JP2022118609A - connector - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible to confirm a tube end position safely any time after a tube is inserted in a patient; and to increase the degree of freedom in choice of a tube diameter while securing compatibility with a conventional connector in the connector provided for the tube.SOLUTION: A connector 1 is provided at a base end of a conductive tube 30. The connector 1 is provided with: a cylindrical member 11 in a hollow cylindrical shape; and a base pipe 20 in the hollow cylindrical shape arranged coaxially to the cylindrical member 11. The tube 30 is led from the base pipe 20 to the opposite side to the cylindrical member 11. The cylindrical member 11 is configured to lead light emitted to an end of the cylindrical member 11 to a base end surface 31 of the tube 30 by passing the cylindrical member 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2B

Description

The present invention relates to a connector provided on a light guide tube.

In the medical field, a flexible hollow tube is sometimes inserted into a patient for examination or treatment. For example, a tube inserted through the mouth or nose (referred to as an oral tube or a nasal tube) is used to supply liquid nutrients from the outside to a patient who has difficulty chewing or swallowing. Tube feeding is performed in which nutrients are sent directly into the stomach through a tube. Prior to delivering nutrients, it is necessary to ensure that the tip of the tube is positioned within the stomach.

Patent Literature 1 describes a method for confirming the position of the tip of the tube by inserting a tube into which an optical fiber has been inserted in advance and observing the light emitted from the tip of the optical fiber from outside the body. This method requires that the optical fiber be withdrawn from the tube after the tube has been inserted into the patient and prior to delivering nutrients through the tube into the stomach. Once the optical fiber has been withdrawn, reinserting the optical fiber into the tube can cause an accident in which the optical fiber penetrates the tube during the insertion process and damages the gastrointestinal wall. Therefore, the method of Patent Document 1 has the problem that it can be used only when the tube is first inserted into the patient, and cannot be used for periodically confirming the position of the tip of the tube thereafter. there is

Therefore, it is conceivable to use the tube itself as the light guide path without using the optical fiber. Light is incident on the proximal face of the tube and emitted from the distal end of the tube. According to this method, the position of the tip of the tube can be confirmed by emitting light from the tip of the tube not only when the tube is first inserted into the patient, but also whenever necessary thereafter.

WO2015/133119A1 JP 2015-119837 A

In tube feeding, it is necessary to provide a connector at the proximal end of the tube in order to form a flow path from the container in which the nutrient is stored to the stomach. It is desirable that the connector be compatible with connectors used in conventional tube feeding. When the proximal end surface of the tube is configured to be substantially flush with the distal end of the connector in order to allow light to enter the tube, the inner diameter of the tube must match the opening diameter of the channel of the conventional connector. This narrows the freedom of choice regarding the inner diameter of the tube.

A first object of the present invention is to make it possible to safely confirm the position of the tip of the tube at any time after the tube has been inserted into the patient. A second object of the present invention is to improve the degree of freedom in selecting the diameter of the tube in a connector provided on the tube while ensuring compatibility with conventional connectors.

The connector of the present invention is provided at the proximal end of a flexible hollow light conducting tube. The connector includes a tubular member having a hollow tubular shape and a base pipe having a hollow tubular shape arranged coaxially with the tubular member. The light-guiding tube extends from the base tube toward the side opposite to the tubular member. The cylindrical member is configured to guide light incident on the distal end of the cylindrical member through the cylindrical member to the base end surface of the light-guiding tube.

According to the present invention, when light is incident on the tip of the tubular member, the light passes through the tubular member and the tube, and the tip of the tube can emit light. Therefore, the position of the tip of the tube can be safely checked at any time after the tube has been inserted into the patient.

The diameter of the tube can be arbitrarily selected if the tubular member is configured to be compatible with conventional connectors. Therefore, the degree of freedom of choice regarding the diameter of the tube is improved while ensuring compatibility with conventional connectors.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a system for detecting the position of the distal end of a tube, and a connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is provided at the proximal end of the tube. 2A is a perspective view of a connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention connected to a light source device; FIG. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention connected to a light source device.

In one aspect of the invention, the tubular member may include a tubular body and a hollow light guide tube inserted into the tubular body. The light guide tube may be made of a light guide material. Such an aspect is advantageous in preventing damage to the light guide tube and improving the durability of the connector.

The light guide tube may have a light emitting end surface facing the base end surface of the light guide tube. Thereby, the light emitted from the light emitting end surface of the light guide tube efficiently enters the light guide tube. This is advantageous for improving the brightness of the tip of the tube.

In one aspect of the present invention, the entire cylindrical member may be made of a light-guiding material. Such an aspect is advantageous in facilitating the manufacture of the connector.

The cylindrical member may have a light emitting end surface facing the base end surface of the light guiding tube. As a result, the light emitted from the light emitting end surface of the tubular member efficiently enters the light guide tube. This is advantageous for improving the brightness of the tip of the tube.

In one aspect of the present invention, the light-guiding tube may be provided with a tapered shape that decreases or expands in diameter toward the base end surface. Such an aspect is advantageous in improving the degree of freedom in selecting the diameter of the tube while ensuring compatibility with conventional connectors.

In one aspect of the present invention, a tapered surface that decreases or expands in diameter toward the proximal end surface of the light-guiding tube may be provided on an inner peripheral surface that defines a flow path penetrating the tubular member. . Such an aspect is advantageous in improving the degree of freedom in selecting the diameter of the tube while ensuring compatibility with conventional connectors.

In one aspect of the present invention, the opening diameter (end opening diameter) of the flow path penetrating the cylindrical member at the tip of the cylindrical member may be different from the inner diameter of the light-guiding tube. Such an aspect is advantageous in improving the degree of freedom in selecting the diameter of the tube while ensuring compatibility with conventional connectors. For example, the tip opening diameter of the channel may be smaller than the inner diameter of the tube. Such an aspect is advantageous in improving fluidity of liquid flowing through the tube while ensuring compatibility with conventional connectors. Alternatively, the tip opening diameter of the channel may be larger than the inner diameter of the tube. Such an aspect is advantageous in improving the brightness of the tip of the tube while using a tube with a small diameter.

In one aspect of the present invention, the connector may further include an outer cylinder surrounding the tubular member, and a female thread provided on an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder facing the tubular member. According to this aspect, the connector of the present invention can be configured to be compatible with a male connector provided at the proximal end of a conventional nasogastric tube used in tube feeding.

The connector of the present invention can be attached to the proximal end of a flexible, hollow, light-conducting tube to form a medical tube. According to such a medical tube, the position of the tip of the tube can be safely checked at any time after the tube is inserted into the patient. In addition, there is a high degree of freedom in selecting the diameter of the tube while ensuring compatibility with conventional connectors.

The present invention will be described in detail below while showing preferred embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Each figure referred to in the following description shows, for convenience of explanation, the main members constituting the embodiment of the present invention in a simplified manner. Accordingly, the present invention may include optional members not shown in the following figures. Also, each member shown in the following figures may be changed or omitted within the scope of the present invention. In the drawings cited in the description of each embodiment, members corresponding to the members shown in the drawings cited in the preceding embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the drawings of the preceding embodiment. be. Duplicate descriptions of such members are omitted, and the descriptions of the preceding embodiments should be appropriately considered.

In the present invention, the "axis" of a member (for example, connector, tubular member) means the central axis of the member. An "axis" passes through the center of a circle contained in the member and/or coincides with the central axis of a cylinder or cone (taper) contained in the member. A direction along a straight line perpendicular to the axis is called a “radial direction”. In the radial direction, the side closer to the axis is called the "inner" side, and the side farther from the axis is called the "outer" side. The direction of rotation around the axis is called the "circumferential direction".

(Embodiment 1)
An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to nasogastric tube feeding will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 , a connector 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is provided at the proximal end of a nasal tube (hereinafter simply referred to as “tube”) 30 . The tube 30 is inserted through the nasal cavity of the patient 90 and the tip 35 of the tube 30 reaches the stomach 91 . The tube 30 has flexibility that allows it to be freely curved and deformed. The tube 30 is a hollow cylindrical body in which a continuous flow path 39 (see FIG. 2B described later) is formed over its entire length. During tube feeding, liquid nutrients are administered to the patient's stomach 91 through the connector 1 and the tube 30 . The connector 1 can be repeatedly connected to and disconnected from the light source device 70 . When the connector 1 is connected to the light source device 70, light from a light source 78 (see FIG. 3 described later) built in the light source device 70 passes through the connector 1 and the tube 30 and is emitted from the tip 35 of the tube 30. Light from the tip 35 penetrates the body of the patient 90 and illuminates the body surface. The operator can confirm the position of the distal end 35 of the tube 30 from the light-emitting position on the body surface of the patient 90 .

2A is a perspective view of connector 1 provided at the proximal end of tube 30. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A along a plane containing the axis (not shown) of connector 1. FIG. The connector 1 has a connector portion 10 on its distal end (the upper end of the connector 1 in FIGS. 2A and 2B) and a base tube 20 on its proximal end. The connector portion 10 includes a cylindrical member (male member) 11 having a hollow cylindrical shape and an outer cylinder 17 surrounding the cylindrical member 11 . The connector portion 10 (or the cylindrical member 11) and the base tube 20 are arranged coaxially. A through hole passes through the connector 1 from the tubular member 11 to the base tube 20 along the axis of the connector 1 .

The tubular member 11 includes a hollow cylindrical tubular body 12 and a light guide tube 15 inserted into the tubular body 12 . A male tapered surface 13 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 11 (or the cylindrical main body 12 ), the outer diameter of which decreases as the tip of the cylindrical member 11 approaches. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 11 (or the cylindrical main body 12 ) further has a distal end tapered surface 14 having a larger taper angle than the male tapered surface 13 on the distal end side of the male tapered surface 13 . The tip of the cylindrical member 11 (a part or the whole of the tip tapered surface 14 ) protrudes from the tip of the outer cylinder 17 in the axial direction of the connector 1 . Projection of the cylindrical member 11 from the outer cylinder 17 facilitates connection of the connector 1 (or the connector portion 10) to a female connector (not shown; see, for example, FIGS. 5A and 5B of Patent Document 2). It is advantageous for

The light guide tube 15 has a hollow cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral surface of the light guide tube 15 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder main body 12 are cylindrical surfaces having substantially the same diameter. The light guide tube 15 is fitted into the cylinder main body 12 with substantially no gap in the radial direction. The inner peripheral surface of the light guide tube 15 is a cylindrical surface whose inner diameter is constant in the axial direction. A lumen of the light guide tube 15 constitutes a channel 19 of the connector 1 . Both longitudinal end surfaces 15 a and 15 b of the light guide tube 15 are annular flat surfaces perpendicular to the axis of the connector 1 . The light incident end surface 15a forms the same plane as the tip of the cylindrical body 12 (the tip of the tip tapered surface 14) and is exposed to the outside.

A flange 16 protrudes radially outward from the proximal end of the tubular member 11 (or tubular body 12). An outer cylinder 17 extends from the circular outer periphery of the flange 16 toward the same side as the cylinder member 11 (toward the tip end of the connector 1). The outer cylinder 17 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the cylinder member 11 . The outer cylinder 17 is radially separated from the cylinder member 11 (or the cylinder main body 12). A female screw 18 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 17 facing the cylinder member 11 .

The connector part 10 is configured to be compatible with a male connector used in tube feeding (for example, see FIGS. 4A and 4B of Patent Document 2).

The base tube 20 has a hollow tubular shape and communicates with the tubular member 11 (or the light guide tube 15). In this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the base pipe 20 is a cylindrical surface whose inner diameter is constant in the axial direction. However, the inner peripheral surface of the base tube 20 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a tapered surface in which the inner diameter increases toward the distal end side or the proximal end side (cylindrical member 11 side) of the base tube 20. . Although the inner diameter of the base tube 20 is not limited, it is larger than the inner diameter of the cylinder main body 12 in this embodiment. Therefore, a tapered surface 25 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder main body 12 and the inner peripheral surface of the base pipe 20 due to the difference in the inner diameters of the two. The light emitting end surface 15b of the light guide tube 15 is located at the same axial position as the boundary between the tapered surface 25 and the tubular body 12 .

A flexible hollow tube 30 is inserted into base tube 20 . The outer diameter of the tube 30 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the base tube 20 . However, a portion of the tube 30 near the base end surface 31 (hereinafter referred to as the “base end portion”) has a tapered shape 32 that decreases in diameter toward the base end surface 31 (or the tubular member 11 ) along the tapered surface 25 . is provided. A proximal end surface 31 of the tube 30 is a flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tube 30 . The base end face 31 faces the light emitting end face 15b of the light guide tube 15 in the axial direction, is close to the light emitting end face 15b, and preferably contacts the light emitting end face 15b. The lumen of the tube 30 constitutes the channel 39 of the tube 30 and communicates with the channel 19 (the lumen of the light guide tube 15) inside the cylindrical member 11. As shown in FIG. The tube 30 is fixed to the base pipe 20 with an adhesive or the like so as not to separate from the base pipe 20 . The tube 30 is led out from the base tube 20 toward the side opposite to the tubular member 11 .

The connector 1 is composed of two parts, a light guide tube 15 and a portion other than the light guide tube 15 (connector main body). The connector main body is made of a material having enough mechanical strength (rigidity) that it is not substantially deformed by an external force. Examples of such materials include resin materials such as polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, and rigid polyvinyl chloride. The connector main body can be integrally formed as a single part using the above resin material.

The light guide tube 15 is made of a light-guiding material (light-guiding material) so that light can enter from the light incident end face 15a, pass through the light guide tube 15, and exit from the light emitting end face 15b. ). Examples of light-guiding materials include resin materials such as polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, rigid polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, silicone, polyethylene, styrene elastomer, polybutadiene, polyolefin, acrylic resin (such as PMMA), and polycarbonate. A transparent material such as quartz glass or the like can be used. Among them, resin materials are preferred from the viewpoint of moldability and handling properties, and acrylic resins (for example, PMMA) and polycarbonate are more preferred. In order to improve the brightness (luminous flux) of the tip 35 (see FIG. 1) of the tube 30, it is preferable to reduce the light loss between the light incident end face 15a and the light emitting end face 15b. For this purpose, it is effective to reduce the light (leakage light) emitted from the outer peripheral surface of the light guide tube 15 between the light incident end face 15a and the light emitting end face 15b. Means for reducing leaked light include, but are not limited to, (1) constructing the light guide tube 15 in a multi-layer structure including at least an inner layer with a high refractive index and an outer layer with a low refractive index; A reflective layer (for example, a vapor deposited layer of silver, aluminum, or the like) may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tube 15, or the like.

The method of integrating the light guide tube 15 with the connector main body is not limited. A method of manufacturing one of the optical pipe 15 and the connector main body and then integrating the other with the one by two-color molding can be used.

Although the material of the tube 30 is not limited, it preferably has flexibility and light guiding properties. For example, resins such as polyurethane, acrylic, silicone, polyethylene, styrene elastomer, polybutadiene, and polyolefin can be used. In this embodiment, light incident from the base end surface 31 of the tube 30 is transmitted through the tube 30 (a portion that constitutes the thickness of the tube 30 between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the tube 30) and passes through the tip 35. (see FIG. 1) and the tip 35 emits light. In order to improve the brightness (luminous flux) of the tip 35, it is preferable to reduce the light loss between the base end surface 31 and the tip 35. FIG. For this purpose, it is effective to reduce light (leakage light) emitted from the outer peripheral surface of the tube 30 to the outside from the base end surface 31 to the distal end 35 . Means for reducing leakage light include, but are not limited to, (1) smoothing the outer peripheral surface of the tube 30, (2) covering the outer peripheral surface of the tube 30 with a coating material having a lower refractive index than the tube 30. (3) A reflective layer (e.g., metal deposition layer of silver, aluminum, etc.) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tube 30. (4) The tube 30 has a multilayer structure comprising at least an inner layer with a high refractive index and an outer layer with a low refractive index. and the like, or a combination of two or more.

The method for providing the desired tapered shape 32 at the proximal end of the tube 30 is not limited. A thermoforming method with immediate quenching can be used.

In order for the light from the tip 35 to illuminate the body surface of the patient 90 regardless of the orientation of the tip 35 within the stomach 91 (see FIG. 1), the light must be directed from the tip 35 of the tube 30 along the length of the tube 30. It is preferable to radiate in a direction perpendicular or oblique to the direction. To achieve this, the distal end 35 of the tube 30 may be provided with a slanted light exit surface, and/or a reflective or refractive member may be provided opposite the light exit surface of the distal end 35 of the tube 30, or the like. preferable.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 1 connected to the light source device 70. FIG. The light source device 70 includes a holding portion 71 that accommodates and holds the connector 1 and a light source 78 arranged at a position deeper than the holding portion 71 . The holding portion 71 includes a holding tube 72 and a stepped surface 73 . The inner peripheral surface of the holding cylinder 72 is a cylindrical surface having substantially the same diameter as the outer cylinder 17 . The step surface 73 is provided at a position a predetermined distance from the open end of the holding cylinder 72 so as to protrude radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the holding cylinder 72 . The light source 78 is arranged coaxially with the holding portion 71 (or the holding tube 72). The connector 1 (or connector portion 10 ) is inserted into the holding portion 71 until the tip of the outer cylinder 17 contacts the step surface 73 . The holding tube 72 positions the connector 1 (or tube member 11) coaxially with the light source 78. As shown in FIG. The stepped surface 73 positions the connector 1 (or the tubular member 11 ) at a predetermined axial distance from the light source 78 . The tip of the cylindrical member 11 (or the light incident end surface 15 a of the light guide tube 15 ) faces the light source 78 .

The light source 78 emits light toward the tip of the tubular member 11 . Light emitted from the light source 78 enters the light incident end face 15 a of the light guide tube 15 , passes through the light guide tube 15 , emerges from the light exit end face 15 b, and enters the base end face 31 of the tube 30 .

Light source 78 may be, but is not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED). The light emitted by the light source 78 is preferably visible light or near-infrared light, and the wavelength of the light is not limited, but is preferably 360 nm or more, further 630 nm or more, and 3000 nm or less, further 780 nm. The following are preferable. Light with a wavelength in this range has a high transmittance to the human body, is less invasive to the human body, and is highly safe. Since visible light can be observed with the naked eye, the position of the tip 35 of the tube 30 can be easily confirmed. Near-infrared light is more transparent than visible light and can be observed through a dedicated camera such as an infrared camera. In one example, light with a wavelength of 630 nm can be used as visible light, or light with a wavelength of 780 nm can be used as near-infrared light. The light source 78 may be provided with a lens and/or a lens may be provided between the light source 78 and the cylindrical member 11 so that the light emitted from the light source 78 is efficiently incident on the light incident end surface 15 a of the light guide tube 15 . may be provided.

A method of using the connector 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described.

A nasal tube having a connector 1 provided at the proximal end of the tube 30 is prepared. The tube 30 is inserted into the patient's 90 nasal cavity in the same manner as a common nasal tube (see FIG. 1). The connector 1 is connected to the light source device 70 to cause the light source 78 (see FIG. 3) to emit light. Light emitted from the light source 78 passes through the light guide tube 15 and the tube 30 in order and is emitted from the tip 35 of the tube 30 . Light from tip 35 is transmitted through patient 90 . The operator can confirm the position of the distal end 35 from the position of light emission on the body surface of the patient 90 . Depending on its wavelength, the light can be seen with the naked eye or via an infrared camera.

As in the case of inserting a general nasal tube, the tube 30 with a stylet (sometimes called a guidewire) inserted into the flow channel 39 in advance may be inserted into the patient 90 . The proximal end of the stylet can lead out of connector 1 . In this case, the connector 10 is connected to the light source device 70 after the stylet is pulled out from the tube 30 .

The patient 90 may be inserted into the tube 30 in which the optical fiber is inserted into the flow channel 39 so that the tip of the optical fiber reaches the tip 35 of the tube 30 . Light source device 70 is used to illuminate the tip of the optical fiber in addition to tip 35 . Since the luminous flux from the tip 35 increases, the position of the tip 35 can be confirmed more accurately. After confirming that the tip of the tube 30 has reached the stomach, the optical fiber is pulled out from the tube 30. - 特許庁

After confirming that the tip 35 of the tube 30 has reached the stomach, the light source device 70 is separated from the connector 1 . Then, the connector 1 is connected to a connector (female connector; see, for example, FIGS. 5A and 5B of Patent Document 2) provided at the downstream end of a tube (generally called a tube feeding set) that conveys nutrients. . Nutrients pass through the flow path 19 of the connector 1 and the flow path 39 of the tube 30 in sequence and flow out of the tip 35 to be administered to the patient.

The connector 1 is left in the patient 90 together with the tube 30 for several days. During this time, the tube 30 may curl up and the tip 35 may move. For this reason, the connector 1 is connected to the light source device 70 at predetermined time intervals (for example, immediately before administering the nutrient to the patient 90), the tip 35 is illuminated, and the position thereof is confirmed.

As described above, in Embodiment 1, the cylindrical member 11 of the connector 1 includes the light guiding tube 15 having light guiding properties. Therefore, when the light from the light source 78 is incident on the light incident end face 15a of the light guide tube 15, the light passes through the light guide tube 15, is emitted from the light emitting end face 15b, and is incident on the base end face 31 of the tube 30. be able to. The light also passes through tube 30 and exits from tip 35 of tube 30 . Unlike Patent Document 1, according to Embodiment 1, the tip 35 of the tube 30 can be made to emit light using the tube 30 itself as a light guide path. Light from tip 35 is observable through the body of patient 90 . Therefore, the position of the tip 35 of the tube 30 can be detected easily and accurately.

In Patent Document 1 mentioned above, it is necessary to insert an optical fiber into the tube in order to confirm the tip position of the tube. If the optical fiber is withdrawn from the tube and then reinserted into the tube, the optical fiber can pierce the tube and damage the gastrointestinal wall. On the other hand, in the present embodiment 1, the essential optical fiber in Patent Document 1 is not required. The position of the tip 35 of the tube 30 can be confirmed without reinserting the optical fiber into the tube 30. - 特許庁For this reason, in the first embodiment, the above accident that can occur in Patent Document 1 cannot occur. By using the connector 1, after the tube 30 is inserted into the patient 90, light can be emitted from the tip 35 of the tube 30 to safely confirm the position of the tip 35 whenever necessary.

The connector part 10 of the connector 1 is a male connector provided at the proximal end of a conventional nasal tube used for tube feeding (hereinafter referred to as "existing male connector"; see, for example, FIGS. 4A and 4B of Patent Document 2). It can be configured to be compatible. In this case, the connector 1 can be connected to a female connector that can be connected to an existing male connector (see, for example, FIGS. 5A and 5B of Patent Document 2) in the same manner as an existing male connector is connected to the female connector. can.

Existing male connectors may have standards for shape and the like. In order to ensure compatibility with the existing male connector, the opening diameter of the flow path 19 at the tip of the cylindrical member 11 (light incident end face 15a) (hereinafter referred to as "tip opening diameter") should be the same as that of the existing male connector. There is a need. In Embodiment 1, the tip opening diameter of the flow path 19 depends on the light guide tube 15 instead of the tube 30 . Compatibility with the existing male connector can be ensured by making the opening diameter at the light incident end face 15a of the light guide tube 15 the same as the tip opening diameter of the flow channel of the existing male connector. The inner diameter of the tube 30 may differ from the tip opening diameter of the channel 19 . Therefore, the connector 1 can improve the degree of freedom in selecting the diameter of the tube 30 while ensuring compatibility with existing male connectors. In Embodiment 1, the tube 30 having an inner diameter larger than the tip opening diameter of the channel 19 is used. This is advantageous in increasing the cross-sectional area of the channel 39 of the tube 30 and improving the fluidity of the nutrient flowing through the channel 39 .

In Embodiment 1, the inner diameter of the tube 30 is larger than the tip opening diameter of the channel 19, but the present invention is not limited to this. The inner diameter of the tube 30 may be smaller than the tip opening diameter of the channel 19, or may be the same as the tip opening diameter. A tube 30 having a desired diameter (outer diameter and inner diameter) can be used without changing the tip opening diameter of the channel 19 . In the present invention, the "inner diameter" of the tube 30 is defined as the diameter of the tube 30 in the portion where the tube 30 is not processed, such as the tapered shape 32, for increasing or decreasing the diameter. means the original inner diameter.

It is preferable that the base end surface 31 of the tube 30 is axially opposed to the light emitting end surface 15b of the light guide tube 15 . A tapered shape 32 provided near the base end surface 31 (base end portion) of the tube 30 according to the size relationship of the diameter (inner diameter and outer diameter) of the tube 30 with respect to the diameter (inner diameter and outer diameter) of the light emitting end face 15b. can be changed as appropriate. The tapered shape 32 may expand in diameter toward the base end surface 31 . Alternatively, tapered shape 32 may be omitted.

In Embodiment 1 described above, the tapered shape 32 provided at the proximal end portion of the tube 30 is provided continuously with the proximal end face 31, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the tapered shape 32 may be provided at a position separated from the base end surface 31 by a predetermined distance. In this case, the portion between the tapered shape 32 and the base end surface 31 may have a constant inner diameter different from the original inner diameter of the tube 30 .

Instead of providing a tapered shape at the proximal end of the tube 30, the light guide tube 15 may be provided with a tapered shape. In this case also, the light emitting end face 15b of the light guide tube 15 is axially opposed to the base end face 31 of the tube 30 while making the tip opening diameter of the flow channel 19 the same as that of the existing male connector. can be done. Therefore, the degree of freedom in selecting the diameter of the tube 30 can be improved while ensuring compatibility with existing male connectors. The tapered shape may be provided over the entire length of the light guide tube 15 or may be provided over only a portion of the entire length of the light guide tube 15 . The tapered shape may be provided as a tapered surface provided only on one of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the light guide tube 15 .

In Embodiment 1, a light guide tube 15 made of a light-guiding material is inserted into the cylinder main body 12 . Therefore, even if the connector 1 is repeatedly connected to and disconnected from the female connector, the possibility of the light guide tube 15 coming into contact with the female connector is low. Since the light guide tube 15 is protected by the cylindrical body 12, the possibility of damaging the light guide tube 15 is reduced, and the durability of the connector 1 is improved.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the connector 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention provided at the proximal end of the tube 30. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4A along a plane containing the axis (not shown) of connector 2. FIG. The connector 2 has a tubular member 211 instead of the tubular member 11 of the connector 1 of the first embodiment. The connector 2 is composed of two parts, a cylindrical member 211 and a portion other than the cylindrical member 211 (connector main body). The tubular member 211 is integrated with the connector main body by fitting the base end portion thereof into a recess 16 a provided in the center of the flange 16 . A through hole passes through the connector 2 from the tubular member 211 to the base tube 20 along the axis of the connector 2 .

The tubular member 211 has a hollow tubular shape as a whole. A lumen of the tubular member 211 constitutes the flow path 19 of the connector 2 . Similar to the cylindrical member 11 of the first embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 211 is provided with the male tapered surface 13 and the tip tapered surface 14 . A tapered surface (base-end tapered surface) 212 whose diameter decreases toward the base end (or the base pipe 20) of the cylinder member 211 (or the base pipe 20) is provided on the portion (base end portion) of the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder member 211 that is fitted into the flange 16. is provided. The cylindrical member 211 has end faces 215a and 215b at both longitudinal ends thereof. The end faces 215a, 215b are annular flat faces perpendicular to the axis of the connector 2. As shown in FIG. The light incident end surface 215a is connected to the tip tapered surface 14 . The light emitting end surface 215b is connected to the proximal end tapered surface 212 . A light emitting end surface 215b of the cylindrical member 211 axially faces the base end surface 31 of the tube 30, is close to the base end surface 31, and preferably contacts the base end surface 31. As shown in FIG.

The opening diameter (tip opening diameter) of the channel 19 at the tip (light incident end surface 215a) of the cylindrical member 211 is the same as the tip opening diameter of the channel 19 of the connector 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the connector portion 10 of the connector 2 is compatible with existing male connectors used in tube feeding (for example, see FIGS. 4A and 4B of Patent Document 2).

The tube 30 of Embodiment 2 differs from the tube 30 of Embodiment 1 in the following two points. First, the diameter (inner diameter and outer diameter) of the tube 30 is smaller than the diameter (inner diameter and outer diameter) of the tube 30 of the first embodiment. Second, the tube 30 does not have a tapered shape 32 (see FIG. 2B). That is, in Embodiment 2, the tube 30 has a small diameter, and the diameter (inner diameter and outer diameter) of the tube 30 is constant in the vicinity of the proximal end surface 31 (base end portion). The light emitting end face 215b of the cylindrical member 211 axially faces the base end face 31 of the small-diameter tube 30. As shown in FIG. For this reason, a tapered surface (conical surface) 216 whose inner diameter decreases from the light incident end face 215a toward the light emitting end face 215b is provided on the inner peripheral surface that defines the flow path 19 (or the cylindrical member 211). The tapered surface 25 (see FIG. 2B) provided between the cylinder body 12 and the base pipe 20 in the first embodiment is not provided in the second embodiment.

The entire cylindrical member 211 has a light guiding property so that the light can enter from the light incident end surface 215a (preferably further tapered surface 14), pass through the cylindrical member 211, and exit from the light emitting end surface 215b. (light-guiding material). The light guide material that can be used for the light guide tube 15 of Embodiment 1 can be used as the light guide material for the tubular member 211 . In addition, the means for reducing leakage light from the outer peripheral surface of the light guide tube 15 described in the first embodiment can also be applied to the tubular member 211 in the same manner.

The method of integrating the tubular member 211 with the connector main body is not limited. A method of manufacturing one of 211 and the connector main body and then integrating the other with the one by two-color molding can be used.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 2 connected to the light source device 70. FIG. The light source device 70 is the same as in the first embodiment. When the connector 2 (or the connector portion 10) is inserted into the holding portion 71 as in the first embodiment, the connector 2 (or the cylindrical member 211) is positioned coaxially with the light source 78 and at a predetermined distance from the light source 78 in the axial direction. be done. A light incident end surface 215 a of the cylindrical member 211 faces the light source 78 . The light source 78 emits light toward the tip of the tubular member 211 . Light emitted from the light source 78 is incident on the light incident end face 215a (preferably, the tip tapered surface 14) of the cylindrical member 211, passes through the cylindrical member 211, is emitted from the light emitting end face 215b, and reaches the proximal end face of the tube 30. 31.

The method of using the connector 2 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In Embodiment 2, the entire tubular member 211 is made of a light-guiding material. When the light from the light source 78 is made incident on the tip of the tube member 211 , the light passes through the tube member 211 , is emitted from the light emission end surface 215 b , and can be made incident on the base end surface 31 of the tube 30 . The light also passes through tube 30 and exits from tip 35 of tube 30 . Using the tube 30 itself as a light guide, the tip 35 of the tube 30 can be illuminated. Light from tip 35 is observable through the body of patient 90 . Therefore, the position of the distal end 35 of the tube 30 can be easily and accurately detected as in the first embodiment.

As in the first embodiment, the second embodiment does not require an optical fiber, which is essential in Patent Document 1. The position of the tip 35 of the tube 30 can be confirmed without reinserting the optical fiber into the tube 30. - 特許庁By using the connector 2, after the tube 30 is inserted into the patient 90, light can be emitted from the tip 35 of the tube 30 to safely confirm the position of the tip 35 whenever necessary.

The connector portion 10 of the connector 2 can be configured to be compatible with an existing male connector used in tube feeding (see, for example, FIGS. 4A and 4B of Patent Document 2). In this case, the tip opening diameter of the channel 19 is set to be the same as that of the existing male connector. The inner diameter of the tube 30 may differ from the tip opening diameter of the channel 19 . Therefore, the connector 2 can improve the degree of freedom in selecting the diameter of the tube 30 while ensuring compatibility with existing male connectors. In Embodiment 2, a small-diameter tube 30 having an inner diameter smaller than the tip opening diameter of the channel 19 is used. The small diameter tube 30 also has a small outer diameter. Such a small-diameter tube 30 is useful, for example, as a nasal tube for children. The small-diameter tube 30 has a small area of its proximal end surface 31 . In Embodiment 2, the tip opening diameter of the flow path 19 is larger than the inner diameter of the tube 30, so that the area of the light incident end surface 215a of the cylindrical member 211 can be easily increased. This is advantageous in improving the brightness (luminous flux) of the tip 35 of the small-diameter tube 30, since more light can be incident on the light incident end surface 215a.

In Embodiment 2, the inner diameter of the tube 30 is smaller than the tip opening diameter of the channel 19, but the present invention is not limited to this. The inner diameter of the tube 30 may be larger than the tip opening diameter of the channel 19, or may be the same as the tip opening diameter. A tube 30 having a desired diameter (outer diameter and inner diameter) can be used without changing the tip opening diameter of the channel 19 .

It is preferable that the base end surface 31 of the tube 30 axially oppose the light emitting end surface 215b of the tubular member 211 . The tapered surface 216 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 211 that defines the flow path 19 corresponds to the size relationship of the diameter (inner diameter and outer diameter) of the tube 30 with respect to the diameter (inner diameter and outer diameter) of the light emitting end surface 215b. It can be changed as appropriate. The tapered surface 216 may expand in diameter toward the light emitting end surface 215b. The tapered surface 216 does not need to extend over the entire length of the tubular member 211 and may be provided only along part of the entire length of the tubular member 211 . Alternatively, without providing the taper 216, the inner peripheral surface defining the flow path 19 may be a cylindrical surface having a constant diameter in the axial direction.

Instead of providing the tapered surface 216 on the inner peripheral surface of the flow path 19 , the tube 30 may be provided with the tapered shape 32 that decreases or expands toward the end surface 31 as described in the first embodiment. In this case as well, the light emitting end face 215b of the cylindrical member 211 can be axially opposed to the base end face 31 of the tube 30 while making the tip opening diameter of the flow channel 19 the same as the tip opening diameter of the flow channel of the existing male connector. can. Therefore, the degree of freedom in selecting the diameter of the tube 30 can be improved while ensuring compatibility with existing male connectors.

In Embodiment 2, the entire tubular member 211 is made of a light-guiding material. Therefore, the tubular member 211 is a relatively large member. This is advantageous for facilitating manufacture of the connector 2 .

Embodiment 2 is the same as Embodiment 1 except for the above. The description of the first embodiment also applies to the second embodiment.

The first and second embodiments described above are merely examples. The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate.

In Embodiment 1, at least a portion of the light emitting end face 15b of the light guide tube 15 may face the base end face 31 of the tube 30 in the axial direction. Similarly, in Embodiment 2, at least a portion of the light emitting end surface 215b of the tubular member 211 may be axially opposed to the proximal end surface 31 of the tube 30. As shown in FIG. When viewed along the axis of the connectors 1 and 2, a portion of the base end face 31 may protrude radially outward or inward from the light emitting end faces 15b and 212b. The inner and outer diameters of the base end face 31 are preferably the same as the inner and outer diameters of the light emitting end faces 15b and 212b, but may be different. The base end face 31 is preferably coaxial with the light emitting end faces 15b and 212b, but may be eccentric. Proximal surface 31 is preferably circular, but may be non-circular (eg, elliptical).

The configuration of the connector section 10 is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above. For example, it is not essential to provide the male tapered surface 13 and the tip tapered surface 14 on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 11 , 211 . The tip taper surface 14 may be omitted and the male taper surface 13 may be extended to the tips of the cylindrical members 11 and 211 . In this case, the outer diameters of the annular light incident end surfaces 15a and 215a can be enlarged. This is advantageous in improving the brightness (luminous flux) of the tip 35 of the tube 30 because the areas of the light incident end faces 15a and 215a are enlarged, which increases the amount of light incident on the light incident end faces 15a and 215a. .

The connector portion 10 may not include the outer cylinder 17 and the flange 16 provided with the female thread 18 .

The connection structure between the connector and the light source device of the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments. In Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the holding tube 72 of the light source device 70 is configured such that the outer tube 17 fits into the holding tube 72, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the holding cylinder 72 may be configured such that the holding cylinder 72 is inserted between the outer cylinder 17 and the cylinder members 11 and 211 . In this case, the cylindrical members 11 and 211 may be fitted into the holding cylinder 72, for example. The inner peripheral surface of the holding cylinder 72 may be provided with a tapered surface (female tapered surface) that is taper-fitted with the male tapered surface 13 of the tubular member 11 , 211 . A male thread that engages with the female thread 18 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the holding tube 72 . The light source device may not include the outer cylinder 17 or the holding cylinder 72 into which the cylinder members 11 and 211 are fitted. In this case, the connector can be connected to the light source device while the tip of the outer cylinder 17 is in contact with a flat surface equivalent to the stepped surface 73 provided on the light source device. The flat surface positions the connector (or tubular member 11 , 211 ) at a predetermined axial distance from the light source 78 . A light source device without the holding cylinder 72 has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture. The method for maintaining the connected state of the connector with respect to the light source device is not limited, and may be arbitrarily selected, for example, a method using an elastic band, a method using magnetic attraction force, or the like.

The connectors 1 and 2 of Embodiments 1 and 2 described above include a connector portion 10 configured to be compatible with a male connector used for a nasal tube (see, for example, FIGS. 4A and 4B of Patent Document 2). provided, but the invention is not so limited. The connector of the present invention is provided at the proximal end of a tube used for tube feeding other than nasal feeding, or at the proximal end of a tube used for uses other than tube feeding (for example, a urethral catheter or a tracheal intubation catheter). good too. The connector need not be a male connector and may be a female connector. In this case, the tubular member of the present invention functions as a female member, and an arbitrary male member is inserted into and removed from the lumen (channel 19) of the tubular member.

In the present invention, "the light-guiding tube is led out from the base tube toward the side opposite to the cylindrical member" means that the tube 30 extends from the base tube 20 in appearance. is located within the base tube 20. That is, in the present invention, the insertion depth of the tube 30 into the connector is arbitrary. good.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be widely used as a connector provided at the proximal end of a medical tube inserted into a patient.

1, 2 Connectors 11, 211 Cylindrical member 12 Cylindrical body 13 Male taper surface 14 Tip taper surface 15 Light guiding tubes 15a, 215a Light incident end faces 15b, 215b Light emitting end face 17 Outer cylinder 18 Female screw 19 Channel 20 of cylindrical member Base pipe 216 tapered surface 30 tube (light-guiding tube)
31 proximal end surface of tube 32 tapered shape of tube 35 distal end of tube 39 flow path of tube

Claims (10)

A connector at the proximal end of a flexible hollow light conducting tube, comprising:
The connector includes a hollow cylindrical tubular member and a hollow tubular base pipe arranged coaxially with the tubular member,
The light-guiding tube is led out from the base tube toward the side opposite to the cylindrical member,
The connector according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical member is configured to guide light incident on the distal end of the cylindrical member through the cylindrical member to the base end surface of the light-guiding tube. the tubular member comprises a tubular body and a hollow light guide tube inserted into the tubular body;
2. The connector of claim 1, wherein said light guide tube is constructed of a light-conducting material. 3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the light guide tube has a light emitting end surface facing the base end surface of the light guide tube. 2. A connector according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical member is wholly made of a light-guiding material. 5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the cylindrical member has a light emitting end surface facing the base end surface of the light guiding tube. 6. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light-guiding tube is provided with a tapered shape that decreases or expands toward the base end face. 7. A tapered surface whose diameter is reduced or increased toward the base end surface of the light-guiding tube is provided on an inner peripheral surface that defines a flow path passing through the tubular member. connector as described in section. 8. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the diameter of the opening of the channel passing through the tubular member at the tip of the tubular member is different from the inner diameter of the light-guiding tube. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connector further comprises an outer cylinder surrounding the tubular member, and a female thread provided on an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder facing the tubular member. . A medical tube comprising a flexible hollow light-conducting tube provided with a connector at its proximal end, said connector being the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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