Sterilizable peritoneal dialysis connection device

Abstract

The sterilizable connector can include a sterile fluid reservoir for providing sterile fluid. The sterilizable connector can include a connector. The connector can include a first end for receiving a first tube for connection to a medical device (e.g., directly or via one or more intervening components). The connector can include a second end for receiving a second tube for connection to a patient (e.g., directly or via one or more intervening components). The connector can include a body portion connecting the first end to the second end to enable fluid communication between the first tube and the second tube. The connector can include a body opening for connection to a sterile fluid reservoir. The sterilizable connector can include a sterile fluid injector for injecting sterile fluid from the sterile fluid reservoir into the connector.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 767,250, filed November 14, 2018, entitled "Sterilizable Peritoneal Dialysis Connection Device," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Various types of dialysis techniques may be used as a treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). For example, in hemodialysis (HD), a patient may be treated at a treatment center, such as a hospital or dialysis clinic. In this case, the patient may attend treatment sessions at the treatment center three or more times each week. During a treatment session, the hemodialysis machine may remove the patient's blood from the patient's body using a first needle at a first injection site, filter the patient's blood, and return the patient's blood to the patient's body using a second needle at a second injection site. In this way, the hemodialysis machine may perform external filtration of the patient's blood. However, attending multiple treatment sessions each week may be inconvenient, stressful, painful, and / or cost-prohibitive for the patient.

[0003] Another type of dialysis is peritoneal dialysis (PD). In peritoneal dialysis, a catheter may be surgically implanted in the patient's peritoneal cavity. In this case, the patient can connect the surgically implanted catheter to an external tube called a transfer set, which can then be connected to a disposable cassette tubing connected to a peritoneal dialysis cycler, which can infuse dialysate and remove waste fluid to perform dialysis. The use of peritoneal dialysis allows patients to perform dialysis at home, thereby improving patient outcomes and satisfaction and reducing healthcare costs and inconvenience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] As mentioned above, peritoneal dialysis allows patients to perform dialysis at home, resulting in reduced costs, increased convenience, improved patient outcomes, and improved patient satisfaction compared to hemodialysis, which may be performed at a treatment center. However, peritoneal dialysis may be associated with a high risk of infection, such as infection of the patient's peritoneum, a condition called peritonitis. This can occur if the patient or caregiver is not trained in sterile techniques or does not follow training in sterile techniques and does not connect the tubing of the peritoneal dialysis system in a non-sterile environment. For example, the transfer set and cassette tubing may be sterilized during manufacturing, but when connecting the transfer set to the cassette tubing of the peritoneal dialysis system, the patient may touch the ends of the transfer set and cassette tubing with bare hands. This may result in bacteria and other microorganisms being placed on the tubing surfaces. During peritoneal dialysis, the dialysate may be exposed to bacteria or other microorganisms during injection into the patient, thereby exposing the patient to the risk of infection.

[0005] Some embodiments described herein provide a sterilizable connector to enable sterilization for peritoneal dialysis. For example, the sterilizable connector can include a body portion having a first end for connecting to a transfer set and a second end for connecting to a cassette tube. Additionally, the sterilizable connector can include a sterile fluid reservoir connected to the body portion and a sterile fluid injector for injecting a sterile fluid into the body portion, the transfer set, and the cassette tube. In this manner, the sterile fluid can sterilize the surfaces of the sterilizable connector, the transfer set, and the cassette tube, thereby reducing the possibility of patient infection relative to directly connecting the transfer set and the cassette tube, as described above. Although some embodiments described herein are described with respect to connecting to a transfer set and a cassette tube in a peritoneal dialysis system, the sterilizable connector can be used for other connections associated with a peritoneal dialysis system, other connections in other situations outside of a peritoneal dialysis system, and / or the like. Although some embodiments described herein are described with respect to use within a peritoneal dialysis system, the embodiments described herein may be used in other contexts where sterile connectors are used, such as home intravenous anti-infective therapy (HIVAT), home chemotherapy, and / or the like.

[0006] The following detailed description of the embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numbers in different drawings can identify the same or similar elements, and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a diagram of an overview of an embodiment of a sterilizable connector described herein. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is an overview diagram of an embodiment of a sterilizable connector described herein. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is an overview diagram of an embodiment of a sterilizable connector described herein. [Figure 1D]FIG. 1D is an overview diagram of an embodiment of a sterilizable connector described herein. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an example sterilization process for peritoneal dialysis. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram of an example of a sterilizable connection described herein. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram of an example of a sterilizable connection described herein. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a diagram of an example of a sterilizable connection described herein. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a diagram of an example of a sterilizable connection described herein. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E is a diagram of an example of a sterilizable connection described herein. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example of a sterilizable connection as described herein. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example of a sterilizable connection described herein. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example of a sterilizable connection as described herein. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram of an example of a sterilizable connection as described herein. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a diagram of an example of a sterilizable connection described herein. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram of an example of a sterilizable connection as described herein. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a diagram of an example of a sterilizable connection described herein. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D is a diagram of an example of a sterilizable connection described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of an embodiment 100 described herein. As shown in FIG. 1A, embodiment 100 may include a sterilizable connector 110, a cassette tubing 150 (e.g., which may be connected to a peritoneal dialysis cycle machine), and a transfer set 160 (e.g., which may be connected to a patient). Some of the embodiments described herein are described with respect to the sterilizable connector 110 being located at the connection between the cassette tubing 150 and the transfer set 160, although other locations are contemplated, such as the connection between the transfer set 160 and a dialysis bag tubing connected to a dialysis bag. Other connections where sterilization may be advantageous are also contemplated.

[0009] As further shown in FIG. 1A, the sterilizable connector 110 can include a sterile fluid reservoir 120, a connector 130, and a sterile fluid injector 140. In some implementations, the sterile fluid reservoir 120 can be the barrel of a syringe or other injector. In some embodiments, the sterile fluid reservoir 120 can include a sterile fluid 122 that can be injected into the connector 130. For example, the sterile fluid reservoir 120 can include an antimicrobial fluid to sterilize surfaces of the connector 130, the cassette tubing 150, the transfer set 160, etc., thereby reducing the risk of patient infection. In some implementations, the sterile fluid reservoir 120 can be sized to hold a specific amount of the sterile fluid 122, such as 1 milliliter (ml), 5 ml, 10 ml, 20 ml, and / or the like. In some implementations, the sterile fluid reservoir 120 can include a valve 124. For example, the valve 124 may allow for the injection of sterilizing fluid 122, the removal of sterilizing fluid 122, and / or the like.

[0010] In some implementations, the valve 124 may allow for disconnection of the sterile fluid reservoir 120 and the sterile fluid injector 140. For example, as described in more detail below, after injection of the sterile fluid 122, the sterile fluid reservoir 120 and the sterile fluid injector 140 may be disconnected from the connector 130, and the valve 124 may seal the opening of the connector 130. In this manner, by removing a portion of the sterilizable connector 110, the possibility that the sterilizable connector 110 will obstruct the tubing of the peritoneal dialysis system and / or cause discomfort to the patient is reduced. Additionally, the sterile fluid reservoir 120 may be replaceable by installing a new sterile fluid reservoir 120 each time the patient performs peritoneal dialysis, thereby reducing inconvenience and / or difficulty of use associated with the connecting connector 130.

[0011] In some implementations, the sterilizable connector 110 can include an indicator, such as an indicator device, that indicates when the dwell time has elapsed. Additionally or alternatively, a configured chemical reaction can be used to indicate when the dwell time has elapsed.

[0012] In some embodiments, the connector 130 may be a body portion disposed between the cassette tube 150 and the transfer set 160. For example, as described in more detail herein, a first end 132 of the connector 130 may receive and connect to the cassette tube 150 and a second end 134 of the connector 130 may receive and connect to the transfer set 160. In some embodiments, the connector 130 may form a tube connecting the cassette tube 150 and the transfer set 160.

[0013] In some embodiments, the connector 130 can include a body opening for receiving the sterilizing fluid 122. In some embodiments, the connector 130 can include one or more other openings. For example, the connector 130 can include another opening for receiving one or more irrigation reservoirs containing irrigation fluid. In this case, the irrigation fluid can be injected into the connector 130 after injecting the sterilizing fluid, and the irrigation fluid can displace the sterilizing fluid, thereby removing the sterilizing fluid 122 from the connector 130, from the cassette tube 150, from the transfer set 160, and / or the like. In this manner, the likelihood of the sterilizing fluid 122 being inserted into the patient is reduced.

[0014] In some implementations, the sterilizing fluid injector 140 can include a plunger flange 142, a plunger 144, and a plunger seal 146. For example, the sterilizing fluid injector 140 can form a plunger that can be inserted into and removed from the sterilizing fluid reservoir 120 to inject and remove the sterilizing fluid 122 from the connector 130. In some embodiments, the sterilizing fluid injector 140 can include a damper that can limit the rate at which the sterilizing fluid 122 is injected into the connector 130, the rate at which the sterilizing fluid 122 is removed from the connector 130, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the damper can be a spring to automatically raise the sterilizing fluid injector 140 to remove the sterilizing fluid 122 from the connector 130. In some implementations, the sterilizing fluid injector 140 can include a certain type of button mechanism that can form at least a portion of the plunger flange 142. For example, the sterilant fluid injector 140 may include a pull button, a push button, a squeeze button, a twist mechanism, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the button mechanism may be a reusable mechanism, and at least a portion of the sterilant fluid injector 140 may be a disposable mechanism (e.g., the connector 130, the sterilant fluid reservoir 120, and / or the like may be disposable to maintain the sterilization process).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1B and by reference numeral 172, the first end 132 of the sterilizable connector 110 can receive the cassette tube 150. For example, a patient can attach an end of the cassette tube 150 to the first end 132 and the connection can be sealed. In this case, the first end 132 and / or the cassette tube 150 can include a fitting, such as a cap, clamp, threaded end, etc., to seal the connection. As shown by reference numeral 174, the second end 134 of the sterilizable connector 110 can receive the transfer set 160. For example, a patient can attach an end of the transfer set 160 to the second end 134 and the connection can be sealed. In this case, the second end 134 and / or the transfer set 160 can include a fitting, such as a cap, clamp, threaded end, etc., to seal the connection. In some embodiments, the sterilizable connector 110 can be connected in another context. For example, the sterilizable connector 110 receives a first tube (e.g., associated with a medical device or a patient) at a first end 132 and a second tube (e.g., associated with a medical device or a patient) at a second end 134, allowing for sterilization of the connection between the first tube and the second tube. In some embodiments, the sterilizable connector 110 may be connected to a medical device or a patient via one or more other intervening components, such as one or more valves, one or more other connectors, one or more other tubes, etc. For example, although the first tube is described as connecting to a medical device, for example, the first tube can be connected directly to the medical device, indirectly to the medical device (e.g., via one or more intervening components), and / or the like.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1C and by reference numeral 176, the sterile fluid injector 140 can inject the sterile fluid 122 into the connector 130, the cassette tube 150, the transfer set 160, and / or the like. For example, the patient can depress the plunger of the sterile fluid injector 140 to inject the sterile fluid 122. In this case, the sterile fluid 122 can remain on the connector 130, the cassette tube 150, the transfer set 160, etc., for a threshold period of time to allow for sterilization of the surfaces of, for example, the connector 130, the cassette tube 150, the transfer set 160, etc. In this manner, the sterilizable connector 110 reduces the chance of patient infection by allowing for sterilization of the connection between the cassette tube 150 and the transfer set 160.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1D and by reference numeral 178, the sterile fluid injector 140 can remove the sterile fluid 122 from the connector 130, the cassette tube 150, the transfer set 160, etc. For example, the patient can raise the plunger of the sterile fluid injector 140 to remove the sterile fluid 122. In this case, the patient can remove the sterile fluid reservoir 120, the sterile fluid injector 140, and / or the like, as described above. In some implementations, the sterile fluid retractor may be separate from the sterile fluid injector 140. For example, a separate plunger can draw the sterile fluid 122 out of the connector 130. Additionally or alternatively, the irrigation fluid reservoir and the irrigation fluid injector can inject irrigation fluid into the connector 130 to replace the sterile fluid 122, thereby drawing out the sterile fluid 122. Additionally or alternatively, a peritoneal dialysis cycler attached to the cassette tube 150 can retract the sterile fluid 122. Additionally or alternatively, as shown, the sterilizing fluid injector 140 may be a sterilizing fluid retractor.

[0018] In some embodiments, peritoneal dialysis can be performed based on drawing sterile fluid 122. For example, based on sealing valve 124, dialysate can be infused into the patient by the peritoneal dialysis cycler via cassette tubing 150, connector 130, transfer set 160, a surgically implanted catheter connected to transfer set 160, etc. Similarly, the peritoneal dialysis cycler can withdraw waste fluid from the patient via cassette tubing 150, connector 130, transfer set 160, etc. In this manner, peritoneal dialysis can be performed using sterilizable connector 110 with reduced risk of patient infection.

[0019] As noted above, Figures 1A-1D are provided by way of example only, and other embodiments may differ from those described with respect to Figures 1A-1D.

[0020] 2 is a flow chart of an example process 200 for sterilization for peritoneal dialysis. In some embodiments, one or more process blocks of FIG. 2 may be performed by the patient or a caregiver using a sterilizable connector.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the process 200 can include connecting an end of a sterilizable connector (block 210). For example, a patient can connect the end of the sterilizable connector as described above. In some embodiments, a patient can attach a cassette tubing of a peritoneal dialysis cycle to a first opening of the body of the sterilizable connector. In some embodiments, a patient can attach a transfer set to a second opening of the body of the sterilizable connector. In some embodiments, the end of the sterilizable connector can be connected to the cassette tubing and the transfer set without, for example, interaction with the patient. For example, a medical robotic device can automatically connect the cassette tubing and the transfer set to the sterilizable connector. In some embodiments, the end of the sterilizable connector can be connected to a dialysate bag via tubing.

[0022] As further shown in FIG. 2, the process 200 may include injecting a sterilizing fluid using a sterilizable connector (block 220). For example, a patient may inject a sterilizing fluid using a sterilizable connector, as described above. In some embodiments, a patient may inject a sterilizing fluid into a third opening of the body of the sterilizable connector such that the sterilizing fluid contacts at least a portion of the cassette tubing, at least a portion of the transfer set, and at least a portion of the body. In some embodiments, a medical robotic device may automatically inject a sterilizing fluid into the body of the sterilizable connector. In some embodiments, the sterilizable connector may be disposed between and / or used to sterilize one or more other interconnection points of adjacent components in a fluid transfer path, such as the fluid transfer paths described herein, another fluid transfer path, and / or the like.

[0023] As further shown in FIG. 2, the process 200 may include withdrawing the sterilizing fluid (block 230). For example, the patient may withdraw the sterilizing fluid using the sterilizable connector as described above. In some embodiments, the patient may withdraw the sterilizing fluid using the sterilizable connector and replace or dilute the sterilizing fluid with a cleaning fluid (irrigation fluid), and / or the like. In some embodiments, the patient may close a closeable valve in the sterilizable connector to seal a third opening in the body of the sterilizable connector and allow separation of a portion of the sterilizable connector.

[0024] As further shown in FIG. 2, the process 200 may include performing peritoneal dialysis (block 240). For example, the patient may perform peritoneal dialysis as described above. In an embodiment, the patient may perform peritoneal dialysis using a peritoneal dialysis cycle of a peritoneal dialysis cycle system (e.g., including a peritoneal dialysis cycle system, one or more tubes, and / or the like) via a fluid transfer pathway including a cassette tubing connected to a peritoneal dialysis cassette, a body of a sterilizable connector, a transfer set, and / or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid transfer pathway may include a dialysate fluid bag tubing connected to a dialysate bag.

[0025] Process 200 may include additional implementations, for example, in conjunction with any single implementation or any combination of the implementations described above and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0026] 2 illustrates example blocks of process 200, in some implementations process 200 may include additional, fewer, different, or differently arranged blocks than those shown in FIG 2. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process 200 may be performed in parallel.

[0027] 3A-3E are diagrams of an example implementation 300 described herein.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 3A-3E, the implementation 300 can include a timer mechanism 310 that allows for automatic control of injection and / or removal of sterilizing fluid. In this case, a user may depress a first plunger to inject sterilizing fluid into the sterilizable connector and depress a second plunger, which can be attached to a mechanical delay mechanism. The mechanical delay mechanism of the second plunger can hold the first plunger in a depressed position for a set amount of time using a pivot arm hooked into a recess in the first plunger. In some implementations, the set amount of time (e.g., a configured dwell time) can be configured using a spring and a set of rotating gears that interface with a rack that allows the pivot arm to unhook. After the set amount of time has elapsed, the mechanical delay mechanism can release the second plunger by disengaging the pivot arm from the recess in the first plunger. In this case, the spring mechanism of the first plunger raises the first plunger, thereby allowing sterilizing fluid to be removed from the connector. Although some implementations are described with respect to a mechanical delay mechanism, other delay mechanisms may be used, such as electrical delay mechanisms, electromechanical delay mechanisms, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) delay mechanisms, and / or the like.

[0029] As noted above, Figures 3A-3E are provided by way of example only, and other implementations may differ from those described with respect to Figures 3A-3E.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an implementation 400 described herein.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, a pull mechanism 410 may be provided to enable injection and / or removal of sterilizing fluid. The pull mechanism 410 may include an assembly 420, a pulley 430, and a button 440. In some implementations, the pull mechanism 410 may correspond to and / or be attached to a sterilizing fluid injector. The pull mechanism 410 allows a user to, for example, pull a string (e.g., interfaced with the pulley 430 and the button 440) to apply force to a plunger of the assembly 420, thereby injecting sterilizing fluid using a sterilizable connector. In some embodiments, the pull mechanism 410 may include a string, a wire, or another type of connector.

[0032] As noted above, Figure 4 is provided by way of example only, and other implementations may differ from those described with respect to Figure 4.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an implementation 500 described herein.

[0034] 5, implementation 500 includes a side button 510. Side button 510 may include an assembly 520 that includes a button mechanism 530, a rod 540, and an angled rod 550. Side button 510 translates a user's squeezing action to apply a force to a plunger of assembly 520 to allow for injection of a sterile fluid using a sterilizable connector.

[0035] As noted above, Figure 5 is provided by way of example only, and other implementations may differ from those described with respect to Figure 5.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a diagram of an implementation 600 described herein.

[0037] 6, implementation 600 includes a top button 610. Top button 610 includes an assembly 620, a frame 630, a plunger 640, and a button mechanism 650. Top button 610 translates a user's pushing action to apply a force to the plunger of assembly 620 to enable injection of a sterile fluid using a sterilizable connector.

[0038] As noted above, Figure 6 is provided by way of example only, and other implementations may differ from those described with respect to Figure 6.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a diagram of an implementation 700 described herein.

[0040] 7, implementation 700 includes an upper button 710. Upper button 710 includes an assembly 720, a button mechanism 730, a frame 740, a lever 750, and a pin 760. Upper button 710 translates a user's squeezing action to apply a force to a plunger of assembly 720 to enable injection of a sterile fluid using a sterilizable connector.

[0041] As such, Figure 3 is provided by way of example only, and other implementations may differ from that described with respect to Figure 7.

[0042] 8A-8D are diagrams of an embodiment 800 described herein.

[0043] As shown in Figures 8A-8D, implementation 800 includes a reusable syringe shell connection piece 810, a disposable plunger piece 820, a disposable syringe shell piece 830, and a reusable combination piece 840. As shown in Figures 8A-8D, implementation 800 includes multiple detachable parts, thereby allowing disposable, sterilized components to be used for the sterilizable connection. For example, syringe shell connection piece 810 can be a reusable component with a disposable plunger piece 820 attached, a disposable syringe shell piece 830 attached, and / or the like.

[0044] As noted above, Figures 8A-8D are provided by way of example only, and other implementations may differ from those described with respect to Figures 8A-8D.

[0045] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementation to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations.

[0046] As used herein, satisfying a threshold can refer to a value greater than the threshold, a value exceeding the threshold, a value higher than the threshold, a value equal to or greater than the threshold, a value less than the threshold, a value less than the threshold, a value lower than the threshold, a value equal to or less than the threshold, a value equal to the threshold, etc., depending on the context.

[0047] Although particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. Indeed, many of these features can be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may depend directly on only one claim, the disclosure of various embodiments includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0048] No element, operation, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or required unless expressly stated. Also, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items and can be used interchangeably with "one or more." Additionally, as used herein, the term "set" is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, combinations of related and unrelated items, etc.) and can be used interchangeably with "one or more." When only one item is intended, "only one" or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms "had," "have," "having," and the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Additionally, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. A sterilizable connector, comprising: a sterilant fluid reservoir for providing a sterilant fluid; A connector, a first end for receiving a first tube; a second end for receiving a second tube; and a body portion connecting the first end to the second end to allow fluid communication between the first tube and the second tube; a body opening for connection to the sterilizing fluid reservoir; A connector comprising: a sterilizing fluid injector configured to control a flow of the sterilizing fluid between the sterilizing fluid reservoir and the connector by injecting the sterilizing fluid through the connector into at least a portion of the first tube and at least a portion of the second tube; a dwell mechanism for inducing a set dwell time of sterilizing liquid within the connector and within each of the first and second tubes; a sterilizing fluid retractor configured to withdraw the sterilizing fluid after the set dwell time; A sterilizable connector comprising:

2. At least one of the first tube or the second tube has Peritoneal dialysis cassette or peritoneal dialysis cassette tubing, Dialysis fluid bag or dialysis fluid bag tubing, Transport set, The sterilizable connector of claim 1 , configured to connect to at least one of the following:

3. 10. The sterilizable connector of claim 1, further comprising a closeable valve coupled to the body opening to allow the sterile fluid injector to be disconnected from the connector.

4. The sterilizable connector of claim 1 , wherein the retention mechanism comprises an electrical delay mechanism.

5. an indicator that indicates when the set residence time has elapsed; The sterilizable connector of claim 1 further comprising:

6. 2. The sterilizable connector of claim 1, wherein the sterile fluid reservoir is a barrel of a syringe and the sterile fluid injector includes a plunger configured to move within the barrel of the syringe.

7. Moving the plunger within the barrel of the syringe comprises: advancing the plunger within the barrel of the syringe to inject the sterilizing fluid into the connector and into each of the first and second tubes; and retracting the plunger within the barrel of the syringe to remove the sterilizing fluid; 7. The sterilizable connector of claim 6, comprising either one of:

8. 8. The sterilizable connector of claim 7, further comprising a mechanism configured to translate a user's action into a force on the plunger to enable injection of the sterilizing fluid.

9. The sterilizable connector of claim 1 , wherein the sterilizing fluid injector is further configured to control a rate and direction of flow of the sterilizing fluid.

10. Attaching a first tube of a peritoneal dialysis cycler system to a first opening in a body portion of a sterilizable connector; attaching a second tube to the second opening of the body of the sterilizable connector; injecting a sterilizing liquid into at least a portion of the body of the sterilizable connector, into at least a portion of the first tube, and into at least a portion of the second tube through a third opening of the body of the sterilizable connector; drawing sterilizing liquid from the sterilizable connector and the portions within the first and second tubes through the third opening of the body of the sterilizable connector after a preset residence time has elapsed, the residence time being a residence time within the connector and the portions within the first and second tubes; A method comprising:

11. closing a valve of the sterilizable connector to seal the third opening; The method of claim 10, further comprising:

12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the attaching is performed by a medical robotic device.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising opening a valve of the sterilizable connector to perform the injecting.

14. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein injecting the sterilizing fluid comprises moving a plunger within a barrel of a syringe.

15. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the injecting further comprises controlling a rate and direction of flow of the sterilizing fluid.

16. A sterilizable connector, wherein the method of claim 10 is performed by a medical robotic device.

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