Vascular access device

Abstract

This vascular access device (10A) comprises: a distal-end-side connector (12); a tube (14) with flexibility that is inserted into the distal-end-side connector (12); a proximal-end-side connector (16) that is fixed to a proximal end of the tube (14); and a hollow cover (18A) that covers the tube (14) between the distal-end-side connector (12) and the proximal-end-side connector (16) and is capable of contracting in the axial direction. The cover (18A) has a deflection suppression part (34) that suppresses deflection of the tube (14). The tube (14) protrudes from a distal end of a catheter (100) as the tube (14) moves in the distal direction relative to the distal-end-side connector (12).

Description

Vascular access device

[0001] The present invention relates to a vascular access device.

[0002] In some cases, blood collection is performed using a catheter configured as an indwelling needle. When the indwelling period of the catheter in the living body becomes long, a fibrin sheath or thrombus is formed on the inner or outer surface of the catheter. When blood collection (suction) is performed in such a case, blockage of the suction path due to the fibrin sheath or thrombus, or contamination of these foreign substances into the blood occurs. Therefore, it becomes difficult to efficiently perform blood collection without generating contamination. On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-136548 discloses a configuration in which a tube (cannula) extends when a cover (sleeve) is advanced for blood collection.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-136548

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, there is a problem that it is difficult to advance the tube because the tube bends inside the cover.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems.

[0006] (1) An aspect of the present disclosure is a vascular access device including a hollow distal connector connectable to a catheter, a flexible tube having an opening at a tip and inserted into the distal connector, a proximal connector fixed to a proximal end portion of the tube, and a hollow cover that covers the tube between the distal connector and the proximal connector and is axially contractible, wherein the cover has a bending suppression portion that suppresses bending of the tube in a lumen of the cover, and when the cover contracts with the distal connector connected to the catheter, the tube protrudes from a tip of the catheter as it relatively moves in a distal direction with respect to the distal connector.

[0007] This configuration allows the tube opening to be positioned away from the catheter tip within the blood vessel, thereby suppressing blockage of the aspiration pathway by foreign objects (fibrin sheaths or thrombi) and enabling blood collection without contamination. Furthermore, the cover is equipped with a flexure-suppressing section, which suppresses flexure of the tube when moving it toward the tip. This ensures that the tube is reliably protruded from the catheter tip.

[0008] (2) In the vascular access device described in item (1) above, the cover has a cover body that extends along the tube, and the deflection suppression portion may protrude from the cover body toward the tube.

[0009] With this configuration, the bending of the tube within the lumen of the cover can be effectively suppressed.

[0010] (3) In the vascular access device described in item (2) above, the bending suppression parts may be provided in multiple locations at intervals in the axial direction.

[0011] With this configuration, supporting the tube at multiple points along the axial direction makes it possible to more effectively suppress the deflection of the tube.

[0012] (4) In the vascular access device described in item (2) above, the bending suppression portion may be provided with a through hole, and the tube may be inserted through the through hole.

[0013] With this configuration, since the tube is inserted through the through-hole provided in the deflection suppression section, the deflection of the tube can be suppressed more effectively.

[0014] (5) In the vascular access device described in any one of the above items (2) to (4), the cover body may have a telescopic structure.

[0015] This configuration makes it easy to create a retractable cover.

[0016] (6) In the vascular access device described in item (5) above, the telescopic structure has a plurality of cylindrical members that are displaceable relative to each other in the axial direction, and a plurality of deflection suppression parts are provided, and a plurality of deflection suppression parts may be fixed to the plurality of cylindrical members at intervals from each other in the axial direction.

[0017] With this configuration, supporting the tube at multiple points along the axial direction makes it possible to more effectively suppress the deflection of the tube.

[0018] (7) In the vascular access device described in any one of the above items (2) to (4), the cover body may be a sleeve that can be contracted by being crushed in the axial direction.

[0019] This configuration allows for the creation of a retractable cover with a simple design.

[0020] (8) In the vascular access device described in any one of the above items (2) to (4), the cover body may be a bellows member.

[0021] This configuration makes it easy to create a retractable cover.

[0022] (9) In the vascular access device described in item (8) above, a plurality of the bending suppression parts may be provided, and the plurality of bending suppression parts may be fixed to the bellows member at intervals from each other in the axial direction.

[0023] With this configuration, supporting the tube at multiple points along the axial direction makes it possible to more effectively suppress the deflection of the tube.

[0024] (10) A vascular access device described in any one of the above items (1) to (9) may be provided with a contraction maintenance mechanism for maintaining the contracted state of the cover.

[0025] This configuration prevents the tube from retracting relative to the catheter during blood collection. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently prevent blockage of the suction pathway and collect blood free of foreign matter.

[0026] (11) In the vascular access device described in item (10) above, the contraction maintenance mechanism may have a hook-and-loop fastener, an engagement structure, or a magnetic coupling structure.

[0027] With this configuration, a contraction maintenance mechanism can be realized with a simple structure.

[0028] (12) In the vascular access device described in any one of the above items (1) to (11), a liquid-tight sealing member may be provided between the inner surface of the tip connector and the outer surface of the tube.

[0029] This configuration prevents blood leakage from the base end of the tip connector.

[0030] (13) In a vascular access device described in any one of the above items (1) to (12), the tip of the tube may be provided with a hole that penetrates the peripheral wall of the tube.

[0031] This configuration prevents the tip of the tube from sticking to the inner wall of the blood vessel.

[0032] (14) In the vascular access device described in any one of the above items (1) to (13), the outer circumference of the tip of the tube may be curved in an arc shape when viewed from the side.

[0033] This configuration makes it possible to suppress damage to the inner wall of blood vessels caused by the tip of the tube.

[0034] (15) A vascular access device described in any one of the above items (1) to (14) may have an extension retainer that maintains the cover in the extended state, which is the state before contraction.

[0035] This configuration prevents the tube from protruding from the tip of the end-side connector before using the vascular access device.

[0036] The vascular access device described herein allows the opening of the tube to be positioned away from the tip of the catheter within the blood vessel, thereby suppressing obstruction of the aspiration pathway by foreign bodies (fibrin sheaths or thrombi) and enabling blood collection without contamination. Furthermore, since the cover is provided with a flexure suppression section, flexure of the tube when moving it toward the tip can be suppressed. This ensures that the tube is reliably protruded from the tip of the catheter.

[0037] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vascular access device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view of the tip of the tube. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the extension retainer. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a catheter placed in a living body. Figure 5 is a first diagram illustrating how to use the vascular access device. Figure 6 is a second diagram illustrating how to use the vascular access device. Figure 7 is a third diagram illustrating how to use the vascular access device. Figure 8 is a fourth diagram illustrating how to use the vascular access device. Figure 9 is a fifth diagram illustrating how to use the vascular access device. Figure 10 is a sixth diagram illustrating how to use the vascular access device. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the vascular access device in its extended state according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the vascular access device in its retracted state according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the vascular access device in its extended state according to the third embodiment. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the vascular access device in its retracted state according to the third embodiment.

[0038] The vascular access device 10A according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 is used to collect blood using a catheter 100 (see also Figure 4). The vascular access device 10A comprises a tip connector 12, a tube 14, a proximal connector 16, and a cover 18A. In the following description, the axial direction of the vascular access device 10A, tip connector 12, tube 14, proximal connector 16, and cover 18A all refers to the same direction, and therefore the term "axial direction" will be used collectively for all of them. The state of the vascular access device 10A before use (the state in Figure 1) will be referred to as the "initial state."

[0039] The tip-side connector 12 is a hollow member that can be connected to the catheter 100. The tip-side connector 12 is a male connector. The tip-side connector 12 has a connector body 20 and a locking portion 22. The connector body 20 is a cylindrical member that can be connected to the proximal end of the catheter hub 104 of the catheter 100. The tip of the connector body 20 can be liquid-tightly fitted to the proximal end of the catheter hub 104.

[0040] The locking portion 22 is a cylindrical member rotatably supported on the outer circumference of the connector body 20. The locking portion 22 is rotatable about the axis of the connector body 20. A female thread 23 is provided on the inner circumference of the locking portion 22. The female thread 23 of the locking portion 22 can engage with a flange 105 provided on the outer circumference of the proximal end of the catheter hub 104.

[0041] The tube 14 is a flexible, elongated member. The total length of the tube 14 is longer than the total length of the catheter 100. The tube 14 has an opening 15 at its tip. The tube 14 is inserted into the tip-side connector 12 (connector body 20). The tube 14 is axially displaceable relative to the tip-side connector 12. In the initial state, the tip surface 140 of the tube 14 (the very front end of the tube 14) is located inside the tip-side connector 12. Specifically, in the initial state, the tip surface 140 of the tube 14 is located on the proximal end side of the tip opening 201 of the connector body 20. Therefore, in the initial state, the tip surface 140 of the tube 14 does not protrude from the tip opening 201 of the connector body 20.

[0042] A liquid-tight sealing member 24 is positioned between the inner circumferential surface of the tip-side connector 12 and the outer circumferential surface of the tube 14. The sealing member 24 is held in a groove 21 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the connector body 20. The sealing member 24 is an annular member that makes liquid-tight contact with the inner circumferential surface of the connector body 20 and the outer circumferential surface of the tube 14 around its entire circumference.

[0043] When the cover 18A contracts with the tip connector 12 connected to the catheter 100, the tube 14 protrudes from the tip of the catheter 100 as it moves relative to the tip connector 12 in the tip direction (see Figure 7).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the outer peripheral portion of the tip of the tube 14 has a curved portion 141 that is curved in an arc shape in a side view. A hole 142 that penetrates the peripheral wall portion of the tube 14 is provided at the tip of the tube 14. The hole 142 is a notch 143 that reaches the tip surface 140 of the tube 14. The notch 143 is formed, for example, in a U shape. As shown by the phantom line in FIG. 2, the hole 142 may also be a side hole 144 that does not reach the tip surface 140 of the tube 14.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the proximal connector 16 is a cylindrical member fixed to the proximal end of the tube 14. The proximal connector 16 is a female connector to which the blood suction device 120 can be connected. The lumen of the proximal connector 16 communicates with the lumen of the tube 14. Inside the proximal end of the proximal connector 16, a valve body 28 made of an elastic body such as rubber or an elastomer material is disposed. When the tip of the blood suction device 120 is not inserted into the proximal connector 16, the valve body 28 is closed. When the tip of the blood suction device 120 is inserted into the proximal connector 16, the valve body 28 opens.

[0046] The cover 18A is a hollow member that covers the tube 14 between the distal connector 12 and the proximal connector 16. The cover 18A is connected to the distal connector 12 and the proximal connector 16. The cover 18A is axially stretchable. In the initial state, the cover 18A is in an extended state. The cover 18A only needs to be axially contractable at least. In other embodiments, the cover 18A does not have to return to the extended state again after contraction. The cover 18A has a connecting member 30, a cover body 32, and a plurality of deflection suppressing portions 34.

[0047] The connecting member 30 is fixed to the distal connector 12. Specifically, the connecting member 30 is fixed to the proximal end of the connector body 20. The connecting member 30 is formed in a disk shape. An insertion hole 31 is formed in the central portion of the connecting member 30. The insertion hole 31 is provided coaxially with the hollow portion of the connector body 20. The tube 14 is inserted through the insertion hole 31.

[0048] The cover body 32 extends along the tube 14. The cover body 32 has a telescopic structure 36. The telescopic structure 36 has a plurality of cylindrical members 38 that can be displaced relative to each other in the axial direction. The cover body 32 can be telescopically extended and retracted in the axial direction by the telescopic structure 36. Each cylindrical member 38 has a cylindrical shape. The plurality of cylindrical members 38 have different outer diameters from each other. In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the plurality of cylindrical members 38 decreases toward the proximal end direction. In other aspects, the outer diameter of the plurality of cylindrical members 38 may decrease toward the distal end direction. Locking protrusions 40 and 41 for preventing detachment are provided at the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of each cylindrical member 38.

[0049] The cover body 32 is provided with a ventilation hole 42. Specifically, the ventilation hole 42 is provided in the most proximal cylindrical member 38. The ventilation hole 42 allows air to be discharged from the inside to the outside of the cover body 32 when the cover body 32 contracts in the axial direction. The ventilation hole 42 allows air to flow from the outside to the inside of the cover body 32 when the cover body 32 extends in the axial direction. Thereby, the expansion and contraction of the cover body 32 are not inhibited by air. A bacteriostatic filter 44 is disposed in the ventilation hole 42.

[0050] The plurality of bending suppression portions 34 suppress the bending of the tube 14 in the inner cavity of the cover 18A. The plurality of bending suppression portions 34 are fixed to the cover body 32. The plurality of bending suppression portions 34 protrude from the cover body 32 toward the tube 14. The plurality of bending suppression portions 34 are fixed to the plurality of cylindrical members 38 at intervals in the axial direction. Each bending suppression portion 34 is formed in a disk shape. The outer diameters of the plurality of bending suppression portions 34 are different from each other.

[0051] A through-hole 35 is provided in the center of each deflection-suppressing portion 34. Viewed from the axial direction, the through-hole 35 is circular. Multiple through-holes 35 are arranged coaxially. Each deflection-suppressing portion 34 can support the tube 14 by the inner circumferential surface that forms the through-hole 35. The diameter of the through-hole 35 (the inner diameter of the deflection-suppressing portion 34) is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 14. The diameter of the through-hole 35 is, for example, 105% to 130% of the outer diameter of the tube 14. The tube 14 is inserted through multiple through-holes 35. Depending on the length of the tube 14 and the rigidity of the tube 14, there may be only one deflection-suppressing portion 34.

[0052] The vascular access device 10A further comprises an extension retainer 46. The extension retainer 46 is a component for maintaining the cover 18A in its extended state, which is the state before contraction. In the initial state, the extension retainer 46 is attached to the cover 18A. The extension retainer 46 is detachable from the cover 18A. Hereinafter, the state in which the extension retainer 46 is attached to the cover 18A will be referred to as the "retainer attached state". The extension retainer 46 has a retainer body 48 and a gripping portion 49. In the retainer attached state, the retainer body 48 is shaped to cover at least a part of the cover body 32.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the retainer body 48 has a tip engagement portion 480, a base engagement portion 482, and an intermediate extension portion 484. The tip engagement portion 480 constitutes the tip of the retainer body 48. The tip engagement portion 480 is provided with a tip-side insertion groove 481. The base engagement portion 482 constitutes the base end of the retainer body 48. The base engagement portion 482 is provided with a base-side insertion groove 483. The intermediate extension portion 484 constitutes the space between the tip engagement portion 480 and the base engagement portion 482 in the retainer body 48. As shown in Figure 1, when the retainer is installed, the tip of the cover body 32 is inserted into the tip-side insertion groove 481, and the base end of the cover body 32 is inserted into the base-side insertion groove 483.

[0054] The gripping portion 49 is the part that is gripped by the user. The gripping portion 49 is located at the top of the intermediate extension portion 484.

[0055] With the retainer installed, the tip engaging portion 480 engages with the tip of the cover body 32 (the outermost cylindrical member 38) or the connecting member 30. With the retainer installed, the base engaging portion 482 engages with the base end of the cover body 32 (the outermost cylindrical member 38) or the base end connector 16. As a result, with the retainer installed, the extension retainer 46 prevents the cover 18A from contracting in the axial direction.

[0056] The vascular access device 10A, configured as described above, is used as follows.

[0057] As shown in Figure 4, the infusion line 110 is removed from the catheter 100 in order to collect blood from the body. Although not shown in detail in Figure 4, the catheter body 102 of the catheter 100 is inserted (placed) in a blood vessel of the body. When removing the infusion line 110 from the catheter 100, the blood vessel is compressed to locally stop blood flow in order to prevent blood from leaking out from the proximal end (catheter hub 104) of the catheter 100.

[0058] Next, as shown in Figure 5, the vascular access device 10A is attached to the catheter 100. Specifically, the tip connector 12 of the vascular access device 10A is connected to the catheter hub 104. In this case, the locking part 22 engages with the flange 105 of the catheter hub 104, fixing the tip connector 12 to the catheter hub 104 (creating a connected locked state).

[0059] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the blood aspiration device 120 is attached to the vascular access device 10A. Specifically, the connecting nozzle 121 of the blood aspiration device 120 is fitted to the proximal end of the proximal end connector 16. In this embodiment, the blood aspiration device 120 consists of a blood collection holder 122 and a blood collection tube 124 (see Figure 8). The blood collection holder 122 has a cylindrical holder body 126, a needle 128 fixed to the holder body 126, and a rubber cover 130 that covers the proximal end of the needle 128. In other embodiments, the blood aspiration device 120 may be a syringe.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the extension retainer 46 is removed from the cover 18A. This releases the constraint on the cover 18A by the extension retainer 46, allowing the cover 18A to contract in the axial direction.

[0061] Next, as shown in Figure 7, the proximal connector 16 is moved toward the tip relative to the tip connector 12. As the proximal connector 16 moves toward the tip, the tube 14 connected to the proximal connector 16 also moves toward the tip. As the tube 14 moves toward the tip relative to the tip connector 12, it protrudes from the tip of the catheter 100 (the tip of the catheter body 102). In this case, the protruding length L of the tube 14 from the tip of the catheter 100 is, for example, 15 mm or more. Preferably, the protruding length L of the tube 14 is 20 mm or more. The protruding length L of the tube 14 may also be 30 mm or more. The total length of the tube 14 is set so that the above-mentioned protruding length L is ensured.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, as the base connector 16 moves toward the tip, the base end of the cover 18A is pushed toward the tip by the base connector 16. As a result, the cover 18A contracts in the axial direction. Also, when the tube 14 moves toward the tip, the tube 14 is pushed toward the tip by the base connector 16. In this case, since the tube 14 is supported at multiple points in the axial direction by the multiple deflection suppression parts 34, it moves toward the tip while deflection is suppressed.

[0063] When the cover 18A contracts in the axial direction, air moves between multiple air chambers within the cover 18A, which are separated by the multiple deflection-suppressing parts 34, through the through-hole 35 (the gap between the inner circumference of the deflection-suppressing part 34 and the outer circumference of the tube 14). Each deflection-suppressing part 34 may be provided with another ventilation hole (ventilation through-hole), and air may move between air chambers through the ventilation through-hole. Also, when the cover 18A contracts in the axial direction, the air inside the cover 18A is discharged to the outside of the cover 18A through the ventilation hole 42. The air inside the cover 18A may also be discharged to the outside of the cover 18A through a minute gap formed between adjacent cylindrical members 38.

[0064] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 7, since the blood collection holder 122 is provided with a rubber cover 130, blood will not leak into the holder body 126 even if the pressure on the blood is released.

[0065] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the blood collection tube 124 is attached to the blood collection holder 122. Specifically, when the blood collection tube 124 is inserted into the blood collection holder 122, the needle 128 of the blood collection holder 122 penetrates the seal 125 (rubber stopper) of the blood collection tube 124. Since the inside of the blood collection tube 124 is under negative pressure, when the blood collection tube 124 is attached to the blood collection holder 122, blood is drawn into the inside of the blood collection tube 124 by the negative pressure. Next, as shown in Figure 9, the blood collection tube 124 is removed from the blood collection holder 122.

[0066] Next, as shown in Figure 10, the vascular access device 10A is removed from the catheter 100. The cover 18A is then returned to its extended state, and the tube 14 is housed inside the tip connector 12 and cover 18A. It is preferable that the vascular access device 10A be removed from the catheter 100 after the cover 18A has been returned to its extended state. This ensures that the entire tube 14 is housed inside the tip connector 12 and cover 18A before the vascular access device 10A is removed from the catheter 100, thus preventing blood adhering to the tube 14 from splashing into the surroundings.

[0067] The vascular access device 10A according to the first embodiment provides the following effects.

[0068] As shown in Figure 1, the vascular access device 10A includes a hollow cover 18A that covers the tube 14 between the tip connector 12 and the proximal connector 16. The cover 18A is retractable in the axial direction. The lumen of the cover 18A is provided with a bending suppression portion 34 that suppresses bending of the tube 14. When the cover 18A retracts, the tube 14 moves relative to the tip connector 12 in the tipward direction and protrudes from the tip of the catheter 100.

[0069] With this configuration, the opening 15 of the tube 14 can be positioned away from the tip of the catheter 100 within the blood vessel, thereby suppressing occlusion of the suction path of the tube 14 by foreign objects (fibrin sheath or thrombus) and enabling blood collection without contamination. Furthermore, since a bending suppression part 34 is provided in the lumen of the cover 18A, bending of the tube 14 when moving the tube 14 toward the tip can be suppressed. This allows the tube 14 to move smoothly toward the tip relative to the tip-side connector 12.

[0070] The deflection-suppressing portion 34 protrudes from the cover body 32 toward the tube 14. With this configuration, the deflection of the tube 14 can be effectively suppressed within the lumen of the cover 18A.

[0071] Multiple deflection suppression sections 34 are provided at intervals in the axial direction. With this configuration, the deflection of the tube 14 can be suppressed more effectively by supporting the tube 14 at multiple locations in the axial direction.

[0072] The tube 14 is inserted through a through hole 35 provided in the deflection suppression section 34. With this configuration, since the tube 14 is inserted through the through hole 35, the deflection of the tube 14 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0073] The cover body 32 has a telescopic structure 36. With this configuration, a retractable cover 18A can be easily realized.

[0074] The telescopic structure 36 has a plurality of cylindrical members 38 that are displaceable relative to each other in the axial direction. A plurality of deflection suppression parts 34 are fixed to the plurality of cylindrical members 38 at intervals from each other in the axial direction. With this configuration, the deflection of the tube 14 can be suppressed more effectively by supporting the tube 14 at multiple points in the axial direction.

[0075] A liquid-tight sealing member 24 is positioned between the inner circumferential surface of the tip-side connector 12 and the outer circumferential surface of the tube 14. This configuration prevents blood from leaking from the base end of the tip-side connector 12.

[0076] As shown in Figure 1, the vascular access device 10A is equipped with an extension retainer 46 that maintains the cover 18A in the extended state, which is the state before contraction. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the tube 14 from protruding from the tip of the tip-side connector 12 before using the vascular access device 10A.

[0077] As shown in Figure 2, the tip of the tube 14 is provided with a hole 142 that penetrates the peripheral wall of the tube 14. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the tip of the tube 14 from sticking to the inner wall of the blood vessel.

[0078] The outer circumference of the tip of tube 14 is curved in an arc shape when viewed from the side. This configuration makes it possible to suppress damage to the inner wall of the blood vessel by the tip of tube 14.

[0079] As shown in Figure 11, the cover 18B of the vascular access device 10B according to the second embodiment has a cover body 50 and a plurality of bending suppression parts 52. As shown in Figure 12, the cover body 50 is a sleeve 51 that can be contracted by being crushed in the axial direction. In order to realize the function of such a cover body 50, the sleeve 51 is made of a thin film material. The sleeve 51 is expandable and contractible in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 11, the tip of the sleeve 51 is fixed to the tip-side connector 12. The base end of the sleeve 51 is fixed to the base-side connector 16.

[0080] Multiple deflection-suppressing parts 52 are fixed to the sleeve 51 at intervals from each other in the axial direction. The multiple deflection-suppressing parts 52 are formed in a disc shape with the same outer diameter. Each deflection-suppressing part 52 is provided with a through hole 35. A tube 14 is inserted through the multiple through holes 35. In this way, the multiple deflection-suppressing parts 52 support the tube 14 within the sleeve 51. The sleeve 51 is provided with ventilation holes 42. A sterilization filter 44 is placed in the ventilation holes 42.

[0081] The vascular access device 10B further comprises a deflation maintenance mechanism 54. The deflation maintenance mechanism 54 is a mechanism for maintaining the deflated state of the cover 18B (cover body 50). The deflation maintenance mechanism 54 has a first connecting portion 58 and a second connecting portion 59. The first connecting portion 58 is fixed to the tip of the cover body 50. The second connecting portion 59 is fixed to the proximal end connector 16. The first connecting portion 58 and the second connecting portion 59 are connectable to each other.

[0082] In Figure 11, the contraction maintenance mechanism 54 is a hook-and-loop fastener 55. The first coupling portion 58 has a female side. The second coupling portion 59 has a male side. In other embodiments of the hook-and-loop fastener 55, the first coupling portion 58 may have a male side and the second coupling portion 59 may have a female side. As shown in Figure 12, when the cover 18B contracts in the axial direction, the first coupling portion 58 and the second coupling portion 59 connect, thereby maintaining the contracted state of the cover 18B.

[0083] In other embodiments, the contraction retention mechanism 54 may have an engagement structure or a magnetic coupling structure instead of the hook-and-loop fastener 55. If the contraction retention mechanism 54 has an engagement structure, a claw is provided on one of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, and a groove into which the claw can engage is provided on the other of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion. If the contraction retention mechanism 54 has a magnetic coupling structure, a first magnetic material is provided on the first coupling portion 58, and a second magnetic material is provided on the second coupling portion 59. At least one of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material is a magnet.

[0084] When the cover 18B contracts in the axial direction, air moves between multiple air chambers within the cover 18B, which are separated by multiple deflection-suppressing portions 52, through the through-hole 35 (the gap between the inner circumference of the deflection-suppressing portion 52 and the outer circumference of the tube 14). Also, when the cover 18B contracts in the axial direction, the air inside the cover 18B is discharged to the outside of the cover 18B through the ventilation holes 42.

[0085] The contraction maintenance mechanism 54 may also be provided in the vascular access device 10A (Figure 1, etc.) according to the first embodiment described above. The contraction maintenance mechanism 54 may also be provided in the vascular access device 10C (Figure 13, etc.) according to the third embodiment described later.

[0086] The vascular access device 10B according to the second embodiment provides the following effects. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained for parts common to the first embodiment.

[0087] In the vascular access device 10B, the cover body 50 is a sleeve 51 that can be contracted by being crushed in the axial direction. Therefore, a contractible cover 18B can be realized with a simple structure.

[0088] The vascular access device 10B is equipped with a contraction maintenance mechanism 54 for maintaining the contracted state of the cover 18B, thereby preventing the tube 14 from retracting relative to the catheter 100 during blood collection. This allows for efficient suppression of blockage of the suction path of the tube 14 and collection of blood free of foreign matter.

[0089] Since the contraction maintenance mechanism 54 has a hook-and-loop fastener 55, an engagement structure, or a magnetic coupling structure, the contraction maintenance mechanism 54 can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0090] As shown in Figure 13, the cover 18C of the vascular access device 10C according to the third embodiment has a cover body 60 and a plurality of bending suppression parts 62. As shown in Figure 14, the cover body 60 is a bellows member 61 that can be contracted by being crushed in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 13, the bellows member 61 is a cylindrical member in which a plurality of relatively large diameter expanding parts 61a (convex parts) and a plurality of relatively small diameter contracting parts 61b (concave parts) are alternately arranged in the axial direction. The bellows member 61 is expandable and contractible in the axial direction.

[0091] The tip of the bellows member 61 is fixed to the tip-side connector 12. The base end of the bellows member 61 is fixed to the base-side connector 16. The bellows member 61 is provided with ventilation holes 42. A sterilization filter 44 is placed in the ventilation holes 42.

[0092] Multiple deflection-suppressing portions 62 are fixed to the bellows member 61 at intervals from each other in the axial direction. Each of the multiple deflection-suppressing portions 62 is fixed to the inner circumference of each of the multiple reduced-diameter portions 61b of the bellows member 61. The number of deflection-suppressing portions 62 may be less than the number of reduced-diameter portions 61b. That is, there may be reduced-diameter portions 61b that do not have a deflection-suppressing portion 62. The multiple deflection-suppressing portions 62 are formed in the shape of discs with the same outer diameter. Through holes 35 are provided in each deflection-suppressing portion 62. A tube 14 is inserted through the multiple through holes 35. As a result, the multiple deflection-suppressing portions 62 can support the tube 14 within the bellows member 61.

[0093] When the cover 18C contracts in the axial direction, air moves between multiple air chambers within the cover 18C, which are separated by the multiple deflection-suppressing portions 62, through the through-hole 35 (the gap between the inner circumference of the deflection-suppressing portion 62 and the outer circumference of the tube 14). Also, when the cover 18C contracts in the axial direction, the air inside the cover 18C is discharged to the outside of the cover 18C through the ventilation holes 42.

[0094] The vascular access device 10C according to the third embodiment provides the following effects. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained for parts common to the first embodiment.

[0095] In the vascular access device 10C, the cover body 60 is a bellows member 61 that can be contracted by being crushed in the axial direction, so a contractible cover 18C can be easily realized.

[0096] In the vascular access device 10C, multiple deflection suppression parts 62 are fixed to the bellows member 61 at intervals from each other in the axial direction. With this configuration, the deflection of the tube 14 can be suppressed more effectively by supporting the tube 14 at multiple points in the axial direction.

[0097] The bellows member 61 may have a plurality of bellows elements divided in the axial direction, and a plurality of deflection suppression parts 62 may be arranged between the plurality of bellows elements. In this case, bellows elements adjacent to each other in the axial direction are connected by the deflection suppression parts 62.

Claims

1. A vascular access device comprising: a hollow tip-side connector connectable to a catheter; a flexible tube having an opening at its tip and inserted through the tip-side connector; a proximal-side connector fixed to the proximal end of the tube; and a hollow cover that covers the tube between the tip-side connector and the proximal-side connector and is retractable in the axial direction, wherein the cover has a bending suppression portion within the lumen of the cover that suppresses bending of the tube, and when the cover is retracted with the tip-side connector connected to the catheter, the tube protrudes from the tip of the catheter as it moves relative to the tip-side connector in the tipward direction.

2. A vascular access device according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a cover body that extends along the tube, and the deflection suppression portion protrudes from the cover body toward the tube.

3. A vascular access device according to claim 2, wherein the bending suppression portion is provided in a plurality of locations at intervals in the axial direction.

4. A vascular access device according to claim 2, wherein the bending suppression portion is provided with a through hole, and the tube is inserted through the through hole.

5. A vascular access device according to claim 2, wherein the cover body has a telescopic structure.

6. A vascular access device according to claim 5, wherein the telescopic structure has a plurality of cylindrical members that are displaceable relative to each other in the axial direction, a plurality of deflection suppression parts are provided, and the plurality of deflection suppression parts are fixed to the plurality of cylindrical members at intervals from each other in the axial direction.

7. A vascular access device according to claim 2, wherein the cover body is a sleeve that can be contracted by being crushed in the axial direction.

8. A vascular access device according to claim 2, wherein the cover body is a bellows member.

9. A vascular access device according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of the bending suppression parts are provided, and the plurality of bending suppression parts are fixed to the bellows member at intervals from each other in the axial direction.

10. A vascular access device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a contraction maintenance mechanism for maintaining the contracted state of the cover.

11. A vascular access device according to claim 10, wherein the contraction maintenance mechanism comprises a hook-and-loop fastener, an engagement structure, or a magnetic coupling structure.

12. A vascular access device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a liquid-tight sealing member is disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the tip-side connector and the outer circumferential surface of the tube.

13. A vascular access device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the tip of the tube is provided with a hole that penetrates the peripheral wall of the tube.

14. A vascular access device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outer circumference of the tip of the tube is curved in an arc shape when viewed from the side.

15. A vascular access device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising an extension retainer for maintaining the cover in an extended state, which is the state before contraction.

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