Abstract: A catheter connector for a subcutaneously placed catheter. The catheter connector can be configured for a single lumen catheter or a multiple lumen catheter. The connector facilitates precise positioning of both distal and proximal ends of a catheter, providing enhanced functionability and patient comfort.

Abstract: Medical connector comprising a tubular body with an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting of the female luer-lock type connected to the body in a rotary and axially translatable way between a retracted position and an advanced position. One-directional detent assemblies enable rotation of the outlet fitting in one direction in the retracted position and in the opposite direction in the advanced position.

Abstract: An infusion and/or withdrawal fitting for biomedical fluid circuits is defined by a tubular conduit having a first end connectable to a biomedical fluid circuit, and a second end which is closed by a plug having a collar connected to the plug at a weakened portion; the conduit having a breaking member for breaking the weakened portion when fitting the plug to the conduit, and for retaining the collar on the conduit.

Abstract: Medical devices with male luer lock fittings with either a male conical tip having a roughened outer surface or a female luer lock fitting with a roughened surface and methods for manufacture and use are disclosed. The outer surface of the male conical tip or a surface of the female luer lock fitting is roughened to decrease the likelihood of breakage during disassembly from a female luer lock fitting of another medical device in the presence of a liquid.

Abstract: A catheter switch comprising a first electrical connector for connection to a first medical device, a second electrical connector for connection to a second medical device, and a third electrical connector for connection to a signal source. The catheter switch further includes an electrical switch coupled to the first, second, and third electrical connectors. The electrical switch is configured to include at least two selectable positions, a first position in which the first electrical connector is electrically coupled to the third electrical connector and a second position in which the second electrical connector is electrically coupled to the third electrical connector. A catheter switch assembly system is also provided. The catheter switch assembly system is for selectively coupling a nerve stimulator to a needle assembly or to a catheter assembly to deliver electrical pulses thereto.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly including a multi-piece connector. In one embodiment, the medical catheter assembly is a PEG implanting assembly comprising a tubular dilator and a silicone feeding tube having an internal bolster at its rear end. The assembly also comprises a multi-piece connector comprising an inner ring, a fitting and an outer ring. The inner ring has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the feeding tube and is coaxially disposed within the feeding tube by a friction-fit. The fitting comprises a front portion, an intermediate portion and a rear portion, the intermediate portion including a shoulder having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the feeding tube. The front portion of the fitting is inserted through the rear end of the dilator and is secured to the dilator by a plurality of barbs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards sealable and repositionable endovascular implant grafts, and methods for their use for the treatment of aortic aneurysms and other structural vascular defects. Sealable, repositionable endograft systems for placement in a blood vessel are disclosed, in which endograft implants with circumferential sealable collars and variable sealing devices upon deployment achieve a desired controllable seal between the collar and the vessel's inner wall. Embodiments of endovascular implants according to the present invention may further be provided with retractable retention tines or other retention devices allowing an implant to be repositioned before final deployment. An endograft system according to the present invention further comprises a delivery catheter to allow placement through a peripheral arteriotomy site, and of sufficient length to allow advancement into the thoracic or abdominal aorta.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a medical line set (10) having a breakable coupling device (90), and to such a coupling device (90). More particularly the present invention refers to an medical dialysis line set (10), such as a peritoneal dialysis (PD) line set, including a liquid introducing portion (20), a liquid distribution portion or PD portion (40) and a drain portion (80), for introducing and extracting dialysis liquid from a patient, the line set particularly including said coupling device (90) for connecting and disconnecting the liquid introducing portion (20) in order to introduce and extract spent medical solution.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tubular body having a channel having its ends opening out respectively at the ends of the tubular body, injector element for injecting fluid into the channel, a tubular endpiece having a channel with ends opening out respectively at the ends of the tubular endpiece, and element for connecting the endpiece and the body together so that the end of the channel and the end of the channel are in alignment on an axis, the connection element being constituted essentially by a ring that partially covers the body and the endpiece, and being also arranged in such a manner that the connection can be broken by exerting a force couple of predetermined value respectively on the endpiece and on the body. The invention is applicable to safety catheters for performing endovascular treatments by injecting embolic fluid, for example for treating arteriovenous malfunctions.

Abstract: A catheter connector system that allows trimming of the proximal end of a catheter (single or multiple lumen) prior to the placement of a connector hub. In one variation, the catheter connector system comprises a catheter, a connector sheath including a soft collet, and a connector hub including a cannula for engaging the catheter and a connector hub interface for receiving the connector sheath.

Abstract: A method of forming a medical device or components thereof, including the steps of providing a first component of said medical device which is formed a first material and providing a second polymeric material into a mold cavity to overmold a second component of the medical device over the first component, and wherein the second polymeric material is further injected with a blowing agent to form a foam, and to components and to the medical devices made therefrom.

Abstract: A releasable medical device connector comprises a connector fitting with a spin nut which connects to an adaptor. The connector fitting has at least one radially extending member with a variable radius cross section. The spin nut is disposed upon the connector fitting proximal of the radially extending member and is both axially slidable and rotatable upon the elongated body of the connector fitting. A screw thread within a proximal portion of the spin nut is used to secure the tapering portion of the connector fitting to an external thread disposed upon the adaptor. To release the connector, the spin nut is unscrewed from the adaptor and slid so that a distal receptacle of the spin nut engages the radially extending member of the connector fitting. With the spin nut and connector fitting engaged, the medical line can be released from the adaptor by twisting and pulling upon the spin nut.

Abstract: A female connector including: a cylindrical core member having a luer taper on a distal inner surface thereof and a tube bonding portion formed on a proximal end inner surface and being formed with a flange at a distal extremity thereof; a cylindrical housing having a male screw formed on an outer surface thereof and mounted to an outer periphery of the core member without being fixed, and a stopper fixed at a position apart from the flange of the core member, wherein the distance (L1) between the flange and the stopper is larger than the length (L2) of the housing in the axial direction when a male connector is connected to the female connector.

Abstract: A method for connecting a compatibility liner with a source of perishable therapeutic is provided. In one exemplary system for connecting a reservoir of perishable therapeutic with a lumen, a hollow hub having a first end and a second end is provided. The first end of the hollow hub, which contains a bond port, is in fluid communication with the second end. The second end of the hollow hub may contain a docking groove that is sized to couple a reservoir to it. The system also includes an inner hypo-tube having a proximal tip and an inner lumen. This inner lumen is lined with a therapeutic compatible lining and is in fluid communication with the second end of the hub through the proximal tip of the inner hypo-tube. The inner lining and the proximal tip in this system are configured to shield therapeutic ejected from the reservoir from contacting materials that can diminish the integrity of the therapeutic.

Abstract: A method is provided for delivering a therapeutic agent to selected sites within an organism. More particularly, the invention allows for the simultaneous delivery of therapeutics to multiple treatment locations from a single catheter using a single pumping source. The catheter utilizes a microporous membrane that allows for the distribution of therapeutic agents from multiple longitudinal positions.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter assembly with a two-piece hub is disclosed. The catheter includes a distal portion having a plurality of catheter lumens, wherein each of the plurality of catheter lumens includes a distal tip and a proximal lumen portion. The distal portion further includes a distal hub portion slidably disposed over the proximal lumen portion, wherein the distal hub portion includes a pivoting locking member. The catheter assembly further includes a proximal portion having a plurality of catheter extensions, wherein each of the plurality of catheter extensions fluidly communicates with at least one of the plurality of catheter lumens. The proximal portion also includes a proximal hub portion having a locking receiver, wherein the pivoting locking member is releasably engaged with the locking receiver.

Abstract: A medical catheter comprising a proximal end having an opening for fluid containing a therapeutic drug, a distal end, the distal end defining at least one opening, and a porous portion covering the opening defined by the distal end. In one embodiment, the medical catheter comprises a proximal end having an opening for fluid containing a therapeutic drug, at least two distal ends, the proximal end connected to the two distal ends with a connector, the distal ends each defining at least one opening, a diffuser covering the opening of each distal end, and a separate restrictor downstream of the connector and upstream of each distal end to provide substantially equal flow through each distal end. An additional restrictor can also be placed upstream of the connector. In another embodiment, a combination diffuser and restrictor covers the opening of each distal end.

Abstract: A suction device with an irrigation function exhibits reduced occurrence of jamming and can be easily manipulated. A flexible tube 21 is removably connected to a flexible tube connection 22 of a suction device body 20. A suction path 25 is substantially straightly aligned with the flexible tube connection 22. An irrigation path 27 is formed as a branch path of the suction path 25. When a rotation lever 31 is not pressed, the suction path 25 communicates with the flexible tube 21. As the lever 31 is pressed, the communication is disconnected and the irrigation path 27 begins to communicate with the flexible tube 21 through a zero point state.

Abstract: A male luer lock connector for medical fluid lines comprising an elongated tubular body having an end portion with external luer cone and an internally threaded bushing mounted so that it can turn and slide on a portion with a cylindrical external surface of the tubular body. The axial backward travel of the bushing allows axial engagement of the male connector with a female luer lock connector even without screwing the bushing, and it is provided with a cam front reaction surface with which the bushing interacts to voluntarily produce axial expulsion of the female luer lock connector.

Abstract: An apparatus and system is provided for delivering a therapeutic agent to selected sites within an organism. More particularly, the invention allows for the simultaneous delivery of therapeutics to multiple treatment locations from a single catheter using a single pumping source. The catheter utilizes a microporous membrane that allows for the distribution of therapeutic agents from multiple longitudinal positions.

Abstract: A versatile coronary guiding catheter device and methods of use are provided. The device includes a guiding catheter, an anchor shaft, and a sleeve. In one embodiment, the anchor shaft can be moved relative to the catheter body to form a loop defined by the portions of the anchor shaft and catheter body that are between the distal end of the sleeve and a hinge point. The loop engages an interior surface of the aorta in manner effective to facilitate insertion of the distal end of the catheter body into a coronary ostium, to provide backup support for maintaining a position of the distal end of the catheter body within a coronary ostium, or both. The sleeve may also be moveable to increase the control of the loop size and position, to facilitate greater control of the placement of the catheter tip.

Abstract: A male luer lock connector for medical fluid lines comprising an elongated tubular body having an end portion with external luer cone and an internally threaded bushing mounted so that it can turn and slide on a portion with a cylindrical external surface of the tubular body. Cooperating formations disposed between the portion with cylindrical external surface of the tubular body and the bushing are provided to produce during use a perceptible click when the bushing draws near to a fully advanced position of engagement with a female luer lock connector.

Abstract: The invention provides a nested tubing cannula which comprises outer and inner elongate tubular members, both having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The inner tubular member is sealed at its distal end and is nested substantially coaxially within the lumen of the outer tubular member, so that the gap between the inner and the outer tubular member defines a second lumen whereas the first lumen is the lumen of the inner tubular member. A tubular sleeve is disposed coaxially between the inner and outer tubular members. A balloon is mounted on a distal region of the outer tubular member and is in communication with the first lumen. The cannula further comprises a port proximal or distal the balloon occluder and is in communication with the second lumen. Methods for making the devices herein are disclosed.

Abstract: Multilumen catheters are provided. The subject multilumen catheters include a proximal end and a distal end separated by a non-coaxial multilumen tube. The subject catheters are further characterized in that they include a multiport manifold at their proximal ends, where at least two of the ports of the multiport manifold may comprise luer valves. Also provided are systems for use in flushing a vascular site with fluid, usually at least two different fluids, where the subject systems are made up of two multilumen catheters according to the subject invention, where one of the catheters is inserted inside of the other. In addition, kits comprising various components of the subject systems, e.g., at least two different multilumen catheters, are provided.

Abstract: An enteral feeding adapter is disclosed for use with a medical feeding device to deliver substances into a patient, the enteral feeding adapter being suitable for use with a plurality of infusion sets having distal connectors of differing dimensions. The enteral feeding adapter includes an adapter body containing at least a first port configured for receiving a distal connector of an infusion set, the first port having at least one arcuate sidewall for frictionally engaging the distal connector to sealingly secure the distal connector to the adapter body. The enteral feeding adapter also includes a tube extending between the first port and the medical device for transmitting substances that pass through the first port to the medical device. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A low profile adaptor for use with a medical catheter. In one embodiment, the adaptor comprises a lower connector portion, an upper connector portion and a valve. The lower connector portion comprises a tubular portion and an annular portion, the annular portion radially surrounding the tubular portion along an intermediate length thereof. A helical thread is formed on the inside surface of the tubular portion. A circular lip projects upwardly a short distance from the top surface of the annular portion. The upper connector portion comprises a tubular section adapted for insertion into the tubular portion of the lower connector portion. An external helical thread is formed on the tubular section of the upper connector portion for mating engagement with the thread on the interior of the tubular portion of the lower connector portion. The upper connector portion also includes an annular base.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to elongate support members, preferably for use with a catheter for performing medical procedures including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. An elongate support member, comprising a proximal end, a distal end, is disclosed. The proximal end of the elongate support member, is formed to define a plurality of flanges. A linkage connects the flanges, and a lumen within the shaft defined by connecting the flanges. The elongate support member comprises an improved catheter shaft design that maintains pushability, flexibility, and torquability while limiting the kinking.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a medical line set (10) having a breakable coupling device (90), and to such a coupling device (90). More particularly the present invention refers to an medical dialysis line set (10), such as a peritoneal dialysis (PD) line set, including a liquid introducing portion (20), a liquid distribution portion or PD portion (40) and a drain portion (80), for introducing and extracting dialysis liquid from a patient, the line set particularly including said coupling device (90) for connecting and disconnecting the liquid introducing portion (20) in order to introduce and extract spent medical solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locking a catheter within a patient enables the catheter to be easily and securely locked and prevents the catheter from being inadvertently unlocked. The locking catheter includes an elongated body member including a proximal portion and a distal portion, a first proximal member, an elongated flexible member, and a second proximal member releasably couplable to the first proximal member to allow selective locking and unlocking of the elongated flexible member therebetween. The second proximal member includes a channel. The elongated flexible member extends from the distal portion of the elongated body member, through the first proximal member, and through the channel of the second proximal member. The elongated flexible member is slidable through the channel thereby allowing the distal portion of the elongated body member to be drawn toward the proximal portion of the elongated body member to form a loop in the distal portion of the elongated body member.

Abstract: A medical ventilation tube for placement in an opening formed in an anatomical structure, such as the tympanic membrane of the ear, includes a hollow tubular shaft made of a first material having a hardness or durometer to maintain a passage through the shaft when the medical ventilation tube is placed in the opening, and a flange made of a second material having a hardness or durometer less than that of the first material to permit the flange to deform in response to contact with the anatomical structure during removal of the medical ventilation tube from the opening.

Abstract: An infusion hub assembly, comprising: a hub received in a hole in a wing, the hub having a bore passing therethrough, with an upper portion of the circular hub having an attachment surface thereon; an infusion cannula extending downwardly away from the wing, the infusion cannula being in fluid communication with the bore passing through the hub; a cover having a bore passing therethrough and having an inner attachment surface adapted to mate with the attachment surface on the upper portion of the hub; and a septum positioned in alignment with the bore passing through the cover.

Abstract: The invention comprises an assembly of two external enveloping bodies, open at one end by which they can be coupled to one another so as to slide to a releasable holding position of said enveloping elements, which enveloping elements have, at the opposing ends, respective connections to enable them to communicate with a container or containers containing the liquids to be perfused or to be drained and a connection for the element for perfusion to the patient, said enveloping bodies also having, in their interior, couplable means intended to allow the passage of liquid to be perfused from the inlet conduit to the outlet conduit communicating with the catheter or other perfusion device.

Abstract: A method of inserting a multi-lumen catheter assembly. First, an incision is made near the area to be catheterized. The proximal portion of the multi-lumen catheter tube is then inserted into the area to be catheterized. A subcutaneous tunnel is created, and the first end of the tunnel is near the incision. The catheter tube is then routed through the subcutaneous tunnel and pulled tube through a second end of the subcutaneous tunnel. The hub body is then securely attached to the catheter tube by connecting the connection cover to the hub body by threaded engagement. In a preferred embodiment the hub body is attached to the catheter tube by backfitting the connection cover over the catheter tube. A compression sleeve is also backfit over the catheter tube. The cannulae of the hub body are inserted into the lumens of the catheter tube to create fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to elongate support members, preferably for use with a catheter for performing medical procedures including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. An elongate support member comprising a proximal end and a distal end is disclosed. The proximal end of the elongate support member is formed to define a plurality of flanges. A linkage connects the flanges, and a lumen within the shaft is defined by connecting the flanges. The elongate support member comprises an improved catheter shaft design that maintains pushability, flexibility, and torquability while limiting kinking.

Abstract: A bleed back control assembly and method-for controlling blood loss during catheterization procedures includes a side arm body connected at the proximal end to a seal body. The side arm body comprises one or more branches, each having a lumen, and a finger rest on the exterior of at least one branch. The seal body comprises a cap assembly and a seal assembly. The seal assembly comprises a clamp seal and a bleed back seal, both made of elastomer and held by a seal holder. The cap assembly comprises a threaded cap and a funnel cap. The threaded cap is connected to the seal holder. Rotation of the threaded cap causes the clamp seal to open or close. The funnel cap comprises a dilator, and pressing the funnel cap causes the dilator to open an aperture in the bleed back control seal.

Abstract: A catheter connector includes an outlet tube (34, 36), and a compression seal (140) defining an undulating shape to product ring seals during use. A cam slot formed on a lever arm is useable in locking a locking sleeve (120) of the connector. The lever arm acts as a compensating mechanism for over compression of the seal. The catheter tip (32a) is received in a tip recess (92) of the connector. The connector is useable on an implanted port (20), including a dual port with parallel outlet tubes (34, 36), and a dual lumen catheter (24).

Abstract: A guidewire handle having a first substantially cylindrical portion and a second substantially cylindrical portion. The guidewire handle has a first aperture to receive a guidewire. A second aperture is located in the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. The second aperture is configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a compatibility liner with a source of perishable therapeutic is provided. In one exemplary system for connecting a reservoir of perishable therapeutic with a lumen, a hollow hub having a first end and a second end is provided. The first end of the hollow hub, which contains a bond port, is in fluid communication with the second end. The second end of the hollow hub may contain a docking groove that is sized to couple a reservoir to it. The system also includes an inner hypo-tube having a proximal tip and an inner lumen. This inner lumen is lined with a therapeutic compatible lining and is in fluid communication with the second end of the hub through the proximal tip of the inner hypo-tube. The inner lining and the proximal tip in this system are configured to shield therapeutic ejected from the reservoir from contacting materials that can diminish the integrity of the therapeutic.

Abstract: An apparatus and system is provided for delivering a therapeutic agent to selected sites within an organism. More particularly, the invention allows for the simultaneous delivery of therapeutics to multiple treatment locations from a single catheter using a single pumping source. The catheter utilizes a microporous membrane that allows for the distribution of therapeutic agents from multiple longitudinal positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing one or more branch fluid lines into IV tubing is disclosed. The apparatus including a pair of first and second fluidic blocks having a pair of contact surfaces that may be arranged to respectively engage each other in sealing contact. At least one cutting member is operatively moveable through, or connected, to the other block. In a two cutting member embodiment, a conduit extends between two cutting members and has opposite open ends in communication with an outer side of the associated cutting member. As the second block contact surface is moved towards the first block contact surface, the cutting members cut a portion of the IV tubing extending between the grooves. As cutting occurs, the cut end of the tubing sealingly engages with an associated open end of the conduit to thereby provide for uninterrupted fluid communication through the IV tubing. facilitate connection of IV extension lines by simply connecting the extension line to the conduit through the fluid port.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to intravascular catheters for performing medical procedures. An intravascular catheter is disclosed comprising a shaft, the shaft comprising an inner liner having a distal end, a distal tip; a second layer disposed over the inner liner, the second layer extending from the proximal end of the shaft to a distal terminus; a third layer disposed over the second layer; and a fourth layer disposed over the third layer, the fourth layer including a proximal end and a distal end. In addition, a method of manufacturing a catheter according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides novel instrumentation surface structure for catheters, guide wires and other instrumentation for entering body canals to an internal body work site. This instrumentation is structured with a bi-directional surface friction for engaging tissue within the cavities and canals that they navigate. In this manner the naturally occurring peristalatic contractions are employed to advantageously grasp and carry the instrumentation toward its desired work site, significantly decreasing the risks of puncture and significantly decreasing the surgeon's time for entry of instruments to desired work sites in such procedures as small bowel enteroscopy where an endoscope enters the esophagus to be dynamically moved to work sites in the small intestine or colonoscopy where an endoscope enters the anal canal to be moved through the entire colon and gradually into the terminal ileum.

Abstract: An endoscopic ligation kit including an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder having at least two step portions of diminishing outer radii formed on the outer periphery of its distal end portion, and a slide cylinder provided between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. The outer cylinder has a notch extending from its distal end portion to its maximum outer diameter portion. The slide cylinder has at its distal end portion a projection which conforms in size to the notch, and has steps and the projection is fitted in the notch. O-rings are mounted respectively on the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the inner cylinder and the step portions of the outer cylinder.

Abstract: A delivery sheath including a series of longitudinally spaced apart retainer rings interconnected by flexible links. This configuration provides for sections of reduced cross-sectional area along the length of the sheath, thus increasing flexibility in those sections and in the overall sheath. The reduction of the cross-sectional area of the sheath also effectively reduces the area of contact between the inside surface of the sheath and the outside surface of the compressed stent. This reduction in contact area serves to reduce the frictional force generated as the sheath is retracted relative to the stent during deployment.

Abstract: A medical ventilation tube for placement in an opening formed in an anatomical structure, such as the tympanic membrane of the ear, includes a hollow tubular shaft made of a first material having a hardness or durometer to maintain a passage through the shaft when the medical ventilation tube is placed in the opening, and a flange made of a second material having a hardness or durometer less than that of the first material to permit the flange to deform in response to contact with the anatomical structure during removal of the medical ventilation tube from the opening.

Abstract: In a method of configuring a blood circuit for medical application, one unit component is selected for each of the divided unit sections and the selected unit components are combined to configure a blood circuit component. A blood circuit system database in which data with respect to the unit sections and unit components are stored is used. On the basis of the database, the selected unit component input to the computer. An assembly drawing of the blood circuit obtained by combining the selected unit components, a full length and an amount of filled blood are displayed on a display by using the database. When the displayed assembly drawing etc. is not fit for the desired specification, the selection of the unit component is changed, so as to display again the assembly drawing etc. of the blood circuit.

Abstract: A hub assembly for a catheter tube having a lumen therethrough. The hub assembly includes a hub portion having a proximal end and a distal end, and an integral connector disposed at the proximal end. A lumen is defined through the hub portion extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The strain relief includes a proximal end and a distal end is disposed at the distal end of the hub portion. The proximal end of the strain relief can be integrally connected to the distal end of the hub portion. The strain relief is preferably more flexible than the hub portion. The strain relief defines a passage configured to receive the catheter such that a lumen through the hub portion is in fluid communication with the catheter tube lumen.

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: An adapter utilized to interconnect a fluid container and a tubing set having a retractable spike and a rolling seal diaphragm for establishing fluid flow communication between a nutrition container and an administration tubing set while maintaining a fluid-tight seal. The rolling seal diaphragm includes a rolling seal portion which sealingly engages the retractable spike which remains engaged with the spike while the spike is biased between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

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 force 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.