Air Line Protection Coupling For A Catheter

Abstract

A catheter connector is described having a hydrophobic end cap or washer located around the end opening to the connector's lumen. The diameter and length of the lumen below the washer is sufficiently large enough to accommodate an absorbent tubular filter that changes color when exposed to fluid. The washer acts to limit the size of the water droplet that might adhere to the end of the catheter and help maintain surface tension on the droplet to prevent it from entering the lumen. The hydrophilic tubular filter absorbs any water that might pass by the washer and thus keeps the lumen hole open.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A connector assembly for an air-based catheter, comprising:
 a connector body having a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending between and opening at said first end and said second end; said first end being configured to connect to a catheter and said second end being configured to connect to a receptacle in communication with an air management system;   a hydrophobic cap member located at said second end of said connector body; said hydrophobic cap member having a fixed aperture opening to said lumen of said connector body; and,   a filter member located within said lumen near said second end opening to said lumen of said connector body;   wherein, when said connector assembly is connected to said receptacle in communication with said air management system, a single, continuous air passage is created with said air-based catheter and said air management system.