Medical lumen flushing and guide wire loading device and method

A method for flushing an inner lumen of a tubular member, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a connector having a proximal end and a distal end with a flushing lumen extending therethrough, the connector having a fitting on its proximal end and having a distal portion wherein the flushing lumen increases in size from a first proximal cross-sectional area to a second larger distal cross-sectional area so that an annular surface within the distal portion will press against an end of the tubular member when the end of the tubular member is inserted into the distal portion;
• attaching a source of flushing fluid to the fitting;
• guiding a first end of the tubular member into the flushing lumen of the distal portion of the connector;
• pressing the first end of the tubular member against the annular surface, to create a temporary fluid-tight seal between the tubular member and the connector;
• and
• forcing fluid from the source of flushing fluid through the connector and into the first end of the tubular member to flush fluid and foreign material from the inner lumen and out of a second end of the tubular member.

A method for drawing fluid through an inner lumen of a tubular member, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a connector having a proximal end and a distal end with a flushing lumen extending therethrough, the connector having a fitting on its proximal end and having a distal portion wherein the flushing lumen increases in size from a first proximal cross-sectional area to a second larger distal cross-sectional area so that an annular surface within the distal portion will press against an end of the tubular member when the end of the tubular member is inserted into the distal portion;
• attaching a suction source to the fitting;
• providing a flushing fluid source containing a flushing fluid;
• guiding a first end of the tubular member into the flushing lumen of the distal portion of the connector;
• pressing the first end of the tubular member against the annular surface, to create a temporary fluid-tight seal between the tubular member and the connector;
• guiding the tubular member within the flushing fluid source so that the inner lumen is in fluid communication with the flushing fluid;
• and
• drawing fluid from the source of flushing fluid through the inner lumen and into the connector.

A method for drawing foreign materials from an inner lumen of a tubular member, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a connector having a proximal end and a distal end with a flushing lumen extending therethrough, the connector having a distal portion wherein the flushing lumen increases in size from a first proximal cross-sectional area to a second larger distal cross-sectional area so that an annular surface within the distal portion of will press against an end of the tubular member when the end of the tubular member is inserted into the distal portion;
• guiding a first end of the tubular member into the flushing lumen of the distal portion of the connector;
• pressing a first end of the tubular member against the annular surface, to create a temporary fluid-tight seal between the tubular member and the connector;
• drawing the foreign materials from the inner lumen and into the connector.