Catheter Assembly

Abstract

A catheter assembly (10) comprising: a catheter (12); a catheter hub (20) fixed to the catheter (12); an inner needle (14) inserted in the catheter (12); and a grip (18) that fixes and holds the inner needle (14). The catheter assembly (10) also comprises a support structure (62) that supports the outer side of the catheter (12). The support structure (62), in an assembled state, is brought into contact with the catheter (12) to deform the support structure (62) and / or the catheter (12).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a catheter assembly having a structure capable of supporting the outside of a catheter when the catheter and inner needle are inserted. [Background technology]

[0002] When constructing an introduction portion for infusion or blood transfusion in a treatment target (patient), a catheter assembly such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0256667 is used. This catheter assembly has a multiple needle in which an inner needle is inserted into a catheter (outer needle). When using this catheter assembly, a user inserts the multiple needle into the patient's body, then advances the catheter into a blood vessel, and further removes the inner needle from the catheter to leave the catheter in place.

[0003] In use of this type of catheter assembly, the user inserts the multiple needles obliquely into the treatment target, so that the portion of the multiple needle exposed from the grip is likely to bend when it comes into contact with the treatment target. If the multiple needles bend in this way, it becomes difficult to insert the multiple needles. For this reason, the catheter assembly disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0256667 has a structure that supports the catheter by positioning the tip of the grip that fixes the inner needle in a position near the outer periphery of the catheter. Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, when a catheter is manufactured by extrusion molding or the like, the thickness of the catheter is likely to vary even within the range of the dimensional tolerance. For this reason, the support part that supports the catheter is formed to have a space larger than the maximum tolerance of the outer diameter of the catheter so that a clearance is generated between the support part and the outer peripheral surface of the catheter. However, if the catheter is manufactured to be thin, the clearance between the outer peripheral surface of the catheter and the support part of the grip becomes large, which causes the inconvenience of the support part being unable to effectively support the catheter.

[0005] The present invention relates to the above-mentioned catheter assembly technology, and has an object to provide a catheter assembly that can absorb the tolerances associated with the manufacture of the catheter and provide good support for the outside of the catheter.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a catheter assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a catheter, a catheter hub fixed to the catheter, an inner needle inserted into the catheter, a grip that fixes and holds the inner needle, and a support structure that holds the outside of the catheter in an assembled state, and in the assembled state, the support structure clamps the catheter, and at least one of the support structure or the catheter is elastically deformed.

[0007] The catheter assembly described above is able to absorb the tolerances associated with the manufacture of the catheter and provide good support for the exterior of the catheter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a catheter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the catheter manipulation member as seen obliquely from below. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial front view showing the distal end portion of the catheter assembly. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the distal end portion of the catheter assembly. [Figure 6] Fig. 6A is a front cross-sectional view showing an assembled state of a catheter and a support structure part, Fig. 6B is a front cross-sectional view showing an assembled state of a catheter and a support structure part according to a first modified example, and Fig. 6C is a front cross-sectional view showing an assembled state of a catheter and a support structure part according to a second modified example. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are front cross-sectional views showing a catheter and a support structure according to a third and fourth modified example before and after assembly, respectively; [Figure 8] Fig. 8A is a side view showing a state of the catheter assembly during puncture, and Fig. 8B is a side view showing a state in which the catheter manipulation member has been advanced after puncture. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view showing a schematic view of a distal end portion of a catheter assembly having a support structure according to a fifth modified example of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are front cross-sectional views showing a catheter and a support structure according to a fifth and sixth modified example before and after assembly, respectively; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments thereof and accompanying drawings.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, a catheter assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is a medical device used when infusing fluid, transfusing blood, or collecting blood from a treatment target (living body), and a catheter 12 is inserted and placed in the body of the treatment target to establish electrical continuity between the inside and outside of the body. This catheter assembly 10 allows the insertion of a catheter 12 (e.g., a central venous catheter, PICC, midline catheter, etc.) that is longer than a peripheral venous catheter. The catheter assembly 10 may be configured to allow the insertion of a peripheral venous catheter. Furthermore, the catheter assembly 10 is not limited to a venous catheter, and may also be one into which an arterial catheter such as a peripheral arterial catheter is inserted.

[0011] 1 and 2, the catheter assembly 10, before use (before puncture), comprises an inner / outer needle assembly 16 assembled from a catheter 12, an inner needle 14, a catheter hub 20, an inner needle hub 30, a safety member 40, and a catheter operating member 60. Furthermore, the catheter assembly 10 comprises a grip 18 (housing) that houses the inner / outer needle assembly 16 and is held by the user.

[0012] In the internal / external needle assembly 16 before puncture, the internal needle 14 penetrates the catheter 12 and the catheter hub 20, and the needle tip 15 of the internal needle 14 protrudes from the tip of the catheter 12 to form a multiple needle 11. A safety member 40 through which the internal needle 14 is inserted is disposed on the proximal side of the catheter hub 20, and an internal needle hub 30 holding the internal needle 14 is disposed on the proximal side of the safety member 40. A catheter operating member 60 is disposed above the catheter 12, the catheter hub 20, and the safety member 40, and moves these members forward and backward under the user's operation. The internal / external needle assembly 16 including the proximal portion of the multiple needle 11 is housed in the grip 18, and the internal needle hub 30 is fixed to the grip 18.

[0013] The catheter 12 according to this embodiment is a tube having moderate flexibility, and is configured as a multi-lumen type having a plurality of lumens 12a, 12b therein (see also FIG. 5). Each of the lumens 12a, 12b extends in the axial direction (direction of arrow A) of the catheter 12, and communicates with a tip opening 12a1 and a tip opening 12b1 at the tip of the catheter 12, respectively. For example, the lumen 12a is formed in a circular shape capable of accommodating the inner needle 14, and the lumen 12b is formed in an arc-shaped ellipse above the lumen 12a. The length of the catheter 12 is set to about 14 to 500 mm, preferably within the range of 30 to 400 mm, and more preferably within the range of 76 to 200 mm.

[0014] The catheter 12 is preferably made of a soft resin material, for example, fluororesins such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), perfluoroalkoxy fluororesin (PFA), etc., olefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, or mixtures thereof, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polyether nylon resin, mixtures of olefin resins and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, etc. The catheter 12 is not limited to a multi-lumen type, and may of course be a single-lumen type consisting of only the lumen 12a through which the inner needle 14 is inserted.

[0015] The base end of the catheter 12 is fixed to the tip end inside the catheter hub 20 by an appropriate fixing means such as crimping, fusion, adhesion, etc. The catheter hub 20 is exposed on the skin of the subject with the catheter 12 inserted into the blood vessel of the subject, and is left indwelling together with the catheter 12 by being affixed with tape or the like.

[0016] The catheter hub 20 has two separate hubs (main hub 21 and sub-hub 22) to accommodate the multi-lumen type catheter 12. The main hub 21 is a member that is directly connected to the catheter 12, and the sub-hub 22 is a member that is connected to the main hub 21 via a tube 23.

[0017] The material of construction of the catheter hub 20 (main hub 21, sub-hub 22) is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyamide, polysulfone, polyarylate, and methacrylate-butylene-styrene copolymer.

[0018] The main hub 21 is a cylinder extending parallel to the axis of the proximal end side of the catheter 12, and a tube 23 is connected to a predetermined position on the outer circumferential surface. An internal space 21a communicating with the lumen 12a and an internal space 21b communicating with the lumen 12b are provided inside the main hub 21. The proximal end of the internal space 21a communicates with a proximal end opening 21a1 of the main hub 21. Meanwhile, the internal space 21b is separated from the internal space 21a and communicates with an inner cavity 23a of a tube 23 inserted and fixed in the main hub 21.

[0019] In the pre-puncture state, the valve member 24 is inserted into the main hub 21 from the base end opening 21a1 toward the back side (arrow A1 side) of the internal space 21a. A valve hole 24a that can be elastically opened and closed is provided at the axis of the valve member 24. In the pre-puncture state, the tips of the inner needle 14 and the safety member 40 are inserted into the valve hole 24a, so that the inner surface of the valve hole 24a and the outer surface of the safety member 40 are tightly attached to each other. In this way, the valve member 24 brings the catheter hub 20 and the safety member 40 into an engaged state, and prevents blood from leaking from the base end opening 21a1 of the main hub 21 when the inner needle 14 punctures the catheter hub 20.

[0020] Sub-hub 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a thickness similar to that of main hub 21, and the base end of tube 23 is inserted and fixed from the tip end. An internal space 22a that communicates with lumen 23a of tube 23 is formed inside sub-hub 22. The base end of internal space 22a communicates with a base end opening (not shown) of sub-hub 22. In the pre-puncture state, a blocking member 25 that blocks the base end opening is connected to sub-hub 22.

[0021] The tube 23 is configured to be flexible, similar to the catheter 12. A clamp 26 capable of opening and closing a lumen 23a of the tube 23 is attached in advance to a midpoint of the tube 23 in the extending direction.

[0022] On the other hand, the inner needle 14 of the catheter assembly 10 is configured as a hollow tubular body having sufficient rigidity to puncture the skin of a living body. A sharp needle tip 15 is formed at the tip of the inner needle 14. A hollow portion 14a is formed inside the inner needle 14 along the direction of arrow A, and this hollow portion 14a communicates with a tip opening 14a1 provided on the needle tip 15.

[0023] Examples of materials constituting the inner needle 14 include metal materials such as stainless steel, aluminum or an aluminum alloy, titanium or a titanium alloy, or hard resins, ceramics, etc. The inner needle 14 is firmly fixed to the inner needle hub 30 by an appropriate fixing means such as fusion, adhesion, or insert molding.

[0024] The inner needle hub 30 directly holds the inner needle 14, and is fixed to the grip 18 via a grip fixing part 31 (lower wall) formed on the side of arrow C2. A plurality of fixing protrusions 34 that protrude slightly downward and form an attachment mechanism 33 between the grip 18 and the grip fixing part 31 are provided on the lower surface of the grip fixing part 31.

[0025] The safety member 40 is configured to follow the moving catheter hub 20 by being inserted into and fitted into the main hub 21 and the valve member 24 of the catheter hub 20. This safety member 40 includes a cover body 41 that covers the outside of the inner needle 14 as it advances, a blunt needle 50 that protrudes from the needle tip 15 of the inner needle 14 after puncture, and a blunt needle hub 51 that holds the blunt needle 50.

[0026] The cover body 41 has a cylindrical tip cover part 42 that houses and protects the inner needle 14 after puncture, a base end extension part 43 that extends from the upper part of the tip cover part 42 to the side of arrow A2, and a pair of protruding pieces 44 that protrude outward in the width direction from the base end extension part 43. In addition, an engagement protrusion 45 with which the blunt needle hub 51 engages is provided at the location where the base end extension part 43 and the tip cover part 42 are connected.

[0027] The tip side of the tip cover part 42 is inserted into and tightly attached to the valve member 24, so that it is frictionally fitted into the catheter hub 20 including the valve member 24. Furthermore, in the pre-puncture state, the base end of the tip cover part 42 faces the tip of the inner needle hub 30. The base end extension part 43 connected to the tip cover part 42 extends along the upper part of the inner needle hub 30 to the base end within the grip 18 in the pre-puncture state.

[0028] The pair of protruding pieces 44 protrude outward in the width direction (arrow B direction) beyond the inner needle hub 30, and extend up to the vicinity of the side wall 77 of the grip 18 (onto rail walls 96, 98 described below). Each protruding piece 44 constitutes a guide mechanism 46 that cooperates with the grip 18 to guide the movement of the safety member 40 in the direction of arrow A. In addition, an interlocking protrusion 48 is provided on the side edge of the protruding piece 44 on the arrow B1 side. The interlocking protrusion 48 constitutes one side of a safety movement limiting mechanism 49 that limits the advancement and retreat of the cover body 41 by being interlocked with an interlocking portion 100 of the grip 18 at the advanced position where the safety member 40 is advanced.

[0029] The blunt needle 50 of the safety member 40 is a rod member (round bar) for preventing the inner needle 14 from erroneously piercing the catheter 12 or a living body, and is movably housed in the hollow portion 14a of the inner needle 14. The tip of the blunt needle 50 is formed into a shape (e.g., a polished flat surface) that is blunter than the needle tip 15 of the inner needle 14, and is disposed in the pre-puncture state in a position near the base end of the tip opening 14a1 in the hollow portion 14a of the inner needle 14. The tip of the blunt needle 50 is exposed from the needle tip 15 (tip opening 14a1) as the safety member 40 advances.

[0030] The blunt needle hub 51 holds the blunt needle 50, and is configured to be movable relative to the inner needle 14, the inner needle hub 30, and the grip 18 by engaging with the engaging protrusion 45 of the cover body 41. The blunt needle hub 51 has a blunt needle holding portion 52 that holds the blunt needle 50 on the side of arrow A2, and an arm portion 53 extending from the blunt needle holding portion 52 to the side of arrow A1.

[0031] The blunt needle holding portion 52 is disposed in a space on the proximal side of the location where the inner needle 14 is fixed in the inner needle hub 30. When the distal end surface of the blunt needle holding portion 52 comes into contact with the fixed location of the inner needle 14 as the blunt needle hub 51 advances, further advancement of the blunt needle hub 51 is prevented.

[0032] The arm portion 53 is configured so that the entire extending portion can be elastically deformed in the width direction, and an engagement end portion 54 is provided at its tip, which engages with the engagement protrusion 45 in the pre-puncture state. When the movement of the blunt needle hub 51 is restricted and the cover body 41 advances further, the engagement end portion 54 elastically deforms appropriately to release the engagement with the engagement protrusion 45.

[0033] The safety member 40 is not limited to the above configuration as long as it can prevent erroneous sticking of the needle tip 15 of the inner needle 14. For example, the safety member 40 may be composed of only the cover body 41 without including the blunt needle 50 or the blunt needle hub 51.

[0034] 2 and 3, the catheter manipulation member 60 constitutes an operation section 61 that is operated by the user in the catheter assembly 10. The catheter manipulation member 60 according to this embodiment also serves as a first support section 62a of a support structure 62 that supports the outside of the catheter 12 (multiple needles 11) when the multiple needles 11 are inserted. The material constituting the catheter manipulation member 60 is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately selected from the materials listed for the catheter hub 20, for example.

[0035] Specifically, the catheter operating member 60 has an operating plate portion 63 (extension portion) extending in the direction of arrow A, a hub engagement portion 64 connected to the base end of the operating plate portion 63 and engaging with the catheter hub 20, and an operating portion cylinder portion 65 connected to the base end of the hub engagement portion 64 and accommodating the safety member 40. The catheter operating member 60 also has a cover member 66 extending in the base end direction from the hub engagement portion 64 to cover the safety member 40.

[0036] The operation plate portion 63 is a portion where the user's finger is placed to perform the forward / backward operation. The operation plate portion 63 is formed thin, and thus has flexibility that allows it to bend in a direction away from the multiple needle 11. Side edges 63a extending in the direction of arrow A are formed on both sides of the width direction of the operation plate portion 63. A plurality of tabs 67 are provided on the upper surface of the operation plate portion 63. Among the plurality of tabs 67, the most distal tab 67a protrudes further than the other tabs 67. Furthermore, a plurality of ribs 68 protrude short from the lower surface of the operation plate portion 63. The catheter 12 is disposed under the plurality of ribs 68.

[0037] An operation support part 110 for supporting the catheter 12 is provided in the tip region of the operation plate part 63. The operation support part 110 is formed on the lower surface side of the operation plate part 63, and has an upper support part 111 that positions the catheter 12 (multiple needles 11) on the inside in the width direction.

[0038] The upper support part 111 is provided at the center in the width direction of the catheter operating member 60, and extends a predetermined length from the tip toward the arrow A2 side. The base end of the upper support part 111 reaches the arrow A2 side beyond the tab 67a. The upper support part 111 includes a base part 112 that can contact the arrow C1 side of the catheter 12, and a pair of protrusions 113 that can contact the catheter 12 in the arrow B direction.

[0039] The base 112 is formed slightly offset downward (toward the arrow C2 side) from the operation plate 63, and the vertical position of the lower surface facing the catheter 12 approximately coincides with the protruding end of the rib 68.

[0040] The pair of protrusions 113 are configured to sandwich the base 112 therebetween, and protrude in the direction of arrow C2 from the lower surface of the operation plate 63. The amount of protrusion of each protrusion 113 relative to the operation plate 63 is greater than the amount of protrusion of the base 112 relative to the operation plate 63 (see also FIG. 4).

[0041] Each protrusion 113 is formed in a stepped shape with its tip end protruding further toward the arrow C2 side than the base end. The tip end of the step (hereinafter referred to as tip protrusion 113a) is formed sufficiently long toward the arrow C2 side beyond the arrangement position of catheter 12. The edge of each tip protrusion 113a curves from the tip connected to operation plate 63 toward the base end (arrow A2 side) toward the arrow C2 side, and extends linearly toward the arrow C1 side at the protruding apex on the arrow C2 side.

[0042] The lower edge of the base end side of the step (hereinafter referred to as base end protrusion 113b) is connected to the edge of the tip protrusion 113a and extends linearly in the direction of arrow A2. Each base end protrusion 113b protrudes from the base 112 by a length approximately equal to the outer diameter of the catheter 12. Several ribs 68a on the tip side of the multiple ribs 68 provided on the underside of the operation plate 63 are connected to each base end protrusion 113b. These ribs 68a are connected to side ribs 114 that extend short in the direction of arrow A on the outer side in the width direction. The side ribs 114 protrude further toward the arrow C2 side than the ribs 68a and have the function of guiding the advancement and retreat of the catheter operation member 60 relative to the grip 18.

[0043] In the pre-puncture state (assembled state) of the upper support part 111 configured as described above, the catheter 12 is placed in a support space 111a formed by the base part 112 and the pair of protrusions 113. That is, the catheter 12 is covered from above by the base part 112, and is covered in the left-right width direction by the pair of protrusions 113. Since the upper support part 111 is long in the direction of arrow A, the catheter 12 is well maintained in a state of extending linearly over a long range of the tip region of the catheter operating member 60.

[0044] The operation support part 110 has a pair of lower protruding blocks 115 protruding in the direction of arrow C2 on the lower surface side of the operation plate part 63 and on the outer side in the width direction of the upper support part 111. Each of the lower protruding blocks 115 is provided with a predetermined gap 117 from the upper support part 111.

[0045] The pair of downward protruding blocks 115 also protrude toward the arrow C2 side to the same extent as the tip protrusions 113a of the pair of protrusions 113. The width (wall thickness) of each downward protruding block 115 is greater than the width (wall thickness) of the protrusions 113. The tip surface 115a of each downward protruding block 115 is formed so as to curve toward the arrow A2 side as it approaches the arrow C2 side.

[0046] That is, the tip projections 113a and the lower protruding blocks 115 are positioned to overlap each other in a side view, and are formed to have approximately the same shape. As a result, the lower tip side (the arrow A1 side and the arrow C2 side) of the catheter manipulation member 60 is guided so that the catheter manipulation member 60 moves away from the catheter 12 when the catheter manipulation member 60 is advanced to a certain extent from the grip 18 and comes into contact with the body surface of the treatment target.

[0047] Furthermore, the operation support part 110 has a pair of upper protruding blocks 118 that protrude slightly toward the arrow C1 side at the same widthwise position as the lower protruding blocks 115 on the upper surface side of the operation plate part 63. The width of each upper protruding block 118 matches the width of each lower protruding block 115. The tip surface 118a of each upper protruding block 118 is continuous and flush with the upper end of the tip surface 115a of the lower protruding block 115.

[0048] Furthermore, a pair of reinforcing pieces 119 (reinforcing parts) are provided on the widthwise inner sides of the pair of upper protruding blocks 118. Each reinforcing piece 119 is provided at the same widthwise position as each protruding portion 113, and protrudes on the opposite side (arrow C1 side) of each protruding portion 113. Each reinforcing piece 119 protrudes at its tip from the upper surface of the operation plate portion 63 to the same extent as the upper protruding block 118, and is formed so as to gradually lower while curving from the tip toward the arrow A2 side, and contacts the tab 67a. Since the operation plate portion 63 is not present between each reinforcing piece 119, a groove portion is formed in which the upper surface of the base portion 112 of the upper support portion 111 is exposed.

[0049] Meanwhile, the hub engagement portion 64 connected to the base end of the operation plate portion 63 has a storage chamber 64a that stores the main hub 21, but has a wall portion 64b on the arrow B1 side while being configured with a cutout shape on the arrow B2 side (a shape in which the storage chamber 64a is opened). This shape is for exposing the sub-hub 22 and tube 23 of the catheter hub 20 configured as a multi-lumen type. At the tip side of the hub engagement portion 64, the wall portion 64b on the arrow B1 side extends so as to wrap around the storage chamber 64a. This wall portion 64b on the tip side is provided with a gap 64b1 that is narrower than the diameter of the catheter hub 20 and allows only the catheter 12 (multiple needles 11) to extend therethrough.

[0050] The operation part tubular portion 65 is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes slightly from the base end surface of the hub engagement portion 64 toward the base end direction. A communication space 65a that communicates with the accommodation chamber 64a and in which the safety member 40 (cover body 41) is disposed is provided inside the operation part tubular portion 65. A slit 65b that communicates with the accommodation chamber 64a and the communication space 65a is formed in the lower portion of the operation part tubular portion 65. Furthermore, an arc-shaped rib 65c that protrudes in the circumferential direction and restricts the movement of the cover member 66 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the operation part tubular portion 65.

[0051] 2, the covering member 66 is attached to the catheter operating member 60 and prevents the user from directly contacting the safety member 40. The covering member 66 has a main body portion 66a that covers the upper side of the safety member 40 (the side where the user's hands are positioned when gripping it), and a pair of mounting legs 66b that are provided at the tip of the main body portion 66a and attached to the operating portion cylinder portion 65. The pair of mounting legs 66b engage between the base end surface of the hub engaging portion 64 and the arc-shaped rib 65c.

[0052] The grip 18 of the catheter assembly 10 is formed to an appropriate thickness so that it is easy for the user to hold, and extends in the direction of arrow A. A storage space 18a is formed within the grip 18, into which the catheter 12, the catheter hub 20, the safety member 40, and the catheter operating member 60 can advance and retreat. The storage space 18a is in communication with a tip open portion 18b of the grip 18. The grip 18 is constructed by assembling an upper grip 70, which can be separated in the direction of arrow C, and a lower grip 90.

[0053] The upper grip 70 has a ceiling wall 71, a pair of upper side walls 72, and an upper rear wall 73, and is formed in a downwardly open concave (bowl-like) shape. The pair of upper side walls 72, together with a lower side wall 92 of the lower grip 90, constitute side walls 77 on both sides in the width direction of the grip 18.

[0054] The ceiling wall 71 also has an operation unit exposing notch 75 in the center in the direction of arrow B, closer to the tip side than the intermediate portion in the direction of arrow A. The operation unit exposing notch 75 is open at the tip and communicates with the accommodation space 18a, exposing the tube 23 of the catheter hub 20 and the tab 67 of the catheter operating member 60 so that they can be advanced and retreated. Furthermore, the upper grip 70 has a pair of upper protrusions 78 at its tip, and fixing hooks 80 that constitute a fixing mechanism 79 for the upper grip 70 and the lower grip 90 are provided on the underside of each upper protrusion 78 and on the upper rear wall 73, respectively.

[0055] The lower grip 90 has a bottom wall 91, a pair of lower side walls 92, and a lower rear wall 93, and is formed in an upwardly open concave (bowl-like) shape. A predetermined range on the arrow A2 side of the bottom wall 91 serves as a mounting portion onto which the inner needle hub 30 is mounted, and is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 94 (part of the attachment mechanism 33) (three in this embodiment) into which the fixing protrusions 34 of the inner needle hub 30 can be fitted.

[0056] The pair of lower side walls 92 have rail walls 96, 98 at their upper parts, and in the assembled state, the upper side wall 72 of the upper grip 70 is disposed on the widthwise outer side of these rail walls 96, 98. In the assembled state, the pair of side edges 63a of the catheter operating member 60 and the protruding piece 44 of the safety member 40 are slidably disposed on the pair of rail walls 96, 98. In addition, the locked protrusion 48 of the cover body 41 is disposed between the upper side wall 72 on the arrow B1 side and the rail wall 98.

[0057] The lower side wall 92 on the side of arrow B1 is provided with a locking portion 100 that, when the cover body 41 of the safety member 40 advances, engages with the locked protrusion 48 to determine the advancement limit of the cover body 41 and restrict the retraction of the cover body 41. That is, the locking portion 100, together with the locked protrusion 48, constitutes a safety movement restriction mechanism 49. By restricting the release of the safety member 40 from the grip 18, the catheter assembly 10 can satisfactorily cover (protect) the inner needle 14 with the cover body 41 after puncture.

[0058] A pair of protrusions 101 are provided at the tip of the lower grip 90, protruding outward in the width direction from a pair of lower side walls 92. The protrusion 101 on the arrow B1 side has a first fixing hole 103a that is part of the fixing mechanism 79. The protrusion 101 on the arrow B2 side has a second fixing hole 105a that is part of the fixing mechanism 79. In addition, the protrusion 101 on the arrow B2 side has a movement space 107 in which the support member 120 can rotate.

[0059] 2, 4 and 5, the support member 120 is rotatably attached to the grip 18, and constitutes the second support portion 62b of the support structure 62 that supports the catheter 12 (multiple needles 11) extending below the catheter manipulation member 60 in the pre-puncture state. The support member 120 also rotates in response to contact with the wall portion 64b of the hub engagement portion 64 when the catheter manipulation member 60 advances, enabling the catheter manipulation member 60 (and the catheter hub 20 and safety member 40) to be delivered from the accommodation space 18a.

[0060] The support member 120 has a shaft portion 122 extending in the direction of arrow C, and a lower support portion 124 protruding in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft portion 122. The upper portion of the shaft portion 122 is provided with a guide plane 122a continuing to the upper end of the rail wall 96, and a pair of small projections 123 having this guide plane 122a. In the pre-puncture state, the side edge 63a of the catheter manipulation member 60 comes close to the guide plane 122a. This restricts the rotation of the support member 120.

[0061] The lower support part 124 has an appropriate thickness in the direction of arrow C, and is connected to the shaft part 122 below the middle position in the direction of arrow C (the side of arrow C2). The lower support part 124 is formed, for example, to be thicker than the thickness of the bottom wall 91 of the lower grip 90. The lower support part 124 is configured by connecting part 125 connected to the shaft part 122, central part 126 located in the center in the width direction, and protruding end part 127 located at the position furthest from the shaft part 122, all of which are connected to each other from the side of arrow B2 to the side of arrow B1.

[0062] In order to improve the molding accuracy of the lower support part 124, the connecting part 125 and the central part 126 are provided with a lightening hole 128 penetrating in the direction of the arrow A. The central part 126 protrudes slightly further toward the arrow C1 side than the connecting part 125 and the protruding end part 127, and has the greatest thickness among the parts of the lower support part 124. The lower support part 124 basically supports the lower side of the catheter 12 at this central part 126. The upper surface of the protruding end part 127 gradually slopes downward from the central part 126 toward the arrow B1 side.

[0063] The support member 120 configured as above is inserted along the bearing notch 105b from above the lower grip 90 with the lower support portion 124 facing the arrow B1 side. At this time, the vicinity of the connecting portion of the lower support portion 124 passes through the open portion of the bearing notch 105b on the housing space 18a side, so that the support member 120 is smoothly inserted into the bearing notch 105b. Then, when the upper grip 70 and the lower grip 90 are attached, the upper end of the shaft portion 122 supported by the lower grip 90 is pivotally supported by the upper grip 70.

[0064] In the pre-puncture state, the support member 120 waits to support the catheter 12 with the side edge 63a of the catheter manipulation member 60 on the guide plane 122a, restricting rotation of the lower support portion 124. As a result, the lower support portion 124 supports the catheter 12 and suppresses bending of the catheter 12. When the catheter manipulation member 60 advances from the grip 18, the side edge 63a of the support member 120 comes out of the guide plane 122a, making it rotatable, allowing the catheter hub 20, the catheter manipulation member 60, and the safety member 40 to be delivered.

[0065] When assembling the catheter assembly 10 configured as above, the inner / outer needle assembly 16 (catheter 12, inner needle 14, catheter hub 20, inner needle hub 30, safety member 40, catheter operating member 60) is assembled first. Thereafter, the inner / outer needle assembly 16 is placed in the lower grip 90 incorporating the support member 120, and further the upper grip 70 is attached to the inner / outer needle assembly 16 and the lower grip 90.

[0066] As shown in Figures 4 and 6A, in the assembled state of the catheter assembly 10, the support structure 62 on the tip side of the grip 18 comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the catheter 12 and elastically deforms and holds the catheter 12. Note that Figure 6A (and the following Figures 6B to 7B, 10A, and 10B) are front cross-sectional views that show the catheter 12 and the support structure 62 (including the catheter manipulation member 60 or the grip 18), and the catheter 12 is shown as a single lumen type to facilitate understanding of the invention.

[0067] The support space 111a of the support structure 62 is surrounded by the base 112, the pair of protrusions 113, and the lower support portion 124, and is formed into a rectangular shape (approximately square) in a front cross-sectional view. In the assembled state, the side edge 63a of the catheter manipulation member 60 is positioned in the guide space 99 of the grip 18, and movement toward the arrow C1 side is prevented by the upper side wall 72 of the upper grip 70. Therefore, the rectangular shape of the support space 111a is stably maintained.

[0068] The support structure 62 (base 112, pair of ridges 113, lower support 124) has greater rigidity than the catheter 12, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the support space 111a is set smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer shape of the catheter 12. In other words, the vertical distance L1 between the base 112 and the lower support 124 is smaller than the outer diameter of the catheter 12, and the horizontal distance L2 between the pair of ridges 113 is smaller than the outer diameter of the catheter 12.

[0069] Therefore, the external shape of the catheter 12 placed on the support structure 62 in the assembled state is deformed into a substantially square shape with rounded corners in accordance with the support space 111a (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4). In other words, the external shape of the catheter 12 has a perfect circle cross-sectional shape before assembly (when not supported by the support structure 62), but is compressed in the vertical and width directions by the support structure 62 during assembly and elastically deforms to have flat portions. As a result, the support structure 62 is in a state in which it firmly holds the catheter 12 (there is no clearance between the catheter 12 and the support structure 62).

[0070] Furthermore, in the catheter assembly 10, the tip projections 113a of the pair of protrusions 113 are disposed further distal than the grip 18 and the support member 120. Moreover, the tip projections 113a protrude significantly downward (toward the arrow C2) from the support space 111a (the upper surface of the central portion 126 of the lower support portion 124) in a front view. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, the catheter 12 from moving obliquely downward (see the dotted arrow in FIG. 4) and coming out of the support space 111a.

[0071] The catheter assembly 10 is not limited to deforming the catheter 12 into a rectangular shape by the support structure 62, and may be deformed into another shape. For example, as in a support structure 62A of a first modified example shown in FIG. 6B, a pair of protrusions 113 may sandwich and deform the catheter 12 in the width direction (arrow B direction), while the base 112 and the lower support 124 may not deform the catheter 12. As a result, the catheter 12 is elastically deformed into a vertically long elliptical shape having a flat portion in the arrow C direction. Conversely, as in a support structure 62B of a second modified example shown in FIG. 6C, the base 112 and the lower support 124 may sandwich and deform the catheter 12 in the vertical direction (arrow C direction), while the pair of protrusions 113 may not deform the catheter 12. As a result, the catheter 12 is deformed into a horizontally long elliptical shape having a flat portion in the arrow B direction.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the catheter assembly 10 may be configured so that, in addition to deforming the catheter 12, the support structures 62C, 62D themselves are deformed by the catheter 12.

[0073] For example, the support structure 62C of the third modified example shown in Fig. 7A is configured such that the width of the pair of protrusions 113 of the catheter manipulation member 60 is smaller than the sum of the two wall thicknesses of the catheter 12 and the diameter of the inner needle 14 (the outer diameter of the catheter 12). When the support structure 62C is assembled, the catheter 12 is placed in the support space 111a and clamped between the pair of protrusions 113, so that the pair of protrusions 113 elastically deform so as to move away from each other (in the direction in which they are aligned with each other). In this way, even if the support structure 62C side is deformed by the catheter 12, the support structure 62C can firmly hold the catheter 12 (without clearance between the catheter 12 and the support structure 62C).

[0074] Also, for example, in the support structure 62D of the fourth modification shown in FIG. 7B, the distance between the lower support part 124 of the support member 120 and the catheter manipulation member 60 is configured to be smaller than the outer diameter of the catheter 12. Also, the lower support part 124 is formed in a spring shape in which a flat plate reciprocates in the width direction when viewed from the front. In the support structure 62D configured in this manner, when the catheter 12 is sandwiched between the base part 112 and the lower support part 124 in the assembled state, the support structure 62D deforms so that the lower support part 124 moves away from the base part 112 (in the direction in which they are aligned with each other) as a result. As a result, the support structure 62D can also firmly hold the catheter 12 (without any clearance between the catheter 12 and the support structure 62D).

[0075] The catheter assembly 10 according to this embodiment is basically constructed as described above, and its operation will be described below.

[0076] As described above, the catheter assembly 10 is used when infusing fluid, transfusing blood, or drawing blood from a treatment target (living body). As shown in Fig. 8A, when using the catheter assembly 10, a user grasps the grip 18 to insert the multiple needles 11 into the treatment target P.

[0077] During puncture, the catheter 12 (multiple needles 11) is clamped and supported by the catheter operating member 60 and the support member 120 at the tip of the grip 18. At this time, the catheter assembly 10 has the catheter 12 (or the support structures 62C, 62D themselves) deformed by the support structures 62, 62A-62D. Therefore, the support structures 62, 62A-62D can reliably support the catheter 12 at the tip side of the grip 18 during puncture.

[0078] Here, the catheter 12 has dimensional tolerances during manufacture, but by configuring the catheter 12 or the support structures 62C, 62D themselves to deform, it becomes possible to absorb the dimensional tolerances during manufacture at the deformed locations. For example, even if the outer diameter of the catheter 12 is manufactured with a minimum tolerance, the walls of the support structures 62, 62A-62D come into contact with the catheter 12 (or are located sufficiently close to it), and the outside of the catheter 12 can be stably supported.

[0079] Even if an upward force is applied to the catheter manipulation member 60 from the multiple needle 11 that has come into contact with the treatment target P during puncture, the catheter assembly 10 suppresses bending of the multiple needle 11 by supporting it with the support structures 62, 62A to 62D. This allows the user to smoothly insert the catheter 12 (multiple needle 11) into the body.

[0080] 8B, when the multiple needle 11 is inserted into the treatment target P and the needle tip 15 reaches the inside of the blood vessel, the user advances the catheter manipulation member 60, and advances the catheter 12 beyond the inner needle 14 and inserts it into the blood vessel. As the user advances, the catheter manipulation member 60 advances relative to the support member 120. As a result, the catheter 12, the catheter hub 20, and the safety member 40, which are engaged with the catheter manipulation member 60, smoothly follow.

[0081] The support member 120 becomes rotatable when the base end of the side edge 63a of the catheter manipulation member 60 (manipulation plate portion 63) comes out of the grip 18. The support member 120 then comes into contact with the hub engagement portion 64 (wall portion 64b) of the catheter manipulation member 60 in the process of advancing and is pushed out, thereby rotating relatively to the grip 18. This allows the members (catheter hub 20, safety member 40) on the base end side of the hub engagement portion 64 to smoothly come out of the tip open portion 18b.

[0082] When the user advances, the catheter 12 and catheter hub 20 come out of the tip of the grip 18, and then the safety member 40 protrudes from the tip of the grip 18. When the catheter operating member 60 is advanced further, the locked protrusion 48 of the safety member 40 moves to the locking portion 100 (advanced position) of the grip 18. At this time, the tip of the safety member 40 is exposed from the grip 18 and advances beyond the tip of the inner needle 14 to cover the inner needle 14, thereby activating the puncture prevention function.

[0083] At the advanced position, the safety member 40 does not come out of the grip 18 and is in an engaged state where movement in the distal and proximal directions is stopped. As a result, when the catheter 12, the catheter hub 20, and the catheter operating member 60 are further advanced, the safety member 40 is released from these members. Then, in the catheter assembly 10, the catheter operating member 60 and the safety member 40 are separated, and the engagement between the catheter operating member 60 and the catheter hub 20 can be released. As a result, the catheter 12 and the catheter hub 20 are released from below the catheter operating member 60.

[0084] The catheter 12 and the catheter hub 20 are detached from the catheter operating member 60 and placed in the treatment subject P. After placement, a connector (not shown) of another medical device is connected to the catheter hub 20. Meanwhile, the inner needle 14, the inner needle hub 30, the safety member 40, and the grip 18 are appropriately discarded by the user while remaining integrated.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible in accordance with the gist of the invention. For example, the catheter assembly 10 is not limited to the support structure 62, 62A to 62D being constituted by the catheter operating member 60 and the support member 120. As an example, the catheter assembly 10 may not include the support member 120, and the support structure 62, 62A to 62D may be constituted between the catheter operating member 60 and the grip 18 (lower grip 90).

[0086] Next, a catheter assembly 10A having support structures 62E, 62F according to the fifth and sixth modifications will be described with reference to Figures 9, 10A and 10B. This catheter assembly 10A differs from the catheter assembly 10 described above in that the catheter 12 is supported at the tip portion of the grip 200 by support structures 62E, 62F provided on the grip 200 itself.

[0087] In detail, the tip portion of grip 200 includes first portion 202 (first support portion 62a) and second portion 204 (second support portion 62b) which are separable in the width direction (direction of arrow B). First portion 202 has first support groove 202a for supporting catheter 12 on the opposing surface on the arrow B1 side facing second portion 204. Meanwhile, second portion 204 has second support groove 204a for supporting catheter 12 on the opposing surface on the arrow B2 side facing first portion 202.

[0088] The support structure 62E also has a clamping portion 206 that holds the first and second portions 202, 204 together outside the first and second portions 202, 204. The clamping portion 206 is formed in a concave shape that opens downward, and has a space 206a on the inside that accommodates the first and second portions 202, 204. The clamping portion 206 constitutes, for example, a part of the grip 200 (a part that covers the upper surface of the grip 200), and moves upward or toward the tip based on the advancement operation of the catheter 12 and the catheter hub 20 to release the clamping of the first and second portions 202, 204.

[0089] Alternatively, the clamping portion 206 may be formed of a member different from the grip 200. For example, the clamping portion 206 may be formed of the catheter operating member 60, or may be formed of an operating member for allowing the user to operate the blunt needle 50 or a guide wire (not shown).

[0090] Furthermore, the support structure 62E is configured to elastically deform the catheter 12 by assembly of the first portion 202, the second portion 204, and the clamping portion 206. That is, in an assembled state in which the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 are clamped by the clamping portion 206, the first support groove 202a and the second support groove 204a form a support space 208 having a smaller cross-sectional shape (an elliptical shape in this embodiment) than the circular cross-sectional shape of the catheter 12 before assembly.

[0091] As a result, when the support structure 62E clamps the catheter 12 in the assembled state, it deforms the outer shape of the catheter 12, so that the first and second portions 202, 204 constituting the support space 208 come into close contact with the catheter 12 with no clearance. For example, in Fig. 10A, the catheter 12 deforms into an elliptical shape having a flat portion in the direction of arrow C. In this way, the support structure 62E allows the catheter assembly 10A to well hold the catheter 12 while allowing for the dimensional tolerance of the catheter 12.

[0092] On the other hand, the support structure 62F differs from the support structure 62E in that the support structure 62F (first and second parts 212, 214) itself is configured to deform by assembling the first part 212, the second part 214, and the clamping part 206. For this reason, the first and second parts 212, 214 are formed in a spring shape that is elastically deformable in the width direction (arrow B direction) in which they are aligned with each other, and are expanded in the width direction before being assembled with the catheter 12 and the clamping part 206.

[0093] When the first and second portions 212, 214 are sandwiched by the clamping portion 206 and the catheter 12 is sandwiched between the first support groove 212a of the first portion 212 and the second support groove 214a of the second portion 214, the first and second portions 212, 214 each contract and come into close contact with the catheter 12 with no clearance therebetween. Therefore, even with this support structure 62F, the catheter 12 can be well supported while allowing for the dimensional tolerance of the catheter 12. Note that the first portion 212 and the second portion 214 of the support structure 62F are not limited to a configuration in which both are deformed, and one of them may be deformed.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above, a configuration example has been described in which either the catheter 12 or the support structure 62, 62A-62F is deformed, but it goes without saying that the catheter assembly 10, 10A may be configured so that both the catheter 12 and the support structure 62, 62A-62F are deformed.

[0095] The technical ideas and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiments will be described below.

[0096] A catheter assembly 10, 10A according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a catheter 12, a catheter hub 20 fixed to the catheter 12, an inner needle 14 inserted into the catheter 12, a grip 18 for fixing and holding the inner needle 14, and support structures 62, 62A-62F for holding the outside of the catheter 12 in the assembled state, and in the assembled state, the support structures 62, 62A-62F clamp the catheter 12, and at least one of the support structures 62, 62A-62F or the catheter 12 is elastically deformed.

[0097] The catheter assemblies 10, 10A described above can provide good support for the outside of the catheter 12 because at least one of the support structures 62, 62A-62F themselves or the catheter 12 elastically deforms when the catheter 12 is clamped. In other words, even if the catheter 12 is formed thin within the tolerance range, the tolerance can be absorbed by the support structures 62, 62A-62F or the deformable portion of the catheter 12. Therefore, the catheter assemblies 10, 10A can improve the operability of the user by suppressing bending of the catheter 12 by the support structures 62, 62A-62F during puncture.

[0098] Furthermore, the support structure 62, 62A to 62F includes a first support part 62a that supports the outside of the catheter 12, and a second support part 62b, at least a portion of which is located opposite the first support part 62a and supports the outside of the catheter 12. This makes it possible for the catheter assembly 10, 10A to easily form a supported state in which the catheter 12 is sandwiched between the first support part 62a and the second support part 62b.

[0099] In addition, at least one of the first support portion 62a and the second support portion 62b deforms in a direction in which they are aligned with each other in the assembled state. As a result, the catheter assembly 10, 10A can stably deform the support structures 62D, 62F in a supported state in which the catheter 12 is sandwiched between the first support portion 62a and the second support portion 62b, and can smoothly release the supported state when the catheter 12 is advanced, etc.

[0100] Furthermore, the support structures 62C, 62D, and 62F include elastic portions (the pair of protrusions 113, the lower support portion 124, the first portion 212, and the second portion 214) that elastically deform when in contact with the catheter 12. This allows the support structures 62C, 62D, and 62F to deform with respect to the catheter 12 even better.

[0101] Additionally, the catheter 12 is deformed to have a flat portion in at least one direction by the support structures 62, 62A, 62B, and 62E. This allows the support structures 62, 62A, 62B, and 62E to easily deform the catheter 12 by clamping the catheter 12 from one direction.

[0102] Additionally, the catheter 12 is deformed by the support structure 62 so as to have a flat portion in the other direction perpendicular to the one direction. This allows the support structure 62 to significantly deform the catheter 12 in both the one direction and the other direction, and to more firmly support the catheter 12.

[0103] Furthermore, the support structure 62 has a base 112 that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the catheter 12, and a pair of protrusions (tip protrusions 113a) that protrude from the base 112 and position the catheter 12 therebetween. By positioning the catheter 12 between the pair of protrusions, the catheter assembly 10 can prevent the catheter 12 from slipping out in the direction in which the pair of protrusions are aligned.

[0104] In addition, the pair of protrusions (tip protrusions 113a) are located on the tip side of the grip 18. This makes it possible for the catheter assembly 10 to smoothly move the member having the pair of protrusions toward the tip side relative to the grip 18 while preventing the catheter 12 from coming off.

[0105] Furthermore, the support structures 62, 62A to 62D include an operation unit 61 for operating the relative movement of the catheter 12 with respect to the grip 18. This allows the catheter assembly 10 to smoothly advance the catheter 12 as the operation unit 61 advances, while continuing to support the catheter 12 with the support structures 62, 62A to 62D.

[0106] Furthermore, the support structures 62E, 62F have a clamping portion 206 that clamps and holds a plurality of separable portions that support the catheter 12. In this manner, by having the clamping portion 206, the support structures 62E, 62F can more stably maintain the support state of the catheter 12.

[0107] Moreover, the clip portion 206 is a part of the grip 200. In this manner, the grip 200 enables the catheter assembly 10A to reliably maintain the catheter 12 in a supported state.

Claims

1. A catheter; a catheter hub secured to the catheter; an inner needle inserted into the catheter; a grip for fixing and holding the inner needle; a support structure for supporting the exterior of the catheter in an assembled state; The support structure has a base portion that contacts an outer peripheral surface of the catheter, and a pair of protrusions that protrude from the base portion and position the catheter therebetween, In the assembled state, the pair of protrusions of the support structure clamp the catheter, so that at least one of the pair of protrusions or the catheter is elastically deformed. Catheter assembly.

2. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, The support structure includes a first support portion that supports an exterior of the catheter; and a second support portion, at least a portion of which is located opposite the first support portion and supports the outside of the catheter. Catheter assembly.

3. The catheter assembly according to claim 1 or 2, The catheter is deformed by the support structure to have a flattened portion in at least one direction. Catheter assembly.

4. The catheter assembly according to claim 3, The catheter is deformed by the support structure so as to have a flat portion in another direction perpendicular to the one direction. Catheter assembly.

5. The catheter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The pair of protrusions are located on the tip side of the grip. Catheter assembly.

6. The catheter assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The support structure includes an operating portion for operating the relative movement of the catheter with respect to the grip. Catheter assembly.

7. A catheter, a catheter hub secured to the catheter; an inner needle inserted into the catheter; a grip for fixing and holding the inner needle; a support structure for supporting the exterior of the catheter in an assembled state; the support structure includes a first section and a second section that are separable from each other in a width direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the catheter, and a clamping section that holds the first section and the second section together in a clamped state; the clip portion has a space portion that accommodates the first portion and the second portion, In the assembled state, the first portion and the second portion sandwich the catheter, so that at least one of the first portion and the second portion or the catheter is elastically deformed; The first and second portions are displaced from the space portion in response to a relative displacement with respect to the clamping portion, and are capable of releasing the clamping of the catheter. Catheter assembly.

8. The catheter assembly according to claim 7, The clamping portion is a part of the grip. Catheter assembly.

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