JP2000217907A - Dialer coupler member, dialyzer coupler, and dialysis system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coupler for a dialysate having a structure in which a dialysate supplied to a dialyzer is not easily contaminated and capable of continuously performing sanitary dialysis. SOLUTION: A part of the dialysate flowing into the dialyzer via the conduit part (1), comprising a conduit part (1), an outer tubular part (2) and a connection part (3), is provided with a pump or the like. A cylindrical gap formed between the outer peripheral surface of the conduit portion (1) and the inner peripheral surface of the dialysate plug (4), and the outer peripheral surface of the conduit portion (1) and the outer tubular portion (2). A) using a member for a coupler for a dialyzer, wherein endotoxin is prevented from flowing into a dialysate supplied to the dialyzer by passing through and discharging the cylindrical space formed between the inner peripheral surface of the dialyzer, A coupler for a dialyzer and a dialysis system are configured.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a member constituting a dialyzer coupler which is connected to a dialyzer such as a dialyzer used for hemodialysis and is used for supplying dialysate from a dialysate supply section to the dialyzer. The present invention relates to a dialysis coupler having the above member and a novel dialysis system using the dialysis coupler.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a coupler for a dialyzer (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a "coupler") is used as a connecting member for connecting a hose extending from a dialysate supply unit and supplying a dialysate to a dialyzer such as a dialyzer. ) Is used. An example of such a coupler is shown in FIG. 3 as a schematic sectional view.
The coupler shown in FIG. 3 comprises a hose coupling part (7) for connecting a hose extending from a dialysate supply part, an engaging part (81) for engaging with a dialysate plug (4) of a dialyzer, and a hose coupling part. A connecting portion (8) including a cavity (82) in fluid communication with (7) and adjacent to the engaging portion (81), a seal member (5) for preventing leakage of dialysate, and a connecting portion ( 8), means for attaching the connecting part (8) to the dialysate plug (4), that is, the sleeve (6).
1), a spring (62), a ball bearing (63) and a stopper (64). When this coupler is used, the dialysate flows into the coupler from the dialysate inlet (71) of the hose joint (7), and passes through the cavity (82) existing in the connection (8). It passes through the dialysate plug (4) and is sent to the dialyzer.

[0003] Generally, the coupler is used repeatedly, and for attaching and detaching the coupler to and from the dialysate plug (4), means for attaching to the dialysate plug (4) provided in the engaging portion (81) is used. . The attachment means shown is the most common, and the attachment / detachment mechanism by this means is as follows.
That is, when the coupler is attached to the dialysate plug (4), the sleeve (61) is slid in the direction opposite to the stopper (64) while compressing the spring (62) to move the ball bearing (63) around the outer periphery. Side, and insert the dialysate plug (4) into the engagement portion (81). Then, when the slid sleeve (61) is returned to a position where it comes into contact with the stopper (64) by using the recovery force of the spring (4), the ball bearing (63) is pressed against the dialysate plug (4). The pressing force causes the dialysate plug (4) to engage the coupler. The same procedure can be used to remove the coupler. The sleeve (61) is slid in the direction opposite to the stopper (64) to allow the ball bearing (63) to move to the outer peripheral side, and the dialysate plug ( 4) can be pulled out.

As shown in the figure, between the coupler and the dialysate plug (4), an O-
A sealing material (5) such as a ring is provided. This is provided so that a complete seal is not formed between the coupler and the dialysate plug (4). That is, as shown in the drawing, a slight gap tends to be formed between the coupler and the dialysate plug (4), particularly near the inlet of the plug, and the sealing material (5) is formed in such a gap. It plays a role in preventing the inflowing dialysate from leaking out.

[0005]

As described above, although the leakage of the dialysate is prevented by the seal material, the gap is not eliminated by the seal material. There is a gap between the coupler. That poses a considerable hygiene problem. That is, the cavity (8
When part of the dialysate flowing into 2) flows into the gap,
Since the flowing liquid tends to stay there, bacteria easily grow in the gaps, and as a result, endotoxin may be released and mixed into the dialysate. Endotoxin promotes the activation of complement in the body, thereby inducing various systemic inflammatory reactions, such as inducing a systemic inflammatory response.

[0006] Problems relating to endotoxin caused by the structure of the coupler have been pointed out, and various measures have been taken to avoid this problem. For example, in some medical facilities, even if the coupler is disinfected and washed in a usual manner, it is difficult to remove the dialysate that has entered a small gap and the bacteria growing in the gap. It is actually performed to disassemble and wash. In order to solve the problem, couplers having various structures have been proposed. One example is disclosed in
There is a coupler for connecting a dialyzer described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 0-248924. The coupler has a connection pipe having a lumen in close contact with the dialysate plug, and a sealing material is provided at a position where the tip of the dialysate plug abuts the connection pipe, and the connection pipe lumen and The dialysis fluid plug is in close contact with the plug. According to this coupler, there is provided an effect that there is no place where the dialysate accumulates, and thus the growth of bacteria is suppressed.

[0007] However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
According to the coupler described in Japanese Patent No. 23, since the sealing material is formed of silicone rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer having rubber-like elasticity, the sealing material is deteriorated during repeated use of the coupler due to deterioration of the sealing material. There may be a gap between the material and the connecting pipe. In such a gap, as in the gap formed between the dialysate plug and the coupler, the dialysate fluid is easily accumulated. Therefore, it cannot be denied that endotoxin may be generated in this coupler due to the propagation of bacteria. In this way, it can be said that it is practically almost impossible to obtain a coupler having a structure having no gap in which the dialysate can stay, in consideration of deterioration with time of the material constituting the coupler.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a coupler in which endotoxin does not substantially flow into a dialysate supplied to a dialyzer.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems The present inventors have found that it is possible to obtain a coupler for a dialyzer capable of solving the above-mentioned problems by employing a member for a coupler for a dialyzer having a specific structure. This has led to the present invention.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a member for a dialyzer coupler, the dialyzer coupler member comprising a conduit portion, an outer tubular portion and a connection, wherein the conduit portion comprises: a) a dialysate supply; A distal portion of the conduit forming a joint connecting the extending conduits; b) a middle portion of the conduit adjacent to the distal portion of the conduit; and c) a middle portion of the dialysate plug adjacent to the central portion of the conduit. And a cylindrical gap through which a part of the dialysate flowing into the dialyzer passes through the conduit is inserted into the outer peripheral surface of the conduit proximal and the dial plug. An outer diameter of the conduit portion is smaller than an inner diameter of the dialysate plug at the proximal portion of the conduit, as formed between the inner peripheral portion and the middle portion of the conduit and the proximal portion of the conduit. A first portion located outside the portion and engaging the outer peripheral surface of the dialysate plug of the dialyzer, and a middle portion of the conduit. A second portion having an inner peripheral surface forming a cylindrical space through which the dialysate passes through the cylindrical gap between the outer peripheral surface and the connecting portion; A part of the dialysate flowing into the dialyzer is connected to a means for discharging through the cylindrical gap and the cylindrical space.

This coupler member supplies the dialysate via a conduit. When such a member is used to constitute a coupler, the dialysate is supplied to the coupler like a conventional coupler. Because it does not pass through the cavity with a complicated shape inside, the endotoxin released from the bacteria that propagated in the liquid pool in the gap etc. is difficult to flow into the dialyzer, and the dialysate is directly supplied to the dialyzer without contamination It becomes the structure which is easy to be done. Further, the member for the coupler may allow a part of the dialysate flowing into the dialyzer via the conduit portion to be cylindrical (or between the outer peripheral surface of the proximal portion of the conduit and the inner peripheral surface of the dialysate plug). It is characterized in that it has a structure of passing through a gap (annular section). The dialysate that has passed through the cylindrical gap portion is always discharged through the connection portion through the cylindrical space portion formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion and the outer peripheral surface of the middle portion of the conduit portion. . In this way, a part of the dialysate supplied to the dialyzer passes from the cylindrical gap toward the cylindrical gap, and is discharged, even if endotoxin is present inside the coupler,
It does not substantially enter the dialysate supplied to the dialyzer and is discharged from the connection part together with the dialysate that has passed through the cylindrical gap and the cylindrical gap, so that endotoxin flows into the dialyzer effectively. Is blocked.

Accordingly, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a coupler for a dialyzer using the above-mentioned member for a coupler, which is a member for a dialyzer coupler of the present invention; a dialysate for a dialyzer. And a means for attaching the first portion of the outer tubular portion to the dialysate plug of the dialyzer. The sealing material used in this coupler may be a sealing material used in a conventional general coupler, for example, an O-ring, and the first portion of the outer tubular portion is connected to a dialysate plug of a dialyzer. As the attaching means, for example, a conventionally employed attaching means as described in the section of the prior art may be used. Therefore, the coupler of the present invention can be attached to and detached from a commonly used dialyzer in a conventional manner.

Further, in a third aspect, the present invention provides a dialysis system using the above-described dialyzer coupler, and the dialysis system is connected to a connection portion of the dialyzer coupler and the dialyzer coupler member of the present invention. A dialysate discharge means, a dialysate supply unit for supplying dialysate to the dialyzer via a coupler, and a dialysis system including the dialyzer, wherein the dialysate discharge means extends from the dialysate supply unit. And a portion of the dialysate flowing into the dialyzer via the conduit portion of the coupler member is formed into a cylindrical gap between the inner peripheral surface of the dialysate plug and the outer peripheral surface of the proximal portion of the conduit, and an outer tubular portion. The air is discharged through a cylindrical space between the inner peripheral surface of the portion and the outer peripheral surface of the middle portion of the conduit. As the dialysate discharging means, for example, a pump such as a roller pump can be used. According to the dialysis system of the present invention in which the dialysate discharging means, for example, a pump, is connected to the connection portion of the member for the dialyzer coupler of the present invention, even if the dialysate stays and bacteria are generated, bacteria are generated. Since the released endotoxin does not substantially mix into the dialysate supplied to the dialyzer, continuous dialysis can be performed hygienically without concern for the effects of bacteria. Incidentally, the dialysis system of the present invention, except for the discharge means connected to the coupler and the connection portion of the coupler member,
The configuration can be similar to that of a conventional dialysis system.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a member for a coupler for a dialyzer of the present invention and a coupler for a dialyzer of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an example of the dialyzer coupler of the present invention. The coupler shown in FIG. 1 comprises a conduit part (1), an outer tubular part (2), a connection part (3), a sealing material (5), and a sleeve (61), a spring (62), a ball bearing (63) and a stopper. (64). FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a state where the dialyzer coupler of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a dialysate plug (4) of the dialyzer. The member for a coupler for a dialyzer according to the present invention refers to a member having the conduit part (1), the outer tubular part (2), and the connecting part (3) as main components in the coupler for a dialyzer of the present invention. Therefore, the member for a coupler for a dialyzer of the present invention (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a member for a coupler) will be described first.

The coupler member according to the present invention comprises a conduit portion (1),
The outer tubular part (2) and the connecting part (3) are main constituent members. Among these, the conduit part (1) is a tubular body for introducing a dialysate supplied from a dialysate supply part via a liquid guide tube, for example, a silicone tube, into a dialyzer. Therefore, one end of the conduit part (1) is a dialysate inflow part,
The other end is inserted inside the dialysate plug. FIG. 2 shows that one end of the conduit part (1) is inserted into the inside of the dialysate plug (4).

For convenience, the conduit (1) is considered to be composed of three parts. A conduit distal section (11) forming a coupling for connecting a liquid conduit extending from a dialysate supply; a conduit middle section (12) adjacent to the conduit distal section; and a conduit middle section (12). ) Is the proximal part of the conduit (13) inserted into the dialysate plug (4). In this specification, the side closer to the dialyzer is referred to as proximal, and in the following description, proximal means closer to the dialyzer, and distal refers to farther from the dialyzer.

The distal portion (11) of the conduit forms a joint for connecting a liquid guide tube extending from the dialysate supply part, and can be inserted into the liquid guide tube. Although the liquid guide tube is generally made of a material having high adhesion to prevent leakage of the dialysate, in order to sufficiently prevent liquid leakage, a distal portion of the conduit (1) is required.
1) is preferably made of a material having high adhesion to the liquid guide tube, and is preferably made of, for example, polypropylene having a smooth surface. Further, it is preferable that the distal end portion of the conduit (11) has a shape in which the hose is difficult to be detached. In addition to the shape having a constricted portion as shown in the figure, a shape adopted in a general hose joint may be arbitrarily adopted. .

The conduit middle portion (12) is a portion which is proximally adjacent to the conduit distal portion (11) and exists between the conduit distal portion (11) and the conduit proximal portion (13). This is the part to do. This portion forms a cylindrical space between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion (2) described later. That is, around the middle part of the conduit, a gap a exists between the outer tubular portion (2) and the conduit (1). The relationship between the middle portion of the conduit and the outer tubular portion will be described in detail in the following description relating to the outer tubular portion.

The proximal portion of the conduit (13) is a portion adjacent to the proximal portion of the middle portion of the conduit (12) and inserted into the dialysate plug (4). In this portion, a cylindrical gap is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the dialysate plug (4) and the outer peripheral surface of the conduit portion. The cylindrical gap serves as a passage for passing a part of the dialysate flowing into the dialyzer via the conduit (1). Therefore, in the proximal part (13) of the conduit, the outer diameter of the conduit (1) must be smaller than the inner diameter of the dialysate plug (4). The outer diameter of the conduit is preferably 0.9 to 0.5 times the inner diameter of the dialysate plug. If the outer diameter of the conduit is too large, a sufficient amount of dialysate will not easily pass through the cylindrical gap. On the other hand, if the outer diameter of the conduit portion is too small, the cylindrical gap becomes large, the flow rate of the dialysate passing therethrough decreases, and if endotoxin is generated inside the coupler, the endotoxin diffuses into the dialysate to form a dialysate. It may move in the opposite direction to the flow and flow into the dialyzer. In general, the inner diameter of the dialysate plug is 6 to 9 mm, so that the outer diameter of the conduit portion at the proximal portion of the conduit is preferably 3 to 8.1 mm. Further, the conduit proximal portion (12) and the dialysate plug (4) are arranged so that the outer peripheral circle of the conduit proximal portion (12) and the inner peripheral circle of the dialysate plug (4) are concentric. Is preferred.

The proximal end of the proximal portion (13) of the conduit can be in any position, provided that endotoxin, if present in the coupler, does not substantially flow into the dialyzer. The proximal end of the proximal section of the conduit (13)
Reach the base of or near the dialysate plug so that fresh dialysate can be pumped in as close as possible to the hollow fibers in the dialyzer, without contact with or damaging the hollow fibers in the dialyzer It is preferable to be inserted as follows. The base of the dialysate plug means the root of the dialysate plug protruding from the dialyzer body. Also, the proximal end of the conduit proximal portion (13) may be located within the dialyzer body to the extent that it does not damage the hollow fiber, and may be located more distally than the base, in this sense, The term "nearby" is used.

While the conduit part has been described as being divided into three parts for convenience, the conduit itself need not be composed of three tubular parts. 1 and 2, a tubular part having the same inside diameter as the hollow part is connected to a hose joint having a hollow part corresponding to the distal part of the conduit at the distal end of the middle part of the conduit, for example, by welding. Forming the middle portion of the conduit and the proximal portion of the conduit, but as another aspect, inserting a long tube inside the hose fitting having a hollow portion,
The far, middle, and proximal portions may be comprised of a single tube. Alternatively, the middle portion of the conduit may be formed of a plurality of tubular parts. When the conduit part is composed of multiple tubular parts, it should be welded or glued properly so that the dialysate does not leak at each joint and that there is no gap that could cause liquid pooling. There is a need to. Alternatively, the conduit portion, the outer tubular portion, and the connecting portion may be integrally formed using an appropriate synthetic resin. In addition,
The inner and outer diameters of the conduit portion need not be constant in all sections as long as the outer diameter at the proximal portion of the conduit satisfies the above conditions.

The material constituting the conduit (1) is such that the portion in contact with the dialysate, that is, the entire inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surfaces of the middle and proximal portions of the conduit are incompatible with the dialysate. It is not particularly limited as long as it is active. For example, a metal such as stainless steel, polypropylene, polysulfone, nylon, or polycarbonate is preferable.

Next, the outer tubular portion (2) will be described.
The outer tubular part (2) is located outside the middle part (12) of the conduit and the proximal part (13) of the conduit. It should be noted that the length of the outer tubular part (2) is limited to a part of the proximal part (13) of the conduit as long as the proximal part (13) of the conduit is properly inserted into the dialysate plug (4). It may be of a length such that it is located on the outside, or such that the proximal end of the proximal portion of the conduit (13) is more distal than the proximal end of the outer tubular portion (2). . The outer tubular part (2) has a first part (21) which engages with a dialysate plug of the dialyzer, as well as an inner peripheral surface adjacent to the first part (21) and a middle part of the conduit part. A second portion (22) is formed between the outer peripheral surface and a cylindrical space through which the dialysate passing through the cylindrical gap passes.

The first portion (21) of the outer tubular portion (2) has a predetermined inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the plug so that a dialysate plug can be inserted. Further, there are provided a concave portion for accommodating a seal member (5) for preventing leakage of the dialysate, and appropriate depressions and grooves suitable for accommodating each member constituting a means for attaching a dialysate plug. It may be formed.

The second portion (22) of the outer tubular portion (2) has an inner circumferential surface which forms a cylindrical space a between its inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the conduit middle portion (12). Have. This cylindrical space a
Is the outer peripheral surface of the conduit proximal part (13) and the dialysate plug (4)
This is a space through which the dialysate passes through the cylindrical gap formed between the dialysate and the inner peripheral surface of the dialysate. Therefore, the inner diameter of the outer tubular part (2) in the second part (22) is larger than the outer diameter of the middle part of the conduit, and preferably the former is 1.2 to 2.8 times the latter. If the inner diameter of the outer tubular portion (2) is too large, the cylindrical space becomes large and the flow rate of the dialysate is reduced, and the operability is deteriorated. It is not preferable because the property deteriorates. Specifically, the inner diameter of the outer tubular portion (2) in the second portion (22) is preferably 9 to 11 mm, and the outer diameter of the middle portion (12) of the conduit is preferably 4 to 7 mm.

Although the outer tubular part (2) has been described as being divided into two parts for the sake of convenience, the outer tubular part does not need to be composed of two parts, but is formed integrally or molded. May be. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer tubular portion (2) is joined to the proximal end of the distal portion (11) of the conduit by, for example, welding or the like, but as long as the dialysate does not leak, the outer tubular portion (2) is formed. The portion may be remote from the distal portion of the conduit, and the outer peripheral surface of the middle portion of the conduit may be partially exposed. The material constituting the outer tubular portion is not particularly limited as long as it is inert to the dialysate, and for example, a metal such as stainless steel, polypropylene, polysulfone, nylon, or polycarbonate can be used.

The connecting portion (3) constituting the coupler member according to the present invention allows a part of the dialysate flowing into the dialyzer via the conduit to pass through the cylindrical gap and the cylindrical space. Is a member connected to the discharging means. In order to continuously pass a part of the dialysate flowing into the dialyzer through the conduit part through the cylindrical gap and the cylindrical space, it is necessary to forcibly pass the dialysate, Further, in order to prevent the growth of bacteria due to the retention of the dialysate, it is necessary to forcibly discharge the dialysate that has passed through the cylindrical gap and the cylindrical space. The connection part (3) is a member that connects such a dialysate discharge means (for example, a metering pump) and a coupler. Therefore, the connecting portion (3) has a hollow portion that is in fluid communication with the cylindrical space portion, and is configured to be connectable to the dialysate discharge means via a liquid guide tube such as an appropriate tube or a hose. You.

The material constituting the connection part (3) is preferably inert to the dialysate, and may be, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, polypropylene, polysulfone, nylon, or polycarbonate. In particular,
A metal such as stainless steel is a preferable material because it has a smooth surface and good adhesion to a tube or hose made of an elastic material. Further, the shape is preferably such that the tube or the hose does not come off, and may be a shape generally used for a hose joint in addition to the shape shown in the drawing.

In the coupler member of the present invention described above, the dialysate is supplied via the conduit, and the endotoxin released from the bacteria propagated in the dialysate retained in the gap flows thereinto. Therefore, the dialysis solution is supplied to the dialyzer without being contaminated. further,
According to the coupler member of the present invention, a part of the dialysate flowing into the dialyzer via the conduit portion is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the dialysate plug and the outer peripheral surface of the proximal portion of the conduit. Cylindrical gap,
And, it continuously passes through a cylindrical space formed between the outer peripheral surface of the middle portion of the conduit and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion, and is discharged. Therefore, even if a liquid pool is generated inside the coupler, the flow of the dialysate passing from the cylindrical gap toward the cylindrical space causes endotoxin released from the bacteria propagated in the liquid pool to be supplied to the dialyzer. The endotoxin is discharged together with the dialysate passing through the cylindrical gap and the cylindrical space. Therefore,
According to this coupler member, dialysis can be continuously performed hygienically.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the coupler for a dialyzer of the present invention is provided between the above-described member for a coupler of the present invention, a dialysate plug (4) of a dialyzer, and an outer tubular portion. And means for attaching the first portion of the outer tubular portion to the dialysate plug (4) of the dialyzer. As the sealing material (5), a sealing material used in a conventional coupler as described in the section of the prior art can be arbitrarily used. For example, silicone, viton, nitrile rubber, fluorine rubber, or the like can be used. Preferably, an O-ring is used.

The means for attaching the first portion of the outer tubular portion to the dialysate plug (4) of the dialyzer may also employ any of the attachment means used in conventional couplers. The illustrated coupler comprises mounting means consisting of a sleeve (61), a spring (62), a ball bearing (63) and a stopper (64). These members are preferably made of polypropylene from the viewpoints of rust prevention, heat resistance, strength and cost. The respective actions and the mechanism for attaching and detaching the dialysate plug (4) by these are as described in the section of the prior art, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

Next, the dialysis system of the present invention will be described. The dialysis system of the present invention includes a dialysis solution supply unit that supplies a dialysis solution to a dialyzer via a coupler, a dialysis device, a dialysis device connected to a connection portion of the dialyzer coupler of the present invention, and a dialyzer coupler member. Each device and the like are connected to each other by a liquid guide tube such as a tube. this house,
As the dialysate supply unit and the dialyzer, those commonly used in hemodialysis and the like can be used, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

The dialysate discharging means continuously passes a part of the dialysate flowing into the dialyzer through the conduit section of the coupler through the cylindrical gap and the cylindrical space in the coupler. , And it is preferable to use a metering pump such as a roller pump, a finger pump, a reciprocating pump and a centrifugal pump as such means. The pump is connected to the connecting portion of the coupler member of the present invention, and sucks the dialysate so as to be discharged at an appropriate flow rate from the hollow portion formed in the connecting portion (3).
Therefore, the larger the flow rate at the time of suction, the more dialysate is discharged through the cylindrical portion and the cylindrical space portion, and the amount of dialysate supplied to the dialyzer is reduced.

In the present invention, it is preferable that 1 to 10% by volume of the dialysate flowing into the dialyzer via the coupler conduit is discharged through the cylindrical gap or the like. . If the content is less than 1% by volume, the effect of discharging the dialysate to clean the cylindrical gap and the cylindrical void becomes insufficient, and the dialysate may partially stay and bacteria may propagate. If it is larger than 10% by volume, the amount of dialysate supplied to the dialyzer is small, which is uneconomical, and there is no difference in the washing effect. For example, in general dialysis, the flow rate of the dialysate supplied to the dialyzer is 500 ml / min.
In this case, the flow rate of the dialysate passed through the cylindrical gap or the like is preferably 5 to 50 ml / min.

The pump used for discharging the dialysate through the cylindrical gap or the like may be an independent pump having only its function, or a pump used for water removal during dialysis treatment. A water pump or another pump may be used. Regardless of which pump is used, it is advantageous if the discharged dialysate is introduced into the drainage line of the dialysis system so as to be discharged together with other discharges, thereby simplifying the system.

[0036]

As described above, the dialyzer coupler member of the present invention, due to its structure, makes it difficult for the dialysate supplied to the dialyzer to be contaminated. That is, even when a liquid pool is generated inside the coupler, the outer peripheral surface of the conduit portion and the outer tubular portion are connected to each other through the cylindrical gap formed between the outer peripheral surface of the conduit portion and the inner peripheral surface of the dialysate plug. The flow of the dialysate toward the cylindrical space formed therebetween effectively prevents endotoxins released from the bacteria that have propagated in the liquid pool from being mixed into the dialysate.

The dialyzer coupler of the present invention using this coupler member can be constructed by using a sealing material and a mounting member used in a conventional coupler. Therefore, the cost does not increase significantly as compared with the conventional coupler. Further, since there is no need to change the dialysate plug of the dialyzer at all, the dialyzer can be used without any difficulty in the medical field.

[0038] The dialysis system of the present invention is characterized by including the dialyzer coupler of the present invention and a pump connected thereto. By means of the pump, a part of the dialysate supplied to the dialyzer can be continuously discharged through the gaps and spaces in the coupler, and as a result, a pool is prevented and the generation of bacteria is suppressed. You. Further, by using the pump as a water removal pump incorporated in a general dialysis system, the dialyzer coupler of the present invention can be used without complicating the dialysis system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an embodiment of the coupler for a dialyzer of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the dialyzer coupler shown in FIG. 1 attached to a dialysate plug of the dialyzer.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing one example of a conventional dialyzer coupler attached to a dialysate plug of a dialyzer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Conduit part, 11 ... Distal part of a conduit, 12 ... Middle part of a conduit, 13 ... Proximal part of a conduit, 2 ... Outer tubular part, 21 ... First part, 22 ... second part, 3 ... connection, 4 ... dialysis fluid plug, 5 ... seal material, 61 ... sleeve, 62 ... spring, 63 ... ball bearing, 64 ... stopper, 7 ... hose fitting, 71 ... dialysate inlet, 8 ... connecting part, 81 ... engaging part, 82 ... hollow part.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tetsuya Miyatake 498-1 Shizuya, Haibara-cho, Haibara-gun, Shizuoka Pref.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A member for a dialyzer coupler comprising a conduit part, an outer tubular part and a connection part, the conduit part comprising: a) forming a joint for connecting a liquid conduit extending from a dialysate supply part. B) a conduit middle portion adjacent to the conduit distal portion; and c) a conduit proximal portion inserted into the dialysate plug adjacent to the conduit middle portion; The conduit is formed so that a cylindrical gap for passing a part of the dialysate flowing into the dialyzer through the conduit is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the proximal portion of the conduit and the inner peripheral surface of the dialysate plug. The outer diameter of the conduit portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the dialysate plug in the proximal portion, and the outer tubular portion is located outside the middle portion of the conduit and the proximal portion of the conduit, and the dialysate of the dialyzer. Dialysis passing through the cylindrical gap between the first portion engaging the outer peripheral surface of the plug for use and the outer peripheral surface of the middle portion of the conduit A second portion having an inner peripheral surface forming a cylindrical space through which the dialyser passes. A member for a coupler for a dialyzer, characterized in that the member is connected to a part and a means for passing and discharging the cylindrical space part. 2. The conduit portion has a length such that the proximal end of the proximal portion of the conduit inserted into the dialysate plug of the dialyzer reaches or near the base of the dialysate plug. Item 1
A member for a coupler for a dialyzer according to item 1. 3. A member for a dialyzer coupler according to claim 1 or 2, a seal member located between a dialysate plug of the dialyzer and an outer tubular portion, and a first portion of the outer tubular portion. A dialyzer coupler comprising means for attaching to a dialysate plug of a dialyzer. 4. The dialyzer coupler according to claim 3, a dialysate discharge means connected to the connection portion of the dialyzer coupler member, and a dialysate supply for supplying the dialysate to the dialyzer via the dialyzer coupler. And a dialyzer, wherein the dialysate discharge means includes a dialysate flowing into the dialyzer via a liquid introduction pipe extending from the dialysate supply part and a conduit part of the member for the dialyzer coupler. A cylindrical space between the inner peripheral surface of the dialysate plug and the outer peripheral surface of the proximal portion of the conduit, and a cylindrical space between the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion and the outer peripheral surface of the middle portion of the conduit. A dialysis system that discharges through the section. 5. A dialysate discharge means for supplying 1 to 10% by volume of dialysate flowing into a dialyzer to a dialyser via a liquid introduction pipe extending from a dialysate supply section and a conduit section of a member for a dialyzer coupler. Pass between the inner peripheral surface of the plug and the outer peripheral surface of the conduit part,
The dialysis system according to claim 4, wherein the dialysis system discharges. 6. The dialysate discharging means is a pump.
Or the dialysis system according to claim 5.