Systems and methods for tube management

Systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure assist with management of tubes and hoses during surgical procedures. The systems, devices, and methods provide for the proper opening and closing of tubes to facilitate performance of steps in a surgical procedure.

Some surgical procedures require use of tubes, hoses, or other conduits to transfer fluids, gases, and/or tissue products between a patient and a treatment system or device, or among systems and devices. Some surgical procedures are multi-step processes requiring connection and disconnection of hoses from input and output ports. For example, using some adipose tissue transfer systems, surgical personnel may need to perform over one hundred combined user actions and decisions. Some of these user actions involve enabling and disabling a vacuum source or adding or removing tissue or washing solutions to a tissue storage and treatment container.

Keeping track of the state of tube connections in some surgical procedures creates a burden on the practitioner. The user effort needed to manage the tube connections is not negligible and can increase the total time to perform procedures. Although organizational technologies such as color-coding exist, they cannot eliminate the burden of needing to assess the state of each individual tube at multiple points throughout a procedure.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a tissue treatment system includes a container and a tube management device. The container includes an exterior wall surrounding an interior volume for holding tissue and a filter for processing tissue. The tube management device includes a tube restrictor plate having a plurality of tube through-holes and a tube stabilizer plate having a plurality of tube through-holes. A plurality of flow-restricting devices is disposed on the tube restrictor plate adjacent to the plurality of tube through-holes. The tube management device further includes a multi-position switch. A plurality of tubes pass through the tube through-holes. Moreover, setting the multi-position switch to a first position causes the plurality of flow-restricting devices to restrict the flow in a first subset of the plurality of tubes to transfer tissue from a patient to the interior volume, setting the multi-position switch to a second position causes the plurality of flow-restricting devices to restrict the flow in a second subset of the plurality of tubes to allow processing of the tissue in the interior volume, and setting the multi-position switch to a third position causes the plurality of flow-restricting devices to restrict the flow in a third subset of the plurality of tubes to allow transfer of the tissue out of the interior volume.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a method of managing surgical conduits is described. The method provides a plurality of tubes and a plurality of flow-restricting devices within a body, each of the flow-restricting devices proximal to at least one of the plurality of tubes. The method also provides a multi-position switch wherein flow in a first subset of the plurality of tubes is restricted by the plurality of flow-restricting devices when the multi-position switch is in a first position and flow in a second subset of the plurality of tubes different than the first subset is restricted by the plurality of flow-restricting devices when the multi-position switch is in a second position. The method also switches from the first position of the multi-position switch to the second position of the multi-position switch.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a tube management device includes a tube restrictor plate having a plurality of tube through-holes and a tube stabilizer plate having a plurality of tube through-holes. A plurality of flow-restricting devices is disposed on the tube restrictor plate adjacent to the plurality of tube through-holes. The tube management device also includes a multi-position switch and a plurality of tubes that pass through the pluralities of tube through-holes. Setting the multi-position switch of the tube management device to a first position causes the plurality of flow-restricting devices to restrict the flow in a first subset of the plurality of tubes, setting the multi-position switch to a second position causes the plurality of flow-restricting devices to restrict the flow in a second subset of the plurality of tubes, and setting the multi-position switch to a third position causes the plurality of flow-restrictring devices to restrict the flow in a third subset of the plurality of tubes.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to certain exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, certain examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. In this application, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term “including”, as well as other forms such as “included” and “includes”, is not limiting. The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this application including but not limited to patents, patent applications, articles, books, and treatises are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for any purpose.

As used herein, “adipose tissue” refers to adipose tissue obtained by any means including, for example, liposuction and/or tumescent liposuction. In addition, the adipose tissue may be substantially intact or may be altered by, for example, washing with saline, antimicrobials, detergents, or other agents; the addition of therapeutic agents such an analgesics, antimicrobials, and anti-inflammatories; the removal of some cells or acellular components; or disruption or alteration by the collection process itself including, for example, during liposuction or tumescent liposuction. The adipose tissue can be autologous tissue, allogeneic tissue, or xenogenic tissue (e.g., porcine tissue).

As described above, some surgical procedures require use of tubes, hoses, or other conduits to transfer fluids, gases, and/or tissue products between a patient and a treatment system or device; or among systems and devices. Multi-step procedures are not uncommon and may require connection and disconnection of hoses from input and output ports. For example, a system for adipose tissue transfer and processing (e.g., adipose washing) can require over one hundred combined user actions and decisions, including enabling and disabling vacuum sources or adding or removing tissue or washing solutions to a tissue storage and treatment container. The maintenance and verification of tube connections during a medical procedure can be non- trivial, especially when the procedure has a time-sensitive component.

Various human and animal tissues can be used to produce products for treating patients. For example, various tissue products have been produced for regeneration, repair, augmentation, reinforcement, and/or treatment of human tissues that have been damaged or lost due to various diseases and/or structural damage (e.g., from trauma, surgery, atrophy, and/or long-term wear and degeneration). Fat grafting, including autologous fat grafting, can be useful for a variety of clinical applications including facial fillers, breast augmentation, buttock augmentation/sculpting, augmentation of other tissue sites, correction of lumpectomy defects, cranial-facial defect correction, and correction of lipoplasty defects (divots).

To prepare tissue for autologous fat grafting, tissue cleaning and processing must be performed. The process of grafting typically involves steps such as removal of tissue from a patient with a syringe or cannula. This tissue is pulled into a tissue processing container where unwanted components of the tissue can be separated and/or the tissue can be cleaned using various solutions. A typical system might include meshes for filtration and separation, cranks connected to mixing blades, and several input and output ports. Once the tissue is sufficiently prepared, it must be removed from the container and be injected or grafted back into the patient. During transfer steps, vacuum devices help move the tissue from location to location. However, it is desirable to disconnect the vacuum pressure during processing steps. In addition, the tissue-carrying tubes that are not in use during any given step should be blocked to maintain the sterility of the system.

Turning toFIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a tissue treatment system100is shown. As shown, the tissue treatment system100can include a container having an exterior wall110surrounding an interior volume. The interior of the container can also contain filters, mixing blades, hoses, and other components to enable washing and conditioning of tissue. The system100can include a tube management device101to facilitate operation of the system100. Tubes can pass from the exterior of the system100to the interior through ports102of the tube management device101, and tube restrictor devices (discussed below) within the tube management device101can control which tubes are open and which are blocked for a given system configuration. The system configuration is determined by the setting of a multi-position switch103. In some embodiments, the system100can be provided with a carry handle for convenient handling by a user.

As used herein, the terms “tube,” “hose,” “conduit,” or similar language will be used interchangeably and will be understood to refer to any passageway having a lumen configured to allow passage or fluids, gases, and/or tissue products therethrough.

An exploded view of one embodiment of a tube management device101is shown inFIG. 2. The tube management device101may include ports102a,102b,102cand a multi-position switch103. Tubes can pass through the ports102a,102b,102cand then through a tube restrictor plate104and a tube stabilizer plate107before passing out of the device101. Based on the position of the multi-position switch103, restrictor elements105on the tube restrictor plate104can allow or obstruct flow through each of the tubes. In some embodiments, the contents of the tube management device101can be contained within an exterior wall108that forms a body. In alternate embodiments, the components of the tube management device101can be attached directly to the structure of the container110.

The ports102a,102b,102ccan have a variety of configurations. In accordance with various embodiments, the ports102a,102b,102cmay be straight-walled or barbed; threaded or unthreaded; and have no fittings, luer fittings, swaged fittings, or any other type of connector suitable for a specific application. Although the ports102a,102b,102care depicted as extending out from the body of the tube management device101, the ports may also be threaded or unthreaded holes or recesses or may extend inward from the surface into the body of the device101. Although only three ports are depicted inFIG. 2, any number of ports can be chosen to match the number of tubes needed in a particular application. Substances including, but not limited to, gases, liquids, chemical solutions, and biological tissues can flow into or out from the ports102a,102b,102cdepending upon the position of the multi-position switch and the requirements of any particular step of the medical procedure.

The position of the multi-position switch103can be used to switch among different device configurations. In some embodiments, the multi-position switch103is a rotating body or knob and the rotational angle of the body determines the switch state. In accordance with various embodiments, the multi-position switch103may be any mechanical or electronic switch (including rotational or linear throw switches) that, through appropriate linkages, can alter the state of openness of tubes passing through the device. In some embodiments, the multi-position switch103can include non-slip grips or similar features to facilitate easier operation by a user, in particular by a user wearing surgical gloves. The positions of the multi-position switch103may correspond to steps in a procedure. For example, the steps in a procedure might include liposuction/tissue extraction, hold and mix, irrigation, and vacuum/clear steps.

The tube restrictor plate104can block or allow flow through tubes that pass through the tube through-holes of the plate through the use of flow-restricting devices. In accordance with various embodiments, and as depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3, the tube restrictor plate104may be provided with flow-restricting devices105in the form of contoured radial slots. The slots105can have a slot width that varies according to the desired action of the slot upon a tube for each angular position of the tube restrictor plate104. For example, each slot105may include two slot widths that correspond to unrestricted flow in a tube and complete blockage of flow in a tube. Alternatively, each slot may have a range of widths corresponding to different levels of flow restriction.

InFIG. 3, a tube restrictor plate104is shown overlaid upon a tube stabilizer plate107with slots105a,105b,105cindicated. The example embodiment of a tube restrictor plate104shown inFIG. 3illustrates tube through-holes in the form of contoured radial slots105a,105b,105csuitable for a tube management device101having a multi-position switch103with three positions. The contoured radial slots105a,105b,105cof the tube restrictor plate104are overlaid in this top view on the tube through-holes115a,115b,115cof the tube stabilizer plate107. In this figure, the position of tube restrictor plate104with respect to tube stabilizer plate107places slots105a,105b,105cin the first position over tube through-holes115a,115b,115c. Activation of the multi-position switch can cause the tube restrictor plate104to rotate in the direction shown by the arrow while the tube stabilizer plate107stays in place. As a result, the radial slots can advance to the second or third position as needed. In accordance with various embodiments, the system100can be provided with a plurality of tube restrictor plates104having different arrangements of slots105a,105b,105cintended for different procedures having different steps. In these embodiments, the user may choose one of the plurality of tube restrictor plates104to place within the body108of the device101depending upon the application.

The tube restrictor plate104may have locating features106that can interlock with the multi-position switch103. The locating features106can help the user align the tube restrictor plate with the multi-position switch103and within the tube management device101so that the contoured radial slots105a,105b,105care properly in-line with their respective ports102a,102b,102c. In addition, the locating features106can match with complementary features on the multi-position switch so that the switch's position reflects the proper tubing state within the tube management device101. In some embodiments, the locating features106can fix the multi-position switch103to the tube restrictor plate104such that they move in concert when the switch is rotated.

The tube management device101can have a tube stabilizer plate107. The tube stabilizer plate107may have tube through-holes115to allow tubes to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the diameter of each of the tube through-holes115in the tube stabilizer plate107may be equal or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the corresponding tube that passes through the hole115to provide a secure fit around the outside of each tube without compression. The tube stabilizer plate107can hold the tube in position so that activation or movement of the tube restrictor plate104cannot twist, reorient, or move the tubes.

As discussed above, the system100can be used to operate surgical systems, such as adipose tissue transfer systems. Accordingly, an exemplary decision matrix400for an adipose tissue transfer process is shown inFIG. 4. The decision matrix may be used to determine the open/closed status of any tubes in the system during any steps of an adipose transfer procedure. In some embodiments, a tissue treatment system100similar to that shown inFIG. 1can have4tube inputs that are either open or blocked during a given step of a medical procedure. In a liposuction or aspiration402step, the tube to the liposuction cannula and the vacuum tube may be open while the irrigation tube and vent tube are closed. In a hold and mix or washing404step, all 4 inputs can be blocked. In an irrigation or transfer406step, the tube to the liposuction cannula and the vacuum tube may be closed while the irrigation tube and the vent tube can be open. In a vacuum/clear408step, the tube to the liposuction cannula and the irrigation tube may be closed while the vacuum tube and the vent tube can be open.

An alternate embodiment of a tube management device501is shown inFIG. 5. The tube management device501can include ports502and a multi-position switch503. Tubes can pass from the ports502through a tube restrictor plate504and a tube stabilizer plate507before passing out of the device501. Based on the position of the multi-position switch, restrictor elements505on the tube restrictor plate504can allow or obstruct flow through each of the tubes. The contents of the tube management device501can be contained within an exterior wall508that forms a body.

As with the previously discussed embodiments, the ports can have a variety of configurations. For example, the ports502may be straight-walled or barbed; threaded or unthreaded; and have no fittings, luer fittings, swaged fittings, or any other type of connector demanded by application-specific requirements. Although ports502are depicted in this embodiment as extending out from the body of the tube management device501, the ports may also be threaded or unthreaded recesses or holes or may extend inward from the device surface into the body of the device501. Although only three ports are depicted inFIG. 5, any number of ports can be chosen to match the number of tubes needed in a particular application. Substances including, but not limited to, gases, liquids, chemical solutions, and biological tissues can flow into or out from the ports502depending upon the position of the multi-position switch and the requirements of any particular step of the surgical procedure.

The positions of the multi-position switch503can be used to switch among different device configurations. In some embodiments, the multi-position switch503is a rotating body or knob and the rotational angle of the body determines the switch state. In accordance with various embodiments, the multi-position switch503may be any mechanical or electronic switch (including rotational or linear throw switches) that, through appropriate linkages, can alter the state of openness of tubes passing through the device. In some embodiments, the multi-position switch503can include non-slip grips or similar features to facilitate easier operation by a user, in particular by a user wearing surgical gloves. The positions of the multi-position switch503may correspond to steps in a procedure. For example, the steps in a procedure might include liposuction/tissue extraction, hold and mix, irrigation, and vacuum/clear steps.

The tube restrictor plate504can block or allow flow through the tubes that pass through the tube through-holes516of the plate through the use of flow-restricting devices. The tube restrictor plate504may include an external ring504athat is rotatably engaged with a central portion504b. Tubes can pass through the tube restrictor plate504through tube through-holes516adjacent to flow-restricting devices. In accordance with various embodiments and as depicted inFIG. 5, the tube restrictor plate504may be provided with flow-restricting devices in the form of a contoured central hub512on the central portion504band sliding blocks505that force the tubes against the hub512via the integrated springs514attached to the external ring504a. The sliding blocks505may be shaped as flat plates, cylinders, ovals, spheres, ovoid configuration, or any other shape that meets application-specific requirements. In some embodiments, the contoured central hub512may have an equal number of recesses to the number of ports502, and each tube may pass through a tube through-hole516adjacent to a recess of the contoured central hub. When a sliding block505attached to an integrated spring512is in line with a recess of the contoured central hub512, the force of the spring may extend the sliding block and force it against a tube. In some embodiments, the central portion504bof the tube restrictor plate504may be fixedly attached to the tube stabilizer plate507. As the multi-position switch503changes from one position to another, the external ring504aof the tube restriction plate504may rotate while the central portion504bcontaining the contoured central hub512does not rotate relative to the tube stabilizer plate507.

In accordance with various embodiments, the external ring504amay be provided with a one-way ratcheting mechanism509. The teeth of the ratcheting mechanism can engage with a pawl511positioned on the central portion504bof the tube restriction plate504such that rotation of the external ring504ais allowed in one direction but prevented in the opposite direction. Although the pawl511is depicted as being located on the central portion504bin this embodiment, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the pawl could be attached at other points throughout the tube management device501such as the interior of the multi-position switch503or the tube stabilizer plate507.

The tube management device501can also include a tube stabilizer plate507. The tube stabilizer plate507may have tube through-holes515to allow tubes to pass through. In some embodiments, the diameter of each of the tube through-holes515in the tube stabilizer plate507may be equal to the outer diameter of the corresponding tube that passes through the hole to provide a secure fit around the outside of each tube without compression. The tube stabilizer plate507can hold the tube in position so that activation or movement of the tube restrictor plate504cannot twist, reorient, or move the tubes.

Another embodiment of a tube management device is shown inFIG. 6. The tube management device601can include ports602and a multi-position switch603. The device601can include a tube stabilizer plate607and a tube restrictor plate604containing flow restriction devices. The components of the device601can be enclosed within a body608.

The ports602are the connection between the tube management device601and the exterior world. In accordance with various embodiments, the ports602may be straight-walled or barbed; threaded or unthreaded; and have no fittings, luer fittings, swaged fittings, or any other type of connector demanded by application-specific requirements. Although the ports602are depicted in this embodiment as extending out from the body of the tube management device601, the ports may also be threaded or unthreaded holes or may extend inward from the device surface into the body of the device601. Although only three ports are depicted inFIG. 6, it will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that any number of ports602can be chosen to match the number of tubes needed in a particular application. Fluids including, but not limited to, gases, liquids, chemical solutions, and biological tissues can flow into or out from the ports602depending upon the position of the multi-position switch and the requirements of any particular step of the medical procedure.

The positions of the multi-position switch603can be used to switch among different device configurations. In some embodiments, the multi-position switch603is a rotating body or knob and the rotational angle of the body determines the switch state. In accordance with various embodiments, the multi-position switch603may be any mechanical or electronic switch (including rotational or linear throw switches) that, through appropriate linkages, can alter the state of openness of tubes passing through the device. In some embodiments, the multi-position switch603can include non-slip grips or similar features to facilitate easier operation by a user, in particular by a user wearing surgical gloves. The positions of the multi-position switch603may correspond to steps in a procedure. For example, the steps in a procedure might include liposuction/tissue extraction, hold and mix, irrigation, and vacuum/clear steps.

The tube restrictor plate604may include an external ring604athat is rotatably engaged with a central portion604b. Tubes may pass through tube through-holes616adjacent to flow-restricting devices. In accordance with various embodiments and as depicted inFIG. 6, the tube restrictor plate604may be provided with flow-restricting devices in the form of a contoured central hub612on the central portion604band sliding blocks605that force the tubes against the hub612via the integrated springs614attached to the external ring604a. The sliding blocks605may be shaped as flat plates, cylinders, ovals, spheres, eggs, or any other shape that meets application-specific requirements. In some embodiments, the contoured central hub612may have an equal number of recesses to the number of ports602, and each tube may pass through a tube through-hole616adjacent to a recess of the contoured central hub. When a sliding block605attached to an integrated spring612is in line with a recess of the contoured central hub612, the force of the spring may extend the sliding block and force it against a tube. As the multi-position switch603changes from one position to another, the external ring604aof the tube restriction plate604may rotate while the central portion604bcontaining the contoured central hub612does not rotate relative to the tube stabilizer plate607. In accordance with various embodiments, the sliding blocks605and integrated springs614can be placed at different radial depths using spacers604c.

The tube management device601can have a tube stabilizer plate607in some embodiments. The tube stabilizer plate607may have tube through-holes615to allow tubes to pass through. In preferred embodiments, the diameter of each of the tube through-holes615in the tube stabilizer plate607may be equal to the outer diameter of the corresponding tube that passes through the hole to provide a secure fit around the outside of each tube without compression. The tube stabilizer plate607can hold the tube in position so that activation or movement of the tube restrictor plate604cannot twist, reorient, or move the tubes.

A top view of the tube restrictor plate604overlaid on tube stabilizer plate607of the embodiment ofFIG. 6is shown inFIG. 7. In accordance with various embodiments, the tube restrictor plate604can have slots613to allow the tubes to change position with respect to the contoured central hub612of the central portion604band the associated flow-restricting devices. In this way, a single embodiment of the tube restrictor plate604can be used in more than one configuration. When a tube is in an “in” position, the tube passes near a recess of the contoured central hub612and can be closed by sliding blocks605attached to spacers604cextending from the external ring604a. When a tube is in an “out” position, the tube passes near an extended portion of the contoured central hub612. In this position, the tube can be closed by sliding blocks505that are attached by integrated springs614directly to the external ring604a. In a preferred embodiment, sliding blocks605attached directly to the external ring604awithout spacers604ccannot reach tubes adjacent to recesses of the contoured central hub612.

In accordance with various embodiments, the external ring604amay be provided with a one-way ratcheting mechanism609. The teeth of the ratcheting mechanism can engage with a pawl611positioned on the central portion604bof the tube restriction plate604such that rotation of the external ring604ais allowed in one direction but prevented in the opposite direction. Although the pawl611is depicted as being located on the central portion604bin this embodiment, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the pawl could be attached at other points throughout the tube management device601such as the interior of the multi-position switch603or the tube stabilizer plate607.

A method of managing surgical conduits is also envisioned by the inventors. The method includes providing several tubes and several flow-restricting devices within a body where each of the flow-restricting devices is proximal to at least one of the tubes and providing a multi-position switch wherein the flow in a first subset of the tubes is restricted by the flow-restricting devices when the switch is in a first position and flow in a second subset of tubes different than the first subset is restricted by the flow-restricting devices when the switch is in a second position. The method concludes by switching from the first position of the multi-position switch to the second position.

The step of providing several tubes and several flow-restricting devices within a body where each of the flow-restricting devices is proximal to at least one of the tubes may include, but is not limited to, passing tubes through ports102and past flow-restricting devices105in a tube management device101as described above in connection withFIGS. 1-3.

The step of providing a multi-position switch wherein the flow in a first subset of the tubes is restricted by the flow-restricting devices when the switch is in a first position and flow in a second subset of tubes different than the first subset is restricted by the flow-restricting devices when the switch is in a second position may include, but is not limited to, providing a multi-position switch103in a tube management device101as described above in connection withFIGS. 1-3.

The step of switching from the first position of the multi-position switch to the second position may include, but is not limited to, switching a multi-position switch103from a first position to a second position as described above in connection withFIGS. 1 and 2.

An exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a tube management device801is shown inFIG. 8. The tube management device801may include ports802a,802b,802cand a multi-position switch803. Tubes812pass through the ports802a,802b,802cand then through a tube restrictor plate804and a tube stabilizer plate807before passing out of the device801. Based on the position of the multi-position switch803, restrictor elements805on the tube restrictor plate804can allow or obstruct flow through each of the tubes812. In some embodiments, the contents of the tube management device801can be contained within an exterior wall808that forms a body.

The ports802a,802b,802ccan have a variety of configurations as described previously with respect toFIG. 2. In accordance with various embodiments, the ports802a,802b,802cmay be straight-walled or barbed; threaded or unthreaded; and have no fittings, luer fittings, swaged fittings, or any other type of connector suitable for a specific application. Although the ports802a,802b,802care depicted as extending out from the body of the tube management device801, the ports may also be threaded or unthreaded holes or recesses or may extend inward from the surface into the body of the device801. Although only three ports are depicted inFIG. 8, any number of ports can be chosen to match the number of tubes812needed in a particular application. Substances including, but not limited to, gases, liquids, chemical solutions, and biological tissues can flow into or out of tubes812passing through the ports802a,802b,802cdepending upon the position of the multi-position switch and the requirements of any particular step of a medical procedure.

As described above with reference toFIG. 2, the position of the multi-position switch803can be used to switch among different device configurations. In some embodiments, the multi-position switch803is a rotating body or knob, and the rotational angle of the body determines the switch state. In accordance with various embodiments, the multi-position switch803may be any mechanical or electronic switch (including rotational or linear throw switches) that, through appropriate linkages, can alter the state of openness of the tubes812. In some embodiments, the multi-position switch803can include non-slip grips or similar features to facilitate easier operation by a user, in particular by a user wearing surgical gloves. The positions of the multi-position switch803may correspond to steps in a procedure. For example, the steps in a procedure might include liposuction/tissue extraction, hold and mix, irrigation, and vacuum/clear steps.

The tube restrictor plate804can block or allow flow through the tubes812as they pass through the plate through the use of flow-restricting devices. Similar to the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3, the tube restrictor plate804may be provided with both flow-restricting devices and tube through-holes in the form of contoured radial slots805. In alternative embodiments, the flow-restricting devices can be similar to those described above with reference to the embodiments ofFIGS. 5 and 6. The slots805can have a slot width that varies according to the desired action of the slot upon a tube812for each angular position of the tube restrictor plate804. For example, each slot805may include two slot widths that correspond to unrestricted flow in a tube812and complete blockage of flow in a tube812. Alternatively, each slot may have a range of widths corresponding to different levels of flow restriction.

The tube restrictor plate804may have locating features806that can interlock with the multi-position switch803. The locating features806can help the user align the tube restrictor plate804with the multi-position switch803and within the tube management device801so that the contoured radial slots805are properly in-line with their respective ports802a,802b,802c. In addition, the locating features806can match with complementary features on the multi-position switch so that the switch's position reflects the proper tubing state within the tube management device801. In some embodiments, the locating features806can fix the multi-position switch803to the tube restrictor plate804such that they move in concert when the switch is rotated.

The tube management device801can have a tube stabilizer plate807. The tube stabilizer plate807may have tube through-holes815to allow tubes to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the diameter of each of the tube through-holes815in the tube stabilizer plate807may be equal or approximately equal to the outer diameter of the corresponding tube that passes through the hole to provide a secure fit around the outside of each tube without compression. The tube stabilizer plate807can hold the tube in position so that activation or movement of the tube restrictor plate804cannot twist, reorient, or move the tubes.

The tubes812of tube management device801can be made of any material that meets application-specific requirements. The tubes812may be made of, for example but not limited to, PVC, high-density polyethylene, nylon, latex, silicone, polyurethane, TYGON®, or any non-reactive tubing or hose. As depicted inFIG. 8, the tubes812may extend out of the ports802a,802b,802cor may terminate within or below the ports802a,802b,802c. The tubes812may be permanently attached to the tube management device801, for example, at the ports802a,802b,802cor body808, or the tubes812may be removable and/or replaceable. In accordance with various embodiments, the tubes812may be disposed of after each procedure and replaced with new tubes812to allow for reuse of tube management device801for multiple procedures.

While the present invention has been described herein in conjunction with preferred embodiments, a person of ordinary skill in the art can effect changes, substitutions or equivalents to the systems and methods described herein, which are intended to fall within the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.