U.S. patent application number 11/291253 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-20 for implantable medical connector for medical tubing with anchoring features.
This patent application is currently assigned to Medtronic, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael Thomas Hegland, James M. Olsen.
Application Number | 20060084941 11/291253 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29215337 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060084941 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olsen; James M. ; et
al. |
April 20, 2006 |
Implantable medical connector for medical tubing with anchoring
features
Abstract
A connector and method of medical tubing is disclosed. The
connector defines a fluid passageway, and the connector includes a
first end, a first intermediate portion, a middle portion, a second
intermediate portion, and a second end. The middle portion is
located between the first intermediate portion and the second
intermediate portion, and the first end is adapted to fit inside a
proximal connector-receiving portion, and the second end is adapted
to fit inside a distal connector-receiving portion. The connector
includes at least a first protrusion and a second protrusion
projecting from the connector, wherein a first protrusion is
located between the first end and the first intermediate portion,
and the second protrusion is located between the second
intermediate portion and the second end. The connector includes a
first tubular strain relief having an extending first portion that
extends past the first end of the connector and is adapted to fit
over a proximal connection section, and a second tubular strain
relief having an extending second portion that extends past the
second end of the connector and is adapted to fit over a distal
connection section. When the first end of the connector is inserted
into a proximal connector-receiving portion a first interlock fit
is formed therebetween, and when the second end of the connector is
inserted into the distal connector-receiving portion a second
interlock fit is formed therebetween, resulting in a fluid tight
connection between the proximal connector-receiving portion and the
distal connector-receiving portion, and wherein at least the middle
portion of the connector is exposed. The middle portion of the
connector can include a suture receiving section that can be
sutured to tissue of patient.
Inventors: |
Olsen; James M.; (Plymouth,
MN) ; Hegland; Michael Thomas; (Mounds View,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF
1001 G STREET N W
SUITE 1100
WASHINGTON
DC
20001
US
|
Assignee: |
Medtronic, Inc.
Minneapolis
MN
|
Family ID: |
29215337 |
Appl. No.: |
11/291253 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10127853 |
Apr 23, 2002 |
6997919 |
|
|
11291253 |
Dec 1, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/535 ;
604/175 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 39/12 20130101;
A61M 2039/1027 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/535 ;
604/175 |
International
Class: |
A61M 25/16 20060101
A61M025/16 |
Claims
1. An implantable medical connector (20) for medical tubing, the
connector (20) comprising: a first end (24), a first intermediate
portion (26), a middle portion (28) devoid of a screw thread
fitting, a second intermediate portion (30), and a second end (32),
the middle portion (28) located between the first intermediate
portion (26) and the second intermediate portion (30), the first
end (24) adapted to fit inside a proximal connector-receiving
portion, the second end (32) adapted to fit inside a distal
connector-receiving portion, and at least a first protrusion (38)
and a second protrusion (40) projecting from the connector (20),
wherein the first protrusion (38) is located between the first end
(24) and the first intermediate portion (26), and the second
protrusion (40) is located between the second intermediate portion
(30) and the second end (32), the connector (20) defining a fluid
passageway (22), wherein when the first end (24) of the connector
(20) is inserted into the proximal connector-receiving portion an
interlock fit is formed therebetween, and wherein when the second
end (32) of the connector (20) is inserted into the distal
connector-receiving portion an interlock fit is formed
therebetween, resulting in a fluid tight connection between the
proximal connector-receiving portion and the distal
connector-receiving portion, and wherein a surface of the middle
portion (28) of the connector (20) is exposed and comprises a
suture receiving portion (66) for anchoring the connector (20) to
tissue.
2. The implantable medical connector (20) of claim 1, wherein a
surface of the first intermediate portion (26) of the connector
(20) is exposed.
3. The implantable medical connector (20) of claim 1, wherein a
surface of the second intermediate portion (30) of the connector
(20) is exposed.
4. The implantable medical connector (20) of claim 1, wherein a
surface of the first intermediate portion (26) and a surface of the
second intermediate portion (30) of the connector (20) is
exposed.
5. The implantable medical connector (20) of claim 1, wherein the
connector (20) comprises a metal or metal alloy.
6. The implantable medical connector (20) of claim 1, wherein the
suture receiving portion (66) defines at least one suture receiving
groove (68).
7. The implantable medical connector (20) of claim 1, wherein the
suture receiving portion (66) defines at least two suture receiving
grooves (68).
8. The implantable medical connector (20) of claim 1, wherein the
suture receiving portion (66) defines at least one suture receiving
hole (70).
9. The implantable medical connector (20) of claim 1, wherein the
suture receiving portion (66) defines at least two suture receiving
holes (70).
10. An implantable medical device (10) comprising: a proximal
catheter (12) having a proximal connection section (14), the
proximal connection section (14) having a proximal
connector-receiving portion (34); a distal catheter (16) having a
distal connection section (18), the distal connection section (18)
having a distal connector-receiving portion (36); a connector (20)
between the proximal catheter (12) and the distal catheter (16),
the connector (20) defining a fluid passageway (22), the connector
(20) having a first end (24), a first intermediate portion (26), a
middle portion (28) devoid of a screw thread fitting, a second
intermediate portion (30), and a second end (32), the middle
portion (28) located between the first intermediate portion (26)
and the second intermediate portion (30), the first end (24)
adapted to fit inside the proximal connector-receiving portion
(34), the second end (32) adapted to fit inside the distal
connector-receiving portion (36), and at least a first protrusion
(38) and a second protrusion (40) projecting from the connector
(20), wherein the first protrusion (38) is located between the
first end (24) and the first intermediate portion (26), and the
second protrusion (40) is located between the second intermediate
portion (30) and the second end (32); wherein when the first end
(24) of the connector (20) is inserted into the proximal
connector-receiving portion (34) an interlock fit (62) is formed
therebetween, and wherein when the second end (32) of the connector
(20) is inserted into the distal connector-receiving portion (36)
an interlock fit (64) is formed therebetween, resulting in a fluid
tight connection between the proximal catheter (12) and the distal
catheter (16), and wherein a surface of the middle portion (28) of
the connector (20) is exposed and comprises a suture receiving
portion (66) for anchoring the connector (20) to tissue.
11. The implantable medical device (10) of claim 10, wherein a
surface of the first intermediate portion (26) of the connector
(20) is exposed.
12. The implantable medical device (10) of claim 10, wherein a
surface of the second intermediate portion (30) of the connector
(20) is exposed.
13. The implantable medical device (10) of claim 10, wherein a
surface of the first intermediate portion (26) and a surface of the
second intermediate portion (30) of the connector (20) is
exposed.
14. The implantable medical device (10) of claim 10, wherein the
connector comprises a metal or metal alloy.
15. The implantable medical device (10) of claim 10, wherein the
suture receiving portion (66) defines at least one suture receiving
groove (68).
16. The implantable medical device (10) of claim 10, wherein the
suture receiving portion (66) defines at least two suture receiving
grooves (68).
17. The implantable medical device (10) of claim 10, wherein the
suture receiving portion (66) defines at least one suture receiving
hole (70).
18. The implantable medical device (10) of claim 10, wherein the
suture receiving portion (66) defines at least two suture receiving
holes (70).
19. A method for connecting implantable medical tubing comprising:
providing a implantable medical device (10) comprising a proximal
connection section (14), the proximal connection section (14)
having a proximal connector-receiving portion (34); a distal
connection section (18), the distal connection section (18) having
a distal connector-receiving portion (36); a connector (20) between
the proximal catheter (12) and the distal catheter (16), the
connector (20) defining a fluid passageway (22), the connector (20)
having a first end (24), a first intermediate portion (26), a
middle portion (28) devoid of a screw thread fitting, a second
intermediate portion (30), and a second end (32), the middle
portion (28) located between the first intermediate portion (26)
and the second intermediate portion (30), the first end (24)
adapted to fit inside the proximal connector-receiving portion
(34), the second end (32) adapted to fit inside the distal
connector-receiving portion (36), and at least a first protrusion
(38) and a second protrusion (40) projecting from the connector
(20), wherein the first protrusion (38) is located between the
first end (24) and the first intermediate portion (26), and the
second protrusion (40) is located between the second intermediate
portion (30) and the second end (32); placing the proximal
connection section (14) over the first end (24) of the connector;
inserting the first end (24) of the connector (20) into the
proximal connector-receiving portion (34) to form an interlock fit
(62) therebetween; placing the distal connection section (18) over
the second end (32) of the connector (20); inserting the second end
(32) of the connector (20) into the distal connector-receiving
portion (36) to form an interlock fit (64) therebetween; thereby
forming a fluid tight connection between the proximal connection
section (14) and the distal connection section (18), and wherein a
surface of the middle portion (28) of the connector (20) is exposed
and comprises a suture receiving portion (66) for anchoring the
connector (20) to tissue.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of
anchoring the connector (20) by suturing the suture receiving
portion (66) to tissue of a patient.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of
providing at least two suture receiving grooves (68) on the suture
receiving portion (66) and anchoring the connector (20) by suturing
the suture receiving grooves (68) to tissue of a patient.
22. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of
providing at least two suture receiving holes (70) on the suture
receiving portion (66) and anchoring the connector (20) by suturing
the suture receiving holes (70) to tissue of a patient.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/127,853, filed on Apr. 23, 2002, which is herein referenced
in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to medical device connectors used for
connecting medical tubing. More particularly, the invention is
directed to a medical connector for connecting sections of a
catheter.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In numerous medical applications it becomes necessary to
connect one section of tubing to another. In such situations it is
important that the connection be secure so that it will not pull
apart and that there be no leakage of fluid at the site of the
connection. This is especially critical in applications where the
tubing sections are implanted in the human body.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,339, which is incorporated herein by
reference, teaches connector for connecting sections of medical
tubing and a method for using the connector. The connector has an
enlarged middle portion between first and second end portions. The
end portions have a smaller diameter than the enlarged middle
portion and are adapted to be inserted into the ends of the medical
tubing sections. The connector can be grasped at the enlarged
middle portion, thus simplifying the process of inserting the end
portions into the tubing sections. Additionally, the opposing edges
of the enlarged middle portion act as tubing stop surfaces that
provide a positive indication that the connector is properly
aligned.
[0005] While the invention described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,339 has
solved numerous difficulties in the manufacture and use of the
prior art medical devices, there is still certain areas for further
improvement. For example, FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,339 teaches
an addition of a circumferential suture groove in the surface of
the enlarged middle portion that can only be used as a place at
which the catheter may be anchored by suturing it to surrounding
tissue if the connector is used without a strain relief. Col. 5,
lines 37-43.
[0006] It would be desirable to provide a connector that provides a
place at which the catheter may be anchored by suturing it to
surrounding tissue, while at the same time providing a strain
relief. It would also be desirable to provide a connector that
provides stronger connections with greater useful life, and which
is simple to use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the present invention there is disclosed
an implantable medical device comprising a connector for connecting
sections of medical tubing and a method for using the connector.
The connector is shaped in a manner that solves the problems
associated with prior art connectors and methods of connecting
medical tubing.
[0008] More specifically, the present invention comprises a
connector for medical tubing, the connector defining a fluid
passageway, the connector having a first end, a first intermediate
portion, a middle portion, a second intermediate portion, and a
second end. The middle portion located between the first
intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion. The end
is adapted to fit inside a proximal connector-receiving portion of
a proximal medical tube, the second end is adapted to fit inside a
distal connector-receiving portion of a distal medical tube. The
connector also has a least a first protrusion and a second
protrusion projecting from the connector, wherein a first
protrusion is located between the first end and the first
intermediate portion, and the second protrusion is located between
the second intermediate portion and the second end. The connector
also includes a first tubular strain relief having an extending
first portion that extends past the first end of the connector and
is adapted to fit over a proximal connection section of a proximal
medical tube, and a second tubular strain relief having an
extending second portion that extends past the second end of the
connector is and adapted to fit over a distal connection section of
a distal medical tube. When the first end of the connector is
inserted into the proximal connector-receiving portion a first
interlock fit is formed therebetween, and when the second end of
the connector is inserted into the distal connector-receiving
portion a second interlock fit is formed therebetween. The result
is a fluid tight connection between the proximal
connector-receiving portion and the distal connector-receiving
portion, and wherein at least the middle portion of the connector
is exposed. In one embodiment, the first intermediate portion can
include a first lip, and the second intermediate portion can
include a second lip. Thus, when the first tubular strain relief
fits over the first lip of the first intermediate portion, a third
interlock fit is formed therebetween. Further, when the second
tubular strain relief fits over the second lip of the second
intermediate portion, a fourth interlock fit is formed
therebetween.
[0009] In one embodiment, the middle portion further comprises a
suture receiving portion. The suture receiving portion has a
suitable structure that can be anchored by suturing to surrounding
tissue or fascia of a patient. For example, but not by way of
limitation, the suture receiving structure can have a suture
receiving groove or hole. Preferably, the suture receiving portion
has at least two locations to receive sutures so as to reduce
rotation of the connector.
[0010] In one embodiment, the extending first portion of the first
tubular strain relief is more flexible than a remainder of the
first tubular strain relief and/or the extending second portion of
the second tubular strain relief is more flexible than a remainder
of the second tubular strain relief.
[0011] In one embodiment, the extending first portion of the first
tubular strain relief tapers to a smaller outside diameter as it
extends away from the first end of the connector and/or the
extending second portion of the second tubular strain relief tapers
to a smaller outside diameter as it extends away from the second
end of the connector.
[0012] In one embodiment, at least the first intermediate portion
of the connector is exposed and/or at least the second intermediate
portion of the connector is exposed. Thus, the first intermediate
portion and/or the second intermediate portion of the connector can
be used as a convenient place to anchor the catheter to the tissue
or fascia of a patient.
[0013] In one embodiment, the connector comprises a metal or metal
alloy.
[0014] In one embodiment, the first tubular strain relief fits over
the proximal connection section and a proximal fit is formed
therebetween.
[0015] In one embodiment, the second tubular strain relief fits
over the distal connection section and a distal fit is formed
therebetween.
[0016] In one embodiment, the middle portion comprises a suture
receiving portion. The suture receiving portion has a suitable
structure that can be anchored to the tissue or fascia of a
patient. For example, but not by way of limitation, the suture
receiving structure can have a suture receiving groove or hole.
Preferably, the suture receiving portion has at least two locations
to receive sutures so as to reduce rotation of the connector.
[0017] In one embodiment, the present invention includes an
implantable medical device comprising a proximal catheter having a
proximal connection section, the proximal connection section having
a proximal connector-receiving portion, and a distal catheter
having a distal connection section, the distal connection section
having a distal connector-receiving portion. The implantable
medical device also has a connector between the proximal catheter
and the distal catheter, the connector defining a fluid passageway,
the connector having a first end, a first intermediate portion, a
middle portion, a second intermediate portion, and a second end.
The middle portion is located between the first intermediate
portion and the second intermediate portion. The first end is
adapted to fit inside the proximal connector-receiving portion, the
second end is adapted to fit inside the distal connector-receiving
portion. There is also at least a first protrusion and a second
protrusion projecting from the connector, wherein the at least
first protrusion is located between the first end and the first
intermediate portion, and the second protrusion is located between
the second intermediate portion and the second end. The invention
further has a first tubular strain relief having an extending first
portion that extends past the first end of the connector and fits
over the proximal connection section, and a second tubular strain
relief having an extending second portion that extends past the
second end of the connector and fits over the distal connection
section. Thus, when the first end of the connector is inserted into
the proximal connector-receiving portion a first interlock fit is
formed therebetween, and when the second end of the connector is
inserted into the distal connector-receiving portion a second
interlock fit is formed therebetween. The result is a fluid tight
connection between the proximal catheter and the distal catheter,
and wherein at least the middle portion of the connector is
exposed. Since the middle portion of the connector is exposed, it
can be anchored by suturing to surrounding tissue or fascia of a
patient. The connector of this embodiment can have any or all
combination of additional features recited in the preceding
paragraphs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a side view of a implantable medical device in
accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the
implantable medical device of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of a implantable medical device used
to connect sections of medical tubing in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. More specifically,
as shown in FIG. 1, an implantable medical device 10 comprises a
proximal catheter 12 having a proximal connection section 14, the
proximal connection section 14 having a proximal
connector-receiving portion 34. Implantable medical device 10 also
has a distal catheter 16 having a distal connection section 18, the
distal connection section 18 having a distal connector-receiving
portion 36. Implantable medical device 10 also has a connector 20
between the proximal catheter 12 and the distal catheter 16, the
connector 20 defining a fluid passageway 22, the connector 20
having a first end 24, a first intermediate portion 26, a middle
portion 28, a second intermediate portion 30, and a second end 32.
The middle portion 28 is located between the first intermediate
portion 26 and the second intermediate portion 30. The first end 24
is adapted to fit inside the proximal connector-receiving portion
34, and the second end 32 is adapted to fit inside the distal
connector-receiving portion 36.
[0021] Implantable medical device 10 has at least a first
protrusion 38 and a second protrusion 40 projecting from the
connector 20, wherein the first protrusion 38 is located between
the first end 24 and the first intermediate portion 26, and the
second protrusion 40 is located between the second intermediate
portion 30 and the second end 32. Also provided is a first tubular
strain relief 42 having an extending first portion 44 that extends
past the first end 24 of the connector 20 and fits over the
proximal connection section 14, and a second tubular strain relief
52 having an extending second portion 54 that extends past the
second end 32 of the connector 20 and fits over the distal
connection section 18. Thus, when the first end 24 of the connector
20 is inserted into the proximal connector-receiving portion 34 a
first interlock fit 62 is formed therebetween. Also, when the
second end 32 of the connector 20 is inserted into the distal
connector-receiving portion 36 a second interlock fit 64 is formed
therebetween, resulting in a fluid tight connection between the
proximal catheter 12 and the distal catheter 16. As shown in FIG.
1, this construction results in at least the middle portion 28 of
connector 20 being exposed. Because the middle portion 28 is
exposed, the middle section 28 provides a convenient place at which
the connector can be anchored by suturing it to surrounding tissue
or fascia of a patient. As further shown in FIG. 1, the first
intermediate portion 26 can include a first lip 48, and the second
intermediate portion 30 can include a second lip 58. Thus, when the
first tubular strain relief 42 fits over the first lip 48 of the
first intermediate portion 26, a third interlock fit 50 is formed
therebetween. Further, when the second tubular strain relief 52
fits over the second lip 58 of the second intermediate portion 30,
a fourth interlock fit 60 is formed therebetween.
[0022] Preferably, the extending first portion 44 of the first
tubular strain relief 42 is more flexible than a remainder of the
first tubular strain relief 42, and the extending second portion 54
of the second tubular strain relief 52 is more flexible than a
remainder of the second tubular strain relief 52. The difference in
flexibility can be obtained in any suitable manner, including but
not limited to a tapering of the first and second tubular stain
reliefs as they extend away from the connector 20. Alternatively,
different materials, or slits and/or holes defined in the first and
second tubular strain reliefs can provide the desired difference in
flexibility as will be recognized by those of skill in the art.
[0023] Preferably, the extending first portion 44 of the first
tubular strain relief 42 tapers to a smaller outside diameter as it
extends away from the first end 24 of the connector 20, and the
extending second portion 54 of the second tubular strain relief 52
tapers to a smaller outside diameter as it extends away from the
second end 32 of the connector 20.
[0024] In one embodiment, the first intermediate portion 26 and/or
the second intermediate portion 30 have at least one portion that
is exposed along with the middle portion 28. Thus, portions 26, 28
and/or 30 can define at least two grooves 68 at which the connector
20 can be anchored by suturing it to the tissue or fascia of a
patient. By providing at least two places for suturing, connector
20 provides a structure that can be sutured to the tissue or fascia
of a patient that will not be a susceptible to rotation as a
connector that has only one place to suture it to the tissue or
fascia of a patient.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the connector 20 comprises a
metal or metal alloy. Those of skill in the art will recognize that
a metal or metal alloy can be sutured to the tissue or fascia of a
patient more securely than a softer material, such as the material
used for strain reliefs or for catheter tubing.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, when the first tubular strain relief 42
fits over the proximal connection section 14, a proximal fit 46 is
formed therebetween. As also shown in FIG. 1, when the second
tubular strain relief 52 fits over the distal connection section
18, a distal fit 56 is formed therebetween.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the middle portion 28 further comprises
a suture receiving portion 66. The suture receiving portion 66 has
a suitable structure that can be anchored to the tissue or fascia
of a patient. For example, but not by way of limitation, the suture
receiving portion 66 can define a suture receiving groove 68 or
hole 70. Preferably, the suture receiving portion 66 has at least
two locations, e.g., at least two suture receiving grooves 68 or
holes 70 to receive sutures so as to reduce rotation of the
connector. As shown in FIG. 1, the suture receiving portion 66
defines two suture receiving grooves 68.
[0028] An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2,
device 100 is the same as the device 10 shown in FIG. 1, except
that suture receiving portion 66 defines two holes 70 instead of
two suture receiving grooves.
[0029] The present invention also provides a method for connecting
implantable medical tubing. More specifically, the present
invention comprises the step of providing a implantable medical
device 10 comprising a proximal connection section 14, the proximal
connection section 14 having a proximal connector-receiving portion
34; a distal connection section 18, the distal connection section
18 having a distal connector-receiving portion 36; a connector 20
between the proximal catheter 12 and the distal catheter 16, the
connector 20 defining a fluid passageway 22, the connector 20
having a first end 24, a first intermediate portion 26, a middle
portion 28, a second intermediate portion 30, and a second end 32,
the middle portion 28 located between the first intermediate
portion 26 and the second intermediate portion 30, the first end 24
adapted to fit inside the proximal connector-receiving portion 34,
the second end 32 adapted to fit inside the distal
connector-receiving portion 36, and at least a first protrusion 38
and a second protrusion 40 projecting from the connector 20,
wherein a first protrusion 38 is located between the first end 24
and the first intermediate portion 26, and the second protrusion 40
is located between the second intermediate portion 30 and the
second end 32; a first tubular strain relief 42 having an extending
first portion 44 that extends past the first end 24 of the
connector 20 and fits over the proximal connection section 14; and
a second tubular strain relief 52 having an extending second
portion 54 that extends past the second end 32 of the connector 20
and fits over the distal connection section 18.
[0030] A preferred method of the present invention further
comprises the steps of placing the proximal connection section 14
over the first end 24 of the connector; inserting the first end 24
of the connector 20 into the proximal connector-receiving portion
34 to form a first interlock fit 62 therebetween; placing the
distal connection section 18 over the second end 32 of the
connector 20; inserting the second end 32 of the connector 20 into
the distal connector-receiving portion 36 to form a second
interlock fit 64 therebetween; thereby forming a fluid tight
connection between the proximal connection section 14 and the
distal connection section 18, and wherein at least the middle
portion 28 of the connector 20 is exposed.
[0031] A preferred method further comprises the steps of providing
the first intermediate portion 26 with a first lip 48, and the
second intermediate portion 30 with a second lip 58. Thus, when the
first tubular strain relief 42 is placed over the first lip 48 of
the first intermediate portion 26, a third interlock fit 50 is
formed therebetween. Further, when the second tubular strain relief
52 is placed over the second lip 58 of the second intermediate
portion 30, a fourth interlock fit 60 is formed therebetween.
[0032] A preferred method further comprises the steps of providing
at least one suture receiving portion 66 on the middle portion 28
and anchoring the connector 20 by suturing the suture receiving
portion 66 to tissue of a patient. In one embodiment, the method
further comprises the steps of providing at least two suture
receiving grooves 68 on the suture receiving portion 66 and
anchoring the connector 20 by suturing the suture receiving grooves
68 to tissue of a patient. In one embodiment, the method further
comprises the steps of providing at least two suture receiving
holes 70 on the suture receiving portion 66 and anchoring the
connector 20 by suturing the suture receiving holes 70 to tissue of
a patient.
[0033] From the foregoing detailed description of specific
embodiments of the invention, it should be apparent that a medical
connector and method for its use has been disclosed. Although
particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein
in detail, this has been done for the purpose of illustration only,
and is not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the
appended claims, which follow. In particular, it is contemplated by
the inventors that various substitutions, alterations and
modifications may be made to the embodiments of the invention
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined by the claims. Further, although the embodiments disclosed
relate primarily to use of the connector for connecting catheter
sections, the connector could be used for other applications where
it is desirable to connect separate sections of medical tubing
together, especially those situations where the tubing is to be
implanted in the human body. Such applications include connecting
sections of stents, penile implants and sphincter implants.
* * * * *