AMPOULE DUCT CONNECTOR FOR BRACHYTHERAPY APPARATUS

Abstract

The utility model pertains to medical equipment, namely to brachytherapy devices (external beam brachytherapy (afterloading), HDR brachytherapy, high-dose rate therapy devices), and is part of an ampoule conduit (hose, transport channel, transfer tube) designed to connect a storage unit (protective container, source storage unit) and an applicator (applicator connector), along which a cable-type source of ionizing radiation moves. The ampoule conduit connector is used for quick connection of the applicator nozzles. The connector comprises a housing with a through channel in which a sliding coupling is installed with the ability to move axially. A guide sleeve is fixed inside the housing, in which a locking sleeve is placed, spring-loaded by a first spring. Sets of retaining and locking balls, respectively, are placed in radial holes of the guide and locking sleeves. A release sleeve is kinematically connected to the sliding coupling.The applicator nozzle is designed with an annular groove. In its initial position, without the nozzle, the locking sleeve, under the action of a spring, closes the channel using locking balls. When the nozzle is inserted, its end displaces the locking sleeve, releasing the balls and opening the passage for the source. Simultaneously, a sliding sleeve, under the action of a second spring, secures the nozzle using retaining balls that engage with its groove. To disconnect, the operator pulls back the sliding sleeve, which disengages the retaining balls and returns the locking sleeve to its original position, automatically ejecting the nozzle and closing the channel.

Description

[0001] This utility model relates to medical equipment, specifically brachytherapy devices (external beam brachytherapy (afterloading), HDR brachytherapy, and high-dose rate therapy devices). It is part of an ampoule conduit (hose, transport channel, or transfer tube) designed to connect a storage container (protective container, source storage) and an applicator connector, through which a cable-type ionizing radiation source is transported. The ampoule conduit connector is used for quick connection of the applicator nozzles.

[0002] A known device is the "Ball-lock connector" [Patent US 8764473 B2], which is a universal quick-release connector with a ball lock, designed to connect sections of pipeline. A disadvantage of this design is the lack of channel locking when the fitting is removed, as well as the fact that the device is not suitable for medical use.

[0003] Known as "Radiotherapy Device"

[0004] [RU Patent 2115446], which describes a connector for connecting an ampoule tube to a protective container. A drawback of this device is the lack of a physical locking mechanism when the ampoule tube is not connected, and only a sensor-based alarm is provided, creating a potential safety hazard for patients and staff in the event of sensor failure.

[0005] A brachytherapy device known as the "safety-link brachytherapy catheter" [EP 1919562 A1] is comprised of a tube with a closed distal end and a connecting element located between the proximal and distal ends of the tube, configured to be detachably connected to a treatment applicator. Said tube forms a closed channel for the movement of a radioactive source and is configured to be positioned within the lumen of the treatment applicator. A disadvantage of this device is that when using the tube inside the applicator, it is necessary to match their geometric dimensions, which structurally leads to an increase in the outer diameter of the composite device or a limitation on the minimum achievable inner diameter of the working channel. This, in turn, reduces the ergonomics of the device and increases the risk of tissue trauma to the patient during insertion.

[0006] The problem, which the present utility model is aimed at solving, is the creation of a connector for an ampoule pipeline (transport channel) for a brachytherapy apparatus, ensuring automatic closure of the through channel along which the cable source moves during the procedure in the absence of a connection of the applicator nozzle to the ampoule pipeline, preventing the source from coming out, as well as reliable fixation of the nozzle in the connector when connected without additional manual operations and the ability to connect and disconnect the connector of the ampoule pipeline and the applicator nozzle with one hand.

[0007] The technical result includes automatic closure of the ampoule line when disconnected; automatic locking of the nozzle when inserted into the connector housing; and the ability to connect / disconnect with one hand. Additionally, this solution eliminates the need for a closed tube inside the treatment applicator to prevent the source from escaping, allowing for a minimization of the applicator diameter, limited only by the applicator manufacturing technology and the dimensions of the cable source.

[0008] The proposed technical solution is a connector (Fig. 1, pos. 11), which comprises a housing (Fig. 2, pos. 1) with a through channel, a movable coupling (Fig. 2, pos. 2), installed with the possibility of axial movement, a guide sleeve (Fig. 2, pos. 3), fixed in the housing (Fig. 2, pos. 1), a locking sleeve (Fig. 2, pos. 4), installed inside the guide sleeve (Fig. 2, pos. 3) with the possibility of axial movement and spring-loaded by a spring (Fig. 2, pos. 8), a set of retaining balls (Fig. 2, pos. 5), placed in radial holes of the guide sleeve (Fig. 2, pos. 3), a set of locking balls (Fig. 2, pos. 6), located in the radial holes of the locking sleeve (Fig. 2, pos. 4), the unlocking sleeve (Fig. 2, pos. 9), kinematically connected with the movable coupling (Fig. 2, pos. 2). The applicator nipple (Fig. 3, pos. 10) is equipped with a special groove that allows the applicator to be fixed in the connector of the ampoule line. The applicator nipple is inserted into the connector (Fig. 1, pos. 11) from the open side.

[0009] The operating principle of the connector is as follows:

[0010] In the initial (disconnected) state, when the applicator nozzle (Fig. 3, pos. 10) is not inserted into the housing (Fig. 2, pos. 1) of the connector, the locking sleeve (Fig. 2, pos. 4) is in the extreme forward position under the action of the spring (Fig. 2, pos. 8). In this case, a set of locking balls (Fig. 2, pos. 6) is located in the internal cavity of the through channel of the housing, completely blocking its flow section. In this state, the ionizing radiation source cannot go beyond the ampoule line through the connector, which eliminates unauthorized movement of the ionizing radiation source beyond the ampoule line through the connector when the applicator is disconnected.

[0011] When connecting the ampoule tube, the applicator nozzle (Fig. 3, pos. 10) is inserted into the through channel of the housing (Fig. 2, pos. 1). The end of the nozzle contacts the locking sleeve (Fig. 2, pos. 4) and displaces it inside the housing, overcoming the force of the spring (Fig. 2, pos. 8). As it moves axially, the locking sleeve (Fig. 2, pos. 4) releases the locking balls (Fig. 2, pos. 6) from the channel area, providing a free passage for the source. At the same time, the movable coupling (Fig. 2, pos. 2) is moved toward the housing (Fig. 2, pos. 1) by the spring (Fig. 2, pos. 7), forcibly holding the set of retaining balls (Fig. 2, pos. 5) in the radial holes of the guide sleeve (Fig. 2, pos. 3). The balls (Fig. 2, pos. 5) engage with the groove on the fitting (Fig. 3, pos. 10), ensuring its automatic and secure fixation without additional manual operations. After connection, the channel remains open (Fig.3), and the source moves freely along the ampoule and applicator in accordance with the specified treatment plan.

[0012] When disconnection is required, the operator moves the movable coupling (Fig. 2, pos. 2) away from the housing (Fig. 2, pos. 1) with one hand. A force is transmitted through the unlocking sleeve (Fig. 2, pos. 9), which disengages the retaining balls (Fig. 2, pos. 5) from the groove of the fitting (Fig. 3, pos. 10). The locking sleeve (Fig. 2, pos. 4), under the action of the spring (Fig. 2, pos. 8), returns to its original position, pushing the fitting (Fig. 3, pos. 10) out of the connector and simultaneously moving the locking balls (Fig. 2, pos. 6) into the internal cavity of the channel for its automatic closing. Thus, at the moment of disconnection, an instantaneous mechanical blocking of the through channel is ensured (Fig. 2), preventing unauthorized exit of the source to the outside.

[0013] The proposed utility model is illustrated by drawings: Fig. 1-3 shows a general view of the connector, where:

[0014] 1 - Body.

[0015] 2 - Sliding coupling.

[0016] 3 - Guide bushing.

[0017] 4 - Locking sleeve.

[0018] 5 - Set of holding balls.

[0019] 6 - Set of locking balls.

[0020] 7 - Clutch spring.

[0021] 8 - Locking sleeve spring.

[0022] 9 - Unlocking sleeve.

[0023] 10 - Applicator nozzle.

[0024] 11 - Connector.

Claims

1. A connector for an ampoule line for a brachytherapy apparatus, comprising a housing with a through channel for moving a cable source of ionizing radiation and an element for a detachable connection with an applicator nozzle, characterized in that a movable coupling is installed in the housing with the possibility of axial movement, a guide sleeve is secured in the housing, inside which a locking sleeve is installed with the possibility of axial movement, spring-loaded by a first spring, wherein the unlocking sleeve is kinematically connected with the movable coupling, spring-loaded by a second spring, the applicator nozzle is made with an annular groove, and in the radial holes of the guide sleeve and in the radial holes of the locking sleeve, respectively, retaining and locking balls are placed.

2. A connector according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the automatic closing of the through channel in the disconnected state of the applicator nipple ensures mechanical blocking of the exit of the cable source of ionizing radiation beyond the ampoule line.

3. The connector according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the connection and disconnection of the ampoule line connector and the applicator nipple is designed to be carried out with one hand of the operator.

4. A connector according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the movable coupling is spring-loaded by a second spring, ensuring its return to its original position after disconnection.

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