FR3096254A1 - Device for cleaning a tubing connector for enteral nutrition of a patient - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for cleaning a tubing connector (93) for enteral nutrition of a patient, said connector (93) comprising a central opening (O) and a peripheral annular groove (G) formed externally to the central opening (O), said cleaning device (1) comprising at least one gripping member (2) extending along a central axis X, at least one peripheral cleaning brush (3), integrally mounted to the member of grip (2), offset laterally with respect to the central axis X and configured to be inserted into the peripheral annular groove (G) of the connector (93) in order to clean it, and a central cleaning brush (4), integrally mounted to the gripping member (2) along the central axis X and configured to be inserted into the central opening (O) of the connector (93) in order to clean it. Abstract figure: Figure 6

Description

Description Title of the invention: Device for cleaning a tubing connector for the enteral nutrition of a patient Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of systems for cleaning a tubing connector for the enteral nutrition of a patient.

Prior technique

[0002] In known manner, when a patient suffers from severe malnutrition and cannot feed himself sufficiently orally, enteral nutrition can be put in place, that is to say the patient is fed via a tubing connected to his digestive system.

[0003] Such tubing may be nasogastric tubing in the form of a hollow duct configured to connect the stomach to the nasal duct.

The patient is thus nourished by conveying food inserted into the nasogastric tube at the level of the nasal passage.

If the nasogastric tubing has the advantage of not requiring major surgery to be inserted and removed, it does however present discomfort for the patient.

In practice, with reference to Figure 1, in the case of enteral nutrition for a period of more than one month, an enteral nutrition tube 9 is used, which is in the form of a hollow conduit comprising a first end 91, connected directly to the patient's stomach or intestine or indirectly via a connection button, and a second end 92 opening outside the patient's body to allow the introduction of nutrients.

In known manner, the second end 92 of the tubing 9 comprises one or more connectors 93 configured to be each connected to a connector of an enteral nutrition bag.

Referring to Figure 2, a connector 93 of tubing 9 comprises a central insert 94, extending along an axis W, in which is formed a central opening 0 to allow the circulation of nutrients and a peripheral annular crown 95 , radially outer to the central insert 94 with respect to the axis W, whose inner surface is. threaded so as to allow a connection by screwing.

A peripheral annular groove G is formed between the central insert 94 and the peripheral annular crown 95.

Such a connector 93 is known to those skilled in the art, in particular, under the ENFie standard.

In this example, with reference to FIG. 2, each connector 93 is connected to a protective cap 96 making it possible to close the central opening 0 when the connector 93 is not used.

[0006] In practice, the central opening 0 and the peripheral annular groove G must both be cleaned regularly to be decontaminated and to prevent the central opening 0 from becoming clogged.

To eliminate this drawback, patent application W02016123328A1 discloses a cleaning device comprising a housing, two cleaning brushes mounted on the housing and offset from the axis of the housing and a plunger mounted in translation along the axis of the housing between a retracted position and an extended position.

Such a cleaning device makes it possible to clean the annular groove G by centering the plunger in the central opening 0 and by rotating the brushes in the peripheral annular groove G.

In addition, the cleaning device comprises front flanges, integral with the plunger, configured to allow optimal interlocking with the outer surface of the connector 93 during centering.

[0009] In practice, the plunger allows centering but does not allow the central opening 0 of the connector 93 to be cleaned, which can thus become clogged.

Furthermore, the presence of front flanges prevents compatibility of the cleaning device with all of the connectors 93 available on the market.

Finally, such a cleaning device is disposable and has a high price, which increases the cost of care.

[0010] Incidentally, patent application US2017042637A1 also discloses a cleaning device comprising a handle, a connector mounted on the handle, two cleaning brushes mounted on the connector and offset from the axis of the connector and a centering rod mounted on the connector along the axis of the connector.

The handle advantageously comprises a cleaning fluid reservoir.

However, as before, the centering rod does not allow the central opening of the connector 93 to be cleaned and has a high cost.

One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a device for cleaning a tubing connector for the enteral nutrition of a patient, which allows effective decontamination of the peripheral annular groove of the tubing connector as well as the central opening, while being economical.

Disclosure of Invention

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a device for cleaning a tubing connector for the enteral nutrition of a patient, said connector comprising a central opening and a peripheral annular groove formed externally to the central opening, said cleaning device comprising: - at least one gripping member, extending along a central axis X and configured to be manipulated by an operator and - at least one peripheral cleaning brush, mounted integrally with the gripping member and s extending along a longitudinal axis X3, parallel to the central axis X and offset laterally with respect to the central axis X, said peripheral cleaning brush being configured to be inserted into the peripheral annular groove of the connector in order to clean it.

The invention is remarkable in that the cleaning device further comprises a central cleaning brush, integrally mounted to the gripping member and extending along the central axis X. said central cleaning brush being configured ° to be inserted into the central opening of the connector in order to clean it.

Thanks to the invention, the peripheral annular groove of a dc enteral nutrition tubing connector is decontaminated and the central opening of said connector is cleaned, so as not to clog.

Healthy and effective enteral nutrition is thus enabled.

Such a cleaning device has a reduced cost since it has no moving part.

Preferably, the cleaning device is disposable.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect, the peripheral cleaning brush is offset with respect to the central axis X by a spacing distance of between 2 mm and 8 mm.

Advantageously, such a spacing distance allows easy insertion of the cleaning device into the tubing connector as well as effective decontamination of the peripheral annular groove.

[0016] Preferably, the cleaning device comprises at least two peripheral cleaning brushes, for rapid and complete decontamination of the peripheral annular groove.

Preferably, the cleaning device comprises only three peripheral cleaning brushes, for complete decontamination of the peripheral annular groove while limiting the size.

[0017] Preferably, the peripheral cleaning brushes are equidistant from each other with respect to the X axis for easy insertion of the cleaning device into the tubing connector.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect, the cleaning device consists of a gripping member, at least two peripheral cleaning brushes of a central cleaning brush, to limit both the size and its cost.

[0019] Preferably, the central cleaning brush has a brush diameter of between 3mm and 8mm, adapted to the diameter of the central opening of the tubing connector and allowing complete cleaning of said central opening.

Preferably, the peripheral cleaning brush has a brush diameter of between 3 mm and 8 mm, adapted to the diameter of the peripheral annular groove of the tubing connector and allowing complete cleaning of said peripheral annular groove.

According to a preferred aspect, the central cleaning brush comprises a rigid central rod and flexible bristles mounted on the central rod radially with respect to the X axis.

Advantageously, the rigidity of the central shaft allows easy insertion of the cleaning device into the tubing connector while the flexible bristles draw and retain impurities from the central opening.

[0022] Preferably, the peripheral cleaning brush comprises a rigid peripheral rod and flexible bristles mounted on the peripheral rod radially with respect to the axis X.

Advantageously, the rigidity of the peripheral rod allows easy insertion of the cleaning device into the tubing connector while the flexible bristles remove and retain impurities from the peripheral annular groove.

[0023] According to a preferred aspect, the central rod has a rod diameter comprised between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm, so as to be easily inserted into the central opening of the tubing connector, while being rigid.

Preferably, the peripheral rod has a rod diameter of between 0.8 mm and 2 mm.

Such a diameter advantageously allows the central rod to achieve centering in the connector while allowing cleaning.

[0024] Preferably, the gripping member comprises an outer wall which comprises a relief configured to facilitate gripping.

Preferably, this relief is in the form of grooves.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the cleaning device presented above, each cleaning brush comprising a cleaning end and an assembly end, said manufacturing method comprising a step of over-injection of a plastic material around the mounting ends of the central cleaning brush and the peripheral cleaning brush so as to form the gripping member while securing the cleaning brushes.

[0026] The invention further relates to a method for cleaning the connector by means of the cleaning device presented above, said cleaning method comprising: - a step of translation of the cleaning device along the central axis X in the connector in such a way in introducing, on the one hand, the central cleaning brush into the central opening of the connector and, on the other hand, the peripheral cleaning brush in the peripheral annular groove of the connector and - a step of rotation of the cleaning device around of the central axis X so as to simultaneously clean the central opening and the peripheral annular groove of the connector.

[0027] Thanks to the invention, an enteral nutrition tubing connector can be cleaned completely, efficiently and at a lower cost.

The cleaning device according to the invention is also suitable for tubing connectors under the ENFit® standard.

Brief description of the drawings 100281 The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and referring to the appended drawings given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are data to similar objects and on which:

[0029] [fig.1] is a schematic representation in perspective of an enteral nutrition tubing comprising two connectors;

[0030] [fig.2] is a close schematic representation of a connector of the tubing of Figure 1;

is a schematic representation in perspective of the cleaning device of a tubing connector according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0032] [fig.4] is a schematic representation of the front of the cleaning device of Figure 3;

[0033] [fig.5] is a side schematic representation of the cleaning device of Figure 3;

[0034] [fig.6] and

[0035] [fig.7] are a schematic representation of the connector cleaning method using the cleaning device according to the invention.

It should be noted that the figures expose the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention if necessary.

Description of embodiments

[0037] In known manner, when a patient suffers from severe malnutrition and cannot feed himself sufficiently orally, enteral nutrition can be implemented by means of an enteral nutrition tube.

As presented above with reference to Figure 1, a tube 9 is used, in the form of a hollow conduit having a first end 91, connected directly to the patient's stomach or intestine or indirectly via a connection button, and a second end 92 emerging outside the patient's body to allow the introduction of nutrients.

In known manner, the second end 92 of the tubing 9 comprises one or more connectors 93 configured to be each connected to a connector of an enteral nutrition bag.

As presented above, with reference to Figure 2, a connector 93 of tubing 9 comprises a central insert 94, extending along an axis W, in which is formed a central opening 0 to allow the circulation of nutrients and a peripheral annular ring 95, radially external to the central insert 94 with respect to the axis W, the internal surface of which is threaded so as to allow connection by screwing.

A peripheral annular groove G is formed between the central insert 94 and the peripheral annular crown 95.

Such a connector 93 is known to those skilled in the art, in particular, under the ENFit® standard.

In this example, with reference to FIG. 2, each connector 93 is connected to a protective cap 96 making it possible to close the central opening 0 when the connector 93 is not used.

The central opening 0 and the peripheral annular groove G of the connector 93 must both be cleaned regularly to be decontaminated and to prevent the central opening 0 from becoming clogged.

Referring to Figures 3 to 5, there is presented a cleaning device 1 according to one embodiment of the invention for cleaning the connector 93.

According to the invention, with reference to Figure 3, the cleaning device 1 comprises a gripping member 2 extending along a central axis X as well as three peripheral cleaning brushes 3 and a central cleaning brush 4 mounted each integrally with the gripping member 2.

According to the invention, the peripheral cleaning brushes 3 extend along a longitudinal axis X3 parallel to the central axis X and offset laterally with respect to the central axis X, while the central cleaning brush 4 extends along the central axis X.

[0042] The gripper 2 is configured to be manipulated by an operator.

The cleaning brushes 3, 4 are themselves configured to clean the connector 93 of an enteral nutrition tubing.

More precisely, the peripheral cleaning brushes 3 are configured to clean the peripheral annular groove G of the connector 93 while the central cleaning brush 4 is configured to clean the central opening O.

111 goes without saying that the number of peripheral cleaning brushes 3, equal to three in the example of Figure 3, is arbitrary.

However, such a lower number reduces cleaning efficiency while a higher number does not improve cleaning and increases complexity and cost.

In this embodiment, the gripping member 2 is in the form of a rigid body, in particular of plastic material, the outer surface of which has a relief configured to facilitate gripping by an operator.

In the example of Figure 3, this relief is in the form of grooves but it goes without saying that this relief could be different.

[0045] The gripping member 2 extends longitudinally along a central axis X which is oriented from the rear to the front in Figures 3 to 5.

Preferably, the axial length of the gripping member 2 is between 12mm and 35mm.

Preferably, the diameter of the gripping member 2 is between 10mm and 20mm.

Referring to Figure 3, the central cleaning brush 4 is mounted integrally with the gripping member 2 and extends along the central axis X forwards.

In this example, the central cleaning brush 4 comprises a rigid central rod 5 and 7 flexible bristles 6 mounted on the central rod 5 radially with respect to the axis of the central rod 5.

Preferably, the central rod 5 is made of stainless steel and the bristles 6 of nylon, which are economical materials, but it goes without saying that other materials can be used.

The bristles 6 are thus configured to remove and retain the impurities present in the central opening 0 of the connector 93.

The rigidity of the central rod 5 allows a precise and effective action of the central cleaning brush 4.

In addition, the rigidity of the central rod 5 makes it possible to achieve centering in the central opening 0 as will be presented subsequently.

Preferably, the central cleaning brush 4 has a length along the central axis X of between 15mm and 40mm, preferably of the order of 20mm.

According to one aspect of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 3, the central cleaning brush 4 has a brush diameter d4 of between 3mm and 8mtn, preferably of the order of 4.5mm so as to allow its introduction into the central opening O.

Furthermore, the central rod 5 has a rod diameter of between 0.8 min and 2.5 mm, preferably of the order of 1.5 mm, ensuring rigidity and ease of insertion.

Such a central cleaning brush 4 is suitable for cleaning a central opening 0 of an ENFita standard connector 93. However, it goes without saying that this cleaning device 1 can be used for other types of connectors.

[0048]Similarly to the central cleaning brush 4, the peripheral cleaning brushes 3 are mounted integrally with the gripping member 2 and extend forwards.

According to one aspect of the invention, with reference to FIG. 4, the peripheral cleaning brushes 3 are offset with respect to the central axis X by a spacing distance e3 of between 2mm and 8mm, preferably of the order of 4mm.

Furthermore, according to one aspect of the invention, the peripheral cleaning brushes 3 are equidistant with respect to the central axis X.

This spacing distance e3 and this equidistance allow effective, rapid and complete cleaning of the peripheral annular groove G and are adapted, in a non-limiting manner, to an ENFit® standard connector.

Preferably again, the peripheral cleaning brushes 3 are angularly distributed from each other with respect to the central axis X, in this example, spaced apart by 120°.

In the same way as for the central cleaning brush 4, according to one aspect of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, each peripheral cleaning brush 4 comprises a rigid peripheral rod 7 and flexible bristles 8 mounted on the peripheral rod 7 radially relative to the axis of the peripheral rod?.

Preferably, the peripheral rod 7 is made of stainless steel and the bristles 8 of nylon, which are economical materials, but it goes without saying that other materials can be used.

The bristles are thus configured to remove and retain the impurities present in the peripheral annular groove G so as to decontaminate it. 8

Preferably, each peripheral cleaning brush 3 has a length along the longitudinal axis X3 of between 10mm and 25mm, preferably of the order of 15mm.

In other words, the central cleaning brush 4 is longer than the peripheral cleaning brush 3 so as to allow the central cleaning brush 4 to center itself in the connector 93 and allow deep cleaning of the central opening 0 when the peripheral cleaning brushes 3 abut in the annular groove G.

As illustrated in Figure 5, each peripheral cleaning brush 3 has a brush diameter d3 of between 3mm and 8mm, preferably of the order of 4mm so as to clean the entire central opening O.

Furthermore, the peripheral rod 7 has a rod diameter of between 0.8mm and 2mm, preferably of the order of 1.2mm.

A peripheral rod 7 is thus more flexible than a central rod 5, which makes it possible, on the one hand, to reduce the cost and, on the other hand, to allow bending of the peripheral cleaning brushes 3 during cleaning of the annular groove G.

Such bending makes it possible to optimize the contact surface of the bristles 8 with the walls of the annular groove G.

Such a peripheral cleaning brush 3 is suitable for cleaning an annular groove G of a connector 93 of ENFit@ standard.

However, it goes without saying that this cleaning device 1 can be used for other types of connectors.

An example of implementation of a method of manufacturing the cleaning device 1 according to the invention presented above is described below.

Each rod 5, 7 of cleaning brush 3, 4 comprises a rear end devoid of bristles 6, 8 and a front end provided with bristles 6, 8.

The manufacturing method comprises a step of over-injecting a plastic material around the rear ends of the central cleaning brush 4 and of each peripheral cleaning brush 3 in order to form the gripping member 2 while securing the brushes cleaning 3, 4.

During over-injection, each rear end of the cleaning brushes 3, 4 is held fixedly in a mold intended to form the gripping member 2.

The cleaning brushes 3, 4 are fixed relative to the gripping member 2.

A method for cleaning a connector 93 of an enteral nutrition tubing 9 by means of the cleaning device 1 according to the invention presented above is also described below.

The cleaning method comprises a translation step and a rotation step of the cleaning device 1 which are described successively.

Note that in the example of Figures 6 and 7, the enteral nutrition tubing comprises two connectors 93 but the method for cleaning only one of the two connectors 93 is described, the other connector 93 being able to be cleaned so identical. 9

Referring to Figure 6, during the translation step El of the cleaning device 1 along the central axis X in the connector 93, the central cleaning brush 4 is introduced into the central opening 0 of the connector 93 so as to center the cleaning device 1 with respect to the connector 93, so as to insert the peripheral cleaning brushes 3 in the peripheral annular groove G of the connector 93.

During translation, the X axis of the central cleaning brush 4 is aligned with the W axis of the central opening 0 of the connector 93.

The length and rigidity of the central cleaning brush 4 allow optimal centering.

During the translation step El, the central cleaning brush 4 makes it possible to brush the interior of the central opening 0 until the peripheral cleaning brushes 3 come into abutment in the annular groove G.

[0058] Referring to Figure 7, during the step of rotation E2 of the cleaning device 1 around the central axis X, the central cleaning brush 4 and the peripheral cleaning brushes 3 concomitantly clean the central opening 0 and the peripheral annular groove G of the connector 93 respectively.

Advantageously, the flexibility of the peripheral rods 7 allows significant contact between the brushes 8 and the walls of the annular groove G, guaranteeing optimum cleaning.

In addition, the absence of front flanges avoids any compatibility problem with connectors 93 of different shapes while reducing costs.

Due to its simplicity, such a cleaning device 1 has a very low cost price, which is advantageous given that this cleaning device 1 is disposable.

Thanks to the cleaning device 1 according to the invention, the connector 93 of an enteral nutrition tubing 9 can be cleaned effectively and completely, for a reduced cost.

This cleaning device is also suitable for connectors of the ENFit® standard. 10

Claims (2)

CLAIMS [Claim I] Device for cleaning (1) a connector (93) of tubing for the enteral nutrition of a patient, said connector (93) comprising a central opening (0) and a peripheral annular groove (G) formed externally to the central opening (0), said cleaning device (1) comprising: at least one gripping member (2), extending along a central axis X and configured to be manipulated by an operator and at least one brush peripheral cleaning device (3), mounted integrally with the gripping member (2) and extending along a longitudinal axis X3, parallel to the central axis X and offset laterally with respect to the central axis X, said cleaning brush peripheral cleaning device (3) being configured to be inserted into the peripheral annular groove (G) of the connector (93) in order to clean it, cleaning device characterized in that it further comprises a central cleaning brush (4), integrally mounted to the gripping member (2) and extending along the central axis X, said central cleaning brush (4) being configured to be inserted into the central opening (0) of the connector (93) in order to clean it. [Claim 2] Cleaning device (1), according to claim 1, in which the peripheral cleaning brush (3) is offset with respect to the central axis X by a spacing distance (e3) comprised between 2 mm and Simla [Claim 3] Cleaning device (1), according to one of Claims 1 and 2, comprising at least two peripheral cleaning brushes (3), preferably only three peripheral cleaning brushes (3). [Claim 4] Cleaning device (1), according to claim 3, in which the peripheral cleaning brushes (3) are equidistant from each other with respect to the central axis X. [Claim 5] Cleaning device (1 ), according to one of claims 1 to 4, consisting of a gripping member (2), at least two peripheral cleaning brushes (3) and a central cleaning brush (4). [Claim 6] Cleaning device (1), according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the central cleaning brush (4) has a brush diameter (d4) of between 3mm and. 8mm. [Claim 7] Cleaning device (1), according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the central cleaning brush (4) comprises a central rigid rod (5) and flexible bristles (6) mounted on the rod (5) radially 11 with respect to the central axis X. [Claim 8] Cleaning device (1), according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the central rod (5) has a rod diameter comprised between 0.8mm and 2.5mm. [Claim 9] Cleaning device (1), according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the gripping member (2) comprises an outer wall which comprises a relief configured to facilitate gripping. [Claim 10] Method for cleaning a connector (93) by means of the cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a step of translation (El) of the cleaning device (1) according to central axis X in the connector (93) so as to introduce, on the one hand, the central cleaning brush (4) into the central opening (0) of the connector (93) and, on the other hand, the peripheral cleaning device (3) in the peripheral annular groove (G) of the connector (93) and a step of rotation (E2) of the cleaning device (1) around the central axis X so as to concomitantly clean the opening central (0) and the peripheral annular groove (G) of the connector (93).