CATHETER SET FOR FORMING DIFFERENT CATHETER ARRANGEMENTS FOR PERIPHERAL REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA

Abstract

A catheter set for forming catheter arrangements includes a capillary with a capillary tube and a capillary attachment joined to the capillary tube, a cannula with a cannula tube insertable into the capillary tube, a cannula attachment joined to the cannula tube and connectable to the capillary attachment, a catheter hose advanceable through the capillary tube, a catheter coupling for fastening to the catheter hose, and a fluid admission line with a hose and at least one fluid connector joined to the hose and which is connectable to the capillary attachment. A first catheter arrangement, which has the catheter hose and catheter coupling fastened to the catheter hose, is configured for dispensing anaesthetic via the catheter hose. A second catheter arrangement, which has the capillary and the fluid admission line, is connected to the capillary attachment by the fluid connector and configured for dispensing anaesthetic via the capillary tube.

Claims

1. A catheter set for forming different catheter arrangements for peripheral regional anaesthesia, the catheter set comprising: a capillary with a capillary tube and a capillary attachment that is joined to a proximal end of the capillary tube; a cannula with a cannula tube that is inserted or insertable into the capillary tube, and with a cannula attachment that is joined to a proximal end of the cannula tube and is releasably connected or connectable to the capillary attachment; a catheter hose that is advanceable in a distal direction through the capillary tube; a catheter coupling configured for fastening to a proximal end of the catheter hose; and a fluid admission line with a hose and at least one fluid connector that is joined to a distal end of the hose and releasably connectable to the capillary attachment, the catheter set being configured for selectively forming at least a first catheter arrangement and a second catheter arrangement, the first catheter arrangement having the catheter hose and the catheter coupling fastened to the proximal end of the catheter hose, the first catheter arrangement configured for dispensing an anaesthetic via the catheter hose, and the second catheter arrangement having the capillary and the fluid admission line connected to the capillary attachment by the fluid connector, the second catheter arrangement configured for dispensing the anaesthetic via the capillary tube.

2. The catheter set according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing component that is fastenable to the capillary attachment and configured for axially fixing the catheter hose, insertable into the capillary tube, on the capillary, the catheter set being configured for selectively forming a third catheter arrangement which has the capillary, the catheter hose, the fixing component and the catheter coupling fastened to the proximal end of the catheter hose, the fixing component being fastened to the capillary attachment, and the catheter hose being advanced in the distal direction through the capillary tube for dispensing the anaesthetic and axially fixed relative to the capillary by the fixing component.

3. The catheter set according to claim 1, wherein the capillary tube is flexible.

4. The catheter set according to claim 3, wherein the capillary tube is produced from polyurethane.

5. The catheter set according to claim 1, wherein the catheter hose has an extractable mandrel.

6. The catheter set according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sensors configured for ultrasound-based locating and mounted on different components of the catheter set.

7. The catheter set according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of: a first sensor integrated in a distal end of the capillary tube; a second sensor integrated in a distal end of the cannula tube; and a third sensor integrated in a distal end of the catheter hose.

8. The catheter set according to claim 2, wherein: the fixing component has an actuation element and a clamping element that is pliable, the clamping element is receivable or received in a receiving recess of the capillary attachment and has, in a received state, a lumen that is oriented coaxially to the capillary tube and into which the catheter hose is distally insertable, the actuation element is mountable or mounted on the capillary attachment in such a way as to be movable relative to the capillary attachment and is operatively connected to the clamping element in a force-transmitting and/or movement-transmitting manner, and the clamping element, by a movement of the actuation element, is elastically deformable between a clamping configuration, in which the lumen is radially narrowed and an axial mobility of the catheter hose is fixed by frictional engagement, and an enabling configuration, in which the frictional engagement is cancelled and the axial mobility of the catheter hose is enabled.

9. A method for forming a first catheter arrangement with the catheter set according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: removing the cannula, wherein the cannula attachment is released from the capillary attachment, and the cannula tube advanced in the capillary tube is extracted in a proximal direction from the capillary tube; fitting the catheter hose, wherein the distal end of the catheter hose is inserted into the capillary attachment and advanced in the distal direction along the capillary tube; removing the capillary, wherein the capillary tube is withdrawn in a proximal direction from the catheter hose; and fastening the catheter coupling to the proximal end of the catheter hose.

10. A method for forming a second catheter arrangement with the catheter set according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: removing the cannula, wherein the cannula attachment is released from the capillary attachment, and the cannula tube advanced in the capillary tube is extracted in a proximal direction from the capillary tube; and fitting the fluid admission line, wherein the fluid connector of the latter is connected to the capillary attachment.

11. A method for forming a third catheter arrangement with the catheter set according to claim 2, the method comprising the steps of: removing the cannula, wherein the cannula attachment is released from the capillary attachment, and the cannula tube advanced in the capillary tube is extracted in a proximal direction from the capillary tube; fitting the fixing component to the capillary, wherein the fixing component is fastened to the capillary attachment; fitting the catheter hose, wherein the distal end of the latter is inserted into the capillary attachment and advanced in the distal direction along the capillary tube; positioning the catheter hose, wherein the distal end of the latter is advanced as far as a desired position with respect to the distal end of the capillary tube; fixing the catheter hose, wherein the fixing component is actuated and the catheter hose is axially fixed relative to the capillary under the action of the fixing component; and fastening the catheter coupling to the proximal end of the catheter hose.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0019] Further advantages and features of the disclosure will become clear from the following description of exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, of which:

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a simplified schematic view of an embodiment of a catheter set according to the disclosure with a capillary, a cannula, a catheter hose, a catheter coupling, a fluid admission line and a fixing component;

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a detailed schematic view of the capillary of the catheter set according to FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 3 shows a detailed schematic view of the cannula of the catheter set according to FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 4 shows a simplified schematic view of a first catheter arrangement, wherein the first catheter arrangement is formed using the catheter set according to FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 5 shows a simplified schematic view of a second catheter arrangement formed using the catheter set according to FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 6 shows a simplified schematic view of a third catheter arrangement formed using the catheter set according to FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 7 shows the third catheter arrangement according to FIG. 6 in an alternative schematic view;

[0027] FIG. 8 shows a partially cutaway longitudinal sectional view, along a section A-A, of the third catheter arrangement according to FIG. 7;

[0028] FIG. 9 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the disclosure for forming the first catheter arrangement according to FIG. 4 using the catheter set according to FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 10 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the disclosure for forming the second catheter arrangement according to FIG. 5 using the catheter set according to FIG. 1; and

[0030] FIG. 11 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the disclosure for forming the third catheter arrangement according to FIGS. 6 to 8 using the catheter set according to FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] According to FIG. 1, a catheter set 1 for use in peripheral regional anaesthesia is provided. The catheter set 1 is configured for selectively forming different catheter arrangements 10, 20, 30. Specifically, the catheter set 1 is configured for forming a first catheter arrangement 10 (FIG. 4), a second catheter arrangement 20 (FIG. 5) and a third catheter arrangement 30 (FIGS. 6 to 8). To form the different catheter arrangements 10, 20, 30, the components (described in detail below) of the catheter set 1 are combined with one another in different ways.

[0032] The catheter set 1 has a capillary 100, a cannula 200, a catheter hose 300, a catheter coupling 400 and a fluid admission line 500.

[0033] In the embodiment shown, the catheter set 1 moreover has a fixing component 600. The fixing component 600 is optional. In an embodiment not shown separately in the figures, the catheter set does not have a fixing component.

[0034] The capillary 100 has a capillary tube 101 and a capillary attachment 102 (see FIG. 2). The capillary attachment 102 is joined to a proximal end 103 of the capillary tube 101. The capillary tube 101 is elongate between the proximal end 103 and a distal end 104. The capillary 100, specifically the capillary tube 101, has a lumen 105. The lumen 105 is continuous from proximal end to distal end. The capillary 100 can also be designated as a short catheter.

[0035] In the embodiment shown, the capillary tube 101 is designed to be flexible. The capillary tube 101 is in the present case produced from a flexible plastic material. Specifically, the capillary tube 101 is produced from polyurethane PU.

[0036] The cannula 200 has a cannula tube 201 and a cannula attachment 202. The cannula attachment 202 is joined to a proximal end 203 of the cannula tube 201. The cannula tube 201 is elongate between the proximal end 203 and a distal end 204. The distal end 204 has a cannula opening (not shown in detail). The cannula 200, specifically the cannula tube 201, has a lumen 205. The lumen 205 is continuous from proximal end to distal end. The lumen 205 opens at one end into the cannula opening (not shown in detail). The cannula tube 201 is insertable into the capillary tube 101. Moreover, the cannula attachment 202 and the capillary attachment 102 are releasably connectable to each other. FIG. 1 shows an inserted and connected state. To insert the cannula tube 201, its distal end 204 is inserted distally through the capillary attachment 102 into the capillary tube 101, specifically the lumen 105 thereof. In the inserted state, the distal end 204 of the cannula tube 201 protrudes beyond the distal end 104 of the capillary tube 101 (see FIG. 1). The capillary tube 101 and the cannula tube 201 are adapted in dimensions to each other. In particular, an internal diameter of the capillary tube 101 is greater than an external diameter of the cannula tube 201. The internal diameter and the external diameter are without reference signs. Moreover, an axial length of the cannular tube 201 is greater than an axial length of the capillary tube 101. The two axial lengths are likewise without reference signs. The releasable fastening between the capillary attachment 102 and the cannula attachment 202 is by form-fit and/or force-fit engagement. The capillary attachment 102 and the cannula attachment 202 are configured for releasable fastening. The releasable fastening is, for example, a screw, plug and/or clamp connection. Accordingly, the capillary attachment 102 and the cannula attachment 202 are designed at least partially complementing each other.

[0037] The catheter hose 300 is elongate between a proximal end 301 and a distal end 302. It will be understood that the catheter hose 300 has a lumen. The lumen is labelled with the reference sign 303 and is continuous from proximal end to distal end. The catheter hose 300 can be advanced in the distal direction through the capillary tube 101. For this purpose, the catheter hose 300 and the capillary 100 are adapted in dimensions to each other. In particular, an external diameter of the catheter hose 300 is smaller than an internal diameter of the capillary tube 101. Said diameters are again without reference signs.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, the catheter hose 300 has an extractable mandrel 305. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the mandrel 305 protrudes from the proximal end 301 of the catheter hose 300. The mandrel 305 is elongate within the lumen 303. The mandrel 305 counteracts undesired kinking of the catheter hose 300. This facilitates the insertion and advance of the catheter hose 300. The mandrel 305 mechanically stabilizes the catheter hose 300. In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the catheter hose does not have a mandrel.

[0039] The catheter coupling 400 is configured for fastening to the proximal end 301 of the catheter hose 300. The nature of the fastening is different in different embodiments. In one embodiment, the catheter coupling 400 is plugged together with the proximal end 301. Alternatively or in addition, clamping or other suitable fixing can be provided. The specific physical and functional features of the catheter coupling 400 are not essential to the present disclosure. A catheter coupling suitable in principle for the catheter set is available from the applicant under the registered trademark PERIFIX®.

[0040] The fluid admission line 500 has a hose 501 and at least one fluid connector 502. In the present case, a further fluid connector 505 is present. The two fluid connectors 502, 505 are also designated below as proximal fluid connector 505 and distal fluid connector 502. The proximal fluid connector 505 is joined to a proximal end 503 of the hose 501. The distal fluid connector 502 is joined to a distal end 504 of the hose 501. The hose 501 extends between the proximal end 503 and the distal end 504. The fluid admission line 500 has a lumen 506. The lumen 506 is continuous from proximal end to distal end. The distal fluid connector 502 is configured for releasable connection to the capillary attachment 102. The distal fluid connector 502 and the capillary attachment 102 are accordingly adapted to each other in dimensions. The releasable connection is different in different embodiments of the catheter set 1. For example, a plug, clamp and/or screw connection can be provided between the capillary attachment 102 and the distal fluid connector 502. Accordingly, the distal fluid connector 502 and the capillary attachment 102 are designed at least partially complementing each other. The fluid admission line 500 can also be designated as an extension line.

[0041] The fixing component 600 is needed for forming the third catheter arrangement 30 (FIG. 6). The fixing component 600 is fastenable to the capillary attachment 102 in a manner that will be described in detail. The fixing component 600 serves for axially fixing the catheter hose 300 inserted into the capillary tube 101 (see FIG. 6). The fixing component 600 is configured accordingly and for this purpose interacts with the capillary 100, specifically the capillary attachment 102, and also with the catheter hose 300.

[0042] In the embodiment shown, the catheter set 1 has a plurality of sensors 106, 206, 306 configured for ultrasound-based locating. The sensors 106, 206, 306 can also be designated as first sensor 106, second sensor 206 and third sensor 306. The first sensor 106 is arranged at the distal end of the capillary tube 101. In the present case, the first sensor 106 is embedded and/or integrated in the capillary tube 101. The second sensor 206 is arranged at the distal end 204 of the cannula tube 201. In the present case, the second sensor 206 is embedded and/or integrated in a wall (not shown in detail) of the cannula tube 201. The third sensor 306 is arranged at the distal end 302 of the catheter hose 300. In the present case, the third sensor 306 is embedded and/or integrated in a hose wall (not shown in detail) of the catheter hose 300. The sensors 106, 206, 306 permit ultrasound-based navigating and/or locating. In this way, the relevant component of the catheter set 1 can be positioned with particular precision when placed on the patient. Alternatively or in addition, the position can be monitored by ultrasound after the component has been fitted in place. Sensors for ultrasound-based locating are known in principle to a person skilled in the art. Further specific physical and/or functional features of the sensors 106, 206, 306 are not essential to the present disclosure. Therefore, further explanations concerning the sensors 106, 206, 306 are not needed.

[0043] FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show the different catheter arrangements 10, 20, 30. Specifically:

[0044] The first catheter arrangement 10 has the catheter hose 300 and the catheter coupling 400. In this first catheter placement, the anaesthetic is administered via the catheter hose 300. For this purpose, the anaesthetic is dispensed by means of a fluid-guiding component attachable to the catheter coupling 400, for example a hose or a syringe, through the catheter coupling 400 into the lumen 303 and from there via the distal end 302 to the nerve that is to be blocked. According to the method shown schematically in FIG. 9, the catheter arrangement 10 can be formed using the catheter set 1. The method illustrated schematically in FIG. 9 is also designated below as first method V1. The first method V1 has the following steps: In a first step 11, the catheter set 1 is provided. In a second step 12, the cannula 200, starting from the state shown in FIG. 1 joined together with the capillary 100, is removed. For this purpose, the cannula attachment 202 is released from the capillary attachment 102. Moreover, the cannula tube 201 is withdrawn in the proximal direction from the capillary tube 101. In a third step 13, the catheter hose 300 is fitted. For this purpose, the distal end 302 of the catheter hose 300 is introduced through the capillary attachment 102 into the capillary tube 101, more precisely the lumen 105, and advanced in the proximal direction. In a fourth step 14, the capillary 100 is removed. For this purpose, the capillary tube 101 together with the capillary attachment 102 is pulled in the proximal direction from the catheter hose 300. In a fifth step 15, the catheter coupling 400 is fastened to the proximal end 301 of the catheter hose 300. Before the catheter coupling 400 is fastened in the present case, the mandrel 305 is pulled in the proximal direction out of the catheter hose 300.

[0045] The second catheter arrangement 20 (see FIG. 5) has the capillary 100 and the fluid admission line 500. The (distal) fluid connector 502 is fastened to the catheter attachment 102. The administration of the anaesthetic takes place here via the capillary 100. The anaesthetic is fed through the fluid admission line 500 to the capillary 100. The anaesthetic passes through the lumen 506 of the hose 501 into the lumen 105 of the capillary tube 101 and from there via the distal end 104 to the nerve that is to be blocked.

[0046] FIG. 10 shows schematically a second method V2 for forming the second catheter arrangement 20 using the catheter set 1. The second method V2 has a first step 21 and a second step 22. The first step 21 and the second step 22 are each identical to the associated step of the first method V1. To avoid repetition, reference is expressly made to what has been said concerning the first method V1. The second method V2 has a third step 23. In this third step, the fluid admission line 500 is fitted in place. For this purpose, the distal fluid connector 502 is fastened to the capillary attachment 102.

[0047] The third catheter arrangement 30 (see in particular FIG. 6) has the capillary 100, the catheter hose 300 and the fixing component 600. Moreover, the third catheter arrangement has the catheter coupling 400. The catheter hose 300 is inserted through the capillary attachment 102 into the capillary tube 101. The distal end 302 of the catheter hose 300 protrudes from the distal end 104 of the capillary tube 101. In the configuration shown in FIG. 6, the catheter hose 300 is fixed, by means of the fixing component 600, in terms of its axial mobility relative to the capillary 100. As regards the specific design and the further function of the fixing component, reference is made to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0048] Firstly, referring to FIG. 11, a third method V3 is discussed for forming the third catheter arrangement 30 using the catheter set 1. The third method V3 has a first step 31 and a second step 32. The two steps 31, 32 are identical to the respective step of the first method V1 and of the second method V2. As regards the first step 31, and in order to avoid repetition, reference is expressly made to the explanations concerning the first step 11 of the first method V1. This also applies, mutatis mutandis, to the second step 32. The third method V3 has a third step 33. In the third step 33, the fixing component 600 is mounted on the capillary 100. For this purpose, the fixing component 600 is fastened to the capillary attachment 102. This is done in a manner that will be described in detail. In a fourth step 34, the catheter hose 300 is fitted in place. For this purpose, its distal end 302 is inserted through the fixing component 600 and the capillary attachment 102 into the capillary tube 101 and is advanced distally along the capillary tube 101. In a fifth step 35, the catheter hose 300 is positioned relative to the capillary 100 and therefore also to the fixing component 600. For this purpose, the distal end 302 of the catheter hose 300 is advanced and/or retracted as far as a desired position with respect to the distal end 104 of the capillary tube 101. In a sixth step 36, the catheter hose 300 is fixed. For this purpose, the fixing component 600 is actuated (in a manner to be described in detail) and the catheter hose 300 is axially fixed relative to the capillary 100 under the action of the fixing component. In a seventh step 37 in the present case, the catheter coupling 400 is mounted on the proximal end 301 of the catheter hose 300. The step 37 corresponds to the step 15 of the method V1.

[0049] FIGS. 7 and 8 show an alternative and more detailed view of the third catheter arrangement 30. These figures reveal further features of the fixing component 600. The catheter coupling 400 is not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0050] In the embodiment shown, the fixing component 600 has an actuation element 601 and a clamping element 602.

[0051] The actuation element 601 is mounted on the capillary attachment 102 in such a way as to be movable relative to the capillary attachment 102 and is operatively connected to the clamping element 602 in a force-transmitting and/or movement-transmitting manner.

[0052] The clamping element 602 is received in a receiving recess 107 (see also FIG. 2) of the capillary attachment 102. The clamping element 602 has a lumen 603 oriented coaxially to the capillary tube 101. The lumen 603 is continuous in proximodistal direction between a proximal end and a distal end of the clamping element 602. Said ends of the clamping element 602 are without reference signs. The lumen 603 is configured to receive the catheter hose 300. In the assembly of the components as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the catheter hose 300 extends through the lumen 603. The clamping element 602 is dimensionally conformable. For this purpose, the clamping element 602 in the present case is produced from an elastomeric plastic material.

[0053] By means of a movement of the actuation element 601, the clamping element 602 is elastically deformable between a clamping configuration (FIG. 8) and an enabling configuration. The enabling configuration is not shown separately in the figures. In the clamping configuration, the clamping element 602 is elastically deformed, on the one hand by the action of the actuation element 601 and on the other hand by the action of the capillary attachment 102, in such a way that the lumen 603 is radially narrowed and, consequently, the axial mobility of the catheter hose 300 is fixed by frictional engagement. In the enabling configuration, the elastic deformation is less pronounced or is absent. The frictional engagement is then cancelled to the extent that the axial mobility of the catheter hose 300 in the lumen 603 is enabled.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, the actuation element 601 is movable by screwing relative to the capillary attachment 102. The actuation element 601 has a threaded portion G1. The capillary attachment 102 has a threaded portion G2 complementing the threaded portion G1. In the embodiment shown, the threaded portion G1 is an inner thread IG. The complementary threaded portion G2 is an outer thread AG. The outer thread AG is formed on a proximal end 107 of the capillary attachment 102. The two threaded portions G1, G2 are oriented coaxially with respect to the lumen 603. In the case of a clockwise screwing movement, the actuation element 601 moves distally relative to the capillary attachment 102. An anticlockwise screwing movement causes it to move proximally.

[0055] The force-transmitting and/or movement-transmitting operative connection between the actuation element 601 and the clamping element 602 is effected by axial form-fit engagement in the present case. In the circumferential direction, the actuation element 601 and the clamping element 602 interact in a sliding movement. For this purpose, the clamping element 602 has a proximally arranged bearing portion 604. The bearing portion 604 has a slide surface 605. The slide surface 605 is delimited distally by a run-on shoulder 606. The actuation element 601 has a bore (not shown in detail). An inner circumferential surface 607 of the bore is mounted on the slide surface 605 so as to be slidable in the circumferential direction. The edge of the bore runs distally onto the run-on shoulder 606. In the embodiment shown, the bearing portion 604 has a further run-on shoulder 608. The further run-on shoulder 608 can also be designated as proximal run-on shoulder. In a proximal movement of the actuation element 601, the proximal run-on shoulder 608 interacts by form-fit engagement with the edge of the bore.

[0056] The receiving recess 107 has an inner cone surface 108. The clamping element 602 has an at least in part complementary outer cone surface 609.

[0057] In the clamping configuration, the clamping element 602 is pressed distally into the receiving recess 107. In this way, the two cone surfaces 108, 609 are placed against each other. This leads to said elastic deformation of the clamping element 602 and the resulting radial narrowing of the lumen 603.

[0058] It will be understood that that specific physical and functional features of the fixing component 600 that have been explained with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 are not essential in terms of the present disclosure. However, these features are to be considered advantageous.