Multi-Way Connector

Abstract

One aspect of the disclosure relates to a connector for conveying a suspension of particles through a system, including a housing (10) including an internal cavity (12) and a first passageway (14) for conveying the fluid, two or more inlet conduits (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) formed within the housing and radially disposed relative to a longitudinal axis of the first passageway, and a component (18) received in the internal cavity of the housing and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the first passageway to establish a continuous flow path between the first passageway and a selected inlet conduit, wherein the angle between each of the inlet conduits and the first passageway (22) is greater than 90 degrees. Other aspects relate to systems employing such connectors and methods of using such systems.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connectors for transporting a suspension of particles through a system, a system for transporting a suspension of particles, and a method of transporting a suspension of particles through a system. [Background technology]

[0002] In some systems, such as therapeutic systems for the treatment of disease, a fluid or suspension of particles is conveyed or delivered to a target, such as a cancerous tumor, through a conduit that includes a coupling. When the fluid is a suspension of particles, such as radioactive particles, the particles may become trapped in the coupling. For example, some of the particles may become trapped in gaps resulting from mechanical mismatches in the coupling, and the particles may also become trapped in areas of stagnant liquid along the conduit or coupling. As a result, these microparticles are not successfully delivered to the target. One way to overcome this problem is to convey the fluid at high pressure or high flow rates, which increases the likelihood of leakage from the system.

[0003] In order to achieve effective treatment in a therapeutic system, it is preferable that substantially all of the microparticles introduced are delivered to the target. Otherwise, due to the proportion of microparticles trapped in the system, a lower dose than required will be delivered to the target, reducing the effectiveness of treatment. When the microparticles are radioactive, leakage of the microparticles or failure to deliver the radioactive microparticles to the target is particularly problematic, as it will result in contamination with radioactive material. Furthermore, as mentioned above, when radioactive microparticles are administered to treat a pathology, it may be desirable to administer all of the intended microparticles to the subject to ensure that the correct dose is delivered to treat the pathology.

[0004] In some therapeutic procedures, it may be desirable to administer multiple fluid sources in the system. When delivering radioactive microparticles, the microparticles are typically provided in vials with a pre-determined dose per vial, so it may be necessary to administer multiple vials to achieve the required dose to the subject. Typically, this is accomplished by disconnecting the first vial once its contents have been administered, and connecting the next vial and each subsequent vial until the required dose has been administered. However, this is time consuming, can result in unacceptable radiation exposure to the operator, and there is still a risk that all the contents of the vial will not be administered to the target due to losses during connection and disconnection. In other procedures, it may be desirable to administer non-therapeutic fluids, for example, in addition to fluids containing therapeutic agents, without connecting and / or disconnecting system components. For example, it may be desirable to administer a solution contrast agent (e.g., Lipiodol®) during administration of the radioactive microparticles to aid in visualization of the procedure.

[0005] These and other challenges may be addressed by the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] connector According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector for conveying a suspension of particles through a system, the connector comprising: a first passageway having a longitudinal axis for conveying a fluid and a first end and a second end, the first passageway terminating in an outlet at the second end; It has becomeThe fluid supply system includes a housing including an internal cavity, two or more inlet conduits formed in the housing and radially disposed relative to a longitudinal axis of the first passage, and a pivotable component received in a portion of the internal cavity of the housing adjacent the first passage, the pivotable component pivotable about the longitudinal axis of the first passage, the pivotable component including an internal second passage having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second passage in communication with the first end of the first passage, the pivotable component pivotable such that the second end of the second passage is selectively alignable with one of the inlet conduits to establish a continuous flow path between the first passage and the selected inlet conduit.

[0007] Angle to the first passage In various embodiments, the angle between the longitudinal axis of each of the inlet conduits and the longitudinal axis of the first passage of the housing is greater than 90 degrees. When the angle between each of the inlet conduits and the first passage is greater than 90 degrees, improved clearance of particles through the connector is ensured due to reduced areas of fluid stagnation or recirculation along the flow path. Furthermore, the greater the angle between any given inlet conduit and the first passage, the less fluid turbulence there is as the fluid flows around any bends required within the pivotable component. When the first passage is coaxial with the pivot axis of the pivotable component, the angle between each of the inlet conduits and the first passage is generally the same for each of the inlet conduits. This allows the second passage to be selectively alignable with each of the inlet conduits such that a continuous flow path is formed between the second passage and each of the inlet conduits. The continuous flow path is preferably created to minimize flow path disruptions caused by mechanically mismatched parts with slightly different angles between each of the inlet conduits and the first passage.

[0008] Any angle greater than 90 degrees between the selected inlet conduit and the first passage is accommodated by a bend formed in the second passage. The pivotable component is pivotable such that the second end of the second passage is selectively alignable with any one of the inlet conduits and the first end of the second passage is aligned with the first passage. In various embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the second end of the second passage is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of each of the inlet conduits, the longitudinal axis of the first end of the second passage is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the first passage, and the bend formed in the second passage has the same angle as the angle between the longitudinal axis of each of the inlet conduits and the longitudinal axis of the first passage. As a result, any angle greater than 90 degrees between the selected inlet conduit and the first passage does not need to be formed at the joint between two different components. This can reduce problems associated with particles being trapped in gaps resulting from mechanically mismatched components. Junctions between different components are instead at points where the resulting fluid path formed is a straight line, i.e., from the selected inlet conduit to the second end of the second passageway and from the first end of the second passageway to the first passageway. Even if adjacent components are well matched mechanically, slight fluid disturbances occur at the junctions, and bends in the flow path also cause fluid disturbances. By containing bends in the flow path in one component and joining the different configurations at different locations in the connector, fluid disturbances are minimized.

[0009] As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the angle between each of the inlet conduits and the first passage is greater than 90 degrees, and the angle of the bend in the second passage is preferably greater than 90 degrees. Preferably, the angle between each of the inlet conduits and the first passage is greater than 110 degrees, and the angle of the bend in the second passage is preferably greater than 110 degrees. The angle between any given inlet conduit and the pivot axis of the pivotable component is measured from a portion of the pivot axis of the pivotable component that extends through the housing but does not include the first passage. However, the pivot axis of the pivotable component will most often be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the first passage. This is a preferred embodiment since in this embodiment the only bend in the flow path through the connector is made in the second passage, which minimizes fluid turbulence.

[0010] More typically, the angle between each of the inlet conduits and the first passage is greater than 120 degrees, for example, ranging from 120 degrees to 130 degrees to 140 degrees to 150 degrees to 160 degrees or more. The greater the angle between any given inlet conduit and the first passage, the less turbulence the fluid will experience as it flows through the bend in the second passage. However, because the connector is comprised of two or more inlet conduits, the two or more inlet conduits are radially offset from one another relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passage, and the angle between each of the inlet conduits and the first passage is less than 180 degrees. Thus, a balance is required between making the angle between each of the inlet conduits and the first passage large enough to reduce turbulence through the bend, while at the same time making the inlet conduits sufficiently radially offset from the longitudinal axis of the first passage so that the inlet conduits are not crowded together.

[0011] The inlet conduits must ultimately be connectable to supply lines for carrying fluid to the connector and must be wide enough to allow an operator to easily connect and disconnect the supply lines, and the operator must also be able to rotate the pivotable component, typically accomplished by rotating an upper portion of the pivotable component that protrudes from the housing. The inventors have determined that to achieve this balance, the angle between each of the inlet conduits and the first passage is preferably greater than 120 degrees and less than 140 degrees.

[0012] Housing / First Passage The housing defines an internal cavity, a first portion of which includes a first passage disposed about a longitudinal axis for conveying a fluid, and an inlet conduit is also formed within the housing. Preferably, the housing is comprised of a body portion and the inlet conduit. In some embodiments, the inlet conduit, the internal cavity, and the body portion are integrally formed as a single piece.

[0013] The body portion, the internal cavity, and the inlet conduit may be formed from any material suitable for transporting fluids, particularly suspensions of particles. Preferably, one or more of the materials that make up the body portion, the internal cavity, and the inlet conduit are transparent or substantially transparent (e.g., by being formed from a material such as nylon or polycarbonate), while other components of the connector (e.g., the pivotable components, etc.) are formed from a material that is opaque (e.g., acetyl or nylon) and are received within the housing. This allows the components received within the housing to be visualized through the transparent housing, allowing an operator to visually verify that components are properly aligned and that tight connections are formed at the junctions between the different components.

[0014] As mentioned above, the first portion of the internal cavity includes a first passage. A second portion of the internal cavity adjacent to the first portion of the internal cavity is typically adapted to receive a pivotable component. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the first passage is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the second portion of the internal cavity adapted to receive the pivotable component and with the central axis of the housing (and thus with the pivot axis of the pivotable component received in the second portion of the internal cavity of the housing). However, in an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the first passage is offset from the central axis of the housing. Preferably, the first passage is formed in the internal cavity where the cross-sectional profile of the internal cavity narrows. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first passage terminates in an outlet port. It has become Preferably, the exit port is connectable to a catheter. In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the exit port is an extension of the housing and may be integrally formed therewith. Preferably, the axis of the exit port is coaxial with the pivot axis of the pivotable component (and thus may also be coaxial with the axis of the second portion of the internal cavity adapted to receive the pivotable component).

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first passageway terminates in a male or female Luer connector, typically a male Luer connector. It has become A luer connector formed at the end of the first passageway is connectable to a catheter or other conduit for delivering a fluid or particle suspension to a target within the subject's body.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the first passage comprises a circular or elliptical cross-sectional profile. Having a circular or elliptical cross-sectional profile reduces turbulence of the fluid in the first passage (compared to other cross-sectional profiles), thus improving particle clearance when the fluid being conveyed is a suspension of particles, since particles are not easily trapped. If the cross-sectional profile of the first passage is circular or elliptical, it is desirable for the cross-sectional profile (including dimensions) of the first end of the second passage to be the same. For example, if the first passage has a circular cross-sectional profile, it is desirable for the first end of the second passage to also have a circular cross-sectional profile with the same dimensions. Having matching cross-sectional profiles reduces turbulence at the joint of adjacent components caused by mechanically mismatched parts, improving particle clearance when the fluid being conveyed is a suspension of particles.

[0017] inlet conduit The two or more inlet conduits are formed in the housing and are arranged radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passage. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the first passage is coaxial with the pivot axis of the pivotable component, so that in this case the two or more inlet conduits are also arranged radially relative to the pivot axis of the pivotable component. Preferably, the inlet conduits and the housing are integrally formed in a single molded piece. The two or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, etc.) inlet conduits are formed in the housing. In certain beneficial embodiments of the present disclosure, the connector has four inlet conduits.

[0018] The two or more inlet conduits are connectable to a supply line for supplying a suspension of fluid and / or particles to the connector. By having two or more inlet conduits, two or more supply lines can be connected to the connector, which in turn are connected to two or more vials (or other suitable containers) containing fluid. During a therapeutic procedure in which radioactive particles in suspension are administered, it is sometimes necessary to deliver the contents of two or more vials of radioactive particles. The present disclosure allows multiple vials to be connected to the system, and the operator can easily switch to a second vial after the contents of the first vial have been administered. Also, as well as a suspension of therapeutic particles, it may be desirable to deliver non-therapeutic fluids in the procedure, for example, a contrast agent in solution for visualizing the procedure, and it is advantageous to be able to connect to two or more fluid sources via two or more supply lines and easily switch between them without having to disconnect and reconnect the supply lines to the fluid sources.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the inlet conduits terminates in a male or female lure connector that matches a corresponding lure connector on the supply line. It has become For example, the inlet conduit terminates in a female Luer connector that mates with a male Luer connector on the supply line. It may be .

[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the multiple inlet conduits are positioned such that they have rotational symmetry relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passage. For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure where the connector comprises four inlet conduits, the inlet conduits are positioned 90 degrees apart from one another relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passage such that they have a rotational symmetry of four. In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure where the connector comprises three inlet conduits, the inlet conduits are positioned 120 degrees apart from one another relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passage such that they have a rotational symmetry of three. In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure where the connector comprises five inlet conduits, the inlet conduits are positioned 72 degrees apart from one another relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passage such that they have a rotational symmetry of five. In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure where the connector comprises six inlet conduits, the inlet conduits are positioned 60 degrees apart from one another relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passage such that they have a rotational symmetry of six, and so on.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the multiple inlet conduits may be configured with a circular or elliptical cross-sectional profile. Having a circular or elliptical cross-sectional profile reduces turbulence of the fluid in the inlet conduit (compared to other cross-sectional profiles), thus improving particle clearance as particles are not easily trapped. If the cross-sectional profile of any one or more of the inlet conduits is circular or elliptical, it is desirable that the cross-sectional profile (including dimensions) of the second passage (particularly the second passage at the second end selectively alignable with any one of the inlet conduits) be the same. For example, if the second passage has a circular cross-sectional profile, at least one of the inlet conduits will also have a circular cross-sectional profile with the same dimensions. Preferably, all of the inlet conduits will have the same cross-sectional profile (including dimensions) as the second end of the second passage. Having matching cross-sectional profiles reduces turbulence at the joint of adjacent components caused by mechanically mismatched parts, improving particle clearance when the fluid being conveyed is a suspension of particles.

[0022] Pivotable Component / Second Passage The pivotable component is received in a second portion of the housing's internal cavity and is pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the second portion of the internal cavity and preferably about a longitudinal axis of the first passageway. As previously described, the pivotable component includes a second passageway having a first end in communication with the first passageway, and the pivotable component is pivotable such that a second end of the second passageway is selectively alignable with any one of the inlet conduits to establish a continuous flow path between the first passageway and the selected inlet conduit.

[0023] As also mentioned above, the pivotable component is receptively engaged within the second portion of the internal cavity of the housing. Preferably, the connector forms a watertight seal at the interface between the housing and the outer surface of the pivotable component. Preferably, the housing has a smooth internal cavity, the second portion of which has a profile complementary to the pivotable component. In some embodiments, the second portion of the internal cavity is cylindrical and the pivotable component has a cylindrical profile. In some embodiments, the second portion of the internal cavity is tapered (e.g., in the form of a truncated cone corresponding to a cone without an apex) and complementary to the taper of the pivotable component (e.g., a complementary truncated cone). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pivotable component is engaged within the internal cavity of the housing with a clip fit.

[0024] The pivotable component can be manipulated by hand, which is preferably accomplished by pivoting a top portion of the pivotable component that extends beyond the housing. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the top portion of the pivotable component has a protrusion configured to be grasped by a human hand. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the top portion of the pivotable component has a circular profile with ribs for grasping by a human hand.

[0025] By rotating the pivotable component, the operator can select which of the inlet conduits to place in communication with the second passageway and therefore also with the first passageway. The pivotable component may be able to rotate within the housing between 180 degrees and 360 degrees (i.e., one rotation) relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passageway, depending on the number of inlet conduits provided in the connector. For example, if the connector has two inlet conduits, these are preferably positioned 180 degrees apart from each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passageway, so the pivotable component needs to be able to rotate at least 180 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passageway. In another example, the connector has three inlet conduits positioned 120 degrees apart from each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passageway, so the pivotable component needs to be able to rotate at least 240 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passageway to be able to select each of the inlet conduits. In yet another example, the connector has four inlet conduits spaced 90 degrees apart from one another relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passageway, so the pivotable component must be pivotable at least 270 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passageway to select each of the inlet conduits. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pivotable component is configured to indicate which of the inlet conduits is selected such that a continuous flow path is established between the inlet conduits and the first passageway.

[0026] Because the connector has two or more inlet conduits connectable to two or more fluid sources, the pivotable component can be used to select which of the fluid sources is selected to communicate with the first passageway when connected to the respective inlet conduit. For example, if the connector consists of four inlet conduits, up to four separate fluid sources can be connected to the connector at the same time, and the pivotable component can be used to select which of the four fluid sources communicate with the first fluid passageway. In a preferred embodiment, the pivotable component has only one second passageway, and only one of the two or more inlet conduits can be in communication with the first passageway at a time. Thus, fluid can only flow from one fluid source through the connector to the first passageway at any given time. Thus, in an example where four separate fluid sources are connected to the connector, only one of them can be in communication with the first passageway at any given time, while the other three are closed. In a further example, the connector consists of four fluid inlets, and the four fluid sources connected to the connector are three vials containing a suspension of radioactive microparticles and one vial containing a contrast agent in solution. In this example, the operator can manipulate a rotatable component to alternate between administering radioactive microparticles from each vial in sequence and periodically administering contrast agent in solution from another vial to visualize the procedure.

[0027] Preferably, the material or materials comprising the pivotable components are opaque, such as acetyl or nylon, and the housing is formed from a clear or substantially clear material such that the pivotable components can be visualized through the housing, such that visualization of the pivotable components through the clear housing allows an operator to visually verify that the second end of the second passage is properly aligned with the selected inlet conduit, forming a tight connection at the junction between these components.

[0028] The second passage communicates with the first passage at a first end, and the second end of the second passage is selectively alignable with one of two or more inlet conduits. An angle between each inlet conduit and the first passage is greater than 90 degrees, and as described above, this angle may be accommodated by a bend formed in the second passage. Because the bend is formed in the second passage rather than directly at the junction between the fluid inlet and the first passage, the number of particles trapped between mechanically mismatched components may be reduced because no bend is formed at the junction between the two components.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second passage has a circular or elliptical cross-sectional profile. Having a circular or elliptical cross-sectional profile reduces turbulence of the fluid in the second passage compared to other cross-sectional profiles, thus improving particle clearance because particles are not easily trapped. In general, it is desirable that the cross-sectional profile (including dimensions) of the first passage is the same as that of the second passage, at least at the portion where the first passage meets the second passage. It is also desirable that the cross-sectional profile (including dimensions) of the inlet conduit is the same as that of the second passage, at least at the portion where the inlet conduit meets the second passage when aligned. For example, when the second passage has a circular cross-sectional profile, the first passage typically has a circular cross-sectional profile of the same dimensions at least at the portion where the first and second passages meet each other. Similarly, when the second passage has a circular cross-sectional profile, the inlet conduit typically has a circular cross-sectional profile of the same dimensions at least at the point where the second passage and the inlet conduit each selectively align and meet each other. This minimizes the presence of mechanically mismatched components at the junction between the first passageway and any one of the second passageway and / or the inlet conduit. This minimizes the incidence of particles being trapped in gaps that exist between mechanically mismatched components. Preferably, all inlet conduits have the same cross-sectional profile and dimensions as those at the second end of the second passageway, and the first passageway has the same cross-sectional profile and dimensions as those at the first end of the second passageway. It is also advantageous to have a consistent inner diameter throughout the flow path from the inlet conduit through the second passageway and the first passageway. This reduces the number of trapped residual particles by minimizing fluid turbulence by eliminating areas of fluid stagnation and flow eddies where the inner diameter widens. It also ensures that the fluid moving through the connector moves at a constant velocity.

[0030] System for conveying a suspension of particles - Patents.com In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a system for transporting a suspension of particles is provided, the system including: (a) a first fluid source, a second fluid source, and optionally a plurality of additional fluid sources, at least one of the fluid sources being a suspension of particles; (b) a connector according to an aspect of the present disclosure; (c) two or more supply lines for supplying fluid to the connector, each supply line connected at a first end to an inlet conduit and at a second end to a source of fluid; and (d) a catheter in communication with the first passageway.

[0031] System - Fluid Source The system comprises a first fluid source, a second fluid source, and optionally one or more additional fluid sources, at least one of which is a suspension of particles. The suspension of particles can be, for example, a suspension of embolic particles or a suspension of radioactive microparticles. Other fluid sources can include a contrast agent in solution for visualizing the treatment procedure. Typically, the fluid sources are provided in vials or any kind of container suitable for holding a fluid. The source of fluid is connectable to a supply line. The fluid source can in particular be equipped with a suitable connector, such as a male Luer coupling or a female Luer coupling.

[0032] System - Supply Line The system further includes two or more supply lines for supplying fluid to the connector, each supply line connected at a first end to the inlet conduit and at a second end to a source of fluid, each end of each supply line may be provided with a suitable connector, in particular a male or female Luer connector.

[0033] System - Catheter The system may further include a catheter in communication with the first passageway, the catheter being connectable to an outlet formed for the first passageway, for example, the catheter being connectable to the outlet via a male luer connector or a female luer connector.

[0034] System - Bracket In an embodiment of this aspect of the disclosure, the system may further include a bracket configured to hold the connector in an orientation such that clearance of particles through the connector toward the outlet (and thus the catheter) is maximized. Preferably, the bracket should be used in an orientation such that the connector is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first passageway in the gravitational field (e.g., straight up and down, as can be measured by a plumb line). This optimizes clearance of particles through the connector when the fluid source is a suspension of particles. Preferably, the bracket should be rigid to prevent the catheter and / or supply line from kinking. The bracket may include, for example, a base, a vertical support (e.g., perpendicular to the base), and a bracket arm (e.g., perpendicular to the vertical support and parallel to the base).

[0035] Method for conveying a suspension of particles In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of conveying a suspension of particles through a system is provided, comprising providing a system according to the aspect of the present disclosure, using a pivotable component to select a first inlet conduit, thereby delivering fluid through the system from a first fluid source, pivoting the pivotable component to select a second inlet conduit, thereby delivering fluid through the system from a second fluid source, and optionally pivoting the pivotable component to select a third inlet conduit, thereby delivering fluid through the system from a third fluid source. Optionally, the pivotable component can be pivoted to select a fourth or further inlet conduit, thereby delivering fluid through the system from a fourth or further fluid source. Preferably, at least one of the sources of fluid contains a suspension of particles.

[0036] In this manner, the system according to the present disclosure can be used to deliver fluid from two or more fluid sources, either one at a time in sequence, or by switching between two or more fluid sources as needed. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the system can be used for administration of a therapeutic agent, and in this example, it may be desirable to also administer a contrast agent in solution in addition to the therapeutic agent to allow the procedure to be visualized. In this case, one of the sources of fluid is a vial containing a contrast agent in solution, and one or more additional vials contain a therapeutic agent. For example, the operator can begin by administering a quantity of contrast agent in solution from a first vial attached to a first inlet conduit to visualize the vasculature before administering the therapeutic agent. The operator can then use the rotatable component to select a second inlet conduit attached to a second vial containing a suspension of therapeutic particles and administer to the subject. The operator can then use the rotatable component to select a third inlet conduit attached to a third vial containing a suspension of therapeutic particles and administer an additional dose. Alternatively, the operator may reselect the first inlet conduit attached to the first vial containing the contrast agent in solution to again visualize the vasculature before administering more therapeutic particles from the third vial. While it is not possible to administer contrast agent in solution simultaneously with the therapeutic particles during such a procedure, operators often find it desirable to be able to administer a small amount of contrast agent in solution prior to the procedure and then again between administering each vial of therapeutic agent to ensure that the therapeutic agent continues to reach its target. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows an enlarged partial view of a central portion of a connector, with the angle between the inlet conduit and the axis of the first passageway indicated, and also the angle between the inlet conduit and the pivot axis of the pivotable component indicated. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a top view of a connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]1 illustrates a perspective view of a connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket configured to hold a connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a photograph of a bracket supported by a bracket arm according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a photograph of a connector disposed within a bracket supported by a bracket arm according to one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Next, a detailed description of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be given with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the longitudinal axis (14a) of the first passage (14) is coaxial with the pivot axis (18a) of the pivotable component (18). The connector (1) comprises a housing (10) including an internal cavity (12) including the first passage (14) disposed about the longitudinal axis. The inlet conduits (16a, 16c) are formed in the housing (10) and disposed radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing (10), which is coaxial with the passage axis (14a) and the pivot axis (18a). In the cross-sectional view of the connector (1) shown in FIG. 1, only two inlet conduits (16a, 16c) are visible out of a total of four inlet conduits (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d). The pivotable component (18) is received in a portion of the housing's internal cavity (12) adjacent the first passageway (12), the pivotable component (18) being pivotable about its longitudinal axis (18a) that is coaxial with the axis (14a) of the first passageway (14). The pivotable component (18) includes a second passageway (20) in communication with the first passageway (14) at its first end (20a). The pivotable component is pivotable such that a second end (20b) of the second passageway is selectively alignable with any one of the inlet conduits (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d). In the embodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 1, the second end (20b) of the second passageway (20) is aligned with the first inlet conduit (16a) to establish a continuous flow path between the first passageway (14) and the first inlet conduit (16a) [the first inlet conduit (16a) is the selected inlet conduit in this example]. In the embodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 1, the pivotable component (18) has an upper portion (18a) with a pointer (18c) indicating that the first inlet conduit (16a) is the selected inlet conduit. In the embodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 1, the first passageway (14) terminates in an outlet port (28). It has become .

[0039] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the central portion of the connector (1) showing the angle (22) between the axis (26) of the first inlet conduit (16a) and the axis (14a) of the first passage (14) and also showing the angle (24) between the axis (26) of the first inlet conduit and the pivot axis (18a) of the pivotable component (18). The central portion of the connector shown in FIG. 2 is a schematic representation, and the second passage is not shown. In the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 2, the longitudinal axis (14a) of the first passage (14) is coaxial with the pivot axis (18a) of the pivotable component (18), in which case the sum of the angle (22) and the angle (24) should always be equal to 180 degrees. The angle (22) between the axis of the first inlet conduit and the axis of the first passage should always be greater than 90 degrees.

[0040] Figure 3 depicts a top view of a connector (1) according to one aspect of the disclosure, and Figure 4 depicts a perspective view of the connector (1). In the embodiment of the disclosure depicted in Figures 3 and 4, the connector (1) comprises four inlet conduits (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) that are positioned 90 degrees apart from one another relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passageway (14) to have a rotational symmetry of four. In the embodiment of the disclosure depicted in Figures 3 and 4, the pivotable component also has an upper portion (18a) that extends beyond the housing, and a protrusion (18b) configured to be grasped by a human hand. In the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pivotable component also has a pointer (18c) to indicate which of the inlet conduits (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) has been selected to communicate with the first passageway (14) such that a continuous flow path is established between the selected inlet conduit and the first passageway (14) via the second passageway (20). In the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pointer (18c) points to the first inlet conduit (16a) to indicate that the first inlet conduit (16a) is the selected inlet conduit and thus in communication with the first passageway (14). In the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Figure 3, the first passageway (14) terminates in an outlet port (32). It has become .

[0041] 5 is a schematic diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system includes a connector (1) as previously described, a first fluid source (34), and a first supply line (36) connected at a first end (36a) to the first fluid source (34) and at a second end (36b) to a first inlet conduit (16a) on the connector. The system further includes a second fluid source (38) and a second supply line (40) connected at a first end (40a) to the second fluid source (38) and at a second end (40b) to a second inlet conduit (16c) on the connector. The system also includes a catheter (42) in communication with a first passageway (14) on the connector. In the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Figure 5, the catheter (42) is attached to the first passageway (14) at its outlet port (32) via a Luer connector. In an embodiment of one aspect of the present disclosure shown in Figure 5, the system includes two fluid sources and two supply lines, although optionally the system may also include one or more additional fluid sources and a corresponding number of additional supply lines for connecting the additional fluid sources to one or more additional inlet conduits on the connectors. In the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Figure 5, the first and second fluid sources (34, 38) are vials.

[0042] 6 shows a perspective view of a bracket (5) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket being configured to hold a connector (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as described above. The bracket (5) is configured with four recesses (52a, 52b, 52c, 52d), each configured to receive a respective one of the four inlet conduits (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d). The bracket (5) further includes a slot (54) that allows the connector (1) to be seated and / or removed from the bracket (5) while the catheter (42) is attached to the connector (1).

[0043] FIG. 7 is a photograph showing a bracket (5) as in FIG. 6 supported by a bracket arm (5a) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a photograph of a connector (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure positioned within a bracket (5) supported by a bracket arm (5a) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A connector for conveying a suspension of particles through a system, comprising: a housing (10) having an internal cavity (12) including a first passageway (14) having a longitudinal axis for conveying a fluid, said first passageway terminating in an outlet port (28) at a lower portion of said housing (10); two or more inlet conduits (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) formed in the housing and radially disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of the first passage; a pivotable component (18) received in a portion of the internal cavity adjacent the first passage, the pivotable component pivotable about the longitudinal axis of the first passage, the pivotable component having an inner second passage (20) communicating with the first passage at a first end (20a) of the second passage, the pivotable component pivotable such that a second end (20b) of the second passage is selectively alignable with any one of the inlet conduits, thereby establishing a continuous flow path between the first passage and a selected one of the inlet conduits; a connector, wherein an angle between a longitudinal axis of each of said inlet conduits and said longitudinal axis of said first passage is greater than 90 degrees;

2. 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein an angle between said longitudinal axis of each of said inlet conduits and said longitudinal axis of said first passage is greater than 110 degrees.

3. 3. The connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pivotable component is configured to indicate which of the inlet conduits has been selected as the selected inlet conduit such that a continuous flow path is established between the selected inlet conduit and the first passage through the second passage.

4. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the first passage terminates in an exit port.

5. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the pivotable component is engaged within the internal cavity of the housing by a clip fit.

6. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the inlet conduit is arranged with rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis of the first passage.

7. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises two, three or four of the inlet conduits.

8. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the first passageway terminates in a luer connector.

9. 9. The connector of claim 8, wherein the first passageway terminates in a male luer connector and the two or more inlet conduits terminate in female luer connectors.

10. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the first passageway, the second passageway, and / or any of the two or more inlet conduits have a circular or elliptical cross-sectional profile.

11. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the housing is integrally formed in a single molding.

12. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal axis of the first passage is coaxial with a central axis of the housing.

13. A system for conveying a suspension of radioactive particles, comprising: two or more fluid sources, at least one of the fluid sources being a suspension of said radioactive particles; A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 12; two or more supply lines for supplying fluid to the connector, each of the two or more supply lines being connected at a first end of the supply line to each of the two or more inlet conduits, and each of the two or more supply lines being connected at a second end of the supply line to each of the two or more fluid sources; a catheter in communication with the first passageway.

14. 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a bracket configured to hold the connector in an orientation that maximizes clearance of the radioactive particles through the connector toward an outlet.

15. A method of conveying a suspension of radioactive particles through a system, comprising the steps of: Providing a system according to claim 13 or claim 14; using the pivotable component to select a first of the two or more inlet conduits, thereby delivering fluid from a first of the two or more fluid sources to the catheter through the system; and rotating the pivotable component to select a second of the two or more inlet conduits, thereby delivering fluid from a second of the two or more fluid sources to the catheter via the system.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising rotating the rotatable component to select a third inlet conduit among the two or more inlet conduits, thereby delivering fluid from a third fluid source among the two or more fluid sources to the catheter via the system.

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