EP3573691A1

EP3573691A1 - Gripper apparatus for cannulas

Info

Publication number: EP3573691A1
Application number: EP18705551.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pascal Kopperschmidt; Pia Daniel; Reiner Spickermann; Otto Arkossy; Cäcilia SCHOLZ; Kai-Uwe Ritter; Elke Schulte; Christopher Hauke
Original assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
Current assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
Priority date: 2017-01-30
Filing date: 2018-01-29
Publication date: 2019-12-04
Also published as: JP2020505167A; JP7143306B2; DE102017201451A1; WO2018138326A1; US20190336705A1; US11744959B2; CN110234381A

Abstract

The invention relates to a gripper apparatus for a cannulating device and for gripping a cannula with a cannula holder. The two gripper apparatus has two gripping elements and a movement device. The gripper elements are movable relative to one another and interact for the purposes of gripping the cannula holder. The movement device is configured to move the two gripper elements relative to one another and to move at least one of the gripper elements relative to the cannula holder. Here, the gripper apparatus can be brought into a gripping state for gripping purposes by means of the movement device, in which gripping state at least one of the gripping elements engages with the cannula holder.

Description

Gripper device for cannulas

The present invention is in the field of medical technology and, more particularly, relates to a gripping device for a cannula machine for gripping a cannula, a cannulation machine and a method for automatically gripping a cannula.

Blood vessel puncture, also referred to as cannulation, is a routinely required step in the medical treatment of many patients in which a fluid connection is created between the patient's bloodstream and an external fluid system, particularly a cannula. Usually, the cannulation is performed by doctors or trained personnel. The quality of the vascular access created by the cannulation depends on a large number of parameters, which are characterized in particular by the individual, temporally variable abilities of the medical personnel and physical properties of the patients to be treated as well as by the diversity of the technical aids used in the puncture. In order to standardize the cannulation, auxiliary devices have been developed which assist the medical staff in cannulation. For example, EP 1 244 491 B1 discloses a device for introducing the distal end of a cannula into a vessel.

Also, cannulation, as it is a routine procedure in many treatments, is often done. In order to standardize the cannulation, to use financial and human resources efficiently and to reliably ensure a high quality of treatment, cannulation machines were developed which autonomously prepare a cannulation process on the patient and autonomously perform the cannulation by suitable sensors and motor systems. Such automatic cannulas and technical means used therein are known, for example, from EP 0 654 244 B1, US 2015/0065916 A1 and WO 2015/052719 A1.

The evaluation of observations on the use of cannulas and the development of cannulation machines and auxiliary devices for cannulation on which this invention was based showed that, when handling the cannula, in particular during gripping, errors can occur that contaminate the cannula and / or support or intervention by a medical professional may be required. As a result, the gripping of the cannula has an effect on the quality of treatment and / or resource efficiency, in particular in the case of automated cannulation.

The invention is based on the object, in particular for further automation of cannulation, to automate the gripping of the cannula, to increase the reliability in gripping the cannula and / or to improve hygiene. The invention achieves this object in each case by a gripper device according to the teaching of independent claim 1, a cannula holder according to the teaching of independent claim 13, a Kanülierautomaten according to the teaching of independent claim 14 and a method for automated gripping a cannula according to the teaching of the independent claim 15. Preferred embodiments, developments or variants are in particular subject of the dependent claims. The subject matter of the claims is expressly made part of the disclosure of the specification.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a gripper device for a Kanülierautomaten and for gripping a cannula with a cannula holder. The gripper device has two gripping elements and a movement device. The two gripping elements are movable relative to each other and cooperate to grip the cannula holder. The movement device is set up to move the two gripping elements relative to one another and at least one of the gripping elements relative to the cannula holder. In this case, the gripper device for gripping by means of the movement device can be brought into a gripping state in which at least one of the gripping elements is in engagement with the cannula holder.

For the purposes of the invention, a "gripper device" is to be understood as meaning at least one device which is set up for the mechanical gripping of a thing, In particular, the gripping device can carry out a gripping operation, ie grasp the object and thereby have an indirect or direct mechanical connection with the gripper Preferably, this connection is solvable, so the thing seized can be released. For the purposes of the invention, a "cannula" is a tubular body, in particular a rigid or flexible injection needle, with a lumen, with a geometry and with external dimensions, which are suitable for use in cannulation of a blood vessel In particular, the connection part can be arranged at the proximal end of the cannula and connected to the hollow needle, in particular integrally, so that the cannula is connected at the proximal end to other devices, in particular an infusion tube or a medical syringe, positively or non-positively In particular, the hollow needle is pointed at the distal end of the cannula, which is intended to be inserted into a blood vessel, sharpened - in particular sharpened with an oblique cut - Preferably, the hollow needle is made of metal and / or the connecting part made of plastic. Preferably, the cannula may also have a cannula holder, wherein the cannula, in particular the hollow needle and / or the connection part, is connected to the cannula holder in a form-locking and / or non-positive connection or, preferably, integrally connected.

For the purposes of the invention, a "cannula holder" is to be understood as meaning at least one device by means of which a mechanical connection can be produced between a cannula and a gripper device with the gripper device, mechanically, preferably releasably, to be connected.

An advantage of the gripper device may be, in particular, that the cannula is gripped by means of the cannula holder, whereby, in particular with respect to a commercially available cannula without cannula holder, an adaptation to the respective cannula and / or gripper device is made possible. In this case, at least one of the gripping elements is in engagement with the cannula holder, whereby the mechanical stability of the connection of the cannula with the gripping device and thus the reliability can be increased. Also, in this advantageous manner, the cannula holder can be shaped and the movement of the two gripping elements can be coordinated with the cannula holder in such a way that automated gripping is possible or reliability is increased. Also, an advantage of gripping by means of Needle holder in particular are that the gripper device, the cannula or the other components of the cannula - except the needle holder - does not attack and thus the risk of possible contamination of the gripping device and / or the cannula is reduced, which in particular the hygiene can be improved.

In particular, preferred refinements of the gripper device and their components are described below, each of which, as far as is technically possible and not expressly excluded, can be combined with one another as desired by the person skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred developments can be combined in particular with preferred embodiments or embodiments.

According to a preferred development, the gripping elements, which are in engagement with the cannula holder, each have a gripping region, which is shaped as a negative mold of a corresponding region of the cannula holder. One advantage of the gripping regions formed as a negative mold may be, in particular, that they allow a positive connection with the corresponding region in the cannula holder and thus a reliable mechanical connection in the gripping state.

According to a preferred refinement, at least one and preferably all gripping regions are permanently shaped. In this case, these gripping regions are arranged at predetermined positions of the cannula holder. In this advantageous manner, it can be ensured during gripping and in particular in the gripping state that the cannula is arranged in a position predetermined by means of these gripping regions relative to the gripping elements.

According to a preferred development, one or more, preferably all, permanently shaped gripping regions have a centering geometry which interacts with the corresponding regions in such a way that the respective corresponding region is centered when gripping relative to the respective gripping region. Preferably, the centering geometry has or consists of one or more bevelled surfaces. Correspondingly, the corresponding regions of the cannula holder can also have chamfered surfaces. In this advantageous manner, the gripping areas with Zentriergeometrie and the corresponding When gripping, portions of the cannula holder slide along the beveled surfaces past each other until they are centered with respect to each other. An advantage of the centration geometry can lie in particular in that deviations in the initial position of the cannula, in particular the cannula holder, relative to the gripper device, in particular the gripping elements, can be compensated and / or the precision of the positioning of the cannula in the gripping state can be increased, thus In particular, the reliability of automated gripping and / or due to the precise positioning, the quality of the treatment can be increased.

According to a preferred development, at least in the gripping state and preferably during gripping, the gripper device is arranged at least substantially in an upper area above an upper side of the cannula and / or the gripping areas are arranged and the gripping elements are shaped such that a lower area below an underside of the cannula at least essentially free.

Under the top of the cannula, that side of the cannula is to be understood to mean a subdivision of the cannula along a plane in which a longitudinal axis of the cannula lies, which, when the distal end of the cannula is inserted into a patient, i. especially during or after cannulation, facing away from the patient. Accordingly, the other side, i. the patient facing side, the underside of the cannula.

Preferably, the gripping areas are arranged and the gripping elements are shaped so that in the gripping state the gripping elements protrude at most 2 cm, preferably at most 1 cm, preferably at most 0.5 cm and more preferably at most 1 mm into the lower area via the cannula holder.

An advantage of the at least substantially free continuity of the lower region, which faces the patient during cannulation, that is to say in particular the limited protrusion into the lower region, may be, in particular, that the lower region can be used for orientation and positioning of the cannula and / or the achievable angle between the patient and the cannula is at least substantially not limited by protruding into the lower region parts of the gripper device. In particular, a shallow angle can be achieved in this advantageous manner achieve piercing or subsequent positioning of the cannula, enhancing the quality of treatment and / or comfort for the patient.

Preferably, one or more of the gripping regions and / or the corresponding regions of the cannula holder define a rotational position of the cannula with respect to rotation of the cannula about a longitudinal axis of the cannula. In this advantageous manner, the cannula can be brought into a predetermined rotational position by means of these gripping areas predetermined manner and thus orient the cannula relative to a patient with respect to its longitudinal axis, in particular the usually oblique tip at the distal end of the cannula can be rotated so that this Rotation position for each cannulation is particularly suitable. In particular, the cannula, i. in particular its hollow needle, be chamfered towards the top of the cannula, so that the cutting edge of the cannula lies on the underside of the cannula and is oriented towards the patient.

According to a preferred development, the gripper device, at least in the gripping state, only touches the cannula on or by means of the cannula holder. In this advantageous manner, the hygiene and thus the safety of treatment can be increased. In order to improve hygiene in particular, according to a preferred development, the cannula holder is arranged at the proximal end of the cannula.

According to a preferred development for a cannula with a cannula holder arranged at the proximal end, the gripping element moves when gripping the gripper elements only in an environment of the cannula holder and / or the gripping elements are arranged and the moving means moves the gripping elements when gripping so that an environment of the distal End of the cannula remains free of the gripping elements. Preferably, the vicinity of the distal end extends at least 5 mm around the distal end, more preferably 15 mm and / or preferably at least one third of the length of the cannula and more preferably at least half the length of the cannula. Also preferably, the vicinity of the proximal end extends to at most half the length of the cannula, more preferably at most one third of the length of the cannula and / or at most 5 cm around the proximal end of the cannula, more preferably at most 3 cm and even further preferably at most 1 cm. In this advantageous manner, a touch of the cannula, especially the hollow needle of the cannula, avoid and thus increase the hygiene and / or treatment quality. An advantage of the thus obtainable spacing of the gripping elements from the distal end of the cannula can be, in particular, that the hygiene requirements for the gripping elements can be reduced, which in particular the operation and / or the construction of the gripper device with the same or increased hygiene with respect to the cannula and simplify the treatment of the patient.

According to a preferred development, the movement device has an electric actuator-in particular an electric motor, preferably a stepping motor-or consists of it, with which the movement of the gripping elements can be electrically controlled in an advantageous manner.

Preferably, the movement means comprises a spring member which advantageously allows the gripping members to be engaged with the cannula holder, to maintain the engagement and / or to disengage the engagement. This makes it possible in particular to simplify the construction of a controllable, in particular electronic, actuator. Also, the gripper device is preferably configured to maintain the engagement with the spring element, in particular without additional activation of the controllable actuator, whereby a passive retention of the gripped cannula can be achieved.

According to a preferred embodiment, the, in particular exactly two, gripping elements are arranged adjacent to each other and each have a side facing away from the other, a receiving side, which is preferably a bottom and corresponds to a bottom of the cannula, and a recess for at least partially receiving the cannula holder on. In addition, each of the opposite sides of a gripping area is formed. The recess extends from the one side facing away from the other side facing away from and by the gripping regions and is open to the receiving side of the two gripping elements, so that in a receiving state of the gripper device, a central part of the cannula holder from the receiving side of the two gripping elements introduced into the recess can be. In addition, the movement means is arranged for gripping the cannula, after the middle part of the cannula holder has been introduced into the recess, the two gripping elements along the middle part and in each case in the direction of the opposite sides move away from each other until at least the respective gripping region with the corresponding region of the cannula holder is positively and / or non-positively. An advantage of gripping by driving away from one another of the gripping elements can be, in particular, that the gripping device, ie in particular the gripping elements, in the receiving state have a smaller spatial extent than in the gripping state, whereby the reliability when recording and / or gripping can be increased For example, because no interfering objects in addition to the cannula holder can get into the receiving area. It is also possible, preferably by means of an end position sensor device, which may in particular have a measurement based on the measurement of radiation, in particular light or force, to determine an end point during gripping in which at least the respective gripping region is positively and / or non-positively connected to the corresponding region of the cannula holder is, and in this advantageous manner, the gripping of different sizes, in particular lengths, the needle holder, in particular the middle part, dynamically adapt. In addition, an advantage of the downwardly directed recess may be, in particular, that the lower area under the underside of the cannula can remain at least substantially free. Also, in this advantageous manner, the cannula can be picked up from a storage surface by moving the gripper device over the storage surface and lowering it onto it in such a way that the cannula holder is inserted into the recess.

Preferably, the gripping regions are each oriented either to the proximal or to the distal end of the cannula, which in particular the force for positive and / or non-positive retention of the cannula acts at least substantially along a longitudinal axis of the cannula, resulting in particular an unwanted change in the orientation of the longitudinal axis due of laterally acting forces, so in particular a change in the angle of the cannula to the patient, - especially in the cannulation - avoid and thus can increase the safety and / or treatment quality.

The gripping regions and / or the corresponding regions of the cannula holder are preferably rotationally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cannula, whereby the cannula can advantageously rotate freely or, according to the symmetry angle of rotational symmetry, around the longitudinal axis and thereby orientate, and preferably in the gripping state by means of frictional connection in the chosen Fix rotational position and / or can absorb the cannula regardless of its rotational position about its longitudinal axis in the receiving area.

Preferably, the gripping regions and the corresponding regions of the cannula holder are asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cannula, which advantageously predetermines the rotational position of the cannula about its longitudinal axis, at least in the gripping state. In this case, the gripping regions and / or the corresponding regions preferably have a centering geometry which, if the rotational position of the cannula deviates from the rotational position predetermined due to the asymmetry during gripping, causes the gripping regions and the corresponding regions to slide past each other and thus the cannula around the longitudinal axis rotates until the predetermined rotational position is reached.

According to a preferred embodiment, the gripper device further comprises a receiving area for at least partially receiving the cannula holder. In this case, the, preferably exactly two, gripping elements are arranged adjacent to the receiving area and each have a receiving area facing side. In addition, at least one gripping area is formed on the facing sides. In addition, the movement device is arranged to move the cannula, after the cannula holder has been arranged in the receiving area, the gripping elements towards each other and the at least one gripping area relative to the cannula holder in the direction of the corresponding portion of the cannula holder until at least the at least one gripping area with the corresponding region is positively and / or non-positively. An advantage of moving towards one another may be, in particular, that a pressure load acts on the cannula holder, which makes it possible to use materials for the cannula holder which are not necessarily stable to the same extent with respect to tensile loads with regard to pressure loads. In particular, when using pressure-stable materials for the cannula holder - such as preferably solid, incompressible materials - higher force compared to a load with shear forces and / or tensile forces and thus, in particular non-positive, fix the cannula holder by means of the gripping elements. Preferably, in at least two gripping regions, all but one gripping region and / or the corresponding region of the cannula holder have a larger clearance relative to this one gripping region or region of the cannula holder, so that the position and / or orientation of the cannula holder in the gripping state is at least substantially is determined by this one gripping area or area of the cannula holder, while in the other areas due to the game is a freedom of movement. This advantageous manner can avoid an over-definition of the position and / or orientation of the cannula holder and / or a wrong positioning or orientation and / or forces due to lack of fit

According to a preferred embodiment, at least in the gripping state and preferably when gripping a first of the gripping elements on a first longitudinal side of the cannula and a second of the gripping elements on a second longitudinal side of the cannula, which is opposite to the first longitudinal side arranged. In this case, the facing side of the first and / or the second gripping element is each formed a gripping area.

A cannula usually has two longitudinal sides, a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side. The longitudinal sides are defined by a plane of the cannula extending between the distal and proximal ends of the cannula and / or enclosing with the longitudinal axis an angle of at most 45 °, preferably at most 15 °, preferably at most 5 ° and more preferably 0 °, and lie on one side or the other side of this plane. Also, this plane extends from the top of the cannula to the bottom of the cannula and, particularly with an area separating an upper area above the top of the cannula from a lower area below the bottom of the cannula, makes an angle between 45 ° and 135 °. preferably between 70 ° and 110 ° and preferably between 85 ° and 95 ° and is preferably at least substantially orthogonal to this surface. An advantage of the arrangement of the gripping elements on the first and the second longitudinal side may lie in particular in that the gripping elements can be laterally approximated to the cannula and, in particular, a lower area below the underside of the cannula can remain at least substantially free. Also, the rotational position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cannula and with respect to the surface, which separates the upper area from a lower area below, pretend in this advantageous manner.

Preferably, the gripping regions at the first and second longitudinal sides and the corresponding regions of the cannula holder are asymmetrical with respect to a transverse axis of the cannula extending from the gripping regions at the first longitudinal side to the gripping regions at the second longitudinal side. In this advantageous manner, a rotational position with respect to the transverse axis can be predetermined by means of the asymmetrical gripping regions and corresponding regions of the cannula holder.

Also preferably, the gripping elements are moved with the gripping areas at one of the longitudinal sides along the transverse axis to the opposite gripping elements at the other of the longitudinal sides. In this advantageous manner, a gripper device pivotable about this transverse axis can be realized in a simple manner.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first and the second gripping elements are formed like pliers. In addition, the first and the second gripping elements are rotatably mounted relative to each other about a rotation axis in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the cannula. In particular, a pincer-like movement can be realized by means of this mounting. An advantage of the forceps-like design of these gripping elements can be, in particular, that the rotation about the axis of rotation and the storage required for it is mechanically particularly robust, proven and / or reliable, which in particular improves the automated gripping - i. in particular make reliable - can and / or a mechanical simpler and thus also with respect to training with linear movements with a reduced weight can be realized.

According to a preferred development, at least in the gripping state, a first of the gripping elements is arranged in an upper area above an upper side of the cannula and a second of the gripping elements is arranged in a lower area below a lower side of the cannula. In addition, the movement device for moving the second gripping element along a longitudinal axis of the cannula and in the direction of the upper portion is set up. An advantage of the arrangement of the second gripping element in the lower region as well as the movement of this second gripping element in the direction of the upper region may be, in particular, that when grasping the cannula first can be brought into the receiving region by a movement from the proximal end to the distal end and then the cannula can be fixed by moving the second gripping member towards the first gripping member. In this way, in particular the position and rotational position with respect to a transverse axis which runs in the separating surface between the upper and the lower region and is at least substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the cannula, can be reliably predefined and counteracted by deviations thereof by means of the force during gripping. In the case of corresponding gripping regions-ie in particular gripping regions with a centering geometry and / or asymmetrical shape-the rotational position with respect to the longitudinal axis and / or a vertical axis which points from the upper region to the lower region can also be predetermined.

A cannula holder of a cannula or, for a cannula, preferably has one or more latching elements, in particular receiving bores

According to a preferred development, one or more first, preferably at least three, gripping elements have gripping regions which are formed as latching elements corresponding to the latching elements of the cannula holder. In addition, one or more second of the gripping members are respectively disposed opposite the first gripping members so as to grip them upon gripping, i. when snapping the first gripping elements, the cannula carry on or by means of the needle holder and thereby cause a counter force, which counteracts the force to engage. An advantage of the latching can be, in particular, that the fastening by means of latching proven and thus reliable. A passive retention of the cannula can also be achieved by means of latching, ie, in particular, no controllable actuator must be activated or remain after latching in order to maintain the engagement of the gripping elements with the cannula holder and thus the fixation of the cannula. Preferably, a cannula holder of a cannula or for a cannula has an internal thread.

According to a preferred development, a first of the, in particular exactly two, gripping elements has a spindle with an external thread, which corresponds to an internal thread of the cannula holder. In addition, a second of the Gripping elements a with the external thread of the spindle corresponding internal thread. In this case, the movement device is set up to screw at least a part of the spindle into the internal thread when gripping. An advantage of the screw connections achievable in this way can be, in particular, that the gripping of the cannula by means of screw connections is particularly robust and therefore reliable and / or can be combined with a centering geometry, so that even with an initial slight deviation, the cannula holder is screwed to the gripper device by means of the spindle can be. A second aspect of the invention relates to a cannula holder, in particular for a gripper device according to the first aspect of the invention. The cannula holder has one or more areas, which correspond to gripping areas of the gripper device and which are preferably permanently shaped. In addition, the cannula holder has a connection region to, in particular integral, connecting to a cannula.

The possible advantages already mentioned above as well as embodiments, developments or variants of the first aspect of the invention also apply correspondingly to the cannula holder according to the invention. Conversely, the following mentioned possible advantages as well as embodiments, developments or variants of a cannula holder according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention also apply correspondingly to a gripper device according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention with or for a cannula with such a cannula holder.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cannula holder is made of a disinfectable material. Preferably, the cannula holder is made of a plastic. Also preferably, the cannula holder is connected to a cannula already in the manufacturing process and this disinfected together and then packaged. In this advantageous manner, the hygiene can be improved and / or increase the quality of treatment or treatment safety.

In a preferred embodiment, the connection area of the areas of the cannula holder, which correspond to the gripping areas, spaced so that the gripping elements of the gripper device at least in the gripping state and preferably when gripping from the cannula, in particular the hollow needle of the cannula, are spaced. An advantage of this spacing can lie, in particular, in the fact that contamination during gripping or at least in the gripping state can be avoided by components of the gripper device, which in particular can increase the safety of treatment and / or the hygiene requirements of the gripper device compared with a solution in which the gripper device components of the cannula - Especially those which are intended for insertion into the patient - touch, reduce and thus can reduce the design requirements and / or simplify manufacturing costs.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a Kanülierautomaten for the automated cannulation of a blood vessel of a patient with a gripper device according to the first aspect of the invention.

The above-mentioned possible advantages as well as embodiments, developments or variants of the first and / or the second aspect of the invention also apply correspondingly to the cannulating machine according to the invention. A cannulation machine is a device which automatically, that is, at least temporarily or continuously, at least one process step of cannulation of a blood vessel of a patient, or some or all provided process steps without human intervention, e.g. medical personnel. This is done in particular by the fact that the program parameters of the automatic cannulation are selected by the system and / or the user accordingly. A process step of the cannulation is technically implemented in particular by a device component of the cannulating machine, for example a tool device, which is specifically set up for this process step and is selected from the group of the possible process steps P2, P2, P3... Without specifying an order by this numbering :

P1: use of a cannulation accessory set selected prior to automated cannulation, depending on the registered patient identifier; this selection may have previously been made by means of an optional equipment system of the system for selecting an accessory set and / or equipping an accessory carrier, in particular accessory container; the accessory set may have previously been provided by an optional disposal device of the system, depending on the registered patient identifier, by segregating the accessory contained in the accessory set from an optional storage device of the storage system of accessories; the accessory set may contain one or more medical accessories, in particular gauze bandages, swabs, adhesive tape; the accessories of this accessory set may have been obtained depending on the registered patient identifier and / or patient-specific treatment data that may be derived from the registered patient identifier; the use of this accessory set by the automatic cannulation is an automated cannulation operation and may provide that the accessory set's accessories are automatically retrieved from predetermined accessory carrier / container positions, particularly by selecting the appropriate program parameters depending on the registered patient identifier and suitable for removal become; For this purpose, in particular, an optional loading device of the Kanülierautomaten is used, which is set up for removal of the accessories from the accessory container and / or set up for equipping one or more optional tool devices of the Kanülierautomaten;

P2: spatial fixation of a body part of the patient, which has the blood vessel, in particular an arteriovenous fistula; the program parameters of the automated cannulation can be selected here as a function of the registered patient identifier, ie patient-specific, by providing these

Program parameters adjust the position or distances of one or more optional fixation devices of the cannulation machine in dependence on a previously determined position or of previously determined on the body part of this patient intervals such that a suitable fixation is achieved; the fixation takes place in the treatment room of Kanülierautomaten in which the body part of the

Patient is stored for the subsequent at least one puncture;

P3: using patient data stored in particular a patient database to obtain information about past cannulation process steps on the patient's blood vessel (historical data), and preferably the to be made cannulation, in particular the program parameters used, depending on this historical data to determine; such historical data contain, in particular, the position of one or more blood vessels of the patient, which were previously measured with an optional measuring device of the cannulation machine for measuring the position and / or dimensions of at least one blood vessel under the skin of the patient (vascular structure measuring device), and in particular as patient data for To be available; such historical data contain, in particular, information about the position and nature of earlier puncture sites on the body part of the patient, which are available in particular as patient data; the vessel structure measuring device can be designed for detecting the position and / or dimensions of at least one blood vessel under the skin of the patient by means of ultrasound or by means of optical radiation;

P4: identification of the blood vessel suitable for taking blood under the skin of the body part of the patient, in particular selecting a suitable puncture position on the skin for puncturing this blood vessel; the program parameters of the automated cannulation can here be selected as a function of the registered patient identifier, ie patient-specific, by selecting the cannulation intended for the registered patient on the basis of at least one treatment parameter which is patient-specific; for example, a patient may be provided for hemodialysis; a treatment parameter may encode the need for hemodialysis in this patient; by evaluating the treatment parameter, the cannulation of an arteriovenous blood vessel can be planned; this is to be identified; the identification may be made, for example, in the control system by program-controlled analysis of an image obtained by a vascular structure measuring device;

P5: disinfecting the skin of the body part of the patient having the blood vessel; the program parameters of the automated cannulation can hereby be selected as a function of the registered patient identifier, ie patient-specific, by selecting a disinfection method specifically selected for the skin type or the skin morphology of the patient, for example by the duration of the treatment or the quantity and composition of used disinfection process is characterized; also treatment data may be considered which are specific to the patient; it can be used for the said disinfection an optional at Kanülierautomaten or separately provided for disinfecting device, which is set up to perform the said function; The skin type or the skin morphology of the patient are preferably known to the system as patient data of the patient database in particular;

P6: physical treatment for preparing the puncture of the body part of the patient, which comprises the blood vessel, in particular jamming of the blood flow of the body part, pressure on the body part, temperature control of the body part, positioning of the fixed body part; the program parameters of the automated cannulation can here be selected as a function of the registered patient identifier, ie patient-specific, by using preparation data which are suitable for the planned treatment of the patient, e.g. a hemodialysis, are specific, or that can be taken as previously known preparation data of the patient database; this preparation of the puncture of the body part is carried out in particular by an optionally provided preparation device of the cannulating machine, which is set up accordingly for this purpose;

P7: particularly preferred: puncture of the blood vessel, in particular of an arteriovenous fistula; A first puncture and cannulation are preferably carried out automatically for blood withdrawal from the blood vessel, and a second puncture and cannulation for the blood return to the blood vessel, in particular during hemodialysis; the program parameters of the automated cannulation can hereby be selected as a function of the registered patient identifier, ie patient-specific, by the program parameters defining a patient-dependent motion control for an optionally provided cannulometer robot-controlled tool arm, by means of which, for example, a medical accessory such as a hypodermic needle Tool arm is gripped and positioned on the body part, wherein the injection needle was previously selected and prepared patient-specific; two Kanülierautomaten can be set up for the puncture of blood vessels to different parts of the body, for example by a first Kanülierautomat can be set for the cannulation on an arm and a second Kanülierautomat for the cannulation on a leg can be set up; the selection of the appropriate Kanülierautomaten can be made patient-specific and / or treatment-specific;

P8: drawing blood from the punctured blood vessel and transferring the blood into at least one blood transport device or at least one sample container; the program parameters of the automated cannulation can hereby be selected as a function of the registered patient identifier, ie patient-specific, by preselecting a suitable blood transport device or a suitable sample container depending on patient-specific treatment data and now being used in a suitable manner by the cannulation machine; the Kanülierautomat and the control system can be set up by appropriate choice of program parameters to provide at least one sample container in response to treatment data for the subsequent, preferably automatic and system-controlled processing, in particular diagnostics;

P9: Gripping a cannula by means of a gripper device of the cannulating machine.

The term "cannulation" is understood to mean a process in which a cannula is inserted into the blood vessel by puncturing the skin and puncturing the wall of a blood vessel in the body part of the patient, so that the distal end of the cannula is arranged in the blood vessel, and the proximal one The end of the cannula is located outside of the body part, so that a fluid connection between the cannula and the blood vessel is provided, via which fluid, in particular blood and / or fluid media, can be exchanged via the fluid connection.The "exchange" of the fluid means in this context in that the fluid is transferred from the patient's bloodstream into an extracorporeal fluid system, in particular outside the patient's body, in particular for fluid storage or fluid guidance, and / or that the fluid is transferred from the extracorporeal system into the bloodstream.

Patients with chronic conditions regularly require repeated punctures of the blood vessels to ensure the required treatment. One such chronic disease is kidney failure, which among other things causes the failure of the natural Blood purification function performs. This can be replaced by technical solutions. Hemodialysis machines are extracorporeal filter systems used as artificial kidneys into which the patient's blood is passed to be cleaned and treated before being returned to the patient's bloodstream. The removal of the blood and the return of the blood is usually carried out via a surgically in an arm or leg of the patient subcutaneously created, artificial connection between a vein and an artery. This compound may consist of a prepared to the patient's own vessel portion or of an artificial material and is referred to as a fistula or arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula, AVF).

The most widely used permanent vascular access in chronic hemodialysis patients is a native arteriovenous fistula. After placement of the native arteriovenous fistula, it becomes more intense due to increased blood flow, making repeated puncture easier for dialysis treatment.

Hemodialysis must be performed regularly, typically at intervals of a few days. This leads to a high mechanical load on the vessel, or the arteriovenous fistula. In order to gain access to a vessel or an arteriovenous fistula, various techniques are known which aim to preserve the vessel as much as possible in the course of the recurring punctures. In the rope ladder puncture, a new cannulation site is searched for each treatment, which is a distance from the previous one, e.g. about 2 cm. Usually, in this method, the puncture series is started at the lower end of the vessel and then continued upward until the upper end is reached and the process is started again from below. In this case, the practitioner must observe the positioning scheme exactly in order to enable the healing of the punctured vessel positions. In contrast, in the buttonhole technique, a needle is always inserted at exactly the same location with the same angle. Over time, a scar cylinder is formed, in which the formed thrombus is repeatedly displaced during puncture and thus becomes more resilient. It has been observed that buttonhole technique results can be improved if the puncture is always performed by the same treatment personnel.

Due to the frequency of punctures in hemodialysis patients, the arteriovenous fistula, regardless of the puncture technique is generally a particularly high burden which may lead to changes in the skin surface and the nature of the arteriovenous fistula and its course.

An advantage of the automatic cannulas can be, in particular, that the latter, in particular in the treatment of chronic diseases - in particular in hemodialysis patients - can relieve the medical staff by automated cannulation and / or allows a consistently high degree of precision in cannulation, which in particular improves the quality of treatment and / or treatment safety can be increased.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for automated gripping of a cannula with the following method steps. In one method step, a cannula is provided with a cannula holder, or a cannula without cannula holder is first connected to a cannula holder and then provided. In one method step, the cannula with cannula holder is arranged in a receiving region of a gripper device. In a method step, at least two gripping elements of the gripper device are moved relative to one another and at least one of the gripping elements relative to the cannula holder until at least one of the gripping elements is in engagement with the cannula holder.

The previously mentioned possible advantages as well as embodiments, developments or variants of the preceding aspects of the invention also apply correspondingly to the method according to the invention for the automated gripping of a cannula. Conversely, possible advantages and embodiments, developments or variants of the method according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention also apply correspondingly to the preceding aspects of the invention.

Preferably, in a method step, a cannulating machine is equipped with or has a gripper device, in particular according to the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably, also the Kanülierautomat can have a robot-controlled tool arm, by means of which this moves the gripper device to the cannula, so that the cannula is arranged in the receiving region of the gripper device. It can the cannula may initially preferably be arranged on a storage surface or in a storage area or an accessory set.

Preferably and as an alternative to arranging the cannula with a cannula holder in the receiving area, initially a cannula holder can also be arranged in a receiving area, in particular on the gripping elements, and then in the receiving area by means of the gripping elements in cooperation with the cannula holder the cannula, which initially has no cannula holder arranged and finally seized.

In particular, the provision of the respective means-in particular of the automatic cannulation machine, a robot-controlled tool arm, the gripper device and / or the cannula holder-can be part of the method, ie in particular a method step, or these means can already be provided before the method is carried out.

According to a preferred development, the gripper device is moved by means of a robot-controlled tool arm of a cannulation machine to the proximal end of the cannula and then at least a second of the gripping elements and preferably the gripper device along a longitudinal axis of the cannula in the direction of the distal end of the cannula moves to the cannula holder in the receiving area is arranged. In this advantageous manner remains an environment of the distal end of the cannula when placing the cannula in the receiving area, which can be avoided in particular soiling and thus hygiene can be increased. In addition, in particular, the cannula, in particular a hollow needle of the cannula, be provided with a protective cover which protects them from contamination. Preferably, this protective cover is not removed until immediately prior to cannulation, ie, here immediately before the puncture of the blood vessel, or at least only after grasping or in the gripping state. For this purpose, the Kanülierautomat or the gripper device comprises means for removing the protective cover, in particular a removal device - such as additional gripping elements for gripping and removing the protective cover - have.

According to a preferred development, a tube, in particular an infusion tube, with a connection part of the cannula before, during or after the Cannulation and before releasing the engagement between the needle holder and gripper device automatically fluidly connected. An advantage of the connection, while the cannula holder is engaged with the gripper device, may in particular be that the mechanical load of the cannulated blood vessel can be reduced. An advantage of bonding prior to cannulation or at least before access to the blood vessel can be, in particular, that no leakage of blood must be prevented and thus the connection is easier and / or the cannula no additional device, such as a valve or lever, must be in order to prevent leakage of blood.

Preferably, the cannula holder has a connector adapted for fluid communication with a tube. In particular, this connection part may be the connection part of the cannula for the tube.

The invention also expressly relates to a system for the treatment and in particular for the cannulation of a patient. This system comprises a cannulation machine for the automated cannulation of a blood vessel of a patient, in particular according to the third aspect of the invention, one or more cannulas and one or more cannula holders, in particular according to the second aspect of the invention, and at least one gripping device for a cannula with a cannula holder , in particular according to the first aspect of the invention, on. Preferably, the cannulas are each integrally connected to a cannula holder. The system also preferably has at least one storage area for cannulas, in particular cannulas with cannula holders. Preferably, the system is arranged to carry out a method according to the fourth aspect of the invention. In particular, for this purpose, the cannulating machine can have a tool arm which is equipped with the gripper device, and by means of this tool arm remove a cannula with a cannula holder from the storage area, that is to say grasp in particular with the gripper device.

For the purposes of the invention, "set up" means that a device is not only suitable in principle for performing a specific function - for example only after a specific program code has been loaded, that is to say programmed the device or the device has been shaped in a certain way - but the device already has all the means to actually perform the function. For this purpose, the device is preferably already programmed with a program code for this function and / or already shaped and / or arranged and / or already has such a configuration that the device actually fulfills the function.

For the purposes of the invention, a "treatment of a patient" means at least one medical, ie, in particular therapeutic or diagnostic, or cosmetic procedure which alters the body and / or the health of the patient or determines the patient's state of health In particular, treatment is administration of drugs, cannulation, a blood purification procedure such as dialysis, surgery and / or examination of the patient.

A "group of treatments" within the meaning of the invention may each comprise certain operations, the therapy of a particular disease, the initial examination of a patient or a dialysis treatment, which in turn may have subgroups, in particular treatment by hemodialysis, hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration, hemoperfusion or peritoneal dialysis , be.

For the purposes of the invention, a "person involved in the treatment" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a treating person, for example a doctor or a person who supports the treatment, for example a caregiver be a person or a person involved in the treatment.

A "data processing device" within the meaning of the invention is understood to mean at least one device which is set up to process data, ie in particular to receive data, to store received data, to read out stored data, to receive and / or stored or read data by means of logical data and / or mathematical operations to store transformed data and / or output transformed or read data. Preferably, such a data processing device is programmable, ie in particular that the methods for processing the data are at least partially determined by a program code and this program code is at least partially variable.

Preferably, the data processing device is a commercially available computer. More preferably, the data processing device comprises at least one data processor - that is, a computing unit - in particular a microprocessor, a non-volatile - i. in particular permanent - data storage, in particular a hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM) or a drive with data carrier, as well as at least one hardware interface. Also preferably, the data processing device has a volatile electrical data memory, in particular as a working memory, preferably a semiconductor memory, in particular with integrated capacitors and / or flip-flops (bistable multivibrators) for data storage, such as dynamic RAM or static RAM.

For the purposes of the invention, a "data storage device" is a device for storing data, which is set up in particular for forming a data connection with a further device, in particular a data processing device, and / or has a data connection with the further device, data being used by means of the data connection The data storage device may comprise at least one non-volatile data memory electrical data storage on.

A communication device is preferably set up for the transmission and / or reception of data, in particular for the data exchange via a data connection provided by the communication device, in particular for a remote data connection with a remote device. The data connection, in particular remote data connection, can be established via a limited (in particular an intranet) or worldwide network of computers (in particular a WAN and / or the Internet). The data connection, in particular remote data connection, can also be established via a wireless connection, in particular radio connection. The data connection, in particular remote data connection, can be set up in particular via a mobile radio connection. In particular, a data link connects two data processing units, in particular two data processing devices or devices, in such a way that data can be exchanged between the units, either unidirectionally or bidirectionally. The data connection can be realized wired or wireless, in particular as a radio link. In particular, a remote data connection connects two data processing units, in particular two data processing devices, which are remote from one another, ie which are not part of the same device, in particular the same user interface device or the same control system, if said devices are designed as separate devices. A data connection, in particular a remote data connection, of a device with another device is preferably realized via a direct connection of the two devices, or an indirect connection of the two devices, so that a third device is connected between the two devices in order to forward the data. In particular, a remote data connection can be realized via a network of computers in which the devices connected via the remote data connection are connected via the network. The network may be a limited network, eg an intranet, or may be a worldwide network, in particular a WAN and / or the Internet.

For the purposes of the invention, an "interface device" is used to connect two units - in particular also systems, devices, devices or mechanisms, in particular with such units - which respectively process signals, in particular information, in particular data, ie in particular send and / or An interface device may comprise at least one hardware interface and / or at least one and, in particular, integrate as a component in a physical device unit.

Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of at least one embodiment and / or from the figures. Identical components of the embodiments are essentially denoted by the same reference numerals unless otherwise stated or otherwise evident from the context.

Show, partially schematized:

Figure 1 A is a side view of a cannula with an embodiment of the cannula holder according to the invention;

Figure 1 B is a frontal view of a gripping element of an embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention;

Figure 1 C shows a section through two gripping elements of an embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention in the receiving state together with a cannula with cannula holder.

Figure 1 D shows a section through two gripping elements of an embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention in the gripping state together with a cannula with cannula holder.

Figure 2A is a top view of an embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention together with a cannula with an embodiment of the cannula holder according to the invention;

Figure 2B is a side view of this gripper device and a side view of this cannula holder;

Figure 2C is a top view of this gripper device gripping this cannula holder;

Figure 2D shows a pivoting of this gripper device with gripped cannula in a side view;

Figure 3A is a top view of a cannula with another embodiment of the cannula holder according to the invention; FIG. 3B shows a section through a further exemplary embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention in the receiving state together with a cannula with cannula holder in a lateral representation;

Figure 4A is a side view of a cannula with another embodiment of the cannula holder according to the invention;

Figure 4B is a frontal view of another embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention;

Figure 4C shows a detail of this gripper device in the gripping state, which engages this cannula holder, in frontal view;

FIG. 5A shows a side view of a cannula with a further exemplary embodiment of the cannula holder according to the invention;

Figure 5B is a top view of this cannula holder according to the invention;

5C shows a section through a further embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention in the receiving state together with a section through this cannula holder in a frontal view;

Figure 5D shows the section through this gripper device, which is in the gripping state and this needle holder engages;

Figure 6A is a frontal view of this gripper device which disengages the needle holder;

FIG. 6B shows an alternative variant of a gripper element of this gripper device in a sectional illustration and two lateral representations;

Figure 7A is a side view of a cannula with another embodiment of the cannula holder according to the invention; Figure 7B is a top view of this cannula holder according to the invention;

7C shows a section through a further embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention in the receiving state together with a section through this cannula holder in a frontal view;

Figure 7D shows the section through this gripper device, which is in the gripping state and this needle holder engages;

Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a Kanülierautomaten invention;

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the inventive method for automated gripping a cannula;

FIG. 10A shows an exemplary embodiment of the cannulating machine according to the invention and an exemplary embodiment of the cannula holder according to the invention, which is connected to a cannula, in a method step of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for automated gripping of a cannula;

FIG. 10B shows this cannulating machine and this cannula holder in a further method step of this method;

10C, the gripper device of this Kanülierautomaten together with the needle holder in yet another step of this method.

FIG. 1 A shows a side view of a cannula 220 with an exemplary embodiment of the cannula holder 200 according to the invention. A longitudinal axis 212 of the cannula 220 extends from the proximal end 224 to the distal end 222 of the cannula 220. At the distal end 222, the cannula has an angled tip for piercing tissue. In particular, for the cannula 220, an upper surface 226 and a lower surface 228 as described above may be defined in relation to the position to a patient or with respect to the oblique tip. The bottom 228 is the side on which the tip ends. Preferably, a cannula for cannulation becomes so relative positioned to the patient that the end of the oblique tip is closer to the patient than the approach of the oblique tip, which lies further in the direction of the proximal end 224 of the cannula. In this case, the definitions for the top and bottom of the cannula are the same.

The cannula holder 200 has two regions 230, 232, which correspond to corresponding regions of a gripper device, a connection region 240, which is integrally connected to the cannula 220, and a central part 242. The two portions 230, 232 face each other, spaced apart by the central portion 242, and taper toward the central portion 242.

Preferably, the cannula holder 200 is rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 212, in particular cylindrically shaped. Preferably, the regions 230, 232 are trapezoidal or conical or shaped as a deformed cone with an oval base or as a pyramid, in particular with a base of an irregular triangle. In this case, the rotational symmetry allows the cannula holder 200 and thus the cannula 220 in different rotational positions, for which the cannula holder 200 is rotationally symmetrical to receive by means of a gripper device, while an asymmetry allows to specify a certain rotational position.

The cannula holder 200 is preferably made of a disinfectable plastic, in particular PEEK or polypropylene. Preferably, the cannula holder 200 is disposed at the proximal end 224 of the cannula, thereby allowing an environment of the distal end 222 of the cannula 200 to remain clear upon grasping or at least in the grasping state. In particular, the cannula holder 200 may first be manufactured separately from the cannula 220 and then be integrally connected to the cannula, such as by melting the plastic or by means of an adhesive, with the cannula. Preferably and alternatively, the cannula holder can be produced together with the cannula, wherein in particular the cannula holder is injected in an injection molding process around a portion of the cannula, in particular around a region at its proximal end. Subsequently, the cannula holder and cannula thus connected are preferably disinfected and packaged sterile. FIG. 1B shows a frontal view of a gripping element 110 of an embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention, in particular for the cannula holder 200 of FIG. 1A. In the frontal view, the viewer faces a side 14 of the gripping element 110 which is from one side of a gripper further gripping element facing away from this embodiment of the gripper device. On this side facing away from 1 14 a gripping portion 130 of the gripping member 100 is formed. In addition, the gripper element 10 has a receiving side, in particular underside, 128, a recess 120 for at least partially receiving the cannula holder 200 and preferably an upper side 126. When the cannula holder 200 has been received in the recess, the upper side and the lower side of the gripping element 110 correspond to the upper side and underside of the cannula 220. The recess 120 extends from the opposite side 1 14 through the gripping area 130 and is intended for Receiving side 128 open, so that in a receiving state of the gripping device of the central part 242 of the cannula holder 200 can be introduced from the receiving side 128 into the recess 120. In this case, the longitudinal axis of the cannula 220 in the direction of the viewer or away from them and is therefore not shown in Figure 1 B. Preferably, the gripping area 130 is permanently shaped as a negative mold of the corresponding area of the cannula holder. Thus, the gripping region 130 is preferably formed as a cone for a cone-shaped corresponding region, which widens toward the opposite side 1 14.

FIGS. 1 C and 1 D show an exemplary embodiment of the gripper device 100 according to the invention in a receiving state or in a gripping state. The gripper device 100 has two gripper elements 1 10, 1 12, which are movable relative to each other and cooperate for gripping the cannula holder 200. The gripper elements 1 10, 1 12 preferably correspond to the gripping element 1 10 of Figure 1 B. The gripping member 1 10 has, according to Figure 1 B described, a top, a bottom, a recess and a gripping portion 130. Accordingly, the gripper element 12 has an upper side, a lower side, a recess and a gripping region 132. In addition, the gripping elements 1 10, 1 12 arranged adjacent to each other and the gripping member 1 10 has a the gripping element 1 12 opposite side 1 14 and corresponding to the gripping element 1 12 a the gripper element 1 10 10 facing away from 16. The gripping elements are shown as a sectional view with a section through a plane which lies between the respective upper side and the lower side and extends through the recess and the gripping regions 130, 132. Accordingly, the tops and bottoms are not shown here and, for clarity, also the recess without reference numerals. The cannula holder 200 is connected to a cannula 220 and is preferably the cannula holder 200 of Figure 1A, which is rotated about its longitudinal axis 212 by 90 ° with respect to the top and bottom or the top and bottom not with the topsides and bottoms the gripping elements correspond, ie in particular the upper and lower sides of the gripping elements are directed to the longitudinal sides of the cannula.

In the receiving state, as shown in Figure 1 C, the gripping elements 1 10, 1 12 arranged or touch each other at a predetermined distance from each other and the recess is intended to receive a portion of the cannula holder 200 so that the gripping portion 130 adjacent to a corresponding portion 230 of the cannula holder 200 and the gripping portion 132 adjacent to a corresponding portion 232 is arranged.

For bringing into the gripping state, the gripping elements 1 10, 1 12 in the direction of their respective opposite sides 1 14, 1 16 and preferably along the longitudinal axis 212 moves away from each other. Preferably, for releasing the gripping state and for bringing into the receiving state, the gripping elements 1 10, 1 12 moved towards each other, in particular until they, as shown in Figure 1 C, touch. For this purpose, the gripper device 100 has a movement device 160. Preferably, as shown in Figure 1D, this is arranged laterally to the gripping elements, or more preferably arranged on the top of the gripping elements, so that the receiving side, i. especially the bottom, remains free.

In the gripping state, as shown in Figure 1 D, the gripping elements 1 10, 1 12 moved so far away from each other by means of the movement means 160 that the gripping portions 130, 132 with the corresponding portions 230, 232 of the cannula holder 200 are engaged and positively / or non-positively connected. An advantage of the arrangement of the cannula holder 200 at the proximal end 224 of the cannula as well as the driving apart of the gripping elements in an environment of the proximal end 224 may be in particular that an environment of the distal End 222 of the cannula remains free and so in particular the risk of contamination and / or the effort to avoid local pollution can be reduced. FIGS. 2A to 2D show an embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention and an exemplary embodiment of the cannula holder according to the invention, which corresponds to the gripper device. In particular, unless otherwise specified and technically possible, the arrangements, shapes, variants and advantages of these embodiments correspond to those of FIGS. 1A to 1D.

As can be seen particularly clearly in the view from above in FIG. 2A, the gripper device 100 has a receiving region 108 for at least partially receiving the cannula holder 200. In addition, the gripper device 100 exactly two gripping elements 1 10, 1 12, which are arranged adjacent to the receiving area 108. The gripper elements 1 10, 1 12 each have a side 1 18, which faces the receiving area 108. In the facing sides 1 18 each of the gripping area 130 and 132 is formed. In this case, these gripping regions are preferably permanently in the form of a negative mold of the respectively corresponding regions 230, 232 of the cannula holder 200, i. in particular of a solid material.

The cannula holder 200 is connected to a cannula, preferably integrally, mechanically and fluidly. In FIG. 2A, with regard to the drawing, the cannula 220 is arranged with its distal end 222 upwards and with its longitudinal sides 229 to the left or right side of the plane of the drawing. The cannula holder 200 is connected to the cannula 220 at the proximal end of the cannula and fluidly connected to a tube 250, in particular an infusion tube, the cannula holder 200 providing a fluid connection between the tube 250 and the cannula 220. For connecting the cannula holder 200 to the tube 250, the cannula holder 200 may preferably have a connection part. In particular, this connection part can have or consist of an element for a Luer-lock connection, so that the tube 250 and the cannula holder 200 can be screwed together. FIG. 2A shows the gripper device 100 in a receiving state. The longitudinal axis 212 of the cannula extends from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end 222 of the cannula. The transverse axis 214 extends from one of the longitudinal sides 229 to the other of the longitudinal sides 229. In the receiving state for receiving the cannula holder 200, the gripping elements 1 10, 1 12 along the transverse axis 214 from each other and from the cannula holder 200 so far spaced that the cannula holder 200 initially can be introduced into the receiving area 108. When the cannula 220 with the cannula holder 200 is subsequently arranged in the receiving area 108, in particular for gripping the cannula, the gripping elements 110, 112 are arranged at one and the other longitudinal side 229 such that the gripping areas 130, 132 are adjacent to the corresponding areas 230, 232 are.

FIG. 2B shows a side view of the exemplary embodiments from FIG. 2A, in which the transverse axis points out of the plane of the drawing. In this case, the gripping element 1 10 is shown offset from the cannula holder 200, so that these and the area 230 are visible. The region 230 which corresponds to the gripping region 130 preferably has a D-shaped base surface and is convex-shaped, thus extending in particular in the direction of the viewer. Conversely, the indicated with dashed lines gripping area 130 is also formed with a D-shaped base but concave to accommodate the area 230. In particular, gripping area 130 and / or area 230 may have centering geometry, i. in particular upwardly, that is to say in this illustration, tapering out of the plane of the drawing, so that during gripping, the region 230 and thus the cannula holder 200 are centered relative to the gripping region 130. The same applies preferably also to the gripper element 12, not shown here, its gripping region 132 and the corresponding region 232 of the cannula holder 200.

FIG. 2C shows the gripper device 100 from FIG. 1A in a gripping state in which it grips the cannula holder 200. In this case, the gripper device 100 can be brought from the receiving state into the gripping state by means of a movement device 160 of the gripper device 100. For this purpose, the movement device 160 is arranged, for gripping the cannula after the cannula holder 200 has been arranged in the receiving area, the gripping elements 1 10, 1 12 towards each other and at least one of the gripping areas relative to the cannula holder 200 to move. Preferably, at least one of the gripping elements is thereby moved along the transverse axis 214. For this purpose, the movement device 160 preferably has an electrically controllable, linear actuator. Preferably, the gripper device 100 further comprises a connecting device 170 for connecting the gripper device 100 with a robot-controlled tool arm, in particular a Kanülierautomaten on. Furthermore, the movement device 160 is preferably set up to move only the gripping element 110 relative to the connection device 170, while the gripping element 12 is not moved relative to the connection device 170. In this advantageous manner, on the one hand, the relative position and / or orientation of the gripped cannula - relative to the connecting device 170 - predetermined by the gripping member 1 12, while the cannula holder 200 gripped by moving the gripping member 1 10 and the gripping portions 130, 132 with the corresponding portions of the cannula holder 200 are brought into engagement.

In general, it is preferred in this invention that an at least variant of the embodiments of the gripper device 100 comprises a connection device 170. Furthermore, it is preferred that, of the at least two gripping elements 110, 112, at least one gripping element, in particular exactly one gripping element, is rigid relative to the connecting device 170, i. in particular for immovable, the movement device 160, which is advantageously determined by this rigid gripping element, the relative position and / or orientation of the cannula with cannula holder. In this advantageous manner, in particular the movement control of a robot-controlled tool arm, with which the gripper device 100 is connected by means of the connecting device 170, can be simplified, because with known position and / or orientation of the tool arm and thus the connecting device 170 and thus this at least one gripping element and the Position and / or orientation of the needle holder and cannula is known.

FIG. 2D illustrates pivoting of the gripper device 100 and the cannula 220 about the transverse axis in a lateral view, in which the transverse axis points in the direction of the observer and is therefore not shown. A further exemplary embodiment of the cannula holder according to the invention and a further exemplary embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention for gripping this cannula holder are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In particular, unless otherwise stated and technically possible, the arrangements, shapes, variants and advantages of these embodiments correspond to those of the preceding figures.

In FIG. 3A, the cannula holder 200 is shown in a view from above. The cannula holder 200 is fluidly connected to a cannula 220 and a tube 250. Preferably, these areas 230, 232 are formed as wings and each extend from one of the longitudinal sides 229 of the cannula 220 from this away.

Figure 3B shows a section through the gripper device 100 in the receiving state for the cannula holder of Figure 3A and together with this in a lateral view. FIG. 3B furthermore shows the longitudinal axis 212 of the cannula 200, the upper side 226 and the lower side 228 of the cannula 220 and a vertical axis 216 of the cannula 220, the vertical axis 216 extending from the lower side 228 in the direction of the upper side 226. The gripper device 100 has a first gripping element 110 and a second gripping element 112. At least in the receiving state shown here, the gripper device 100 has a receiving region 108 which lies between the first gripping element 110 and the second gripping element 112. In addition, the gripper device 100 has a movement device 160 and a connection device 170. In this case, the movement device 160 is set up to move the second gripper element 12 relative to the first gripping element 110 and relative to the connection device 170. Preferably, the first gripping element 1 10 is designed as a housing which receives the movement device 160 and is rigidly connected to the connecting device 170 and / or this also receives.

To move the second gripper element 12, the movement device 160 preferably has a toothed wheel and a toothed rack on which the toothed rack transforms a rotational movement of the toothed wheel into a linear movement and thus the second gripping element 12 for bringing it into the gripping state in the direction of the first gripping element 11 and 10 / or moved along the vertical axis 216. For this Rotational movement, the gripper device 100, in particular the movement device 160, an electric drive, preferably an electric motor, in particular a stepper motor on. Preferably, the second gripping element 1 12 is fork-shaped and has two gripping regions 132, wherein in particular one of the gripping regions is arranged at one longitudinal side of the cannula and the other of the gripping regions is arranged at the opposite longitudinal side of the cannula, so that a region between these two gripping regions , especially at the bottom of the cannula, remains free.

Preferably, at least in the gripping state, the first gripping element 110 is arranged in an upper area above the upper side 226 and the second gripping element 212 is arranged in a lower area below the lower side 228. In this advantageous manner, the gripping element 1 10, which includes further components of the gripper device, arranged above the cannula and thus further away from patients, while the second gripping element 1 12 below the cannula and / or, depending on the shape of the cannula holder 200, next to the Cannula is arranged, which in particular with respect to the vertical axis 216 has a smaller spatial extent and thus the area below the cannula remains at least substantially free.

FIGS. 4A to 4C show a further exemplary embodiment of the cannula holder according to the invention and a further exemplary embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention for gripping this cannula holder. In particular, unless otherwise stated and technically possible, the arrangements, shapes, variants and advantages of these embodiments correspond to those of the preceding figures.

FIG. 4A shows a side view of a cannula with the cannula holder 200. The cannula 220 has a distal end 222 defining a longitudinal axis 212 of the cannula and is connected to the cannula holder 200 at the proximal end facing the distal end 222 , In addition, in this figure, a vertical axis 216, which points from the underside of the cannula to the top thereof, located. Furthermore, the cannula holder 200 has a region 230 for gripping by means of the gripper device and a connection part 270 for connection to a tube, in particular an infusion tube. The cannula holder 200 preferably establishes fluid communication between a lumen of the cannula 220 and a lumen of the tube.

Preferably, the cannula holder along the longitudinal axis 212 is cylindrical. Alternatively and preferably, the cannula holder 200 has a rotational symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis 212 and is in particular oval. In particular, the cannula holder 200 may also not be rotationally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis 212.

Preferably, the cannula holder in the direction of the vertical axis 216 has a small spatial extent. Thus, it may preferably have a height of at most 20 mm, more preferably at most 10 mm, and even more preferably at most 4 mm. In this case, the region 230 is preferably formed as a recess and / or at least not arranged on the underside, so that the region 230 does not require any additional spatial expansion in the direction of the vertical axis 216, in particular in the direction of the underside.

FIG. 4B shows a frontal view of the gripper device 100. The gripper device 100 has a receiving region 108, a first gripping element 110 and a second gripping element 112, the receiving region 108 being arranged between the two gripping elements 110, 112. The gripper elements 1 10, 1 12 are rotatably mounted relative to each other about a rotation axis in the direction of the longitudinal axis 212 by means of a bearing element 166 of the gripper device 100. In particular, the gripper device 100 is formed like a pliers, wherein the two gripping elements 1 10, 1 12 form the two legs of the pliers. The movement device has an actuator 162, in particular an electric actuator, for opening the gripper device 100, ie for bringing the gripper device 100 into a receiving state. Preferably, the actuator 162 is also configured to close the gripper device 100, ie bring it into a gripping state. In this case, the gripping elements 1 10, 1 12 rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation. Also preferably and alternatively or additionally has the movement means comprises a spring element 164 for closing the gripper device. Furthermore, the spring element 164 may be configured to hold the gripper device 100 in the gripping state. Alternatively or additionally and preferably, the gripping regions of the gripping elements 110, 112 and the corresponding regions of the cannula holder can be shaped such that they engage in one another in the gripping state and thus maintain the gripping state. An advantage of maintaining the gripping state by means of the spring element 164 and / or by means of latching can be, in particular, that in this advantageous manner the gripping state is passively maintained.

In FIG. 4C, a section of the gripper device 100 from FIG. 4B in the gripping state is shown frontally together with the cannula holder 200 from FIG. 4A, wherein the gripper device 100 grips the cannula 220 in the cannula holder 200 and by means of the first gripping element 110 and the second gripping element 112 ,

With reference to this figure, it can be seen particularly well that the gripper device 100 at least does not extend substantially below the cannula or cannula holder and thus a lower area below the cannula or cannula holder remains free, which in particular a particularly shallow angle during insertion of the cannula 220 and / or when mounting is enabled.

In addition, the connecting part 270 is preferably arranged, as shown in FIG. 4 a, in such a way that a connected tube extends in the connection region along the longitudinal axis 212 and, therefore, together with the small spatial extent of the cannula holder 200 in the direction of the vertical axis 216, in particular in the direction of lower area, flat against the patient and in particular can be attached by means of an adhesive strip. In this advantageous manner, the safety of treatment, the quality of treatment and / or the comfort for the patient can be increased.

FIGS. 5A to 5D show a further exemplary embodiment of the cannula holder according to the invention and a further exemplary embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention for gripping this cannula holder. In particular, unless otherwise specified and technically possible, the arrangements, shapes, variants and advantages of these embodiments correspond to those of the previous figures. In addition, the gripper device and / or the cannula holder may comprise further components, which are not shown in these figures for the sake of clarity, but in particular according to the invention are part of the gripper device or cannula holder.

FIG. 5A shows the cannula holder 200 together with a cannula 220 and a tube 250 in a side view; In addition, the longitudinal axis 212 of the cannula 220 is shown. The cannula holder 200 is integrally connected to the cannula 220, wherein the lumen of the cannula 220 is fluidly connected to a lumen of the cannula holder 200 and the cannula holder 200 is adapted to be mechanically connected to the tube 250 so as to provide fluid communication between the tube 250 , in particular a lumen of the tube, and the lumen of the cannula produces. As can be seen particularly clearly in the view from above in FIG. 5B, the cannula holder 200 has two regions 230, 232, which are designed as latching elements, in particular as locating bores. These latching elements 230, 232 of the cannula holder 200 correspond to latching elements of the gripper device 100.

Preferably, the latch members 230, 232 are disposed on first and second ones of the longitudinal sides 229 of the cannula 220 and formed in respective sides of the cannula holder 200. In particular, the latching elements are arranged in this way along a transverse axis 214, which extends from the first longitudinal side 229 in the direction of the second longitudinal side 229. An advantage of this arrangement may be, in particular, that a rotation about a vertical axis, i. an axis, which in FIG. 5B bears out of the plane of the drawing, is prevented even in the case of a latching element which is circular about this axis and / or a rotation about this vertical axis and about the longitudinal axis 212 is prevented or made more difficult since the greater spatial extent along the transverse axis 214 is used as a lever against the rotation.

Alternatively, the cannula holder 200 may also have only one such latching element or alternatively at least three latching elements. Preferably, when the cannula holder 200 has at least three latching elements, these latching elements arranged along two axes, which in particular a rotation - even with circular latching elements - can be prevented by all of the three spatial axes. In particular, the gripper device 100 has a corresponding number and arrangement of latching elements.

FIG. 5C shows a section through the gripper device 100 in the receiving state and through the cannula holder 200. In this case, in particular two first of the gripping elements 1 10 and a second of the gripping elements 1 12, the gripping areas 130, 132 of the two first gripping elements 1 10 and an ejection element 140 are shown, while other components of the gripper device 100 - such as a movement device - not shown for clarity are. FIG. 5D shows a section through the gripper device 100 in the gripping state and through the cannula holder 200. The two first gripper elements 1 10 each have a gripping region 130 or 132, wherein the gripping region 130 is formed as a latching element which corresponds to the latching element 230 of the cannula holder 200, and correspondingly the gripping region 132 is formed as a latching element corresponding to the latching element 232 ,

The second of the gripping elements 1 12 is arranged opposite to the two first gripping elements 1 10 so that when the two first gripping elements 1 10 are moved by means of the moving means in the direction of the needle holder 200 to grip them -. in order to lock the latching elements 130, 132 of the gripper device 100 into the latching elements 230, 232 of the cannula holder 200, the cannula holder 200 is supported by the second gripper element 12 and the second gripping element 12 thereby causes a counterforce which counteracts the force for latching. In this case, the movement of the first gripper elements 1 10 preferably takes place along the vertical axis 216.

Preferably, the movement device of the gripper device is set up to remove the second gripper element 12 from the cannula holder 200 after latching, whereby in particular the spatial extent of the gripper device in the area of the cannula holder and / or the cannula, in particular in an area below the underside of the cannula. can be reduced. Preferably, the gripper device 100 has an ejection element 140, which can be moved at least in the gripping state by means of the movement device in the direction of the cannula holder 200 to remove the latching elements 130, 132 of the gripper device 100 from the latching elements 230, 232 of the cannula holder 200 and so the gripping state to solve. Preferably, the ejection element 140, as illustrated in particular in FIG. 6A with an arrow, is moved along the vertical axis 216 relative to the cannula holder and towards the cannula holder. Also preferably and as an alternative or in addition to the ejection element 140, one or more, in particular all, of the first gripping elements 110 can be designed as an expanding dome. Such a spreader dome 1 10 is shown in Figure 6B as a sectional view and as a side view - once in the closed and once in the spread state. In this case, the spreader dome 1 10 has a foot 134 in the gripping area 130 and is hidden there. The gripper device 100, in particular the Spreizdom 1 10, also has an expansion sleeve 136. Furthermore, in order to bring the gripper device 100 into the gripping state, the movement device is arranged to push the expansion sleeve 136 in the direction and at least partially over the foot 134 so that the circumference of the gripping region 130 increases and with a corresponding latching element or a corresponding receiving bore of the cannula holder a, in particular form-fitting, connection can be made. To release the gripping state, the expansion sleeve 136 is pushed in the opposite direction and thus reduces the circumference. FIGS. 7A to 7D show a further exemplary embodiment of the cannula holder according to the invention and a further exemplary embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention for gripping this cannula holder. In particular, unless otherwise stated and technically possible, the arrangements, shapes, variants and advantages of these embodiments correspond to those of the preceding figures. In addition, the gripper device and / or the cannula holder may comprise further components, which are not shown in these figures for the sake of clarity, but in particular according to the invention are part of the gripper device or cannula holder. FIG. 7A shows the cannula holder 200 together with a cannula 220 in a lateral view. The cannula holder 200 has a threaded dome 280 with an internal thread 284. The threaded dome 280 is preferably designed as an upwardly tapering cone and accordingly has a centering bevel 286 on its outer circumference.

As can be seen particularly clearly in the view from above in FIG. 7B, the base area of the cannula holder 200 is preferably rectangular in shape and the threaded dome 280 is preferably arranged centrally. In addition, the preferably rectangular outer contour of the cannula holder 200 has one or more, in particular as shown, two lateral centering bevels 286. By means of these centering bevels, the cannula holder can be centered relative to the gripper device and, in particular, can be prevented from rotating about an axis of the threaded dome by the non-circular, lateral centering bevels 286. In Figure 7B, the threaded dome 280 is shown as a partial section, so that the internal thread 284 can be seen.

FIG. 7C shows a frontal section through the gripper device 100 in the receiving state and through the cannula holder 200. In this case, in particular, a first of the gripping elements, which is designed as a spindle 180, and a second of the gripping elements 1 12, while other components of the gripper device 100 - such as a movement device - are not shown for clarity.

FIG. 7D shows a frontal section through the gripper device 100 and through the cannula holder 200, wherein the gripper device 100 is in the gripping state and the cannula holder 200 grips. In particular, in this illustration, the longitudinal axis of the cannula 220 is out of the plane of the drawing.

The spindle 180 has an external thread 184, which corresponds to the internal thread 284 of the cannula holder 200. In addition, the second gripping element 1 12 has an internal thread 182 which corresponds to the external thread 184, so that the spindle can be screwed via the external thread 184 to the internal thread 182 of the second gripper element 12 and to the internal thread 284 of the cannula holder 200. In particular, the moving device is the Gripper device 100 configured to screw the spindle 180 to the threaded dome 280 to bring the gripper device 100 into the gripping state.

Preferably, the second gripping element 1 12 one or more centering bevels 186, which correspond to the centering bevels 286 of the cannula holder.

Preferably, the gripper device 100 on another gripping element and / or a support member and / or has a Kanülierautomat a support member which is adapted to support the cannula holder 200 when screwing the spindle 180.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the cannulating machine according to the invention.

The Kanülierautomat 300 has a central system 310, which accommodates several components of the Kanülierautomaten in a common housing and / or provides a stable basis for other components of the Kanülierautomaten. Thus, a tool arm device 350 is fastened to the central system of the cannulating machine, whereby the spatial position of this tool arm device 350 is predetermined at least with respect to its fastening region on the central system 310. The tool arm device 350 has a tool arm 360 with joints, which is connected at one end to the central system 310 and at the other end has a connecting device 370, which is adapted for connection to a tool device, a tool head.

Such a tool head may in particular be an embodiment of the gripper device according to the invention. As illustrated, such a gripper device 100 is connected to the connecting device 370 mechanically, in particular positively and / or non-positively. In this case, the cannulation machine 300 is set up to move the gripper device 100 to body parts of the patient by means of the tool arm device 350 in such a way that a blood vessel of this body part can be cannulated by means of a cannula gripping the gripper device 100. The cannulation machine 300 preferably has a bearing device 330, which is set up for the storage of cannula holders, cannulas and / or cannulas with cannula holders. In this case, the cannulation machine 300 is preferably set up to remove a cannula with a cannula holder by gripping by means of the gripper device 100 from the storage device 330.

For controlling, in particular the tool arm device 350 and / or the gripper device 100, the central system 310 preferably has a control device 314, which is data-connected to a data processing device 312 of the central system 310. In particular, for this purpose, the data processing device 312 is set up for determining program-controlled cannulation control parameters. In addition, the control device 314 is preferably set up to transform these control parameters into control signals, in particular for the tool arm device 350 and / or the gripper device 100, and to output them for control.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for automated gripping of a cannula. The method 400 has the method steps 310, 312, 314. The method 400 begins with the method start SA and ends with the end of the method SQ, wherein one or more method steps, in particular a sequence of method steps, and preferably the entire method can be carried out repeatedly. In method step 410, a cannula is provided with a cannula holder or, alternatively, first a cannula without cannula holder is provided and this is connected to a likewise provided cannula holder.

In method step 412, the cannula holder, which is connected to the cannula, is arranged in a receiving area of a gripper device.

Finally, in method step 414, at least two gripping elements of the gripper device become relative to each other and at least one of these gripping elements is moved relative to the cannula holder until at least one of the gripping elements is engaged with the cannula holder. FIGS. 10A to 10C show an exemplary embodiment of the cannulating machine according to the invention and an exemplary embodiment of the cannula holder according to the invention and illustrate with it a plurality of method steps of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for automated gripping of a cannula. In particular, unless otherwise specified and technically possible, the arrangements, shapes, variants, method steps and advantages of these embodiments correspond to those of the preceding figures. In addition, these embodiments may comprise further components, which are not shown in these figures for the sake of clarity, but in particular according to the invention are part thereof.

The cannulation machine 300 is in particular the cannulation machine from FIG. 8 and preferably has a gripper device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 3A and 3B together with a corresponding cannula holder 200. The gripper device 100 has a connecting device 170, which is fastened with a connecting device 370 of the cannulating machine 300 to a tool arm 360 of the cannulating machine, i. in particular with these mechanically connected is.

FIG. 10A shows the tool arm 360 and the connecting device 370 and a carrying element 332 of the automatic cannulating machine and the cannula holder 200, which is connected to a cannula 220, as well as the first gripping element 110, the second gripping element 112 and the connecting device 170 of the gripper device 100 , Here, a first method step of the method, in which the cannula with cannula holder is provided, illustrated. The cannula 220 is carried on the cannula holder 200 by the support member 332. In particular, the carrying element 332 may be a component of a storage device of the cannulating machine 300. In addition, in this method step, the gripper device 100 is in a receiving state and has a receiving region 108 between the first gripping element 110 and the second gripping element 112.

FIG. 10B illustrates a further method step of the method, in which the cannula 220, ie in particular the cannula holder 200, is arranged in the receiving region 108. For this purpose, the tool arm 360 moves the gripper device 100 with respect to the drawing first down and then to the left. In particular, in this case, the gripper device is first moved along, ie in particular opposite, a vertical axis 216 of the cannula and then along a longitudinal axis 212 of the cannula, in particular in the direction of the distal end of the cannula, relative to the cannula holder 220, until the cannula holder 200 or at least a part thereof is disposed in the receiving area 108. In particular, the second gripper element 12 is arranged in a lower region below the underside of the cannula and is preferably fork-shaped with two gripping regions, so that the two gripping regions are each arranged next to one of the longitudinal sides of the cannula holder. In this advantageous manner, the carrying element 332 can carry the cannula holder 200, while the cannula holder is arranged in the receiving region 108 and / or is.

Finally, FIG. 10C illustrates a further method step of the method, in which the gripper device 100 is brought into a gripping state and the gripping elements 110, 112 are in engagement with the cannula holder 200. Preferably, as indicated by the arrows in this figure, causes a movement device of the gripper device 100, in particular with an electric motor, a rotational movement of a gear, which by means of a rack in a linear movement of the second gripping member 1 12 relative to the first gripping member 1 10 implemented becomes. In this way, the distance between the two gripping elements and the receiving area in which the cannula holder 200 is arranged, reduced, whereby the gripping state is reached and the gripping elements 1 10, 1 12 with the cannula holder - in particular the gripping areas of the gripping elements with areas of the cannula holder , which correspond to the gripping areas of the gripping elements, - are engaged.

While at least one preferred embodiment has been described above, it should be understood that a large number of variations exist. It is also to be understood that the described embodiments are nonlimiting examples only and are not intended to thereby limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the systems, devices, and methods described herein. On the contrary, the preceding description will provide the person skilled in the art with instructions for implementing at least one embodiment It should be understood that various changes in the operation and arrangement of the elements described in a preferred embodiment may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100 gripper device

108 receiving area of the gripper device

1 10, 1 12 gripping elements of the gripper device

1 14, 1 16 opposite side of the gripping element 1 10 and 1 12th

1 18 side of the gripping member 1 10 and 1 12, which faces the receiving area

120 recess of the respective gripping element

126 top of each gripping element

128 receiving side, in particular bottom, of the respective gripping element

130, 132 gripping areas of the gripper device, in particular of the gripping elements

134 feet of the gripping element 1 10

136 expansion sleeve

140 ejection element of the gripper device

160 movement device of the gripper device

162 electric drive

164 spring element

166 bearing element

170 connecting device of the gripper device

180 spindle

182 internal thread of the gripping element 1 12

184 external thread of the spindle 180

186 centering bevels of the gripping element 1 12

200 cannula holder

212 longitudinal axis of a cannula

214 transverse axis of a cannula

216 vertical axis of a cannula

220 cannula

222 distal end of the cannula

224 proximal end of the cannula

226 Top of the cannula

228 Bottom of the cannula

229 Longitudinal sides of the cannula 230, 232 areas of the cannula holder, which with grasping areas of the

Gripper device correspond

240 Connecting portion of the needle holder for connecting to a

cannula

242 Middle part of the needle holder

250 hose, in particular infusion hose

270 Connector for connecting to the hose

280 thread dome

284 female thread of the needle holder

286 centering bevels of the needle holder

300 automatic cannula

310 Central system of the cannulating machine

312 data processing device

314 control device

330 Storage device for cannulas with cannula holders

332 Carrying element for cannulas with needle holders

350 tool arm device

360 Tool arm of the cannulating machine

370 Connecting device of the cannulating machine for connecting to a tool head

400 Method for automated gripping of a cannula

SA process start

SQ end of the process

410 to 414 process steps

Claims

claims

1 . A gripper device (100) for a cannulation machine (300) for gripping a cannula (220) with a cannula holder (200), comprising: two gripping members (110, 112) movable relative to each other and cooperating to grip the cannula holder (200) ; a moving means (160) arranged to move the two gripping members (110, 112) relative to each other and at least one of the gripping members (110, 112) relative to the cannula holder (200); and wherein the gripping device (100) for gripping by means of the movement means (160) is brought into a gripping state in which at least one of the gripping elements (1 10, 1 12) with the needle holder (200) is engaged.

2. gripper device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the gripping elements (1 10, 1 12), which are in engagement with the cannula holder (200), each having a gripping portion (130, 132), which is in the form of a negative corresponding to this area (230, 232) of the cannula holder (200), in particular permanently, is formed.

3. gripper device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least in the gripping state and preferably when gripping the gripper device (100) at least substantially in an upper region above an upper surface (226) of the cannula is arranged and / or the gripping regions (130, 132) and the gripping members (110, 112) are shaped so that a lower portion below a lower surface (228) of the cannula remains at least substantially free.

4. gripper device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripper device (100) touched at least in the gripping state, the cannula (220) only on or by means of the cannula holder (200).

The gripper device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cannula holder (200) is arranged at the proximal end (224) of the cannula and the movement device (160) during gripping the gripping elements (1 10, 1 12) only in an environment of Needle holder (200) moves and / or an environment of the distal end (222) of the cannula (220) remains free of the gripping elements (1 10, 1 12).

6. gripper device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the, in particular exactly two, gripping elements (1 10, 1 12) are arranged adjacent to each other and each one the other side facing away from (1 14, 1 16), a receiving side (128), which is preferably a bottom (128) and with a bottom (228) of the cannula (220) corresponds, and a recess (120) for at least partially receiving the needle holder (200); at the opposite sides (1 14, 1 16) each a gripping area (130, 132) is formed;

the recess (120) extends from the one side facing away from the one (1 14) to the other side facing away from (1 16) and by the gripping areas (130, 132) and to the receiving side (128) of the two gripping elements (1 10, 1 12). is open, so that in a receiving state of the gripper device (100), a central part (242) of the cannula holder (200) from the receiving side (128) of the two gripping elements (1 10, 1 12) can be introduced into the recess (120); and

the movement device (160) is arranged to grip the cannula (220) after the middle part (242) of the cannula holder (200) has been inserted into the recess (120), the two gripping elements (110, 112) along the middle part (242) and in each case in the direction of the opposite sides (1 14, 1 16) to move away from each other until at least the respective gripping area (130, 132) with the corresponding portion (230, 232) of the cannula holder (200) positive and / or non-positive is.

7. gripper device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a receiving portion (108) for at least partially receiving the cannula holder (200);

in which: the, preferably exactly two, gripping elements (1 10, 1 12) adjacent to the receiving area (108) are arranged and each having a receiving area facing side (1 18);

at the facing sides (1 18) at least one gripping area (130, 132) is formed; and

the movement device (160) is arranged, for gripping the cannula (220), after the cannula holder has been arranged in the receiving region (108), the gripping elements (1 10, 12) towards each other and the at least one gripping region (130, 132) relative to the cannula holder (200) in the direction of the corresponding region (230, 232) of the cannula holder to move until at least the at least one gripping region with the corresponding region is positively and / or non-positively.

8. gripper device (100) according to claim 7, wherein at least in the gripping state and preferably when gripping:

a first of the gripping elements (110) is arranged on a first longitudinal side (229) of the cannula;

a second one of the gripping members (1 12) is disposed on a second longitudinal side (229) of the cannula opposite the first longitudinal side;

in the facing side (1 18) of the first and / or the second gripping element (1 10, 1 12) depending on a gripping area (130, 132) is formed.

A gripper device (100) according to claim 8, wherein:

the first (1 10) and the second gripping element (1 12) are formed like tongs; and

The first and the second gripping element are mounted so as to be rotatable relative to each other about an axis of rotation in the direction of a longitudinal axis (212) of the cannula.

10. Gripper device (100) according to claim 8, wherein:

at least in the gripping state, a first of the gripping elements (110) is arranged in an upper area above an upper side (226) of the cannula and a second of the gripping elements (12) is arranged in a lower area below a lower side (228) of the cannula; and the moving means (160) is adapted to move the second gripping member (12) along a longitudinal axis (212) of the cannula and towards the upper portion.

1 1. Gripper device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5 for a cannula with a cannula holder (200) with one or more latching elements, in particular receiving bores (230, 232), wherein:

one or more first, preferably at least three, gripping elements (110) have gripping regions (130, 132) which are formed as latching elements corresponding to the latching elements (230, 232) of the cannula holder (200); and

one or more second of the gripping elements (1 12) are respectively arranged opposite to the first gripping elements (1 10) so that they are gripped when gripping, i. when snapping the first gripping elements (1 10), carry the cannula on or by means of the cannula holder (200) and thereby cause a counter force, which counteracts the force to engage.

A gripper device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 for a cannula having a cannula holder (200) with an internal thread (284), wherein:

a first of the, in particular exactly two, gripping elements (1 10) has a spindle (180) with an external thread (184) which corresponds to the internal thread (284) of the cannula holder;

a second of the gripping elements (1 12) has an internal thread (182) corresponding to the external thread (184) of the spindle; and

the movement device (160) is arranged for screwing at least part of the spindle (180) into the internal thread (284) of the cannula holder.

13. A cannula holder (200) for a gripper device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising:

one or more areas (230, 232) which correspond to gripping areas (130, 132) of the gripper device (100) and which are permanently shaped; and a connecting portion (240) for, in particular integral, connecting to a cannula (220);

in which:

the cannula holder (200) is made of a disinfectable material; and the connecting region (240) is spaced from the regions (230, 232) corresponding to the gripping regions (130, 132) such that the gripping elements (110, 112) of the gripping device (100) are at least in the gripping state and preferably when gripping from the gripping device (100) Cannula (220) are spaced.

14. Kanülierautomat (300) for the automated cannulation of a blood vessel of a patient with a gripper device according to one of claims 1 to 12.

15. Method (400) for automated gripping of a cannula (220) with the following method steps:

(410) providing a cannula with a cannula holder or providing a cannula without a cannula holder and connecting this cannula to a cannula holder;

(412) placing the cannula (220) with cannula holder (200) in a receiving area (108) of a gripper device (100);

(414) moving at least two gripping members (110, 112) of the gripper device (100) relative to one another and at least one of the gripping members relative to the cannula holder (200) until at least one of the gripping members engages the cannula holder (200).