Abstract:
A connector comprised of a body having a fluid passageway extending therethrough, wherein a first fitting is formed at a first end of the body and a second fitting is formed at a second end of the body, an opening formed in the body that is in communication with the fluid passageway, and a pressure relief valve element located in the opening. In one embodiment, the connector is an elbow connector having a tube fitting and a male (Luer) conical lock fitting. The connector is particularly well suited for connecting fluid supply lines with medical devices where the pressure level in the fluid supply line may need to be reduced due to an overpressurization condition.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to tube connectors, and more particularly to a tube connector having an integrated relief valve. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A combination of tubing and tube connectors are used for conveying fluids (i.e., gas or liquids) in a wide range of applications. One such application is a surgical fluid management system wherein a combination of tubing and tube connectors serve as a fluid conduit for delivering and/or removing liquid to/from a surgical site in connection with a medical procedure (e.g., irrigation, distention and suction). In some cases, the tubing and tube connectors are fluidly connected with a medical device (e.g., a surgical tool), such as an endoscopic surgical tool that allows a surgeon to conveniently direct liquid to the surgical site and view the surgical site through an optical element. In order to facilitate convenient orientation of the surgical tool during use, it is desirable to use a connector having a rotatable fitting interface to connect the tubing with the surgical tool. In this regard, the rotatable fitting interface allows the surgical tool to be freely moved relative to the tubing. Moreover, the angular bend of the connector allows the tubing to be directed away from the surgical site, thereby allowing unimpeded access thereto. 
         [0003]    If delivery of liquid to the surgical site (e.g., body cavity) results in an over-pressurization condition, then a patient may be harmed. Accordingly, the control system of a typical surgical fluid management system is programmed to respond to the over-pressurization condition by reducing or stopping fluid flow to the fluid conduit. However, in the event that the control system fails to respond properly to the over-pressurization condition, one or more pressure relief valves may be disposed in the fluid conduit to discharge liquid, and thereby provide a redundant safety mechanism. 
         [0004]    It has been observed that incorporating a pressure relief valve into a fluid conduit requires adding one or more tube connectors to the existing set of tube connectors. This need to increase the number of tube connectors raises the costs associated with use of a surgical fluid management system. Moreover, since all tubing and tube connectors used with the medical device are typically discarded after use in order to maintain sterility, the need for additional tube connectors results in increased waste. 
         [0005]    The present invention addresses the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a tube connector having an integrated pressure relief valve. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a tubing set for conveying a fluid for a medical procedure, the tubing set comprising: at least one tube for delivering the fluid from a fluid source; and a connector having an integrated pressure relief valve element, said connector located at a distal end of the tube for fluidly connecting the tube with a medical device. 
         [0007]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid management system for use with a medical device, said system comprising a first connector for connecting a fluid inlet line to an irrigation port of said medical device. The first connector includes a body having a fluid passageway extending therethrough, wherein a first fitting is formed at a first end of the body and a second fitting is formed at a second end of the body; an opening formed in the body that is in communication with the fluid passageway; and a valve element located in the opening. 
         [0008]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector comprising: a body having a fluid passageway extending therethrough, wherein a first fitting is formed at a first end of the body and a second fitting is formed at a second end of the body; an opening formed in the body that is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway; and a valve element located in the opening. 
         [0009]    An advantage of the present invention is the provision of a tube connector having an integrated relief valve; 
         [0010]    Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a tube connector having an integrated relief valve that facilitates freedom of movement of a device connected thereto; 
         [0011]    A still further advantage of the present invention is the provision of a tube connector having an integrated relief valve that directs tubing away from a surgical site; 
         [0012]    A still further advantage of the present invention is the provision of a tube connector having an integrated relief valve, thereby minimizing the number of components needed to connect a tube set with a medical device where a pressure relief valve is needed; 
         [0013]    Still another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a tube connector having an integrated relief valve, wherein a desired relief valve opening pressure can be easily achieved by simple modifications in the manufacturing process. 
         [0014]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is the provision of a tubing set for conveying a fluid, wherein the tubing set includes a tube and a connector having an integrated relief valve. 
         [0015]    These and other advantages will become apparent from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, an embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an elbow connector with an integrated relief valve, according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the elbow connector shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along lines  2 - 2 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of the elbow connector shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the relief valve (umbrella check valve) of the elbow connector shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an elbow connector with an integrated relief valve, according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an elbow connector with an integrated relief valve, according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an elbow connector with an integrated relief valve, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the elbow connector shown in  FIG. 7 , taken along lines  8 - 8 ; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of an elbow connector of the present invention having an integrated relief valve according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of an elbow connector without a relief valve, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a schematic of a fluid management system connected with an endoscopic surgical tool, wherein the fluid management system comprises a tubing set including a connector having an integrated relief valve according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an elbow connector with multiple integrated relief valves, according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the elbow connector shown in  FIG. 12 , taken along lines  13 - 13 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 , wherein a rotatable pin is located in a first position enabling one of the two integrated relief valves; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 , wherein the rotatable pin is located in a second position disabling the two integrated relief valves. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for the purposes of limiting same,  FIGS. 1-3  show a connector  10  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment connector  10  takes the form of an elbow connector. An elbow connector connects the ends of tubes to each other at an angle (i.e., an angular bend) to change the direction of fluid flow. The angle of connection may vary depending upon the application. However, most common elbow connectors connect the ends of tubes at angles of 45 or 90 degrees. 
         [0033]    Connector  10  includes a body  20  with a fluid passageway  22  extending therethrough. A first fitting  30  is formed at a first end of body  20  and a second fitting  50  is formed at a second end of body  20 . A port or opening  70  formed in body  20  is in communication with fluid passageway  22 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , opening  70  includes a circular outer recess  72  and a circular inner recess  74 . Circular inner recess  74  defines an annular wall  82  having a thickness (T) that is determined by depth (D) of outer recess  72 . Connector  10  also includes a valve element  90  disposed in opening  70 . Recessed portions  24  defining ribs  26  may be formed in body  20 . The formation of recessed portions  24  reduces material costs for manufacture of connector  10 . 
         [0034]    Body  20  may be made of a wide variety of suitable materials, including, but not limited to, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), an ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) polymer, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyurethane, polyetherimide and polyetheretherketone. Body  20  may be manufactured by injection molding, or other techniques well known in the art. 
         [0035]    In the illustrated embodiment, first fitting  30  is a hose fitting adapted to receive a cylindrical hose. First fitting  30  includes a conical section  34  and a cylindrical section  36 . Section  22   a  of fluid passageway  22  extends through first fitting  30 . 
         [0036]    Second fitting  50 , according to the illustrated embodiment, is a standard male (Luer) conical lock fitting adapted to receive a standard female (Luer) conical lock fitting (not shown) having an external thread. Second fitting  50  is comprised of a male slip  52  and a rotatable internally threaded collar  62 . As best seen in  FIG. 3 , male slip  52  includes a tapered section  53 , a conical section  54 , a cylindrical section  56  and an annular flange  58 . Collar  62  includes a threaded inner surface  64  and an inner split ring  66  comprised of a plurality of fingers (best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Section  22   b  of fluid passageway  22  extends through second fitting  50 . 
         [0037]    Collar  62  is mounted onto slip  52  in a snap lock fashion, as conventionally known. In this regard, annular flange  58  of slip  52  captures and retains the fingers of split ring  66 , as seen in  FIG. 2 . Once mounted onto slip  52 , collar  62  is rotatable thereabout. The diameter of conical section  54  and/or cylindrical section  56  of slip  52  may be decreased in order to provide an increase in the freedom of movement of collar  62 , thereby facilitating alignment and connection of the (Luer) conical lock fitting with a female (Luer) conical lock fitting. 
         [0038]    Depending upon the application, it is contemplated that the standard male (Luer) conical lock fitting (second fitting  50 ) and standard female (Luer) conical lock fitting will comply with European Standard EN 1707 (Conical Fittings with a 6% (Luer) Taper for Syringes, Needles and Certain Other Medical Equipment—Lock Fittings). 
         [0039]    In the first embodiment of the present invention, valve element  90  takes the form of an umbrella check valve that serves as a pressure relief valve, as shown in detail in  FIG. 4 . The umbrella check valve includes an elongated vented stem  92  having a generally cylindrical configuration, and a flexible annular dome portion  100  having an annular lip  102 . Elongated vented stem  92  includes elongated recesses  94  formed therein and flange portions  96 . The check valve is preferably made of an elastomeric material, including, but not limited to, silicone, fluorosilicone, nitrile, and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , outer surface  84  of annular wall  82  provides a substantially planar surface that serves as a seating surface for valve element  90 . In this regard, vented stem  92  is inserted through inner recess  74  such that annular flange  82  is captured between flange portions  96  and dome portion  100  of the umbrella check valve, as best seen in  FIG. 2 . Dome portion  100  is seated against outer surface  84 . The umbrella check valve is normally closed, and opens when a relief pressure is reached. The thickness (T) of annular wall  82  determines the relief pressure of the umbrella check valve. Therefore, the depth (D) of outer recess  72  may be varied (e.g., by mold design or machining) in order to obtain a thickness (T) corresponding to a desired relief pressure. 
         [0041]    Alternative embodiments of a connector according to the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 5-10  and  12 - 15 . In the drawings of each alternative embodiment, components that are similar to those of connector  10  (described above) bear the same reference numbers. 
         [0042]      FIG. 5  illustrates a connector  10 A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Connector  10 A is substantially the same as connector  10  described above, except first fitting  30 A takes the form of a conventional glue joint rather than a hose fitting. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  shows a connector  10 B according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Connector  10 B is substantially the same as connector  10  described above, except first fitting  30 A takes the form of a standard male (Luer) conical lock fitting adapted to receive a standard female (Luer) conical lock fitting. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , these figures illustrate a connector  10 C according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Connector  10 C is substantially the same as connector  10  described above, except first fitting  30 C takes the form of a threaded boss fitting. Rotatable internally threaded collar  62  has been omitted from  FIGS. 7 and 8  for improved clarity. 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  shows a connector  10 D according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Connector  10 D is substantially the same as connector  10 . However, valve element  90 A takes the form of a conventional poppet valve. Body  20  includes a generally cylindrical valve housing  110  that defines a recess  112  dimensioned to receive the poppet valve. Housing  110  is dimensioned to be partially received and fixed into outer recess  72 . An opening  114  is provided in valve housing  110  and is generally coaxial with inner recess  74 . The poppet valve is press fit into recess  112  of valve housing  110 . Rotatable internally threaded collar  62  has been omitted from  FIG. 9  for improved clarity. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a connector  10 E according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, integrated valve element  90  is omitted. Connector  10 E may be manufactured in substantially the same way as connector  10  described above. However, inner recess  74  of opening  70  is omitted, thereby providing a closed wall  80 . It should be appreciated that in some applications (as will be described below) elbow connectors with and without an integrated relief valve are desired. Connectors  10  and  10 E may both be produced by modifications to the same basic manufacturing process. 
         [0047]    A connector according to the present invention may also be modified to have a body that includes a plurality of openings  70  adapted to receive either a sealing plug (not shown) for sealing the opening or a valve element serving as a pressure relief valve. In one embodiment, only one opening  70  receives a valve element, while the remaining openings  70  receive a plug. Each opening  70  may be adapted such that the valve element associated therewith responds at a different pressure level (i.e., has a different relief pressure). In this regard, thickness (T) may be varied for each opening  70 . Accordingly, a single connector body may be adapted to receive a valve element that provides a different pressure level response depending upon the selected opening  70  receiving the valve element. Alternatively, more than one of the plurality of openings  70  may receive a valve element, where each valve element responds at the same pressure level in order to provide redundant valving, or where each valve element responds at a different pressure level. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 12-15 , there is shown a connector  10 F according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that rotatable internally threaded collar  62  has been omitted from  FIGS. 12-15  for improved clarity. Connector body  20 F includes a generally cylindrical valve housing  210  having a generally cylindrical recess  212  extending therethrough. Recess  212  is coaxially aligned with section  22   a  of fluid passageway  22 . 
         [0049]    First and second openings  214  and  216 , formed in valve housing  210 , are dimensioned to receive a respective valve element  90 . In the illustrated embodiment, valve element  90  takes the form of an umbrella check valve, as described in detail above. Valve housing  210  includes raised seating portions  224  and  226  that may have different thicknesses. As a result, valve element  90  located in opening  214  responds at a different pressure level (i.e., has a different pressure relief) than valve element  90  located in opening  216 . 
         [0050]    A generally cylindrical rotatable toggle or pin  230  is dimensioned to be captured inside recess  212  of valve housing  210 , as best seen in  FIG. 13 . Pin  230  includes a first portion  232  and a second portion  242 . First portion  232  has a generally L-shaped inner recess  234  having one end that is in fluid communication with fluid passageway  22 . Second portion  242  includes a handle section  244  that extends outward from valve housing  210 . An annular groove  246 , formed in second portion  242 , is dimensioned to receive an O-ring seal  250 . 
         [0051]    Rotatable pin  230  serves as a selector switch for selecting enablement of one of the two valve elements  90  by aligning inner recess  234  with associated opening  214  or  216  ( FIG. 14 ), or selecting disablement of both valve elements  90  ( FIG. 15 ). Handle  244  allows a user to conveniently rotate pin  230  relative to valve housing  210  to select between the enabled and disabled positions. 
         [0052]    According to an alternative embodiment of connector  10 F, inner recess  234  of rotatable pin  230  is modified to a T-shape to allow simultaneous enablement of both valve elements  90 . 
         [0053]    It is contemplated that the connector of the present invention may be adapted to incorporate a variety of different types of relief valves, including, but not limited to, umbrella valves, poppet valves, duckbill valves, flapper valves, needle valves, Belleville valves, dome valves, diaphragm valves, rupture discs and combinations thereof. It is further contemplated that connector  10  may be modified to provide any desired combination of fittings known in the prior art. Moreover, while the illustrated embodiments of the present invention show connector  10  as an elbow connector, it is contemplated that connector  10  may take other desired forms, including, but not limited to Y-connectors, T-connectors, parallel tube connectors, and straight connectors. 
         [0054]    It should be appreciated that the illustrated fittings and combinations of fittings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. In this regard, it is contemplated that the type of fittings used in connection with the present invention may include, but are not limited to: hose fitting, glue fitting, standard male (Luer) conical lock fitting, female (Luer) conical lock fitting, barbed fitting, stepped fitting, threaded fitting, and proprietary or industry-standard quick disconnects, such as cam and groove type disconnects. 
         [0055]      FIG. 11  illustrates connectors of the present invention as components of a surgical fluid management system used in connection with a medical device for a medical procedure. In  FIG. 11 , the medical device takes the form of a conventional endoscopic surgical tool  130  having an irrigation port  132  and a suction port  134 , Irrigation port  132  is in fluid communication with a fluid source or container  141  (containing a fluid, such as a sterile medical liquid) via connector  10  and irrigation tube sections  152   a ,  152   b  and  152   c  that define a fluid inlet line. Connector  10  is located at a distal end of tube section  152   a  to fluidly connect tube section  152   a  with irrigation port  132  of surgical tool  130 . A pump  142  and a fluid heating cartridge  143  are disposed in the fluid inlet line. Fluid heating cartridge  143  is located downstream of fluid container  141  and pump  142  to heat the fluid prior to entering irrigation port  132 . Suction port  134  is in fluid communication with a suction source  144  via a connector  10 E and a suction tube  154  that define a suction line. In the illustrated embodiment connector  10 ; irrigation tube sections  152   a  and  152   b ; fluid heating cartridge  143 ; connector  10 E; and suction tube  154  comprise a tubing set. It should be appreciated that a tubing set may be comprised of only tubes and connectors. 
         [0056]    Surgical tool  130  includes fluid control valves  162  and  164  for controlling fluid flow at the surgical site. Valve  162  controls the flow of fluid being delivered to the surgical site, while valve  164  controls the flow of fluid being removed from the surgical site by suction source  144 . Fluid container  141 , pump  142 , fluid heating cartridge  143  and suction source  144  are components of the fluid management system. Fluid management system is not shown in its entirety, and includes pressure and flow sensors (not shown) and control means for controlling operation of pump  142 , suction source  144 , and a heater (not shown) for warming fluid in cartridge  143 . For example, the fluid management system may take the form of the fluid management system disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/720,475, fully incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0057]    In the illustrated embodiment, connectors  10  and  10 E take the form of 90-degree elbow connectors that facilitate convenient orientation of endoscopic surgical tool  130  during use. In this regard, the rotatable standard male (Luer) conical lock fitting allows endoscopic surgical tool  130  to move freely relative to the tubing. Moreover, the angular bend of the 90-degree elbow connectors permits the tubing to be directed away from the surgical site, thereby allowing unimpeded access thereto. 
         [0058]    In the event that the pressure level exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold limit, the control means of the surgical fluid management system will ordinarily take action to reduce the pressure level (e.g., reduce pump motor speed). However, if the control means fails to take appropriate action, then valve element  90  (i.e., the pressure relief valve) will respond by opening to allow the release of fluid, thereby reducing the pressure level. The predetermined pressure threshold limit may vary depending upon the type of medical procedure (e.g., 30 to 300 mmHg). 
         [0059]    It is also contemplated that a pressure relief valve  160  may be integrated directly into surgical tool  130 , thereby eliminating the need for integrated valve element  90  of connector  10 . 
         [0060]    The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purposes of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.