Squeeze-actuated catheter connecter and method

• US 7,387,624 B2
• Filed: 02/16/2006
• Issued: 06/17/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Nelson, Brian D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sirmons; Kevin C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Gilbert; Andrew M
• Application Number:
  US11/355,627
• Publication Number:
  US 20060264911A1
• Time in Patent Office: 852 Days
• Field of Search: 604533-539, 604/508, 604/513, 604/167.06, 604/240, 604/243
• US Class Current: 604/536
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1027 Quick-acting type connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/1044 Verifying the connection, e.g. audible feedback, tactile feedback, visual feedback, using external light sources
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/1011 Locking means for securing connection; Additional tamper safeties A61M39/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/12 for joining a flexible tube to a rigid attachment
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/0985 the flexible hook extending radially inwardly from an outer part and engaging a bead, recess or the like on an inner part F16L37/0982 takes precedence

Abstract

A connector for coupling medical tubing (e.g., a catheter) to an implantable medical device. The connector, in one embodiment, may include a retaining member surrounding an optional housing. The retaining member may have at least one locking finger that extends through at least one corresponding window in the housing and selectively engages a stem of the medical device to retain the end of the catheter relative thereto. Application of a compressive force applied to the retaining member may cause the locking finger(s) to withdraw from the stem and release the catheter.

Claims

1. A connector for coupling a catheter to an implantable medical device, the connector comprising:

a retaining member comprising;

a tubular sleeve having a cross-section defined by a major axis and an orthogonal minor axis; and

a locking finger positioned along the minor axis and extending inwardly from the sleeve;

wherein the retaining member is deflectable from a first position to a second position such that the locking finger, when the retaining member is in the second position, is displaced outwardly from a location of the locking finger when the retaining member is in the first position; and

a housing surrounded by the retaining member, the housing comprising;

a tubular wall defining a radial window operable to receive the locking finger, wherein the housing is configured to operatively surround both an end of the catheter and a stem of the implantable medical device; and

a housing flange that defines a first slot positioned along the minor axis of the retaining member, and a second slot positioned along the major axis of the retaining member, wherein the retaining member comprises a tab positioned to fit within the first slot and the second slot.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the window is alignable with the stem of the medical device such that, when the retaining member is in the first position, the locking finger is engageable with a receiving portion of the stem.

3. The connector of claim 1, wherein the tubular wall of the housing defines two windows on opposing sides of the housing, and wherein the retaining member comprises two locking fingers positioned along the minor axis on opposing sides of the retaining member.

4. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a cover member that at least partially encloses the retaining member.

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a transverse, circular cross-section and the retaining member comprises a transverse, elliptical cross-section.