Medical tube blockage detection system

Abstract

To provide a medical tube blockage detection system capable of early detecting the occurrence of blockage in a medical tube.SOLUTION: A medical tube blockage detection system 2 includes: a tube 3 which is used when a liquid is injected into a living body or a liquid is discharged from a living body; a sensor 4 which is provided on a surface of the tube 3 and measures strain or stress generated on the surface; a strain measuring device 5 which is electrically connected to the sensor 4, arithmetically processes a change amount of a voltage value based on the strain or stress measured by the sensor 4 at a predetermined sampling rate, and outputs a warning signal in a case where an absolute value of the change amount is equal to or greater than a specified value; and a notification unit 6 which notifies blockage of the tube 3 when the warning signal output from the strain measuring device 5 is received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical tube occlusion detection system for detecting occlusion in a medical tube. [Background technology]

[0002] When a medical tube used to inject or drain a liquid into or from a living body becomes clogged due to bending, twisting, or being stepped on, there is a risk of a medical accident occurring. For example, when a tube becomes clogged, a medical professional may not be able to immediately notice that the tube is clogged. Furthermore, even if a medical professional does notice that the tube is clogged, they may not be able to immediately determine where the clog is occurring in the tube. In such cases, there is a risk of a medical accident occurring.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an infusion line monitoring system that monitors the state of infusion fluid, blood, or bodily fluid flowing through an infusion line that injects or perfuses infusion fluid, blood, or bodily fluid into a living body. The infusion line monitoring system described in Patent Document 1 extracts a power frequency signal generated in the living body via electrodes installed in the infusion line, and monitors the state of the infusion fluid, blood, or bodily fluid in the infusion line by detecting different values ​​of the power frequency signal when the infusion line is secured and when it is not secured. However, the infusion line monitoring system described in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of early detection of blockage of the infusion line caused by the infusion line being bent, twisted, or stepped on. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4026690 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a medical tube occlusion detection system that can detect occlusion in a medical tube at an early stage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a medical tube occlusion detection system comprising: (1) a tube used when injecting a liquid into a living body or draining the liquid from the living body; a sensor provided on the surface of the tube for measuring the strain or stress occurring on the surface; a strain measuring device electrically connected to the sensor for calculating the amount of change in voltage based on the strain or stress measured by the sensor at a predetermined sampling rate and outputting a warning signal if the absolute value of the amount of change is equal to or greater than a specified value; and an alarm unit for notifying of occlusion of the tube when the alarm signal output from the strain measuring device is received.

[0007] According to the medical tubing occlusion detection system of (1) above, a sensor is provided on the surface of the tubing and measures the strain or stress occurring on the surface of the tubing. The strain measuring device is electrically connected to the sensor and calculates the amount of change in voltage based on the strain or stress measured by the sensor at a predetermined sampling rate. The strain measuring device also outputs a warning signal if the absolute value of the amount of change in voltage is equal to or greater than a specified value. The notification unit then notifies of tubing occlusion upon receiving the warning signal output from the strain measuring device. As a result, if tubing occlusion occurs due to the tubing being bent, twisted, or stepped on, the medical tubing occlusion detection system of the present invention can detect the tubing occlusion at an early stage.

[0008] (2) In the medical tube occlusion detection system of (1) above, it is preferable that a plurality of the sensors are provided, and that the plurality of sensors are disposed at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

[0009] According to the medical tube occlusion detection system of (2) above, the multiple sensors can measure the strain or stress occurring on the surface of the tube in the longitudinal direction of the tube without bias.

[0010] (3) It is preferable that the medical tube occlusion detection system of (1) or (2) above further comprises a suppression device provided on the tube between adjacent sensors to suppress the occurrence of the distortion or stress.

[0011] According to the medical tubing occlusion detection system of (3) above, a restraining device that suppresses the generation of strain or stress is provided on the tubing between adjacent sensors, thereby reducing the number of locations where strain or stress occurs on the surface of the tubing. In other words, the restraining device reduces the number of locations where the tubing may be bent, twisted, or stepped on, thereby reducing the number of locations where occlusions may occur on the tubing. This allows the medical tubing occlusion detection system of the present invention to more reliably and earlier detect occlusions in the tubing.

[0012] (4) In the medical tube occlusion detection system according to any one of (1) to (3) above, it is preferable that the medical tube occlusion detection system includes a plurality of the sensors, and the plurality of sensors are connected in series.

[0013] According to the medical tube occlusion detection system described above in (4), it is possible to reduce the number of wires connecting the sensor and the strain measuring device, thereby miniaturizing the medical tube occlusion detection system, while also enabling early detection of occlusion in the tube.

[0014] (5) In any of the above medical tube occlusion detection systems (1) to (3), it is preferable that the medical tube occlusion detection system includes a plurality of the sensors, the plurality of sensors being connected in parallel, the strain measuring device sequentially switches connections to the plurality of sensors, calculates the amount of change for each sensor, and when the absolute value of the amount of change is equal to or greater than the specified value, outputs the warning signal for the sensor whose absolute value of the amount of change is equal to or greater than the specified value, and the alarm unit, upon receiving the warning signal, alarms of occlusion of the portion of the tube where the sensor whose absolute value of the amount of change is equal to or greater than the specified value is provided.

[0015] According to the medical tubing occlusion detection system of (5) above, the strain measuring device can determine which of the multiple sensors has an absolute value of the change in voltage value that is equal to or greater than a specified value. This allows the medical tubing occlusion detection system of the present invention to detect tubing occlusion at an early stage and to identify the location of the occlusion.

[0016] (6) In the medical tube occlusion detection system described in (5) above, it is preferable that the alarm unit has a collection of light-emitting elements corresponding to each of the multiple sensors, and the light-emitting elements use light to alarm the occlusion of the part of the tube where the sensor is installed when the absolute value of the change amount becomes equal to or greater than the specified value.

[0017] According to the medical tube occlusion detection system of (6) above, the alarm unit notifies of occlusion in a section of the tube where a sensor is installed when the absolute value of the change in voltage value exceeds a specified value by emitting light from a light-emitting element corresponding to that sensor. This allows medical personnel to quickly identify the location of the occluded section of the tube by visually checking the collection of light-emitting elements in the alarm unit.

[0018] (7) In the medical tube occlusion detection system of (5) above, the notification unit has a light-emitting unit provided in each of the plurality of sensors and corresponding to each of the plurality of sensors, It is preferable that the light emitting unit notifies by light of blockage of the portion of the tube where the corresponding sensor is provided when the absolute value of the amount of change becomes equal to or greater than the specified value.

[0019] According to the medical tube occlusion detection system of (7) above, the alarm unit notifies of occlusion of a portion of the tube where a corresponding sensor is installed when the absolute value of the change in voltage value becomes equal to or exceeds a specified value by emitting light from the light-emitting unit at the occlusion location, thereby enabling medical personnel to directly check the location of the occlusion on the tubing.

[0020] (8) In the medical tube occlusion detection system according to any one of (1) to (7) above, it is preferable that the strain measuring device is connected to the sensor by wire.

[0021] According to the medical tube occlusion detection system described above in (8), occlusion in the tube can be detected more reliably and earlier.

[0022] (9) In the medical tube occlusion detection system according to any one of (1) to (7) above, it is preferable that the strain measuring device is connected to the sensor wirelessly.

[0023] According to the medical tube occlusion detection system described above in (9), the wiring connecting the sensor and the strain measuring device is eliminated, simplifying the medical tube occlusion detection system while enabling early detection of occlusion in the tube.

[0024] (10) In the medical tube occlusion detection system according to any one of (1) to (9) above, the notification unit preferably flashes or lights up a light when it receives the warning signal.

[0025] According to the medical tube blockage detection system of (10) above, the alarm unit flashes or lights up the light when the absolute value of the change in voltage value is equal to or greater than a specified value, thereby allowing medical personnel to quickly become aware of the occurrence of a blockage in the tube.

[0026] (11) In the medical tube occlusion detection system described in (1) above, it is preferable that, upon receiving the warning signal, the alarm unit flashes or lights up a light of a color changed from the color of the light that flashed or was lit when the warning signal was not received.

[0027] According to the medical tube blockage detection system of (11) above, the alarm unit changes the color of the flashing or lit light depending on whether or not a warning signal is received, i.e., whether or not the absolute value of the amount of change in voltage value is equal to or greater than a specified value. This allows medical personnel to quickly become aware of a blockage in the tube by the change in light color.

[0028] (12) In the medical tube occlusion detection system according to any one of (1) to (9) above, the notification unit preferably emits a sound when the alarm signal is received.

[0029] According to the medical tube blockage detection system of (12) above, the alarm unit emits a sound when the absolute value of the change in voltage value is equal to or greater than a specified value, thereby enabling medical personnel to quickly become aware of the occurrence of a blockage in the tube. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, a medical tube occlusion detection system can be provided that can detect occlusion in a medical tube at an early stage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a medical tube occlusion detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a medical tube occlusion detection system according to a first modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a medical tube occlusion detection system according to a second modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a first specific example of a medical tube occlusion detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a second specific example of the medical tube occlusion detection system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by a processing unit of this example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a notification unit of this example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are preferred examples of the present invention, and therefore various technically preferable limitations are applied thereto, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these aspects unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present invention is particularly limited. Furthermore, in each drawing, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a medical tube occlusion detection system according to this embodiment. The medical tube occlusion detection system 2 according to this embodiment is a system for detecting occlusion in a medical tube for injecting a liquid into a living body or for draining a liquid from a living body. The medical tube occlusion detection system 2 includes a tube 3, a sensor 4, a strain measuring device 5, and an alarm unit 6. Examples of the "liquid" include a medicinal solution and blood. The "liquid" may also be a liquid that has been subjected to some kind of processing, such as irradiation with energy or heating.

[0034] The tube 3 is used to inject or drain liquid into or from a living body. The tube 3 is made of, for example, a soft resin material, and is flexible, with a through lumen inside. Liquids such as medicinal solutions and blood flow through the lumen of the tube 3.

[0035] The sensor 4 is provided on the surface, i.e., the outer surface, of the tube 3. The sensor 4 measures strain or stress occurring on the surface of the tube 3. Examples of the sensor 4 include strain gauges and pressure sensors. As shown in FIG. 1, multiple sensors 4 are provided at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the extension direction, of the tube 3. Details of the electrical connection between the multiple sensors 4 will be described later. However, the provision of multiple sensors 4 is not limited. The number of sensors 4 may be one.

[0036] The strain measuring instrument 5 is electrically connected to the sensor 4 by wires 71. The strain measuring instrument 5 may also be electrically connected to the sensor 4 wirelessly. An example in which the strain measuring instrument 5 is electrically connected to the sensor 4 wirelessly will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0037] The strain measuring device 5 calculates and stores the amount of change in voltage value based on the strain or stress measured by the sensor 4 at a predetermined sampling rate. An example of the strain measuring device 5 is a data logger. The strain measuring device 5 outputs a warning signal indicating that the tube 3 is blocked when the absolute value of the amount of change in voltage value based on the strain or stress measured by the sensor 4 is equal to or greater than a specified value. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the "amount of change in voltage value based on the strain or stress measured by the sensor 4" may be simply referred to as the "amount of change in voltage value."

[0038] When the alarm unit 6 receives the warning signal output from the strain measuring instrument 5, it notifies of blockage of the tube 3. The alarm unit 6 may be provided integrally with the strain measuring instrument 5 as shown in FIG.

[0039] For example, when the alarm unit 6 receives a warning signal, it flashes or lights up a light to notify of blockage of the tube 3. Also, for example, when the alarm unit 6 receives a warning signal, it flashes or lights up a light of a color that is different from the color of the light that flashed or turned on when no warning signal was received. Also, for example, when the alarm unit 6 receives a warning signal, it emits a sound to notify of blockage of the tube 3. Also, for example, when the alarm unit 6 receives a warning signal, it may notify of blockage of the tube 3 by displaying text, images, etc. on a display unit such as a monitor provided in the strain measuring device 5 or on a display unit such as an external monitor connected to the strain measuring device 5.

[0040] As described above, in the medical tube occlusion detection system 2 according to this embodiment, the strain measuring device 5 outputs a warning signal when the absolute value of the change in voltage value based on the strain or stress measured by the sensor 4 is equal to or greater than a specified value. Then, upon receiving the warning signal output from the strain measuring device 5, the alarm unit 6 issues a warning of occlusion in the tube 3. As a result, if occlusion occurs in the tube 3 due to bending, twisting, or being stepped on, the medical tube occlusion detection system 2 according to this embodiment can detect the occurrence of occlusion in the tube 3 at an early stage.

[0041] Furthermore, since the multiple sensors 4 are provided at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the tube 3, the strain or stress occurring on the surface of the tube 3 can be measured evenly in the longitudinal direction of the tube 3. As will be described later with reference to Figures 5 and 6, when multiple sensors 4 are connected in parallel, the medical tube occlusion detection system 2 can detect the location of the occlusion.

[0042] Furthermore, since the strain measuring device 5 is electrically connected to the sensor 4 via wiring 71, the medical tube occlusion detection system 2 of this embodiment can detect the occurrence of an occlusion in the tube 3 more reliably and earlier.

[0043] Furthermore, if the notification unit 6 notifies of blockage in the tube 3 by flashing or lighting a light upon receiving a warning signal, the medical personnel can be made aware of the occurrence of blockage in the tube 3 at an early stage by the light. If the notification unit 6 flashes or lights a light of a color different from the color of the light that flashes or lights up when no warning signal is received upon receiving a warning signal, the medical personnel can be made aware of the occurrence of blockage in the tube 3 at an early stage by the change in color of the light. If the notification unit 6 notifies of blockage in the tube 3 by emitting a sound, the medical personnel can be made aware of the occurrence of blockage in the tube 3 at an early stage by the sound. If the notification unit 6 notifies of blockage in the tube 3 by displaying characters, images, etc. on a display unit such as a monitor, the medical personnel can be made aware of the occurrence of blockage in the tube 3 at an early stage by checking the characters, images, etc. displayed on the display unit.

[0044] Next, a medical tube occlusion detection system according to a modified example of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in cases where the components of the medical tube occlusion detection system according to a modified example of this embodiment are similar to the components of the medical tube occlusion detection system 2 according to this embodiment described above with reference to Figure 1, duplicate explanations will be omitted as appropriate, and the following explanation will focus on the differences.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a medical tube occlusion detection system according to a first modified example of this embodiment. Compared to the medical tube occlusion detection system 2 described above with reference to FIG. 1, the medical tube occlusion detection system 2A according to this modification further includes a restraining device 35. The restraining device 35 has a penetrating lumen therein. The inner diameter of the lumen of the restraining device 35 is larger than the outer diameter of the tube 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the tube 3 passes through the lumen of the restraining device 35 and penetrates the restraining device 35.

[0046] The restraining devices 35 are provided on the tube 3 between adjacent sensors 4. In other words, as shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of restraining devices 35 are provided on the tube 3 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the tube 3. The sensors 4 are provided on the tube 3 between adjacent restraining devices 35.

[0047] Restraint device 35 is made of a material harder than the material of tube 3, and suppresses strain or stress occurring on the surface of tube 3. As a result, restraint device 35 reduces the number of points where strain or stress occurs on the surface of tube 3. In other words, restraint device 35 reduces the number of points where tube 3 is bent, twisted, or stepped on, and reduces the number of points where occlusions occur in tube 3. The rest of the structure is similar to that of medical tube occlusion detection system 2 described above with reference to FIG.

[0048] According to this modification, the restraining device 35 reduces the number of locations where the tube 3 may be bent, twisted, or stepped on, thereby reducing the number of locations where blockages may occur in the tube 3, allowing the medical tube blockage detection system 2A to more reliably and earlier detect blockages in the tube 3. Furthermore, compared to the medical tube blockage detection system 2 described above with reference to FIG. 1, the locations where the sensors 4 are connected are limited and fewer in number, making it easier for medical personnel to determine where blockages have occurred. Furthermore, the same effects as those of the medical tube blockage detection system 2 described above with reference to FIG. 1 can be obtained.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a medical tube occlusion detection system according to a second modification of this embodiment. In medical tubing occlusion detection system 2B according to this modification, compared to medical tubing occlusion detection system 2A according to the first modification, strain measuring device 5 is electrically connected wirelessly to sensor 4. The rest of the structure is similar to medical tubing occlusion detection system 2A described above with reference to Fig. 2. Note that in medical tubing occlusion detection system 2 described above with reference to Fig. 1, strain measuring device 5 may also be electrically connected wirelessly to sensor 4, similar to medical tubing occlusion detection system 2B according to this modification.

[0050] According to this modification, because strain measuring device 5 is electrically connected wirelessly to sensor 4, medical tubing occlusion detection system 2B does not require wiring to connect sensor 4 and strain measuring device 5, simplifying medical tubing occlusion detection system 2B while enabling early detection of occlusion in tubing 3. In addition, the same effects as those of medical tubing occlusion detection system 2 described above with reference to Figure 1 and medical tubing occlusion detection system 2A described above with reference to Figure 2 can be obtained.

[0051] Next, a specific example of the medical tube occlusion detection system according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The specific example described below can also be applied to the medical tube occlusion detection system 2A according to the first modified example described above with reference to Figure 2. In the following description, the case where the sensor 4 is a strain gauge will be used as an example. However, the sensor 4 of this embodiment is not limited to a strain gauge.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a first specific example of a medical tube occlusion detection system according to this embodiment. In the medical tube occlusion detection system 2 according to this example, multiple sensors 4 are connected in series by wiring 72. As shown in Fig. 4, when multiple sensors 4 are connected to a strain measuring device 5, a Wheatstone bridge circuit is formed.

[0053] The strain measuring instrument 5 has a strain amplifier 51, an arithmetic processing unit 52, and a memory unit 53. The strain measuring instrument 5 may have other electronic circuits such as an A / D converter. The strain amplifier 51 amplifies a voltage value based on the strain or stress measured by the sensor 4. The arithmetic processing unit 52 functions as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and reads out programs stored in the memory unit 53 to execute various calculations and processes. The arithmetic processing unit 52 also calculates the amount of change in the voltage value based on the strain or stress measured by the sensor 4 at a predetermined sampling rate and stores the result in the memory unit 53.

[0054] The storage unit 53 stores programs and result values ​​(e.g., the amount of change in voltage value) obtained by the calculation processing unit 52 performing calculations and processing. Examples of the storage unit 53 include a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 53 may be an external storage device connected to the strain measuring instrument 5.

[0055] Examples of the programs stored in the storage unit 53 include a calculation program used when the calculation processing unit 52 executes calculations and processing, a sequence program used when the calculation processing unit 52 executes control, and a program for integrating and managing a plurality of programs including these programs. Note that the programs are not limited to being stored in the storage unit 53, but may be stored in advance in a storage medium readable by the calculation processing unit 52 and distributed, or may be downloaded to the strain measuring instrument 5 via a network.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, if the resistance value of the combined resistance of multiple sensors 4 (i.e., the gauge resistance value) is "R1," the resistance values ​​of the fixed resistors are "R2," "R3," and "R4," the input voltage (i.e., the bridge voltage) is "E," and the output voltage is "e," the following equation holds: e=(R1·R3-R2·R4)·E / ((R1+R2)·(R3+R4))

[0057] Here, the relational expression between the strain generated on the surface of the tube 3 and the change amount of the gauge resistance value when strain occurs on the surface of the tube 3 is as follows. ε=ΔL / L=(ΔR / R) / K ε: Strain R: Gauge resistance value ΔR: Change amount of gauge resistance value K: Gauge factor

[0058] When each resistance value is set to "R = R1 = R2 = R3 = R4", since strain occurs on the surface of the tube 3 and the equation "R1 = R + ΔR" holds, the change amount of the voltage value (i.e., the value of the output voltage) based on the strain measured by the plurality of sensors 4 is as follows. Δe=ΔR·E / (4R + 2ΔR)

[0059] When "ΔR << R" holds, the change amount of the output voltage value is as follows. Δe=ΔR·E / 4R = E·K·ε / 4

[0060] The arithmetic processing unit 52 performs arithmetic processing on the change amount Δe of the voltage value at a predetermined sampling rate and stores it in the storage unit 53. Then, when the absolute value |Δe| of the change amount of the voltage value is greater than or equal to a specified value, the arithmetic processing unit 52 outputs a warning signal. As described above with respect to FIG. 1, when the notification unit 6 receives the warning signal output from the strain measuring device 5, it notifies the blockage of the tube 3.

[0061] According to this specific example, since the plurality of sensors 4 are connected in series by the wiring 72, the medical tube blockage detection system 2 reduces the number of wirings 71 (see FIG. 1) connecting the sensor 4 and the strain measuring device 5, and while miniaturizing the medical tube blockage detection system 2, it can detect the occurrence of blockage in the tube 3 at an early stage.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a second specific example of the medical tube blockage detection system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing executed by the arithmetic processing unit of this specific example. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the notification unit of this example.

[0063] In the medical tube occlusion detection system 2 according to this example, multiple sensors 4 are connected in parallel by wiring 72 (see FIG. 4). In the explanation of this example, a case where n sensors 4 are provided will be taken as an example. As shown in FIG. 5, when a switch corresponding to each sensor 4 is closed, the sensor 4 corresponding to the closed switch is electrically connected to the strain measuring device 5. This forms a Wheatstone bridge circuit.

[0064] That is, when the first switch 731 corresponding to the first sensor 41 is closed, the first sensor 41 is electrically connected to the strain measuring instrument 5, and a Wheatstone bridge circuit is formed. When the second switch 732 corresponding to the second sensor 42 is closed, the second sensor 42 is electrically connected to the strain measuring instrument 5, and a Wheatstone bridge circuit is formed. When the third switch 733 corresponding to the third sensor 43 is closed, the third sensor 43 is electrically connected to the strain measuring instrument 5, and a Wheatstone bridge circuit is formed. When the nth switch 73n corresponding to the nth sensor 4n is closed, the nth sensor 4n is electrically connected to the strain measuring instrument 5, and a Wheatstone bridge circuit is formed. The opening and closing operations of the first switch 731, ..., the nth switch 73n are controlled by the calculation processing unit 52. As shown in FIG. 5, in the medical tube occlusion detection system 2 according to this specific example, the resistance value (i.e., the gauge resistance value) of each of the multiple sensors 4 is set to "R1." The other circuit configurations are the same as those of the first specific example described above with reference to FIG.

[0065] The calculation processing unit 52 of this specific example switches the connection between the first sensor 41, ..., the nth sensor 4n and the strain measuring device 5 in turn by sequentially switching the opening and closing operation (i.e., connection operation) of the first switch 731, ..., the nth switch 73n, and calculates the amount of change Δe in the voltage value for each sensor and stores it in the memory unit 53. Then, when the absolute value |Δe| of the amount of change in the voltage value is equal to or greater than a specified value, the calculation processing unit 52 outputs a warning signal regarding the sensor 4 whose absolute value |Δe| of the amount of change in the voltage value is equal to or greater than the specified value. Upon receiving the warning signal, the notification unit 6 notifies of blockage of the portion of the tube 3 where the sensor 4 whose absolute value |Δe| of the amount of change in the voltage value is equal to or greater than the specified value is provided.

[0066] For example, with the first switch 731 closed and the first sensor 41 connected to the strain measuring device 5, the calculation processing unit 52 calculates the amount of change Δe in the voltage value based on the strain measured by the first sensor 41 and stores the result in the storage unit 53. When the absolute value |Δe| of the amount of change in the voltage value is equal to or greater than a specified value, the calculation processing unit 52 outputs a warning signal regarding the first sensor 41 whose absolute value |Δe| of the amount of change in the voltage value is equal to or greater than the specified value. Upon receiving the warning signal, the notification unit 6 notifies of blockage of the portion of the tube 3 where the first sensor 41 whose absolute value |Δe| of the amount of change in the voltage value is equal to or greater than the specified value is provided.

[0067] The processing performed by the arithmetic processing unit 52 of this specific example will be further described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that "m" described below is a natural number of 1, 2, 3, ..., n. Also, "n" represents the total number of sensors 4 connected in parallel.

[0068] First, in step S1, the calculation processing unit 52 sets "m = 1." Subsequently, in step S2, the calculation processing unit 52 closes the m-th switch, and in a state in which the m-th sensor 4m and the strain measuring device 5 are connected, calculates the amount of change Δe in the voltage value based on the strain (or stress) measured by the m-th sensor 4m, and stores the amount of change Δe in the voltage value based on the strain (or stress) measured by the m-th sensor 4m in the memory unit 53.

[0069] Subsequently, in step S3, the calculation processing unit 52 determines whether the absolute value |Δe| of the amount of change in the voltage value is equal to or greater than a specified value. If the absolute value |Δe| of the amount of change in the voltage value is equal to or greater than the specified value (step S3: YES), in step S4, the calculation processing unit 52 outputs a warning signal for the m-th sensor 4m. On the other hand, if the absolute value |Δe| of the amount of change in the voltage value is not equal to or greater than the specified value (step S3: NO), in step S6, the calculation processing unit 52 determines whether "m = n" is true.

[0070] In step S5 following step S4, when the notification unit 6 receives the warning signal related to the m-th sensor 4m, it notifies of blockage of the portion of the tube 3 where the m-th sensor 4m is provided.

[0071] 7, the notification unit 6 of this specific example has a collection of light-emitting units corresponding to the multiple sensors 4. That is, the notification unit 6 of this specific example has a first light-emitting unit 61 corresponding to the first sensor 41, a second light-emitting unit 62 corresponding to the second sensor 42, a third light-emitting unit 63 corresponding to the third sensor 43, and so on, and an n-th light-emitting unit 6n corresponding to the n-th sensor 4n.

[0072] For example, when "m=1" is true, that is, when the calculation processing unit 52 closes the first switch 731 to connect the first sensor 41 and the strain measuring device 5, if the absolute value |Δe| of the amount of change in voltage value based on the strain measured by the first sensor 41 is equal to or greater than a specified value, the calculation processing unit 52 outputs a warning signal related to the first sensor 41. Upon receiving the warning signal related to the first sensor 41, the notification unit 6 blinks or lights up the first light-emitting unit 61 to notify by light that the portion of the tube 3 where the first sensor 41 is provided is blocked. In this way, the m-th light-emitting unit notifies by light that the portion of the tube 3 where the m-th sensor 4m is provided is blocked, where the absolute value |Δe| of the amount of change in voltage value is equal to or greater than the specified value.

[0073] In step S6 following step S5, the calculation processing unit 52 determines whether or not "m = n" is true. If "m = n" is true (step S6: YES), that is, if the calculation processing unit 52 has switched the connections between the first sensor 41, ..., the nth sensor 4n and the strain measuring instrument 5 in order and has completed the connection between the nth sensor 4n and the strain measuring instrument 5, the processing ends.

[0074] On the other hand, if "m = n" does not hold (step S6: YES), that is, if the connection between the n-th sensor 4n and the strain measuring instrument 5 has not yet been completed, in step S7, the calculation processing unit 52 adds "1" to "m" and moves to the next channel (i.e., the next sensor 4 corresponding to the next switch). In step S2 following step S7, the calculation processing unit 52 executes the process described above with respect to step S2.

[0075] According to the medical tube occlusion detection system 2 of this example, the strain measuring device 5 can determine which of the multiple sensors 4 has an absolute value |Δe| of the change in voltage value that is equal to or greater than a specified value. This allows the medical tube occlusion detection system 2 of this example to quickly detect the occurrence of an occlusion in the tube 3 and to detect the location of the occlusion.

[0076] In addition, medical personnel can quickly identify the location of the blockage in the tube 3 by visually checking the assembly of the first light-emitting unit 61, the second light-emitting unit 62, the third light-emitting unit 63, ... the nth light-emitting unit 6n of the alarm unit 6.

[0077] The first light-emitting unit 61, the second light-emitting unit 62, the third light-emitting unit 63, ..., the nth light-emitting unit 6n may be provided in the first sensor 41, the second sensor 42, the third sensor 43, ..., the nth sensor 4n, respectively, and may correspond to the first sensor 41, the second sensor 42, the third sensor 43, ..., the nth sensor 4n, respectively. That is, the first light-emitting unit 61 may be provided in the first sensor 41 and correspond to the first sensor 41. The second light-emitting unit 62 may be provided in the second sensor 42 and correspond to the second sensor 42. The third light-emitting unit 63 may be provided in the third sensor 43 and correspond to the third sensor 43. The nth light-emitting unit 6n may be provided in the nth sensor 4n and correspond to the nth sensor 4n.

[0078] According to this, the notification unit 6 notifies of blockage of the portion of the tube 3 where the sensor 4 is provided, where the absolute value of the amount of change in voltage |Δe| is equal to or greater than a specified value, by emitting light from the light-emitting unit of the notification unit 6 at the portion where the blockage occurred. This allows medical personnel to directly confirm the location of the portion of the tube 3 where the blockage occurred.

[0079] 1, when a warning signal is received, the first light-emitting unit 61, the second light-emitting unit 62, the third light-emitting unit 63, ..., the n-th light-emitting unit 6n of the alarm unit 6 may flash or light up in a color different from the color of the light that flashed or lighted up when no warning signal was received. This allows medical personnel to quickly identify the location of the portion of the tube 3 where the blockage has occurred by checking the color change of the first light-emitting unit 61, the second light-emitting unit 62, the third light-emitting unit 63, ..., the n-th light-emitting unit 6n.

[0080] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The configurations of the above embodiments can be partially omitted or arbitrarily combined in a different manner from the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 2: Medical tube occlusion detection system, 2A: Medical tube occlusion detection system, 2B: Medical tube occlusion detection system, 3: Tube, 4: Sensor, 4n: nth sensor, 5: Strain measuring device, 6: Notification unit, 6n: nth light-emitting unit, 35: Restraining device, 41: First sensor, 42: Second sensor, 43: Third sensor, 51: Strain amplifier, 52: Arithmetic processing unit, 53: Memory unit, 61: First light-emitting unit, 62: Second light-emitting unit, 63: Third light-emitting unit, 71: Wiring, 72: Wiring, 73n: nth switch, 731: First switch, 732: Second switch, 733: Third switch

Claims

1. a tube used when injecting a liquid into a living body or draining the liquid from the living body; a sensor provided on the surface of the tube for measuring strain or stress occurring on the surface; a strain measuring device electrically connected to the sensor, which calculates the amount of change in voltage based on the strain or stress measured by the sensor at a predetermined sampling rate, and outputs a warning signal when the absolute value of the amount of change is equal to or greater than a specified value; a notification unit that notifies of blockage of the tube when receiving the warning signal output from the strain measuring device; A medical tube occlusion detection system comprising:

2. A plurality of the sensors are provided, 2. The medical tube occlusion detection system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors are provided at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

3. 2. The medical tube occlusion detection system according to claim 1, further comprising a suppressing device provided on the tube between adjacent sensors to suppress the occurrence of the strain or stress.

4. A plurality of the sensors are provided, The medical tube occlusion detection system according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors are connected in series.

5. A plurality of the sensors are provided, the plurality of sensors are connected in parallel; the strain gauge switches connections to the plurality of sensors in order, calculates the amount of change for each sensor, and when the absolute value of the amount of change is equal to or greater than the specified value, outputs the warning signal for the sensor whose absolute value of the amount of change is equal to or greater than the specified value; The medical tube occlusion detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the alarm unit receives the warning signal, it notifies of occlusion of the portion of the tube in which the sensor is installed, where the absolute value of the amount of change has become equal to or greater than the specified value.

6. the notification unit has a collection of light-emitting units corresponding to the plurality of sensors, The medical tube occlusion detection system according to claim 5, wherein the light-emitting unit uses light to indicate occlusion of the portion of the tube in which the sensor is installed when the absolute value of the amount of change becomes equal to or greater than the specified value.

7. the notification unit includes a light emitting unit provided in each of the plurality of sensors and corresponding to each of the plurality of sensors, The medical tube occlusion detection system according to claim 5, characterized in that the light-emitting unit uses light to alert of occlusion of the portion of the tube in which the corresponding sensor is installed when the absolute value of the change amount becomes equal to or greater than the specified value.

8. 2. The medical tube occlusion detection system according to claim 1, wherein the strain measuring device is connected to the sensor by a wire.

9. 2. The medical tube occlusion detection system according to claim 1, wherein the strain measuring device is wirelessly connected to the sensor.

10. The medical tube occlusion detection system according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit blinks or lights up a light when the warning signal is received.

11. 2. The medical tube occlusion detection system according to claim 1, wherein, when the alarm unit receives the warning signal, the alarm unit flashes or lights up a light of a color that is changed from the color of the light that flashed or was lit when the warning signal was not received.

12. The medical tube occlusion detection system according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit emits a sound when the warning signal is received.

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