JP2024086605A - Priming Cap - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a priming cap that can automatically and efficiently perform priming operations for various liquids regardless of the type of liquid stored in a container. [Solution] A priming cap 1 is configured to be attachable to a female connector 40b of a medical tube 40 that guides nutrients L stored in a container 20 to a patient. The cap body 2 has an internal fluid introduction space S1 that is connected to the inside of the tube 40 when attached to the tube 40, and the cap body 2 made of a rubber material is configured to expand and deform in conjunction with the introduction of a predetermined amount of air into the fluid introduction space S1 and to maintain the predetermined expanded state to block the flow of nutrients L in the tube 40. [Selected Figure] Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a priming cap used in the priming operation of filling a tube with liquid from a container while displacing air inside the tube in preparation for administering a medicinal liquid or the like that has accumulated in a container via a medical flexible tube to a patient.

In medical settings, when administering liquids such as medicinal solutions or nutrients stored in a container to a patient, it is necessary to prevent air that accumulates in the flexible medical tube connecting the patient and the container from being sent into the patient's body. To address this, in the preparation stage, a so-called priming operation is performed by medical personnel, in which the tube is filled with the liquid in the container while moving the air in the tube. Conventionally, this priming operation has generally been performed by medical personnel manually operating a clamp provided in the middle of the tube to close and open the passage in the tube, thereby flowing or stopping the liquid stored in the container from the container into the tube. However, there are problems with manual priming operations, such as poor work efficiency because medical personnel cannot perform other tasks until the priming operation is completed, and further, if the medical personnel is delayed in closing the passage in the tube for a moment, the fluid may accidentally leak from the tube, and there are problems with manual priming operations being a heavy burden on medical personnel.

To avoid this, in recent years, devices that perform priming operations automatically have been developed. For example, the priming cap disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a cap body that is shaped like a long and thin cylinder, with one open end of the cap body attached to the end of the tube that connects to the patient, and the other open end of the cap body having a hydrophobic filter that allows only gas to pass through. During the priming operation, when a medical professional operates the clamp to flow liquid that has accumulated in the container into the tube, the air in the tube moves toward the cap body and is discharged to the outside of the cap body through the hydrophobic filter, while the liquid that moves through the tube and reaches the inside of the cap body is blocked by the hydrophobic filter, so that the tube and the cap body are filled with liquid and the movement of liquid in the tube automatically stops.

Japanese Patent No. 4180669

However, the hydrophobic filter attached to the cap body as in Patent Document 1 has the problem that if the liquid administered to the patient contains a surfactant, it may become hydrophilic and cause liquid leakage, which limits the types of medicines, nutrients, etc. that can be used.

The present invention was made in consideration of these points, and its purpose is to provide a priming cap that can automatically and efficiently perform priming operations for various fluids regardless of the type of liquid stored in the container.

To achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized by a configuration in which a portion of the cap through which air or liquid is introduced expands in conjunction with the introduction of a predetermined amount of air or liquid, thereby blocking the flow of fluid in the tube.

Specifically, the following solution was implemented in a priming cap that is configured to be attached to the connector of a medical tube that guides liquid collected in a container to a patient, and that is configured to fill the tube with liquid while displacing the air inside the tube during a priming operation.

That is, the first invention is characterized by having a fluid introduction space inside that is connected to the inside of the tube when attached to the tube, and a fluid introduction expansion part that expands in conjunction with the introduction of a predetermined amount of at least one of air and liquid into the fluid introduction space and maintains a predetermined expansion state to block the flow of fluid in the tube.

The second invention is characterized in that in the first invention, the fluid introduction expansion section has a cap body that can be expanded and deformed to increase the fluid introduction volume of the fluid introduction space to a predetermined value.

The third invention is the second invention, characterized in that the cap body is made of an expandable flexible material.

The fourth invention is the third invention, characterized in that the cap body is attached with a connector that is connected to the connector portion of the tube so as to create a sealed state between the connector portion and the cap body, and has a communication hole that communicates between the fluid introduction space and the inside of the tube when connected to the connector portion.

The fifth invention is the fourth invention, characterized in that the connector is made of a hard material and is configured to be connected to the connector portion by a screw connection.

The sixth invention is characterized in that in any one of the second to fifth inventions, the maximum fluid introduction volume in the fluid introduction expansion section is set to be less than the volume of the tube inner passage.

The seventh invention is characterized in that the cap body of the first invention is provided with a through hole whose one end opening is connected to the inside of the tube when attached to the connector part of the tube, and one or more liquid-absorbing materials arranged inside the through hole and configured to expand and deform when absorbing the liquid, the liquid-absorbing materials being the fluid introduction expansion part, and the through hole being the fluid introduction space.

The eighth invention is characterized in that, in the seventh invention, the liquid-absorbing material is tubular and extends along the through hole, and is configured so that the inner space of the liquid-absorbing material is positioned to correspond to the tube when the cap body is connected to the tube.

The ninth invention is characterized in that the seventh or eighth invention includes a cover body that is attached to the cap body and has a fluid storage section formed therein that is connected to the other end opening of the through hole.

The tenth invention is characterized in that in the second or third invention, a connector having a communication hole that communicates the fluid introduction space with the inside of the tube when connected to the connector portion is attached to the cap body, the connector has a partition member made of a soft material, the partition member has a slit into which a male part provided at the tip of the connector portion can be inserted, the partition member is open when the male part is inserted into the slit, and the partition member is closed when the male part is not inserted into the slit.

In the first invention, when the priming operation is started, the liquid flowing from the container through the tube moves the air accumulated in the tube to the fluid introduction expansion section, so that the fluid (at least one of air and liquid) in the tube is introduced into the fluid introduction space sequentially from the downstream end of the tube. At that time, the fluid introduction expansion section expands in conjunction with the introduction of the fluid into the fluid introduction space, and when a predetermined amount of fluid is introduced into the fluid introduction space, it maintains a predetermined expanded state and it becomes impossible to introduce any more fluid into the fluid introduction space. In other words, the flow of the fluid in the tube is blocked, the introduction of the fluid into the fluid introduction space is automatically stopped, and the tube is filled with liquid. In this way, the priming operation can be performed automatically, simply, and efficiently. In addition, since the flow of the liquid in the tube is automatically stopped without using a hydrophobic filter as in Patent Document 1, the priming operation can be performed automatically regardless of the type of liquid in the container.

In the second invention, the cap body is structured to expand and deform in conjunction with the introduction of fluid into the fluid introduction space, so the external shape of the priming cap before use is compact, making it an easy-to-handle device for medical personnel. In addition, by appropriately setting the fluid introduction volume of the fluid introduction space, it is possible to design the device so that priming is completed at a desired position within the tube. Furthermore, for example, when priming with a liquid such as an anticancer drug that would have a negative effect on patients and medical personnel if it leaks, leakage of the liquid can be reliably prevented.

In the third invention, the external shape of the cap body gradually changes as air is introduced into the fluid introduction space. This makes the flow of fluid inside the tube smoother, allowing the air inside the tube to move more efficiently.

In the fourth invention, when the priming cap is connected to the connector of the tube, the liquid-tightness between the priming cap and the connector is improved, and it is possible to prevent liquid from leaking out from between the priming cap and the connector. Therefore, medical personnel can perform the priming operation hygienically.

In the fifth invention, the connector is designed to be less likely to deform, making it easier for medical personnel to hold the connector while working. This makes it easier to attach and remove the priming cap to the tube.

In the sixth invention, after the priming operation is started, the air in the tube is replaced by liquid and the expansion of the fluid introduction expansion section stops when the liquid reaches a position just before reaching the downstream end of the tube. Therefore, liquid does not jump out from the downstream end of the tube and adhere to the area around the connector part of the tube, for example, the outer surface of the connector part, and liquid does not adhere to the connection part on the patient side connected to the connector part via the connector part, or liquid does not leak between the connector part and the connection part on the patient side connected to the connector part, resulting in a hygienic structure.

In the seventh invention, the air introduced into the through hole disappears from the tube by passing through the through hole. The liquid flowing in the tube then reaches the through hole, but when it enters the through hole, the liquid absorbing material absorbs the liquid and gradually expands and enlarges, blocking the through hole and blocking the flow of liquid. Then, the liquid cannot pass through the through hole, and the tube becomes filled with liquid. In this way, only the air in the tube can be moved efficiently during the priming operation. In addition, since the size of the cap body does not change compared to the structure of the third invention in which the cap body is made of a flexible material and expands to block the flow of liquid, a priming cap that is easy to handle can be made.

In the eighth invention, the liquid-absorbent material is cylindrical, so when liquid enters the through-hole, the inner surface of the liquid-absorbent material expands toward the center line of the liquid-absorbent material at the same time to block the through-hole. This improves the efficiency with which the liquid-absorbent material absorbs liquid, and shortens the time it takes for air to pass through the through-hole and block the flow of liquid in the tube.

In the ninth invention, if liquid passes through the through hole when the flow of liquid in the through hole is blocked by the expansion of the liquid-absorbent material, the liquid passes through the other end opening of the through hole and enters the fluid storage section of the cover body. This makes it possible to prevent liquid from splashing or leaking into the working space during the priming operation.

In the tenth invention, when the male part is inserted into the slit, the partition member is opened, making it possible to move the fluid in the tube to the fluid introduction space, and the priming operation can be performed appropriately. In addition, when the male part is not inserted into the slit, the partition member is closed, making it possible to prevent, for example, the liquid that has accumulated in the fluid introduction space after the priming operation from leaking out of the priming cap.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a priming cap according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a line for enteral nutrition for administering nutrients to a patient. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the priming cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the priming cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the state immediately after starting a priming operation. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the state immediately after the priming operation is completed, following FIG. 4 . FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a priming cap according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a priming cap according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a priming cap according to a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the state immediately after starting a priming operation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state immediately after the priming operation is completed, following FIG. 12 .

The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiment is essentially merely exemplary.

First Embodiment of the Invention
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which enteral nutrition is being administered to a patient P, and shows a priming cap 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a nutrition line 10 for administering a nutrient L (liquid) to the patient P.

The nutrition line 10 is for guiding the nutritional supplement L to the patient P, and is equipped with a bag-shaped container 20 in which the nutritional supplement L is stored, a nasal catheter 30 having one end inserted through the patient P's nostril into the stomach and a male connector 30a at the other end, and a medical tube 40 connecting the nasal catheter 30 and the container 20.

The medical tube 40 has a flexible tube body 40a, one end of which is connected to the container 20, and a female connector 40b (connector portion) that is provided at the other end of the tube body 40a and can be connected to the male connector 30a of the nasal catheter 30.

A drip tube 40c and a clamp 40d are arranged in sequence from the upstream side of the tube body 40a in the middle of the tube body 40a, and by operating the clamp 40d to close or open the passage in the tube body 40a, it is possible to stop or move the nutrient L that leaves the container 20 and moves inside the tube 40.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the priming cap 1 has a cap body 2 (fluid introduction expansion section) made of an expandable rubber material (soft material) that is roughly T-shaped when viewed from the front.

The cap body 2 has an internal fluid introduction space S1 that opens at one end, and expands and deforms in response to the introduction of a predetermined amount of fluid (at least one of air and liquid) into the fluid introduction space S1 until the fluid introduction volume reaches a predetermined value, and maintains the predetermined expanded state.

The maximum fluid introduction volume in the cap body 2 is set to be less than the volume of the passage inside the tube 40.

A resin connector 3 is disposed at one end of the cap body 2. The connector 3 is generally disk-shaped with a thickness in the axial direction and has a center line C1 that coincides with the longitudinal direction of the cap body 2. The cap body 2 is attached to the connector 3 by welding them together with one end of the cap body covering approximately half of the outer periphery of one side of the connector 3.

The connector 3 has an inner tube 4 that extends along the center line C1 and has a communication hole 4a that connects to the fluid introduction space S1 of the cap body 2, and the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 4 is tapered so that the outer diameter decreases as it moves away from the cap body 2.

A ring-shaped extension 5 that extends radially outward is provided on the periphery of the opening at one end of the inner tube 4.

In addition, an outer tube portion 6 is provided on the outside of the inner tube portion 4, extending from the outer peripheral edge of the annular extension portion 5 to the other side of the inner tube portion 4 and surrounding the inner tube portion 4, and the other end portion of the inner tube portion 4 is positioned protruding beyond the extension end opening portion of the outer tube portion 6.

As shown in Figure 4, the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 6 is formed with a female screw portion 6a that can be screwed into the male screw portion 40e of the female connector 40b. That is, the connector 3 is configured to be attachable to the female connector 40b of the tube 40, and when the connector 3 is screwed into the female connector 40b, the inner tube 4 fits inside the female connector 40b and the communication hole 4a connects the fluid introduction space S1 to the inside of the tube 40. At this time, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the female connector 40b is sealed so that the nutrient L cannot leak out.

Then, when the priming operation is started by operating the clamp 40d with the priming cap 1 attached to the female connector 40b of the tube 40, as shown in Fig. 5, the nutrient L flowing from the container 20 through the tube 40 moves the air accumulated in the tube 40 to the cap body 2, so that the air in the tube 40 is introduced into the fluid introduction space S1 sequentially from the downstream end of the tube 40. At that time, the cap body 2 formed to be expandable expands in conjunction with the introduction of air into the fluid introduction space S1, and when a predetermined amount of air is introduced into the fluid introduction space S1, the cap body 2 expanded to a predetermined expanded state maintains the predetermined expanded state, and it becomes impossible to introduce any more air into the fluid introduction space S1. That is, the flow of the nutrient L in the tube 40 is blocked (position X1 in Fig. 5), and the introduction of air into the fluid introduction space S1 is automatically stopped, and the air in the tube 40 disappears and the tube 40 is filled with the nutrient L. Then, the clamp 40d is operated to close the passage in the tube 40, the priming cap 1 is removed from the female connector 40b, and the female connector 40b is connected to the male connector 30a, allowing enteral nutrition to be administered.

In this way, according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, the priming operation can be performed automatically, simply, and efficiently.

In addition, the flow of the nutrient L in the tube 40 is automatically stopped without using a hydrophobic filter as in Patent Document 1, so the priming operation can be performed automatically regardless of the type of liquid, such as medicinal liquid or nutrient, in the container.

In addition, because the cap body 2 is structured to expand and deform in conjunction with the introduction of air into the fluid introduction space S1, the external shape of the priming cap 1 before use is compact, making it an easy-to-handle device for medical personnel. By appropriately setting the fluid introduction volume of the fluid introduction space S1, it is possible to design the device so that priming is completed at a desired position within the tube 40. Furthermore, for example, when priming a liquid such as an anticancer drug that would have a negative effect on patients and medical personnel if it leaks, leakage of the liquid can be reliably prevented.

In addition, because the cap body 2 is made of rubber, the external shape of the cap body 2 gradually changes when air is introduced into the fluid introduction space S1. This allows the flow of the nutrients L in the tube 40 to be smoother, and the air in the tube 40 can be moved efficiently.

In addition, since the connector 3 is connected to the female connector 40b of the tube 40 so that the gap between the female connector 40b is sealed, the liquid tightness between the priming cap 1 and the female connector 40b is improved, and it is possible to prevent the nutrient L from leaking out from between the priming cap 1 and the female connector 40b. Therefore, medical personnel can perform the priming operation hygienically.

In addition, the connector 3 is made of a hard resin material and has a structure that is difficult to deform, making it easy for medical personnel to hold the connector 3 and work with it. This makes it easy to attach and remove the priming cap 1 to the tube 40.

Furthermore, since the maximum fluid introduction volume in the cap body 2 is set to be less than the volume of the passage in the tube 40, the expansion of the cap body 2 stops when the air in the tube 40 is replaced with the nutrient L and the nutrient L reaches a position just before reaching the downstream end of the tube 40 after the priming operation is started. Therefore, the nutrient L does not jump out from the downstream end of the tube 40 and adhere to the female connector 40b of the tube 40, for example, to the outer circumferential surface of the female connector 40b, and the nutrient L does not adhere to the male connector 30a on the patient side connected to the female connector 40b via the female connector 40b, or the nutrient L does not leak between the female connector 40b and the male connector 30a on the patient side connected to the female connector 40b, resulting in a hygienic structure.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the cap body 2 is made of a rubber material, and specific examples of the rubber material include natural rubber, SBR, NBR, and silicone. The cap body 2 may also be made of other materials as long as they are flexible and stretchable, and may be made of resin materials such as PE, PVC, and PBD.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the cap body 2 is made of rubber and expands and deforms as the cap body 2 expands and contracts, but if the cap body 2 expands in response to the introduction of the nutrient L into the fluid introduction space S1, the cap body 2 does not have to be of an expandable structure. For example, the cap body 2 may be made of a cloth material and kept in a compact folded state, and the cap body 2 may expand in response to the introduction of the nutrient L into the fluid introduction space S1.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the connector 3 is made of a resin material, and specific examples of the resin material include PE, PVC, PC, PP, ABS, etc. In addition, the connector 3 does not have to be made of a resin material as long as it is hard, and may be made of, for example, a metal material.

In addition, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the maximum fluid introduction volume in the cap body 2 is set to be less than the volume of the passage in the tube 40, but it may be set to be equal to or greater than the volume of the passage in the tube 40. In this way, all air in the tube 40 can be removed and all areas in the tube 40 can be filled with the nutrient L, allowing the nutrient L to reach the tip of the female connector 40b, thereby avoiding the risk of air flowing into the patient's body when the female connector 40b is then connected to the male connector 30a of the nasal catheter 30.

In addition, in the first embodiment of the present invention, one end of the cap body 2 covers approximately half of the outer periphery on one side of the connector 3, but the area covered by the connector 3 may be less than half or more than half. The entire outer periphery of the connector 3 may be covered by one end of the cap body 2. It is preferable that more than half of the outer periphery of the connector 3 is covered by the cap body 2, and more preferable that more than two-thirds of the outer periphery of the connector 3 is covered by the cap body 2.

In addition, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the cap body 2 and the connector 3 are connected by welding, but they may be connected to each other by other connection methods, for example, the connector 3 may be heated and thermally welded to the cap body 2. Solvent bonding or laser welding may also be used, and they may be fixed to each other with a cable tie or the like so that they do not come off.

In addition, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube portion 6 in the connector 3 and the outer peripheral surface of the female connector 40b are screwed together, but this is not limited thereto. They may also be connected to each other by a taper fit, so that the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube portion 6 and the outer peripheral surface of the female connector 40b are tightly attached so that the nutrient L cannot leak out.

In addition, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the female connector 40b is provided with a male screw portion 40e, and the connecting body 3 is provided with a female screw portion 6a, but the female connector 40b may be provided with another female screw portion (not shown), and the connecting body 3 may be provided with another male screw portion (not shown) that can be screwed into the other female screw portion (not shown) of the female connector 40b.

Second Embodiment of the Invention
6 to 9 show a priming cap 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The priming cap 1 includes a resin cap body 7 having a substantially cylindrical shape, one end of which can be connected to the female connector 40b, and a resin cover body 8 connected to the other end of the cap body 7.

A connection part 9 is provided on one end of the cap body 7, allowing the cap body 7 to be connected to the female connector 40b, while a dam part 11 that blocks the nutrients L is provided in the area extending from the middle of the cap body 7 to the other end.

The dam section 11 is cylindrical with a tapered surface 11a on the outer periphery of the other end, and a first hole section h1 is formed in the center thereof, extending along the cylinder center line C2.

A cylindrical liquid-absorbing material 12 (fluid introduction expansion section) is disposed in the first hole section h1, excluding the area corresponding to the tapered surface 11a of the dam section 11, and extends along the first hole section h1. The liquid-absorbing material 12 expands and deforms when it absorbs the nutrient L.

The connection part 9 has an inner cylinder part 9a that extends along the cylinder center line C2 and has a second hole part h2 that is continuous with the first hole part h1, and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder part 9a is tapered so that the outer diameter decreases with increasing distance from the dam part 11.

The diameter of the second hole portion h2 is set smaller than the diameter of the first hole portion h1, and the first hole portion h1 and the second hole portion h2 form a through hole H (fluid introduction space) that penetrates from one end of the cap body 7 to the other end.

The outer cylinder portion 9b, which surrounds the inner cylinder portion 9a, is disposed at a predetermined distance from the inner cylinder portion 9a, and the ends of the inner cylinder portion 9a and the outer cylinder portion 9b that are closer to the dam portion 11 are continuous with the dam portion 11.

On the other hand, the end of the inner tube portion 9a farther from the dam portion 11 is shaped to protrude from the opening on the outer tube portion 9b farther from the dam portion 11.

As shown in FIG. 7, the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube portion 9b is formed with a female screw portion 9c that can be screwed into the male screw portion 40e of the female connector 40b. That is, the connection portion 9 is configured to be attachable to the female connector 40b of the tube 40, and when the connection portion 9 is screwed into the female connector 40b, the inner tube portion 9a fits inside the female connector 40b and the through hole H is connected to the inside of the tube 40.

The liquid-absorbent material 12 is configured so that the inner space of the liquid-absorbent material 12 is positioned to correspond to the tube 40 when the cap body 7 is connected to the tube 40.

The cover body 8 is an elongated cylinder with a bottom, and inside it is formed a fluid storage section 8a that opens at one end, while at the other end is formed a communication hole 8b for passing air.

By fitting the opening side area of the cover body 8 into the area corresponding to the tapered surface 11a of the dam section 11 in the first hole section h1, the cover body 8 is attached to the cap body 7 and the fluid storage section 8a is connected to the through hole H.

Then, when the priming operation is started by operating the clamp 40d with the priming cap 1 attached to the female connector 40b of the tube 40, the nutrient L flowing from the container 20 through the tube 40 moves the air accumulated in the tube 40 to the cap body 7, so that the air in the tube 40 is introduced into the through hole H sequentially from the downstream end of the tube 40. At that time, the air introduced into the through hole H disappears from the tube 40 by passing through the through hole H. A part of the air remains in the fluid storage section 8a of the cover body 8, and a part flows out to the outside of the priming cap 1 through the communication hole 8b of the cover body 8. After that, the nutrient L flowing through the tube 40 reaches the through hole H. Specifically, the nutrient L first reaches the second hole portion h2 and then flows toward the first hole portion h1. When the nutrient L enters the through hole H (first hole portion h1), the liquid-absorbent material 12 gradually expands and enlarges by absorbing the nutrient L, as shown in FIG. 9. When the liquid-absorbent material 12 reaches a predetermined expanded state, the through hole H (first hole portion h1) is blocked, and the liquid-absorbent material 12 maintains the predetermined expanded state while blocking the flow of the nutrient L. The nutrient L is then unable to pass through the through hole H, and the tube 40 is filled with the nutrient L. After that, the clamp 40d is operated to close the passage in the tube 40, and the priming cap 1 is removed from the female connector 40b, and the female connector 40b is connected to the male connector 30a, allowing enteral nutrition administration.

In this way, according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently move only the air inside the tube 40 during the priming operation.

Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the flow of the nutrient L in the tube 40 is automatically stopped without using a hydrophobic filter as in Patent Document 1, so the priming operation can be performed automatically regardless of the type of liquid.

Furthermore, because the liquid-absorbent material 12 is cylindrical, when the nutrient L enters the through-hole H, the inner surface of the liquid-absorbent material 12 expands toward the center line of the liquid-absorbent material 12 at the same time, blocking the through-hole H. This improves the efficiency with which the liquid-absorbent material 12 absorbs the nutrient L, and shortens the time it takes for the flow of the nutrient L in the tube 40 to be blocked when air passes through the through-hole H.

In addition, if the nutrient L passes through the through-hole H when the flow of the nutrient L in the through-hole H is blocked by the expansion of the liquid-absorbent material 12, the nutrient L passes through the other end opening of the through-hole H and enters the fluid storage section 8a of the cover body 8. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the nutrient L from scattering into the work space during the priming operation.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, one liquid-absorbent material 12 is disposed in the through hole H, but this is not limited thereto, and a configuration in which multiple liquid-absorbent materials 12 with fine shapes are disposed in the through hole H may also be used.

In addition, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube portion 9a in the connection portion 9 is tapered so that the outer diameter decreases as it moves away from the dam portion 11, but this is not limited thereto, and the outer peripheral surface may be tapered so that the outer diameter increases as it moves away from the dam portion 11, or may be cylindrical with no tapering.

In addition, the diameter of the second hole portion h2 of the cap body 2 in the second embodiment of the present invention is set to be smaller than the first hole portion h1, but it may be the same diameter as the first hole portion h1 or may be larger.

In addition, the connection portion 9 of the second embodiment of the present invention has an inner tube portion 9a, an outer tube portion 9b, and a female screw portion 9c, but any of these may be omitted if it is possible to attach it to the female connector 40b.

In addition, the cover body 8 in embodiment 2 of the present invention is configured to fit inside the damming portion 11, but it may be configured to fit outside the damming portion 11, or may be molded integrally with the damming portion 11.

In addition, the cover body 8 of the second embodiment of the present invention is provided with a communication hole 8b that allows air to flow out to the outside of the priming cap 1, but the cover body 8 may not be provided with a communication hole 8b, and may instead be structured so that the cover body 8 expands in conjunction with the introduction of air, as with the cap body 2 of the first embodiment. In addition, the cover body 8 may not be provided with a communication hole 8b, and the communication hole 8b may be provided in the dam section 11.

In addition, the cap body 7 and the cover body 8 in the second embodiment of the present invention are formed from a resin material, and specific materials for the resin material of the cap body 7 include, for example, PE, PVC, PC, PP, ABS, etc., and specific materials for the resin material of the cover body 8 include, for example, PE, PVC, PC, PP, ABS, etc. In addition, the cap body 7 and the cover body 8 do not have to be formed from a resin material as long as they are hard, and may be formed from, for example, a metal material or a rubber material such as natural rubber, SBR, NBR, silicone, etc.

In addition, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the female connector 40b is provided with a male screw portion 40e, and the connection portion 9 is provided with a female screw portion 9c, but the female connector 40b may be provided with another female screw portion (not shown), and the connection portion 9 may be provided with another male screw portion (not shown) that can be screwed into the other female screw portion (not shown) of the female connector 40b.

Third Embodiment of the Invention
10 to 13 show a priming cap 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The priming cap 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 10 is used in an anticancer drug line (not shown) for administering a liquid anticancer drug AD (see Fig. 13) by drip infusion into the vein of a patient P. The anticancer drug line (not shown) has the same configuration as the nutrition line 10 except that an infusion set, an extension tube, etc. (not shown) are provided instead of the nasal catheter 30 (see Fig. 1). Therefore, the configuration common to the nutrition line 10 except for the nasal catheter 30 will be described using the same reference numerals as the nutrition line 10.

The priming cap 1 has a cap body 2 that is substantially circular in front view and is made of a soft material. The shape of the cap body 2 does not have to be substantially circular in front view, and may be substantially square, rhombus, or triangular. The cap body 2 is made of, for example, a resin material such as PE (polyethylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a rubber material such as silicone rubber, or a thermoplastic elastomer. The cap body 2 is manufactured by, for example, blow molding, injection molding, or high-frequency welding.

As shown in FIG. 11, the cap body 2 has a fluid introduction space S1 inside. In addition, a substantially cylindrical introduction passage portion 2a is provided at one end of the cap body 2, and fluid is introduced from the tube 40 into the fluid introduction space S1 via the introduction passage portion 2a. Furthermore, the cap body 2 expands and deforms in conjunction with the introduction of a predetermined amount of fluid into the fluid introduction space S1 until the fluid introduction volume reaches a predetermined value, and maintains the predetermined expanded state.

The maximum fluid introduction volume in the cap body 2 is set to a volume slightly larger than the volume of the passage in the tube 40. This allows a predetermined amount of air in the tube 40 (a volume of air equivalent to the volume of the passage in the tube 40) and a small amount of anticancer drug AD to be introduced into the fluid introduction space S1 of the cap body 2 during priming.

A resin connector 3 is provided at one end of the cap body 2. The connector 3 has an inner tube 4 that extends along the center line C1 and has a communication hole 4a that connects to the fluid introduction space S1 of the cap body 2. An annular extension 5 that extends radially outward is provided at the middle of the inner tube 4.

The connector 3 is provided with a skirt portion 15 that extends from the annular extension portion 5 to one end side. The skirt portion 15 is cylindrical and is disposed on the outer periphery of the inner tube portion 4 with a predetermined radial distance from the inner tube portion 4. One end of the skirt portion 15 is set at a position closer to the other end side than one end of the inner tube portion 4.

One end portion of the inner tube portion 4 is inserted into the introduction passage portion 2a from one end side of the cap body 2. By inserting the hard inner tube portion 4 made of a resin material into the soft introduction passage portion 2a made of a soft material, it is possible to insert the inner tube portion 4 into the introduction passage portion 2a more easily than when the inner tube portion 4 and the introduction passage portion 2a are hard. In addition, by inserting the inner tube portion 4 into the introduction passage portion 2a, that is, by arranging the inner tube portion 4 on the inner periphery side of the introduction passage portion 2a, it is possible to suppress leakage of the anticancer drug AD to the outside of the cap body 2 when the anticancer drug AD is introduced into the cap body 2 (fluid introduction space S1) through the inner tube portion 4, compared to the case where the inner tube portion 4 is arranged on the outer periphery side of the introduction passage portion 2a. Furthermore, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the outer periphery surface of one end portion of the inner tube portion 4 and the introduction passage portion 2a are joined. For example, the inner tube portion 4 is inserted into the introduction passage portion 2a after a solvent is applied to the outer periphery surface of the one end portion. This allows the outer peripheral surface of one end of the inner cylinder 4 to be solvent bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the introduction passage 2a.

If the ratio of the insertion allowance of the inner cylinder portion 4 to the introduction passage portion 2a is less than 60%, the inner cylinder portion 4 and the introduction passage portion 2a may not be connected properly, and if the ratio of the insertion allowance is greater than 120%, the time required to insert the inner cylinder portion 4 into the introduction passage portion 2a during assembly may be long. Therefore, the ratio of the insertion allowance is preferably, for example, 60% to 120%. Here, the ratio of the insertion allowance of the inner cylinder portion 4 to the introduction passage portion 2a is determined based on the position of one end of the inner cylinder portion 4 when the length from one end of the introduction passage portion 2a to the other end of the introduction passage portion 2a is taken as 100%. Note that a ratio of the insertion allowance of 100% refers to a state in which one end of the inner cylinder portion 4 and one end of the introduction passage portion 2a are aligned.

After inserting one end of the inner tube 4 into the introduction passage 2a, the skirt 15 is heated and compressed from the radially outer side to the radially inner side, so that the skirt 15 and the introduction passage 2a are crimped together. This clamps and fixes the introduction passage 2a between the skirt 15 and one end of the inner tube 4, making it possible to prevent the inner tube 4 from slipping out of the introduction passage 2a.

The connector 3 also has an outer tube 6 extending from the annular extension 5 to the other end. The outer tube 6 is disposed on the outer periphery of the other end of the inner tube 4 at a predetermined radial distance from the inner tube 4.

A partition member 13 is disposed at the other end opening of the inner tube portion 4 so as to close the other end opening. This allows the other end opening of the inner tube portion 4 to be liquid-tightly closed by the partition member 13. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the partition member 13 is attached to the other end opening of the inner tube portion 4 by a fixing member 14 having a generally cylindrical shape.

The partition member 13 is in the form of a generally circular thin plate. The partition member 13 is made of a soft material that is relatively easily deformed by an external force and has elasticity so that it returns to its pre-deformation state (initial state) when the external force is removed. Examples of the soft material include thermoplastic elastomers such as polybutadiene, soft polyvinyl chloride, styrene-based elastomers, olefin-based elastomers, and polyurethane-based elastomers, or rubbers such as isoprene rubber, silicone rubber, and butyl rubber.

The central portion of the bulkhead member 13 is provided with a slit 13a that penetrates in the thickness direction. A substantially cylindrical male portion 41a provided at the tip of another connector portion 41 can be inserted into the slit 13a (see FIG. 12). In the third embodiment of the present invention, the male portion 41a has a smaller diameter than the inner tube portion 4, so that when the male portion 41a is inserted and penetrated into the slit 13a, the male portion 41a is positioned inside the inner tube portion 4.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the other connector portion 41, which is substantially cylindrical, is provided at the other end of the tube body 40a and is configured to be connectable to an infusion set, an extension tube, etc. (not shown).

When the male part 41a of the other connector part 41 is not inserted into the slit 13a, the partition member 13 is in a closed state (see FIG. 11). In this closed state, it is impossible to introduce fluid into the fluid introduction space S1, and it is impossible to expel the fluid in the fluid introduction space S1 to the outside of the fluid introduction space S1.

On the other hand, when the male part 41a of the other connector part 41 is inserted into the slit 13a so as to pass through the slit 13a (when the male part 41a is inserted into the slit 13a), the slit 13a is elastically deformed to open, and the partition member 13 is in an open state (open state) (see FIG. 12). In this open state, the fluid introduction space S1 and the inside of the tube 40 are in communication through the communication hole 4a of the connector 3. In other words, in the open state, the inside of the tube 40 and the fluid introduction space S1 are in communication, so that the fluid in the tube 40 can flow into the fluid introduction space S1.

When the male part 41a of the other connector part 41 is pulled out of the slit 13a, the slit 13a returns to its initial state and the partition member 13 is closed (see Figure 11).

Next, a method of using the priming cap 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

As shown in FIG. 12, the priming cap 1 is attached to the other connector part 41 of the tube 40 (the male part 41a of the other connector part 41 is inserted into the slit 13a of the partition member 13). After that, when the clamp 40d is operated to start the priming operation, as shown in FIG. 13, the anticancer drug AD flowing out of the container 20 and flowing through the tube 40 moves the air accumulated in the tube 40 to the cap body 2. Then, since the male part 41a is inserted into the slit 13a and the partition member 13 is in an open state, the air in the tube 40 is introduced into the fluid introduction space S1 sequentially from the downstream end of the tube 40. At that time, the cap body 2 expands in conjunction with the introduction of air into the fluid introduction space S1, and when a predetermined amount of air and a small amount of anticancer drug AD are introduced into the fluid introduction space S1, the cap body 2 expanded to a predetermined expanded state maintains the predetermined expanded state, and it becomes impossible to introduce any more air or anticancer drug AD into the fluid introduction space S1. That is, the flow of the anticancer drug AD in the tube 40 is blocked (position X2 in FIG. 13), and the introduction of air and the anticancer drug AD into the fluid introduction space S1 automatically stops, and the air in the tube 40 disappears, filling the tube 40 with the anticancer drug AD. After that, the clamp 40d is operated to close the passage in the tube 40, and the priming cap 1 is removed from the other connector part 41, and the other connector part 41 is connected to another male connector (not shown) of an infusion set, extension tube, etc. (not shown), allowing the administration of the anticancer drug.

Thus, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when the male part 41a is inserted into the slit 13a, the partition member 13 is opened, making it possible to move the fluid in the tube 40 to the fluid introduction space S1, and the priming operation can be performed appropriately. Also, when the male part 41a is not inserted into the slit 13a, the partition member 13 is closed, making it possible to prevent, for example, the liquid (e.g., anticancer drug AD) that has accumulated in the fluid introduction space S1 after the priming operation from leaking out of the priming cap.

In addition, in Patent Document 1, the hydrophobic filter creates resistance, and it takes time for the air in the tube 40 to pass through the hydrophobic filter, which may slow down the priming speed. In contrast, in embodiment 3 of the present invention, a hydrophobic filter like that in Patent Document 1 is not used, so it is possible to prevent the priming speed from slowing down.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the priming cap 1 of the present invention is used to perform the priming operation when administering an anticancer drug, but the present invention is not limited to this. The priming cap 1 of the third embodiment of the present invention can also be used when performing the priming operation in a medical line (e.g., enteral nutrition, intravenous nutrition, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, cardiopulmonary bypass lines, etc.) in which a medicinal solution or the like stored in a container is administered to a patient P.

In addition, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the maximum fluid introduction volume in the cap body 2 is set to a volume slightly larger than the volume of the passage in the tube 40, but the maximum fluid introduction volume may be set to a volume less than the volume of the passage in the tube 40.

In addition, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the connector 3 is provided with a skirt portion 15, but the skirt portion 15 does not have to be provided.

In addition, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the skirt portion 15 of the connector 3 and the introduction passage portion 2a of the cap body 2 are pressure-bonded, but they may be joined by solvent bonding or UV bonding.

In addition, in the third embodiment of the present invention, one end portion of the inner tube portion 4 and the introduction passage portion 2a are joined using a solvent or the like, but they do not have to be joined.

In addition, in the first to third embodiments of the present invention, a female connector 40b is used as the connector portion that connects the priming cap 1 to the medical tube 40, but this is not limited thereto, and it may be, for example, a male connector, a needle-shaped connection portion such as a bottle needle or an indwelling needle, or a funnel-shaped connector made of a soft material such as rubber or silicone, as long as it can connect the priming cap 1 at the downstream end of the medical tube 40 (the opposite side to the container 20).

In addition, in the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the medical tube 40 is directly connected to the container 20, but this is not limited thereto, and the connection may be made via an adapter or the like.

In the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the priming cap 1 of the present invention is used to perform the priming operation when providing enteral nutrition. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the priming cap 1 of the present invention can also be used when performing the priming operation in a medical line (e.g., intravenous nutrition, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, cardiopulmonary bypass, anticancer drug lines, etc.) in which medicinal fluids stored in a container are administered to a patient P.

The present invention is suitable for a priming cap used in a priming operation in which a liquid container is filled into a medical flexible tube while displacing air inside the tube in preparation for administering a liquid medicine or the like that has accumulated in the container to a patient via the tube.

1 Priming cap 2 Cap body (fluid introduction expansion part)
3 Connector 7 Cap body 8 Cover body 8a Fluid storage section 12 Liquid-absorbent material (fluid introduction expansion section)
13 Partition member 13a Slit 20 Container 40 Medical tube 41 Other connector portion (connector portion)
41a Male part AD Anticancer drug (liquid)
H: through hole (fluid introduction space)
L Nutritional supplement (liquid)
P Patient S1 Fluid introduction space

Claims (10)

A priming cap configured to be attachable to a connector of a medical tube that guides a liquid stored in a container to a patient, and configured to fill the liquid into the tube while displacing air within the tube during a priming operation,
A priming cap characterized by having an internal fluid introduction space that is connected to the inside of the tube when attached to the tube, and a fluid introduction expansion portion that expands in conjunction with the introduction of a predetermined amount of at least one of air and liquid into the fluid introduction space and maintains a predetermined expanded state to block the flow of fluid within the tube. 2. The priming cap of claim 1,
A priming cap, wherein the fluid introduction expansion portion comprises a cap body that is expandable and deformable so as to increase the fluid introduction volume of the fluid introduction space to a predetermined value. The priming cap according to claim 2,
A priming cap, wherein the cap body is formed of an expandable flexible material. The priming cap according to claim 3,
A priming cap characterized in that the cap body is connected to the connector portion of the tube so as to create a sealed state between the connector portion and the cap body, and a connector having a communication hole that connects the fluid introduction space to the inside of the tube when connected to the connector portion is attached. The priming cap according to claim 4,
The priming cap, wherein the connector is made of a hard material and configured to be connected to the connector portion by a threaded connection. The priming cap according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
A priming cap, characterized in that the maximum fluid introduction volume of the fluid introduction expansion portion is set to be less than the volume of the passage in the tube. 2. The priming cap of claim 1,
a cap body provided with a through hole having an opening at one end thereof connected to the inside of the tube when the cap body is attached to the connector portion of the tube, and one or more liquid-absorbing materials arranged inside the through hole and configured to expand and deform when the liquid is absorbed;
A priming cap, wherein the liquid-absorbent material is the enlarged fluid introduction portion, and the through hole is the fluid introduction space. The priming cap according to claim 7,
This priming cap is characterized in that the absorbent material is cylindrical and extends along the through hole, and is configured so that when the cap body is connected to the tube, the inner space of the absorbent material is in a position corresponding to the tube. The priming cap according to claim 7 or 8,
A priming cap comprising a cover body attached to the cap body and having a fluid reservoir formed therein that is connected to the other end opening of the through hole. The priming cap according to claim 2 or 3,
a connecting body having a communication hole that communicates between the fluid introduction space and the inside of the tube when the connecting body is connected to the connector portion;
The connection body includes a partition member made of a soft material,
the partition member has a slit into which a male portion provided at a tip end of the connector portion can be inserted,
A priming cap, characterized in that when the male part is inserted into the slit, the partition member is open, and when the male part is not inserted into the slit, the partition member is closed.