Multi-function proximal end adapter for catheter

Claim 2

A multi-function proximal end adapter for a catheter comprising: a one-piece body, having proximal and distal ends, defining an axial lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; a catheter mounting element for mounting a catheter directly to the body; a radially compressible seal, having a central bore, positioned within the body along the axial lumen at a distance from the proximal end; compression means for causing the radially compressible seal to compress inwardly; and at least part of a proximal end portion of the axial lumen proximal of the seal being defined by an internal tapered surface sized to matingly and sealingly engage an external tapered surface of a Luer lock connector.

Claim 3

A combination of the adapter of claim 1 and a hollow catheter, wherein the catheter mounting element is adapted to connect the body to the hollow catheter so the hollow catheter extends from the distal end of the body.

Claim 4

The combination of claim 2 wherein the hollow catheter defines a main, axially extending lumen and at least one secondary, radially offset, axially extending lumen.

Claim 5

The combination of claim 3 wherein the secondary lumen includes an entrance port opening into a portion of the axial lumen of the body.

Claim 6

The combination of claim 4 wherein the body includes a side branch having a side port fluidly connected to the entrance port though the portion of the axial lumen, and further comprising means for sealing said portion of the axial lumen from the axial lumen proximal and distal of said portion.

Claim 7

The adapter of claim 1 wherein the body includes a side branch having a side port fluidly connected to a portion of the axial lumen at a position distal of the seal.

Claim 8

The adapter of claim 1 wherein the radially compressible seal includes an elastomeric annular member.

Claim 9

The adapter of claim 1 wherein the compression means includes: a seal driver, having a first thread; the body having a second thread engageable with the first thread; and the seal driver including a hollow extension having a distal end adapted to axially compress the seal when the first thread threadably engages the second thread.

Claim 10

The adapter of claim 8 wherein the second thread is an internal thread.

Claim 11

The adapter of claim 9 wherein the body further comprises an annular body fitting coaxially housed within the axial lumen, the second thread being part of the annular body fitting.

Claim 12

The adapter of claim 9 wherein the second thread is adjacent the seal and the first thread is adjacent the distal end of the extension of the seal driver.

Claim 13

The adapter of 8 wherein the second thread is an external thread.

Claim 14

The adapter of 8 wherein the second thread is an external thread.

Claim 15

A combination multi-function proximal end adapter and a hollow catheter sleeve comprising: a one-piece body, having proximal and distal ends, defining an axial lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; a hollow catheter secured within and extending from the axial lumen at the distal end of the body, the hollow catheter defining a main, axially extending lumen and at least one secondary, radially offset, axially extending lumen, the secondary lumen including an entrance port opening into a first portion of the axial lumen of the body; the body further comprising a side branch having a side port fluidly connected to the entrance port though a second portion of the axial lumen; a radially compressible seal, having a central bore, positioned within the body along the axial lumen at a distance from the proximal end; compression means for causing the radially compressible seal to compress inwardly, the compression means comprising: a seal driver, having a first thread; the body having a second thread engageable with the first thread; and the seal driver including a hollow extension having a distal end adapted to axially compress, thereby radially inwardly deflecting, the seal when the first thread threadably engages the second thread; and at least part of a proximal end portion of the axial lumen proximal of the seal being defined by an internal tapered surface sized to matingly and sealingly engage an external tapered surface of a Luer lock connector.

Claim 16

A combination multi-function proximal end adapter and a hollow catheter sleeve comprising: a one-piece body, having proximal and distal ends, defining an axial lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; a hollow catheter secured within and extending from the axial lumen at the distal end of the body, the hollow catheter defining a main, axially extending lumen and at least one secondary, radially offset, axially extending lumen, the secondary lumen including an entrance port opening into a first portion of the axial lumen of the body; the body further comprising a side branch having a side port fluidly connected to the entrance port though a second portion of the axial lumen; a radially compressible seal, having a central bore, positioned within the body along the axial lumen at a distance from the proximal end; compression means for causing the radially compressible seal to compress inwardly, the compression means comprising: a seal driver, having a first thread; the body having a second thread engageable with the first thread; and the seal driver including a hollow extension having a distal end adapted to axially compress, thereby radially inwardly deflecting, the seal when the first thread threadably engages the second thread; and at least part of a proximal end portion of the axial lumen proximal of the seal being defined by an internal tapered surface sized to matingly and sealingly engage an external tapered surface of a Luer lock connector.

Claim 19

The method of claim 14 wherein the mounting step is carried out with a 6% included angle taper to the external tapered surface.

Claim 20

The method of claim 14 wherein the mounting step includes the step of threadably securing the first connector to the body.

Claim 21

The method of claim 14 wherein the threadably mounting step is carried out using a one-piece second connector.

Claim 22

The method of claim 14 wherein the threadably adjusting step is carried out by axially compressing the annular seal causing the annular seal to deflect radially inwardly.

Claim 23

The method of claim 14 wherein the threadably mounting step is carried out using an externally threaded second connector and threadably coupling said second connector to internal threads carried by the body.