Patent ID: 6997919

Claim:
An implantable medical connector ( 20 ) for medical tubing, the connector ( 20 ) comprising: a connector body comprising a first end ( 24 ), a first intermediate portion ( 26 ), a middle portion ( 28 ), a second intermediate portion ( 30 ), and a second end ( 32 ), the middle portion ( 28 ) located between the first intermediate portion ( 26 ) and the second intermediate portion ( 30 ), the first end ( 24 ) adapted to fit inside a proximal connector-receiving portion, the second end ( 32 ) adapted to fit inside a distal connector-receiving portion, and at least a first protrusion ( 38 ) and a second protrusion ( 40 ) projecting from the connector body, wherein a first protrusion ( 38 ) is located between the first end ( 24 ) and the first intermediate portion ( 26 ), and the second protrusion ( 40 ) is located between the second intermediate portion ( 30 ) and the second end ( 32 ), the connector body defining a fluid passageway ( 22 ); a first tubular strain relief ( 42 ) having an extending first portion ( 44 ) that extends past the first end ( 24 ) of the connector body and adapted to fit over a proximal connection section, the first tubular strain relief adapted to fit over a section of the first intermediate portion of the connector body to form a direct interlock fit therebetween; and a second tubular strain relief ( 52 ) having an extending second portion ( 54 ) that extends past the second end ( 32 ) of the connector body and adapted to fit over a distal connection section, the second tubular strain relief adapted to fit over a section of the second intermediate portion of the connector body to form a direct interlock fit therebetween, wherein when the first end ( 24 ) of the connector body is inserted into the proximal connector-receiving portion an interlock fit is formed therebetween, and wherein when the second end ( 32 ) of the connector body is inserted into the distal connector-receiving portion an interlock fit is formed therebetween, resulting in a fluid tight connection between the proximal connector-receiving portion and the distal connector-receiving portion, and wherein a surface of the middle portion ( 28 ) of the connector body is exposed.