Catheter fixing device

Abstract

An adapter for securing a catheter may include a housing composed of first and second housing portions and a locking mechanism, and a first flexible seal coupled to the first and second housing portions. The adapter has an "open" configuration in which the first flexible seal is axially repositionable along a first catheter, cannula or sheath having a first outer diameter. The adapter also has a closed configuration in which the first flexible seal cannot be axially repositioned along the first catheter, cannula, or sheath without significant deformation of the first catheter, cannula, or sheath. The first flexible seal is configured to circumferentially surround only an axial portion of the first catheter, cannula, or sheath. The adapter may be coupled to the sheath hub to at least prevent axial movement of the adapter relative to the sheath hub.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. 63 / 341,261, filed May 12, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of catheter fixation, and in particular to preventing movement of a medical device utilizing a catheter after the device has been properly positioned by a physician. Background Art

[0004] Medical devices used to treat patients often must be precisely placed in the patient's body to be effective and to minimize the risk of complications. Such a device can be positioned at the distal end of a catheter, where the device has a larger diameter than the catheter. In order to position such a device in the patient's body, the physician can first insert an introducer sheath and then insert the device through the introducer sheath until it is in the correct position. Depending on the needs of the treatment, the introducer sheath may need to be removed and a repositioning sheath may need to be added. It is extremely challenging to keep the medical device in the correct position relative to the patient and maintain sterility. Although fluoroscopic equipment can be used to correct placement in the event of device movement, this can be time consuming, which can be problematic for treatment. Summary of the invention

[0005] An adapter for securing a catheter is disclosed. The adapter may include a housing including a first housing component coupled to a second housing component. The housing may also include a locking mechanism. The adapter may include a first flexible seal coupled to the first housing component and the second housing component. The housing may have a first ("open") configuration in which the first flexible seal is capable of being axially repositioned along a first catheter, cannula, or sheath having a first outer diameter and a second ("closed") configuration in which the first flexible seal is not capable of being axially repositioned along the catheter, cannula, or sheath without significantly deforming or damaging the catheter, cannula, or sheath. The first flexible seal may be configured to circumferentially surround only a portion of the first catheter, cannula, or sheath.

[0006] In some embodiments, the end of the first housing component can be hingedly coupled to the end of the second housing component. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the first housing component can be slidably coupled to the outer surface of the second housing component. In some embodiments, the first flexible seal can be composed of a thermoplastic elastomer or a synthetic rubber. In some embodiments, the first flexible seal can be composed of silicone or polyisoprene.

[0007] In some embodiments, the adapter may include a second flexible seal coupled to the first housing component and the second housing component. When the housing is in the first configuration, the second flexible seal can be repositioned axially along the second catheter, sleeve or sheath. When the housing is in the second configuration, the second flexible seal cannot be repositioned axially along the second catheter, sleeve or sheath without significantly deforming the second catheter, sleeve or sheath. The second catheter, sleeve or sheath may have an outer diameter greater than the first catheter, sleeve or sheath. The second flexible seal may be configured to circumferentially surround a portion of both the first catheter, sleeve or sheath and the second catheter, sleeve or sheath.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first catheter, cannula or sheath has an outer diameter of 1-4 mm, and the second catheter, cannula or sheath (if present) has an outer diameter of 4-8 mm.

[0009] In some embodiments, the adapter may include an attachment mechanism configured to allow the housing to be coupled to the sheath hub and prevent the adapter from moving relative to the sheath hub. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism may be configured to be removably coupled to the sheath hub. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism may include a protrusion or depression on a surface of the first housing component that is configured to interface with a depression or protrusion on an outer surface of the sheath hub.

[0010] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a depressible tab on one of the first housing component or the second housing component that is configured to fit into a slot on the other of the first housing component or the second housing component.

[0011] A system is also disclosed. The system may include an adapter as disclosed herein, an introducer sheath including a sheath hub coupled to the adapter, and an intravascular blood pump including a catheter in contact with a first flexible seal, wherein the catheter cannot slide axially relative to the adapter when the adapter is in a closed configuration.

[0012] In some embodiments, the system may include an adapter as disclosed herein, an intravascular blood pump, and a repositioning sheath, wherein the intravascular blood pump includes a catheter in contact with a first flexible seal, wherein the catheter cannot slide axially relative to the adapter when the adapter is in a closed configuration, and the repositioning sheath has a portion positioned around the catheter and in contact with a second flexible seal.

[0013] A kit is also disclosed. The kit may include an adapter as disclosed herein, an intravascular blood pump including a catheter; and an introducer sheath including a sheath hub. In some embodiments, the kit may also include a repositioning sheath.

[0014] A method for securing a catheter is also disclosed. The method may include positioning an adapter including a housing and a first flexible seal relative to a sheath hub of an introducer sheath and an intravascular blood pump including a first catheter such that the housing can interact with the sheath hub and the first flexible seal can interact with the first catheter. The housing may include a first housing component coupled to a second housing component and may include a locking mechanism. The method may include reconfiguring the adapter from a first configuration to a second configuration when the adapter, the sheath hub, and the first catheter are properly positioned. In the second configuration, the housing prevents the adapter from moving relative to the sheath hub, and the first flexible seal circumferentially surrounds a portion of the first catheter and prevents the first catheter from moving relative to the adapter.

[0015] In some embodiments, prior to positioning the adapter, the method may include positioning a distal end of an introducer sheath within the patient, and inserting an intravascular blood pump through the introducer sheath and positioning the intravascular blood pump at a desired location within the patient. The first catheter may extend proximally beyond the proximal end of the sheath hub.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method may include positioning a distal end of an introducer sheath within a patient, attaching an adapter to a sheath hub, and inserting an intravascular blood pump through the introducer sheath and positioning the intravascular blood pump at a desired location within the patient before reconfiguring the adapter from the first configuration to the second configuration. The first catheter may extend proximally beyond the proximal end of the sheath hub.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method may include reconfiguring the adapter from the second configuration to the first configuration and removing the adapter from the sheath hub. In some embodiments, the method may include removing the introducer sheath from the patient. In some embodiments, the method may include inserting the repositioning sheath into the patient by sliding the repositioning sheath over the first catheter. In some embodiments, the method may include reconfiguring the adapter from the first configuration to a second configuration when the adapter, the repositioning sheath, and the first catheter are properly positioned, the second configuration being configured such that the second flexible seal circumferentially surrounds a portion of the first catheter and the repositioning sheath and prevents the adapter from moving relative to the repositioning sheath, and the first flexible seal circumferentially surrounds only a portion of the first catheter and prevents the first catheter from moving relative to the adapter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a simplified embodiment of an adapter.

[0019] Figure 2A is an illustration of an embodiment of an adapter in an open configuration.

[0020] Figure 2B is an illustration of an embodiment of an adapter in a closed configuration.

[0021] Figure 3A is an illustration of a side view of an embodiment of an adapter in an open configuration.

[0022] Figure 3B is an illustration of a top view of an embodiment of an adapter in an open configuration.

[0023] Figure 3C is an illustration of a side view of an embodiment of an adapter in a closed configuration.

[0024] Figure 3D is an illustration of a top view of an embodiment of an adapter in a closed configuration.

[0025] Figure 4 is an illustration of an adapter coupled to an introducer sheath with a sheath hub, an intravascular blood pump with a catheter, and a repositioning sheath.

[0026] Figure 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Disclosed herein are adapters, systems, kits, and methods for securing catheters and medical devices while maintaining sterility.

[0028] refer to Figure 1 , the adapter 100 can be seen. The adapter can include a housing 110. In some embodiments, the housing can have an outer surface 111 and an inner surface 112 with a wall therebetween. The housing can have a first housing component 115 coupled to a second housing component 116. The housing can include a locking mechanism 120.

[0029] In some embodiments, the housing can be formed of a rigid material such as 304 stainless steel. In some embodiments, the housing can be formed of other rigid metals (e.g., 316 stainless steel) or rigid polymers (e.g., polyetheretherketone ("PEEK"), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS"), or polycarbonate. In some embodiments, the housing can be fully or partially coated, such as with a polymer.

[0030] In some embodiments, the adapter can have a first flexible seal 130 coupled to first and second housing components 115, 116. In some embodiments, flexible seal 130 is coupled to the inner surfaces 112 of the housings - ie, the inner surfaces of the first and second housing components.

[0031] The housing can have a first configuration in which the first flexible seal 130 can be repositioned axially 325 along a catheter, cannula or sheath 320 having an outer diameter 321, and a second configuration in which the first flexible seal cannot be repositioned axially along the catheter, cannula or sheath without significantly deforming or damaging the catheter, cannula or sheath. In some embodiments, the catheter, cannula or sheath 320 is coupled to a medical device 310, such as a blood pump.

[0032] In some embodiments, the flexible seal can be configured to circumferentially surround only a portion of only a portion of the catheter, cannula or sheath 320. In some embodiments, the flexible seal can utilize a thermoplastic elastomer or synthetic rubber. In some embodiments, the flexible seal can include silicone or polyisoprene.

[0033] In some embodiments, the adapter may include an attachment mechanism 150. The attachment mechanism may be configured to allow the housing 110 to be coupled to the sheath 200. Specifically, the attachment mechanism may be configured to allow the housing 110 to be coupled to the sheath hub 210 and prevent the adapter 100 from moving relative to the sheath hub 210. The distal end of the sheath hub 210 may be attached to the proximal end of the sheath sleeve 220 such that the sheath 200 is configured to slidably receive (through a lumen extending from the proximal end 201 to the distal end 202) a catheter, cannula, or sheath 320. In some embodiments, the adapter may be prevented from moving only axially 325 relative to the sheath hub. In some embodiments, the adapter may be prevented from moving axially and circumferentially relative to the sheath hub.

[0034] In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 150 can be configured to removably couple to the sheath hub 210. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism can couple to the sheath hub via, for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive.

[0035] In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 150 may include a depression or extrusion 151 on the surface of the first housing component that is configured to interface with an extrusion or depression 215 on the outer surface of the sheath hub, as appropriate. In some embodiments, the extrusion on the surface of the sheath hub may be configured to fit through a slot or opening extending from the inner surface of the housing to the outer surface.

[0036] In some embodiments, the sheath sleeve 220 of the sheath 200 can extend beneath the surface 500 of the patient's skin and into the patient's vasculature (not shown).

[0037] The locking mechanism 120 for the adapter can be any suitable locking mechanism. Figure 1As shown, the locking mechanism may include one or more pins 125 configured to extend from the inner surface 112 of the first housing component and / or the second housing component toward the other housing component, wherein the pins 125 may interact with the other housing component.

[0038] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 120 may include a tab 121 on one of the housing components (here, the tab is shown on the second housing component 116), wherein the tab is configured to fit into a recess or slot 122 on the other housing component (here, the recess or slot is shown on the first housing component 115). In some embodiments, the recess or slot may be present on an extension 123 extending from one housing component (here, the first housing component) toward the other housing component (here, the second housing component). In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a depressible tab (e.g., tab 121) on one of the first housing component or the second housing component, which is configured to fit into a slot 122 on the other of the first housing component or the second housing component.

[0039] exist Figure 2A , one configuration (e.g., an "open" configuration) of the adapter 100 is shown. In the open configuration, the adapter 100 is configured with two housing components 115, 116 connected via a hinge 117. That is, in some embodiments, an end of a first housing component is hingedly coupled to an end of a second housing component.

[0040] In this open configuration, the adapter can be repositioned along or around the catheter, cannula or sheath 320 and sheath hub 210. Figure 2A As seen in the figure, there may be a recess 215 from the outer surface 211 of the sheath hub that is configured to interact with the protrusion 118 on the inner surface 112 of the housing. In some embodiments, one or more protrusions may be present on one of the two housing components, such as the first housing component 115. In some embodiments, one or more protrusions may be on the inner surface of both housing components.

[0041] Additionally, there may be an inner surface 131 of the flexible seal 130 that may be configured to interact with an outer surface 321 of the catheter, cannula or sheath 320. In the open configuration, the flexible seal may not be in contact with the catheter, cannula or sheath 320, or may only partially surround the catheter, cannula or sheath.

[0042] exist Figure 2B, another configuration (e.g., a "closed" configuration) is shown. As shown, in this configuration, the locking mechanism 120 can be engaged, thereby preventing the two housing parts from easily separating. As can be seen, in the closed configuration, the flexible seal 130 now substantially surrounds the catheter, sleeve or sheath 320. This creates a friction force on the catheter, sleeve or sheath that holds it in place.

[0043] In addition, the protrusion 118 interacts with the slot or recess 215 on the sheath hub. Given the interaction between the flexible seal and the catheter and the interaction between the protrusion 118 and the recess 215 in the sheath hub, the adapter cannot at least move axially, and the catheter cannot at least be adjusted in the axial direction relative to the sheath hub. If necessary, the adapter can be opened by unlocking the locking mechanism (and returning the adapter to the open configuration - see Figure 2A ), the catheter can be repositioned.

[0044] In some embodiments, the default configuration may be a closed configuration; that is, the user must manipulate the housing to change the adapter to its open configuration, for example, to reposition a catheter, cannula, or sheath. When the housing is no longer manipulated, the adapter will return to the closed configuration. This may be accomplished using, for example, a spring, an elastomer, etc., as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0045] refer to Figures 3A-3D , different locking mechanisms can be seen. In these figures, the inner surface of the first housing component can be slidably coupled to the outer surface of the second housing component. In some embodiments, vice versa, the inner surface of the second housing component can be slidably coupled to the outer surface of the first housing component.

[0046] exist Figure 3A and 3B , the locking mechanism is seen in the "open" configuration. Figure 3A shows a rotated side view, and Figure 3B A top view of the arrangement is shown. In some embodiments, the adapter can be configured so that in the open configuration, from above, the flexible seal 130 forms a "C" shape around the catheter, cannula or sheath 320. The flexible seal 130 can be configured so that the spacing distance 126 from the inner surface 131 of the flexible seal to the outer surface 321 of the catheter, cannula or sheath is at least 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, or 0.5 mm up to 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, or 1 mm, including all combinations and sub-ranges thereof, with equal spacing distances on opposite sides of the catheter, cannula or sheath.

[0047] In some embodiments, the flexible seal can be configured such that in the open configuration, a minimum spacing distance 127 is provided from an inner surface of a portion of the flexible seal coupled to the first housing component 115 in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface to an opposing inner surface of a portion of the flexible seal coupled to the second housing component 116. The spacing distance 127 can be 3.5 mm, 4 mm, or 4.5 mm up to 5 mm, 5.5 mm, or 6 mm, including all combinations and sub-ranges thereof.

[0048] like Figure 3A As shown, the locking mechanism may include one or more tabs or teeth 121 configured to interact with one or more recesses 122, 124. In some embodiments, in the open configuration, the tabs or teeth 121 are configured to interact with the first set of recesses 122 of the shell components. In some embodiments, the tabs or teeth on one of the shell components can be configured to easily allow movement toward the other shell component, but prevent movement away from the other shell component. In some embodiments, movement to separate the first shell component from the second shell component can only occur when the side 119 of one of the shell components is squeezed or compressed.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the tabs or teeth move to engage the second set of recesses 124, the locking mechanism can allow the housing to enter the closed configuration.

[0050] The closed configuration can be Figure 3C and 3D As can be seen in FIG. 1 , which shows a side view ( Figure 3C ) and top view ( Figure 3D As seen, in some embodiments, in the closed configuration, the flexible seal 130 circumferentially surrounds an axial portion of the catheter, cannula, or sheath 320. In some embodiments, an inner surface 131 of the flexible seal coupled to the first housing component 115 contacts at least a portion of an inner surface of the flexible seal coupled to the second housing component 116. Figure 3D As seen in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the portion where one inner surface of the flexible seal 130 contacts another inner surface may be located between the catheter, cannula, or sheath and the locking mechanism 120 .

[0051] In some embodiments, in the closed configuration, the inner surface 131 of the flexible seal 130 can be in direct contact with substantially all (eg, 95% or more) of the outer surface 321 of the catheter, cannula, or sheath 320 that the flexible seal circumferentially surrounds.

[0052] refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the adapter 100 may include a second flexible seal 140 that is configured in a manner similar to the first flexible seal 130 .

[0053] However, if Figure 4 , with two flexible seals, the adapter 100 can be used to prevent axial movement of two catheters having different outer diameters relative to the sheath hub 210. Thus, in some embodiments, the second flexible seal 140 can be configured to retain a second catheter, cannula or sheath 400 having an outer diameter 402 that is different from the diameter 321 of the catheter, cannula or sheath 320 that the first flexible seal 130 is configured to retain.

[0054] The second flexible seal is capable of being axially repositioned along the second catheter, sleeve or sheath when the housing is in an open configuration, and cannot be axially repositioned along the second catheter, sleeve or sheath when the housing is in a closed configuration without significantly deforming the second catheter, sleeve or sheath.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second catheter, sleeve or sheath can have a larger outer diameter than the first catheter, sleeve or sheath. In some embodiments, the first catheter, sleeve or sheath 320 can have an outer diameter 321 of 1-4 mm, and the second catheter, sleeve or sheath 400 can have an outer diameter 402 of 4-8 mm.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second catheter, cannula or sheath 400 extends partially through the second flexible seal 140. In some embodiments, the second catheter, cannula or sheath 400 extends completely through the second flexible seal 140. In some embodiments, the distal end 401 of the second catheter, cannula or sheath 400 can be positioned proximal to the first flexible seal 130, while the first catheter, cannula or sheath 320 extends through the second flexible seal 140, the first flexible seal 130, the sheath hub 210, and the sheath sleeve 220. In some embodiments, the adapter can be configured such that in the closed configuration, the second catheter, cannula or sheath 400 has a portion 141 positioned around the first catheter, cannula or sheath 320 that contacts the second flexible seal 140.

[0057] In some embodiments, sheath 200 can be an introducer sheath, first catheter, cannula or sheath 320 can be a catheter for a medical device (such as an intravascular blood pump including a catheter), and second catheter, cannula or sheath 400 can be a repositioning sheath.

[0058] refer to Figure 1In some embodiments, a system may be provided. The system may include an embodiment of an adapter 100 as disclosed herein. The system may also include an introducer sheath 200, the introducer sheath 200 including a sheath hub 210. The sheath hub may be coupled to an adapter as disclosed herein. The system may also include an intravascular heart pump 300, the intravascular heart pump 300 including a catheter 320, the catheter being in contact with the first flexible seal 130 and being unable to slide axially 325 relative to the adapter when the adapter is in a closed configuration.

[0059] refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, a system utilizing a repositioning sheath may be provided. Specifically, in some embodiments, the system may include an embodiment of an adapter 100 as disclosed herein. The system may also include an intravascular heart pump 300 including a catheter 320 that contacts a first flexible seal 130 and cannot slide axially relative to the adapter when the adapter is in a closed configuration. The system may also include a repositioning sheath 400 having a portion 141 positioned around the catheter and in contact with a second flexible seal 140.

[0060] In some embodiments, the second flexible seal can be configured to circumferentially surround a portion 141 of both the first catheter, cannula or sheath and the second catheter, cannula or sheath.

[0061] In some embodiments, a kit is provided. Figure 4 In some embodiments, a kit may include an embodiment of an adapter 100 as disclosed herein. The kit may also include an intravascular blood pump 300 including a catheter 320. In some embodiments, the blood pump 310 is located distal to the catheter 320. In some embodiments, the kit may include an introducer sheath 200 including a sheath hub 210. In some embodiments, the kit may include a repositioning sheath 400.

[0062] In some embodiments, a method for securing a catheter may be provided. Figure 5 As seen in FIG. 5 , method 500 may include positioning 510 a distal end of an introducer sheath within a patient, the introducer sheath having a sheath hub at a proximal end of the sheath.

[0063] In some embodiments, method 500 may further include inserting 520 an intravascular blood pump including a first catheter through the introducer sheath and positioning the intravascular blood pump at a desired location within the patient. The first catheter may extend proximally beyond a proximal end of the sheath hub.

[0064] In some embodiments, method 500 may include positioning 530 an embodiment of an adapter as disclosed herein relative to a sheath hub of an introducer sheath and an intravascular blood pump such that a housing of the adapter may be able to interact with the sheath hub and a first flexible seal of the adapter may be able to interact with a first catheter. The housing may include a first housing component coupled to a second housing component and may include a locking mechanism.

[0065] In some embodiments, the method may include attaching 540 an adapter to the sheath hub. In some embodiments, this is done before the inserting step 520. In some embodiments, this is done after the inserting step 520.

[0066] The method 500 may also include reconfiguring 550 the adapter from the first configuration to a second configuration when the adapter, the sheath hub, and the first catheter are properly positioned. As disclosed herein, the second configuration may be configured such that the housing prevents the adapter from at least axially moving relative to the sheath hub, and the first flexible seal circumferentially surrounds an axial portion of the first catheter and prevents (e.g., via friction) the first catheter from moving relative to the adapter.

[0067] In some embodiments, the method 500 can include reconfiguring 560 the adapter from the closed configuration to the open configuration. In some embodiments, this can also include detaching the adapter from the sheath hub.

[0068] In some embodiments, method 500 can include removing 570 the introducer sheath from the patient.

[0069] In some embodiments, method 500 can include inserting 580 a repositioning sheath into the patient by sliding the repositioning sheath over the first catheter.

[0070] In some embodiments, the method 500 may include reconfiguring 590 the adapter from an open configuration to a closed configuration when the adapter, the repositioning sheath, and the first catheter, cannula, or sheath are properly positioned. As disclosed herein, the closed configuration may be configured such that the second flexible seal may circumferentially surround a portion of both the first catheter, cannula, or sheath and the repositioning sheath and prevent the adapter from moving relative to the repositioning sheath. The first flexible seal may circumferentially surround only a portion of the first catheter, cannula, or sheath and prevent the first catheter from moving relative to the adapter.

[0071] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure, which may be implemented in various forms. Well-known functions or configurations are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure with unnecessary details. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as restrictive, but only as the basis for the claims, and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present disclosure differently with almost any appropriately detailed structure.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. An adapter, comprising: a housing including a first housing component coupled to a second housing component, the housing including a locking mechanism; a first flexible seal coupled to the first housing component and the second housing component; wherein the housing has a first configuration in which the first flexible seal is axially repositionable along a first catheter, cannula or sheath having a first outer diameter and a second configuration in which the first flexible seal is not axially repositionable along the first catheter, cannula or sheath without significantly deforming the first catheter, cannula or sheath; and Wherein the first flexible seal is configured to circumferentially surround only a portion of the first catheter, cannula or sheath.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein: An end of the first housing component is hingedly coupled to an end of the second housing component.

3. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The inner surface of the first housing component is slidably coupled to the outer surface of the second housing component.

4. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first flexible sealing member is made of thermoplastic elastomer or synthetic rubber.

5. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first flexible sealing member is made of silicone or polyisoprene.

6. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a second flexible seal coupled to the first shell component and the second shell component; wherein the second flexible seal is axially repositionable along a second catheter, cannula or sheath when the housing is in the first configuration, wherein when the housing is in the second configuration, the second flexible seal is not capable of being axially repositioned along the second catheter, cannula or sheath without significantly deforming the second catheter, cannula or sheath; wherein the second catheter, cannula or sheath has a larger outer diameter than the first catheter, cannula or sheath; and Wherein, the second flexible seal is configured to circumferentially surround a portion of both the first catheter, cannula or sheath and the second catheter, cannula or sheath.

7. The adapter according to claim 6, wherein: The first catheter, cannula or sheath has an outer diameter of 1-4 mm and the second catheter, cannula or sheath has an outer diameter of 4-8 mm.

8. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an attachment mechanism configured to allow the housing to be coupled to a sheath hub and to prevent movement of the adapter relative to the sheath hub.

9. The adapter according to claim 8, wherein: The attachment mechanism is configured to removably couple to the sheath hub.

10. The adapter according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The attachment mechanism includes a protrusion or a recess on a surface of the first housing component, the protrusion or recess being configured to interface with a recess or a protrusion on an outer surface of the sheath hub.

11. The adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The locking mechanism includes a depressible tab on one of the first housing component or the second housing component, the depressible tab being configured to fit into a slot on the other of the first housing component or the second housing component.

12. A system comprising: An adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 11; an introducer sheath, the introducer sheath comprising a sheath hub coupled to the adapter; and An intravascular blood pump includes a catheter in contact with the first flexible seal and cannot slide axially relative to the adapter when the adapter is in a closed configuration.

13. A system comprising: An adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 11; an intravascular blood pump including a catheter in contact with the first flexible seal and unable to slide axially relative to the adapter when the adapter is in the closed configuration; and A repositioning sheath having a portion positioned about the catheter and in contact with the second flexible seal.

14. A kit comprising: An adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 11; an intravascular blood pump comprising a catheter; and An introducer sheath comprises a sheath hub.

15. The kit of claim 14, further comprising a repositioning sheath.

16. A method for securing a catheter, comprising: positioning an adapter including a housing and a first flexible seal relative to a sheath hub of an introducer sheath and an intravascular blood pump including a first catheter such that the housing is capable of interacting with the sheath hub and the first flexible seal is capable of interacting with the first catheter, the housing including a first housing component coupled to a second housing component, the housing including a locking mechanism; and When the adapter, the sheath hub, and the first catheter are properly positioned, the adapter is reconfigured from the first configuration to a second configuration, wherein the second configuration is configured such that the housing prevents the adapter from moving relative to the sheath hub, and the first flexible seal circumferentially surrounds a portion of the first catheter and prevents the first catheter from moving relative to the adapter.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising, before positioning the adapter: positioning the distal end of the introducer sheath within the patient; and The intravascular blood pump is inserted through the introducer sheath and positioned at a desired location within the patient's body, wherein the first catheter extends proximally beyond the proximal end of the sheath hub.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: positioning the distal end of the introducer sheath within the patient; attaching the adapter to the sheath; and Prior to reconfiguring the adapter from the first configuration to the second configuration, the intravascular blood pump is inserted through the introducer sheath and positioned at a desired location within the patient with the first catheter extending proximally beyond the proximal end of the sheath hub.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein: An end of the first housing component is hingedly coupled to an end of the second housing component.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The inner surface of the first housing component is slidably coupled to the outer surface of the second housing component.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein: The first flexible sealing member is made of thermoplastic elastomer or synthetic rubber.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein: The first flexible sealing member is made of silicone or polyisoprene.

23. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein: The adapter further comprises: a second flexible seal coupled to the first shell component and the second shell component; wherein the second flexible seal is axially repositionable along a second catheter, cannula or sheath when the housing is in the first configuration; wherein when the housing is in the second configuration, the second flexible seal is not capable of being axially repositioned along the second catheter, cannula or sheath without significantly deforming the second catheter, cannula or sheath; wherein the second catheter, cannula or sheath has a larger outer diameter than the first catheter, cannula or sheath; and Wherein, the second flexible seal is configured to circumferentially surround a portion of both the first catheter and the second catheter, cannula or sheath.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The first catheter, cannula or sheath has an outer diameter of 1-4 mm and the second catheter, cannula or sheath has an outer diameter of 4-8 mm.

25. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein: The adapter also includes an attachment mechanism configured to allow the housing to be coupled to a sheath hub and to prevent movement of the adapter relative to the sheath hub.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein: The attachment mechanism is configured to removably couple to the sheath hub.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein: The attachment mechanism includes a protrusion or extrusion on a surface of the first housing component configured to interface with an extrusion or protrusion on an outer surface of the sheath hub.

28. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein: The locking mechanism includes a depressible tab on one of the first housing component or the second housing component, the depressible tab being configured to fit into a slot on the other of the first housing component or the second housing component.

29. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 28, further comprising: reconfiguring the adapter from the second configuration to the first configuration and removing the adapter from the sheath hub; Remove the introducer sheath from the patient; inserting the repositioning sheath into the patient by sliding the repositioning sheath over the first catheter; When the adapter, the repositioning sheath, and the first catheter are properly positioned, the adapter is reconfigured from the first configuration to a second configuration, the second configuration being configured such that the second flexible seal circumferentially surrounds a portion of the first catheter and the repositioning sheath and prevents the adapter from moving relative to the repositioning sheath, and the first flexible seal circumferentially surrounds only a portion of the first catheter and prevents the first catheter from moving relative to the adapter.

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