Patent Application
20150005734
The present invention relates to an exposure prevention cover that prevents exposure to a drug solution, pharmaceuticals or the like, an exposure prevention cover module provided with the same, a drug solution supply system, and a drug solution supply method.
Among drug solutions administered to patients, there are some that have a strong effect. For example, while an anticancer drug has an anticancer effect, it contains a toxic component that may even cause damage to normal cells. For this reason, during preparation work of a drug solution, close attention is paid to the prevention of the drug solution coming into contact with to a human body. During administration of an anticancer drug to a patient, also, close attention is required as to the splashing of droplets on the medical worker and the patient. However, it is difficult to avoid the splashing of fine droplets, and there is apprehension that a medical worker who has been continuously exposed to a minute amount of droplets over a long period of time may impair his or her health.
There have been no such things as external containers and external bags for preventing exposure to splashing and falling of such droplets. Attention has conventionally been paid to the mixing of outside air into a drug solution causing alteration during storage of the drug solution's container. For example, an example of an external bag made of a plastic sheet in which a drug solution container is enclosed is shown in
However, use of such an external hag does not prevent exposure to splashed droplets. During administration of the drug solution to a patient, the external bag 901 is cut open along a line between notches 914 at the right end portion, and the drug solution container is taken out from the external bag 901 and used. When the drug solution container is connected to a drug solution line to the patient in this state, leakage of the drug solution from the connection may occur. Also, even if the drug solution is administered via the puncture cap 902 during administration of the drug solution to the patient, leakage and splashing of the drug solution may occur at the time of insertion of the needle into the puncture cap 902 and at the time when the needle is inserted or removed, such as termination of the administration and replacement of the drug solution container, causing the possibility of exposure to a human body. Moreover, sufficient consideration must be taken to the disposal of a used needle to which an anticancer drug, etc. has become attached, as with a needle-stick accident and the handling of such a needle as medical waste. Such a problem can occur, not only in the drug solution described above, but also in drug solutions and drugs in general that will affect the user when the user is exposed thereto.
[PTL 1] Japanese Patent No. 4481563
In view of the problem described above, an Objective of the present invention is to provide an exposure prevention cover that prevents exposure to a drug solution, pharmaceuticals, etc., an exposure prevention cover module provided with the same, a drug solution supply system, and a drug solution supply method.
In order to achieve the above objective, the first exposure prevention cover according to the present invention is an exposure prevention cover including: a holding section that holds a drug solution container; a cover body 1, 31 for enclosing the drug solution container by surrounding the container; a suspension section that suspends the cover body 1, 31; and a connection section that can be connected to a connection port of the drug solution container. The cover body 1, 31 has an opening 1B, 31B provided on one face, and a closure section that closes the opening 1B, 31B is provided. With this configuration, by closing the cover body after insertion of the drug solution container in the cover body, it is possible to enclose the splashing of droplets inside the cover body and also dispose of the drug solution container while being kept enclosed in the cover body.
According to the second exposure prevention cover of the present invention, the cover body 1, 31 can be made of a material having at least one of a light transmittance property a gas barrier property, a waterproof property, and a Light shielding property. With this configuration, the visibility of the drug solution container suspended in the cover body is secured, so that the work of connecting the connection port of the drug solution container with the connection section can be easily performed from outside the cover body. Also, any external effect of oxygen, etc. on the drug solution can be prevented. In addition, the passage of evaporated drug solution or the drug solution itself from inside is prevented thereby deterring splashing of the drug solution, and thus exposure of the drug solution to the user can be avoided.
According to the third exposure prevention cover of the present invention, the closure section can be comprised of a clip that fastens the opening 1B, 31B from both sides. With this configuration, the opening can be easily closed with the clip.
According to the fourth exposure prevention cover of the present invention, the closure section can be comprised of a zipper seal capable of closing the opening 113, 31B. With this configuration, the opening can be closed without the use of another member.
According to the fifth exposure prevention cover of the present invention, at least, part of the cover body 1, 31 can have a combination of materials having a water absorption property. With this configuration, a pool of the drug solution having leaked from the thug solution container can be absorbed.
According to the sixth exposure prevention cover of the present invention, at least one suspension section that suspends the cover body 1, 31 with the drug solution container housed therein can be provided on an upper part of the cover body 1, 31. With this configuration, the exposure prevention cover an be stabilized when being suspended on a drip stand.
According to the seventh exposure prevention cover of the present invention, the cover body 31 can have a volume capable of housing only one drug solution container. With this configuration, when one drug solution container is used the cover body 31 having a volume capable of housing one drug solution container can be provided. Thus, such cover bodies can be used for a number of drug solution containers.
According to the eighth exposure prevention cover of the present invention, the holding section can be a lower holding section 32 having an opening size that allows insertion of the connection port protruding from the (hug solution container housed in the cover body 31 but does not allow insertion of a shoulder of the drug solution container near the connection port. With this configuration, the drug solution container can be stably held in the cover body by being supported from below.
According to the ninth exposure prevention cover of the present invention, the holding section can be a container holder 2 that engages with a hanging hole formed on the drug solution container in the cover body 1, 31 to be able to suspend the drug solution container. With this configuration, a plurality of drug solution containers can be held by being suspended with their hanging holes.
According to the tenth exposure prevention cover of the present invention, the container holder 2 can have an upper holding section 2D that is inserted through the hanging hole formed on the drug solution container so as to be able to suspend the drug solution container, and the top surface of the upper holding section 2D can be formed so as to be uneven. With this configuration, the drug solution container can be held in its suspended state by the container holder, and can be avoided from displacing in the exposure prevention cover.
According to the eleventh exposure prevention cover of the present invention, the connection section further can include a needle body 3, 33 for being inserted into the connection port of the drug solution container, and a needle cover 4, 34 that has a cylindrical shape surrounding the needle body 3, 33 and extends longer than the height of the needle body 3, 33. With this configuration, by surrounding the needle body with the needle cover, the tip of the needle body is prevented from being exposed, and thus an occurrence that the exposure prevention cover may be damaged with the needle body can be avoided.
According to the twelfth exposure prevention cover of the present invention, the needle body 3, 33 can be provided with an anti-falling structure for preventing the needle body 3, 33 from falling after being inserted into the connection port of the drug solution container. With this configuration, the needle body inserted into the connection port of the drug solution container can be prevented from falling due to inadvertent pulling of a drug solution administration line, etc.
According to the thirteenth exposure prevention cover of the present invention, the needle cover 4, 34 can be made of a flexible material. With this configuration, in puncturing the connection port of the drug solution container with the needle body, even when the connection port of the drug solution container fails to fit in the inner diameter of the needle cover, a puncture can be made by pressing the needle cover like crushing it.
According to the fourteenth exposure prevention cover of the present invention, a simple partition 38 that seals the needle body 3, 33 and the needle cover 4, 34 in the cover body 1, 31 can be provided. With this configuration, until the simple partition 38 is opened to use the exposure prevention cover, the needle tip and the needle cover can avoid contact with the outside air and thus be kept in an aseptic state.
The exposure prevention cover module according to the present invention includes: any of the exposure prevention covers described above; a backflow restriction member that is attached to the connection section of the exposure prevention cover to restrict backflow of a liquid; and a drug solution discharge line attached to the connection section via the backflow restriction member. The backflow restriction member is not specifically limited as long as it can prevent backflow of a liquid, but a check valve, a dip, a drip chamber, etc., for example, can be used.
At least one port via which a liquid can be injected can be provided in the drug solution discharge line. For example, a port for injection of a flushing liquid and a port for coupling a drug solution discharge line of another exposure prevention cover module can be provided. In particular, with a port for coupling, a plurality of drug solutions can be supplied through one line, and this can simplify the device.
The drug solution supply system according to the present invention includes; any of the exposure prevention covers described above; at least one drug solution container housed in the exposure prevention cover; an infusion container containing an infusion solution: an infusion solution discharge line connected to the infusion container at one end to discharge the infusion solution from the infusion container; a drug solution discharge line connected to the connection section of the exposure prevention cover at one end to discharge a drug solution in the drug solution container housed in the exposure prevention cover; a coupling section that couples the other end of the drug solution discharge line and the other end of the infusion solution discharge line; a supply line connected to the coupling section to discharge a liquid from at least one of the infusion solution discharge line and the drug solution discharge line; and a control member that controls flow of a liquid in at least one of the lines.
According to the system described above, by adjusting any of the control members, the infusion solution can be supplied from the infusion container to the drug solution discharge line before discharge of the drug solution. Therefore, any gas remaining in the chug solution discharge line can be expelled into the exposure prevention cover. That is, since the connection section and the drug solution container are not connected in the exposure prevention cover at this time, the gas is introduced into the exposure prevention cover. As the infusion solution, a basic solution such as a normal saline solution and a Ringer's solution can be used.
The above-described system can further include an infusion solution injection member attached to a portion of the drug solution discharge line near a junction with the connection section for injecting an infusion solution into the drug solution discharge line. With this configuration, since the drug solution remaining in the drug solution discharge line an be pushed out by injecting the infusion solution, all of the intended quantity of the drug solution can be supplied.
The above-described system can further include an air removal filter that is attached to the drug solution discharge line and allows passage of the drug solution flowing from the drug solution container but does not allow passage of air. With such an air removal filter provided, the work of supplying the infusion solution from the infusion container to the drug solution discharge line to expel gas remaining in the drug solution discharge line is unnecessary. Therefore, since the drug solution can be discharged without the gas expelling walk, the work time can be shortened.
In the above-described system, the following configuration can be provided in place of the air removal filter. That is, the system can further include: an air exhaust filter that is attached to the drug solution discharge line and allows passage of the drug solution flowing from the drug solution container but exhausts air outside; and an air collection container that seals air exhausted from the air exhaust filter. By having this configuration, also, the work of expelling gas remaining in the drug solution discharge line is unnecessary. Also, since the air exhausted from the air exhaust filter may sometimes be altered by the drug solution, it is sealed inside the air collection container.
In the above-described system, an additional module for supplying a plurality of drug solutions can be further provided. The additional module includes at least one of the exposure prevention covers described above, a drug solution container housed in each of the at least one exposure prevention cover; and an additional drug solution discharge line connected, at one end, to the connection section of the at least one exposure prevention cover. One of the additional drug solution discharge lines can be connected to the drug solution discharge line as an additional discharge line. With this configuration, since the above drug solution discharge line and the additional drug solution discharge line of the additional module are serially connected, a plurality of drug solutions can be supplied through one route.
The additional module can have a plurality of exposure prevention covers, and the plurality of additional drug solution discharge lines can be serially connected to each other with the additional discharge line being at the head. With this configuration, a plurality of drug solution containers can be housed in the additional module, and by serially connecting the lines, a plurality of drug solutions can be supplied through one route.
The drug solution supply method according to the present invention includes: a first preparation step of preparing at least one drug solution container containing a drug solution and having a connection port via which the drug solution can be discharged; a second preparation step of housing and sealing the drug solution container in an exposure prevention cover having a connection section via which the drug solution can be discharged; a third preparation step of connecting a drug solution line to the connection section; and a discharge step of connecting the connection section to the connection port of the drug solution container so as to discharge the drug solution in the drug solution container into the drug solution via the connection section.
The drug solution supply method described above can further include: a fourth preparation step of preparing an infusion container containing an infusion solution; a fifth preparation step of connecting the infusion container to an infusion line that discharges the infusion solution from the infusion container; and a step of forming a supply line capable of discharging at least one of the infusion solution and the drug solution by connecting the drug solution line and the infusion line in a trifurcated fashion. The method can further include before the discharge step: a first priming step of discharging the infusion solution from the infusion container toward the supply line: and a second priming step of allowing the infusion solution to flow from the infusion container toward the connection section of the exposure prevention cover.
The above-described drug solution supply method can further include, after the discharge step, a flushing step of supplying an infusion solution at a position of the drug solution line near the connection section to allow the infusion solution to flow into the drug solution line.
In the above-described drug solution supply method, a plurality of drug solutions can be supplied. That is, a plurality of drug solution containers can be prepared in the first preparation step, each of the plurality of drug solution containers can be housed and sealed in the exposure prevention cover in the second preparation step, the drug solution line can be connected to the connection section of each of the exposure prevention covers and such drug solution lines can be serially connected in the third preparation step, and drug solutions can be sequentially discharged from the drug solution containers in the discharge step.
The above-described drug solution supply method can further include: a fourth preparation step of preparing an infusion container containing an infusion solution; a fifth preparation step of connecting the infusion container to an infusion line that discharges the infusion solution from the infusion container; and a step of forming a supply line capable of discharging at least one of the infusion solution and the drug solution by connecting the infusion line and the drug solution line placed at the head in a trifurcated fashion. A first priming step of discharging the infusion solution from the infusion container toward the supply line can be executed before the step of discharging the drug solution to the head drug solution line, and a second priming step of allowing the infusion solution to flow from the infusion container toward the connection section of the exposure prevention cover can be executed before the step of discharging the drug solution to each of the drug solution lines.
The above-described drug solution supply method can further include a flushing step of supplying an infusion solution at a position of each of the drug solution lines near the connection section to allow the infusion solution to flow into the drug solution line, after each discharge of the drug solution from the drug solution container in the discharge step.
In the above-described drug solution supply method, a plurality of drug solution containers can be housed and sealed in the exposure prevention cover in the second preparation step, and the discharge step can be executed for each of the drug solution containers. That is, a plurality of drug solution containers can be housed in one exposure prevention cover to perform supply of drug solutions.
In the above case, the above-described drug solution supply method can further include: a fourth preparation step of preparing an infusion container containing an infusion solution; a fifth preparation step of connecting the infusion container to an infusion line that discharges the infusion solution from the infusion container; and a step of forming a discharge section capable of discharging at least one of the infusion solution and the drug solution by connecting the drug solution line and the infusion line in a trifurcated fashion. A first priming step of discharging the infusion solution from the infusion container toward the discharge section can be executed before the step of discharging the drug solution to the head drug solution line, and a second priming step of allowing the infusion solution to flow front the infusion container toward the connection section of the exposure prevention cover can be executed before the step of discharging the drug solution from each of the drug solution containers.
The above-described drug solution supply method can further include a flushing step of supplying an infusion solution at a position of each of the drug solution lines near the connection section to allow the infusion solution to flow into the drug solution line, after each discharge of the drug solution from the drug solution containers in the discharge step.
In the above-described drug solution supply method, the following configuration can be used in Place of executing the second priming step. That is, the method can further include: a fourth preparation step of preparing an infusion container containing an infusion solution; a fifth preparation step of connecting the infusion container to an infusion line that discharges the infusion solution from the infusion container; a step of forming a supply line capable of discharging at least one of the infusion solution and the drug solution by connecting the drug solution line and the infusion line in a trifurcated fashion; and a step of attaching, to the drug solution discharge line, a filter that allows passage of the drug solution flowing from the drug solution container but does not allow passage of air. The method can further include, before the discharge step, a first priming step of discharging the infusion solution from the infusion container toward the supply line.
According to the above method, the second priming step is unnecessary, and the drug solution can be discharged immediately after the first priming step. Therefore, the work time required for discharge of the drug solution can be shortened. Such a filter can also be applied to all of the drug solution supply methods described above in place of the second priming.
a) and 3(b) are enlarged cross-sectional views respectively showing the state before and after connection of the needle body to a drug solution container
Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments to be described hereinafter merely illustrate the exposure prevention cover fir embodying the technical ideas according to the present invention, and are not intended to limit the exposure prevention cover according to the present invention. The members defined in the claims should never be limited to the members in the embodiments. In particular, unless otherwise specified, the sizes, materials, shapes, and relative placements of the composing members described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but mere illustrative examples. Note also that the sizes and positional relations of the members shown in the drawings are sometimes exaggerated to clarify the description. Further, in the following description, the same names and characters denote the same members or members of the same nature, and thus detailed description of such members are omitted appropriately. Moreover, as for the components constituting the present invention, it plurality of components may be formed of one member, so that the member serves as the plurality of components. In reverse, the function of one member may be borne by a plurality of members and achieved. Note also that the details described in one example or embodiment sometimes apply to other examples or embodiments,
The configuration of an exposure prevention cover according to the first embodiment in which a container filled with a drug solution such as an anticancer drug is enclosed will be described with reference to the external perspective view of
The cover body 1 is integrally formed by thermally welding the periphery thereof except for the opening 1B with part of the container holder 2 and the needle body 3 being inserted between sheets of the cover body 1. The welding of the cover body is not limited to thermal welding, but adhesives, etc. can also be used. In
The cover body 1 according to this embodiment has an approximately rectangular shape as a whole with a protrusion 1A formed at the upper right position, as shown in
It is preferable that the material of the exposure prevention cover body 1 has at least one function of a light transmittance property a gas barrier property, a waterproof property and a right shielding property. As the material having the light transmittance property, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), etc, can be used. With the light transmittance property, the work of connecting the connection port of the drug solution container with the needle body 3 in the cover body 1 to be described later can be performed easily even from outside the cover body. Note that, in order to avoid degradation of the quality of the drug solution, the cover body 1 can be made of a material having a wavelength-selective light, shielding property and a partial or entire light shielding property to avoid transmission of light having a specific wavelength. Examples of such a material include an aluminum laminated film, a material with an UV absorbent mixed or applied, and a material having a light-shading ink layer. As a material having the gas barrier property, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide on which an inorganic substance is evaporated, aluminum foil, etc. can be used. In particular, by using aluminum oxide or silicon as the metal for evaporation, the light transmittance property can also be combined. With the gas barrier property it is possible to prevent evaporated drug solution and the drug solution itself from leaking outside the cover body 1. Also, as a material having the waterproof property polyamide (PA), etc, can be used in addition to the above materials. With the waterproof property, it is possible to avoid exposure of a drug having strong effects, such as an anticancer drug, to the user. Silicon oxide may be mixed in the material constituting the inside of the cover body so as to have a good sliding property so that the drug solution container can be easily inserted into the cover body. Note that it is preferable to use a material that can be subjected to steam sterilization, gamma ray sterilization, and electron beam sterilization as the material of the cover body 1.
The exposure prevention cover includes the container holder 2 as the holding section for suspending the drug solution container. The container holder 2 also serves as the suspension section that suspends the exposure prevention cover from a drip stand, etc. The container holder 2 shown in
An uneven portion is farmed on the top surface of the upper holding section 2D as a displacement prevention mechanism that prevents the suspended drug solution container from displacing. With this formation, displacement of a plurality of drug solution containers after suspension from the upper holding section 2D can be reduced. Note that, while the uneven portion of the upper holding section 2D is shown as a corrugated portion in
The support 2A of the container holder 2 has a fixing section 2F for fixing the container holder 2 to the cover body 1. In the example in
Further, the fixing section 2F of the container holder 2 is integrally molded with a ring 2E as the suspension section permitting suspension from a drip stand. With this formation, the exposure prevention cover can be suspended from the drip stand with the ring 2E. While the container holder 2 is molded integrally including the ring 2E in this example, the formation is not limited to this. The ring for suspension from a drip stand may be formed as a separate member and be attached to the fixing section 2F fixed to the cover body 1 in a manner of sandwiching the fixing section 2F. Also, while one ring is provided in the example in
It is preferable that the container holder 2 be made of a plastic material having a strength enough to allow a plurality of drug solution containers to be suspended therefrom. Note however that the material is not limited to plastic but may be metal such as aluminum.
Next, the configuration of the needle body 3 provided with the needle cover 4 will be described with reference to the enlarged perspective view of
The needle body 3 may be provided with an anti-falling structure in the needle tip 3A. For example, an rough surface may be formed, or the needle tip may have a conical shape in an upper portion from its tip by a given distance and then a narrow cylindrical shape in a lower portion down to its base. With such an anti-falling structure provided in the needle tip, the needle tip can be prevented from falling due to inadvertent pulling of a drug solution line, etc. after puncture of the connection port of the drug solution container.
The needle body 3 is made of a plastic material having a strength enough to be inserted into the connection port made of rubber, etc. of the drug solution container. The material is not limited to plastic, but may be metal such as stainless steel. A flexible needle may be used as a measure against, mistaken puncturing of the cover body 1. For example, a structure where the base portion is in a boat shape and is coupled to the needle tip through an elastic body such as an elastic tube may be used.
The needle body 3 is provided with the needle cover 4 in a shape surrounding the needle tip 3A. The needle cover 4 has it shape of a cylinder open at the top and closed at the bottom, and approximately the center of the bottom surface is fixed to the base of the needle tip 3A. The needle cover 4 is formed to be longer than the height of the needle tip 3A. Thus, with the sharp tip of the needle body 3 covered with the cover body 1, the tip is blocked from corning into contact with the cover body 1, and thus an occurrence that the tip may stick into the cover body 1 and be damaged can be prevented. Also, in order to secure asepsis in the surroundings of the needle body 3, the top end of the needle cover 4 can be sealed to isolate the needle body 3 from the inside of the exposure prevention cover body 1.
The state before insertion of the needle body 3 into the connection port of the drug solution container is shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of
The needle cover 4 is formed of a flexible material such as silicone rubber. The material and the shape of the needle cover are not limited to those described above. For example, the needle cover 4 may have a shape of a bellows-like cylinder made of a plastic expandable in the length direction. Otherwise, the needle cover 4 may have a shape of a rectangular column, not a cylinder, or may have a shape where the diameter is not constant over the length, but the width is increased toward the tip of the needle body.
The state where drug solution containers, are suspended in the exposure prevention cover and the opening is closed with a Clip is shown as an external perspective view in
In the exposure prevention cover, also, after the suspension of the drug solution containers 10 in the cover body 1, the cover body 1 is closed with a clip 5 as the closure section that closes the protrusion 1A. The clip 5 is in a V-shape and includes mating members 5A and 5B, a rotation axis 5C at the bottom, and a joining part 5D. The clip 5 clips the protrusion 1A and mates the mating members 5A and 5B with each other by rotating the members around the rotation axis 5C. The joining part 5D on the mating member 5A is then latched on the mating member 5B in the mated state, whereby the clip 5 is fixed. By this closure, the exposure prevention cover can isolate the drug solution containers 10 inside from the external environment, permitting prevention of a damage due to exposure to the drug solution.
While the clip 5 is used as the closure section that closes the protrusion 1A in the above exposure prevention cover, the closure section is not limited to this. For example, a zipper seal may be used for closing, which is shown as an external perspective view in
A primary use example of the exposure prevention cover will be described with reference to the schematic view of
In the above use example, the drug solution containers 10 containing three kinds of anticancer drugs are suspended in the exposure prevention cover. In this illustration, the needle body 3 is inserted into a connection port 11A of the first, drug solution container 10A out of the three containers. The needle cover 4 surrounding the needle body 3 is contracted at the time when the needle tip 3A is inserted into the connection port 11A of the first drug solution container 10A. Thus, the connection port 11A of the first drug solution container 10A and the needle tip 3A are in a state sealed by the needle cover 4, whereby leakage of the drug solution can be prevented.
Next, a secondary use example of the exposure prevention cover to be executed after the primary use example will be described with reference to the schematic view of
The exposure prevention cover according to this embodiment of the invention can be disposed of as medical waste with the drug solution containers kept enclosed inside at the time of completion of the infusion from all the drug containers. Therefore, exposure of the medical worker to the drug solutions at the disposal of the drug solution containers can also be avoided.
A water absorbent such as an absorption sheet may be provided in the bottom of the exposure prevention cover according to the invention. As an example, an exposure prevention cover provided with an absorbent is shown in the external perspective view of
Next, an exposure prevention cover according to the second embodiment in which a container filled with a drug solution such as an anticancer drug is enclosed will be described with reference to the external front view of
The exposure prevention cover shown in
The portion of each cover body 31 crosshatched in
The cover body 31 also has three suspension holes 37 used when being suspended from a drip stand, although the number of the suspension holes 37 is not limited to this. It also has a zipper seal 36 under the suspension holes 37 as the closure section for closing the cover body 31 all insertion of a drug solution container. Note however that, as in the first embodiment, a clip, etc. can also be used instead of the zipper seal, as the closure section. Since the suspension holes 37 are required to support the weight of the entire drug solution container, it is preferable to reinforce the surroundings of the suspension holes 37. Although not shown, sheets may be additionally stuck on the front, and back surfaces of a sheet constituting the portion of the suspensions holes, for example.
Next, the exposure prevention cover with a drug solution container inserted therein will be described with reference to the front view of
In the exposure prevention cover, a three-way stopcock 40 is connected to the needle body 33 of each of the three cover bodies 31 coupled to one another. An intermediate tube 41 is connected to the bottom of the three-way stopcock 40. A coupling connector 42 is connected to the other end of the intermediate tube 41. In
After the connection of the coupling connectors 42, drug solutions in drug solution containers 50 can be sequentially fed out by connecting the needle tip 33A of each needle body 33 to a connection port 51 of the corresponding drug solution container 50. It is preferable that the needle body 33 be provided, with a check value to prevent backflow of the solution to the drug solution container 50. The three-way stopcocks 40 and the coupling connectors 42 are color-coded to prevent wrong coupling.
The cover body 31 is provided with grasp holes 35 formed at two positions with which the circumference of the connection port 51 of the drug solution container 50 can be grasped from outside. With this configuration, the medical worker can insert fingers through the grasp holes 35 to grasp the circumference of the connection port 51 of the drug solution container 50 with the fingers. As a result, the medical worker can pinch the needle body 33 with lingers of the other hand and press the needle body 33 into the connection port 51 fixed with the fingers, whereby puncture with the needle tip 33A can be performed reliably. Note that, while the shape of the grasp holes 35 is rhombic in the illustrated example, it is not limited to this. It can be rectangular or elliptic as far as lingers can be inserted therethrough.
As described above, according to this embodiment, where one cover is used for one drug solution container, exposure to the drug solution can be effectively prevented. For example, while a large cover is necessary in preparation for an increase in the number of drug solution containers in the case of the cover in
The cover body 31 in the second embodiment is not limited to that described above. For example, the needle tip 33A and the needle cover 34 may be connected from outside the cover body. Also, the lower welded portion may be formed into a pouch shape so that the lower portion of the cover body is soft while the upper portion thereof is rigid. By using such forms, while the cover body is kept fixed, the needle tip 33A and the connection port 51 of the drug solution container can be connected to each other. This improves the operability
The third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to
As shown in
A small-diameter insertion section 412 in which the connection port of the drug solution container is inserted is provided in a lower portion of the cover body 41. The insertion section 412 has a cylindrical shape protruding from the bottom of the cover body 41. The insertion section 412 is provided with a needle body 44 and a needle cover 45 having functions similar to those described in the second embodiment. The needle cover 45 may be configured to extend upward from the base end of the needle body as shown in
The intermediate tube 46 (drug solution line, drug solution discharge line) is coupled to the needle body 44 via the check valve 47. As the check valve 47, a known backflow prevention float-type one-way valve, for example, can be used to perform priming to be described later. With such a value, it is possible to ensure that, while air and a liquid can flow from the cover body 41 to the intermediate tube 46, a liquid is not allowed to flow, although air is allowed to flow, from the intermediate tube 46 to the cover body 41. A connection adapter 461 having a thin film cover (not shown) is attached to the tip opening of the intermediate tube 46. As far as this cover is not broken, the drug solution flowing in the intermediate tube 46 is prevented from flowing from the tip opening. Alternatively a lock mechanism that will not be disengaged once being engaged can be attached. The intermediate tube 46 is provided with a pair of ports near the check valve 47: a flushing port 462 from which a normal saline solution is injected provided at a position closer to the check valve 47, and a coupling port 463 for coupling an intermediate tube 46 for another exposure prevention cover at a position away from the check valve 47.
As will be described later, a syringe (infusion solution injection member) for injecting a normal saline solution is coupled to the flushing port 462. Inside the port 462, placed is a check valve that opens by an injection pressure when the tip of the syringe is coupled to the port 462 and the normal saline solution is injected. Inside the coupling port 463, placed are a check valve that opens with insertion of another intermediate tube and a hollow needle body. With this configuration, when the tip of another intermediate tube is inserted into the coupling port, the cover is broken to allow a drug solution to flow from this intermediate tube into the coupling port 463. Note that, when a (hug solution is injected from the coupling port 463, flow of the drug solution into the exposure prevention cover 40 via the needle body 44 is cut off by the action of the cheek valve 47. Each of the flushing port 462 and the coupling port 463 is closed with a lid member 65 before use, and the lid member 65 is removed for use.
Next, an infusion container 21 containing an infusion solution such as a normal saline solution will be described with reference to
Next, a method of supplying a drug solution using the exposure prevention cover 40 configured as described above will be described with reference to
First, the procedure of supplying the drug solution in the first cover module 4 will be described. In the state shown in
Thereafter, a second clip 28 (control member) is fastened to the upstream drug solution line 24A that is connected to the infusion container 21, to block the communication of the infusion solution. That is, the flow of the normal saline solution from the infusion container 21 to the three-way stopcock 26 is cut off. Subsequently, in the exposure prevention cover 40, the needle body 44 is inserted, into the connection port 11A of the drug solution container 10A to allow the drug solution to flow into the intermediate tube 46. In this state, by releasing the first clip 27, the drug solution is administered to the patient via the intermediate tube 46, the three-way stopcock 26, and the downstream drug solution line 24C.
Once the remaining quantity of the drug solution in the drug solution container 10A becomes zero, the cover 65 of the flushing port 462 provided on the intermediate tube 46 is removed, and a syringe 100 with a normal saline solution injected therein is attached to the port 462, as shown in
Next, the drug solution in the second cover module 5 is supplied. First, the downstream drug solution line 24C is blocked with the first clip 27. Subsequently as shown in
As was done in the first cover module 4, once the drug solution in the drug solution container becomes zero, the syringe 100 is attached to a flushing port 582 of the second cover module 5, to inject the normal saline solution into the intermediate tube 56, as shown in
As described above, according to this embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, it is possible to administer a plurality of drug solutions while preventing exposure to the drug solutions. Also, in administering a Plurality of drug solutions, by preparing a plurality of cover modules 4 and 5 and serially connecting their intermediate tubes 46 and 56 to each other, the drug solutions can be administered through one route without the necessity of administering the drug solutions individually from the cover modules 4 and 5. Priming can also be performed using this route. Moreover, by providing the flushing ports 462 and 562 on the intermediate tubes 46 and 56 to inject a normal saline solution, all of the intended amounts of the drug solutions can be administered to the patient. Thus, the correct amount of a drug solution can be administered.
While two cover modules are used in this embodiment, the number of cover modules is not specifically limited. The configurations of the intermediate tubes and the check valves are not specifically limited, but known members can be appropriately used. When three or more cover modules are use their intermediate tubes should be serially connected. That is, as described above, the tip end of one intermediate tube should be connected to the base end of another intermediate tube, i.e., to the coupling port near the exposure prevention cover, to be arranged so that drug solutions in all drug solution containers flow into the three-way stopcock through one route.
While the check valve 47 is provided in the cover module described above, the invention is not limited to this, and it is only necessary to provide a backflow prevention member for preventing the drug solution discharged from the drug solution container 10A to the intermediate tube 46 from flowing backward to the exposure prevention cover 41. Examples of such a backflow prevention member include a clip and a drip chamber. When the infusion solution is supplied to the intermediate tube 46 during priming, air moves toward the exposure prevention cover 41. In order to remove this air from the intermediate tube 46, the clip may be released/fastened while backflow of the solution being prevented by visual check. In this way, only air can be allowed to enter the exposure prevention cover 41. Also, using the drip chamber, the air can be stored inside the drip chamber.
While the dips are used as the control members 27 and 28 that control the flow of the solution in the lines 24A, 24C, 46, and 56 in the above-described embodiments, the invention is not limited to this. For example, members such as roller clamps that press the line to cut off the flow of the solution may be used. Also, mechanical and electrical valve mechanisms may be used to control the flow of the solution.
An example of the cover module different from that in
In the third embodiment, priming of the intermediate the 46 is performed by supplying the infusion solution from the infusion container 21 to the intermediate tube 46. In this relation, a configuration as shown in
In place of using such an air discharge filter 200, a known air removal filter through which air does not pass may simply be provided in the intermediate tube 46. This filter allows passage of only a liquid and does not allow passage of air. Therefore, air stays on the upstream side of the filter.
The configuration of the exposure prevention cover used in the third embodiment is not specifically limited, and that used in the first or second embodiment can be used. As for the other configuration, those in the first to third embodiments can be combined appropriately. Design changes such as placing the zipper seal 42 on a side face of the cover body 41 can be made appropriately depending on the needs.
White the case of using a medical solution such a an anticancer drug was described in the above embodiments, the invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to any drug solutions to which exposure should be prevented as a whole.
The exposure prevention cover, the exposure prevention cover module provided with the same, the drug solution supply system, and the drug solution supply method according to the present invention can be suitably used for the prevention of exposure to a drug, etc. For example, they can be suitably used for the prevention of exposure to a drug such as an anticancer drug that has a strong effect.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-290435 | Dec 2011 | JP | national |
| 2012-065914 | Mar 2012 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2012/083654 | 12/26/2012 | WO | 00 |
