Clot treatment system with expander locking mechanism and related devices and methods

Abstract

Disclosed herein are vascular access systems having a dilator locking mechanism, as well as associated devices and methods. In some embodiments, the dilator locking mechanism includes a first cap coupled to the dilator component and a second cap coupled to the vascular access system. The first cap can include one or more locking members. The second cap can include one or more locking features, each configured to be releasably coupled to one of the locking members. In operation, the dilator component can be inserted into the vascular access system, and at least a portion of one or more of the locking members can be aligned with and inserted into a corresponding locking feature, e.g., to couple the first cap and the second cap.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 307,766, filed February 8, 2022, and entitled “CLOT TREATMENT SYSTEMS WITH DILATOR LOCKING MECHANISMS, AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES AND METHODS,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] The present technology relates generally to vascular access systems, such as clot treatment systems, that include a locking mechanism for releasably locking a dilator to a catheter to facilitate navigation thereof through a patient's skin, tissue, and vasculature. [Background technology]

[0003] Thrombosis is the localized clotting or coagulation of blood in a part of the circulatory system, and a thrombus is a blood clot that forms in situ within the vascular system. A venous thrombosis is a blood clot that forms within a vein. A common type of venous thrombosis is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the formation of a blood clot within a deep vein (e.g., primarily in the legs). Nonspecific symptoms of thrombosis may include pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and engorged superficial veins.

[0004] If the clot breaks off (embolizes) and travels toward the lungs, it can become a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE) (e.g., a blood clot in the lungs). In addition to the loss of life that can result from PE, DVT can cause significant health challenges, such as post-thrombotic syndrome, which can cause chronic swelling, pressure, pain, and ulcers due to damage to valves and blood vessels. Furthermore, DVT can result in significant medical costs, either directly or indirectly, through the treatment of associated complications and the patient's inability to work.

[0005] Existing methods for treating DVT and PE often involve treating the DVT or PE with a catheter system that is advanced through the patient's vasculature, such as along a venous access pathway. Such catheter systems, especially those having larger sizes (e.g., greater than 16 French), often include a dilator component that is inserted through the catheter and used to dilate the vasculature while the catheter is navigated to the target treatment site. Similarly, such systems are often used in conjunction with an introducer sheath that acts as a resealable access point that the DVT and PE catheter system can traverse to easily access the vasculature. The introducer sheath provides a stable conduit, preventing over-manipulation of the device at the access site, and can be inserted through the skin and tissue tract with the dilator component of interest therein.

[0006] However, during advancement of the catheter through the vasculature, the dilator component and / or catheter may experience significant forces or resistance from the patient's vasculature. Similarly, during insertion of the introducer sheath, the dilator component and / or introducer sheath may experience significant forces or resistance from the patient's skin and tissue. In some cases, forces on the dilator component may cause it to retract or slide back within the catheter / introducer sheath. If the dilator retracts sufficiently, the edges of the catheter / introducer sheath may be exposed, potentially causing damage to the patient's percutaneous access site or vasculature. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present technology is generally directed to vascular access systems having a dilator locking mechanism, as well as related devices and methods. In some of the embodiments described in detail below, the dilator locking mechanism includes a first cap coupled to a dilator and a second cap coupled to, for example, a catheter (e.g., aspiration catheter, introducer / access sheath) of a clot treatment system. The first cap can include one or more locking members, and the second cap can include one or more locking features corresponding to one or more of the locking members. Each of the locking members (first cap) can be aligned with and at least partially inserted into a corresponding locking feature (second cap), for example, to couple the first cap to the second cap. Because the first cap is coupled to the dilator, the interaction between the first cap and the second cap when coupled can fix the dilator to the catheter, inhibiting or even preventing the dilator from moving proximally and / or distally relative to the catheter.

[0008] In some embodiments, the locking feature is configured to bias the locking member into a locked position when the locking member is inserted therein. In these and other embodiments, the first cap can be rotated relative to the second cap (and / or the second cap can be rotated relative to the first cap) to move the locking member from the locked position to an unlocked position to disengage the dilator locking mechanism and allow the dilator to move relative to the catheter of the vascular access system.

[0009] Current dilator locking mechanisms may involve a direct connection between the associated dilator and the vascular access system. For example, such locking mechanisms may require that the dilator be fully advanced through the clot treatment system and then rotated to secure the dilator. With this type of mechanism, it may be difficult for an operator to distinguish (e.g., visually) between a situation in which the dilator is (i) fully inserted and secured within the clot treatment system and (ii) fully inserted but not secured within the clot treatment system. In contrast to these current mechanisms, the dilator locking mechanism of the present technology may be located at or near the proximal end of the clot treatment system, allowing a user of the clot treatment system (e.g., a physician) to easily observe the first and second caps to determine whether the dilator is secured to the clot treatment system by observing the relative position and / or alignment of the first and second caps. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] Many aspects of the present technology can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic side view of a vascular access system including a cap assembly and constructed in accordance with the present technology. [Figure 2A] 2A-2C are a partially exploded isometric view, a side cross-sectional view, and a close-up view, respectively, of the cap assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 2B] 2A-2C are a partially exploded isometric view, a side cross-sectional view, and a close-up view, respectively, of the cap assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 2C] 2A-2C are a partially exploded isometric view, a side cross-sectional view, and a close-up view, respectively, of the cap assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 3A] 3A-3C are perspective, cross-sectional, and bottom views, respectively, of a first cap of the cap assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 3B] 3A-3C are perspective, cross-sectional, and bottom views, respectively, of a first cap of the cap assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 3C] 3A-3C are perspective, cross-sectional, and bottom views, respectively, of a first cap of the cap assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 4A] 4A-4C are perspective, cross-sectional, and bottom views, respectively, of a second cap of the cap assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 4B] 4A-4C are perspective, cross-sectional, and bottom views, respectively, of a second cap of the cap assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 4C] 4A-4C are perspective, cross-sectional, and bottom views, respectively, of a second cap of the cap assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 5A] 5A and 5B are bottom views of the cap assembly of FIG. 1, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 5B] 5A and 5B are bottom views of the cap assembly of FIG. 1, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 6A] 6A-6C are top views of a second cap, respectively, according to an additional embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 6B] 6A-6C are top views of a second cap, respectively, according to an additional embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 6C] 6A-6C are top views of a second cap, respectively, according to an additional embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view of a second cap in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cap lock valve in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Specific details are set forth in the following description and in Figures 1-8 to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, operations, and / or systems often associated with endovascular procedures, clot removal procedures, catheters, and the like, are not shown or described in detail in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of various embodiments of the present technology. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the details set forth herein and / or with other structures, methods, components, and the like.

[0012] The terms used below should be interpreted in their broadest reasonable manner, even when used in conjunction with the detailed description of specific examples of embodiments of the present technology. In fact, certain terms may even be emphasized below. However, any terms intended to be interpreted in any limited manner will be expressly and specifically defined as such in this detailed description section.

[0013] The accompanying figures depict embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to limit its scope unless expressly indicated. The sizes of the various depicted elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these various elements may be enlarged to improve legibility. Details of components may be abstracted in the figures to exclude details such as the location of components and specific precise connections between such components when such details are not necessary for a complete understanding of how to create and use the present technology. Many of the details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the figures are merely illustrative of certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the present technology. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that further embodiments of the present technology can be practiced without some of the details described below.

[0014] With respect to the terms "distal" and "proximal" within this description, unless otherwise specified, these terms may refer to the relative location of portions of the catheter subsystem relative to an operator and / or location within the vasculature. Also, as used herein, designations such as "rear," "forward," "upper," "lower," etc. are not meant to limit the referenced components to a particular orientation. It will be understood that such designations refer to the orientation of the referenced components as illustrated in the figures. The systems of the present technology may be used in any orientation suitable to the user.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic side view of a vascular access system 100 ("system 100") configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. System 100 may also be referred to as an aspiration assembly, a clot treatment system, a clot removal system, a thrombus removal system, an introducer sheath assembly, and / or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, system 100 includes a tubing assembly 110 fluidly coupled to a catheter 120 via a valve 102. In some embodiments, catheter 120 is an elongated member configured to be inserted into and through a patient's vasculature and used, for example, to treat clot material therein. In other embodiments, catheter 120 can be an introducer sheath configured to be inserted through a patient's skin and tissue tract to provide an access site across which other components (e.g., other catheters used to treat clot material) can easily access the vasculature. Thus, although referred to as a "catheter 120," catheter 120 can include an introducer sheath, an access sheath, and / or another type of elongate member configured to be inserted through the skin and tissue tracts and / or traverse the vasculature of a patient. Generally, system 100 (i) can include features generally similar or identical to those of the clot treatment system described in detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 536,185, entitled "SYSTEM FOR TREATING EMBOLISM AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES AND METHODS," filed August 8, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and / or (ii) can be used to treat / remove clot material from a patient (e.g., a human patient) using any of the methods described in detail therein.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the catheter 120 includes a proximal region or portion 122 and a distal tip region or portion 124 opposite the proximal region 122. The catheter 120 further defines a lumen 121 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 ) extending completely therethrough from the proximal region 122 to the distal tip region 124. The lumen 121 and / or the catheter 120 may at least partially define a longitudinal axis X of the system 100. The proximal region 122 may include a proximal terminus 126 of the catheter 120, and the distal tip region 124 may include a distal terminus 128 of the catheter 120.

[0017] The valve 102 is fluidly coupled to the lumen 121 of the catheter 120 and may be integral with or coupled to the proximal region 122 of the catheter 120 such that these components move together. In some embodiments, the valve 102 is a hemostatic valve configured to maintain hemostasis during a clot removal procedure by preventing fluid flow in the proximal direction P through the valve 102 as various components, such as dilators, delivery sheaths, tensioning members, guidewires, interventional devices, other aspiration catheters, etc., are inserted through the valve 102 and delivered through the catheter 120 to a treatment site in a blood vessel. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, a dilator 130 is inserted through the valve 102 and positioned within the catheter 120. The valve 102 includes a branch or side port 106 configured to fluidly couple the lumen 121 of the catheter 120 to the tubing assembly 110. In some embodiments, the valve 102 can be a valve of the type disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 117,519, filed Aug. 30, 2018, entitled “HEMOSTASIS VALVES AND METHODS OF USE,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the tubing assembly 110 fluidly couples the catheter 120 to a pressure source 108, such as a syringe. The pressure source 108 may be configured to generate (e.g., form, create, fill, build up) a vacuum (e.g., a negative relative pressure) and store the vacuum for subsequent application to the catheter 120 (e.g., after the dilator 130 is removed from the catheter 120). The tubing assembly 110 may include one or more tubing sections 112 (individually labeled as a first tubing section 112a and a second tubing section 112b), at least one fluid control device 114 (e.g., a valve), and at least one connector 116 (e.g., a Toomey tip connector) for fluidly coupling the tubing assembly 110 to the pressure source 108 and / or other suitable components. In some embodiments, the fluid control device 114 is a stopcock that is fluidly coupled to (i) the side port 106 of the valve 102 via a first tubing section 112a and (ii) the connector 116 via a second tubing section 112b. The fluid control device 114 is externally operable by a user to regulate the flow of fluid therethrough, specifically from the lumen 121 of the catheter 120 to the pressure source 108. In some embodiments, the connector 116 is a quick release connector (e.g., a quick disconnect fitting) that enables rapid coupling / discoupling of the catheter 120 and the fluid control device 114 to / from the pressure source 108.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the dilator 130 is inserted in a distal direction D through the valve 102, extending completely through the lumen 121 and beyond the distal end 128 of the catheter 120 such that a distal tip 132 (e.g., an atraumatic tip) of the dilator 130 is positioned beyond the distal end 128 of the catheter 120. The dilator 130 and the system 100 together can define a catheter or introducer assembly 101 that can be inserted into a patient (e.g., a human patient) during a clot treatment procedure. For example, the dilator 130 and the system 100 can be inserted into a patient's blood vessel and advanced together through the patient's blood vessel to a target location within the vessel. The dilator 130 can then be retracted proximally (e.g., in a proximal direction P) through the system 100 to allow other intravascular medical devices to be introduced into the patient via the system 100 and / or the catheter 120 to be aspirated. For example, in some embodiments, the system 100 and / or catheter assembly 101 may be used in any of the clot removal procedures disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 536,185, filed Aug. 8, 2019, entitled “SYSTEM FOR TREATING EMBOLISM AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES AND METHODS,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0020] The catheter assembly 101 can include a locking mechanism or cap assembly 140 (which may also be referred to as a locking cap assembly, dilator locking mechanism, dilator coupling mechanism, and / or the like) configured to releasably couple and secure the dilator 130 to the system 100. The cap assembly 140 can lock the dilator 130 to the valve 102 and the catheter 120 to block or even prevent the dilator 130 from moving in the proximal direction P and / or distal direction D within the catheter 120 when the catheter assembly 101 is advanced through the patient's vasculature. More specifically, for example, the cap assembly 140 can block or even prevent the distal tip 132 of the dilator 130 from moving proximally toward the distal end 128 of the catheter 120 when the catheter assembly 101 is advanced through the patient's vasculature.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the cap assembly 140 includes (i) a first or proximal cap 150 coupled to or integrally formed with the dilator 130 opposite the distal tip 132 (e.g., via a coupling element or luer connector 134) and (ii) a second or distal cap 160 coupled to the proximal portion 104 of the valve 102. The first cap 150 may be releasably coupled / locked to the second cap 160. Thus, inserting the dilator 130 into the catheter 120 may include moving the first cap 150 toward the second cap 160. In some embodiments, the first cap 150 may mate with the second cap 160 to lock the dilator 130 to the valve 102 when the dilator 130 is fully seated within the system 100. In some aspects of the present technology, a user can easily determine the status of the dilator 130 (e.g., how far the dilator 130 is inserted into the catheter 120 and / or whether the dilator 130 is secured to the system 100) by visually viewing the cap assembly 140. Further details regarding the cap assemblies of the present technology, including the cap assembly 140, are discussed in detail below with reference to Figures 2A-8.

[0022] During a clot treatment procedure, the catheter assembly 101 can be inserted through the patient's vasculature (e.g., through an introducer sheath that crosses the patient's skin and tissue to provide an access site) with the cap assembly 140 locking the dilator 130 to the valve 102 and catheter 120. Once the catheter 120 is positioned at a desired location relative to the clot material within the patient (e.g., pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis), the cap assembly 140 can be unlocked and the dilator 130 can be withdrawn from the catheter 120. The user can then first close the fluid control device 114 before creating a vacuum in the pressure source 108, for example, by pulling back on the plunger of a syringe coupled to the connector 116. In this manner, a vacuum is built up (e.g., a negative pressure is maintained) in the pressure source 108 before the pressure source 108 is fluidly connected to the lumen 121 of the catheter 120. To aspirate the lumen 121 of the catheter 120, the user opens the fluid control device 114 to fluidly connect the pressure source 108 to the catheter 120, thereby applying or releasing the vacuum built up in the pressure source 108 to the lumen 121 of the catheter 120. The opening of the fluid control device 114 applies the built up vacuum pressure to the tubing assembly 110 and the catheter 120 instantaneously or near instantaneously, thereby creating a suction pulse throughout the catheter 120, which can aspirate the clot material into the catheter 120. In particular, suction is applied to the distal tip region 124 of the catheter 120 to aspirate / aspirate at least a portion of the clot material proximate the distal tip region 124 into the lumen 121 of the catheter 120. In other embodiments, where the catheter 120 is an introducer sheath, the introducer assembly 101 can be inserted partially into a blood vessel through the patient's skin and tissue to provide an access point for other medical instruments.

[0023] 2A is a partially exploded isometric view of the cap assembly 140 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap assembly 140 is in an unlocked position in which the first cap 150 is not secured to the second cap 160 such that the dilator 130 is free to move relative to the valve 102 and catheter 120 (FIG. 1). The first cap 150 can include one or more coupling or locking members 252 extending in a direction parallel or generally parallel to the longitudinal axis X (e.g., downward, distally, and / or toward the second cap 160). In the illustrated embodiment, the first cap 150 includes two of the locking members 252 (one of the locking members 252 is hidden in FIG. 2A) positioned on opposite sides of the first cap 150 (e.g., 180 degrees apart). The second cap 160 can include one or more coupling or locking features 262 extending at least partially through the second cap 160 about the longitudinal axis X. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking members 252 are protrusions and the locking features 262 are corresponding grooves or openings. In other embodiments, the first cap 150 can include more or fewer locking members 252 and / or the second cap 160 can include more or fewer locking features 262. For example, the first cap 150 can include more than one or two of the locking members 252 and the second cap 160 can include the same number of locking features 262. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cap 150 and the second cap 160 have a circular shape. In other embodiments, the first cap 150 and / or the second cap 160 can have a triangular, square, rectangular, straight configuration, curved configuration, or any other suitable shape. In at least some embodiments, the first cap 150 and the second cap 160 can have the same shape. In other embodiments, the first cap and the second cap can have different shapes.

[0024] Each of the locking members 252 can be configured to be relatively flexible and undergo elastic or generally elastic deformation. Additionally, each of the locking features 262 can be configured (e.g., shaped and sized) to bend or deflect the corresponding locking member 252 inwardly (toward the longitudinal axis X) to facilitate locking / coupling of the first cap 150 to the second cap 160. In the illustrated embodiment, each one of the locking features 262 is configured (e.g., shaped, sized, positioned) to releasably receive a corresponding one of the locking members 252. In general, to secure (e.g., couple, lock) the first cap 150 to the second cap 160, the locking member 252 can be at least partially aligned with and inserted into the corresponding locking feature 262. Once inserted, the outward bias of the locking member 252 can cause the locking member 252 to engage a corresponding locking feature 262 (and / or another portion of the valve 102) to secure the first cap 150 to the second cap 160. In some embodiments, aligning the locking member 252 with the corresponding locking feature 262 can include rotating the first cap 150 relative to the second cap 160 (e.g., about the longitudinal axis X).

[0025] In operation, inserting the expander 130 into the valve 102 and catheter 120 includes moving the first cap 150 towards the second cap 160. While moving the expander 130 through the valve 102, the user can rotate the first cap 150 such that individual ones of the locking members 252 are at least partially aligned with corresponding ones of the locking features 262. With the locking members 252 and corresponding locking features 262 in this orientation, the user can contact the first cap 150 with the second cap 160 and insert the locking members 252 into the corresponding locking features 262 to secure the first cap 150 to the second cap 160.

[0026] More specifically, Figure 2B is a side cross-sectional view of the cap assembly 140 of Figure 2A in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 2C is an enlarged view of region 2C of Figure 2B in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The cap assembly 140 is in a locked position in Figures 2B and 2C, with the first cap 150 secured to the second cap 160, thereby locking the dilator 130 in place relative to the valve 102 and catheter 120 (Figure 1). With joint reference to Figures 2B and 2C, each of the locking features 262 of the second cap 160 can include a channel or slot 264 defined at least in part by a first or inner wall 263 and a second or outer wall 265 radially spaced from the inner wall 263. In the locked position shown in Figures 2B and 2C, the locking member 252 is inserted into the corresponding locking feature 262, such that at least a portion of the locking member 252 is positioned within the slot 264 of the corresponding locking feature 262 between the inner wall 263 and the outer wall 265.

[0027] 2B, in some embodiments, the second cap 160 includes an opening 261 sized, positioned, and / or otherwise configured to allow the dilator 130 to pass through the second cap 160. The first cap 150 can include an opening 251 secured to the dilator 130 and configured to receive the dilator 130, and a connected or integral luer connector 134. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the opening 251 is at least partially defined by one or more luer coupling members 253. Each of the luer coupling members 253 can be positioned radially inward relative to one or more of the locking members 252. Additionally, each of the luer coupling members 253 can be generally flexible and configured to undergo elastic or generally elastic deformation. The luer connector 134 can include a first or distal flange 236 and a second or proximal flange 238 opposite and spaced apart from the distal flange 236. The dilator 130 and the luer connector 134 can be inserted through the opening 251, whereby the distal flange 236 contacts a respective one of the luer coupling members 253, bending or deflecting the luer coupling member 253 radially outwardly away from the luer connector 134. When the distal flange 236 moves distally past the luer coupling member 253, the luer coupling member 253 can return to its original (e.g., unbent) configuration, as shown in FIG. 2B. With the luer connector 134 and the luer coupling member 253 in their respective positions shown in FIG. 2B, at least a portion of the first cap 150 (e.g., the luer coupling member 253) can be positioned between the distal flange 236 and the proximal flange 238 to secure the dilator 130 to the first cap 150. In other embodiments, the dilator 130 can be secured to the first cap 150 in other manners.

[0028] 2C, each of the locking features 262 in the second cap 160 can further include a first surface 266 (which can also be referred to as a proximal surface, a deflection surface, a sloped surface, and / or an insertion surface) and a second surface 268 (which can also be referred to as a distal surface, a retention surface, and / or a locking surface). The second surface 268 can extend from the outer wall 265 toward the inner wall 263 in an inward direction that is perpendicular or generally perpendicular to the inner and / or outer walls 263, 265. The first surface 266 can extend at an angle upward from the second surface 268 and away from the inner wall 263, for example, to form an acute interior angle with the second surface 268. In other embodiments, the first and second surfaces 266, 268 can be positioned on the inner wall 263 opposite the outer wall 265 or can have any other suitable configuration.

[0029] Each of the locking members 252 can include a tab 254. Each tab 254 can be positioned at or near a distal end of the associated locking member 252. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 254 extend outwardly and / or perpendicularly (e.g., toward the outer wall 265) from the associated locking member 252. In other embodiments, one or more of the tabs 254 can extend inwardly (e.g., toward the inner wall 263) from the associated locking member 252, or in any other suitable direction. The tabs 254 can define a stop or retention surface 256. As shown in FIG. 2C, when the first cap 150 is coupled to the second cap 160, the retention surface 256 is at least partially aligned with and / or parallel to the second surface 268. Alignment of the retention surface 256 with the second surface 268 may prevent or at least partially prevent the first cap 150 from moving (e.g., upwardly and / or proximally) relative to the second cap 160, thereby coupling or "locking" the first cap 150 and the second cap 160 together. In FIG. 2C , the retention surface 256 and the second surface 268 are shown spaced apart for purposes of illustration, and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, at least a portion of the retention surface 256 may contact at least a portion of the second surface 268 to prevent or at least partially prevent the first cap 150 from moving relative to the second cap 160.

[0030] 2A-2C together, to couple the dilator 130 to the valve 102, a user can position the locking member 252 of the first cap 150 such that the tab 254 is at least partially aligned with the slot 264 of the second cap 160 and / or contacts a first surface 266 of a corresponding locking feature 262. The user can then move the first cap 150 toward the second cap 160 to translate the tab 254 inwardly in a first direction D1 along the corresponding first surface 266 (FIG. 2C; e.g., toward the longitudinal axis X in FIG. 2A). Movement of the tab 254 in the first direction D1 can cause a corresponding bending or deflection in the locking member 252. Continuing to move the first cap 150 toward the second cap 160 can move the tab 254 past the corresponding first surface 266, and once past the first surface 266, the locking member 252 can move in a second direction D2 ( FIG. 2C ; e.g., away from the longitudinal axis X in FIG. 2A ), which is opposite the first direction D1. Movement of the locking member 252 in the second direction D2 can be at least partially due to elastic or generally elastic deformation characteristics of the locking member 252. As the locking member 252 moves in the second direction D2, each of the retention surfaces 256 can at least partially align with the second surface 268 of the corresponding locking feature 262 to secure the first cap 150 and the second cap 160. That is, the tab 254 can be advanced over and snapped inwardly behind the corresponding second surface 268, which retains the tab 254 and first cap 150 in a locked position, e.g., as described herein above.

[0031] 3A-3C are perspective, cross-sectional, and bottom views, respectively, of a first cap 150 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Referring together to FIGS. 3A-3C, the first cap 150 can have a longitudinal axis Y, which can be the same (e.g., collinear) as the longitudinal axis X (FIGS. 1 and 2A) when the first cap 150 is coupled to the valve 102 and the catheter 120 (FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, the first cap 150 is bilaterally and / or radially symmetric about the longitudinal axis Y. In other embodiments, the first cap 150 can be configured to have any other symmetry and / or to be asymmetric. Referring to FIG. 3B, each of the locking members 252 can be deflectable in at least a first direction D1 (e.g., outward and / or away from the longitudinal axis Y). Each of the luer coupling members 253 can be deflectable in an opposite direction compared to the locking member 252 (e.g., at least in the second direction D2). Each of the locking members 252 and / or luer coupling members 253 can extend away from the top surface 357 of the first cap 150 (e.g., downward and / or in a direction parallel or generally parallel to the longitudinal axis Y). With reference to FIG. 3C, each of the locking members 252 and / or luer coupling members 253 can be curved or arcuate and extend at least partially about the longitudinal axis Y. In at least some embodiments, the curvature of one or more of the locking members 252 and / or luer coupling members 253 is concentric with the opening 251.

[0032] 4A-4C are perspective, cross-sectional, and bottom views, respectively, of the second cap 160 of the cap assembly 140 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Referring together to FIGS. 4A-4C, the second cap 160 can have a longitudinal axis Z, which can be the same as (e.g., collinear with) the longitudinal axis X (FIGS. 1 and 2A) when the second cap 160 is coupled to the valve 102 and the catheter 120 (FIG. 1). Additionally, the longitudinal axis Z can be the same as (e.g., collinear with) the longitudinal axis Y (FIGS. 3A-3C) when the first cap 150 (FIGS. 1-3C) is coupled to the second cap 160. Each of the locking features 262 and / or one or more of its elements (e.g., slot 264, first surface 266, etc.) can be curved or arcuate and extend at least partially around the longitudinal axis Z.

[0033] 4A and 4B together, each of the locking features 262 can include an axial removal surface 470. Each of the axial removal surfaces 470 can be adjacent to the slot 264, facing an end wall 469 of the slot 264, and at least partially between the first surface 266 and the inner wall 263. Additionally, each of the axial removal surfaces 470 can be inclined upwardly (e.g., along the longitudinal axis Z and / or toward the top surface 467 of the second cap 160). Thus, as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the locking member 252 is positioned within the slot 264, the axial removal surface 470 can drive the locking member 252 axially and / or upwardly therethrough.

[0034] 4C, each of the locking features 262 can further include a radial removal surface 472. Each of the radial removal surfaces 472 can be positioned at least partially within the associated slot 264 and extend (e.g., downward, distally) from the associated second surface 268 (from the perspective shown in FIG. 4C, the radial removal surface 472 extends away from the page toward the viewer). Additionally, each of the radial removal surfaces 472 can be angled relative to the outer wall 265 and / or the inner wall 263. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, each of the radial removal surfaces 472 extends inwardly away from the outer wall 265 toward the inner wall 263 and / or the longitudinal axis Z. Thus, as described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the locking member 252 is positioned within the slot 264 and contacts the radial removal surface 472, the radial removal surface 472 can drive the locking member 252 inwardly therealong.

[0035] The slot 264 can have a slot dimension S that is at least partially defined by the slot end wall 469 and the axial removal surface 470. The slot dimension S can be an angle, an arc length, or any other suitable dimension. Because the locking member 252 can be inserted along the length of the slot 264, an increase in the slot dimension S can reduce the difficulty of aligning the first cap 150 with the second cap 160. Additionally or alternatively, the slot dimension S can at least partially define the amount the first cap 150 can rotate while at least partially coupled to the second cap 160. For example, a relatively high slot dimension (e.g., a longer arc length) can correspond to a relatively increased angle of rotation of the first cap 150, and a relatively low slot dimension can correspond to a relatively decreased angle of rotation of the first cap 150.

[0036] 5A and 5B are bottom views of the cap assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 5A, the cap assembly 140 is in a locked position in which the locking members 252 of the first cap 150 are positioned within corresponding locking features 262 of the second cap 160 such that the first cap 150 is coupled to the second cap 160. In FIG. 5B, the cap assembly 140 is in an unlocked position in which the first cap 150 is rotated in a direction R relative to the second cap 160 and / or about longitudinal axes Y and / or Z to decouple the first cap 150 from the second cap 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the direction R is a clockwise direction when viewed from the bottom of the cap assembly 140 (e.g., a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the top of the cap assembly 140). In other embodiments, the first cap 150 and / or the second cap 160 may be configured such that the direction R is a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the bottom of the cap assembly 140 (e.g., a clockwise direction when viewed from the top of the cap assembly 140).

[0037] 5A and 5B together, rotating the first cap 150 in a direction R (FIG. 5B) can move the tabs 254 toward the corresponding radial removal surface 472 until one or more of the tabs 254 at least partially contact the corresponding radial removal surface 472. In response to rotation in the direction R, the radial removal surface 472 can deflect each of the tabs 254 inwardly in a direction D1, as shown in FIG. 5B. This deflection of the tabs 254 causes a corresponding inward deflection in the associated locking member 252. In some aspects of the present technology, the radial removal surface 472 at least partially prevents the first cap 150 from being accidentally or unintentionally disconnected from the second cap 160 until a force (e.g., torque) sufficient to deflect the locking member 252 inward is applied to the first cap 150.

[0038] With the tabs 254 in the position shown in FIG. 5B, continued rotation of the first cap 150 in the direction R causes the tabs 254 to contact the corresponding axial removal surface 470 (FIGS. 4A and 4B). Each of the locking members 252 can translate upward across the corresponding axial removal surface 470 to move the first cap 150 away from the second cap 160 in a direction generally along the longitudinal axis Z (e.g., to the unlocked position shown in FIG. 2A). Continued rotation of the first cap 150 can completely separate the first cap 150 and the second cap 160. However, it will be appreciated that once the tabs 254 are deflected inwardly in the position shown in FIG. 5B, the first cap 150 can be moved away from the second cap 160 without further rotation to separate the first cap 150 from the second cap 160.

[0039] Thus, in some aspects of the present technology, the locking feature 262 includes (i) an insertion surface 266 for inwardly deflecting one or more of the tabs 254 during insertion and / or in response to axial movement, (ii) a radial removal surface 472 for inwardly deflecting the tabs 254 (e.g., radially inward) during removal and / or in response to rotational movement, and (iii) an axial removal surface 470 for moving the tabs 254 upwardly (e.g., axially upward) during removal and / or in response to rotational movement. The insertion surface 266 can be positioned to align with the corresponding tab 254 when the cap assembly 140 is in the unlocked position. During insertion, the tab 254 can move toward, contact, and translate inwardly along the insertion surface 266. The radial removal surface 472 can be positioned proximate to the tab 254 when the cap assembly 140 is in the locked position. During removal, the tabs 254 can move (e.g., rotate) toward, contact, and translate inwardly along the radial removal surface 472. The cap assembly 140 can transition from a locked position toward an unlocked position as the tabs 254 translate along the radial removal surface 472. Additionally, the tabs 254 can move toward the axial removal surface 470 as they translate along the radial removal surface 472. The axial removal surface 470 can be angled upward, away from the radial removal surface 472. Thus, during removal, the tabs 254 can move (e.g., rotate) toward, contact, and translate upward along the axial removal surface 470. Translating the tabs 254 along the axial removal surface 470 can return the cap assembly 140 to the unlocked position.

[0040] 6A-6C are top views of second caps, respectively, according to additional embodiments of the present technology. Each of the second caps 660a-660c may be generally similar to the second cap 160 of FIGS. 1-2C and 4A-5B. However, with reference to FIG. 6A, the second cap 660a includes a reduced slot dimension S1, such that the second cap 660a does not allow the first cap (not shown) to rotate while it remains coupled to the second cap 660a and / or any rotation of the first cap would initiate the separation process described above. With reference to FIG. 6B, the second cap 660b includes an increased slot dimension S2, which allows the first cap (not shown) to rotate up to 60 degrees relative to the second cap 660b while it remains coupled to the second cap 660b and / or before rotation of the first cap would initiate the separation process described above. Referring to FIG. 6C, the second cap 660c does not include one or more of the inner walls 263 (FIGS. 2B, 2C, and 4A-4C), such that one or more of the openings 661 and the slots 664 are connected or otherwise not separated by an inner wall.

[0041] 7 is a top view of a second cap 760 configured in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present technology. At least some aspects of the second cap 760 may be at least generally similar or identical in structure and / or function to one or more of the second caps 160, 660a-660c described in detail herein above. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cap 760 further includes one or more rotationally independent locking features 762 ("locking features 762"). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the locking features 762 includes an outer wall 765 and two radial removal surfaces 772, e.g., positioned on the left and right sides of the outer wall 765. The second cap 760 may further include axial removal surfaces 770 positioned on the left and right sides of the locking features 762 and / or aligned with the radial removal surfaces 772. Thus, when a locking member of a first cap (e.g., locking member 252 of first cap 150 of FIG. 2A ) is received in one of the locking features 762, the first cap can be rotated in a direction R or an opposite direction R (e.g., counterclockwise or clockwise) to drive the locking member against one of the radial removal surfaces 772 and decouple the first cap and second cap 760. Continued rotation of the first cap can translate the locking member of the first cap along the axial removal surface 770. This rotation-independent configuration of the locking features 762 is expected to allow the first cap to be quickly and easily decoupled from the second cap 760. The locking features 762 may be aligned with and / or positioned distal to the respective first surfaces 766, such that a locking member of the first cap (e.g., locking member 252 of first cap 150 in FIG. 2A) can contact the first surfaces 766 and thereby be driven radially inward to engage with the locking features 762.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second cap 760 can include one or more support surfaces 774 positioned radially inward of one of the first surfaces 766, e.g., between the axial removal surfaces 770 associated with one of the locking features 762. Each of the support surfaces 774 can be configured to contact at least a portion of a coupling member of the first cap, e.g., after the first cap is coupled / locked to the second cap 760. In some embodiments, one or more of the support surfaces 774 can be curved or concave. Thus, when the first cap is coupled to the second cap 760 and / or the coupling member of the first cap contacts the support surface 774, the curvature / concave of the support surface 774 can at least partially prevent rotation of the first cap relative to the second cap 760, e.g., in addition to or instead of the resistance to rotation of the first cap provided by the radial removal surface 772.

[0043] 8 is a perspective view of a cap lock valve 880 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The cap lock valve 880 can include a valve 802 and an integrated locking feature 860. The valve 802 can include at least some aspects that are at least generally similar or identical in structure and / or function to the valve 102 of FIG. 1. In at least some embodiments, for example, the valve 802 can be a hemostatic valve configured to maintain hemostasis during a clot removal procedure by preventing fluid flow in a proximal direction through the valve 802 as various components, such as dilators, delivery sheaths, tensioning members, guidewires, interventional devices, other aspiration catheters, etc., are inserted therethrough.

[0044] The integrated locking feature 860 may be formed in the valve 802 at or near the proximal end thereof, or at another suitable location on / within the valve 802. The integrated locking feature 860 may include at least some aspects that are at least generally similar or identical in structure and / or function to one or more of the second caps 160, 660a-660c, 760 described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the integrated locking feature 860 includes at least some features that are at least generally similar in structure and / or function to the second cap 760 of FIG. 7. In other embodiments, the integrated locking feature 860 may have another suitable configuration. In these and other embodiments, the integrated locking feature 860 may be integrated directly into the valve 802, rather than included in a separate cap or other component that is releasably coupleable to the valve 802.

[0045] Several aspects of the present technology are described in the following examples. 1. A cap assembly for a catheter, the cap assembly comprising: a first cap including a locking member, the locking member including an end portion and a tab positioned proximate to the end portion; a second cap including a locking feature, the locking feature including a slot extending at least partially through the second cap; the first cap is configured to be secured to the second cap in a locked position; In the locked position, the locking feature is configured to receive a locking member through the slot such that the tab engages a portion of the second cap to prevent movement of the first cap relative to the second cap; A cap assembly, wherein the first cap is configured to rotate relative to the second cap to move the tab out of engagement with the second cap to move the first cap from the locked position to the unlocked position. 2. A cap assembly as described in example 1, wherein the first cap includes an upper surface, the locking member extends from the upper surface in a direction generally perpendicular to the upper surface, and an end portion of the locking member is on an opposite side of the upper surface. 3. The cap assembly of example 1 or example 2, wherein the tab extends perpendicularly from the locking member. 4. A cap assembly as described in any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the tab defines a retention surface positioned to contact at least a portion of the second cap when the first cap is coupled to the second cap. 5. A cap assembly described in any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the locking member is flexible and the second cap is configured to bend the locking member when the first cap moves between the unlocked position and the locked position. 6. A cap assembly described in any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the locking feature includes a locking surface positioned to at least partially contact the tab of the locking member when the first cap is coupled to the second cap. 7. A cap assembly described in any one of Examples 1-6, wherein the locking feature includes an angled insertion surface positioned to engage and bias the locking member when the first cap moves from the unlocked position toward the locked position. 8. The cap assembly of example 7, wherein the cap assembly includes a longitudinal axis and the insertion surface is angled to cause the locking member to bend inwardly toward the longitudinal axis. 9. The cap assembly of any one of Examples 1-8, wherein the locking feature includes a radial removal surface, the radial removal surface being angled to deflect the tab inwardly when the first cap is rotated relative to the second cap. 10. The cap assembly of any one of Examples 1-9, wherein the locking feature includes an axial removal surface positioned adjacent to the slot and angled to move the first cap away from the second cap when the first cap is rotated relative to the second cap. 11. the first cap includes a top surface, the locking member extends from the top surface in a direction perpendicular to the top surface; the locking member is flexible and configured to deflect when the first cap moves between the unlocked position and the locked position; the tab defines a retention surface positioned to contact at least a portion of the second cap in the locked position; The locking feature is a locking surface positioned to at least partially contact the retention surface of the tab in the locked position; an insertion surface positioned to be at least partially aligned with the locking member and angled to bias the locking member inwardly when the first cap moves from the unlocked position toward the locked position; a radial removal surface positioned adjacent to the tab of the locking member in the locked position, the radial removal surface being angled to move the tab radially inward when the first cap moves from the locked position toward the unlocked position; The cap assembly of any one of Examples 1-10, comprising: an axial removal surface positioned adjacent to the slot and angled to move the first cap longitudinally away from the second cap when the first cap moves from the locked position toward the unlocked position. 12. A cap assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the locking member is a first locking member, the locking feature is a first locking feature, the first cap includes one or more second locking members, and the second cap includes one or more second locking features, each one of the second locking members being configured to receive and secure a corresponding one of the second locking members in the locked position. 13. The cap assembly of any one of Examples 1-12, wherein the locking feature is configured to be rotation independent, such that rotation of the first cap relative to the second cap in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction moves the tab out of engagement with the second cap to move the first cap from the locked position to the unlocked position. 14. A vascular access system comprising: a valve having a proximal end and a distal end; a catheter defining a lumen and coupled to a distal end of the valve, the catheter defining a longitudinal axis of the vascular access system; a dilator configured to extend at least partially through the valve and the lumen; a cap assembly movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the cap assembly including: (i) a valve cap connected to a proximal end of the valve and including a mating feature; and (ii) a dilator cap coupled to the dilator and including a mating tab insertable into the mating feature; in the locked configuration, the coupling feature is configured to receive the coupling tab such that the coupling tab engages a portion of the valve cap to prevent movement of the dilator relative to the valve along the longitudinal axis; A vascular access system, wherein the dilator cap is configured to rotate relative to the valve cap to move the coupling tabs out of engagement with the valve cap to move the cap assembly from the locked configuration towards the unlocked configuration. 15. The vascular access system of Example 14, wherein the connection tab is flexible and the connection feature is configured to deflect the connection tab toward the longitudinal axis when the cap assembly moves from the unlocked configuration toward the locked configuration. 16. A vascular access system as described in Example 14 or Example 15, wherein the expander cap includes a coupling member extending in a direction generally parallel to the expander and having a distal end, and the coupling tab is positioned adjacent to the distal end of the coupling member. 17. A vascular access system described in any one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein the valve cap has a valve cap longitudinal axis and the coupling feature is at least partially circumferentially curved around the valve cap longitudinal axis. 18. A vascular access system described in any one of Examples 14 to 17, wherein the coupling feature includes a coupling surface positioned to at least partially contact the coupling tab of the expander cap when the cap assembly is in a locked configuration. 19. The vascular access system of Example 18, wherein the coupling feature includes an insertion surface positioned to engage and bias the coupling tab toward the longitudinal axis when the cap assembly moves from the unlocked configuration toward the locked configuration. 20. The vascular access system of Example 19, wherein the insertion surface is positioned proximally from the bonding surface. 21. The vascular access system of example 19 or example 20, wherein the insertion surface forms an acute interior angle with the bonding surface. 22. A vascular access system described in any one of Examples 14 to 21, wherein the coupling feature includes a radial removal surface configured to move the coupling tab radially inward toward the longitudinal axis when the cap assembly moves from the locked configuration toward the unlocked configuration. 23. A vascular access system described in any one of Examples 14 to 22, wherein the coupling feature includes: (i) a slot configured to receive the coupling tab; and (ii) an axial removal surface positioned adjacent to the slot and angled to move the expander cap away from the valve cap along the longitudinal axis when the expander cap is rotated relative to the valve cap. 24. The coupling feature includes an outer wall and a pair of radial removal surfaces positioned on left and right sides of the outer wall; In the locked configuration, the coupling tab is positioned between a pair of radial removal surfaces; A vascular access system described in any one of Examples 14 to 22, wherein rotation of the expander cap in a left or right direction relative to the valve cap moves the cap assembly from the locked configuration toward the unlocked configuration. 25. A vascular access system described in any one of Examples 14-24, wherein the valve cap is integrally formed with the proximal end of the valve. 26. A vascular access system described in any one of Examples 14-24, wherein the valve cap is releasably coupled to the proximal end of the valve. 27. A method of using a vascular access system, the method comprising: aligning a first cap of a vascular access system with a second cap of the vascular access system, the first cap being coupled to a dilator of the vascular access system and the second cap being coupled to a catheter of the vascular access system, and aligning the first cap with the second cap including aligning a locking member of the first cap with a locking feature of the second cap; 11. A method comprising: coupling a first cap to a second cap to prevent an expander from moving relative to a catheter of a vascular access system, wherein coupling the first cap to the second cap comprises inserting a locking member into a locking feature whereby the locking feature drives the locking member past a locking surface of the locking feature, the locking surface being configured to engage the locking member to prevent longitudinal movement of the first cap relative to the second cap. 28. The method of example 27, wherein coupling the first cap to the second cap further comprises positioning a dilator at least partially within the catheter. 29. The method of example 27 or example 28, wherein bonding the first cap to the second cap further comprises inserting a dilator completely through the catheter. 30. The method of any one of examples 27-29, wherein aligning the locking member of the first cap with the locking feature of the second cap includes aligning a tab of the locking member with an insertion surface of the locking feature. 31. The method of example 30, wherein moving the first cap toward the second cap comprises (i) positioning a tab of the locking member to contact an insertion surface of the locking feature, and (ii) translating the tab across the insertion surface to deflect the tab. 32. The method of any one of examples 27-31, further comprising, after bonding the first cap to the second cap, rotating the first cap relative to the second cap to detach the first cap from the second cap. 33. The method of example 32, wherein rotating the first cap includes translating at least a portion of the locking member across a radial removal surface of the locking feature, the radial removal surface being angled to deflect the locking member when the first cap is rotated relative to the second cap. 34. The method of example 32 or example 33, wherein rotating the first cap comprises moving the first cap longitudinally away from the second cap. 35. The method of example 34, wherein moving the first cap away from the second cap includes translating the locking member across an axial removal surface of the locking feature, the axial removal surface being angled to move the first cap away from the second cap as the locking member translates across the axial removal surface. 36. The method of any one of examples 32-35, wherein rotating the first cap relative to the second cap to detach the first cap from the second cap comprises rotating the first cap in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction to detach the first cap from the second cap.

[0046] The above detailed description of the embodiments of the present technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise form disclosed above. Although specific embodiments and examples of the present technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present technology, as those skilled in the art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. Various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0047] From the above, it will be understood that, although specific embodiments of the present technology are described herein for illustrative purposes, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the present technology. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular terms, respectively.

[0048] Further, unless the word "or" is expressly limited to mean only a single item in reference to a list of two or more items, the use of "or" in such a list should be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the term "comprising" is used throughout to mean the inclusion of at least the recited features, without excluding any more of the same features and / or other features of additional types. Although specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, it will also be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the technology. Furthermore, although advantages associated with some embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of these embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Thus, the present disclosure and related technology may encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.

Claims

1. 1. A cap assembly for a catheter, the cap assembly comprising: a first cap including a locking member, the locking member including an end portion and a tab positioned proximate the end portion; a second cap defining a longitudinal axis and including a locking feature, the locking feature including a slot extending at least partially through the second cap and an axial removal surface positioned proximate the slot, inclined relative to the longitudinal axis, and extending at least partially about the longitudinal axis; and Equipped with the first cap is configured to be secured to the second cap in a locked position; In the locked position, the second cap is configured to receive the locking member through the slot such that the tab engages a portion of the second cap to prevent movement of the first cap relative to the second cap; a cap assembly configured to rotate relative to the second cap to (i) move the tab out of engagement with the portion of the second cap, thereby moving the first cap from the locked position to an unlocked position, and (ii) translate the tab along at least a portion of the axial removal surface, thereby driving the first cap longitudinally away from the second cap.

2. 2. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the first cap includes an upper surface, the locking member extends from the upper surface in a direction generally perpendicular to the upper surface, and the end portion of the locking member is opposite the upper surface.

3. The cap assembly of claim 1 , wherein the tab extends perpendicularly from the locking member.

4. The cap assembly of claim 1 , wherein the tab defines a retention surface positioned to contact at least a portion of the second cap when the first cap is coupled to the second cap.

5. 2. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking member is flexible and the second cap is configured to flex the locking member when the first cap moves between the unlocked position and the locked position.

6. The cap assembly of claim 1 , wherein the locking feature includes a locking surface positioned to at least partially contact the tab of the locking member when the first cap is coupled to the second cap.

7. 2. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking feature includes an angled insertion surface positioned to engage and bias the locking member when the first cap moves from the unlocked position toward the locked position.

8. The cap assembly of claim 7 , wherein the cap assembly includes a longitudinal axis, and the insertion surface is angled to cause the locking member to bend inward toward the longitudinal axis.

9. 2. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking feature includes a radial removal surface that is angled to deflect the tabs inward when the first cap is rotated relative to the second cap.

10. the first cap includes an upper surface, the locking member extending from the upper surface in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface; the locking member is flexible and configured to deflect when the first cap moves between the unlocked position and the locked position; the tab defines a retention surface positioned to contact at least a portion of the second cap in the locked position; The locking feature may include: a locking surface positioned to at least partially contact the retention surface of the tab in the locked position; an insertion surface positioned to be at least partially aligned with the locking member and angled to bias the locking member inward when the first cap is moved from the unlocked position toward the locked position; a radial removal surface positioned adjacent to the tab of the locking member in the locked position, the radial removal surface being angled to move the tab radially inward when the first cap is moved from the locked position toward the unlocked position; The cap assembly of claim 1 , comprising:

11. 2. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking member is a first locking member, the locking feature is a first locking feature, the first cap includes one or more second locking members, and the second cap includes one or more second locking features, each of the second locking members configured to receive and secure a corresponding one of the second locking members in the locked position.

12. 2. The cap assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking feature is configured to be rotationally independent such that rotation of the first cap relative to the second cap in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction moves the tab out of engagement with the second cap to move the first cap from the locked position to the unlocked position.

13. 1. A vascular access system comprising: a valve having a proximal end and a distal end; a catheter defining a lumen and coupled to the distal end of the valve, the catheter defining a longitudinal axis of the vascular access system; and a dilator configured to extend at least partially through the valve and the lumen; a cap assembly movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the cap assembly including: (i) a valve cap connected to the proximal end of the valve and including a mating feature; and (ii) a dilator cap connected to the dilator and including a mating tab insertable into the mating feature; Equipped with the coupling feature includes an angled insertion surface and a slot extending from the angled insertion surface through at least a portion of the valve cap; the angled insertion surface is positioned to engage and bias the coupling tab when the dilator cap is moved axially toward the valve cap to transition the cap assembly from the unlocked configuration toward and / or to the locked configuration; In the locked configuration, the coupling feature is configured to receive the coupling tab such that the coupling tab engages a portion of the valve cap through the slot to prevent movement of the dilator relative to the valve along the longitudinal axis; The dilator cap is configured to rotate relative to the valve cap to move the coupling tabs out of engagement with the valve cap and move the cap assembly from the locked configuration toward the unlocked configuration.

14. 14. The vascular access system of claim 13, wherein the connection tab is flexible and the connection feature is configured to deflect the connection tab toward the longitudinal axis when the cap assembly moves from the unlocked configuration toward the locked configuration.

15. 14. The vascular access system of claim 13, wherein the dilator cap includes a coupling member extending in a direction generally parallel to the dilator and having a distal end, the coupling tab positioned proximate the distal end of the coupling member.

16. The vascular access system of claim 13 , wherein the valve cap has a valve cap longitudinal axis and the coupling feature is at least partially circumferentially curved about the valve cap longitudinal axis.

17. The vascular access system of claim 13 , wherein the mating feature includes a mating surface positioned to at least partially contact the mating tab of the dilator cap when the cap assembly is in the locked configuration.

18. The vascular access system of claim 17 , wherein the angled insertion surface is positioned proximally from the bonding surface.

19. The vascular access system of claim 17 , wherein the angled insertion surface forms an acute interior angle with the bonding surface.

20. 14. The vascular access system of claim 13, wherein the coupling features include radial removal surfaces configured to move the coupling tabs radially inward toward the longitudinal axis when the cap assembly moves from the locked configuration toward the unlocked configuration.

21. 14. The vascular access system of claim 13, wherein the coupling feature includes: (i) a slot configured to receive the coupling tab; and (ii) an axial removal surface positioned proximate the slot and angled to move the dilator cap away from the valve cap along the longitudinal axis when the dilator cap is rotated relative to the valve cap.

22. the coupling feature includes an outer wall and a pair of radial relief surfaces located on left and right sides of the outer wall; In the locked configuration, the coupling tab is positioned between the pair of radial removal surfaces; 14. The vascular access system of claim 13, wherein rotation of the dilator cap left or right relative to the valve cap moves the cap assembly from the locked configuration toward the unlocked configuration.

23. The vascular access system of claim 13 , wherein the valve cap is integrally formed with the proximal end of the valve.

24. The vascular access system of claim 13 , wherein the valve cap is releasably coupled to the proximal end of the valve.

25. 1. A method of using a vascular access system, the method comprising: aligning a first cap of the vascular access system with a second cap of the vascular access system, wherein the first cap is coupled to a dilator of the vascular access system and the second cap is coupled to a catheter of the vascular access system, and aligning the first cap with the second cap includes: aligning a locking member of the first cap with a locking feature of the second cap; aligning a tab of the locking member with an angled insertion surface of the locking feature; and coupling the first cap to the second cap to prevent the dilator from moving relative to the catheter of the vascular access system, wherein coupling the first cap to the second cap comprises: positioning the tab of the locking member so that it contacts the angled insertion surface of the locking feature; axially moving the first cap toward the second cap to translate the tab across the angled insertion surface; inserting the locking member into the locking feature such that the locking feature drives the locking member past a locking surface of the locking feature; Including Including, The locking surface is configured to engage the locking member to prevent longitudinal movement of the first cap relative to the second cap.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein coupling the first cap to the second cap further comprises positioning the dilator at least partially within the catheter.

27. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein coupling the first cap to the second cap further comprises inserting the dilator fully through the catheter.

28. 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising, after coupling the first cap to the second cap, rotating the first cap relative to the second cap to decouple the first cap from the second cap.

29. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein rotating the first cap comprises translating at least a portion of the locking member across a radial removal surface of the locking feature, the radial removal surface being angled to deflect the locking member when the first cap is rotated relative to the second cap.

30. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein rotating the first cap comprises longitudinally moving the first cap away from the second cap.

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein moving the first cap away from the second cap comprises translating the locking member across an axial removal surface of the locking feature, the axial removal surface being angled to move the first cap away from the second cap as the locking member translates across the axial removal surface.

32. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein rotating the first cap relative to the second cap to separate the first cap from the second cap comprises rotating the first cap in a first direction or a second direction opposite the first direction to separate the first cap from the second cap.

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