Connection mechanism for a detachable fluid-tight connection of two medical devices - Patent Application 20070122999

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection mechanism (200) for detachably and fluid-tightly connecting a first line portion (10) extending along a first line axis (16) of a first medical device (400, 500a) to a second line portion (82) of a second medical device (300, 500b). The connection mechanism (200) includes an engagement element (14) and a locking element (12). The engagement element (14) is fixedly disposed on the first line portion (10) and configured to engage with a counter engagement element (84) provided on the second line portion (82) in an engagement position. The locking element (12) is displaceable on the first line portion (10) and is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the locked position, the locking element (12) acts on the engaging element (14) to lock the engaging element (14) to the opposing engaging element (84) in the engaged position, and in the released position, the locking element (12) releases the engaging element (14) so ​​that the engaging element (14) can be released from the engaged position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection mechanism for a detachable fluid-tight connection of two medical devices. [Background technology]

[0002] The percutaneous introduction of a medical device into a patient's blood vessels is risky, and various methods are known for introducing a medical device into a blood vessel or the body, common methods including the Seldinger technique.

[0003] In each of these methods, the flow of bodily fluids must be controlled when the medical device is inserted into a body vessel. Special care must be taken when introducing the device into the blood system. Positive vascular pressure can cause blood to escape from the medical device, contaminating the surrounding area and posing an infection risk to the physician. Negative vascular pressure puts the patient at risk for air embolism.

[0004] Therefore, medical valves such as hemostatic valves, iris valves, laparoscopic ports, etc. are used to limit or prevent blood loss and air ingress during procedures.

[0005] Furthermore, when medical devices are used inside the body, they must be washed with saline (NaCl solution) or introduced into the body via a medicinal solution, and liquid-tightness must be ensured even in such applications.

[0006] Introducer sheaths are medical devices in their own right that are used in conjunction with other medical devices, such as dilators and cartridges, to introduce surgical instruments, implants, or active ingredients into a patient's body and / or vascular system (typically an artery). Introducer sheaths are configured to penetrate the skin and the wall of a blood vessel, and can be partially positioned within the vessel so that surgical instruments can be introduced and advanced through the introducer sheath from outside the body. In this case, sealing against the environment is particularly problematic.

[0007] When two or more medical devices are connected, there is also the risk of the devices slipping. Slippage can occur, among other things, unintentionally or due to insufficient fastening of the devices relative to one another. Slippage can result in injury to blood vessels or surrounding tissue. Furthermore, the position of the medical devices may shift, making it impossible to insert implants or medications. Slippage can also cause the seal between the medical devices to weaken or open, potentially resulting in unwanted leakage of bodily fluids.

[0008] EP 2569044 describes an introducer sheath with a hemostatic valve that is capable of maintaining hemostasis around surgical instruments of various cross-sectional diameters during a surgical procedure. US Patent No. 6,551,283 discloses a medical instrument and device having a hemostatic valve and a hemostatic cannula unit. The hemostatic valve has two independent valve elements, a valve seal and a valve membrane having a complementary shape. US Patent No. 9,616,213 relates to a medical device having an adjustable hemostasis valve and system. US Patent No. 984,175 discloses a medical valve assembly that includes a tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end. US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0070394 discloses an expandable introducer device and methods of using the same. US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0256876 discloses a medical valve with a variable diameter seal. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a connection mechanism for a detachable, fluid-tight connection of two medical devices that enhances patient safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This object is achieved by a connection mechanism for detachably and fluid-tightly connecting a first line section of a first medical device to a second line section of a second medical device, as set forth in claim 1. In this case, the first line section is configured to extend along a first line axis, and the second line section is configured to extend along a second line axis. The first line section is provided with an engaging element fixedly arranged on the first line section and configured to engage, at an engaging position, with a counter engaging element provided on the second line section. The first line section is also provided with a locking element displaceable between a release position and a locking position. In this case, the locking element can be displaced to act on the engaging element at the locking position, so that the engaging element is locked to the counter engaging element at the engaging position, and disengage the engaging element at the release position, so that the engaging element can be released from the engaging position.

[0011] This configuration allows for a safe, secure, connectable and releasable connection between two medical devices. This prevents accidental slippage of one medical device into the second, improving patient safety. Connecting the line sections provides a fluid-tight connection that prevents leakage of liquids, such as blood, other bodily fluids, or active ingredients. Furthermore, even if the internal pressure of the line sections increases, the engagement of the engaging element and the action of the locking element prevent the two line sections from separating, ensuring a secure, sealed connection. When the connecting mechanism is provided on an introducer sheath and a dilator, patient safety is improved, particularly during intravascular procedures in which the introducer sheath is advanced together with the dilator.

[0012] The connection mechanism of the present invention allows for the connection of lines with larger diameters than conventional lines. Even lines with an inner diameter of more than 11 French can be connected reliably and liquid-tightly.

[0013] Preferably, the engaging element has at least one elastically flexible deflection portion extending obliquely relative to the first line axis and one engaging portion extending substantially perpendicular to the first line axis. The deflection portion can be at least partially conical. The engaging portion is arranged at a free end of the deflection portion, thereby forming a radial surface. The engaging portion can also have a partially cylindrical surface, which in particular extends parallel to the first line axis. Preferably, the deflection portion and the engaging portion are integrally formed. Furthermore, the engaging element can be integrally formed with the line portion or connected to the line portion in another way, such as by gluing. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the deflection portion and / or the engaging portion are divided into segments surrounding the line portion. The elastic flexibility of the deflection portion in particular allows the first medical device to be releasably and reconnectably connected to the second medical device multiple times.

[0014] It is conceivable that the locking element in the locked position acts on the deflector in such a way that its elastic flexibility is limited, in particular the elastic deflection in the radially outward direction can be limited so that the engagement state of the engagement element is locked, thereby ensuring a secure fixation of the connection mechanism.

[0015] Preferably, the locking element has an inner cone that is at least partially conical and acts on the deflector in the locked position. The inner cone acts on the outer side of the deflector so that its flexibility is limited radially outward. In this case, the outer side of the area of ​​the inner cone of the locking element can also be conically configured with a corresponding portion to form a thin-walled structure. A complete cone and / or a surface extending obliquely to the axis is also conceivable as the inner side of the locking element.

[0016] Advantageously, the locking element has an at least partially cylindrical actuating part which is provided for manual movement of the locking element and which may also have a finger recess for improved handling.

[0017] Particularly preferably, a spring element is provided that biases the locking element toward the engaging element. Thus, the locking element is preferably biased toward the locked position, whereby the locking element remains. To move the locking element to the unlocked position, it must be moved against the force exerted by the spring element. It is also conceivable to push the locking element away from the engaging element so that the locking element remains in the unlocked position. In particular, the spring element can be configured as a coil spring or an elastomer. It is also conceivable to form the spring element integrally with the locking element. Preferably, the spring element is arranged between the actuation part and the line part. By applying a spring load to the locking element toward the engaging element, a secure fixation and a predetermined positioning of the liquid-tight connection are achieved.

[0018] Preferably, the first line section is configured to at least partially protrude into the second line section in the engaged position, thereby ensuring a fluid-tight connection between the two line sections. In particular, the end of the second line section can be closed by a valve element pierced by the first line section, thereby achieving a fluid-tight connection with the environment.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the connection mechanism includes a counter-engaging element fixedly arranged on the second line section, which counter-engaging element is configured to engage with an engaging element provided on the first line section in the engaged position. Preferably, the counter-engaging element can be configured to correspond to the engaging element. The ability to engage the engaging element with the counter-engaging element ensures a reliable and liquid-tight connection.

[0020] The opposing engaging elements preferably have a double cone including a first conical portion that is at least partially conical and a second conical portion that is at least partially conical.

[0021] The first conical section expands to a maximum diameter along the second line axis, and the second conical section subsequently decreases to a smaller diameter along the second line axis. The first and second conical sections are preferably configured as truncated cones. It is conceivable that the minimum diameter of the second conical section is greater than the minimum diameter of the first conical section. The counter engaging element is configured as a double cone, so that the engaging element can elastically deform in the region of the deflection section when the connection is established and can at least partially return to its original shape when the locked position is established. The double cone structure also has the advantage of allowing the engaging element and the counter engaging element to be connected regardless of their rotational positions.

[0022] It is conceivable that the second conical section is followed by an at least partially cylindrical cylindrical section, which is suitable for predetermined engagement with the cylindrical inner surface of the engagement section.

[0023] Preferably, the engaging portion interacts with a second conical or cylindrical portion in the locked position, and the second conical and / or cylindrical portion may be configured such that the engaging element is elastically deformed in the engaged position, thus applying a force that maintains the connection.

[0024] Preferably, in the engaged position, the engaging element abuts the counter-engaging element and / or the deflector at least partially abuts the first cone portion, wherein the defined contact between the first cone portion and the inner surface in the engaged position further secures the connection, thereby preventing even minimal movement between the engaging element and the counter-engaging element during use of the medical device.

[0025] It is conceivable to provide a housing portion disposed on or forming the second line portion, with the opposing engaging element disposed in the housing portion. It is also conceivable to provide a hemostatic valve element in the housing portion, configured so that in the engaged position, the first line portion at least partially penetrates the second line portion and penetrates the hemostatic valve element. The valve element also provides a liquid-tight seal for the second line portion against the surroundings when the second line portion is not connected to the first line portion. The valve element may be configured as a silicone disk with star-shaped or other notches, which ensure a predetermined penetration of the first line portion without impairing the sealing effect. Preferably, at least two valve elements are provided in the housing portion. More preferably, the valve elements are arranged rotated relative to each other about the second line axis, further improving the liquid-tight connection.

[0026] Further details and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the following description, on the basis of which embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a side view of a first line portion having an engagement element and a locking element of a locking mechanism. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the configuration shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a front view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 facing into the engagement element. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration shown in FIG. 1 with the locking element in a locked position. [Figure 5] 4 is a diagram showing the configuration shown in FIG. 3 with the locking element in the unlocked position. [Figure 6] 4 shows the configuration shown in FIG. 3 with the engaging elements cut longitudinally. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front view of the opposing engagement elements of the locking mechanism. [Figure 8]10 is a side cross-sectional view of an opposing engaging element having a housing portion and a second line portion. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 shows a hemostatic valve element of the housing portion. [Figure 10] 10 shows the first line part connected to the second line part and the locking element in the locked position. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 shows the configuration shown in FIG. 10 with the locking element in the unlocked position. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 shows opposing engaging elements disposed on an introducer sheath. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 shows an engaging element disposed on a dilator. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 shows a cartridge having an engaging element and an opposing engaging element disposed at both ends of a line portion. [Figure 15] 15 shows the introducer sheath shown in FIG. 12 connected to the cartridge shown in FIG. 14 by a connecting mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] 1 and 2 show a side view and a rear view of a first line portion 10 having a locking element 12. The locking element 12 is fixedly disposed on the first line portion 10 and surrounds an engaging element 14, which is shown in different views in FIGS. 3 to 6. The first line portion 10 is disposed along a first line axis 16 and can be part of a first medical device, for example, as shown at 400 and 500 in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15.

[0029] The first line section 10 protrudes from a front face 15 of the arrangement of the locking element 12 and the engaging element 14. The locking element 12 is composed of two connectable parts 18 and 20, although it is also conceivable to configure the locking element 12 from three or more parts or as a single part (not shown). The parts 18, 20 are configured as half shells each enclosing half of the line section 10 and are securely connected to each other by a clip connection 22. A separation point 24 is provided between the two parts 18, 20, which lies in the plane in which the first line axis 16 lies. The parts 18, 20 can also be joined to each other by an adhesive bond (not shown).

[0030] The locking element 12 is displaceable along the axis 16. For manual displacement, a recessed grip 28 is provided on the cylindrical actuating part 26. This recessed grip 28 allows an operator, e.g., a physician, to safely manipulate and move the locking element 12. Furthermore, to make the locking element 12 thinner, lighter, and more ergonomic, an outer conical part 30 is provided, which corresponds to the inner conical part 32 shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the first line portion 10, including the engagement element 14 and the locking element 12, as viewed from the front along the axis 16 toward the inside of the locking element 12. The engagement element 14 has an elastically flexible deformation portion 40 and an engagement portion 42, also shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. In this embodiment, the engagement portion 42 and the deformation portion 40 are integrally formed, but it is also conceivable that the deformation portion 40 and the engagement portion are formed of two parts and / or different materials. The engagement portion 42 is formed radially away from the axis 16 and forms a surface 44 facing the front surface 15. Furthermore, the engagement portion 42 has an inner contour 46, which may be lip-shaped in particular. The engagement portion 42 and the deformation portion 40 are divided into four segments evenly spaced around the axis 16. However, it is also conceivable to provide only one segment, two or more segments, and / or to have the segments unevenly spaced around the axis 16.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows the locking element 12 of FIG. 1 without the half shell 18. The engaging element 14 is shown arranged on the first line section 10 and surrounded by the locking element 12. A cylindrical section 48 is arranged adjacent to the deformation section 40. The cylindrical section 48 is arranged to fix the engaging element 14 on the first line section 10, which can be done in particular by gluing. A coil spring 50 is shown surrounding the cylindrical section 48. The coil spring 50 abuts the front surface 15 of the locking element 12 at a contact section 52, and abuts the annular protrusion 54 of the cylindrical section 48 of the engaging element 14 on the opposite side from the front surface 15. In this case, the coil spring 50 biases the locking element 12 toward the locking position relative to the engaging element 14. In the locked position, the inner section 32 at least partially abuts the outer conical section 56 of the deflection section 40, limiting or preventing elastic deformation of the deflection section 40 radially outward. Additionally, the deflection portion 40 has an inner cone portion 58 .

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a view similar to FIG. 4, but with the locking element 12 in the unlocked position. The coil spring 50 is compressed, and the locking element 12 is retracted along the axis 16 away from the front face 15. Instead of the coil spring 50, other spring elements are also conceivable. For example, the spring element could be formed integrally with the locking element 12 or the engaging element 14 (not shown). In the unlocked position, the inner part 32 does not abut against the outer conical part 56, so that the deflector part 40 can be elastically deflected radially outward according to the dashed line 60. For this purpose, the entire deflector part 40 can be deformed, or the deflector part 40 forms a rigid joint in the transition region 62 to the cylindrical part 48. A window-like material recess 64 is provided in the region of the deflector part 40, leaving only a thin web 66, which contributes to the deformability. Furthermore, instead of the partly rotationally symmetrical geometry of the conical regions 32, 56, 58 and of the deflector 40 and locking element 12, it is also conceivable to provide simple corresponding surfaces which extend obliquely relative to the axis 16 (not shown).

[0034] Figure 6 shows a view similar to Figure 4, but with the engaging element 14 shown in cross section. The inner contour 42 of the engaging portion 42 is clearly visible, which is preferably rounded at the edge 68 facing the front face 15 and at the edge 70 towards the front face 15 to improve sliding over the surface of the corresponding counter-engaging element 84 (shown in Figures 7 and 8).

[0035] The opposing engaging element 84 is shown in various views and cross-sections in Figures 7-9. The front surface 80 facing into the opposing engaging element 84 surrounding the second line portion 82 is shown in Figure 7. The second line portion 82 is formed along a second line axis 86, and the second line portion 82 can be part of the second medical device or can be formed in part by the medical device and / or the opposing engaging element 84.

[0036] The second medical device is shown in the form of an introducer sheath 300 in Figure 12 and in the form of a cartridge 500 in Figure 14. Furthermore, the introducer sheath 300 and the cartridge are shown connected in Figure 15. The second line portion 82 is provided with a hemostatic valve element 88 that seals the second line portion 82.

[0037] 8 is a longitudinal section through the counter-engagement element 84 and the housing portion 90 in which the counter-engagement element 84 is arranged. The counter-engagement element 84 has a first conical portion 92 that extends from the front surface 80 along the axis 86 from the diameter D of the linear portion 82 to a maximum diameter 94. However, the minimum diameter 96 of the first conical portion 92 can also be greater than the diameter D. A second conical portion 98 is arranged directly at the maximum diameter 94. The second conical portion 98 tapers along the axis 86 to a minimum diameter 100. This is followed by a cylindrical portion 102 with a diameter 100. Instead of the first conical portion 92, the second conical portion 98, and the cylindrical portion 102, other non-rotationally symmetric shapes are also conceivable, such as surfaces that extend obliquely relative to the axis 86 (not shown).

[0038] The counter-engaging element 84 can be arranged in the housing part 90 by means of a connecting element 104. The connecting element 104 can in particular be a screw, but other types of connection are also conceivable, such as a clip or a clamp. Furthermore, the valve element 88 can be clamped in a liquid-tight manner by assembling, in particular screwing or clamping, the counter-engaging element 84 to the housing part 90. To ensure a reliable seal, at least one valve element 88, preferably two valve elements 88, are provided.

[0039] FIG. 9 shows various hemostatic valve elements 88 arranged within the housing portion 90, with the counter-engaging elements 84 unscrewed and not shown. The housing portion 90 is provided with pin-like elements 106 that correspond to corresponding holes 108 in the valve element 88 as a torsion locking arrangement for the valve element 88. A self-sealing passage 110 is provided in the valve element 88 in the region of the second line portion 82 around the axis 86, allowing the passage of the first line portion 10 or other medical instruments 400, 500a in a fluid-tight manner. The notches may be formed as perforations 112 or star-shaped notches 114. Furthermore, the valve elements 88 may be offset along the axis 86 to ensure even better sealing.

[0040] FIG. 10 shows a longitudinal cross section of the first line portion 10 fluid-tightly connected to the second line portion 82 by the connection mechanism 200. The engaging element 14 is in the engaged position with the counter-engaging element 84. The inner conical portion 58 abuts the first conical portion 92. The engaging portion 42, together with the inner contour 46, abuts the cylindrical portion 102. The diameter 100 can be larger than the diameter of the inner contour 46, allowing the deformation portion 40 to deform in the engaged position. The locking element 12 is biased by the spring 50 against the outer conical portion 56 of the deformation portion 40, preventing further deformation of the deformation portion 40. Therefore, the connection is not releasable and does not allow any relative movement between the line portions 10, 82 along the axes 16, 86.

[0041] The at least partially rotationally symmetrical structure of the engaging element 14, the counter-engaging element 84, and the locking element 12 allows the components 12, 14, and 84 to rotate relative to one another about the axes 16 and 86, even when the connecting mechanism 200 is in the engaged position and the connection is established. Even with twisting, the connection remains fluid-tight. This is advantageous if the position needs to be changed during insertion into the body. Furthermore, the connection 200 can be made and released independently of the rotational position about the axes 16 and 86. The first line axis 16 coincides with the second line axis 86 in the region of the connecting mechanism 200. The first line section 10 protrudes into the second line section 82 and is penetrated by a valve element 88 that can be inserted and / or displaced into the cavity 202. This improves sealing and facilitates insertion of the first line section 10. The valve element 88 at least partially contacts the outside 204 of the first line section 10 via the passage 110, sealing the connection with the surroundings 206. A second cavity (not shown) may be provided on the opposite side of cavity 202 facing front face 80. This second cavity facilitates withdrawal of first line portion 10 when disconnecting the connection and reduces wear on valve element 88.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 , but showing the locking element 12 displaced to the release position. The spring 50 is compressed. To release the connection, the locking element must be moved in the direction of arrow 208 from the locked position to the released position, as shown in FIG. 11 . The recessed grip 28 and / or actuation portion 26 are adapted to pull the locking element, thereby releasing the engaging element 12. As the pulling continues in the direction 208, the surface contact between the inner contour 46 and the second conical portion 98 causes the deflector portion 40 to elastically deflect radially outward according to the dashed line 60, thereby releasing the connection from the engaged position. As soon as the engagement portion 42 with the inner contour 46 exceeds the maximum diameter 94, the deflector portion 40 again assumes its initial position according to FIG. 4 . As the pulling continues in the direction 208, the first line portion 10 slides off the second line portion 82 and the valve element 88, thereby releasing the connection. In this separated state, the second line portion 88 is sealed to the environment 206 by the valve element 88 .

[0043] To further facilitate handling, the housing portion 90 is also provided with a recessed grip 210. This is advantageous when the housing portion 90 is placed on or forms a medical device and inserted into the body to prevent it from being pulled out when the connection is separated. To establish the connection, the first line portion 10 must first be inserted into the second line portion 86 of the opposing engaging element 84 in the direction opposite to direction 208, and then the locking element 12 must be retracted in the direction of arrow 208 to the release position, allowing the deflection portion 40 to deform. The deflection portion 40 is deformed by the first conical portion 92 and at least partially reformed to the engagement position by the second conical portion 98. As soon as the engaging element 14 reaches the engagement position, the locking element 12 can be released, and the spring 50 urges the locking element 12 toward the engaging element 14, pushing it into the locked position and locking it as described above. To further improve the handling of connection mechanism 200, it is conceivable to adjust the configuration of locking element 12, engaging element 14, and spring 50 so that locking element 12 does not need to be retracted to establish the connection. In such an embodiment, pressing engaging element 14 onto first conical portion 92 causes both deformation of engaging element 14 and displacement of locking element 12, eliminating the need for prior retraction of locking element 12. However, to separate the connection, locking element 12 must be retracted. This can be achieved by the different angle α of first conical portion 92 and the angle β of second conical portion 98 relative to axis 86.

[0044] FIG. 12 shows a second medical device in the form of an introducer sheath 300 having a housing portion 90 with a valve element 88 and a counter-engaging element 84. The second line portion 82 is formed in part by the counter-engaging element 84 and the housing portion 90. An insertion tube 302 is disposed in the housing portion 90 facing away from the front surface 80 of the counter-engaging element 84 and extends the line portion 86 to its end 304. The line portion 86 opens into an opening 306 at the free end 304. The insertion tube 302 can vary in length and inner diameter depending on the purpose. Furthermore, it can be preformed for the desired purpose and be rigid or flexible. The housing portion 90 has a branch 308 from the line portion 86, on which a three-way valve 310 is disposed. The three-way valve 310 allows for irrigation of the line portion 86, the introduction of active ingredients, and the aspirating and evacuating of liquids.

[0045] 13 shows a first medical device in the form of a dilator 400 having a dilator body 402 and a distal end 404 for dilating a channel in tissue during insertion into the body. The engaging element 14 and the locking element 12 are disposed on the dilator body 402, which forms a first line portion 10. The engaging element 14 further includes a Luer connector 406 that is continuous with the line portion 10. The line portion 10 continues from the Luer connector 406 to the distal end 404. A syringe (not shown), particularly for irrigation, can be connected to the Luer connector 406. Furthermore, the line portion 10 of the dilator 300 can accommodate a guidewire (not shown) for insertion into the body.

[0046] The dilator 400 is adapted to be connected to the introducer sheath 300 by the connecting mechanism 200 for safe introduction of the introducer sheath 300 into the body. The dilator 400 also prevents kinking of the insertion tube 302 during insertion into the body. After insertion, the dilator 300 can be safely separated from the introducer sheath 300 by the connecting mechanism 200 and withdrawn without risk of fluid leakage and / or air embolism.

[0047] 14 shows a cartridge 500 including a first medical device 500a and a second medical device 500b. One end forms the first medical device 500a, the other end forms the second medical device 500b, and the engaging element 14, the locking element 12, the counter-engaging element 84, and the housing portion 90 are arranged on a common line portion 502. Regarding the line portion 502, what was said about the line portion 10 applies in the region of the engaging element 14, and what was said about the line portion 82 applies in the region of the housing portion 90 and the counter-engaging element 84. The cartridge 500 is suitable for connection to an introducer sheath 300 by a connecting mechanism 200. The cartridge 500 can contain an active ingredient or an implant within the line portion 502, which can be introduced into a specific anatomical location within the body by the introducer sheath 300.

[0048] Such a cartridge 500, equipped with components of the connection mechanism 200, allows other medical devices, such as another cartridge 500, to be connected, thereby extending the introducer sheath 300 in a fluid-tight manner relative to the surrounding area 206.

[0049] FIG. 15 shows a cartridge 500 connected to an introducer sheath 300 by a connecting mechanism 200. The locking element 14 is in the locked position. The common line portion 502, which can be considered the first line portion 10, is fluid-tightly and securely connected to the second line portion 86. The disconnection process is similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. It can be seen that a first medical device 500a, 400 including an engaging element 14, locking element 12, and line portion 10 configuration can be placed on the free engaging element 84 at the proximal end of the cartridge 500 on a second medical device 500b. It is also conceivable to connect two or more cartridges 500 and place them one behind the other.

[0050] The illustrated connection mechanism 200 allows various medical devices, such as an introducer sheath 300, a dilator 400, and / or a cartridge 500, to be fluid-tightly and securely connected and disconnected again. Furthermore, connections can be made, disconnected, and / or the medical devices can be rotated relative to one another regardless of the rotational positions of the medical devices relative to their axes 10, 86, 502. This improves patient safety when using medical devices 300, 400, 500 having the connection mechanism 200.

Claims

1. A connection mechanism (200) for detachably and fluid-tightly connecting a first line portion (10) extending along a first line axis (16) of a first medical device (400, 500a) and a second line portion (82) extending along a second line axis (86) of a second medical device (300, 500b), the connection mechanism comprising: an engaging element (14) fixedly disposed on the first line portion (10) and configured to engage with a counter engaging element (84) provided on the second line portion (82) in an engaging position; and a locking element (12) displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein in the locked position the locking element (12) acts on the engaging element (14) to lock the engaging element (14) to the counter engaging element (84) in the engaged position, and in the unlocked position the locking element (12) releases the engaging element (14) to allow the engaging element (14) to be released from the engaged position.

2. 2. The connection mechanism (200) of claim 1, wherein the engaging element (14) has at least one elastically deflectable deflection portion (40) extending obliquely relative to the first line axis (16) and an engaging portion (42) extending substantially perpendicular to the first line axis (16).

3. 3. The connection mechanism (200) of claim 2, wherein the locking element (12) acts on the deflector (40) in the locked position to limit the elastic deflection of the deflector (40).

4. 4. The connection mechanism (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking element (12) is at least partially conical and has an inner conical portion (32) that acts on the deflector portion (40) in the locked position.

5. The connection mechanism (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking element (12) has an actuating portion (26) that is at least partially cylindrical.

6. The connection mechanism (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a spring element (50) that biases the locking element (12) towards the engaging element (14).

7. 7. The connection mechanism (200) of claim 6, wherein the first line portion (10) is configured to protrude at least partially into the second line portion (82) in the engaged position.

8. 8. The connection mechanism (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an opposing engagement element (84) fixedly disposed on the second line portion (82), the opposing engagement element (84) being configured to engage with the engagement element (14) provided on the first line portion (10) in the engagement position.

9. 9. The connection mechanism (200) of claim 1, wherein the opposing engaging element (84) has a double cone including a first conical portion (92) that is at least partially conical and a second conical portion (98) that is at least partially conical.

10. 10. The connection mechanism (200) of claim 9, wherein the second conical portion (98) is adjacent a cylindrical portion (102) that is at least partially cylindrical.

11. The connection mechanism (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in the locked position, the engagement portion (42) interacts with the second conical portion (98) or the cylindrical portion (102).

12. 12. The connection mechanism (200) of claim 1, wherein in the engaged position, the engaging element (14) abuts the opposing engaging element (84) and / or the deflecting portion (40) at least partially abuts the first conical portion (92).

13. A connection mechanism (200) as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a housing portion (90) is provided that is disposed in or forms the second line portion (82), the opposing engagement element (84) is disposed in the housing portion (90), a hemostatic valve element (88) is provided in the housing portion (90), and in the engaged position, the first line portion (10) is configured to at least partially penetrate into the second line portion (82) and penetrate the hemostatic valve element (88).

Images