Suction tube

Abstract

To suck a sucked object in a short time.SOLUTION: A suction tube which is inserted into a tracheostomy catheter and is used for suctioning a suctioned object includes a tube main body in which a distal end hole is formed, and a capturing portion which protrudes outward from the tube main body and captures the suctioned object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction tube used for suctioning an object to be aspirated. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a suction catheter having a catheter body with a lumen for suctioning foreign bodies. The catheter body has a tubular wall extending along the longitudinal direction. The tubular wall is formed with a side suction port that penetrates the tubular wall. The side suction port has a linear side portion for catching foreign bodies. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2018-057646 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A suction tube is used to aspirate material from a patient's body or from a tracheostomy catheter connected to the patient. For example, the aspirate material may be bodily fluids such as saliva, phlegm, secretions, or blood. If aspirate material remains after a single suction procedure, the suction procedure must be repeated multiple times. While the suction procedure is being performed and suction pressure is applied, the patient is unable to breathe. Therefore, the operator performing the suction procedure must carefully observe the patient's breathing, facial color, lip color, and other characteristics during and after the suction procedure. This places a heavy burden on the operator performing the suction procedure, and a demand exists for a suction device that can complete the suction procedure more efficiently and in a shorter time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A suction tube according to one embodiment is a suction tube that is inserted into a tracheostomy catheter and used to suction an aspirate, a tube body having a tip hole formed therein; The tube has a catch portion that protrudes outward from the tube body and catches the aspirated material. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] Schematic side view of a tracheostomy cannula. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the suction tube according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a suction tube according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments can be arbitrarily set and can be changed depending on the configuration of the device or method to which the present invention is applied, or various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[0008] [First embodiment] An example of use of a suction tube 100 inserted into a tracheostomy catheter 300 and used for suctioning aspirated material will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a tracheostomy catheter 300 inserted into a patient's trachea. Note that in Figure 1, the portion of the suction tube 100 inserted into the tracheostomy catheter 300 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0009] The tracheostomy catheter 300 includes a catheter body 301 that is inserted into an incision in the patient's neck. The tracheostomy catheter 300 also includes a neck plate 302 that is connected to the catheter body 301. The tracheostomy catheter 300 also includes a cuff 303 made of a stretchable thin film. The cuff 303 is inflated by introducing air from an air supply means (not shown). Note that FIG. 1 shows the cuff 303 in an inflated state. The tracheostomy catheter 300 also includes a catheter connector portion 304 to which an artificial nose or the like is connected.

[0010] The catheter connector portion 304 functions as an insertion port for the suction tube 100. The suction tube 100 is inserted into the tracheostomy catheter 300 for use. That is, via the inserted suction tube 100, aspirated material adhering to the inside of the tracheostomy catheter 300 or the trachea in the vicinity of the tracheostomy catheter 300 is aspirated. Note that the following mainly describes an example of aspirating material adhering to the inside of the tracheostomy catheter 300.

[0011] The suction tube 100 has a hollow tube body 10 through which the aspirated aspirate flows, and a flap 20, which is an example of a capturing part that captures the aspirate. The suction tube 100 also has a stopper 30 that is configured to abut against a catheter connector part 304, which is an insertion port of the tracheostomy catheter 300. The tube body 10 of the suction tube 100 is also formed with a tip hole 13 and a side hole 12. The aspirate is then aspirated into the tube body 10 through the tip hole 13 or the side hole 12. The aspirate is then discharged to the outside through the suction tube 100, and is aspirated into and stored in a suction device or the like.

[0012] As an example, the outer diameter of the tube body 10 is 50% or less of the inner diameter of the catheter body 301 of the tracheostomy catheter 300. The tube body 10 has an angled shape and is bent at a bent portion 11. Alternatively, the bent portion 11 may not be formed, and the tube body 10 may have a straight shape. The outer surface of the tube body 10 may have a scale or markings indicating the inserted length.

[0013] The side holes 12 of the tube body 10 are formed in the distal end portion of the tube body 10, closer to the tip than the bent portion 11, penetrating the wall of the tube body 10. As an example, two side holes 12 are formed in the distal end portion, and are located on opposite sides of the internal flow path of the tube body 10 through which the aspirate flows. Alternatively, there may be one side hole 12 or three or more side holes 12. Also, no side holes 12 may be formed.

[0014] The flap 20 is configured to be displaceable to a deployed position where it protrudes outward from the tube body 10. The flap 20 in the deployed position functions to scrape out the aspirated material by the action of withdrawing the tube body 10. For example, the flap 20 comes into contact with the aspirated material adhering to the inside of the catheter body 301. When the tube body 10 is withdrawn, the aspirated material is scraped out by the flap 20.

[0015] The stopper 30 protrudes outward from the tube body 10. The stopper 30 also includes a portion having outer dimensions larger than the inner dimensions of the catheter connector portion 304. That is, at least a portion of the stopper 30 has outer dimensions larger than the inner dimensions of the catheter connector portion 304. This allows the stopper 30 to abut against the catheter connector portion 304. As an example, the stopper 30 has an outer shape such as a rectangle, an ellipse, or an oval. Alternatively, the stopper 30 may have another outer shape such as a square or a circle. However, by having the stopper 30 have an outer shape such as an oval having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, a gap can be formed between the insertion port and the stopper 30.

[0016] The stopper 30 then abuts against the catheter connector portion 304, which is the insertion port. Furthermore, a portion of the stopper 30 protrudes outside the catheter connector portion 304. Therefore, after the stopper 30 abuts against the catheter connector portion 304, the tube body 10 cannot be inserted into the tracheostomy catheter 300. This makes it possible to limit the insertion amount of the tube body 10, i.e., the insertion length of the inserted portion of the tube body 10, depending on the position of the stopper 30. This allows the insertion of the tube body 10 to be restricted at a position where the operator achieves the insertion length desired. Furthermore, the operator can safely insert the tube body 10 until it abuts against the stopper 30. This allows the tube body 10 to be inserted more quickly, allowing the operator to perform the suction procedure with ease.

[0017] Alternatively, the position of the stopper 30 may be variable in the direction along the tube body 10. For example, the stopper 30 may be slidably fitted to the tube body 10. In this case, the position of the stopper 30 is maintained by frictional force acting between the tube body 10 and the stopper 30.

[0018] Alternatively, the stopper 30 may be configured to be detachable from the tube body 10. For example, the stopper 30 may be configured to be openable and closable. The stopper 30 in the open state can be removed from the tube body 10. Furthermore, the stopper 30 in the open state can be closed to clamp the tube body 10. This allows the worker to attach the stopper 30 so that it clamps any part of the tube body 10. In this case, the position of the stopper 30 is maintained by the frictional force acting between the tube body 10 and the stopper 30.

[0019] As an example, the suction conditions for the tracheostomy catheter 300 are a suction pressure of 200 mmHg or less, more preferably 100 mmHg or more and 150 mmHg or less. The suction time from insertion to removal of the suction tube 100 is 15 seconds or less. Then, with suction pressure acting on the suction tube 100, the operator inserts the tube body 10 into the tracheostomy catheter 300 to a predetermined length. If the tube body 10 is inserted beyond the predetermined length, the tube body 10 may come into contact with the tracheal bifurcation and damage the trachea. Therefore, the stopper 30 restricts insertion to prevent it from exceeding the predetermined length.

[0020] For example, the predetermined length can be obtained by inserting the suction tube 100 into the tracheostomy catheter 300 before use and measuring the length from the proximal end of the catheter connector portion 304 to the distal end of the catheter body 301. Then, when the predetermined length is reached, the operator adjusts the position of the stopper 30 so that the stopper 30 abuts against the catheter connector portion 304. Alternatively, the tube body 10 may be marked, or a graduated suction tube 100 may be used.

[0021] Furthermore, the operator must remove the tube body 10 from the tracheostomy catheter 300 within 15 seconds of insertion. If aspirated material remains after a single suction treatment, the suction treatment must be repeated multiple times while observing the patient's condition, and the suction time must be strictly observed. Therefore, there is a demand for a suction tube 100 that can efficiently aspirate aspirated material in a short time.

[0022] [Suction tube] The suction tube 100 according to the first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a side view of the suction tube 100 as seen from a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. However, in order to show the operating wire 40 inside the storage tube 41, Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the storage tube 41. Fig. 2A shows a state in which the displaceable flap 20 is in an initial position. Fig. 2B shows a state in which the displaceable flap 20 is in an extended position.

[0023] As described above, the suction tube 100 includes the tube body 10, the flap 20, which is an example of a capturing part, and the stopper 30. The suction tube 100 also has a tube connector part 50 located at the base end portion of the suction tube 100. For example, the tube connector part 50 is connected to a tube connected to a suction device.

[0024] The suction tube 100 also includes a control wire 40, which is an example of a control part that controls the capturing part. The control wire 40 is slidably housed in a hollow storage tube 41 that extends along the suction tube 100. The control wire 40 also extends outward from the storage tube 41 and is connected to a part of the flap 20 (for example, the tip of the flap 20). For example, the distal end of the control wire 40 is bifurcated. The distal end of the control wire 40 is connected to both sides of the tip of the flap 20.

[0025] The flap 20 is displaced from the initial position shown in FIG. 2A to the deployed position shown in FIG. 2B. A part of the flap 20 (for example, the base end of the flap 20) is connected to the storage tube 41 via a connecting piece. Therefore, the flap 20 rotates around the connecting piece toward the base end of the suction tube 100 as the operating wire 40 moves. That is, the flap 20 is raised around the connecting piece as the operating wire 40 moves. As a result, the flap 20 displaced to the deployed position protrudes outward from the suction tube 100. Alternatively, the flap 20 may be connected to the tube main body 10.

[0026] The storage tube 41 is located at a position that does not overlap with the side holes 12 in the direction along the outer periphery around the central axis of the suction tube 100. More preferably, the storage tube 41 is located at an intermediate position that is the same distance away from the two side holes 12. In this way, by positioning the storage tube 41 between the two side holes 12, the tube body 10 can be reinforced. Therefore, the occurrence of tears in the tube body 10 starting from the side holes 12 can be suppressed.

[0027] [Suction treatment] The operator inserts the tube body 10 into the tracheostomy catheter 300 to a predetermined length. That is, the operator inserts the tube body 10 until the stopper 30 abuts against the catheter connector portion 304. After inserting the tube body 10 to the predetermined length, the operator pulls the operating wire 40 toward the base end portion of the suction tube 100. This causes the flap 20 to rotate toward the base end portion of the suction tube 100 and displace from the initial position to the deployed position shown in FIG. 2B.

[0028] Then, with the flap 20 in the deployed position, the operator removes the suction tube 100 from the tracheostomy catheter 300. At this time, the flap 20 catches on the aspirated material inside the tracheostomy catheter 300. This makes it easier for the aspirated material to peel off from the inner surface of the tracheostomy catheter 300. This allows the aspirated material to be aspirated through the side hole 12 in a short time. Furthermore, even if the aspirated material has a high viscosity, it can be caught on the flap 20 and aspirated in fewer attempts.

[0029] Furthermore, the flap 20 is located between the side hole 12 and the tip hole 13 in the extension direction of the tube body 10. More desirably, the flap 20 is located closer to the side hole 12 than the tip hole 13 in the extension direction of the suction tube 100. This makes it easier to aspirate the material caught on the flap 20 through the side hole 12. Furthermore, the flap 20 may have any shape, such as a polygon such as a trapezoid, a semicircle, or a sector. The corners of the flap 20 may also be rounded. This prevents the flap 20 from getting caught on the tracheostomy catheter 300.

[0030] According to the suction tube 100 of the first embodiment described above, the suction object can be sucked in a short time. Even if the suction object has a high viscosity, the suction object can be caught on the flap 20 and sucked in a small number of times.

[0031] If the flap 20 has a shape and size that does not catch on the tracheostomy catheter 300, the suction tube 100 may be inserted with the flap 20 in the deployed position. In this case, the operation unit may be omitted. There may also be two or more flaps 20. For example, a set of a flap 20, a storage tube 41, and an operation wire 40 may be provided on both sides of the suction tube 100.

[0032] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the suction tube 200 includes a stent 220 as another example of a capturing portion. Fig. 3 also shows a side view of the suction tube 200 as seen from a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. However, in order to show the operating wire 240 inside the storage tube 241, Fig. 3 also shows a cross section of the storage tube 241. Fig. 3A shows a state in which the displaceable stent 220 is in an initial position. Fig. 3B shows a state in which the displaceable stent 220 is in a deployed position.

[0033] In the description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for the components already described, and their description will be omitted. Unless otherwise specified, the components with the same reference numerals perform substantially the same operations and functions, and have substantially the same effects.

[0034] The suction tube 200 includes a tube main body 10, a stopper 30, and a tube connector portion 50. The suction tube 200 further includes a stent 220, which is another example of a grasping portion, that is displaceable from an initial position shown in FIG. 3A to a deployed position shown in FIG. 3B. The suction tube 200 also includes a manipulation wire 240, which is another example of a manipulation portion that manipulates the grasping portion. The manipulation wire 240 is slidably housed in a hollow housing tube 241 that extends along the suction tube 200.

[0035] Furthermore, the manipulation wire 240 has the rigidity required to push out the stent 220 and move it to the deployment position. When the stent 220 is in the initial position, the manipulation wire 240 is connected to a part of the stent 220 (for example, the central part of the stent 220) inside the storage tube 241. For example, the manipulation wire 240 is connected to the stent 220 while being sandwiched between both ends of the stent 220.

[0036] The stent 220 has elasticity that allows it to expand into a deployed shape in order to move to the deployed position. As an example, the stent 220 is made of rubber and is deformed from its initial shape in the initial position to the deployed shape due to its own elasticity. For example, the stent 220 in the deployed shape is a rubber plate or metal plate with an arc-shaped cross section. Alternatively, the stent 220 in the deployed shape may be a hemispherical rubber plate or metal plate. The stent 220 in the initial position is housed in a storage tube 241. A distal opening through which the stent 220 is pushed out is formed at the distal end of the storage tube 241.

[0037] Therefore, when the manipulation wire 240 is pushed toward the distal end of the suction tube 200, the movement of the manipulation wire 240 pushes the stent 220 out from the distal end of the storage tube 241. The pushed-out stent 220 then deforms into an expanded shape so as to move to the expanded position. As a result, both ends of the stent 220 that has deformed into the expanded shape protrude outward from the tube main body 10.

[0038] Furthermore, the stent 220 is configured so as not to block the tip hole 13 when in the deployed position. That is, there is a gap between the stent 220 in the deployed position and the tip hole 13. For example, the stent 220 is deployed so as to be aligned with the distal end portion of the suction tube 100. That is, the stent 220 is deployed at a position closer to the base end portion than the tip hole 13. This prevents the stent 220 in the deployed position from blocking the tip hole 13.

[0039] Furthermore, the stent 220 may be located between the side hole 12 and the tip hole 13 in the direction in which the tube main body 10 extends. This causes the stent 220 to deploy between the side hole 12 and the tip hole 13. For this reason, the tip opening of the storage tube 241 from which the stent 220 is pushed out may be located between the side hole 12 and the tip hole 13. Furthermore, the stent 220 may be located and deployed at a position closer to the side hole 12 than to the tip hole 13 in the direction in which the tube main body 10 extends. This causes the suction object caught on the stent 220 to be more easily sucked through the side hole 12.

[0040] Furthermore, the stent 220 may have any deployed shape, such as an L-shaped cross section or a flat plate cross section. The corners of the stent 220 may be rounded. This can prevent the stent 220 from getting caught on the tracheostomy catheter 300.

[0041] [Suction treatment] The operator inserts the tube body 10 into the tracheostomy catheter 300 to a predetermined length. That is, the operator inserts the tube body 10 until the stopper 30 abuts against the catheter connector portion 304. After inserting the tube body 10 to the predetermined length, the operator pushes the operating wire 240 toward the distal end of the suction tube 200. This causes the stent 220 to be pushed out from the tip of the storage tube 241 and displace from its initial position to the deployed position shown in FIG. 3B.

[0042] Then, with the stent 220 in the deployed position, the operator removes the suction tube 200 from the tracheostomy catheter 300. At this time, the stent 220 catches on the aspirated material inside the tracheostomy catheter 300. This makes it easier for the aspirated material to peel off from the inner surface of the tracheostomy catheter 300. This allows the aspirated material to be aspirated through the side hole 12 in a short time. Furthermore, even if the aspirated material has a high viscosity, it can be aspirated in fewer attempts by catching the aspirated material on the stent 220.

[0043] According to the suction tube 200 of the second embodiment described above, the aspirate can be sucked in a short time. Even if the aspirate has a high viscosity, the aspirate can be caught on the stent 220 and sucked in a small number of times.

[0044] If the stent 220 has a shape and size that does not cause it to get caught on the tracheostomy catheter 300, the suction tube 200 may be inserted with the stent 220 in the deployed position. In this case, the operation unit may be omitted. Also, there may be two or more stents 220. For example, a set of the stent 220, the storage tube 241, and the operation wire 240 may be provided on both sides of the suction tube 100.

[0045] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Inventions modified without violating the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention, are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment and each modified form, and technical means included in each embodiment or each modified form, can be combined as appropriate without violating the present invention.

[0046] For example, the operation wire 40 does not have to be housed in the storage tube 41 as long as it is movable along the tube main body 10. Similarly, the operation wire 240 does not have to be housed in the storage tube 241 as long as it is movable along the tube main body 10. For example, the operation wire 40 or the operation wire 240 may be configured to pass through the inside of a plurality of ring-shaped fasteners lined up along the tube main body 10.

[0047] The stopper 30 may also be displaceable from an initial position in contact with the insertion port to a storage position in which it does not contact the insertion port. For example, the stopper 30 may be configured to be foldable so that it can be transformed into a storage shape. In this case, the stopper 30 is displaced from the initial position to the storage position by being transformed into the storage shape. Two or more stoppers 30 may also be provided. In this case, when the catheter is inserted to a predetermined length, the stoppers 30, except for the stopper 30 that contacts the catheter connector portion 304, can be folded and displaced to the storage position, and the stopper 30 can be used as is.

[0048] Various aspects derived from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. To facilitate understanding of each aspect, the reference symbols shown in the accompanying drawings are used. However, the reference symbols are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated forms.

[0049] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0050] (Appendix 1) A suction tube inserted into a tracheostomy catheter and used to suction aspirates, a tube body having a tip hole formed therein; A suction tube comprising a capturing portion that protrudes outward from the tube body and captures the suction object.

[0051] (Appendix 2) 2. The suction tube of claim 1, wherein the capture portion is a flap that displaces from an initial position to a deployed position.

[0052] (Appendix 3) 2. The suction tube of claim 1, wherein the capture portion is a stent that is displaced from an initial position to a deployed position.

[0053] (Appendix 4) 4. The suction tube of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a stopper configured to abut against the insertion port of the tracheostomy catheter.

[0054] (Appendix 5) 5. The suction tube of claim 4, wherein the position of the stopper is variable in a direction along the tube body.

[0055] (Appendix 6) The tube body has a side hole formed therein, 6. The suction tube according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the capturing portion is located between the side hole and the tip hole in the direction in which the tube body extends. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 10: Tube body 12: Side hole 13: Tip hole 20: Flap (capture part) 30: Stopper 40: Control wire (control part) 100: Suction tube 200: Suction tube 220: Stent (capture part) 240: Operating wire (operating part) 300: Tracheostomy catheter 304: Catheter connector part (insertion port)

Claims

1. A suction tube inserted into a tracheostomy catheter and used to suction aspirates, a tube body having a tip hole formed therein; A suction tube comprising a capturing portion that protrudes outward from the tube body and captures the suction object.

2. The suction tube of claim 1 , wherein the capture portion is a flap that is displaceable from an initial position to a deployed position.

3. The aspiration tube of claim 1 , wherein the capture is a stent that is displaceable from an initial position to a deployed position.

4. The suction tube according to claim 1 , further comprising a stopper configured to abut against an insertion port of the tracheostomy catheter.

5. The suction tube according to claim 4 , wherein the position of the stopper is variable in a direction along the tube body.

6. The tube body has a side hole formed therein, The suction tube according to claim 1 , wherein the capturing portion is located between the side hole and the tip hole in the extending direction of the tube body.

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