Locking connector

Abstract

A connector for use with a dialyzer for connecting a catheter from the dialyzer to a catheter from a dialysate source. The connector includes a sleeve (a concave member) and a chuck (a convex member). The sleeve has a generally cylindrical shape with an opening at one end, the opening having a circular shape with at least one slot positioned along the perimeter of the circular shape. The sleeve also includes at least one flexible finger having a barb at the free end. The chuck is configured to be received within the internal chamber of the sleeve, and the chuck has first and second gaps for receiving the barb and first and second deflectable flanges to lock within a notch in the catheter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for connecting two conduits for delivering solutions, such as for a hemodialysis system.

[0002] The applicant hereby incorporates by reference any and all patents and published patent applications cited or mentioned in this application. Background Art

[0003] Hemodialysis is a medical procedure for removing waste products including creatinine, urea, and free water from a patient's blood to the outside of the body, involving the diffusion of solutes across a semipermeable membrane. Incorrect removal of these waste products can lead to kidney failure.

[0004] During hemodialysis, a patient's blood is removed through an arterial line, processed by a dialysis machine, and returned to the body through a venous line. The dialysis machine includes a dialyzer that contains a large number of hollow fibers forming a semipermeable membrane through which the blood is transported. Additionally, the dialysis machine utilizes a dialysate liquid that contains a suitable amount of electrolytes and other necessary components (such as glucose), and the dialysate liquid is also pumped through the dialyzer.

[0005] Typically, the dialysate is prepared by mixing water with appropriate proportions of acid concentrate and bicarbonate concentrate. Preferably, the acid and bicarbonate concentrates are separated until finally mixed just before use in the dialyzer because calcium and magnesium in the acid concentrate will precipitate when in contact with the high bicarbonate levels in the bicarbonate concentrate. The dialysate may also include suitable levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and glucose.

[0006] The dialysis process across the membrane is achieved by a combination of diffusion and convection. Diffusion requires molecules to migrate from a high-concentration region to a low-concentration region through random motion. At the same time, convection generally requires solutes to move in response to differences in hydrostatic pressure. The fibers forming the semipermeable membrane separate the plasma from the dialysate and provide a large surface area for diffusion to occur, which allows waste products (including urea, potassium, and phosphate) to permeate into the dialysate while preventing larger molecules (such as blood cells, polypeptides, and certain proteins) from transferring into the dialysate. Typically, the dialysate flows in a direction opposite to the flow of blood in the extracorporeal circuit. Countercurrent flow maintains the concentration gradient across the semipermeable membrane, thereby improving dialysis efficiency.

[0007] Connectors are components of most medical device machines. Connectors used in many medical devices (such as hemodialysis machines) are typically reusable. There are a number of problems with reusable components used in medical devices, including the risks of cross-contamination, infection, and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Reusable components and devices are designed and built to last indefinitely (assuming they are properly maintained and cleaned). However, even when properly sterilized, reusable devices can still cause infections. There are also many possible harmful effects from the disinfection chemicals used. For example, formaldehyde, a commonly used disinfectant, is a known carcinogen. It can also cause severe allergic reactions, liver damage, anemia, CNS disorders, red blood cell destruction, reproductive disorders, and kidney transplant rejection.

[0008] These risks are lower in single-use components and devices (which are sterilized and individually packaged). This reduces the spread of infection. Also, single-use components and devices are generally associated with lower costs and increased efficiency. Single-use components and devices are designed with lower durability requirements. This can be used for more cost-effective high-volume production techniques.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a great need for single-use connectors for use with hemodialysis systems, such as connectors that are permanently locked and cannot be released by external access (such as by a tool or a user's finger). Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hemodialysis system comprising: an arterial blood line for connection to a patient artery to collect blood from the patient; a venous blood line for connection to a patient vein to return blood to the patient; a reusable dialysis machine; and a disposable dialyzer having a disposable connector for connecting a catheter between the dialyzer and a dialysate solution.

[0011] The arterial blood line and the venous blood line can be of typical construction known to those skilled in the art. For example, the arterial blood line can be a conventional flexible hollow tube connected to a needle for collecting blood from a patient's artery. Similarly, the venous blood line can be a conventional flexible tube and needle for returning blood to a patient vein. Various structures and surgical procedures can be used to access a patient's blood, including intravenous catheters, arteriovenous fistulas, or synthetic grafts.

[0012] Preferably, the disposable dialyzer has a structure and design known to those skilled in the art, including a blood flow path and a dialysate flow path. The term "flow path" will denote one or more fluid conduits for transporting fluids, also known as channels. The conduits can be constructed in any manner determinable by those skilled in the art, such as including flexible medical tubing or non-flexible hollow metal or plastic housings. The blood flow path transports blood in a closed-loop system by connecting to an arterial blood line and a venous blood line, for transporting blood from a patient to the dialyzer and back to the patient. At the same time, the dialysate flow path transports dialysate from a dialysate supply source through a connector to the dialyzer in a closed-loop system and returns it to the dialysate supply source through the connector. Both the blood flow path and the dialysate flow path pass through the dialyzer, but are separated by the semipermeable membrane of the dialyzer.

[0013] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a connector for receiving and connecting a first catheter and a second catheter, the connector comprising: a sleeve including an elongate tubular body having an internal chamber, a first opening at a first end, a second opening at a second end, and at least one flexible finger having a barb at a free end, wherein the first opening includes a substantially circular shape having at least one slot positioned along a perimeter of the circular shape, and the at least one flexible finger is attached at the first end at the first slot and extends into the internal chamber; a chuck disposed to be received within the internal chamber of the sleeve, the chuck including: a first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body, each having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second cylindrical body being connected to the second end of the first cylindrical body so as to form a shoulder; at least one ridge extending longitudinally along an outer surface of the first cylindrical body; a collar disposed along the outer surface of the first cylindrical body between the at least one ridge and the shoulder; a first gap and a second gap, the first gap being formed between the at least one ridge and the collar, the second gap being formed between the collar and the shoulder; and first and second deflectable flanges located in a region near a second end of the second cylindrical body and having first and second surfaces or circumferential ridges on inner sides of the first and second flanges, respectively, wherein the first end of the first cylindrical body is arranged to pass through the first opening of the sleeve such that the at least one ridge passes through the at least one slot, an end of the first catheter is arranged to pass through an opening of the first cylindrical body into a lumen of the first cylindrical body, and an end of the second catheter is arranged to pass through the second end of the second cylindrical body into a lumen of the second cylindrical body, wherein, in a first position, the barb is received within the first gap, and in a second position, the barb is received within the second gap, and the first and second surfaces or circumferential ridges are received by first and second notches in an outer surface of the second catheter.

[0014] In another embodiment, the first conduit delivers a dialysate solution and the second conduit is an elongate tubular projection extending from the body of the dialyzer.

[0015] In another embodiment, the first opening of the sleeve further includes additional slots, wherein the at least one slot and the additional slots are positioned to be spaced apart by approximately 180° along the perimeter of a circular shape. The chuck may further include additional ridges that extend along a longitudinal axis on an outer surface of the first cylindrical body, and the at least one ridge and the additional ridges are positioned to be spaced apart by approximately 180° around the first cylindrical body, and the additional ridges and the annular collar form a third gap. The additional ridges may be arranged to pass through the additional slots.

[0016] In another embodiment, the sleeve further includes additional flexible fingers that have barbs at free ends and are attached at first ends at the additional slots and extend into the internal chamber. In a first position, the barbs of the additional flexible fingers are received within the third gap. In a second position, the barbs of the additional flexible fingers are received within the second gap.

[0017] In another embodiment, the chuck further includes an O-ring that is disposed within the internal chamber of the second cylindrical body near a shoulder. In the second position, an end of the second conduit is located within the lumen of the O-ring.

[0018] In another embodiment, the sleeve further includes first and second notches on a surface of the internal chamber, wherein at least a portion of the first and second deflectable flanges is received within the first and second notches when in the second position.

[0019] In another embodiment, the sleeve further includes first and second protrusions located between the first and second notches and the first end of the sleeve, and the second cylindrical body further includes first and second notches on an outer surface located between the first and second deflectable flanges and the shoulder. When in the second position, the first and second protrusions may be received within the first and second notches on the outer surface of the second cylindrical body.

[0020] In another embodiment, when in the second position, the barbs cannot be removed from the second gap by external access (e.g., by a tool or by a user's finger). In the second position, the barbs are permanently received within the second gap, and the first and second surfaces or circumferential ridges are permanently received within the first and second notches in the outer surface of the second conduit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention in an unlocked position.

[0022] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention in an unlocked position.

[0023] Figure 3 FIG. is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention, showing the sleeve and the chuck in an exploded view.

[0024] Figure 4 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention, showing the sleeve and the chuck in an exploded view.

[0025] Figure 5 FIG. is a perspective view of an embodiment of a part of a connector and a dialyzer before they are connected.

[0026] Figure 6 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention before they are connected.

[0027] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the connector shown in FIG. Figure 7 rotated 90°.

[0028] Figure 8 FIG. is a perspective view of a part of a dialyzer inserted into an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of a part of a dialyzer inserted into an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 10 is Figure 9 a cross-sectional view of a part of the dialyzer and an embodiment of the connector shown in FIG. Figure 10 rotated 90°.

[0031] Figure 11 FIG. is a perspective view of a part of a dialyzer inserted into an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 12 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of a part of a dialyzer inserted into an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 13 is inserted into Figure 12 a cross-sectional view of a part of a dialyzer inserted into the embodiment of the connector shown in FIG. Figure 13 rotated 90°.

[0034] Figure 14 FIG. is a perspective view of a part of a dialyzer inserted into an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention in a locked position.

[0035] Figure 15 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of a part of a dialyzer inserted into an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention in a locked position.

[0036] Figure 16 Yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a 90° rotation of a part of the dialyzer and an embodiment of the connector shown in Figure 16 . Detailed Description

[0037] Although the present invention may have various forms of embodiments, as shown in the drawings, the currently preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter. It should be understood that the present disclosure is considered to be an example of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments shown.

[0038] In Figure 5 、 8 、11 and 14 depict a part of a hemodialysis system. The hemodialysis system includes a dialyzer 25 connected to a blood flow path and a dialysate flow path. Both the blood flow path and the dialysate flow path travel through the dialyzer 25 to convey their respective fluids through a closed-loop system, wherein the dialysate flow path is isolated from the blood flow path by a semipermeable membrane (not shown). Preferably, the dialysate flows in a direction opposite to the flow of blood within the dialyzer 25. The dialyzer 25 has an inlet 31 for receiving the dialysate, an outlet (not shown) for discharging the dialysate, an inlet (not shown) for receiving blood from a patient, and an outlet 39 for returning the blood to the patient. The blood flow path and the dialysate flow path are catheters. The catheters may have an inner diameter of approximately 0.156 inches (3 - 5 mm). Both the blood flow path and the dialysate flow path pass through the dialyzer 25 but are separated by the semipermeable membrane of the dialyzer. The dialyzer 25 has a structure and design known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the dialyzer 25 includes a large number of hollow fibers forming the semipermeable membrane. Suitable dialyzers are available from Fresenius Medical Care, Baxter International Inc., and Nipro Medical Corporation.

[0039] As Figures 1 - 7 shown in

[0039] , a locking connector 1 is introduced. The locking connector 1 enables the connection of a first catheter or solution transfer line 3 (such as a dialysis solution circulation hose) to a second catheter (such as the inlet 31 of the dialyzer 25 or an outlet (not shown)). As Figures 1 - 4As shown, the connector 1 includes a female element or sleeve 10. The sleeve 10 is an elongated tubular body having an opening 14 at a first end 12 and a lumen or internal chamber 16 that communicates with the opening 14 at the first end 12 and an opening 18 at a second end 20. The outer surface of the sleeve 10 may have an annular notch 13 to assist a user in gripping the connector 1. A notch 17 located on the outer surface of the sleeve 10 may also assist the user in gripping the connector 1. The opening 14 at the first end 12 is for receiving an end portion of the fluid flow conduit 3 and has a generally circular shape with two slots 22 along the circular perimeter, the two slots 22 being arranged to be spaced apart by approximately 180° in the middle of the circle. The sleeve 10 also includes two flexible fingers 24 that extend from edges of the slots 22 that are arranged along the perimeter of the circular opening 14 at the first end 12 into the lumen 16 of the sleeve 10, the two flexible fingers 24 including enlarged free ends or barbs 26. The internal chamber of the sleeve 10 that defines the lumen 16 is generally cylindrical and tapers slightly toward the first end 12 such that the diameter of the lumen 16 at the second end 20 is greater than the diameter of the lumen 16 at the first end 12. The sleeve 10 has a generally circular opening 18 at the second end 20 through which a male member or chuck 50 is received. As Figure 4 shown, the inner surface of the sleeve 10 includes two recessed portions or notches 28 in a region at the second end 20 of the sleeve 10, the two recessed portions or notches 28 being arranged to be spaced apart by approximately 180° in the middle of the circle defined by the sleeve. The two recessed portions or notches 28 are also arranged such that each is offset from the flexible finger 24 by approximately 90° at the first end 12. The sleeve 10 also includes first and second protrusions 30 located directly above each recessed portion, such that the protrusions are also arranged such that each is offset from the flexible finger 24 by approximately 90° at the first end 12.

[0040] As Figures 1 - 4As shown in, the connector 1 further includes a male member or chuck 50 configured to be received within the inner chamber 16 of the sleeve 10. The chuck 50 has a first end 52 and a second end 54 and includes first and second cylindrical bodies 56, 58, each having a lumen 60, 62 respectively. The lumen 60 of the first cylindrical body 56 is in communication with the lumen 62 of the second cylindrical body 58. The first cylindrical body 56 has a smaller diameter (inner and outer diameters) than the second cylindrical body 58 and terminates at the first end 52 of the chuck 50. The chuck 50 has a shoulder or shelf 64 where the second cylindrical body 58 intersects, engages or connects with the first cylindrical body 56. The outer surface of the first cylindrical body 56 of the chuck 50 includes: a post or ridge 66 that extends along the longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical body; and a collar 68 that forms first and second annular ridges 70, 72, the first annular ridge 70 being closer to the first end 52 of the chuck 50 than the second annular ridge 72. The first annular ridge 70 may be smaller than the second annular ridge 72. The post or ridge 66 extends from the first end 52 of the chuck 50 along the longitudinal axis of the first cylindrical body 56 for approximately half (1 / 2), or one-third (1 / 3), or two-thirds (2 / 3), or three-quarters (3 / 4) of the length of the first cylindrical body and terminates before the first annular ridge 70 of the collar 68. The ends of each post or ridge 66 and the first annular ridge 70 form first and second gaps 74 for holding the enlarged ends or barbs 26 of the flexible fingers 24. The second annular ridge 72 of the collar 68 and the shoulder or shelf 64 form an annular gap 76 that also serves to hold the enlarged ends or barbs 26 of the flexible fingers 24.

[0041] As Figure 4 shown in, the interior of the first cylindrical body 56 includes an annular ridge 78 located on the inner surface of the first cylindrical body and positioned between the first and second annular ridges 70, 72 located outside the first cylindrical body 56. The second cylindrical body 58 has first and second flexible deflectable or deflectable flanges 80 in a region near the second end 54 of the chuck 50. The flanges 80 include ribs 82 that extend along the horizontal axis of the flange 80 and are configured to lock into an opening, notch or gap 33 in the outer surface of an inlet (such as from a dialyzer) to be connected. As Figure 3As shown, the outer surface of the second cylindrical body 58 further includes first and second notches 84 above the flange 80, which are located between the flange 80 and the shoulder or shelf 64 and are used to receive the protrusions 30 inside the sleeve 10. The outer diameter of the first cylindrical body 56 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening 14 at the first end 12 of the sleeve 10. Thus, the first cylindrical body 56 is arranged to pass through the opening 14 at the first end 12 of the sleeve 10, and the posts or ridges 66 on the outer surface of the first cylindrical body 56 pass through the slots 22 in the opening 14 at the first end 12 of the sleeve 10. The O-ring 86 is placed in the annular groove 88 adjacent to the shelf or shoulder 64 in the lumen 62 of the second cylindrical body 58 (see Figure 4 ).

[0042] Figures 5 - 7 Figure 1 shows the sleeve 10, in which a fluid flow conduit 3 (such as a dialysis tube) is inserted into the opening 14 at the first end 12 of the sleeve 10 and passes through the opening 51 in the first end 52 of the chuck 50, so that the tube 3 is located in the lumen 60 of the first cylindrical body 56 and abuts against the annular ridge 78 inside the first cylindrical body 56. The chuck 50 is inserted through the opening 18 in the second end 20 of the sleeve 10 and is located in the inner chamber 16. As Figure 6 shown, relative to the sleeve 10, the chuck 50 is oriented such that the deflectable flange 80 is located within the recessed portion or notch 28 in the inner surface of the sleeve 10, and the protrusion 30 above the recessed portion 28 is received within the first and second notches 84 in the outer surface of the second cylindrical body near the shoulder or shelf. As Figure 7 shown, the Figure 7 figure shows the connector rotated 90° from Figure 6 the view, and the barbs or enlarged ends 26 of the flexible fingers 24 are located in the first and second gaps 74 formed between the ends of the ridges 66 and the first annular ridge 70, thereby temporarily locking the chuck 50 in the first position within the inner chamber of the sleeve 10.

[0043] As Figures 8 - 10 shown, the inlet 31 (or outlet, not shown) is inserted through the opening 53 at the second end 54 of the chuck 50, so that the distal region of the inlet 31 (or outlet) is received within the lumen 62 or inner chamber of the second cylindrical body 58. The inlet 31 (or outlet) is inserted into the lumen 62 of the second cylindrical body 58 and advanced until the end abuts against the shoulder or shelf 64 and is located within the lumen of the O-ring 86. The surface or circumferential ridge 82 of the deflectable flange 80 is adjacent to the gap or notch 33 in the outer surface of the inlet 31 (or outlet), but the deflectable flange 80 still extends radially outward such that the surface or circumferential ridge 82 is not locked within the gap or notch 33 of the inlet 31 (or outlet). As Figure 9 and 10as shown in Figure 10 is Figure 9 a view in Figure 9 rotated 90°), the chuck 50 remains in the first position within the inner chamber 16 of the sleeve 10, i.e., the barbs or enlarged ends 26 of the flexible fingers 24 still lie within the first and second gaps 74 formed between the ends of the respective ridges 66 and the first annular ridge 70 of the collar 68, and the protrusions 30 above the recessed portions 28 are received within the first and second notches 84 in the outer surface of the second cylindrical body, near the shoulders or shelves.

[0044] As Figures 11 - 13 shown in Figures 11 - 13 , the chuck 50 (which has an inlet 31 disposed within the inner chamber 62 of the second cylindrical body 28) further advances in the direction of the first end 12 of the sleeve 10 such that the first end 52 of the first cylindrical body 56 further moves through the first end 12 of the sleeve 10. The advancement of the chuck 50 forces the barbs 26 out of the gaps 74 and forces the protrusions 30 out of the first and second notches 84 in the outer surface of the second cylindrical body 58. Moreover, the pressure from the inner surface of the sleeve 10 forces the upper surface or circumferential ridge 82 of the deflectable flange 80 to be received within the gap or notch 33 in the outer surface of the inlet 31 (or outlet).

[0045] As Figures 14 - 16 shown in Figures 14 - 16 , the further advancement of the chuck 50 in the direction of the first end 12 of the sleeve 10 forces the barbs 26 of the flexible fingers 24 into the annular gap 76 between the second annular ridge 72 and the shoulder or shelf 64. This results in the permanent locking of the chuck 50 onto the sleeve 10, thereby permanently connecting the dialyzer inlet 31 (or outlet) to the fluid flow conduit 3 (such as a dialysate tube). The sleeve 10 does not contain any external access points that would allow a user to release the barbs 26 of the flexible fingers 24 from the annular gap 76, for example, by finger or tool.

[0046] Finally, with respect to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention shown and described herein, it should be understood that a hemodialysis system is disclosed. The principles of the present invention can be practiced in a variety of settings beyond those shown and described, and thus it should be understood that the present invention is not limited in any way by the exemplary embodiments, but rather generally relates to a hemodialysis system and is capable of taking various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also understand that the present invention is not limited to the particular geometries and structural materials disclosed, but may alternatively require other functionally equivalent structures or materials now known or later developed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the various features of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any logical manner and will be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0047] Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements or steps of the present invention should not be construed as limiting. Each group of components may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other groups of components disclosed herein. For convenience and / or for reasons of patentability, it is contemplated that one or more components of a group may be included in or deleted from the group. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to cover the modified group.

[0048] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing features, items, quantities, parameters, properties, terms, etc. used in this specification and the claims should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about". As used herein, the term "about" means that the feature, item, quantity, parameter, property or term so qualified includes a range of plus or minus 10% of the value above and below the stated feature, item, quantity, parameter, property or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and the appended claims are approximate values that may vary. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Although the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broader scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values set forth in the specific embodiments are reported as precisely as possible. Nevertheless, any numerical range or value inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviations found in their respective testing measurements. The recitation of numerical ranges of values herein is merely a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each separate value within a numerical range is included in the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0049] Unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context, the terms "a", "an", "the" and similar terms as used in the context of introducing the present invention (particularly in the context of the appended claims) should be construed to cover both the singular and the plural. Unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context, all methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order. The use of any and all example language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is merely for the purpose of better illustrating the invention and does not impose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating that any non-claimed element is essential to the practice of the invention.

[0050] The specific embodiments disclosed herein can be further limited in the claims using language such as "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of". When used in a claim, whether submitted or added pursuant to amendment, the transitional term "consisting of" excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional term "consisting essentially of" limits the scope of the claim to the specified materials or steps and those materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics. Embodiments of the invention so claimed are inherently or explicitly illustrated and enabled herein.

[0051] It should be understood that the order of processing, methods, and the corresponding elements of each method is purely exemplary. Depending on the embodiment, they may be performed in any order or in parallel, unless otherwise stated herein.

[0052] Although numerous specific forms of the invention have been shown and described, it is apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention will be limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A connector for receiving and connecting a first conduit and a second conduit, the connector comprising: a sleeve including an elongate tubular body having an internal chamber, a first opening at a first end, a second opening at a second end, and at least one flexible finger having a barb at a free end, wherein the first opening includes a substantially circular shape having at least one slot positioned along a perimeter of the circular shape, and the at least one flexible finger is attached at the first end at the first slot and extends into the internal chamber; a chuck configured to be received within the internal chamber of the sleeve, the chuck including: a first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body each having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second cylindrical body being connected to the second end of the first cylindrical body so as to form a shoulder; at least one ridge extending longitudinally along an outer surface of the first cylindrical body; a collar disposed along the outer surface of the first cylindrical body between the at least one ridge and the shoulder; a first gap and a second gap, the first gap being formed between the at least one ridge and the collar, the second gap being formed between the collar and the shoulder; and a first deflectable flange and a second deflectable flange located in a region near the second end of the second cylindrical body and having a first circumferential ridge and a second circumferential ridge inside the first deflectable flange and the second deflectable flange respectively, wherein the first end of the first cylindrical body is configured to pass through the first opening of the sleeve such that the at least one ridge passes through the at least one slot, an end of the first conduit is configured to pass through the opening of the first cylindrical body into a lumen of the first cylindrical body, and an end of the second conduit is configured to pass through the second end of the second cylindrical body into a lumen of the second cylindrical body, in a first position, the barb is received within the first gap, and in a second position, the barb is received within the second gap, the first circumferential ridge and the second circumferential ridge being received by a first notch and a second notch in an outer surface of the second conduit.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: the first conduit conveys a dialysate solution.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: the second conduit is an elongate tubular projection extending from a body of a dialyzer.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: a diameter of the first cylindrical body is smaller than that of the second cylindrical body.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: the first opening of the sleeve further includes an additional slot, the at least one slot and the additional slot being positioned to be spaced apart by approximately 180° along the perimeter of the circular shape.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein, the chuck further includes an additional ridge extending longitudinally along the outer surface of the first cylindrical body, the at least one ridge and the additional ridge being positioned to be spaced apart by approximately 180° around the first cylindrical body, and the additional ridge and the annular collar form a third gap.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein, the additional ridge is configured to pass through the additional slot.

8. The connector according to claim 6, wherein: The sleeve further includes an additional flexible finger having a barb at the free end and attached at the first end at an additional slot and extending into the internal chamber.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein, In the first position, the barb of the additional flexible finger is received within the third gap, and in the second position, the barb of the additional flexible finger is received within the second gap.

10. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The chuck further includes an O-ring disposed within the internal chamber of the second cylindrical body near the shoulder.

11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein: In the second position, the end of the second conduit is located within the lumen of the O-ring.

12. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The sleeve further includes a first notch and a second notch on the surface of the internal chamber, and at least a portion of the first deflectable flange and the second deflectable flange is received within the first notch and the second notch when in the second position.

13. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The sleeve further includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion between the first notch and the second notch and the first end of the sleeve, and the second cylindrical body further includes a first notch and a second notch on the outer surface between the first deflectable flange and the second deflectable flange and the shoulder.

14. The connector according to claim 13, wherein: When in the second position, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are received within the first notch and the second notch on the outer surface of the second cylindrical body.

15. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: When in the second position, the barb cannot be removed from the second gap through an external access point.

16. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: When in the second position, the barb cannot be removed from the second gap by a tool.

17. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: In the second position, the barb is permanently received within the second gap, and the first circumferential ridge and the second circumferential ridge are permanently received within the first notch and the second notch in the outer surface of the second conduit.

Images