Catheter assembly for local anesthesia

Abstract

To provide a catheter assembly that is easy to operate.SOLUTION: A following catheter assembly 1 is known, including a capillary housing 2 with a capillary tube 3 provided on a distal side, and a catheter tube 4 inserted into the capillary tube on a proximal side to project to the distal side from the capillary tube, wherein the catheter tube is arranged inside the capillary tube limitedly in a linear displaceable manner, and a clamp device that can manually operate in order to fix detachably the catheter tube to the capillary tube and a capillary housing is provided. According to the present invention, an adjustment device is additionally provided on the capillary housing, and assures gradual or continuous displacement of the catheter tube in the capillary tube, and a radial projection that can be gripped by at least one hand movement to be guided displaceably along the capillary housing is provided on the catheter tube.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a catheter assembly for regional anesthesia, comprising a capillary housing having a capillary tube distally disposed therein, a catheter tube proximally inserted within the capillary tube and partially projecting distally therefrom, the catheter tube being disposed within the capillary tube with limited linear displacement, and a manually actuable clamping device for releasably securing the catheter tube relative to the capillary tube and the capillary housing. [Background technology]

[0002] Such a catheter assembly is known from DE 10 2022 205 130 A1. This known catheter assembly comprises a capillary housing and a capillary tube fixedly attached to the capillary housing. A hose-like catheter tube is inserted into the capillary tube and protrudes axially beyond the capillary tube at its distal tube end. A fixing device is provided for fixing the catheter tube relative to the capillary housing, the fixing device having an actuating element and a clamping element. The clamping element is attached to the capillary housing. The actuating element is movably attached to the capillary housing and operatively connected to the clamping element with force and / or movement transmission. This allows for axial clamping of the hose-like catheter tube relative to the capillary tube or for axial movement of the hose-like catheter tube relative to the capillary tube. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a catheter assembly of the type mentioned in the introduction, which is easy to operate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] This object is achieved by providing an additional adjusting device on the capillary housing, which ensures stepwise or continuous displacement of the catheter tube within the capillary tube, and by providing at least one manually grippable radial protrusion, in particular an actuator, on the catheter tube, which is guided with limited displacement along the capillary housing. The solution according to the invention is intended for local anesthesia. The adjusting device on the capillary housing allows the advancement of the catheter tube's distal protrusion from the capillary tube to be adjusted, and the adjusted advanced position to be fixed by a clamping device. Both the adjusting device and the clamping device can be operated by the user with one hand, leaving the user's other hand free to perform additional functions, in particular holding or guiding an ultrasonic treatment tool. By varying the advancement, the tip of the catheter tube can be guided closer to the site to be anesthetized, in particular a nerve or nerve plexus, to achieve a high level of local anesthesia. The catheter tube may be at least partially hose-shaped. Furthermore, an extension hose can be connected to the catheter tube proximally. When the extension hose is pressed against the proximal end of the catheter tube from the outside, the distal end of the extension hose forms a radial protrusion according to the present invention. Alternatively, beads or similar actuators can be fixed on the catheter tube and function as radial protrusions. The term "radially" refers to the longitudinal axis of the catheter tube. The term "catheter tube" also includes an extension hose connected proximally to a catheter tube guided within a capillary tube, so that protrusions, in particular actuators, can also be provided on the extension hose. The actuator preferably surrounds a region of the catheter tube, in particular at the level of the capillary housing, by pressure-fitting, form-fitting, or integral bonding, so that adjustment of the actuator necessarily results in a complementary displacement of the catheter tube. In the case of a stepped displacement of the catheter tube, the capillary housing is preferably provided with at least two stepped profiles to which the actuators can be releasably latched.The catheter tube can be continuously displaced, allowing any desired positioning relative to the capillary tube within a limited advancement distance, preferably between 10 and 30 mm. The protrusion can be manually grasped so that the catheter tube can be displaced with the fingers of one hand.

[0005] In one configuration of the invention, it is provided that a manually operable actuating element is operably connected to the protrusion, in particular the actuator, and is movably arranged on the capillary housing for displacing the protrusion, in particular the actuator, along the capillary housing. The contour or surface shape of the protrusion, in particular the actuator, can also form the actuating element, or the actuating element is a separate functional part operably connected to the protrusion, in particular the actuator, or a separate functional part fixedly connected to the protrusion and / or the actuator, in particular formed integrally therewith.

[0006] In a further configuration of the invention, the actuating element is fixedly connected to the actuator. The actuating element may be integrally formed on the actuator or fastened to the actuator in another way, in particular by a latch. Advantageously, the actuating element may be formed by a contour or surface of the actuating element adapted to be manually grasped or touched by at least one finger of a user's hand, so that the actuator and the actuating element are made of the same material and are one and the same part. The surface may have a tactile sensation different from that of other surfaces of the actuator in order to determine the function of the actuating element. Alternatively, the actuating element may be an independent functional part, either integral with the actuator or fixedly connected to it via an additional fastening member.

[0007] In a further configuration of the invention, the actuating element interacts with the actuator indirectly, with a motion transmission, where there is no fixed connection between the actuating element and the actuator, instead the actuating element is movably mounted in the capillary housing and coupled to the actuator by a drive transmission member, in particular a gear mechanism.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is displaceably mounted on the capillary housing. For this purpose, a linear guide track, in particular at least one guide bar or at least one guide groove, is provided on the capillary housing, and the actuating element has at least one complementary guide profile that interacts with the linear guide track to achieve displaceability of the actuating element relative to the capillary housing. The linear guide thus formed is preferably limited to an adjustment movement of between 10 and 30 mm.

[0009] In a further configuration of the invention, the actuating element is manually releasably held in a pressure-fit or form-fit manner on the capillary housing in at least two different functional positions. This configuration allows for stepwise displacement of the actuating element, and thus the actuator and catheter tube, relative to the capillary tube. Preferably, the actuating element and the capillary housing have complementary latch profiles that interact in a form-fit or pressure-fit manner to define corresponding advance positions of the catheter tube. The pressure-fit or form-fit functional positions can be manually overridden by the user's hand so that, after removing the clamping device, the actuating element can be easily displaced to the respective next functional position with the same hand.

[0010] In a further configuration of the invention, the actuating element and the capillary housing are provided with complementary latching profiles for manually releasably securing at least two different functional positions. The latching profiles can be formed by latching recesses on the capillary housing and complementary arrangements of latching cams or latching lugs on the outer contour of the actuating element and / or actuator, so that the actuating element and / or actuator can be form-fittingly latched into the respective latching recesses on the capillary housing.

[0011] In a further configuration of the invention, the capillary housing is provided with a linear guide for displacing the actuating element, which is in the form of an actuating slide displaceable along the linear guide. The actuating slide can be the same component as the actuator. This configuration allows for continuous displacement of the catheter tube relative to the capillary housing and displacement relative to the capillary tube in a limited advancement region.

[0012] In a further configuration of the invention, the actuating element is rotatably mounted on the capillary housing so as to be able to displace the actuator and thus the catheter tube within the capillary housing, thereby allowing for indirect displacement of the catheter tube by manually rotating the actuating element.

[0013] In a further configuration of the invention, the actuating element is rotatably mounted on the capillary housing coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the capillary tube and is coupled to the actuator by means of a screw drive, a space-saving configuration that is easy to operate, as the desired advancement of the catheter tube is achieved by rotation of the actuating element, which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the catheter tube.

[0014] In a further configuration of the invention, the clamping device comprises a clamping member that acts in a pressure-fitting manner on the catheter tube and an operating member movably attached to the capillary housing, the operating member elastically deforming the clamping member in the clamping position to pressure-fitly clamp the catheter tube and releasing the clamping member in the release position, so that the clamping member returns to its unloaded initial position in which the catheter tube is movable relative to the clamping member. The clamping member can coaxially surround the catheter tube. Alternatively, the clamping member can act radially from one side on the catheter tube. In all variants, the operating member acts on the clamping member so that the clamping member radially elastically clamps the catheter tube relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter tube.

[0015] In a further configuration of the invention, the operating member is drivably or rotatably mounted on the capillary housing, and may be in the form of a lever, a rotating bayonet member, a pivotable sleeve portion, or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a catheter assembly according to the present invention; [Figure 2a] 1A-1C show a further embodiment of a catheter assembly according to the invention in two different functional positions. [Figure 2b] 1A-1C show a further embodiment of a catheter assembly according to the invention in two different functional positions. [Figure 3a] 3A-3C are schematic perspective views showing two different functional positions of a further embodiment of a catheter assembly according to the invention; [Figure 3b] 3A-3C are schematic perspective views showing two different functional positions of a further embodiment of a catheter assembly according to the invention; [Figure 4]1 is a schematic diagram showing a further embodiment of a catheter assembly according to the present invention in longitudinal section; [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective schematic view of a further embodiment of a catheter assembly according to the present invention; [Figure 6] 1A-1C are perspective views of two different actuators secured to the catheter tube of respective embodiments of a catheter assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 1A-1C are perspective views of two different actuators secured to the catheter tube of respective embodiments of a catheter assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a catheter assembly according to the present invention; [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a region of a further embodiment of a catheter assembly according to the present invention in longitudinal section; [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective, schematic, partially cutaway view of a portion of a further embodiment of a catheter assembly according to the present invention; [Figure 11] 3A and 3B schematically illustrate further embodiments of a catheter assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 12] 3A and 3B schematically illustrate further embodiments of a catheter assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 13] 3A and 3B schematically illustrate further embodiments of a catheter assembly according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The catheter assembly 1 according to FIG. 1 is intended for use in local anesthesia in the medical technology field. The catheter assembly 1 comprises a plastic capillary housing 2. A capillary tube 3, also called a capillary attachment, is fixed to the distal end of the capillary housing 2 and has a distal tip, which is introduced subcutaneously into a patient in a ready-to-use state (not shown in more detail). To allow relatively close access to the individual nerves to be inhibited for local anesthesia, the catheter assembly 1 further comprises a catheter tube 4, which is pushed proximally and distally into the capillary tube 3, and a distal tip and an adjacent extension portion that protrude distally from the capillary tube 3. The length of the extension portion of the catheter tube 4 that protrudes beyond the distal tip of the capillary tube 3 can be adjusted in a manner described in detail below. The catheter tube 4 extends longitudinally within the capillary housing 2 and can be connected at its proximal end to an extension hose (not shown). The catheter tube 4 is made of flexible plastic hose.

[0018] The length of advancement of the catheter tube 4 protruding distally from the capillary tube 3 can be adjusted by an adjustment device, which will be described in more detail below. For this purpose, in the case of the catheter assembly 1 according to FIG. 1, an actuator 8 in the form of a beaded sleeve is fixed to the outer surface of the catheter tube 4. The actuator 8 coaxially surrounds the catheter tube 4 and has an outer surface that is at least largely cylindrical. The capillary housing 2 has two semi-cylindrical recesses 9 spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the catheter tube 4. The recesses 9 correspond to the outer circumferential surface of the actuator 8 so that the actuator 8 can be releasably latched into one of the recesses 9. The two spaced-apart recesses 9 are interconnected via a groove-like linear guide 10, which, like the recesses 9, is an integral part of the capillary housing 2. In the position shown in FIG. 1, the catheter tube 4 is positioned longitudinally relative to the capillary housing 2 by form-fittingly recessing the actuator 8 into the proximal recess 9. To change the advancement of the catheter tube 4 relative to the capillary tube 3, the actuator 8 can be easily lifted by the user using two fingers of one hand and displaced distally along the capillary housing 2 along the grooved linear guide 10 until the actuator 8 sinks into the second recess 9 of the capillary housing 2. The catheter assembly 1 therefore constitutes a possible way of advancing the catheter tube 4 in two stages.

[0019] To enable additional fixing of the catheter tube 4 relative to the capillary housing 2, a clamping device is provided which coaxially surrounds the catheter tube 4 in the manner of a sleeve and has elastically deformable clamping members 5 embedded in the capillary housing 2 distally adjacent to the distal recess 9. In the released position of the clamping device shown in FIG. 1, the clamping members 5 surround the catheter tube 4 at a radially spaced interval. This position constitutes the initial, unloaded position of the clamping members 5. To clamp the catheter tube 4 with the clamping members 5, an operating member 7 is provided which, in FIG. 1, is in the form of an operating lever pivotally attached to the capillary housing 2 and comprises a force transmission part 6 which, when pivoted closed, elastically deforms the clamping members 5 from above—with respect to the view of FIG. 1—in the radial direction. This causes the clamping members 5 to be pressed radially against the outer peripheral surface of the catheter tube 4, resulting in the desired clamping action of fixing the catheter tube 4 axially relative to the capillary housing 2. It is also possible to clamp the catheter tube 4 to the capillary housing 2 by the clamping member 5 at an intermediate position of the bead-shaped actuator 8, at which intermediate position the actuator 8 rests in a groove-shaped linear guide 10 between two recesses 9 in the capillary housing 2.

[0020] The catheter assembly 1a according to FIGS. 2a and 2b corresponds in terms of functional structure to the catheter assembly 1 according to FIG. 1. Therefore, components and parts having the same function are provided with the same reference signs, with the addition of the letter a. The catheter assembly 1a is similarly intended for local anesthesia. To avoid repetition, reference is additionally made to the description of the catheter assembly 1 according to FIG. 1. The same applies to the embodiments of the catheter assembly according to the present invention described below with reference to FIGS. 3a to 10. There, likewise, the respective components or parts having the same function are provided with the same reference signs, with the addition of the respective lowercase letters b to i. The use of these catheter assemblies 1b to 1g corresponds to the use of the catheter assemblies 1 and 1a; therefore, to avoid repetition, reference is additionally made to the above description of the catheter assembly 1 with regard to these embodiments, which will be described in more detail below.

[0021] The catheter assembly 1a comprises a capillary housing 2a, which is fixedly connected distally to a capillary tube 3a. A catheter tube 4a protrudes coaxially distally through the capillary tube 3a. The catheter tube 4a is surrounded by an actuator 8a, which is attached by a guide element 11a to a slot-shaped linear guide 10a with a displaceable range spaced along the capillary housing 2a. The actuator 8a is formed in a block shape and fixedly connected to the catheter tube 4a. The actuator 8a also forms an actuating element within the meaning of the present invention, with its outer contour, which can be held by the user's hand. The linear guide 10a is provided in the support plate portion of the capillary housing 2a and limits the linear displaceable range of the actuator 8a to a forward movement of preferably between 15 and 30 mm. The linear guide 10a extends in the longitudinal direction of the capillary housing 2a and thus parallel to the catheter tube 4a. The guide element 11a is held in the linear guide 10a of the capillary housing 2a in the manner of a slotted guide bar, which is configured so that the actuator 8a remains self-lockingly positioned relative to the linear guide 10a once the user's hand stops manually pushing against it. The actuator 8a is thus displaceable within the linear guide 10a in a pressure-fit manner to a limited extent. By displacing the actuator 8a, the advancement of the distal portion of the catheter tube 4a protruding beyond the distal tip of the capillary tube 3a can be continuously adjusted within the limits of the linear guide 10a. The guide element 11a is also linearly displaceable with play within the linear guide 10a of the capillary housing 2a. The catheter tube 4a is then further fixed relative to the capillary housing 2a, and thus also relative to the capillary tube 3a, by a clamping device in the form of a sleeve having elastically deformable clamping members 5a coaxially surrounding the catheter tube 4a at radially spaced intervals.The operating member 6a, which is provided for elastically deforming the clamping member 5a, is a clip attached to the capillary housing 2a so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catheter tube 4a between the release position shown in FIG. 2a and the clamping position shown in FIG. 2b. In the clamping position, the inner side of the arc-shaped clip 6a compresses the sleeve-shaped elastically deformable clamping member 5a, thereby radially clamping the catheter tube 4a. The operating member 6a is integrally formed with the capillary housing 2a by a film hinge. In the clamping position, the operating member 6a is provided with a latch mechanism, which is also integrally formed on the capillary housing 2a and manually removably fixes the operating member 6a in the clamping position on the capillary housing 2a. The actuator 8a is sized so that it can be displaced along the capillary housing 2a using at least one finger of the user's hand.

[0022] The catheter assembly 1b according to Figures 3a and 3b corresponds in functional structure to the catheter assembly 1a according to Figures 2a and 2b. The essential difference is that the adjustment device provides a functional track for linearly guiding the actuator 8b on the capillary housing 2b in the form of a linear bar guide 10b, which is integrally formed on the actuator 8b and guides the actuator 8b with limited longitudinal displacement by a guide element 11b in the form of a slider. The catheter tube 4b is mounted linearly displaceable along the capillary tube 3b of the capillary housing 2b by the actuator 8b, and the length of the forward extension part protruding distally from the capillary tube 3b is variable depending on the sliding position of the actuator 8b relative to the capillary housing 2b.

[0023] The catheter assembly 1b according to Figures 3a and 3b also includes, as part of the clamping device, an elastically deformable clamping element in the form of a sleeve that is arranged in the region of the capillary housing 2b and coaxially surrounds the catheter tube 4b. In the release position, the clamping element surrounds the catheter tube 4b at a radially spaced interval. The clamping device also includes an operating element 6b that is rotatably attached to the capillary housing 2b coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the capillary tube 3b and that provides the clamping element with axial relative movement through a bayonet mechanism. The clamping element is elastically deformed radially by a cone (not shown) and clamps the catheter tube 4b. When the operating element 6b is rotated back in the opposite direction, the clamping element again disengages from the outer peripheral surface of the catheter tube 4b.

[0024] The catheter assembly 1c according to Fig. 4 also includes an adjustment device for adjusting the advancement of the catheter tube 4c relative to the capillary tube 3c, which is fixedly arranged relative to the capillary housing 2c. However, in the embodiment according to Fig. 4, the capillary tube 3c is fixed to a housing protrusion 7c of the capillary housing 2c, which serves as an operating member of a clamping device for the catheter tube 4c. The housing protrusion 7c is longitudinally displaceable relative to the capillary housing 2c within a limited range in the direction of the arrow visible in Fig. 4. Inside, the housing protrusion 7c accommodates an elastically deformable clamping member 5c, which, when displaced coaxially relative to the catheter tube 4c between the housing protrusion 7c and the capillary housing 2c, is necessarily compressed radially inward by the conical receiving portion of the housing protrusion 7c, resulting in the desired clamping action against the outer surface of the catheter tube 4c. When the clamping member 5c is removed, the advancement of the catheter tube 4c relative to the capillary tube 3c can be changed by the adjustment device. For this purpose, an annular actuator 8c, longitudinally displaceably mounted in a linear guide 10c of the capillary housing 2c, is fixed to the outer surface of the catheter tube 4c. A slide-shaped actuating element 12c is form-fittingly connected to the actuator 8c, guided in the linear guide 10c of the capillary housing 2c so as to be limitedly displaceable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catheter tube 4c, and engages on the actuator 8c. The actuating element 12c has a rod-shaped guide element 11c, which, on the one hand, form-fits against the distal end face of the actuator 8c and, on the other hand, is guided in the linear guide 10c of the capillary housing 2c so as to be longitudinally displaceable. Furthermore, two elastically flexible fingers, not shown in more detail, are provided, which are integrally formed on the actuating element 12c and clamp and brace the opposite end face of the actuator 8c against the guide bar 11c. The two fingers are angled so that the catheter tube 4c can be pushed into the capillary housing 2c from its proximal end and then through the housing projection 7c distally into the capillary tube 3c.The two fingers flex and are again latched behind the actuator 8c, so that the catheter tube 4c is fixed relative to the actuation element 12c.

[0025] In the catheter assembly 1d according to Fig. 5, a linear guide 10d is provided in the capillary housing 2d and extends like a tube coaxially with the longitudinal axis of a capillary tube 3d, which is distally fixed to the capillary housing 2d. The catheter tube 4d is surrounded by an actuator 8d, which further defines a partially cylindrical guide element 11d in the longitudinal direction that is displaceably guided in the linear guide 10d of the capillary housing 2d. Furthermore, the actuating element 12d is a slide integrally formed with the actuator 8d, which is guided in a longitudinal slot in the linear guide 10d of the capillary housing 2d and protrudes beyond the upper side of the capillary housing 2d. On the opposite bottom side, an elastically flexible latch bar 13d is integrally formed on one side of the actuator 8d and is associated with a complementary latching notch 14d in the capillary housing 2d. This ensures that the number of latching stages for the advancement of the catheter tube 4d relative to the capillary tube 3d corresponds to the number of latching notches 14d. Latch bars 13d, which engage with the respective latching notches 14d on the opposite side of the actuator 8d, fix the respective adjusted advancement positions. Furthermore, if necessary, the catheter tube 4d can be axially fixed by a clamping device having an operating member 7d and a radially elastically deformable clamping member 5d. The operating member 7d is guided in the capillary housing 2d perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter tube 4d in the manner of a push pin and can perform a limited stroke movement. The operating member 7d acts radially on the clamping member 5d, thereby compressing the clamping member 5d radially and pressing it against the outer surface of the catheter tube 4d. The operating member 7d, although not shown in detail, is assigned to a latching position in the capillary housing 2d, where the clamping member 5d securely clamps the catheter tube 4d.

[0026] 6 and 7, the actuators 8e, 8f are fixed to the respective catheter tubes 4e, 4f and comprise a plurality of latch profiles 13e, 13f extending in the longitudinal direction of the catheter tubes 4e, 4f, respectively. For this purpose, not shown in more detail, the capillary housing has complementary movable latch elements, so that the actuators 8e, 8f can be manually and releasably fixed to the capillary housing in different latch positions in the advancement direction of the catheter tubes 4e, 4f.

[0027] The catheter assembly 1g according to Fig. 8 corresponds substantially to the catheter assembly 1d according to Fig. 5 in terms of function. It also applies here that an annular actuator 8g is fixed to the outer surface of the catheter tube 4g and is longitudinally displaceable within the capillary housing 2g and the capillary tube 3g fixed thereto. In the case of the catheter assembly 1g, the actuator 8g is fixed at the point where the catheter tube 4g joins with the extension hose, which is fixed proximally with respect to the distal tube section of the catheter tube 4g. The actuator 8g is longitudinally displaceably guided by an annular guide surface in a cylindrical linear guide 10g of the capillary housing 2g. The actuating element is a slide 12g, which is integrally connected to the actuator 8g by a guide bar 11g. The guide member 11g protrudes upward through a longitudinal slot in the linear guide 10g of the capillary housing 2g. The slide 12g is longitudinally displaceably guided outside the cylindrical housing section of the capillary housing 2g. The cylindrical housing portion of the capillary housing 2g is provided with a plurality of latch recesses 14g, arranged back-to-back and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The slide 12g has at least one complementary latch tab (not shown in more detail) that manually and releasably latches into each of the latch recesses 14g on the capillary housing 2g depending on the advanced position of the catheter tube 4g relative to the capillary tube 3g. Furthermore, the clamping member 5g, provided distally of the capillary housing 2g, is in the form of a sleeve that, similar to the clamping member described above, is elastically deformable and coaxially surrounds the catheter tube 4g. As in the embodiment according to FIG. 5, the operating member 7g is attached to the capillary housing 2g with the ability to perform a radial stroke movement when pressed radially inward, thereby causing the clamping member 5g to deform radially and perform its clamping function. This radially clamps the catheter tube 4g and secures it to the capillary housing 2g.

[0028] In the embodiment according to Fig. 9, an actuating element 12h of an adjusting device for correcting the advancement of the catheter tube 4h is rotatably mounted on the capillary housing 2h about a rotation axis perpendicular to the advancement direction of the catheter tube 4h. On its longitudinal side facing the actuating element 12h, the actuating member 8h has a toothed rack feature. The actuating element 12h is provided with complementary surface teeth that mesh with the toothed rack feature of the actuator 8h to obtain the desired advancement function of the catheter tube 4h inside the capillary tube 3h.

[0029] In the embodiment according to Fig. 10, forward movement of the catheter tube 4i relative to the capillary tube 3i is obtained by an actuating element 12i, which is rotatably mounted coaxially with the capillary tube 3i in a capillary housing not shown in more detail. The actuator 8i has a threaded worm on its outer periphery, which threaded worm interacts with the internal thread of the actuating element 12i. Relative rotation between the actuating element 12i and the actuator 8i therefore necessarily results in a continuous forward movement in the distal or proximal direction, depending on the relative rotation between the actuating element 12i and the actuator 8i.

[0030] In the catheter assembly according to FIG. 11 , the capillary tube 3, through which the catheter tube 4 is guided so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction, is fixed distally to the capillary housing 2. The actuator 8, fixed distally to the capillary housing on the outer surface of the catheter tube 4, is bead-shaped and forms a radial protrusion relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter tube 4. An elastically deformable clamping member (not shown in detail) is provided in the capillary housing 2, which can be twisted by means of rotatable actuating wings 7 in order to elastically clamp the catheter tube 4. Thus, with the clamping device removed, the user can operate the actuator 8 with one hand to longitudinally displace the catheter tube 4 relative to the capillary tube 3. By rotating the actuating wings 7, the clamping member applies a radial clamping force from the outside to the outer periphery of the catheter tube 4, and the correspondingly adjusted advancement can then be fixed by rotating the actuating wings 7 with the same hand.

[0031] In the catheter assembly according to Figures 12 and 13, a larger-diameter extension hose V is pressed onto the proximal end of the catheter tube 4 and is fixed by a pressure fit to the proximal end of the catheter tube 4. Since the extension hose V has a larger diameter than the catheter tube 4, the pressed distal end of the extension hose V necessarily provides a radial projection on the catheter tube 4, which necessarily guides the catheter tube 4 with limited displacement relative to the capillary housing 2 when the catheter tube is displaced. The capillary housing 2 has attached thereto a distally mounted capillary tube 3. The capillary housing 2 is provided with a radially elastically deformable clamping element 5, coaxial with the catheter tube 4, which is sleeve-shaped and forms an axial stop for the radial projection of the extension hose V at the distal end. As part of the clamping device, the clamping element 5 functions as an actuating element 7 and is elastically deformed by scissors wings that are pivotable relative to the capillary housing 2. The capillary housing 2 is integrally formed with engagement points that can be engaged by the fingers of the user's hand as counter wings to the scissor function of the scissor wings. Thus, two fingers of one hand can be used to rotate the scissor wings relative to the counter wings, elastically deforming the clamping member and axially fixing the catheter tube 4 relative to the capillary housing 2. The same hand can also be used to grasp the extension hose V before the clamping member 5 is clamped, thereby adjusting the advancement of the catheter tube 4 relative to the capillary tube 3. The provision of corresponding latch points on the actuation wings 7 on the one hand and on the capillary housing 2 on the other hand ensures the elastic deformation of the clamping member 5 and thus the clamping position of the scissor wings when the scissor wings are pressed together, so that the catheter tube 4 remains axially fixed.

Claims

1. A local anesthesia catheter assembly (1 to 1 g) comprising: a capillary housing (2 to 2h) having a capillary tube (3 to 3i) disposed distally thereto; a catheter tube (4 to 4i) inserted proximally into the capillary tube (3 to 3i) and partially projecting distally therefrom; the catheter tube (4 to 4i) being arranged within the capillary tube (3 to 3i) for limited linear displacement; and a manually operable clamping device for releasably securing the catheter tube (4 to 4i) to the capillary tube (3 to 3i) and the capillary housing (2 to 2h); an adjusting device is additionally provided on the capillary housing (2 to 2h) to ensure a stepwise or continuous manual displacement of the catheter tube (4 to 4i) in the capillary tube (3 to 3i), characterized in that at least one manually grippable radial projection, in particular an actuator (8 to 8i), guided in a definite displaceable manner along the capillary housing (2 to 2h) is provided on the catheter tube (4 to 4i). Catheter assembly (1 to 1 g).

2. a manually operable actuating element (12c to 12i) is operably connected to the protrusion, in particular the actuator (8 to 8i) and is movably arranged on the capillary housing (2 to 2h) for displacing the protrusion, in particular the actuator (8 to 8i) along the capillary housing (2 to 2h), A catheter assembly (1 to 1g) according to claim 1.

3. characterised in that the actuating elements (12d, 12g) are fixedly connected to the actuators (8, 8a, 8b, 8d, 8g), A catheter assembly (1, 1a, 1b, 1d, 1g) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. characterised in that the actuating elements (12c, 12h, 12i) interact with the actuator (8c), in particular indirectly, with the transmission of a movement; The catheter assembly of claim 2 .

5. the actuating elements (12c, 12d, 12g) are displaceably attached to the capillary housings (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2g), A catheter assembly (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1g) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the actuating element is held on the capillary housing (2, 2d, 2g) in at least two different functional positions in a manually detachable manner by force or form-fitting. A catheter assembly (1, 1d, 1g) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. wherein the actuating element (12d, 12g) and the capillary housing (2d, 2g) are provided with complementary latch profiles for manually and releasably fixing the at least two different functional positions. A catheter assembly (1d, 1g) according to claim 6.

8. characterised in that linear guides (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10g) for displacing the actuating elements (12c, 12d, 12g) are provided on the capillary housings (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2g), the actuating elements (12c, 12d, 12g) being in the form of actuating slides displaceable along the linear guides (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10g). A catheter assembly (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1g) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. 9. A catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the actuating elements (12h, 12i) are rotatably mounted on the capillary housing (2h) so as to be able to displace the actuators (8h, 8i) and thus the catheter tubes (4h, 4i) along the capillary housing (2h) and within the capillary tubes (3h, 3i).

10. the actuating element (12i) is rotatably mounted on the capillary housing coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the capillary tube (3i) and is coupled to the actuator (8i) by means of a screwdriver.

10. The catheter assembly of claim 9.

11. the actuating element (12h) is rotatably mounted on the capillary housing (2h) about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the capillary tube (3h), and the actuating element (12h) is coupled to the actuator (8h) by means of a toothed rack movement.

10. The catheter assembly of claim 9.

12. The clamping device has a clamping member (5 to 5g) that acts in a pressure-fitting manner on the catheter tube (4 to 4g), and an operating member (6 to 6g) that is movably attached to the capillary housing (2 to 2g), and the operating member (6 to 6g) elastically deforms the clamping member (5 to 5g) in a clamping position to clamp the catheter tube (4 to 4g) in a pressure-fitting manner, and releases the clamping member (5 to 5g) in a release position, so that the clamping member (5 to 5g) returns to an unloaded initial position in which the catheter tube (4 to 4g) is movable relative to the clamping member (5 to 5g). A catheter assembly (1 to 1g) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. 2. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the operating members (6, 7, 6a, 6b, 7c, 7d, 7g) are linearly movably, pivotally or rotatably attached to the capillary housing (2 to 2g).

Images