Methods and apparatus for securing a line

A fastener for securing a medical or surgical line with respect to a patient, the fastener comprising:

• an elongate braided tubular sleeve for receiving the line therethrough, the sleeve having a first end for fixing adjacent to the patient, in use, and a second end for arranging, in use, proximal to medical equipment coupled to the line;
• a first substantially rigid collar coupled to the sleeve at the first end of the sleeve;
• a second substantially rigid collar coupled to the sleeve at the second end of the sleeve;
• an enlarged flange secured to the first collar at the first end of the sleeve;
• an adhesive plaster for securing the fastener with respect to a patient, the adhesive plaster being secured to the enlarged flange;
• wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongate braided tubular sleeve is arranged parallel to the plane of the adhesive plaster.

A method of manufacturing a plurality of fasteners for securing a medical or surgical line with respect to a patient, the method comprising:

• providing a supply of a braided tubular sleeve having a length of at least one metre;
• providing a braided tubular sleeve portion from the supply, the portion substantially having a selected length of less than 15 cm;
• providing a collar around the braided tubular sleeve at least one end of the portion;
• and
• sealing the braided tubular sleeve portion within the collar to form a first fastener;
• repeating said providing to form at least one further fastener.

A medical or surgical apparatus comprising a sealed sterile pack containing:

• a tube for supplying a fluid to or removing a fluid from a patient;
• a connector positioned at each end of the tube;
• and
• a braided tubular sleeve surrounding the tube and positioned between the connectors, the braided tubular sleeve comprising a substantially rigid collar at each end of the sleeve;
• wherein pushing the collars towards each other along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve shortens and widens the sleeve, allowing the sleeve to slide along the tube;
• wherein the sleeve is biased to an elongate position so that releasing the collars causes the sleeve to lengthen and grip the tube;
• wherein the maximum diameter of each connector is greater than the internal diameter of each of the collars so that the collars do not fit over either connector and the braided tubular sleeve is retained on the tube.

A method of forming a medical or surgical apparatus comprising:

• providing a tube for supplying a fluid to or removing a fluid from a patient;
• sliding a braided tubular sleeve onto the tube, wherein the braided tubular sleeve comprises a substantially rigid collar at each end of the sleeve and wherein sliding comprises:
• pushing the collars towards each other along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve to shorten and widen the sleeve;
• sliding the sleeve onto the outer surface of the tube;
• releasing the collars to enable the sleeve to return to a biased elongate position, causing the sleeve to grip the tube;
• attaching a connector to each end of the tube, wherein the maximum diameter of each connector is greater than the maximum internal diameter of either collar so that the collars do not fit over either connector and the braided tubular sleeve is retained on the tube;
• and
• sealing the apparatus within a sterile container.