Apparatus for breaking a frangible closure inside a catheter

Abstract

An apparatus for breaking a frangible engaged with a medical catheter is provided. The medical catheter includes a first catheter section and a second catheter section which are connected with each other via a connector having a first flange, where the frangible is engaged with the second catheter section. The apparatus includes a first component having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first component includes: a first groove formed on top of the first component and extending along a longitudinal direction of the first component from the first end of the first component to the second end of the first component, where the first groove is configured for receiving the first catheter section and a part of the second catheter section; a first slot formed perpendicular to and recessed from the first groove, wherein the first slot is positioned close to the first end of the first component and configured for receiving the first flange; and a first catheter clamping bulge protruding from a surface of the first groove, where the first catheter clamping bulge is positioned closer to the first end of the first component than the first slot.

Description

APPARATUS FOR BREAKING A FRANGIBLE CLOSURE INSIDE A CATHETERTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of medical devices, and more specifically, to an apparatus for breaking a frangible engaged with a medical catheter.BACKGROUND

[0002] Frangibles are disposed in some medical catheters to block liquid paths of the catheters before the catheters are unsealed. After the frangible is broken, the liquid path is opened and liquid medicine begins to flow through the catheter. To ensure that the frangible will not be broken abnormally during transportation or use of the catheter or liquid medicine bags including the catheter, which may cause liquid leakage or product unavailability, the frangible is usually designed to have a relatively high strength. However, some ones may not be able to break the frangible easily. To this end, an auxiliary tool is needed to assist a medical staff or a patient in breaking the frangible to start treatment.SUMMARY

[0003] An objective of the present application is to provide an apparatus to assist a patient to break a frangible engaged with a medical catheter easily.

[0004] According to one aspect of this application, an apparatus for breaking a frangible engaged with a medical catheter is provided. The medical catheter includes a first catheter section and a second catheter section which are connected with each other via a connector having a first flange, where the frangible is engaged with the second catheter section. The apparatus includes a first component having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The firstcomponent includes: a first groove formed on top of the first component and extending along a longitudinal direction of the first component from the first end of the first component to the second end of the first component, wherein the first groove is configured for receiving the first catheter section and a part of the second catheter section; a first slot formed perpendicular to and recessed from the first groove, wherein the first slot is positioned close to the first end of the first component and configured for receiving the first flange; and a first catheter clamping bulge protruding from a surface of the first groove, wherein the first catheter clamping bulge is positioned closer to the first end of the first component than the first slot.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first component is formed as an elongated handle including a front side surface having a palm receiving recess for receiving a palm of an operator, and a back side surface having multiple finger-receiving recesses for receiving fingers of the operator.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first groove includes a central recess and a flared opening section connected with the central recess, wherein the central recess is configured for receiving the first catheter section and the part of the second catheter section.

[0007] In some embodiments, the flared opening section includes a flat bottom surface extending from an upper edge of the central recess and two opposite sloped side surfaces intersecting with the flat bottom surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first groove has a depth of 1.1 to 1.5 times of a diameter of the medical catheter.

[0009] In some embodiments, the central recess has a cross-section in form of a circular segment with a diameter larger than the diameter of the medical catheter.

[0010] In some embodiments, a circumferential angle of the central recess ranges greater than 180° and equal to or less than 230°.

[0011] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes at least one additional first catheter clamping bulge protruding from a surface of the central recess, whereeach additional first catheter clamping bulge is at a position between the first slot and the second end of the first component.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first catheter clamping bulge includes two circular segments disposed opposite to each other, wherein each of the circular segments protrudes radially 0.3-0.7 mm from the surface of the central recess and has a length of 2.0-4.0 mm.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first catheter clamping bulge includes two circular segments disposed opposite to each other, wherein each of the circular segments protrudes radially 0.3-0.7 mm from the surface of the central recess and has a circumferential angle of 34° to 72°.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first catheter clamping bulge has a width of 1.0- 2.0 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first component includes multiple weight reduction recesses or weight reduction holes.

[0016] In some embodiments, the medical catheter further includes a third catheter section, wherein the second catheter section and the third catheter section are connected with each other via the frangible, and the frangible has a second flange. The apparatus further includes a second component having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The second component includes: a second groove formed on top of the second component and extending from the first end of the second component to the second end of the second component; a second slot formed perpendicular to and recessed from the second groove, wherein the second slot is positioned close to the first end of the second component and configured for receiving the second flange; and a second catheter clamping bulge protruding from a surface of the second groove, wherein the second catheter clamping bulge is positioned closer to the first end of the second component than the second slot.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second component is formed as a rod having a substantively C-shaped cross-section .

[0018] In some embodiments, a diameter of the rod ranges greater than 26 mm andequal to or less than 40 mm.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second groove has a cross-section in form of a circular segment with a diameter larger than a diameter of the medical catheter.

[0020] In some embodiments, a circumferential angle of the second groove ranges greater than 180° and equal to or less than 230°.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second catheter clamping bulge includes two circular segments disposed opposite to each other, wherein each of the circular segments protrudes radially 0.3-0.7 mm from the surface of the second groove and has a length of 2.0-4.0 mm.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second catheter clamping bulge includes two circular segments disposed opposite to each other, wherein each of the circular segments protrudes radially 0.3-0.7 mm from the surface of the second groove and has a circumferential angle of 34° to 72°.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second catheter clamping bulge has a width of 1.0-2.0 mm.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second component includes at least one weight reduction recess or weight reduction hole.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first component has a length of 100 mm to 130 mm, and / or the second component has a length of 30 mm to 40 mm, including end values.

[0026] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a connecting means for connecting the first component and the second component.

[0027] In some embodiments, the connecting means is formed as a rope fixed to the first component and the second component respectively at two ends of the rope.

[0028] In some embodiments, the connecting means includes a first magnetic component and a second magnetic component that can be magnetically engaged with each other, wherein the first magnetic component is mounted on the firstcomponent, and the second magnetic component is mounted on the second component.

[0029] The foregoing descriptions are an overview of this application, which may be simplified, summarized, and have omitted details. A person skilled in the art should recognize that, this part is only illustrative and is in no way intended as any limitation of the scope of this application. Summary is not intended to determine key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is intended to be used as an auxiliary means in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Through the following detailed descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings and the appended claims, a person skilled in the art will more fully and clearly understand the foregoing features and other features of content in this application. It should be understood that these accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions only describe several exemplary implementations of the content in this application and should not be considered as a limitation on the scope of the content in this application. Referring to the accompanying drawings, the content in this application will be explained more clearly and in detail.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an opening part of a medical fluid bag and a medical catheter engaged therewith;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for breaking a frangible engaged with a medical catheter according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a first component of an apparatus for breaking a frangible engaged with a medical catheter according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C are an end view of a first component and a partially enlarged view of the first component observed from a left side in FIG. 3A,respectively;

[0035] FIG. 3D and FIG. 3E are a top view of a first component observed from above in FIG. 3A and a cross-sectional view of the first component along a line A-A in FIG. 3B, respectively;

[0036] FIG. 3F and FIG. 3G are a front view and a rear view of a first component shown in FIG. 3Athat is observed from a front side and a rear side, respectively;

[0037] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a second component of an apparatus for breaking a frangible in a medical catheter according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] FIG. 4B is an end view of a second component observed from a right side in FIG. 4A;

[0039] FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D are a top view of a second component shown in FIG. 4A and a cross-sectional view along a line B-B in FIG. 4B, respectively; and

[0040] FIG. 4E is an end view of a second component observed from a left side in FIG. 4A.

[0041] Component list100 Medical fluid bag110 Bag body120 Infusion tube130 Filling tube200 Medical catheter210 First catheter section220 Second catheter section230 Third catheter section240 Frangible242 Flange241 Left catheter part243 Right catheter part243a Catheter section 243b Frangible header250 Connector251 Left catheter part252 Flange253 Right catheter part 300 First component301 First end302 Second end310 First groove311 First slot 312 First catheter clamping bulge312a and 312b Bulge313 and 314 Additional first catheter clamping bulge320 Palm receiving recess330 Finger receiving recess 330-1 , 330-2, 330-3, and 330-4 Finger receiving recess340 Weight reduction hole332 Weight reduction recess315 Flared opening section316 Central recess315a Flat bottom surface315b Sloped side surface400 Second component401 First end402 Second end410 Second groove411 Second slot412 Second catheter clamping bulge412a and 412b Bulge440 Weight reduction recessDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The following detailed descriptions of exemplary embodiments of this application refer to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate specific exemplary embodiments in which this application can be practiced. The detailed descriptions, including the accompanying drawings, describe these embodiments in sufficient detail, so that a person skilled in the art can practice the application. A person skilled in the art may further use other embodiments of this application, and make changes in logic, mechanics, and the like without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, a reader of the following detailed descriptions should not explain the descriptions in a limiting manner, but should only define the protection scope of this application by the appended claims.

[0043] In this application, unless explicitly stated otherwise, a word used in a singular form shall also include plural meanings. In this application, use of "or" means "and / or" unless stated otherwise. In addition, use of the term "include" and other forms of the term, such as "comprising" and "including" is not limiting. In addition, terms such as "element" or "component" cover both an element and a component that include one unit and an element and a component that include more than one subunit, unless explicitly stated otherwise. In addition, section headings used in this specification are only for organizational purposes and should not be construed as limiting the described subject matter.

[0044] As used in this specification, spatially relative terms, such as “ beneath”, “below”, “above”, “over”, “on”, “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “side”, “lengthwise”, “widthwise” and the like, may be used in this specification to facilitate describing a relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of a device during use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. The device may be oriented (rotated 90° or at other orientations) in another manner, and the space related descriptors used in this specification may also be explained accordingly. It should be understood that, when one element is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, the one element can be directly connected to or coupled to another element or there may be an intermediate element. In this application, unless otherwise specified, the mentioned numerical ranges all include their end values and take conventional tolerances in the art into account, such as tolerances of ± 0.1 mm, ± 0.2 mm, ± 0.3 mm, ± 0.4 mm, and ± 0.5 mm.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an opening portion of a medical fluid bag and a medical catheter engaged therewith. The medical fluid bag 100 includes a bag body 110 (where only a part of the bag body 110 is shown in FIG. 1 ), an infusion tube 120, and a filling tube 130. The infusion tube 120 and the filling tube 130 are respectively attached to the bag body 110 and extend away from the bag body 110, and may be separated from each other by a welding area. One end ofthe filling tube 130 is attached to the bag body 110, and the other end of the filling tube 130 is a free end. Medical fluid may be filled into the bag body 110 through an opening at the free end. After a predetermined amount of medical fluid is filled into the medical fluid bag 100, the filling tube 130 is sealed with a sealing plug (not shown in the figure).

[0046] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , a free end of the infusion tube 120 is connected with one end of a medical catheter 200 to lead out the medical fluid in the medical fluid bag 100. As shown in FIG. 1 , the medical catheter 200 includes, from right to left, a first catheter section 210, a second catheter section 220, and a third catheter section 230. The first catheter section 210 and the second catheter section 220 are connected with each other via a connector 250, the second catheter section 220 and the third catheter section 230 are connected with each other via a frangible 240, and the third catheter section 230 may be in fluid communication with the infusion tube 120 directly or via an additional connector.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1 , the frangible 240 includes a left catheter part 241 and a right catheter part 243, and a flange 242 is disposed between the left catheter part 241 and the right catheter part 243. The left catheter part 241 may be sealed in and joined to the third catheter section 230 by, for example, an adhesive, and the right catheter part 243 may be sealed in and joined to the second catheter section 220 by, for example, an adhesive. The right catheter part 243 further includes a catheter section 243a and a frangible header 243b for sealing the catheter section 243a. There may be a weakened part (not shown) between the catheter section 243a and the frangible header 243b. The weakened part may have a smaller diameter, or a reduced strength compared with the catheter section 243a and the frangible header 243b. When the frangible header 243b is bent relative to the catheter section 243a, the frangible header 243b is easily broken at the weakened part and separated from the catheter section 243a, which exposes a catheter opening of the catheter section 243a, so as to allow the medical fluid in the medical fluid bag 100 to flow into the second catheter section 220 via the frangible 240, and then flow into the downstream first catheter section 210. It may be understood that an overall shape and local shapes of the frangible 240 may also be properly changed as needed andare not limited to the configuration or the size shown in FIG. 1. For example, in some implementations, the frangible 240 may not include the flange 142 in FIG. 1. Instead, an upper catheter part and a lower catheter part are integrally connected.

[0048] The connector 250 includes a left catheter part 251 , a flange 252, and a right catheter part 253. The left catheter part 251 may be sealed in and joined to the second catheter section 220, and the right catheter part 253 may be sealed in and joined to the first catheter section 210. An inner diameter of the left catheter part 251 of the connector 250 is less than a size of the frangible header 243b, so that the frangible header 243b can be blocked by the left catheter part 251 and does not flow into the downstream first catheter section 210.

[0049] To break the frangible 240, a patient usually needs to apply a deformation force to the frangible 240, so that the frangible header 243b is bent relative to the catheter section 243a. This application provides an apparatus for assisting an operator (for example, a patient, a family member of the patient, or a medical staff member) to apply the deformation force stably and conveniently to the frangible 240.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows an apparatus for assisting an operator in breaking a frangible engaged with a medical catheter according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus includes a first component 300 and a second component 400. Structures of the two components will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3G show a structure of a first component 300, where FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the first component 300; FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C are an end view of a first component 300 and a partially enlarged view of the first component 300 observed from a left side in FIG. 3A, respectively; FIG. 3D and FIG. 3E show a top view of the first component 300 and a cross-sectional view along a line A-A in FIG. 3B, respectively; and FIG. 3F and FIG. 3G show front views of the first component 300 observed from a front side and a rear side, respectively.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3A, the first component 300 is in a shape of an elongated handle as a whole, including a first end 301 and a second end 302 opposite to thefirst end 301. A length of the first component 300 is much greater than a width of the first component 300, and the length L01 of the first component 300 preferably ranges from 100 mm to 130 mm, including end values. As shown in FIG. 3B, the first component 300 is substantially in a shape of a flat rectangle when viewed from an end surface, and a size of the first component 300 is set to be suitable for being held by a hand of an operator.

[0053] To implement comfortable and stable holding, the first component 300 may have an ergonomic design. Specifically, one side surface of the first component 300, such as a front side surface, has a palm receiving recess 320 for receiving a palm of the operator, and the other side surface opposite to the above side surface, such as a back side surface, has multiple finger-receiving recesses 330 for receiving fingers of the operator. The recess 320 and the recesses 330 are set to a curved shape to conform to a shape of the hand of the operator.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3E and FIG. 3G, a width of a leftmost finger receiving recess 330-1 is greater than that of each of the other three finger receiving recesses 330-2, 330-3, and 330-4, allowing different operators to adjust positions of their index fingers in the recess 330-1 , so as to better accommodate operators with different hand shapes.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the palm receiving recess 320 and the finger receiving recesses 330 are disposed closer to a side of the second end 302 of the first component 300, which can increase a bending moment of the operator and make a bending operation more labor-saving. Preferably, a peripheral edge of the first component 300, especially a part held by the hand of the operator, is rounded to increase comfort of holding.

[0056] To reduce a weight of the first component 300 and save materials, multiple weight reduction holes 340 extending through the first component 300 may be further provided on the first component 300. For example, referring to FIG. 3D and FIG. 3E, the weight reduction holes 340 are provided at the periphery of top of the first component 300. However, a person skilled in the art may understand that shapes and sizes of the weight reduction holes 340 may be different from eachother according to a shape and a structure of the first component 300.

[0057] Further, a weight reduction recess 332 (FIG. 3G) may be further provided on a side surface of the first component 300 to further reduce the weight of the first component 300 and improve the comfort of holding. A person skilled in the art may understand that the weight reduction holes, and the weight reduction recess may not be limited to the implementations shown in this application but may be flexibly provided as needed.

[0058] A first groove 310 is formed on top of the first component 300. The first groove 310 is substantially formed at a middle position of top of the first component 300, and extends along a longitudinal direction Xi of the first component 300 from the first end 301 of the first component 300 to the second end 302 of the first component 300. The first groove 310 is configured for receiving the medical catheter 200, specifically, for receiving the first catheter section 210 and a part of the second catheter section 220 (a part on a right side in the figure).

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3B, the first groove 310 includes a flared opening section 315 and a central recess 316. The central recess 316 is at a bottom center position of the first groove 310, and the flared opening section 315 is above and connected with the central recess 316. The flared opening section 315 is substantially in a shape of a horn, and includes a flat bottom surface 315a and two opposite sloped side surfaces 315b. The flat bottom surface 315a extends from an upper edge of the central recess 316 to each of the sloped side surfaces 315b. To be specific, the two opposite sloped side surfaces 315b intersect with the flat bottom surface 315a, and the sloped side surfaces 315b extend upward to intersect with a top surface of the first component 300.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3C, a cross-section of the central recess 316 is configured to be in form of a circular segment to receive the first catheter section 210 and a part of the second catheter section 220. In the illustrated embodiment, a diameter D1 of the central recess 316 is larger than (preferably slightly larger than) a diameter of the medical catheter 200 to facilitate receiving the medical catheter 200. However, in some embodiments, the diameter D1 of the central recess 316 mayalso be set to be equal to the diameter of the medical catheter 200.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, a circumferential angle a of the central recess 316 is greater than 180°. In other words, a size of an upper opening of the central recess 316 is less than the diameter of the medical catheter 200, to form an opening-closing effect. After the medical catheter 200 is pressed into the central recess 316, a smaller upper opening of the medical catheter 200 can prevent the medical catheter 200 from separating from the central recess 316 to a certain extent. However, the circumferential angle a should not be too large, or otherwise it will be difficult for the medical catheter 200 to be engaged with the central recess 316. According to tests by the inventor, when the circumferential angle a is greater than 180° and less than or equal to 230°, the medical catheter 200 can be easily engaged with the central recess 316 and can be effectively prevented from separating from the central recess 316.

[0062] A shape and a size of the flared opening section 315 can be flexibly set as needed, and is preferably set to a relatively gentle opening to provide a more comfortable holding feeling for the palm of the operator. In addition, the flared opening section 315 allows the fingers of the operator to feel comfortable when pressing a corresponding part of the medical catheter into the first groove 310. To completely accommodate the medical catheter 200 in the first groove 310, a depth of the first groove 310 needs to be equal to or greater than the diameter of the medical catheter 200, preferably 1.0 to 1.5 times the diameter of the medical catheter 200, and more preferably 1.1 to 1.5 times the diameter of the medical catheter 200, to provide a more comfortable holding feeling. In some implementations, the first groove 310 may be configured to include only the central recess 316.

[0063] As described above, because the connector 250 connecting the first catheter section 210 and the second catheter section 220 has a flange 252, a first slot 311 perpendicular to and recessed from the first groove 310 is further provided on the first component 300 to enable the corresponding first catheter section 210 and a right side part of the corresponding second catheter section 220 of the medicalcatheter 200 to be stably accommodated in the first groove 310. A diameter of the first slot 311 is preferably equal to or slightly larger than an outer diameter of the flange 252, and a width of the first slot 311 is preferably equal to or slightly larger than a width of the flange 252, so as to accommodate the flange 252 more stably in the first slot 311 and limit longitudinal movement of the medical catheter in the first groove 310.

[0064] Because the second catheter section 220 needs to be bent to break the frangible 240, the first slot 311 is preferably disposed close to the first end 301 of the first component 300, so that a large part of the second catheter section 220 is located outside the first groove 310, which is convenient for bending the second catheter section 220 by swinging the first component 300, and further causing the frangible header 243b in the second catheter section 220 to bend relative to the catheter section 243a.

[0065] When the diameter of the central recess 316 is larger than the diameter of the medical catheter 200, a first catheter clamping bulge 312 (FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C) is further disposed on a surface of the first groove 310 (specifically, a surface of the central recess 316) to stably clamp the medical catheter 200 during bending of the frangible 240.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the first catheter clamping bulge 312 includes two bulges 312a and 312b disposed opposite to each other, and each of the two bulges 312a and 312b is formed in form of a circular segment protruding radially from the surface of the central recess 316. The two bulges 312a and 312b are preferably located close to corresponding upper edges of the central recess 316. A height of each of the bulges 312a and 312b protruding from the surface of the central recess 316 ranges from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm, a length L1 (referring to FIG. 3C) of each of the bulges 312a and 312b ranges from 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm, a width W1 (referring to FIG. 3D) of each of the bulges 312a and 312b ranges from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, or a circumferential angle of each of the bulges 312a and 312b ranges from 34° to 72° (that is, greater than or equal to 34° and less than or equal to 72°).

[0067] Along a longitudinal direction Xi of the first component 300, the first catheterclamping bulge 312 is preferably positioned closer to the first end 301 than the first slot 311 to effectively clamp the medical catheter 200 at the first end 301 of the first component 300 and improve stability of a bending operation.

[0068] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, additional first catheter clamping bulges 313 and 314 may be further disposed on the surface of the central recess 316 of the first groove 310, to stably clamp the first catheter section 210 accommodated in the central recess 316 at multiple positions in the longitudinal direction Xi of the first component 300. The additional first catheter clamping bulges 313 and 314 are at positions between the first slot 311 and the second end 302, and the two first catheter clamping bulges 313 and 314 are spaced apart by a specific distance in the longitudinal direction Xi. The additional first catheter clamping bulge 314 is preferably disposed close to the second end 302, to tightly clamp the medical catheter close to the second end 302.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the additional first catheter clamping bulges 313 and 314 have the same size and shape as the first catheter clamping bulge 312. However, the catheter clamping bulges 312, 313, and 314 may be different from each other to accommodate medical catheters of different configurations. For example, when the medical catheter received in the central recess 316 includes multiple catheter sections with different diameters, the bulges 312, 313, and 314 may also be correspondingly disposed at positions corresponding to the corresponding catheter sections and protrude corresponding dimensions relative to the central recess 316.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3D, and FIG. 3E, the diameter of the first groove 310 at the first end 301 and / or the second end 302 may be less than a diameter of a part between the first end 301 and the second end 302, so that the first groove 310 can exert a greater clamping force on the medical catheter 200 at least one end with a smaller diameter.

[0071] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E show a second component 400 of an apparatus for breaking a frangible engaged with a medical catheter according to an embodiment of this application. The second component 400 is configured for receiving a part ofthe second catheter section 220 and the third catheter section 230 of the medical catheter 200.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the second component 400 is formed as a rod having a substantially C-shaped cross-section, having a first end 401 and a second end 402 opposite to the first end 401 , and a diameter of the rod is preferably greater than 26 mm and less than or equal to 40 mm. A length L02 (referring to FIG. 4C) of the second component 400 preferably ranges from 30 mm to 40 mm, including end values. The second component 400 includes a second groove 410 formed on top of the second component 400 and extending along a longitudinal axis X2 of the second component 400 from the first end 401 to the second end 402 of the second component 400.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 4B, a shape of a cross-section of the second groove 410 is a circular segment, and a diameter of the second groove 410 is larger than the diameter of the medical catheter 200, to receive the medical catheter 200 which is substantially in a shape of a cylinder. In some embodiments, the diameter of the second groove 410 may also be equal to the diameter of the medical catheter 200.

[0074] To stably hold the medical catheter 200 in the second groove 410, a circumferential angle [3 of the second groove 410 may also be set to be greater than 180°, and preferably less than or equal to 230°. In some implementations, a circumferential angle a of the first groove 310 is greater than the circumferential angle [3 of the second groove 410.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, a second slot 411 perpendicular to and recessed from the second groove 410 is further provided on the second component 400. The second slot 411 is disposed close to the first end 401 and a width of the second slot 411 is equal to or slightly larger than that of the flange 242 of the frangible 240 between the second catheter section 220 and the third catheter section 230. The second slot 411 is configured for receiving the flange 242 and limiting a longitudinal position of the flange 242 in the second groove 410. For a frangible without a flange, the second slot 411 may not be provided in the second groove 410.

[0076] In addition, to stably receive the medical catheter 200 in the second groove 410, a protruding second catheter clamping bulge 412 is disposed on a surface of the second groove 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the second catheter clamping bulge 412 includes two bulges 412a and 412b shaped as circular segments and disposed opposite to each other, and the two bulges 412a and 412b are located close to corresponding upper edges of the second groove 410. A height of each of the bulges 412a and 412b protruding from the surface of the second groove 410 ranges from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm, a length L2 (referring to FIG. 4B) of each of the bulges 412a and 412b ranges from 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm, a width W2 (referring to FIG. 4C) of each of the bulges 412a and 412b ranges from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, or a circumferential angle of each of the bulges 412a and 412b ranges from 34° to 72° (that is, greater than or equal to 34° and less than or equal to 72°). Along the longitudinal direction X2, the second catheter clamping bulge 412 is positioned closer to the first end 401 of the second component 400 than the second slot 411.

[0077] A person skilled in the art may understand that, in an embodiment in which the diameter of the second groove 410 is equal to the diameter of the medical catheter 200, the second catheter clamping bulge may not be provided, and the medical catheter may be tightly clamped only by the surface of the second groove 410.

[0078] Similar to the first component 300, the second component 400 may also have at least one weight reduction hole or weight reduction recess 440. As shown in FIG. 4D and FIG. 4E, the weight reduction recess 440 may be formed as a recess with a substantially C-shaped cross-section that is recessed from an end surface of the second end 402 of the second component 400, and the recess may extend in a direction of the longitudinal axis X2 to close to the first end 401 but does not run through the first end 401 . It may be understood that, in other embodiments, other forms of weight reduction holes or weight reduction recesses may be formed on the second component 400, provided that distribution of the weight reduction holes, or the weight reduction recesses does not affect functional implementation of the second component 400.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the first component 300 and the second component 400 are two separate components. In some embodiments, a connecting means (not shown) may be provided to connect the first component 300 and the second component 400, to prevent an operator from accidentally losing one of the first component 300 and the second component 400. The connecting means may be, for example, a rope with two ends respectively fixed to the first component 300 and the second component 400. Alternatively, the connecting means may be configured as a component that allows the first component 300 and the second component 400 to be magnetically connected. For example, a first magnetic component is mounted on the first component 300, and a second magnetic component is mounted on the second component 400. The two magnetic components may be magnetically attracted to each other to attract the first component and the second component together. Magnitude of a magnetic bonding force of the two magnetic components may be properly selected, so that the magnetic bonding force can attract the two components together while not hindering a user from separating and using the two components.

[0080] A process of breaking the frangible 240 by using the apparatus in this application will be described below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0081] During use, the first end 301 of the first component 300 is opposite to the first end 401 of the second component 400, and top surfaces of the first component 300 and the second component 400 face upward. The first catheter section 210 (not shown) and a part of the second catheter section 220 are engaged with the first groove 310 of the first component 300, so that the flange 252 is engaged with the first slot 311 , and a part of the second catheter section 220 and the third catheter section 230 (not shown) are engaged with the second groove 410 of the second component 400, so that the flange 242 of the frangible 240 is engaged with the second slot 411. As a result, corresponding parts of the medical catheter 200 are accommodated in the first groove 310 and the second groove 410, and a large middle part (where the frangible header 243b of the frangible 240 is disposed) of the second catheter section 220 is at a position in space between the first component 300 and the second component 400.

[0082] Next, the operator holds the first component 300 and the second component 400 with two hands respectively, so that the first component 300 swings back and forth at a specific angle relative to the second component 400 along an arrow direction shown in the figure. The swing of the first component 300 relative to the second component 400 causes the second catheter section 220 to bend accordingly, and the frangible header 243b is squeezed by a bent catheter wall of the second catheter section 220 and is subjected to a bending force, resulting in stress concentration in a weakened area, so that the frangible header 243b is broken.

[0083] The first component 300 can swing back and forth relative to the second component 400 on a same plane. In some cases, for example, when the hand of the operator presses the medical catheter from top of the first component 300, the first component 300 may also be rotated in any direction relative to the second component 400, provided that the second catheter section 220 can be bent and the frangible 240 can be broken.

[0084] Optionally, the second component may be omitted, the flange 242 or the left catheter part 241 of the frangible 240 may be directly pinched with one hand, and the first component 300 may be held with the other hand and swung back and forth relative to the frangible 240 to break the frangible 240. Details are not described herein again.

[0085] The discussion in this specification includes a lot of illustrative accompanying drawings displaying various example parts or components of an apparatus for breaking a frangible in a medical catheter. For clarity of illustration, these figures do not display all aspects of each example component. Any example component and / or method provided in this specification may share any or all features with any or all other components and / or methods provided in this specification.

[0086] Various embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is obvious that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented without departing from the broader scope of the present utility model as set forth inthe appended claims. In addition, other embodiments will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from consideration of this specification and practice of one or more embodiments of the present utility model disclosed herein. Therefore, it is considered that this application and embodiments in this specification are considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present utility model are indicated by the following list of exemplary claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An apparatus for breaking a frangible engaged with a medical catheter, wherein the medical catheter comprises a first catheter section and a second catheter section which are connected with each other via a connector having a first flange, wherein the frangible is engaged with the second catheter section, wherein the apparatus comprises a first component having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the first component comprising: a first groove formed on top of the first component and extending along a longitudinal direction of the first component from the first end of the first component to the second end of the first component, wherein the first groove is configured for receiving the first catheter section and a part of the second catheter section; a first slot formed perpendicular to and recessed from the first groove, wherein the first slot is positioned close to the first end of the first component and configured for receiving the first flange; and a first catheter clamping bulge protruding from a surface of the first groove, wherein the first catheter clamping bulge is positioned closer to the first end of the first component than the first slot.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first component is formed as an elongated handle comprising a front side surface having a palm receiving recess for receiving a palm of an operator, and a back side surface having multiple finger receiving recesses for receiving fingers of the operator.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first groove comprises a central recess and a flared opening section connected with the central recess, wherein the central recess is configured for receiving the first catheter section and the part of the second catheter section.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the flared opening section comprises a flat bottom surface extending from an upper edge of the central recess and two opposite sloped side surfaces intersecting with the flat bottom surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first groove has a depth of 1 .1 to 1 .5 times of a diameter of the medical catheter.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 3-5, wherein the central recess has a cross-section in form of a circular segment with a diameter larger than the diameter of the medical catheter.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a circumferential angle of the central recess ranges greater than 180° and equal to or less than 230°.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 or 7, the apparatus further comprises at least one additional first catheter clamping bulge protruding from a surface of the central recess, wherein each additional first catheter clamping bulge is at a position between the first slot and the second end of the first component.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 6-8, wherein the first catheter clamping bulge comprises two circular segments disposed opposite to each other, wherein each of the circular segments protrudes radially 0.3-0.7 mm from the surface of the central recess and has a length of 2.0-4.0 mm.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 6-8, wherein the first catheter clamping bulge comprises two circular segments disposed opposite to each other, wherein each of the circular segments protrudes radially 0.3-0.7 mm from the surface of the central recess and has a circumferential angle of 34° to 72°.11 . The apparatus of any one of claims 9-10, wherein the first catheter clamping bulge has a width of 1 .0-2.0 mm.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-11 , wherein the first component comprises multiple weight reduction recesses or weight reduction holes.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -12, wherein the medical catheter further comprises a third catheter section, wherein the second catheter section and the third catheter section are connected with each other via the frangible, and the frangible has a second flange, wherein the apparatus further comprises a second component having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the second component comprises: a second groove formed on top of the second component and extending from the first end of the second component to the second end of the second component; a second slot formed perpendicular to and recessed from the second groove, wherein the second slot is positioned close to the first end of the second component and configured for receiving the second flange; and a second catheter clamping bulge protruding from a surface of the second groove, wherein the second catheter clamping bulge is positioned closer to the first end of the second component than the second slot.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second component is formed as a rod having a substantively C-shaped cross-section.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein a diameter of the rod ranges greater than 26 mm and equal to or less than 40 mm.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 13-15, wherein the second groove has a cross-section in form of a circular segment with a diameter larger than a diameter of the medical catheter.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein a circumferential angle of the second groove ranges greater than 180° and equal to or less than 230°.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 13-17, wherein the second catheter clamping bulge comprises two circular segments disposed opposite to each other, wherein each of the circular segments protrudes radially 0.3-0.7 mm from the surface of the second groove and has a length of 2.0-4.0 mm.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 13-17, wherein the second catheter clamping bulge comprises two circular segments disposed opposite to each other, wherein each of the circular segments protrudes radially 0.3-0.7 mm from the surface of the second groove and has a circumferential angle of 34° to 72°.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 or 19, wherein the second catheter clamping bulge has a width of 1 .0-2.0 mm.21 . The apparatus of any one of claims 13-20, wherein the second component comprises at least one weight reduction recess or weight reduction hole.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 13-21 , wherein the first component has a length of 100 mm to 130 mm, and / or the second component has a length of 30 mm to 40 mm, including end values.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 13-22, wherein the apparatus further comprises a connecting means for connecting the first component and the second component.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the connecting means is formed as a rope fixed to the first component and the second component respectively at two ends of the rope.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the connecting means comprises a first magnetic component and a second magnetic component that can be magnetically engaged with each other, wherein the first magnetic component is mounted on the first component, and the second magnetic component is mounted on the second component.

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