Medical connector

Abstract

A medical connector (10) comprises: a main tube (12) which has a main tube passage (20) and is provided, at the distal end thereof, with a connection part for connection to a tubular member; and a side tube (30) which has a side tube passage (34) and branches toward the proximal side from the distal side of the main tube (12). The medical connector (10) is used for inserting a long, linear insertion object into the tubular member from an inlet passage (55) which is provided at the proximal end of the side tube passage (34) and via the distal end of the main tube passage (20). The main tube passage (20) has a winding jam prevention part (45) which is provided at the position of intersection between the inner surface of the main tube passage (20) and the extension line of the center axis (O2) of the inlet passage (55), has a distance from the center axis (O1) of the main tube passage that is shorter than the inner radius of the main tube passage at the proximal end thereof, and extends in a direction parallel to the center axis (O1) of the main tube passage.

Description

Medical Connectors

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical connector that can be connected to a tubular member, such as a puncture needle, that is to be introduced into the body.

[0002] Conventionally, Y-shaped medical connectors have been known that can be connected to a tubular member, have a main passage and a side passage branching off from the main passage, and allow a long linear object such as a guide wire introduced through the side passage to be inserted into the tubular member.

[0003] For example, the connector described in Patent Document 1 is connectable to a tubular member, and has a main tube passage branching off into a side tube passage toward the proximal side. A long, linear object, such as an optical fiber or guidewire, is introduced into the proximal end of the side tube passage and can be inserted toward the distal side of the main tube passage. A tapered section is formed distal to the branch point of the main tube passage with the side tube passage, with the inner diameter decreasing toward the distal end. Furthermore, the start and end points of the tapered section are rounded, and the intersection of the extension of the central axis of the side tube passage and the inner circumferential surface of the main tube passage is located on the inner circumferential surface of a straight section with a constant inner diameter, close to the taper start point of the main tube passage. This is said to enable smooth insertion of an insertion member into the connector. Also known as a type of guidewire is a guidewire with a J-shaped or U-shaped tip.

[0004] Patent No. 6839410

[0005] Conventional connectors such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 have the following first and second problems. (1) In the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, the inner diameter of the side tube passage is small toward the tip, which means that resistance is likely to occur when inserting a guidewire into the side tube passage. The larger the diameter of the guidewire used, the greater the insertion resistance. In this case, the operator cannot determine whether the resistance felt at the operator's hand is caused by a tortuous, narrowed, or blocked blood vessel or by resistance inside the connector, making it difficult to perform appropriate treatment.

[0006] (2) A second problem is that, particularly when a guidewire with a J-shaped or U-shaped tip is inserted into a connector, the tip of the guidewire is likely to become coiled inside the main tube passage, causing it to become jammed, as shown in Figure 14. When this happens, the guidewire may not be inserted smoothly toward the distal end of the main tube passage.

[0007] 14 is a schematic diagram showing, in an exaggerated manner, two examples of a spirally wound portion occurring at the distal end of a guidewire 101 in a conventional connector 10c. In reality, the two examples of guidewire 101 would, of course, be inserted into the connector 10c separately at different times. The connector 10c includes a main tube 12c and a side tube 30c branching off from the main tube 12c. The guidewire 101 is introduced from a side tube passage 34c in the side tube 30c into a main tube passage 20c provided in the main tube 12c and is then led out from the distal end of the main tube 12c.

[0008] The first guidewire 101, shown by solid lines, is pushed into the distal end of the main passage 20c, but a spiral winding 101a forms at the tip, causing the wire to become jammed inside the main passage 20c. The second guidewire 101, shown by dashed lines, has its tip moved proximal to the connection end 38 of the main passage 20c with the side passage 34c, causing the wire to become jammed inside the main passage 20c. On the other hand, to prevent the guidewire 101 from becoming jammed, it is possible to make the portion of the main passage 20c into which the tip of the guidewire 101 is inserted cylindrical with a reduced overall inner diameter. However, in this case, the guidewire 101 comes into contact with the inner surface of a cylindrical surface with a small radius of curvature, which increases the insertion resistance of the guidewire 101 through the connector 10.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a medical connector that can suppress an increase in the insertion resistance of an object to be introduced, such as a guide wire, and / or can prevent the object to be introduced from becoming stuck inside.

[0010] A first medical connector according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a main tube having a main tube passage and a connection portion at its distal end with a tubular member, and a side tube branching from the distal side of the main tube toward the proximal side and having a side tube passage, the medical connector being used to insert a long linear introduction material from an inlet passage provided at the proximal end of the side tube passage through the distal end of the main tube passage into the tubular member, the main tube passage being provided at a position where an extension of the central axis of the inlet passage intersects with the inner surface of the main tube passage, the distance from the central axis of the main tube passage being shorter than the inner radius of the proximal end of the main tube passage, and the medical connector including a jamming prevention portion extending in a direction parallel to the central axis of the main tube passage.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the distance from the end of the side pipe passage connected to the main pipe passage to the inner surface of the main pipe passage opposite the connection end can be reduced. Therefore, even when the maximum inner diameter of the connection end is widened or the tip of an object to be introduced, such as a guidewire, is bent in a J-shape or the like, it is possible to prevent the tip of the object from spiraling and becoming stuck inside the main pipe passage. Furthermore, by configuring the jam prevention part to extend in a direction parallel to the central axis of the main pipe passage, the angle between the proximal end of the jam prevention part and the guidewire is smaller and more acute than when the jam prevention part is tapered so that the inner diameter narrows toward the connector tip, allowing the guidewire to be guided more smoothly toward the connector tip.

[0012] In the first medical connector, the main pipe passage may have a cylindrical surface portion that combines a partially tapered surface provided on the radially opposite side of the main pipe passage from the jamming prevention portion and the jamming prevention portion.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the main pipe passage is not composed of only flat surfaces, i.e., it is not rectangular, so that the flow of liquid within the connector is prevented from being impaired. Furthermore, when the main pipe passage is rectangular, there is a problem in that the cross-sectional area cannot be used effectively because the liquid stagnates at the corners of the rectangular cross section due to the difference in the resistance of the liquid to the wall surface. However, with the above configuration, such a problem can be prevented.

[0014] In the first medical connector, the jamming prevention portion may include a main-tube-side flat portion.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the insertion resistance of the introduced object can be reduced and the contact range of the introduced object in the winding jam prevention section can be widened, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the insertion position of the introduced object and the degree of freedom in selecting the tip shape of the introduced object.

[0016] In the first medical connector, the side pipe passage may have a connecting passage provided in a distal portion of the side pipe passage, and the connecting passage may have a cylindrical surface with a notched side pipe side flat portion on the side closer to the proximal end of the main pipe passage.

[0017] According to the above configuration, when the object to be introduced is inserted along the central axis of the inlet passage of the side pipe passage, the object to be introduced can be prevented from rubbing strongly against the inner surface of the side pipe passage, thereby further reducing the insertion resistance of the object to be introduced into the connector.

[0018] In the first medical connector, the side pipe passage may include a connecting passage provided in a distal portion of the side pipe passage, and when a cross section cut along a plane including the central axis of the main pipe passage and the central axis of the inlet passage is defined as having a first end at the proximal end of the connecting passage closer to the proximal end of the main pipe passage, a second end at the distal end of the connecting passage closer to the distal end of the main pipe passage, and a third end on the inner surface of the main pipe passage opposite the side pipe passage and located between the second end and the distal end of the main pipe passage in the direction of the central axis of the main pipe passage, the angle formed by a first line connecting the first end and the second end and a second line connecting the second end and the third end on the side opposite to the side pipe at the second end may be a predetermined angle in the range of 170 degrees or more and 190 degrees or less.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the object to be introduced can be prevented from rubbing strongly against the second end, and therefore the insertion resistance of the object to be introduced into the connector can be further reduced.

[0020] A second medical connector according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a main tube having a connecting portion at its distal end with a tubular member and having a main tube passage, and a side tube branching from the distal side of the main tube toward the proximal side and having a side tube passage, the medical connector being used to insert a long linear introduction material from an inlet passage provided at the proximal end of the side tube passage through the distal end of the main tube passage into the tubular member, the side tube passage including a connecting passage provided in a distal portion of the side tube passage, and the connecting passage a first end at the proximal end of the connecting passage that is closer to the proximal end of the main pipe passage; a second end at the distal end of the connecting passage that is closer to the distal end of the main pipe passage; and a third end on the inner surface of the main pipe passage that is opposite to the side pipe passage and is located between the second end and the distal end of the main pipe passage in the direction of the central axis of the main pipe passage, wherein the angle formed by a first line connecting the first end and the second end and a second line connecting the second end and the third end on the side opposite to the side pipe at the second end is a predetermined angle in the range of 170 degrees or more and 190 degrees or less.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the object to be introduced, such as a guide wire, can be prevented from rubbing strongly against the second end, thereby reducing the resistance to insertion of the object into the connector.

[0022] In the second medical connector, the first end may be configured to be located on a central axis of the inlet passage.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting passage can be increased, thereby further reducing the insertion resistance of the object to be introduced.

[0024] A third medical connector according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a main tube having a connection portion at its distal end with a tubular member, the main tube having a main tube passage, and a side tube branching from the distal side of the main tube toward the proximal side and having a side tube passage, the medical connector being used to insert a long linear introduction material from an inlet passage provided at the proximal end of the side tube passage through the distal end of the main tube passage into the tubular member, wherein the side tube passage includes a connecting passage provided at the distal portion of the side tube passage, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting passage is 3.5 times or more the cross-sectional area of ​​the introduction material to be introduced into the connecting passage.

[0025] According to the above configuration, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting passage can be made sufficiently large relative to the object to be introduced, thereby reducing the insertion resistance of the object to be introduced.

[0026] In the third medical connector, the central axis of the inlet passage may pass through the proximal end of the main pipe passage at the end of the connecting passage that is connected to the main pipe passage.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the maximum width of the end of the connecting passage on the connecting side with the main pipe passage can be increased, so that the insertion resistance of the introduced object can be further reduced.

[0028] In the third medical connector, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting passage is 2.5 mm ２ More than 3.0 mm ２ The following configuration may also be used.

[0029] According to the above configuration, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting passage can be increased, so that the insertion resistance of the object to be introduced can be further reduced.

[0030] According to the medical connector of the present invention, an increase in insertion resistance of the object to be introduced can be suppressed and / or the object to be introduced can be prevented from becoming clogged inside.

[0031] 8 is a diagram showing a state in which a valve body unit is attached to a medical connector of an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the medical connector with the valve body unit of FIG. 1 attached, taken along a plane including the central axes of the main pipe passage and the inlet passage. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the medical connector removed from FIG. 2. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 3. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 along B-B of FIG. 3. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 along C-C of FIG. 3. FIG. 14 is a view taken along arrow D of FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a guidewire insertion tool for inserting a guidewire into a blood vessel, including the medical connector of FIG. 1. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of part E of FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which a guidewire is inserted into a puncture needle through a connector using a guidewire insertion tool. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which the tip of the guidewire has been led out of the puncture needle in the guidewire insertion tool. FIG. 18 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2, showing a medical connector of another embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2, showing a medical connector of another embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing, in an exaggerated manner, two examples in which a spirally wound portion is formed at the tip of a guidewire when the inner diameter of the end of the side pipe passage connected to the main pipe passage is expanded in a conventional medical connector.

[0032] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a medical connector according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a medical connector 10 according to an embodiment with a valve body unit 92 attached. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the medical connector 10 with the valve body unit 92 attached, taken along a plane including the central axes of the main pipe passage 20 and the inlet passage 55. Figure 3 is a view of the medical connector 10 removed from Figure 2. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in Figure 3.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a medical connector 10 has a distal end (left end in Figure 1) connected to a puncture needle 100 (see Figure 8), which is a distal tubular member, via a wire introducer needle hub 90 (see Figure 8), which is an intermediate tubular member. In this specification, the "proximal side" or "proximal end" refers to the rear side (right side in Figure 1) or the end thereof relative to the direction in which a guidewire, which is a long linear introducer, is inserted (arrow A1 in Figure 1) or the direction in which a syringe is inserted (arrow A2 in Figure 1). Furthermore, the "distal side" or "distal end" refers to the front side (left side in Figure 1) or the end thereof relative to the direction in which a guidewire or syringe is inserted.

[0035] The connector 10 includes a main tube 12 having a substantially cylindrical outer periphery and a small-diameter tapered section 13 corresponding to a connection at its distal end (left side in FIGS. 1 to 3 ), and a side tube 30 branching off from the main tube 12 toward the proximal end (right side in FIGS. 1 to 3 ). The small-diameter tapered section 13 is formed on the outer periphery of the distal end of the main tube 12 so that its outer diameter is smaller than that of the remaining portions and decreases toward the distal end. The proximal end of a wire introduction needle hub 90 can be fitted and connected to the outer periphery of the small-diameter tapered section 13. The proximal end of the main tube 12 can be connected so that the tip of a syringe 106 (see FIG. 8 ) containing heparin or physiological saline as a medicinal solution can be inserted into the proximal end of the main tube 12. The connector 10 is formed as a single-piece molded product made of a transparent or translucent resin such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a main pipe passage 20 is provided inside the main pipe 12, and a side pipe passage 34 branching off from the main pipe passage 20 is provided inside the side pipe 30.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , a valve body unit 92 including a valve body 93 can be attached to the proximal end of the side tube 30. The valve body unit 92 is composed of a cylindrical holding member 94 with a bottom and a substantially cylindrical valve body 93 made of an elastic material such as rubber and held inside the holding member 94. A through-hole 95 is formed in the bottom of the holding member 94. A recess 93a is formed in the surface of the valve body 93 facing the bottom of the holding member 94. The inner circumferential surface of the recess 93a is tapered, with the diameter decreasing toward the bottom of the recess. A linear or cross-shaped slit (not shown) is formed in the center of the bottom of the recess 93a. The slit forms an insertion path for the guidewire when the distal end of a conical slider tip 66 is inserted, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 (described later).

[0038] A guidewire introduced through the valve body into the side tube passage 34 of the side tube 30 is inserted through an inlet passage 55 provided at the proximal end of the side tube passage 34. The guidewire passes from the side tube passage 34 to the distal side of the main tube passage 20 and is led out from the distal end of the connector 10. The wire led out of the connector 10 passes through a wire introducer needle hub 90 (FIG. 8) and is inserted into the internal passage of the puncture needle 100 (FIG. 8). In this way, the connector 10 is used to insert a guidewire through the inlet passage 55 of the side tube passage 34 and pass it through the distal end of the main tube passage 20 and into the puncture needle 100.

[0039] The side pipe 30 branches off at a predetermined acute angle, such as approximately 25 degrees, from the axially intermediate portion of the main pipe 12. The side pipe passage 34 also branches off at a predetermined angle, such as approximately 25 degrees, from the intermediate portion of the main pipe passage 20.

[0040] An annular groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the opening of the cylindrical tube portion of the retaining member 94. The retaining member 94 is fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the proximal end of the side tube 30 so as to abut against the side of a flange 40 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the side tube 30. In this state, the annular groove of the retaining member 94 engages with an annular protrusion 41 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the proximal end of the side tube 30, preventing it from coming off the side tube 30. In this state, the valve body 93 is elastically sandwiched and held between the bottom of the retaining member 94 and the proximal end of the side tube 30.

[0041] The connector 10 of the embodiment will be described in detail below. As shown in Figure 3, the main pipe passage 20 has, in order from the proximal end to the distal end, a female luer tapered section 21 whose inner diameter decreases, an intermediate cylindrical section 22 having the same inner diameter, a first partial tapered tubular section 42, a second partial tapered tubular section 46, and a cylindrical outlet passage 26 having the same inner diameter.

[0042] A male luer taper portion of a syringe 106 ( FIG. 8 ) is connected to the female luer taper portion 21. The first partial tapered tube portion 42 and the second partial tapered tube portion 46 have inner diameters that decrease from the proximal side to the distal side. The second partial tapered tube portion 46 has a larger inclination angle of the inner surface relative to the central axis than the first partial tapered tube portion 42. The outlet passage 26 is provided near the distal end Ex, such as the distal end Ex, of the main pipe passage 20. The first partial tapered tube portion 42 and the second partial tapered tube portion 46 include a winding jam prevention portion 45. Note that the winding jam prevention portion 45 may be provided on only one of the partial tapered tube portions, the first partial tapered tube portion 42 and the second partial tapered tube portion 46. The outlet passage 26 may include a tapered surface whose inner diameter increases toward the distal end Ex of the main pipe passage 20.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 , the first partial tapered cylindrical portion 42 is composed of a cylindrical surface portion that combines a first partial tapered surface 43, which is a tapered surface whose inner diameter decreases from the proximal side to the distal side, and a first flat portion 44. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first partial tapered surface 43 is formed by a first portion 43a on the side of the side tube 30 and a second portion 43b that connects to both circumferential ends of the first portion 43a and is the portion opposite the side tube 30. The first portion 43a is a semi-conical surface obtained by cutting a conical surface in half along a plane including the central axis, and the second portion 43b is a surface that is further reduced in size by cutting the semi-conical surface along a plane opposite the central axis. The first flat portion 44 is located on the side opposite the side tube 30. The first flat portion 44, together with a second flat portion 48 described below, forms a main tube-side flat portion, the winding jam prevention portion 45.

[0044] The second partial tapered cylindrical portion 46 is composed of a cylindrical surface portion that combines a second partial tapered surface 47, which is a tapered surface whose inner diameter decreases from the proximal side to the distal side, and a second flat surface portion 48 that continues from the first flat surface portion 44 on the same plane. Like the first partial tapered surface 43, the second partial tapered surface 47 is formed by a side tube 30-side portion and a portion opposite the side tube 30 that connects to both circumferential ends of the side tube 30-side portion. The second partial tapered surface 47 has a larger inclination angle of its inner surface relative to the central axis than the first partial tapered surface 43. Note that instead of the first partial tapered cylindrical portion 42 and the second partial tapered cylindrical portion 46, a single partial tapered cylindrical portion having a single partial tapered surface whose inner surface has a constant inclination angle relative to the central axis may be provided. Alternatively, instead of the first partial tapered cylindrical portion 42 and the second partial tapered cylindrical portion 46, a configuration in which three or more partial tapered cylindrical portions having partial tapered surfaces whose inner surfaces have different inclination angles relative to the central axis may be connected in the axial direction may be used.

[0045] The distance d1 ( FIG. 3 ) from the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20 to the first flat portion 44 or the second flat portion 48 is shorter than the inner radius of the proximal end of the main pipe passage 20, the female luer taper portion 21, and the intermediate cylindrical portion 22. Also, as shown in FIG. 3 , the distance d1 from the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20 to the first flat portion 44, over the entire length of the first flat portion 44 in the direction of the central axis O1, is shorter than the length d3 between a position on the first partial tapered surface 43 that is radially opposed to the first flat portion 44 and the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20. Also, as shown in FIG. 4 , the distance d1 from the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20 to the second flat portion 48, over the entire length of the second flat portion 48 in the direction of the central axis O1, excluding the distal end of the second flat portion 48, is shorter than the length d4 between a position on the second partial tapered surface 47 that is radially opposed to the second flat portion 48 and the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20. 4 , at the distal end of the second flat surface 48, the distance d1 from the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20 to the second flat surface 48 coincides with the length d4 from a position on the second partial tapered surface 47 that is radially opposed to the second flat surface 48 to the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20. Alternatively, the boundary between the first partial tapered surface 43 and the second partial tapered surface 47 may be moved closer to the distal end Ex, and the second partial tapered surface 47 may be steeply inclined with respect to the central axis O1, so that the distance d1 at the distal end of the second flat surface 48 is shorter than the length d4 from a position on the second partial tapered surface 47 that is radially opposed to the second flat surface 48 to the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20. Note that this configuration is merely one example and may be modified as appropriate to suit the shape of a syringe or other part to be connected to the connector 10.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4 , the main pipe passage 20 is provided with a tapered section 49 between the second tapered tube section 46 and the outlet passage 26, the inner diameter of which decreases toward the distal end Ex. The tapered section 49 is provided in the range indicated by the arrow α in the axial direction of the main pipe 12. This allows the main pipe passage 20 to have the tapered section 49 located distal to the jam prevention section 45. Therefore, unlike a case where the tapered section 49 is eliminated and the distal end of the second tapered tube section 46 is directly connected to the outlet passage 26, the first flat section 44 and the second flat section 48 are prevented from excessively approaching the side pipe passage 34 (the lower side in FIGS. 2 and 3 ). This prevents the guidewire introduced from the side pipe passage 34 into the main pipe passage 20 from strongly rubbing against the inner surface of the main pipe passage 20. This reduces the insertion resistance of the guidewire through the connector 10. Unlike the configuration of this example, the tapered portion 49 may be omitted, and the distal end of the second partial tapered cylindrical portion 46 may be directly connected to the outlet passage 26 .

[0047] 3 , the side pipe passage 34 includes an inlet passage 55, which is a cylindrical surface provided at the proximal end; a first intermediate passage 56, which is a cylindrical surface provided in the middle portion and has a smaller diameter than the inlet passage 55 but the same inner diameter; a second intermediate passage 57 including a side pipe side partial tapered surface 58 provided distally of the first intermediate passage 56, i.e., on the main pipe passage connection side; and a connecting passage 53 provided at the main pipe passage connection side end. The second intermediate passage 57 is composed of a side pipe side cylindrical surface portion that combines a side pipe side partial tapered surface 58, which is a tapered surface whose inner diameter decreases from the proximal side toward the main pipe passage connection side, and a side pipe side partial cylindrical surface 59. The side pipe side partial cylindrical surface 59 is linearly continuous with the connecting passage 53. The radial cross section of the side pipe side partial cylindrical surface 59, which is a cross section along the radial direction, may be a circumferential portion of a perfect circle or a circumferential portion of an ellipse. When the radial cross section of the side pipe side partial cylindrical surface 59 is a part of an ellipse, the direction of the major axis of the ellipse is along the plane of the paper in Fig. 3, which is the vertical direction in Fig. 7, and may be along a plane including the central axes O1, O2 of the main pipe passage 20 and the inlet passage 55. The inlet passage 55 may have a tapered surface or a polygonal cylindrical surface.

[0048] Figure 7 is a view taken along arrow D in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 7, the connecting passage 53 has an elliptical cylindrical shape with a side pipe-side flat portion 54 cut out on the side closer to the proximal end of the main pipe passage 20, and has a cylindrical inner surface extending along the axial direction of the central axis O2 of the inlet passage 55. Therefore, no stepped surface or tapered surface is formed on the inner surface of the connecting passage 53. The central axis O2 of the inlet passage 55 passes through the end of the connecting passage 53 on the main pipe passage connection side that is closer to the proximal end of the main pipe passage 20.

[0049] Furthermore, the central axis O2 of the inlet passage 55 provided in the side pipe passage 34 coincides with the edge of the connecting passage 53 on the side closer to the proximal end of the main pipe passage 20 throughout the entire length of the central axis O2. The maximum width of the cross section of the connecting passage 53 perpendicular to the axial direction is smaller than the maximum width of the cross section of the inlet passage 55 perpendicular to the axial direction. The connecting passage 53 has a shape without a stepped surface, with the side of the elliptical cylindrical surface closer to the main pipe passage 20 cut out by the side pipe side flat portion 54. Therefore, as described below, when a guidewire is inserted into the side pipe passage 34 while substantially aligning with the central axis O2 of the inlet passage 55, the guidewire can slide without resistance along the inner surface of the side pipe passage 34 without a stepped surface. This further reduces the insertion resistance of the guidewire through the connector 10.

[0050] The main pipe passage 20 also includes a jam prevention portion 45 having a first flat portion 44 and a second flat portion 48 provided at a position (position G in FIG. 3 ) where an extension of the central axis O2 of the inlet passage 55 intersects with the inner surface of the main pipe passage 20. The distance d1 ( FIG. 3 ) of the jam prevention portion 45 from the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20 is shorter than the inner radius d2 ( FIG. 3 ) of the proximal end of the main pipe passage 20, and the jam prevention portion 45 extends in a direction parallel to the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20. This prevents the tip of the guidewire 102 from being wound in a spiral and jamming inside the main pipe passage 20, even when the maximum inner diameter of the connection side end T ( FIG. 3 ) of the side pipe passage 34 relative to the main pipe passage 20 is expanded, as described below, or when the tip of the guidewire 102 is bent into a J-shape or the like. In particular, in this example, the distance d1 from the central axis O1 of the main passage 20 to the first flat portion 44 is shorter across the entire first partial tapered surface 43 in the direction of the central axis O1 than the length d3 ( FIG. 3 ) from a position on the first partial tapered surface 43 that is radially opposed to the first flat portion 44 to the central axis O1 of the main passage 20. Furthermore, the distance d1 from the central axis O1 of the main passage 20 to the second flat portion 48 is shorter across the entire second partial tapered surface 47 in the direction of the central axis O1 than the length d4 ( FIG. 4 ) from a position on the second partial tapered surface 47 that is radially opposed to the second flat portion 48 to the central axis O1 of the main passage 20, excluding the distal end of the second flat portion 48. Furthermore, at the distal end of the second flat portion 48, the distance d1 from the central axis O1 of the main passage 20 to the second flat portion 48 is equal to the length d4 from a position on the second partially tapered surface 47 that is radially opposed to the second flat portion 48 to the central axis O1 of the main passage 20, or the distance d1 is shorter than the length d4. This more reliably prevents the guidewire 102 from becoming jammed.

[0051] 3, 5, and 6, the jam prevention section 45 extends perpendicular to a plane including the central axes O1, O2 of the main pipe passage 20 and the inlet passage 55 (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 3, and the left-right direction in FIGS. 5 and 6), and also in a direction along the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20. As a result, the first partial tapered cylindrical section 42 and the second partial tapered cylindrical section 46 have a shape in which the jam prevention section 45 cuts out the side opposite the side pipe passage 34.

[0052] 2 and 3 , in a cross section of the connector 10 taken along a plane including the central axes O1, O2 of the main pipe passage 20 and the inlet passage 55, a first end P1 at the end of the connecting passage 53 on the inlet passage 55 side is defined, the first end P1 being closer to the proximal end of the main pipe passage 20, and a second end P2 at the end of the connecting passage 53 connected to the main pipe passage is defined, the second end P2 being closer to the distal end Ex of the main pipe passage 20. A third end P3 is defined, located opposite the side pipe passage 34 and between the second end P2 and the distal end Ex of the main pipe passage 20 in the direction of the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20. A first straight line L1 connecting the first end P1 and the second end P2, and a second straight line L2 connecting the second end P2 and the third end P3 are defined. An outlet passage 26 is provided near the distal end Ex of the main pipe passage 20, and a second straight line L2 connecting the third end P3 on the opposite side of the side pipe passage 34 to the second end P2 is defined at the proximal end of the outlet passage 26. At this time, the second straight line L2 coincides with an extension of the first straight line L1 on the side of the second end P2. That is, the angle θ between the first straight line L1 and the second straight line L2 on the side opposite the side pipe 30 at the second end P2 is a predetermined angle of 180 degrees. This makes it possible to suppress strong rubbing of the guidewire against the second end P2 compared to when the second straight line L2 is inclined more significantly with respect to the extension of the first straight line L1 in the direction approaching the proximal end of the main pipe passage 20 (the opposite direction of arrow Q in FIG. 3 ). This reduces the insertion resistance of the guidewire through the connector 10. Note that the angle θ between the first straight line L1 and the second straight line L2 on the side opposite the side pipe 30 may be a predetermined angle other than 180 degrees, in the range of 170 degrees to 190 degrees. In this case, strong rubbing of the guidewire against the second end P2 can also be suppressed, thereby reducing the insertion resistance of the guidewire through the connector 10.

[0053] The first end P1, the second end P2, and the third end P3 are points where the guidewire comes into contact with the inner surface of the side tube passage 34 and the inner surface of the main tube passage 20 when the tip of the guidewire is led out from the tip of the main tube 12. By restricting the angle θ to a range of 170 degrees or more and 190 degrees or less as described above, the guidewire passing near the first and second ends of the side tube passage 34 and near the third end of the main tube passage 20 can be arranged in a nearly straight line, thereby reducing insertion resistance of the guidewire. Note that, from the perspective of reducing insertion resistance, it is more preferable to set the angle θ to 180 degrees.

[0054] Furthermore, the first end P1 is located on the central axis O2 of the entrance passage 55. This allows the cross-sectional area of ​​the connection passage 53 to be increased, thereby further reducing the insertion resistance of the guide wire.

[0055] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area S (FIG. 3), which is the area of ​​the cross section of the connecting passage 53, may be 3.5 times or more the cross-sectional area of ​​the guide wire introduced into the connecting passage 53. In FIG. 3, the portion defining the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting passage 53 is indicated by a thick line S. With this configuration, the cross-sectional area S of the connecting passage 53 can be made sufficiently large relative to the guide wire, further reducing the insertion resistance of the guide wire. For example, when the diameter of the guide wire is 0.038 inch, the cross-sectional area is approximately 0.731 mm. ２ The cross-sectional area S of the connecting passage 53 is set to 2.55 mm, which is about 3.5 times the cross-sectional area of ​​the guide wire. ２ It can be more than that.

[0056] Furthermore, the central axis O2 of the inlet passage 55 passes through the end of the connecting passage 53 on the proximal side of the main passage 20 at the end on the connecting side with the main passage. This allows the maximum width of the connecting side end (the width in the left-right direction at the upper end of the connecting passage 53 in Figure 3) to be increased, further reducing the insertion resistance of the guidewire.

[0057] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area S of the connecting passage 53 is 2.5 mm ２ More than 3.0 mm ２ According to this configuration, the cross-sectional area S of the connecting passage 53 can be increased, so that the insertion resistance of the guide wire can be further reduced.

[0058] When the connector 10 is used, a guidewire 102 (FIGS. 9 to 11) is inserted into a blood vessel in a human body using a guidewire insertion tool 60 shown in FIGS. 8 to 11. The guidewire insertion tool 60 includes the connector 10. FIG. 8 shows the guidewire insertion tool 60. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of part E in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 shows the state in which the guidewire 102 is inserted into the puncture needle 100 through the connector 10 using the guidewire insertion tool 60. FIG. 11 shows the state in which the tip of the guidewire 102 is led out of the puncture needle 100 in the guidewire insertion tool 60.

[0059] For example, when inserting a catheter into a human blood vessel, a guidewire 102 is inserted into the blood vessel to guide the insertion of the catheter. The guidewire insertion tool 60 includes the connector 10, a valve unit 92 attached to the proximal end of the side tube 30 of the connector 10, and a puncture needle 100 connected to the distal end of the main tube 12 via a guidewire introducer needle hub 90.

[0060] The proximal end of the guidewire introducer needle hub 90 is connected to the small diameter tapered section 13 at the distal end of the main tube 12. The guidewire introducer needle hub 90 is cylindrical and has a fitting section at its proximal end that is fitted and connected to the outer circumferential surface of the small diameter tapered section 13, and the proximal end of the puncture needle 100 is fitted and connected to its distal end. Figures 8 and 9 show the puncture needle 100 covered with a cap 105.

[0061] A male luer taper portion of a syringe 106 is connected to a female luer taper portion 21 (FIG. 3) at the proximal end of the main tube 12. When inserting the puncture needle 100 into a blood vessel, the puncture needle 100 is inserted into the body while applying negative pressure by pulling back the plunger of the syringe 106, and it is confirmed that blood flows back into the main tube passage 20 (FIG. 2) of the connector 10 or the syringe barrel of the syringe 106 to confirm that the tip of the puncture needle 100 is located within the blood vessel.

[0062] Thereafter, a guidewire insertion aid 62 is attached to the guidewire insertion tool 60. The guidewire insertion aid 62 has a slider tip 66 detachably attached to the tip of a slider 64, which is a guidewire support portion. The slider tip 66 is conical in shape with a through-hole in the center. The reduced-diameter tip of the slider tip 66 is inserted into a slit in a valve body 93 ( FIG. 2 ) of a valve body unit 92 attached to the connector 10, forming an insertion passage in the valve body 93 for passing a guidewire 102. As shown in FIG. 11 , the tip of the guidewire 102 is J-shaped, and by passing the guidewire 102 through the slider tip 66, the tip of the guidewire 102 can be inserted into the connector 10 in a linearly extended state.

[0063] 10 , the operator 108 holds the connector 10 with one hand and, with the other hand, slides and pushes out the guidewire 102 exposed from the tube 65 along the slider 64. The guidewire 102 is then inserted into the blood vessel through the slider tip 66, the valve body unit 92, the connector 10, the guidewire introduction needle hub 90, and the puncture needle 100. At this time, the guidewire 102 is inserted into the side tube passage 34 while substantially aligning with the central axis O2 of the inlet passage 55. After the guidewire 102 has been inserted into the blood vessel, the puncture needle 100 is withdrawn from the body while remaining connected to the guidewire insertion tool 60, leaving only the guidewire 102. The connector 10 is then removed from the guidewire 102 along with the puncture needle 100, leaving the guidewire 102 inside the body. A catheter (not shown) is then placed at a desired position using the guidewire 102.

[0064] The connector 10 described above can prevent the guidewire 102 from becoming jammed inside. Specifically, the main pipe passage 20 of the connector 10 is provided with a jamming prevention portion 45, which is located at a position where an extension of the central axis O2 of the inlet passage 55 intersects with the inner surface of the main pipe passage 20, and which is located a distance from the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20 that is shorter than the inner radius of the proximal end of the main pipe passage 20 and extends in a direction parallel to the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20. This allows the distance d (FIG. 3) from the connection side end T (FIG. 3) of the side pipe passage 34 with the main pipe passage 20 to the inner surface of the main pipe passage 20 on the side opposite the connection side end T to be reduced. Therefore, even when the maximum inner diameter of the connection side end is expanded or the tip of the guidewire 102 is bent into a J-shape or the like, jamming of the tip of the guidewire 102 within the main pipe passage 20 can be prevented. Furthermore, since the jam prevention portion 45 extends in a direction parallel to the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20, the angle formed by the jam prevention portion 45 and the guide wire is a smaller, more acute angle than when the jam prevention portion is tapered so that the inner diameter narrows toward the tip of the connector, and the guide wire can be guided more smoothly toward the tip of the connector 10.

[0065] Furthermore, the inner surface of the main conduit 20 includes a partially tapered surface such as the first partially tapered surface 43, which is a curved surface, or a partially cylindrical surface. This allows the inner surface of the main conduit 20 to be configured not only with flat surfaces, i.e., not with a rectangular shape, thereby preventing a deterioration in the blood flow within the connector 10. Furthermore, if the main conduit 20 is rectangular, there is a problem in that the cross-sectional area cannot be used effectively because blood stagnation occurs at the corners of the rectangular cross section due to differences in the resistance of blood to passage between the corners and the wall surface. However, the configuration of this embodiment prevents such a problem.

[0066] Furthermore, since the jam prevention portion 45 includes the first flat portion 44 and the second flat portion 48, which are main tube side flat portions, it is possible to reduce the insertion resistance of the guide wire 102 and to widen the contact area of ​​the guide wire 102 with the jam prevention portion 45. This increases the degree of freedom in the insertion position of the guide wire 102 and also increases the degree of freedom in selecting the tip shape of the guide wire 102.

[0067] The side tube passage 34 also has a connecting passage 53 provided in a distal portion of the side tube passage 34, and the connecting passage 53 has a cylindrical surface with a notch at the side closer to the proximal end of the main tube passage 20 at the side tube side flat portion 54. This prevents the guide wire 102 from rubbing strongly against the inner surface of the side tube passage 34 when the guide wire 102 is inserted along the central axis O2 of the inlet passage 55 of the side tube passage 34. This further reduces the insertion resistance of the guide wire 102 into the connector 10.

[0068] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the maximum inner diameter of the connecting end of the side tube passage 34 with the main tube passage 20 can be increased while preventing the guide wire 102 from becoming jammed, which makes it easier to expand the range of application to guide wires 102 with larger diameters.

[0069] For example, the connector 10 prototyped by the inventors can be used with guide wires 102 with diameters ranging from 0.025 inches to 0.038 inches, and it has been confirmed that it can prevent the guide wire 102 from becoming jammed. It has also been confirmed that the insertion resistance of the guide wire 102 through the connector 10 in this case is within an allowable range.

[0070] In the above description, the connecting passage 53 of the side pipe passage 34 of the connector 10 has an inner surface shaped like an elliptical cylinder with a side pipe-side flat portion cut out on the side closer to the proximal end of the main pipe passage 20. However, the connecting passage may have an inner surface shaped like an elliptical cylinder with no flat portion cut out.

[0071] The above description has been given of the case where, in the connector 10, the first partially tapered cylindrical portion 42 is a cylindrical surface portion that combines the jam prevention portion including the first flat portion 44 and the partially tapered surface 43. On the other hand, instead of the first partially tapered cylindrical portion 42 in the main pipe passage 20, a first partially cylindrical portion that is a cylindrical surface portion that combines the first flat portion 44 and a partial cylindrical surface that extends along the central axis O1 may be provided.

[0072] The above description also describes a configuration in which the main pipe passage 20 of the connector 10 includes a jam prevention portion having a first flat portion 44 provided at a position where an extension of the central axis O2 of the inlet passage 55 intersects with the inner surface of the main pipe passage 20. Meanwhile, in a configuration in which the main pipe passage does not include a jam prevention portion, as described in Patent Document 1, the angle between the first line and the second line on the side opposite the side pipe 30 at the second end in a cross section cut along a plane including the central axis of the main pipe passage and the central axis of the inlet passage may be a predetermined angle between 170 degrees and 190 degrees. In this case, the second line may be a line connecting the second end P2 and a third end P3 on the side opposite the side pipe passage 34 at the proximal end of the outlet passage 26.

[0073] FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 of a connector 10a according to another embodiment. In this configuration, the main pipe passage 20a provided inside the main pipe 12a has a longer outlet passage 26a than the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 11. In addition, in a cross section of the connector 10a taken along a plane including the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20a and the central axis O2 of the inlet passage 55, a third end P3 is located on the opposite side of the side pipe passage 34 from the extension of a first line L1 connecting the first end P1 and the second end P2 of the connecting passage 53. The third end P3 is located between the second end P2 and the distal end Ex of the main pipe passage 20a in the direction of the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20a, and a second line L2a connecting the second end P2 coincides with the third end P3. In this case, the third end P3 is located between the proximal and distal ends of the outlet passage 26a. In this way, in a configuration in which the connector has an outlet passage, the third end P3 may be located between the proximal and distal ends of the outlet passage, rather than at the proximal end of the outlet passage.

[0074] 1 to 11, the configuration of this example also prevents the guide wire from rubbing strongly against the second end P2, thereby reducing the resistance to insertion of the guide wire into the connector 10. Other configurations and functions of this example are the same as those of the configurations of FIGS.

[0075] FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 of a connector 10b according to another embodiment. Unlike the configurations of FIGS. 1 to 11 and 12 , the configuration of this example does not include an outlet passage with a minimum diameter extending along the central axis near the distal end Ex of the main pipe passage 20b provided inside the main pipe 12b. The distal end of the second partially tapered tubular portion 46 of the main pipe passage 20b coincides with the distal end Ex of the main pipe passage 20b. In this case, in a cross section of the connector 10b taken along a plane including the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20b and the central axis O2 of the inlet passage 55, a second straight line L2b connecting the second end P2 and a third end P3 located between the second end P2 and the distal end Ex of the main pipe passage 20b coincides with an extension of a first straight line L1 connecting the first end P1 and the second end P2 of the connecting passage 53 on the opposite side of the side pipe passage 34 from the extension of the first straight line L1. The second straight line L2b connects the second end P2 and a third end P3 located between the second end P2 and the distal end Ex of the main pipe passage in the direction of the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage 20b. The third end P3 may be located at the same position as the distal end Ex. In this example, the main tube passage 20b does not have a narrow exit passage, which facilitates smooth movement of the guidewire through the connector 10b. Other configurations and functions of this example are similar to those of the configurations shown in Figures 1 to 11.

[0076] In the configurations of each of the above embodiments, the jamming prevention portion provided in the main pipe passage is not limited to a flat portion, and may be a partial cylindrical surface on the opposite side of the side pipe passage, etc., as long as the distance from the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage is shorter than the inner radius of the proximal end of the main pipe passage and the configuration extends in a direction parallel to the central axis O1 of the main pipe passage. For example, the partial cylindrical surface on the opposite side of the side pipe passage may be configured to have an inner radius larger than the inner radius of the partial cylindrical surface or tapered surface on the radially opposite side of the side pipe passage.

[0077] In addition, although the above description has been given of a case in which a syringe is connected to the proximal end of the main pipe passage of the connector, a configuration in which a drug solution tube for injecting a drug solution is connected to the proximal end of the main pipe passage of the connector may also be used. Furthermore, in the above description, a connector through which a guide wire is inserted is used as the introduced object, but the introduced object is not limited to this and may also be a long linear light-guiding member such as an optical fiber.

[0078] 10, 10a, 10b, 10c Medical connector (connector), 12, 12a, 12b, 12c Main tube, 13 Small diameter tapered portion, 20, 20a, 20b, 20c Main tube passage, 21 Female luer tapered portion, 22 Intermediate cylindrical portion, 23 First distal tapered portion, 24 Second distal tapered portion, 26, 26a Outlet passage, 30, 30c Side tube, 34, 34c Side tube passage, 36 Connection portion, 38 Connection side end, 40 Flange, 41 Annular protrusion, 42 First partial tapered cylindrical portion, 43 First partial tapered surface, 44 First flat portion, 45 Winding jam prevention portion, 46 Second partial tapered cylindrical portion, 47 Second partial tapered surface, 48 Second flat portion, 49 Tapered portion, 53 Connection passage, 54 Side tube side flat portion, 55 Inlet passage, 56: First intermediate passage, 57: Second intermediate passage, 58: Side tube side partial tapered surface, 59: Side tube side partial cylindrical surface, 60: Guide wire insertion tool, 62: Guide wire insertion aid, 64: Slider, 65: Tube, 66: Slider tip, 80: Blood collection needle, 90: Wire introduction needle hub, 92: Valve body unit, 93: Valve body, 94: Holding member, 100: Puncture needle, 101: Guide wire, 101a: Winding portion, 102: Guide wire, 105: Cap, 106: Syringe, 108: Operator.

Claims

1. A medical connector comprising: a main tube having a main tube passage and a connection portion at its distal end with a tubular member; and a side tube branching from the distal side of the main tube toward the proximal side and having a side tube passage, the medical connector being used to insert a long linear introduction material from an inlet passage provided at the proximal end of the side tube passage through the distal end of the main tube passage into the tubular member, the main tube passage being provided at a position where an extension line of the central axis of the inlet passage intersects with the inner surface of the main tube passage, the distance from the central axis of the main tube passage being shorter than the inner radius of the proximal end of the main tube passage, and including an anti-winding portion extending in a direction parallel to the central axis of the main tube passage.

2. A medical connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main pipe passage has a cylindrical surface portion combining a partial tapered surface provided on the radially opposite side of the main pipe passage with the jamming prevention portion.

3. A medical connector according to claim 1, wherein the jamming prevention portion includes a main tube side flat portion.

4. A medical connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side pipe passage has a connecting passage provided at a distal portion of the side pipe passage, and the connecting passage has a shape in which the cylindrical surface on the side close to the proximal end of the main pipe passage is cut out at a side pipe side flat portion.

5. A medical connector as described in claim 1, wherein the side pipe passage includes a connecting passage provided in a distal portion of the side pipe passage, and when a cross section cut along a plane including the central axis of the main pipe passage and the central axis of the inlet passage is defined as having a first end at the proximal end of the connecting passage closer to the proximal end of the main pipe passage, a second end at the distal end of the connecting passage closer to the distal end of the main pipe passage, and a third end on the inner surface of the main pipe passage opposite to the side pipe passage and located between the second end and the distal end of the main pipe passage in the direction of the central axis of the main pipe passage, the angle formed by a first line connecting the first end and the second end and a second line connecting the second end and the third end on the side opposite to the side pipe at the second end is a predetermined angle in the range of 170 degrees or more and 190 degrees or less.

6. A medical connector comprising: a main tube having a main tube passage and a connecting portion for connecting to a tubular member at its distal end; and a side tube branching from the distal side of the main tube toward the proximal side and having a side tube passage, the medical connector being used to insert a long linear introduction object from an inlet passage provided at the proximal end of the side tube passage through the distal end of the main tube passage into the tubular member, the side tube passage including a connecting passage provided at the distal portion of the side tube passage, A medical connector, in a cross section cut along a plane including the central axis of the main passage and the central axis of the inlet passage, defining a first end at the proximal end of the connecting passage closer to the proximal end of the main passage, a second end at the distal end of the connecting passage closer to the distal end of the main passage, and a third end on the inner surface of the main passage opposite to the side passage and located between the second end and the distal end of the main passage in the direction of the central axis of the main passage, wherein an angle formed by a first line connecting the first end and the second end and a second line connecting the second end and the third end on the side opposite to the side passage at the second end is a predetermined angle in the range of 170 degrees or more and 190 degrees or less.

7. The medical connector of claim 6, wherein said first end is located on a central axis of said inlet passage.

8. A medical connector comprising: a main tube having a main tube passage and a connection portion at its distal end with a tubular member; and a side tube branching from the distal side of the main tube toward the proximal side and having a side tube passage, the medical connector being used to insert a long linear object to be introduced from an inlet passage provided at the proximal end of the side tube passage through the distal end of the main tube passage into the tubular member, wherein the side tube passage includes a connecting passage provided at the distal portion of the side tube passage, and the axial cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting passage is 3.5 times or more the axial cross-sectional area of ​​the object to be introduced into the connecting passage.

9. The medical connector according to claim 8, wherein the central axis of the inlet passage passes through a proximal end of the main passage at the end of the connecting passage that is connected to the main passage.

10. The cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting passage is 2.5 mm ２ More than 3.0 mm ２ 9. The medical connector of claim 8, wherein:

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