Apparatus and method for taking a sample from a fluid-conducting system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for sample taking from a fluid-conducting system, wherein the apparatus has at least one adapter which comprises at least one septum and at least one cannula displaceable relative to the septum, wherein the cannula is displaceable such that it penetrates the septum in a sample taking position and does not penetrate the septum in a flushing position; and wherein the adapter has at least one flushing region for a flushing medium which is arranged such that it is in fluid communication with the inner space of the cannula in the flushing position of the cannula; and wherein the apparatus has at least one receiving region having locking means for the fluid-conducting system by which the fluid-conducting system is fixable in a defined position relative to the adapter. The present invention furthermore relates to a blood treatment device and to a method for taking a sample from a fluid-conducting system.

Claims

1. An apparatus for sample taking from a fluid-conducting system, characterized in that the apparatus has at least one adapter which comprises at least one septum and at least one cannula having an inner space displaceable relative to the at least one septum, wherein the at least one cannula is displaceable such that the at least one cannula penetrates the at least one septum in a sample taking position and does not penetrate the at least one septum in a flushing position, wherein the adapter has at least one flushing region for a flushing medium which is arranged such that the at least one flushing region is in fluid communication with the inner space of the at least one cannula in the flushing position of the at least one cannula, locking means for the fluid-conducting system by which the fluid-conducting system is fixable in a defined position relative to the adapter, a displacement mechanism for displacing the at least one cannula and comprising an electric motor connected to a spindle connected to a rider connected to the at least one cannula, wherein the spindle is set into rotary motion by actuating the motor and wherein the rider is arranged movably to and fro on the spindle, such that at least one cannula is moved into the sample taking position or into the flushing position by actuating the motor, and a vacuum pump for taking the sample through the at least one cannula in the sample taking position.

2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the locking means fix the fluid-conducting system relative to the adapter by shape matching.

3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the locking means is located at or in the adapter and/or at or in a console on which the adapter is arranged; or in that the locking means is arranged between the adapter and the console.

4. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the at least one septum is arranged such that the at least one septum terminates the inner space of the at least one cannula in a fluid-tight manner with respect to the flushing region in the sample taking position.

5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the fluid-conducting system has at least one septum which is aligned with the at least one septum of the adapter in the displacement direction of the at least one cannula.

6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that the fluid-conducting system is a hose and an extracorporeal blood circuit or a dialyzate circuit of a blood treatment device having at least one control unit controlling the apparatus such that the at least one cannula is introduced into the fluid-conducting system for the purpose of the sample taking, wherein the control unit is configured to carry out the sample taking in an incident-controlled manner.

7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus has means for receiving a fluid sample from the fluid-conducting system and/or has at least one sample taking vessel for receiving such a fluid sample and/or has a measuring device for measuring at least one parameter of the fluid of the fluid sample from the fluid-conducting system which are directly or indirectly in fluid communication with the inner space of the at least one cannula.

8. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the flushing region is filled with sterile air, flushing solution, calibration solution or disinfecting solution; and/or in that the flushing region is in fluid communication with a connector which is in turn connected or connectable to a source for sterile air, flushing solution, calibration solution or disinfecting solution.

9. A blood treatment device, characterized in that the blood treatment device is a dialysis device, having at least one apparatus in accordance with claim 1.

10. A blood treatment device in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the device has at least one control unit which controls the apparatus such that the at least one cannula is introduced into the fluid-conducting system for the purpose of the sample taking, with provision being made that the control unit is configured such that is carries out the sample taking in a time-controlled or incident-controlled manner.

11. A method for taking a sample from a fluid-conducting system by means of an apparatus having the features in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the at least one cannula is moved by the drive element into the fluid-conducting system and subsequent to this a sample is taken from the fluid-conducting system.

12. A method in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that the fluid-conducting system is fixed by a shape-matched connection with the adapter.

13. A method in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that the sample taking takes place in a time or incident controlled manner.

14. A method in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that a flushing of the at least one cannula is carried out after the sample taking, with provision being made that the flushing procedure is automatically initiated.

15. An apparatus for sample taking from a fluid-conducting system, characterized in that the apparatus has at least one adapter with locking means by which the fluid-conducting system is fixed at a defined position relative to the adapter, wherein the adapter comprises at least one cannula arranged displaceably relative to the fluid-conducting system, wherein the fluid-conducting system has at least one septum, and wherein the at least one cannula is displaceable such that the at least one cannula penetrates the at least one septum of the fluid-conducting system in a sample taking position and does not penetrate the at least one septum in a flushing position, and a displacement mechanism for displacing the at least one cannula and comprising an electric motor, such that at least one cannula is moved into the sample taking position or into the flushing position by actuating the motor, and a vacuum pump for taking the sample through the at least one cannula in the sample taking position.

16. An apparatus in accordance with claim 15, characterized in that the locking means fix the fluid-conducting system relative to the adapter by shape matching.

17. A method for taking a sample from a fluid-conducting system by means of a blood treatment device, characterized in that the blood treatment device is a dialysis device, having at least one apparatus is accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the at least one cannula is moved by the drive element into the fluid-conducting system and subsequent to this a sample is taken from the fluid-conducting system.

Description

(1) Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

(2) There are Shown:

(3) FIG. 1: a schematic sectional view through the adapter in the flushing position and in the sample taking position;

(4) FIG. 2: different perspective views of the adapter in accordance with the invention;

(5) FIG. 3: a longitudinal section through the adapter in accordance with FIG. 2 with an inserted fluid-conducting system;

(6) FIG. 4: a perspective view of the adapter with console; and

(7) FIG. 5: sectional views through the arrangement in accordance with FIG. 4 with different positions of the cannula.

(8) FIG. 1a) shows the septum of the apparatus in accordance with the invention by the reference numeral 10.

(9) In the position shown in FIG. 1a), the cannula K is located in the flushing position, that is the cannula tip KS does not penetrate the septum.

(10) The cannula has an inner lumen 20 and an outer lumen 30 which is arranged concentrically about the former.

(11) Reference numeral 40 characterizes a connector for a flushing or disinfecting agent which enters into the flushing region 50 in the direction of the arrow. As can be seen from FIG. 1a), the flushing agent or disinfecting agent first flows through the outer lumen and then enters into the inner lumen 20 through the cannula tip KS. The flushing or disinfecting agent is discarded after the exiting from the inner lumen 20 at the point 22.

(12) It is alternatively also possible that the reference numeral 40 not only forms the inlet for the flushing or disinfecting agent, but also forms the outlet.

(13) If a sample is to be taken, the cannula K Is displaced to the left in accordance with FIG. 1 so that the tip KS of the cannula K pierces the septum 10, as is shown in FIG. 1b). In this position, the sample is conducted in accordance with FIG. 1b) in the direction of the arrow through the inner lumen 20, e.g. to a sample taking vessel, to a measuring device, etc. The sample taking can take place, for example, in that a vacuum is applied in the cannula 20 or in the inner lumen 20.

(14) Reference symbol S designates a position at which the cannula K is in communication with the interior of the septum 10 such that a fluid-tight connection results. This means that there is no fluid communication between the outer lumen 30 and the inner lumen 20. This brings about the advantage that it is definitely precluded that a flushing medium moves out of the outer lumen 30 into the inner lumen 20, and thus into the fluid-conducting system, on the sample taking.

(15) FIG. 2a) shows the apparatus of the invention 700 in a perspective view obliquely from above the adapter A with the housing G and the moved out cannula K. Reference numeral 100 designates a hose which is in fluid communication with the inner lumen 20 of the cannula and through which the sample taken is e.g. conducted to an analysis unit. Reference numeral 200 designates a hose by means of which flushing or disinfecting agent, etc. can be introduced into the flushing region 50.

(16) FIG. 2b) shows the arrangement in accordance with FIG. 2a) in a view obliquely from below with a retracted cannula.

(17) FIG. 3 shows in a longitudinal sectional view the adapter in accordance with the invention with a fluid-conducting system F coupled thereto via locking means 800. The fluid-conducting system F is mechanically fixed in a specific position relative to the adapter and in turn has a septum 300. On the movement of the cannula from the flushing position into the sample taking position shown in FIG. 3, the cannula tip first penetrates the septum 10 of the adapter and then the septum 300 of the fluid-conducting system F.

(18) FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of the adapter in accordance with FIG. 2 or in accordance with FIG. 3 on a console 400. This console can, for example, be an element of a blood treatment device. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the elongate receiving region 500, which is suitable and intended for the insertion of a hose, e.g. from an extracorporeal blood circuit, is located between the end face of the adapter and a wall W of the console 400.

(19) FIG. 5 shows a sectional representation through the arrangement in accordance with FIG. 4 with a fluid-conducting system F placed in the receiving region 500.

(20) FIG. 5a) shows the arrangement of the fluid-conducting system between the wall W of the console 400 and the end face of the adapter. In this position, the cannula K is retracted and is located in its flushing position in which it does not penetrate either the septum 10 or the septum 300. An electric motor is designated by the reference symbol M and is connected to a spindle 600 which is set into a rotary motion in operation of the motor. The rider 602, which is in turn connected to the cannula K, is arranged movably to and fro on this spindle. The cannula K can thus be moved to the left or to the right in accordance with FIG. 5, that is into the sample taking position or into the flushing position, by the actuation of the motor.

(21) FIG. 5a) shows the cannula K in the flushing position and FIG. 5b) in the sample taking position.

(22) It is possible by the present invention to take a sample, e.g. from the extracorporeal blood circuit of a blood treatment device such as a blood treatment device, without a risk of injury being present for the user due to the tip of the cannula.

(23) An automated sample taking can furthermore take place, e.g. triggered by a control or regulation unit, not shown, which moves the cannula K into the sample taking position at specific time intervals.

(24) A sample taking vessel, a measuring device, etc. can be connected to the hose 100 and can analyze the sample taken.

(25) The sample taking can take place at specific points in time or also on the occurrence of specific events such as before and after a blood treatment.

(26) The Invention is Represented in the Following Characterizations:

(27) Characterization 1. An apparatus for sample taking from a fluid-conducting system, characterized in that the apparatus has at least one adapter which comprises at least one septum and at least one cannula displaceable relative to the septum, wherein the cannula is displaceable such that it penetrates the septum in a sample taking position and does not penetrate the septum in a flushing position; and wherein the adapter has at least one flushing region for a flushing medium which is arranged such that it is in fluid communication with the inner space of the cannula in the flushing position of the cannula; and wherein the apparatus has at least one receiving region having locking means for the at least one fluid-conducting system by which the fluid-conducting system is fixable in a defined position relative to the adapter.

(28) Characterization 2. An apparatus in accordance with characterization 1, characterized in that the locking means fix the fluid-conducting system relative to the adapter by shape matching.

(29) Characterization 3. An apparatus in accordance with characterization 1 or characterization 2, characterized in that the receiving region is located at or in the adapter and/or at or in a console on which the adapter is arranged; or in that the receiving region is arranged between the adapter and the console.

(30) Characterization 4. An apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding characterizations, characterized in that at least one displacement mechanism for displacing the cannula is present which is manually actuable or which is connected to a drive element which actuates the displacement mechanism.

(31) Characterization 5. An apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding characterizations, characterized in that the septum is arranged such that it terminates the inner space of the cannula in a fluid-tight manner with respect to the flushing region in the sample taking position.

(32) Characterization 6. An apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding characterizations, characterized in that the fluid-conducting system is located in the receiving region, with the fluid-conducting system in turn having at least one septum which is aligned with the septum of the adapter in the displacement direction of the cannula.

(33) Characterization 7. An apparatus in accordance with characterization 6, characterized in that the fluid-conducting system is a hose and preferably an extracorporeal blood circuit or a dialyzate circuit of a blood treatment device.

(34) Characterization 8. An apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding characterizations, characterized in that the apparatus has means for receiving a fluid sample from the fluid-conducting system and/or has at least one sample taking vessel for receiving such a fluid sample and/or has a measuring device for measuring at least one parameter of the fluid of the fluid sample from the fluid-conducting system which are directly or indirectly in fluid communication with the inner space of the cannula.

(35) Characterization 9. An apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding characterizations, characterized in that the flushing region is filled with sterile air, flushing solution, calibration solution or disinfecting solution; and/or in that the flushing region is in fluid communication with a connector which is in turn connected or connectable to a source for sterile air, flushing solution, calibration solution or disinfecting solution.

(36) Characterization 10. An apparatus for sample taking from a fluid-conducting system, characterized in that the apparatus has at least one adapter and at least one receiving region in which the at least one fluid-conducting system is located, wherein the receiving region is formed with locking means for the fluid-conducting system by which the fluid-conducting system is fixed at a defined position relative to the adapter, wherein the adapter comprises at least one cannula arranged displaceably relative to the fluid-conducting system, wherein the fluid-conducting system has at least one septum, and wherein the cannula is displaceable such that it penetrates the septum of the fluid-conducting system in a sample taking position and does not penetrate this septum in a flushing position.

(37) Characterization 11. An apparatus in accordance with characterization 10, characterized in that the apparatus is configured in accordance with the characterizing portion of one of the characterizations 2 to 4, 7 or 8.

(38) Characterization 12. A blood treatment device, in particular a dialysis device, having at least one apparatus in accordance with one of the characterizations 1 to 11.

(39) Characterization 13. A blood treatment device in accordance with characterization 12, characterized in that the device has at least one control unit which controls the apparatus such that the cannula is introduced into the fluid-conducting system inserted into the receiving region for the purpose of the sample taking, with provision preferably being made that the control unit is configured such that is carries out the sample taking in a time-controlled or incident-controlled manner.

(40) Characterization 14. A method for taking a sample from a fluid-conducting system by means of an apparatus having the features in accordance with one of the characterizations 1 to 11 or by means of a blood treatment device having the features in accordance with one of the characterizations 12 or 13, characterized in that the cannula is moved manually or by means of a drive element into the fluid-conducting system after the placement of a fluid-conducting system into the receiving region and subsequent to this a sample is taken from the fluid-conducting system.

(41) Characterization 15. A method in accordance with characterization 14, characterized in that the fluid-conducting system is fixed by a shape-matched connection in the receiving region.

(42) Characterization 16. A method in accordance with one of the characterizations 14 or 15, characterized in that the sample taking takes place in a time or incident controlled manner.

(43) Characterization 17. A method in accordance with one of the preceding characterizations, characterized in that a flushing of the cannula is carried out after the sample taking, with provision preferably being made that the flushing procedure is automatically initiated.