Connector for coupling a tracheal tube to an auxiliary device

Abstract

Various embodiments of a connector assembly are provided to removably couple a proximal end of a tracheal tube to components associated with a ventilator or an anesthesiology machine. The disclosed embodiments include a compression fitting, which creates an airtight seal between walls of the tracheal tube and components of the compression fitting, thus allowing air to flow to and from a patient.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A connector for a tracheal tube comprising:
 a threaded generally cylindrical body having a generally cylindrical passageway therethrough configured to receive the tracheal tube, a first end configured to receive an interface element of an auxiliary device, and a second end comprising threads, the second end being configured to fit over an outer surface of a proximal end of a tracheal tube, wherein an innermost surface of the threaded generally cylindrical body is configured to contact the outer surface of the proximal end such that no portion of the threaded body extends into a lumen of the tracheal tube; and   a locking nut having threads on a central opening thereof and configured to receive the tracheal tube therethrough, the locking nut being configured to be threaded onto the second end of the threaded body to lock the threaded body onto the proximal end of the tracheal tube.   
     
     
         2 . The connector of  claim 1 , comprising at least one sealing element disposed in the threaded body and configured to contact and seal against the tracheal tube. 
     
     
         3 . The connector of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one sealing element is configured to create an airtight seal between the connector and the tracheal tube. 
     
     
         4 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the threaded body comprises at least one slit configured to permit radial contraction of the threaded body on the tracheal tube as the locking nut is threaded onto the threaded body. 
     
     
         5 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the threaded body is configured to receive the interface element of a ventilator. 
     
     
         6 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the second end of the threaded body is configured to substantially surround a tracheal tube. 
     
     
         7 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the second end tapers from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter. 
     
     
         8 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein an inner diameter of the generally cylindrical passageway is approximately equal to an outer diameter of the tracheal tube. 
     
     
         9 . The connector of  claim 1 , comprising an abutment surface disposed within the generally cylindrical passageway between the first and second ends, wherein the abutment surface is configured to abut a proximal tip of the tracheal tube when the tracheal tube is positioned within the threaded generally cylindrical body. 
     
     
         10 . The connector of  claim 1 , comprising a flange disposed adjacent to the first end and radially extending away from an outer surface of the threaded generally cylindrical body.