Medical device joint

Abstract

To provide a joint for a medical instrument connectable to a medical tube body.SOLUTION: The medical device joint 10 is provided to be movable between a first position and a second position in the housing 12. The medical device joint 10 includes the switching member 14 that switches communication between the distal end opening 20 and the proximal end opening 22 through the lumen 18, and the urging structure 16 that urges the switching member 14 from the second position toward the first position. When the switching member 14 is located at the first position, the distal end opening 20 and the proximal end opening 22 communicate with each other via the flow path 142, and communication between the distal end opening 20 and the outside of the housing 12 through the ventilation path 143 is blocked. When the switching member 14 is located at the second position, the distal end opening 20 and the outside of the housing 12 communicate with each other via the ventilation path 143, and communication between the distal end opening 20 and the proximal end opening 22 through the flow path 142 is blocked.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to a medical device coupling connectable to a medical tubing. [Background technology]

[0002] International Publication No. 2010 / 001939 discloses a medical device joint to which an infusion tube can be connected. The medical device joint includes a housing having a flow path and a cock rotatably mounted inside the housing. The infusion tube is connected to an introduction port at the tip of the housing and communicates with the flow path. An outlet port is provided at the base end of the housing and communicates with the flow path. A cock with a switching flow path and an exhaust port capable of discharging only air are provided midway along the flow path. When an infusion is supplied from the introduction port, the cock is switched to connect the flow path to the exhaust port, allowing air contained in the infusion to be discharged through a filter in the exhaust port. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2010 / 001939 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when the medical device joint of International Publication No. 2010 / 001939 is connected to a medical tubing placed in a living body to administer an infusion, the air in the infusion is expelled before the medical tubing is connected to the outlet port. Because air remains in the space between the cock and the medical tubing, the air remaining between the medical tubing and the housing must be expelled to the outside before the infusion is delivered to the medical tubing and the living body through the medical device joint. In this case, the cock must be operated again to reconnect the exhaust port to the flow path in order to expel the air, which makes it difficult to efficiently deliver the infusion using the medical device joint.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A first aspect of the present disclosure is a medical instrument joint that is connected to a medical tubing, the joint comprising: a housing having a distal end connectable to the medical tubing, a distal opening provided at the distal end, a proximal end connectable to a connector, a proximal opening provided at the proximal end, and an inner cavity connecting the distal opening and the proximal opening; a switching member that is provided in the housing and is liquid-tight with the housing and that switches communication between the distal opening and the proximal opening through the inner cavity; and a biasing mechanism that biases the switching member from the second position toward the first position. the switching member has a flow path and an air passage, and a filter that allows gas to pass through and prevents liquid from passing through is provided in the air passage, and when the switching member is located at the first position, the distal opening and the proximal opening communicate with each other via the flow path of the switching member, and communication between the distal opening and the outside of the housing is blocked, and when the switching member is located at the second position, the distal opening and the outside of the housing communicate with each other via the air passage of the switching member, and communication between the distal opening and the proximal opening is blocked.

[0007] With this medical device joint, with the medical tubing connected to the distal end of the housing and the connector connected to the proximal end, the switching member can be operated to switch the switching member from the first position to the second position, thereby discharging air from within the medical tubing. When the operating force on the switching member is then removed, the biasing force of the biasing structure allows the switching member to be easily switched from the second position to the first position. This allows for efficient operations to discharge air remaining within the medical tubing and to start the supply of infusion fluid.

[0008] (2) In the medical instrument joint described in (1) above, the switching member may have a side surface along the movable direction of the switching member, and the air passage may include a first port that opens to the side surface and is capable of communicating with the tip opening, and a second port that opens to an end of the switching member in the movable direction and is exposed to the outside.

[0009] With this configuration, the ventilation path can be realized in the switching member with a simple configuration.

[0010] (3) In the medical instrument joint described in (2) above, the air passage may be formed in an L-shape connecting the first port and the second port.

[0011] With this configuration, the L-shaped ventilation path can effectively connect the outside of the housing and the tip opening in the second position.

[0012] (4) In the medical instrument joint according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the biasing structure may be a spring member provided between the housing and the switching member.

[0013] This configuration makes it possible to realize the biasing structure easily and inexpensively.

[0014] (5) In the medical instrument joint described in (4) above, the housing has a storage chamber in which the spring member and a portion of the switching member are stored, and a communication hole that connects the storage chamber to the outside of the housing, and a bacteria-proof filter may be provided in the communication hole.

[0015] With this configuration, when the switching member moves while compressing the spring member, the air inside the accommodation chamber can be discharged to the outside through the communication hole, preventing the movement of the switching member from being obstructed by the air inside the accommodation chamber. The bacteria-blocking filter prevents dust and germs from entering the housing from the outside.

[0016] (6) In the medical instrument joint according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the biasing structure may be an air spring.

[0017] This configuration makes it possible to realize the biasing structure easily and inexpensively, thereby further reducing the number of parts and manufacturing costs of the medical instrument joint.

[0018] (7) In the medical instrument joint described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the air passage may be provided with a first port located within the housing and being the upstream end of the air passage, and a second port exposed to the outside of the housing and being the downstream end of the air passage, and the filter may be disposed in a downstream region of the air passage.

[0019] With this configuration, when the switching member is made of a transparent material, the liquid that has flowed between the first port and the filter can be effectively seen from the outside.

[0020] (8) In the medical instrument joint described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the air passage may include a first port located within the housing and being the upstream end of the air passage, and a second port exposed to the outside of the housing and being the downstream end of the air passage, and the switching member may have an operating part that is pressed by a user when switching the switching member from the first position to the second position, and the operating part may be positioned away from the second port to prevent the user from contacting the second port.

[0021] This configuration prevents the second port from being blocked by the user when the user presses the operation portion to move the switching member, thereby allowing gas to be effectively discharged to the outside through the opened second port.

[0022] (9) A second aspect of the present disclosure is a medical instrument joint connected to a medical tubing, the joint comprising: a housing having a distal end connectable to the medical tubing, a distal opening provided at the distal end, a proximal end to which a connector can be connected, a proximal opening provided at the proximal end, and an inner cavity connecting the distal opening and the proximal opening; and a switching member provided in the housing so as to be biased and movable from a second position to a first position and liquid-tight with the housing, the switching member switching communication between the distal opening and the proximal opening through the inner cavity, the switching member having a flow path and an air passage that allows the passage of gas and prevents the passage of liquid. when the switching member is located at the first position, the distal opening and the proximal opening communicate with each other via the flow path of the switching member, and communication between the distal opening and the outside of the housing is blocked; and when the switching member is located at the second position, the distal opening and the outside of the housing communicate with each other via the air passage of the switching member, and communication between the distal opening and the proximal opening is blocked; the air passage is located within the housing and comprises a first port which is an upstream end of the air passage, and a second port which is exposed to the outside of the housing and is a downstream end of the air passage.

[0023] With this medical device coupling, with the medical tubing connected to the distal end of the housing and the connector connected to the proximal end, the switching member can be operated to switch the switching member from the first position to the second position, thereby connecting the first port and the second port and effectively discharging air from within the medical tubing. When the operating force on the switching member is then removed, the switching member is biased, allowing the position of the switching member to be easily switched from the second position to the first position. This allows for efficient operations to discharge air remaining in the medical tubing and to start the supply of infusion fluid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present disclosure, a housing includes a switching member that switches communication between a distal opening and a proximal opening through the lumen. When the switching member is in a first position, the distal opening and the proximal opening are connected to each other through the flow path of the switching member, and communication between the distal opening and the outside of the housing is blocked. When the switching member is in a second position, the distal opening and the outside of the housing are connected to each other through the air passage of the switching member, and communication between the distal opening and the proximal opening is blocked. With a medical tubing connected to the distal end of the housing and a connector connected to the proximal end, air can be purged from the medical tubing by operating the switching member from the first position to the second position. Then, when the operating force on the switching member is removed, the biasing force of the biasing structure allows the switching member to be easily switched from the second position to the first position. This allows efficient operations to purge air remaining in the medical tubing and to start the supply of infusion fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a medical instrument joint connected to a medical tubular body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view showing a first position of the medical instrument joint shown in Figure 1. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view showing a second position of the medical instrument joint shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a medical instrument joint having a biasing structure according to a modified example. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a medical tubing body connected to the medical instrument joint of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a first explanatory view showing administration of infusion fluid using the medical instrument joint. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a second explanatory view showing administration of infusion fluid using the medical instrument joint. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a third explanatory view showing administration of infusion fluid using the medical instrument joint. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a fourth explanatory view showing administration of infusion fluid using the medical instrument joint. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a fifth explanatory view showing administration of infusion fluid using the medical instrument joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the medical device joint 10 according to this embodiment is used by being connected to a medical tubing 100. The medical tubing 100 is a catheter 100A that is inserted into a living body A (see Figure 6). The medical tubing 100 is not limited to the catheter 100A. For example, the medical tubing 100 may be a tube.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2A, the medical instrument joint 10 includes a housing 12, a switching member 14, and a biasing structure 16 that biases the switching member 14.

[0028] The housing 12 has a distal end portion 121, a proximal end portion 122, an intermediate portion 123, and a lumen 18. The distal end portion 121 can be connected to a medical tubing 100 (see FIG. 1). The outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 121 has a luer taper that extends toward the distal end. The distal end portion 121 has a distal end opening 20. The distal end opening 20 opens in the axial direction X of the housing 12 and communicates with the lumen 18.

[0029] The proximal end 122 can be connected to a connector 150, which is connected to a tube 156 (see FIG. 1). The inner circumferential surface of the proximal end 122 is a luer taper toward the distal end. The proximal end 122 has a proximal end opening 22. The proximal end opening 22 opens in the axial direction X of the housing 12 and communicates with the lumen 18.

[0030] The intermediate portion 123 is provided between the tip end portion 121 and the base end portion 122 in the axial direction X of the housing 12. The intermediate portion 123 has an accommodating portion 24 in which the switching member 14 is movably provided. The accommodating portion 24 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction X of the housing 12. The accommodating portion 24 includes a first accommodating hole 241 and a second accommodating hole 242. The first accommodating hole 241 is disposed outward (in one direction) with respect to the axial direction X of the housing 12. The first accommodating hole 241 opens to the outside of the housing 12. The second accommodating hole 242 is disposed outward (in the other direction) with respect to the axial direction X of the housing 12. The second accommodating hole 242 is provided on the opposite side of the first accommodating hole 241 with respect to the axial direction X of the housing 12. The first accommodating hole 241 and the second accommodating hole 242 are disposed in a straight line. The intermediate portion 123 has a bottom portion 26 perpendicular to the extension direction of the accommodating portion 24. The bottom 26 is provided below the second accommodating hole 242. The bottom 26 has a communication hole 28 that connects the second accommodating hole 242 with the outside. The communication hole 28 has a bacteria-blocking filter 30. The bacteria-blocking filter 30 prevents bacteria and dust from entering from the outside through the communication hole 28. The bacteria-blocking filter 30 is provided at the end of the communication hole 28. It is noted that the communication hole 28 does not necessarily have to be provided with the bacteria-blocking filter 30.

[0031] The intermediate portion 123 further includes a locking portion 32. The locking portion 32 is provided on the outer surface of the base end portion 122. The locking portion 32 has a locking end 321 that protrudes in the axial direction X of the housing 12. Note that the locking portion 32 is not limited to being formed on the outer surface of the housing 12. For example, the locking portion 32 may be provided inside the accommodating portion 24.

[0032] The lumen 18 extends along the axial direction X of the housing 12. The lumen 18 connects the distal opening 20 and the proximal opening 22. The lumen 18 includes a distal lumen 181, a proximal lumen 182, and an intermediate lumen 183. The distal lumen 181 is provided in the distal portion 121 of the housing 12. The proximal lumen 182 is provided in the proximal end portion 122 of the housing 12. The intermediate lumen 183 is provided in the intermediate portion 123 of the housing 12. The intermediate lumen 183 connects the distal lumen 181 and the proximal lumen 182.

[0033] The switching member 14 is provided in the accommodating portion 24 of the housing 12. The switching member 14 is inserted into the first accommodating hole 241 and the second accommodating hole 242. In the housing 12, the switching member 14 is provided so as to be movable between a first position and a second position along the accommodating portion 24. That is, the switching member 14 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction X of the housing 12. The switching member 14 switches communication between the distal opening 20 and the proximal opening 22 through the lumen 18.

[0034] The switching member 14 has a main body portion 141, a flow path 142, an air passage 143, and an operation portion 144. The switching member 14 may be made of a transparent material.

[0035] The main body 141 is inserted into the accommodating portion 24 of the housing 12. The main body 141 has a first end 341, a second end 342, and a side surface 343. The first end 341 is provided at one end in the movable direction of the switching member 14. The first end 341 is accommodated in the first accommodating hole 241. The first end 341 is exposed to the outside through an opening of the first accommodating hole 241. The second end 342 is provided at the other end in the movable direction of the switching member 14. The second end 342 is accommodated in the second accommodating hole 242. In the second accommodating hole 242, an accommodating chamber 36 is formed that is surrounded by the second end 342 of the switching member 14 and the inner wall of the second accommodating hole 242.

[0036] The side surface 343 is formed along the movable direction of the switching member 14. The side surface 343 is the outer peripheral surface of the main body 141. The side surface 343 is able to slide against the inner peripheral surfaces of the first accommodating hole 241 and the second accommodating hole 242. The inner peripheral surfaces of the first accommodating hole 241 and the second accommodating hole 242 and the side surface 343 liquid-tightly seal the switching member 14 and the housing 12. The gap between the side surface 343 of the main body 141 and the accommodating section 24 of the housing 12 is sealed against bacteria. The gap between the outer peripheral surface of the switching member 14 and the housing 12 may be liquid-tightly sealed by a magnetic fluid seal using a magnetic fluid. This magnetic fluid seal is composed of a magnetic fluid and a magnet that generates a magnetic force to hold the magnetic fluid.

[0037] The side surface 343 of the first end 341 has a groove 38 recessed radially inward. The groove 38 extends linearly from the first end 341 toward the second end 342. The locking end 321 of the locking portion 32 of the housing 12 is inserted into the groove 38.

[0038] The flow path 142 is formed parallel to the axial direction X of the housing 12. The flow path 142 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body portion 141. The flow path 142 penetrates the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 141. The flow path 142 can communicate with the distal end lumen 181 and the proximal end lumen 182 of the housing 12.

[0039] The air passage 143 is formed in the main body 141 closer to the first end 341 than the flow path 142. The air passage 143 includes a first port 401 and a second port 402. The first port 401 is the upstream end of the air passage 143 that is disposed inside the housing 12 when in a first position, which will be described later. The first port 401 opens to a side surface 343 of the main body 141. The first port 401 is capable of communicating with the distal end opening 20 and the distal end lumen 181 of the housing 12. The first port 401 and the flow path 142 are spaced apart in the movable direction of the switching member 14. The opening direction of the first port 401 and the flow path 142 are approximately parallel.

[0040] The second port 402 is located at the downstream end of the air passage 143 and is exposed to the outside of the housing 12. The second port 402 opens to the first end 341 of the main body 141. The second port 402 is exposed to the outside of the switching member 14 and the housing 12. The air passage 143 has a first portion 1431 extending from the first port 401 in a direction perpendicular to the movable direction of the switching member 14, and a second portion 1432 extending from the first portion 1431 toward the second port 402. That is, the air passage 143 is formed in an L shape connecting the first port 401 and the second port 402. The first portion 1431 and the second portion 1432 form the L shape of the air passage 143. Note that the air passage 143 is not limited to being formed in an L shape. The air passage 143 may be configured such that the first port 401 opens to the side surface 343 of the switching member 14 and can communicate with the tip opening 20, and the second port 402 opens to the first end 341 and can communicate with the outside of the housing 12.

[0041] The air passage 143 is provided with a filter 42 in a downstream region 44 of the air passage 143. The downstream region 44 of the air passage 143 is a region of the passage length of the air passage 143 from the first port 401 to the second port 402 that is closer to the second port 402 than the center of the passage length. The filter 42 allows gas to pass through and can block liquid from passing through. The filter 42 is a hydrophobic filter. Note that the filter 42 is not limited to a hydrophobic filter. For example, the filter 42 may be a hydrophilic filter. The filter 42 is provided in the second port 402. Note that the filter 42 may be arranged in the upstream region of the air passage 143 (a region closer to the first port 401 than the center of the passage length).

[0042] The operating unit 144 is pressed by the user U when switching the switching member 14 from the first position to the second position. The operating unit 144 is provided at the first end 341 of the main body 141. The operating unit 144 protrudes in a direction away from the main body 141. The operating unit 144 includes a support portion 46 and a pressing portion 48 provided at an end of the support portion 46. The support portion 46 protrudes in a direction away from the first end 341. As shown in FIG. 2B , the pressing portion 48 can be pressed by the user U when moving the switching member 14. The pressing portion 48 faces the second port 402 and is disposed so as to be always spaced apart from the first end 341 of the main body 141. Therefore, when the user U presses the pressing portion 48, the pressing portion 48 does not come into contact with the first end 341 of the main body 141.

[0043] The pressing portion 48 has a plate shape that is perpendicular to the movement direction of the switching member 14. The pressing portion 48 is not limited to being plate-shaped. The operation unit 144 may have only the support portion 46 without the pressing portion 48, and the support portion 46 may be directly operated. When the user U presses the operation unit 144 toward the housing 12, the switching member 14 can be moved toward the inside of the housing 12 along the accommodating portion 24. At this time, the pressing portion 48 and the first end 341 are spaced apart from each other in the movement direction of the switching member 14. In other words, the pressing portion 48 is positioned away from the second port 402, and the second port 402 is not blocked by the pressing portion 48. When the user U presses the pressing portion 48, the pressing portion 48 is positioned between the user U and the second port 402, and therefore the second port 402 is not blocked by the user U.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2A , the first position of the switching member 14 is a position in which the switching member 14 is biased by the biasing structure 16 (spring member 161) in a direction away from the second accommodating hole 242, and the lower end of the groove portion 38 is locked by the locking end 321 of the locking portion 32. In the first position, the switching member 14 is engaged with the locking portion 32, thereby preventing movement of the switching member 14 due to the biasing force of the biasing structure 16. In the first position, the distal opening 20 and the distal lumen 181 of the housing 12 communicate with the proximal opening 22 and the proximal lumen 182 via the flow path 142. The flow path 142, the distal lumen 181, and the proximal lumen 182 are linearly arranged along the axial direction X of the housing 12. In the first position, the first port 401 of the air passage 143 is covered by the inner circumferential surface of the first accommodating hole 241, blocking communication between the distal lumen 181 and the air passage 143. That is, in the first position, communication between the distal end opening 20 and the distal end lumen 181 and the outside of the housing 12 via the air passage 143 is blocked.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2B , the second position of the switching member 14 is a position where the user U presses the operating portion 144 toward the storage portion 24, causing the switching member 14 to move against the biasing force of the biasing structure 16, and the second end 342 is closest to the bottom 26 of the second storage hole 242. The second position is a position where the locking end 321 of the locking portion 32 is disengaged from the groove portion 38. In the second position, the first port 401 of the air passage 143 faces the distal end opening 20 and the distal end lumen 181. In the second position, the first port 401 of the air passage 143 and the distal end lumen 181 communicate with each other. In the second position, the distal end opening 20 and the distal end lumen 181 of the housing 12 communicate with the outside of the housing 12 via the air passage 143. The flow path 142 is covered by the inner circumferential surface of the second accommodating hole 242, and communication between the distal end lumen 181 and the proximal end lumen 182 and the flow path 142 is blocked. That is, in the second position, communication between the distal end opening 20 and the distal end lumen 181 and the proximal end opening 22 and the proximal end lumen 182 via the flow path 142 is blocked.

[0046] The biasing structure 16 biases the switching member 14 from the second position toward the first position. The biasing structure 16 is provided between the switching member 14 and the housing 12. The biasing structure 16 is provided in the second accommodating hole 242 of the housing 12. The biasing structure 16 is a spring member 161. The spring member 161 is a coil spring. The spring member 161 is accommodated in the accommodating chamber 36 formed by the second accommodating hole 242. One end of the spring member 161 contacts the second end 342 of the main body 141 of the switching member 14. The other end of the spring member 161 contacts the bottom 26 of the second accommodating hole 242. The elastic force of the spring member 161 biases the switching member 14 in a direction away from the bottom 26. The spring member 161 is not limited to a coil spring. For example, the spring member 161 may be a leaf spring.

[0047] 3, the biasing structure 16 may be an air spring 162. The air spring 162 is composed of a wall portion 52 that forms an air chamber 50 and air inside the air chamber 50. The air chamber 50 is a part of the second accommodating hole 242. The wall portion 52 is composed of a part 54 of the middle portion 123 of the housing 12 and the second end portion 342 of the switching member 14. In this case, the bottom portion 26 of the second accommodating hole 242 is not provided with the communication hole 28.

[0048] Next, a medical tubing 100 that can be connected to the distal end of the medical instrument joint 10 will be described, as shown in Figure 4. A catheter 100A as the medical tubing 100 will be described below.

[0049] The catheter 100A includes a catheter body 102 and a catheter hub 104 connected to the proximal end of the catheter body 102. A catheter assembly 108 is formed by the catheter 100A and a needle member 106 inserted inside the catheter 100A. The needle member 106 includes an inner needle 106A and a needle hub 106B connected to the proximal end of the inner needle 106A. The inner needle 106A has a needle lumen 107A extending in the axial direction. The needle lumen 107A penetrates along the axial direction of the inner needle 106A. The proximal end of the needle lumen 107A communicates with the needle hub lumen 107B of the needle hub 106B. The tip of the catheter assembly 108 including the catheter 100A is inserted subcutaneously into living body A (see FIG. 6).

[0050] The catheter body 102 is formed in a tubular shape with an internal lumen. The catheter body 102 is flexible. The tip of the catheter body 102 has an outer circumferential surface that gradually tapers in diameter toward the tip. The outer circumferential surface of the tip of the catheter body 102 has an arc shape that convex radially outward. The tip of the catheter body 102 has a catheter tip opening 110 that opens toward the tip. The tip of the catheter body 102 is the end that is inserted into living body A (see Figure 6). An inner needle 106A of a needle member 106 is inserted into the lumen. The tip of the inner needle 106A protrudes from the tip of the catheter body 102.

[0051] The catheter hub 104 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a hub lumen 112. The catheter hub 104 has a hub proximal end opening 114 that opens in the proximal direction. The tip of the hub lumen 112 communicates with the lumen of the catheter body 102. The needle hub 106B of the needle member 106 is inserted into the hub proximal end opening 114 of the catheter hub 104. The tip portion 121 of the medical instrument coupling 10 can be connected to the hub proximal end opening 114 of the catheter hub 104 (see Figure 1). The inner circumferential surface of the catheter hub 104 has a luer taper toward the tip. The tip of the catheter hub 104 and the proximal end of the catheter body 102 are connected to each other by a connecting member 116.

[0052] Next, a connector 150 connectable to the base end of the medical instrument joint 10 will be described, as shown in FIG. 1. The connector 150 constitutes a part of an infusion set 152. The connector 150 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The tip end of the connector 150 has a luer taper on the outer surface that points toward the tip. The tip end of the connector 150 is connected to the base end 122 (base end opening 22) of the housing 12 of the medical instrument joint 10. A connector lumen 154 is formed inside the connector 150. A tube 156 that can supply an infusion M (see FIG. 9) is connected to the base end of the connector 150. The infusion M is supplied to the connector lumen 154 of the connector 150 through the tube 156.

[0053] Next, a case will be described in which the medical instrument joint 10 is connected to the catheter 100A that has been inserted into the living body A by the catheter 100A. In the initial state, the switching member 14 of the medical instrument joint 10 is in the first position shown in Fig. 2A.

[0054] First, as shown in Fig. 5, the connector 150 of the infusion set 152 is connected to the proximal end 122 of the medical instrument joint 10. A tube 156 is previously connected to the proximal end of the connector 150. The distal end of the connector 150 is inserted into the proximal lumen 182 through the proximal opening 22 of the housing 12. This allows the distal opening 20 (tip lumen 181), proximal opening 22 (proximal lumen 182), intermediate lumen 183, and connector lumen 154 of the connector 150 to communicate with each other through the flow path 142 of the switching member 14. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the distal lumen 181, flow path 142, intermediate lumen 183, and connector lumen 154 are communicated with each other in this order.

[0055] Then, by supplying priming solution P (physiological saline) to the tube 156 from a priming solution supply source (not shown), the priming solution P is supplied through the tube 156 and the connector lumen 154 into the flow path 142 of the medical instrument joint 10. The user U closes a closing structure (clamp, three-way stopcock, etc.) (not shown) attached to the tube 156 to stop the supply of the priming solution P through the tube 156. At this time, the tube 156 is closed by the closing structure so that the priming solution P remains within the flow path 142 of the switching member 14.

[0056] Next, as shown in Figure 6, a step of placing the catheter 100A in the blood vessel BV of living body A is performed using the catheter assembly 108. The skin of living body A is punctured with the tip of the inner needle 106A, and both the inner needle 106A and the catheter 100A are inserted into the blood vessel BV. The needle tip of the inner needle 106A reaches the blood vessel BV, and the needle lumen 107A of the inner needle 106A communicates with the blood vessel BV. Next, blood B in the blood vessel BV flows (backflows) through the needle lumen 107A of the inner needle 106A toward the proximal end along the inner needle 106A into the needle lumen 107A. The flow of blood B into the needle hub lumen 107B of the needle hub 106B through the inner needle 106A confirms that the tip (needle tip) of the inner needle 106A has entered the blood vessel BV. After confirming that the tip of the inner needle 106A has entered the blood vessel BV, the catheter 100A alone is advanced toward the blood vessel BV to the required depth while keeping the needle hub 106B fixed. The tip of the catheter 100A is placed at a predetermined position within the blood vessel BV. At the placement position of the catheter 100A, the interior of the catheter 100A is connected to the blood vessel BV. The needle member 106 is then withdrawn from the catheter 100A in the proximal direction, thereby removing the needle member 106 held by the catheter hub 104. At this time, the tip of the catheter main body 102 is inserted into the blood vessel BV of the living body A, and the catheter tip opening 110 of the catheter main body 102 opens within the blood vessel BV. Therefore, blood B in the blood vessel BV flows proximally through the catheter tip opening 110 along the lumen 18 of the catheter main body 102 and the catheter hub 104 (see FIG. 7 ).

[0057] After the needle member 106 is removed from the catheter 100A, the medical instrument joint 10, to which an infusion set 152 has already been connected, is quickly connected to the proximal end opening 22 of the catheter hub 104 as shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the medical instrument joint 10 is connected to the catheter hub 104 without waiting for blood B to be introduced into the hub lumen 112 of the catheter hub 104. Upon connection, the catheter hub 104 and the distal end portion 121 of the housing 12 are tapered and fitted together. When the connection of the medical instrument joint 10 to the catheter hub 104 is complete, air remains in the internal space S consisting of the catheter hub 104, the distal end portion 121 of the housing 12, and the distal end lumen 181. At this time, the priming solution P has been introduced up to the flow path 142 of the switching member 14, so the proximal end side of the internal space S is sealed. Therefore, the air remaining in the internal space S prevents the blood B from flowing in the direction of the proximal end within the catheter 100A, and the flow of the blood B inside the catheter hub 104 stops.

[0058] Next, a discharge step is performed in which air remaining in the internal space S of the housing 12 and the catheter hub 104 is discharged to the outside.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8 , the user U presses the pressing portion 48 of the operation unit 144 with their finger, thereby pushing the switching member 14 into the accommodation portion 24 of the housing 12 and switching it to the second position. The switching member 14 moves toward the second accommodation hole 242 while compressing the spring member 161, causing the second end 342 of the switching member 14 to approach the bottom portion 26 of the second accommodation hole 242. Air within the accommodation chamber 36 is discharged to the outside of the housing 12 through the communication hole 28. The switching member 14 is in the second position where the first port 401 of the air passage 143 faces and communicates with the distal end lumen 181. As the flow path 142 moves from the position facing the distal end lumen 181 toward the second accommodation hole 242, it faces the inner circumferential surface of the second accommodation hole 242 and is blocked. When the switching member 14 is in the second position, communication between the distal end lumen 181 and the proximal end lumen 182 of the housing 12 and the flow path 142 is blocked. That is, the distal opening 20 of the housing 12 is in communication with the outside through the air passage 143, and communication between the distal opening 20 and the proximal end opening 22 and the flow path 142 is blocked. In the second position, the user U continues to press the switching member 14 toward the second accommodating hole 242, thereby maintaining the switching member 14 in the second position. At this time, the pressing portion 48 abuts against the upper portion of the locking portion 32, thereby preventing the switching member 14 from moving toward the second accommodating hole 242. With the user U pressing the operating portion 144, the switching member 14 is held in the second position.

[0060] When the switching member 14 is in the second position, the distal end lumen 181 communicates with the outside of the housing 12 via the air passage 143, thereby opening the internal space S between the distal end lumen 181 of the housing 12 and the lumen 18 of the catheter hub 104 to the atmosphere. Opening the internal space S to the atmosphere causes blood B inside the catheter 100A to flow proximally, and the air in the internal space S is pushed proximally by the blood B. The air flows from the distal end lumen 181 of the housing 12 through the air passage 143 to the second port 402 and is then discharged to the outside through the filter 42. If blood B flows from the distal end lumen 181 into the air passage 143 as the air is discharged, the filter 42 prevents the blood B from flowing out of the housing 12. In other words, the blood B is not exposed to the outside of the housing 12 through the air passage 143. Furthermore, since the communication between the flow path 142 and the distal end lumen 181 is blocked, blood B does not flow into the connector 150 side.

[0061] Next, a supply step is performed to supply the infusion fluid M into the living body A. The supply step is performed after all air has been discharged from the housing 12 and the catheter hub 104. As shown in FIG. 9, in the supply step, the switching member 14 is switched back to the first position. When the pressing force on the switching member 14 by the user U (see FIG. 8) is removed, the elastic force (biasing force) of the spring member 161 (biasing structure 16) moves the switching member 14 in a direction away from the second accommodating hole 242. The switching member 14 moves to the first position to a position where the lower end of the groove portion 38 of the switching member 14 engages with the locking end 321 (see FIG. 3) of the locking portion 32 of the housing 12. The switching member 14 is held in the first position by the locking portion 32. When the switching member 14 is in the first position, the distal lumen 181 and the proximal lumen 182 of the housing 12 and the flow path 142 of the switching member 14 are linearly arranged and communicate with each other.

[0062] By opening the closure structure (not shown), an infusion solution M is supplied from an infusion supply bag (not shown) to the tube 156, and the infusion solution M is supplied to the base end lumen 182 of the medical instrument joint 10 through the tube 156 and the connector lumen 154. The infusion solution M pushes the priming solution P in the base end lumen 182 and the flow path 142 toward the tip portion 121. The priming solution P pushes the blood B in the catheter 100A toward the living body A. After the blood B and the priming solution P are introduced into the living body A, the infusion solution M flows through the flow path 142 of the switching member 14 and the tip end lumen 181 of the housing 12 to the catheter main body 102, and is administered into the blood vessel BV of the living body A from the catheter tip opening 110 of the catheter 100A. At this time, when the switching member 14 is in the first position, the first port 401 of the ventilation passage 143 is blocked by the inner circumferential surface of the first receiving hole 241, and communication between the distal end lumen 181 and the ventilation passage 143 is blocked. Therefore, the priming solution P and the infusion solution M do not flow into the ventilation passage 143.

[0063] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0064] 1, a medical instrument joint 10 is provided in a housing 12 so as to be movable between a first position and a second position. The switching member 14 switches communication between a distal opening 20 and a proximal opening 22 through a lumen 18, and includes a biasing structure 16 that biases the switching member 14 from the second position to the first position. When the switching member 14 is located in the first position, the distal opening 20 and the proximal opening 22 communicate with each other via a flow path 142, and communication between the distal opening 20 and the outside of the housing 12 via an air passage 143 is blocked. When the switching member 14 is located in the second position, the distal opening 20 and the outside of the housing 12 communicate with each other via the air passage 143, and communication between the distal opening 20 and the proximal opening 22 via the flow path 142 is blocked.

[0065] As a result, with the medical tubing 100 (catheter 100A) connected to the distal end 121 of the housing 12 and the connector 150 connected to the proximal end 122, the switching member 14 can be operated to switch the switching member 14 from the first position to the second position, thereby discharging air from the housing 12. Thereafter, when the operating force (pressing force) applied to the switching member 14 by the user U (see FIG. 2B ) is removed, the biasing force of the biasing structure 16 can easily switch the position of the switching member 14 from the second position to the first position. Therefore, with the medical tubing 100 and the connector 150 connected to the medical instrument joint 10, the operation of discharging air remaining in the housing 12 and the operation of starting the supply of the infusion M can be efficiently performed.

[0066] 2A , the air passage 143 of the switching member 14 includes a first port 401 that opens to the side surface 343 of the main body 141 and is capable of communicating with the tip opening 20, and a second port 402 that opens to the first end 341 of the switching member 14 and is exposed to the outside of the housing 12. According to this configuration, the air passage 143 in the switching member 14 can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0067] The air passage 143 is formed in an L-shape that connects the first port 401 and the second port 402. According to this configuration, the L-shaped air passage 143 can effectively connect the outside of the housing 12 with the tip opening 20 when the switching member 14 is in the second position.

[0068] The biasing structure 16 is a spring member 161 provided between the housing 12 and the switching member 14. According to this configuration, the biasing structure 16 can be realized easily and inexpensively.

[0069] The housing 12 has a storage chamber 36 that stores the spring member 161 and a portion of the switching member 14, and a communication hole 28 that connects the storage chamber 36 to the outside of the housing 12. A bacteria-blocking filter 30 is provided in the communication hole 28. With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 2B , when the switching member 14 moves while compressing the spring member 161, air inside the storage chamber 36 can be discharged to the outside through the communication hole 28. This prevents the air inside the storage chamber 36 from interfering with the movement of the switching member 14. The bacteria-blocking filter 30 prevents dust and germs from entering the housing 12 from the outside.

[0070] 3, the biasing structure 16 is an air spring 162. With this configuration, the biasing structure 16 can be easily and inexpensively realized by using the air spring 162. This allows the number of parts and manufacturing costs of the medical device joint 10 to be further reduced.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 2A , the air passage 143 includes a first port 401 located within the housing 12 and at the upstream end of the air passage 143, and a second port 402 exposed to the outside of the housing 12 and at the downstream end of the air passage 143. The filter 42 is disposed in a downstream region 44 of the air passage 143. With this configuration, if the switching member 14 is made of a transparent material, blood B (liquid) flowing between the first port 401 and the filter 42 can be effectively viewed from the outside. If the filter 42 is a hydrophobic filter, the blood B is prevented from passing through the filter 42 when it moves through the air passage 143 to the filter 42. If the filter 42 is a hydrophilic filter, the blood B is blocked by the blood B when it moves through the air passage 143 to the filter 42 and comes into contact with the filter 42. The filter 42 prevents air and blood B from passing through.

[0072] 8, the switching member 14 has an operation unit 144 that is pressed by the user U when switching the switching member 14 from the first position to the second position, and the operation unit 144 is positioned away from the second port 402 to prevent the user U from contacting the second port 402. With this configuration, when the user U presses the operation unit 144 to move the switching member 14, the second port 402 is prevented from being blocked by the user U. This allows air inside the housing 12 to be effectively discharged to the outside through the opened second port 402.

[0073] 1, the medical instrument joint 10 includes a switching member 14 that switches communication between a distal opening 20 and a proximal opening 22 through an inner cavity 18, and the switching member 14 is biased from a second position to a first position. An air passage 143 of the switching member 14 includes a first port 401 that is located within the housing 12 and is the upstream end of the air passage 143, and a second port 402 that is exposed to the outside of the housing 12 and is the downstream end of the air passage 143.

[0074] As a result, with the medical tubing 100 (catheter 100A) connected to the distal end 121 of the housing 12 and the connector 150 connected to the proximal end 122, the switching member 14 can be operated to switch the switching member 14 from the first position to the second position, thereby discharging air from the housing 12 to the outside through the first port 401 and the second port 402. Thereafter, when the operating force (pressing force) applied to the switching member 14 by the user U (see FIG. 2B ) is removed, the switching member 14 is urged, and the position of the switching member 14 can be easily switched from the second position to the first position. Therefore, with the medical tubing 100 and the connector 150 connected to the medical instrument joint 10, the operation of discharging air remaining in the housing 12 and the operation of starting the supply of the infusion M can be efficiently performed.

[0075] The present disclosure is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations may be adopted without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10...Fittings for medical equipment 12. Housing 14...Switching member 16...Biasing structure 18...lumen 20...Tip opening 22...Proximal opening 42...Filter 46...Support part 48...Pressing part 100...Medical tube 121...Tip 122...Proximal end 142...Flow path 143...Ventilation channel 150...Connector

Claims

1. A medical instrument joint to be connected to a medical tubing, a housing having a distal end connectable to the medical tubing, a distal opening provided in the distal end, a proximal end connectable to a connector, a proximal opening provided in the proximal end, and an inner cavity connecting the distal opening and the proximal opening; a switching member that is provided in the housing so as to be movable between a first position and a second position and is provided liquid-tightly with the housing, and that switches communication between the distal end opening and the proximal end opening through the inner cavity; a biasing structure that biases the switching member from the second position toward the first position; Equipped with the switching member has a flow path and an air passage, a filter that allows gas to pass through and prevents liquid from passing through is provided in the ventilation path; When the switching member is located at the first position, the distal end opening and the proximal end opening are communicated with each other through the flow path of the switching member, and communication between the distal end opening and the outside of the housing is blocked, When the switching member is positioned in the second position, the distal opening of the housing communicates with the outside of the housing via the air passage of the switching member, and communication between the distal opening and the base end opening is blocked.

2. The medical instrument joint according to claim 1, the switching member has a side surface along a movable direction of the switching member, The ventilation path is a first port that opens to the side surface and is capable of communicating with the tip opening; a second port that opens at an end of the switching member in the movable direction and is exposed to the outside; A medical device joint comprising:

3. The medical instrument joint according to claim 2, The air passage is formed in an L-shape connecting the first port and the second port.

4. The medical instrument joint according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The medical instrument joint, wherein the biasing structure is a spring member provided between the housing and the switching member.

5. The medical instrument joint according to claim 4, The housing includes: an accommodation chamber in which the spring member and a portion of the switching member are accommodated; a communication hole that communicates the accommodating chamber with the outside of the housing; and A bacteria-blocking filter is provided in the communication hole.

6. The medical instrument joint according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The medical instrument joint, wherein the biasing structure is an air spring.

7. The medical instrument joint according to claim 1, The ventilation path is a first port located within the housing and at the upstream end of the air passage; a second port exposed to the exterior of the housing and serving as a downstream end of the ventilation path; Equipped with The filter is disposed in a downstream region of the air passage.

8. The medical instrument joint according to claim 1, The ventilation path is a first port located within the housing and at the upstream end of the air passage; a second port exposed to the exterior of the housing and serving as a downstream end of the ventilation path; Equipped with the switching member has an operation portion that is pressed by a user when switching the switching member from the first position to the second position, The operating portion is disposed at a distance from the second port to prevent the user from contacting the second port.

9. A medical instrument joint to be connected to a medical tubing, a housing having a distal end connectable to the medical tubing, a distal opening provided in the distal end, a proximal end connectable to a connector, a proximal opening provided in the proximal end, and an inner cavity connecting the distal opening and the proximal opening; a switching member that is biased and movable from a second position toward a first position in the housing, that is liquid-tightly attached to the housing, and that switches communication between the distal end opening and the proximal end opening through the lumen; Equipped with the switching member has a flow path and an air passage that allows gas to pass through and prevents liquid from passing through; When the switching member is located at the first position, the distal end opening and the proximal end opening are communicated with each other through the flow path of the switching member, and communication between the distal end opening and the outside of the housing is blocked, When the switching member is located at the second position, the distal end opening of the housing communicates with the outside of the housing through the air passage of the switching member, and communication between the distal end opening and the base end opening is blocked, The ventilation path is a first port located within the housing and at the upstream end of the air passage; a second port exposed to the exterior of the housing and serving as a downstream end of the ventilation path; A medical device joint comprising:

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