Port-Catheter Assembly Gripping, Cutting and Connection Tool
A stabilization and trimming tool ( 100 ) comprising a handle ( 110 ) operatively coupled to a cradle ( 120 ) and a clamping device ( 150 ), wherein the cradle is configured to receive and retain a cathlock ( 90 ) and wherein the clamping device is designed to grip a catheter. The proximal end of the catheter can be threaded through the cathlock and releasably retained by the tool. The tool further comprises a catheter cutting mechanism ( 150 ) coupled to the handle, wherein the catheter cutting mechanism is configured to trim the proximal portion of the catheter and couple the catheter to a port using the cathlock. The tool can then release the cathlock and be withdrawn from the insertion site.
1 . A stabilization and trimming tool for coupling a catheter to an access port, comprising:
a handle operatively coupled to a cradle and a clamping device, wherein the cradle is designed to hold a cathlock, and wherein the clamping device is designed to grip a catheter; and
a catheter cutting mechanism coupled to the handle, wherein the catheter cutting mechanism is configured to be actuated following stabilization of the cathlock and the catheter by the handle.
2 . The stabilization and trimming tool according to claim 1 , wherein a first pressure applied to the handle applies pressure to the cradle, and wherein a second pressure greater than the first pressure applies pressure to both the cradle and the clamping device.
3 . The stabilization and trimming tool according to claim 1 , wherein the cradle defines a channel, an inner surface of the channel defines a profile that mirrors an outer profile of the cathlock.
4 . The stabilization and trimming tool according to claim 3 , wherein the inner surface of the channel defines a tapered shape.
5 . The stabilization and trimming tool according to claim 3 , wherein the inner surface of the channel defines a stepped portion configured to abut against a stepped portion of the cathlock.
6 . The stabilization and trimming tool according to claim 1 , wherein the clamping device includes a pair of clamping members covered by a rubber or silicone material.
7 . The stabilization and trimming tool according to claim 1 , wherein the catheter cutting mechanism is actuated by an actuator.
8 . The stabilization and trimming tool according to claim 1 , wherein the cradle includes a pair of jaws transitionable between an open position and a closed position, the jaws configured to retain the cathlock within the cradle in the closed position.
9 . The stabilization and trimming tool according to claim 8 , wherein a first jaw of the pair of jaws is rotatably coupled to a first edge of the cradle and a second jaw of the pair of jaws is rotatably coupled to a second edge of the cradle.
10 . The stabilization and trimming tool according to claim 1 , wherein the cradle defines a channel and includes a pair of grips transitionable between a retracted position and an extended position, the grips configured to retain the cathlock within the cradle in the extended position.
11 . The stabilization and trimming tool according to claim 10 , wherein the pair of grips are slidably engaged with the cradle along an axis extending perpendicular to an axis of the channel.
12 . A method of attaching a catheter to an access port, comprising:
creating a tissue pocket in a patient and inserting the access port into the pocket, the access port including a stem;
inserting the catheter into a vessel of the patient until a tip of the catheter is positioned at a desired location;
sliding a cathlock over a proximal end of the catheter;
gripping the cathlock and the catheter with a tool;
removing a proximal portion of the catheter using the tool;
inserting the stem into an open end of the catheter; and
sliding the cathlock over the catheter to secure the cathlock and the catheter to the access port.
13 . The method according to claim 12 , wherein the tool comprises a handle operatively coupled to a cradle and a clamping device, wherein gripping the cathlock and the catheter comprises inserting the cathlock into the cradle, positioning the clamping device over the catheter, and actuating the handle to apply a gripping force to the cradle and the clamping device.
14 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the cradle defines a channel, an inner surface of the channel defines a profile that mirrors an outer profile of the cathlock.
15 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the inner surface of the channel defines a tapered shape.
16 . The method according to claim 14 , wherein the inner surface of the channel defines a stepped portion configured to abut against a stepped portion of the cathlock.
17 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the tool further comprises a catheter cutting mechanism coupled to the handle, and wherein removing the proximal portion of the catheter comprises actuating the cutting mechanism after actuating the handle.
18 . The method according to claim 17 , wherein the cutting mechanism includes a first cutting member rotatably coupled to the handle.
19 . The method according to claim 17 , wherein the cutting mechanism includes a first cutting member and a second cutting member rotatably coupled to the handle in a scissor-like mechanism.