Delivery adapter

The delivery adapter addresses dilution issues in viscous liquid delivery by using a microtube system with connectors and seals, ensuring precise and efficient delivery of embolic materials across different catheter sizes.

JP2026016454APending Publication Date: 2026-02-03MICROVENTION INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025171643
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2017-02-06
Filing Date
2025-10-10
Publication Date
2026-02-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing delivery systems for viscous liquids, such as liquid emboli, suffer from dilution issues due to contact with flush liquids in catheter hubs, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination during vascular procedures.

Method used

A delivery adapter with a microtube configuration that bypasses the catheter hub reservoir, utilizing a proximal and distal connector system with optional rotation elements and seals to minimize dilution and prevent backflow, allowing for universal compatibility with various catheter hubs.

Benefits of technology

The adapter effectively delivers viscous liquids with minimal dilution, reducing procedural time and enhancing the precision of vascular treatments by maintaining the integrity of the embolic material.

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Abstract

A method of delivering a viscous liquid material is presented.SOLUTION: An adapter comprising a first connector adapted for connection to a syringe, tubing extending from the first connector, and a second connector adapted for connection to a catheter hub and having a lumen capable of accommodating the tubing, the second connector having a first configuration freely movable over the tubing and a second configuration fixed in place over the tubing to control the extent of extension of the tubing distally behind the second connector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8
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Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 455,379, filed February 6, 2017, entitled Delivery Adaptor, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] A delivery adapter may be used as an interface between a syringe and a catheter hub. The syringe may contain a liquid material, particularly a highly viscous liquid material, such as a liquid embolus. A liquid embolus can be thought of as a biocompatible adhesive that can be used to fill various vascular malformations, such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, fistulas, or other malformations. Liquid embolus can also be used for various occlusive purposes, such as vascular failure, tubal occlusion, or peripheral vasculature occlusion. The delivery adapter helps minimize or even eliminate dilution of viscous liquid materials in catheters used to deliver the viscous liquid materials to a treatment site within the vasculature. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A delivery adapter is described.

[0004] In one embodiment, the delivery adapter includes a proximal connector, a distal connector, microtubing, and a bridge.

[0005] In another embodiment, the delivery adapter includes a proximal connector, a distal connector, microtubing, a bridge, and a distal rotation element.

[0006] In another embodiment, the delivery adapter includes a proximal connector, a microtube, and a distal connector movable over the microtube, the distal connector being comprised of two mating elements. In one embodiment, the distal connector further includes a seal that engages the microtube to prevent backflow of emboli.

[0007] In another embodiment, the delivery adapter includes multiple proximal connectors so that multiple syringes can be connected to the delivery adapter at the same time.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method for delivering a viscous liquid material using an embodiment of the delivery adapter is described.

[0009] In another embodiment, the kit of parts includes an embolic agent and a delivery adapter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a catheter hub according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a catheter hub according to the present invention.

[0011] [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a delivery adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a delivery adapter according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the delivery adapter of FIG. 4.

[0014] [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a delivery adapter according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 depicts yet another embodiment of a delivery adapter in accordance with the present invention.

[0016] [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the thread configuration of the embodiment of FIG. 7A.

[0017] [Figure 8] FIG. 10 illustrates a delivery adapter according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the proximal connector portion and the microtube portion of the delivery adapter in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the proximal connector portion and the microtube portion of the delivery adapter in FIG. 8.

[0019] [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a microtube used in a delivery adapter, the microtube having a number of elements used to hold the distal connector.

[0020] [Figure 12] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a distal connector used in the delivery adapter of FIG. 8.

[0021] [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram illustrating a cap portion used in the distal connector of FIG. 12. FIG.

[0022] [Figure 14a] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a base used in the distal connector of FIG. 12. [Figure 14b] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a base used in the distal connector of FIG. 12.

[0023] [Figure 15] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a seal used in the distal connector of FIG. 12.

[0024] [Figure 16] FIG. 1 illustrates a delivery adapter having two ports to accommodate two syringes. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 illustrates a delivery adapter having two ports to accommodate two syringes.

[0025] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating interfaces between various ports of the delivery adapter of FIGS.

[0026] [Figure 19] FIG. 1 illustrates a delivery adapter having three ports to accommodate three syringes. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 illustrates a delivery adapter having three ports to accommodate three syringes.

[0027] [Figure 21] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative version of the delivery adapter having three ports to accommodate three syringes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] For the following description, the terms proximal and distal are used with reference to specific figures. Note that, in general, the term proximal refers to items at the top of a figure, and the term distal refers to items at the bottom. The delivery adapters depicted connect to a syringe at the top or proximal end and to a catheter hub at the bottom or distal end. When oriented for delivery, the delivery adapters may not necessarily be positioned in a vertical top-bottom fashion as shown in most of the figures (i.e., the adapters may be positioned laterally from left to right or right to left depending on the delivery configuration).

[0029] Liquid emboli are typically delivered from a syringe into a catheter and then from the catheter to a field within the patient's vasculature. The embolic material flows through a syringe into a catheter hub 22, where the hub 22 contains a tapered reservoir 24 that leads to a smaller diameter channel 26 and the rest of the catheter (see FIG. 1).

[0030] The tapered shape of reservoir 24 allows saline, DMSO, or other fluids to be used to flush into catheter reservoir 24 and hub 22, and then the liquid can remain in the reservoir. When the liquid embolus is subsequently delivered, the remaining flush liquid (e.g., saline or DMSO) may mix with the liquid embolus, thereby diluting it. An adapter may provide an interface for delivering the liquid embolus from the syringe to the catheter while minimizing contact with the catheter hub reservoir, thereby minimizing or even eliminating any dilution of the liquid embolus by the flush liquid.

[0031] The adapter includes a microtube 20, through which the liquid embolus is delivered, which is located within the catheter hub. In Figure 1, the microtube 20 is located distal to the catheter reservoir 24, thus minimizing the possibility of contamination with any flush fluid held in the reservoir 24.

[0032] In Figure 2, the microtubing 20 bypasses the reservoir entirely and is located within a smaller diameter channel 26. The described adapter may employ either configuration within the catheter hub 22 shown in Figures 1-2, depending on the size of the reservoir 24 and the length of the microtubing 20.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a delivery adapter including a proximal connector 12, a distal connector 28, a microtube 20, and a bridging portion 30 located between the proximal connector 12 and the distal connector 28. The proximal connector 12 may be made of a polymer and may include a mating section 10 in the form of a male luer connected to the female connector of a syringe. The proximal connector 12 may also include a roughened section 14 to assist a user in gripping the adapter to screw it onto or unscrew it from a syringe. In one example, the microtube 20 is recessed and captured within a portion of the proximal connector 12. In one example, the proximal connector 12 contains a channel within which the microtube is located. The microtube 20 extends from the proximal connector 12 past the distal connector 28. The bridging portion 30 is located between the proximal connector 12 and the distal connector 28.

[0034] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the bridge 30 is shown as a spring, which can be made of a metallic material. In one example, the distal connector 28 can be made of a polymer. The distal connector 28 can include a channel 32 extending therethrough. The microtube 20 extends through the channel 32. In one example, the bridge 30 is bonded within the proximal connector 12 and is positioned within the channel of the distal connector 28. This configuration allows the bridge 30 (e.g., a spring) to rotate when the distal connector 28 is not connected to the catheter hub and a user applies torque to the proximal connector 12. In one example, the distal end of the microtube 20 extends approximately 5-40 mm past the distal connector 28. In another example, the distal end of the microtube 20 extends approximately 10-20 mm past the distal connector 28. In another example, the distal end of the microtube 20 extends approximately 15 mm past the distal connector 28. When the syringe is mated to the proximal connector 12 via the mating section 10, it connects directly to the microtube 20 located within the proximal connector 12. Thus, the contents of the syringe are transferred directly into the microtube of the adapter and from the distal end of the microtube 20 into the catheter hub when the catheter hub is connected to the distal connector 28.

[0035] 4-5 show another embodiment of a delivery adapter, this time showing an additional distal rotation element 34 located just distal to the distal connector 28. In one example, the bridge 30 is glued (e.g., with a UV adhesive) into the proximal connector 12 and glued into the distal connector 28. Any torque applied by the user to the proximal connector 12 prior to attaching the adapter to the catheter hub will result in twisting of the distal connector 28. In one embodiment, the distal rotation element 34 is free to rotate independently of and / or relative to the distal connector 28. The ability of the element 34 to rotate relieves some of the stress on the spring bridge element 30 that may otherwise be caused by unidirectional torsional stress that may build up in portions of the spring / bridge element, particularly after securing the adapter to the catheter hub.

[0036] The microtube 20 may be made of a polymer in one example, or a metallic material in another example.

[0037] Another embodiment could utilize a threaded bridge 30 in place of the spring bridge 30 shown in Figures 3-5. The threaded bridge 30 could be made of a metallic or polymeric material and would have threads on its surface.

[0038] In one example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the bridge portion 30 has outwardly protruding threads and the distal connector 28 has corresponding recesses for mating with the threads, such that rotation of the distal connector 28 causes the distal connector 28 to move upward or downward (proximally or distally). In another example, the bridge portion 30 has an internal recess and the distal connector 28 has corresponding threads for mating with the recesses, such that rotation of the distal connector 28 causes the distal connector 28 to move upward or downward (proximally or distally). For the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5 , either the distal connector 28 or the distal rotation element 34 may have threads or recesses for mating with the bridge element 30. Alternatively, for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5 , both the distal connector 28 and the distal rotation element 34 may have threads or recesses for mating with the bridge element 30.

[0039] 3-5, the microtube 20 may terminate within the catheter reservoir 24 or may entirely bypass the catheter reservoir 24. In one example, the distal end of the microtube 20 extends approximately 5-40 mm beyond the distal connector 28. In another example, the distal end of the microtube 20 extends approximately 10-20 mm beyond the distal connector 28. In another example, the distal end of the microtube 20 extends approximately 15 mm beyond the distal connector 28.

[0040] Different catheters have different hub and reservoir sizes. The embodiment shown in Figures 3-7 can be thought of as a universal adapter, since there is no need to customize the microtube length to fit various catheter hubs. The microtube 20 is placed as distally as possible within the catheter hub 22. The distal connector 28 and / or distal rotating element 34 are then retracted (spring bridge embodiments) or rotated (threaded bridge embodiments) to engage the distal connector 28 (embodiment of Figure 3) or distal rotating element 34 (embodiment of Figures 4-6) with the catheter hub. Once retracted / rotated into this position, the rotating element 34 or distal connector 28 (depending on the embodiment) is then threaded over the catheter hub to secure the connection.

[0041] The method for using the universal delivery adapter of Figures 3-6 to deliver viscous liquids (e.g., liquid emboli) is as follows: The catheter, microcatheter, or delivery device is flushed with saline and advanced to the target site. The catheter is flushed with a solvent (e.g., a biocompatible solvent such as DMSO / dimethyl sulfoxide). The catheter hub 22 is filled with solvent (DMSO) to remove and minimize the chance of air bubbles. The proximal connector 12 of the delivery adapter is connected to a syringe, and the liquid emboli are injected through the delivery adapter to purge the air from the delivery adapter. Once purged, the microtube 20 is placed into the catheter hub 22. Once the microtube 20 is placed in the catheter hub 22, the distal connector 28 (in the embodiment of Figure 3) and / or the distal rotation element 34 (in the embodiments of Figures 4-6) are retracted (spring bridge 30) or rotated (threaded bridge 30) to connect to the catheter. Once retracted / rotated to this position, the rotating element 34 or the distal connector 28 (depending on the embodiment) is then screwed over the catheter hub to secure the connection. A liquid embolus may then be delivered from the syringe through the delivery adapter, or through the catheter to the target treatment site once the catheter has been advanced to the target treatment site.

[0042] 7A-7B, an additional adapter embodiment is shown. The proximal connector 12 mates with the threaded bridge 30 via the outer threads 30A on the bridge and the inner threads 30B on the proximal connector 12. However, at the mating surfaces of the threads 30A, 30B, a threshold axial force (i.e., up or down) exerted on the proximal connector 12 expands the walls of the proximal connector 12, disengaging the threads 30A / 30B. This allows the proximal connector 12 to move axially (either up or down) relative to the threaded bridge 30 in a ratchet-type action. When the threshold axial force is removed, the proximal connector 12 returns to its normal position and the threads 30A, 30B re-engage. In a preferred embodiment, the mating surfaces of the threads 30A / 30B are angled, as illustrated in FIG. 7B.

[0043] In one embodiment, the proximal connector 12 is configured so that a user can squeeze the outer upper end of the proximal connector 12, thereby compressing the lower edge of the proximal connector and bending it outward. This results in the threads 30A, 30B being released, allowing the user to freely move the proximal connector 12 up and down. Once the desired position is reached, the user releases the outer upper end of the proximal connector 12, causing the lower edge of the proximal connector 12 to return to its unbent state, thereby re-engaging the threads 30A / 30B. The proximal connector 12 may adopt a slightly concave shape in this embodiment to allow such bending in response to the pressure of this compression. In one example, the proximal connector 12 can include a gripping portion (i.e., a roughened portion for the user to grasp), which the user squeezes to initiate the bending and move the proximal connector 12 freely.

[0044] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, in use, a user determines the desired distance to extend the microtubing 20 beyond the distal connector 28. The user then applies axial force to the proximal connector 12 in the manner described above to move the proximal connector 12 and its attached microtubing 20 the aforementioned distance. The user can fine-tune the desired distance by rotating the proximal connector 12 relative to the threaded bridge 30. The adapter is then ready for inserting the microtubing 20 into the catheter hub. The user then secures the catheter to the adapter by threading the distal connector 28 onto the catheter hub (e.g., via a Luer lock connection). The user also attaches a syringe to the Luer lock 10 on top of the proximal connector 12.

[0045] FIGS. 8-15 illustrate a universal delivery adapter according to another embodiment of the present invention. The proximal portion of the adapter 40, the proximal connector 42, is adapted to connect to a syringe containing liquid emboli, as shown in FIG. 8. The proximal connector may contain threads 42a or other connecting elements to enable connection with the syringe via rotational engagement. A microtube 44 (similar to the microtube 20 of the previous embodiment) connects to the proximal connector 42 and serves as a conduit for the passage of emboli from the syringe through the microtube 44. In one example, the microtube 44 is made of metal, although other materials, including polymers, can be used. FIGS. 9-10 provide another view of the proximal connector 42 and the microtube 44.

[0046] The microtube 44 has a series of elements 44a along a portion of its length. These elements 44a can take various forms and / or shapes. In one embodiment, the elements 44a are annular threads. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, the elements 44a are configured as angled tapers 44b. In some embodiments, the angled tapers 44b are serrated. In some embodiments, as generally shown in the figures, the elements 44a have a larger diameter than the rest of the microtube 44 and therefore protrude radially outward relative to the rest of the microtube 44, resulting in a thickened region of the microtube. In other embodiments, the elements 44a have a diameter that is the same as or smaller than the rest of the microtube 44—for example, the region of the microtube containing the elements 44a may have a smaller inner diameter relative to the rest of the microtube, in which case the protruding elements 44a flare radially outward to substantially match the outer diameter of the rest of the microtube. In one preferred embodiment, the majority of the microtube 44a has a relatively uniform outer diameter, and the element 44a is shaped as a tapered section within a substantial length of the microtube 44. As such, the downward extent of the taper represents a region of smaller outer diameter, while the radially flared portion of the taper is substantially equal to the remainder of the outer diameter of the microtube 44. In one embodiment, the distal section of the microtube 44 is thin to facilitate placement through or past a catheter reservoir.

[0047] The distal connector 46 is positioned over the microtube 44. The distal connector 46 adopts a first configuration in which the distal connector 46 is movable over the microtube 44, and a second configuration in which the distal connector 46 is fixed relative to the microtube 44. When the distal connector 46 adopts this second, fixed configuration, the element 44a helps secure the distal connector 46 in a fixed manner relative to the entire microtube 44, in a manner that will be described in more detail below.

[0048] The distal connector 46, shown in more detail in FIG. 12, can function in a manner similar to a traditional Tuohy-Borst adapter and includes a cap portion 50 and a base portion 52. The cap portion 50 and base portion 52 are shown in more detail in FIGS. 13-14. The cap portion 50 and base portion 52 are adapted to mate with a catheter hub (e.g., via rotationally interlocking threads and corresponding recesses), while the distal portion of the base portion 52 is adapted to mate with the catheter hub (e.g., via rotationally interlocking threads and corresponding recesses). In one example, a portion of the base portion has threads 54 that mate with corresponding recesses inside the cap 50, so that the cap can be tightened down on the base portion 52—thereby enabling rotational interlocking. The cap portion 50 has a protruding element 51 that protrudes into the base portion 52 when the cap portion 50 and the base portion 52 mate and mate. The cap portion 50 and base portion 52, which together form the distal connector 46, both have a lumen that provides a passageway through which the microtubing 44 can be accommodated.

[0049] The base 52 shown in FIGS. 14a-14b includes an internal waist or rim 56, shown in FIG. 14b. This waist or rim can be thought of as an inward protrusion, but does not interfere with the lumen 59 that can accommodate the passage of the microtube 44, because the internal waist / rim still leaves a lumen large enough to accommodate the diameter of the microtube 44—as shown in FIG. 14b. The sealing element 58, shown in FIG. 15, is located on top of this waist or rim. In one example, the waist is located in the lower half of the base 52 (e.g., toward the lower and thicker section of the base 52 in FIGS. 14a-14b). The sealing element 58 functions to lock the element 44a of the microtube 44, which in turn locks the distal connector 46 to the microtube 44, thereby locking the distal connector in place. The sealing element 58 is preferably flexible. In one example, the sealing element comprises a cylindrical silicone section with a lumen therein that fits snugly against the microtube 44, thereby accommodating the microtube 44. This shape can be thought of as an annular cylinder, due to the lumen or annulus within the cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the sealing element 58 approximates the diameter of the element 44a, thereby contacting the element 44a. In other embodiments, the sealing element 58 can be slightly oversized relative to the element 44a so as not to contact the element 44a. As shown in FIG. 12, the base 52 further includes a distally extending tubular element 57 connected to a waist 56 that can accommodate the microtube 44.

[0050] As the cap portion 50 is tightened about the base portion 52, the protruding element 51 of the cap portion 50 begins to contact the contact seal 58. The seal 58 is pinched and tightened accordingly, thereby deforming at least a portion of the seal, thereby narrowing the inner diameter of the seal and forcing it directly into the element 44a of the microtube 44. As the cap portion 50 is tightened more, the seal 58 deforms more, thus resulting in more radial contact friction and contact force between the element 44a and the seal 58. At some point, this contact force effectively locks the seal 58 to the element 44a, at which point the user's exerted pulling force must become increasingly greater to overcome the contact force. When cap portion 50 is fully tightened about base portion 52, such that it can no longer be tightened further, protruding element 51 exerts its maximum axial force on seal 58, thereby deforming seal 58 to its maximum extent—which means that the inner diameter of seal 58 is at its narrowest, thereby exerting a significantly greater force on element 44a, thereby locking or securing seal 58 to element 44a of microtube 44. When seal 58 is in this secured and locked configuration, overlying distal connector 46 is then locked into position over microtube 44.

[0051] When the cap portion 50 is loosened from the base portion 52, the seal 58 is released and the distal connector is free to move in either direction throughout the microtube because the seal 58 is no longer locked or secured in place. Thus, the cap portion 50, which is tightly clamped against the base portion 52, deforms the seal 58 to lock it to the microtube 44—which in turn locks the entire distal connector 46 to the microtube 44.

[0052] In some embodiments, as described above, the elements 44a of the microtube 44 can take the form of angled tapers or serrations. In these embodiments, the angled tapers or serrations protrude into the deformable seal 58, thereby helping to lock the seal 58 in place as the seal 58 deforms in response to the cap portion 50 being tightened against the base portion 52 and then locked to the distal connector 46.

[0053] In some embodiments, the interior channel of the cap portion may include a corresponding surface for mating with elements 44a of the microtube 44—for example, the elements 44a may function as threads, and the cap portion may include corresponding recesses for mating with those threads. In other embodiments, the cap portion does not contain such a corresponding surface, and instead, the elements 44a of the microtube 44 merely serve as an enlarged surface for contacting the seal 58 to lock the distal connector 40 to the microtube 44 in the manner described above.

[0054] In addition to creating a flexible, locking interface to lock the position of the distal connector 46, the seal 58 provides another benefit. In situations where there is embolic spray or backflow during delivery, any open space within the distal connector could allow the backflow of fluid or emboli. Because the cylindrical seal 58 is flexible and clamps against the microtube 44, the seal 58 seals any open space between the microtube 44 and the base 52 when the distal connector 46 is locked, thereby preventing any backflow of emboli from backing up into the delivery adapter during delivery. Because the seal 58 fills the radial channel between the microtube 44 and the base 52, any emboli will be captured by the seal itself. Thus, in addition to locking the distal connector 46 to the microtube 44, the seal 58 also functions as a mechanism to ensure that emboli do not backflow or pass through the delivery adapter.

[0055] The method of using this embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment. The distal end of the microtube 44 is placed into the catheter hub. The base 52 is then fitted to the catheter hub. The cap portion 50 is then fitted over the base 52, which in turn locks the seal 58, thereby securing the distal connector 46 over the microtube 44. The proximal connector 42 is connected to a syringe, configuring the system so that the syringe can deliver a liquid embolus through the syringe catheter.

[0056] The use of multiple syringes is often required with liquid embolization procedures. For example, a first syringe containing DMSO is first used to purge the catheter hub of fluid, followed by a second syringe containing the embolic material. The use of multiple syringes of embolic material is sometimes required, for example, in situations where the target therapeutic area is particularly large. This requires the operating physician to physically remove one syringe and physically connect another, which can increase the duration of the treatment procedure. The following embodiments utilize an adapter with a multi-port manifold to allow multiple syringes to be connected to a common adapter.

[0057] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a multi-port manifold for multiple syringes. Two proximal connectors / ports 62a, 62b provide connection points for the syringes. The proximal connectors are designed and function similarly to the proximal adapter 42 of FIG. 8. Port conduit tubes 64a and 64b communicate with the ports and intersect with the microtubing 44, so that the internal passages of the port conduit tubes 64a and 64b communicate with the microtubing 44. In one example, the port conduit tubes 64a and 64b are welded to the microtubing 44. In another example, the port conduit tubes are constructed over the microtubing 44. The distal connector 46 is positioned over the distal portion of the microtubing 44 and operates similarly to the distal connector 46 previously described and shown in FIGS. 8-15. During operation, the user would connect one syringe to each connector 62a, 62b—for example, one syringe could contain DMSO and the other syringe could contain emboli—as shown in FIG. 17. The user would first release DMSO from the DMSO-only syringe to clear residual material from the catheter hub and catheter. Instead of disconnecting the DMSO syringe, connecting the emboli syringe, and then releasing emboli from the emboli syringe, the user would then release emboli from the other emboli-containing syringe, thus reducing procedure time.

[0058] FIG. 18 illustrates the intersection of microtubing 44 and conduit tubes 64a, 64b (which connect to proximal connectors 62a, 62b, respectively). Because the three tubing elements meet in this area, under some circumstances (e.g., when a user rapidly expels the contents of a syringe by depressing the syringe plunger with great force), fluid traveling through conduit 64a and into microtubing 44 may accidentally partially or completely cross conduit 64b. In one embodiment, the intersection area between tubes 64a, 64b and 44 may contain check valves to prevent backflow through the tubes. The check valves allow flow in one direction (i.e., distally through microtubing 44) while preventing backflow. In another embodiment, each port conduit tube 64a, 64b contains its own check valve to prevent backflow, so that fluid delivered from one syringe can travel through the conduits and into the other syringe.

[0059] Although the concept of multiple syringe ports is primarily shown with respect to the delivery adapter configurations of Figures 8-15, other embodiments can utilize various other adapter configurations previously shown and described in Figures 1-7. The primary focus of these embodiments utilizes a multi-port manifold to which multiple syringes can be simultaneously connected.

[0060] Figures 19-20 show another embodiment utilizing three ports 62a-62c and three associated conduit tubes 64a-64c, which in turn allow for the connection of three syringes. Figure 21 shows yet another embodiment utilizing three ports, where the connectors / ports 62a-62c are at approximately 90 degrees to one another. Different embodiments may utilize more than three ports.

[0061] In another embodiment, a kit of parts includes any of the universal delivery adapter embodiments shown / described above and presented herein, and one or more syringes of a liquid embolic material, such as the liquid embolic material described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,078,950 and 9,655,989, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Using these kits, a user has the ability to use the liquid embolic material with catheter hubs of different sizes. Currently, numerous manufacturers sell liquid embolic materials with delivery adapters of various sizes, and therefore, the liquid embolic material can be used with catheter hubs of various sizes. Using the universal delivery adapter embodiments presented herein, which allow one universal adapter to be used with catheters / catheter hubs of different sizes, a kit can simply include the liquid embolic material and a universal adapter that fits a range of catheter hubs. In another embodiment, a kit of parts includes any of the universal adapter embodiments shown / described above and presented herein, one or more syringes of a liquid embolic material, and one or more syringes of DMSO. In this embodiment, the end user will have everything needed to perform a liquid embolization procedure in one kit: a universal adapter to fit various catheter hub sizes, liquid embolization to close the target site, and DMSO to flush the catheter / catheter hub to help prevent premature embolization of liquid embolic material. In another embodiment, a kit of parts includes any of the universal adapters shown / described above and presented herein, one or more syringes of liquid embolization, one or more syringes of DMSO, and one or more syringes of saline.

[0062] While the present invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments and applications, in light of this teaching, those skilled in the art will be able to create additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are provided by way of example to facilitate understanding of the invention and should not be construed as limiting its scope.

Claims

1. a first connector adapted to connect to a syringe; a tube extending from the first connector; a second connector adapted for connection to a catheter hub and having an internal lumen capable of receiving the tubing; An adapter comprising: the second connector has a first configuration that is freely movable over the tube and a second configuration that is fixed in place over the tube to control the extent of extension of the tube distally rearward of the second connector.

2. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the second connector includes a cap portion releasably mated to a base portion.

3. The adapter of claim 2 , wherein the cap portion is rotationally mated to the base portion.

4. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the tube includes a protruding element.

5. The adapter of claim 4 , wherein the protruding element is an angled taper.

6. The adapter of claim 4 , wherein the second connector includes a seal that engages a protruding element on the tube, thereby securing the second connector in place.

7. The adapter of claim 6 , wherein the seal is a flexible annular cylinder.

8. a first connector adapted to connect to a syringe; a tube extending from the first connector; a second connector adapted for connection to a catheter hub and having an internal lumen capable of receiving the tubing; a seal disposed within the second connector; and An adapter comprising: the seal has a first configuration in which it is freely movable over the tube and a second configuration in which it is fixed to the tube, thereby controlling the extent to which the tube extends distally rearward of the second connector.

9. The adapter of claim 8 , wherein the second connector includes a cap portion releasably mated to a base portion.

10. The adapter of claim 9 , wherein the cap portion is rotationally mated to the base portion.

11. The adapter of claim 8 , wherein the seal is a flexible annular cylinder.

12. 9. The adapter of claim 8, wherein the seal is a cylindrical silicone element having a lumen therein.

13. The adapter of claim 8 , wherein the tube includes a protruding element.

14. The adapter of claim 13 , wherein the protruding element is an angled taper.

15. a first connector adapted to connect to a syringe; a tube extending from the first connector; a second connector adapted for connection to a catheter hub, having an internal cavity for receiving said tubing, and further including a cap portion releasably secured to the base; and An adapter comprising: An adapter wherein when the cap portion is secured to the base, the position of the second connector covering the tube is fixed, thereby controlling the extent to which the tube extends distally rearward of the second connector.

16. 16. The adapter of claim 15, wherein the cap portion is rotationally mated to the base portion.

17. The adapter of claim 15 , wherein the tube includes a protruding element.

18. 18. The adapter of claim 17, wherein the protruding element is an angled taper.

19. 18. The adapter of claim 17, wherein the second connector includes a seal that engages a protruding element on the tube, thereby securing the second connector in place.

20. 20. The adapter of claim 19, wherein the seal is a flexible annular cylinder.