fluid delivery process performed by the automated peritoneal dialysis system 10 mainly includes a fluid injection process and a fluid drainage process. With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the fluid injection process will be described.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fluid injection process is a process of sending dialysis fluid from the dialysis fluid bag 40 into the abdominal cavity of the patient C through the dialysis cassette 14. Specifically, the fluid injection process includes a process of drawing the dialysis fluid from the dialysis fluid bag 40 into the pump chamber 32 (the first step of the fluid injection process) and a process of sending the dialysis fluid from the pump chamber 32 into the abdominal cavity of the patient C (the second step of the fluid injection process).

[0051] In the first step of the fluid injection process, the dialysis apparatus main body 12 opens the valve of the first valve section 54. As a result, the first connection port 22 and the pump chamber 32 become communicable through the first line 52a, the inflow path 52b, and the inlet 31. In this state, the pump driving unit pulls up the pump region of the first sheet 21a away from the base member 18. As a result, the dialysis fluid in the dialysis fluid bag 40 is sucked into the pump section 30. Therefore, the dialysis fluid in the dialysis fluid bag 40 flows from the valve chamber 72 (front surface side flow path 52S) of the first valve section 54, through the port hole 76 of the valve port 74, into the first line 52a (rear surface side flow path 52R) formed on the rear surface 19b of the base member 18.

[0052] The dialysis fluid that has passed through the first line 52a flows through the upstream portion, which is the rear surface side flow path 52R, of the inflow path 52b. The dialysis fluid flows into the valve chamber 72 (front surface side flow path 52S of the inflow path 52b) of the second valve section 56 through the upstream side communication hole 78a of the second valve section 56.

[0053] In the valve chamber 72 of the second valve section 56, the dialysate flows toward the downstream communication hole 78b. At the check valve 70, the portion (the umbrella section 84 shown in FIG. 8 or the pair of opening / closing sections 94a and 94b shown in FIG. 9) that closes the downstream communication hole 78b opens the downstream communication hole 78b under the pressure of the dialysate. Therefore, the dialysate flows from the downstream communication hole 78b to the downstream section, which is the back surface side flow path 52R, of the inflow path 52b. Further, the dialysate flows into the pump chamber 32 through the inlet 31. In this way, the dialysate is drawn from the dialysate bag 40 into the pump chamber 32 and temporarily stored in the pump chamber 32. When the hydraulic pressure of the dialysate in the pump chamber 32 and the hydraulic pressure of the dialysate in the inflow path 52b are balanced, the check valve 70 closes the downstream communication hole 78b of the second valve section 56 as shown by the solid line in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0054] In the second step of the liquid injection process, the dialysis device main body 12 closes the valve of the first valve section 54 and opens the valves of the fourth valve section 60 to the sixth valve section 64. As a result, the pump chamber 32 and the second connection port 24 are in a communicable state via the outlet 33, the outflow path 52c, and the second line 52d.

[0055] In this state, the pump drive section of the dialysis device main body 12 pushes the pump region of the first sheet 21a toward the base member 18. As a result, the dialysate is pushed out from the pump chamber 32. The dialysate flows through the outflow path 52c (the back surface side flow path 52R) from the outlet 33. The dialysate flows into the valve chamber 72 (the front surface side flow path 52S of the outflow path 52c) of the third valve section 58 through the upstream communication hole 78a of the third valve section 58.

[0056] In the valve chamber 72 of the third valve section 58, the dialysate flows toward the downstream communication hole 78b. In the check valve 70, the portion closing the downstream communication hole 78b (the umbrella portion 84 shown in FIG. 8 or the pair of opening / closing portions 94a, 94b shown in FIG. 9) opens the downstream communication hole 78b under the pressure of the dialysate. Therefore, the dialysate flows from the downstream communication hole 78b to the downstream portion constituting the back surface side flow path 52R of the outflow path 52c. Further, the dialysate moves from the outflow path 52c to the upstream portion of the second line 52d, flows into the valve chamber 72 (the front surface side flow path 52S of the second line 52d) through the communication hole 78 of the fourth valve section 60, and then moves to the middle portion of the second line 52d through the port hole 76 of the valve port 74.

[0057] Next, the dialysate flows toward the heating unit 36 and flows into the first heating flow path 100 on the back surface 19b of the base member 18. The dialysate flows along the first heating flow path 100 toward the inside of the heating unit 36. Further, the dialysate flows into the second heating flow path 102 on the front surface 19a of the base member 18 through the upstream communication hole 104. After the dialysate flows along the second heating flow path 102 toward the outside of the heating unit 36, it flows through the downstream communication hole 106 into the back surface side flow path 52R of the second line 52d.

[0058] The dialysate heated by the heating unit 36 then flows from the port hole 76 of the fifth valve section 62 into the valve chamber 72 and flows through the communication hole 78 into the downstream portion (the back surface side flow path 52R) of the second line 52d. The dialysate flows from the downstream portion of the second line 52d into the valve chamber 72 through the port hole 76 of the sixth valve section 64, and is further supplied into the abdominal cavity of the patient C through the dialysis tube 44 connected to the second connection port 24.

[0059] When the dialysate flows into the inflow path 52b by the extrusion action of the pump unit 30, since the downstream communication hole 78b of the second valve section 56 is blocked by the check valve 70, the dialysate is blocked by the check valve 70. Therefore, the dialysate is prevented from returning to the first line 52a.

[0060] After the second step of the liquid injection process is completed, the valve driving unit closes each valve of the fourth valve unit 60 to the sixth valve unit 64. The valve of the sixth valve unit 64 may be maintained in the open state.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the drainage process is a process of sending used dialysis fluid (drainage) from the abdominal cavity of patient C to the drainage container 46 through the dialysis cassette 14. Specifically, the drainage process includes a step of drawing dialysis fluid from the abdominal cavity of patient C into the pump chamber 32 (the first step of the drainage process) and a step of sending dialysis fluid from the pump chamber 32 to the drainage container 46 (the second step of the drainage process).

[0062] In the first step of the drainage process, the dialysis device main body 12 opens each valve of the sixth valve unit 64 and the seventh valve unit 66. As a result, the second connection port 24 and the pump chamber 32 can communicate with the pump chamber 32 through the third line 52e, the inflow path 52b, and the inlet 31. In this state, the pump driving unit pulls up the pump region of the first sheet 21a away from the base member 18. As a result, the drainage in the abdominal cavity of patient C is sucked into the pump unit 30. Therefore, the drainage flows from the valve chamber 72 of the sixth valve unit 64 into the third line 52e (rear surface side flow path 52R) formed on the rear surface 19b of the base member 18 through the port hole 76 of the valve port 74.

[0063] The drainage flows into the valve chamber 72 through the port hole 76 of the valve port 74 in the seventh valve unit 66. Thereafter, the drainage flows into the inflow path 52b through the communication hole 78. Thereafter, similar to the first step of the liquid injection process, the valve of the second valve unit 56 (check valve 70) opens, and the drainage flows into the pump chamber 32 through the inlet 31. The drainage is temporarily stored in the pump chamber 32.

[0064] In the second step of the drainage process, the dialysis unit main body 12 closes each valve of the sixth valve unit 64 and the seventh valve unit 66, and opens the valve of the eighth valve unit 68. Next, in the same manner as the second step of the liquid injection process, the drainage liquid in the pump chamber 32 is pushed out from the outlet 33 into the outflow path 52c, and the valve (check valve 70) of the third valve unit 58 opens. The drainage liquid flows through the fourth line 52f that constitutes the back surface side flow path 52R and flows into the valve chamber 72 from the port hole 76 of the valve port 74 of the eighth valve unit 68. Thereafter, the drainage liquid moves to the drainage container 46 via the third connection port 26 and the drainage tube 48.

[0065] After the drainage of the dialysis liquid into the drainage container 46 is completed, the dialysis cassette 14 (cassette main body 16) is removed from the dialysis unit main body 12. The dialysis cassette 14 is discarded after one use.

[0066] This embodiment has the following effects.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the detachable dialysis cassette 14 for the dialysis unit main body 12 includes a cassette main body 16, a first connection port 22, a second connection port 24, a third connection port 26, a pump unit 30, and a plurality of valve units 34 (the first valve unit 54 to the eighth valve unit 68). The cassette main body 16 has a flow path 50 through which the dialysis liquid flows. A dialysis liquid bag 40 is connected to the first connection port 22. A dialysis tube 44 for feeding the dialysis liquid in the dialysis liquid bag 40 to the patient C is connected to the second connection port 24. As shown in FIG. 3, a drainage container 46 for storing the dialysis liquid (drainage liquid) used in the body of the patient C is connected to the third connection port 26.

[0068] The pump unit 30 circulates the dialysate in the dialysate bag 40 through the first connection port 22 to the flow path 50 and supplies it to the dialysis tube 44 from the second connection port 24. Further, the pump unit 30 circulates the dialysate in the patient C through the second connection port 24 to the flow path 50 and sends the liquid toward the drainage container 46 from the third connection port 26. The plurality of valve parts 34 are provided in the flow path 50 and can individually switch between a state of communicating the pump unit 30 and the first connection port 22 with each other, a state of communicating the pump unit 30 and the second connection port 24 with each other, and a state of communicating the pump unit 30 and the third connection port 26 with each other. The plurality of valve parts 34 can also individually switch between a state of blocking the communication between the pump unit 30 and the first connection port 22, a state of blocking the communication between the pump unit 30 and the second connection port 24, and a state of blocking the communication between the pump unit 30 and the third connection port 26 from each other.

[0069] In the above configuration, at least one of the plurality of valve parts 34 has a check valve 70 provided in a portion of the flow path 50 where the liquid feeding direction of the dialysate is determined to be one-way. Further, among the plurality of valve parts 34, the valve parts 34 (the first valve part 54, the fourth valve part 60 to the eighth valve part 68) other than the valve parts 34 (the second valve part 56 and the third valve part 58) having the check valve 70 have valves that are opened and closed by the valve driving part of the dialysis apparatus main body 12.

[0070] Since it is not necessary to open and close the check valve 70 with the valve driving part, it is easy to control the valve driving part. Further, the configuration of the dialysis apparatus main body 12 can be simplified.

[0071] The flow path 50 has an inflow path 52b connected to the inlet 31 of the pump unit 30 and an outflow path 52c connected to the outlet 33 of the pump unit 30. The plurality of valve parts 34 have an inlet side valve part 55 (the second valve part 56) provided in the inflow path 52b and an outlet side valve part 57 (the third valve part 58) provided in the outflow path 52c. At least one of the inlet side valve part 55 or the outlet side valve part 57 has the above-described check valve 70.

[0072] When the inlet side valve portion 55 has a check valve 70, for example, when the dialysate is pushed out from the pump portion 30 toward the dialysis tube 44, it is possible to prevent the dialysate from flowing from the pump portion 30 toward the dialysate bag 40 without driving the inlet side valve portion 55 by the valve driving portion. When the outlet side valve portion 57 has a check valve 70, for example, when the dialysate in the dialysate bag 40 is sucked by the pump portion 30, it is possible to prevent the dialysate in the drainage container 46 from being sucked into the pump portion 30 without driving the outlet side valve portion 57 by the valve driving portion.

[0073] In addition, in the above aspect, both the inlet side valve portion 55 and the outlet side valve portion 57 have a check valve 70. According to this configuration, the effects when the inlet side valve portion 55 has a check valve 70 and the effects when the outlet side valve portion 57 has a check valve 70 can be obtained simultaneously.

[0074] The cassette body 16 has a front surface 19a which is one end surface in the thickness direction of the cassette body 16, and a back surface 19b which is the opposite surface of the front surface 19a. The flow path 50 has a front surface side flow path 52S formed on the front surface 19a, a back surface side flow path 52R formed on the back surface 19b, and a communication hole 78 formed along the thickness direction of the cassette body 16. The communication hole 78 communicates the front surface side flow path 52S and the back surface side flow path 52R.

[0075] As an example of the check valve 70, an umbrella type valve 80 shown in FIG. 8 can be mentioned. In this case, the check valve 70 has a shaft portion 82 and an umbrella portion 84 provided at one end of the shaft portion 82 and showing flexibility. The shaft portion 82 is inserted into a holding hole 79 formed in the cassette body 16. When the moving direction of the dialysate is the above-mentioned one direction, the umbrella portion 84 bends. Along with this, the communication hole 78 is opened. In other cases, the umbrella portion 84 closes the communication hole 78 by covering the communication hole 78.

[0076] According to this configuration, it is easy to arrange the check valve 70 in the flow path 50. In addition, based on the flexibility of the umbrella portion 84, while allowing the dialysate and the drainage to move in a predetermined one direction, it is possible to simply prevent the dialysate and the drainage from moving in the reverse direction.

[0077] As another example of the check valve 70, there is a duckbill valve 90 shown in FIG. 9. In this case, the check valve 70 has a flange portion 92 and a pair of opening / closing portions 94a and 94b that project from the flange portion 92 and can contact or separate from each other. The flange portion 92 serves as a retaining means against the escape of the dialysate through the communication hole 78. When the moving direction of the dialysate is the above-described one direction, the pair of opening / closing portions 94a and 94b separate from each other to be in an open state. Along with this, the communication hole 78 is opened. In other cases, the pair of opening / closing portions 94a and 94b contact each other to form a closed state.

[0078] As another example of the check valve 70, there is a flap gate valve 95 shown in FIG. 10. In this case, the check valve 70 has a cylindrical portion 96 and a door portion 97 that is rotatable with respect to the cylindrical portion 96. The cylindrical portion 96 rotates when the moving direction of the dialysate is the above-described one direction, and becomes an open state. Along with this, the communication hole 78 is opened. In other cases, the door portion 97 maintains a closed state and closes the communication hole 78.

[0079] In any of the configurations, the same effects as those of the umbrella valve 80 can be obtained. Also, when using the duckbill valve 90 or the flap gate valve 95, it is not necessary to form the holding hole 79 in the base member 18.

[0080] As understood from the above description, the liquid feeding direction of the dialysate between the first connection port 22 and the first line 52a is defined as a one-way direction from the first connection port 22 toward the first line 52a. Therefore, it is also possible to use the check valve 70 as the valve of the first valve portion 54.

[0081] The liquid feeding direction of the dialysate between the outflow path 52c and the second line 52d is defined as a one-way direction from the outflow path 52c toward the second line 52d. The liquid feeding direction of the dialysate between the second line 52d and the second connection port 24 is defined as a one-way direction from the second line 52d toward the second connection port 24. Therefore, it is also possible to use the check valve 70 as each valve of the fourth valve portion 60 and the fifth valve portion 62.

[0082] The liquid feeding direction of the dialysate between the third line 52e and the inflow path 52b is defined as a one-way direction from the third line 52e toward the inflow path 52b. The liquid feeding direction of the dialysate between the fourth line 52f and the third connection port 26 is defined as a one-way direction from the fourth line 52f toward the third connection port 26. Therefore, it is also possible to use check valves 70 for the valves of the seventh valve section 66 and the eighth valve section 68, respectively.

[0083] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0084] 10…Automated peritoneal dialysis system 12…Dialysis apparatus main body 14…Dialysis cassette 16…Cassette main body 18…Base member 20…Flexible sheet 30…Pump section 31…Inlet 32…Pump chamber 33…Outlet 34…Valve section 36…Heating section 40…Dialysate bag 44…Dialysis tube 46…Drain container 50…Flow path 52b…Inflow path 52c…Outflow path 52R…Back side flow path 52S…Front side flow path 55…Inlet side valve section 57…Outlet side valve section 70…Check valve 78…Communication hole 120…Cassette mounting section C…Patient

Claims

1. A dialysis cassette detachable from a dialysis apparatus main body, comprising: a cassette main body having a flow path through which dialysis fluid flows; a first connection port provided on the cassette main body to which a dialysis fluid bag is connected; a second connection port provided on the cassette main body to which a dialysis tube for feeding the dialysis fluid in the dialysis fluid bag to a patient is connected; a third connection port provided on the cassette main body to which a drainage container for storing the dialysis fluid from the patient is connected; a pump unit for causing the dialysis fluid in the dialysis fluid bag to flow through the flow path via the first connection port and supply it to the dialysis tube from the second connection port, and for causing the dialysis fluid in the patient to flow through the flow path via the second connection port and send it toward the drainage container from the third connection port; a plurality of valve units provided in the flow path and capable of switching between a state of communicating the pump unit with the first connection port, a state of communicating the pump unit with the second connection port, and a state of communicating the pump unit with the third connection port; and at least one of the plurality of valve units has a check valve provided in a portion of the flow path where the feeding direction of the dialysis fluid is defined in one direction, a dialysis cassette, wherein among the plurality of valve units, a valve unit other than the valve unit having the check valve has a valve opened and closed by a valve driving unit of the dialysis apparatus main body.

2. The dialysis cassette according to claim 1, wherein the flow path has an inflow path connected to an inlet of the pump unit and an outflow path connected to an outlet of the pump unit, and the plurality of valve units have an inlet-side valve unit provided in the inflow path and an outlet-side valve unit provided in the outflow path, a dialysis cassette, wherein at least one of the inlet-side valve unit or the outlet-side valve unit has the check valve.

3. The dialysis cassette according to claim 2, wherein both the inlet-side valve unit and the outlet-side valve unit have the check valve.

4. The dialysis cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cassette main body has a front surface which is one end surface in the thickness direction of the cassette main body and a back surface which is the opposite surface of the front surface, the flow path has a front surface side flow path formed on the front surface, a back surface side flow path formed on the back surface, and a communication hole formed along the thickness direction of the cassette main body and communicating the front surface side flow path and the back surface side flow path. The check valve has a shaft portion and an umbrella portion provided at one end of the shaft portion and exhibiting flexibility. The shaft portion of the check valve is inserted into a holding hole formed in the cassette body. The umbrella portion of the check valve bends to open the communication hole when the moving direction of the dialysate is the one direction, a dialysis cassette.

5. In the dialysis cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the cassette body has a front surface which is one end surface in the thickness direction of the cassette body and a back surface which is the opposite surface of the front surface. The flow path has a front surface side flow path formed on the front surface, a back surface side flow path formed on the back surface, and a communication hole formed along the thickness direction of the cassette body to communicate the front surface side flow path and the back surface side flow path. The check valve has a flange portion and a pair of opening / closing portions protruding from the flange portion and capable of contacting or separating from each other. The pair of opening / closing portions of the check valve separate from each other to open the communication hole when the moving direction of the dialysate is the one direction, a dialysis cassette.

6. In the dialysis cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the cassette body has a front surface which is one end surface in the thickness direction of the cassette body and a back surface which is the opposite surface of the front surface. The flow path has a front surface side flow path formed on the front surface, a back surface side flow path formed on the back surface, and a communication hole formed along the thickness direction of the cassette body to communicate the front surface side flow path and the back surface side flow path. The check valve has a cylindrical portion and a door portion rotatable with respect to the cylindrical portion. The door portion of the check valve opens when the moving direction of the dialysate is the one direction, a dialysis cassette.

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