Catheter assembly

Abstract

This invention provides a catheter assembly for injecting drug solutions subcutaneously into a living organism. [Solution] The catheter assembly 10 comprises a catheter member 12, a needle member 14 having an inner needle 141 and an inner needle hub 142, a cylindrical body 16 that movably houses the needle member 14, and a biasing member 18 that biases the needle member 14 toward the proximal end. The catheter assembly 10 further comprises a locking part 20 that prevents the needle member 14 from moving toward the proximal end, and a transmission part 22 that applies a retraction force RF to the locking part 20. When the catheter member 12 moves relative to the cylindrical body 16 toward the tip, the locking part 20 releases the movement restriction on the needle member 14 as the catheter member 12 moves.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a catheter assembly for injecting a drug solution subcutaneously into a living body.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-22263 discloses a catheter assembly capable of housing an inner needle in a housing after puncturing a living body. The catheter assembly includes a housing, a catheter having an open tip, a catheter hub connected to the proximal end of the catheter, and an inner needle inserted into the lumen of the catheter and capable of puncturing a living body. After the inner needle and the catheter are punctured into a living body, by advancing an operation unit provided outside the housing by the user, the inner needle relatively retreats with respect to the catheter and is housed in the housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] With this catheter assembly, by moving the catheter member relative to the tubular body toward the tip, the locking mechanism is released in conjunction with the catheter member, and the needle member is automatically retracted into the tubular body by the retraction force. Therefore, accidental puncture by the inner needle can be effectively suppressed after the needle member and catheter assembly have been inserted.

[0008] (2) In the catheter assembly described in (1) above, the transmission part may include a flexible wire.

[0009] This configuration allows force to be applied to the locking mechanism with a simple design.

[0010] (3) In the catheter assembly described in (2) above, the cylindrical body may be provided with a conversion unit that converts the forward force toward the tip into the backward force.

[0011] This configuration allows the conversion unit to reverse the direction of movement of the catheter member and the direction in which the forward force is applied to the locking unit, thereby easily releasing the locking unit as the catheter moves forward.

[0012] (4) In the catheter assembly described in (3) above, the wire may be guided by the conversion unit.

[0013] This configuration allows for an effective change in the direction of force transmission from the catheter member to the locking part via the conversion unit.

[0014] (5) In the catheter assembly described in (3) or (4) above, the conversion part may be a rotating body that is rotatably provided on the cylindrical body and on which a part of the wire is wound.

[0015] This configuration allows the rotating body to effectively reverse the direction of extension of the wire and apply force to the locking part. The rotation of the rotating body enables smooth force transmission from the catheter member to the locking part via the wire.

[0016] (6) In the catheter assembly described in any one of (2) to (5) above, a feeder is provided on the outside of the cylindrical body for moving the catheter member toward the tip, and the feeder may be connected to the wire.

[0017] This configuration allows the user to efficiently move the catheter component toward the tip using the feeding mechanism, and also allows the wire to be efficiently pulled toward the tip.

[0018] (7) In the catheter assembly described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the locking portion may be provided between the needle member and the cylindrical body, and the needle member may be fixed to the cylindrical body by engaging the needle member and the cylindrical body with each other using the locking portion.

[0019] With this configuration, the relative movement of the needle member with respect to the cylindrical body can be effectively blocked via the locking portion.

[0020] (8) In the catheter assembly according to any one of (1) to (6) above, the locking portion is provided between the needle member and the cylindrical body, and has a connection structure capable of connecting the locking portion and the cylindrical body to each other. The connection structure has a first connection portion provided on the cylindrical body and a second connection portion provided on the locking portion and separably connected to the first connection portion. By connecting the first connection portion and the second connection portion to each other, the needle member may be fixed to the cylindrical body.

[0021] With this configuration, when a backward force is applied to the locking portion, the connection between the needle member and the cylindrical body can be effectively released and the needle member can be accommodated. With a simple structure, the first connection portion and the second connection portion can be separably connected.

[0022] (9) In the catheter assembly according to (8) above, the connection structure may have an adhesive material, a magnet, or a surface fastener.

[0023] With this configuration, the connection structure can be realized at a low cost.

[0024] (10) In the catheter assembly according to (1) above, a feeding portion for moving the catheter member in the distal direction is provided outside the cylindrical body. The transmission portion may include a pinion gear rotatably provided on the cylindrical body, a first rack provided on the feeding portion and meshing with the pinion gear, and a second rack provided on the locking portion and provided on the opposite side of the first rack across the pinion gear and meshing with the pinion gear.

[0025] With this configuration, by moving the catheter member in the distal direction, a backward force can be effectively applied from the feeding portion to the locking portion via the pinion gear.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present disclosure, by relatively moving the catheter member in the distal direction with respect to the cylinder body, the lock of the lock portion is released in conjunction with the catheter member, and the needle member can be automatically accommodated in the cylinder body by the backward force. Thereby, after puncturing the needle member and the catheter assembly, accidental puncture by the inner needle can be effectively suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a catheter assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the catheter assembly of FIG. 1 punctures a living body. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a first explanatory diagram when the catheter assembly is indwelling in a living body. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a second explanatory diagram when the catheter assembly is indwelling in a living body. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram of a catheter assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged configuration diagram of a catheter assembly according to a modification.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, at least the distal end of the catheter assembly 10 according to the present embodiment is inserted into the living body B (see FIG. 2), and a part thereof is indwelling in the living body B.

[0029] The catheter assembly 10 includes a catheter member 12, a needle member 14, a cylinder body 16, and a feeding portion 17. As shown in FIG. 2, the target site of the living body B is, for example, living tissue between the epidermis of the skin in the living body B and the blood vessel BV.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the catheter member 12 has a catheter body 121 and a catheter hub 122. The catheter body 121 is formed in a tubular shape with a lumen 24 inside. The catheter body 121 is flexible. The tip 121a of the catheter body 121 opens toward the tip. The tip 121a of the catheter body 121 is the end that is inserted into the living body B (see Figure 2).

[0031] The catheter hub 122 is connected to the proximal end of the catheter body 121. The catheter hub 122 is cylindrical and has a hub lumen 261. The catheter hub 122 comprises a hub body 262, a hub tip 263, and a hub proximal end 264.

[0032] The hub tip 263 is located at the tip of the hub body 262. The hub tip 263 has a smaller diameter than the hub body 262. The proximal end of the catheter body 121 is connected to the hub tip 263. The hub lumen 261 extends axially from the hub tip 263 to the hub proximal end 264. The tip of the hub lumen 261 communicates with the lumen 24 of the catheter body 121. As shown in Figure 3, the hub proximal end 264 is located at the proximal end of the hub body 262. The hub proximal end 264 has a flange 28 that protrudes radially outward. The cylindrical tip 161 of the cylindrical body 16 is inserted into the hub proximal end 264.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the inner needle 141 of the needle member 14 is inserted through the lumen 24 of the catheter member 12 and the lumen 261 of the hub. At this time, the tip of the inner needle 141 protrudes from the tip 121a of the catheter body 121. When the needle member 14 is withdrawn from the catheter member 12 towards the proximal end, a supply device for supplying a drug solution, such as a syringe or drug solution tube, can be connected to the hub proximal end 264 of the catheter hub 122.

[0034] The needle member 14 is inserted into the lumen 24 of the catheter body 121 and the inside of the cylindrical body 16. The needle member 14 comprises an inner needle 141 and an inner needle hub 142. The inner needle 141 is formed in a tubular shape with a lumen (not shown). The inner needle 141 protrudes from the tip 121a of the catheter body 121 toward the tip. As shown in Figure 2, the tip of the catheter assembly 10, including the catheter, is inserted subcutaneously into the living body B. Note that the inner needle 141 is not limited to being formed in a tubular shape. For example, the inner needle 141 may be solid in shape without a lumen. As shown in Figure 3, the inner needle hub 142 is connected to the proximal end of the inner needle 141. The inner needle hub 142 is housed inside the cylindrical body 16 and extends along the axial direction. The proximal end of the inner needle 141 protrudes toward the proximal end relative to the proximal end of the inner needle hub 142. Furthermore, the base end of the inner needle 141 does not need to protrude from the base end of the inner needle hub 142.

[0035] The cylindrical body 16 is formed from, for example, a transparent or translucent resin material. The cylindrical body 16 is detachably connected in the axial direction to the proximal end of the catheter member 12. The cylindrical body 16 is connected to the catheter hub 122. The cylindrical body 16 is hollow and extends along the axial direction. The cylindrical body 16 has a tip portion 161, a base portion 162, a housing portion 32, and a conversion portion 34.

[0036] The tip portion 161 is provided at the tip of the cylindrical body 16. The tip portion 161 is connected to the inside of the hub base portion 264 of the catheter hub 122 (see Figure 3). The base portion 162 is provided at the base end of the cylindrical body 16. The base portion 162 includes a cap member 36. The cap member 36 closes the base portion 162. The cap member 36 includes a filter 38. The filter 38 is made of a breathable material. The filter 38 is provided in the through hole 361 of the cap member 36. The outside of the cap member 36 and the housing portion 32 of the cylindrical body 16 are in communication through the filter 38. The filter 38 is, for example, a breathable filter that allows only gas to pass through but not liquid.

[0037] The housing section 32 is provided inside the cylindrical body 16. The housing section 32 houses the needle member 14 so that it can move in the axial direction of the cylindrical body 16. The housing section 32 extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical body 16. The housing section 32 comprises a first housing section 321, a second housing section 322, and an intermediate housing section 323. The first housing section 321 is provided at the tip of the cylindrical body 16. The first housing section 321 opens at the tip of the cylindrical tip 161. When the cylindrical tip 161 of the cylindrical body 16 is connected to the catheter member 12, the hub lumen 261 of the catheter member 12 and the housing section 32 are in communication. In the catheter assembly 10 before use, the inner needle 141 is inserted through the first housing section 321.

[0038] The second housing portion 322 is provided in a direction toward the base end than the first housing portion 321. The second housing portion 322 is formed with a larger diameter than the first housing portion 321. However, it is not limited to the case where the second housing portion 322 is formed with a larger diameter than the first housing portion 321. For example, the first housing portion 321 and the second housing portion 322 may be formed with the same diameter. The base end of the second housing portion 322 is open. The base end of the second housing portion 322 is closed by the cap member 36.

[0039] The intermediate housing section 323 is provided between the first housing section 321 and the second housing section 322. The intermediate housing section 323 connects the first housing section 321 and the second housing section 322. The intermediate housing section 323 communicates with the first housing section 321 and the second housing section 322. In the catheter assembly 10 before use, the inner needle 141 and a portion of the inner needle hub 142 are inserted through the intermediate housing section 323. The intermediate housing section 323 is formed to have a larger diameter than the first housing section 321 and a smaller diameter than the second housing section 322.

[0040] The housing portion 32 further comprises a receiving portion 40 and an engaging portion 42. The receiving portion 40 is provided at the tip of the intermediate housing portion 323. The receiving portion 40 has an annular surface 44 that intersects with the axial direction of the cylindrical body 16. The receiving portion 40 is provided at the boundary between the intermediate housing portion 323 and the first housing portion 321. The engaging portion 42 is formed in an annular shape and is provided at the base end of the intermediate housing portion 323. That is, the engaging portion 42 is provided at the boundary between the intermediate housing portion 323 and the second housing portion 322. The engaging portion 42 has an open end 46 that opens in the axial direction. The inner surface of the engaging portion 42 is, for example, substantially parallel to the axis of the cylindrical body 16.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the conversion unit 34 converts the forward force FF directed toward the tip of the catheter member 12 into a backward force RF applied to the locking unit 20. As shown in Figure 1, the conversion unit 34 is provided on the peripheral wall portion 163 of the cylindrical body 16. The conversion unit 34 is positioned closer to the base end portion 162 of the cylindrical body 16. In the catheter assembly 10 before use, the conversion unit 34 is positioned more towards the base end than both the feeding portion 17 and the inner needle hub 142.

[0042] The conversion unit 34 has a circular rotating body 341. The rotating body 341 is provided in a wall hole 164 that opens in the peripheral wall portion 163 of the cylindrical body 16. The center of the rotating body 341 is supported by the peripheral wall portion 163 by a shaft 342. The rotating body 341 is rotatably supported via the shaft 342. A portion of the rotating body 341 is exposed and housed in the housing portion 32 of the cylindrical body 16. A portion of the rotating body 341 is exposed to the outside of the cylindrical body 16.

[0043] The outer circumferential surface of the rotating body 341 has a guide groove 343. The guide groove 343 is recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body 341. The guide groove 343 is formed in an annular shape along the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body 341. Note that the rotating body 341 is not limited to a configuration that includes a guide groove 343. Note that the conversion section 34 is not limited to being composed of a rotating body 341. For example, the conversion section 34 may be a non-rotating disc-shaped conversion member, or a conversion member formed in a substantially U-shape that allows the transmission section 22 to be folded back.

[0044] The feeding unit 17 applies a force (hereinafter also referred to as forward force FF) that moves the catheter member 12 toward the tip (see Figure 4). The feeding unit 17 is connected to the hub base end 264 of the catheter hub 122. The feeding unit 17 is provided on the outside of the cylindrical body 16. The feeding unit 17 extends from the hub base end 264 toward the base end. The feeding unit 17 comprises a feeding unit body 171 and an operating unit 172.

[0045] The feeding unit body 171 extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical body 16. The feeding unit body 171 is supported so as to be movable along the cylindrical body 16. The operating unit 172 is provided on the outside of the feeding unit body 171. The operating unit 172 can be pushed by the user when moving the catheter member 12 toward the tip. The operating unit 172 protrudes outward from the feeding unit body 171. When the user pushes the operating unit 172 toward the tip, the catheter member 12 is moved toward the tip together with the feeding unit 17.

[0046] The catheter assembly 10 further comprises a biasing member 18, a locking part 20, and a transmission part 22.

[0047] The biasing member 18 is provided inside the cylindrical body 16. The biasing member 18 biases the needle member 14 toward the base end. That is, the biasing member 18 is provided so as to be able to apply a retraction force RF (see Figure 4) to the needle member 14. The biasing member 18 is a spring member 181 having an axial biasing force. The spring member 181 is, for example, a coil spring. However, the spring member 181 is not limited to a coil spring. For example, the spring member 181 may be a leaf spring or an air spring, etc.

[0048] The biasing member 18 is housed in the intermediate housing 323. The biasing member 18 is provided between the receiving portion 40 of the intermediate housing 323 and the tip of the inner needle hub 142. The biasing force of the biasing member 18 causes the needle member 14, including the inner needle hub 142, to move relative to the cylindrical body 16 in the base end direction. In this embodiment, the biasing force of the biasing member 18 is the spring force of the spring member 181.

[0049] The locking portion 20 is provided inside the cylindrical body 16. The locking portion 20 prevents the needle member 14 from moving toward the base end due to the biasing force of the biasing member 18. The locking portion 20 includes an annular locking member 48. The locking member 48 is provided between the inner needle hub 142 of the needle member 14 and the cylindrical body 16. The locking member 48 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The locking member 48 includes a mounting hole 481, a straight portion 482, an inclined portion 483, and a pair of fixing portions 484.

[0050] The mounting hole 481 penetrates the center of the locking member 48 in the axial direction. The axis of the mounting hole 481 and the axis of the locking member 48 are coaxial. The inner needle hub 142 is inserted into the mounting hole 481. The locking member 48 is fixed to the outer circumference of the inner needle hub 142 by the mounting hole 481. The locking member 48 is provided at the tip of the inner needle hub 142. The locking member 48 covers the outer circumference of the tip of the inner needle hub 142. When the needle member 14 moves axially in the housing portion 32 of the cylindrical body 16, the locking member 48 moves axially together with the needle member 14. Note that this is not limited to the case where the locking member 48 (locking portion 20) and the inner needle hub 142 are composed of separate parts. For example, the locking portion 20 may be integrally formed on the outer circumference of the inner needle hub 142.

[0051] The straight section 482 is formed in an annular shape and is provided on the outer surface of the locking member 48. The straight section 482 is formed substantially parallel to the axis of the locking member 48. The straight section 482 is provided at the base end of the locking member 48.

[0052] The inclined portion 483 is formed in an annular shape and is provided on the outer surface of the locking member 48. The inclined portion 483 is positioned towards the tip of the straight portion 482. The inclined portion 483 is tapered, inclining radially inward toward the tip of the locking member 48. The angle of the inclined portion 483 with respect to the axial direction of the locking member 48 is, for example, in the range of 10° to 40°.

[0053] Before use, a portion of the locking member 48 is inserted into the intermediate housing portion 323 of the catheter assembly 10. The straight portion 482 contacts the engaging portion 42 of the housing portion 32, causing the locking member 48 and the engaging portion 42 of the cylindrical body 16 to engage (fit) with each other. In this case, the locking member 48 and the cylindrical body 16 are fitted together by light press-fitting. Then, as the locking member 48 engages with the engaging portion 42 of the cylindrical body 16, the needle member 14 and the cylindrical body 16 engage with each other. As a result, the needle member 14 is fixed to the cylindrical body 16 by the locking portion 20. Relative axial movement between the cylindrical body 16 and the needle member 14 is prevented by the locking portion 20.

[0054] Furthermore, the engagement between the locking portion 20 (needle member 14) and the cylindrical body 16 is not limited to light press-fitting. For example, the locking portion 20 may be engaged with a protrusion on the locking portion 20 and a recess on the cylindrical body 16 into which the protrusion is inserted.

[0055] Each of the pair of fixing portions 484 is provided at the base end of the locking member 48. Each fixing portion 484 protrudes in the direction toward the base end from the base end of each straight portion 482 of the locking member 48. The pair of fixing portions 484 are equally spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the locking portion 20. Each of the pair of fixing portions 484 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the locking member 48. Note that the fixing portions 484 are not limited to a pair. For example, there may be one fixing portion, or there may be three or more fixing portions.

[0056] The transmission section 22 comprises a flexible wire 50. However, the transmission section 22 is not limited to comprising a flexible wire 50. For example, the transmission section 22 may comprise a flexible strip-shaped body with a width in a direction intersecting the extension direction, or a chain-like structure in which multiple annular bodies are connected to each other. The wire 50 is connected to the base end of the locking section 20. The wire 50 applies a force (hereinafter referred to as retraction force RF) toward the base end to the locking section 20 (see Figure 4). However, the wire 50 is not limited to being connected to the base end of the locking section 20. For example, the wire 50 may be connected to the inner needle hub 142. Furthermore, it is preferable that the transmission section 22 be formed from a non-stretchable material. However, the transmission section 22 may be formed from a stretchable material.

[0057] The wire body 50 comprises a first end 221, a second end 222, and an intermediate section 223. The first end 221 is located outside the cylindrical body 16. The first end 221 is connected to the base end of the feed section body 171 in the feed section 17. The second end 222 is located in the housing section 32 of the cylindrical body 16. The second end 222 comprises a pair of branched sections 224a and 224b. Each of the branched sections 224a and 224b is connected to the fixing section 484 of the locking member 48. The lengths of each branched section 224a and 224b are approximately the same.

[0058] The intermediate portion 223 is provided between the first end 221 and the second end 222. The intermediate portion 223 is inserted through the wall hole 164 of the cylindrical body 16. The intermediate portion 223 is positioned both outside and inside the cylindrical body 16 through the wall hole 164. The intermediate portion 223 is wound around the rotating body 341 of the conversion unit 34. The intermediate portion 223 is wound around the guide groove 343 from the base end direction of the rotating body 341. By winding the intermediate portion 223 around the rotating body 341, the first end 221 and the second end 222 of the wire body 50 are positioned further forward than the rotating body 341. That is, the wire body 50 takes on a V-shape with the first end 221 and the second end 222 folded back with the intermediate portion 223 in between. As the catheter member 12 moves toward the tip along with the feeding section 17, the wire 50 is subjected to a retraction force RF toward the proximal end relative to the locking section 20. The wire 50 is guided by the conversion section 34 of the cylindrical body 16.

[0059] Next, we will explain the procedure for implanting the catheter assembly 10 into biological tissue B.

[0060] As shown in Figure 1, prepare a catheter assembly 10 with the catheter member 12 in an initial position relative to the cylindrical body 16, positioned towards the tip. Next, as shown in Figure 2, puncture the skin of the living body B with the inner needle 141 of the catheter assembly 10 and the tip of the catheter member 12. The tip of the inner needle 141 of the needle member 14 punctures the blood vessel BV, and the tip 121a of the catheter body 121 is inserted into the blood vessel BV. At this time, as the tip of the inner needle 141 punctures the blood vessel BV, blood that has flowed back from the blood vessel BV through the lumen of the inner needle 141 flows into the housing 32 of the cylindrical body 16. The user can visually confirm that the blood vessel BV has been punctured through the transparent or translucent cylindrical body 16. After that, the user withdraws the needle member 14 from the catheter member 12 towards the proximal end.

[0061] When the needle member 14 is removed from the catheter member 12, as shown in Figure 4, the user pushes the operating part 172 of the feeding unit 17 toward the tip, causing the catheter member 12 to move relative to the cylindrical body 16 toward the tip. That is, a forward force FF is applied to the catheter member 12 via the feeding unit 17. As the catheter member 12 moves toward the tip due to the forward force FF applied to the catheter member 12, the first end 221 of the wire 50 (transmission unit 22) connected to the feeding unit 17 is pulled toward the tip. As the first end 221 of the wire 50 moves toward the tip, the middle part 223 of the wire 50 is guided by the guide groove 343 of the rotating body 341 and the rotating body 341 rotates. The rotating body 341 of the conversion unit 34 converts the forward force FF of the transmission unit 22 by the catheter member 12 into a backward force RF inside the cylindrical body 16. As a result, the second end 222 of the wire 50 is pulled toward the proximal end. In other words, the transmission unit 22 applies a retraction force RF to the locking unit 20.

[0062] When a retraction force RF is applied to the locking portion 20, and the retraction force RF becomes greater than the fixing force of the locking portion 20 on the cylindrical body 16, the locking portion 20 (locking member 48) moves toward the base end relative to the engaging portion 42 of the cylindrical body 16. As a result, the straight portion 482 moves toward the base end along the engaging portion 42. After the tip of the straight portion 482 reaches the base end of the engaging portion 42, the locking member 48 moves further toward the base end, so that the engaging portion 42 and the inclined portion 483 of the locking member 48 face each other.

[0063] As a result, the inclined portion 483 prevents the locking member 48 and the engaging portion 42 from making contact, and the engagement state of the locking portion 20 with respect to the cylindrical body 16 is released. The locking portion 20 is released from preventing the movement of the inner needle hub 142 of the needle member 14. The needle member 14, including the inner needle hub 142, becomes able to move axially relative to the cylindrical body 16. Note that by appropriately changing the length of the transmission portion 22 (wire 50), it is possible to change the timing at which the retraction force RF is applied from the transmission portion 22 to the locking portion 20.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, the biasing force (retraction force RF) of the biasing member 18 causes the needle member 14, including the inner needle hub 142, to move relative to the cylindrical body 16 in the proximal direction within the housing portion 32 of the cylindrical body 16. At this time, the locking portion 20 moves together with the needle member 14 in the proximal direction. The intermediate portion 223 of the wire body 50 bends inside the second housing portion 322. Due to the movement of the needle member 14 in the proximal direction, the inner needle 141 moves through the inside of the catheter member 12 into the housing portion 32 of the cylindrical body 16.

[0065] A retraction force RF (the biasing force of the biasing member 18) is applied to the needle member 14 via the locking portion 20, causing the needle member 14, including the inner needle 141 and the inner needle hub 142, to move towards the housing portion 32 of the cylindrical body 16 through the lumen 24 of the catheter member 12 and the lumen 261 of the hub. The inner needle 141 is housed in the housing portion 32 of the cylindrical body 16. The tip of the inner needle 141 is covered by the cylindrical body 16 and does not protrude from the tip portion 161 of the cylindrical body toward the tip. After the inner needle 141 is housed in the housing portion 32 of the cylindrical body 16, the needle member 14 is withdrawn from the catheter member 12 toward the proximal end. This completes the withdrawal of the needle member 14 from the catheter member 12. At this time, the feeding portion 17 may be removed from the catheter member 12 together with the cylindrical body 16.

[0066] Subsequently, a syringe or drug solution tube or other supply device (not shown) is connected to the hub proximal end 264 of the catheter hub 122, which is placed in the skin of the living organism B, and the drug solution is administered into the living organism B through the lumen 24 of the catheter body 121.

[0067] The first embodiment provides the following effects.

[0068] As shown in Figure 1, the catheter assembly 10 includes a biasing member 18 that biases the needle member 14 toward the proximal end, a locking part 20 that prevents the needle member 14 from moving toward the proximal end by the biasing member 18, and a transmission part 22 that applies a retraction force RF (see Figure 4) toward the proximal end to the locking part 20.

[0069] With this configuration, in a catheter assembly 10 in which the needle member 14 is housed in the cylindrical body 16 by the biasing force of the biasing member 18, by moving the catheter member 12 relative to the cylindrical body 16 toward the tip, the lock of the locking part 20 is released in conjunction with the catheter member 12, and the needle member 14 can be automatically housed in the cylindrical body 16 by the retraction force RF. Therefore, after puncture with the needle member 14 and catheter assembly 10, accidental puncture by the inner needle 141 can be effectively suppressed.

[0070] The transmission section 22 has a flexible wire body 50. This configuration allows a retraction force RF to be applied to the locking section 20 with a simple structure.

[0071] As shown in Figure 4, the cylindrical body 16 is equipped with a conversion unit 34 that converts the forward force FF directed toward the tip of the catheter member 12 into a backward force RF. With this configuration, the conversion unit 34 makes the direction of movement of the catheter member 12 and the direction in which the forward force FF is applied to the locking unit 20 opposite, so that the locking unit 20 can be easily released by the forward movement of the catheter.

[0072] As shown in Figure 1, the wire 50 is guided by the conversion unit 34. This configuration allows for an effective change in the direction of force transmission from the catheter member 12 to the locking unit 20 via the conversion unit 34.

[0073] The conversion unit 34 is a rotating body 341 that is rotatably mounted on the cylindrical body 16 and around which a portion of the wire 50 is wound. This configuration allows the rotating body 341 to effectively reverse the direction of extension of the wire 50 and apply force to the locking unit 20. The rotation of the rotating body 341 enables smooth transmission of force from the catheter member 12 to the locking unit 20 by the wire 50.

[0074] As shown in Figure 4, the cylindrical body 16 has a feed section 17 provided on the outside for moving the catheter member 12 toward the tip. The feed section 17 is connected to the wire 50.

[0075] This configuration allows the user to efficiently move the catheter member 12 toward the tip using the feeding unit 17, and also allows the wire body 50 to be efficiently pulled toward the tip.

[0076] As shown in Figure 1, the locking portion 20 is provided between the needle member 14 and the cylindrical body 16, and the locking portion 20 engages the needle member 14 and the cylindrical body 16 with each other, thereby fixing the needle member 14 to the cylindrical body 16.

[0077] This configuration effectively prevents the relative movement of the needle member 14 with respect to the cylindrical body 16 via the locking portion 20.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6, the catheter assembly 10A according to the second embodiment includes a transmission section 22A. The transmission section 22A may include a first transmission section 601, a second transmission section 602, and an intermediate transmission section 603. The first transmission section 601 is provided on the feeding section body 171A of the feeding section 17A. The first transmission section 601 has a first rack 621 provided on the inner surface of the feeding section body 171A. The second transmission section 602 is provided on the locking member 48A of the locking section 20A. The second transmission section 602 has a second rack 622 provided on the side surface of the locking member 48A. The first rack 621 and the second rack 622 face each other in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cylindrical body 16. However, the configuration is not limited to the first rack 621 and the second rack 622 facing each other. For example, the first rack 621 and the second rack 622 may be offset from each other in the width direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical body 16.

[0079] The intermediate transmission section 603 is provided on the peripheral wall 163 of the cylindrical body 16. In a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical body 16, the intermediate transmission section 603 is provided between the first transmission section 601 (first rack 621) and the second transmission section 602 (second rack 622). The intermediate transmission section 603 has a pinion gear 64 that is rotatably mounted on the peripheral wall 163. The pinion gear 64 meshes with the first rack 621 and the second rack 622, respectively.

[0080] As the catheter member 12 moves toward the tip along with the feeding section 17A, the movement of the feeding section 17A (first rack 621) toward the tip causes the pinion gear 64 to rotate. As the pinion gear 64 rotates, the second rack 622 moves toward the base end, in the opposite direction to the first rack 621. As a result, the locking member 48A having the second rack 622 moves toward the base end and disengages from the engaging section 42. This releases the locking section 20A from preventing the needle member 14 from moving.

[0081] The second embodiment provides the following effects.

[0082] By configuring the transmission unit 22A with a pinion gear 64 and a first rack 621 and a second rack 622, the movement of the catheter member 12 toward the tip can effectively impart a retraction force RF from the feeding unit 17A to the locking unit 20A via the pinion gear 64. Compared to a configuration in which the transmission unit 22 includes a wire 50, the forward force FF of the catheter member 12 can be more directly imparted as a retraction force RF to the locking unit 20A.

[0083] As shown in Figure 7, the modified catheter assembly 10B includes a locking portion 20B.

[0084] The locking portion 20B is provided between the needle member 14 and the cylindrical body 16. The locking portion 20B includes a connecting structure 70. The connecting structure 70 has an adhesive material 72. The connecting structure 70 includes a first connecting portion 701 and a second connecting portion 702. The first connecting portion 701 is provided on the cylindrical body 16. The first connecting portion 701 is provided on the inner wall portion at the tip of the second housing portion 322.

[0085] The second connecting portion 702 is detachably connected to the first connecting portion 701. The second connecting portion 702 is provided on the locking member 48B of the locking portion 20B. The second connecting portion 702 is provided at the tip of the locking member 48B. The tip of the locking member 48B faces the inner wall of the cylindrical body 16.

[0086] The adhesive material 72 of the first connection part 701 and the adhesive material 72 of the second connection part 702 adhere to each other, thereby connecting the first connection part 701 and the second connection part 702 in the axial direction. In the catheter assembly 10B before use, the cylindrical body 16 and the locking part 20B are connected to each other by the connection structure 70. As the catheter member 12 moves toward the tip, a retraction force RF is applied to the locking part 20B via the transmission part 22. When the retraction force RF becomes greater than the connection force between the first connection part 701 and the second connection part 702 (the adhesive force between the adhesive materials 72), the connection between the first connection part 701 and the second connection part 702 is released, and consequently, the connection between the locking part 20B and the cylindrical body 16 by the connection structure 70 is released. The first connection part 701 and the second connection part 702 separate. As a result, the movement restriction of the needle member 14 by the locking part 20B is released. The needle member 14 is movable relative to the cylindrical body 16 in the direction of the base end.

[0087] The connection structure 70 is not limited to adhesive material 72. For example, the connection structure 70 may be a magnet or hook-and-loop fastener provided on each of the first connection portion 701 and the second connection portion 702.

[0088] Torture has the following effects:

[0089] As shown in Figure 7, the locking portion 20B is provided between the needle member 14 and the cylindrical body 16 and has a connecting structure 70 that can connect the locking portion 20B and the cylindrical body 16 to each other. The connecting structure 70 has a first connecting portion 701 provided on the cylindrical body 16 and a second connecting portion 702 provided on the locking portion 20B and detachably connected to the first connecting portion 701.

[0090] This configuration allows the connection between the needle member 14 and the cylindrical body 16 to be effectively released and the needle member 14 to be housed when a retraction force RF is applied to the locking part 20B. The first connecting part 701 and the second connecting part 702 can be connected detachably with a simple structure.

[0091] The connecting structure 70 includes an adhesive material 72, a magnet, or a hook-and-loop fastener. This configuration allows the connecting structure 70 to be realized at a low cost.

[0092] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are given as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 10, 10A, 10B... Catheter assemblies 12…Catheter component 14...needle member 16...Cylinder 18… Biasing member 20, 20A, 20B... Locking section 22, 22A...Transmission section 24...lumen 32...Detention Unit 121...Catheter body 122...Catheter Hub 141...Inner hand 142...Inner needle hub

Claims

1. A catheter member having a tubular catheter body and a catheter hub connected to the proximal end of the catheter body, A needle member having an inner needle inserted into the lumen of the catheter body and protruding from the tip of the catheter body toward the tip, and an inner needle hub connected to the proximal end of the inner needle, A cylindrical body having a housing portion that is detachably connected in the axial direction to the proximal end of the catheter member and that houses the needle member so as to be movable in the axial direction, A biasing member provided inside the cylindrical body, which biases the needle member toward the base end, A locking portion is provided inside the cylindrical body to prevent the needle member from moving toward the base end due to the biasing force of the biasing member, A transmission unit that applies a retraction force toward the base end to the locking unit, Equipped with, A catheter assembly wherein, when the catheter member moves relative to the cylindrical body in the direction of the tip, the transmission part applies the retraction force to the locking part in conjunction with the movement of the catheter member, thereby releasing the state in which the locking part is preventing the movement of the needle member.

2. In the catheter assembly according to claim 1, The transmission section is a catheter assembly comprising a flexible wire.

3. In the catheter assembly according to claim 2, The cylindrical body is a catheter assembly comprising a conversion unit that converts the forward force toward the tip into the backward force.

4. In the catheter assembly according to claim 3, The aforementioned wire body is a catheter assembly guided by the conversion unit.

5. In the catheter assembly according to claim 3, The conversion unit is a catheter assembly in which a rotating body is rotatably mounted on the cylindrical body and a portion of the wire body is wound around it.

6. In the catheter assembly according to claim 3, The cylindrical body has a feeder provided on the outside for moving the catheter member toward the tip, The feeding section is a catheter assembly connected to the wire body.

7. In the catheter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The locking portion is provided between the needle member and the cylindrical body. A catheter assembly in which the needle member is fixed to the cylindrical body by engaging the needle member and the cylindrical body with each other using the locking portion.

8. In the catheter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The locking portion is provided between the needle member and the cylindrical body. The locking portion and the cylindrical body have a connecting structure that allows them to be connected to each other. The aforementioned connection structure is The first connecting portion provided on the cylindrical body, A second connecting portion is provided on the locking portion and is detachably connected to the first connecting portion, It has, A catheter assembly that fixes the needle member to the cylindrical body by connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion to each other.

9. In the catheter assembly according to claim 8, The aforementioned connecting structure is a catheter assembly having an adhesive, a magnet, or a hook-and-loop fastener.

10. In the catheter assembly according to claim 1, The cylindrical body has a feeder provided on the outside for moving the catheter member toward the tip, The aforementioned transmission unit is A pinion gear is rotatably mounted on the cylindrical body, The feed section includes a first rack with which the pinion gear meshes, A second rack is provided in the locking portion and is located on the opposite side of the first rack, with the pinion gear in between, and the pinion gear meshes with the second rack. A catheter assembly comprising the following components.

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