GB2497286A

GB2497286A - Catheter with deformable tip

Info

Publication number: GB2497286A
Application number: GB1120797.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Norman Walters
Original assignee: Kimal PLC
Current assignee: Kimal PLC
Priority date: 2011-12-05
Filing date: 2011-12-05
Publication date: 2013-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-05
Also published as: GB2497286B; WO2013083964A1; GB201120797D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to catheters, in particular to catheters for draining fluids from a body cavity or for injecting fluids into a body cavity. A catheter 1 is provided having a first lumen 10 for draining fluids from a body cavity or for injecting a fluid into a body cavity, and a separate, second lumen 11 through which a flexible filament 4, such as a suture, is threaded. The suture is anchored at the proximal end 9 of the catheter 1, extends through the second lumen 11 to the distal portion, exits and re-enters the second lumen via second and third holes 8,7, and returns to the proximal end of the catheter 9, terminating in a free end 5. The suture 4 is threaded such that pulling on the free end 5 deforms the deformable distal portion 3 into a pigtail configuration. The present invention also provides a catheter 1 having a locking mechanism 13 in which the flexible filament 4 used to deform the deformable distal portion 3, such as a suture 4, may be locked in position. Preferably the suture 4 is clamped between a clamping portion and a clamping device 13 to lock the suture 4 in position.

Description

Catheter

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to catheters, in particular to catheters for draining fluids from a body cavity or injecting fluids into a body cavity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Catheters may be used for the drainage of fluids from body cavity or injecting fluids into a body cavity. Such catheters comprise a single lumen coupled to one or more holes in a distal portion. The catheters are guided into the correct position, where fluids drain through the holes into the catheter lumen and then out of the body, or drain through the catheter into the body cavity. Such known catheters also comprise deformable distal portions that may be deformed into, for example, a pigtail configuration to aid the drainage or injection of fluids. The distal portions are often deformed by the use of a flexible filament, such as a suture, that is threaded through the drainage/injection lumen from the operator's end of the catheter to the distal portion. By pulling on an end of the suture, the distal portion may be deformed.

However, since the suture lies in the same lumen as the drainage or injection fluid, there exists the risk of cross-contamination and the risk of infection of a patient undergoing treatment using such a catheter.

We have therefore appreciated the need for an improved catheter for the use of drainage of fluid from a body cavity or for the use of injecting fluids into a body cavity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a catheter for draining fluids from a body cavity or for injecting fluids into a body cavity, comprising: a flexible catheter sleeve; a releasably deformable distal portion connected to the catheter sleeve; a first lumen for receiving a fluid, the first lumen extending through the flexible catheter sleeve and deformable distal portion; a first hole in the distal portion in fluid communication with the first lumen; a second lumen for receiving a flexible filament, the second lumen extending through the flexible catheter sleeve and deformable distal portion, and the second lumen being separate from the first lumen; a second hole adjacent the distal end of the distal portion and connected to the second lumen; a third hole connected to the second lumen; and a flexible filament having a first end anchored adjacent a proximal end of the flexible catheter sleeve and a second free end, the flexible filament extending from the anchored end through the second lumen towards the distal portion, exiting the second lumen via the second hole, entering the second lumen via the third hole and returning to the proximal end of the catheter sleeve via the second lumen, wherein the flexible filament and second and third holes are arranged such that the distal portion is deformed when the free end of the flexible filament is pulled.

Advantageously, threading the suture through a separate, second, lumen means that there is no cross-leakage between the first (i.e. drainage/injection) lumen and the second (i.e. suture) lumen, thereby reducing the risk of the suture being contaminated by the fluid being drained from the body cavity or the suture contaminating the fluid being injected into the body cavity.

In embodiments, the catheter further comprises a plurality of holes in fluid communication with the first lumen for draining fluids from a body cavity or for injecting fluids into a body cavity. This enables a greater volume of fluid to be drained from the body cavity or injected into the body cavity.

In embodiments, the flexible filament is a suture. In further embodiments, the releasably deformable distal portion is releasably deformable into a pigtail configuration. The pigtail configuration is a shape that is efficient for the removal of fluids from a body cavity or for injection of fluids into a body cavity.

In some embodiments, the catheter comprises a releasable locking mechanism to releasably lock the second free end of the flexible filament in position.

Advantageously, this enables the flexible filament to be locked into position to prevent accidental release of the flexible filament (and thereby release of the deformed distal portion).

In embodiments comprising the locking mechanism, the releasable locking mechanism comprises a clamping portion and a releasably moveable clamping device, and wherein the clamping device is releasably moveable to releasably clamp a portion of the flexible filament against the clamping portion when the locking mechanism is locked, and wherein the clamping device releases the flexible filament when the locking mechanism is unlocked. Preferably, the releasably moveable clamping device is slidably moveable against the clamping portion.

In further embodiments comprising the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprises an inlet coupled to the second lumen for receiving the flexible filament into the locking mechanism.

In some embodiments comprising the locking mechanism. the locking mechanism comprises a guide hole through which the second free end of the flexible filament is threadable to guide the second free end of the flexible filament.

In some of the embodiments comprising the clamping device of the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprises a releasable locking member for locking the clamping device in position when the locking mechanism is locked. Preferably, the releasable locking member comprises a deformable protrusion arranged to abut a surface of the clamping device to prevent the clamping device from returning to position in which the locking mechanism is unlocked. Preferably, the abutted surface of the clamping device is a recessed surface.

In these embodiments, the deformable protrusion is deformable so as to release the clamping device from the position in which the locking mechanism is locked.

In further embodiments comprising the locking mechanism, the releasable locking mechanism is coupled to the proximal end of the catheter sleeve. Furthermore, a portion of the locking mechanism coupled to the catheter sleeve may be less flexible than the catheter sleeve.

In embodiments comprising the locking mechanism, the anchored end of the flexible filament is anchored adjacent the locking mechanism.

The present invention also provides a catheter for draining fluids from a body cavity or for injecting fluids into a body cavity, comprising: a flexible catheter sleeve; a releasably deformable distal portion connected to the catheter sleeve; a first lumen for receiving a fluid, the first lumen extending through the flexible catheter sleeve and deformable distal portion; a first hole in the distal portion in fluid communication with the first lumen; a flexible filament having a first end anchored adjacent a proximal end of the flexible catheter sleeve and a second free end, and extending through the first lumen to the distal portion; and a releasable locking mechanism to releasably lock the second free end of the flexible filament in position.

In embodiments of this catheter, the catheter comprises: a second hole adjacent the distal end of the distal portion and connected to the first lumen; and a third hole connected to the first lumen, wherein the flexible filament extends from the anchored end through the first lumen towards the distal portion, exiting the first lumen via the second hole, entering the first lumen via the third hole and returning to the proximal end of the catheter sleeve via the first lumen, and wherein the flexible filament and second and third holes are arranged such that the distal portion is deformed when the free end of the flexible filament is pulled.

LIST OF FIGURES

The present invention will now be described, by example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a catheter; Figure 2 shows a close-up of the distal portion of the catheter of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a cut-through view of the proximal end of the catheter of Figure 1 when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position; Figure 4 shows a cut-through view of the proximal end of the catheter of Figure 1 when the locking mechanism is in the locked position; and Figure 5 shows a see-through view of the proximal end of the catheter of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In brief, the present invention provides a catheter having a first lumen for draining fluids from a body cavity or injecting fluids into a body cavity, and a separate, second lumen through which a flexible filament, such as a suture, is threaded. The suture is anchored at the proximal end of the catheter, extends through the second lumen to the distal portion, exits and re-enters the second lumen via second and third holes respectively, and returns to the proximal end of the catheter, terminating in a free end. The suture is threaded such that pulling on the free end deforms the deformable distal portion into a pigtail configuration.

The present invention also provides a catheter having a locking mechanism in which the flexible filament used to deform the deformable distal portion, such as a suture, may be locked in position. Preferably the suture is clamped between a clamping portion and a clamping device to lock the suture in position.

Both of the above aspects may be used in isolation or in combination with one another.

Preferably they are used in combination.

Referring to the figures generally, a catheter 1 is shown, comprising a flexible catheter sleeve 2, and a releasably deformable distal portion 3 connected to the catheter sleeve 2. A first lumen 10 extends along the length of the catheter sleeve 2 and the distal portion 3. The first lumen is coupled to at least one hole 6, here shown in the distal portion (although it is to be understood that additional holes may be provided along the length of the distal portion 3 and/or the catheter sleeve), which is configured to drain fluids from a body cavity into the first lumen, or to inject fluids into a body cavity from the catheter.

A second lumen 11, separate to the first lumen 10, is also provided along the length of the catheter sleeve 2 and the distal portion 3. The second lumen is configured to receive a flexible filament 4, such as a suture. A second hole 7 is provided in the distal portion 3, and a third hole 8 is provided adjacent the distal portion 3. Each of the second 7 and third 8 holes are connected to the second lumen 11.

The suture 4 has a first, anchored end, which is anchored 16 within or to the catheter, and a second tree end 5, which terminates in a suture handle. The suture 4 extends from the anchored end 16 through the second lumen 11, exits the second lumen via the first hole 7, re-enters the second lumen 11 via the third hole 8 and returns to proximal end ot the catheter sleeve 2 via the second lumen 11, terminating in the tree end 5.

Since the distal portion 3 is formed of a material that is releasably deformable, and more tlexible than the catheter sleeve, pulling on the free end 5 of the suture 4 enables the distal portion 3 ot the catheter 1 to be releasably detormed. In preferred embodiments, the distal portion 3 may be deformed into a pigtail configuration. This contiguration is usetul, tor example, during the drainage of tluids from a body cavity, or injection of a fluid into a body cavity once the catheter 1 is in place. Releasing the tree end 5 of the suture 4 enables the distal portion 3 to relax into its original form for safe removal from a body cavity.

Advantageously, threading the suture 4 through a separate, second, lumen 11 means that there is no cross-leakage between the first (i.e. drainage/injection) lumen 10 and the second (i.e. suture) lumen 11, which reduces the risk of the suture being contaminated by the fluid being drained trom the body cavity or the suture contaminating the fluid being injected into the body cavity.

The catheter may also be provided with a locking mechanism 9, which is shown in the tigures as a luer hub. The locking mechanism 9 comprises a clamping portion 12, over which the tree end 5 of the suture 4 may pass, and a clamping device 13. The clamping device 13 is slideable on a rail across the surface of the clamping portion 12.

Moving the clamping device 13 from the unlocked position (shown in figure 3) to the locked position (shown in tigure 4) causes the suture 4 to be clamped between the clamping device 13 and the clamping portion 12. The frictional forces between these two surfaces and the suture 4 cause the suture to be locked in position.

The suture 4 reaches the clamping portion 12 via an inlet, which is coupled to the second lumen. When the locking mechanism is used in conjunction with catheters having only a single lumen (i.e. for drainage/injection and carrying/guiding the suture), the inlet is coupled to the tirst lumen.

The locking mechanism 9 is also provided with a releasable locking member 14, which prevents the clamping device 13 from sliding accidentally from the locked to the unlocked positions. The releasable locking member 14 comprises a deformable protrusion 14 that abuts a recessed surface of the clamping member 13 once the clamping member 13 is in the locked position. In order to release the clamping member 13 from its locked position, an operator must apply pressure to the protrusion in order to deform the protrusion so that the clamping member 13 may pass over the protrusion to reach the unlocked position.

The catheter 1 may also be provided with a guide hole 15, which may be used to guide the free end 5 of the suture 4 away from the catheter.

A tubing strain relief is provided adjacent the locking mechanism 9 to help prevent kinking of the tube at the hub.

In the preferred embodiments, the suture is anchored 16 at the same end of the catheter 1 as the locking mechanism 9.

Although the present invention has been described hereinabove with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and modifications will be apparent to a skilled person in the art which lie within the scope of the present invention. Any of the embodiments described hereinabove can be used in any combination.

Claims

<claim-text>SCLAIMS: 1. A catheter for draining fluids from a body cavity or for injecting fluids into a body cavity, comprising: a flexible catheter sleeve; a reieasabiy deformable distal portion connected to the catheter sleeve; a first lumen for receiving a fluid, the first lumen extending through the flexible catheter sleeve and deformable distal portion; a first hole in the distal portion in fluid communication with the first lumen; a second lumen for receiving a flexible filament, the second lumen extending through the flexible catheter sleeve and deformable distal portion, and the second lumen being separate from the first lumen; a second hole adjacent the distal end of the distal portion and connected to the second lumen; a third hole connected to the second lumen; and a flexible filament having a first end anchored adjacent a proximal end of the flexible catheter sleeve and a second free end, the flexible filament extending from the anchored end through the second lumen towards the distal portion, exiting the second lumen via the second hole, entering the second lumen via the third hole and returning to the proximal end of the catheter sleeve via the second lumen, wherein the flexible filament and second and third holes are arranged such that the distal portion is deformed when the free end of the flexible filament is pulled.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A catheter according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of holes in fluid communication with the first lumen for draining fluids from a body cavity or for injecting fluids into a body cavity.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A catheter according to claim 1 012, wherein the flexible filament is a suture.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A catheter according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the releasably deformable distal portion is releasably deformable into a pigtail configuration.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A catheter according to any preceding claim, comprising a releasable locking mechanism to releasably lock the second free end of the flexible filament in position.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A catheter according to claim 5, wherein the releasable locking mechanism comprises a clamping portion and a releasably moveable clamping device, and wherein the clamping device is releasably moveable to releasably clamp a portion of the flexible filament against the clamping portion when the locking mechanism is locked, and wherein the clamping device releases the flexible filament when the locking mechanism is unlocked.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A catheter according to claim 6, wherein the releasably moveable clamping device is slidably moveable against the clamping portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A catheter according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an inlet coupled to the second lumen for receiving the flexible filament into the locking mechanism.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A catheter according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a guide hole through which the second free end of the flexible filament is threadable to guide the second free end of the flexible filament.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A catheter according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a releasable locking member for locking the clamping device in position when the locking mechanism is locked.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A catheter according to claim 10, wherein the releasable locking member comprises a deformable protrusion arranged to abut a surface of the clamping device to prevent the clamping device from returning to position in which the locking mechanism is unlocked.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A catheter according to claim 11, wherein the abutted surface of the clamping device is a recessed surface.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A catheter according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the deformable protrusion is deformable so as to release the clamping device from the position in which the locking mechanism is locked.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A catheter according to any one of claims 5 to 13, wherein the releasable locking mechanism is coupled to the proximal end of the catheter sleeve.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A catheter according to any one of claims 5 to 14, wherein a portion of the locking mechanism coupled to the catheter sleeve is less flexible than the catheter sleeve.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A catheter according to any one of claims 5 to 15, wherein the anchored end of the flexible filament is anchored adjacent the locking mechanism.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A catheter for draining fluids from a body cavity or for injecting a fluid into a body cavity, comprising: a flexible catheter sleeve; a releasably deformable distal portion connected to the catheter sleeve; a first lumen for receiving a fluid, the first lumen extending through the flexible catheter sleeve and deformable distal portion; a first hole in the distal portion in fluid communication with the first lumen; a flexible filament having a first end anchored adjacent a proximal end of the flexible catheter sleeve and a second free end, and extending through the first lumen to the distal portion; and a releasable locking mechanism to releasably lock the second free end of the flexible filament in position.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A catheter according to claim 17, comprising: a second hole adjacent the distal end of the distal portion and connected to the first lumen; and a third hole connected to the first lumen, wherein the flexible filament extends from the anchored end through the first lumen towards the distal portion, exiting the first lumen via the second hole, entering the first lumen via the third hole and returning to the proximal end of the catheter sleeve via the first lumen, and wherein the flexible filament and second and third holes are arranged such that the distal portion is deformed when the free end of the flexible filament is pulled.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A catheter substantially herein as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>