JP2021004633A - Pipe conduit formation unit and pipe joint - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide formation of a pipe conduit composed of a first connection pipe body, a cylindrical pipe body and a second connection pipe body, by connecting the cylindrical pipe body provided with flanges on both end portions, and the first connection pipe body and the second connection pipe body respectively by pipe joints.SOLUTION: A pipe conduit formation unit includes a cylindrical pipe body 210 having flanges 214, 215 on both end portions, a first connection pipe body 220 and a second connection pipe body 230 connected to the cylindrical pipe body 210, and pipe joints 100 for connecting them. The pipe joint 100 includes a cylindrical nut 110 of which one end portion 110a is fully opened, and the other end portion 110b is opened with a flange portion 115, and a flange pressing member 120 attachable in a circumferential direction of an outer peripheral face of the cylindrical pipe body 210. Inner diameters of one end portion 110a and the other end portion 110b of the cylindrical nut 110 are determined to be larger than an outer diameter of the flange 214, and the flange pressing member 120 has an outer diameter same as or less than an inner diameter of one end portion 110a, and larger than an inner diameter of the other end portion 110b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a pipeline forming unit and a pipe joint.

As a medical device used for patients with severe heart failure, a ventricular assist device that supplements a part of the function of the heart is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

FIG. 10 is a diagram shown for explaining the ventricular assist device 800 described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. 10, the ventricular assist device 800 described in Patent Document 1 includes a blood pump 810 implanted in the body, artificial blood vessels 830 and 840 for connecting the blood pump 810 and the heart 820, and the artificial blood vessels 830 and 840. It has a control device (not shown) having a function of controlling the blood pump 810 outside the body, and a connection cable 850 for a ventricular assist device arranged between the blood pump 810 and the control device.

Of the artificial blood vessels 830 and 840, the artificial blood vessel 830 is an artificial blood vessel that allows blood flowing out of the left ventricle of the heart 820 to flow into the blood pump 810, and is also called an inflow side artificial blood vessel. On the other hand, the artificial blood vessel 840 is an artificial blood vessel that sends blood from the blood pump 810 to the ascending aorta, and is also called an outflow side artificial blood vessel. Therefore, the artificial blood vessel 830 may be referred to as an inflow side artificial blood vessel 830, and the artificial blood vessel 840 may be referred to as an outflow side artificial blood vessel 840. The inflow side artificial blood vessel 830 is connected to the heart 820 via a cannula (not shown).

As the inflow side artificial blood vessel 830 and the outflow side artificial blood vessel 840 used in such a ventricular assist device 800, those made of various materials have been conventionally used. For example, stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE: expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) is also one of the materials, and a cylinder is formed using such a flexible material, and a wire made of PTFE or the like is spirally wound around the cylinder. It is known that it is composed.

As described above, since the inflow side artificial blood vessel 830 and the outflow side artificial blood vessel 840 have a structure in which a wire made of PTFE or the like is wound in a spiral shape, the flexibility is maintained, and the structure is twisted, crushed, and bent. Although the effect of preventing such as is obtained, in order to ensure the reliability as an artificial blood vessel, it is important to further enhance the effect of preventing twisting, crushing and bending.

In particular, the inflow side artificial blood vessel 830 tends to be crushed because the inside tends to have a negative pressure. Therefore, in recent years, as a material for the inflow side artificial blood vessel 830, it has been attempted to form a cylindrical tube body with a highly rigid material and use the cylindrical tube body as the inflow side artificial blood vessel. As a material having high rigidity, a metal can be exemplified, but among the metals, titanium or the like having excellent corrosion resistance and compatibility with living tissue can be preferably used.

When a metal cylindrical tube is used as the inflow side artificial blood vessel 830, the metal cylindrical tube is interposed between the heart and the blood pump. In this case, the cylinder A connecting tube (referred to as the first connecting tube) that functions as a cannula is connected to the first end side (the end located on the heart 820 side) of the tubular body, and also. On the second end side of the cylindrical tube (the end located on the blood pump 810 side), the connection tube provided in the blood pump 810 (referred to as the second connection tube). Is connected. The second connection tube may be integrally provided with the blood pump.

Here, the first connecting tube that functions as a cannula, the cylindrical tube as the inflow side artificial blood vessel 830, and the second connecting tube provided on the blood pump side send blood from the heart to the blood pump. Can be thought of as a pipeline for. It is important that such a pipeline is liquid-tight, and as a method for forming the liquid-tight pipeline, for example, both ends (first end and the first end) of the cylindrical pipe body are used. Flange is formed at each of the second end portion on the opposite side of the portion), and the cylindrical pipe body and the first connection pipe body are brought into close contact with each other by using a dedicated pipe joint, and the cylindrical pipe body and the first 2 It is conceivable to bring the connecting pipe body into close contact with a dedicated pipe joint.

In this way, a dedicated pipe joint is used to connect a cylindrical pipe body having flanges formed at both ends and another cylindrical pipe body (in the above case, the first connection pipe body or the second connection pipe body). An example of using and connecting is described in Patent Document 2.

FIG. 11 is a diagram shown for explaining the pipe joint 900 described in Patent Document 2. The pipe joint 900 described in Patent Document 2 is not used for a ventricular assist device, but is a pipe joint for forming a pipeline for hydraulic piping. In FIG. 11, an example is shown in which a cylindrical tubular body 930 having a flange 932 formed at one end (first end) and an adapter 910 as the other tubular body are connected by using a bag nut 920. Has been done. It is unknown whether or not the other end (second end) of the cylindrical tube 930 has a function as a flange, but a protruding portion 933 having almost the same shape as the flange is formed. Has been done.

In the pipe joint 900 described in Patent Document 2, the bag nut 920 is slidably mounted on the outer peripheral surface 931 along the outer peripheral surface 931 of the cylindrical tubular body 930, and then the bag nut 920 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface 931. By screwing and tightening the female screw 921 to the male screw 911 of the adapter 910, the flange 932 formed at one end (first end) of the cylindrical tubular body 930 at the bottom 922 of the cap nut 920 is formed. Press in the direction of the adapter 910 to bring the flange 932 into pressure contact with the adapter 910. An O-ring 940 is interposed between the flange 932 of the cylindrical tube 930 and the adapter 910. As a result, the cylindrical tube 930 can be connected to the adapter 910 in a liquid-tight state.

Japanese Patent No. 5899528 Jikkenhei 6-6868A

However, in the pipe joint 900 described in Patent Document 2, as described above, the cylindrical pipe body 930 has a flange 932 formed at one end (first end) and the other. A protruding portion 933 having a shape substantially similar to that of the flange is formed at the end portion (second end portion) of the. Therefore, it is considered difficult to ring the bag nut 920 to the cylindrical tube body 930, but in the pipe joint 900 described in Patent Document 2, how the bag nut 920 is cylindrical. It is not specified whether to ring the tube 930.

Therefore, the pipe joint 900 described in Patent Document 2 is a cylinder as, for example, a first connection pipe body that functions as a cannula and an inflow side artificial blood vessel 830 in which flanges are projected at both ends. Even if it is intended to be applied as a pipe joint for connecting the tubular body and the second connection tube provided on the blood pump side, these first connection tube, cylindrical tube and second connection tube are used. It is considered that the bodies cannot be connected and the pipeline formed by the first connecting tube, the cylindrical tube and the second connecting tube cannot be formed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a cylindrical pipe body in which flanges are formed so as to protrude from each of the first end portion in the axial direction and the second end portion on the side opposite to the first end portion. And the first connection pipe body arranged on the side of the first end portion of the cylindrical pipe body and the second connection pipe body arranged on the side of the second end portion of the cylindrical pipe body, respectively. A pipe line forming unit that can be connected by a pipe joint, whereby a pipe line can be formed by a first connection pipe body, a cylindrical pipe body, and a second connection pipe body, and the pipe is provided. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pipe joint used for a road forming unit.

[1] In the pipeline forming unit of the present invention, flanges are radially outward on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first end portion in the axial direction of the pipe body and the second end portion on the side opposite to the first end portion. A cylindrical tube body that is integrally projected with the tube body and a first connection that is arranged on the side of the first end portion of the cylindrical tube body and has a male screw formed on the outer peripheral surface. The pipe body, the second connection pipe body arranged on the side of the second end portion of the cylindrical pipe body and having a male screw formed on the outer peripheral surface, the cylindrical pipe body and the first connection. A pipeline forming unit including a pipe joint for connecting a pipe body and a pipe joint for connecting the cylindrical pipe body and the second connection pipe body, wherein the pipe joint has one end. Each of the portion and the other end forms a cylindrical body having an opening, the one end has an opening on the entire surface, and the first connection is made to the inner peripheral surface on the side of the one end. A female screw that can be screwed is formed on the male screw of the pipe body and the male screw of the second connection pipe body, and a flange portion that protrudes in the radial direction inward is formed at the other end portion. The cylindrical nut is provided with a formed cylindrical nut and a flange holding member for holding the flange at the base of the flange in the pipe body, and the cylindrical nut has an end portion having an opening on the entire surface. The inner diameter and the inner diameter of the other end on which the flange is formed are each larger than the outer diameter of the flange of the cylindrical pipe, and the flange holding member is an outer peripheral surface of the pipe body. It has a first arc member and a second arc member that can be mounted so as to form an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the pipe body, and the first arc member and the second arc member are mounted along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body. The outer diameter of the flange holding member when mounted so as to form an annular shape is larger than the outer diameter of the flange of the cylindrical tubular body, and is equal to or less than the inner diameter of the one end of the cylindrical nut. Moreover, it is characterized in that the diameter is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the other end portion.
It is characterized by that.

By configuring the pipeline forming unit of the present invention in this way, a cylindrical pipe having flanges protruding from each of the first end portion and the second end portion on the side opposite to the first end portion. The body, the first connection tube body arranged on the side of the first end portion of the cylindrical tube body, and the second connection tube body arranged on the side of the second end portion of the cylindrical tube body. Each can be connected by a pipe joint. This makes it possible to form a pipeline by the first connecting pipe, the cylindrical pipe, and the second connecting pipe.

Further, when connecting the first connection tube and the cylindrical tube, the first connection tube and the cylindrical tube do not rotate around the axis, and the first connection tube and the cylindrical tube are formed. It can be connected to a tube. Similarly, when connecting the second connection tube and the cylindrical tube, the second connection tube and the cylindrical tube do not rotate around the axis, and the second connection tube and the cylinder do not rotate. It can be connected to a tubular body.

For example, in the case of connecting the first connection tube body and the cylindrical tube body, a cylindrical shape is provided with a flange holding member interposed between the flange of the cylindrical nut and the flange of the cylindrical tube body. The female screw of the nut is screwed into the male screw of the first connection tube to tighten it. When performing this work, the first connection tube and the cylindrical tube must rotate about the axis. Cylindrical nuts can be tightened without.

That is, when tightening by screwing the female screw of the cylindrical nut into the male screw of the first connection pipe body, if the first connection pipe body is held by a spanner or a worker's hand, etc. The first connection tube does not rotate around the axis. In addition, since the cylindrical nut can move freely in the axial direction and rotate around the axis on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tube, if the cylindrical tube is held by an operator or the like, the cylinder can be cylindrical. The cylindrical body also does not rotate around the axis. In this way, when the cylindrical nut is tightened, the cylindrical nut can be tightened without the first connecting pipe body and the cylindrical pipe body rotating around the axis. This also applies when connecting the second connecting tube body and the cylindrical tube body.

[2] In the pipeline forming unit of the present invention, the first arc member and the second arc member are integrally connected by a connecting member in which the first arc member and the second arc member have elasticity. It is preferable to have.

Since the first arc member and the second arc member are integrally connected by an elastic connecting member, the first arc member and the second arc member are connected to the first arc member with the connecting member as a fulcrum. The distance from the second arc member can be widened or narrowed. The first arc member and the second arc member maintain a shape along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body unless an external force is applied.

Therefore, when the first arc member and the second arc member are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body, the distance between the first arc member and the second arc member is widened with the connecting member as a fulcrum, and the cylinder is formed. It may be mounted so as to be along the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body. In this way, the first arc member and the second arc member are integrally connected by the elastic connecting member, so that the first arc member and the second arc member are attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body. The workability at the time of mounting is excellent, and the parts (first arc member and second arc member) are easily managed.

[3] In the pipeline forming unit of the present invention, the first arc member and the second arc member may also be individual arc members in which the first arc member and the second arc member are separated. preferable.

As described above, since the first arc member and the second arc member are not connected by the connecting member, the configuration becomes simple and the flange holding member can be easily manufactured.

[4] In the pipeline forming unit of the present invention, the first arc member and the second arc member have notches having an L-shaped cross section, respectively, of the first arc member and the second arc member. It is preferably formed along the longitudinal direction of the.

As described above, the first arc member and the second arc member are formed with notches having an L-shaped cross section along the longitudinal direction of the first arc member and the second arc member, so that the flange portion is formed. When engaged with the first arc member and the second arc member, the collar portion is in a state of matching the notch portion, so that the collar portion "fits" well with respect to the first arc member and the second arc member. , The engagement between the collar and the first arc member and the second arc member is ensured. The "L-shaped cross section" is a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first arc member and the second arc member, and is also referred to as "the longitudinal direction of the first arc member and the second arc member". Is a direction along the circumferential direction when the first arc member and the second arc member are mounted so as to form an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body.

[5] In the pipeline forming unit of the present invention, a flange holding member holding shelf for holding the flange holding member is provided at the base of the flange in the pipe body in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body. It is preferable that it is formed along the above.

By forming such a flange holding member holding shelf, when the flange holding member (first arc member and second arc member) is mounted along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body, it is mounted. It is possible to maintain a stable state.

[6] In the pipeline forming unit of the present invention, it is preferable that the flange holding member holding shelf is formed so as to form a concave groove along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body.

As described above, since the flange holding member holding shelf is formed so as to form a concave groove, when the first arc member and the second arc member of the flange holding member are mounted on the cylindrical tube body, the first arc member is first. The arc member and the second arc member may be mounted so as to be fitted into the concave groove. Therefore, the work of mounting the first arc member and the second arc member on the cylindrical tube body becomes easy. Further, since the edge portion (inner peripheral side edge portion) on the flange holding member holding shelf side of the first arc member and the second arc member is fitted in the concave groove, the cylindrical nut is connected to the first connecting tube body. Alternatively, when the work of connecting to the second connecting pipe body (tightening work of the cylindrical nut) is performed, the edge portion (inner peripheral side edge portion) on the flange holding member holding shelf side of the first arc member and the second arc member. ) Can be prevented from shifting to the opposite side of the tightening direction.

[7] In the conduit forming unit of the present invention, the first connecting tube is connected to the left ventricle of the heart in a living body, and the function of guiding blood flowing out of the left ventricle of the heart to the cylindrical tube. The second connecting tube is provided in the blood pump of the ventricular assist device, and preferably has a function for allowing blood flowing through the cylindrical tube to flow into the blood pump. ..

Thus, the conduit forming unit of the present invention can be used in a ventricular assist device. That is, it can be used for connecting the first connecting tube connected to the left ventricle of the heart and the cylindrical tube functioning as an artificial blood vessel, and also with the second connecting tube provided in the blood pump. It can also be used to connect to a cylindrical tube that functions as an artificial blood vessel.

[8] In the conduit forming unit of the present invention, the cylindrical tube, the first connecting tube, and the second connecting tube are preferably made of an inflexible hard member.

As described above, since the cylindrical pipe body, the first connection pipe body, and the second connection pipe body are each made of an inflexible hard member, an effect of preventing twisting, crushing, bending, and the like can be obtained. These cylindrical pipe bodies, the first connection pipe body, and the second connection pipe body form a pipeline. Therefore, even if the inside of the pipe line becomes negative pressure, the cylindrical pipe body, the first connection pipe body, and the second connection pipe body are made of inflexible hard members, respectively. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of twisting, crushing and bending.

[9] In the pipeline forming unit of the present invention, the inflexible hard member is preferably a metal.

As a result, the effect of preventing twisting, crushing, bending, and the like can be further enhanced. The metal preferably has excellent corrosion resistance, and when used in a ventricular assist device, it preferably has excellent compatibility with living tissues. From this point of view, for example, titanium can be exemplified as the metal.

[10] In the conduit forming unit of the present invention, the first connecting tube, the cylindrical tube, and the second connecting tube are the first connecting tube and the cylindrical tube. When connected to the second connection tube, the inner peripheral surface of the first connection tube, the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical tube, and the inner peripheral surface of the second connection tube. Is preferably a stepless surface in the axial direction.

In this way, the inner peripheral surface of the first connecting pipe body, the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical pipe body, and the inner peripheral surface of the second connecting pipe body become stepless surfaces in the axial direction, so that the fluid is stagnant. Can be flushed without. In addition, in this specification, a "stepless surface" means a surface having substantially no step.

[11] In the pipeline forming unit of the present invention, between the first connecting tube and the cylindrical tube and between the second connecting tube and the cylindrical tube, respectively. It is preferable that an annular sealing member is interposed.

As a result, the first connection tube and the cylindrical tube can be connected in a liquid-tight state, and the second connection tube and the cylindrical tube can be connected in a liquid-tight state. it can.

[12] In the pipe joint of the present invention, flanges are radially outward on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first end portion in the axial direction of the pipe body and the second end portion on the side opposite to the first end portion. A cylindrical pipe body that is integrally projected with the pipe body, and a first connection pipe that is arranged on the side of the first end portion of the cylindrical pipe body and has a male screw formed on the outer peripheral surface. A second connection that can be used when connecting to a body and is arranged on the side of the cylindrical tube body and the second end portion of the cylindrical tube body and has a male screw formed on the outer peripheral surface. It is a pipe joint that can also be used when connecting to a pipe body, forming a cylindrical body with one end and the other end having openings, and the one end has an opening on the entire surface. On the inner peripheral surface on the one end side, a male screw of the first connection pipe body and a female screw screwable to the male screw of the second connection pipe body are formed. A cylindrical nut in which a flange portion protruding inward in the radial direction is formed at the other end portion, and a flange holding member for holding the flange at the base portion of the flange in the pipe body. The cylindrical nut has an inner diameter of one end having an opening on the entire surface and an inner diameter of the other end on which the flange is formed, respectively, outside the flange of the cylindrical tubular body. The flange holding member has a diameter larger than the diameter, and has a first arc member and a second arc member that can be mounted so as to form an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body. The outer diameter of the flange holding member when the first arc member and the second arc member are mounted so as to form an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body is the flange of the cylindrical pipe body. The feature is that the diameter is larger than the outer diameter, is set to be equal to or less than the inner diameter of the one end of the cylindrical nut, and is larger than the inner diameter of the other end. To do.

The pipe joint of the present invention can be used as a pipe joint in the pipe line forming unit according to any one of the above [1] to [11]. That is, the pipe joint of the present invention has a cylindrical pipe body having flanges formed at one end and the other end, and a first connection arranged on the side of the first end of the cylindrical pipe body. It can be used when connecting the pipe body, and when connecting the cylindrical pipe body and the second connection pipe body arranged on the side of the second end portion of the cylindrical pipe body. Will be a usable pipe joint.

Further, in the pipe joint of the present invention, when connecting the first connection pipe body and the cylindrical pipe body, the first connection pipe body and the cylindrical pipe body do not rotate around the axis. The connecting tube body and the cylindrical tube body can be connected. Similarly, when connecting the second connection tube and the cylindrical tube, the second connection tube and the cylindrical tube do not rotate around the axis, and the second connection tube and the cylinder do not rotate. It can be connected to a tubular body.

For example, in the case of connecting the first connection tube body and the cylindrical tube body, a cylindrical shape is provided with a flange holding member interposed between the flange of the cylindrical nut and the flange of the cylindrical tube body. The female screw of the nut is screwed into the male screw of the first connection tube to tighten it. When performing this work, the first connection tube and the cylindrical tube must rotate about the axis. Cylindrical nuts can be tightened without.

That is, when tightening by screwing the female screw of the cylindrical nut into the male screw of the first connection pipe body, if the first connection pipe body is held by a spanner or a worker's hand, etc. The first connection tube does not rotate around the axis. In addition, since the cylindrical nut can move freely in the axial direction and rotate around the axis on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tube, if the cylindrical tube is held by an operator's hand or the like, it becomes cylindrical. The cylinder also does not rotate around the axis. In this way, when the cylindrical nut is tightened, the cylindrical nut can be tightened without the first connecting pipe body and the cylindrical pipe body rotating around the axis. This also applies when connecting the second connecting tube body and the cylindrical tube body. Further, it is preferable that the pipe joint of the present invention also has the same characteristics as the pipe line forming unit described in any one of [2] to [11].

It is sectional drawing which cut the pipeline formation unit 200 which concerns on embodiment along an axial direction. It is an external perspective view of the pipeline formation unit 200 which concerns on embodiment shown in FIG. It is an enlarged view which shows the inside of the broken line frame A in FIG. 1 enlarged. It is a figure which shows for demonstrating the pipe joint 100 used for the pipeline formation unit 200 which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state which the flange holding member (the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122) is attached to the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical tube body 210. It is a figure explaining the connection procedure at the time of connecting the 1st connection pipe body 220 and the cylindrical pipe body 210 by using a pipe joint 100. It is a figure which shows in order to explain the modification (flange holding member 120A) of the flange holding member 120. It is a figure which shows the state which the 1st arc member 121 and the 2nd arc member 122 which make up the modification (flange holding member 120A) of the flange holding member 120 are attached to the cylindrical tube body 210. It is a figure which shows the case where the flange holding member holding shelf 218 is formed so as to form a concave groove. It is a figure which shows for demonstrating the ventricular assist device 800 described in Patent Document 1. It is a figure which shows for demonstrating the pipe joint 900 described in Patent Document 2.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the pipeline forming unit 200 according to the embodiment cut along the axial direction.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the pipeline forming unit 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the inside of the broken line frame A in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner.

First, the overall configuration of the pipeline forming unit 200 according to the embodiment will be described, and then the pipe joint 100A used for the pipeline forming unit 200 according to the embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pipeline forming unit 200 according to the embodiment has a first end portion 212 in the axial direction of the pipe body 211 and a second end portion 213 on the side opposite to the first end portion 212. A cylindrical pipe body 210 in which flanges 214 and 215 are integrally formed with the pipe body 211 toward the outside in the radial direction, and a first end portion 212 of the cylindrical pipe body 210. The first connection tube 220, which is arranged coaxially with the cylindrical tube 210 on the side and has a male screw 221 (see FIG. 3 for details) on the outer peripheral surface, and the second of the cylindrical tube 210. A second connection tube 230 that is coaxially arranged with the cylindrical tube 210 on the end 213 side and has a male screw 231 formed on the outer peripheral surface, and a first end 212 of the cylindrical tube 210. A pipe joint 100 (referred to as a pipe joint 100A) that connects the first connection pipe body 220, and a pipe joint 100 that connects the second end 213 of the cylindrical pipe body 210 and the second connection pipe body 230. (The pipe joint is 100B.)

The enlarged view shown in FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a part (inside the broken line frame A shown in FIG. 1) of the first connecting pipe body 220. In FIG. 3, an enlarged view of the same part of the second connecting pipe 230 (the part corresponding to the broken line frame A shown in FIG. 1) is not shown, but the same part of the second connecting pipe 230 is shown. (The portion corresponding to the broken line frame A shown in FIG. 1) has the same configuration as that of FIG. However, in the second connecting pipe 230, the configuration of the portion corresponding to the broken line frame A shown in FIG. 1 is the opposite of that in FIG.

Further, "flangees 214 and 215 are radially outward on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first end portion 212 in the axial direction of the pipe body 211 and the second end portion 213 on the side opposite to the first end portion 212. In the following, the "cylindrical pipe 210" that is integrally projected with the pipe body 211 may be abbreviated as "cylindrical pipe 210 having flanges formed at both ends".

Further, a pipe joint 100A connecting the first end portion 212 of the cylindrical pipe body 210 and the first connection pipe body 220, and the second end portion 213 and the second connection pipe body 230 of the cylindrical pipe body 210 Has the same configuration as the pipe joint 100B for connecting the above. Therefore, these pipe joints 100A and pipe joints 100B can be used when connecting the first connection pipe body 220 and the cylindrical pipe body 210, and the second connection pipe body 230 and the cylindrical pipe body. It can also be used when connecting to 210. The detailed configurations of the pipe joint 100A and the pipe joint 100B will be described later. Further, when explaining the configurations of the pipe joint 100A and the pipe joint 100B, the pipe joint 100A and the pipe joint 100B may be collectively described as the “pipe joint 100”.

The conduit forming unit 200 according to the embodiment can be used, for example, between the heart 820 and the blood pump 810 in the ventricular assist device 800 shown in FIG. In this case, the cylindrical tubular body 210 in the conduit forming unit 200 according to the embodiment corresponds to the artificial blood vessel (inflow side artificial blood vessel) 830 in FIG.

In addition, the first connecting tube 220 has a function as a cannula connected to the left ventricle of the heart, and has a function of guiding blood flowing out of the heart to the cylindrical tube 210. The cannula used in the embodiment is assumed to have two cuffs, a first cuff C1 and a second cuff C2, but is not limited to a cannula having two cuffs and has one cuff. It may be a cannula.

On the other hand, the second connecting tube 230 is connected to the blood pump 300 (see FIG. 1), and the blood flowing from the first connecting tube 220 through the cylindrical tube 210 flows into the blood pump 300. Has the function of flowing into. In the embodiment, it is assumed that the second connecting tube 230 is integrally projected with the main body of the blood pump 300 (referred to as the blood pump main body 310).

In the description of the first connection tube 220 and the second connection tube 230, the first connection tube 220 and the second connection tube 230 face each of the cylindrical tube 210. The side is the front end side, and the opposite side is the rear end side. Further, the end portion located on the tip side of the first connection tube 220 and the second connection tube 230 is set as the tip, and the rear end of the first connection tube 220 and the second connection tube 230. The end located on the side is the rear end.

The cylindrical tube 210, the first connection tube 220, and the second connection tube 230 are inflexible hard members having excellent rigidity, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with living tissues. It is made of a material (referred to as metal), and as the metal, for example, titanium or the like can be preferably used. Further, the cylindrical tube body 210 is a so-called "bend tube" in which the tube body 211 is gently curved in the axial direction.

Here, the cylindrical tube body 210, the first connection tube body 220, and the second connection tube body 230 each have the same inner diameter, and the first connection tube body 220 and the cylindrical tube body 210 When the second connection tube 230 and the cylindrical tube 210 are connected to each other, the inner peripheral surface 223 of the first connection tube 220 and the inner circumference of the cylindrical tube 210 are connected. The surface 217 and the inner peripheral surface 233 of the second connecting pipe 230 are stepless surfaces (surfaces having substantially no step) in the axial direction.

Further, the region from the tip of the first connecting pipe 220 to the portion where the male screw 221 is formed is defined as the connecting region W (see FIG. 3). When the outer diameter of the connection region W is set to "D1", the outer diameter D2 of the flange 214 of the cylindrical tubular body 210 is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the connection region W. This also applies to the side of the second connecting tube 230.

Further, in the cylindrical pipe body 210, at the base of the flange 214 in the pipe body 211, the flange holding member 120 (FIGS. 4 (c) and 4 (FIG. 4)) for holding the flange 214 at the base of the flange 214 of the pipe body 211. A flange holding member holding shelf 218 (see FIG. 3) for holding d)) is formed. The flange holding member 120 will be described later.

Further, in the pipe body 211 of the cylindrical tube body 210, the wall thickness t1 (see FIG. 3) of the portion other than the flange holding member holding shelf 218 is the wall thickness t2 of the portion of the flange holding member holding shelf 218 (see FIG. 3). It is slightly thinner than.). In other words, in the pipe body 211 of the cylindrical tube body 210, the thickness of the portion other than the flange holding member holding shelf 218 is slightly thinner than the thickness of the portion of the flange holding member holding shelf 218.

Further, a seal member mounting groove 222 (see FIG. 3) for mounting the annular seal member 240 is formed at the tip of the first connection tube 220. As the seal member 240, various seal members can be used, but in the embodiment, an O-ring having a circular cross section is used. The O-ring is a material that is liquid-tight and elastically deforms when subjected to external pressure. Further, on the inner peripheral surface 223 side of the tip portion of the first connection tube 220, a protruding portion 224 (see FIG. 3) protruding further toward the tip side from the tip portion is formed along the circumferential direction. ing.

Similarly, the second connection pipe 230 is also formed with a seal member mounting groove 232 (see FIG. 1) for mounting the seal member (O-ring) 240 at the tip of the second connection pipe 230. ing. Then, on the inner peripheral surface 233 side of the tip of the second connecting tube 230, a protruding portion 234 (see FIG. 1) that further protrudes from the tip to the tip is formed along the circumferential direction. ing.

On the other hand, a recess 216 (see FIG. 3) for receiving the protruding portion 224 of the first connecting tube 220 is formed in the first end 212 of the cylindrical tube 210 along the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the first connection tube 220 and the cylindrical tube 210 are connected, the protruding portion 224 of the first connection tube 220 and the recess 216 of the cylindrical tube 210 are in agreement with each other. It becomes. At this time, a seal member 240 is interposed between the first connection tube 220 and the cylindrical tube 210.

Further, a recess 216 (see FIG. 1) for receiving the protruding portion 234 of the second connecting tube 230 is formed in the second end 213 of the cylindrical tube 210 along the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the second connecting pipe 230 and the cylindrical pipe 210 are connected to each other, the protruding portion 234 of the second connecting pipe 230 and the recess 216 of the cylindrical pipe 210 match. It becomes. At this time, a seal member 240 is interposed between the second connecting pipe 230 and the cylindrical pipe 210.

Subsequently, the pipe joints 100 (pipe joints 100A and 100B) used in the pipeline forming unit 200 according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 in addition to FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 4 is a diagram shown for explaining the pipe joint 100 used in the pipeline forming unit 200 according to the embodiment. The pipe joint 100 has a cylindrical nut 110 (see FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b)) and a flange holding member 120 (see FIGS. 4 (c) and 4 (d)). There is. In FIG. 4, FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the cylindrical nut 110, and FIG. 4B is a view of the cylindrical nut 110 shown in FIG. 4A as viewed in the direction of the arrow x. FIG. 4C is a perspective view showing the flange holding member 120, and FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line aa of FIG. 4C.

First, the cylindrical nut 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b) and FIGS. 1 to 3 described above. The cylindrical nut 110 has the same configuration in each of the pipe joint 100A and the pipe joint 100B. The cylindrical nut 110 is preferably made of a metal such as titanium. In the description of the cylindrical nut 110, the side of the cylindrical nut 110 facing the cylindrical tubular body 210 is the front end side, and the opposite side is the rear end side. Further, the end portion located on the tip end side of the cylindrical nut 110 is set as the tip end portion, and the end portion located on the rear end side of the cylindrical nut 110 is set as the rear end portion.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cylindrical nut 110 has a cylindrical body in which one end 110a and the other end 110b are openings, respectively. The entire surface of one end 110a is open, and on the inner peripheral surface on the side of the one end 110a, as shown in FIG. 3, the male screw 221 of the first connection tube 220 and the male screw 221 A female screw 111 that can be screwed is formed on the male screw 231 of the second connecting tube 230. Further, the other end 110b is formed with a collar 115 that protrudes inward in the radial direction. One end (rear end) 110a having an opening on the entire surface is referred to as a "full opening end 110a", and the other end (tip) 110b on which the collar 115 is formed is referred to as a "flange". The side opening end 110b ”.

Here, the inner diameter D5 (see FIG. 4B) of the full-face open end portion (one end portion whose entire surface is open) 110a of the cylindrical nut 110 is the full-face open end portion of the cylindrical nut 110. It is also the inner diameter between 110a and the inner wall surface of the flange portion 115. The inner diameter D5 of the full-face opening end 110a is slightly larger than the outer diameter D1 of the connection region W in the first connection tube 220 and the second connection tube 230. On the other hand, the inner diameter D6 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the flange-side open end (the other end on which the flange 115 is formed) 110b of the cylindrical nut 110 is the flange. Although it is smaller than the inner diameter D5 of the full-face opening end 110a of the cylindrical nut 110 by the presence of 115, it is smaller than the outer diameter D2 (see FIG. 1) of the flanges 214 and 215 of the cylindrical tube 210. It has a slightly large diameter. Therefore, in the cylindrical nut 110, the inner diameter of the entire cylindrical nut 110 is larger than the outer diameter of the flanges 214 and 215.

As described above, since the inner diameter of the entire cylindrical nut 110 of the cylindrical nut 110 is larger than the outer diameter of the flanges 214 and 215, the cylindrical nut 110 has the flanges 214 and 215 of the cylindrical tubular body 210. You can let it go through. In other words, the cylindrical tubular body 210 having flanges 214 and 215 formed at both ends can pass through the cylindrical nut 110. Here, the "inner diameter of the entire cylindrical nut 110" refers to the inner diameters of both the inner diameter D5 of the entire opening end portion 110a of the cylindrical nut 110 and the inner diameter D6 of the flange side opening end portion 110b.

Subsequently, the flange holding member 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 (c) and 4 (d). Like the cylindrical nut 110, the flange holding member 120 has the same configuration in each of the pipe joint 100A and the pipe joint 100B.

The flange holding member 120 has a first arc member 121 member and a second arc member 122 that can be mounted so as to form an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body 211. In the pipeline forming unit 200 according to the embodiment, the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are integrally connected by an elastic connecting member 123. Specifically, one end 121a of the first arc member 121 and one end 122a of the second arc member 122 are integrally connected by an elastic connecting member 123. The first arc member 121, the second arc member 122, and the connecting portion 123 are preferably made of a metal such as titanium in terms of durability and the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4D, the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 have a notch portion 124 having an L-shaped cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first arc member. It is formed along the longitudinal direction of the first arc member 121. The notch 124 is for engaging the flange portion 115 of the cylindrical nut 110 as shown in FIG. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line aa of the second arc member 122, but a similar notch 124 is also formed in the first arc member 121. The "longitudinal direction of the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122" means that the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are annularly formed along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body 211. This is the direction along the circumferential direction when mounted so as to form an arc.

Further, since the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are integrally connected by the elastic connecting member 123, the other end portion 121b of the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 By applying an external force in the direction of the arrow bb to the other end portion 122b, the distance between the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 can be widened with the connecting member 123 as a fulcrum. The first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 maintain a shape along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210 unless an external force is applied.

As a result, when the flange holding member 120 (the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122) is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210, the connecting member 123 is used as a fulcrum with the first arc member 121. It can be mounted along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210 by widening the distance from the second arc member 122.

When the flange holding member 120 (first arc member 121 and second arc member 122) is mounted along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210 in this way, the flange holding member (first arc member 121) is attached. The second arc member 122) is held in a state of being mounted so as to be along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210. In the following description, "mounting along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tube 210" may be abbreviated as "mounting on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tube 210".

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the flange holding members (first arc member 121 and second arc member 122) are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210. 5 (a) is a side view, and FIG. 5 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line aa of FIG. 5 (a). In addition, in FIG. 5, the case where it is mounted on the side of the flange 214 of the flanges 214 and 215 is shown.

The flange holding member 120 (first arc member 121 and second arc member 122) is mounted on the flange holding member holding shelf 218 formed at the base of the flange 214. Here, the flange holding member 120 (the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122) is the flange holding member 120 when the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body 211. The outer diameter D7 of the above is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the flange 214, is equal to or less than the inner diameter D5 (see FIG. 4B) of the entire opening end 110a of the cylindrical nut 110, and the flange side opening. The inner diameter of the end 110b is set to be larger than the inner diameter D6 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). In the pipeline forming unit according to the embodiment, it is assumed that the outer diameter D7 of the flange holding member 120 is set to be substantially the same as the inner diameter D5 of the entire open end 110a of the cylindrical nut 110.

When the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are mounted as shown in FIG. 5, the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 form an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body 211. It is installed like this. As shown in FIG. 5, the outer diameter D7 of the flange holding member 120 (first arc member 121 and second arc member 122) when the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are mounted so as to form an annular shape. Is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the flange 214. The specific procedure for mounting the flange holding member 120 on the cylindrical nut 110 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The pipe joint 100 has been described above, but by using the pipe joint 100 configured in this way, the first connection pipe 220 and the cylindrical pipe 210 can be connected and the second connection can be made. The pipe body 230 and the cylindrical pipe body 210 can be connected. That is, by using the pipe joint 100A, the first connection pipe body 220 and the cylindrical pipe body 210 can be connected. Further, by using the pipe joint 100B having the same configuration as the pipe joint 100A, the second connection pipe body 230 and the cylindrical pipe body 210 can be connected.

Subsequently, a connection procedure for connecting the cylindrical pipe body 210 to the first connection pipe body 220 and the second connection pipe body 230 will be described. Here, a procedure for connecting the cylindrical pipe body 210 and the first connection pipe body 220 by using the pipe joint 100A will be described. In the embodiment, the first connecting tube 220 has a function as a cannula, and the end (rear end) where the first cuff C1 and the second cuff C2 are provided is the heart. It is connected to the left ventricle.

In the embodiment, the case where the cannula has two cuffs, a first cuff C1 and a second cuff C2, is exemplified. In this case, the first cuff is sutured inside the heart and the second cuff C2 is sutured to the surface of the heart. Here, it is assumed that the first connecting tube 220 is already connected to the heart, and the first connecting tube 220 and the cylindrical tube 210 that are connected to the heart The connection procedure in the case of connecting using the pipe joint 100A will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 6 does not show that the first connecting tube 220 is connected to the heart.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a connection procedure when the first connection pipe body 220 and the cylindrical pipe body 210 are connected by using the pipe joint 100A. In FIG. 6, reference numerals that are not necessary for the explanation when the connection procedure is explained are omitted.

First, the cylindrical nut 110 is ringed around the cylindrical tube 210 (see FIG. 6A). When mounting the cylindrical nut 110 on the cylindrical tubular body 210, the cylindrical tubular body 210 is inserted from one end of the cylindrical nut 110 (for example, the flange side opening end 110b). By doing so, the cylindrical nut 110 can be ringed around the cylindrical tubular body 210. That is, the cylindrical nut 110 includes not only the inner diameter D5 of the cylindrical nut 110 (see FIG. 4B) but also the inner diameter D6 of the flange side opening end 110b (see FIG. 4B). Since the diameter is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the flanges 214 and 215 of the cylindrical tube 210, even if the flanges 214 and 215 are present at both ends of the cylindrical tube 210, the cylindrical nut is attached to the cylindrical tube 210. 110 can be ringed.

In this way, first, the cylindrical nut 110 is ringed on the cylindrical tube 210. At this time, the flange 214 of the cylindrical tubular body 210 is in a state of protruding outward from the full-face open end 110a of the cylindrical nut 110 (see FIG. 6A). In this state, the cylindrical nut 110 can freely move in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210 and can also freely rotate (idle) around the axis.

As described above, in the pipe body 211 of the cylindrical pipe body 210, the thickness of the portion other than the flange holding member holding shelf 218 is slightly thinner than the thickness of the portion of the flange holding member holding shelf 218. ing. Therefore, even if the flange portion 215 is present in the cylindrical nut 110, the flange portion 215 of the cylindrical pipe body 210 is less likely to come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body 211 in the cylindrical nut 110. As a result, when the cylindrical nut 110 is moved in the axial direction along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210 or rotated around the axis, the movement in the axial direction and the rotation around the axis are smoothly performed. be able to.

Subsequently, the flange holding member 120 (first arc member 121 and second arc member 122) is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210 (see FIG. 6B). When the flange holding member 120 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210, the distance between the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 is widened so that the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 121 are mounted. 122 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210 so as to be along the flange 214 of the cylindrical tubular body 210. At this time, the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are mounted on the flange holding member holding shelf 218 of the cylindrical tubular body 210 (see FIG. 6B).

When the flange holding member 120 (first arc member 121 and second arc member 122) is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tube 210 due to the flange holding member holding shelf formed on the cylindrical tube 210. , Can be stably held in the attached state.

When the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210, the notch portion 124 (notch portion 124) formed in the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 ( (See FIG. 4D) is mounted on the cylindrical tube 210 so that it is located on the opposite side (rear end side) of the flange 214 (see FIG. 6B).

In this state, the cylindrical nut 110 is slid toward the flange 214 of the cylindrical tubular body 210. When the cylindrical nut 110 is slid toward the flange 214 of the cylindrical tubular body 210, the flange portion 115 of the cylindrical nut 110 becomes a notch portion 124 of the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 of the flange holding member 120. Engage (see FIG. 6 (c)).

The first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are formed with a notch portion 124 having an L-shaped cross section, so that the flange portion 115 is formed on the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122. When engaged, the collar portion 115 is in a state of matching the notch portion 214, so that the collar portion 115 "fits" well into the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122, and the collar portion 115 and the first Engagement with the 1 arc member 121 and the 2nd arc member 122 is ensured.

Subsequently, the cylindrical nut 110 is attached to the first connecting tube 220 (see FIG. 6D). At this time, it is assumed that the first connecting tube 220 is connected to the left ventricle of the heart as described above. The work of attaching the cylindrical nut 110 to the first connecting tube 220 will be described with reference to FIG. 6D. It should be noted that FIG. 6D is shown in cross section as a whole.

When the cylindrical nut 110 is attached to the first connection tube 220, the seal member (O-ring) 240 is attached to the seal member attachment groove 222 of the first connection tube 220. After that, in a state where the first connection pipe 220 is held by an operator or the like so that the first connection pipe 220 does not move, the first connection is made to the entire open end 110a of the cylindrical nut 110. The tip of the tubular body 220 is inserted, and the cylindrical nut 110 is slid rearward along the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting tubular body 220. Then, the female screw 111 of the cylindrical nut 110 is screwed into the male screw 221 of the first connection pipe 220, and the first connection pipe 220 is worked so that the first connection pipe 220 does not move. The cylindrical nut 110 is rotated and tightened while being held by a person's hand or the like.

At this time, the cylindrical nut 110 can be freely moved and rotated on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210. Therefore, when the cylindrical nut 110 is rotated and tightened, the cylindrical tube 210 is held by an operator or the like so that the cylindrical nut 110 does not rotate. Only can be rotated and tightened.

When the cylindrical nut 110 is tightened in this way, the cylindrical nut 110 is used for the first connection while applying a pressing force to the rear end side (to the left in FIG. 6D) of the flange 214. It moves to the rear end side of the tubular body 220 (to the left in FIG. 6D). The pressing force associated with the movement of the cylindrical nut 110 is applied via the flange pressing member (first arc member 121 and second arc member 122).

That is, between the flange 214 and the flange portion 115 of the cylindrical nut 110, the flange portion 115 of the cylindrical nut 110 is engaged with the notch portion 124 of the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122. Therefore (see FIG. 3B), when the cylindrical nut 110 moves to the rear end side (the first connection tube 220 side), the pressing force accompanying the progress of the cylindrical nut 110 is applied to the flange pressing member (the first). It is given via the 1 arc member 121 and the 2nd arc member 122).

As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the flange 214 moves on the protruding portion 224 (see FIG. 3 for details) of the first connecting pipe 220 to press the seal member (O-ring) 240. .. As a result, the first connecting tube 220 and the cylindrical tube 210 are brought into close contact with each other via the seal member (O-ring) 240 (see FIG. 6D).

That is, a protrusion 224 (see FIG. 3) is formed at the tip of the first connection tube 220, and the cylindrical tube 210 has a protrusion 224 of the first connection tube 220. A matching recess 216 (see FIG. 3) is formed. Therefore, when the cylindrical nut 110 presses the flange 214, the inner peripheral surface of the flange 214 moves on the protruding portion 224 of the first connecting pipe 220 and presses the seal member (O-ring) 240. As a result, the close contact between the first connecting tube 220 and the cylindrical tube 210 becomes higher. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the fluid (in this case, blood from the heart) flowing from the first connecting tube 220 to the cylindrical tube 210 from leaking to the outside.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6D, when the first connection tube 220 and the cylindrical tube 210 are in close contact with each other, the inner peripheral surface 223 of the first connection tube 220 and the cylindrical tube 210 are in close contact with each other. There is no step with the inner peripheral surface 217 of. Therefore, the inner peripheral surface 223 of the first connecting tube 220 and the inner peripheral surface 217 of the cylindrical tube 210 are stepless surfaces (surfaces having substantially no step) in the axial direction. As a result, the flow of the fluid (blood from the heart) flowing from the first connecting tube 220 to the cylindrical tube 210 is not obstructed.

The case where the first connection pipe body 220 and the cylindrical pipe body 210 are connected by using the pipe joint 100A has been described above, but the second connection pipe using the pipe joint 100B having the same structure as the pipe joint 100A. The body 230 and the cylindrical tube 210 can also be connected. The connection procedure for connecting the second connection pipe 230 and the cylindrical pipe 210 using the pipe joint 100B is as follows: The first connection pipe 220 and the cylindrical pipe 210 are connected using the pipe joint 100A. Since it can be performed in the same manner as in the case of connecting to, the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the cylindrical tube 210 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) having flanges 214 and 215 formed at both ends, the first connection tube 220, and the second connection tube 230 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). (See FIGS. 1 and 2) and the pipe joint 100 (pipe joint 100A and pipe joint 100B) are used to configure the pipeline forming unit 200 according to the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Can be done. As described above, the conduit forming unit 200 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be used as a conduit forming unit between the heart 820 and the blood pump 810 in the ventricular assist device 800 shown in FIG.

By using the conduit forming unit 200 according to the embodiment as a conduit forming unit between the heart 820 and the blood pump 810 in the ventricular assist device 800 shown in FIG. 10, various effects shown below can be obtained.

First, since the pipeline forming unit 200 according to the embodiment uses the pipe joint 100, the first connection pipe 220 and both ends are in accordance with the connection procedures shown in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (d). It is possible to connect to the cylindrical pipe body 210 having flanges 214 and 215 in the portion, and to connect the cylindrical pipe body 210 to the second connection pipe body 230.

Further, in the pipe joint 100 used in the pipeline forming unit 200 according to the embodiment, the entire surface of one end of the cylindrical body is open, and the inner peripheral surface on the side of the one end is open. A cylindrical nut 110 having a simple structure in which a female screw 111 is formed and the other end of the cylindrical body has an opening having a flange portion 215, and a first arc member 121 and a second arc member 122 are formed. It is composed of a flange holding member 120 that is integrally connected by the connecting member 123. Therefore, the pipe joint 100 used in the pipe line forming unit 200 according to the embodiment has few components and has a simple structure, so that it is easy to manufacture and is connected to the first connection pipe body 220. The connection with the cylindrical pipe body 210 and the connection between the second connection pipe body 230 and the cylindrical pipe body 210 can be easily performed.

Further, since the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are integrally connected by the elastic connecting member 123, the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 do not fall apart. .. Therefore, the workability when the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210 is excellent, and the parts (first arc member 121 and second arc member 121 and second arc) are excellent. The member 122) can be easily managed.

By the way, when the cylindrical tube 210 is connected to the first connection tube 220 connected to the heart, the first connection tube 220 is prevented from rotating around the axis and is cylindrical. It is required that the pipe body 210 also does not rotate around the axis so that the first connection pipe body 220 and the cylindrical pipe body 210 can be connected. However, in the pipe line forming unit 200 according to the embodiment, it is required. Since the pipe joint 100 is used, such a requirement can be satisfied.

For example, when connecting the first connection tube 220 and the cylindrical tube 210, a flange holding member 120 is interposed between the flange 115 of the cylindrical nut 110 and the flange 214 of the cylindrical tube 210. In this state, the female screw 111 of the cylindrical nut 110 is screwed into the male screw 221 of the first connection tube 220 to tighten it. When this work is performed, the first connection tube 220 is used. And the cylindrical nut 110 can be tightened without the cylindrical tubular body 210 rotating about the axis.

That is, when the female screw 111 of the cylindrical nut 110 is screwed into the male screw 221 of the first connection pipe 220 to tighten the first connection pipe 220, the first connection pipe 220 is screwed with a spanner or a worker's hand. If it is held down, the first connection tube 220 will not rotate around the axis. Further, since the cylindrical nut 110 can be freely moved in the axial direction and rotated around the axis on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical tubular body 210, the cylindrical tubular body 210 can be held by an operator or the like. , The cylindrical tubular body 210 also does not rotate about the axis. In this way, when the cylindrical nut 110 is tightened, the cylindrical nut 110 can be tightened without the first connection tube 220 and the cylindrical tube 210 rotating around the axis.

In particular, the first connecting tube 220 functions as a cannula, and when the first cuff C1 and the second cuff C2 are connected to the left ventricle of the heart by suture, it is impossible for the first connecting tube 220. I can't give power. When the cylindrical tube 210 is a curved bend tube, the position and orientation of the outlet (second end) of the cylindrical tube 210 are determined in relation to the position of the blood pump 300. It will be done.

From these facts, when the conduit formation unit 200 according to the embodiment is used for the auxiliary artificial heart system, the first connection tube 220 is prevented from rotating around the axis, and the cylindrical tube 210 is also an axis. It is required that the first connecting pipe body 220 and the cylindrical pipe body 210 can be connected without rotating around, but according to the pipe line forming unit 200 according to the embodiment, such a pipe body forming unit 200 is required. Can meet the demand.

The same applies when connecting the second connection tube 230 and the cylindrical tube 210 so that the second connection tube 230 does not rotate around the axis and the cylindrical tube 210 is also around the axis. The second connecting tube 230 and the cylindrical tube 210 can be connected without rotating. Therefore, when the second connection tube 230 is integrally provided with the blood pump 300, the blood pump 300 is provided with the position and orientation of the blood pump 300 set to an appropriate position and orientation. The provided second connection tube 230 and the cylindrical tube 210 can be connected.

Further, according to the pipeline forming unit 200 according to the embodiment, the cylindrical pipe body 210, the first connection pipe body 220, and the second connection pipe body 230 are inflexible hard members (metal). In the embodiment, titanium is used. For this reason, it has excellent rigidity, excellent corrosion resistance, and excellent compatibility with living tissues, and can prevent deformation such as twisting, crushing, and bending, and blood from the heart can be smoothly spilled. Can be pumped.

Further, the cylindrical tubular body 210 used in the conduit forming unit 200 according to the embodiment has flexibility such as an artificial blood vessel (for example, ePTFE) made of a flexible material used in a conventional ventricular assist device. It corresponds to an artificial blood vessel using a material), and by forming the artificial blood vessel with a metal such as titanium, deformation such as twisting, crushing, and bending can be reliably prevented. In particular, in the case of an artificial blood vessel (inflow side artificial blood vessel) in which blood flowing out of the left ventricle of the heart flows into a blood pump, the inside of the artificial blood vessel tends to have a negative pressure, and when the pressure becomes negative, the blood vessel collapses. Although there may be a problem such as the occurrence of such a problem, the occurrence of such a problem can be prevented by forming the artificial blood vessel with a metal such as titanium.

Further, in the pipeline forming unit 200 according to the embodiment, the inner peripheral surfaces of the first connecting pipe 220, the cylindrical pipe 210, and the second connecting pipe 230 are respectively stepless surfaces (in the axial direction). Since there is no substantial step), the blood flowing out of the heart can flow smoothly without stagnation. Further, since there are no protrusions such as clips on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first connection tube 220, the cylindrical tube 210, and the second connection tube 230, the surface is almost flat, so that the surface is in vivo. It will be less likely to affect other organizations.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the following modifications can be performed.

(1) In the above embodiment, the flange holding member 120, which is one of the constituent elements of the pipe joint 100, shows a case where the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are connected by the connecting member 123. However, the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 may not be connected. Hereinafter, a modified example of the flange holding member 120 (referred to as the flange holding member 120A) will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modified example of the flange holding member 120 (flange holding member 120A) for explaining. FIG. 7A is an enlarged perspective view of the flange holding member 120A, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the flange holding member 120A (cross-sectional view taken along the line aa of FIG. 7A). ..

In the flange holding member 120A, as shown in FIG. 7, the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are not connected by a connecting member, and the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are each connected. It consists of individual arc members that are separated. Further, the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 of the flange holding member 120A have an L-shaped cross section like the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 of the flange holding member 120 described in the above-described embodiment. The notch portion 124 forming the above is formed along the circumferential direction (see FIG. 7B).

Further, the flange holding member 120A can also be mounted so as to form an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body 211, similarly to the flange holding member 120 described in the above-described embodiment. In this case, one end 121a of the first arc member 121 and one end 122a of the second arc member 122 face each other, and the other end 121b of the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 It is mounted along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body 211 so as to face the other end portion 122b.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which a modified example of the flange holding member 120 (flange holding member 120A) is attached to the cylindrical tubular body 210. 8 (a) is a side view, and FIG. 8 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line aa of FIG. 8 (a). The procedure for connecting the cylindrical pipe body 210 to the first connection pipe body 220 by using the flange holding member 120A shown in FIG. 8 is described in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (a) to FIG. 6 (A) used in the description of the above-described embodiment. It can be carried out by almost the same procedure as in d). However, in the case of the flange holding member 120A, the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are not connected by the connecting member 123, but are separated from each other (the first arc member 121 and the first arc member 121). 2 Arc member 122).

Therefore, when performing the connection work shown in FIGS. 6 (b) and 6 (c) of FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (d), the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 fall. In order not to do so, it is necessary to hold the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 with the hands of an operator or the like, but on the other hand, in the case of the flange holding member 120A shown in FIG. 7, the first Since the arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 are not connected by the connecting member 123 but are individual arc members separated from each other, the configuration is simpler and the flange holding member can be easily manufactured. It will be something like that.

Even when the flange holding member 120A as shown in FIG. 7 is used as the flange holding member which is one of the constituent elements of the pipe joint 100, when the flange holding member 120 described in the above-described embodiment is used. Similarly, the cylindrical tubular body 210 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) having flanges 214 and 215 formed at both ends, the first connecting tubular body 220 and the second connecting tubular body 230 (FIG. 1). And (see FIG. 2) can be connected.

(2) In the above embodiment, the case where the flange holding member holding shelf 218 formed on the cylindrical tubular body 210 has a flat surface is illustrated, but the flange holding member holding shelf 218 is not a flat surface but has a concave groove. It may be formed so as to form.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a case where the flange holding member holding shelf 218 is formed so as to form a concave groove. The concave groove is formed all around the pipe body 211 along the circumferential direction. Further, FIG. 9 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3 used in the description of the above-described embodiment, and the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 9, since the flange holding member holding shelf 218 is formed so as to form a concave groove, the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 of the flange holding member 120 or the flange holding member 210A are cylindrical. When mounting the tubular body 210, the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 may be mounted so as to be fitted into the concave groove. Therefore, the work of attaching the first arc member 11 and the second arc member 122 to the cylindrical tubular body 210 (the work shown in FIG. 6B) becomes easy, and the subsequent work (the work shown in FIG. 6C and FIG. The work of FIG. 6D) becomes easier.

Further, the edge portion (inner peripheral side edge portion) of the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 on the flange holding member holding shelf 218 side is fitted into the flange holding member holding shelf 218 forming a concave groove. When the cylindrical nut 110 is tightened (the work shown in FIG. 6D), the edge portion (inner peripheral side) of the first arc member 121 and the second arc member 122 on the flange holding member holding shelf 218 side. It is possible to prevent the edge portion) from shifting to the side opposite to the tightening direction.

(3) In the above embodiment, when the first connection tube 220 and the cylindrical tube 210 are connected by using the pipe joint 100A, the first connection tube 220 is already connected to the heart. The case where the first connection tube 220 and the cylindrical tube 210, which are connected to the heart, are connected to each other by using the pipe joint 100A has been described. It is not limited. That is, before connecting the first connection tube 220 to the heart, the first connection tube 220 and the cylindrical tube 210 are connected by using the pipe joint 100A, and then the first connection tube is connected. The body 220 may be connected to the heart.

(4) In the above embodiment, the case where the pipe line forming unit of the present invention is applied to the ventricular assist device, especially when used as the line forming unit between the left ventricle of the heart and the blood pump has been described. However, it is not limited to this. For example, by changing the length and shape of the cylindrical tubular body 210, it can be used as a conduit forming unit arranged between the blood pump and the ascending aorta. Further, the conduit forming unit of the present invention is not limited to the ventricular assist device, and can be used for various purposes.

(5) In the above embodiment, since the case where the conduit forming unit of the present invention is used for the ventricular assist device is illustrated, the cylindrical tubular body 210 is curved due to the positional relationship between the heart and the blood pump. It was a bend tube. On the other hand, when the conduit forming unit of the present invention is used in a place other than the ventricular assist device, the cylindrical tubular body 210 does not necessarily have to be curved, and is linear, S-shaped, U-shaped, or the like. , Cylindrical pipes having various shapes can be obtained depending on the application.

(6) In the above embodiment, the case where titanium is used as the material of the first connection tube 220, the cylindrical tube 210, and the second connection tube 230 has been illustrated, but the corrosion resistance and corrosion resistance are the same as those of titanium. Other metals can be used as long as the material has excellent durability and compatibility with living tissue. In addition to metals, synthetic resins may be used as long as they are inflexible hard materials that are excellent in corrosion resistance and durability and are also excellent in compatibility with living tissues. When the conduit forming unit of the present invention is used in a place other than the ventricular assist device, the degree of freedom in the materials of the first connecting tube 220, the cylindrical tube 210, and the second connecting tube 230 is Spread further.

Further, the cylindrical nut 110 and the flange holding member 120 are not limited to titanium, as long as they are materials that are excellent in corrosion resistance and durability as well as titanium and are also excellent in compatibility with living tissues. Metal can be used. In addition to metals, synthetic resins may be used as long as they are excellent in corrosion resistance and durability and are also excellent in compatibility with living tissues.

(7) In the above embodiment, the connecting pipes (in the case of the above embodiment, the first connecting pipes) are connected to both ends (first end 212 and second end 213) of the cylindrical pipe 210. Although the pipeline forming unit having a configuration in which the 220 and the second connecting pipe 230) are connected by using the pipe joints 100 (pipe joints 100A and 100B), respectively, both ends of the cylindrical pipe 210 are necessarily described. It does not have to be a pipeline forming unit having a configuration in which a connecting pipe body is connected to each of the pipes. For example, a pipeline forming unit having a configuration in which a connecting pipe is connected to only one end (for example, the first end 212) of the cylindrical pipe 210 by using a pipe joint (for example, a pipe joint 100A). It may be.

100 (100A, 100B) ... Pipe joint, 110 ... Cylindrical nut, 110a ... One end of the cylindrical nut 110 (full flange end), 110b ... The other end of the cylindrical nut 110 (Flange side open end), 111 ... Female screw, 115 ... Flange, 120, 120A ... Flange holding member, 121 ... Arc member (first arc member), 122 ... Arc member (second arc member), 123 ... Connecting member, 124 ... Notch, 200 ... Pipeline forming unit, 210 ... Cylindrical tubular body, 211 ... Pipe Main body, 212 ... 1st end, 213 ... 2nd end, 214,215 ... Flange, 216 ... Recess, 217,223,233 ... Inner peripheral surface, 218 ... Flange holding member holding shelf, 220 ... 1st connection tube body, 221,231 ... Male screw, 222,232 ... Seal member mounting groove, 224,234 ... Protruding part, 230 ... 2nd connection tube, 240 ... Seal member (oring), 300 ... Blood pump, 310 ... Blood pump body, D1 ... Outside the connection area W of the 1st connection tube 220 Diameter, D2 ... Outer diameter of flange, D5 ... Inner diameter of one end (full-face open end) of cylindrical nut 110, D6 ... Other end of cylindrical nut 110 (flange side) Inner diameter of (open end), W ... Connection area of first connection tube 220, D7 ... Outer diameter of flange holding member 120

Claims (12)

Flange is integrally formed with the pipe body toward the outside in the radial direction on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first end portion in the axial direction of the pipe body and the second end portion on the side opposite to the first end portion. Cylindrical tube and
A first connection tube body arranged on the side of the first end portion of the cylindrical tube body and having a male screw formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof.
A second connection tube body arranged on the side of the second end portion of the cylindrical tube body and having a male screw formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof.
A pipe joint connecting the cylindrical pipe body and the first connection pipe body,
A pipe joint connecting the cylindrical pipe body and the second connection pipe body,
It is a pipeline forming unit equipped with
The pipe fitting
One end and the other end each form a cylindrical body having an opening, the one end has an opening on the entire surface, and the inner peripheral surface on the side of the one end has the above-mentioned. A female screw that can be screwed into the male screw of the first connection pipe body and the male screw of the second connection pipe body is formed, and the other end portion protrudes inward in the radial direction. Cylindrical nuts with flanges and
A flange holding member that holds the flange at the base of the flange in the pipe body,
With
In the cylindrical nut, the inner diameter of one end having an opening on the entire surface and the inner diameter of the other end on which the flange is formed are larger than the outer diameter of the flange of the cylindrical tube. It has a large diameter
The flange holding member is
It has a first arc member and a second arc member that can be mounted so as to form an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body, and the first arc member and the second arc member can be attached to the outer circumference of the pipe body. The outer diameter of the flange holding member when mounted so as to form an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the surface is larger than the outer diameter of the flange of the cylindrical tubular body, and the one of the cylindrical nuts. The diameter is set to be less than or equal to the inner diameter of the end portion of the above and larger than the inner diameter of the other end portion.
A pipeline forming unit characterized in that. In the pipeline forming unit according to claim 1,
The first arc member and the second arc member are pipeline forming units characterized in that the first arc member and the second arc member are integrally connected by an elastic connecting member. In the pipeline forming unit according to claim 1,
The first arc member and the second arc member are pipeline forming units characterized in that the first arc member and the second arc member are separated from each other. In the pipeline forming unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The first arc member and the second arc member are characterized in that notches having an L-shaped cross section are formed along the longitudinal directions of the first arc member and the second arc member, respectively. Pipeline formation unit as a sign. In the pipeline forming unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A pipe characterized in that a flange holding member holding shelf for holding the flange holding member is formed at the base of the flange in the pipe main body along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe main body. Road forming unit. In the pipeline forming unit according to claim 5,
The flange holding member holding shelf is a pipeline forming unit characterized in that it is formed so as to form a concave groove along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body. In the pipeline forming unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The first connecting tube has a function of being connected to the left ventricle of the heart in a living body and guiding blood flowing out of the left ventricle of the heart to the cylindrical tube.
The second connecting tube is provided in the blood pump of the ventricular assist device, and has a function of allowing blood flowing through the cylindrical tube to flow into the blood pump. Forming unit. In the pipeline forming unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
A pipe line forming unit, wherein the cylindrical pipe body, the first connection pipe body, and the second connection pipe body are made of an inflexible hard member. In the pipeline forming unit according to claim 8,
The pipe forming unit, wherein the inflexible hard member is made of metal. In the pipeline forming unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
The first connection tube body, the cylindrical tube body, and the second connection tube body are in a state where the first connection tube body, the cylindrical tube body, and the second connection tube body are connected to each other. When this is done, the inner peripheral surface of the first connecting pipe body, the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical pipe body, and the inner peripheral surface of the second connecting pipe body become stepless surfaces in the axial direction, respectively. Pipeline forming unit. In the pipeline forming unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
An annular sealing member is interposed between the first connecting pipe body and the cylindrical pipe body and between the second connecting pipe body and the cylindrical pipe body, respectively. Pipeline forming unit. Flange is integrally formed with the pipe body toward the outside in the radial direction on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first end portion in the axial direction of the pipe body and the second end portion on the side opposite to the first end portion. It can be used to connect the cylindrical tube body to the first connection tube body which is arranged on the side of the first end portion of the cylindrical tube body and has a male screw formed on the outer peripheral surface. With
It can also be used to connect the cylindrical tube body and the second connection tube body arranged on the side of the second end portion of the cylindrical tube body and having a male screw formed on the outer peripheral surface. It is a pipe joint
One end and the other end each form a cylindrical body having an opening, the one end has an opening on the entire surface, and the inner peripheral surface on the side of the one end has the above-mentioned. A female screw that can be screwed into the male screw of the first connection pipe body and the male screw of the second connection pipe body is formed, and the other end portion protrudes inward in the radial direction. Cylindrical nuts with flanges and
A flange holding member that holds the flange at the base of the flange in the pipe body,
With
In the cylindrical nut, the inner diameter of one end having an opening on the entire surface and the inner diameter of the other end on which the flange is formed are larger than the outer diameter of the flange of the cylindrical tube. It has a large diameter
The flange holding member is
It has a first arc member and a second arc member that can be mounted so as to form an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body, and the first arc member and the second arc member can be attached to the outer circumference of the pipe body. The outer diameter of the flange holding member when mounted so as to form an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the surface is larger than the outer diameter of the flange of the cylindrical tubular body, and the one of the cylindrical nuts. The diameter is set to be less than or equal to the inner diameter of the end portion of the above and larger than the inner diameter of the other end portion.
A pipe fitting characterized by that.

Images