JP6237402B2 - Adapter for cleaning - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning adapter that is used by being attached to the male connector in order to clean the male connector provided at the upstream end of a tube used for enteral nutrition therapy.

  Enteral nutrition therapy is known as a method for administering nutrition and drugs to patients without oral administration. In enteral nutrition therapy, a nutrient or liquid food is passed through a nasal catheter inserted from the patient's nasal cavity to the stomach or duodenum or a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) catheter inserted into the gastric fistula formed in the patient's abdomen. Or a liquid such as a drug (commonly referred to as “enteral nutrition”) is administered to the patient. A liquid substance to be administered to a patient is stored in a container. A flexible tube (hereinafter referred to as “container side tube”) is connected to the outflow port of the container. The downstream end of the container side tube is a catheter (nasal catheter, PEG catheter, etc.) inserted into the patient or a flexible tube connected to the catheter (hereinafter collectively referred to as “patient side tube”). Is connected to the upstream end. Generally, in order to connect a container side tube and a patient side tube, a connecting tool including a male connector and a female connector is used (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  If the liquid administered in enteral nutrition therapy is a low-viscosity liquid, the liquid regurgitates from the stomach to the esophagus, causing pneumonia, or diarrhea because the liquid water is not sufficiently absorbed by the body. There are problems such as. Therefore, in enteral nutrition therapy, the liquid material is often made highly viscous (ie, semi-solid) by adding a thromi agent or a thickener. Such a high-viscosity liquid material has low fluidity, and therefore has high resistance when passing through the tube. Therefore, when a liquid material having a high viscosity is administered to a patient, the liquid material is fed under pressure.

  Therefore, it is desirable that the connector for connecting the container side tube and the patient side tube includes a locking mechanism that engages with each other so that the pressure applied to the liquid material can be withstood. Then, it is examined that the male connector and the female connector used for such an application are internationally standardized as an international standard ISO80369-3 regarding a nutritional medical device. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a male connector 910 that is being considered as ISO 80369-3 includes a cylindrical male luer 911 and an outer cylinder 913 that surrounds the male luer 911. The male luer 911 is formed with a flow path 912 that penetrates the male luer 911 along the longitudinal direction thereof. A female screw 915 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 913 facing the male luer 911. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the female connector 920 considered as ISO 80369-3 has a cylindrical insertion portion (male luer) 921 into which the male luer 911 is inserted. A male screw 925 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 921. The male connector 910 and the female connector 920 are connected by inserting the male luer 911 into the insertion portion 921 and screwing the female screw 915 and the male screw 925 together. Since the outer peripheral surface of the male luer 911 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion 921 are tapered surfaces having the same taper angle, they are in liquid-tight surface contact. The female screw 915 and the male screw 925 that are screwed together constitute a lock mechanism for locking the connection state between the male connector 910 and the female connector 920. The male connector 910 and the female connector 920 are liquid-tight (property that liquid does not leak out from the connecting portion between the male connector and the female connector even when pressure is applied to the liquid) and connection strength (the connected male connector and Provides excellent connection with the female connector that does not separate even when a tensile force is applied.

  In international standard ISO80369-3, it is considered to provide a male connector 910 at the upstream end of the patient side tube and a female connector 920 at the downstream end of the container side tube.

International Publication No. 2008/152871 Pamphlet

  In the male connector 910, the outer cylinder 913 surrounds the male luer 911, and a female screw 915 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 913. Therefore, enteral nutrients easily adhere to the gap between the male luer 911 and the outer cylinder 913, particularly the valley of the female screw 915. Once the enteral nutrient has adhered to the valley of the female screw 915, it is difficult to wipe off the enteral nutrient.

  When the patient-side tube provided with the male connector 910 is a catheter inserted into the patient, the male connector 910 continues to be placed in the patient together with the catheter. In the case of a PEG catheter, the replacement of the catheter is usually performed every 1 to 3 months. If the male connector 910 to which the enteral nutrient is attached is kept in the patient for a long time in this way, the male connector 910 may be in an unsanitary state. Finally, bacteria may propagate in the male connector 910, and the bacteria may enter the patient's body and cause serious complications. Therefore, the male connector 910 needs to be periodically cleaned.

  An object of this invention is to provide the adapter which can be attached or detached to a male connector used in order to wash | clean the male connector in which the internal thread was formed so that a male luer might be surrounded.

  The cleaning adapter of the present invention is detachably attached to the male connector in order to clean the male connector provided at the upstream end of the tube used for enteral nutrition therapy. The male connector includes a cylindrical male luer in which a flow path communicating with the tube is formed, an outer cylinder surrounding the male luer, and an internal thread formed on an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder facing the male luer. Prepare. The cleaning adapter communicated with a cylindrical portion into which the outer cylinder is inserted and liquid-tightly connected to the outer cylinder, a plug for closing the flow path of the male luer, and a lumen of the cylindrical section. And a port.

  According to the present invention, the male connector can be cleaned by injecting the cleaning liquid from the port into the space surrounded by the adapter and the male connector. Since the cylindrical part of the adapter and the outer cylinder of the male connector are liquid-tightly connected, the cleaning liquid does not leak to the outside during the cleaning operation. Since the plug body blocks the male luer flow path, the cleaning liquid does not flow into the patient's body through the flow path.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning adapter according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view along a plane including the central axis of the cleaning adapter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the cleaning adapter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the male connector cleaned by the cleaning adapter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a method of using the cleaning adapter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining a method of using the cleaning adapter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view along a plane including the central axis of another cleaning adapter according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cleaning adapter according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along a plane including the central axis of the cleaning adapter according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a method of using the cleaning adapter according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11: is an expanded sectional view explaining the usage method of the adapter for washing | cleaning concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cleaning adapter according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a syringe connected to the cleaning adapter according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a male connector being considered as ISO80369-3. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including the central axis of the male connector. FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a female connector considered as ISO 80369-3. FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view along a plane including the central axis of the female connector.

  The cleaning adapter according to the present invention may have a bottomed cylindrical shape including the cylindrical portion and a top plate that closes one end of the cylindrical portion. In this case, it is preferable that the port is provided eccentric to the top plate. Thereby, a washing | cleaning liquid can be inject | poured toward the space | gap between a male luer and an outer cylinder through a port. Accordingly, it becomes easy to remove dirt adhering to the valley of the female screw formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder.

  A baffle plate in which a small hole is formed may be provided in the port or a boundary between the port and the lumen. As a result, the cleaning liquid can be ejected vigorously from the small hole into the space surrounded by the adapter and the male connector. As a result, the performance of removing dirt by the cleaning liquid is further improved.

  The cleaning adapter according to the present invention preferably further includes a second port communicating with the lumen of the cylindrical portion. Thereby, the cleaning liquid can be injected into the space without abnormally increasing the pressure in the space surrounded by the adapter and the male connector. Since it becomes possible to inject | pour cleaning liquid into the said space vigorously, the removal performance of the stain | pollution | contamination by a cleaning liquid improves. If the cleaning liquid containing dirt flows out from another port, the dirt remaining on the male connector after the cleaning work can be reduced.

  In the above, the second port can be provided in the cylindrical portion.

  The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is preferably a tapered surface having a large diameter on the opening side into which the outer cylinder is inserted. Thereby, when the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder of a male connector is a taper taper surface, the operation | work which attaches an adapter to a male connector liquid-tight becomes easy.

  It is preferable that the plug is inserted into the flow path of the male luer to block the flow path. Thereby, the flow path of the male lure can be reliably blocked with a simple structure.

  The cleaning adapter according to the present invention preferably further includes an engagement structure that engages with the male connector. Thereby, possibility that an adapter and a male connector will separate unintentionally can be reduced.

  The port may include a lock mechanism for maintaining a connection state with a member connected to the port. Thereby, possibility that a port and the member connected to this will isolate | separate unintentionally can be reduced.

  Similarly, the second port may include a lock mechanism for maintaining a connection state with a member connected to the second port. Thereby, the possibility that the second port and the member connected thereto are unintentionally separated can be reduced.

  Below, this invention is demonstrated in detail, showing suitable embodiment. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. For convenience of explanation, the drawings referred to in the following description show only the main members necessary for explaining the present invention in a simplified manner among the members constituting the embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can include any member not shown in the following drawings. In the following drawings, the actual dimensions of members and the dimensional ratios of the members are not faithfully represented.

(Embodiment 1)
<Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning adapter (hereinafter simply referred to as “adapter”) 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view along a plane including the central axis 1 a of the adapter 1. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the adapter 1. For convenience of the following description, the direction parallel to the central axis 1a is “up and down direction”, the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the “upper side” of the adapter 1, and the lower side of the paper surface of FIG. " A direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the central axis 1a is referred to as a “horizontal direction”. Further, a direction rotating around the central axis 1a is referred to as “circumferential direction”, and a direction orthogonal to the central axis 1a is referred to as “radial direction”. However, the “vertical direction” and “horizontal direction” do not mean the orientation when the adapter 1 is used.

  The adapter 1 has a bottomed cylindrical shape including a cylindrical portion 10 having a hollow cylindrical shape and a circular top plate 13 that closes an upper end of the cylindrical portion 10. In the present embodiment, the top plate 13 is a flat plate parallel to the horizontal direction, but the shape of the top plate 13 is not limited to this, and for example, even if the center portion is a curved surface protruding upward in a dome shape. Good. The inner peripheral surface 11 of the cylindrical portion 10 is a tapered surface (conical surface) coaxial with the central axis 1 a, and the inner diameter increases as the distance from the top plate 13 increases. The inner diameter and taper angle of the inner peripheral surface 11 are set so as to coincide with the taper surface of the outer peripheral surface 114 of the outer cylinder 113 of the male connector 110 (see FIG. 4 described later) cleaned using the adapter 1. A pair of locking projections 14 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 11 of the cylindrical portion 10 toward the central axis 1a. The locking protrusion 14 is disposed in the vicinity of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 10 and at a symmetrical position with respect to the central axis 1a.

  A plug body 15 that is coaxial with the central axis 1 a protrudes from the top plate 13 toward the inner cavity 12 of the cylindrical portion 10. In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the plug body 15 is a cylindrical surface having a constant outer diameter in the direction of the central axis 1a. However, the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the plug 15 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a tapered surface (conical surface) whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip (lower end). The outer diameter of the plug 15 is set so as to coincide with the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface that defines the flow path 112 of the male luer 111 of the male connector 110 (see FIG. 4 described later) to be cleaned using the adapter 1. .

  The first port 16 protrudes upward from the top plate 13. The first port 16 has a hollow cylindrical shape and communicates with the lumen 12 of the cylindrical portion 10. The first port 16 is eccentric with respect to the central axis 1a and extends parallel to the central axis 1a. In the present embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the first port 16 is a tapered surface (conical surface, for example, 125/1000 taper) whose inner diameter decreases as it approaches the top plate 13. However, the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the first port 16 is not limited to this, and may have an arbitrary shape (for example, a cylindrical surface).

  The second port 17 protrudes outward (in a direction away from the central axis 1a) from a position in the vicinity of the top plate 13 on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 10. The second port 17 has a hollow cylindrical shape and communicates with the lumen 12 of the cylindrical portion 10. The second port 17 extends along the radial direction (a direction orthogonal to the central axis 1a). In the present embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the second port 17 is a tapered surface (conical surface, for example, 125/1000 taper) whose inner diameter decreases as it approaches the cylindrical portion 10. However, the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the second port 17 is not limited to this, and may have an arbitrary shape (for example, a cylindrical surface).

  As can be understood from FIG. 2, the first port 16 and the second port 17 are arranged along one plane including the central axis 1a. In the plane, the first port 16 and the second port 17 are arranged on opposite sides of the central axis 1a.

  The adapter 1 is made of a hard material (hard material) and has a mechanical strength (rigidity) that is not substantially deformed by an external force. Such a hard material is not limited, but, for example, polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyacetal (POM), polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, hard polyvinyl chloride, ABS (acryl-butadiene-styrene copolymer) Resin materials such as polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), and polyacetal (POM) are preferable. The adapter 1 can be integrally manufactured by the injection molding method or the like using the above resin material.

<How to use>
A method of using the adapter 1 configured as described above and according to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the male connector 110 cleaned by the adapter 1. The male connector 110 is compliant with ISO80369-3. Similar to the male connector 910 shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the male connector 110 includes a cylindrical male luer 111 and an outer cylinder 113 surrounding the male luer 111. A female screw 115 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 113 facing the male luer 111. The outer peripheral surface 114 of the outer cylinder 113 is a tapered surface (conical surface) whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the distal end (the end opposite to the base end portion 117). The upstream end of the tube 118 is inserted and connected to the cylindrical base end portion 117 of the male connector 110. A flow path 112 passing through the male luer 111 and a flow path 119 of the tube 118 communicate with each other. The tube 118 may be a PEG catheter, for example. In this case, the downstream end (not shown) of the tube 118 is inserted into the stomach of the patient. The male connector 110 is placed in a patient together with a tube (PEG catheter) 118.

  The male connector 110 is made of a hard material that is hard and has mechanical strength (rigidity) that is not substantially deformed by an external force. The material is not limited, but the same material as that of the adapter 1 described above can be used.

  The tube 118 is generally flexible. The material of the tube 118 is not limited, but in general, a soft material (so-called elastomer) having rubber-like elasticity can be used. For example, rubber such as natural rubber, isoprene rubber, silicone rubber, and styrene elastomer Thermoplastic elastomers such as olefin elastomers and polyurethane elastomers can be used.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view for explaining how to use the adapter 1, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view for explaining how to use the adapter 1.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the cylindrical portion 10 of the adapter 1 is opposed to the male connector 110. As the injector, the first syringe 60 and the second syringe 70 are prepared for the first port 16 and the second port 17 of the adapter 1. A cleaning liquid is stored in the first syringe 60. Although there is no restriction | limiting as a washing | cleaning liquid, For example, lukewarm water, water, tea, diluted vinegar water, etc. can be used. The second syringe 70 is empty.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the outer cylinder 113 of the male connector 110 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 10 of the adapter 1. The inner diameter and taper angle of the inner peripheral surface 11 of the cylindrical portion 10 coincide with the outer diameter and taper surface of the outer peripheral surface 114 of the outer cylinder 113. Therefore, the cylindrical part 10 of the adapter 1 and the outer cylinder 113 of the male connector 110 are connected in a liquid-tight manner.

  The plug 15 of the adapter 1 is inserted into the flow path 112 of the male luer 111 of the male connector 110. The outer diameter of the plug 15 matches the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface that defines the flow path 112 of the male luer 111. Accordingly, the flow path 112 of the male luer 111 is blocked by the plug body 15.

  The locking protrusion 14 formed on the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tubular portion 10 engages with the lower end edge 113 a of the outer tube 113 of the male connector 110.

  The nozzle 61 of the first syringe 60 storing the cleaning liquid is inserted into the first port 16 of the adapter 1 and connected in a liquid-tight manner. The nozzle 71 of the empty second syringe 70 is inserted into the second port 17 of the adapter 1 and connected in a liquid-tight manner.

  Thus, a space 18 surrounded by the adapter 1 and the male connector 110 is formed. The space 18 communicates only with the first syringe 60 and the second syringe 70 via the first port 16 and the second port 17.

  In this state, the plunger 63 of the first syringe 60 is pushed. The cleaning liquid in the first syringe 60 flows into the space 18 through the nozzle 61 and the first port 16. The first port 16 is eccentric with respect to the central axis 1a and opens toward the gap between the male luer 111 and the outer cylinder 113 of the male connector 110 as shown in FIG. The cleaning liquid pushed out from the first syringe 60 is jetted vigorously into this gap of the male connector 110, turbulent flow is generated, and flows in various directions. Due to the flow of the cleaning liquid, dirt attached to the outer peripheral surface of the male luer 111 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 113 (particularly, the valley of the female screw 115) is removed. The cleaning liquid containing dirt flows out to the second syringe 70 through the second port and the nozzle 71. The plunger 73 of the second syringe 70 is pushed out by the cleaning liquid flowing into the second syringe 70.

  In this manner, the cleaning liquid is injected from the first syringe 60 into the space 18 to clean the male connector 110, and the cleaning liquid containing dirt is caused to flow into the second syringe 70. If necessary, the cleaning liquid that has flowed into the second syringe 70 may be injected again into the space 18 to clean the male connector 110 and flow into the first syringe 60. The operation of reciprocating the cleaning liquid between the first syringe 60 and the second syringe 70 via the space 18 may be repeated as many times as necessary.

  On the contrary, the empty first syringe 60 may be connected to the first port 16 and the second syringe 70 storing the cleaning liquid may be connected to the second port 17.

  When the cleaning operation is completed, the first syringe 60 and the second syringe 70 are removed from the adapter 1. The adapter 1 may be left attached to the male connector 110 or may be removed. By keeping the adapter 1 attached to the washed male connector 110, the clean state of the male connector 110 can be maintained.

  The cleaning operation of the male connector 110 using the adapter 1 is preferably performed every time immediately after performing enteral nutrition therapy.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the outer tube 113 of the male connector 110 is inserted into the tubular portion 10 and the tubular portion 10 and the outer tube 113 are connected in a liquid-tight manner. A first syringe 60 and a second syringe 70 are connected to the first port 16 and the second port 17 communicating with the space 18, respectively.

  Therefore, for example, the cleaning liquid can be injected from the first port 16 and the cleaning liquid can flow out from the second port 17. Thereby, the cleaning liquid can be injected into the space 18 without the pressure in the space 18 surrounded by the adapter 1 and the male connector 110 rising abnormally. It is also possible to inject the cleaning liquid into the space 18 vigorously. Therefore, the performance for removing dirt by the cleaning liquid is improved. The cleaning liquid containing dirt flows out from the second port 17 and is collected. For this reason, there is a low possibility that dirt will reattach to the male connector 110, and the dirt hardly remains on the male connector 110 after the cleaning operation.

  A first port 16 for injecting the cleaning liquid is provided eccentric to the top plate 13. For this reason, the cleaning liquid injected from the first port 16 flows toward the gap between the male luer 111 and the outer cylinder 113 of the male connector 110. Accordingly, the performance of removing dirt attached to the outer peripheral surface of the male luer 111 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 113 is improved. It is also possible to remove dirt that has adhered to the valleys of the female screw 115 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 113 and is difficult to remove by wiping.

  The second port 17 is provided in the cylindrical portion 10. For this reason, since the 1st syringe 60 connected to the 1st port 16 provided in the top board 13 and the 2nd syringe 70 connected to the 2nd port 17 can be separated, each syringe 60,70 can be separated. Is easy to operate. Further, since the first port 16 and the second port 17 are separated from each other, the cleaning liquid flows in every corner in the space 18 in the process from the first port 16 to the second port 17. As a result, a portion where the cleaning liquid stays in the space 18 is less likely to occur, and the dirt removal performance is improved.

  The cylindrical part 10 and the outer cylinder 113 are connected in a liquid-tight manner. Further, the first port 16 and the nozzle 61 of the first syringe, and the second port 17 and the nozzle 71 of the second syringe 70 are also connected in a liquid-tight manner. Therefore, there is no possibility that the cleaning liquid leaks to the outside during the cleaning operation.

  When the adapter 1 is connected to the male connector 110, the plug body 15 closes the flow path 112 of the male luer 111. As a result, the cleaning liquid containing dirt does not flow into the patient's body through the flow path 112 of the male luer 111 and the flow path 119 of the tube 118. Since the plug body 15 is fitted into the flow path 112 of the male luer 111, the flow path 112 can be reliably closed.

  The inner peripheral surface 11 of the cylindrical portion 10 is a tapered surface whose inner diameter increases as the distance from the top plate 13 increases, and the tapered surface matches the tapered surface of the outer peripheral surface 114 of the outer tube 113 of the male connector 110. Therefore, only by inserting the outer cylinder 113 of the male connector 110 into the cylindrical part 10, the inner peripheral surface 11 of the cylindrical part 10 and the outer peripheral surface 114 of the outer cylinder 113 are brought into surface contact, and the cylindrical part 10 and the outer cylinder are brought into contact with each other. 113 can be connected in a liquid-tight manner. The operation | work which mounts the adapter 1 to the male connector 110 is very easy, and operativity is favorable. Such a connection between the female taper surface 11 and the male taper surface 114 improves the connection strength between the adapter 1 and the male connector 110, and reduces the possibility that both of them are unintentionally separated.

  The adapter 1 includes a locking projection 14 as an engaging structure that engages with the male connector 110. Thereby, when the internal pressure of the space 18 is increased by injecting the cleaning liquid, or when a pulling force in the direction of separation between the adapter 1 and the male connector 110 acts unintentionally, the adapter 1 and the male connector It is possible to reduce the possibility that a situation in which 110 is unintentionally separated will occur.

  The above embodiment 1 is merely an example. The present invention is not limited to the first embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate.

  The angles of the ports 16 and 17 are arbitrary. For example, the first port 16 may be inclined with respect to the top plate 13 (that is, the horizontal surface) so that the cleaning liquid flowing in from the first port 16 turns spirally around the central axis 1a. The second port 17 does not need to be along the radial direction. For example, when viewed along a direction parallel to the central axis 1a, the second port 17 is along the tangential direction of the inner peripheral surface 11 of the cylindrical portion 10. It may be.

  The positions of the two ports 16 and 17 are also arbitrary. For example, two ports 16 and 17 can be provided on the top plate 13. In this case, the two ports are preferably rotationally symmetric (two-fold symmetric) with respect to the central axis 1a. Even in this configuration, since the cleaning liquid can be injected toward the gap between the male luer 111 and the outer cylinder 113 of the male connector 110 as in the above embodiment, the dirt adhering to the valley of the female screw 115 or the like. Can be effectively removed. The two ports 16 and 17 provided on the top plate 13 may be parallel to the central axis 1a. Alternatively, the two ports may be inclined with respect to the top plate 13 so that the cleaning liquid spirally rotates around the central axis 1a.

  Alternatively, the two ports 16 and 17 can be provided in the cylindrical portion 10. In this case, the two ports are along the tangential direction of the inner peripheral surface 11 of the cylindrical portion 10 when viewed along the direction parallel to the central axis 1a so that the cleaning liquid turns around the central axis 1a. Also good. The two ports are preferably rotationally symmetric (two-fold symmetric) with respect to the central axis 1a.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a baffle plate 20 having a small hole 21 may be provided at the boundary between the first port 16 and the lumen 12. In this case, the baffle plate 20 closes the opening of the port 16 on the inner cavity 12 side. The small hole 21 is a through hole that penetrates the baffle plate 20. The total cross-sectional area of the flow paths of all the small holes 21 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of each flow path of the nozzle 61 connected to the first port 16 and the first port 16. As a result, the cleaning liquid injected from the first port 16 can be ejected vigorously from the small hole 21 into the space 18 surrounded by the adapter 1 and the male connector 110. As a result, the flow rate of the cleaning liquid in the space 18 is increased, and the performance of removing dirt by the cleaning liquid is further improved. In this example, the number of the small holes 21 provided in the baffle plate 20 is four (in FIG. 7, one small hole 21 is not visible), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of small holes 21 is one or more. If there is, it may be more or less. The inner diameter of the small hole 21 is also arbitrary. The penetration direction of the small hole 21 may be parallel to the central axis 1a or may be inclined. By appropriately setting the penetrating directions of the plurality of small holes 21, it is possible to further improve the performance of removing dirt by the cleaning liquid. The position of the baffle plate 20 may be in the first port 16. The baffle plate 20 in which the small holes 21 are formed may be provided in the second port 17 or the boundary between the second port 17 and the lumen 12.

  In the above embodiment, the inner peripheral surfaces of the ports 16 and 17 are tapered surfaces whose inner diameters increase toward the tip so as to match the tapered surface shape of the outer peripheral surfaces of the nozzles 61 and 71 of the syringes 60 and 70 ( It is set to a conical surface, for example, 125/1000 taper. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shapes of the ports 16 and 17 can be appropriately changed according to the injector connected thereto. A structure may be employed in which the ports 16 and 17 and the injector are connected in a liquid-tight manner by inserting the ports 16 and 17 into the nozzles 61 and 71.

  In the above embodiment, an injector (syringe 60, 70) is connected to both of the two ports 16, 17. In this configuration, the cleaning liquid can be moved back and forth between the two injectors. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, an injector storing the cleaning liquid can be connected to only one of the two ports 16 and 17, and the other can be connected to a container or the like via a tube to collect the cleaning liquid containing dirt in the container. . When the two ports are provided asymmetrically with respect to the central axis 1a, it is possible to arbitrarily set which port the cleaning liquid is injected from and from which port the cleaning liquid containing dirt is recovered.

  Alternatively, an injector storing the cleaning liquid may be connected to only one of the two ports 16 and 17, and an elastically inflatable balloon may be connected to the other. When the cleaning liquid is injected into the space 18 from the injector, the air previously present in the space 18 moves to the balloon. The balloon functions as a pressure increase suppression mechanism that suppresses the pressure increase in the space 18. Thereby, injection | pouring of the washing | cleaning liquid to the space 18 by an injector becomes easy.

  The adapter 1 may include a cap that can be attached to and detached from the ports 16 and 17. When the adapter 1 is left attached to the male connector 110 after cleaning the male connector 110, the caps are attached to the ports 16 and 17 to close the openings of the ports 16 and 17, thereby making the male connector 110 cleaner. You can continue to maintain the state.

  The adapter 1 may include three or more ports communicating with the lumen 12. In this case, the port arrangement can be arbitrarily set. For example, the port for injecting the cleaning liquid can be changed according to the degree of contamination of the male connector 110. Ports not in use may be covered with a cap. Alternatively, a pressure increase suppression mechanism such as a balloon may be connected to one of the ports in order to suppress a pressure increase in the space 18.

  The injector that injects the cleaning liquid into the space 18 is not limited to a syringe. For example, a syringe or a similar device may be used.

  Instead of connecting the injector directly to the ports 16 and 17, the ports 16 and 17 may be connected to the injector via a flexible tube, for example.

  The shape of the inner peripheral surface 11 of the cylindrical portion 10 of the adapter 1 is not limited to the first embodiment as long as it can be liquid-tightly connected to the outer peripheral surface 114 of the outer tube 113 of the male connector 110, and is arbitrary. . In ISO80369-3 under examination, the shape of the outer peripheral surface 114 of the outer tube 113 of the male connector 110 is arbitrary. Therefore, the shape of the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tubular portion 10 is set according to the shape of the outer peripheral surface 114 of the outer tube 113. For example, the inner peripheral surface 11 of the cylindrical portion 10 may have a female screw that is screwed into a male screw formed on the outer peripheral surface 114 of the outer tube 113. The inner peripheral surface 11 of the tubular portion 10 may include an O-ring that is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 114 of the outer tube 113 to form a liquid-tight seal.

  The plug body 15 may close the flow path 112 by being in close contact with the opening on the distal end side of the flow path 112 of the male luer 111 without being inserted into the flow path 112 of the male luer 111.

  The engagement structure that engages with the male connector 110 is not limited to the pair of locking protrusions 14. For example, the number of the locking protrusions 14 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. The locking protrusion may be an annular protrusion that is continuous with the inner peripheral surface 11 of the cylindrical portion 10 in the circumferential direction. In order to facilitate the displacement of the locking projection along the radial direction, a plurality of slits (cuts) are formed upward from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 10, and the elastically displaceable portion surrounded by the adjacent slits You may provide a latching protrusion in this. The part of the male connector 110 with which the engaging structure engages may be a part other than the outer cylinder 113. The engagement structure may include a screw structure (for example, a female screw). The engagement structure may be omitted.

  In the above description, the case where the male connector to be cleaned is a male connector conforming to ISO 80369-3 has been described as an example. However, the adapter of the present invention may be used for cleaning other male connectors. it can.

  The tube 118 provided with the male connector to be cleaned by the adapter 1 is optional. The tube 118 may be, for example, a so-called “tube-type” PEG catheter that has been extended from the patient, and is a tube connected to a so-called “button-type” PEG catheter that is not substantially derived from the patient's body. May be. Alternatively, the tube 118 may be a nasal catheter. The adapter 1 can be used to clean the male connector provided at the upstream end of any tube through which enteral nutrients flow.

(Embodiment 2)
<Configuration>
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cleaning adapter (hereinafter simply referred to as “adapter”) 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view along a plane including the central axis 1 a of the adapter 2. In the drawing showing the adapter 2 of the second embodiment, the same or corresponding elements as those of the adapter 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The adapter 2 according to the second embodiment does not include the second port 17 included in the adapter 1 according to the first embodiment. The adapter 2 includes a single port 16 that communicates with the lumen 12 of the tubular portion 10. Except for this, the adapter 2 is the same as the adapter 1.

<How to use>
A method of using the adapter 2 configured as described above and according to the second embodiment will be described.

  The adapter 2 is used for cleaning the male connector 110 shown in FIG. 4 in the same manner as the adapter 1 of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view for explaining how to use the adapter 2, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining how to use the adapter 2.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the cylindrical portion 10 of the adapter 2 is opposed to the male connector 110. A syringe 60 is prepared for the port 16 of the adapter 2. A cleaning liquid is stored in the syringe 60.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the outer cylinder 113 of the male connector 110 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 10 of the adapter 2. Similar to the first embodiment, the cylindrical portion 10 and the outer cylinder 113 are connected in a liquid-tight manner. The plug 15 of the adapter 2 is inserted into the flow channel 112 of the male luer 111 and closes the flow channel 112. The locking protrusion 14 formed on the inner peripheral surface 11 of the tubular portion 10 engages with the lower end edge 113 a of the outer tube 113 of the male connector 110.

  The nozzle 61 of the syringe 60 storing the cleaning liquid is connected to the port 16 of the adapter 2 in a liquid-tight manner.

  A space 18 surrounded by the adapter 1 and the male connector 110 communicates only with the syringe 60 via the port 16.

  In this state, the plunger 63 of the syringe 60 is pushed in. Air exists in the space 18 surrounded by the adapter 2 and the male connector 110. Since air has compressibility, it is possible to inject the cleaning liquid into the space 18 by pushing the plunger 63. Unlike the first embodiment, it may be difficult to almost completely fill the space 18 with the cleaning liquid by pushing the plunger 63 once. However, the pushing and pulling operation of the plunger 63 and the posture change of the adapter 2 and the male connector 110 are different. By combining these, the air previously existing in the space 18 can be moved to the syringe 60, and the cleaning liquid can be moved in the space 18 instead. In this way, the dirt adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the male luer 111 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 113 is removed by the cleaning liquid injected into the space 18.

  When the cleaning operation is completed, the syringe 60 is removed from the adapter 2. Further, the adapter 2 is removed from the male connector 110.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the outer tube 113 of the male connector 110 is inserted into the tubular portion 10 and the tubular portion 10 and the outer tube 113 are connected in a liquid-tight manner. The port 16 communicates with the lumen 12 of the cylindrical portion 10 and is connected to the syringe 60. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid can be injected from the port 16 into the space 18. It is also possible to vigorously inject the cleaning liquid into the space 18 by utilizing the compressibility of the air existing in the space 18 in advance. In this way, the male connector 110 can be cleaned.

  Except for the above, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

  The above embodiment 2 is merely an example. The present invention is not limited to the second embodiment described above, and can be changed as appropriate.

  For example, in the second embodiment, the position of the port 16 can be changed. Similarly to the second port 17 of the first embodiment, a port may be provided in the cylindrical portion 10. The angle and shape of the port 16 can be appropriately changed as described in the first embodiment.

  Part or all of the adapter 2 (particularly the cylindrical portion 10 and the top plate 13) may be made of a flexible material. Thereby, when the cleaning liquid is injected, the flexible portion is deformed to relieve the pressure increase in the space 18. This facilitates the cleaning liquid injection operation. The material having flexibility is not limited, but a soft material having rubber-like elasticity (so-called elastomer) can be used. For example, rubber such as natural rubber, isoprene rubber, silicone rubber, and styrene elastomer Thermoplastic elastomers such as olefin elastomers and polyurethane elastomers can be used.

  In addition, the various modifications described in the first embodiment can be similarly applied to the second embodiment, except for those based on a plurality of ports.

(Embodiment 3)
<Configuration>
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cleaning adapter (hereinafter simply referred to as “adapter”) 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, elements that are the same as or correspond to elements of the adapter 1 of Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the adapter 3 of the third embodiment, a first screw projection (first male screw) 31 and a second screw projection (second male screw) 32 are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first port 16 and the second port 17, respectively. This is different from the adapter 1 of the first embodiment. The screw-like protrusions 31 and 32 are so-called discontinuous screws obtained by dividing the thread of the male screw in the circumferential direction of the ports 16 and 17. Except for the above, the adapter 3 is the same as the adapter 1.

<How to use>
A method of using the adapter 3 configured as described above and according to the third embodiment will be described.

  The adapter 3 can be used for cleaning the male connector 110 shown in FIG. 4 in the same manner as the adapter 1 of the first embodiment. Similar to the adapter 1, the adapter 3 is attached to the male connector 110.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a syringe 300 as an injector connected to the ports 16 and 17 of the adapter 3. Similar to the syringes 60 and 70 used in the first and second embodiments, the syringe 300 includes a cylindrical outer cylinder 310 and a plunger 303 that is inserted into and removed from the opening at the rear end of the outer cylinder 310. A nozzle 311 and a lock cylinder 315 surrounding the nozzle 311 are provided at the tip of the outer cylinder 310. The lock cylinder 315 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a female screw 317 is formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof facing the nozzle 311. The syringe 300 may be the same as the syringes 60 and 70 of the first embodiment except that the syringe 300 includes the lock cylinder 315 in which the female screw 317 is formed.

  Two syringes 300 are prepared. On one side, cleaning liquid is stored. The nozzle 311 of the syringe 300 is inserted into the ports 16 and 17, and the outer cylinder 310 is rotated with respect to the ports 16 and 17 so that the female screw 317 and the screw-like protrusions 31 and 32 are screwed together. Thus, the two syringes 300 are connected to the ports 16 and 17 of the adapter 3 in a liquid-tight manner, respectively. Thereafter, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the cleaning liquid is injected into the space 18 (see FIG. 6) surrounded by the adapter 3 and the male connector 110 from one syringe 300 to clean the male connector 110.

  In the third embodiment, since the screw-like projections 31 and 32 of the ports 16 and 17 are screwed with the female screw 317 of the syringe 300, the ports 16 and 17 and the syringe 300 are firmly connected. The screw-like projections 31 and 32 function as a lock mechanism for maintaining (locking) the liquid-tight connection state with the syringe 300. When the ports 16 and 17 are provided with the lock mechanism, for example, even if the cleaning liquid in the syringe 300 is pressurized via the plunger 303 in order to inject the cleaning liquid from the syringe 300 into the space 18, the syringe 300 is in the port. Unintentional separation from 16 and 17 can be prevented. In addition, since the connection between the ports 16 and 17 and the nozzle 311 is loosened, the possibility that the cleaning liquid leaks to the outside along the connection interface between the two can be reduced.

  Since the screw-like projections 31 and 32 are discontinuous screws, it is easy to remove the screw-like projections 31 and 32 and dirt in the vicinity thereof. However, the screw-like projections 31 and 32 may be so-called continuous screws (that is, normal male screws) in which the threads are continuous in the circumferential direction.

  The structure of the lock mechanism for maintaining the connection state with the syringe 300 provided in the ports 16 and 17 is not limited to the screw-like protrusions 31 and 32. The syringe 300 may include a lock mechanism other than the female screw 317 around the nozzle 311. Depending on the lock mechanism provided in the syringe 300, the configuration of the lock mechanism provided in the ports 16 and 17 can be changed as appropriate. Generally, the lock mechanism provided in the ports 16 and 17 and the syringe 300 can be configured by an engagement structure that engages with each other in the insertion / removal direction of the nozzle 311 with respect to the ports 16 and 17. The locking mechanism provided in the ports 16 and 17 is not limited, and engages with a concave or convex portion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lock cylinder 315 in addition to a threaded structure such as the screw-like protrusions 31 and 32. A convex part (for example, protrusion, a nail | claw etc.) or a recessed part (for example, groove | channel) may be sufficient.

  As described in the first embodiment, a member other than the syringe can be connected to one or both of the ports 16 and 17. In this case, a lock mechanism for maintaining a connection state with the member can be provided in the port.

  A lock mechanism may be provided on only one of the ports 16 and 17.

  In the adapter 3 of the third embodiment, at least one of the ports of the adapter 1 of the first embodiment is provided with a lock mechanism for maintaining a connection state with a member connected to the port. The description of the first embodiment can be similarly applied to the third embodiment.

  In order to maintain the connection state with the member connected to the said port 16, the lock mechanism similar to the above can also be provided in the port 16 of the adapter 2 of Embodiment 2. FIG. In this case, the description of the second embodiment can be similarly applied to an adapter provided with the lock mechanism. In the adapter 2 according to the second embodiment, when the cleaning liquid is injected into the lumen 18, the pressure in the lumen 18 is likely to increase. Therefore, it is effective to provide the port 16 with a lock mechanism.

  The present invention can be used as an adapter for cleaning a male connector provided at the upstream end of a tube used for enteral nutrition therapy.

1, 2, 3 Cleaning adapter 10 Tubular portion 11 Tubular portion inner peripheral surface 12 Tubular portion lumen 13 Top plate 14 Locking projection (engaging structure)
15 Plug body 16, 17 Port 20 Baffle plate 21 Small hole 31, 32 Screw projection (lock mechanism)
110 male connector 111 male luer 112 male luer channel 113 outer cylinder 115 female thread 118 tube

Claims (10)

In order to wash the male connector provided at the upstream end of the tube used for enteral nutrition therapy, a washing adapter that is detachably attached to the male connector,
The male connector includes a cylindrical male luer in which a flow path communicating with the tube is formed, an outer cylinder surrounding the male luer, and an internal thread formed on an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder facing the male luer. Prepared,
The cleaning adapter communicated with a cylindrical portion into which the outer cylinder is inserted and liquid-tightly connected to the outer cylinder, a plug for closing the flow path of the male luer, and a lumen of the cylindrical section. A cleaning adapter comprising a port. The cleaning adapter has a bottomed cylindrical shape including the cylindrical portion and a top plate that closes one end of the cylindrical portion,
The cleaning adapter according to claim 1, wherein the port is provided eccentric to the top plate.   The cleaning adapter according to claim 1, wherein a baffle plate having a small hole is provided in the port or a boundary between the port and the lumen.   The washing adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second port communicating with the lumen of the cylindrical portion.   The cleaning adapter according to claim 4, wherein the second port is provided in the cylindrical portion.   The cleaning adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion is a tapered surface having a large diameter on an opening side into which the outer tube is inserted.   The cleaning adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plug is inserted into the flow path of the male luer to block the flow path.   The cleaning adapter according to claim 1, further comprising an engagement structure that engages with the male connector.   The cleaning adapter according to claim 1, wherein the port includes a lock mechanism for maintaining a connection state with a member connected to the port.   The cleaning adapter according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second port includes a lock mechanism for maintaining a connection state with a member connected to the second port.

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