Breakaway connector

Abstract

The disconnection connector device (10), including the housing (30) and the disconnection component (50), is configured to be attached directly to a needleless mating portion (100) on an intravenous line. The disconnection connector device (10) includes only one valve. When the disconnection component (50) is attached to the needleless mating portion (100), the device is configured to open both the valve and the needleless mating portion. When tension is applied to the connector, the disconnection component (50) is configured to be removed from the device while still attached to the needleless mating portion (100), thereby closing the valve on the device and also closing the seal on the needleless mating portion. In some embodiments, the disconnection connector device (10) includes one or more locking arms and one or more corresponding locking bars to prevent the device from reconnecting after the disconnection component (50) is disconnected from the device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to devices and methods for fluid line connectors in medical and veterinary applications, and more particularly, the present invention relates to breakaway connectors for attachment to needleless fittings of intravenous fluid lines. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional devices and methods for breakaway fluid line connectors generally include two housings that are joined together. When the two housings separate, the fluid pathway through the connector is severed, and valves in each housing are operable to stop fluid flow on each side when a separation event occurs. Conventional devices and methods utilizing such configurations are used in a variety of applications, including intravenous (IV) medical lines, which typically include soft, flexible tubing that is placed into a vein in the hand or arm. When a sufficient amount of tension is applied to the line, the connectors separate and valves on each component of the connector block fluid flow to prevent leakage.

[0003] In many medical applications, especially peripheral IV lines, healthcare providers are increasingly incorporating needleless connectors to protect clinicians and patients. Needleless connectors provide an access port to an IV line that does not require a needle to be inserted for infusion. Instead, needleless connectors include a patient-side luer fitting with a seal that can be opened or penetrated by a corresponding injection-side luer fitting or syringe. The seal receives the injection-side fitting in sealed engagement, thereby establishing a fluid flow path between the injection-side component and the needleless connector on the patient-side tubing device. The seal may include a septum-type seal, an accordion seal, a push seal, or other suitable seals for needleless engagement known in the art.

[0004] Needleless connectors allow for quick attachment and detachment without the need for needle insertion for infusion. When the infusion fitting is removed from the needleless connector, the seal of the needleless connector automatically closes, thereby preventing leakage of fluid from the patient tubing assembly. Thus, the patient needleless connector includes an available seal that acts as a check valve that allows fluid to flow into the patient tubing when opened and prevents fluid from flowing out when closed. These types of needleless connectors are rigorously designed to protect against contamination and can be easily washed to keep the external interface elements sterile and to prevent microorganisms from entering the fluid path.

[0005] Conventional disconnection fluid line connectors having two valves (one on each component side of the disconnection mechanism) are generally not optimized for use with needleless connectors because such a configuration, when attached to a needleless connector, would essentially include three valves. The three valves include an inlet valve on the connector, an outlet valve on the connector, and a seal on the needleless connector. This type of configuration unnecessarily includes an intermediate valve, leading to a bulky, oversized assembly at the infusion site. For this reason, it would be desirable to provide improvements to the disconnection connector device to make it more efficient to engage, scale, and operate in size.

[0006] There is a need for improved devices and methods for breakaway connectors for use in fluid applications, and in particular for improved needleless connectors in intravenous lines for medical and veterinary applications. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a disconnection connector device according to the present disclosure; [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of the disengagement connector device of FIG. 1 with the axially movable cannula in a disengaged position; [Diagram 3]2 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of the breakaway connector device of FIG. 1 with an axially movable cannula in an engaged position; [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a disconnection connector device of the present disclosure positioned for attachment to a needleless connector. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a disconnection connector device of the present disclosure attached to a needleless connector. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a disconnection connector device positioned for attachment to a needleless connector. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of a disconnection connector device attached to a needleless connector. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view showing one embodiment of a disconnection connector device with the disconnection component and needleless connector separated from the device. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a disconnection connector device according to the present disclosure; [Figure 10A] 10 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the embodiment of the breakaway connector device of FIG. 9; [Figure 10B] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a disconnection connector device according to the present disclosure; [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a disconnection connector device according to the present disclosure; [Figure 12] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a disconnection connector device according to the present disclosure; [Figure 13] 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a breakaway component including a battery, a visual indicator, and an audio indicator. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a breakaway connector device including an axially movable cannula, a compression sheath, and a battery housing containing a battery, and including a pull tab for activating a battery-powered electronic circuit. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a breakaway connector device and method for a fluid line. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a breakaway fluid line connector having only one valve that can be connected to an existing needleless connector or needleless fitting on an IV line attached to a patient. The needleless connector engages with a corresponding fitting on the breakaway connector device, e.g., a Luer fitting.

[0009] When a threshold tension is applied to the disengagement connector, the needleless connector and the disengagement components on the device separate together as a unit from the housing and shell of the device. When such an event occurs, a valve in the device blocks the flow of incoming fluid and a seal on the needleless connector blocks the flow of outgoing fluid from the patient tubing assembly. In this manner, the disengagement connector can utilize a needleless connector already in place in the medical field on a patient tubing set to function as a patient valve.

[0010] By utilizing components already present on the patient side of the IV line, the design and manufacture of the breakaway connector can be greatly simplified to include fewer parts, reduce manufacturing costs, reduce size, improve sterility, and reduce the chance of user error or malfunction during installation and use.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the present disclosure provides a disengagement connector device including a movable cannula configured to translate axially within the device to selectively open a valve housed within the device, the movable cannula actuates the valve at one end and pierces a seal of the needleless connector at an opposite end, when the disengagement device is coupled to the needleless connector, a fluid pathway is opened from the connector, through the cannula, and into the needleless connector.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cannula is biased away from the valve based on mechanical compressibility of the valve itself or an external biasing element such as a spring. When a detachment event occurs, the cannula advances within the instrument away from the valve and disengages from the seal on the needleless connector, causing the valve to close and the seal on the needleless connector to close.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the present disclosure provides a breakaway connector that includes a compression sheath that covers a channel in the instrument, and the sheath can be pushed back by the needleless connector to allow flow. When a detachment event occurs, the sheath springs back to a closed position covering the channel.

[0014] Numerous other features and advantages of the present disclosure are set forth in the following description and the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Although the making and use of various embodiments of the invention are described in detail below, it should be understood that the invention provides many applicable inventive concepts embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific devices and methods described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of the invention and encompassed by the claims.

[0016] In the drawings, for purposes of clarity, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing. Additionally, positional terms such as "upper," "lower," "side," "top," "bottom," etc. refer to the device when in the orientation shown in the figures. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the device may be oriented differently when in use.

[0017] 1, the present disclosure includes a breakaway connector device 10 for attachment to a fluid line. The device 10 includes an inlet side 12 and an outlet side 14. The inlet side 12 may be referred to as the pump side when the device is coupled to an infusion pump. The outlet side 14 may be referred to as the patient side when the device is coupled to a patient's IV line. The infusion fitting 16, in some embodiments, includes a male or female Luer fitting.

[0018] A socket 18 disposed on the outlet side 14 of the device 10 provides a cavity or recess shaped to accommodate insertion of a needleless connector. A cannula 20 projects from the device 10 toward the socket 18 and is positioned to engage a seal on the needleless connector. A fitting 22 disposed on the outlet side 14 of the socket 18 includes, in some embodiments, a female luer fitting. The fitting 22 is configured to engage a corresponding fitting on the needleless connector to secure the needleless connector to the device 10. A window 24 is defined in the device 10 adjacent the socket 18. The window 24 provides access to the socket 18 for manipulation when the needleless connector is received in the socket 18.

[0019] 2 and 3, a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a breakaway connector device 10 is shown. As shown in FIG. 2, the cannula 20 includes an open bore 26 defined axially through the cannula. The bore 26 allows for fluid flow through the cannula 20. The cannula 20 has an inlet end oriented toward the inlet side 12 and an outlet end oriented toward the outlet side 14. The inlet side of the cannula 20 includes a stem 28 having a tapered or radially decreasing outer diameter in some embodiments.

[0020] The cannula 20 is received within a central channel 32 on the housing 30. The channel 32 includes a cylindrical sleeve, with the cannula 20 positioned partially inside the sleeve. The cannula 20 is axially movable inside the instrument 10 by translating back and forth inside the channel 32 on the housing 30. A valve chamber 34 is defined within the channel 32 at an inlet end of the cannula 20. An inlet seal 36 is defined between the stem 28 and the channel 32, such that, in some embodiments, the stem 28 may slide axially relative to the channel 32 without leaking fluid. A valve is disposed within the valve chamber 34. The valve is a check valve in some embodiments. The valve may include many forms, such as, but not limited to, an earplug valve, an orchid valve, a duckbill valve, or any other suitable valve known in the art.

[0021] In use, when mated, the cannula 20 may be depressed axially away from the needleless connector causing the stem 28 to translate toward and engage the valve housed within the valve chamber 34. Engagement between the stem 28 and the valve on the cannula 20 causes the valve to open, thereby allowing fluid to pass through the inlet 19, into the cannula 20 and into the needleless connector.

[0022] An example of axial translation of cannula 20 is shown in the relative positioning of cannula 20 in Figures 2 and 3. In some embodiments, valve chamber wall 37 is located in channel 32 on the inlet side of valve chamber 34. Wall 37 provides a mechanical stop for the valve to prevent it from sliding away from cannula 20 when actuated. Wall 37, in some embodiments, includes openings or perforations to allow flow from inlet 19 into bore 26 of cannula 20. When a disengagement event occurs, the cannula is urged toward the outlet side and slides away from the valve chamber back to the position shown in Figure 2.

[0023] 4, an example of a breakaway connector device 10 is shown positioned for attachment to a needleless connector 100. The needleless connector may include any conventional needleless device, such as BD Q-Syte, BD MaxPlus, BD MaxZero, or any other suitable needleless connector known in the art. The needleless connector 100 includes an interface 102 that includes a seal. The interface 102 may include any known seal, such as a split septum. The needleless connector 100 also includes a fitting 103, such as a male or female Luer fitting, configured to engage a corresponding fitting 22 on the device 10. The needleless connector 100 also includes a body 104 and a tubing interface 106 that extends away from the connector 100 toward the patient.

[0024] 5, the needleless connector 100 is directly joined to the removal device 10. The engagement is visible through the window 24. The window 24 also allows the user to manually twist or rotate the needleless connector 100 when necessary to engage a threaded luer fitting between components.

[0025] 6 and 7, prior to attachment of device 10 to needleless connector 100, interface 102 is positioned directly opposite the outlet end of cannula 20. From this position, fitting 103 engages a corresponding feature on fitting 22, thereby causing cannula 20 to penetrate interface 102 while simultaneously advancing stem 28 into valve chamber 24, thereby actuating and opening the valve. The dual action of the sliding cannula 20 results in the simultaneous or near simultaneous opening of the seal on the needleless connector and the opening of the valve positioned within valve chamber 34.

[0026] 6, in some embodiments, the cannula 20 includes a flange 21 that projects radially from an outer surface of the cannula 20 outwardly of the channel 32. The flange 21 provides an axial stop for the interface 102 or for other structural features on the needleless connector 100. When structure on the needleless connector 100 engages the flange 21, relative progress between the cannula 20 and the needleless connector stops and the cannula is pushed by the needleless connector toward the valve chamber 34. As the stem 28 passes through the seal 36, it engages the valve 60, causing the valve to open.

[0027] 6, cannula 20 includes barbs 23 that protrude from the portion of cannula 20 housed within channel 32. Barbs 23 provide an axial stop for progression of cannula 22 in a direction away from valve 60. When needleless connector 100 is not engaged with instrument 10, cannula 20 is biased away from valve 60 and barbs 23 engage channel stop 38, preventing the cannula from sliding too far out the end of channel 32.

[0028] 8, when tension is applied to the line, the needleless connector 100 and the disengagement component 50 may separate together as a unit from the shell 40 and housing 30. When such an event occurs, the cannula 20 automatically extends away from the valve in the valve chamber 34 due to the force of the valve pushing against the cannula, or due to a coil spring or other biasing element in the channel 32. Following separation, the disengagement component 50 separates completely from the shell 40.

[0029] A plurality of protrusions 52 extend from the disengagement component 50 in a direction away from the needleless component 100. The protrusions 52 provide a shield to prevent contamination of the interface 102 on the needleless connector 100 by mechanically blocking access to the needleless connector. Following separation, the disengagement component 50 may be carefully removed from the needleless connector 100 by unscrewing the threaded luer connection between the items.

[0030] The pulling force associated with a separation event can be finely tuned by controlling the geometry of the components and the mechanical engagement between the breakaway component 50 and the shell 40. For example, in some embodiments, the shell 40 includes one or more fixed arms 42 extending toward the breakaway component 50. Each arm 42 includes a flexible tip 44 that is angled radially from the channel 32. Each arm 42 and tip 44 can have an independent stiffness defined by material composition, thickness, shape, and orientation angle, among other parameters. Each arm 42 can deflect toward the channel 32 as the tip 44 slides past a corresponding ramp 56 on the breakaway component 50 during a separation event. The angle of inclination of the ramp 56 also contributes to the pulling force required to disengage the breakaway component 50 from the instrument 10.

[0031] 8, rectangular wall 58, oriented approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the instrument, blocks tip 44. This feature provides an anti-reconnect feature that prevents breakaway component 50 from being reinserted into shell 40. This feature maintains sterility, forcing the user to attach a new, sterile instrument following separation.

[0032] Slot 54 aligns with opening 39 in housing 30 to form a keyhole that provides access to arm 42. This keyhole access allows a tool to be inserted to depress arm 42, allowing tip 44 to clear wall 58 when breakaway component 50 is initially installed in shell 40 during manufacture. However, the design prevents a user from deflecting arm 42 to attempt to reconnect a used instrument.

[0033] 9 and 10A, an alternative embodiment of the device 10 includes a channel 32 over which a compressible sheath 200 is positioned. The sheath 200 includes an accordion-style compression sheath formed from a flexible material, such as a plastic, silicone, polymer, or elastomer. The sheath 200, in some embodiments, can include a split-septum-style seal 202. The seal 202 is biased to a closed position. When the needleless connector is installed on the device 10, the interface 102 engages the seal 202 and pushes the sheath 200 back onto the channel 32, which opens the seal 202 and allows fluid to proceed through the channel 32 and into the needleless connector.

[0034] In the event of a separation event, the sheath 200 springs back to its original shape covering the channel 32 and closing the seal 202, thereby stopping flow from the connector. The sheath 200 includes a sheath flange 206 that extends radially from the base of the sheath. The sheath flange 206, in some embodiments, is clamped between the shell 40 and the housing 30 to fix the axial position of the sheath 200 over the channel 32.

[0035] 10B, in some embodiments, a septum 210 is disposed at the distal end of the compression sheath 200. The septum 210 includes an axisymmetric body with a smooth cylindrical outer wall in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the septum 210 may include other shapes and textures. The septum 210 is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, and the septum engages the needleless connector when installed on the instrument 10. The septum 210 functions to translate axial force from the needleless connector onto the compression sheath 200 to push the sheath 200 backward on the channel 32, thereby opening the flow of fluid through the instrument 10. In such embodiments, the distal end of the sheath 200 does not directly contact the interface 102 of the needleless connector, but instead, the tip of the channel 32 penetrates the interface 102 when the needleless connector is installed on the instrument 10. The septum 210 is not required in all embodiments and may be omitted in embodiments where the sheath 200 is sized and shaped to provide sufficient strength and resilience to directly engage a needleless connector, such as that shown in FIG. 10A. In further embodiments, the septum 210 is integrally formed on the sheath 200 as a unitary structure. Additionally, in some embodiments, the septum 210 is overmolded onto the sheath 200 as a separate piece. In other embodiments, the septum 210 is a separate component that is press-fitted onto the distal end of the sheath 200. In some embodiments, the interface between the septum 210 and the sheath 200 is provided with a plurality of corresponding radial flanges. Each flange provides an axial stop that prevents the septum 210 from sliding relative to the outer surface of the sheath 200 when pressed by the needleless connector.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a connector 10 including a housing 30, a shell 40, and a breakaway component 50. The connector is configured to provide one or more indicators of the connector's status to a user. For example, in some embodiments, the connector 10 includes one or more visual indicators, such as a light, that indicate the status of the connector 10. The visual indicator 110, in some embodiments, includes an LED light that is visible to a user. The LED light may be located on the housing 30, the shell 40, or the breakaway component 50. In some embodiments, the LED light is located on a surface of the connector 10 to provide a visual indicator of the status of the instrument. The LED may be configured to display a first color when the instrument is in a first state and a second color when the instrument is in a second state. Additionally, the LED may be provided with a blinking pattern to provide a status indicator of the connector 10. The LED light may blink with a first color and pattern. The frequency of the light strobe may increase over time immediately following separation. In some embodiments, the light flashes once every 3 seconds, increasing to flashing once every 2 seconds after 5 minutes, flashing once every 1 second after 15 minutes, etc. After 30 minutes, the LED may switch to a pattern of 1 second on, flash / pulse twice, then back to 1 second on, and repeating. Various other combinations and patterns may be provided to indicate different conditions to the user.

[0037] As shown in Figure 11, in some embodiments, the visual indicator 110 is mounted inside the connector 10 such that the indicator 110 is flush with the surface of the connector. In other embodiments, the connector material is translucent and the visual indicator 110 is embedded inside the connector 10 such that light emitted from the LED is visible through the connector material. Alternatively, the LED indicator may be located on an external structure attached to the exterior of the connector 10, as shown in Figure 12. The visual indicator 110 in the form of an LED may be located on the exterior of a ring, and the ring may be attached to the connector 10 as a separate component.

[0038] With further reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, in some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a connector 10 including a housing 30, a shell 40, and a breakaway component 50. The connector is configured to provide one or more audio indicators 112 configured to provide an audio signal to a user indicating a status state of the connector 10. The audio indicator 112, in some embodiments, includes a speaker or a component that emits an electronic sound. The audio indicator 112, in some embodiments, is located on or near a surface of the component 10, as shown in FIG. 11. The audio indicator 112 is configured to emit one or more sounds that indicate the status of the connector 10. In some embodiments, following a distinct event, the audio alarm provides a first pattern of beeps, which then increases the rate of beeps over time. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the audio indicator may switch to a different pattern that replaces the overly repetitive / metronome-like intervals (e.g., beep... beep... beep... beep... beep... beep).

[0039] In some embodiments, the connector 10 includes both a visual indicator 110 and an audio indicator 112. In other embodiments, the connector 10 includes a visual indicator 110 and does not include an audio indicator 112. In further embodiments, the connector 10 includes an audio indicator 112 and does not include a visual indicator 110. Various other combinations of one or more visual indicators 110 and audio indicators 112 are provided within the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] 11 and 12, the on-board electronic circuitry of the visual indicator 110 and audio indicator 112 is powered by a battery 114. The battery 114 may be located on or near the surface of the connector 10, as shown in FIG. 11. Alternatively, the battery 114 may be located on an external structure, such as a ring disposed on the connector 10, as shown in FIG. 12. In some embodiments, the battery 114 is located on a rotary switch, such as a hexagonal component shown in FIG. 12, allowing a user to selectively engage or disengage the battery from the electronic circuitry. For example, after a disconnection event, the hexagonal rotary switch may be rotated to disconnect the battery 114, thereby disabling the visual and / or audio indicators when the disconnected instrument is discarded.

[0041] 13, in some embodiments, the disengagement component 50 includes a luer socket 22 configured to attach to a needleless connector on a patient's tubing set. The disengagement component 50 also includes a lamp window 54 and a lamp 56 configured to engage a corresponding fixed arm on the instrument. The disengagement component 50 also includes one or more protrusions 52 extending away from the luer socket 22 to protect the passage to the luer socket and the seal on the needleless connector when attached. The disengagement component 50, in some embodiments, includes a visual indicator 110, such as an LED or other electronic component. The visual indicator 110, in some embodiments, is mounted flush with the outer surface of the body of the disengagement component 110. Alternatively, the visual indicator 110 is located inside the disengagement component 50, and light from the LED shines through the material of the body. In other embodiments, the visual indicator 110 is located on the outer surface of the body of the disengagement component 50. Additionally, in some embodiments, the disengagement component 50 includes an audio indicator 112 configured to emit a sound from the instrument when the disengagement component is separated from the disengagement connector. The audio indicator 112 may be mounted flush with the surface, internal to the component, or external to the component. The breakaway component 50 also includes a battery 114 in some embodiments. The battery 114 powers the visual indicator 110 and the audio indicator 112. The battery 114 may be mounted flush with the surface, internal to the component, or external to the component in various embodiments.

[0042] 14, in some embodiments, the disengagement connector 10 includes a housing 30 attached to a shell 40, and a disengagement component 50 is attached to a needleless connector 100. The needleless connector 100 includes a seal 108. An axially movable cannula 20 is positioned to translate axially within a channel 32 adjacent to a valve including a compression sheath 206 disposed on a hollow stem 208. When the needleless connector 100 is secured to the disengagement component 50, the cannula 20 compresses the sheath 206, thereby opening the valve, and the cannula 20 also opens the seal 108 on the needleless connector 100. When a threshold tension is applied, the disengagement component 50 separates from the shell 50 and the housing 30 with the needleless connector still attached, as shown in FIG. 14. Upon separation, the cannula 20 closes the valve by translating axially from the housing 30, and the cannula 20 also closes the seal 108 by separating from the needleless connector 100.

[0043] Also, in some embodiments, a pull tab 122 is secured to the breakaway component 50 that extends toward the housing 30. Prior to separation, the pull tab 122 resides within the battery housing 120 that houses the battery 114, and in some embodiments, separates the battery from contacting the battery terminals, thereby maintaining the battery in a zero discharge state disconnected from electronic circuitry for powering visual and / or audio indicators. Upon separation, the pull tab 122 slides out of the battery housing 120, thereby allowing the battery 114 to engage the on-board electronic circuitry of the instrument to power the audio and / or visual indicators. In this manner, the pull tab 122 acts as a mechanical switch to prevent the battery 114 from contacting its battery terminals to power the instrument prior to separation, but to allow the battery 114 to contact its battery terminals to power the instrument after separation. In this manner, the battery 114 can remain in place without discharging prior to separation of the instrument, thereby allowing for a longer useful life for the components without the battery discharging before it is needed to power the audio and / or visual indicators.

[0044] 13, the electronic device is housed on the breakaway component 50 and the pull tab 122 is positioned on the housing 30 or shell 40 protruding toward the breakaway component 50, such that upon separation, the pull tab disengages from the battery housing on the breakaway connector 50. In this manner, the useful life of the connector can be two years or more, since the pull tab prevents contact between the battery and corresponding terminals in the electrical circuit until a separation event occurs.

[0045] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a disengagement connector device with only one valve configured to attach to a needleless connector. By providing the device with only one valve, the device can utilize a seal on the needleless connector to act as a patient-side valve in the event of a disengagement.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of securing an IV line using the devices disclosed herein.

[0047] Thus, while specific embodiments of the invention relating to novel and useful apparatus and methods have been described, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, except as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A breakaway connector device for attachment to a needleless fitting having a seal, comprising: a housing including a channel; a breakaway component removably secured to the housing and configured to attach to the needleless fitting; A valve, an axially movable cannula disposed within the channel, the cannula including a first end and a second end; the cannula is positioned to open the seal of the needleless fitting at the first end when the needleless fitting is attached to the removal component; the cannula is configured to open the valve at the second end when the needleless fitting is attached to the release component; the breakaway component is configured to be detached from the housing when a threshold tension is applied to the device; A breakaway connector device, wherein the cannula is configured to close both the valve and the seal on the needleless fitting when the breakaway component is removed from the housing.

2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a luer socket defined on the release component.

3. The device of claim 2 , further comprising a shell disposed on the housing, the shell comprising a stationary arm.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a lamp disposed on the breakaway component and a lamp window adjacent to the lamp.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the locking arm extends into the lamp window to engage the lamp when the breakaway component is secured to the housing.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the locking arm is configured to disengage from the lamp when the breakaway component is removed from the housing.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising a block wall disposed on the breakaway component.

8. The instrument of claim 7 , wherein the locking arm is configured to contact the blocking wall, thereby preventing reconnection of the breakaway component with the device after removal.

9. 1. A breakaway connector device for attachment to a needleless fitting, comprising: a housing including a channel; a shell disposed on the housing; a breakaway component removably secured to the shell, the breakaway component including a socket configured to engage the needleless fitting; and a single valve disposed on the disconnection connector device, the valve being disposed within the channel; A breakaway connector device, wherein the breakaway component is configured to be detached from the shell when a threshold tension is applied to the device.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the valve comprises a compression sheath.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the valve comprises a duckbill valve.

12. The instrument of claim 9, further comprising an axially movable cannula disposed within the housing.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the valve comprises a compression sheath.

14. The device of claim 9 , further comprising a visual indicator on the disconnection connector device.

15. 10. The device of claim 9, further comprising an audio indicator on the breakaway connector device.

16. 10. The instrument of claim 9, further comprising a visual indicator, an audio indicator, and a battery disposed on the breakaway connector.

17. 17. The instrument of claim 16, further comprising a pull tab disposed adjacent to the battery, the pull tab preventing contact between the battery and electronic circuitry and preventing the battery from powering the visual and audio indicators until the breakaway component separates from the shell.

18. 1. A method for securing an intravenous line, comprising: a breakaway connector device contained in a housing having a channel, a breakaway component removably secured to said device, and a single valve disposed within said channel; attaching a needleless connector having a seal to the release component; and opening a fluid flow path through the device, through the seal, and into the needleless connector when the needleless connector is attached to the release component.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising removing the needleless connector and disconnection component from the disconnection connector device while maintaining the needleless connector attached to the disconnection component, thereby closing both the fluid flow path through the device and the seal of the needleless connector.

20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the breakaway connector device includes an axially movable cannula disposed within the housing.

21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the valve comprises a compression sheath.

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