WO2000032072A1 - System for cleaning conduits of medical instruments - Google Patents

System for cleaning conduits of medical instruments Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000032072A1
WO2000032072A1 PCT/FR1999/002953 FR9902953W WO0032072A1 WO 2000032072 A1 WO2000032072 A1 WO 2000032072A1 FR 9902953 W FR9902953 W FR 9902953W WO 0032072 A1 WO0032072 A1 WO 0032072A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rod
diameter
central core
brush
sleeve
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR1999/002953
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Julien Bourrelly
Original Assignee
La Technologie Avancee Medicale
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by La Technologie Avancee Medicale filed Critical La Technologie Avancee Medicale
Priority to AU13918/00A priority Critical patent/AU1391800A/en
Publication of WO2000032072A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000032072A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/70—Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B2017/00831—Material properties
    • A61B2017/00867—Material properties shape memory effect
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/70—Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments
    • A61B2090/701—Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments for flexible tubular instruments, e.g. endoscopes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system for cleaning conduits of medical instruments for investigation or internal sampling, comprising a cleaning device formed by an elongated flexible cylindrical element at least one end of which is connected to a brush comprising a central core on which are assembled hairs.
  • a cleaning device formed by an elongated flexible cylindrical element at least one end of which is connected to a brush comprising a central core on which are assembled hairs.
  • This cleaning device must have sufficiently small radial dimensions to be able to fit into the duct, the diameter of which is generally small, for example of the order of 0.5 to 5 mm. Furthermore, the cleaning device must be flexible enough to perfectly clean the bifurcation areas. Despite its small radial dimensions and its flexibility, the cleaning device must have a relative axial rigidity, that is to say, sufficient resistance to traction and to thrust, in order to be able to be inserted, by being pushed by a from its ends, along the entire length of the conduit which can reach one or two meters.
  • a first solution consists in producing an elongated cylindrical element formed by two twisted metal wires. These two twisted wires are made of a metal alloy allowing their deformation during the passage of a zone of strong curvature, however this metal alloy also has a spring effect, without which, given the length of the elongated cylindrical element, the device could remain blocked in the duct.
  • the elongated cylindrical element during its passage in zones of the strong curvature duct, undergoes quasi-permanent deformations which allow it to match the curvatures of the duct as well as possible, but unfortunately also offering resistance during a swab in traction or push.
  • the elongated cylindrical element is extended to form the central core of the brush, the bristles being directly assembled on said core formed by the two twisted wires.
  • This device also has other major drawbacks insofar as the 2 twisted wires forming both the elongated cylindrical element and the central core of the brush must imperatively have a relatively small diameter in order to pass through conduits of smaller diameter. to 2 mm, and in this case the elongated cylindrical element whose length can reach 2 m has insufficient axial rigidity to push the brush into areas of strong curvature. Thus, when the brush is pushed into the conduit, the elongated cylindrical element tends to deform by buckling.
  • the elongated cylindrical element undergoes quasi-permanent deformations, that is to say not entirely reversible, which also harms the reuse of the cleaning device .
  • the two twisted wires scratch and damage the conduits, particularly in the regions of the elbows and possible bifurcations.
  • a second solution proposed by patent FR 2 727 334 consists in providing a cleaning device comprising an elongated cylindrical element constituted by a solid smooth fiber made of plastic material (such as Nylon, PVC, PTFE) for example by extrusion.
  • plastic material such as Nylon, PVC, PTFE
  • a first end of the elongated cylindrical element is connected to a brush formed of a longitudinal rod on which bristles are assembled, said brush further comprising a holding member.
  • This brush holding member is constituted by a wire wound in a helix, the turns of which delimit a channel capable of receiving the rod of the brush, and having a section, of length substantially equal to that of the brush, on which the turns are spaced axially so as to allow the passage of the bristles of the brush.
  • the elongate cylindrical element is made of a plastic material does not allow the cleaning device to pass through zones of conduits having a strong curvature and a very small diameter. Indeed, in the case where it is necessary to reduce to a minimum the diameter of the elongated plastic cylindrical element, its axial flexibility harms the introduction of the brush into the conduits and directly questions its effectiveness.
  • the present invention aims to solve the technical problems posed by the current state of the art mentioned above and in particular for conduits whose diameter is of the order of 0.5 to 5 mm.
  • the elongate cylindrical element comprises a rod made of a shape memory alloy with superelastic effect, said rod being connected to the central core of the brush by means of connection comprising at least one rigid connection sleeve, and said central core is made of a malleable metal alloy.
  • the brush can thus, without breaking, withstand very large flexions, in particular in the zones of strong curvature of the conduits to be cleaned.
  • the central core consisting of a malleable material having an advantageously reduced section, these flexions cause permanent deformations affecting only the region of the brush, which allows it to match the curvatures of the conduit without resisting the flexions which are imposed on it by leads him.
  • the brushes known from the state of the art which are provided with a central core formed by two twisted metal wires, which extend to also form the elongated cylindrical element, have a spring effect.
  • the central core of the brush when it is introduced by pushing into an area with a strong curvature, resists the flexions which are imposed on it and tends to return to its initial shape.
  • the bristles, even rigid, assembled on the central core of the brush and more particularly the bristles located on the end of the central core are crushed against the internal wall of the conduit which brings the free end of the central core to come directly into contact with the wall of the duct and therefore consequently to damage the latter.
  • the presence of sufficiently rigid bristles assembled on a very malleable central core means that these bristles tend to separate the central core from the internal wall of the conduit and to impose on it a permanent deformation corresponding to the curvature. of the area crossed.
  • the free end of the brush can be easily kept away from the internal wall of the conduit.
  • the central core has little or no tendency to crush on itself, so that it withstands well the axial stresses to which it is subjected during the push. of the entire cleaning device.
  • This brush is also made integral with an elongated cylindrical element which, on the contrary, is provided with a large limit of radial elasticity while being capable of transmitting a force of relatively large push or pull compared to its diameter.
  • the elongated cylindrical element also undergoes bending which causes deformations.
  • these deformations being completely reversible, the elongated cylindrical element naturally regains its initial shape when the flexions disappear and therefore does not undergo in any case permanent or quasi-permanent deformations which, given its length which can reach one to several meters, would be likely to cause an increase in friction with the duct and therefore to impede the thrust of the entire cleaning device inside the duct.
  • the brush which has a length of the order of 1 to 3 cm, that is to say a relatively short length compared to the total length of the cleaning device, is not able to impede the thrust of the device in the duct to be cleaned.
  • the cleaning device according to the invention makes it possible to carry out an effective cleaning of the conduits of small diameters and more particularly of diameters less than 2 mm.
  • the rod is wrapped in a flexible sheath, one of the ends of which is in contact with one of the ends of the rigid connection sleeve, the external diameter of the sheath being at most substantially equal. the outside diameter of the sleeve.
  • This sheath thus makes it possible to position the rod in the axis of the conduit in order to limit the deformation of the end of the central core of the brush connected to the rod.
  • this sheath also makes it possible to limit the amplitude of a buckling wave which could occur during the thrust of the cleaning device in conduits for which a relatively large clearance, of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter, exist between the elongated cylindrical member and the inner wall of the duct and which would be likely to cause an increase in friction in proportion to this amplitude.
  • the sheath increases the radial dimensions of the elongate cylindrical element and thus makes it possible to improve the adhesion and the grip of the element and therefore the handling of the entire cleaning device by the user.
  • FIG. 1 represents a view in longitudinal section of a first embodiment according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 represents a view in longitudinal section of a second embodiment according to the invention
  • FIG. 3 represents an enlarged schematic view of a brush according to the invention
  • FIG. 4 to 6 show partial sectional views illustrating the introduction of cleaning devices, according to the invention, in a conduit
  • - Figure 7 shows a schematic sectional view of an introduction guide device of a cleaning device according to the invention.
  • the cleaning system for medical instrument conduits comprises, as can be seen in FIG. 1, a cleaning device formed by an elongated flexible cylindrical element 1, one end of which is connected to a brush 2 comprising a central core 6 on which bristles are assembled 5.
  • the elongated cylindrical element has been truncated, the length of which can range from one to several meters.
  • This elongated cylindrical element 1 comprises a rod 3 made of a metal alloy with shape memory with superelastic effect in a temperature range covering the use of the device.
  • the rod 3 is made of a shape memory alloy with a superelastic effect, such as a titanium-nickel alloy (NiTi) or CuAlBe or FeMnSi, makes it possible to reduce its diameter to a minimum of from 0.2 to 0.3 mm.
  • This alloy thus makes it possible to reduce the radial dimensions of the elongated cylindrical element while providing it with sufficient flexibility and axial rigidity so that it can be inserted, by being pushed by one of its ends, along the entire length of the duct which can reach several meters.
  • a shape memory alloy with a superelastic effect such as a titanium-nickel alloy (NiTi) or CuAlBe or FeMnSi
  • connection sleeve 7 is directly fixed on the one hand to the end 3b of the rod 3 by its end 7a and on the other hand to one of the ends of the central core 6 of the brush 2 by its end 7b.
  • This substantially cylindrical connection sleeve 7 is made of a rigid metal such as unannealed AISI 316 stainless steel ensuring perfect retention of the end 3b of the rod 3 as well as of one of the ends of the core. brush 6 center 2.
  • the fixing can be done either by crimping the connection sleeve 7 on the end 3a of the rod and on the end of the central core 6 or else by bonding or directly welding the latter on the internal wall of the sleeve.
  • the brush must also be flexible in order to be able to match the curvatures of the instrument conduits which it cleans, without however resisting the flexions which are imposed on it so that its free end does not damage the internal wall of the conduit.
  • the brush 2 is provided with a central core 6 made of a malleable metal alloy. More precisely, as shown in FIG. 3, the central core 6 of the brush 2 is formed of two twisted wires 9 and 10 between which bristles 5 are arranged.
  • bristles 5 have sufficient rigidity to separate the central core 6 from the internal wall of the duct and to impose on it a permanent deformation corresponding to the curvature of the zone crossed. Thus, the bristles 5 keep the free end of the central core 6 away from the internal wall of the duct, thus preventing any damage to the duct.
  • the wires 9 and 10 are chosen from a soft or extra-soft metal alloy annealed with a low carbon content, less than or equal to 0.03%.
  • This soft or extra-soft metallic alloy in the annealed state can be made of AISI 304 L or 316 L stainless steel, the malleability of which combined with a small section allow the central core 6 to withstand a high number of repeated flexions without breaking when the elbows of the conduit pass.
  • the central core 6 made up of the two wires 9 and 10 has a malleability clearly greater than that of a central core as defined in the state of the art, this will be annealed in such a way that for an AISI 304 L or 316 L stainless steel wire having a diameter of the order of 0.4 mm, this has a maximum tensile strength which is less than 700 N / mm 2 with a maximum elongation before breaking greater at 40% of its total length.
  • the brush 2 and more particularly the central core 6 must however have sufficient resistance to traction and to thrust.
  • the free end of the central core 6 is provided with a protective tip 8 made for example of plastic or a material similar to that of the connection sleeve 7, and which has a rounded end of diameter substantially equal to the diameter outside of said connection sleeve 7.
  • the tip 8 covers the free end of the central core 6 and can be crimped onto the latter to be permanently fixed there.
  • this nozzle 8 makes it possible to avoid any deterioration of the conduit during the movement of the cleaning device as soon as the free ends of the two wires 9 and 10 of the central core 6 extend to the inside of the end piece.
  • the rod 3 of the elongated cylindrical element 1 can also be wrapped in a flexible sheath 4, one end of which 4b is in contact with the end 7a of the connection sleeve 7.
  • connection sleeve has a radius greater than the radius of the rod 3, so that the difference between these two radii is at least equal to the thickness of the sheath 4.
  • the sheath is made of a plastic material such as ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene polymer (E / TFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polysulfone (PSU), tetrafluorethylene-hexafluorpropylene copolymers (FEP), polybutethylene terephthalate (PBT) or polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
  • E / TFE ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene polymer
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • PSU polysulfone
  • FEP tetrafluorethylene-hexafluorpropylene copolymers
  • PBT polybutethylene terephthalate
  • PEEK polyether ether ketone
  • the plastic sheath 4 increases the radial dimensions of the rod 3 and thus makes it possible to improve the adhesion and the grip of the elongated cylindrical element and therefore the manipulation of the entire cleaning device by the user.
  • the sheath 4 is, for example, obtained by coating the rod 3 with a flexible material, this coating being produced by extrusion.
  • connection sleeve 7 when fixing the elongate cylindrical element 1 on the connection sleeve 7, it suffices to strip at least one end of the rod 3 and to insert it into the connection sleeve until the sheath 4 comes into contact against the end 7a of said sleeve, then fix the sleeve on the rod by crimping, gluing or welding.
  • FIG 4 there is shown a cleaning device, according to the invention, disposed in a conduit 15 of medical instruments.
  • This cleaning device is formed by a rod 3 of shape memory alloy with superelastic effect directly connected to the brush 2 by means of the connection sleeve 7.
  • connection sleeve Although the length of the connection sleeve is as small as possible, the latter having to maintain the rod 3 and the brush 2, it is necessary that it has a certain minimum length. This minimum length will be of the order of 0.4 cm for a rod 3 having a diameter between 0.2 and 1 mm.
  • connection sleeve 7 also has a diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the conduit 15, without which, when the cleaning device passes through a strong curvature, the connection sleeve 7 would be blocked in said conduit.
  • the connection sleeve tends to be placed in across the conduit 15.
  • a relatively large permanent deformation of the central core 6 of the brush 2 occurs at the outlet of the connection sleeve 7.
  • This deformation becomes more pronounced when the curvature of the conduit 15 is more and more pronounced .
  • This deformation is indicated by a radius of curvature RI measured at the outlet of the connection sleeve.
  • the rod 3 In order to reduce this deformation, it is advantageous to coat the rod 3 with the sheath 4, the diameter of which is slightly less than the diameter of the conduit, as can be seen in FIG. 5, in order to increase the fictitious diameter of the rod and thus center it in the axis of the duct 15.
  • connection sleeve 7 is necessarily greater than the diameter of the rod 3, it is not possible to increase the diameter of the latter without also increasing the diameter of the sleeve, which by its very function must have a certain thickness to ensure the maintenance of the central core and the rod.
  • a rod with the thinnest superelastic effect possible in order to have optimal radial flexibility while having sufficient axial rigidity and to increase the diameter of the rod at by means of a sheath chosen so as to have very little influence on the flexibility of the rod while also improving its grip.
  • connection sleeve 7 is also positioned in said axis and the permanent deformation of the central core 6 of the brush 2 at the level of the outlet of the sleeve is reduced so that the radius of curvature R2 of the deformation is greater than the radius of curvature RI.
  • the rod 3 has a satisfactory axial rigidity, it may happen that the latter, in the case of a duct with a diameter significantly greater than the diameter of the connection sleeve, undergoes buckling deformation during a push of the cleaning device. In this case, it will also be advantageous to have a rod surrounded by a sheath which will limit the amplitude of the buckling wave formed by the rod, buckling wave which would be likely to cause an increase in friction in proportion to amplitude.
  • the plastic material such as FEP, PTFE, E / TFE, PEEK, PSU or PBT in which the sheath is made also makes it possible to ensure that the entire cleaning device has a relatively low coefficient of friction coefficient.
  • connection means comprising, in addition to the rigid connection sleeve 7 , an intermediate rod 12 made of a shape memory alloy with superelastic effect as described above and a rigid connecting sleeve 14 made of a material similar to that of the connecting sleeve 7.
  • the intermediate rod 12 is fixed on the one hand by its end
  • connection sleeve 14 is directly connected and fixed to the central core 6 of the brush 2 by its end 14b.
  • the intermediate rod 12 is wrapped in a flexible intermediate sheath 13 whose ends 13a and 13b are respectively in contact against the end 7b of the connection sleeve 7 and the end 14a of the connection sleeve 14.
  • the diameter of the intermediate rod 12 is at most equal to the diameter of the rod 3 and the outside diameter of the sheath intermediate 13 is also at most equal to the outside diameter of the sheath 4.
  • the length of the intermediate rod 12 and of the intermediate sheath 13 is much less than the length of the rod 3.
  • the diameters of the intermediate rod 12 and of the intermediate sheath 13 are respectively less than the diameters of the rod 3 and of the sheath 4, which makes it possible to have a gradual increase in the flexibility of the rod 3 towards the brush 2 and therefore consequently of reducing the deformation of the central core 6 at the outlet of the connecting sleeve 14.
  • the radius of curvature R3 representing the deformation will be greater than the radius of curvature R2 representing a deformation of the cleaning device devoid of an intermediate rod and sheath.
  • the rod 3 of the cleaning device according to the first or the second embodiment can be provided on its end 3a, opposite the brush 2, with a calibration tip 11.
  • This tip 11 is particularly suitable for use in traction of the cleaning device. Indeed, in this use case, the connection sleeve and / or the connection sleeve risks being wedged in a pronounced curvature of the duct, and therefore blocking the entire cleaning device.
  • the calibration nozzle 11 has a diameter at least equal to the diameter of the connection sleeve 7 and / or to the diameter of the connection sleeve 14, and a length slightly greater than those of these last.
  • the calibration tip is provided with a free end 11a of substantially hemispherical shape and the end 4a of the sheath 4 surrounding the rod 3 is in contact against the end 11b of said tip.
  • the cleaning device can also be provided with a second brush located at the end 3a of the rod 3.
  • This second brush which is connected to the end 3a of the rod by a sleeve similar to the connection sleeve 7, is advantageously longer than the brush 2 in the case where this second brush would be used in traction. In this case, it is first the brush 2 that would be introduced into the duct to be cleaned.
  • the device Between two cleanings, it is important to decontaminate and clean the device. In fact, after being used, the device must be rinsed with running water, then decontamination in a bath or sterilization in an autoclave.
  • the elongated cylindrical element having a length of between one and several meters, the cleaning of the latter is often delicate.
  • the cleaning system according to the invention further comprises a device for guiding the introduction of the cleaning device.
  • This guide device is formed by a rigid hollow cylindrical element 16 whose internal diameter is at least equal to the outside diameter of the connection sleeve 7 and / or to the diameter of the connection sleeve 14.
  • the hollow cylindrical element 16 is provided with a first frustoconical end 16a which allows it to come into contact with the flange of the conduit 15 and thus be positioned in the axis of said conduit.
  • a second end 16b of the element 16 is provided with gripping means on its external diameter.
  • These gripping means in the example given, consist of a projecting rim extending radially.
  • the end 16b is, moreover, provided with guide means arranged on the internal diameter of the element 16.
  • These guide means are produced in the form of a frustoconical orifice 17.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
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  • Cleaning In General (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a system for cleaning the conduits of medical instruments for internal investigation or sampling, comprising a cleaning device formed by an elongated cylindrical element (1) whereof at least one end is connected to a brush (2) comprising a central core (6) whereon are assembled bristles (5). The invention is characterised in that the elongated element comprises a rod (3) made of a shape-memory alloy with superelastic effect, said rod (3) being linked to the central core (6) of the brush (2) by linking means including at least a rigid connecting sleeve (7) and said central core (6) is made of a malleable metal alloy.

Description

SYSTRME DR NRTTOYAG OH CONDUITS D'INSTRUMENTS MRDTCAUX DR NRTTOYAG OH SYSTEM CONDUITS OF MRDTCAUX INSTRUMENTS
La présente invention concerne un système de nettoyage de conduits d'instruments médicaux d'investigation ou de prélèvement interne, comprenant un dispositif de nettoyage formé d'un élément cylindrique flexible allongé dont au moins une extrémité est raccordée à une brosse comprenant une âme centrale sur laquelle sont assemblés des poils. Par instruments médicaux d'investigation ou de prélèvement interne, on entend des instruments comme ceux qui sont habituellement utilisés pour les examens d'endoscopie ou de gastroscopie, présentant un conduit qu'on introduit dans le corps du patient et dans lequel on insère des outils médicaux tels que des appareils optiques, des outils de prélèvement ou encore des outils chirurgicaux.The present invention relates to a system for cleaning conduits of medical instruments for investigation or internal sampling, comprising a cleaning device formed by an elongated flexible cylindrical element at least one end of which is connected to a brush comprising a central core on which are assembled hairs. By medical instruments of investigation or internal sampling, one understands instruments like those which are usually used for the examinations of endoscopy or gastroscopy, presenting a conduit which one introduces in the body of the patient and in which one inserts tools medical devices such as optical devices, sampling tools or surgical tools.
De tels instruments sont relativement coûteux et doivent donc pouvoir être utilisés plusieurs fois. Entre deux utilisations, ils doivent subir un nettoyage rigoureux, puis être décontaminés ou stérilisés. Le nettoyage de l'intérieur des conduits s'avère très délicat et est effectué à l'aide d'un dispositif de nettoyage du type précité, utilisé comme un écouvillon.Such instruments are relatively expensive and must therefore be able to be used several times. Between two uses, they must undergo a rigorous cleaning, then be decontaminated or sterilized. Cleaning the inside of the conduits is very delicate and is carried out using a cleaning device of the aforementioned type, used as a swab.
Ce dispositif de nettoyage doit présenter des dimensions radiales suffisamment faibles pour pouvoir s'insérer dans le conduit, dont le diamètre est en général petit, par exemple de l'ordre de 0,5 à 5 mm. Par ailleurs, le dispositif de nettoyage doit être suffisamment flexible pour nettoyer parfaitement les zones de bifurcation. Malgré ses faibles dimensions radiales et sa flexibilité, le dispositif de nettoyage doit présenter une relative rigidité axiale, c'est-à-dire, une tenue suffisante à la traction et à la poussée, afin de pouvoir être inséré, en étant poussé par une de ses extrémités, dans toute la longueur du conduit qui peut atteindre un ou deux mètres.This cleaning device must have sufficiently small radial dimensions to be able to fit into the duct, the diameter of which is generally small, for example of the order of 0.5 to 5 mm. Furthermore, the cleaning device must be flexible enough to perfectly clean the bifurcation areas. Despite its small radial dimensions and its flexibility, the cleaning device must have a relative axial rigidity, that is to say, sufficient resistance to traction and to thrust, in order to be able to be inserted, by being pushed by a from its ends, along the entire length of the conduit which can reach one or two meters.
Une première solution consiste à réaliser un élément cylindrique allongé formé de deux fils métalliques torsadés. Ces deux fils torsadés sont réalisés dans un alliage métallique permettant leur déformation lors d'un passage d'une zone de forte courbure, toutefois cet alliage métallique possède également un effet ressort, sans quoi, étant donné la longueur de l'élément cylindrique allongé, le dispositif serait susceptible de rester bloqué dans le conduit.A first solution consists in producing an elongated cylindrical element formed by two twisted metal wires. These two twisted wires are made of a metal alloy allowing their deformation during the passage of a zone of strong curvature, however this metal alloy also has a spring effect, without which, given the length of the elongated cylindrical element, the device could remain blocked in the duct.
Ainsi, l'élément cylindrique allongé, lors de son passage dans des zones du conduit de forte courbure, subit des déformations quasi- permanentes qui lui permettent d'épouser au mieux les courbures du conduit mais malheureusement en offrant également une résistance lors d'un écouvillonage en traction ou en poussée.Thus, the elongated cylindrical element, during its passage in zones of the strong curvature duct, undergoes quasi-permanent deformations which allow it to match the curvatures of the duct as well as possible, but unfortunately also offering resistance during a swab in traction or push.
Dans ce type de dispositif de nettoyage, l'élément cylindrique allongé se prolonge pour former l'âme centrale de la brosse, les poils étant directement assemblés sur ladite âme formée par les deux fils torsadés.In this type of cleaning device, the elongated cylindrical element is extended to form the central core of the brush, the bristles being directly assembled on said core formed by the two twisted wires.
Ce dispositif présente également d'autres inconvénients majeurs dans la mesure où les 2 fils torsadés formant à la fois l'élément cylindrique allongé et l'âme centrale de la brosse, doivent impérativement avoir un diamètre relativement réduit pour passer dans des conduits de diamètre inférieur à 2 mm, et dans ce cas l'élément cylindrique allongé dont la longueur peut atteindre 2 m possède une rigidité axiale insuffisante pour pousser la brosse dans des zones de forte courbure. Ainsi, lors de la poussée de la brosse dans le conduit, l'élément cylindrique allongé a tendance à se déformer par flambage.This device also has other major drawbacks insofar as the 2 twisted wires forming both the elongated cylindrical element and the central core of the brush must imperatively have a relatively small diameter in order to pass through conduits of smaller diameter. to 2 mm, and in this case the elongated cylindrical element whose length can reach 2 m has insufficient axial rigidity to push the brush into areas of strong curvature. Thus, when the brush is pushed into the conduit, the elongated cylindrical element tends to deform by buckling.
Ces déformations étant, en outre, quasi-permanentes, étant donné le matériau utilisé, l'élément cylindrique allongé augmente alors le frottement de l'ensemble du dispositif de nettoyage contre la paroi interne du conduit.These deformations being, moreover, almost permanent, given the material used, the elongated cylindrical element then increases the friction of the entire cleaning device against the internal wall of the duct.
De même, lors d'un écouvillonage en traction dans des zones de bifurcation, l'élément cylindrique allongé subit des déformations quasi-permanentes, c'est-à-dire non entièrement réversibles, ce qui nuit également à la réutilisation du dispositif de nettoyage. Par ailleurs, il est fréquent, lorsqu'on insère un tel dispositif dans les conduits à nettoyer, que les deux fils torsadés rayent et endommagent les conduits, particulièrement dans les régions des coudes et des éventuelles bifurcations.Similarly, during a swab in traction in bifurcation zones, the elongated cylindrical element undergoes quasi-permanent deformations, that is to say not entirely reversible, which also harms the reuse of the cleaning device . Furthermore, it is common, when inserting such a device in the conduits to be cleaned, that the two twisted wires scratch and damage the conduits, particularly in the regions of the elbows and possible bifurcations.
Une deuxième solution proposée par le brevet FR 2 727 334 consiste à fournir un dispositif de nettoyage comprenant un élément cylindrique allongé constitué par une fibre lisse pleine réalisée en matière plastique (telle que Nylon, PVC, PTFE) par exemple par extrusion.A second solution proposed by patent FR 2 727 334 consists in providing a cleaning device comprising an elongated cylindrical element constituted by a solid smooth fiber made of plastic material (such as Nylon, PVC, PTFE) for example by extrusion.
Une première extrémité de l'élément cylindrique allongé est reliée à une brosse formée d'une tige longitudinale sur laquelle sont assemblés des poils, ladite brosse comportant, en outre, un organe de maintien.A first end of the elongated cylindrical element is connected to a brush formed of a longitudinal rod on which bristles are assembled, said brush further comprising a holding member.
Cet organe de maintien de la brosse est constitué par un fil enroulé en hélice, dont les spires délimitent un canal apte à recevoir la tige de la brosse, et présentant un tronçon, de longueur sensiblement égale à celle de la brosse, sur lequel les spires sont espacées axialement de manière à permettre le passage des poils de la brosse.This brush holding member is constituted by a wire wound in a helix, the turns of which delimit a channel capable of receiving the rod of the brush, and having a section, of length substantially equal to that of the brush, on which the turns are spaced axially so as to allow the passage of the bristles of the brush.
Bien que cette solution soit avantageuse pour des conduits dont le diamètre est de l'ordre de 3 à 5 mm, elle ne permet pas, toutefois, de nettoyer des conduits de diamètre très petit compris entre 0,5 et 2 mm.Although this solution is advantageous for conduits whose diameter is of the order of 3 to 5 mm, it does not, however, make it possible to clean conduits with a very small diameter of between 0.5 and 2 mm.
En effet, la présence d'un organe de maintien constitué par un fil enroulé en hélice sur la longueur de la brosse est inappropriée pour des conduits ayant un diamètre de petite taille.Indeed, the presence of a holding member constituted by a wire wound in a helix over the length of the brush is inappropriate for conduits having a small diameter.
Par ailleurs, le fait que l'élément cylindrique allongé soit réalisé dans une matière plastique ne permet pas au dispositif de nettoyage de passer dans des zones de conduits ayant une forte courbure et un très petit diamètre. En effet, dans le cas où l'on est amené à réduire au minimum le diamètre de l'élément cylindrique allongé en plastique, sa flexibilité axiale nuit à l'introduction de la brosse dans les conduits et met directement en cause son efficacité.Furthermore, the fact that the elongate cylindrical element is made of a plastic material does not allow the cleaning device to pass through zones of conduits having a strong curvature and a very small diameter. Indeed, in the case where it is necessary to reduce to a minimum the diameter of the elongated plastic cylindrical element, its axial flexibility harms the introduction of the brush into the conduits and directly questions its effectiveness.
Par ailleurs, si l'on diminue de manière trop importante le diamètre d'une tige en plastique, celle-ci risque de se casser lors de son passage dans un conduit présentant des zones de forte courbure.Furthermore, if the diameter of a plastic rod is reduced too much, there is a risk that it will break during its passage through a conduit having zones of strong curvature.
La présente invention a pour but de résoudre les problèmes techniques posés par l'état actuel de la technique mentionné ci-dessus et en particulier pour des conduits dont le diamètre est de l'ordre de 0,5 à 5 mm.The present invention aims to solve the technical problems posed by the current state of the art mentioned above and in particular for conduits whose diameter is of the order of 0.5 to 5 mm.
Dans ce but, et conformément à l'invention, l'élément cylindrique allongé comprend une tige réalisée dans un alliage à mémoire de forme à effet superélastique, ladite tige étant reliée à l'âme centrale de la brosse par l'intermédiaire de moyens de raccordement comprenant au moins un manchon de raccordement rigide, et ladite âme centrale est réalisée dans un alliage métallique malléable.For this purpose, and in accordance with the invention, the elongate cylindrical element comprises a rod made of a shape memory alloy with superelastic effect, said rod being connected to the central core of the brush by means of connection comprising at least one rigid connection sleeve, and said central core is made of a malleable metal alloy.
Grâce à ces dispositions, la brosse peut ainsi, sans se casser, supporter des flexions très importantes, en particulier dans les zones de forte courbure des conduits à nettoyer. L'âme centrale constituée d'un matériau malléable ayant une section avantageusement réduite, ces flexions occasionnent des déformations permanentes affectant uniquement la région de la brosse, ce qui lui permet d'épouser les courbures du conduit sans résister aux flexions qui lui sont imposées par le conduit.Thanks to these provisions, the brush can thus, without breaking, withstand very large flexions, in particular in the zones of strong curvature of the conduits to be cleaned. The central core consisting of a malleable material having an advantageously reduced section, these flexions cause permanent deformations affecting only the region of the brush, which allows it to match the curvatures of the conduit without resisting the flexions which are imposed on it by leads him.
Comme décrit précédemment, les brosses connues de l'état de la technique qui sont munies d'une âme centrale formée de deux fils métalliques torsadés, qui se prolongent pour former également l'élément cylindrique allongé, possèdent un effet ressort. Dans ce cas, l'âme centrale de la brosse, lorsqu'elle est introduite par poussée dans une zone à forte courbure, résiste aux flexions qui lui sont imposées et tend à revenir à sa forme initiale. Ainsi, les poils, même rigides, assemblés sur l'âme centrale de la brosse et plus particulièrement les poils situés sur l'extrémité de l'âme centrale sont écrasés contre la paroi interne du conduit ce qui amène l'extrémité libre de l'âme centrale à venir directement en contact avec la paroi du conduit et donc par voie de conséquence à endommager cette dernière.As described above, the brushes known from the state of the art which are provided with a central core formed by two twisted metal wires, which extend to also form the elongated cylindrical element, have a spring effect. In this case, the central core of the brush, when it is introduced by pushing into an area with a strong curvature, resists the flexions which are imposed on it and tends to return to its initial shape. Thus, the bristles, even rigid, assembled on the central core of the brush and more particularly the bristles located on the end of the central core are crushed against the internal wall of the conduit which brings the free end of the central core to come directly into contact with the wall of the duct and therefore consequently to damage the latter.
Au contraire, dans la présente invention, la présence de poils suffisamment rigides assemblés sur une âme centrale très malléable fait que ces poils ont tendance à écarter l'âme centrale de la paroi interne du conduit et à lui imposer une déformation permanente correspondant à la courbure de la zone traversée. Ainsi, l'extrémité libre de la brosse peut être facilement maintenue à distance de la paroi interne du conduit.On the contrary, in the present invention, the presence of sufficiently rigid bristles assembled on a very malleable central core means that these bristles tend to separate the central core from the internal wall of the conduit and to impose on it a permanent deformation corresponding to the curvature. of the area crossed. Thus, the free end of the brush can be easily kept away from the internal wall of the conduit.
De plus, du fait de la présence des poils, l'âme centrale n'a pas ou pratiquement pas tendance à s'écraser sur elle-même, de sorte qu'elle résiste bien aux contraintes axiales auxquelles elle est soumise lors de la poussée de l'ensemble du dispositif de nettoyage.In addition, due to the presence of the bristles, the central core has little or no tendency to crush on itself, so that it withstands well the axial stresses to which it is subjected during the push. of the entire cleaning device.
Cette brosse est, en outre rendue solidaire d'un élément cylindrique allongé qui lui, au contraire, est pourvu d'une grande limite d'élasticité radiale tout en étant capable de transmettre un effort de poussée ou de traction relativement important par rapport à son diamètre.This brush is also made integral with an elongated cylindrical element which, on the contrary, is provided with a large limit of radial elasticity while being capable of transmitting a force of relatively large push or pull compared to its diameter.
L'élément cylindrique allongé, subit également des flexions qui provoquent des déformations. Toutefois, ces déformations étant totalement réversibles, l'élément cylindrique allongé retrouve naturellement sa forme initiale lorsque les flexions disparaissent et ne subit donc en aucun cas de déformations permanentes ou quasi- permanentes qui, étant donné sa longueur qui peut atteindre un à plusieurs mètres, seraient susceptibles d'entraîner une augmentation du frottement avec le conduit et donc d'entraver la poussée de l'ensemble du dispositif de nettoyage à l'intérieur du conduit.The elongated cylindrical element also undergoes bending which causes deformations. However, these deformations being completely reversible, the elongated cylindrical element naturally regains its initial shape when the flexions disappear and therefore does not undergo in any case permanent or quasi-permanent deformations which, given its length which can reach one to several meters, would be likely to cause an increase in friction with the duct and therefore to impede the thrust of the entire cleaning device inside the duct.
De même, la brosse qui a une longueur de l'ordre de 1 à 3 cm c'est-à-dire une longueur relativement faible par rapport à la longueur totale du dispositif de nettoyage, n'est pas en mesure de gêner la poussée du dispositif dans le conduit à nettoyer.Similarly, the brush which has a length of the order of 1 to 3 cm, that is to say a relatively short length compared to the total length of the cleaning device, is not able to impede the thrust of the device in the duct to be cleaned.
De plus, la présence d'un manchon rigide qui relie l'âme centrale de la brosse et l'élément cylindrique allongé, permet de transmettre intégralement la poussée de l'élément cylindrique allongé vers l'âme centrale et empêche également toute pliure trop franche et brutale entre l'âme centrale et l'élément cylindrique allongé.In addition, the presence of a rigid sleeve which connects the central core of the brush and the elongated cylindrical element, makes it possible to fully transmit the thrust of the elongated cylindrical element to the central core and also prevents any excessively sharp bending and brutal between the central core and the elongated cylindrical element.
Ainsi, le dispositif de nettoyage selon l'invention permet d'effectuer un nettoyage efficace des conduits de petits diamètres et plus particulièrement des diamètres inférieurs à 2 mm.Thus, the cleaning device according to the invention makes it possible to carry out an effective cleaning of the conduits of small diameters and more particularly of diameters less than 2 mm.
Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, la tige est enveloppée dans une gaine souple dont l'une des extrémités est en contact contre l'une des extrémités du manchon de raccordement rigide, le diamètre extérieur de la gaine étant au plus sensiblement égal au diamètre extérieur du manchon.According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the rod is wrapped in a flexible sheath, one of the ends of which is in contact with one of the ends of the rigid connection sleeve, the external diameter of the sheath being at most substantially equal. the outside diameter of the sleeve.
Cette gaine permet ainsi de positionner la tige dans l'axe du conduit afin de limiter la déformation de l'extrémité de l'âme centrale de la brosse reliée à la tige.This sheath thus makes it possible to position the rod in the axis of the conduit in order to limit the deformation of the end of the central core of the brush connected to the rod.
De plus, cette gaine permet également de limiter l'amplitude d'une onde de flambage qui pourrait se produire lors de la poussée du dispositif de nettoyage dans des conduits pour lesquels un jeu relativement important, de l'ordre de quelques dixièmes de millimètre, existerait entre l'élément cylindrique allongé et la paroi interne du conduit et qui serait susceptible d'entraîner une augmentation du frottement proportionnellement à cette amplitude.In addition, this sheath also makes it possible to limit the amplitude of a buckling wave which could occur during the thrust of the cleaning device in conduits for which a relatively large clearance, of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter, exist between the elongated cylindrical member and the inner wall of the duct and which would be likely to cause an increase in friction in proportion to this amplitude.
De plus, la gaine augmente les dimensions radiales de l'élément cylindrique allongé et permet ainsi d'améliorer l'adhérence et la préhension de l'élément et donc la manipulation de l'ensemble du dispositif de nettoyage par l'utilisateur.In addition, the sheath increases the radial dimensions of the elongate cylindrical element and thus makes it possible to improve the adhesion and the grip of the element and therefore the handling of the entire cleaning device by the user.
L'invention sera bien comprise et ses avantages apparaîtront mieux à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit, de modes de réalisation représentés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs. La description se réfère aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :The invention will be well understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, of embodiments shown by way of nonlimiting examples. The description refers to the accompanying drawings in which:
- la figure 1 représente une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un premier mode de réalisation selon l'invention,FIG. 1 represents a view in longitudinal section of a first embodiment according to the invention,
- la figure 2 représente une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un second mode de réalisation selon l'invention, - la figure 3 représente une vue schématique agrandie d'une brosse conforme à l'invention,FIG. 2 represents a view in longitudinal section of a second embodiment according to the invention, FIG. 3 represents an enlarged schematic view of a brush according to the invention,
- les figures 4 à 6 représentent des vues partielles en coupe illustrant l'introduction de dispositifs de nettoyage, selon l'invention, dans un conduit, et - la figure 7 représente une vue schématique en coupe d'un dispositif de guidage d'introduction d'un dispositif de nettoyage selon l'invention.- Figures 4 to 6 show partial sectional views illustrating the introduction of cleaning devices, according to the invention, in a conduit, and - Figure 7 shows a schematic sectional view of an introduction guide device of a cleaning device according to the invention.
Le système de nettoyage de conduits d'instrument médicaux comprend, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 1, un dispositif de nettoyage formé d'un élément cylindrique flexible allongé 1 dont une extrémité est raccordée à une brosse 2 comprenant une âme centrale 6 sur laquelle sont assemblés des poils 5.The cleaning system for medical instrument conduits comprises, as can be seen in FIG. 1, a cleaning device formed by an elongated flexible cylindrical element 1, one end of which is connected to a brush 2 comprising a central core 6 on which bristles are assembled 5.
Pour alléger le dessin, on a tronqué l'élément cylindrique allongé dont la longueur peut aller de un à plusieurs mètres. Cet élément cylindrique allongé 1 comprend une tige 3 réalisée dans un alliage métallique à mémoire de forme à effet superélastique dans une gamme de température couvrant l'utilisation du dispositif.To lighten the design, the elongated cylindrical element has been truncated, the length of which can range from one to several meters. This elongated cylindrical element 1 comprises a rod 3 made of a metal alloy with shape memory with superelastic effect in a temperature range covering the use of the device.
Le fait que la tige 3 soit réalisée dans un alliage à mémoire de forme à effet superélastique, tel qu'un alliage Titane-Nickel (NiTi) ou du CuAlBe ou de FeMnSi, permet de réduire son diamètre jusqu'à un minimum de l'ordre de 0, 2 à 0, 3 mm. Cet alliage permet ainsi de diminuer les dimensions radiales de l'élément cylindrique allongé tout en le dotant d'une flexibilité et d'une rigidité axiale suffisantes afin qu'il puisse être inséré, en étant poussé par l'une de ses extrémités, dans toute la longueur du conduit qui peut atteindre plusieurs mètres. Sur la figure 1 qui représente le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, un manchon de raccordement 7 est directement fixé d'une part sur l'extrémité 3b de la tige 3 par son extrémité 7a et d'autre part sur l'une des extrémités de l'âme centrale 6 de la brosse 2 par son extrémité 7b. Ce manchon de raccordement 7 sensiblement cylindrique est constitué d'un métal rigide tel que de l'acier Inox AISI 316 non recuit assurant un parfait maintien de l'extrémité 3b de la tige 3 ainsi que de l'une des extrémités de l'âme centrale 6 de la brosse 2.The fact that the rod 3 is made of a shape memory alloy with a superelastic effect, such as a titanium-nickel alloy (NiTi) or CuAlBe or FeMnSi, makes it possible to reduce its diameter to a minimum of from 0.2 to 0.3 mm. This alloy thus makes it possible to reduce the radial dimensions of the elongated cylindrical element while providing it with sufficient flexibility and axial rigidity so that it can be inserted, by being pushed by one of its ends, along the entire length of the duct which can reach several meters. In FIG. 1 which represents the first embodiment of the invention, a connection sleeve 7 is directly fixed on the one hand to the end 3b of the rod 3 by its end 7a and on the other hand to one of the ends of the central core 6 of the brush 2 by its end 7b. This substantially cylindrical connection sleeve 7 is made of a rigid metal such as unannealed AISI 316 stainless steel ensuring perfect retention of the end 3b of the rod 3 as well as of one of the ends of the core. brush 6 center 2.
La fixation peut se faire soit en sertissant le manchon de raccordement 7 sur l'extrémité 3a de la tige et sur l'extrémité de l'âme centrale 6 ou alors en collant ou en soudant directement ces dernières sur la paroi interne du manchon.The fixing can be done either by crimping the connection sleeve 7 on the end 3a of the rod and on the end of the central core 6 or else by bonding or directly welding the latter on the internal wall of the sleeve.
La brosse doit également être flexible pour pouvoir épouser les courbures des conduits d'instruments qu'elle nettoie, sans toutefois résister aux flexions qui lui sont imposées afin que son extrémité libre n'endommage pas la paroi interne du conduit.The brush must also be flexible in order to be able to match the curvatures of the instrument conduits which it cleans, without however resisting the flexions which are imposed on it so that its free end does not damage the internal wall of the conduit.
Ainsi, la brosse 2, conforme à l'invention, est pourvue d'une âme centrale 6 réalisée dans un alliage métallique malléable. Plus exactement, comme représenté sur la figure 3, l'âme centrale 6 de la brosse 2 est formée de deux fils 9 et 10 torsadés entre lesquels sont disposés des poils 5.Thus, the brush 2, according to the invention, is provided with a central core 6 made of a malleable metal alloy. More precisely, as shown in FIG. 3, the central core 6 of the brush 2 is formed of two twisted wires 9 and 10 between which bristles 5 are arranged.
Ces poils 5 ont une rigidité suffisante pour écarter l'âme centrale 6 de la paroi interne du conduit et pour lui imposer une déformation permanente correspondant à la courbure de la zone traversée. Ainsi, les poils 5 maintiennent l'extrémité libre de l'âme centrale 6 à distance de la paroi interne du conduit en évitant donc tout endommagement du conduit.These bristles 5 have sufficient rigidity to separate the central core 6 from the internal wall of the duct and to impose on it a permanent deformation corresponding to the curvature of the zone crossed. Thus, the bristles 5 keep the free end of the central core 6 away from the internal wall of the duct, thus preventing any damage to the duct.
Les fils 9 et 10 sont choisis dans un alliage métallique doux ou extra-doux recuit à bas taux de carbone, inférieur ou égal à 0,03 %.The wires 9 and 10 are chosen from a soft or extra-soft metal alloy annealed with a low carbon content, less than or equal to 0.03%.
Cet alliage métallique doux ou extra-doux à l'état recuit peut être constitué d'acier Inox AISI 304 L ou 316 L, dont la malléabilité conjuguée avec une faible section permettent à l'âme centrale 6 de supporter un nombre élevé de flexions répétées sans se rompre au passage des coudes du conduit.This soft or extra-soft metallic alloy in the annealed state can be made of AISI 304 L or 316 L stainless steel, the malleability of which combined with a small section allow the central core 6 to withstand a high number of repeated flexions without breaking when the elbows of the conduit pass.
Par ailleurs, afin que l'âme centrale 6 constituée des deux fils 9 et 10 ait une malléabilité nettement supérieure à celle d'une âme centrale telle que définie dans l'état de la technique, celle-ci sera recuite de telle manière que pour un fil en acier Inox AISI 304 L ou 316 L ayant un diamètre de l'ordre de 0,4 mm, celui-ci ait une résistance maximale à la traction qui soit inférieure à 700 N/mm2 avec un allongement maximal avant rupture supérieur à 40 % de sa longueur totale.Furthermore, so that the central core 6 made up of the two wires 9 and 10 has a malleability clearly greater than that of a central core as defined in the state of the art, this will be annealed in such a way that for an AISI 304 L or 316 L stainless steel wire having a diameter of the order of 0.4 mm, this has a maximum tensile strength which is less than 700 N / mm 2 with a maximum elongation before breaking greater at 40% of its total length.
Comme on l'a indiqué précédemment, la brosse 2 et plus particulièrement l'âme centrale 6 doit toutefois présenter une tenue suffisante à la traction et à la poussée. Ainsi, on prévoit de munir le dispositif de nettoyage d'une âme centrale courte si l'on est amené à travailler en poussée et inversement, si l'on est amené à travailler en traction, du fait de l'absence de déformation par flambage de l'âme centrale, celle-ci sera avantageusement plus longue.As indicated above, the brush 2 and more particularly the central core 6 must however have sufficient resistance to traction and to thrust. Thus, provision is made to provide the cleaning device with a short central core if it is necessary to work in thrust and vice versa, if it is necessary to work in traction, due to the absence of deformation by buckling. of the central core, it will advantageously be longer.
L'extrémité libre de l'âme centrale 6 est munie d'un embout de protection 8 réalisé par exemple en matière plastique ou dans un matériau analogue à celui du manchon de raccordement 7, et qui présente une extrémité arrondie de diamètre sensiblement égal au diamètre extérieur dudit manchon de raccordement 7.The free end of the central core 6 is provided with a protective tip 8 made for example of plastic or a material similar to that of the connection sleeve 7, and which has a rounded end of diameter substantially equal to the diameter outside of said connection sleeve 7.
Plus précisément, l'embout 8 coiffe l'extrémité libre de l'âme centrale 6 et peut être serti sur cette dernière pour y être définitivement fixé. Ainsi, dans le cas, par exemple, où les poils 5 auraient atteint un taux d'usure critique, cet embout 8 permet d'éviter toute détérioration du conduit lors du déplacement du dispositif de nettoyage dès lors que les extrémités libres des deux fils 9 et 10 de l'âme centrale 6 s'étendent jusqu'à l'intérieur de l'embout. La tige 3 de l'élément cylindrique allongé 1 peut également être enveloppée dans une gaine souple 4 dont une extrémité 4b est en contact contre l'extrémité 7a du manchon de raccordement 7. Le manchon de raccordement a un rayon supérieur au rayon de la tige 3, de telle manière que l'écart entre ces deux rayons soit au moins égal à l'épaisseur de la gaine 4. La gaine est réalisée dans une matière plastique telle que de l'éthylène/tetrafluoréthylène polymère (E/TFE), du polytetrafluoréthylène (PTFE), du polysulfone (PSU), du tetrafluoréthylène-hexafluorpropylène copolymères (FEP), du téréphthalate de polybuthylène (PBT) ou du polyéther-éthercétone (PEEK). Ainsi, cette matière plastique confère une souplesse qui ne limite pas la superélasticité de la tige 3 tout en améliorant le coefficient de frottement de l'ensemble du dispositif de nettoyage à l'intérieur du conduit.More specifically, the tip 8 covers the free end of the central core 6 and can be crimped onto the latter to be permanently fixed there. Thus, in the case, for example, where the bristles 5 have reached a critical wear rate, this nozzle 8 makes it possible to avoid any deterioration of the conduit during the movement of the cleaning device as soon as the free ends of the two wires 9 and 10 of the central core 6 extend to the inside of the end piece. The rod 3 of the elongated cylindrical element 1 can also be wrapped in a flexible sheath 4, one end of which 4b is in contact with the end 7a of the connection sleeve 7. The connection sleeve has a radius greater than the radius of the rod 3, so that the difference between these two radii is at least equal to the thickness of the sheath 4. The sheath is made of a plastic material such as ethylene / tetrafluoroethylene polymer (E / TFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polysulfone (PSU), tetrafluorethylene-hexafluorpropylene copolymers (FEP), polybutethylene terephthalate (PBT) or polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Thus, this plastic material provides flexibility which does not limit the superelasticity of the rod 3 while improving the coefficient of friction of the entire cleaning device inside the duct.
Par ailleurs, la gaine 4 en matière plastique augmente les dimensions radiales de la tige 3 et permet ainsi d'améliorer l'adhérence et la préhension de l'élément cylindrique allongé et donc la manipulation de l'ensemble du dispositif de nettoyage par l'utilisateur.Furthermore, the plastic sheath 4 increases the radial dimensions of the rod 3 and thus makes it possible to improve the adhesion and the grip of the elongated cylindrical element and therefore the manipulation of the entire cleaning device by the user.
La gaine 4 est, par exemple, obtenue en enrobant la tige 3 d'une matière souple, cet enrobage étant réalisé par extrusion.The sheath 4 is, for example, obtained by coating the rod 3 with a flexible material, this coating being produced by extrusion.
Ainsi, lors de la fixation de l'élément cylindrique allongé 1 sur le manchon de raccordement 7, il suffit de dénuder au moins une extrémité de la tige 3 et de l'insérer dans le manchon de raccordement jusqu'à ce que la gaine 4 vienne en contact contre l'extrémité 7a dudit manchon, puis de fixer le manchon sur la tige par sertissage, collage ou soudage. Les différents avantages ainsi que la nécessité dans certains cas d'utiliser une telle gaine souple sont expliqués ci-après.Thus, when fixing the elongate cylindrical element 1 on the connection sleeve 7, it suffices to strip at least one end of the rod 3 and to insert it into the connection sleeve until the sheath 4 comes into contact against the end 7a of said sleeve, then fix the sleeve on the rod by crimping, gluing or welding. The various advantages as well as the need in certain cases to use such a flexible sheath are explained below.
Sur la figure 4, on a représenté un dispositif de nettoyage, conforme à l'invention, disposé dans un conduit 15 d'instruments médicaux. Ce dispositif de nettoyage est formé d'une tige 3 en alliage à mémoire de forme à effet superélastique directement reliée à la brosse 2 au moyen du manchon raccordement 7.In Figure 4, there is shown a cleaning device, according to the invention, disposed in a conduit 15 of medical instruments. This cleaning device is formed by a rod 3 of shape memory alloy with superelastic effect directly connected to the brush 2 by means of the connection sleeve 7.
Bien que la longueur du manchon de raccordement soit la plus petite possible, celui-ci devant assurer le maintien de la tige 3 et de la brosse 2, il est nécessaire qu'il ait une certaine longueur minimale. Cette longueur minimale sera de l'ordre de 0,4 cm pour une tige 3 ayant un diamètre compris entre 0,2 et 1 mm.Although the length of the connection sleeve is as small as possible, the latter having to maintain the rod 3 and the brush 2, it is necessary that it has a certain minimum length. This minimum length will be of the order of 0.4 cm for a rod 3 having a diameter between 0.2 and 1 mm.
Le manchon de raccordement 7 possède par ailleurs un diamètre légèrement inférieur au diamètre interne du conduit 15, sans quoi, lors du passage du dispositif de nettoyage dans une forte courbure, le manchon de raccordement 7 serait bloqué dans ledit conduit. Ainsi, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 4, lors d'une traction ou d'une poussée de la tige 3, dont le diamètre est proportionnellement nettement inférieur au diamètre du conduit 15, le manchon de raccordement a tendance à se placer en travers du conduit 15. Ainsi, une déformation permanente relativement importante de l'âme centrale 6 de la brosse 2 se produit à la sortie du manchon de raccordement 7. Cette déformation s'accentue lorsque la courbure du conduit 15 est de plus en plus prononcée. Cette déformation est indiquée par un rayon de courbure RI mesuré à la sortie du manchon de raccordement.The connection sleeve 7 also has a diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the conduit 15, without which, when the cleaning device passes through a strong curvature, the connection sleeve 7 would be blocked in said conduit. Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 4, when the rod 3 is pulled or pushed, the diameter of which is proportionally significantly less than the diameter of the conduit 15, the connection sleeve tends to be placed in across the conduit 15. Thus, a relatively large permanent deformation of the central core 6 of the brush 2 occurs at the outlet of the connection sleeve 7. This deformation becomes more pronounced when the curvature of the conduit 15 is more and more pronounced . This deformation is indicated by a radius of curvature RI measured at the outlet of the connection sleeve.
Afin d'atténuer cette déformation, il est avantageux de revêtir la tige 3 de la gaine 4 dont le diamètre est légèrement inférieur au diamètre du conduit, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 5, afin d'augmenter le diamètre fictif de la tige et de la centrer ainsi dans l'axe du conduit 15.In order to reduce this deformation, it is advantageous to coat the rod 3 with the sheath 4, the diameter of which is slightly less than the diameter of the conduit, as can be seen in FIG. 5, in order to increase the fictitious diameter of the rod and thus center it in the axis of the duct 15.
En effet, étant donné que le diamètre du manchon de raccordement 7 est obligatoirement supérieur au diamètre de la tige 3, il n'est pas possible d'augmenter le diamètre de cette dernière sans augmenter également le diamètre de manchon, qui par sa fonction même doit posséder une certaine épaisseur afin d'assurer le maintien de l'âme centrale et de la tige.Indeed, since the diameter of the connection sleeve 7 is necessarily greater than the diameter of the rod 3, it is not possible to increase the diameter of the latter without also increasing the diameter of the sleeve, which by its very function must have a certain thickness to ensure the maintenance of the central core and the rod.
Par ailleurs, il est également préférable, notamment pour des raisons économiques, de choisir une tige à effet superélastique la plus fine possible afin d'avoir une flexibilité radiale optimale tout en ayant une rigidité axiale suffisante et d'augmenter le diamètre de la tige au moyen d'une gaine choisie de manière à très peu influer sur la flexibilité de la tige tout en améliorant également sa préhension.Furthermore, it is also preferable, in particular for economic reasons, to choose a rod with the thinnest superelastic effect possible in order to have optimal radial flexibility while having sufficient axial rigidity and to increase the diameter of the rod at by means of a sheath chosen so as to have very little influence on the flexibility of the rod while also improving its grip.
Ainsi, en positionnant la tige 3 dans l'axe du conduit 15 au moyen de la gaine 4, le manchon de raccordement 7 se positionne également dans ledit axe et la déformation permanente de l'âme centrale 6 de la brosse 2 au niveau de la sortie du manchon est réduite de telle manière que le rayon de courbure R2 de la déformation soit supérieur au rayon de courbure RI.Thus, by positioning the rod 3 in the axis of the conduit 15 by means of the sheath 4, the connection sleeve 7 is also positioned in said axis and the permanent deformation of the central core 6 of the brush 2 at the level of the outlet of the sleeve is reduced so that the radius of curvature R2 of the deformation is greater than the radius of curvature RI.
Par ailleurs, il se peut également qu'un opérateur chargé du nettoyage de toutes sortes de conduits d'instruments médicaux ignore le diamètre interne du conduit qu'il nettoie. Dès lors, bien que la tige 3 ait une rigidité axiale satisfaisante, il peut arriver que celle-ci, dans le cas d'un conduit de diamètre nettement supérieur au diamètre du manchon de raccordement, subisse une déformation par flambage lors d'une poussée du dispositif de nettoyage. Dans ce cas, il sera également avantageux de disposer d'une tige entourée d'une gaine qui limitera l'amplitude de l'onde de flambage formée par la tige, onde de flambage qui serait susceptible d'entraîner une augmentation du frottement proportionnellement à l'amplitude.In addition, it may also be that an operator responsible for cleaning all kinds of medical instrument conduits ignores the internal diameter of the conduit he is cleaning. Therefore, although the rod 3 has a satisfactory axial rigidity, it may happen that the latter, in the case of a duct with a diameter significantly greater than the diameter of the connection sleeve, undergoes buckling deformation during a push of the cleaning device. In this case, it will also be advantageous to have a rod surrounded by a sheath which will limit the amplitude of the buckling wave formed by the rod, buckling wave which would be likely to cause an increase in friction in proportion to amplitude.
De plus, la matière plastique telle que le FEP, PTFE, E/TFE, PEEK, PSU ou PBT dans laquelle est réalisée la gaine permet également d'assurer à l'ensemble du dispositif de nettoyage un taux de coefficient de frottement relativement bas.In addition, the plastic material such as FEP, PTFE, E / TFE, PEEK, PSU or PBT in which the sheath is made also makes it possible to ensure that the entire cleaning device has a relatively low coefficient of friction coefficient.
En outre, lorsque le diamètre externe de la gaine 4 est sensiblement égal au diamètre externe du manchon de raccordement 7, cela permet de ne laisser subsister aucun relief ou élément saillant au niveau du manchon et donc d'éviter tout frottement entre l'extrémité 7a du manchon et la paroi interne du conduit 15.In addition, when the external diameter of the sheath 4 is substantially equal to the external diameter of the connection sleeve 7, this makes it possible to leave no relief or protruding element at the level of the sleeve and therefore to avoid any friction between the end 7a of the sleeve and the internal wall of the duct 15.
Selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention représenté sur les figures 2 et 6, la tige 3 est reliée à l'âme centrale 6 de la brosse par l'intermédiaire de moyens de raccordement comprenant, en plus du manchon de raccordement rigide 7, une tige intermédiaire 12 réalisée dans un alliage à mémoire de forme à effet superélastique tel que décrit précédemment et un manchon de liaison 14 rigide réalisé dans un matériau analogue à celui du manchon de raccordement 7. La tige intermédiaire 12 est fixée d'une part par son extrémitéAccording to a second embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 2 and 6, the rod 3 is connected to the central core 6 of the brush by means of connection means comprising, in addition to the rigid connection sleeve 7 , an intermediate rod 12 made of a shape memory alloy with superelastic effect as described above and a rigid connecting sleeve 14 made of a material similar to that of the connecting sleeve 7. The intermediate rod 12 is fixed on the one hand by its end
12a à l'extrémité 7b du manchon de raccordement 7 et d'autre part par son extrémité 12b à l'extrémité 14a du manchon de liaison 14. Le manchon de liaison 14 est directement relié et fixé sur l'âme centrale 6 de la brosse 2 par son extrémité 14b. La tige intermédiaire 12 est enveloppée dans une gaine intermédiaire souple 13 dont les extrémités 13a et 13b sont respectivement en contact contre l'extrémité 7b du manchon de raccordement 7 et l'extrémité 14a du manchon de liaison 14.12a at the end 7b of the connection sleeve 7 and on the other hand by its end 12b at the end 14a of the connection sleeve 14. The connection sleeve 14 is directly connected and fixed to the central core 6 of the brush 2 by its end 14b. The intermediate rod 12 is wrapped in a flexible intermediate sheath 13 whose ends 13a and 13b are respectively in contact against the end 7b of the connection sleeve 7 and the end 14a of the connection sleeve 14.
De préférence, le diamètre de la tige intermédiaire 12 est au plus égal au diamètre de la tige 3 et le diamètre extérieur de la gaine intermédiaire 13 est également au plus égal au diamètre extérieur de la gaine 4.Preferably, the diameter of the intermediate rod 12 is at most equal to the diameter of the rod 3 and the outside diameter of the sheath intermediate 13 is also at most equal to the outside diameter of the sheath 4.
Bien entendu, la longueur de la tige intermédiaire 12 et de la gaine intermédiaire 13 est nettement inférieure à la longueur de la tige 3.Of course, the length of the intermediate rod 12 and of the intermediate sheath 13 is much less than the length of the rod 3.
Ainsi, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 6, les diamètres de la tige intermédiaire 12 et de la gaine intermédiaire 13 sont respectivement inférieurs aux diamètres de la tige 3 et de la gaine 4 ce qui permet d'avoir une augmentation graduelle de la flexibilité de la tige 3 vers la brosse 2 et donc par voie de conséquence de diminuer la déformation de l'âme centrale 6 à la sortie du manchon de liaison 14.Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 6, the diameters of the intermediate rod 12 and of the intermediate sheath 13 are respectively less than the diameters of the rod 3 and of the sheath 4, which makes it possible to have a gradual increase in the flexibility of the rod 3 towards the brush 2 and therefore consequently of reducing the deformation of the central core 6 at the outlet of the connecting sleeve 14.
De ce fait, le rayon de courbure R3 représentant la déformation sera supérieur au rayon de courbure R2 représentant une déformation du dispositif de nettoyage dépourvu d'une tige et d'une gaine intermédiaires.Therefore, the radius of curvature R3 representing the deformation will be greater than the radius of curvature R2 representing a deformation of the cleaning device devoid of an intermediate rod and sheath.
Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la tige 3 du dispositif de nettoyage selon le premier ou le second mode de réalisation, peut être munie sur son extrémité 3a, opposée à la brosse 2, d'un embout de calibrage 11. Cet embout de calibrage 11 est particulièrement adapté lors d'une utilisation en traction du dispositif de nettoyage. En effet dans ce cas d'utilisation, le manchon de raccordement et/ou le manchon de liaison risque de se coincer dans une courbure prononcée du conduit, et donc de bloquer l'ensemble du dispositif de nettoyage. Afin d'éviter tout risque de blocage du dispositif, l'embout de calibrage 11 a un diamètre au moins égal au diamètre du manchon de raccordement 7 et/ou au diamètre du manchon de liaison 14, et une longueur légèrement supérieure à celles de ces derniers.According to another characteristic of the invention, the rod 3 of the cleaning device according to the first or the second embodiment, can be provided on its end 3a, opposite the brush 2, with a calibration tip 11. This tip 11 is particularly suitable for use in traction of the cleaning device. Indeed, in this use case, the connection sleeve and / or the connection sleeve risks being wedged in a pronounced curvature of the duct, and therefore blocking the entire cleaning device. In order to avoid any risk of blockage of the device, the calibration nozzle 11 has a diameter at least equal to the diameter of the connection sleeve 7 and / or to the diameter of the connection sleeve 14, and a length slightly greater than those of these last.
L'embout de calibrage est pourvu d'une extrémité libre lia de forme sensiblement hémisphérique et l'extrémité 4a de la gaine 4 entourant la tige 3 est en contact contre l'extrémité 11b dudit embout.The calibration tip is provided with a free end 11a of substantially hemispherical shape and the end 4a of the sheath 4 surrounding the rod 3 is in contact against the end 11b of said tip.
Ainsi, lorsque l'on introduit en premier l'embout de calibrage 11 dans le conduit, celui-ci permet par ses dimensions de contrôler et de vérifier si les manchons de raccordement 7 et de liaison 14 risquent ou non, de rester coincés dans le conduit. Selon une autre variante (non représentée), on peut également doter le dispositif de nettoyage d'une deuxième brosse située à l'extrémité 3a de la tige 3. Cette deuxième brosse qui est reliée à l'extrémité 3a de la tige par un manchon analogue au manchon de raccordement 7, est avantageusement plus longue que la brosse 2 dans le cas où cette deuxième brosse serait utilisée en traction. Dans ce cas, c'est d'abord la brosse 2 que l'on introduirait dans le conduit à nettoyer.Thus, when the calibration tip 11 is first introduced into the conduit, the latter makes it possible, by its dimensions, to control and verify whether the connection sleeves 7 and the connection sleeves 14 may or may not remain trapped in the drove. According to another variant (not shown), the cleaning device can also be provided with a second brush located at the end 3a of the rod 3. This second brush which is connected to the end 3a of the rod by a sleeve similar to the connection sleeve 7, is advantageously longer than the brush 2 in the case where this second brush would be used in traction. In this case, it is first the brush 2 that would be introduced into the duct to be cleaned.
Entre deux nettoyages, il importe de décontaminer et de nettoyer le dispositif. En effet, après avoir été utilisé, le dispositif doit subir un rinçage à l'eau courante, puis une décontamination dans un bain ou une stérilisation en autoclave. L'élément cylindrique allongé ayant une longueur comprise entre un et plusieurs mètres, le nettoyage de ce dernier est souvent délicat.Between two cleanings, it is important to decontaminate and clean the device. In fact, after being used, the device must be rinsed with running water, then decontamination in a bath or sterilization in an autoclave. The elongated cylindrical element having a length of between one and several meters, the cleaning of the latter is often delicate.
Afin de palier cet inconvénient, on prévoit avantageusement de faire subir à l'élément cylindrique allongé 1, et donc à la tige 3 pourvue ou non de la gaine 4, un traitement à chaud afin de lui conférer une mémoire de forme le contraignant à se présenter à l'état libre sous la forme de spires enroulées.In order to overcome this drawback, provision is advantageously made to subject the elongated cylindrical element 1, and therefore the rod 3, whether or not provided with the sheath 4, to a heat treatment in order to give it a shape memory forcing it to present in the free state in the form of coiled turns.
Le système de nettoyage selon l'invention comprend, en outre un dispositif de guidage d'introduction du dispositif de nettoyage.The cleaning system according to the invention further comprises a device for guiding the introduction of the cleaning device.
Ce dispositif de guidage, représenté sur la figure 7, est formé d'un élément cylindrique creux rigide 16 dont le diamètre interne est au moins égal au diamètre extérieur du manchon de raccordement 7 et/ou au diamètre du manchon de liaison 14. L'élément cylindrique creux 16 est pourvu d'une première extrémité 16a tronconique qui lui permet de venir en contact avec le rebord du conduit 15 et d'être ainsi positionné dans l'axe dudit conduit.This guide device, shown in FIG. 7, is formed by a rigid hollow cylindrical element 16 whose internal diameter is at least equal to the outside diameter of the connection sleeve 7 and / or to the diameter of the connection sleeve 14. The hollow cylindrical element 16 is provided with a first frustoconical end 16a which allows it to come into contact with the flange of the conduit 15 and thus be positioned in the axis of said conduit.
Une deuxième extrémité 16b de l'élément 16 est pourvue de moyens de préhension sur son diamètre externe. Ces moyens de préhension, dans l'exemple donné, sont constitués par un rebord saillant s'étendant radialement.A second end 16b of the element 16 is provided with gripping means on its external diameter. These gripping means, in the example given, consist of a projecting rim extending radially.
L'extrémité 16b est, en outre, pourvue de moyens de guidage disposés sur le diamètre interne de l'élément 16. Ces moyens de guidage sont réalisés sous la forme d'un orifice tronconique 17. Ainsi, il suffit de faire coopérer l'extrémité 16a de l'élément cylindrique creux 16 avec le rebord du conduit, puis d'introduire, suivant le sens de la flèche F, l'âme centrale de la brosse 2 du dispositif de nettoyage dans l'orifice tronconique 17 et de déplacer ensuite le dispositif de nettoyage afin qu'il nettoie la paroi interne du conduit 15. The end 16b is, moreover, provided with guide means arranged on the internal diameter of the element 16. These guide means are produced in the form of a frustoconical orifice 17. Thus, it suffices to make the end 16a of the hollow cylindrical element 16 with the flange of the duct, then to introduce, in the direction of arrow F, the central core of the brush 2 of the cleaning device in the frustoconical orifice 17 and then move the cleaning device so that it cleans the internal wall of the duct 15.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Système de nettoyage de conduits d'instruments médicaux d'investigation ou de prélèvement interne, comprenant un dispositif de nettoyage formé d'un élément cylindrique flexible allongé (1) dont au moins une extrémité est raccordée à une brosse (2) comprenant une âme centrale (6) sur laquelle sont assemblés des poils (5), caractérisé en ce que l'élément cylindrique allongé comprend une tige (3) réalisée dans un alliage à mémoire de forme à effet superélastique, ladite tige (3) étant reliée à l'âme centrale (6) de la brosse (2) par l'intermédiaire de moyens de raccordement comprenant au moins un manchon de raccordement rigide (7), et en ce que ladite âme centrale (6) est réalisée dans un alliage métallique malléable.1. A system for cleaning conduits of medical instruments for investigation or internal sampling, comprising a cleaning device formed by an elongated flexible cylindrical element (1) at least one end of which is connected to a brush (2) comprising a central core (6) on which bristles (5) are assembled, characterized in that the elongated cylindrical element comprises a rod (3) made of a shape memory alloy with superelastic effect, said rod (3) being connected to the central core (6) of the brush (2) by means of connection means comprising at least one rigid connection sleeve (7), and in that said central core (6) is made of a malleable metal alloy .
2. Système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la tige (3) est enveloppée dans une gaine souple (4) dont l'une des extrémités (4b) est en contact contre l'une des extrémités (7a) du manchon de raccordement rigide (7), et en ce que le diamètre extérieur de la gaine (4) est au plus sensiblement égal au diamètre extérieur du manchon (7). 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the rod (3) is wrapped in a flexible sheath (4), one of the ends (4b) of which is in contact with one of the ends (7a) of the sleeve. rigid connection (7), and in that the outside diameter of the sheath (4) is at most substantially equal to the outside diameter of the sleeve (7).
3. Système selon l'une ou l'autre des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que le manchon de raccordement rigide (7) est directement fixé sur l'âme centrale (6) de la brosse (2) et sur la tige (3) de l'élément cylindrique allongé (1).3. System according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the rigid connection sleeve (7) is directly fixed to the central core (6) of the brush (2) and to the rod (3) of the elongate cylindrical element (1).
4. Système selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de raccordement comprennent, en outre, une tige intermédiaire4. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection means further comprise an intermediate rod
(12) réalisée dans un alliage à mémoire de forme à effet superélastique et un manchon de liaison (14), la tige intermédiaire (12) étant fixée d'une part au manchon de raccordement (7) et d'autre part au manchon de liaison (14), lequel est directement fixé sur l'âme centrale (6) de la brosse (2).(12) made of a shape memory alloy with superelastic effect and a connecting sleeve (14), the intermediate rod (12) being fixed on the one hand to the connection sleeve (7) and on the other hand to the sleeve link (14), which is directly fixed to the central core (6) of the brush (2).
5. Système selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que la tige intermédiaire (12) est enveloppée dans une gaine intermédiaire souple (13) dont les deux extrémités (13a, 13b) sont respectivement en contact contre l'autre extrémité (7b) du manchon de raccordement (7) et l'une des extrémités (14a) du manchon de liaison (14). 5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the intermediate rod (12) is wrapped in a flexible intermediate sheath (13) whose two ends (13a, 13b) are respectively in contact against the other end (7b) of the connection sleeve (7) and one of the ends (14a) of the connection sleeve (14).
6. Système selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le diamètre de la tige intermédiaire (12) est au plus égal au diamètre de la tige (3) et en ce que le diamètre extérieur de la gaine intermédiaire (13) est au plus égal au diamètre extérieur de la gaine (4). 6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the diameter of the intermediate rod (12) is at most equal to the diameter of the rod (3) and in that the outside diameter of the intermediate sheath (13) is at most equal to the outer diameter of the sheath (4).
7. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'autre extrémité (3a) de la tige (3) est pourvue d'un embout de calibrage (11), et en ce que la gaine (4) est en contact contre l'une des extrémités (11b) de l'embout (11), le diamètre extérieur de l'embout de calibrage (11) étant au moins égal au diamètre extérieur du manchon de raccordement (7) et/ou au diamètre extérieur du manchon de liaison (14).7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the other end (3a) of the rod (3) is provided with a calibration tip (11), and in that the sheath (4) is in contact against one of the ends (11b) of the end piece (11), the outside diameter of the calibration end piece (11) being at least equal to the outside diameter of the connection sleeve (7) and / or outer diameter of the connecting sleeve (14).
8. Système selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que la longueur de l'embout de calibrage est au moins égale à la longueur du manchon de raccordement et/ou à la longueur du manchon de liaison. 8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the length of the calibration tip is at least equal to the length of the connection sleeve and / or to the length of the connection sleeve.
9. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité libre de l'âme centrale (6) de la brosse (2) comporte un embout de protection (8).9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free end of the central core (6) of the brush (2) comprises a protective tip (8).
10. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'élément cylindrique allongé (1) se présente, à l'état libre, en spire enroulées.10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elongated cylindrical element (1) is, in the free state, in wound turns.
11. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérise en ce qu'il comprend, en outre, un dispositif de guidage d'introduction du dispositif de nettoyage dans un conduit d'instruments médicaux. 11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a device for guiding the introduction of the cleaning device into a conduit for medical instruments.
12. Système selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de guidage est formé d'un élément cylindrique creux rigide (16) dont le diamètre interne est au moins égal au diamètre extérieur du manchon de raccordement (7) et/ou au diamètre extérieur du manchon de liaison (14), ledit élément cylindrique creux ayant une première extrémité (16a) tronconique apte à venir en contact avec le rebord du conduit (15) et une deuxième extrémité (16b) pourvue de moyens de préhension sur son diamètre externe et de moyens de guidage sur son diamètre interne. 12. System according to claim 11, characterized in that the guide device is formed of a rigid hollow cylindrical element (16) whose internal diameter is at least equal to the external diameter of the connection sleeve (7) and / or to the outer diameter of the connecting sleeve (14), said hollow cylindrical element having a first frustoconical end (16a) capable of coming into contact with the flange of the conduit (15) and a second end (16b) provided with gripping means on its diameter external and guide means on its internal diameter.
PCT/FR1999/002953 1998-12-02 1999-11-30 System for cleaning conduits of medical instruments WO2000032072A1 (en)

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FR9815196A FR2786675B1 (en) 1998-12-02 1998-12-02 SYSTEM FOR CLEANING MEDICAL INSTRUMENT CONDUITS
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CN109967443B (en) * 2019-03-29 2020-09-29 陈芸 Disinfection supply center uses apparatus coupling strutting arrangement

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Publication number Publication date
AU1391800A (en) 2000-06-19
FR2786675B1 (en) 2001-02-23
DE29920599U1 (en) 2000-05-11
FR2786675A1 (en) 2000-06-09

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