Locking luer

Abstract

A luer may be provided via a rigid body, having first through third sections, and first and second ends in which a passage is defined; first and second rigid walls, each having a first end connected to the second end of the rigid body and extending a first distance to a second end, the second rigid wall defined circumferentially opposite to the first rigid wall about the rigid body, wherein the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall define arcs of a first circle having a first diameter; and mobile arms, defined between the first and second rigid walls, each having a first end connected to the second section of the rigid body and extending the first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end, each mobile arm including a first engagement hook, defined on the second end of the mobile arm.

Description

LOCKING LUERCROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 63 / 625,712 titled “LOCKING LUER” that was filed on 2024-26-01, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] When using a catheter to aspirate body fluids and any solids carried therewith (e.g. embolisms in blood), a negative pressure is held on a fluid target (e.g., a location in a vein where an obstruction is located) via a lumen in the catheter to draw the fluids and solids out of the biological subject via the lumen. An operator may navigate the catheter through a biological lumen (e.g., a blood vessel) to the fluid target in a collapsed or compressed stated before expanding or dilating the catheter to a second state with a larger inner bore, which eases navigation to the fluid target while also offering a larger diameter to draw the solids out once deployed. Additionally, an operator may deploy various instruments to the target location via introduction through the lumen of the catheter, where a larger bore eases delivery to the target location. During use, the instrument, such as a dilator, has a tendency to move within the biological lumen unless held in place, which may potentially cause trauma, tears, or damage to the surrounding structures, leading to pain, bleeding and potential complications.SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure provides for a locking luer, configured to hold an instrument, such as a dilator, for introduction through a catheter and holding the instrument in place within the catheter even as negative pressure is applied to the target site. The locking luer selectively locks into place at an access port for the catheter and prevents the dilator from slipping proximally during an operation. Although generally discussed inrelation to a locking luer used in conjunction with a dilator, the present disclosure contemplates that the locking luer may be used in conjunction with various other instruments used in conjunction with a catheter (e.g., endoscopes, sub-catheters, stents delivery instruments, retrievers / graspers, etc.).

[0004] In one embodiment, a luer is provided, comprising: a rigid body, having a first section, a second section, a third section, a first end and a second end, opposite to the first end, in which a passage is defined between the first end and the second end; a first rigid wall, having a first end connected to the second end of the rigid body and extending a first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end; a second rigid wall, defined circumferentially opposite to the first rigid wall about the rigid body, having a first end connected to the second end of the rigid body and extending the first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end, wherein the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall define arcs of a first circle having a first diameter; a first mobile arm, defined between the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall, having a first end connected to the second section of the rigid body and extending the first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end, the first mobile arm including a first engagement hook, defined on the second end of the first mobile arm; a second mobile arm, defined between the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall circumferentially opposite to the first mobile arm about the second section of the rigid body, having a first end connected to the second section of the rigid body and extending the first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end, the second mobile arm including a second engagement hook, defined on the second end of the second mobile arm, wherein: in a first state, the first engagement hook and the second engagement hook define arcs of a second circle, concentric to the first circle, having a second diameter greater than the first diameter; and in a second state, the first engagement hook and the second engagement hook define arcs of a third circle, concentric to the first circle, having a third diameter less than or equal to the first diameter.

[0005] In some such embodiments of the luer, the first mobile arm further includes a first button, defined between the first engagement hook and the first end of the first mobile arm, the first button defining a raised projection from the first mobile arm; and the second mobile arm further includes a second button, defined between the second engagement hookand the first end of the second mobile arm, the second button defining a raised projection from the second mobile arm.

[0006] In some such embodiments of the luer, the first mobile arm further defines a first resting portion between the first engagement hook and the first button; the second mobile arm further defines a second resting portion between the second engagement hook and the second button; and in the first state, the first resting portion and the second resting portion define arcs of fourth circle, concentric to the first circle, having a fourth diameter less than the second diameter and greater than the first diameter.

[0007] In some such embodiments of the luer, the luer includes a connector defined on the first end.

[0008] In some such embodiments of the luer, the luer includes a first wing, connected to the second section and the third section of the rigid body; and a second wing, connected to the second section and the third section of the rigid body, wherein outer edges of the first wing and the second wing define arcs of a fourth circle, concentric to the first circle, having a fourth diameter greater than the first diameter.

[0009] In some such embodiments of the luer, the first mobile arm and the second mobile arm are angled outward from the rigid body to define, when in the first state, a truncated conic hole having a first radius at a first end and a second radius at a second end, opposite to the first end, greater than the first radius.

[0010] In some such embodiments of the luer, the luer includes a dilator disposed between the first rigid wall, the second rigid wall, the first mobile arm, and the second mobile arm, and having an internal lumen in fluid communication with the passage.

[0011] In some such embodiments of the luer, the first engagement hook is beveled on a leading edge to interact with a port to compress the first mobile arm inward from the first state to the second state in response to a lateral force pushing the luer along a longitudinally axis of the rigid body through the port.

[0012] In some such embodiments of the luer, the first mobile arm further includes a first button, defined between the first engagement hook and the first end of the first mobile arm, the first button defining a first raised projection from the first mobile arm; the secondmobile arm further includes a second button, defined between the second engagement hook and the first end of the second mobile arm, the second button defining a second raised projection from the second mobile arm; and the first raised projection and the second raised projection define radial points of a fourth circle having a greater diameter in the first state and in the second state than the port.

[0013] In one embodiment, a luer is provided, comprising: a body, having: a first section, in which a first tube connector is defined; a second section, extending longitudinally in a first direction from the first section, in which a through-hole in fluid communication with the first tube connector is defined; a third section, extending longitudinally in the first direction from the second section; a first rigid wall, extending longitudinally in the first direction from the third section; a second rigid wall, extending longitudinally in the first direction from the third section, connected to the third section circumferentially opposite about the body to the first rigid wall; a first wing, connected to the second section and the third section; a second wing, connected to the second section and the third section; a first securing means, connected to the second section and defined between the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall; a second securing means, connected to the second section and defined between the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall circumferentially opposite about the body to the first securing means; and wherein the first securing means, the second securing means, the first rigid wall, the second rigid wall, and the third section define a second tube connector in fluid communication with the through- hole.

[0014] In some such embodiments of the luer, the first securing means includes a first cantilever angled outward from the second section of the body relative to a longitudinal axis of the body that terminates with a first engagement hook; the second securing means includes a second cantilever angled outward from the second section of the body relative to the longitudinal axis of the body that terminates with a second engagement hook; the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall define arcs of a first circle having a first diameter circumferential to the longitudinal axis; in a first state, the first engagement hook and the second engagement hook define arcs of a second circle, concentric to the first circle, having a second diameter greater than the first diameter; and in a second state, when the firstsecuring means and the second securing means are pushed inward from the first state towards the longitudinal axis, the first engagement hook and the second engagement hook define arcs of a third circle, concentric to the first circle, having a third diameter less than or equal to the first diameter.

[0015] In some such embodiments of the luer, the first securing means further includes a first button, defined between the first engagement hook and the third section, the first button defining a first raised projection from the first securing means; the second securing means further includes a second button, defined between the second engagement hook and the third section, the second button defining a second raised projection from the second securing means; and the first raised projection and the second raised projection define radial points of a fourth circle having a greater diameter in the first state and in the second state than the second diameter.

[0016] In some such embodiments of the luer, the first securing means further defines a first resting portion between the first engagement hook and the first button; the second securing means further defines a second resting portion between the second engagement hook and the second button; and in the first state, the first resting portion and the second resting portion define arcs of a fifth circle, concentric to the first circle, having a fifth diameter less than the second diameter and greater than the first diameter.

[0017] In one embodiment, a system is provided, the system, comprising: a port connector, having a first internal lumen and including a cap having a port of a port diameter; a dilator, having a second internal lumen and an outer dilator diameter less than the port diameter; a luer, defining a first tube connector in which an end of the dilator is disposed, a second tube connector on an opposite end of the luer to the first tube connector, and a through-hole placing the first tube connector in fluid communication with the second tube connector, the luer defining the first tube connector via: a rigid body, having a first section, a second section, a third section, a first end and a second end, opposite to the first end, defined circumferentially about the first tube connector; a first rigid wall, having a first end connected to the second end of the rigid body and extending a first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end; a second rigid wall, defined circumferentially oppositeabout the second end of the rigid body to the first rigid wall, having a first end connected to the second end of the rigid body and extending the first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end, wherein the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall define arcs of a first circle having a first diameter less than or equal to the port diameter; a first mobile arm, defined between the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall, having a first end connected to the second section of the rigid body and extending the first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end, the first mobile arm including a first engagement hook, defined on the second end of the first mobile arm; and a second mobile arm, defined between the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall circumferentially opposite about the second section of the rigid body to the first mobile arm, having a first end connected to the second section of the rigid body and extending the first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end, the second mobile arm including a second engagement hook, defined on the second end of the second mobile arm, wherein: in a first state, the first engagement hook and the second engagement hook define arcs of a second circle, concentric to the first circle, having a second diameter greater than the port diameter; in a second state, the first engagement hook and the second engagement hook define arcs of a third circle, concentric to the first circle, having a third diameter less than or equal to the port diameter.

[0018] In some such embodiments of the system, the system includes a first wing, connected to the second section and the third section of the rigid body; and a second wing, connected to the second section and the third section of the rigid body, wherein outer edges of the first wing and the second wing define arcs of a fourth circle, concentric to the first circle, having a fourth diameter greater than the first diameter.

[0019] In some such embodiments of the system, a diameter of first tube connector decreases from the second end to the first end.

[0020] In some such embodiments of the system, the first mobile arm further includes a first button, defined between the first engagement hook and the first end of the first mobile arm, the first button defining a first raised projection from the first mobile arm; and the second mobile arm further includes a second button, defined between the secondengagement hook and the first end of the second mobile arm, the second button defining a second raised projection from the second mobile arm.

[0021] In some such embodiments of the system, the first mobile arm further defines a first resting portion between the first engagement hook and the first button; the second mobile arm further defines a second resting portion between the second engagement hook and the second button; and in the first state, the first resting portion and the second resting portion define arcs of fourth circle, concentric to the first circle, having a fourth diameter less than the second diameter and greater than the first diameter.

[0022] In some such embodiments of the system, the first raised projection and the second raised projection define radial points of a fifth circle having a greater diameter in the first state and in the second state than the port.

[0023] In some such embodiments of the system, the first engagement hook is beveled on a leading edge to interact with the port to compress the first mobile arm inward from the first state to the second state in response to a lateral force pushing the luer along a longitudinal axis of the rigid body through the port.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying figures depict various elements of the one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not considered limiting of the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] In the Figures, some elements may be shown not to scale with other elements so as to more clearly show the details. Additionally, like reference numbers are used, where possible, to indicate like elements throughout the several Figures.

[0026] It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in the other embodiments without further recitation or illustration. For example, as the Figures may show alternative views and time periods, various elements shown in a first Figure may be omitted from the illustration shown in a second Figure without disclaiming the inclusion of those elements in the embodiments illustrated or discussed in relation to the second Figure.

[0027] Figures 1A-1B illustrate various views of a system with a locking luer locked to a connector with a cap, such as for an aspiration catheter, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figures 2A-2C illustrate various views of a locking luer, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figures 3A-3C illustrate various circle diameters formulated by different components of a locking luer in different states, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figures 4A-4C illustrate the locking process of a locking luer in a cap, such as for an aspiration catheter, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present disclosure provides for a locking luer, configured to hold an instrument, such as a dilator, for introduction through a catheter and holding the instrument in place within the catheter even as negative pressure is applied to the target site. The locking luer selectively locks into place at an access port for the catheter, and prevents the dilator from slipping or moving unintentionally within a biological lumen during use. Although generally discussed in relation to a locking luer used in conjunction with a dilator, the present disclosure contemplates that the locking luer may be used in conjunction with various other instruments used in conjunction with a catheter (e.g., endoscopes, subcatheters, stents delivery instruments, retrievers / graspers, etc.).

[0032] Figures 1A-1B illustrate various views of a system with a locking luer 110 locked to a connector with cap, such as for an aspiration catheter, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 1A presents an isometric view 100A showing that a locking luer 110 is connected with a connector cap 120 in a locked position, where the locking luer 110 is secured and tightened inside the connector cap 120 without being able to slip inward towards the connector cap 120 or outward away from the connector cap 120.

[0034] Figure IB presents a cross-sectional view 100B showing that a locking luer 110 is connected with a port connector 140 through the connector cap 120 in a locked position. The port connector 140 may be an adapter between the dilator 130 and an aspiration catheter to facilitate a transition between the dilator 130 and the aspiration catheter while maintaining a secure and sterile connection in medical procedures. The port connector 140 has an internal lumen of a port diameter 162 that permits the dilator 130 or other instrument to be inserted therethrough. The connector cap 120 is located at the front of the port connector 140 and has an access port 122 with a port diameter 124 sized to permit selective entry of the locking luer 110 and the dilator 130 with an outer dilator diameter 134.

[0035] In various embodiments, the port diameter 124 and the outer dilator diameter 134 are sized to ensure a snug fit of the dilator 130 within the port connector 140 (with the port diameter 162 being between 1 and 100 micrometers (pm) in diameter greater than the outer dilator diameter 134). In some embodiments, where a snug fit is not employed between the dilator 130 and the port connector 140, the difference in size between port diameter 124 and the outer dilator diameter 134 may be greater than 100 pm.

[0036] As described in greater detail in regard to Figures 3A-3C, the diameter of the portions of the locking luer 110 that interface with the access port 122 are configurable to operate in various states with various diameters defined relative to the port diameter 124, thereby allowing the locking luer 110 to selectively be inserted or removed from the access port 122, and maintain a position of the locking luer 110 (and any instrument held thereby) relative to the access port 122.

[0037] Although illustrated in Figure IB with the connector cap 120 aligned on a longitudinal axis of the port connector 140 (e.g., for straight-line insertion of the dilator 130), the present disclosure also contemplates that the connector cap 120 and associated access port 122 may be positioned with an angled offset (e.g., between 0 and 90 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis with one or more additional ports also provided in the port connector 140. For example, as illustrated in Figure IB, the port connector 140 also can attach via an offset port to an external pressure source, such as a vacuum pump or syringe, which exerts a pressure to a fluid target (e.g., a location in a vein where an obstruction islocated) via a lumen in the catheter to draw the fluids and solids out of the biological subj ect via the lumen.

[0038] As illustrated in Figure IB, a first tube connector 112 is defined on a first end of the locking luer 110. The first tube connector 112 allows an external tube or other instrument (e.g., syringe, needle) to be connected to the locking luer 110, and may include an internal cavity in which the instrument may be partially disposed and external connectors to hold the instrument in place to the first end of the locking luer 110. The first tube connector 112 may define a truncated conic hole having a first radius at the first end (opening end for external connection) and a second radius at the second end, opposite to the first end, smaller than the first radius. Having a larger radius at the first end allows an easy connection with an external tube and other instruments. Although illustrated in Figure 1A and Figure IB as a thread type of external connector, the present disclosure contemplates that the external connector of the first tube connector 112 may be any type of connector, such as twist type and snap-in type, or may be omitted.

[0039] Similarly, a second tube connector 114 is defined on a second end of the locking luer 110, opposite to the first end. The second tube connector 114 allows an instrument, such as the dilator 130, to be secured to the locking luer 110. The second tube connector 114 may also define a truncated conic hole having a first radius at the first end and a second radius at the second end (opening end to connect with the connector cap 120), opposite to the first end, greater than the first radius, as illustrated in Figure IB. Having a larger radius at the second end allows an easy connection with the dilator 130.

[0040] In various embodiments, a through-hole 116 is defined between the first tube connector 112 and the second tube connector 114, to place the first tube connector 112 in fluid communication with the second tube connector 114. In various embodiments, the through-hole 116 is also aligned to place the first tube connector 112 in fluid communication with an internal lumen 132 of an instrument secured in the second tube connector 114. In cases where the instrument secured in the second tube connector 114 omits an internal lumen 132, the through-hole 116 may still be included so as to permit theescape of air from the second tube connector 114 while the instrument is inserted into the second tube connector 114.

[0041] Figures 2A-2C illustrate various views of a locking luer 110, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2A presents a top view, Figure 2B presents a side view, and Figure 2C presents a facing view of the locking luer 110.

[0042] As illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the locking luer 110 includes a rigid body 210 defined circumferentially about the first tube connector 112, having a first end 212 and a second end 218, opposite to the first end 212. The rigid body 210 may be understood as including three sections. A first section 210a (where the first tube connector 112 is located) is defined from the first end 212 to a first boundary 214. A second section 210b, is defined from the first boundary 214 to a second boundary 216, extends longitudinally in a first direction from the first section 210a, and may include a through-hole 116 in fluid communication with the first tube connector 112 and the second tube connector 114. A third section 210c is defined from the second boundary 216 to the second end 218, extends longitudinally in a first direction from the second section 210b, where the wings 240a-b (generally or collectively, wings 240) terminate. The first end 212 and the second end 218 define a passage 150 or lumen inside the rigid body 210. In various embodiments, the first end 212 includes or defines a securable connector 260, such as a screw thread or bayonetstyle connector to permit secured connections for the locking luer 110 on the first end 212 to external devices.

[0043] The locking luer 110 further comprises a first rigid wall 220a and a second rigid wall 220b (generally or collectively, rigid walls 220), each having a first end connected to the third section 210c of the rigid body 210 and extending a first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end. The second rigid wall 220b is located circumferentially opposite to the first rigid wall 220a about the rigid body 210.

[0044] The locking luer 110 further comprises a first securing means, as a first mobile arm 230a, and a second securing means, as a second mobile arm 230b (generally or collectively, mobile arms 230). Each of the mobile arms 230 may be a cantilever, which is supported at one end at the second section 210b of the rigid body 210 and extends a firstdistance to the other end. After being compressed and inserted into the connector cap 120, the mobile arms 230 have a tendency to return to a “resting” position which helps lock the locking luer 110 securely with the connector cap 120. Each of the mobile arms 230 is defined between the first rigid wall 220a and the second rigid wall 220b, having a first end connected to the second section 210b of the rigid body 210, and extending the first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end.

[0045] The first mobile arm 230a includes a first engagement hook 232a, a first button 236a defined between the first engagement hook 232a and the first end of the first mobile arm 230a, and a first resting portion 234a defined between the first engagement hook 232a and the first button 236a. The first button 236a defines a raised projection from the first mobile arm 230a. The first mobile arm 230a angles outward from the second section 210b of the rigid body 210 relative to a longitudinal axis of the rigid body 210, and terminates with the first engagement hook 232a.

[0046] Similarly, as shown in the side view of the locking luer 110 in Figure 2B, the second mobile arm 230b includes a second engagement hook 232b, a second button 236b defined between the second engagement hook 232b and the first end of the second mobile arm 230b and a second resting portion 234b between the second engagement hook 232b and the second button 236b. The second button 236b defines a raised projection from the second mobile arm 230b. The second mobile arm 230b angles outward from the second section 210b relative to a longitudinal axis of the rigid body 210, and terminates with the second engagement hook 232b. The second mobile arm 230b is circumferentially opposite about the rigid body 210 to the first mobile arm 230a.

[0047] The first mobile arm 230a and the second mobile arm 230b are angled outward from the rigid body 210 to define the second tube connector 114 as a truncated conic hole having a first radius at the first end and a second radius at the second end, opposite to the first end, greater than the first radius. The first mobile arm 230a, the second mobile arm 230b, the first rigid wall 220a, the second rigid wall 220b, and the third section define the second tube connector 114.

[0048] In various embodiments, the locking luer 110 further comprises a first wing 240a, connected to the second section 210b and the third section 210c and terminated at the first end of the first rigid wall 220a, and a second wing 240b connected to the second section 210b and the third section 210c and terminated at the first end of the second rigid wall 220b. The wings 240 provide a convenient means to handle the dilator locking luer 110 by an operator, are of a greater diameter than the access port 122 to prevent overinsertion of the locking luer 110, and provide additional structural rigidity to the second section 210b and third section 210c of the rigid body 210.

[0049] Figure 2C illustrates a facing view of the locking luer 110 from the second end of the rigid walls 220, as indicated by line 2C in Figure 2B, in a “resting” state. As illustrated in Figure 2C, multiple circles of differing radii are defined by different components of the locking luer 110 (e.g., as radial points from an outermost surface relative to a longitudinal axis of the locking luer 110). For example, the outer sides of the first rigid wall 220a and the second rigid wall 220b define arcs of a first circle 250a. The first engagement hook 232a and the second engagement hook 232b define arcs of a second circle 250b. The raised projections of the first button 236a and the second button 236b define arcs of a third circle 250c. The outer edges of the first wing 240a and the second wing 240b define arcs of a fourth circle 250d. The through-hole 116 defines a fifth circle 250e. The smaller radius base of the first tube connector 112 formulates a sixth circle 250f and the larger radius base of the first tube connector 112 formulates a seventh circle 250g. As discussed herein, the first circle 250a through the seventh circle 250g are understood to be concentric to one another.

[0050] Figures 3A-3C illustrate various circle diameters formulated by different components of a locking luer 110 in different states, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3A illustrates various circle diameters formulated by different components of a locking luer 110 in a first state (e.g., a “resting” state), where the locking luer 110 is not connected with the connector cap 120 and no external forces are exerted on the locking luer 110. Figure 3B illustrates various circle diameters defined by different components of a locking luer 110 in a second state (e.g., a “prepared” state), where thedilator locking luer 110 is ready to be connected with the connector cap 120 with external forces exerted on the dilator locking luer 1 10. Figure 3C illustrates various diameters defined by different components of a locking luer 110 in a third state (e.g., an “engaged” state).

[0051] The outer sides of the second end of the first rigid wall 220a and the second rigid wall 220b (at the second end 218) define arcs of a first circle with a first diameter 310, as illustrated in Figure 3 A, Figure 3B, and Figure 3C. In all the states, the first diameter 310 is the same due to the rigidness of the rigid walls 220. To insert the locking luer 110 into the connector cap 120, the first diameter 310 is smaller than the port diameter 124.

[0052] The first engagement hook 232a and the second engagement hook 232b define arcs of a second circle with a resting second diameter 320a in the first state, a prepared second diameter 320b in the second state and an engaged second diameter 320c in the third state. In the first state, shown in Figure 3 A, the second diameter 320a is larger than the first diameter 310, which obstructs the locking luer 110 from being inserted into the access port 122 of the connector cap 120. In the second state, shown in Figure 3B, with a first external perpendicular force 350a (generally or collectively, perpendicular force 350) exerted on the first button 236a (or on another place on the first mobile arm 230a) and a second external perpendicular force 350b exerted on the second button 236b (or on another place on the second mobile arm 230b), the second diameter 320b in the second state becomes smaller compared to the second diameter 320a in the first state. When the second diameter 320b in the second state is equal to or smaller than the port diameter 124, the locking luer 110 is ready to be inserted and locked with the connector cap 120.

[0053] In some embodiments, both the first engagement hook 232a and the second engagement hook 232b are beveled on a leading edge to interact with the access port 122 to compress the first mobile arm 230a and the second mobile arm 230b inward from the first state to the second state when pushed against a receiving edge of the connector cap 120 using an external lateral force 360 along the longitudinal axis of the locking luer 110.

[0054] In the third state, shown in Figure 3C, after the first engagement hook 232a and the second engagement hook 232b are inserted into the connector cap 120, the externalperpendicular forces 350 and the lateral force 360 are removed so the first engagement hook 232a and second engagement hook 232b have a tendency to return to the first state (the “resting” state). However, due to the physical size of the internal space of the connector cap 120, the engaged second diameter 320c in the third state is smaller than the resting second diameter 320a in the first state, but is larger than the prepared second diameter 320b in the second state. This size constraint imposed by the access port 122 prevents the locking luer 110 from slipping outward away from the connector cap 120.

[0055] The first resting portion 234a and the second resting portion 234b define arcs of a third circle with a resting third diameter 330a in the first state, a prepared third diameter 330b in the second state and an engaged third diameter 330c in the third state. In the first state, the third diameter 330a is larger than the first diameter 310, but smaller than the second diameter 320a. In the second state, the third diameter 330b is smaller than the first diameter 310 and the second diameter 320b. In the third state, the third diameter 330c is smaller than the second diameter 320c, but greater than the first diameter 310, which prevents the locking luer 110 from slipping inward towards the connector cap 120.

[0056] The raised projections of the first button 236a and the second button 236b define arcs of a fourth circle with a resting fourth diameter 340a in the first state, a prepared fourth diameter 340b in the second state and an engaged fourth diameter 340c in the third state. In various embodiments, the fourth diameter 340a in the first state, the fourth diameter 340b in the second state, and the fourth diameter 340c in the third state are all greater than the port diameter 124, which may further reduce the risk of over-insertion of the locking luer 110 into the access port 122 of the connector cap 120.

[0057] As illustrated in Figures 3A-3C, reducing the second diameter 320a in the first state to the second diameter 320b in the second state allows the insertion of the locking luer 110 into the access port 122 of the connector cap 120. The first resting portion 234a and the second resting portion 234b may be used to selectively lock the locking luer 110 into place at the access port 122 of the connector cap 120. Once locked, the first resting portion 234a and the second resting portion 234b, and the first button 236a and the second button 236b prevent further inward movement towards the connector cap 120. The firstengagement hook 232a and the second engagement hook 232b prevent outward movement away from the connector cap 120. Therefore, the locking luer 110 is secured and tightened after locking with the connector cap 120, thereby preventing the dilator 130 from slipping longitudinally (either in a distal or proximal direction) during an operation.

[0058] Figures 4A-4C illustrate the locking process of a locking luer 110 in a connector cap 120, such as for an aspiration catheter, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the relationship between the locking luer 110 and the connector cap 120 when in the first state (the “resting” state). Figure 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the relationship between the locking luer 110 and the connector cap 120 when external forces are exerted on the locking luer 110 to get ready to be inserted into the connector cap 120 in the second state (the “prepared” state). Figure 4C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the relationship between the locking luer 110 and the connector cap 120 when in the third state (the “engaged” state).

[0059] As illustrated in Figure 4A, in the initial unlocked state, similarly as shown in Figure 3A, the first diameter 310 defined by the outer sides of the second end of the first rigid wall 220a and the second rigid wall 220b is less than the port diameter 124, and the second diameter 320a defined by the first engagement hook 232a and the second engagement hook 232b is larger than the port diameter 124, thereby obstructing the locking luer 110 from being inserted into the connector cap 120.

[0060] As illustrated in Figure 4B, similarly as shown in Figure 3B, the first external perpendicular force 350a exerted on the first button 236a (or another place on the first mobile arm 230a) and the second external perpendicular force 350b exerted on the second button 236b (or another place on the second mobile arm 230b) reduce the second diameter 320b to be equal to or less than the port diameter 124, thereby configuring the locking luer 110 to be inserted into the connector cap 120 with the lateral force 360 exerted on the locking luer 110 along the longitudinal axis of the locking luer 110.

[0061] As illustrated in Figure 4C, after inserting the locking luer 110 into the connector cap 120 and removing the external perpendicular forces 350 and lateral force 360, the second diameter 320c defined by the first engagement hook 232a and the secondengagement hook 232b in the third state becomes larger than the port diameter 124 due to the arms seeking to return to the first state, thereby preventing the locking luer 1 10 from slipping outward away from the connector cap 120. The first resting portion 234a and the second resting portion 234b are in contact with the connector cap 120 about the access port 122, providing room for adjusting the depth the locking luer 110 into the connector cap 120. The fourth diameter 340a in the first state, the fourth diameter 340b in the second state, and the fourth diameter 340c in the third state are larger than the port diameter 124, thereby preventing the locking luer 110 from slipping inward towards the connector cap 120.

[0062] In some embodiments, the wings 240 provide additional support to prevent locking luer 110 from slipping inward towards the connector cap 120 because the circle diameter defined by the outer edges of the wings 240 is larger than the port diameter 124.

[0063] The descriptions and illustrations of one or more embodiments provided in this disclosure are intended to provide a thorough and complete disclosure the full scope of the subject matter to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art and are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the subject matter as claimed in any way. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this disclosure are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable those of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the best mode of the claimed subject matter. Descriptions of structures, resources, operations, and acts considered well- known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may be brief or omitted to avoid obscuring lesser known or unique aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure. The claimed subject matter should not be construed as being limited to any embodiment, aspect, example, or detail provided in this disclosure unless expressly stated herein. Regardless of whether shown or described collectively or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Further, any or all of the functions and acts shown or described may be performed in any order or concurrently.

[0064] Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art may envision variations, modifications,and alternate embodiments falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept provided in this disclosure that do not depart from the broader scope of the present disclosure.

[0065] As used in the present disclosure, a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any set of those items, including sets with a single member, and every potential combination thereof. For example, when referencing “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C”, the phrase is intended to cover the sets of A, B, C, A- B, B-C, and A-B-C, where the sets may include one or multiple instances of a given member (e.g., A-A, A-A-A, A-A-B, A-A-B-B-C-C-C, etc.) and any ordering thereof.

[0066] As used in the present disclosure, the term “determining” encompasses a variety of actions that may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., via a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), retrieving, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0067] As used in the present disclosure, the terms “substantially”, “approximately”, “about”, and other relative terms encompass values within ± 5% of a stated quantity, percentage, or range unless a different approximation is explicitly recited in relation to the state quantity, percentage, or range or if the context of the value indicates that a different approximation would be more appropriate. For example, a value identified as about A% may be understood to include values between 0.95 *X% and 1.05*X% or between X-0.05 X and A+0.05A percent, but may stop at zero or one hundred percent in various contexts. In another example, a feature described as being substantially parallel or perpendicular to another feature shall be understood to be within ± 9 degrees of parallel or perpendicular. Any value stated in relative terms shall be understood to include the stated value and any range or subrange between the indicated or implicit extremes.

[0068] As used in the present disclosure, all numbers given in the examples (whether indicated as approximate or otherwise) inherently include values within the range of precision and rounding error for that number. For example, the number 4.5 shall be understood to include values from 4.45 to 4.54, while the number 4.50 shall be understoodto include values from 4.495 to 4.504. Additionally, any number or range that explicitly or by context refers to an integer amount (e g., approximately X users, between about Y and Z states), shall be understood to round downward or upward to the next integer value (e.g., A±1 users, K-l and Z+1 states).

[0069] The following claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. Within the claims, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated as such, but rather as “one or more” or “at least one”. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. No claim element is to be construed under the provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for”. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described in the present disclosure that are known or come later to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A luer (110), compri sing : a rigid body (210), having a first section (210a), a second section (210b), a third section (210c), a first end (212), and a second end (218), opposite to the first end, in which a passage (150) is defined between the first end and the second end; a first rigid wall (220a), having a first end connected to the second end of the rigid body and extending a first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end; a second rigid wall (220b), defined circumferentially opposite to the first rigid wall about the rigid body, having a first end connected to the second end of the rigid body and extending the first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end, wherein the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall define arcs of a first circle having a first diameter; a first mobile arm (230a), defined between the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall, having a first end connected to the second section of the rigid body and extending the first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end, the first mobile arm including a first engagement hook (232a), defined on the second end of the first mobile arm; a second mobile arm (230b), defined between the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall circumferentially opposite to the first mobile arm about the second section of the rigid body, having a first end connected to the second section of the rigid body and extending the first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end, the second mobile arm including a second engagement hook (232b), defined on the second end of the second mobile arm, wherein: in a first state, the first engagement hook and the second engagement hook define arcs of a second circle, concentric to the first circle, having a second diameter greater than the first diameter; and in a second state, the first engagement hook and the second engagement hook define arcs of a third circle, concentric to the first circle, having a third diameter less than or equal to the first diameter.

2. The luer of claim 1, wherein: the first mobile arm further includes a first button (236a), defined between the first engagement hook and the first end of the first mobile arm, the first button defining a raised projection from the first mobile arm; and the second mobile arm further includes a second button (236b), defined between the second engagement hook and the first end of the second mobile arm, the second button defining a raised projection from the second mobile arm.

3. The luer of claim 2, wherein: the first mobile arm further defines a first resting portion (234a) between the first engagement hook and the first button; the second mobile arm further defines a second resting portion (234b) between the second engagement hook and the second button; and in the first state, the first resting portion and the second resting portion define arcs of fourth circle, concentric to the first circle, having a fourth diameter less than the second diameter and greater than the first diameter.

4. The luer of claim 1, including a connector (260) defined on the first end.

5. The luer of claim 1, further comprising: a first wing (240a), connected to the second section and the third section of the rigid body; and a second wing (240b), connected to the second section and the third section of the rigid body, wherein outer edges of the first wing and the second wing define arcs of a fourth circle, concentric to the first circle, having a fourth diameter greater than the first diameter.

6. The luer of claim 1, wherein the first mobile arm and the second mobile arm are angled outward from the rigid body to define, when in the first state, a truncated conichole having a first radius at a first end and a second radius at a second end, opposite to the first end, greater than the first radius.

7. The luer of claim 1, further comprising: a dilator (130) disposed between the first rigid wall, the second rigid wall, the first mobile arm, and the second mobile arm, and having an internal lumen (132) in fluid communication with the passage.

8. The luer of claim 1, wherein the first engagement hook is beveled on a leading edge to interact with an access port (122) to compress the first mobile arm inward from the first state to the second state in response to a lateral force (360) pushing the luer along a longitudinally axis of the rigid body through the access port.

9. The luer of claim 8, wherein: the first mobile arm further includes a first button (236a), defined between the first engagement hook and the first end of the first mobile arm, the first button defining a first raised projection from the first mobile arm; the second mobile arm further includes a second button (236b), defined between the second engagement hook and the first end of the second mobile arm, the second button defining a second raised projection from the second mobile arm; and the first raised projection and the second raised projection define radial points of a fourth circle having a greater diameter in the first state and in the second state than the access port.

10. A luer (110), compri sing : a body (210), having: a first section (210a), in which a first tube connector (112) is defined; a second section (210b), extending longitudinally in a first direction from the first section, in which a through-hole (116) in fluid communication with the first tube connector is defined;a third section (210c), extending longitudinally in the first direction from the second section; a first rigid wall (220a), extending longitudinally in the first direction from the third section; a second rigid wall (220b), extending longitudinally in the first direction from the third section, connected to the third section circumferentially opposite about the body to the first rigid wall; a first wing (240a), connected to the second section and the third section; a second wing (240b), connected to the second section and the third section; a first securing means (230a), connected to the second section and defined between the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall; a second securing means (230b), connected to the second section and defined between the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall circumferentially opposite about the body to the first securing means; and wherein the first securing means, the second securing means, the first rigid wall, the second rigid wall, and the third section define a second tube connector (114) in fluid communication with the through-hole.

11. The luer of claim 10, wherein: the first securing means includes a first cantilever angled outward from the second section of the body relative to a longitudinal axis of the body that terminates with a first engagement hook (232a); the second securing means includes a second cantilever angled outward from the second section of the body relative to the longitudinal axis of the body that terminates with a second engagement hook (232b); the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall define arcs of a first circle having a first diameter circumferential to the longitudinal axis; in a first state, the first engagement hook and the second engagement hook define arcs of a second circle, concentric to the first circle, having a second diameter greater than the first diameter; andin a second state, when the first securing means and the second securing means are pushed inward from the first state towards the longitudinal axis, the first engagement hook and the second engagement hook define arcs of a third circle, concentric to the first circle, having a third diameter less than or equal to the first diameter.

12. The luer of claim 11, wherein: the first securing means further includes a first button (236a), defined between the first engagement hook and the third section, the first button defining a first raised projection from the first securing means; the second securing means further includes a second button (236b), defined between the second engagement hook and the third section, the second button defining a second raised projection from the second securing means; and the first raised projection and the second raised projection define radial points of a fourth circle having a greater diameter in the first state and in the second state than the second diameter.

13. The luer of claim 12, wherein: the first securing means further defines a first resting portion (234a) between the first engagement hook and the first button; the second securing means further defines a second resting portion (234b) between the second engagement hook and the second button; and in the first state, the first resting portion and the second resting portion define arcs of a fifth circle, concentric to the first circle, having a fifth diameter less than the second diameter and greater than the first diameter.

14. A system, comprising: a port connector (140), having a first internal lumen and including a cap (120) having an access port (122) of a port diameter (124); a dilator (130), having a second internal lumen (132) and an outer dilator diameter (132) less than the port diameter;a luer (110), defining a first tube connector (112) in which an end of the dilator is disposed, a second tube connector (1 14) on an opposite end of the luer to the first tube connector, and a through-hole placing the first tube connector in fluid communication with the second tube connector, the luer defining the first tube connector via: a rigid body (210), having a first section (210a), a second section (210b), a third section (210c), a first end (212), and a second end (218), opposite to the first end, defined circumferentially about the first tube connector; a first rigid wall (220a), having a first end connected to the second end of the rigid body and extending a first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end; a second rigid wall (220b), defined circumferentially opposite about the second end of the rigid body to the first rigid wall, having a first end connected to the second end of the rigid body and extending the first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end, wherein the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall define arcs of a first circle having a first diameter less than or equal to the port diameter; a first mobile arm (230a), defined between the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall, having a first end connected to the second section of the rigid body and extending the first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end, the first mobile arm including a first engagement hook (232a), defined on the second end of the first mobile arm; and a second mobile arm (230b), defined between the first rigid wall and the second rigid wall circumferentially opposite about the second section of the rigid body to the first mobile arm, having a first end connected to the second section of the rigid body and extending the first distance to a second end, opposite to the first end, the second mobile arm including a second engagement hook (232b), defined on the second end of the second mobile arm, wherein: in a first state, the first engagement hook and the second engagement hook define arcs of a second circle, concentric to the first circle, having a second diameter greater than the port diameter;in a second state, the first engagement hook and the second engagement hook define arcs of a third circle, concentric to the first circle, having a third diameter less than or equal to the port diameter.

15. The system of claim 14, further comprising: a first wing (240a), connected to the second section and the third section of the rigid body; and a second wing (240b), connected to the second section and the third section of the rigid body, wherein outer edges of the first wing and the second wing define arcs of a fourth circle, concentric to the first circle, having a fourth diameter greater than the first diameter.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein a diameter of first tube connector decreases from the second end to the first end.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein: the first mobile arm further includes a first button (236a), defined between the first engagement hook and the first end of the first mobile arm, the first button defining a first raised projection from the first mobile arm; and the second mobile arm further includes a second button (236b), defined between the second engagement hook and the first end of the second mobile arm, the second button defining a second raised projection from the second mobile arm.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein: the first mobile arm further defines a first resting portion (234a) between the first engagement hook and the first button; the second mobile arm further defines a second resting portion (234b) between the second engagement hook and the second button; andin the first state, the first resting portion and the second resting portion define arcs of fourth circle, concentric to the first circle, having a fourth diameter less than the second diameter and greater than the first diameter.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the first raised projection and the second raised projection define radial points of a fifth circle having a greater diameter in the first state and in the second state than the port diameter.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein the first engagement hook is beveled on a leading edge to interact with the access port to compress the first mobile arm inward from the first state to the second state in response to a lateral force (360) pushing the luer along a longitudinal axis of the rigid body through the access port.

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