EP1601399A1

EP1601399A1 - Guiding device for the implantation of a needle

Info

Publication number: EP1601399A1
Application number: EP04716634A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mokhtar Chawki; Thierry De Catheu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-03-05
Filing date: 2004-03-03
Publication date: 2005-12-07
Also published as: JP2006519079A; FR2851921A1; WO2004080512A1; US20070161953A1; FR2851921B1

Abstract

A guiding device (1) for sub-cutaneous implantation of a veinous puncture needle (3), comprising a sheath (4) provided with a bore (5) extending according to a main axis (X) enabling the needle (2) to be introduced parallel to said axis (X), and flexible fins (6, 7) extending radially from said sheath (4), said fins (6, 7) having a lower surface (8) which can be applied against the skin (9) of a patient and which can assume a rest position wherein the lower surface (8) extends along a plane (P) which is substantially perpendicular to the main axis (X).

Description

Guide device for subcutaneous implantation of a needle

1 / invention relates to the field of venipuncture.

Venipuncture is particularly performed as part of hemodialysis, especially in patients with renal failure.

A few reminders concerning hemodialysis (to which the invention is not however limited) appear necessary at this stage.

Hemodialysis consists in extracting the patient's blood, circulating it within an extracorporeal module called a dialyzer where the blood is purified, then returning it to its owner. These operations must be repeated very frequently, generally at the rate of three weekly sessions.

Hemodialysis requires significant blood flow (from

200 to 400 ml per minute). However, a normal vein is not able to ensure such a flow. It is therefore necessary, beforehand, to locally arterialize a vein by creating a surgical bypass either direct or indirect (for example by interposition of a graft, natural or synthetic) from an artery to a vein. This creates a subcutaneous vascular approach, called arteriovenous fistula, hereinafter identified by its acronym FAV, which, after having developed to reach a sufficient diameter (the average development period is four to six weeks) , can be punctured by a qualified person using a needle.

The puncture conventionally consists in introducing into the FAV one - or more - needle (s) which are withdrawn "w ^ H wy

at the end of the operation, the FAV is compressed until the bleeding caused by this withdrawal stops.

Traditionally, direct access to the FAV is provided by two independent needles, which are introduced tangentially with respect to the FAV (that is to say at a reduced angle, of the order of 20 ° to 25 °). From a semantic point of view, the needle which takes the blood is called "artery" while the one which returns it is called "vein". It is possible to use only one needle serving alternately as “artery” and “vein” thanks to a Y fork system.

To ensure an extended life of the AVF, it is imperative to modify and space the puncture points. Conventional needles, due to their orientation, do not provide enough ease for correct spacing of the puncture points.

This results in repeated use of the same puncture zones, which prevents the proper development of AVFs and promotes the appearance of tissue fibrosis of the vascular wall. This tissue fibrosis results in the formation of pseudoaneurysms, and consequently increases the danger of hemorrhagic rupture of the AVF.

The inventors have also noted, in the conventional puncture, the following drawbacks. First, when the AVF is short or when it is the site of a stenosis, the puncture is delicate because its tangential approach can cause a transfixion, with the consequence of extravasation of blood liquid in the subcutaneous tissues. Second, in a collapse or when the AVF is short, the vascular wall tends to adhere to the needle which is substantially parallel to it, and to obstruct the end, which promotes the phenomena of ypercoagulability.

Third, the modus operandi of the. Traditional puncture is quite delicate, and requires, for the personnel concerned (it can be the patient himself, when he wishes to maintain a certain autonomy) relatively long training.

Finally, the traditional puncture with needles implanted on short AVFs involves a high risk of communication between the needles. This phenomenon, called re-circulation, decreases the efficiency of extracorporeal purification of the blood.

The invention aims in particular to solve the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing a guide device for the subcutaneous implantation of a venipuncture needle which is reliable, practical and safe.

To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention provides a guide device for the subcutaneous implantation of a venipuncture needle, this device comprising:

a sheath provided with a bore extending along a main axis to allow the introduction of the needle parallel to this axis, and

- Flexible fins extending radially from the sheath, said fins having a lower face suitable for being applied against the skin of a patient and being able to adopt a so-called rest position in which their lower face extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the main axis.

The venipuncture can thus be performed perpendicular to the patient's skin (and to the wall vascular). The fins, which in particular have a stabilizing function and ensure that the device is kept in position, further form a stop which limits the depth of the insertion of the needle during its subcutaneous introduction.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a guide device for the subcutaneous implantation of a venipuncture needle, this device comprising: - a sheath pierced with a through hole extending along a main axis, - flexible fins extending radially from said sheath, said fins having a clean underside (and, in fact, intended) to be applied against the skin of a patient and being capable of adopting a so-called rest position in which their underside extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the main axis, and - a sheath provided with a bore extending along the main axis to allow the introduction of the needle parallel to this axis, this sheath being mounted in the sheath hole between:

a so-called use position to allow the needle to protrude from the device on the side of the underside of the fins, and

- a so-called retracted position to allow the sheath to cover the needle.

To the aforementioned advantages of the device exposed according to the first aspect of the invention, this device adds safety in use which limits the risk of injury and / or contamination of the personnel responsible for driving. intervention. Indeed, in the retracted position, the needle, which disappears in the sheath, is then inaccessible.

According to a third aspect, the invention proposes an assembly comprising a device as described above according to the first or the second aspect, a nozzle and a needle mounted in this nozzle, the nozzle and the needle being mounted jointly in the device along the main axis. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the light of the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a device according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a perspective view from below of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, illustrating a device according to the invention, in which is mounted a needle for venipuncture; - Figure 4 is a bottom view of the device of Figure 4; Figure 5 is a sectional elevation view of the device of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 6 is a sectional elevation view of the device of Figures 3 and 4, in use during a venipuncture on a patient; Figure 7 is an exploded elevational view in partial section of a device according to the invention, according to an alternative embodiment; - Figures 8 and 9 are sectional elevation views illustrating the device of Figure 7 in which is mounted a needle for venipuncture, in two separate positions.

In the figures is shown a device 1 for guiding the subcutaneous implantation of a needle 2 intended to perform a venipuncture, in this case from an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) 3, as is illustrated in figure 6.

This device 1 comprises a sheath 4 provided with a cylindrical bore 5 extending along a main axis X and into which is intended to be introduced the needle 2, parallel to this axis X.

The device 1 also comprises flexible fins 6, 7 which extend radially from the sheath 4. These fins 6, 7 have a smooth underside 8, intended to be applied against the skin 9 of a patient, under which extends the FAV 3, and an opposite upper face 10.

In the example illustrated, the fins 6, 7 are two in number, although their number may be greater, and they extend in the extension of one another on either side of the sheath 4 .

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 5 in particular, the sheath 4 is in the form of a hollow cylindrical sleeve which projects in relation to the fins 6, 7 on the side of their upper face

10.

The fins 6, 7, which are relatively flat, are flexible and can take several positions, with each of which is associated with a function.

Thus, the fins 6, 7 can adopt: - A rest position, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6 in particular, in which their lower face 8 extends in a plane P substantially perpendicular to the main axis X so that it can be applied directly against the skin 9 of the patient and thus stabilize the device 1 in a position where the needle 2 is perpendicular to the skin 9 (FIG. 6),

- A gripping position, in which the fins 6, 7 are bent in the direction of the main axis X on the side of their upper face 10, to allow gripping and withdrawal of the device 1 perpendicular to the skin 9 of the patient when the intervention (e.g. hemodialysis) is complete, and

- A closed position in which the fins 6, 7 are bent in the direction of the main axis X on the side of their lower faces 8, which are then contiguous. In this position, the fins 6, 7 cover the tip of the needle 2 in order to avoid any injury and / or contamination of the _. person responsible for the intervention.

Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 5, the device 1 has, in section, in the rest position, a T shape, the sheath 4 of which forms the foot and the fins

6, 7 branches.

The needle 2 is mounted in a rigid end piece 11 to which a flexible tube 11 'is connected, itself connected to an extracorporeal device (not shown) used for purifying the withdrawn liquid (for example a dialyzer). As can be seen in FIG. 6, the end piece 11 is in this case bent at a right angle: it has a main portion 11a straight, which extends along the axis X and ends in a lower end 12 by which exceeds the needle 2, and a secondary portion 11b (intentionally omitted in Figures 3 and 4), which extends along a secondary axis Y perpendicular to the main axis X, and on which is fitted the tube 11 '. As also appears in FIG. 6, the bent end piece 11 allows the tubing 11 'to extend parallel to the patient's skin 9 (in practice on the patient's arm), despite the perpendicular orientation of the needle 2, so as to reduce the risks of tearing of the device 1 and improve the comfort of the patient.

In order to allow the joint fitting of the needle 2 and the end piece 11 in the guide device 1, the bore 5 has a countersink 13 separating two portions 5a, 5b of different diameters, countersink against which comes apply the end 12 of the end fitting 11 (figure 6).

According to an embodiment illustrated in the figures, each fin 6, 7 comprises a body 14 in the form of a relatively rigid plate, connected to the sheath 4 by a central portion 15 of lesser thickness suitable for allowing easy bending of the 'fin 6, 7.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 4, the fins 14 are pierced with openings 16 to allow the patient's skin 9 to breathe during the intervention. In addition, as appears in FIGS. 2 and 4 in particular, each fin 6, 7 is provided with a groove 17 hollowed out in its lower face 8 and which extends to a free edge 18 of the fin 6, 7, opposite the main axis X.

This groove 18 has in section a complementary profile of the needle 2 (generally circular), the two grooves 18 jointly forming, when the fins 6, 7 are in the closed position, a protective housing in which the needle 2 is received so to limit the risks of injury and / or contamination of the operator when the latter separates the device 1 from the skin 9 of the patient at the end of the intervention.

According to one embodiment, illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the device 1 is in one piece; it can be produced by simple molding of a plastic material.

Alternatively, and as illustrated in Figures 7 to 9, the device 1 may include an attached movable part. This variant, in which the numerical references already used above are re-used to designate the same elements, differs from the above by adding an attached sheath 19 intended to further improve the safety of the device 1. The sheath 4 is pierced with a hole 20 passing through the main axis X, while the bore 5 through which the needle 2 is introduced is not ^' made directly in the sheath 4 but in the sheath 19, itself mounted sliding in this hole 20, parallel to the main axis X.

When the sheath 19 is mounted in the sheath 4, its bore 5, which as described above has a counterbore 13 to allow the joint abutment of the end piece 11 and the needle 2, extends coaxially with respect to the hole 20, that is to say along the main axis X. As this is visible in FIG. 7, the hole 20 in the sheath 4 has, on its periphery, two spaced circumferential grooves, namely an upper groove 21 and a lower groove 22, both centered on the main axis X. Furthermore, the hole 20 has two portions of different diameters separated by a countersink, namely a lower portion 20a, which extends between the upper groove 21 and the lower face 8, and an upper portion 20b of greater diameter, which extends between the upper groove 21 and an upper end 24 of the sheath 4, opposite the lower face 8.

As for the sleeve 19, it also has two portions of different diameters, namely a lower portion 19a and an upper portion 19b, separated by a shoulder 25, the lower portion 19a having on its periphery a circumferential rib 26 complementary to the grooves 21, 22 .

Thus, the sheath 19 is slidably mounted in the sheath 4 between: - a so-called use position, illustrated in FIG. 8, in which the rib 26 is engaged with the lower groove 22, the shoulder 25 being in abutment against the counterbore 23 to prevent the sheath

19 to slide with respect to the sheath 4 beyond this position in the direction of the lower face 8, and A so-called retracted position, illustrated in FIG. 9, in which the sheath 19 protrudes from the sheath 4 on the side of its upper end 24, the rib 26 this time being engaged with the upper groove 21.

In the position of use, the needle 2 protrudes from the device 1 on the side of the lower face 8 of the fins 6, 7, to allow venous puncture. The force of the latching of the sheath 19 in the sheath 4 is sufficient so that the resistance which the skin 9 opposes to the introduction of the needle 2 does not allow accidentally passing the sheath 19 in its retracted position.

In the retracted position, the needle 2 disappears in the sheath 4 which thus covers it to prevent stings and / or contamination. Of course, it is necessary

(which is within the reach of the skilled person), to choose the relative dimensions of the device 1 and of the needle 2 so that a sufficient length of the needle 2 protrudes from the device 1 in position d 'use to allow an easy puncture, while providing a sufficient stroke of the sheath 19 to ensure complete recovery of the needle 2 in the retracted position. The assembly of the device 1 is very simple. First, the sheath 19 is introduced into the sheath 4 on the side of the upper end 24, until the rib 26 snaps into the lower groove 22. This snapping is allowed by the elastic deformation of the material in which device 1 is produced.

The needle 2 is then introduced, on the same side, into the sheath 19 until the end 12 of the end piece 11 comes into abutment against the counterbore 13 provided in the bore 5. The device 1 is then ready for use.

To move the sheath 19 from its position of use to its retracted position at the end of the intervention, it suffices to pull the end piece 11 parallel to the axis X while firmly holding the fins 6, 7. The elastic deformation of the sheath 4 then allows the rib 26 to escape from the lower rib 22 in order to be housed in the upper rib 21.

Other types of mechanisms can be envisaged for mounting the sheath 19 in the sheath 4 and for passing it from its position of use to its retracted position, for example of the quarter-turn type, with or without spring.

Whatever the embodiment chosen, the device 1 described allows an arrangement of the needle 2, which extends along the main axis X, perpendicular to the fins 6, 7 when the latter are in their rest position. It is therefore possible to puncture the patient perpendicular to the surface of the skin 9.

The fins 6, 7 then provide a stabilizing function for the device 1 which keeps its position (illustrated in FIG. 6) throughout the intervention.

It is possible to further improve the safety of the device 1 by coating the underside of the fins

6, 7 of an adhesive substance so that by sticking to the skin

9 of the patient, the device 1 retains its location, in particular in the event of a false movement.

The venipuncture perpendicular to the patient's skin 9, and therefore to the direction of blood flow, allows more precise and safer intervention. The vascular wall suffers less trauma during the repeated punctures that the patient undergoes. This makes it easier to space the puncture points. Furthermore, the fins 6, 7 form a stop beyond which it is no longer possible to insert the needle 2, which reduces the risk of transfixion, to the benefit of patient safety.

In addition, the operational ease of the device 1 allows its use even by inexperienced personnel, and in particular by the patient himself. Training for this type of intervention is thus shortened.

In addition, the vertical position of needle 2

(i.e. perpendicular to the blood flow) reduces the risk of recirculation, that is to say of communication between two needles located not far from each other, to the benefit of the effectiveness of the 'intervention.

It should be noted that the embodiments described above cannot be considered as limiting, other variants being able to be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

Thus, instead of providing a pair of fins, it is conceivable to provide the device with a higher number, for example four fins distributed in a cross around the sheath.

It is also possible to replace the fins with a flexible collar surrounding the sheath and two semi-circular portions of which would each have the functions associated with the fins described above. Regarding the diameter of the needle, it is left to the choice of the prescriber, depending on each case, and in particularly depending on the parietal fragility and the diameter of the punctured FAV.

However, it should be noted that the device described allows the use of shorter needles, since their implantation is perpendicular to the skin, and finer, since this perpendicular implantation generates almost no bending stresses on the needle. The use of thinner and shorter needles thus reduces the risk of hematomas, infiltrations and punctures, and facilitates on the one hand the development of the vascular approaches, and on the other hand the frequent change of zone of puncture.

As regards the diameter of the needle in practice, it can be chosen equal to 16G (Gauge), although larger (14G, 15G) or smaller (17G, 18G) diameters are also conceivable.

In addition, the perpendicular position of the needle does not reduce its suction capacity, since it is provided at its end with a bevel. Finally, although the device has been described for guiding a single needle, it is easily conceivable to provide two spaced sheaths for guiding two parallel needles, namely an artery needle and a vein needle.

Claims

1. Guiding device (1) for the subcutaneous implantation of a venipuncture needle (2), this device comprising:

a sheath (4) provided with a bore (5) extending along a main axis (X) to allow the introduction of the needle (2) parallel to this axis (X), and

- flexible fins (6, 7) extending radially from the sheath (4), said fins (6, 7) having a lower face (8) suitable for being applied against the skin (9) of a patient and being able to adopt a so-called rest position in which their lower face (8) extends in a plane (P) substantially perpendicular to the main axis (X).

2. Device according to claim 1, which comprises at least one pair of fins (6, 7).

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the fins (6, 7) of the same pair extend in the extension of one another on either side of the sheath (4).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fins (6, 7) are flat and have an upper face (10) opposite the lower face (8), and wherein the sheath (4) s 'extends projecting relative to the fins (6, 7) on the side of their upper face (10).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the fins (6, 7) are capable of adopting a so-called closed position in which they extend substantially parallel to the main axis (X), and in which their lower faces (8) are contiguous.

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein each fin (6, 7) is provided with a groove (17) hollowed out in its lower face (8), which, when the fins (6, 7) are at rest, s 'extends substantially perpendicular to the main axis (X), two grooves (17) jointly forming, when the fins (6, 7) assume their closed position, a protective housing for one needle (2).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the underside (8) of the fins (6, 7) is coated with an adhesive substance.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said bore (5) is provided with a countersink (13) to allow the simultaneous introduction of a needle (2) and a nozzle (11) which, extending the needle (2), has a diameter greater than the latter.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sheath (4) and the fins (6, 7) form a one-piece assembly.

10. Guide device (1) for the subcutaneous implantation of a venipuncture needle (2), this device (1) comprising:

- a sheath (4) pierced with a through hole (20) extending along a main axis (X), - flexible fins (6, 7) extending radially from said sheath (5), said fins (6, 7) having one side lower (8) suitable for being applied against the skin (9) of a patient and being able to adopt a so-called rest position in which their lower face (8) extends in a plane (P) substantially perpendicular to the axis. main

(X), and - a sheath (19) provided with a bore (5) extending along the main axis (X) to allow the introduction of the needle (2) parallel to this axis (X), this sheath (19) being mounted in the hole (20) of the sheath (5) between:

a so-called use position to allow the needle (2) to protrude from the device (1) on the side of the lower face (8) of the fins (6, 7), and

- A so-called retracted position to allow the sheath (5) to cover the needle (2).

11. An assembly comprising a device. (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, an end piece (11) and a needle (2) mounted in this end piece (11), the end piece and the needle (2) being mounted together in the device along the main axis (X).

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the tip (11) is bent.