Integrated catheter lock mechanism for ports

Abstract

The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an integrated Caslocking mechanism configured to engage an exterior surface of a catheter to secure the catheter to a stem of a port, or similar medical device. The engagement structure includes a plurality of fins or an O-ring. The Caslocking mechanism includes an engagement structure annularly disposed about the stem and configured to transition between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. The Caslocking mechanism is biased toward the locked configuration. A tab can selectively engage the Caslocking mechanism and maintain the Caslocking mechanism in the unlocked configuration. The catheter can be pressed into the Caslocking mechanism onto the stem to engage the stem with an interference fit. A user can then remove the tab to transition the Caslocking mechanism to the locked configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an integrated catheter lock mechanism for a port.

Background Art

[0002] Briefly summarized, the embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an integrated catheter lock ("CathLock") mechanism configured to couple the proximal end of a catheter to a port stem or similar medical device.

[0003] A catheter that is trimable in the proximal direction allows for sizing adjustment after catheter placement. When placing the catheter and port assembly, the position of the distal tip of the catheter can be important for the effectiveness of treatment. For example, when placing a catheter in the superior vena cava, if the distal tip of the catheter does not reach the target area, the effectiveness of the drug is reduced. If the distal tip has advanced too deeply, the distal tip may cause arrhythmias. Since the distances between the target position, the insertion site into the vasculature, and the position of the port can vary between patients and procedures, the distance between the distal tip of the catheter and the port can vary. Estimating the length of the catheter prior to placement can lead to errors resulting in misplacement of the distal tip.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A catheter that can be trimmed in the proximal direction allows the distal tip of the catheter to be placed at the target position before trimming the proximal portion of the catheter to the correct length. The clinician can then attach the catheter to a subcutaneous port or similar access device. However, it can be difficult to secure the catheter to the port. The connection must be leak-proof, especially under high-pressure injection. Further, manipulating the catheter and port within the closed, moist environment of the subcutaneous access site can lead to slippage, excessive trauma to the access site, or misplacement of the distal tip of the catheter. **Means for Solving the Problem**

[0005] Disclosed herein is a locking mechanism for coupling a catheter to a port, the locking mechanism including a stem extending along a longitudinal axis, the distal end of the stem configured to engage the lumen of the catheter and the proximal end of the stem coupled to the port; a cuff lock having an engagement structure configured to engage the catheter and movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and biased to the closed configuration; and a tab configured to engage the cuff lock to maintain the engagement structure in the open configuration and selectively removable from the cuff lock to transition the engagement structure from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cuff lock is integrally formed with the port. In some embodiments, the cuff lock includes a cowl extending from the body of the port and defining a recess, the recess extending longitudinally from the distal tip of the cowl and including the stem disposed therein. In some embodiments, the engagement structure includes one or more fins extending radially inwardly and elastically deformable to a radially outward open configuration. In some embodiments, the one or more fins extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis and either extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or extend proximally toward the port.

[0007] In some embodiments, the edge of one or more fins in the closed configuration defines a diameter that is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the stem. In some embodiments, the edge of one or more fins in the closed configuration defines a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the stem and less than the outer diameter of the catheter. In some embodiments, one or more fins include a first series of fins disposed at a first longitudinal position within the cusp lock and a second series of fins disposed at a second longitudinal position within the cusp lock that is different from the first longitudinal position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first fin of the first series of fins is aligned with the first fin of the second series of fins along the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the first fin of the first series of fins is offset from the first fin of the second series of fins about the longitudinal axis of the stem. In some embodiments, one of the one or more fins extends over an arc distance of 360° about the axis of the stem. In some embodiments, one of the one or more fins extends over an arc distance of less than 360° about the axis of the stem. In some embodiments, the engagement structure includes an O-ring that extends annularly about the axis of the stem and is elastically deformable into a radially outwardly open configuration.

[0009] In some embodiments, the O-ring in the closed configuration defines an inner diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the catheter. In some embodiments, the tab is configured to re-engage the cusp lock after being removed from the cusp lock to move the cusp lock from the closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, the tab includes a frangible bridge that couples the tab to the cusp lock, the frangible bridge being configured to separate when the tab is selectively removed from the cusp lock. In some embodiments, the tab includes a shaft that extends longitudinally and defines a tab lumen, the inner diameter of the tab lumen being greater than the outer diameter of the catheter.

[0010] In some embodiments, the tab extends longitudinally and includes an elongated opening that communicates between the outer surface of the tab and the tab lumen, and the elongated opening is configured to permit entry or exit of the catheter into the tab lumen. In some embodiments, the elongated opening defines a width that is less than the outer diameter of the catheter. In some embodiments, the elongated opening defines a width that is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the catheter. In some embodiments, the tab further includes a handle extending from the distal end of the shaft and configured to facilitate gripping of the tab, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0011] Also disclosed is a method of coupling a catheter to a port, the method comprising pressing the catheter onto the stem of the port to engage the catheter with the stem in an interference fit, and removing the pull tab from the caselock mechanism, wherein the caselock mechanism is biased toward a locked configuration, the pull tab engages the caselock mechanism, and is configured to maintain the caselock mechanism in an unlocked configuration, and transitioning the caselock mechanism to a locked configuration.

[0012] In some embodiments, the caselock mechanism is integrally formed with the port. In some embodiments, the caselock mechanism includes a cowl extending from the body of the port and defining a recess, the recess extending longitudinally from the distal tip of the cowl and including a stem disposed therein. In some embodiments, the caselock mechanism includes one or more fins that extend radially inward and are elastically deformable into a radially outward unlocked configuration. In some embodiments, the edge of one or more fins in the locked configuration defines a diameter that is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the catheter.

[0013] In some embodiments, the engagement structure includes an O-ring that extends annularly around the axis of the stem and is elastically deformable into a radially outward unlocking configuration. In some embodiments, the O-ring in the locked configuration defines an inner diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the catheter. In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of re-engaging the tab with the cassette lock to move the cassette lock from the locked position to the unlocked position. In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of severing a frangible bridge that couples the tab to the cassette lock before removing the tab from the cassette lock mechanism.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of pushing the catheter through an elongate opening in the tab, the elongate opening being in communication with the tab lumen. In some embodiments, the elongate opening defines a width that is less than the outer diameter of the catheter. In some embodiments, the tab further includes a handle that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is configured to facilitate removal of the tab from the cassette lock mechanism.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] A more specific description of the present disclosure will be made with reference to the specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is recognized that these drawings depict only representative embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting its scope. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described and explained in further detail, including additional features, with the use of the accompanying drawings.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Before disclosing some specific embodiments in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts presented herein. It should also be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein can be easily separated from that specific embodiment and may have features that can be optionally combined or substituted with the features of any of the plurality of other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0017] Regarding the terms used in this specification, it should also be understood that each term is for the purpose of explaining some specific embodiments and does not limit the scope of the concepts presented in this specification. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps among a group of multiple features or steps, and do not impose an order limitation or a numerical limitation. For example, the "first", "second", and "third" features or steps do not necessarily have to appear in this order, and a specific embodiment including such features or steps does not necessarily have to be limited to three features or steps. Expressions such as "left", "right", "up", "down", "front", "rear", etc. are used for convenience and do not mean any specific fixed position, orientation, or direction. Rather, such expressions are used, for example, to indicate relative positions, orientations, or directions. Unless clearly indicated otherwise from the context, the singular forms represented by "a", "an", and "the" include the plural forms.

[0018] Regarding "proximal", for example, the "proximal portion" or "proximal end portion" of a catheter disclosed in this specification includes the portion of the catheter that is intended to be near the clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. Similarly, for example, the "proximal length" of a catheter includes the length of the catheter that is intended to be near the clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. For example, the "proximal end" of a needle includes the end of the catheter that is intended to be near the clinician when the catheter is used on a patient. The proximal portion, proximal end portion, or proximal length of a catheter can include the proximal end of the catheter, but the proximal portion, proximal end portion, or proximal length of a catheter does not necessarily have to include the proximal end of the catheter. That is, unless suggested by the context, the proximal portion, proximal end portion, or proximal length of a catheter is not the distal portion or distal length of the catheter.

[0019] Regarding "distal", for example, the "distal portion" or "distal end portion" of a catheter as disclosed herein includes the portion of the catheter that is intended to be near or within a patient when the catheter is used on the patient. Similarly, for example, the "distal length" of a catheter includes the length of the catheter that is intended to be near or within a patient when the catheter is used on the patient. For example, the "distal end" of a needle includes the end of the catheter that is intended to be near or within a patient when the catheter is used on the patient. The distal portion, distal end portion, or distal length of a catheter can include the distal end of the catheter, but the distal portion, distal end portion, or distal length of a catheter need not include the distal end of the catheter. That is, except where suggested by the context, the distal portion, distal end portion, or distal length of a catheter is not the terminal portion or terminal length of the catheter.

[0020] To assist in the description of the embodiments described herein, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the longitudinal axis extends substantially parallel to the axial length of the catheter. The transverse axis extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the cross-sectional axis extends perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. In this specification, the horizontal plane extends along the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis. The vertical plane extends perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Figures 1A - 2 show an embodiment of a port 100 that includes an integrated catheter lock (a "catheter lock" or "caselock") mechanism 130 configured to secure a catheter 90 to a stem 120. FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the port 100. FIGS. 1B - 2 show longitudinal cross - sectional views of the port 100. The port 100 can generally include a port body 110 that defines a reservoir 112 and can include a needle - penetrable septum 114 disposed thereon. The septum 114 can be configured to provide percutaneous access to the reservoir 112 by an access needle. The access needle can penetrate the skin surface and underlying tissue, be pushed through the needle - penetrable septum 114, access the reservoir 112, and provide fluid communication with the reservoir 112.

[0022] The port 100 can further include a stem 120 that defines a stem lumen 122 in fluid communication with the reservoir 112. In one embodiment, the proximal end 94 of the catheter 90 is pushed over the stem 120 and can provide fluid communication between the reservoir 112 and the lumen 92 of the catheter 90. The distal tip of the catheter 90 is disposed within the patient's vasculature and can provide fluid communication with the vasculature. The subcutaneous port 100 is an exemplary medical device, and it will be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be used with various medical devices that require a compliant tube to be fluidly coupled to a rigid stem to provide fluid communication therebetween.

[0023] In one embodiment, the port 100 can include an integrated caselock mechanism 130. The caselock mechanism 130 can include a cowl 132 that extends distally from the port body 110 and extends annularly around the stem 120. In one embodiment, the distal tip of the cowl 132 can extend to a point proximal to the distal tip of the stem 120. In one embodiment, the distal tip of the cowl 132 can extend to a point distal to the distal tip of the stem 120. In one embodiment, the distal tip of the cowl 132 and the distal tip of the stem 120 can extend equidistantly from the body 110.

[0024] In one embodiment, the cowl 132 can define a substantially cylindrical recess 134 that extends longitudinally from the distal tip of the cowl 132 and can include a stem 120 disposed therein. In one embodiment, the recess 134 can define a substantially circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape. However, other cross-sectional shapes are also contemplated. In one embodiment, the recess 134 can define a diameter (d1) that is larger than the outer diameter (d2) of the catheter 90.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cusp lock mechanism 130 can further include an engagement structure 140 configured to be disposed within the recess 134 and engage the outer surface of the catheter 90 to secure the catheter 90 to the stem 120. The engagement structure 140 can be configured to transition between an open or unlocked configuration and a closed or locked configuration. In one embodiment, the engagement structure 140 can be biased toward the closed or locked configuration.

[0026] In one embodiment, the engagement structure 140 can include one or more fins 142 that extend radially inwardly from the inner surface of the recess 134. In one embodiment, the one or more fins 142 can be formed from plastic, polymer, elastomer, metal, alloy, composite material, etc. In one embodiment, the one or more fins 142 can extend at an angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis 80. In one embodiment, the one or more fins 142 can extend perpendicular to the central axis 80. In one embodiment, the one or more fins 142 can extend at an angle toward the port body 110, i.e., in the proximal direction. In one embodiment, the one or more fins 142 can be configured to elastically deform radially outwardly from the closed position to the open position.

[0027] In an exemplary method of use, as shown in FIGS. 3A - 3B, a cassette lock mechanism 130 can be provided that includes one or more fins 142 (FIG. 3A) biased toward a closed position. Each fin of the one or more fins 142 can be coupled to the inner wall of the recess 134 at a base 144 and can extend radially inwardly to a disposed edge 146. For clarity, note that FIGS. 3A - 3C show the engagement structure 140 without the stem 120. However, as will be understood, the stem 120 extends through the recess 134 and can engage the catheter 90. Advantageously, the stem 120 can provide columnar support to the catheter 90 when the proximal end 94 of the catheter 90 is pushed into the recess 134.

[0028] The user can push the proximal end 94 of the catheter 90 into the recess 134 and pass it through the one or more fins 142. The catheter 90 can elastically deform the one or more fins 142 to move from the closed position to the open position (FIG. 3B). In one embodiment, each fin of the one or more fins 142 can be coupled to the inner wall of the recess 134 at the base 144 by a hinge or living hinge configured to allow the one or more fins 142 to pivot about the base 144 and transition between the closed and open positions.

[0029] In one embodiment, the catheter 90 can be pushed into the recess 134 of the cassette lock mechanism 130, and the stem 120 can engage the lumen 92 of the catheter 90. The outer diameter of the stem 120 can be the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the lumen 92 of the catheter 90. The stem 120 can be formed from an elastic or rigid material. The catheter 90 can be formed from a compliant or elastically deformable material. Thus, the catheter 90 can elastically deform to fit over the stem 120 and engage the stem 120 in an interference fit.

[0030] One or more fins 142 biased toward a closed configuration can engage the outer surface of the catheter 90 and further secure the catheter 90 to the outer surface. In one embodiment, the one or more fins 142 can extend perpendicular to the central axis 80 and can compress the catheter 90 onto the stem, while still allowing movement of the catheter 90 in both the proximal and distal directions, for example, when attempting to remove and replace the catheter 90 from the port 100. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the one or more fins 142 can extend at an angle toward the port body 110, i.e., in the proximal direction. Advantageously, the fin 142 can allow movement of the catheter 90 in the proximal direction, while reducing movement of the catheter 90 in the distal direction and reducing accidental disengagement of the catheter 90 from the port 100.

[0031] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3C and 6, the cusp lock mechanism can further include a pull tab (“tab”) 260 configured to maintain the engagement structure in an open or unlocked configuration.

[0032] The catheter 90 can be advanced into the lumen 264 of the tab 260 and can engage the stem 120 by interference fit, as described herein. The tab 260 can then be removed from the recess 134 by the user gripping the handle 270 and pushing the tab in the distal direction. In one embodiment, the tab 260 can be releasably coupled to the cusp lock mechanism 130 by a frangible bridge 150. The frangible bridge 150 can prevent the tab 260 from being prematurely disengaged from the cusp lock mechanism 130. By pushing the tab 260 in the distal direction out of the recess 134, the frangible bridge 150 can be separated from the cusp lock mechanism 130, releasing the tab 260.

[0033] In one embodiment, either before or after the catheter 90 is engaged with the stem 120, the tab 260 can be re-engaged with the cassette lock mechanism 130 to move the engagement structure 140 from the locked position to the unlocked position. For example, the port 100 including the cassette lock mechanism 130 can include an engagement structure 140 that is in a normally closed position (FIG. 3A). The user can insert the tab 260 into the recess 134 to move the engagement structure 140 from the closed position to the open position. Then, the catheter 90 can be inserted into the lumen 264 of the tab 260 and engaged with the stem 120. The tab 260 can be removed to move the engagement structure 140 from the open position to the closed position. In one embodiment, the tab 260 can include an elongated opening 272 configured to allow the tab 260 to selectively engage or disengage with the catheter 90. In one embodiment, the tab 260 can then be reinserted into the recess 134 to move the engagement structure from the closed position to the open position. Then, the catheter 90 can be pushed distally to disengage the stem 120 and disengage the cassette lock mechanism 130.

[0034] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, each fin of the one or more fins 142 can extend annularly over an arc distance (θ) about the central axis 80. In one embodiment, the arc distance (θ) can be from 5° to 360°. In one embodiment, the first series of fins 142A can be disposed at a first longitudinal position within the recess 134 and can include one or more fins radially disposed about the central axis 80. Each fin of the first series of fins 142A can extend over an arc distance (θ) of 360° or less. In one embodiment, the second series of fins 142B can be disposed at a second longitudinal position within the recess 134 that is different from the first longitudinal position and can include one or more fins radially disposed about the central axis 80. Each fin of the second series of fins 142A can extend over an arc distance (θ) of 360° or less.

[0035] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first fin of the first series of fins 142A can be aligned with the first fin of the second series of fins 142B along the longitudinal axis. That is, they are arranged at the same radial position around the central axis 80. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, the first fin of the first series of fins 142A can be radially offset from the first fin of the second series of fins 142B along the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the inner edge 146 of one fin of the first series of fins 142A can extend radially inward by a first radius (r1), and the inner edge 146 of one fin of the second series of fins 142B can extend radially inward by a second radius (r2). The first radius (r1) may be larger than, smaller than, or equal to the second radius (r2). In one embodiment, the inner edge 146 of one or more fins 142 can define a diameter greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the stem 120. In one embodiment, the inner edge 146 of one or more fins 142 can define a diameter less than or equal to the outer diameter (d2) of the catheter 90.

[0036] FIGS. 5A - 7B show one embodiment of a port 100 that includes an integral caselock mechanism 130 having an O-ring engagement structure 240. The port 100 can include a stem 120 that defines a stem lumen 122 in fluid communication with a reservoir 112. The port 100 can further include an integral caselock mechanism 130 that extends from the port 100 and includes a cowl 132 that defines a recess 134 and surrounds the stem 120, as described herein.

[0037] In one embodiment, the caselock mechanism 130 can further include an O-ring engagement structure 240 that is disposed within the recess 134 and extends annularly around the central axis 80. The O-ring engagement structure 240 can include one or more O-rings 242 formed from an elastically deformable material, and the O-ring 242 is movable between an extended, open or unlocked configuration (FIG. 7A) and a contracted, closed or locked configuration (FIG. 7B). In one embodiment, the O-ring 242 can be biased toward the locked configuration.

[0038] In one embodiment, the cassette lock mechanism 130 can further include a tab 260, as described herein. As shown in FIG. 6, the tab 260 can include a shaft 262 that defines a lumen 264 extending longitudinally between a distal opening 266 and a proximal opening 268. The tab 260 or a portion thereof can be formed from an elastic or rigid material such as plastic, polymer, metal, alloy, composite material, etc. In one embodiment, the inner diameter (d3) of the tab lumen 264 can be larger than the outer diameter (d2) of the catheter 90. The outer diameter (d4) of the tab shaft 262 can be smaller than the inner diameter (d1) of the recess 134.

[0039] The tab 260 can further include a handle 270 coupled to the distal end of the shaft 262 and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The handle 270 can be configured to enable a user to manipulate the tab 260. In one embodiment, the handle 270 can include a finger loop, protrusion, abutment, ridge, etc., or can include one or more materials (e.g., silicone rubber) having different coefficients of friction to facilitate gripping the handle 270, particularly within a closed, moist environment for subcutaneous placement. In one embodiment, the shaft 262 can be configured to extend into the recess 134 and through the O-ring 242 to maintain the O-ring 242 in an open configuration. In one embodiment, the outer diameter (d4) of the shaft can be larger than the inner diameter (d5) of the O-ring 242 in the closed configuration.

[0040] In one embodiment, the tab 260 can further include an elongated opening 272 that extends longitudinally along the bottom surface of the tab 260 between the distal opening 266 and the proximal opening 268 and communicates with the tab lumen 264. In one embodiment, the elongated opening 272 can define a width (w1) that is greater than or equal to the outer diameter (d2) of the catheter 90. Thus, the elongated opening 272 can enable the entry into / exit from the tab lumen 264 of the catheter 90. In one embodiment, the width (w1) of the elongated opening 272 can be smaller than the outer diameter (d2) of the catheter 90. Thus, the catheter 90 can be pushed through the elongated opening 272, and the catheter 90 can elastically deform to pass through the elongated opening 272. Advantageously, the width (w1) being smaller than the outer diameter (d2) can prevent the tab 260 from unintentionally disengaging from the catheter 90. In one embodiment, the tab lumen 264 with the elongated opening 272 disposed therein extends annularly over 180° or more about the central axis 80.

[0041] In an exemplary method of use, a port 100 including a cusp lock mechanism 230 can be provided as described herein. In one embodiment, the cusp lock mechanism 130 can further include a tab 260 disposed within the recess 134 and configured to maintain the engagement structure 240 in an open configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the tab shaft 262 extends longitudinally within the recess 134 and can elastically deform the O-ring 242 radially outward to the outer diameter (d4) of the tab shaft 262, i.e., to the unlocked or open configuration.

[0042] In one embodiment, the tab 260 can be "pre-loaded" within the recess 134, i.e., can be combined with the engagement structure 240 during manufacture, and the engagement structure 240 is maintained in an open configuration during transportation and storage. Advantageously, this enables the cusp lock mechanism 130 to be ready for use, as described in more detail herein, and the user only needs to engage the catheter with the stem 120 and remove the tab 260, thus simplifying the coupling process during use.

[0043] In one embodiment, the tab 260 may be assembled by a clinician before engaging with the catheter 90 and disposed within the recess 134. In other words, the engagement structure 240 is maintained in a closed configuration during transportation and storage and shifted to an open position immediately before use. Advantageously, this can reduce material fatigue or "creep" during storage because the engagement structure is not maintained under stress for an extended period.

[0044] With the tab 260 maintaining the engagement structure 240 in an open configuration, the user can longitudinally slide the catheter 90 through the distal opening 266 and into the tab lumen 264 until the proximal end 94 engages with the stem 120. With the catheter 90 engaged with the stem 120, the user can remove the tab 260 from the recess 134 by gripping the handle 270 and pushing the tab 260 distally. When the tab 260 is removed, the engagement structure 240 can shift from the open position to the closed position. For example, the O-ring 242, which is elastically deformed to an extended configuration, can return to a contracted or closed configuration (FIG. 7B). In the closed position, the O-ring 242 can annularly tighten around the outer surface of the catheter 90 to secure the catheter 90 onto the stem 120.

[0045] The tab 260 can then be slid distally out of the recess 134, and the catheter 90 can be pushed through the long opening 272 to disengage the port 100 / catheter 90 assembly. In one embodiment, the tab 260 can be re-engaged with the catheter 90 by pushing a portion of the catheter 90 through the elongated opening 272. The tab 260 can then be pushed proximally along the outer surface of the catheter 90 to re-engage the cassette lock mechanism 130. The proximal end of the shaft 262 can include a chamfered edge to facilitate longitudinally pushing the shaft 262 between the catheter 90 and the engagement structure 240 to shift the engagement structure 240 from the closed position to the open position. The catheter 90 can then be disengaged from the stem 120.

[0046] Some specific embodiments are disclosed herein, and while specific embodiments are disclosed to some extent, the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Additional adaptations and / or modifications may be understood by those skilled in the art. In a broader aspect, these adaptations and / or modifications are also included. Thus, it is possible to depart from the specific embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for coupling a catheter to a port, comprising: a stem extending along a longitudinal axis, the distal end of the stem being configured to engage the lumen of the catheter and the proximal end of the stem being coupled to the port; and a cassette lock having an engagement structure configured to engage the catheter, the cassette lock being movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and being biased to the closed configuration; and a tab configured to engage the cassette lock to maintain the engagement structure in the open configuration, the tab being selectively removable from the cassette lock to transition the engagement structure from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The locking mechanism comprising the above.

2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the cassette lock is integrally formed with the port.

3. The locking mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the cassette lock includes a cowl extending from the body of the port and defining a recess, the recess extending longitudinally from the distal tip of the cowl and including the stem disposed therein.

4. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the engagement structure includes one or more fins extending radially inwardly and being elastically deformable to a radially outward open configuration.

5. The locking mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the one or more fins extend at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, or extend proximally toward the port.

6. The locking mechanism according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the edge of the one or more fins in the closed configuration defines a diameter that is equal to or less than the outer diameter of the stem.

7. The locking mechanism according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the edge of the one or more fins in the closed configuration defines a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the stem and less than the outer diameter of the catheter.

8. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the one or more fins include a first series of fins disposed at a first longitudinal position within the cassette lock and a second series of fins disposed at a second longitudinal position within the cassette lock that is different from the first longitudinal position.

9. The locking mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the first fin of the first series of fins is aligned with the first fin of the second series of fins along the longitudinal axis.

10. In the locking mechanism according to claim 8, a first fin of the first series of fins is offset from the first fin of the second series of fins about the longitudinal axis of the stem, the locking mechanism.

11. In the locking mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 10, one fin of the one or more fins extends over an arc distance of 360° about the axis of the stem, the locking mechanism.

12. In the locking mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 10, one fin of the one or more fins extends over an arc distance of less than 360° about the axis of the stem, the locking mechanism.

13. In the locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the engagement structure includes an O-ring that extends annularly about the axis of the stem and is elastically deformable into a radially outwardly open configuration, the locking mechanism.

14. In the locking mechanism according to claim 13, the O-ring in the closed configuration defines an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the catheter, the locking mechanism.

15. In the locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the tab is configured to re-engage the cassette lock after being removed from the cassette lock and move the cassette lock from the closed position to the open position, the locking mechanism.

16. In the locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the tab includes a frangible bridge that couples the tab to the cassette lock, the frangible bridge being configured to separate when the tab is selectively removed from the cassette lock, the locking mechanism.

17. In the locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the tab includes a shaft that extends longitudinally and defines a tab lumen, the inner diameter of the tab lumen being greater than the outer diameter of the catheter, the locking mechanism.

18. In the locking mechanism according to claim 17, the tab includes an elongated opening that extends longitudinally and communicates between the outer surface of the tab and the tab lumen, the elongated opening being configured to permit entry or exit of the catheter into the tab lumen, the locking mechanism.

19. In the locking mechanism according to claim 18, the elongated opening defines a width less than the outer diameter of the catheter, the locking mechanism.

20. In the locking mechanism according to claim 18, the elongated opening defines a width greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the catheter, the locking mechanism.

21. In the locking mechanism according to any one of claims 17 to 20, The tab further includes a handle extending from the distal end of the shaft, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and configured to facilitate gripping of the tab, the locking mechanism.

22. A method of coupling a catheter to a port, comprising: Pressing the catheter against the stem of the port to engage the catheter with the stem in an interference fit; Removing a pull tab from a cassette lock mechanism, the cassette lock mechanism being biased toward a locked configuration, the pull tab engaging the cassette lock mechanism and configured to maintain the cassette lock mechanism in an unlocked configuration; Shifting the cassette lock mechanism to a locked configuration; and A method comprising:

23. In the method according to claim 22, The cassette lock mechanism is integrally formed with the port.

24. In the method according to claim 23, The cassette lock mechanism includes a cowl extending from the body of the port and defining a recess, the recess extending longitudinally from the distal tip of the cowl and including a stem disposed therein.

25. In the method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, The cassette lock mechanism includes one or more fins extending radially inward and elastically deformable into a radially outward unlocked configuration.

26. In the method according to claim 25, The edge of one or more fins in the locked configuration defines a diameter less than or equal to the outer diameter of the catheter.

27. In the method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, The engagement structure includes an O-ring extending annularly around the axis of the stem and elastically deformable into a radially outward unlocked configuration.

28. In the method according to claim 27, The O-ring in the locked configuration defines an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the catheter.

29. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 28 further includes: Re-engaging the tab with the cassette lock to shift the cassette lock from the locked position to the unlocked position.

30. In the method according to any one of claims 22 to 29, The method further includes severing a frangible bridge coupling the tab to the cassette lock before removing the tab from the cassette lock mechanism.

31. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 30 further comprises: pushing a catheter through the elongated opening of the tab, wherein the elongated opening communicates with the tab lumen. **Claim 32** In the method according to claim 31, the elongated opening defines a width less than the outer diameter of the catheter. **Claim 33** In the locking mechanism according to any one of claims 17 to 20, the tab further includes a handle extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and configured to facilitate removal of the tab from the cassette locking mechanism.

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