Nasal insertion device

Abstract

Provided is a less invasive nasal cavity insertion device that can be used for both right and left nasal cavities. A cylindrical tube (2) to be inserted into a nasal cavity has, in the circumferential direction (Dθ), a first region (21), a second region (22) on the opposite side to the first region (21), and a pair of right and left connection regions (23, 24) connecting the first and second regions (21, 22). A clipper (3) is coupled to one connection region (23). A plurality of recessed lines (10) extending in the circumferential direction (Dθ) are provided on an outer circumferential surface (20) of the tube (2). The recessed lines (10) are arranged in the axial direction (Dz) at intervals. The recessed lines (10) have: a first recessed line (11) provided in the first region (21) so as to at least be offset from the second region (22); and a second recessed line (12) provided in the second region (22) so as to at least be offset from the first region (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a nasal insertion device.

Background Art

[0002] Symptoms such as "snoring loudly" and "breathing stops during sleep" occur when the upper airway becomes narrow or blocked during sleep. The inventors have previously proposed, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, to secure the airway during sleep by inserting a soft tube-shaped nasal insertion device into the nasal cavity. When the nasal insertion device is inserted into the nostril, the tip reaches the uvula, preventing airway obstruction and stenosis and assisting in ensuring breathing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in order to suppress the invasion of the living body, it is more preferable to insert the device into the left and right nasal cavities alternately rather than inserting the device only into either the left or right nasal cavity. The nasal insertion tube described in Patent Document 1 is gently curved in accordance with the shapes of the left and right nasal cavities. Since the left and right types are mirror-symmetric in shape, it is impossible to insert the right-type device into the left nasal cavity or the left-type device into the right nasal cavity. In order to insert the device into the left and right nasal cavities alternately, it was necessary to prepare two types of devices, one for the left and one for the right.

[0005] Making the nasal intubation device a straight, uncurved shape would allow it to be used on both the left and right sides of the nose. However, a device that is not curved to match the shape of the nasal cavity will have greater resistance when inserted, making it more likely for the user to experience pain. If the device is made softer to eliminate pain, it may be crushed by the uvula, making it difficult to ensure airflow in the upper airway.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a nasal insertion device that is minimally invasive and can be used in either the left or right nasal cavity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A nasal insertion device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a cylindrical tube for insertion into the nasal cavity and a clipper for fixing the rear end of the tube to the columella. The tube has a first region, a second region opposite to the first region, and a pair of left and right connecting regions connecting the first and second regions in the circumferential direction of the tube. The clipper is connected to one of the pair of connecting regions. The outer surface of the tube is provided with a plurality of grooves extending in the circumferential direction of the tube, and the plurality of grooves are spaced apart in the axial direction of the tube. The plurality of grooves include a first groove provided in the first region, avoiding at least the second region, and a second groove provided in the second region, avoiding at least the first region.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a nasal insertion device comprising a cylindrical tube for insertion into the nasal cavity and a clipper for securing the tube to the columella. The tube has, in its circumferential direction, a first region, a second region opposite to the first region, and a pair of left and right connecting regions connecting the first and second regions. The clipper is connected to one of the pair of connecting regions. The first and second regions are formed with a greater radial wall thickness than the pair of connecting regions.

[0009] According to these embodiments, by forming grooves or adjusting the wall thickness of the tube, it is possible to construct a tube that is flexible and resistant to crushing, thereby providing a minimally invasive nasal insertion device that can be used in either the left or right nostril.

[0010] In the above embodiment, it is preferable that the central axis of the tube is configured to be straight in its initial, undeformed state.

[0011] According to this embodiment, the tube can be easily bent in either direction without distinction between left and right, making it suitable for devices that can be used on both the left and right sides.

[0012] In the above embodiment, it is preferable that the first groove and the second groove are formed in the radial direction of the tube and do not overlap with each other in the direction in which the first region and the second region face each other.

[0013] According to this embodiment, even if the tube bends in the first and second grooves, the same position of the tube is not crushed from both the upper and lower sides of the first and second regions, making it easier to ensure airflow.

[0014] In the above embodiment, the first groove may be provided avoiding the second region and the pair of connecting regions, and the second groove may be provided avoiding the first region and the pair of connecting regions.

[0015] According to this embodiment, since there is a pair of connecting regions where neither the first nor the second groove is provided, a tube with excellent tensile strength can be constructed.

[0016] In the above embodiment, the circumferential length of the tube in each of the plurality of grooves may be 120° or more and 150° or less in the circumferential direction of the tube.

[0017] According to this embodiment, the flexibility of the tube can be adjusted by grooves of sufficient length.

[0018] In the above aspect, the first concave stripe may be provided across the first region and the pair of connection regions. The second concave stripe may be provided across the second region and the pair of connection regions.

[0019] According to this aspect, the flexibility of the tube can be greatly changed by the concave stripe having a length exceeding 180°. Even a tube with a hard rubber hardness can be easily bent and adjusted.

[0020] In the above aspect, the tube may have a first portion including the rear end and a second portion including the front end on the opposite side of the rear end in the axial direction of the tube. A plurality of third concave stripes extending over the entire circumference may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second portion across each of the first region, the second region, and the pair of connection regions.

[0021] According to this aspect, the second portion can be made softer than the first portion by providing the third concave stripe. The hardness of the tube can be optimally adjusted for each portion.

[0022] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the depth of each of the plurality of concave stripes is 45% or more and 65% or less of the wall thickness of the tube.

[0023] According to this aspect, it is possible to balance the tensile strength of the tube and the adjustment of the hardness of the tube.

[0024] In the above aspect, the tube has a front end on the opposite side of the rear end, and it is preferable that the front end portion including the front end and the portion in the vicinity of the front end has a tapered shape in which the outer diameter decreases toward the front end.

[0025] According to this aspect, even if the front end of the tube hits, it is difficult to damage the nasal cavity or pharynx, so the invasion can be suppressed even when the nasal cavity insertion device is repeatedly used.

[0026] In the above aspect, the clipper is preferably a resin spring formed from a resin material.

[0027] According to this aspect, the nasal insertion device can be entirely composed of a resin material. Where a metal spring is included, it cannot be heat-sterilized in a microwave oven or the like, but with this configuration, it can be heat-sterilized in a microwave oven. The device can be used more hygienically.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a minimally invasive nasal insertion device that can be used in either the left or right nasal cavity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a usage mode of the nasal insertion device according to each embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the nasal insertion device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the nasal insertion device shown in FIG. 2 as viewed along the axial direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of the nasal insertion device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the tip of the nasal insertion device shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of the nasal insertion device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of the nasal insertion device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the nasal insertion device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of the nasal insertion device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each figure, components with the same reference numerals have the same or similar configuration. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the usage of the nasal insertion device 1 in each embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the nasal insertion device 1 is inserted into the nasal cavity to secure the airway.

[0031] The nasal insertion device 1 comprises a flexible tube 2 and a clipper 3 connected to the posterior end 2T of the tube 2. The tube 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is slightly longer than the distance from the user's nostrils (Naris) to the uvula (Uvula). The length of the tube 2 from the posterior end 2T to the tip 2L is, for example, about 120 mm to 160 mm, and varies depending on the user's height and build.

[0032] The clipper 3 secures the rear end 2T of the tube 2 to the columella to prevent the tube 2 from falling into the user's body. The clipper is formed in a hook shape from, for example, a spring-elastic material. Since the nasal insertion device 1 can be sterilized by heating in a microwave oven, the clipper 3 is preferably a resin spring made from a resin material such as polycarbonate resin. However, the material of the clipper 3 is not limited to resin materials and may be a metal material such as stainless steel.

[0033] [First Embodiment] Figure 2 is a plan view showing an example of a nasal cavity insertion device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that the central axis Z of the tube 2 is straight in its initial, undeformed state. However, the tube 2 may be slightly curved if the user experiences only minor discomfort when inserting it into the nasal cavity.

[0034] Figure 3 is a front view of the nasal insertion device 1 shown in Figure 2, viewed along the axial direction Dz from the tip 2L side to the rear end 2T side of the tube 2. As shown in Figure 3, the outer circumferential surface 20 of the cylindrical tube 2 is divided into four sections in the circumferential direction Dθ of the tube 2, and includes a first region 21, a second region 22 180° opposite to the first region 21, and a pair of connecting regions 23, 24 that connect the first region 21 and the second region 22.

[0035] Clipper 3 is connected to one of the pair of left and right connecting regions 23 and 24, specifically to one of the connecting regions 23. In the illustrated example, the nasal insertion device 1 is inserted into the right nostril, and the connecting region 23 to which Clipper 3 is connected becomes the left side. In this case, the first region 21 becomes the top surface, the second region 22 becomes the bottom surface, and the other connecting region 24 becomes the right side.

[0036] Although not shown in the diagram, when the nasal insertion device 1 is inserted into the left nostril, one of the connecting regions 23 to which the clipper 3 is connected becomes the right side. In that case, the first region 21 becomes the bottom surface, the second region 22 becomes the top surface, and the other connecting region 24 becomes the left side.

[0037] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the outer circumferential surface 20 of the tube 2 is provided with a plurality of grooves 10 extending in the circumferential direction Dθ of the tube 2. The plurality of grooves 10 are spaced apart in the axial direction Dz of the tube 2. The depth of each groove 10 is, for example, 45% or more and 65% or less of the wall thickness of the tube 2, preferably 50% or more and 60% or less of the wall thickness of the tube 2. In the illustrated example, the depth of the grooves 10 is 55% of the wall thickness of the tube 2.

[0038] The multiple grooves 10 include multiple first grooves 11 and multiple second grooves 12. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the multiple first grooves 11 are provided in the first region 21, avoiding a pair of connecting regions 23 and 24. The multiple second grooves 12 are provided in the second region 22, avoiding a pair of connecting regions 23 and 24. In other words, the first grooves 11 are provided in the first region 21, avoiding at least the second region 22. The second grooves 12 are provided in the second region 22, avoiding at least the first region 21.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 are formed in the radial direction Dθ of the tube 2 and do not overlap in the direction Dv where the first region 21 and the second region 22 face each other (for example, the up and down direction as viewed from the user).

[0040] In the illustrated example, multiple first grooves 11 are provided at 10 mm intervals along the axial direction Dz of tube 2. Similarly, multiple second grooves 12 are provided at 10 mm intervals. The first grooves 11 and the second grooves 12 are formed at positions offset by 5 mm each along the axial direction Dz of tube 2.

[0041] The length of each first groove 11 is, for example, 90° or more and 150° or less in the circumferential direction Dθ of the tube 2, preferably 120° or more and 150° or less. In the example shown in Figure 2, the length of each first groove 11 is formed at 135° (3 / 8 of the entire circumference) in the circumferential direction Dθ of the tube 2. The length of each second groove 12 is formed to be approximately the same as the length of each first groove 11.

[0042] Figure 5 is a magnified cross-sectional view of the tip 51 of the nasal insertion device 1 shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 5, the tip 51, which includes the tip 2L of the tube 2 and the surrounding area, is formed in a tapered shape, with the outer diameter decreasing towards the tip 2L. The tip 51 is, for example, the portion between 2 mm and 5 mm from the tip 2L.

[0043] The tapered shape may be, for example, a streamlined shape in which the curvature of the cross-section changes continuously, a fillet (rounded chamfer) in which the curvature of the cross-section does not change, or a taper that makes the cross-section a straight conical surface. Preferably, it is streamlined or a fillet. In the illustrated example, the tip portion 51, including the portion from 2L to 3mm at the tip, is formed in a streamlined shape.

[0044] As described above, the nasal insertion device 1 of the first embodiment is configured such that the tube 2 is easily bent in the groove 10, resulting in minimal discomfort for the user when inserting the nasal insertion device 1 into the nasal cavity. Since it is not necessary to make the rubber hardness of the tube 2 extremely soft, the tube 2 is less likely to be crushed by the uvula, etc. Therefore, it is possible to provide a nasal insertion device 1 that is minimally invasive and can be used in either the left or right nostril.

[0045] In the opposing direction Dv where the first region 21 and the second region 22 face each other, the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 are formed in offset positions so as not to overlap with each other, making it difficult for the tube 2 to be crushed by the uvula, etc. This ensures that airflow is adequately maintained. Because the tip 51 of the tube 2 is tapered, even if the tip 2L of the tube 2 touches something, it is less likely to injure the nasal cavity or pharynx. This minimizes invasiveness even with repeated use of the nasal insertion device 1.

[0046] [Second Embodiment] In the second to fifth embodiments, descriptions of matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the differences will be described. Figure 6 is a front view showing an example of a nasal insertion device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, the nasal insertion device 1 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the wall thickness of the first and second regions 21, 22 is formed to be greater than the wall thickness of the pair of connecting regions 23, 24.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the outer circumference of tube 2 is a perfect circle, and within the internal space of tube 2, the distance between the first and second regions 21 and 22, i.e., the height h of the internal space, is smaller than the distance between the pair of connecting regions 23 and 24, i.e., the width w of the internal space. Although not shown, similar to the first embodiment, the first region 21 of tube 2 is provided with a first groove 11 to avoid the pair of connecting regions 23 and 24. The second region 22 is provided with a second groove 12 to avoid the pair of connecting regions 23 and 24.

[0048] According to the second embodiment configured as described above, since the tube 2 is formed with thick walls in the first and second regions 21 and 22, the internal space of the tube 2 is less likely to collapse even if the uvula or the like comes into contact with the first or second region 21 or 22. Since grooves 10 are provided in the thick-walled first and second regions 21 and 22, the tube 2 can be bent without becoming excessively rigid. Similar to the first embodiment, a nasal insertion device 1 that is minimally invasive and can be used in either the left or right nostril canal can be provided.

[0049] [Third Embodiment] Figure 7 is a plan view showing an example of a nasal insertion device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 7, the nasal insertion device 1 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, in addition to a first groove 11 provided in the first region 21, avoiding the pair of connecting regions 23 and 24, and a second groove 12 provided in the second region 22, avoiding the pair of connecting regions 23 and 24, a plurality of third grooves 13 extending 360° around the entire circumference across each of the first region 21, the second region 22, and the pair of connecting regions 23 and 24 are provided on the tube 2.

[0050] The tube 2 according to the third embodiment has a first portion 4 including a rear end 2T (shown in Figure 1) and a second portion 5 including a tip 2L in the axial direction Dz of the tube 2. The second portion 5 is the part that ensures airflow near the uvula and is shorter than the first portion 4. The first portion 4 is the part that ensures airflow within the nasal cavity and is the remaining portion of the tube 2 excluding the second portion 5.

[0051] The first section 4 is provided with a plurality of first and second grooves 11 and 12. The second section 5 is provided with a third groove 13. In the illustrated example, the second section 5 is partitioned from the tip 2L to 30mm of the tube 2, and the second section 5 is provided with a plurality of third grooves 13 at 5mm intervals.

[0052] The first section 4 has a gentler curve compared to the second section 5. Since the first and second grooves 11 and 12 in the fourth embodiment are provided on the first section 4, the length of the circumferential Dθ of the tube 2 may be shorter than that of the first and second grooves 11 and 12 in the first embodiment. In the illustrated example, the length of each of the first and second grooves 11 and 12 is 90°.

[0053] According to the third embodiment of the nasal insertion device 1 configured as described above, the second portion 5 can be made softer than the first portion 4 by providing the third groove 13. Since the stiffness of the tube 2 can be optimally adjusted for each portion, a minimally invasive nasal insertion device 1 can be provided that can be used in either the left or right nostril.

[0054] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a nasal insertion device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 8, the nasal insertion device 1 of the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a groove 10 with a length exceeding 180° is provided in the circumferential direction θ of the tube 2. In the illustrated example, the lengths of the first and second grooves 11 and 12 are formed to be 225° (5 / 8 of the entire circumference).

[0055] As shown in Figure 8, the first groove 11 is provided spanning the first region 21 and a pair of connecting regions 23, 24, avoiding the second region 22. The second groove 12 is provided spanning the second region 22 and a pair of connecting regions 23, 24, avoiding the first region 21. Similar to the first embodiment, the first groove 11 is provided in the first region 21, avoiding the second region 22. The second groove 12 is provided in the second region 22, avoiding the first region 21.

[0056] In the fourth embodiment of the nasal insertion device 1 configured as described above, the flexibility of the tube 2 can be significantly altered by providing a longer groove 10 than in the first embodiment. Even if the tube 2 has a hard rubber hardness, it can be easily bent, thus providing a minimally invasive nasal insertion device 1 that can be used in either the left or right nostril.

[0057] [Fifth Embodiment] Figure 9 is a plan view showing an example of a nasal insertion device 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 9, the nasal insertion device 1 of the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the recessed groove 10 is not formed. Similar to the second embodiment, the nasal insertion device 1 of the fifth embodiment has a wall thickness greater in the first and second regions 21 and 22 than in the wall thickness of the pair of connecting regions 23 and 24.

[0058] According to the nasal insertion device 1 of the fifth embodiment configured as described above, since the tube 2 is formed with thick walls in the first and second regions 21 and 22, the internal space of the tube 2 is less likely to collapse even if the uvula or the like comes into contact with the first or second region 21 or 22. Compared to using a tube 2 with uniform wall thickness, the rubber hardness can be made softer, thus providing a nasal insertion device 1 that is minimally invasive and can be used in either the left or right nostril.

[0059] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The elements, arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes of the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to partially substitute or combine the configurations shown in different embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1...Nasal insertion device, 2...Tube, 2L...Tip, 2T...Rear end, 3...Clipper, 4...First part, 5...Second part, 10...Ridge, 11...First groove, 12...Second groove, 13...Third groove, 20...Outer surface, 21...First region, 22...Second region, 23,24...Connecting region, 51...Tip, Dr...Radial direction, Dv...Opposite direction, Dz...Axial direction, Dθ...Circumferential direction, h...Height, w...Width.

Claims

1. It comprises a cylindrical tube for insertion into the nasal cavity and a clipper for securing the rear end of the tube to the columella, The tube has, in the circumferential direction of the tube, a first region, a second region opposite to the first region, and a pair of left and right connecting regions connecting the first region and the second region. The clipper is connected to one of the pair of connecting regions, The outer surface of the tube is provided with a plurality of grooves extending in the circumferential direction of the tube, and these grooves are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the tube. The plurality of grooves include at least a first groove provided in the first region while avoiding the second region, and at least a second groove provided in the second region while avoiding the first region. Nasal cavity insertion device.

2. In its initial, undeformed state, the tube has a straight central axis. The nasal insertion device according to claim 1.

3. The first groove and the second groove are formed in the radial direction of the tube and in positions where they do not overlap with each other in the direction in which the first region and the second region face each other. The nasal insertion device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first groove is provided so as to avoid the second region and the pair of connecting regions. The second groove is provided so as to avoid the first region and the pair of connecting regions. A nasal insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The circumferential length of the tube in each of the first and second grooves is 120° or more and 150° or less in the circumferential direction of the tube. The nasal insertion device according to claim 4.

6. The first groove is provided spanning the first region and the pair of connecting regions, The second groove is provided spanning the second region and the pair of connecting regions. A nasal insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The tube has, in the axial direction of the tube, a first portion including the rear end and a second portion including the tip opposite to the rear end. The outer circumferential surface of the second portion is provided with a plurality of third grooves that extend around the entire circumference across the first region, the second region, and the pair of connecting regions. A nasal insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The depth of each of the aforementioned grooves is 45% or more and 65% or less of the wall thickness of the tube. A nasal insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. It comprises a cylindrical tube for insertion into the nasal cavity and a clipper for securing the tube to the columella, The tube has, in the circumferential direction of the tube, a first region, a second region opposite to the first region, and a pair of left and right connecting regions connecting the first region and the second region. The clipper is connected to one of the pair of connecting regions, The first and second regions are formed such that the radial wall thickness of the tube is greater than that of the pair of connecting regions. Nasal cavity insertion device.

10. The outer surface of the tube is provided with a plurality of grooves extending in the circumferential direction of the tube, and each of the plurality of grooves is spaced apart in the axial direction of the tube. The plurality of grooves include at least a first groove provided in the first region while avoiding the second region, and at least a second groove provided in the second region while avoiding the first region. The nasal insertion device according to claim 9.

11. The tube has a tip opposite to the rear end, The tip portion, including the tip and the area near the tip, has a tapered shape, with the outer diameter decreasing towards the tip. A nasal insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The aforementioned clipper is a resin spring formed from a resin material. A nasal insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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