Catheter device

Abstract

To remove magnetic particles from a fluid flow.SOLUTION: A catheter device for removing magnetic particles present in a fluid includes a transport channel where fluid is movable in a passage flow direction and magnet devices (13, 13', 13'', 14, 18, 19, 20). The magnet devices include at least one of magnets (13, 13', 13''), the at least one magnet is separated from a fluid by a magnetically-permeable solid material layer (14), and at least one of the magnets (13, 13', 13'') is encircled by the solid material layer in all planes. Fluid can flow all the side of at least one of the magnets (13, 13', 13'').SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention lies in the fields of engineering and mechanics, as well as fluid technology, and can be particularly advantageously applied, for example, to medical technology. Specifically, the present invention relates to the separation of magnetic particles from fluids, especially liquids.

Background Art

[0002] When transporting a fluid through a flow channel, it is generally undesirable for particles that occur, for example, due to wear, or particles that enter the fluid circulation in another manner, to be transported along with the moving fluid. The transported particles are usually unnecessary and, for example, when they enter moving parts such as ball bearings, sliding bearings, motors, or rotors, they simply carry risks, and there, due to increased friction, at the very least, cause further wear, or breakage, or impede movement. This is more important when the amount of fluid to be moved is small. For example, in the same way as the circulation of a cleaning agent in a catheter, the fluid movement speed is slow, and usually only a few milliliters are moved in a few minutes. The moving parts applied in the context of medical catheters are usually very sensitive when undesirable particles enter them.

[0003] In some cases, undesirable particles can be filtered from the fluid flow by a mechanical filter, for example, a fabric, but this generally involves an increase in flow resistance.

[0004] Wear fragments of shaft material can cause adverse effects over time, which is particularly common in catheters, which are connected to shafts that rotate at high speeds to drive functional elements such as blood pumps or vascular mirrors (millers). Such shafts are generally composed of twisted strands, and increased wear occurs when such shafts are guided in an arching manner, particularly due to bending operations, and at high speeds.

[0005] Basically, magnetic filters are already known for removing magnetic particles. However, these are usually too large for flow rates of a few milliliters per second and are not suitable for applications involving saline solutions or other aggressive fluids. Membrane filters typically exhibit conduit resistance, which is often too high, and are also too large and expensive to be used, for example, as disposable filters. Moreover, the amount of particles collected in membrane filters, among other things, can significantly impair the function of flexible shafts, for example, which can lead to the breakage of flexible shafts. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Against this background of prior art, the object of this patent application is to create a protective device, catheter device, catheter system, or separation device that enables the removal of magnetic particles from a fluid flow without suppressing or slowing down the fluid flow, and the separation device should be configured to withstand aggressive fluids. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This objective is achieved through the features of independent patent claims.

[0008] This patent application relates to a separation device as well as a catheter device, the catheter device comprising a catheter in which a rotating shaft, at least partially composed of a magnetic material, is disposed, and a separation device, the separation device comprising a ring body, the ring body surrounding the rotating shaft and comprising a cavity containing a magnet body, the magnet body being positioned downstream of the point where the shaft exits the catheter with respect to the direction of fluid flow through the catheter.

[0009] This makes it clear that separation devices equipped with corresponding catheter devices may be applicable, particularly in cases where wear fragments from rotating shafts in a fluid flow must be separated. For example, such catheters in medical devices are used with shafts that rotate at high speed to drive functional elements, such as mirrors for blood vessels or heart pumps, and the resulting wear fragments of the shaft material are detrimental to functional elements that are very fine, precisely constructed, and delicately built, such as corresponding sliding bearings. Therefore, it is important, especially in this context, to capture wear fragments from shafts that are typically constructed from twisted strands of iron alloy or cobalt alloy.

[0010] It should be emphasized that all separation devices disclosed in this patent application, whether in the form attached at the end of the detailed description, in the embodiment of the claims, or in the illustration, can, as a whole, function as separation devices within a catheter device according to the present invention.

[0011] Furthermore, each of the catheter devices described in this patent application may also be a catheter device comprising at least one valve for controlling the fluid flow through a catheter, the valve comprising a valve control space, in which a supply channel extends outward by a supply opening and a discharge channel extends outward by a discharge opening, the valve comprising a closure element, the closure element being movable in a controlled manner within the valve control space, the closure element closing the discharge opening in at least one first position, closing the supply opening in at least one second position, and holding the connecting channel between the supply opening and the discharge opening open in at least one third position, and a valve drive is provided for selectively moving the closure element to at least the first, second, or third position.

[0012] With appropriate control or by this valve, it is possible to give the fluid flow through the transport channel a desired direction. The velocity or different velocities of the fluid through the transport channel can be set, for example, to reverse the direction of the fluid, which can be usefully applied, for example, in cleaning procedures.

[0013] Examples of such valve control and fluid guidance are described, for example, in the parallel ECP45PCT (file number not yet known) filed on the same day by ECP GmbH. Furthermore, priority is claimed to two prior applications EP15152201.8 and EP15152205.9. The disclosures of all three patent applications in their initial forms, in whole, are incorporated herein by reference as components of this application ("incorporated by reference").

[0014] A further development involves a transport channel that includes a cavity and / or storage section for the intermediate storage of particles. This has the advantage that the cross-sectional size of the transport channel is not reduced due to particle accumulation. Thus, the cavity and / or storage section should be designed so that the binding of particles is magnetically acted upon by the influence of magnets, so that each particle, at least partially, preferably the majority, or all of each particle, remains within the cavity or storage section.

[0015] A further developmental example assumes that the cavity and / or storage section has two ends, both of which are connected to a transport channel to guide the fluid. The cavity and / or storage section may, for example, have a U-shape into which particles can be collected ("detour channel"). Alternatively, the cavity and / or storage section may have only one branch to the transport channel, for example, corresponding to a "railway siding". A feature of both of these modifications described above is that the flow through the transport channel is not obstructed and, in particular, an additional storage capacity for wear debris is provided. In particular, any wear debris contained in the storage section and / or cavity should not be pulled out again or added to the fluid flow through the transport channel due to the flow in the transport channel.

[0016] A more advantageous development assumes that the storage section and / or cavity is designed as an extension of the cross-sectional area of ​​a spatially separated (i.e., limited to a specific flow length) transport channel.

[0017] Furthermore, this patent application relates to protective devices for functional elements. Such functional elements can be seals or bearings (in particular ball bearings, sliding bearings, needle bearings, etc.). Moreover, particularly delicate parts of the human or animal body should also be considered as functional elements, and wear debris should be kept away from them.

[0018] In the case of complex catheter devices, the trapping of magnetic abrasion debris is advantageous because it represents an effective option for preventing magnetic abrasion debris from entering the body. This is, without getting into the complexities, unpredictable or obvious. This is because, to date, catheter devices have often been aimed at complete avoidance of abrasion debris through the appropriate selection of materials, coatings, and / or geometry, or because they must anticipate impairments due to appropriate parameter limitations (such as rotational speed limitations), or because attempts have been made to achieve particle return from the patient by complexly guiding a lavage solution through a multi-lumen catheter. Thus, none of these options are positioned to prevent abrasion debris from the most distal bearings from entering the patient.

[0019] In particular, a separation device for removing magnetic particles present in a fluid is disclosed, comprising a transport channel through which the fluid can move in the direction of flow, and a magnetic device, the magnetic device including at least one magnet, the at least one of which is separated from the fluid by a magnetically permeable solid material layer. The magnet may be advantageously completely isolated from the fluid by the solid material layer, and in particular may be surrounded by the solid material layer on all sides.

[0020] The magnetic device of the separation device may include, for example, one or more permanent magnets, or one or more electromagnets, or a mixture of both, and the application of a magnetic field ensures that magnetic particles, and therefore, for example, iron particles (which may be magnetized or demagnetized in proximity to the magnet), remain attached to the inner wall of the flow channel / fluid channel or remain directly attached to the solid material layer of the magnet as the fluid flows through the transport channel. This prevents the flow of fluid through the transport channel or fluid channel from being inhibited. Furthermore, the separation of one or more magnets from the actual fluid ensures that the magnet material itself is not damaged by the high chemical or physical aggressiveness of the fluid, for example, by the use of saline solutions, and also by non-medical applications involving the use of acids or high-temperature fluids.

[0021] For example, to clean the isolation device, the electromagnet may be switched off, or the permanent magnet may be temporarily removed from the transport channel. This has the advantage that the isolation device can be cleaned without removing the isolation device itself from the transport channel.

[0022] One possible design is to assume that the magnet interacts only with magnetic or magnetizable particles in the fluid within the transport channel.

[0023] Furthermore, the magnets of the separation device may be supplied separately from additional magnets, or from a pump-driven armature and / or valve actuation body, and may be supplied adjacent to the separation device, and in particular downstream of the separation device with respect to a preferred fluid flow direction.

[0024] One design envisions a separation device including first and second fluid connections, where the separation device forms a fluid-sealed fluid channel between the first and second fluid connections.

[0025] In this case, the fluid channel is formed directly within the transport channel in the framework of the separation device, and within the fluid channel, the fluid, thus for example a liquid, is moved at the first and second fluid connections and thus, for example, is moved between a feed channel and a discharge channel. In this case, the fluid channel can form the transport channel or can be formed within the transport channel, for example in the form of a catheter.

[0026] A further design contemplates a magnet disposed within the fluid channel, which magnet is coated by a layer of a paramagnetic solid substance, and fluid can flow at least within a region around the magnet and, in one embodiment, for example, can flow around all sides.

[0027] In this case, the magnet is disposed within the fluid channel and it is possible to provide for the fluid to flow through with a maximum interaction surface. Thereby, it is advantageous to appropriately widen the cross-section of the fluid channel so that there is sufficient space for the fluid to flow through the magnet on all sides. The magnet itself can be covered on all sides or at least on the sides exposed to the fluid, for example, by a plastic layer or also by a sufficiently surface-finished metallization. The magnet should be held within the fluid channel, by its coating, for example, by a strut or another holding device.

[0028] Thereby, it may be advantageous for the magnet to be designed as a cylinder or a cuboid, and its length in the longitudinal direction of the fluid channel is greater than its diameter in the transverse direction of the fluid channel, and it is disposed within the cylindrical section of the fluid channel.

[0029] In this case, the cylindrical section of the fluid channel and the magnet, or the section with a rectangular cross-section, are designed in an elongated fashion so that there is sufficient interaction time to result in a fluid flowing through the magnet, attracting each magnetic particle to the magnet and causing them to be firmly held there.

[0030] Moreover, it is advantageously possible to assume that the magnetic field lines in the magnet extend in a transverse direction, particularly perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid.

[0031] In this case, magnetic poles for firmly holding each magnetic part are formed on the side surfaces of the magnet in each case, and the fluid flows through it in the longitudinal direction of the fluid channel. However, also, the magnetization can be designed so that the magnetic poles are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the fluid channel. The main interaction surfaces of the magnet with the magnetic particles in the fluid then result at the two ends of the magnet located upstream and downstream.

[0032] Also, the separation device can be designed so that the magnet is shorter in the flow direction than in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0033] In this case, the magnet can form a disk shape, and the magnetic disk is set in a direction perpendicular to the fluid direction in the fluid channel, and in some cases, creates a vortex of the fluid flowing around the disk. In this case, a specific flow resistance is provided by the magnet, and due to the vortex of the fluid, all the particles present on the fluid above the path it covers are retarded sooner or later and reach and can be firmly held near the magnet. <00​​​​​A further advantageous design would be, for example, a ring body surrounding a transport channel, the transport channel being configured to receive a catheter with a flow channel, and the magnet being located within the ring body in a cavity adjacent to the transport channel.

[0036] In this case, the separation device itself does not come into direct contact with the fluid, but the transport channel is configured to accept a catheter with a fluid channel. This has the advantage that the separation device can be set up and disassembled without interrupting the fluid channel, and therefore, for example, without interrupting the fluid flow. In this regard, it is possible to assume that the ring body is designed as a single piece in the periphery direction. However, it is also possible to assume that the ring body is divided at least once in the periphery direction and can be expanded in order to penetrate over a catheter, among other things.

[0037] In this case, the application and setup of the isolation device on the catheter is possible in a particularly simple manner, as the isolation device with a ring body is easily unfolded and pressed onto the catheter. Therefore, removal of the isolation device is also easy. However, this structural configuration may increase the construction size of the isolation device somewhat compared to an isolation device that includes a magnet placed in a fluid channel.

[0038] Further design assumes that the flow channel within the region of the magnetic device has a larger cross-section than the region located upstream of the magnetic device in the direction of fluid flow.

[0039] This construction slows down the fluid flow within the region of the separation device due to the enlarged cross-section, and allows magnetic particles to be attracted to and firmly held by the magnets with a higher probability, regardless of whether the separation device includes a ring body with magnets surrounding the transport channel or magnets themselves placed within the fluid channel. Moreover, this ensures that the fluid channel is not blocked, i.e., the fluid flow is not suppressed by the separated particles. The cross-section of the fluid channel immediately upstream of the separation device may be reduced compared to the region of the separation device, and alternatively or additionally, the cross-section of the fluid channel immediately downstream of the separation device may also be reduced compared to the region of the separation device. Thus, the cross-section within the region of the separation device can be, for example, at least twice, in particular at least three or five times, the size immediately upstream of the separation device in the direction of fluid flow, and also, for example, at least two, three or five times, or five times, the size immediately downstream of the separation device. However, the fluid channel is also designed so that the magnets transport particles into the cavity or storage section without suppressing the fluid flow.

[0040] Apart from the types of separation devices and catheter devices described above, this patent application further relates to a protective device for a functional element related to a flowing fluid, a protective device for a functional element related to a flowing fluid, a separation device comprising at least one magnetic element for removing particles present in the fluid, in particular the types of separation devices described above, provided along a flow channel for the fluid, in particular along a catheter, in a manner at a distance from the functional element, in particular in a manner separated from the functional element.

[0041] The separation device may, advantageously, be positioned upstream of the functional element with respect to the main fluid flow direction, but the two aforementioned elements may also be positioned successively, and, among other things, at a distance from each other, and may also be constructively separated from each other, for example, in the form of two separate constructive elements with different housings.

[0042] The functional element may be free of magnetic elements, i.e., elements that act magnetically, and may, for example, be non-magnetic as a whole. It may include one or more ball bearings and / or sliding bearings. For example, the functional element may also include a sealing surface that should be protected from particles.

[0043] Furthermore, functional elements can be different, and in particular, they can be things that require protection, such as parts of a human or animal body. However, in most cases, the functional element is a bearing, such as a sliding bearing or a ball bearing, and / or a seal.

[0044] Furthermore, the functional element may include magnetic components, such as, for example, a rotor drive magnet, or a translation drive magnet, or a drive magnet for a magnetic valve. The magnetic element of the separation device may be a magnet separated from the magnetic component of the functional element, or it may be a functional surface of a magnetic construct having only the function of particle separation, and other functional surfaces of the magnetic construct may perform other functions of the functional element, such as a drive function. In the latter case, the magnetic element of the separation device may be combined with the magnetic construct of the functional element, joined together, grouped together, and especially grouped together in a housing. Thus, the functional surface of the separation device may capture and bind particles, in particular magnetic particles and / or magnetizable particles, before they reach the functional element.

[0045] An additional aspect relates to a functional element, which is connected in particular to the isolation device of the present patent application, and in particular to a valve, the valve includes a closing element, which is driven at two end positions, and which has integrated into the closing element one or more armatures of a magnetic or magnetizable material, or in particular one or more armatures of a material having low magnetoresistance, and the magnet of the isolation device is combined with the closing element, in particular fixedly connected thereto, and advantageously integrated therein.

[0046] The present invention is described and illustrated hereafter by examples of embodiments shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0047] [Figure 1] This diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a separation device with a transport channel, where the transport channel is designed as a fluid channel, and within the transport channel, the fluid flows around the magnet. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a catheter device equipped with a rotating shaft and a separation device. [Figure 3] This figure shows a cross-section of the device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates a magnetic device, showing that the magnet, through which the fluid flows, is magnetized in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the fluid channel. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a magnet, and illustrates that the magnet is magnetized in its longitudinal direction and in the longitudinal direction of the fluid channel. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing a valve connected to a separation device. [Figure 7] This figure shows additional valves connected to the isolation device. [Figure 8] This figure shows a drive unit for a functional element, which can be driven by the rotation of a shaft within a catheter. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a modification to the drive unit shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This figure shows a further design for a drive device for a rotating shaft inside a catheter. [Figure 11] This figure shows a further design for a drive device for a rotating shaft inside a catheter. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a modified drive unit according to Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of transport channel 1, which is directly designed as a fluid channel and also guides a fluid, for example, in the form of a saline solution. The fluid enters transport channel 1 at the supply opening 2 and exits it at the discharge opening 3. The flow direction is indicated by arrows 4, 5, and 6. A holder 7 for a magnetic device is provided at the upstream end of transport channel 1, while a further holder 8 for a magnetic device is provided at the downstream end. Holders 7 and 8 may be designed as star holders with fluid penetration openings 9 and 10. The cross-sections of the penetration openings 9 and 10 should be sufficiently large so that holders 7 and 8 do not represent significant flow resistance to the liquid.

[0049] The supply opening 2 is connected to the catheter in each case, just like the discharge opening 3, and the catheter can be pressed, for example, onto the connecting pieces 11 and 12.

[0050] A magnetic device, comprising a permanent magnet 13 surrounded on all sides by a coating 14 that protects the magnet from the effects of corrosive fluids, is located inside the transport channel. The coating is designed, for example, as a plastic coating or a metallization, which is a metallization of a so-called precious metal.

[0051] The fluid flow through transport channel 1 will not be strictly laminar, but will have certain turbulence or vortices. In either case, for example, particles 15, 16 present in the fluid circuit as magnetic particles due to wear of magnetic parts will be attracted to specific areas of the magnet. It is also possible to ensure that additional vortex elements in transport channel 1 cause the fluid flow to swirl, increasing the likelihood that particles being transported in the fluid will come into contact with the magnet. Thus, the term “magnetic particles” should be understood to include not only ferromagnetic particles, but all particles attracted by a magnet.

[0052] Once particles enter the magnetic capture area, they are firmly held there and removed from the fluid flow. The separation device shown in Figure 1 can be used, for example, as a disposable separation device and discarded after use. In this case, the separated metal particles 15, 16 can remain on the magnet 13. It is also possible to assume that the magnet 13 is designed as an electromagnet, or that the magnet 13 is magnetized by a magnetization device from outside the transport channel. In both of these cases, the magnetization of the magnet 13 can be temporarily removed in order to clean the transport channel and the outer surfaces of the magnets 13, 14, and to remove the magnetic particles 15, 16. In this case, for example, another catheter is connected to a connecting piece 12, which leads the fluid used for cleaning, along with the particles, into the capture container.

[0053] The magnet 13'' shown in more detail in Figure 4 is magnetized, for example, by an external magnetization device 17 comprising an electromagnet portion 18 and pole shoes 19, 20, such that its magnetization direction extends along arrows 21, 22, which are shown in Figure 4 and are transverse to the longitudinal direction of the transport channel (assuming the magnet shown in Figure 4 is used for the device shown in Figure 1). The electromagnet 18 can then be easily switched off for cleaning, or its effect can be reversed, at least partially, to overcome the residual magnetization of the magnet 13.

[0054] A further structural form of the magnet is shown in Figure 5, whose outer geometric shape corresponds to that of the magnet shown in Figure 1, and the magnetization indicated by arrow 23 propagates along the longitudinal direction of the magnet 13.

[0055] With the use of such magnets, the metal particles are magnetized transversely to the longitudinal direction and tend to collect at the two axial ends rather than on the longitudinal sides, as is the case with the magnet shown in Figure 4.

[0056] Figure 2 shows a catheter device with a catheter 24, in which a rotating metal shaft 25 is guided inside the catheter 24. A catheter holder containing a transport channel 1' is indicated by reference numeral 26 in Figure 2. Reference numeral 27 shows a housing, which surrounds the catheter holder 26 and forms a ring body containing a cavity, in which a magnet 13' is located. The shaft 25 exits the catheter 24 within the housing 27. The catheter 24 exits the catheter holder 26 or terminates at one end of the catheter holder 26. In either case, a fluid is present inside the catheter 24 and flows slowly along the shaft 25 as a lavage and lubrication fluid, and the fluid is able to enter a fluid channel 28, which is formed at the end of the catheter 24 and has a cross-section considerably larger than the free cross-section of the catheter 24, which is already reduced by the shaft 25 leading into the catheter 24. The fluid channel 28 is located upstream of the mechanical bearing 29, which is designed as a sliding bearing and can be in the direct region of influence of the magnet 13'. The magnet 13' is designed as a permanent magnet, but can also be designed as an electromagnet.

[0057] Magnetic particles 30 within the fluid channel 28 are collected on the channel wall facing the magnet 13'. The magnetic particles are thus removed from the fluid and do not reach the bearing 29.

[0058] Although the further path of the shaft 25 is not shown, further mechanically functional parts are provided distal to the connecting coupling in the further path, and these further mechanically functional parts are, for example, a pump or mirror, which are driven by the shaft and must be protected from the influence of magnetic particles. Apart from the catheter holder 26, the housing 27 further accommodates a cleaning device with connecting pieces 32, 33 for cleaning fluid to clean the catheter 24.

[0059] The magnet 13' is withdrawn from the housing 27 to remove the trapped magnetic particles 30, so that the magnetic particles can be washed away. This should be done outside of these operating times to allow for maintenance of the shaft and its respective bearings and functional elements. With respect to the magnet 13', if it is an electromagnet, this can be easily and temporarily switched off for cleaning.

[0060] Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the catheter structure shown in Figure 2, comprising a housing 27, a transport channel 28 in the region beyond the end of the catheter 24, and a magnet 13' positioned within the cavity of the housing 27.

[0061] Figure 6 shows a magnetic valve with a transport channel 1'' through which fluid flows between a supply opening 2' and a discharge opening 3'. A closure body 50 is driven within the transport channel 1'' between a first closed position and a second closed position, with the first closing surface 51 closing the valve opening 51a in the first closed position, and the closing surface 52 closing the valve opening 52a in the second closed position.

[0062] Two armature bodies 53 and 54 are integrated into a closure body 50 and are driveable by the magnetic fields of two valve drive coils 55 and 56. The magnet 13'' of the separation device is axially positioned between the armature bodies 53 and 54 so as to be aligned with them. The armature bodies with the magnet body 13'' are provided with a common solid material coating.

[0063] Retaining springs 57 and 58 hold the closure body in an intermediate position when the valve drive coil is not energized, in which case the valve is open. Two sliding bearings 59 and 60 are provided at the ends of the valve housing to guide the closure body 50.

[0064] Figure 7 shows a valve comprising a supply opening 2'', a discharge opening 3'', and a closure body 50'. The closure body 50' is driven within the transport channel 1'' between a first closed position and a second closed position, with a first closing surface 51' closing the valve opening 51a' in the first closed position, and a closing surface 52' closing the valve opening 52a' in the second closed position. The closure body 50' is mounted within the valve housing by an elastic magnetic permeable disk 61 and held in an open intermediate position. The disk 61 carries separation magnets 13'''', 13'''', which are connected to valve drive armatures 62, 63 in the closure body 50' and are covered together with a protective layer.

[0065] The valve-driven armatures 62 and 63 are drivable within the magnetic fields of the coils 64 and 65. The particles in the transport channel can be anchored on the separation magnets on the protective layer and held firmly therein.

[0066] Figure 8 shows a drive device with a drive armature 66, which is driven in the rotational direction and drives a rotating shaft 67 within the catheter 68. A delivery channel 69 is located radially outward, and a return channel 70 is located radially inward within the catheter 68 in a concentric manner with respect to the catheter sheath. The delivery channel 69 and the return channel 70 are separated from each other by a hose-like separation wall 71.

[0067] The cleaning fluid is pumped from the storage section 73 through the cannula 74 and valve 75 by a volume-controlled peristaltic pump 72. Two magnets 76 and 77 are activated by a pressure switch 78 to drive the valve and maintain a constant pressure in the supply channel 69. The fluid for this purpose is guided through the valve 75, through the housing of the drive armature 66, through the transport channel 9, and through a separation device 80 in which particles are actively filtered from the fluid. The separation device 80 can be constructed similarly to the separation device shown in Figure 1. From here, the fluid flows outward into the catheter 68 through the supply channel 69 and inward through the return channel 70, and from there to the peristaltic pump 81, which draws in the fluid and guides it into the storage section 82. However, the peristaltic pump 81 can also serve a role for backwashing, and for this purpose, for example, to remove captured particles from the separation device, it can be operated to deliver fluid to the return channel 70, and then, through the supply channel 69, through the separation device, back to the valve 75 and into the storage section 73.

[0068] Figure 9 shows a similar configuration to that in Figure 8, but in addition to the valve 75 located in front of the drive armature 66 and behind the peristaltic pump 72, a second valve 75' is positioned between the return channel 70 and the return pump 80. While Figure 8 is applied to a cleaning system in which no undesirable vacuum is created in the return due to the installation components, Figure 9 can also be applied to a cleaning system in which an undesirable vacuum is created in the return (for example, due to the winding direction of the flexible shaft). This vacuum is detected by a sensor, which then closes valve 75' to the bottom to ensure that the medium does not enter the cleaning circuit from the container 82 through the pump 81. Thus, the separation device is positioned between the two valves and also between the two fluid delivery devices, at least one of which, and in particular both, can be switched with respect to the direction of fluid delivery in order to reverse the flow direction.

[0069] Regarding the construction in Figure 10, compared to the construction in Figure 8, only the peristaltic pump 72 is replaced by a reservoir 83, which enables gravity flushing by causing the fluid to flow through the valve 75 and further into the catheter 68 due to gravity. The rotating shaft 84 inside the catheter 68 has a helical (coiled) outer structure due to its twisted / twisted construction based on twisted strands, which, when rotating, gives itself a pumping effect away from the drive armature 66. Another modification with a volume-controlled peristaltic pump 72 and reservoir 73 is shown on the right side of Figure 19, to the right of the dotted line 85, with respect to the delivery of fluid to the catheter 68. Therein the peristaltic pump delivers the fluid to be introduced into the patient's body, for example, to the inside of the catheter, and terminates in a cardiac pump 85 with a rotor 85a. The cardiac pump is compressed, for example, radially, and as a whole, it may be prone to generating particles, among other things, which reach there. Next, the fluid flows back from there. In each case, the separation device 80 is located upstream of the catheter 68 in the flow direction, between it and the delivery devices 73 and 83, and in particular, in any case, it may be located upstream of the cardiac pump 85.

[0070] Figure 11 shows a similar configuration to that in Figure 9, but with gravity delivery 83 instead of peristaltic pump 72. During normal operation, the fluid is guided from there through a valve into catheter 68, where it is first guided outward through a supply channel 69 and then inward into a return channel 70, and from there to peristaltic pump 81, which draws in the fluid and guides it into a reservoir 82. Between the return channel 70 and the peristaltic pump 81, the fluid first passes through a separation device 80, which is located between the return channel and the housing of the drive armature 66. After that, the fluid flows over the drive armature 66 to the peristaltic pump 81. The attachment of the drive armature may be relatively low-sensitivity, and the direction of fluid flow is not considered to be very important here. What is important is that the fluid is supplied to the housing of the drive armature, ensuring good lubrication. Furthermore, the selected arrangement ensures that magnetic wear particles on the rotating shaft 84 cannot damage the bearings of the drive armature in this case.

[0071] Figure 12 shows a similar construction to Figure 9, where an additional separation device 80' ensures that the sealing surface of the valve 75' is not impaired by the adhesion of particles.

[0072] In particular, in medical applications and other applications, the present invention enables the removal of magnetic particles from a fluid flow with the help of a magnetic device, and the magnets of the magnetic device are protected from the corrosive effects of the fluid.

[0073] The catheter device according to the present invention can be combined with all the isolation devices represented herein, and therefore, for example, with an isolation device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11 specified below, and / or with further isolation devices according to the description in the figures and the current claims. For this purpose, it is possible to provide not only one isolation device per catheter device provided, but also several isolation devices.

[0074] With regard to the isolation device, the following embodiments are particularly applicable. 1. A separation device for removing magnetic particles present in a fluid, comprising a transport channel through which the fluid can move in the direction of flow, and a magnetic device, wherein the magnetic device includes at least one magnet, and at least one magnet is separated from the fluid by a magnetically permeable solid material layer. 2. A separation device according to Embodiment 1, characterized in that the magnet interacts only with magnetic particles or magnetizable particles in the fluid within the transport channel. 3. A separation device according to embodiment 1 or 2, A separation device comprising first and second fluid connection portions, wherein the separation device forms a fluid-sealed fluid channel between the first and second fluid connection portions. 4. A separation device according to embodiment 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that a magnet is placed in a fluid channel, the magnet is surrounded by a layer of magnetically permeable solid material, and the fluid can flow on all sides around the magnet. 5. A separation device according to Embodiment 4, characterized in that the magnet is designed as a cylinder or a rectangular parallelepiped, the length of the magnet in the longitudinal direction of the fluid channel is greater than the diameter of the magnet, and the magnet is located within the cylindrical section of the fluid channel. 6. A separation device according to Embodiment 5, characterized in that the magnetic field lines within the magnet extend in a transverse direction, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow direction. 7. A separation device according to embodiment 4, characterized in that the magnet is shorter in the direction of flow than in the direction perpendicular to the direction of flow. 8. A separation device according to embodiment 1, 2, or 3, A separation device characterized by comprising a ring body surrounding a transport channel, the transport channel being configured to receive a catheter having a flow channel, and a magnet being located within the ring body in a cavity adjacent to the transport channel. 9. A separation device according to embodiment 8, characterized in that the ring body is designed as a single piece in the peripheral direction. 10. A separation device according to embodiment 8, wherein the ring body is divided at least once in the periphery direction and is capable of being spread apart in particular to penetrate over a catheter. 11. A separation device according to Embodiment 1 or any one of Embodiments 2 to 10, characterized in that the flow channel in the region of the magnetic device has a larger cross-section than the cross-section in the region located upstream of the region of the magnetic device in the direction of fluid flow. 12. Catheter device comprising a catheter, wherein a rotating shaft, at least partially composed of a magnetic material, is disposed within the catheter; the catheter device comprising a separator, wherein the separator includes a ring body, the ring body surrounding the rotating shaft and comprising a cavity containing a magnet body, the magnet body being positioned downstream of the point where the shaft exits the catheter with respect to the direction of fluid flow through the catheter. 13. A protective device for a functional element related to a flowing fluid, comprising at least one magnetic element for removing particles present in the fluid, the separation device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, characterized in that it is provided along a flow channel for the fluid, particularly along a catheter, in a manner at a distance from the functional element, and in particular in a manner separated from the functional element. 14. A catheter system comprising a separation device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11 and / or a protective device according to embodiment 13, wherein at least one electrical element for controlling a functional element and / or for magnet control can be separated from the rest of the catheter system. Furthermore, the following embodiments apply to catheter devices and protective devices. [1] A catheter device for removing magnetic particles (15, 16) present in a fluid, The system comprises transport channels (1, 1') through which the fluid can move in the flow direction (4, 5, 6), and magnetic devices (13, 13', 13'', 14, 18, 19, 20), The magnetic device includes at least one magnet (13, 13', 13''), The at least one of the magnets (13, 13', 13'') is separated from the fluid by a magnetically permeable solid material layer (14), A catheter device characterized by the following. [2] The catheter device described in [1], A catheter device characterized in that the magnet interacts only with magnetic particles or magnetizable particles in the fluid within the transport channel. [3] A catheter device as described in [1] or [2], The separation device comprises first and second fluid connection parts (11, 12), wherein the separation device forms a fluid-sealed fluid channel between the first and second fluid connection parts (11, 12). A catheter device characterized by the following. [4] A catheter device described in any one of [1] to [3], A magnet (13, 13'') is placed inside the fluid channel. The magnets (13, 13'') are surrounded by a magnetically permeable solid material layer (14), and a fluid can flow around the magnets (13, 13''). A catheter device characterized by the following. [5] [4] The catheter device described above, The aforementioned magnet (13, 13'') is designed as a cylinder or a rectangular prism, The length of the magnet (13, 13'') in the longitudinal direction of the fluid channel is greater than the diameter of the magnet (13, 13''), The magnets (13, 13'') are located within the cylindrical section of the fluid channel. A catheter device characterized by the following. [6] [5] The catheter device described above, The magnetic field lines within the magnet (13, 13'') extend in the transverse direction. A catheter device characterized by the following. [7] [5] A catheter device as described above, The magnetic field lines within the magnet (13, 13'') extend in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid. A catheter device characterized by the following. [8] [4] The catheter device described above, The magnets (13, 13', 13'') are shorter in the direction of flow than in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction. A catheter device characterized by the following. A catheter device described in any one of [9] [1] to [8], The transport channel (1') is surrounded by a ring body (27), The transport channel is configured to receive a catheter (24) equipped with a flow channel. The magnet (13') is located within the ring body (27) in a cavity adjacent to the transport channel. A catheter device characterized by the following.

[10] [9] A catheter device as described above, The ring body (27) is designed as a single piece in the peripheral direction. A catheter device characterized by the following.

[11] [9] A catheter device as described above, The catheter device is characterized in that the ring body (27) is divided at least once in the peripheral direction and can be expanded to penetrate the catheter (24).

[12] A catheter device described in any one of [1] to

[11] , The flow channels within the region of the magnetic device (13, 13', 13'', 14, 18, 19, 20) have a larger cross-section than the region located upstream of the region of the magnetic device in the direction of fluid flow. A catheter device characterized by the following.

[13] A catheter device described in any one of [1] to

[12] , Includes at least one valve for controlling the fluid flow through the catheter (24), The valve includes a valve control space, In the valve control space, the supply channel extends outward through the supply opening, and the discharge channel extends outward through the discharge opening. The valve includes a closing element, the closing element is movable in a controlled manner within the valve control space, the closing element closes the discharge opening in at least one first position, closes the supply opening in at least one second position, and holds the connecting channel between the supply opening and the discharge opening open in at least one third position, and a valve drive is provided to selectively move the closing element to at least the first, second, or third position. A catheter device characterized by the following.

[14] A catheter device described in any one of [1] to

[13] , The transport channel (1, 1') includes a storage section for the intermediate storage of particles. A catheter device characterized by the following.

[15]

[14] A catheter device as described above, The storage section is subjected to magnetic forces, and even when the transport channels (1, 1') are exposed to flow, the metal particles remain within the storage section. A catheter device characterized by the following. A catheter device as described in

[16]

[14] or

[15] , The storage section includes two ends, both of which are connected to the transport channel (1, 1') to guide the fluid. A catheter device characterized by the following. A catheter device described in any one of

[17]

[14] to

[16] , The storage section is designed as an enlarged cross-sectional section of the spatially separated transport channel (1, 1'). A catheter device characterized by the following.

[18] A protective device for a functional element related to a flowing fluid, A separation device comprising at least one magnetic element for removing particles present in the fluid is provided along the flow channel for the fluid in a manner that is distanced from the functional element. A protective device characterized by the following.

[19]

[18] The protective device described above, The separation device is provided along the catheter. A protective device characterized by the following.

[20]

[18] or

[19] a protective device, A protective device characterized in that the isolation device is provided in a manner that is separated from the functional element. A protective device described in any one of

[21]

[18] to

[20] , The aforementioned functional element is a seal and / or a bearing. A protective device characterized by the following. A protective device described in any one of

[22]

[18] to

[20] , The aforementioned functional element is a ball bearing or a sliding bearing. A protective device characterized by the following.

Claims

1. A catheter device comprising a catheter in which a rotating shaft, at least partially composed of a magnetic material, is disposed inside, Transport channels (1, 1') through which the fluid can move in the flow direction (4, 5, 6), The system includes magnetic devices (13, 13', 13'', 14, 18, 19, 20) for removing magnetic particles (15, 16) present in the fluid, The magnetic device includes at least one magnet (13, 13', 13''), The at least one magnet (13, 13', 13'') is separated from the fluid by a magnetically permeable solid material layer (14), The at least one magnet (13, 13', 13'') is surrounded on all sides by the solid material layer, and the fluid can flow on all sides of the at least one magnet (13, 13', 13''), The at least one magnet interacts only with magnetic particles or magnetizable particles in the fluid within the transport channel. A catheter device characterized by the following features.

2. A catheter device according to claim 1, The at least one magnet (13, 13'') is designed as an elongated cylinder or a rectangular prism. The transport channel includes a fluid channel having a cylindrical section whose longitudinal length is greater than its diameter. The at least one magnet (13, 13'') is positioned within the cylindrical section of the fluid channel, spaced apart from the inner surface of the cylindrical section. A catheter device characterized by the following features.

3. A catheter device according to claim 1 or 2, The at least one of the magnets is disk-shaped. A catheter device characterized by the following features.

4. A catheter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The magnetic field lines within the at least one magnet (13, 13'') extend transversely to the fluid flow direction. A catheter device characterized by the following features.

5. A catheter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The magnetic field lines within the at least one magnet (13, 13'') extend in a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow direction. A catheter device characterized by the following features.

6. A catheter device according to claim 1, The at least one magnet (13, 13', 13'') is shorter in the direction of flow than in the direction perpendicular to the direction of flow. A catheter device characterized by the following features.

7. A catheter device according to claim 2, The fluid channel has a cross-section larger than the cross-section of the magnet device. A catheter device characterized by the following features.

8. A catheter device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Includes at least one valve for controlling the fluid flow through the catheter, The valve includes a valve control space, In the valve control space, the supply channel extends outward through the supply opening, and the discharge channel extends outward through the discharge opening. The valve includes a closing element, the closing element being movable in a controlled manner within the valve control space, The closing element closes the discharge opening at at least one first position, closes the supply opening at at least one second position, and holds the connection channel between the supply opening and the discharge opening open at at least one third position. A valve drive is provided for selectively moving the closing element to at least the first position, the second position, or the third position. A catheter device characterized by the following.

9. A catheter device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The transport channel (1, 1') includes a storage section for intermediate storage of particles. A catheter device characterized by the following.

10. A catheter device according to claim 9, The storage section is designed so that metal particles remain inside the storage section even when the transport channels (1, 1') are exposed to the flow passing through it. A catheter device characterized by the following.

11. A catheter device according to claim 9 or 10, The storage section includes two ends, the two ends of which are connected to the transport channel (1, 1') to guide the fluid. A catheter device characterized by the following.

12. A catheter device according to claim 9, 10, or 11, The storage section is designed as an enlarged cross-sectional section of the spatially separated transport channel (1, 1'). A catheter device characterized by the following.

Images