Connection assembly for use with splittable sheath

Abstract

A connection system for connecting a hemostasis valve to a splittable sheath is disclosed. The connection system includes an adapter fitting having a shaft defining a lumen. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. On an external surface of the proximal end of the shaft, threading is provided for engagement with the hemostasis valve. A cannula portion defines the distal end of the shaft for interfacing with a splittable sheath. A wedge is disposed on an external surface of the cannula portion for interfacing with a weakened portion of the splittable sheath. A sliding connector is disposed about the shaft for engagement with the splittable sheath. Upon a first level of engagement between the sliding connector and the splittable sheath, a fluid-tight seal is created. Upon a second level of engagement between the sliding connector and the splittable sheath, the wedge initiates separation of the splittable sheath.

1 . An adapter fitting for use in a connection system for connecting a hemostasis valve to a splittable sheath, the adapter fitting comprising: 
 a shaft defining a lumen, the shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; threading on an external surface of the proximal end of the shaft for engagement with a hemostasis valve;    a cannula portion defining the distal end of the shaft for interfacing with a lumen in a splittable sheath;    two or more wedges disposed on an external surface of the cannula portion for interfacing with a weakened portion of the splittable sheath.    
   
   
       2 . The adapter fitting of  claim 1 , further comprising a sliding connector disposed about the shaft, the sliding connector defining an opening through which the proximal end of the shaft protrudes, wherein the sliding connector is provided for engagement with the splittable sheath.  
   
   
       3 . The adapter fitting of  claim 2 , wherein the sliding connector further comprises: 
 a proximal end and a distal end;    an annular lip extending radially inward at the proximal end for engagement with and retention by a proximal end of the cannula portion;    an engagement means at the distal end for engaging an opposing mating component of the splittable sheath.    
   
   
       4 . The adapter fitting of  claim 3 , wherein the cannula portion is in the form of a frustrum tapering distally.  
   
   
       5 . The adapter fitting of  claim 4 , wherein the diameter of the proximal end of the frustrum of the cannula portion is larger than the diameter of a middle portion of the shaft thereby defining an annular shelf and wherein the annular lip of the sliding connector interfaces with the annular shelf.  
   
   
       6 . The adapter fitting of  claim 5 , further comprising an elastomeric O-ring disposed within the sliding connector to interface between the annular lip and the annular shelf to create a fluid-tight connection.  
   
   
       7 . The adapter fitting of  claim 2 , wherein the sliding connector comprises an internally threaded nut to engage with an opposing mating component of the splittable sheath.  
   
   
       8 . The adapter fitting of  claim 1 , wherein the two or more wedges comprise two wedges disposed on the external surface of the cannula portion at about 180 degrees apart.  
   
   
       9 . An adapter fitting for connecting a hemostasis valve to a splittable sheath comprising: 
 a shaft defining a lumen, the shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;    an engagement portion on the proximal end of the shaft for engagement with the hemostasis valve;    a cannula portion forming the distal end of the shaft for interfacing with the lumen of the splittable sheath, wherein the lumen is adapted to receive the cannula portion;    at least one wedge disposed on an external surface of the cannula portion for interfacing with a weakened portion of the splittable sheath; and    a sliding connector slidably disposed about the shaft of the adapter fitting, the sliding connector defining an opening through which the proximal end of the shaft protrudes, the sliding connector capable of being secured to the splittable sheath.