Force-Controlled Release Connector With Integrated Safety Features

A catheter system comprising:

• a catheter having a catheter distal end and a catheter proximal end;
• a catheter adapter coupled to the catheter proximal end and including a lumen in fluid communication with the catheter, the catheter adapter including a side port in fluid communication with the lumen;
• an extension tubing in fluid communication with the side port of the catheter adapter, the extension tubing having a proximal access port coupled to a proximal end portion thereof;
• and
• a connector, comprising:
• an outer housing comprising a first end and a second end, the outer housing defining a lumen extending between the first end and the second end;
• a first coupler positioned at the first end of the outer housing, the first coupler comprising a first male connection mateable with a female connection of a needle-free valve and being separable from the needle-free valve when a pre-determined pulling force is applied between the first male connection and the needle-free valve;
• a second coupler positioned at the second end of the outer housing;
• a valve system positioned within the outer housing to control fluid flow through the lumen;
• and
• an actuator movable within the outer housing in a lengthwise direction between a first position and a second position;
• wherein the actuator, when in the first position, causes the valve system to be in a closed state that seals the lumen from an external environment and blocks the first coupler from coupling with the needle-free valve;
• and
• wherein the actuator, when in the second position, causes the valve system to be in an open state that opens the lumen to the external environment and allows the first coupler to couple with the needle-free valve and coupling;
• and
• wherein the second coupler of the connector is coupled to the proximal access port.