Fluid Connector for Vascular Access Device

A coupling system is configured to couple a catheter to a port. The coupling system can include a toothed grip connector system configured to retain a portion of an end portion of a catheter. The toothed grip connector system can include a recess extending longitudinally from a first end of the coupling system and including an internal stem with a gripping member extending radially about the internal stem. The gripping member can include a plurality of teeth extending radially inward, the plurality of teeth configured to engage an outer surface of the end portion of the catheter to prevent longitudinal movement in at least a first direction following insertion of the end portion of the catheter into the recess. A sealing member can be included to provide a seal between the end portion of the catheter and the internal stem.

BACKGROUND

Current methods of fluidly connecting a vascular access device (“VAD”), e.g. an access port having one or more reservoirs, to a catheter include stretching the catheter over the access port stem. This can be challenging when the catheter, access port and port stem are located within a subcutaneous tissue pocket of a patient. Furthermore, stretching the catheter over the port stem within the subcutaneous pocket can lead to incorrect assembly, slippage, or accidental trauma to the tissue pocket. A more secure connection would allow for higher fluid flow between the catheter and the port while preventing fluid leakage from the connection. Thus, it would be beneficial to couple the catheter and the access port together more quickly, more easily and more securely within the subcutaneous pocket. Disclosed herein is a coupling system and method of use that address the foregoing.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is fluid coupling device configured to couple a catheter to an access port including, in some embodiments, a toothed grip connector system configured to retain an end portion of a catheter, the toothed grip connector system further including a recess extending longitudinally from a first end of the coupling device and including an internal stem disposed therein. The fluid coupling device includes a gripping member extending radially about the internal stem and including a plurality of teeth extending radially inward therefrom, the plurality of teeth configured to engage an outer surface of the end portion of the catheter to prevent longitudinal movement in at least a first direction following insertion of the end portion of the catheter into the recess; and a sealing member configured to impinge an outer surface of the catheter to provide a seal between the end portion of the catheter and the internal stem.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling device further includes a male-end quick connector disposed at a second end thereof, and configured to engage a female-end quick connector coupled to an access port.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling device includes where the plurality of teeth are angled towards a second end of the coupling device, opposite the first end.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling device includes where one of the gripping member or the sealing member is retained within a groove in a wall of the recess, the groove extending annularly about the internal stem.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling device includes a protrusion that extends radially inward from a wall of the recess and is configured to abut against one of the gripping member or the sealing member to inhibit longitudinal movement thereof in at least the first direction.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling device includes where the sealing member includes one of a silicone, polymer, elastomer, or rubber materials that exhibit watertight properties.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling device includes where the sealing member is located proximate the first end and the gripping member is located proximate the second end.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling device includes where the sealing member is located proximate the second end and the gripping member is located proximate the first end.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling device further includes a tool, a portion thereof configured to extend into the recess between an outer surface of the catheter and a tooth of the plurality of teeth, to disengage the plurality of teeth from the catheter and allow the catheter to be withdrawn along the first longitudinal direction.

Also disclosed is a method for placing a catheter and an access port, including placing the access port into a tissue pocket; positioning a distal end of the catheter at a target location in the patient; inserting a proximal end of the catheter into a toothed grip connector system disposed at a first end of a fluid coupling device, the toothed grip connector system including a recess, an internal stem disposed within the recess, a gripping member extending annularly about the internal stem and a sealing member, the gripping member including a plurality of teeth extending radially inward and configured to engage an outer surface of the catheter to inhibit withdrawal of the catheter from the toothed grip connector system; and providing fluid communication between the catheter and the port.

In some embodiments, the method includes where the fluid coupling device is formed integrally with a port and configured to provide fluid communication thereto.

In some embodiments, the method includes where the second end of the coupling device is configured to engage the port using one of quick connect system, threaded engagement, press-fit, snap fit, adhesive, bonding or welding, to provide fluid communication thereto.

In some embodiments, the method further includes impinging a surface of the sealing member against the outer surface of the catheter; and creating a seal between an inner surface of the catheter and the internal stem.

In some embodiments, the method further includes sliding a disengagement tool into the recess between the plurality of teeth and the outer surface of the catheter; flexing the plurality of teeth radially outward to disengage the outer surface of the catheter; and withdrawing the catheter from the toothed grip connector system.

In some embodiments, the method includes where the gripping member includes a bi-stable configuration including a first stable configuration where the plurality of teeth are angled towards a second end of the fluid coupling device, and a second stable configuration where the plurality of teeth are angled towards a first end of the fluid coupling device.

In some embodiments, the method includes where the second end of the coupling device includes a male-end quick connector configured to couple with a female-end quick connector on the port.

In some embodiments, the method includes where the second end of the coupling device includes a female-end quick connector configured to couple with a male-end quick connector on the port.

Also disclosed herein is a method for connecting a catheter to an access port including creating a port pocket in a patient, placing the access port into the port pocket, the access port including a female connector fitting. The method includes positioning a distal end of the catheter at a target location in the patient, inserting a proximal end of the catheter into a coupling device outside of the port pocket, the coupling device including a first end designed to receive the proximal end of the catheter, the first end including a gripping member to prevent movement of the catheter in the direction away from the coupling device following insertion of the proximal end of the catheter into the first end, and a second end opposite of the first end, the second end including a male connector fitting. The method includes inserting the male connector fitting into the female connector fitting in the port pocket to lock the coupling device to the access port and to place the catheter in fluid communication with the access port.

Also disclosed herein is a fluid coupling system configured to couple a catheter to an access port including a male-end quick connector including an external stem extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a lumen, the stem including a groove extending annularly, and a female-end quick connector defining a lumen and configured to receive the stem of the male-end quick connector. The female-end quick connector includes a collar locking mechanism slidably engaged therewith, the collar locking mechanism transitionable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, and including a tab configured to engage the groove in the locked configuration to releasably retain the stem within the female-end quick connector.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling system further includes a biasing member configured to bias the collar locking mechanism to the locked position.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling system further includes a guide structure configured to guide the collar locking mechanism between the unlocked and the locked configuration.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling system further includes an actuator, disposed of within the lumen of the female-end quick connector and configured to open a valve, the valve configured to control fluid communication between the lumen of the female-end quick connector and the lumen of the male-end quick connector.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling system includes where the male-end quick connector is coupled to a catheter and the female-end quick connector is coupled to a port.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling system includes where the female-end quick connector is coupled to a catheter and the male-end quick connector is coupled to a port.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling system includes where the male-end quick connector is coupled a fluid coupling device including a toothed grip connector system disposed at an opposite end thereof, and configured to engage a catheter.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling system includes where the collar locking mechanism is slidably engaged with the female-end quick connector along an axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the fluid coupling system includes where the collar locking mechanism is slidably engaged with the female-end quick connector along an axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

DESCRIPTION

With respect to “proximal,” a “proximal portion” or a “proximal-end portion” of, for example, a catheter disclosed herein includes a portion of the catheter intended to be near a clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. Likewise, a “proximal length” of, for example, the catheter includes a length of the catheter intended to be near the clinician when the catheter is used on the patient. A “proximal end” of, for example, the catheter includes an end of the catheter intended to be near the clinician when the catheter is used on the patient. The proximal portion, the proximal-end portion, or the proximal length of the catheter can include the proximal end of the catheter; however, the proximal portion, the proximal-end portion, or the proximal length of the catheter need not include the proximal end of the catheter. That is, unless context suggests otherwise, the proximal portion, the proximal-end portion, or the proximal length of the catheter is not a terminal portion or terminal length of the catheter.

With respect to “distal,” a “distal portion” or a “distal-end portion” of, for example, a catheter disclosed herein includes a portion of the catheter intended to be near or in a patient when the catheter is used on the patient. Likewise, a “distal length” of, for example, the catheter includes a length of the catheter intended to be near or in the patient when the catheter is used on the patient. A “distal end” of, for example, the catheter includes an end of the catheter intended to be near or in the patient when the catheter is used on the patient. The distal portion, the distal-end portion, or the distal length of the catheter can include the distal end of the catheter; however, the distal portion, the distal-end portion, or the distal length of the catheter need not include the distal end of the catheter. That is, unless context suggests otherwise, the distal portion, the distal-end portion, or the distal length of the catheter is not a terminal portion or terminal length of the catheter.

FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary environment of use for a coupling system (“system”)100including an access port130having an access port stem (“port stem”)132and a catheter128configured to be coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the access port130includes a body131defining a reservoir180and including a needle-penetrable septum170disposed thereover. In some embodiments, the port130further includes the port stem132extending from a side surface of the body131and defines a stem lumen182that provides fluid communication between a catheter lumen160and a reservoir180. In some embodiments, a catheter128can be fluidly coupled to the port130by urging the catheter128longitudinal over a stem. In an embodiment, the catheter128can elastically deform radially outward to stretch over the stem. In an embodiment, a user can replace the catheter128by detaching the catheter128from the port130while the port130remains in situ, within a tissue pocket. A new catheter can then be placed and coupled to the port130. However, stretching the catheter128over the port stem in this manner can be challenging, especially when carried out within the tissue pocket.

In an embodiment, a coupling system100may be employed to couple the catheter128to the port stem132in a secure connection to allow for higher fluid flow between the catheter128and the port130while preventing fluid leakage from the connection. In some embodiments, the coupling system100may include a toothed grip connector system104configured to couple the catheter128to the coupling system100and a rapid release connector system106configured to couple the port130to the coupling system100. In an embodiment, the coupling system100can be coupled to the catheter128by urging the coupling system100in a first axial direction (A), substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis. The catheter128and coupling system100can then be connected to the port130by urging the catheter128and coupling system100in a second axial direction (B), substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis.

FIGS.2A-2Bshow further details of the coupling system100.FIG.2Aillustrates a cross-sectional side view of the coupling system, (“system”)100configured to provide fluid communication between the catheter128and the port130. In an embodiment, the coupling system100can generally include the toothed grip connector system104and the rapid release connector system106. In an embodiment, the toothed grip connector system104can be configured to engage a proximal end of the catheter128and the rapid release connector system106can be configured to releasably engage the port130. In an embodiment, the coupling system100can be formed integrally with the catheter128and can releasably engage the port130, as described herein. In an embodiment, the coupling system100can be formed integrally with the port130and can selectively engage the catheter128, as described herein. In an embodiment, as shown, the toothed grip connector system104can be configured to engage the catheter128and the rapid release connector system106can be configured to engage the port130. In an embodiment, the toothed grip connector system104can be configured to engage the port130and the rapid release connector system106can be configured to engage the catheter128. However, it will be appreciated that other numbers or combinations of toothed grip connector systems104or rapid release connector systems106can be configured to engage one or more of the catheter128and the port130, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Advantageously, the system100can provide a faster, more simplified connection between the catheter128and the access port130and further mitigates slippage, trauma, and fluid leakage under pressure within the tissue pocket. The connection between the catheter128, coupling system100, and stem132can be made quickly and with ease within the tissue pocket and ensures proper fluid communication between the catheter128and the access port130.

The system100can generally include a connector body (“body”)102extending between a first end144to a second end146. In some embodiments, the first end144is proximate the catheter128and the second end146is proximate the port stem132. In an embodiment, the first end144can include the toothed grip connector system104and the second end146can include the rapid release connector system106. For ease of explanation, embodiments of the coupling system100are described in terms of coupling a single lumen catheter. However, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the system100may be designed to couple two or more lumens of the catheter128with two or more lumens of a port stem132. These and other configurations of multi-lumen catheter connectors are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

The toothed grip connector system104can generally include a recess152having a first opening108defining a first opening inner diameter112. In some embodiments, the first opening inner diameter112is bigger than an outer diameter of the catheter128and is configured to receive a portion of the catheter128therein. In some embodiments, the toothed grip connector system104may be configured to selectively secure a portion of the catheter128within the recess152and provide a fluid tight seal between the catheter128and the coupling system100, as will be described in more detail herein. In an embodiment, the rapid release connector system106can generally include a second opening110defining a second opening inner diameter114. In some embodiments, the second end146includes a male-end quick connector116that engages a female-end quick connector142of the port130as part of the rapid release connector system106, as discussed in more detail herein.

FIG.2Billustrates a cross-sectional side view of the coupling system100that includes the toothed grip connector system104disposed at the first end144. The toothed grip connector system104can include the recess152, an internal stem118, a gripping member124, and a sealing member122. The recess152extends longitudinally from the first end144of the elongated body102to an internal shoulder138. An internal stem118, a gripping member124, and a sealing member122may be disposed within the recess152. The internal stem118can extend longitudinally from the internal shoulder138towards the first end144, and defines a portion of a connector body lumen190. The connector body lumen190defined by the internal stem118can define an inner diameter136. In some embodiments, the internal stem inner diameter136may be equal to or slightly smaller than the second opening diameter114to maintain high fluid flow between the second end146and the first end144. In some embodiments, the connector body lumen190extends from the internal stem118to the second opening110. In an embodiment, an outer diameter164of the internal stem118may be equal to or slightly larger than an inner diameter162of the catheter lumen160. As such, the catheter128can fit tightly over the internal stem118in an interference fit. Optionally, the internal stem118can include a chamfered edge to facilitate engagement with the catheter lumen162.

In some embodiments, the gripping member124includes a gripping member ring (“ring”)150and a plurality of teeth (“teeth”)126that extends radially inward therefrom and are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. In an embodiment, the teeth126are angled towards the first end144, towards the second end146, or combinations thereof In an embodiment, the gripping member124can be configured to allow the teeth126to flex radially outward from a resting position. As the catheter128is urged into the first end144, the teeth126can flex radially outward to receive the catheter128therebetween.

In some embodiments, one or both of the teeth126and the gripping member ring150can be constructed of the same material. In some embodiments, one or both of the gripping member ring150and the teeth126can be formed of a plastic, a polymer, a metal, an alloy, a composite, combinations thereof, or the like, and can provide resilient or rigid mechanical properties. In an embodiment, the teeth126can be formed of a first material and the gripping member ring150can be formed of a second material. For example, in some embodiments, the gripping member124can be stamped from a single piece of metallic material, or can be stamped from multiple pieces of metallic material and attached together by adhesive, bonding, welding, or the like. In some embodiments, the gripping member124can be injection molded or 3D printed from a plastic, synthetic polymer, or the like. In some embodiments, the gripping member ring150may be constructed of a flexible material, while the plurality of teeth126may be constructed of a rigid metallic material and coupled to the gripping member ring150. In some embodiments, the flexibility of the gripping member ring150can allow for the teeth126to be to be flexed radially outward to allow for removal of the catheter128from the coupling system100.

In an embodiment, the teeth126may be angled towards the second end146. This allows the catheter128to be urged inwards into the recess152and received between the teeth126. The teeth126may then engage an outer surface166of the catheter128and retain a portion of the catheter128between the teeth126and the internal stem118to inhibit withdrawal of the catheter128from the recess152. In some embodiments, the teeth126may or may not contact the internal stem118.

In an embodiment, the user can insert a disengagement tool200into the first end144to release the catheter128from toothed grip connector system104. For example, as shown inFIGS.2B and5D, the disengagement tool200can extend annularly about a portion of the outer surface166of the catheter128and slide into the toothed grip connector system104between the plurality of teeth126and the outer surface166of the catheter128. In some embodiments, the disengagement tool200includes a sliding portion202and a handle portion204connected to the sliding portion202. In some embodiments, the sliding portion202is configured to slide along the outer surface166of the catheter128and fit between the outer surface166of the catheter128and the plurality of teeth126when the catheter128is disposed within the first end144. The sliding portion202can be urged into the toothed grip connector system104to flex the teeth126radially outward and allow the catheter128to be released therefrom.

In an embodiment, the disengagement tool200can be a separate structure from the toothed grip connector system104and engaged therewith to disengage the catheter128, as described herein. In an embodiment, the disengagement tool200can be slidably coupled with the toothed grip connector system104and can be actuated by a button or similar mechanism to disengage the catheter128.

In an embodiment, the gripping member124can include a bi-stable configuration where in a first stable configuration the plurality of teeth126are angled towards the second end146(e.g. as shown inFIG.2B) and in a second stable configuration, the plurality of teeth126are angled towards the first end144. In an embodiment, in the first stable configuration, with the catheter128retained therebetween, the gripping member124can inhibit movement of the catheter128towards the first end144when a first axial force is applied thereto. However, when a second axial force is applied, which is greater than the first axial force, the gripping member124can transition from the first stable configuration to the second stable configuration to allow the catheter128to be withdrawn from the recess152. Similarly, the gripping member124in the second stable configuration can receive an end portion of the catheter128. A user can apply the second axial force to urge the catheter128into the recess152and transition the gripping member124from the second stable configuration to the first stable configuration to retainer the catheter128, as described herein.

In some embodiments, the toothed grip connector system104includes a sealing member122. The sealing member122defines a substantially toroidal shape and can be made of silicone, polymer, elastomer, rubber, synthetic polymers, plastics, organic non-plastic polymers, rubber alternatives or other materials that are able to form a fluid tight seal between the catheter128and an inner wall220of the recess152. In some embodiments, the gripping member124and sealing member122are disposed annularly about the internal stem118within the recess152. In some embodiments, an outer perimeter of one of the gripping member124, the sealing member122, or both are retained within an annular groove240disposed in the inner wall220of the recess152. In an embodiment, one or both of the gripping member124and the sealing member122can be retained within the recess152or within the annular groove240with adhesive, welding, bonding, interference fit, press-fit, or snap-fit engagement. In some embodiments, in a disengaged state, the teeth126can engage the internal stem118to retain the gripping member124within the recess. In an embodiment, in a disengaged state as illustrated inFIG.2B, the teeth126can be in a spaced apart relationship relative to the internal stem118.

In some embodiments, the gripping member124can be coupled to the sealing member122by adhesive, bonding, welding, or the like. In some embodiments, the gripping member124can also be configured to provide a fluid tight seal between the catheter128and the internal stem118. For example, the gripping member ring150can include a silicone rubber material, or the like, and can include a plurality of teeth126extending radially therefrom, as described herein. In an embodiment, the gripping member ring150provides the sealing action and the plurality of teeth126provide the gripping action. In an embodiment, the gripping member124or the sealing member122can be secured in place by at least one protrusion120, or similar mechanical means. In some embodiments, the protrusion120extends radially inward from the inner wall220of the recess152and is configured to abut against the gripping member124to inhibit longitudinal movement thereof In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion120is configured to abut against the sealing member122to inhibit longitudinal movement thereof In an embodiment, one of the gripping member124or the sealing member122can be secured in place by an adhesive, welding, bonding, combination thereof, or the like.

FIG.2Cillustrates a catheter end view of the toothed grip connector system104, in accordance with some embodiments. The toothed grip connector system104includes the recess152and the inner wall220thereof. The recess152further includes the sealing member122, the gripping member124disposed between the first end144and the sealing member122. The toothed grip connector system104further includes the internal stem118, and the at least one protrusion120configured to abut against the gripping member124to inhibit longitudinal movement thereof In some embodiments, the gripping member124is disposed proximate the first end144and the sealing member122is disposed proximate the second end146. In some embodiments, the gripping member124can be disposed proximate the second end146and the sealing member122can be disposed proximate the first end144.

FIGS.3A-3Billustrates a side view of the coupling system100engaged with a catheter128, and including the rapid release connector system106configured to couple the coupling system100with the access port130, or similar VAD. In some embodiments, the access port130can be disposed within a subcutaneous tissue pocket134and the coupling system100/catheter128assembly can be coupled thereto within the tissue pocket134. In some embodiments, the coupling system100can be attached to the port130within the tissue pocket134. The catheter128can then be coupled to the coupling system100within the tissue pocket134. In some embodiments, the coupling system100can be releasably coupled to the access port stem132. In some embodiments, the coupling system100can be formed integrally with the port130, such that the coupling system100is in place of the port stem132and provides fluid communication between the catheter128and the reservoir180of the access port130, for example by way of an access port lumen182.

In some embodiments, the rapid release connector system106can couple the coupling system100to the access port130. For example, the rapid release connector system106includes a male-end quick connector116, disposed on the coupling system100, and is configured to slidably engage the female-end quick connector142, disposed on the access port130, to provide fluid communication between the catheter128and the access port130. In some embodiments, the male-end quick connector116can include an external stem extending longitudinally and including a chamfered edge to facilitate engagement. In some embodiments, the male-end quick connector116including the external stem includes a groove600, extending longitudinally and configured to facilitate alignment of the male-end quick connector116within the female-end quick connector142. The female-end quick connector142include a recess extending longitudinally and configured to receive the male-end quick connector116therein.

In some embodiments, the female-end quick connector142can be disposed on the coupling system100and the male-end quick connector116can be disposed on the access port130. In an embodiment, the system100can be coupled to the port130with a threadable engagement, interference fit, press-fit , or snap-fit engagements, combinations thereof, or the like. In an embodiment, the coupling system100can be integrally formed with the port130. In an embodiment, the coupling system100can be attached to the port130using adhesive, bonding, welding, or the like.

As illustrated inFIGS.3A-3B, in some embodiments, the female-end quick connector142includes a collar locking mechanism172slidably engaged therewith along a longitudinal axis and can transition the female-end quick connector142between a locked configuration (FIG.3B) and an unlocked configuration (FIG.3A). In an unlocked configuration, the male-end quick connector116of the catheter coupling system100can be inserted into, and withdrawn from, the female-end quick connector142along a longitudinal axis. The collar locking mechanism172can transition from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, to retain the male-end quick connector116within the female-end quick connector142, coupling the port130with the catheter128and the coupling system100and providing fluid communication therebetween. Exemplary locking mechanisms between the female-end quick connector142and the male-end quick connector116can include pinions and grooves, locking lugs, bayonet locking mechanism, collet chuck locking mechanism, or the like.

FIGS.4A-4Cshow various views of an embodiment of a female-end quick connector242.FIG.4Aillustrates a side view of the female-end quick connector242of the rapid release connector system106, coupled to the access port130.FIG.4Bshows a perspective view of the female-end quick connector242in a locked, or closed position.FIG.4Cshows a perspective view of the female-end quick connector242in an unlocked, or open position. The female-end quick connector242can be coupled to the access port130, as described herein. In an embodiment, the female-end quick connector242includes a collar locking mechanism272further including a collar locking tab276and a collar locking spring278. The collar locking mechanism272can be slidably engaged with the female-end quick connector242along an axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For example, the locking tab276can slide along a transvers axis between a locked and an unlocked position. A biasing member278, e.g. a spring or the like, can bias the collar locking mechanism272to the locked position.

FIG.4Billustrates a perspective view of the access port130ofFIG.4Aincluding the female-end quick connector242in a locked configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. The collar locking mechanism272can include one or more tabs280e.g. first tab280A and second tab280B. The tabs280A and280B can slidably engage a groove602or abutment extending annularly about the male-end quick connector116to retain the male-end quick connector116within the female-end quick connector242.

In an embodiment, the access port lumen182includes a port valve324coupled with an actuator320. When the male-end quick connector116engages the female-end quick connector242, a tip of the male-end quick connector116, e.g. second end146, contacts the actuator320and opens the port valve324. In an embodiment, the actuator320can align the connector body lumen190of the coupling system100with the lumen of the female-end quick connector242

In an embodiment, the female-end quick connector242can include one or more guide structures322configured to guide the collar locking mechanism272transversely between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In this embodiment, the guide structure322can include a rounded cylindrical protrusion332A that extends longitudinally from the female-end quick connector242and slidably engages the collar locking mechanism272. In an embodiment the protrusion332A can be coupled to one of the actuator320or the port valve324. A portion of the male-end quick connector116can depress the cylindrical protrusion332A when engaged with the female-end quick connector242and open the port valve324. As shown, the collar locking spring278biases the collar locking tab276, and thus the collar locking mechanism272, towards the locked configuration.

FIG.4Cillustrates the female-end quick connector242ofFIG.4Ain an unlocked configuration. In this embodiment, the collar locking spring278is transversely compressed by the collar locking tab276, allowing the collar locking mechanism to slide along the guide structure(s)322to the unlocked configuration and to allow engagement with the male-end quick connector116.

FIGS.5A-5Dillustrates a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary method for coupling a catheter128to an access port130using the coupling system100, in accordance with some embodiments. In an embodiment, the catheter128can be coupled to a fluid device outside a tissue pocket134of a patient. InFIG.5A, the catheter128can be inserted into toothed grip connector system104of the coupling system100, and coupled thereto as described herein. As illustrated inFIG.5B, the catheter128is advanced into the recess152. The catheter lumen160receives the internal stem118therein such that the catheter128is disposed over the internal stem118. The proximal end of the catheter128extends through the gripping member124and the sealing member122and can engage the internal shoulder138. The plurality of teeth126of the gripping member124engages the outer surface166of the catheter128. In an embodiment, the plurality of teeth126can be angled towards the second end146so as to grip into the outer surface166of the catheter128and inhibit withdrawal of the catheter128from the recess152.

In an embodiment, the sealing member122can engage the outer surface166of the catheter128and provides a seal between the catheter128and the body102of the coupling system100. In an embodiment, the sealing member122can compress the portion of the catheter128radially inward onto the internal stem118and create a seal therebetween. As shown inFIG.5B, the gripping member124opposes any forces applied to the catheter128to mitigate the disengagement of the catheter128from the coupling system100. The plurality of teeth126of the gripping member124engage the catheter128and the protrusion120prevents longitudinal movement of the gripping member124which together prevents the catheter128and gripping member124from being withdrawn longitudinally and disengaging the internal stem118. In an embodiment, the gripping member124or the sealing member122can be disposed within the annular groove240disposed in the inner wall220of the recess152.

As shown inFIGS.5B-5C, the catheter128and coupling system100can then be urged longitudinally to engage the male-end quick connector116with a female-end quick connector142,242, e.g. collar locking female-end quick connector142. The collar locking mechanism172can then transition to the locked position to secure the male-end quick connector116within the female-end quick connector142. In an embodiment, the collar locking mechanism172can be transitioned from the locked position to the unlocked position to selectively release the male-end quick connector116from the female-end quick connector142.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.5D, a disengagement tool200can be slid between the outer surface166of the catheter128and the teeth126. The disengagement tool200can be configured to flex the teeth126radially outward to disengage the outer surface166of the catheter128and allow the catheter128to be withdrawn from the recess152of the coupling system100. To note, the gripping member124can be configured such that flexing one or more teeth of the plurality of teeth126can cause all of the plurality of teeth126to flex concurrently. In an embodiment, the toothed grip connector system104further includes a mechanism (not shown) that, when actuated, flexes the plurality of teeth126radially outward to disengage the outer surface166of the catheter128and allow the catheter128to be withdrawn from the recess152.

FIGS.6-7Bshow an exemplary method of use for the coupling system100. Referring toFIG.6, a flowchart illustrates an exemplary method for use of a coupling system100, in accordance with some embodiments. Each block illustrated inFIG.6represents an operation performed in the method500of use of a coupling system100. As an initial step in the method500, a tissue pocket134is created in a patient (block502). In some embodiments, the tissue pocket134can be created in the chest wall of the patient and can be configured to the size of the respective port130. However, it will be appreciated that this is exemplary and that the tissue pocket134can be created anywhere on the patient.

In the next step in the method500, the access port130is placed and secured into the tissue pocket134(block504). In some embodiments, the access port130includes a female-end quick connector142that is configured to attach to a male-end quick connector116. In some embodiments, the access port130includes a male-end quick connector116that is configured to attach to the female-end quick connector142.

The next step in the method500includes positioning a distal end of the catheter128at a target location within the vasculature of the patient (block506). For example, in some embodiments, the distal end of the catheter128may be positioned within the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC), or the like.

In an embodiment, the method500includes inserting a proximal end of the catheter128into a toothed grip connector system104of the coupling system100outside of the tissue pocket134(block508). Optionally, a proximal portion of the catheter128may be trimmed to an appropriate length to facilitate engagement with the coupling system100/port130. Advantageously, the catheter128can be sized to the exact length while positioned within the patient. This contrasts with estimating an appropriate length of the catheter prior to placement which can lead to misalignment of the catheter within the vasculature.

The toothed grip connector system104includes a gripping member124configured to prevent withdrawal of the catheter128from the toothed grip connector system104as described herein, and a sealing member122configured to create a fluid tight seal between the catheter128and the internal stem118. Advantageously, the proximal end of the catheter128can be urged into the coupling system100with less force than is required to stretch the catheter128over a port stem132. This allows for correct assembly of the catheter128/port130while ensuring a secure, fluid tight seal and a reduced chance of slippage and trauma fluid leakage under pressure to the tissue pocket during placement.

In an embodiment, a final step in the method500includes inserting the second end146of the coupling system100including the rapid release connector system106further including a male-end connector116into the female-end connector142of the port stem132within the tissue pocket134and securing a collar172,272to lock the coupling system100to the port130to place the catheter128in fluid communication with the access port130(block510).

In some embodiments, the method500includes a step of inserting the second end146that includes the rapid release connector system106, into the port130within the tissue pocket134(block509).

In some embodiments, the method500includes a last step of inserting the catheter128into the toothed grip connector system104of the coupling system100within the tissue pocket134to place the catheter128in fluid communication with the access port134(block511).

FIGS.7A-7Bfurther illustrates an exemplary environment of use for the port130disposed within a tissue pocket134of a patient and the catheter128coupled to the coupling system100. In some embodiments as illustrated inFIG.7A, the port130and the catheter128have both been implanted in the patient but the port130is not yet coupled to the coupling system100although both are disposed within the tissue pocket134. As shown inFIG.7Bthe port130can then be coupled to the coupling system100within the tissue pocket134of the patient, providing fluid communication between the catheter128and the port130.