catheter

Abstract

The present invention provides a catheter suitable for improving the insertability of long medical devices such as guidewires. [Solution] The catheter 100 comprises a shaft 10 having a first lumen 11 extending in the axial direction, and a connector 20 connected to the shaft 10 and having a second lumen 21 communicating with the first lumen 11. The connector 20 has an insertion portion 22 on the tip 20a side into which at least the proximal end 10b of the shaft 10 is inserted. The insertion portion 22 has a fitting portion 23 formed in the circumferential direction on its inner circumferential surface 22s so as to fit with the proximal end 10b of the shaft 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a catheter. Background Art

[0002] A known catheter includes a shaft having a first lumen extending in the axial direction, and a connector (hub) having a second lumen communicating with the first lumen of the shaft and connected to the shaft. Generally, the shaft and the connector are connected by inserting the proximal end of the shaft into the second lumen of the connector (for example, Patent Document 1). Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1 International Publication No. 2021 / 246031 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a catheter as described in Patent Document 1, the shaft and the connector are connected by inserting the proximal end side of the shaft into the second lumen of the connector and simply bringing the proximal end surface of the shaft into contact with or adjacent to the adjacent surface of the connector. Therefore, when insertion and withdrawal of an elongated medical device such as a guidewire into and from the lumen of the catheter is repeated, the proximal end surface of the shaft and the adjacent surface of the connector may separate from each other, or the proximal end of the shaft may deform toward the lumen side, which may cause problems such as the medical device getting caught at the connection portion between the shaft and the connector. Existing catheters leave room for reexamination from the viewpoint of improving the insertability of medical devices such as guidewires.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a catheter suitable for improving the insertability of an elongated medical device such as a guidewire. Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This disclosure provides a catheter comprising: a shaft having a first lumen extending in the axial direction of the catheter; and a connector connected to the shaft and having a second lumen communicating with the first lumen, wherein the connector has an insertion portion on its tip side into which at least the proximal end of the shaft is inserted, and the insertion portion has a fitting portion on its inner circumferential surface that is formed in the circumferential direction to fit with the proximal end of the shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an overall side view showing an example of a catheter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the catheter. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view of section III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged view of Modification 1 of Part III in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged view of modified example 2 of part III in Figure 2. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged view of modification 3 of part III in Figure 2. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged view of modified example 4 of part III in Figure 2. [Figure 8] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a catheter related to a modified example. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged view of section IX in Figure 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the embodiments described are merely examples to illustrate the technical features of this disclosure. The shapes and dimensions shown in each drawing are shown only to facilitate understanding of the contents of this disclosure and do not accurately reflect the actual shapes and dimensions.

[0009] In this specification, "tip side" means the direction along the axial direction of the catheter, in which the catheter advances toward the target site. "Proximal side" means the direction along the axial direction of the catheter, in the opposite direction to the tip side. "Tip" refers to the tip end of any component or site, and "proximal end" refers to the proximal end of any component or site. In Figure 1, the left side of the illustration is the "tip side" that is inserted into the body, and the right side of the illustration is the "proximal side" that is manipulated by the operator.

[0010] [catheter] Figure 1 is an overall side view showing an example of a catheter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the catheter 100 of Figure 1. The catheter 100 comprises a shaft 10 having a first lumen 11 extending in the axial direction of the catheter 100, and a connector 20 connected to the shaft 10 and having a second lumen 21 communicating with the first lumen 11. The shaft 10 has a tip 10a, a proximal end 10b, and an intermediate portion 10c located between the tip 10a and the proximal end 10b. The connector 20 is also called a hub. In this embodiment, the axial direction of the catheter 100 is the direction along the central axis X of the catheter 100.

[0011] In this embodiment, the connector 20 has an insertion portion 22 on the tip 20a side into which at least the proximal end 10b of the shaft 10 is inserted. The insertion portion 22 has a fitting portion 23 formed circumferentially on its inner circumferential surface 22s so as to fit with the proximal end 10b of the shaft 10. With this configuration, in the catheter 100, the shaft 10 and the connector 20 are connected when the proximal end 10b of the shaft 10 fits into the fitting portion 23. As a result, even when a long medical device such as a guidewire is repeatedly inserted into and withdrawn from the lumen of the catheter 100, the connection between the shaft 10 and the connector 20 is less likely to separate, and problems such as the medical device getting caught in the connection between the shaft 10 and the connector 20 are less likely to occur. The catheter 100 in this embodiment is suitable for improving the insertability of medical devices such as guidewires.

[0012] The insertion portion 22 of the connector 20 is configured to allow insertion of at least the base end 10b of the shaft 10. The insertion portion 22 may also be configured to allow insertion of both the base end 10b of the shaft 10 and a portion of the intermediate portion 10c on the base end 10b side. In the example shown in Figure 2, the insertion portion 22 is configured to allow insertion of both the base end 10b of the shaft 10 and a portion of the intermediate portion 10c on the base end 10b side. With such a configuration, the length D22 of the insertion portion 22 in the axial direction can be increased, so that the shaft 10 can be connected to the connector 20 more firmly.

[0013] The length D22 of the insertion portion 22 in the axial direction can be appropriately set according to the length of the connector 20, the length of the shaft 10, etc. For example, the length D22 of the insertion portion 22 may be in the range of 1 mm to 20 mm. With such a configuration, it is easier to connect the shaft 10 to the connector 20 more firmly.

[0014] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part III of Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the fitting portion 23 has a protrusion 231 that extends toward the tip and a recess 232 that is located between the protrusion 231 and the inner circumferential surface 22s and recessed toward the proximal end. With this configuration, in the catheter 100, the proximal end 10b of the shaft 10 fits into the recess 232 of the fitting portion 23, thereby connecting the shaft 10 and the connector 20. As a result, even if a medical device such as a guidewire is repeatedly inserted into and withdrawn from the lumen of the catheter 100, the connection between the shaft 10 and the connector 20 is less likely to separate.

[0015] As shown in Figure 3, the convex portion 231 may extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction. The concave portion 232 may be recessed in a direction parallel to the axial direction.

[0016] A thickness T231 of the protrusion 231 in the radial direction of the catheter 100 can be appropriately set according to the length of the connector 20, the length of the shaft 10, and the like. For example, the thickness T231 of the protrusion 231 may be in a range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm. According to this configuration, it is easy to more firmly connect the shaft 10 to the connector 20. In the present embodiment, the thickness T231 of the protrusion 231 means the maximum thickness of the protrusion 231 in the radial direction.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the thickness T231 of the protrusion 231 in the radial direction may decrease from the proximal end to the distal end of the catheter 100. According to this configuration, it is easy to form a smooth boundary between the shaft 10 and the connector 20 on the inner peripheral surface of the catheter 100. As a result, the insertability of a medical device such as a guide wire is improved.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, in the protrusion 231, the thickness T231 of the protrusion 231 may decrease from the proximal end to the distal end of the catheter 100 such that the inner diameter of the second lumen 21 increases from the proximal end to the distal end of the catheter 100. In other words, the protrusion 231 may have a tapered surface 231s where the inner diameter of the second lumen 21 expands from the proximal end to the distal end of the catheter 100. According to this configuration, it is easy to form a smoother boundary between the shaft 10 and the connector 20 on the inner peripheral surface of the catheter 100. As a result, the insertability of a medical device such as a guide wire is further improved.

[0019] The tapered surface 231s may be an R-rounded R surface, or may be a C-chamfered C surface. In the example of FIG. 3, the tapered surface 231s is an R surface. When the tapered surface 231s is an R surface, the boundary between the shaft 10 and the connector 20 on the inner peripheral surface of the catheter 100 can be made an even smoother structure.

[0020] However, the shape of the protrusion 231 is not limited to the example in FIG. 3. Modified examples of the shape of the protrusion 231 will be described below.

[0021] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of Modification 1 of Part III in Figure 2. In the example in Figure 4, the thickness T231 of the radial protrusion 231 is constant. Even with this configuration, the connection between the shaft 10 and the connector 20 is less likely to separate, thus improving the insertability of medical devices such as guide wires.

[0022] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a modified example 2 of part III in Figure 2. In the example in Figure 5, the convex portion 231 has a tapered surface 231s in which the inner diameter of the second lumen 21 expands from the proximal end to the tip of the catheter 100, and the tapered surface 231s is a C-plane. Even if the tapered surface 231s is a C-plane, the boundary between the shaft 10 and the connector 20 on the inner circumferential surface of the catheter 100 can be made into a smoother structure.

[0023] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of modification 3 of part III in Figure 2. In the example in Figure 6, the inner diameter of the second lumen 21 is constant from the proximal end to the tip of the catheter 100 in the convex portion 231, and the thickness T231 of the convex portion 231 decreases from the proximal end to the tip of the catheter 100. The convex portion 231 has a tapered surface 231s in which the thickness T231 decreases from the proximal end to the tip of the catheter 100, and the tapered surface 231s is an R surface. Even with this configuration, the connection portion between the shaft 10 and the connector 20 is less likely to separate, so the insertability of medical devices such as guidewires can be improved.

[0024] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of modification 4 of part III in Figure 2. In the example in Figure 7, the inner diameter of the second lumen 21 is constant from the proximal end to the tip of the catheter 100 in the convex portion 231, and the thickness T231 of the convex portion 231 decreases from the proximal end to the tip of the catheter 100. The convex portion 231 has a tapered surface 231s in which the thickness T231 decreases from the proximal end to the tip of the catheter 100, and the tapered surface 231s is a C-surface. Even with this configuration, the connection portion between the shaft 10 and the connector 20 is less likely to separate, so the insertability of medical devices such as guidewires can be improved.

[0025] The length D231 of the axial protrusion 231 can be appropriately set according to the length of the connector 20, the length of the shaft 10, etc. In this embodiment, the length D231 is 0.5 mm or more. With this configuration, it is easier to connect the shaft 10 more firmly to the connector 20.

[0026] The upper limit of the length D231 of the protrusion 231 in the axial direction is, for example, 5 mm. That is, the length D231 of the protrusion 231 may be in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0027] The width W232 of the radial recess 232 can be appropriately set according to the thickness of the shaft 10, etc. For example, the width W23 of the recess 232 may be in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm. With such a configuration, the shaft 10 can be connected to the connector 20 more securely.

[0028] In this embodiment, the inner diameter R10b at the base end 10b of the shaft 10 is larger than the inner diameter R10c at the intermediate portion 10c of the shaft 10. In other words, the first lumen 11 at the base end 10b is larger in diameter than the first lumen 11 at the intermediate portion 10c. With this configuration, for example, it is easy to create a gap 30 between the inner circumferential surface 22s of the insertion portion 22 and the outer circumferential surface 10s of the shaft 10, and by filling the gap 30 with adhesive 31, the shaft 10 can be connected to the connector 20 more firmly.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the shaft 10 may have an enlarged diameter portion 10d between the intermediate portion 10c and the tip portion 10a. The insertion portion 22 of the connector 20 may be configured to allow insertion of the base end 10b, the enlarged diameter portion 10d, and a portion of the intermediate portion 10c on the base end 10b side of the shaft 10.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the second lumen 21 of the connector 20 may expand in diameter from the fitting portion 23 toward the proximal end. With this configuration, the second lumen 21, which is reduced by providing the fitting portion 23, can be expanded toward the proximal end. This improves the insertability of medical devices such as guide wires.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, at the tip 20a side of the connector 20, a gap 30 exists between the inner circumferential surface 22s of the insertion portion 22 and the outer circumferential surface 10s of the shaft 10, and adhesive 31 may be filled into the gap 30. With this configuration, the shaft 10 can be connected to the connector 20 more firmly. As described above, the gap 30 may exist, for example, when the inner diameter R10b at the base end 10b of the shaft 10 is larger than the inner diameter R10c at the middle portion 10c of the shaft 10.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the adhesive 31 may be further positioned beyond the gap 30 towards the tip. That is, the adhesive 31 may have a first portion 31a positioned in the gap 30 and a second portion 31b positioned on the outer circumferential surface 10s of the shaft 10 beyond the gap 30. With such a configuration, it is easier to create a smooth structure on the outer circumferential surface of the catheter 100. As a result, the insertability of the catheter 100 into the target site is improved.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the first portion 31a of the adhesive 31 does not need to reach the recess 232. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the adhesive 31 from overflowing around the protrusion 231 through the recess 232. As a result, it is possible to suppress the decrease in insertability caused by the presence of adhesive 31 at the boundary between the shaft 10 and the connector 20 on the inner circumferential surface of the catheter 100.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the second portion 31b of the adhesive 31 may have an R-shaped surface that narrows in shape from the proximal end to the tip of the catheter 100. This configuration makes it easier to create a smoother outer surface of the catheter 100. As a result, the insertability of the catheter 100 into the target site is improved.

[0035] As adhesive 31, adhesives commonly used for medical devices such as catheters can be used.

[0036] The catheter configuration in this embodiment is not limited to the catheter 100 shown in Figure 1. Modifications of the catheter will be described below.

[0037] (modified version) Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a modified catheter 101. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of section IX in Figure 8. In the modified catheter 101, the inner diameter R10b at the proximal end 10b of the shaft 10 is equal to the inner diameter R10c at the intermediate section 10c of the shaft 10. In other words, the shaft 10 does not have an additional widened section 10d between the intermediate section 10c and the tip 10a. Except for this, the catheter 101 has the same configuration as the catheter 100 shown in Figure 1. Therefore, in the following, the same reference numerals are used for components common to catheter 100, and their explanations are omitted.

[0038] The catheter 101 also makes it less likely for medical devices to get caught in the connection between the shaft 10 and the connector 20. Therefore, the catheter 101 is suitable for improving the insertability of medical devices such as guidewires.

[0039] As shown in Figure 9, in the catheter 101, a small gap 40 is formed between the inner circumferential surface 22s of the insertion portion 22 and the outer circumferential surface 10s of the shaft 10. This gap 40 may be filled with adhesive 41. With this configuration, the shaft 10 can be firmly connected to the connector 20.

[0040] As shown in Figure 9, the adhesive 41 does not need to reach the recess 232. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the adhesive 41 from overflowing around the protrusion 231 through the recess 232. As a result, it is possible to suppress the decrease in insertability caused by the presence of adhesive 41 at the boundary between the shaft 10 and the connector 20 on the inner circumferential surface of the catheter 100.

[0041] As adhesive 41, adhesives commonly used for medical devices such as catheters can be used.

[0042] This disclosure provides a catheter comprising: a shaft having a first lumen extending in the axial direction of the catheter; and a connector connected to the shaft and having a second lumen communicating with the first lumen, wherein the connector has an insertion portion on its tip side into which at least the proximal end of the shaft is inserted, and the insertion portion has a fitting portion on its inner circumferential surface that is formed in the circumferential direction to fit with the proximal end of the shaft (Disclosure 1).

[0043] According to such disclosure (Disclosure 1), the insertability of long medical devices such as guide wires can be improved.

[0044] In the above disclosure (Disclosure 1), the fitting portion may have a protrusion that extends toward the tip side of the catheter and a recess that is located between the protrusion and the inner circumferential surface and recessed toward the proximal end side of the catheter (Disclosure 2).

[0045] According to the disclosure (Disclosure 2), even if medical devices such as guidewires are repeatedly inserted into and withdrawn from the lumen of the catheter, the connection between the shaft and the connector is less likely to separate.

[0046] In the above disclosure (Disclosure 2), the thickness of the protrusion of the fitting portion in the radial direction of the catheter may decrease from the proximal end to the tip of the catheter (Disclosure 3).

[0047] According to such disclosure (Disclosure 3), it is easier to create a smooth structure at the boundary between the shaft and the connector on the inner surface of the catheter. As a result, the insertability of medical devices such as guidewires is improved.

[0048] In the above disclosure (Disclosure 2-3), the protrusion of the fitting portion may have a tapered surface in which the inner diameter of the second lumen expands from the proximal end to the tip of the catheter (Disclosure 4).

[0049] According to such disclosure (Disclosure 4), it is easier to create a smoother structure at the boundary between the shaft and the connector on the inner surface of the catheter. As a result, the insertability of medical devices such as guidewires is improved.

[0050] In the above disclosure (Disclosure 2-4), the length of the protrusion of the fitting portion of the catheter in the axial direction may be 0.5 mm or more (Disclosure 5).

[0051] According to such disclosure (Disclosure 5), the shaft can be more securely connected to the connector.

[0052] In the above disclosures (Disclosures 1-5), the inner diameter at the base end of the shaft may be larger than the inner diameter at the intermediate portion connected to the base end of the shaft (Disclosure 6).

[0053] According to such disclosure (Disclosure 6), for example, it is easy to create a gap between the inner surface of the insertion part and the outer surface of the shaft, and by filling the gap with adhesive, the shaft can be connected to the connector more firmly.

[0054] In the above disclosures (Disclosures 1-6), adhesive may be filled into the gap formed between the inner surface of the insertion portion and the outer surface of the shaft (Disclosure 7).

[0055] According to such disclosure (Disclosure 7), the shaft can be more securely connected to the connector.

[0056] The catheter relating to this disclosure has been described above with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. The components of the above embodiments and modifications may be combined with each other, as long as they do not conflict with the technical specifications.

Claims

1. A catheter (100), A shaft (10) having a first lumen (11) extending in the axial direction of the catheter (100), A connector (20) is connected to the shaft (10) and has a second lumen (21) that communicates with the first lumen (11), Equipped with, The connector (20) has an insertion portion (22) on the tip (20a) side into which at least the base end (10b) of the shaft (10) is inserted. The catheter (100) has an insertion portion (22) on its inner circumferential surface (22s) having a fitting portion (23) formed in the circumferential direction so as to fit with the base end (10b) of the shaft (10).

2. The catheter (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fitting portion (23) has a protrusion (231) that protrudes toward the tip side of the catheter (100) and a recess (232) that is located between the protrusion (231) and the inner circumferential surface (22s) and recessed toward the proximal end side of the catheter (100).

3. The catheter (100) according to claim 2, wherein the thickness (T231) of the protrusion (231) of the fitting portion (23) in the radial direction of the catheter (100) decreases from the proximal end to the tip of the catheter (100).

4. The catheter (100) according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion (231) of the fitting portion (23) has a tapered surface (231s) such that the inner diameter of the second lumen (21) expands from the proximal end to the tip of the catheter (100).

5. The catheter (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the length (D231) of the protrusion (231) of the fitting portion (23) in the axial direction of the catheter (100) is 0.5 mm or more.

6. The catheter (100) according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter (R10b) at the base end (10b) of the shaft (10) is larger than the inner diameter (R10c) at the intermediate portion (10c) connected to the base end (10b) of the shaft (10).

7. The catheter (100) according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive (31) is filled into the gap (30) formed between the inner circumferential surface (22s) of the insertion portion (22) and the outer circumferential surface (10s) of the shaft (10).

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