Port-catheter assembly clamping, cutting and connecting tool

Abstract

A stabilizing and trimming tool (100) includes a handle (110) operatively coupled to a cradle (120) and a clamping device (150), wherein the cradle is configured to receive and hold a catheter lock (90), and wherein the clamping device is designed to grip a catheter. A proximal end of the catheter can pass through the catheter lock and be releasably held by the tool. The tool further includes a catheter cutting mechanism (150) coupled to the handle, wherein the catheter cutting mechanism is configured to trim a proximal portion of the catheter and couple the catheter to a port using the catheter lock. The tool can subsequently release the catheter lock and withdraw from the insertion site.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] In placing a catheter, such as a central vascular catheter (CVC) or a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), the precise location of the distal tip within the vasculature can be important to the efficacy of the catheter system and the administered therapy. For example, if the distal tip is not inserted far enough, the efficacy of the therapy is reduced. If the distal tip is inserted too far, the distal tip can cause arrhythmia. For catheters that form an integral unit with a port, the length of the catheter needs to be estimated prior to catheter placement. Errors in estimating the length of the catheter can be very disadvantageous to the patient.

[0002] A proximally trimmable catheter port system allows for placement of a catheter portion prior to trimming the catheter to the appropriate length. This can allow for more accurate sizing of the catheter relative to the target location and the port. In addition, such a port / catheter system allows for replacement of one of the port portion or the catheter portion without disturbing the positioning of the other portion. However, the catheter must then be attached to the port within the tissue pocket. Trimming the catheter and attaching the catheter to the port with a cath lock can both be difficult within the confined and moist environment of the tissue pocket. Such a procedure can require manipulation of several tools to hold the catheter, hold the cath lock, trim the catheter, attach the catheter to the port, and finally lock the cath lock in place. The increased risk of trauma to the insertion site can result from the multiple tools inserted at one time. In addition, the repeated insertion of multiple tools can result in an increased risk of infection, and such a complex procedure can be time consuming. SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a cath lock placement and attachment tool for use with a proximally trimmable catheter and port system. Advantageously, the tool provides a single tool configured to hold the catheter, hold the cath lock, trim the catheter, attach the catheter to the port, and lock the cath lock in place. This can alleviate the repeated insertion of multiple tools and can speed up the placement of a proximally trimmable port / catheter system.

[0004] Disclosed herein is a stabilization and trimming tool for coupling a catheter to an access port, the tool comprising: a handle operatively coupled to a cradle and a clamping device, wherein the cradle is designed to hold a cath lock, and wherein the clamping device is designed to grip a catheter; and a catheter cutting mechanism coupled to the handle, wherein the catheter cutting mechanism is configured to be actuated after stabilizing the cath lock and the catheter by the handle.

[0005] In some embodiments, a first pressure applied to the handle applies pressure to the cradle, and wherein a second pressure greater than the first pressure applies pressure to both the cradle and the clamping device. The cradle defines a channel, an inner surface of the channel defining a profile similar to an outer profile of the catheter lock. The inner surface of the channel defines a tapered shape. The inner surface of the channel defines a stepped portion configured to abut against a stepped portion of the catheter lock. The clamping device includes a pair of clamping members covered by a rubber or silicone material. The catheter cutting mechanism is actuated by an actuator. The cradle includes a pair of jaws that are transitionable between an open position and a closed position, the jaws configured to hold the catheter lock within the cradle in the closed position. A first jaw of the pair of jaws is rotatably coupled to a first edge of the cradle, and a second jaw of the pair of jaws is rotatably coupled to a second edge of the cradle. The cradle defines a channel and includes a pair of grippers transitionable between a retracted position and an extended position, the pair of grippers configured to hold the catheter lock within the cradle in the extended position. The pair of grippers is slidably engaged with the cradle along an axis extending perpendicular to an axis of the channel.

[0006] A method of attaching a catheter to an access port is also disclosed, comprising: establishing a tissue pocket in a patient and inserting an access port into the pocket, the access port including a handle; inserting a catheter into a vessel of the patient until a tip of the catheter is positioned at a desired location; sliding a catheter lock over a proximal end of the catheter; gripping the catheter lock and the catheter with a tool; removing a proximal portion of the catheter using the tool; inserting the handle into an open end of the catheter; and sliding the catheter lock over the catheter to secure the catheter lock and the catheter to the access port.

[0007] In some embodiments, the tool includes a handle operatively coupled to a cradle and a clamping device, wherein gripping the catheter lock and the catheter includes inserting the catheter lock into the cradle, positioning the clamping device over the catheter, and actuating the handle to apply a gripping force to the cradle and the clamping device. The cradle defines a channel, an inner surface of the channel defining a profile similar to an outer profile of the catheter lock. The inner surface of the channel defines a tapered shape. The inner surface of the channel defines a stepped portion configured to abut against a stepped portion of the catheter lock. The tool further includes a catheter cutting mechanism coupled to the handle, and wherein removing the proximal portion of the catheter includes, after actuating the handle, actuating the cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes a first cutting member rotatably coupled to the handle. The cutting mechanism includes a first cutting member and a second cutting member rotatably coupled to the handle in a scissor-like mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional features and details using the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] FIG. 1A A left-side view of an exemplary conduit lock placement tool including a bracket, according to an embodiment disclosed herein, is shown.

[0010] FIG. 1B A plan view of an exemplary conduit lock placement tool according to an embodiment disclosed herein is shown.

[0011] FIG. 1C A right-side view of an exemplary conduit lock placement tool according to an embodiment disclosed herein is shown.

[0012] FIG. 2A Close-up details of an embodiment of the bracket according to the embodiments disclosed herein are shown.

[0013] FIG. 2B A close-up detail of an embodiment of the present invention, in which the bracket is in the closed position, is shown.

[0014] FIG. 2C A close-up detail of an embodiment of the present invention, in which the bracket is in the open position, is shown.

[0015] FIG. 2D Close-up details of an embodiment of the bracket according to the embodiments disclosed herein are shown.

[0016] FIG. 3A A close-up detail of an embodiment of a bracket according to the embodiments disclosed herein is shown, wherein the bracket includes a clamping mechanism in an open position.

[0017] FIG. 3B A close-up detail of an embodiment of a bracket according to the embodiments disclosed herein is shown, wherein the bracket includes a clamping mechanism in a closed position.

[0018] FIG. 4A A close-up detail of an embodiment of a bracket according to the embodiments disclosed herein is shown, wherein the bracket includes a cutting mechanism in a first position.

[0019] FIG. 4B A close-up detail of an embodiment of a bracket according to the embodiments disclosed herein is shown, wherein the bracket includes a cutting mechanism in a second position.

[0020] FIG. 5AA cross-sectional view of a cathlock according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0021] FIG. 5B A side view of a cathlock according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0022] FIG. 5C A cross-sectional view of a cathlock according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0023] FIG. 5D A side view of a cathlock according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0024] FIG. 5E to FIG. 5F A perspective view of a cathlock according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown.

[0025] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E An exemplary method of use for a cathlock placement tool according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Before some particular embodiments are disclosed in more detail, it should be understood that the particular embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that features of the particular embodiments disclosed herein can be readily separated from the particular embodiments disclosed herein and optionally combined or substituted with features of any of the other particular embodiments disclosed herein or with features of any other particular embodiments disclosed herein.

[0027] With respect to the terms used herein, it should also be understood that these terms are used for the purpose of describing some particular embodiments and that these terms do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps in a group of features or steps and do not supply a serial or numerical limitation. For example, a “first,” “second,” and “third” feature or step need not necessarily appear in that order, and a particular embodiment including such features or steps need not necessarily include the three features or steps. Labels such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” and the like are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed location, orientation, or direction. On the contrary, such terms are used in connection with the figures to reflect, for example, relative location, orientation, or direction. Singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028] “proximal,”“proximal portion,” or“proximal end portion” of, for example, a catheter disclosed herein includes the portion of the catheter intended to be proximate to a clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. Likewise,“proximal length” of, for example, a catheter includes the length of the catheter intended to be proximate to a clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. For example,“proximal end” of a catheter includes the end of the catheter intended to be proximate to a clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. The proximal portion, proximal end portion, or proximal length of a catheter can include the proximal end of the catheter; however, the proximal portion, proximal end portion, or proximal length of a catheter does not necessarily include the proximal end of the catheter. That is, unless the context suggests otherwise, the proximal portion, proximal end portion, or proximal length of a catheter is not the distal portion or distal length of the catheter.

[0029] “distal,”“distal portion,” or“distal end portion” of, for example, a catheter disclosed herein includes the portion of the catheter intended to be proximate to a patient or within a patient’s body when the catheter is used on a patient. Likewise,“distal length” of, for example, a catheter includes the length of the catheter intended to be proximate to a patient or within a patient’s body when the catheter is used on a patient. For example,“distal end” of a catheter includes the end of the catheter intended to be proximate to a patient or within a patient’s body when the catheter is used on a patient. The distal portion, distal end portion, or distal length of a catheter can include the distal end of the catheter; however, the distal portion, distal end portion, or distal length of a catheter does not necessarily include the distal end of the catheter. That is, unless the context suggests otherwise, the distal portion, distal end portion, or distal length of a catheter is not the proximal portion or proximal length of the catheter.

[0030] As used herein and as shown in FIG. 6A the longitudinal axis extends along an axial length of the catheter, the lateral axis extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the transverse axis extends perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis. As used herein,“tapered” shape is a cross-sectional shape or diameter that decreases along an axis. For example, a conical or frustoconical shape, etc. As used herein,“operatively coupled” can include gears, rods, mechanisms, biasing members, motors, wiring, switches, power sources, etc. configured as an operating mechanism.

[0031] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0032] The disclosure generally relates to a catheter lock placement tool (“tool”) 100 configured to stabilize a catheter lock 90 relative to a proximal portion of a catheter 80 and trim a portion of the catheter 80 to facilitate coupling with a port 70 to secure the catheter to the port with the catheter lock 90.

[0033] The proximal trimmable catheter and port system is configured to allow placement of the distal portion of the catheter within the patient's vascular system and to attach an access port or similar medical device to the proximal end. Advantageously, the distal tip of the catheter can be positioned at the target location before trimming the proximal end to the correct length and attaching it to port 70. This mitigates miscalculations of catheter length due to sizing and attaching the catheter and port system prior to placement. Furthermore, the proximal end of catheter 80 is trimmable to mate with the position of port 70 already positioned within a tissue pouch. This is particularly relevant to port catheter systems in which catheter 80 is detachable and replaceable while port 70 remains in place within the tissue pouch. The detachable port / catheter system may include a catheter lock 90 or similar device configured to secure catheter 80 to the handle of port 70.

[0034] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to tool 100 configured to stabilize a catheter locking device (“catheter lock”) 90 relative to the proximal portion of catheter 80 and to trim the proximal portion of catheter 80 to the correct length for attachment to a subcutaneous access port (“port”) 70. Advantageously, the embodiments disclosed herein provide a single tool for: stabilizing the catheter, stabilizing the catheter lock, trimming the catheter, attaching the catheter to the port, and locking the catheter lock in place.

[0035] like FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C As shown, tool 100 may include an elongated handle 110 extending from a first end 112 to a second end 114 to define an axial length extending along axis 10. A bracket 120 may be disposed at the second end 114 of the handle 110 and configured to retain a conduit lock 90 therein. The bracket 120 may include a channel 122 defining a channel axis 12 extending perpendicular to the central axis 10. The bracket 120 may include an elongated opening 124 extending parallel to the channel axis 12 and configured to allow the conduit lock 90 to enter into and exit the channel 122.

[0036] The inner surface 126 of the channel 122 may define a profile similar to the profile of the outer surface of the conduit lock 90 or a portion thereof. This allows the conduit lock 90 to be securely fitted within the channel 122 to retain it therein. In one embodiment, the inner surface 126 of the bracket may comprise a material (e.g., silicone, rubber, etc.) or a textured surface that can increase the coefficient of friction between the bracket 120 and the conduit lock 90. ​​In one embodiment, the channel 122 may define a tapered inner surface 126 configured to limit movement of the conduit lock 90 relative to the bracket 120 along the channel axis 12 in a first direction.

[0037] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5FA plurality of views of an exemplary catheter lock 90 are shown. As noted, the interior profile of the channel 122 can match the exterior profile of the catheter lock 90, such that the interior profile of the channel 122 can be configured to receive and retain FIG. 5A to FIG. 5F It is understood, however, that these exemplary catheter locks 90 are not intended to be limiting. In one embodiment, the catheter lock 90 can define a substantially cylindrical shape extending along a longitudinal axis. The cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the catheter lock 90 (i.e., the cross-sectional shape extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) can be circular, elliptical, rectangular, rounded rectangular, or combinations thereof. It is understood, however, that the catheter lock 90 can define any regular or irregular closed curve polygonal cross-sectional shape.

[0038] In one embodiment, the catheter lock 90 or portions thereof can define a tapered shape including a decreasing diameter between a proximal end and a distal end. In one embodiment, the outer surface 92 of the catheter lock 90 can define one or more stepped portions 94 to define an abutment configured to engage an abutment surface of the channel 122, thereby limiting movement of the catheter lock 90 relative to the cradle 120. The stepped portions 94 can extend annularly about a portion of the catheter lock 90 about the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the catheter lock can include one or more protrusions (not shown) to define an abutment configured to engage an abutment surface or recess of the channel 122 to limit movement of the catheter lock 90 relative to the cradle 120.

[0039] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D Additional embodiments of the cradle 120 are shown. As FIG. 2A As shown, in one embodiment, the width (x) of the opening 124 can be less than the outer cross-sectional diameter (y) of the catheter lock 90. Further, the material of the cradle 120 can include elastic mechanical properties. As such, the catheter lock 90 can be pushed along the axis 10 of the tool 100 through the opening 124, and the cradle 120 can slightly deform to allow the catheter lock 90 to pass therethrough and be received within the channel 122. When the catheter lock 90 is located within the channel 122, the cradle can return to the undeformed shape and retain the catheter lock 90 therein. The edges of the opening (e.g., the top edge 124A or the bottom edge 124B) can abut against the outer surface of the catheter lock 90 to prevent the catheter lock 90 from prematurely disengaging from the cradle 120. Similarly, by pushing the catheter lock 90 along the axis 10 of the tool 100, the catheter lock 90 can be withdrawn from the channel 122 through the opening 124. This can cause the cradle to slightly deform in order to allow the catheter lock 90 to pass through the opening 124, after which the cradle returns to the undeformed shape and disengages from the catheter lock 90.

[0040] As FIG. 2B to FIG. 2CAs shown, the cradle 90 can also include one or more jaws 134 that are rotatably coupled to the edge of the opening 124 and are transitionable between a closed position FIG. 2B ) and an open position FIG. 2C ). In one embodiment, the width (x) of the opening 124 can be equal to or slightly greater than the outer diameter (y) of the catheter lock 90. Thus, in the open position, the catheter lock 90 can be slid through the opening 124 to be received within the channel 122. The cradle 120 can include a first jaw 134A and a second jaw 134B disposed opposite the first jaw 134A on another side of the opening 124. In the closed position, the jaws 134A, 134B can be rotated inwardly toward the opening 124 to constrain the width (x) of the opening to a distance that is less than the diameter (y) of the catheter lock 90 and to retain the catheter lock 90 within the channel 122. In one embodiment, the first jaw 134A and the second jaw 134B can contact each other when in the closed position. In the open position, the jaws 134A, 134B can be rotated outwardly away from the opening 124 to expand the width (x) of the opening 124 and to allow the catheter lock 90 to enter / exit the channel 122.

[0041] In one embodiment, the jaws 134 are operatively coupled to an actuator 170 disposed near the first end 112 of the handle 110. The actuator 170 is configured to allow a user to transition the jaws 134 between the open position and the closed position, as described in greater detail herein. In one embodiment, the jaws 134 can comprise rubber, silicone, or similar materials to increase the coefficient of friction between the jaws 134 and the catheter lock 90 and to assist in retaining the catheter lock 90 within the channel 122.

[0042] As FIG. 2DAs shown, in one embodiment, the bracket 90 may further include one or more grippers 136, such as a first gripper 136A and a second gripper 136B, which are arranged within the wall of the channel 122 and are convertible between an extended position (e.g., the first gripper 136A) and a retracted position (e.g., 136B). It should be noted that in one embodiment, grippers 136A and 136B may both be in the extended position or both in the retracted position. The grippers 136 can convert between the extended and retracted positions along an axis perpendicular to both the channel axis 12 and the direction in which the conduit lock 90 enters / exits the channel 122 (i.e., the axis 10 of the tool 100). In the extended position, grippers 136A and 136B may come into close contact with the outer surface of the conduit lock 90, pressing the conduit lock 90 against the opposing grippers 136 and / or the opposing wall of the channel 122, and retaining the conduit lock 90 within the channel 122. In the retracted position, grippers 136A and 136B can be retracted into the recess located in the wall of channel 122, releasing the conduit lock 90 and allowing the conduit lock 90 to enter / exit channel 122.

[0043] In one embodiment, the gripper 136 is operatively coupled to an actuator 170 disposed near the proximal end of the handle 110. The actuator 170 is configured to allow a user to switch the gripper 136 between an extended position and a retracted position, as described in more detail herein. In one embodiment, the gripper 136 may comprise rubber, silicone, or a similar material to increase the coefficient of friction between the gripper 136 and the catheter lock 90 and to facilitate retention of the catheter lock 90 within the channel 122.

[0044] like FIG. 1A , FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B As shown, tool 100 may further include a clamping device (“clamp”) 150, which is operatively coupled to tool 100 proximal to bracket 120 and configured to selectively retain a portion of conduit 80 extending along channel axis 12 through bracket 120. Clamp 150 can be in an open position ( FIG. 3A ) and closing position ( FIG. 3B The clamp 150 can switch between the open and closed positions. When the clamp 150 is in the open position, a portion of the conduit 80 can pass unobstructed along the channel axis 12 through the channel 122. When the clamp 150 is in the closed position, the clamp 150 can grip a portion of the conduit 80 to prevent movement of the conduit 80 relative to the tool 100.

[0045] In one embodiment, the clamp 150 may include a first clamping member 150A and a second clamping member 150B. One of the first clamping member 150A and the second clamping member 150B may be rotatably coupled to a tool to allow the clamp 150 to switch between an open position and a closed position. In one embodiment, the clamp 150 is operatively coupled to an actuator 170 to allow a user to switch the clamp 150 between the open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the clamp 150 may include a material (e.g., silicone, rubber, etc.) or a textured surface that can increase the coefficient of friction between the clamp 150 and the conduit 80. In one embodiment, the clamp 150 may include a biasing member, such as a spring, configured to bias the clamp 150 toward either the open or closed position.

[0046] It should be understood that various clamping mechanisms are envisioned to fall within the scope of the invention, including sliding members that slidably engage with tool 100, wiring members configured to surround and secure around conduit 80, compression members configured to compress conduit against a portion of tool 100, and combinations thereof.

[0047] like FIG. 1A , FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B As shown, tool 100 may further include a cutting member 150, which is operatively coupled to tool 100 near bracket 120 and configured to trim the portion of conduit 80 extending through channel 122. In one embodiment, cutting member 160 may be rotatably coupled to tool 100 such that the sharp cutting edge 162 of cutting member 160 may cross channel axis 12 in a first position ( FIG. 4A ) and the second position ( FIG. 4B In one embodiment, the cutting member 160 is operatively coupled to the actuator 170 to allow the user to switch the cutting member 160 between a first position and a second position.

[0048] In one embodiment, the cutting member 160 may include a biasing member, such as a spring, configured to bias the cutting member 160 toward either a first position or a second position. For example, the biasing member may bias the cutting member 160 toward the first position, and a user may actuate the actuator 170 to switch the cutting member 160 to the second position, thereby cutting the portion of the extension of the conduit 80 across the cutting member 160. When the user releases the actuator 170, the biasing member may switch the cutting member 160 from the second position to the first position.

[0049] In one embodiment, a biasing member can bias the cutting member 160 toward a second position. The cutting member 160 can be held in a first position by a trigger. A user can actuate actuator 170 to release the trigger, allowing the biasing member to transition the cutting member 160 from the first position to the second position. Optionally, actuator 170 can be configured to reset the cutting member 160 from the second position to the first position, such that the trigger can hold the cutting member 160 in the first position.

[0050] It should be understood that various cutting mechanisms 160 are envisioned to fall within the scope of the invention, including sliding cutting members slidably engaged with tool 100, wiring members configured to surround and fasten around conduit 80 to cut a portion of conduit, scissor-like cutting members rotatably connected to tool and configured to rotate relative to each other in opposite directions, combinations thereof, etc.

[0051] like FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C As shown, in one embodiment, tool 100 may include one or more actuators 170 configured to actuate one or a combination of clamp 134, gripper 136, clamping mechanism 150, and cutting member 160. In one embodiment, the one or more actuators 170 may be a lever (e.g., a first actuator 172), a button (e.g., a second actuator 174, a third actuator 176), a switch, a rocker switch, a slider, a rotary nut, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the first actuator 172 is operatively coupled to one or a combination of clamp 134, gripper 136, and the second actuator 174 is operatively coupled to clamping mechanism 150, and the third actuator 176 is operatively coupled to cutting mechanism 160.

[0052] In one embodiment, a first actuator 172 may be operatively coupled to one of the clamps 134 and the gripper 136, as well as the clamping mechanism 150. For example, the first actuator 172 may be moved from a first position to a second position to actuate one of the clamps 134 and the gripper 136, and then to a third position to actuate the clamping mechanism 150. A second actuator 174 may be operatively coupled to a cutting mechanism 160. Alternatively, the tool 100 may include a finger ring 190 or a similar structure configured to facilitate gripping and manipulating the tool 100.

[0053] As used herein, "operatively coupled" can include gears, rods, mechanisms, biasing members, springs, motors, wiring, switches, power sources, etc. configured to operate a mechanism. For example, the actuator 170 can include a rod (not shown) that is rotatably coupled to a first end of an actuator arm that is disposed within the interior of the handle 110. A second end of the arm, opposite the first end, can be coupled with one or a combination of the jaws 134, the clamp 136, the clamping mechanism 150, the cutting member 160. Actuating the actuator 170 can move the arm within the interior of the handle 110 to actuate one or a combination of the jaws 134, the clamp 136, the clamping mechanism 150, the cutting member 160, as described herein, e.g., to transition the jaws between open and closed, or to transition the clamp between extended and retracted, etc. In one embodiment, the actuator 170 can include a switch configured to close a circuit to actuate a motor, servo mechanism, or similar device. The motor can be disposed within the interior of the handle 110 and configured to actuate one or a combination of the jaws 134, the clamp 136, the clamping mechanism 150, the cutting member 160, as described herein, e.g., to transition the jaws between open and closed, or to transition the clamp between extended and retracted, etc.

[0054] As FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E shown, in an example method of use, the catheter lock placement tool 100 can hold the catheter lock 90, stabilize and trim a proximal portion of the catheter 80, couple the catheter to the handle 72 of the port 70, and secure the catheter 80 to the port with the catheter lock 90, as described herein. In one embodiment, a distal portion of the catheter 80 can be placed at a target location within a patient's vasculature. The proximal end of the catheter 80 can extend from an incision site adjacent to a tissue pocket, with the port 70 disposed in the tissue pocket.

[0055] As FIG. 6A shown, the catheter lock 90 can be disposed within the cradle 120 of the tool 100. As described herein, the shape of the channel 122 can be similar to the outer profile of the catheter lock 90, such that the catheter lock 90 fits securely within the cradle 120. In one embodiment, a user can actuate one of the jaws 134 and the clamp 136 using the actuator 170 to hold the catheter lock 90 within the channel 122. In one embodiment, a user can actuate the first actuator 172 from a first position to a second position to hold the catheter lock 90 within the channel 122. The user can then manipulate the tool 100 to pass a proximal portion of the catheter 80 through the lumen 96 of the catheter lock 90 disposed within the cradle 120.

[0056] As FIG. 6B shown, the user can then manipulate the tool 100 to position the catheter lock 90 at an appropriate location along the length of the catheter 90. As FIG. 6CAs shown, the user can then actuate one or more actuators 170 to actuate the clamping mechanism 150 to stabilize the catheter 80 relative to the catheter lock 90 and the tool 100. In one embodiment, the user can actuate the first actuator 172 to a third position to stabilize the catheter 80 relative to the catheter lock 90 and the tool 100.

[0057] The user can then actuate actuator 170 to actuate cutting mechanism 160 to trim the proximal portion of catheter 80 to the correct length. For example, the user can actuate a second actuator 174 to actuate cutting mechanism 160 to trim the proximal portion of catheter 80 to the correct length. Advantageously, since catheter lock 90 engages with tool 100, if catheter lock 90 is correctly positioned relative to catheter 80 and subsequently catheter 80 is stabilized relative to catheter lock 90 by clamping mechanism 150, cutting member 160 will be correctly positioned to trim the proximal portion of catheter 80 to the correct length.

[0058] like FIG. 6D As shown, the tool 100, which holds both the catheter 80 and the catheter lock 90 therein, can then be used to push the trimmed catheter 80 onto the port handle 72 and secure the catheter lock 90 in place to secure the catheter 80 to the port 70. Advantageously, the tool 100 can simultaneously secure both the catheter 80 and the catheter lock 90, allowing the user to more easily manipulate the catheter 80 and the catheter lock 90 within the tissue bag. Furthermore, the tool 100 provides additional levers to hold the catheter 80 / catheter lock 90 and push it onto the port handle 72.

[0059] like FIG. 6E As shown, with the catheter lock 90 in place, i.e., with the catheter 80 locked to the port, the user can then actuate or release one or more actuators 170 to release either the catheter 80 or the catheter lock 90 and to withdraw the tool 100 from the catheter lock 90, but to push the catheter lock 90 through the opening 124.

[0060] While specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, and while these embodiments have been disclosed in detail, they are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Additional adaptations and / or modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such adaptations and / or modifications are also covered in a broader sense. Therefore, deviations from the specific embodiments disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claims

1. A stabilizing and trimming tool for connecting a catheter to an inlet port, comprising: A handle operatively coupled to a bracket and a clamping device, wherein the bracket is designed to retain a catheter lock and wherein the clamping device is designed to clamp the catheter, and the catheter lock is configured to secure the catheter to the inlet located within the tissue bag; and A catheter cutting mechanism coupled to the handle, wherein the catheter cutting mechanism is configured to be actuated after the catheter lock and the catheter have been stabilized by the handle.

2. The stabilizing and trimming tool according to claim 1, wherein a first pressure applied to the handle applies pressure to the bracket, and wherein a second pressure greater than the first pressure applies pressure to both the bracket and the clamping device.

3. The stabilizing and trimming tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bracket defines a channel, the inner surface of which defines a profile similar to the outer profile of the conduit lock.

4. The stabilizing and trimming tool of claim 3, wherein the inner surface of the channel defines a tapered shape.

5. The stabilizing and trimming tool of claim 3, wherein the inner surface of the channel defines a stepped portion configured to abut against the stepped portion of the conduit lock.

6. The stabilizing and trimming tool according to claim 1, wherein the clamping device comprises a pair of clamping members covered by a rubber or silicone material.

7. The stabilizing and trimming tool according to claim 1, wherein the conduit cutting mechanism is actuated by an actuator.

8. The stabilizing and trimming tool of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes a pair of clamps capable of switching between an open position and a closed position, the clamps being configured to retain the conduit lock within the bracket in the closed position.

9. The stabilizing and trimming tool of claim 8, wherein the first clamp of the pair of clamps is rotatably coupled to a first edge of the bracket, and the second clamp of the pair of clamps is rotatably coupled to a second edge of the bracket.

10. The stabilizing and trimming tool of claim 1, wherein the bracket defines a channel and includes a pair of grippers capable of switching between a retracted position and an extended position, the grippers being configured to retain the conduit lock within the bracket in the extended position.

11. The stabilizing and trimming tool of claim 10, wherein the paired clamps are slidably engaged with the bracket along an axis extending perpendicular to the axis of the channel.

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