Patent Description:
When a renal function is reduced it is necessary to remove uremic toxins from the blood. As a result, blood dialysis has become a global mainstream treatment for removing uremic toxins from the blood. In a blood dialysis, two needles are inserted into a blood vessel, uremic toxins are removed by extracting blood via a tube connected to one of the needles and passing the blood through a dialyzer, and returning the blood into the body via a tube connected to the other needle. A dialysis blood circuit is one route which is closed, and it is necessary to fill up the route with saline or dialysate at the start of dialysis. The artery side access part (arterial side) which is used in the following explanation means a bonding part between an artery side circuit and an artery side vascular access device, and a vein side access part (venous side) means a bonding part between a vein side circuit and a vein side vascular access device.

In order to remove fine dust within a dialyzer and a blood circuit, remove a film protective agent and remove a filling liquid and air by washing and return it to a state in which the treatment can be started, it is necessary to prepare the circuit before starting dialysis and perform cleaning in the blood circuit and priming the blood circuit. Cleaning and priming are performed according to the method described in the instruction manual of the dialyzer. This work is preferably carried out immediately before starting dialysis, and has been conventionally performed by the hand of the medical practitioner by the method described below.

The dialyzer and a blood circuit are properly connected. At this time, it is important to not touch the connection of the blood circuit and the dialyzer with hands or forceps. The artery side blood circuit is filled with saline using a saline connected to a priming line or a replacement fluid line and connected to the arterial side of the dialyzer. Next, the vein side blood circuit is connected in the venous side of the dialyzer. The order this task is performed in may be changed according to the type of dialyzer in order to prevent air contamination. When all connections are finished, the dialyzer and blood circuit are flushed with saline and cleaned. After cleaning is completed, the inside of the blood circuit and the dialyzer are replaced with filling saline, and a soft packed saline for rehydration and returning blood after replacement is substituted. The cleaning and priming operation is performed by skilled staff who sufficiently understands the concept of hygiene in medicine.

Today's dialysis monitoring devices have evolved in which a method for creating a closed circuit by connecting two routes of an arterial side and a venous side to be connected to the patient, and automatically filling with saline or dialysate has become mainstream. By this method, it is possible to securely clean the dialyzer. However, since the two routes (tubes) of the arterial side and venous side are connected when dialysis is started, it is necessary to separate them and connect a needle respectively.

For example, Patent Literature <NUM> describes a blood cleaning device arranged with a Y shaped tube which can be connected to a drain line and in which an artery side needle connection end and a vein side needle connection end are mutually connected to a drain path. Patent literature <NUM> discloses an enclosure for the arterial and venous needles of an extracorporeal blood circuit which is used to purge the circuit of air.

It is desirable to safely and conveniently perform attachment of a needle after cleaning and priming of a blood circuit from the viewpoint of reducing the workload burden of medical staff, needle penetration accidents and the risk of infections.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems described above and provides a dialysis circuit priming device with increased safety and convenience in the cleaning and priming of a blood circuit.

The present invention provides a dialysis circuit priming device as defined in the appended claims.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a needle cap is provided including two needle connecting parts, and a flow path connecting the two needle connecting parts.

The needle cap may also include a weak part in the two needle connecting parts.

The needle cap may also include a film arranged in the needle connecting part for sealing the flow path.

The needle cap may also include a threaded part in the needle connecting part.

The needle cap may also include a locking part for locking an infusion stand.

In addition, according to one embodiment of the invention, a dialysis circuit priming device is provided including two needles, two needle connecting parts each arranged with the two needles respectively, and a flow path for connecting the two needle connecting parts.

The dialysis circuit priming device also includes a weak part in the two needle connecting parts.

The dialysis circuit priming device may also include a film arranged in the needle connecting part for sealing the flow path.

The dialysis circuit priming device may also include a threaded part arranged respectively on the two needles and the needle connecting part, wherein the two needles are screwed into the needle connecting parts.

The dialysis circuit priming device may also include a locking part for locking an infusion stand.

The dialysis circuit priming device also includes a butterfly shaped needle.

In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a dialysis circuit priming device is provided including a first injection needle cap and a second injection needle cap arranged with a needle and a needle connecting part arranged with the needle, a joint member locking the first needle cap and the second needle cap, and a flow path connected to two of the needle connecting parts.

The dialysis circuit priming device may also include a thread arranged on a tip end part of the first needle cap and the second needle cap, wherein a joint part of the joint member for locking the first needle cap and the second needle cap is arranged with a thread.

According to the present invention, a dialysis circuit priming device are provided with increased safety and convenience in the cleaning and priming of a blood circuit.

A needle cap (not part of the claimed invention) and a dialysis circuit priming device according to the present invention is explained herein while referring to the drawings. The cap for injection needles and dialysis circuit priming device should be construed as being limited to the described contents of the embodiments below. Furthermore, in the drawings referred to in the present embodiment, the same parts or parts which have similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and a repeated explanation thereof is omitted.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>.

The dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> is arranged with a needle cap <NUM> which includes a flow path <NUM> connected to two needle connecting parts <NUM> each arranged with a needle <NUM> respectively. The needle <NUM> may be a puncturing needle comprised from an outer needle and an inner needle which are commonly used for in blood dialysis, or may be a butterfly needle or the like. By arranging a flow blocking means such as a clamp to the flow path <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the mixing of air into one of the needles <NUM> and the dialysis circuit even after removing the other needle <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a needle cap <NUM>, the upper part shows an upper view of the needle cap <NUM>, and the lower part shows a side view viewed from the needle connecting part <NUM> side. The needle cap <NUM> is, for example, made from a resin and can be formed by a known resin used for medical needle caps. In addition, the resin which forms the flow path <NUM> part preferably has flexibility. By providing the flow path par <NUM> with flexibility, in the case when the needle <NUM> and the flow path <NUM> are filled with saline, by clamping the flow path <NUM>, it is possible to prevent air from entering the one needle <NUM> even when the other needle <NUM> is removed from the needle cap <NUM>. In the needle cap <NUM>, the flow blocking means is not limited thereto, and a valve (not shown in the diagram) may be arranged in the flow path <NUM>.

In addition, it is sufficient that the flow path <NUM> has a length which allows the needle connecting part <NUM> to be connected and the length of the flow path <NUM> is not particularly limited. The flow path <NUM> may further include an air reservoir.

In addition, the needle connecting part <NUM> has a shape corresponding to the shape of the needle <NUM> and adhesion to the needle <NUM> is imparted to the needle cap <NUM>. In addition, the needle connecting part <NUM> may also have a contact surface with the needle <NUM> having elasticity in order to improve adhesion with the needle <NUM>. Although two needles <NUM> are shown in <FIG> having the same thickness, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the needles may each have different thickness.

In addition, for example, it is possible to use the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> shown in <FIG> as a modified example in which each needle has a different thickness. The dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> is arranged with a needle 69a and a needle 69b having different thicknesses in a needle cap <NUM>. In <FIG>, as an example, a thick needle 69a is arranged on a needle connecting part 61a, and a thin needle 69b is arranged on a needle connecting part 61b. Here, since the flow path <NUM> connects the needle connecting part 61a having a thick needle 69a and the needle connecting part 61b having a thin needle 69b, a structure may be provided in which the diameter decreases toward the needle connecting part 61b from the needle connecting part 61a.

In addition, if the needle cap <NUM> has a structure including the flow path <NUM> connected to the two needle connecting parts <NUM>, then the outer shape is not particularly limited, but from the view point of needle accident prevention, it is preferred that the needle cap <NUM> has a structure in which the two needles <NUM> are arranged in parallel or substantially parallel. When the two needles <NUM> have such an arrangement, it is possible to provide a handle part on the side where the needles <NUM> of the needle cap <NUM> are arranged, improving retention when inserting and removing the needle <NUM>, and it is possible to prevent needle accidents. Therefore, it is preferred to provide a sufficient size so that a user can hold the needle cap <NUM> on the side where the needles <NUM> of the needle cap <NUM> are arranged.

A cleaning and priming method of a blood circuit using the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> is explained while referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram for explaining a priming method using the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>. Since it is possible to use a blood circuit which is commercially available for medical use, although a detailed explained is omitted, in recent years there have been cases where a dialysate is supplied from a dialysis monitoring device or when pressure is applied to a dialysate connected to dialyzer and a priming solution is supplied into the blood circuit by reverse filtration, it is also possible to use the dialysis circuit priming device according the present disclosure for any method. A general method conventionally performed is described as an example. For example, a priming liquid container <NUM>, a blood dialyzer <NUM>, an artery chamber <NUM>, a vein chamber <NUM> and a pump <NUM> are arranged.

The priming liquid container <NUM> is connected to a line <NUM> between an artery side connection part <NUM> and the artery chamber <NUM> through a priming liquid supply line <NUM>. The blood dialyzer <NUM> is connected to the artery chamber <NUM> via a line <NUM> and connected to the vein chamber <NUM> via a line <NUM>. The artery chamber <NUM> is connected to one of the needles <NUM> arranged in the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> through the vein side connection part <NUM> of the line <NUM>. The vein chamber <NUM> includes a line <NUM> which drains a priming solution from the close blood circuit. The line <NUM> is arranged with a valve <NUM> and the priming solution can be drained from the blood circuit by opening the valve. In addition, the vein chamber <NUM> is connected to the other of the needles <NUM> arranged in the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> via a line <NUM>. Furthermore, although an example in which the pump <NUM> is arranged in the artery chamber <NUM> side (arterial side blood circuit) is shown in <FIG>, the present disclosure is not limited to this arrangement and the blood dialysis device in which the pump <NUM> is arranged in the vein chamber <NUM> side (artery side blood circuit) may be used.

After the blood circuit is connected, saline or dialysate and the like is supplied from the priming liquid container <NUM> when the pump <NUM> rotates. While a supplied liquid fills the artery chamber <NUM>, the blood dialyzer <NUM> and the vein chamber <NUM>, it is possible for the liquid to flow around the closed circuit via a flow path (flow path <NUM> in <FIG>) and perform washing and circuit filling. It is possible to discard the air and washed liquid within the circuit by discharging the air and injected liquid from the circuit through a tube from the vein chamber <NUM> to the exterior of the circuit.

The cleaning procedure of a blood circuit is carried out according to the operation procedure of a blood dialysis apparatus and blood circuit which are used. By using the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>, it is possible to perform priming via the flow path <NUM> in a state in which it is connected with the needle <NUM>, and it is possible to puncture the needle <NUM> in a dialysis patient after priming and start blood dialysis immediately. As a result, by simply connecting the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> to a blood circuit, it is not necessary to perform an attachment operation of a needle after priming, and it is possible to provide a simple operation to users.

In addition, the liquid in the circuit is generally extracted and discarded after the completion of the dialysis. In this case, after completion of the dialysis, it is necessary to extract saline or dialysate remaining in the blood circuit due to blood return from the blood circuit. As a result, conventionally, it was necessary to remove the two needles and connect the ends at the artery side and vein side in the blood circuit to each other. As a result, it is desirable to safely and conveniently perform the removal of needles when performing an extraction operation after completion of the blood dialysis and a reconnection operation of the artery side blood circuit and the vein side blood circuit. As a result, in one embodiment, a needle cap and a dialysis circuit priming device are provided with increased safety and convenience during an extraction operation after completion of a blood dialysis. In one embodiment, it is possible to perform an extraction process by again returning both needles to the device according to the present disclosure. Following this, it is possible to prevent the needle accidents which are likely to occur during a process such as removing the needle by cutting a tube with scissors or the like. According to the present disclosure, it is also possible to provide a needle cap and a dialysis circuit priming device with increased safety and convenience during an extraction operation after completion of blood dialysis.

The needle cap is further explained. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a needle cap <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The needle cap <NUM> includes a flow path <NUM> which is connected to two needle connecting parts <NUM>. In addition, the needle cap <NUM> is different from the needle cap <NUM> in that a film <NUM> for sealing the flow path <NUM> is arranged on the needle connecting part <NUM>.

Since it is possible to use a known film which is used for a vial for injection liquids as the film <NUM>, a detailed explanation is omitted. In addition, although a structure is shown in <FIG> in which the film <NUM> is arranged on the entire surface of a cross section in a perpendicular direction to which the needle is inserted in the needle connecting part <NUM>, the present embodiment is not limited to this and the film <NUM> may be arranged on only a cavity part of the needle connecting part <NUM>. In the needle cap <NUM>, the film <NUM> is a flow blocking means which replaces a valve explained using the needle cap <NUM>. By providing the film <NUM>, in the case when the needle <NUM> and the flow path <NUM> are filled with a saline, even when one needle <NUM> is removed from the needle cap <NUM>, it is possible to block air entering into the flow path <NUM> by the film <NUM>, and prevent air entering the other needle <NUM>. Since the remaining structure is the same as the needle cap <NUM> described above, a detailed explanation is omitted. It is also possible to apply the modified example having needles each with different thickness described above.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a needle cap <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The needle cap <NUM> includes a flow path <NUM> which is connected to two needle connecting parts <NUM>. In addition, the needle cap <NUM> differs from the needle cap <NUM> in that a threaded part <NUM> is arranged in the needle connecting part <NUM>. By arranging a clamp to the flow path <NUM>, it is possible to prevent air from being mixed into the other needle and the blood circuit even after removing one of the needles.

The threaded part <NUM> has a shape corresponding to the thread of the needle. Therefore, a thread with a shape which latches with the threaded part <NUM> is also included in needle which is used in the present embodiment. By rotating the needle in a range of <NUM>° or more and <NUM>° or less, the needle can be attached to and detached from the needle connecting part <NUM>. It is preferred that the needle can be attached to and detached from the needle connecting part <NUM> in a rotation angle range of <NUM>° or more and <NUM>° or less. By arranging the threaded part <NUM> to the needle connecting part <NUM> in the needle cap <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the needle from falling out of the needle connecting part <NUM>. Since the remaining structure is the same as the needle cap <NUM> described above, a detailed explanation is omitted. Furthermore, it is also possible to arrange the needle cap <NUM> described above with a structure having a threaded part <NUM>. In addition, it is also possible to apply the modified example in which each needle has a different thickness described above.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a needle cap <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The needle cap <NUM> has two needle connecting parts <NUM> and a flow path <NUM> which connects to the two needle connecting parts <NUM>. In addition, the needle cap <NUM> differs from the needle cap <NUM> in that a locking part <NUM> for locking an infusion stand is arranged.

The locking part <NUM> is preferred to be arranged in the flow path <NUM> side (tip end part) of the needle cap <NUM> but is limited to this. The locking part <NUM> is preferred to have a structure so that it can be hooked on the infusion stand and may have a ring shaped structure. The size of the locking part <NUM> is not particularly limited as long as it can be hooked to the infusion stand and has the size and strength so that it is possible to lock the needle cap <NUM> in which a needle is connected to the artery side blood circuit and the vein side blood circuit. Since the remaining structure is the same as the needle cap <NUM> described above, a detailed explanation is omitted. Furthermore, it is also possible to arrange the needle cap <NUM> and the needle cap <NUM> described above with a structure including the locking part <NUM>. In addition, it is also possible to apply the modified example in which each needle has a different thickness described above.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> arranged with a with butterfly needle <NUM>, and <FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> arranged with the butterfly needle <NUM>.

The butterfly needle <NUM> has a pair of wing parts <NUM>. The dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> has a structure in which the needle cap <NUM> described above is arranged with the butterfly needle <NUM>. In the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>, the wing parts <NUM> of two butterfly needles <NUM> are arranged to be parallel or substantially parallel so that each of the wing parts <NUM> of two butterfly needles <NUM> do not to interfere. Furthermore, it is also possible to use the needle cap <NUM> or the needle cap <NUM> described above instead of the needle cap <NUM>. In addition, it is also possible to apply the modified example in which each needle has a different thickness described above.

On the other hand, in the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>, the needle connecting part <NUM> is arranged in the needle cap <NUM> at a distance so that the wing parts <NUM> of the two butterfly needles <NUM> do not interfere. The flow path <NUM> is not particularly limited as long as it has a length which allows the two needle connecting parts <NUM> to be connected. Since the remaining structure is the same as the needle cap <NUM> described above, a detailed explanation is omitted. Furthermore, the needle cap <NUM> may be arranged with a film <NUM> explained in the needle cap <NUM>, the threaded part <NUM> explained in the needle cap <NUM>, or the locking part <NUM> explained in the needle cap <NUM>, or may be arranged with a combination of these. In addition, it is also possible to apply the modified example in which each needle has a different thickness described above.

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, although an example is shown in which two needles are arranged in the needle cap, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and one of the artery side connecting part <NUM> and the vein side connecting part <NUM> may be directly connected to the needle connecting part without passing through the needle.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a needle cap <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The needle cap <NUM> includes two needle connecting parts <NUM> and a flow path <NUM> which is connected to the two needle connecting parts <NUM>. Although an example having an arrangement in which the two needle connecting parts are parallel or substantially parallel is shown in the embodiment described above, the needle cap <NUM> has an arrangement in which the two needle connecting parts <NUM> are facing each other. As a result, the flow path <NUM> has a shape which linearly connects the two needle connecting parts <NUM>. The needle cap <NUM> having such a structure can also be integrally molded. For example, it is possible to be formed by preparing a cylindrical needle cap and connecting the tip end parts of the needle caps.

This type of needle cap <NUM>, for example, can also be carried out by a modified example such as the needle cap <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The needle cap <NUM> includes a flow path <NUM> which is connected to the two needle connecting parts <NUM>. The flow path <NUM> has a structure in which a diameter becomes narrower from one needle connecting part <NUM> toward the center of the flow path <NUM>, and the diameter becomes thicker from the center of the flow path <NUM> towards the other needle connecting part <NUM>.

In addition, it is also possible to be carried out by a modified example such as a needle cap <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The needle cap <NUM> includes two needle connecting parts <NUM> and a flow path <NUM> which is connected to the two needle connecting parts <NUM>. The flow path <NUM> has a structure in which the diameter becomes narrower from one of the needle connecting parts <NUM> to the center of the flow path <NUM>, and the diameter becomes thicker from the center of the flow part <NUM> to the other needle connecting part <NUM>. Here, the needle cap <NUM> is different to the needle cap <NUM> in that the flow path <NUM> has a curved cross-section with respect to the center axis of the flow path <NUM>, whereas the needle cap <NUM> is arranged with a flow path <NUM> having a linear cross-sectional shape.

Furthermore, the needle cap <NUM> to the needle cap <NUM> described above, can also be carried out implemented as a modified example having each needle with different thicknesses as explained in the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic diagram for explaining a dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> as a modified example. The dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> is arranged with a needle 519a and a needle 519b having different thicknesses in the needle cap <NUM>. Here, since the flow path <NUM> connects the needle connecting part 511a which is arranged with a thick needle 519a and the needle connecting part 511b which is arranged with a thin needle 519b, it may have a structure in which the diameter becomes smaller from the needle connecting part 511a towards the needle connecting part 511b. The dialysis circuit priming device having an arrangement in which two needle connecting parts according to the present disclosure face each other is not limited to this structure, any of the needle cap <NUM> to the needle cap injections <NUM> can be applied.

In addition, a film for sealing the flow path explained in the needle cap <NUM> may be arranged in a needle connecting part in the dialysis priming device having an arrangement in which two needle connecting parts face each other. Furthermore, the dialysis circuit priming device having an arrangement in which two needle connecting parts face each other may have a structure in which a threaded part is arranged on the needle connecting part explained in the needle cap <NUM>.

Although an example of the needle cap described above was explained having a structure in which two needle connecting parts and a flow path connecting the two needle connecting parts are integrally formed, the needle cap according to the present disclosure is not limited to this structure. An explanation is given below of another modified example of a needle cap.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram for explaining a dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>. <FIG> shows the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>, and <FIG> shows a cross sectional view (upper diagram) taken along the center line of <FIG> and shows a side surface view (lower diagram) seen from the center line direction. The dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> is arranged with a needle cap 630a including a needle connecting part 631a arranged with a needle 619a, and a needle cap 630b including a needle connecting part 631b arranged with a needle 619b. The dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> is further arranged with a joint member <NUM> for connecting the needle cap 630a and the needle cap 630b.

One end of the joint member <NUM> is locked with the needle cap 630a, and the other end is locked with the needle cap 630b. Each locking part <NUM> of the needle cap 630a and the needle cap 630b are respectively arranged at both ends of the joint member <NUM>. Joint member <NUM> has a hollow structure including a flow path <NUM> which connects the locking parts <NUM> at both end parts.

The joint member <NUM> is, for example, made of resin, and can be formed by a known resin which is used for the needle cap for medical application. In addition, it is preferred that the resin which forms the flow path <NUM> part has flexibility. By providing the flow path <NUM> part with flexibility, in the case where the needle 619a, the needle 619b and the flow path <NUM> are filled with saline, by clamping the flow path <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the entry of air into the other needle <NUM> even if the needle 619a or the needle 619b is removed from the needle cap 630a or needle cap injections 630b which connect the needles 619a or needle 619b. In the joint member <NUM>, the flow blocking means is not limited to this structure, and the flow path <NUM> may also be arranged with a valve (not shown in the diagram).

The needle cap 630a is arranged with a needle connecting part 631a which is arranged with a needle 619a. In addition, the needle cap 630b is arranged with a needle connecting part 631b which is arranged with a needle 619b. A flow path 633a is arranged at the tip end part of the needle 619a. In addition, a flow path 633b is arranged at the tip end part of the needle 619b. By arranging the needle cap 630a and the needle cap 630b at both ends of the joint member <NUM>, the flow path 633a and the flow path 633b are connected to the flow path <NUM> to form one flow path.

The tip end part of the needle cap 630a and the needle cap 630b has a shape which locks with the lock part <NUM> of the joint member <NUM>. The needle cap 630a and the needle cap 630b may be a cylindrical needle cap, and in this case, a tip end part of the needle cap 630a and the needle cap 630b has a cylindrical shape. The needle cap 630a and the needle cap 630b are, for example, made from a resin and can be formed by a known resin which is used for the needle caps for medical application.

In addition, the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>, as explained in the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>, can be carried out as a modified example in which the needle cap 630a and the needle cap 630b have needles with different thicknesses. The cylindrical needle cap does not have any difference (or almost identical) in the thickness (diameter) of the tip end part even if the thickness of the needles is different. As a result, both ends of the locking part <NUM> of the joint member <NUM> may be the same diameter. In addition, when one end of the locking part <NUM> of the joint member <NUM> has a different thickness (diameter) than the other end, it is possible to lock even in the case when the thickness (diameter) of the tip end parts of the needle cap 630a and the needle cap 630b are different.

In the present embodiment, in the case when a cylindrical needle cap is used for the needle cap 630a and the needle cap 630b, the tip end part of the needle cap (from the tip to the open position of the flow path <NUM>) is cut and the tip end part of the needle cap is opened. The opened tip end part of the needle cap (needle cap 630a and needle cap 630b) respectively lock the both end parts of the locking part <NUM> of the joint member <NUM>.

In addition, a film which seals the flow path explained in the needle cap <NUM> may be arranged in the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> having an arrangement in which the needle connecting part 631a and the needle connecting part 631b face each other. Furthermore, the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> may have a structure in which a threaded part is arranged on the needle connecting part explained in the needle cap <NUM>.

Although an example was explained in which two needle caps 630a and 630b are applied with a cylindrical cap in the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> described above, the needle cap according to the present disclosure is not limited to this structure. An explanation is given below of a modified example of the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram for explaining a dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>. <FIG> shows the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>, and <FIG> shows a cross sectional view (upper diagram) taken along the center line in <FIG> and a side surface view (lower diagram) seen from the center line direction. The dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> includes a needle cap 730a having a needle connecting part 731a arranged with a needle 719a, and a needle cap 730b having a needle connecting part 731b arranged with a needle 719b. The dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> is further arranged with a joint member <NUM> for connecting the needle cap 730a and the needle cap 730b.

One end of the joint member <NUM> locks with the needle cap 730a and the other end locks with the needle cap 730b. The locking part <NUM> which respectively locks the needle cap 730a and the needle cap 730b is arranged at both ends of the joint member <NUM>. The joint member <NUM> has a hollow structure including a flow path <NUM> which connects the locking part <NUM> at both end parts. In the present embodiment, the locking part <NUM> has a threaded part. The threaded part of the locking part <NUM> has a shape corresponding to the threaded part of the needle cap 730a and the needle cap 730b described herein. By rotating the needle cap 730a and the needle cap 730b in a range of <NUM>° or more and <NUM>° or less, it is possible to attach and detach the needle cap 730a and the needle cap 730b to the joint member <NUM>. It is preferred that it is possible to attach and detach the needle cap 730a and the needle cap 730b to the joint member <NUM> in a range of rotation angle of <NUM>° or more and <NUM>° or less. The dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> is arranged with the threaded part to the locking part <NUM> of the joint member <NUM>, and thereby the needle cap 730a and the needle cap 730b can be prevented from falling from the joint member <NUM>. Since the remaining structure is the same as the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> described above, a detailed explanation is omitted.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram for explaining a needle cap <NUM>. The needle cap 730a is arranged with a needle connecting part 731a including a needle 719a. In addition, the needle cap 730b is arranged with a needle connecting part 731b including a needle 719b. A flow path 733a is arranged at the tip end part of the needle 719a. In addition, a flow path 733b is arranged at the tip end part of the needle 719b. By arranging the needle cap 730a and the needle cap 730b at both ends of the joint member <NUM>, the flow path 733a and the flow path 733b are connected to form one flow path.

The tip end part of the needle cap 730a and the needle cap 730b includes a threaded part <NUM> which locks with the locking part <NUM> of the joint member <NUM>. The needle cap 730a and the needle cap 730b are, for example, made of a resin, and can be formed by a known resin used for needle cap for medical applications. The opening of the flow path <NUM> may be sealed by placing a cap on the threaded part <NUM> during use.

In addition, the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>, as explained in the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>, can be carried out as a modified example in which the needle cap 730a and the injection needle cap 730b have a needles with different thicknesses. Both end parts of the locking part <NUM> of the joint member <NUM> may have the same diameter. In addition, by making one end of the locking part <NUM> a different thickness (diameter) than the other end, it is possible to lock even in the case where the thickness (diameter) of the tip end parts of the needle cap 730a and the needle cap 730b are different.

In addition, a film which seals the flow path explained in the needle cap <NUM> may be arranged in the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> having an arrangement in which the needle connecting part 731a and the needle connecting part 731b face each other. Furthermore, the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> may have a structure in which a threaded part is arranged on the needle connecting part explained in the needle cap <NUM>.

Although an example in which a needle and a flow path are connected by adhering to a needle hub which supports a needle in the needle cap is explained in the embodiment described above, the needle cap according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. As a specific example, a different embodiment to the embodiment described above is explained below.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>, and <FIG> is a cross sectional diagram of a segment AB in the vicinity of the needle connecting part <NUM> surrounded by a broken line shown in <FIG>. The dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> is arranged with a needle cap <NUM> having a flow path <NUM> which is connected to two needle connecting parts <NUM> which are arranged respectively with a needle <NUM>. Although a needle <NUM> is preferred to be a butterfly shape as an example from the view point of simplicity of puncture procedure, it is not limited to this shape. The needle <NUM> has a wing part 818a and a wing part 818b on the needle hub 819b for holding the needle body 819a. In the present embodiment, an example of the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> having a tube <NUM> is shown. A first end of the tube <NUM> is connected to the needle hub 819b, and a second end is connected to a connector <NUM>. In addition, the connector <NUM> is protected by a cap <NUM>. In addition, the tube <NUM> may be arranged with a Robert clamp <NUM> for example.

In one embodiment, since the flow path <NUM> is formed from a tube and has flexibility, it is possible to freely change each arrangement of the two needle bodies 819a via the flow path <NUM>, it is possible to hook it to an infusion stand, and it is possible to reduce the size of the packaging. As a result, the flow path <NUM> is preferred to have any length so that it can be hooked to the infusion stand, and has a hardness so that the flow path <NUM> is not blocked when the tube bends when hooked to the infusion stand. In the present embodiment, the flow path <NUM> and the needle hub 819b are fixed at each end of the needle connecting part <NUM>, and the needle connecting part <NUM> has an internal structure that covers the entire needle body 819a. The needle connecting part <NUM> is formed by a rigid member, prevents the needle body 819a from piercing the needle connecting part <NUM>, and prevents the needle body 819a from being exposed to the exterior. In addition, the needle connecting part <NUM> includes a weak part <NUM> in the vicinity of the needle hub 819b. The weak part <NUM> is weak region which has lower strength than other parts of the needle connecting part <NUM>, for example, a part having a thin part, but is not limited to this, and may have a structure or may be a material capable of separating the needle connecting part <NUM> from the needle <NUM>. Furthermore, although the needle connecting part <NUM> may be molded including a weak part, it may also be formed by fixing or assembling a plurality of members, or a part which is assembled or fixed may be a weak part. In addition, although it is preferred to provide a flexible tube as a flow path <NUM>, it is not essential. For example, it is possible to hook to an infusion stand by forming the entire flow path <NUM> from a hard material as an arrangement in which two needle bodies 819a are in parallel or substantially parallel.

In addition, the tube <NUM> is formed by a known resin material and is not particularly limited. The connector <NUM> is a terminal for connecting to a blood circuit and is not particularly limited. In addition, the present invention may be directly connected to an end part of the blood circuit without going through the connector <NUM>. In addition, the cap <NUM> is connected to the connector <NUM>, and can be removed from the connector <NUM> when the connector <NUM> is connected to a blood circuit, and is not particularly limited.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the needle cap <NUM> is removed from the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a cross sectional diagram in the segment AB of the needle <NUM> surrounded by a broken line in <FIG>. In one embodiment, when the needle cap <NUM> is removed, it is preferred that a part of the needle connecting part <NUM> which is broken by the weak part <NUM> is located in the vicinity of the needle hub 819b. That is, it is particularly preferred that a part of the needle connecting part <NUM> which is broken by the weak part <NUM> is adjacent to the needle hub 819b for connecting to the needle body 819a, and in the present embodiment, a part of the needle connecting part <NUM> which is broken by the weak part <NUM> is adjacent to the tip end of the needle hub 819b. When the needle cap <NUM> is removed, by adopting such a structure, it becomes difficult for part of the needle connecting part <NUM> to obstruct a puncture and handling is easily performed.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of removing the needle cap <NUM> from the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the needle cap <NUM> is removed. In one embodiment, the weak part <NUM> is torn and the needle connecting part <NUM> can be separated from the needle <NUM> by relative rotation (either by rotating in one direction or twisting each in revere directions) while pulling the needle connecting part <NUM> and the needle <NUM>.

For example, in the case where the needle <NUM> is a butterfly needle, the wing part 818a and wing part818b may be held with one hand and bent in a direction substantially perpendicular (Z-direction in <FIG>) with respect to the wing part 818a and wing part 818b, and by holding the needle connecting part <NUM> with the other hand and performing relative rotation, it is possible to tear the weak part <NUM> and separate the needle connecting part <NUM> from the needle <NUM>. As a result, in one embodiment, the needle connecting part <NUM>, for example, has a flat plate shaped structure which is easily held, and the weak part <NUM> is easy to tear which is preferred. Specifically, each end part of the needle connecting part <NUM> in the present embodiment is a cylindrical part, and a flow path or needle hub is inserted into each end part. The outer surface has a flat plate part between cylindrical parts. The flat plate part has a hollow shape having a tapered structure which decreases in diameter toward the needle hub side, and the needle body 819a is located inside. The external shape of the flat plate part has a planar view elliptical shape and a side view biconcave shape from the viewpoint of usability. In addition, the flat plate part has a surface that intersects a surface of the wing part 818a and wing part 818b in a state held by one hand, and the flat plate shaped part is easily rotated in a state where the wing parts are held with one hand. Furthermore, the flat plate shaped part has a structure having a surface parallel to the wing part 818a and wing part 818b in a state before being held with a hand. Furthermore, the shape of the needle connecting part <NUM> may be a structure which is easily held and is easy to tear the weak part <NUM> but is not limited to this shape. For example, a flat plate part can be a cylindrical shape which has ribs. In addition, the needle connecting part <NUM> is preferred to be easy to hold and is formed of a material having sufficient rigidity in order to protect the needle body 819a.

Since the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> according to the present embodiment has the needle connecting part <NUM> fixed to the needle hub 819b, it is possible to safely perform priming without the needle body 819a being released from the needle connecting part <NUM> by pressure when priming. In addition, since the needle connecting part <NUM> includes the weak part <NUM>, it is easy to separate the needle <NUM> from the needle connecting part <NUM> after the priming.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a dialysis circuit priming device 800a according to a modified example. The dialysis circuit priming device 800a is different from the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> in that it includes a drain path 813a in a flow path <NUM>. In one embodiment, a cap <NUM> is arranged at the end part of the drain path 813a. By arranging the drain path 813a, it is possible to discharge a fluid from the flow path <NUM>. Since it is possible to use the same structure as the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> described above for the remaining structure, a detailed explanation thereof is omitted.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram for explaining a modified example using a dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>. In this modified example, a branch tube <NUM> is connected to a connector <NUM> of the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM>. For example, a first end part <NUM> of the branch tube <NUM> is connected to the connector <NUM>, a second end part <NUM> is connected to the blood circuit, and it is possible to use the third end part <NUM> as a drain path. Since the same structure as the dialysis circuit priming device <NUM> described above can be used for the remaining structure, a detailed explanation is omitted.

Claim 1:
A dialysis circuit priming device (<NUM>) comprising:
two butterfly shaped needles (<NUM>) each arranged with two wing parts (818a, 818b);
two needle connecting parts (<NUM>) each arranged with the two butterfly shaped needles (<NUM>) respectively, each of the two needle connecting parts (<NUM>) including a weak part (<NUM>); and
a flow path (<NUM>) for connecting the two needle connecting parts (<NUM>),
characterized in that each of the two needle connecting parts (<NUM>) includes a cylindrical part and an outer surface having a flat plate part, and
the two wing parts (818a, 818b) are configured to be held with one hand and bent in a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to the two wing parts (818a, 818b), such that by holding one of the needle connecting parts (<NUM>) with the other hand and performing relative rotation to tear the weak part (<NUM>) the one of the needle connecting part (<NUM>) is separated from one of the two butterfly shaped needles (<NUM>).