Medical device adapter

Abstract

An adapter constructed to have a proximal portion that interfaces with the internal lumen of a medical device and a distal portion that modifies, augments or extends the configuration or intended use of the medical device. The proximal portion of the adapter interfaces with the internal lumen of the medical device in a manner to secure the adapter to the medical device during use. The distal portion of the adapter is generally outside the lumen of the catheter or device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An adapter for a medical device comprises:
 an elongate body; and   an attachment element comprising a first portion connected to the elongate body and a second portion comprising a compressible element, wherein the compressible element is configured to engage a distal end of an inner lumen of a medical device to securely couple the adapter to the medical device.   
     
     
         2 . The adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment element is located at a proximal portion of the elongate body. 
     
     
         3 . The adapter of  claim 2 , wherein the compressible element is further configured to be compressed and inserted inside of the distal end of the inner lumen of the medical device. 
     
     
         4 . The adapter of  claim 3 , wherein the second portion of the attachment element is distal to the first portion of the attachment element. 
     
     
         5 . The adapter of  claim 4 , further configured such that a distal portion of the elongate body extends beyond the distal end of the inner lumen of the medical device when the adapter is coupled to the medical device. 
     
     
         6 . The adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the attachment element comprises a metallic structure. 
     
     
         7 . The adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the attachment element comprises a coil structure. 
     
     
         8 . The adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the attachment element comprises a braided structure. 
     
     
         9 . The adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the medical device is a catheter. 
     
     
         10 . The adapter of  claim 9 , wherein the elongate body further comprises a lumen.