JP2002263108A - Sampling tool - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sampling tool by which many samples are obtained in a short time. SOLUTION: For this sampling tool, a sampling body is an absorbent 5 formed by bundling a plurality of fibers and the sampling body is positioned at the tip of a long-length operation wire 6.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sampling device for collecting exudate in, for example, the bronchi.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in Japanese Patent Application No. 11-325979, a sampling tool for collecting exudate in bronchi has been known. This type of sample collection device is used under an endoscope in combination with an endoscope, and a sampling part is inserted to the peripheral part of the bronchus, and mucus in the bronchus is collected at the collection part. I have. In general, the sampling unit is made of a cotton swab wound around a paper shaft or a foam having a support shaft, and the sampling unit is protruded from the tip of the catheter and brought into contact with a target site to absorb mucus and the like. Was something.

[0003]

Since the sampling of the sample collection tool so far has been performed by absorbing mucus and the like into a collection section made of cotton or foam, the collection amount is proportional to the volume of the collection section. It is limited by the thickness of a paper shaft or a support shaft on which a sampling unit made of cotton or foam is attached. In other words, it is undeniable that the volume of the rod or the spindle on which the sampling unit is attached and the loss of the sampling amount are lost. The conventional sample collection tool has a great disadvantage in obtaining biochemical information in particular because of the small collection amount.

[0004] Such a situation bears a problem that it is extremely difficult from a technical point of view to produce an extremely thin sampling portion while securing the sampling amount.

In addition, since the collecting section is made of cotton or foam, the collecting speed at the time of collecting is very slow. This increases the burden on the patient in that the contact time of the sampling unit to the target site in the body (in this case, particularly in the lung) becomes longer.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sample collection tool which can obtain many specimen samples in a short time.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided an absorber in which a sample collecting body is formed by bundling a plurality of fibers, and the sample collecting body is provided at the tip of a long shaft-like member. A sample collection tool characterized in that:

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] A sampling device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Configuration) As shown in FIG.
Is constructed by slidably inserting the sampling unit 3 into a long flexible mantle tube 2.

The sampling unit 3 is configured as shown in FIG. That is, the absorber 5 as a sampling body is located on the tip side, and the long operation wire 6 made of a material impermeable to X-rays is located on the hand side. Things. The connection at the joint 7 is made by caulking, solder, adhesive or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the absorber 5 is made of a chemical fiber bundle 11 made of polyester or the like having a wire diameter of 0.1 mm or less. It consists of. In the method of bundling a plurality of fibers, the absorber 5 may be partially bonded and combined, or may be bundled with a thin film except for at least the leading end of the leading end 11a. Good.

Since the distal end 11a is in contact with the living body, the distal end has a spherical portion 12, the middle abdomen 11b has a cylindrical portion 13, and the rear end 11c.
Is connected to the joint 7 so that the flange end 14
Is formed. As shown in FIG. 4, the small diameter portion 15 is inserted into a concave portion (hole) 16 of the joint 7, and both are mechanically fixed.

The rear end side of the operation wire 6 protrudes from the mantle tube 2, and a bent portion 17 is formed at a base end portion thereof in order to prevent damage to an operator.

The mantle tube 2 is made of a tube material 18,
The distal end 19 of the tube 18 has a round shape.

(Operation) Sample collection tool 1 according to the present embodiment
The operation of will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, after the sample collection tool 1 is guided endoscopically into the body cavity, the collection unit 3
By pushing in the operation wire 6, the absorber 5 protrudes from the distal end of the mantle tube 2, and the absorber 5 is brought into contact with a target portion. This causes the absorbent 5 to absorb mucus and the like.

The absorption of mucus and the like in the absorber 5 is caused by the capillary action of the liquid between the bundled fibers because the absorber 5 is formed by the chemical fiber bundle 11 having a wire diameter of 0.1 mm or less. Can be sucked up.

After the collection is completed, the operation wire 6 is pulled,
With the absorber 5 housed in the mantle tube 2, the sample collection tool 1 is removed from the endoscope.

Thereafter, the absorber 5 of the sample collection tool 1 is immersed in the test solution to elute the collected sample. Since the absorber 5 is composed of the chemical fiber bundle 11, the collection speed of the mucus is high. . Similarly, the diffusion of the collected sample into the test solution is very fast.

(Effect) Since the absorbent member constituting the absorbent body 5 is a bundle of a plurality of micro-level fibers, pores formed in the gaps between the fibers and mucous are sucked up by the capillary action exhibited by the fibers so that the sample is removed. Sampling is performed, and a sufficient sampling amount of mucus and the like is obtained. Further, by changing the length and diameter of the absorber 5, it is possible to easily increase or decrease the amount of absorption. As described above, since the mucus is sucked up by the capillary action, the liquid can be absorbed at a high speed. Further, the contact time with the target part at the time of sampling is short.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
A sample collection tool according to the embodiment will be described.

(Structure) The basic structure of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but here, as shown in FIG.
Is a modified form.

In the absorber 5 of the present embodiment, the tip 11a has
Brush-like part 2 in which the strands of chemical fiber bundle 11 are loosened
1. Only this point is different from the first embodiment, and the other middle part 11b and the rear end part 11c are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

(Operation) This is the same as the first embodiment.

(Effect) A wide range of sampling at a lesion can be performed.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
A sample collection tool according to the embodiment will be described.

(Configuration) The basic configuration of the present embodiment is the same as the first and second embodiments, but as shown in FIG.
The shape of the absorber 5 is changed as follows.

The outer diameter (A) of the tip 11a of the absorber 5
Are formed smaller than the outer diameter (B) of the middle abdomen 11b, thereby forming the distal narrow portion 23. This point is different from the above-described embodiment only, and the middle abdomen 11b,
The rear end 11c is the same as that of the first embodiment described above.

The step 24 between the tapered portion 23 and the middle portion 11b forms an extremely smooth continuous round.

(Operation) This is the same as the first embodiment.

(Effect) The provision of the tip narrowing portion 23 enables pinpoint sampling. In the case of use in bronchi, sampling in a narrow lumen or the like is possible.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
A sample collection tool according to the embodiment will be described.

(Configuration) The basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as the first and second embodiments, but as shown in FIG.
The sampling unit 3 has at least two or more absorbers 5 and differs from the first to third embodiments in that each of the absorbers 5 extends in the outer radial direction with the operation wire 6 as a central axis. Only.

The structure of each absorber 5 is exactly the same as that shown in the first embodiment, except that a cover member 25 is put on the rear end 11c and fixed, and a mechanically strong connection with the joint 7 is obtained. ing.

(Operation) This is the same as the first embodiment.

(Effect) According to the present embodiment, it is possible to sample a lesion and its body side by a single approach to a target site.

[Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 9 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
A sample collection tool according to the embodiment will be described.

(Configuration) In this embodiment, the configuration of the sampling unit 3 is different from the first to fourth embodiments. As shown in FIG. 9, the operation wire 6 is inserted and fixed at a substantially central position in the radial direction of the absorber 5. The distal end portion of the operation wire 6 is inserted into the vicinity of the distal end of the absorber 5, thereby forming the connecting portion 26.

The connecting portion 26 is firmly connected to the absorber 5 by bonding, heat welding, or the like, and the connection is performed at the time of molding the absorber 5 by a method other than the method described above. The tip portion of the wire 6 may be insert-molded.

The absorber 5 has a front end 11a and a middle abdomen 11b having the same structure as that shown in the first embodiment, but a rear end 11c has a tapered portion whose outer diameter decreases rearward. 27 are formed.

(Operation) The basic operation is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the individual operation in this embodiment is that the operation wire 6 is made of an X-ray opaque material during sampling under X-ray fluoroscopy. For the shadow area that is considered to be the focus,
The absorber 5 can be approached accurately.

When the sampling unit 3 is drawn into the mantle tube 2 after sampling, a smooth operation is performed by the tapered portion 27 provided at the rear end 11c of the absorber 5.

(Effect) It is possible to confirm the position of the tip of the absorber 5 under X-ray or the like. Further, the connection between the absorber 5 and the operation wire 6 does not require a connection part, and the number of components can be reduced.

[Sixth Embodiment] With reference to FIG. 10, a sample collecting tool according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(Structure) The basic structure of this embodiment is the same as that of the fifth embodiment, but as shown in FIG.
The distal end portion of the operation wire 6 inserted into the connection portion 26 is a connection portion 26 formed in a spiral shape.

The connecting portion 26 of the operation wire 6 is connected by being rotationally inserted into a substantially central position in the radial direction of the absorber 5. Other configurations and connection methods may be the same as in the fifth embodiment.

(Operation) This is the same as the fifth embodiment.

(Effect) The effect of this embodiment is the same as that of the fifth embodiment. In addition, when the absorber 5 and the operation wire 6 are connected, the reliability of dropout and dropout is further improved.

[Seventh Embodiment] Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG.
A sample collection tool according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(Configuration) The basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the fifth and sixth embodiments, but differs in the following points.

As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, a through hole 28 is provided substantially at the center of the absorber 5 in the radial direction from the rear end 11c to the front end 11a so as to penetrate in the axial direction. At the center, there is a tip taper 29 whose outer diameter decreases toward the rear. The tip taper 29 is provided so as to communicate with the through hole 28.

The distal end of the operation wire 6 is inserted and positioned in the through hole 28. The distal end of the operation wire 6 is provided with a distal end spherical portion 30 having a diameter larger than the diameter of the through hole 28 of the absorber 5.
At the tip taper 29. The tip spherical part 3
Reference numeral 0 denotes a structure in which a separate spherical member is fixed to the operation wire 6 or the tip of the operation wire 6 is formed by plasma melting or the like. The connection between the absorber 5 and the operation wire 6 is made firmly by an adhesive, heat welding or the like.

(Operation) This is the same as the fifth and sixth embodiments.

(Effect) In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the fifth and sixth embodiments can be obtained. In addition, since the radiopaque marker is located at the tip of the absorber 5, more samples can be collected. The accuracy of guiding the tool to the target site is improved.

Eighth Embodiment Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14,
A sample collection tool according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(Structure) The basic structure of this embodiment is as follows.
This embodiment is the same as the embodiment, except that an X-ray opaque member 31 is added to the absorber 5 in this configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a ring-shaped X-ray opaque member made of an X-ray opaque material such as stainless steel or platinum is provided at a random position from the tip 11a to the middle abdomen 11b of the absorber 5. 31 is fitted and fixed.

The fixing between the absorber 5 and the X-ray opaque member 31 is made firmly by caulking, adhesive or fitting.

(Operation) This is the same as the fifth to seventh embodiments.

(Effect) The same effect as in the seventh embodiment is obtained, but in addition, the position of the radiopaque marker can be randomly displaced.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but can be applied to other embodiments. (Supplementary note) According to the above description, it is possible to obtain items listed below and items obtained by combining any of the items listed below.

1. A sample collection tool, wherein the sample collection body is an absorber formed by bundling a plurality of fibers, and the sample collection body is provided at a tip of a long shaft-shaped member. 2. 2. The sample collecting tool according to claim 1, wherein an absorber formed by bundling a plurality of fibers into a substantially cylindrical shape is slidably inserted into a long mantle tube. 3. 2. The sample collection tool according to claim 1, wherein the sample collection body is made of a bundle of chemical fibers such as polyester. 4. 2. The sample collection tool according to item 1, wherein each fiber constituting the fiber bundle has a diameter of 0.1 mm or less. 5. X is added to the absorber at the end of the wire unit.
5. The sample collection tool according to any one of items 1 to 4, further comprising a radiopaque marker.

[0062]

As described above, according to the present invention, a sufficient sampling amount of mucus and the like can be obtained. Further, the contact time with the target part at the time of sampling is short.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sample collection tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sample collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an absorber in the sample collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an absorber of a sampling unit in the sample sampling tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation at the time of using the sample collection tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an absorber of a collection unit in a sample collection tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an absorber of a collection unit in a sample collection tool according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an absorber of a collection unit in a sample collection tool according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a sampling unit in a sample sampling tool according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a sampling unit in a sample sampling tool according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a sampling unit in a sample sampling tool according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an absorber of a collection unit in a sample collection tool according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a sampling unit in a sample sampling tool according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an absorber of a collection unit in a sample collection tool according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sampling tool 2 ... Mantle 3 ... Sampling unit 5 ... Absorber as a sampling body 6 ... Operation wire 7 ... Joint 11 ... Chemical fiber bundle

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A sample, wherein the sample collector is an absorber formed by bundling a plurality of fibers, and the sample collector is provided at the tip of a long shaft-like member. Collection tool.