Summary:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiology have developed an innovative catheter connector that improves fluid flow while maintaining compatibility with standard Luer-lock catheters and tubing.
Background:
Luer-lock connectors are the industry standard for providing a secure, watertight means to interconnect tubing and catheters. However, when used with large diameter catheters, they impede fluid flow due to their narrower inner diameter, and they can occlude in the presence of thick or particulate-laden fluids. This shortcoming is frequently observed in fluid collection drainage procedures, where flow restriction from the Luer-lock connection can lead to inadequate drainage, need for additional procedures, and longer catheter indwell time. To improve the efficacy and efficiency of drainage procedures, an innovative solution is required to increase the flow rate through tubing connectors while maintaining secureness and simplicity.
Innovation:
Dr. Justin McWilliams and his colleagues in the Department of Radiology at UCLA have developed a new Luer-based catheter connector that improves fluid flow and eliminates “choke-point” issues. With a cross-sectional area that are two to four times larger than standard Luer-lock, the Lamprey Lock serves as a less restrictive alternative and can improve the efficiency of drainage and fluid delivery procedures. It attaches simply and securely to a standard female Luer connection using a familiar twist-on and twist-off motion, creating a water-tight seal with a large inner aperture. The novel Lamprey Lock design is easy to use and can be applied to any Luer connection where higher flow rates are desirable, including abscess drainage, pleural drainage, biliary and nephrostomy tubes, thrombectomy procedures, and rapid infusion of fluids or blood products.
Patent:
Lamprey lock device
Potential Applications:
- Draining abscesses
- Delivery of fluids
- Surgical tools
- Medical devices
- Interventional radiology
- Dialysis applications
Related Materials:
- Roberts, D., Goudie, M., Kim, A., Kim, H., Khademhosseini, A., McWilliams, J. Novel Duel-Lumen Drainage Catheter to Enhance the Active Evacuation of Complex Fluid Collections. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 2021.
Status of Development:
Technology has been reduced to practice in a laboratory setting and the development of a working prototype for in vivo testing is in progress with CDMOs.