Suction device

Abstract

To provide an aspiration device in which the pressure fluctuation in a storage space with patient's respiration can accurately be detected, when increasing a capacity of a liquid storage amount by a storage container.SOLUTION: An aspiration device 1 includes a storage container 2 capable of storing liquid. The storage container 2 is constituted by comprising a storage unit 3 for sectioning a storage space S1 to store the liquid, and a stretchable adjustment unit 4 for sectioning an adjustment space S2 separated from the space in the storage space S1. The adjustment unit 4 has a bottom plate 42 coming in contact with a liquid surface of the liquid stored in the storage space S1, and a peripheral wall 41 rising up from a peripheral edge of the bottom plate part 42 and having flexibility to allow the rise of the bottom plate part 42 according to the rise of the liquid surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction device for aspirating liquid within a body cavity, such as the thoracic cavity. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, medical suction devices for sucking liquids such as blood exuded from a patient's body cavity such as the thoracic cavity have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a suction device equipped with a storage container having a liquid collection section having a storage space for storing liquid, a suction pressure setting section having a suction space connected to a suction pump, and a water seal section provided between the liquid collection section and the suction pressure setting section. The liquid collection section is provided with an inlet for allowing liquid or gas in the body cavity to flow into the liquid collection section via a tube inserted into the patient's body cavity (thoracic cavity). The water seal section is capable of water sealing the space between the storage space and the suction space with sterile water.

[0003] When the suction pump is driven with the tube inserted into the patient's body cavity, liquid and gas from the patient's body cavity flow into the liquid collection section through the inlet. The liquid that flows into the liquid collection section is stored at the bottom of the liquid collection section, while the gas that flows into the liquid collection section becomes air bubbles, passes through the sterile water in the water seal section, and is then discharged to the outside via the suction space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-213599 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the suction device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the amount of liquid stored in the liquid collection section reaches a limit value, the storage container is replaced. In order to reduce the frequency of replacing the storage container as much as possible, a case is assumed in which the volume of the storage space in the liquid collection section is designed to be large.

[0006] When the pressure in the storage space reaches a predetermined suction pressure by driving the suction pump, the patient's body cavity and the storage space are connected through the tube, and liquid and gas in the body cavity flow into the storage space through the inlet, and the pressure in the body cavity becomes equal to the pressure in the storage space. Therefore, by detecting the pressure fluctuation in the storage space while the suction of the gas in the storage space by the suction pump is stopped, it is possible to estimate the pressure fluctuation in the body cavity caused by the patient's breathing, etc. However, as the volume of the storage space increases, the fluctuation range of the pressure fluctuation in the storage space caused by the patient's breathing, etc. becomes smaller, making it difficult to detect the pressure fluctuation with high accuracy. In addition, when the volume of the storage space is large, the burden on the patient when breathing increases.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a suction device that can reduce the burden on the patient when breathing, even when the storage container can hold a large amount of liquid, and that can accurately detect pressure fluctuations in the storage space caused by the patient's breathing, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A suction device according to one aspect of the present invention is a device including a storage container capable of storing liquid and a suction unit capable of sucking gas. In this suction device, the storage container includes a storage section that defines a storage space for storing liquid and has an inlet for allowing liquid to flow into the storage space, and an adjustment section that is disposed in the storage space and defines an adjustment space separated from the storage space. The suction unit sucks gas from each of the storage space and the adjustment space. The adjustment section is configured to be capable of reducing the volume of the adjustment space in response to an increase in the amount of liquid stored in the storage space.

[0009] This suction device includes a storage container capable of storing liquid. The storage container includes a storage section that divides a storage space for storing liquid, and an adjustment section that divides an adjustment space separated from the storage space within the storage space. The adjustment section is configured to be able to reduce the volume of the adjustment space according to an increase in the amount of liquid stored in the storage space. In this configuration, the volume of the space capable of storing liquid in the storage space of the storage section (liquid storage volume) can be changed by adjusting the volume of the adjustment space by the adjustment section according to the amount of liquid stored in the storage space. That is, the liquid storage volume in the storage space is maximum when the adjustment section reduces the volume of the adjustment space to the maximum, and is minimum when the adjustment section increases the volume of the adjustment space to the maximum. In other words, the amount of liquid that can be stored in the storage space of the storage section is maximum when the volume of the adjustment space is in the minimum reduction state, and is minimum when the volume of the adjustment space is in the maximum increase state.

[0010] In the storage container, an adjustment section that divides an adjustment space into the storage space of the storage section is disposed, whereby the liquid storage volume of the storage space can be reduced even when an attempt is made to increase the amount of liquid that can be stored in the storage space when the volume of the adjustment space is reduced to a minimum.

[0011] During suction, when liquid flows into the storage space in response to the operation of the suction unit, if the amount of liquid stored in the storage space increases, the adjustment unit reduces the volume of the adjustment space in response to the increase in the amount of liquid stored. As a result, even during suction of liquid into the storage space, the liquid storage volume in the storage space can be changed while remaining relatively small in response to the inflow of liquid. Therefore, when the suction device is applied as a device for suctioning liquid in a patient's body cavity, it is possible to reduce the burden on the patient's breathing, and when managing pressure fluctuations in the body cavity caused by the patient's breathing or the like while suction is stopped, it is possible to suppress the fluctuation range of the pressure fluctuations in the storage space caused by the patient's breathing or the like from becoming smaller. As a result, it is possible to accurately detect pressure fluctuations in the storage space caused by the patient's breathing or the like.

[0012] In the above-mentioned suction device, the adjustment section may be configured to have a movable wall section that is movable within the storage space and moves so as to reduce the volume of the adjustment space in response to an increase in the amount of liquid stored in the storage space.

[0013] In this embodiment, the liquid storage capacity in the storage space of the storage unit can be changed according to the movement of the movable wall. That is, the liquid storage capacity in the storage space is maximum when the movable wall is disposed at a position (final position) where the volume of the adjustment space is in the smallest state, and is minimum when the movable wall is disposed at a position (initial position) where the volume of the adjustment space is in the largest state. This makes it possible to reduce the liquid storage capacity of the storage space even when the liquid storage capacity in the storage space is increased when the movable wall is disposed at the final position. Also, during suction in which liquid flows into the storage space in response to the drive of the suction unit, if the amount of liquid stored in the storage space increases, the movable wall moves so as to reduce the volume of the adjustment space in response to the increase in the amount of liquid stored. This makes it possible to change the liquid storage capacity in the storage space while keeping it relatively small in response to the inflow of liquid, even during suction of the liquid into the storage space.

[0014] In the above-mentioned suction device, the adjustment portion may be configured to have a bottom plate portion as the movable wall portion that contacts the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage space, and a peripheral wall portion that rises from the periphery of the bottom plate portion and has flexibility to allow the bottom plate portion to move upward in response to a rise in the liquid level that accompanies an increase in the amount of liquid stored in the storage space.

[0015] In the above suction device, the peripheral wall portion may be formed to be expandable and contractible, and may be configured to be disposed within the storage space by having its upper end connected to the storage portion so that the direction of expansion and contraction coincides with the vertical direction.

[0016] In the above suction device, the adjustment section may be configured to be suspended within the storage space by an upper end of the peripheral wall section being connected to the storage section.

[0017] In these embodiments, the liquid storage capacity of the storage space of the storage unit can be changed depending on the expansion / contraction state of the peripheral wall of the adjustment unit. That is, the liquid storage capacity of the storage space is maximum when the peripheral wall is in the most contracted state (maximum contraction state) and is minimum when the peripheral wall is in the most extended state (maximum extension state). In other words, the liquid storage capacity of the storage space of the storage unit can be changed depending on the expansion / contraction state of the peripheral wall of the adjustment unit, and is maximum when the peripheral wall is in the most contracted state and is minimum when the peripheral wall is in the most extended state. This makes it possible to reduce the liquid storage capacity of the storage space even when the liquid storage capacity of the storage space is increased when the peripheral wall of the adjustment unit is in the most contracted state.

[0018] Furthermore, during suction in which liquid flows into the storage space in response to the operation of the suction unit, when the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage space rises, the bottom plate of the adjustment unit in contact with the liquid level moves upward in response to the rise in the liquid level. In the adjustment unit, when the bottom plate moves upward in response to the rise in the liquid level, the peripheral wall contracts so that the volume of the adjustment space becomes smaller. This allows the liquid storage capacity in the storage space to be changed while remaining relatively small in response to the inflow of liquid, even during suction of liquid into the storage space. In other words, the liquid storage capacity in the storage space of the storage unit is maintained in a relatively small state until suction by the suction unit is stopped in response to the contraction of the peripheral wall of the adjustment unit accompanying the inflow of liquid into the storage space.

[0019] In the above suction device, the suction unit may be configured to suck gas from each of the storage space and the adjustment space so that the pressure in the storage space and the pressure in the adjustment space become the same suction pressure.

[0020] In the above suction device, the suction unit may include a first suction section having a first flow path section communicating with the storage space and a first suction pump that sucks in gas from the storage space through the first flow path section, and a second suction section having a second flow path section communicating with the adjustment space and separated from the first flow path section and a second suction pump that sucks in gas from the adjustment space through the second flow path section.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first suction section for sucking the gas in the storage space and the second suction section for sucking the gas in the adjustment space are separated from each other, so that the pressures in the storage space and the adjustment space can be made to reach the predetermined suction pressure more reliably.

[0022] The suction device may further include a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the storage space, and a pressure information storage unit that stores a detection result of the pressure sensor.

[0023] In this embodiment, the pressure in the storage space is detected by the pressure sensor, and the detection result is stored in the pressure information storage unit. The detection result of the pressure sensor stored in the pressure information storage unit can be used as management data when controlling the pressure in the storage space to a predetermined suction pressure during suction by the suction unit. In addition, as described above, in the suction stop state, the fluctuation range of the pressure fluctuation in the storage space according to the patient's breathing, etc. is suppressed from becoming small. Therefore, the detection result of the pressure sensor stored in the pressure information storage unit accurately indicates the pressure fluctuation in the storage space associated with the patient's breathing, etc. As a result, the detection result of the pressure sensor can be used as management data for the pressure fluctuation in the body cavity associated with the patient's breathing, etc., and can also be used as management data for whether or not gas is leaking from the patient's lungs, i.e., whether or not there is an air leak from the patient's lungs.

[0024] The above suction device may further include a detector that detects the amount of liquid stored in the storage space of the storage unit, and a storage information memory unit that stores the detection result of the detector.

[0025] In this embodiment, the amount of liquid stored in the storage space is detected by the detector, and the detection result is stored in the storage information storage unit. The detection result of the detector stored in the storage information storage unit can be used as management data for the amount of liquid discharged from the patient's body cavity. Effect of the Invention

[0026] As described above, according to the present invention, even when the amount of liquid that can be stored in the storage container is increased, it is possible to reduce the burden on the patient when breathing, and it is possible to provide a suction device that can accurately detect pressure fluctuations in the storage space caused by the patient's breathing, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention with an opening / closing cover of a storage case open; [Diagram 2] 4 is a side view of the suction device with the opening / closing cover of the storage case open. FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the suction device of FIG. 2 taken along the line III-III. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which liquid is being sucked in the suction device. [Diagram 5] 1 is a graph showing pressure fluctuations within a body cavity caused by breathing or the like of a patient. [Figure 6] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a storage container provided in the suction device. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, a suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 4 show the configuration of a suction device 1 according to this embodiment, with Figure 1 being a front view, Figure 2 being a side view, and Figures 3 and 4 being cross-sectional views.

[0029] The suction device 1 is a medical suction device for aspirating liquid LQ such as blood that has seeped into a body cavity 200, such as the thoracic cavity of a patient. The suction device 1 includes a storage container 2 capable of storing liquid LQ, an introduction member 5 connected to the storage container 2, and a suction unit 6 capable of aspirating gas. In the suction device 1, the storage container 2 and the suction unit 6 are stored in a storage case 8, and the introduction member 5 is exposed on the upper side of the storage case 8 in a state where it is connected to the storage container 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the suction device 1 further includes a pressure sensor 71, a detector 72, and a storage unit 73, and the pressure sensor 71, the detector 72, and the storage unit 73 are stored in the storage case 8.

[0030] The storage case 8 includes a case body 81 and an opening / closing cover part 82, and is a case formed in a box shape having an approximately rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The case body 81 constitutes a main body part for storing the storage container 2 and the like, and has an upper surface part 811 having an insertion hole 8111, and a lower surface part 812. The introduction member 5 is exposed upward from the storage case 8 above the insertion hole 8111 formed in the upper surface part 811 of the case body 81. The detector 72 is attached to the lower surface part 812 so as to abut the storage container 2 stored in the case body 81 from the lower side. The opening / closing cover part 82 is a cover supported by the case body 81 so as to be rotatable around a horizontally extending shaft part 8121 provided on the lower surface part 812 of the case body 81, as shown in FIG. 2. When the opening / closing cover part 82 is in an open state, the storage container 2 and the like can be inserted and removed from the case body 81.

[0031] The storage container 2 is configured to include a storage section 3 that defines a storage space S1 for storing liquid LQ and has an inlet 321 for allowing liquid LQ to flow into the storage space S1, and an adjustment section 4 that defines an adjustment space S2 within the storage space S1 that is separated from the storage space S1.

[0032] The storage section 3 includes a storage main body 31 and an inflow port 32 having the inlet 321. The storage main body 31 constitutes the main body of the storage section 3, and is formed in the shape of a container having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape that defines a storage space S1 for storing the liquid LQ. The storage main body 31 has a rigidity that maintains its outer shape (does not deform) in a suction environment in which the inside of the storage space S1 is set to a predetermined suction pressure by driving the suction unit 6, and in an atmospheric pressure environment. The storage section 3 is designed so that a relatively large amount of liquid LQ can be stored, for example, such that the maximum value of the volume of the space (liquid storage volume) in which the liquid LQ can be stored in the storage space S1 of the storage main body 31 is about 2 L (liters). The storage body 31 has a horizontally extending upper surface portion 311 and a lower surface portion 312 that are arranged facing each other at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction. A protruding piece 311A ​​that protrudes downward in the storage space S1 is provided on the upper surface portion 311 of the storage body 31. The upper end 411 of the peripheral wall portion 41 in the adjustment unit 4 described later is connected to this protruding piece 311A. In addition, the upper surface portion 311 is provided with a connection portion 311B that allows connection of a second flow path portion 621 to which a second suction pump 622 described later is connected. In addition, the storage body 31 is provided with a connection portion 313 that allows connection of a first flow path portion 611 to which a first suction pump 612 described later is connected.

[0033] In the storage section 3, the inflow port 32 is a port whose lower end is connected to the upper surface portion 311 of the storage body 31, and is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding an inlet 321 for allowing the liquid LQ to flow into the storage space S1. The inflow port 32 is connected to the upper surface portion 311 of the storage body 31 so as to protrude upward from the upper surface portion 311. In a state in which the storage container 2 is stored in the storage case 8, the inflow port 32 is inserted into an insertion hole 8111 formed in the upper surface portion 811 of the case body 81 so that the upper end of the inflow port 32 is exposed from the storage case 8. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, two inflow ports 32 are provided. Both of the two inflow ports 32 are ports for allowing the liquid LQ in the body cavity 200 of the patient to flow into the storage space S1. Two inflow ports 32 may be used for the same patient, or only one inflow port 32 may be used. When only one inflow port 32 is used, the other inflow port 32 is closed by a cap 33.

[0034] In the storage container 2, the adjustment unit 4 is disposed in the storage space S1, and defines an adjustment space S2 that is separated from the storage space S1. The adjustment unit 4 is configured to be able to reduce the volume of the adjustment space S2 in response to an increase in the amount of the liquid LQ stored in the storage space S1. In this configuration, the volume of the space capable of storing the liquid LQ in the storage space S1 of the storage unit 3 (liquid storage volume) can be changed by the adjustment unit 4 adjusting the volume of the adjustment space S2 in response to the amount of the liquid LQ stored in the storage space S1. That is, the liquid storage volume in the storage space S1 is maximum when the adjustment unit 4 has reduced the volume of the adjustment space S2 to the maximum, and is minimum when the adjustment unit 4 has increased the volume of the adjustment space S2 to the maximum. In other words, the amount of the liquid LQ that can be stored in the storage space S1 of the storage unit 3 is maximum when the volume of the adjustment space S2 is in the minimum reduced state, and is minimum when the volume of the adjustment space S2 is in the maximum increased state. As a result, even when an attempt is made to increase the amount of liquid that can be stored in the storage space S1 when the volume of the adjustment space S2 is in the minimum volumetric state, the liquid storage volume of the storage space S1 can be made small.

[0035] In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 4 is formed in a bottomed container shape and is connected to the storage body 31 of the storage unit 3 so as to be located within the storage space S1, thereby partitioning an adjustment space S2 separated from the storage space S1. The adjustment unit 4 is configured to be expandable and contractible in the vertical direction within the storage space S1 of the storage unit 3 so that the volume of the adjustment space S2 changes.

[0036] Specifically, the adjustment unit 4 has a bottom plate portion 42 that contacts the liquid level of the liquid LQ stored in the storage space S1, and a peripheral wall portion 41 that rises from the periphery of the bottom plate portion 42 so as to extend in the vertical direction in the storage space S1. The peripheral wall portion 41 has flexibility to allow the bottom plate portion 42 to move upward in response to the rise in the liquid level of the liquid LQ stored in the storage space S1. The peripheral wall portion 41 is formed in an expandable bellows shape, and is disposed in the storage space S1 by connecting an upper end 411 to a protruding piece 311A ​​on the upper surface portion 311 of the storage main body 31 so that the direction of expansion and contraction coincides with the vertical direction. The adjustment unit 4 is suspended in the storage space S1 by connecting an upper end 411 of the peripheral wall portion 41 to the protruding piece 311A. The peripheral wall 41 has a rigidity such that it does not deform in a direction intersecting the vertical direction under a suction environment in which the inside of the storage space S1 is set to a predetermined suction pressure by driving the suction unit 6, and under an atmospheric pressure environment. That is, the peripheral wall 41 is configured to expand and contract in the vertical direction but not to deform in a direction intersecting the vertical direction.

[0037] The bottom plate portion 42 is joined to the lower end 412 of the peripheral wall portion 41 to form a horizontally extending plate, and defines the adjustment space S2 together with the peripheral wall portion 41. The bottom plate portion 42 has a rigidity such that it does not deform in a suction environment in which the inside of the storage space S1 is set to a predetermined suction pressure by driving the suction unit 6, and in an atmospheric pressure environment. The bottom plate portion 42 is movable within the storage space S1, and functions as a movable wall portion that moves to reduce the volume of the adjustment space S2 in response to an increase in the amount of the liquid LQ stored in the storage space S1. In other words, the bottom plate portion 42 reduces the volume of the adjustment space S2 by moving upward in response to a rise in the liquid level of the liquid LQ stored in the storage space S1.

[0038] In the storage container 2 including the storage section 3 and the expandable adjustment section 4, the volume of the space capable of storing the liquid LQ in the storage space S1 of the storage section 3 (liquid storage volume) can be changed depending on the expansion / contraction state of the peripheral wall section 41 of the adjustment section 4. That is, the liquid storage volume in the storage space S1 is maximum when the peripheral wall section 41 is in a state where it is most contracted (maximum contraction state), and is minimum when the peripheral wall section 41 is in a state where it is most extended (maximum extension state). In other words, the amount of the liquid LQ that can be stored in the storage space S1 of the storage section 3 can be changed depending on the expansion / contraction state of the peripheral wall section 41 of the adjustment section 4, and is maximum when the peripheral wall section 41 is in a maximum contraction state, and is minimum when the peripheral wall section 41 is in a maximum extension state.

[0039] The introduction member 5 is connected to the storage unit 3 so as to communicate with the inlet 321 of the storage unit 3, and is a tubular member that introduces the liquid LQ from the patient's body cavity 200 to the inlet 321. Specifically, the introduction member 5 is connected to the inflow port 32 of the storage unit 3, thereby communicating with the inlet 321. The introduction member 5 has a liquid introduction path 51 and a gas introduction path 52. The liquid introduction path 51 is in communication with the inlet 321, and is a flow path that allows the liquid LQ to flow from the patient's body cavity 200 toward the inlet 321 by driving the suction unit 6. One end 511 of the liquid introduction path 51 is connected to the tube 100 (FIG. 1) that is inserted into the patient's body cavity 200, and the other end 512 is connected to the inlet 321. The gas introduction path 52 is a flow path separated from the liquid introduction path 51. The gas introduction path 52 communicates with the storage space S1 via the inlet 321 and also communicates with the liquid introduction path 51, and when a pressure difference occurs between the gas introduction path 52 and the liquid introduction path 51, the gas introduction path 52 guides the gas in the storage space S1 to the liquid introduction path 51. One end 521 of the gas introduction path 52 is connected to the liquid introduction path 51, and the other end 522 is connected to the inlet 321.

[0040] Assume that a blockage or the like occurs in the liquid introduction path 51 in a region downstream of the connection portion of the gas introduction path 52, causing a flow failure of the liquid LQ to the storage space S1. In this case, a pressure difference occurs between the liquid introduction path 51 and the gas introduction path 52, in which the pressure of the liquid introduction path 51 is lower than the pressure of the gas introduction path 52. When such a pressure difference occurs, the gas in the storage space S1 is led to the liquid introduction path 51 via the gas introduction path 52. This allows the gas in the storage space S1 to circulate via the gas introduction path 52 between the storage space S1 and the liquid introduction path 51 through the inlet 321. This circulation of the gas in the storage space S1 makes it possible to remove the blockage of the liquid introduction path 51 and appropriately restore the flow state of the liquid LQ. At this time, instead of introducing air from the external space, the gas in the storage space S1 is circulated, so that it is possible to suppress both the occurrence of infection between the patient and other people and the storage space S1 becoming in an over-positive pressure state.

[0041] In addition, a check valve 53 is provided on the gas introduction path 52 at a connection portion with the liquid introduction path 51. The check valve 53 is a valve body that allows gas to flow from the gas introduction path 52 to the liquid introduction path 51 and prevents gas from flowing back from the liquid introduction path 51 to the gas introduction path 52. In the suction device 1 equipped with the introduction member 5, the circulation path of the gas in the storage space S1 when a pressure difference occurs between the liquid introduction path 51 and the gas introduction path 52 is composed of the storage space S1, the gas introduction path 52, and the liquid introduction path 51. In this case, since the check valve 53 is provided on the gas introduction path 52 at a connection portion with the liquid introduction path 51, the flow direction of the gas can be regulated so that the gas in the storage space S1 circulates in the order of the storage space S1, the gas introduction path 52, and the liquid introduction path 51.

[0042] The suction unit 6 is a unit for sucking the gas in each of the storage space S1 and the adjustment space S2 so that the pressure in the storage space S1 of the storage unit 3 and the pressure in the adjustment space S2 of the adjustment unit 4 become the same suction pressure. The suction unit 6 includes a first suction unit 61 and a second suction unit 62. The first suction unit 61 has a first flow path unit 611 that is connected to the connection unit 313 of the storage unit 3 and thereby communicates with the storage space S1, and a first suction pump 612 that sucks the gas in the storage space S1 through the first flow path unit 611. The first suction pump 612 sucks the gas in the storage space S1, thereby causing the liquid LQ to flow into the storage space S1 through the inlet 321 via the introduction member 5. The second suction part 62 is connected to the connection part 311B of the storage part 3 to communicate with the adjustment space S2, and has a second flow path part 621 separated from the first flow path part 611, and a second suction pump 622 that sucks the gas in the adjustment space S2 through the second flow path part 621. The first suction pump 612 and the second suction pump 622 are small micro pumps so that the area occupied by the pump in the storage case 8 is as small as possible. In this embodiment, the first suction part 61 for sucking the gas in the storage space S1 and the second suction part 62 for sucking the gas in the adjustment space S2 are separated from each other. This makes it possible to more reliably make the pressures in the storage space S1 and the adjustment space S2 reach a predetermined suction pressure.

[0043] The suction unit 6 may be configured such that the first flow path portion 611 and the second flow path portion 621 join together, and one suction pump is connected to the joining portion. In this case, the suction pump is driven to suck in the gases in the storage space S1 and the adjustment space S2 so that the pressures in the storage space S1 and the adjustment space S2 become the same suction pressure.

[0044] A pressure sensor 71 is connected to the first flow path section 611 of the first suction section 61. The pressure sensor 71 is a sensor that detects the pressure in the storage space S1 that communicates with the first flow path section 611. The detection result of the pressure sensor 71 is stored in the memory section 73. That is, the memory section 73 has a function as a pressure information memory section that stores the detection result of the pressure sensor 71. A method of using the detection result of the pressure sensor 71 will be described later.

[0045] Furthermore, a detector 72 is attached to the bottom surface 812 of the case body 81 in the storage case 8. The detector 72 is attached to the bottom surface 812 so as to abut against the storage container 2 in the storage case 8 from below. The detector 72 is configured by, for example, a load cell, and detects the amount of the liquid LQ stored in the storage space S1 of the storage section 3. The detection result of the detector 72 is stored in the memory section 73. In other words, the memory section 73 has a function as a storage information storage section that stores the detection result of the detector 72. A method for using the detection result of the detector 72 will be described later.

[0046] Next, a method of using the suction device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. First, in the initial state before the liquid LQ is stored in the storage space S1 of the storage part 3 in the storage container 2, the peripheral wall part 41 of the adjustment part 4 is in a maximum extended state.

[0047] As described above, in the storage container 2 including the storage section 3 and the expandable adjustment section 4, the volume of the space capable of storing the liquid LQ in the storage space S1 of the storage section 3 (liquid storage volume) can be changed depending on the expansion / contraction state of the peripheral wall section 41 of the adjustment section 4. That is, the liquid storage volume in the storage space S1 is maximum when the peripheral wall section 41 is in a state where it is most contracted (maximum contraction state) and is minimum when the peripheral wall section 41 is in a state where it is most extended (maximum extension state). Since the peripheral wall section 41 is in a maximum extension state in the initial state, even if an attempt is made to increase the liquid storage capacity in the storage space S1 when the peripheral wall section 41 is in a maximum contraction state, the liquid storage volume of the storage space S1 can be reduced by the peripheral wall section 41 being in a maximum extension state in the initial state.

[0048] With the peripheral wall 41 of the adjustment unit 4 in the storage container 2 in a fully extended state, one end of a tube 100 such as a catheter is connected to one end 511 of the liquid introduction passage 51 of the introduction member 5, and the tube 100 is closed with a clamp 101 or the like. As a result, the storage space S1 of the storage unit 3, which communicates with the inlet 321 communicating with the liquid introduction passage 51, is blocked from the external space (outside air). At this time, the adjustment space S2 of the adjustment unit 4, which is separated from the storage space S1 within the storage space S1, is also blocked from the external space.

[0049] Thereafter, the first suction pump 612 and the second suction pump 622 of the suction unit 6 are driven. As a result, the first suction pump 612 sucks the gas in the storage space S1 through the first flow path portion 611, and the second suction pump 622 sucks the gas in the adjustment space S2 through the second flow path portion 621, so that the pressure in the storage space S1 and the pressure in the adjustment space S2 are set to the same suction pressure that is lower than atmospheric pressure. In this state, the other end of the tube 100 is inserted into the patient's body cavity 200 (such as the thoracic cavity), and the clamp 101 is removed. As a result, the liquid LQ and gas in the patient's body cavity 200 flow into the storage space S1 through the inlet 321 via the liquid introduction path 51, and the pressure in the patient's body cavity 200 becomes equal to the pressure in the storage space S1. The liquid LQ that flows into the storage space S1 is stored in the storage space S1. On the other hand, the gas that has flowed into the storage space S1 is exhausted from the first suction pump 612 through the first flow path portion 611.

[0050] During suction by the suction unit 6, the pressure in the storage space S1 is detected by the pressure sensor 71, and the detection result is stored in the memory section 73. The detection result of the pressure sensor 71 stored in the memory section 73 can be used as management data when controlling the pressure in the storage space S1 to a predetermined suction pressure during suction by the suction unit 6. The pressure in the storage space S1 is controlled by a control unit. The control unit controls the pressure in the storage space S1 by controlling the suction unit 6 based on the detection result of the pressure sensor 71. Also, during suction by the suction unit 6, the amount of the liquid LQ stored in the storage space S1 is detected by the detector 72, and the detection result is stored in the memory section 73. The detection result of the detector 72 stored in the memory section 73 can be used as management data for the discharge amount of the liquid LQ from the patient's body cavity 200.

[0051] During suction by the suction unit 6, as the pressure in the storage space S1 becomes a predetermined suction pressure, the liquid LQ flows into the storage space S1 through the inlet 321. Here, in the initial state before suction by the suction unit 6, the peripheral wall portion 41 of the adjustment portion 4 is in a maximum extension state.

[0052] During suction by the suction unit 6, when the liquid LQ flows into the storage space S1, the liquid level of the liquid LQ stored in the storage space S1 rises in response to the inflow. During such suction by the suction unit 6, the adjustment unit 4 contracts so that the volume of the adjustment space S2 decreases in response to the rise in the liquid level in the storage space S1 (see FIG. 4). Specifically, when the liquid level of the liquid LQ stored in the storage space S1 rises, the bottom plate portion 42 of the adjustment unit 4 that contacts the liquid level moves upward in response to the rise in the liquid level. In the adjustment unit 4, when the bottom plate portion 42 moves upward in response to the rise in the liquid level, the peripheral wall portion 41 contracts so that the volume of the adjustment space S2 decreases. As a result, even during the inflow of the liquid LQ into the storage space S1 in response to the drive of the suction unit 6, the liquid storage capacity in the storage space S1 can be changed while remaining relatively small in response to the inflow of the liquid LQ. That is, the liquid storage capacity in the storage space S1 of the storage section 3 is maintained in a relatively small state until suction by the suction unit 6 is stopped in accordance with contraction of the peripheral wall portion 41 accompanying the inflow of the liquid LQ into the storage space S1. As a result, when the suction device 1 is applied as a device for aspirating the liquid LQ in the patient's body cavity 200, it is possible to reduce the patient's respiratory burden. Note that, in a state in which the liquid LQ is stored in the storage space S1 following the inflow of the liquid LQ, the liquid storage capacity in the storage space S1 is the volume of the remaining gas phase space excluding the portion of the liquid LQ stored in the storage space S1.

[0053] When the suction treatment for discharging the liquid LQ from the patient's body cavity 200 is completed, the operation of the suction unit 6 is stopped. Even in a state in which the operation of the suction unit 6 is stopped, the patient's body cavity 200 and the storage space S1 of the storage section 3 are maintained in communication through the inlet 321 via the tube 100 and the liquid introduction path 51 of the introduction member 5. That is, the pressure in the patient's body cavity 200 is equal to the pressure in the storage space S1 of the storage section 3. Therefore, when the suction of the suction unit 6 is stopped, the pressure fluctuation in the storage space S1 of the storage section 3 is detected by the pressure sensor 71, so that it is possible to estimate the pressure fluctuation in the body cavity 200 associated with the patient's breathing, etc.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a graph showing pressure fluctuations in the body cavity 200 (thoracic cavity) caused by breathing, etc. of the patient. Graph G1 shown by a solid line in FIG. 5 shows pressure fluctuations in the body cavity 200 caused by breathing, etc. of the patient in a state where a suction device is not connected to the patient, that is, a state where a storage space is not connected to the body cavity 200 of the patient. On the other hand, graph G2 shown by a dashed line, graph G3 shown by a two-dot dashed line, and graph G4 shown by a broken line in FIG. 5 show pressure fluctuations in the body cavity 200 caused by breathing, etc. of the patient in a state where a storage space is connected to the body cavity 200 of the patient. In this case, the volumes of the storage spaces connected to the body cavity 200 of the patient are different between graph G2, graph G3, and graph G4, and the volumes of the storage spaces are larger in the order of graph G2, graph G3, and graph G4.

[0055] 5, as the volume of the storage space communicating with the patient's body cavity 200 increases, the fluctuation range of the pressure fluctuation in the body cavity 200 caused by the patient's breathing, etc. decreases. That is, as the volume of the storage space increases, the fluctuation range of the pressure fluctuation in the storage space having the same pressure as the patient's body cavity 200 decreases. In view of this fact, when the volume of the storage space communicating with the patient's body cavity 200 is large, it becomes difficult for the pressure sensor 71 to accurately detect the pressure fluctuation in the storage space.

[0056] In contrast, in the suction device 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the liquid storage capacity in the storage space S1 of the storage section 3 is maintained in a relatively small state until the suction by the suction unit 6 is stopped in response to the contraction of the peripheral wall portion 41 in the adjustment section 4 accompanying the inflow of the liquid LQ into the storage space S1, as in the initial state. Therefore, in the suction stop state of the suction unit 6, it is possible to suppress the fluctuation width of the pressure fluctuation in the storage space S1 accompanying the patient's breathing, etc. from becoming small. As a result, it is possible to accurately detect the pressure fluctuation in the storage space S1 accompanying the patient's breathing, etc. by the pressure sensor 71. Thereby, the detection result of the pressure sensor 71 can be used as management data for the pressure fluctuation in the body cavity 200 accompanying the patient's breathing, etc., and can also be used as management data for whether or not gas is leaking from the patient's lungs, that is, whether or not there is an air leak from the patient's lungs.

[0057] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a storage container 2A according to a modified example. In the suction device 1, the storage container 2A shown in Fig. 6 may be provided instead of the above-described storage container 2. The storage container 2A is configured to include a storage section 3A that defines a storage space S1 for storing the liquid LQ and has an inlet 321A for allowing the liquid LQ to flow into the storage space S1, and an adjustment section 4A that defines an adjustment space S2 separated from the storage space S1 within the storage space S1.

[0058] The storage unit 3A includes a storage main body 31A and an inflow port 32A having the inflow port 321A, similar to the storage unit 3 provided in the storage container 2. The storage main body 31A constitutes the main body of the storage unit 3A, and is formed in the shape of a container having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape that defines a storage space S1 for storing the liquid LQ. The storage main body 31A is provided with a connection part 31AA that allows connection of a first flow path part 611 to which a first suction pump 612 is connected, and a connection part 31AB that allows connection of a second flow path part 621 to which a second suction pump 622 is connected. The inflow port 32A is a port having one end connected to the storage main body 31A, and is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the inflow port 321A for flowing the liquid LQ into the storage space S1. The inflow port 32A is connected to the storage main body 31A so as to protrude outward from the storage main body 31A.

[0059] In the storage container 2A, the adjustment section 4A is disposed in the storage space S1, and defines an adjustment space S2 that is separated from the storage space S1. The adjustment section 4A is configured to be capable of reducing the volume of the adjustment space S2 in response to an increase in the amount of the liquid LQ stored in the storage space S1. Specifically, the adjustment section 4A is configured only by a movable wall section 41A that is provided so as to be movable within the storage space S1. The movable wall section 41A moves so as to reduce the volume of the adjustment space S2 in response to an increase in the amount of the liquid LQ stored in the storage space S1. The moving direction of the movable wall section 41A is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to change the volume of the adjustment space S2.

[0060] In the storage container 2A including the storage section 3A and the adjustment section 4A composed only of the movable wall section 41A, the liquid storage capacity in the storage space S1 of the storage section 3A can be changed according to the movement of the movable wall section 41A. That is, the liquid storage capacity in the storage space S1 is maximum when the movable wall section 1A is arranged in a position (final position; in FIG. 6, the position on the right end side of the storage body 31A) where the volume of the adjustment space S2 is in the most contracted state, and is minimum when the movable wall section 41A is arranged in a position (initial position; in FIG. 6, the position on the left end side of the storage body 31A) where the volume of the adjustment space S2 is in the most expanded state. This allows the liquid storage capacity of the storage space S1 to be reduced even when the movable wall section 41A is arranged in the final position to increase the liquid storage capacity in the storage space S1.

[0061] During suction in which the liquid LQ flows into the storage space S1 in response to the drive of the suction unit 6, if the amount of the liquid LQ stored in the storage space S1 increases, the moving wall portion 41A moves to reduce the volume of the adjustment space S2 in response to the increase in the amount of the liquid LQ. As a result, even during suction of the liquid LQ into the storage space S1, the liquid storage volume in the storage space S1 can be changed while remaining relatively small in response to the inflow of the liquid LQ. For this reason, when the suction device 1 is applied as a device for suctioning the liquid LQ in the patient's body cavity 200, it is possible to reduce the respiratory burden on the patient, and when managing the pressure fluctuation in the body cavity 200 associated with the patient's breathing or the like while the suction is stopped, it is possible to suppress the fluctuation width of the pressure fluctuation in the storage space S1 associated with the patient's breathing or the like from becoming small. As a result, it is possible to accurately detect the pressure fluctuation in the storage space S1 associated with the patient's breathing or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 Suction device 2,2A Storage vessel 3,3A Storage section 31, 31A Storage body 32,32A Inlet port 321,321A Inlet 4,4A adjustment part 41 Peripheral wall section 41A Moving wall 42 Bottom plate part 5. Introduction materials 6 Suction unit 61 1st suction part 611 First flow path section 612 First suction pump 62 2nd suction part 621 Second flow path section 622 Second suction pump 71 Pressure Sensor 72 Detector 73 Memory unit (pressure information memory unit, storage information memory unit) 200 body cavities S1 Storage space S2 adjustment space

Claims

1. A suction device including a storage container capable of storing a liquid and a suction unit capable of suctioning a gas, The storage container comprises: a storage section that defines a storage space for storing a liquid and has an inlet for allowing the liquid to flow into the storage space; An adjustment section that is disposed in the storage space and that defines an adjustment space that is separated from the storage space so that communication with the inlet is regulated, The suction unit suctions gas from each of the storage space and the adjustment space, The adjustment unit is configured to be able to reduce a volume of the adjustment space in response to an increase in the amount of liquid stored in the storage space, The suction unit discharges gas in the storage space to the outside of the storage space and the adjustment space, and discharges gas in the adjustment space to the outside of the storage space and the adjustment space, so that the pressure in the storage space and the pressure in the adjustment space become the same suction pressure.

2. A suction device comprising a storage container capable of storing a liquid and a suction unit capable of suctioning a gas, The storage container comprises: a storage section that defines a storage space for storing a liquid and has an inlet for allowing the liquid to flow into the storage space; An adjustment section that is disposed in the storage space and that defines an adjustment space that is separated from the storage space so that communication with the inlet is regulated, The suction unit suctions gas from each of the storage space and the adjustment space, The adjustment unit is configured to be able to reduce a volume of the adjustment space in response to an increase in the amount of liquid stored in the storage space, the suction unit sucks gas from each of the storage space and the adjustment space so that a pressure in the storage space and a pressure in the adjustment space become the same suction pressure; The storage section includes: A storage body that divides the storage space; an inflow port having the inlet, the inflow port being connected to the storage body so that, when liquid is stored in the storage space, communication between a gas phase space in the storage space excluding the stored liquid and the inflow port is maintained; The suction device further comprises a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the gas phase space.

3. The suction device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adjustment portion has a movable wall portion that is movable within the storage space and that moves so as to reduce the volume of the adjustment space in response to an increase in the amount of liquid stored in the storage space.

4. The adjustment unit is a bottom plate portion as the moving wall portion that contacts a liquid surface of the liquid stored in the storage space; The suction device as described in claim 3, further comprising a peripheral wall portion that rises from the periphery of the bottom plate portion and has a flexibility to allow the bottom plate portion to move upward in response to a rise in the liquid level that accompanies an increase in the amount of liquid stored in the storage space.

5. The suction device according to claim 4 , wherein the peripheral wall portion is formed to be expandable and contractible, and the peripheral wall portion is disposed within the storage space by having an upper end connected to the storage portion such that a direction of expansion and contraction coincides with a vertical direction.

6. The suction device according to claim 5 , wherein the adjustment portion is suspended within the storage space by connecting an upper end of the peripheral wall portion to the storage portion.

7. A suction device including a storage container capable of storing a liquid and a suction unit capable of suctioning a gas, The storage container comprises: a storage section that defines a storage space for storing a liquid and has an inlet for allowing the liquid to flow into the storage space; An adjustment portion that is disposed in the storage space and defines an adjustment space that is separated from the storage space, The suction unit suctions gas from each of the storage space and the adjustment space, The adjustment unit is configured to be able to reduce a volume of the adjustment space in response to an increase in the amount of liquid stored in the storage space, The suction unit includes: a first suction unit including a first flow path portion communicating with the storage space and a first suction pump that sucks gas from the storage space through the first flow path portion; a second suction unit having a second flow path portion communicating with the adjustment space and separated from the first flow path portion, and a second suction pump that sucks in gas in the adjustment space through the second flow path portion.

8. The suction device according to claim 2 , further comprising a pressure information storage unit that stores a detection result of the pressure sensor.

9. a detector that detects an amount of liquid stored in the storage space of the storage portion; The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a stored information storage unit that stores a detection result of the detector.

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