Medical connectors
An adapter for connecting a first connector to a second connector can include a proximal portion configured to linearly engage the first connector with a snap-fit engagement. The adapter can include a distal portion configured to rotationally engage the second connector. Rotation of the adapter relative to the second connector can advance a male luer of the first connector into substantially sealing engagement with a female luer on the second connector. The adapter can be configured to displace a collar on the first connector when coupled to the first connector. The second connector can include a proximal portion that is configured to engage the first connector, such as with a snap-fit engagement.
1 . A method comprising:
accessing a first medical connector that comprises:
a proximal end with a proximal opening;
a distal end with a distal opening,
a fluid pathway between the proximal end and the distal end;
a body portion;
a projection extending distally from the body portion, wherein the projection comprises a step, and wherein the projection comprises a male luer with a tapered outer surface configured to engage a tapered inner surface of a female luer; and
a collar substantially surrounding the projection, the collar having internal threading;
accessing an adapter that comprises:
a proximal portion having one or more protrusions that extend inward; and
a distal portion having internal threading;
coupling the adapter to the first medical connector by:
inserting the projection into the proximal portion of the adapter; and
advancing the adapter axially in a proximal direction until the one or more protrusions engage the step on the projection; and
accessing a second medical connector that comprises:
a distal end with a distal opening,
a proximal end with a proximal opening, wherein the proximal end includes a female luer and external threading; and
a fluid pathway between the proximal end and the distal end; and
coupling the second medical connector to the adapter by:
inserting the proximal end of the second medical connector into the distal portion of the adapter; and
rotating the second medical connector relative to the adapter so that the external threading on the proximal end of the second medical connector engages the internal threading on the distal portion of the adapter so that the male luer of first medical connector sealingly engages the female luer of the second medical connector.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the proximal portion of the adapter is inserted into the collar as the adapter is advanced axially.
3 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising rotating the second medical connector relative to the adapter further so that one or more breakable elements on the second medical connector break to transition the second medical connector to a free-spin configuration.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the adapter does not engage the internal threading of the collar.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the internal threading of the collar is configured to engage the external threading of the second medical connector.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the male luer of first medical connector sealingly engages the female luer of the second medical connector without the internal threading of the collar engaging the external threading of the second medical connector.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the proximal portion of the adapter has an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the collar so that the proximal portion of the adapter fits into a recess between the collar and the projection and wherein the distal portion of the adapter has an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the collar.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the distal portion of the adapter extends distally past the collar when the proximal portion of the adapter fits into a recess between the collar and the projection.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the distal portion of the adapter extends distally past the collar when the male luer of first medical connector is sealingly engaged with the female luer of the second medical connector.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more protrusions comprise an annular flange.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein coupling the adapter to the first medical connector engages a seal between the adapter and the projection.
12 . A method comprising:
accessing a first medical connector that comprises:
a distal end with a distal opening,
a proximal end with a proximal opening, wherein the proximal end includes a female luer and external threading;
a fluid pathway between the proximal end and the distal end; and
an adapter comprising:
a distal portion having internal threading that engages the external threading of the proximal end; and
a proximal portion having one or more protrusions;
accessing a second medical connector that comprises:
a proximal end with a proximal opening;
a distal end with a distal opening,
a fluid pathway between the proximal end and the distal end;
a body portion;
a projection extending distally from the body portion, wherein the projection comprises a step, and wherein the projection comprises a male luer with a tapered outer surface; and
a collar substantially surrounding the projection, the collar having internal threading;
coupling the second medical connector to the adapter by:
inserting the projection into the proximal portion of the adapter; and
advancing the adapter axially in a proximal direction with respect to the second connector until the one or more protrusions engage the step on the projection, and so that the male luer of second medical connector sealingly engages the female luer of the first medical connector.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the adapter does not engage the internal threading of the collar.
14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the internal threading of the collar is configured to engage the external threading of the first medical connector.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the male luer of second medical connector sealingly engages the female luer of the first medical connector without the internal threading of the collar engaging the external threading of the first medical connector.
16 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the proximal portion of the adapter has an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the collar so that the proximal portion of the adapter fits into a recess between the collar and the projection and wherein the distal portion of the adapter has an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the collar.
17 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the distal portion of the adapter extends distally past the collar when the male luer of second medical connector is sealingly engaged with the female luer of the first medical connector.
18 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the one or more protrusions comprise an annular flange.
19 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising rotating the first medical connector relative to the adapter so that one or more breakable elements on the first medical connector break to transition the first medical connector to a free-spin configuration.
20 . The method of claim 12 , wherein coupling the second medical connector to the adapter engages a seal between the adapter and the projection.