Catheter connector

Details Catheter connector Catheter connector

1998-08-14

2001-02-20

Kennedy, Sharon (Department: 3763)

Surgery

Means for introducing or removing material from body for...

Treating material introduced into or removed from body...

C604S905000, C411S512000, C411S531000, C411S161000, C128S912000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06190372

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention generally relates to connectors for catheters which introduce fluids into body cavities. More specifically, the invention relates to devices disposed within catheter connectors which prevent the dislocation of a catheter tube from a catheter connector.
BACKGROUND
Catheter connectors arc well known. One such device, which is commonly referred to as a “Tuohy-Borst” connector, includes two threaded members which enclose an elongated, compressible O-ring. In use of that device, a catheter tube is inserted into one of the connector members and inserted through a channel defined by the O-ring. Upon engagement of the two threaded members, the O-ring is longitudinally compressed, decreasing the cross-sectional diameter of the channel and frictionally securing the catheter tube therein.
A similar device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,015 to Gross (Oct. 1, 1991). The catheter connector of Gross includes a body member, into which a catheter tube is insertable, a compression member which locks onto the body member upon interconnection therewith, and a compressible, elongated plug disposed in the body member. In use of that device, a catheter tube is inserted into the body member and through a channel of the elongated plug. Upon engagement of the body and compression members, the elongated plug is compressed, which decreases the cross-sectional diameter of the channel and frictionally secures the catheter tube therein. The connector assembly of Gross also includes a slip washer, which merely facilitates the rotational interconnection of the body and compression members (i.e., by screwing the complementary threaded body and compression members together).
Such devices are somewhat problematic in that the sole use of a compressible member having a channel formed therethrough may be insufficient to adequately secure a catheter tube within the connector especially if the catheter surface gets wet before insertion of the catheter tube into the connector.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Although the previously-described catheter connectors work well for many applications, it has been found that an additional catheter tube-securing element prevents dislocation of a catheter tube from the catheter connector to an even greater degree.
The invention thus includes a compressible lock washer which is useful in a catheter connector. As the lock washer is compressed, the cross-sectional diameter of a tube receptacle formed centrally therethrough decreases, thus securing a tube placed therein. In use, a catheter tube is inserted into a catheter connector assembly, including the lock washer disposed therein. Upon interconnection of the catheter connector members, the lock washer is compressed, decreasing the cross-sectional diameter of the tube receptacle and engaging the catheter tube which runs therethrough.
In another aspect, the invention includes a catheter connector assembly including a compressible lock washer, as previously described, and methods for manufacturing the lock washer and connector.


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