Hazardous drug safety device

Abstract

A connector is disclosed, including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end; a piercing member proximate the first end, the piercing member including at least one opening therein; a membrane proximate the second end; a lumen extending from the at least one opening of the piercing member to the membrane; and at least one engagement member positioned between the first end and the second end, the at least one engagement member being movable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, the at least one the engagement member including: a tab defining a depressible surface, and a shelf substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Description

HAZARDOUS DRUG SAFETY DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 548,562 entitled “Hazardous Drug Safety Device” filed February 1, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to devices and methods of use thereof for the closed transfer of fluids. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a releasably engageable components for secure fluid transfer.Description of the Related Art

[0003] Reconstituting, transporting, and administering hazardous drugs, such as cancer treatments, can put health care providers at risk of exposure to these medications and present a major hazard in the health care environment. For example, nurses treating cancer patients risk being exposed to chemotherapy drugs and their toxic effects when administering these potentially harmful drugs due to insecure connections or inadvertent disconnection of the delivery devices or adapters used to transport or administer such drugs. Unintentional chemotherapy exposure can affect the nervous system, impair the reproductive system, and bring an increased risk of developing blood cancers in the future. In order to reduce the risk of health care providers being exposed to toxic drugs, the secure, closed transfer of these drugs is important.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present disclosure provides a connector, including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end; a piercing member proximate the first end, the piercing member including at least one opening therein; a membrane proximate the second end; a lumen extending from the at least one opening of the piercing member to the membrane; and at least one engagement member positioned between the first end and the second end, the at least one engagement member being movable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, the at least one the engagement memberincluding: a tab defining a depressible surface, and a shelf substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0005] The connector may include a flange longitudinally positioned between the piercing member and the second end, the flange having a width greater than a width of the piercing member. The at least one the engagement member may be longitudinally positioned between the flange and the second end of the connector. The at least one the engagement member may include a ramp longitudinally positioned between the shelf and the second end of the connector. The ramp may increase in width in a direction extending from the second end to the first end. The at least one the engagement member may define a slot between the tab and the shelf.

[0006] The connector may include a plurality of engagement members radially spaced around the connector. The at least one the engagement member may form a cantilever joint with the connector to enable movement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The depressible surface of the tab may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The shelf may be defined by an uppermost surface of the tab.

[0007] A system for transferring fluids is provided, including an adapter comprising: a housing defining a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the fist end to the second end; a cannula positioned within the housing; a seal arrangement movably positioned within the housing; a retention element proximate the second end of the housing; and a connector releasably attachable to the adapter, the connector comprising: a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end positionable within the housing of the adapter; a piercing member proximate the first end, the piercing member including at least one opening therein; a membrane proximate the second end; a lumen extending from the at least one opening of the piercing member to the membrane; and at least one engagement member positioned between the first end and the second end, the at least one engagement member being movable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the at least one engagement member defines a shelf substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis that is positionable adjacent to the retention element of the adapter.

[0008] The retention element may define an abutment surface substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. The at least one engagement member may include a tab defining a depressible surface, the tab positioned exterior to the housing of the adapter when the adapter is coupled to the connector. The housing of the adapter may define an opening at the second end configured to receive the second end of the connector therein, and the retention element may include a protruding rim circumscribing the opening at the second end of the adapter. The adapter may include a spring to bias a position of the seal arrangement within the housing. Theconnector may include a flange longitudinally positioned between the piercing member and the second end, the flange having a width greater than a width of the piercing member. The at least one engagement member may be longitudinally positioned between the flange and the second end of the connector.

[0009] The at least one the engagement member may form a cantilever joint with the connector to enable movement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The at least one the engagement member may include a ramp longitudinally positioned between the shelf and the second end of the connector. The housing of the adapter may define an opening at the second end configured to receive the second end of the connector therein, and the retention element may include a raised rim above the opening defining at least one window between the raised rim and the housing, and the shelf of the at least one engagement member may be positionable in the at least one window.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a connector in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a front view of the connector of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of the connector of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of a syringe adapter in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of the connector of FIG. 1 assembled with the syringe adapter of FIG. 4;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 5;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a closer cross-sectional view of a portion of the assembly of FIGS. 5-6;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a front view of another example of a connector in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another example of a syringe adapter in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a side view of the connector of FIG. 8 assembled with the syringe adapter of FIG. 9; and

[0021] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 10.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described aspects contemplated for carrying out the invention. Various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0023] As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] Spatial or directional terms, such as “left”, “right”, “inner”, “outer”, “above”, “below”, and the like, relate to the embodiments or aspects as shown in the drawing figures and are not to be considered as limiting as the embodiments or aspects can assume various alternative orientations.

[0025] All numbers used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. By “about” is meant within plus or minus twenty- five percent of the stated value. However, this should not be considered as limiting to any analysis of the values under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0026] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass the beginning and ending values and any and all subranges or subratios subsumed therein. For example, a stated range or ratio of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less. The ranges and / or ratios disclosed herein represent the average values over the specified range and / or ratio.

[0027] The terms “first”, “second”, and the like are not intended to refer to any particular order or chronology, but refer to different conditions, properties, or elements.

[0028] All documents referred to herein are “incorporated by reference” in their entirety.

[0029] The term “at least” is synonymous with “greater than or equal to.”

[0030] As used herein, “at least one of’ is synonymous with “one or more of.” For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes A alone; or B alone; or C alone; or A and B; or A and C; or B and C; or all of A, B, and C.

[0031] The word “comprising” and “comprises”, and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. In the present specification, “comprises” means “includes” and “comprising” means “including.”

[0032] As used herein, the terms “parallel” or “substantially parallel” mean a relative angle as between two objects (if extended to theoretical intersection), such as elongated objects and including reference lines, that is from 0° to 5°, or from 0° to 3°, or from 0° to 2°, or from 0° to 1°, or from 0° to 0.5°, or from 0° to 0.25°, or from 0° to 0.1°, inclusive of the recited values.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “perpendicular”, “transverse”, “substantially perpendicular,” or “substantially transverse” mean a relative angle as between two objects at their real or theoretical intersection is from 85° to 90°, or from 87° to 90°, or from 88° to 90°, or from 89° to 90°, or from 89.5° to 90°, or from 89.75° to 90°, or from 89.9° to 90°, inclusive of the recited values.

[0034] The present disclosure provides systems and methods of use thereof for the secure, closed transfer of potentially hazardous compounds. Referring now to the figures in which like reference designations refer to like elements, examples of a system generally including a connector 10 and a syringe adapter 12 operable to provide secure transfer of fluid is shown.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an example of the connector 10 is shown and generally includes or defines a first end 14, a second end 16 opposite the first end 14, and a longitudinal axis 18 extending along the length of the connector 10 between the first and second ends. The connector 10 includes or defines a piercing member 20 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 18 and extending towards or otherwise defining the first end 14 of the connector 10. The piercing member 20 includes an angled, pointed, or sharp surface configured to pierce a membrane, seal, or other barrier of a fluid container or other component of a fluid delivery or storage system. The piercing member 20 includes one or more openings 22 in fluid communication with a lumen 24 extending along an interior of the connector 10 from the first end 14 to the second end 16. The openings 22 may be defined or included in a sidewall or surface of the piercing member 20 to avoid blockage or coring when the piercing member 20 is inserted through a membrane or barrier.

[0036] The connector 10 may include a membrane 26 at or adjacent to the second end 16 of the connector. The membrane 26 seals the lumen 24 at or near the second end 16 of the connector 10 until pierced for secure transfer of fluids as described further herein. The membrane 26 may include one or segments of fluid impermeable material, layers, coatings or otherwise to prevent or substantially reduce fluid flow through the lumen at the second end 16.

[0037] The connector 10 may include or define a flange 28 extending radially substantially perpendicular or transvers to the longitudinal axis 18. The flange 28 may be positioned at or adjacent to a base 30 of the piercing member 20 opposite the first end 14 where the angled, pointed, or sharp surface of the piercing member 20 resides. The flange 28 may define a dimeter or width greater than a diameter or width of the piercing member 20 such that the flange 28 is operable or configured to seal a connection between the connector 10 and a fluid container, such as an IV bag or the like, when the piercing member 20 is inserted therein.

[0038] The connector 10 includes a locking mechanism operable and configured to releasably engage or couple the connector 10 to the adapter 12. The locking mechanism includes one or more engagement members 32 positioned on or extending from a portion of the connector 10. The engagement members 32 may couple to or extend from a portion of the connector at a base or joint 34 located between the flange 28 and the second end 16 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 18. The base or joint 34 may include a cutout, curvature, living hinge, or other structure enabling at least a portion of the engagement members 32 to move laterally or radially in a direction substantially transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, a slot is defined between the engagement members 32 and the connector 10, which allows for lateral or radial movement of the engagement members 32. A length and width of the slot between the engagement members 32 and the connector 10 can be varied to change the force and amount of deflection of the engagement members 32. The one or more engagement members 32 may be biased to retain or return to a particular radial or lateral position upon the application and removal of force. For example, the one or more engagement members 32 may include or constitute a cantilever arm that is depressible and movable inwardly in a radial or lateral direction, but returns to an initial outward position when the inward force is removed.

[0039] Each of the one or more engagement members 32 may include or define a depressible tab 36 on an upper portion thereof operable and configured to actuate movement of the engagement members 32 in a lateral or radial direction. The tab 36 may be longitudinally positioned between the flange 28 and the base or joint 34. In the illustrated example, the tab 36 may include or define a surface 36a substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 18 facilitating manual pressing and resultant movement of the tab 36, and an underside surface 36b substantially perpendicular or transverse to the axis 18. The engagement members 32 and / or the tab 36 may be configured such that at least a portion of the tab 36 extends beyond a perimeter of the flange 28 for ease of access and operation, as described further herein.

[0040] The one or more engagement members 32 may each define a shelf 38 that is substantially perpendicular or transverse to the longitudinal axis 18. The shelf 38 may be longitudinally positioned on or defined by each engagement member 38 between the underside surface 36b of the tab 36 and the base or joint 34. Each of the one or more engagement members 32 may further define or include a slot 40 formed between the underside surface 36b of the tab 36 and the shelf 38, where the slot 40 receives and is engageable with a portion of the adapter 12 as described further herein.

[0041] The one or more engagement members 32 may each define a ramp or angled surface 42 protruding therefrom adjacent to the shelf 38. The ramp 42 may be longitudinally positioned between the shelf 38 and the base or joint 34. The ramp 42 may be angled with respect to both the longitudinal axis 18 and the shelf 38 and be operable or configured to move the one or more engagement members 32 inward radially or laterally when a force is exerted thereon. The ramp 42 may increase in width in a direction extending from the second end to the first end. The ramp 42 may form a camming arrangement such that an axial force applied to the engagement members 32 results in lateral or radial movement of the engagement members 32.

[0042] The connector 10 may include a plurality of engagement members 32 radially spaced or positioned about the connector. In the illustrated example, there are two engagement members positioned radially opposite each other (e.g., 180 degrees apart) around the circumference or perimeter of the connector 10. The quantity and placement of the engagement members may be modified to suit a particular application or use.

[0043] The size, shape, and configuration of the various features of the engagement members 32 may be modified to provide a desired degree of movement, displacement, or force exertion during assembly, disassembly, and / or use of the components and features described herein. The connector 10 may be constructed or molded as a unitary component, or alternatively may be assemble from distinct parts to provide the features described herein. The connector 10 may be constructed from one or more sterilizable and / or biocompatible polymers, metals, and / or alloys or mixtures thereof.

[0044] Now referring to FIGS. 4-7, an example of the syringe adapter 12 is illustrated. The syringe adapter 12 is configured to receive at least a portion of the connector 10 therein, and is further configured to connect to a syringe (not shown) or other medical device or fluid container. The medical device can be, for example, a patient line, vial adapter, fluid container, or infusion adapter. In other examples, the container can be a medical vial, syringe barrel, IV bag, or similar container for holding a fluid to be administered to a patient. The syringe adapter12 can be used to facilitate the closed transfer of fluids between the syringe, through the connector 10, and into a medical device or fluid container. The syringe adapter 12 is similar to and operates in a similar manner as the syringe adapter shown and described in United States Patent No. 10,744,315, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0045] The adapter 12 includes a housing 44 having a first end 46, a second end 48, and an interior cavity 50. The first end 46 of the housing 44 of the adapter 12 may include a syringe or device attachment feature 52, such as a female luer connector, that defines a passageway 54. Although a female luer connector is shown for connection with a corresponding male luer connector of a syringe (not shown), other suitable connection arrangements may be utilized for connection to a syringe, container, or any other medical device. A cannula 56 is secured to the housing 44 and defines a proximal end 58 adjacent to or otherwise in fluid communication with the passageway 54, and the cannula 56 defines or includes a distal end 60 within the cavity 50 of the housing 44 extending in the direction of the second end 48.

[0046] The adapter 12 further includes a seal arrangement 62 positioned within the housing 44 and configured to move within the interior cavity 50 in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis 18. The seal arrangement 62 may include one or more collets or other structural framing components and / or one or more membranes, barriers, or other fluid impermeable features to prevent or substantially reduce fluid flow through the distal end 60 of the cannula 56 until the adapter 12 is coupled to the connector 10 and is otherwise prepared for fluid transport.

[0047] The adapter 12 may include a drive member 64 that biases the axially-movable seal arrangement 62 towards a first position adjacent to or in proximity to the second end 48 of the housing 44. The drive member 64 may include a spring or other biasing means configured to provide the features described herein. Upon an application of an axial force, the biasing of the drive member 64 is overcome, and the seal arrangement 62 can be moved axially in a direction towards the first end 46 of the housing 44, such that the distal end 60 of the cannula 56 pierces or otherwise passes through the seal arrangement 62, as described further herein.

[0048] The adapter 12 defines or includes an opening 66 at the second end 48 that is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the connector 10 therethrough. In particular, the second end 16 of the connector 10 is positionable through the opening 66 in the second end 48 of the housing 44 such that at least a portion of the connector 10 is positioned within the interior cavity 50 of the housing 44. The connector 10 may be positioned within the housing 44 such that the membrane 26 of the connector 10 abuts or is otherwise adjacent to the seal arrangement 62 of the adapter 12.

[0049] The adapter 12 may include or define one or more retention elements 68 adjacent to or in proximity to the opening 66 at the second end 48 of the housing 44. The one or more retention elements 68 may be operable or otherwise configured to engage the locking mechanism of the connector 10 for attachment and detachment of the connector to the adapter 12. The one or more retention elements 68 may include, for example, a protruding rim circumscribing the opening 66 of the housing 44 and having a smaller diameter than the opening 66 that is engageable within the slot 40 of the engagement members 32 of the connector. In another example, the one or more retention elements 68 may include, for example, one or more discrete protrusions extending inwardly around the opening 66 that are engageable within the slot 40 of the engagement members 32 of the connector. In any exemplary configuration, the retention element 68 includes or defines an abutment surface 68a substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18 configured to abut the shelf 38 of the one or more engagement members 32 of the connector 10. The adjacent positioning of the retention element 68 and the shelf 38 prevents unintended axial separation between the connector 10 and the adapter 12, as described herein.

[0050] In an exemplary method of assembly and use, the connector 10 is engaged with the adapter to provide a secure fluid flow path therethrough for the delivery of drugs or other medicaments. The second end 16 of the connector 10 may be passed through the opening 66 of the second end 48 of the adapter 12. As a portion of the connector 10 axially passes through the opening 66, the one or more retention elements 68 may come into contact with at least a portion of the one or more engagement members 32 of the connector 10 such that the one or more engagement members 32 are moved inward in a radial or lateral direction. The inward deflection of the engagement members 32 may result from the retention elements 68 or other portion of the housing 44 contacting and exerting a radial / lateral force on the ramp 42 of the engagement members 32. Continued axial movement of the connector 12 into the cavity 50 of the housing 44 continues the contact and deflection of the ramp 42, and thus the engagement members 32, inwardly until the slot 40 of the one or more engagement members 32 passes through the opening 66 and is adjacent to the one or more retention elements 68. Once the connector 10 has been sufficiently inserted into cavity 50 of the adapter 12, the shelf 38 passes the abutment surface 68a of the one or more retention elements 68, and the engagement members move outward radially or laterally to their initial positon due to the biasing of a cantilever or other constitution of the retention elements 68. Upon returning to this initial radial / lateral position, the shelf 38 abuts the abutment surface 68, and prevents axial movement or disengagement of the connector 10 and the adapter 12.

[0051] The coaxial insertion and positioning of the connector 10 within the cavity 50 of the housing 44 axially moves the seal arrangement 62 towards the first end 46 of the adapter 12. Movement of the seal arrangement 62 causes the distal end 60 of the cannula 56 to pierce the seal arrangement 62 and the membrane 26 of the connector 10, resulting in the cannula 56 being at least partially positioned within the lumen 24 of the connector. As a result, the assembled adapter 12 and connector 10 provides a fluid flow path through the passageway 54 in the first end 46 of the adapter 12, through the cannula 56, into the lumen 24 extending through the piercing member 20 of the connector, and out of the openings 22 at the first end 14 of the connector 10. As previously described, the piercing member 20 may be inserted into a container, IV line or bag, or other component of a fluid transfer system for transfer of fluids.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 5-7, when the connector 10 is securely assembled or engaged with the adapter 12, the tabs 36 remain outside of the cavity 50 of the adapter 12 and / or are otherwise accessible for manual actuation. The connector 10 remains axially secured to the connector 12 until a radial / lateral force is applied to the tabs 36 to disengage the shelf 38 from the abutment surface 68, thereby allowing axial displacement between the connector 10 and the adapter 12. Requiring a radial disconnect force reduces the likelihood that the connector 10 will be inadvertently disconnected from the adapter 12 solely by an axial force, which could typically be exerted during insertion, positioning, and / or or removal of the piercing member from an IV system or container.

[0053] Now referring to FIGS. 8-11, another example of the connector 10 and adapter 12 is shown, similar in features and operation to those previously described herein. The one or more engagement members 32 of the connector 10 may define the shelf 38 on an uppermost surface of the tab 36, and the depressible surface 36a of the tab 36 that remains outside the cavity 50 of the housing 44 may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis 18. The retention element 68 of the adapter 12 may include a raised rim or annular rib above the opening 66 at the second end 48 of the housing 44 of the adapter 12. The retention element 68 may include or define one or more windows 70 therein or with respect to other surfaces of the housing 44. When the connector 10 is inserted into the interior cavity 50 of the housing 44, the shelf 38 is positioned at least partially within the one or more windows 70 to contact the abutment surface 68a formed on an upper portion of the one or more windows 70. The engagement or contact between the shelf 38 and abutment surface 68a prevents axial displacement between the connector 10 and the adapter 12 unless the engagement members 32 are laterally or radially displaced, as described above.

[0054] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. Of note, the system components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Moreover, while certain embodiments or figures described herein may illustrate features not expressly indicated on other figures or embodiments, it is understood that the features and components of the examples disclosed herein are not necessarily exclusive of each other and may be included in a variety of different combinations or configurations without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure, which is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

THE INVENTION CLAIMED IS1. A connector, comprising: a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end; a piercing member proximate the first end, the piercing member including at least one opening therein; a membrane proximate the second end; a lumen extending from the at least one opening of the piercing member to the membrane; and at least one engagement member positioned between the first end and the second end, the at least one engagement member being movable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, the at least one the engagement member including: a tab defining a depressible surface, and a shelf substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.

2. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a flange longitudinally positioned between the piercing member and the second end, the flange having a width greater than a width of the piercing member.

3. The connector of claim 2, wherein the at least one the engagement member is longitudinally positioned between the flange and the second end of the connector.

4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the at least one the engagement member includes a ramp longitudinally positioned between the shelf and the second end of the connector, the ramp increasing in width in a direction extending from the second end to the first end .

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the at least one the engagement member defines a slot between the tab and the shelf.

6. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of engagement members radially spaced around the connector.

7. The connector of claim 1, wherein the at least one the engagement member forms a cantilever joint with the connector to enable movement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

8. The connector of claim 1, wherein the depressible surface of the tab is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

9. The connector of claim 1, wherein the shelf is defined by an uppermost surface of the tab.

10. A system for transferring fluids, comprising: an adapter comprising: a housing defining a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the fist end to the second end; a cannula positioned within the housing; a seal arrangement movably positioned within the housing; a retention element proximate the second end of the housing; and a connector releasably attachable to the adapter, the connector comprising: a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end positionable within the housing of the adapter; a piercing member proximate the first end, the piercing member including at least one opening therein; a membrane proximate the second end; a lumen extending from the at least one opening of the piercing member to the membrane; and at least one engagement member positioned between the first end and the second end, the at least one engagement member being movable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the at least one engagement member defines a shelf substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis that is positionable adjacent to the retention element of the adapter.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the retention element defines an abutment surface substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one engagement member includes a tab defining a depressible surface, the tab positioned exterior to the housing of the adapter when the adapter is coupled to the connector.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the housing of the adapter defines an opening at the second end configured to receive the second end of the connector therein, and wherein the retention element includes a protruding rim circumscribing the opening at the second end of the adapter.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the adapter further comprises a spring to bias a position of the seal arrangement within the housing.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the connector further comprises a flange longitudinally positioned between the piercing member and the second end, the flange having a width greater than a width of the piercing member.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one engagement member is longitudinally positioned between the flange and the second end of the connector.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one the engagement member forms a cantilever joint with the connector to enable movement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one the engagement member includes a ramp longitudinally positioned between the shelf and the second end of the connector, the ramp increasing in width in a direction extending from the second end to the first end.

19. The system of claim 10, wherein the housing of the adapter defines an opening at the second end configured to receive the second end of the connector therein, and wherein the retention element includes a raised rim above the opening defining at least one window between the raised rim and the housing, and wherein the shelf of the at least one engagement member is positionable in the at least one window.

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