Abstract: Compressible lock washers for use in catheter connectors. One such lock washer (60) includes a support ring (62) and tube engagement flanges (64) extending centrally therefrom, oblique to the ring and each extending from the same side thereof. The tube engagement flanges (64) define a tube receptacle (72) through which a catheter tube (58) may be inserted. Upon compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) are forced toward the ring (62), decreasing the diameter of the tube receptacle (72). Thus, during compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) engage the catheter tube (58) which runs through the tube receptacle (72), securing the catheter tube within the catheter connector (20) with which the lock washer is associated.

Abstract: Catheters which utilize a flexible tube that has been modified at one end or both ends. Such modifications involve modifying a tube end to increase rigidity and strength (while maintaining some flexibility), or involve special placement of an intraluminal cord within the tube. One such catheter has a tube (20) with a cord (26) running therethrough wherein a portion of the tube's proximal end has been reinforced (30), preferably, in such a manner that the reinforced portion of the tube remains flexible. Similarly, another catheter includes a tube having an associated intraluminal cord, wherein the cord is affixed to the interior of the tube's proximal end. Another catheter has a tube and intraluminal cord with an enlarged end (e.g. a ball (28)) extending from the tube's distal end, and is modified by incorporating, within the tube's distal end, a spring (30).