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Publication Number
US-12636483-B2
Publication Date
2026-05-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
A sheath can be used to protect a catheter hub from contamination. The sheath can surround the catheter hub and seal the interface between the catheter hub and a needleless connector. The sheath can be installed onto the catheter hub either before or after the needleless connector has been connected to the catheter hub.
Core Innovation
The disclosure describes a method of establishing a medical fluid connection between first and second medical connectors in an intravenous infusion catheter system. An elastomeric sealing member engages the outer surface of a shroud surrounding the first connector’s male luer and forms a first seal. The member has a middle section with opposing side portions extending wider than the shroud, which can be pinched to open an end for passage of the second connector.
When the second connector’s complimentary end connects to the male luer end, the elastomeric sealing member also seals against the second connector. The claimed method uses these seals to provide enhanced contamination prevention between the connectors. The provided content does not include the background section, so it does not explicitly describe the problem being solved there.
Claims Coverage
The provided claims identify one independent claim: claim 1, which contains two inventive features. It covers a method for establishing a fluid-tight connection between two medical connectors using an elastomeric sealing member.
Elastomeric sealing member engaging the first connector
The elastomeric sealing member engages the outer surface of the shroud surrounding the male luer of the first medical connector to form a first seal. Its middle section has opposing side portions extending wider than the shroud and is configured to be pinched to open an end for passage of the second medical connector.
Sealing between the connected medical connectors
The complimentary end of the second medical connector connects to the male luer end of the first medical connector to establish fluid-tight communication. The elastomeric sealing member seals against the second medical connector to effect enhanced contamination prevention between the connectors.
The independent claim combines a seal engaging the first connector’s shroud, a pinch-openable end for passage of the second connector, and a seal against that second connector when the fluid connection is established.
Stated Advantages
The elastomeric sealing member provides enhanced contamination prevention between the first and second medical connectors.
The sheath can be removed by tearing to reduce reuse and carry away contaminants.
Documented Applications
Establishing a medical fluid connection between first and second medical connectors in an intravenous infusion catheter system.
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