Harness Interface Conduit, Tether Line, and Swivel for Use in Animals

Abstract

A harness for use in coupling with an animal interface, the animal interface comprising one or more of conduits for transmitting fluid, electrical signals, or optical signals. Swivel extension tether for quick connect to harness, dual-ended swivel, an extension line, and connection to upstream monitoring equipment. Method for using the harness in an animal for fluid communication access, an electrical signal interface, and an optical interface.

1 . An interface device for coupling between an animal interface proximate to the outer surface of an animal and a tethered conduit comprising:
 a conduit having an internal end and an external end, the internal end for coupling to the animal interface, the external end including a connector configured to be attached to the tethered conduit:   a skirt that is affixed to and axially extending from the conduit; and   a securement device configured to secure the skirt to the outer surface of the animal to form a space between the skirt and the outer surface of the animal that protects the animal interface from the animal.   
   
   
       2 . The interface device of  claim 1 , wherein the animal interface is selected from the group consisting of percutaneous dwelling, an implanted dwelling, a subcutaneous dwelling, an intracerebral dwelling, an intraperitoneal dwelling, an intracisternal dwelling, an intrathecal dwelling, and an intravascular dwelling. 
   
   
       3 . The interface device of  claim 1 , wherein the animal interface is a catheter. 
   
   
       4 . The interface device of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is a fluid connector. 
   
   
       5 . The interface device of  claim 1 , wherein the connector includes a sealing member that closes off the conduit when the interface device is not coupled to the tethered conduit. 
   
   
       6 . The interface device of  claim 1 , wherein the skirt has an upper surface and a lower surface, the space is between the lower surface and outer surface of the animal, the conduit passes from through the skirt from the upper surface and into the space. 
   
   
       7 . The interface device of  claim 1 , wherein the skirt is permanently attached to the conduit. 
   
   
       8 . The interface device of  claim 1 , further comprising the animal having the interface device attached thereto. 
   
   
       9 . A method of coupling an animal interface proximate to the outer surface of an animal to a tethered conduit comprising:
 providing a conduit affixed to a skirt, the conduit having an internal end and an external end, the internal end to be coupled to the animal interface, the external end including a connector configured to be attached to the tethered conduit, the skirt axially extending from the conduit; and   securely affixing the skirt to the animal to form a space between the outer surface of the animal and the skirt which covers and protects the animal interface from the animal.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising coupling the internal end of the conduit to the animal. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein coupling the internal end of the conduit to the animal comprises forming an interface that is one of the group consisting of percutaneous dwelling, an implanted dwelling, a subcutaneous dwelling, an intracerebral dwelling, an intraperitoneal dwelling, an intracisternal dwelling, an intrathecal dwelling, and an intravascular dwelling. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein coupling the internal end to the animal includes coupling a catheter to the animal. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising coupling the tethered conduit to the connector. 
   
   
       14 . An interface device for providing a coupling between an animal interface proximate to the outer surface of an animal body and an external device comprising:
 a skirt having a first end and a second end, the second end configured to engage the outer surface of the animal body and to form a space between the animal body outer surface and the skirt;   a conduit secured to the skirt and passing from the first end of the skirt to the second end of the skirt and having a first conduit end and a second conduit end, the first conduit end including a connector that is connectable to the external device, the second end for coupling to the animal interface; and   a securement device configured to secure the skirt to the animal body surface to cover and protect the animal interface.   
   
   
       15 . The interface device of  claim 14 , wherein the animal interface is selected from the group consisting of percutaneous dwelling, an implanted dwelling, a subcutaneous dwelling, an intracerebral dwelling, an intraperitoneal dwelling, an intracisternal dwelling, an intrathecal dwelling, and an intravascular dwelling. 
   
   
       16 . The interface device of  claim 14 , wherein the animal interface is a catheter. 
   
   
       17 . The interface device of  claim 14 , wherein the connector is a fluid connector. 
   
   
       18 . The interface device of  claim 14 , wherein the conduit is configured to facilitate coupling of electrical signals from the animal interface to the external device. 
   
   
       19 . The interface device of  claim 14 , wherein the conduit is permanently attached to the skirt. 
   
   
       20 . The interface device of  claim 14 , further comprising the animal having the interface device attached thereto. 
   
   
       21 . A laboratory test system coupled to the interface device of  claim 14 , the test system including:
 a containment for containing the animal; and   an electronically controlled instrument.