A device to couple a vascular access device to a medical device may include a body, a spring, and a housing. The body may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end. The proximal end of the body may include a connector. The housing may be coupled to a proximal end of the spring and may enclose the connector. A distal end of the spring may be coupled to the body. The housing may include a flap, which may include an antimicrobial compound. When the housing is disposed in a proximal position, the flap may cover the connector, the antimicrobial compound may contact the connector, and the spring may be uncompressed. In response to movement of the housing from the proximal position to a distal position, the spring may be compressed and the flap may open.

In some embodiments, a medical fluid connector is configured to receive an emitter of therapeutic agents to be emitted into a fluid pathway within the connector, the medical fluid connector comprising a proximal female end, an intermediate region, a distal male end, and a fluid pathway extending from the proximal female end, through the intermediate region, to the distal male end. A retaining structure is positioned within the intermediate region. The retaining structure is configured to securely receive an emitter of one or more therapeutic agents in a position and orientation where the fluid pathway is configured to convey fluid moving longitudinally through the fluid pathway directly into a proximal region of the emitter, around one or more lateral surfaces of the emitter, and toward the distal male end.

In some embodiments, a medical fluid connector is configured to receive an emitter of therapeutic agents to be emitted into a fluid pathway within the connector, the medical fluid connector comprising a proximal female end, an intermediate region, a distal male end, and a fluid pathway extending from the proximal female end, through the intermediate region, to the distal male end. A retaining structure is positioned within the intermediate region. The retaining structure is configured to securely receive an emitter of one or more therapeutic agents in a position and orientation where the fluid pathway is configured to convey fluid moving longitudinally through the fluid pathway directly into a proximal region of the emitter, around one or more lateral surfaces of the emitter, and toward the distal male end.

A method of selecting a breakaway connector apparatus for attachment to a needle-free connector on an intravenous (IV) line is provided. The method includes providing a needle-free connector for attachment to a breakaway connector. The needle-free connector includes a push-out force associated with the needle-free connector. The method further includes identifying the push-out force imparted by the needle-free connector, and identifying a desired range of separation force associated with separating a first portion of the IV line from a second portion of the IV line. The method further includes selecting a breakaway connector device including a housing and a breakaway component that is configured to detach from the housing when a breakaway force is applied to the device, such that a sum of the breakaway force and the push-out force is within the desired range of separation force.

A method of selecting a breakaway connector apparatus for attachment to a needle-free connector on an intravenous (IV) line is provided. The method includes providing a needle-free connector for attachment to a breakaway connector. The needle-free connector includes a push-out force associated with the needle-free connector. The method further includes identifying the push-out force imparted by the needle-free connector, and identifying a desired range of separation force associated with separating a first portion of the IV line from a second portion of the IV line. The method further includes selecting a breakaway connector device including a housing and a breakaway component that is configured to detach from the housing when a breakaway force is applied to the device, such that a sum of the breakaway force and the push-out force is within the desired range of separation force.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, for example medical tubing, and methods of making and using such a connector system, whereby the connector system includes a female coupler having a first passageway, a male coupler having a second passageway, a catch movably coupled to the female coupler, and a catch-receiving element coupled to the male coupler. The connector system further includes a release element movably coupled to the female coupler, whereby travel of the release element along or over a female coupler outer surface of the female coupler disengages the catch from the catch-receiving element to achieve a disconnected condition of the connector system. Further disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, whereby the connector system includes at least one valve biased by a valve-biasing member disposed external to or outside of the fluid flow path.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, for example medical tubing, and methods of making and using such a connector system, whereby the connector system includes a female coupler having a first passageway, a male coupler having a second passageway, a catch movably coupled to the female coupler, and a catch-receiving element coupled to the male coupler. The connector system further includes a release element movably coupled to the female coupler, whereby travel of the release element along or over a female coupler outer surface of the female coupler disengages the catch from the catch-receiving element to achieve a disconnected condition of the connector system. Further disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, whereby the connector system includes at least one valve biased by a valve-biasing member disposed external to or outside of the fluid flow path.

A connector includes: a male connector portion; a first female connector portion; and a second female connector portion. The connector defines a flow path therein. The male connector portion is shaped to be connectable to a medical device female connector portion that is equal in shape to the first female connector portion. The male connector portion is shaped to not be connectable to a medical device female connector portion that is equal in shape to the second female connector portion.

A connector includes: a male connector portion; a first female connector portion; and a second female connector portion. The connector defines a flow path therein. The male connector portion is shaped to be connectable to a medical device female connector portion that is equal in shape to the first female connector portion. The male connector portion is shaped to not be connectable to a medical device female connector portion that is equal in shape to the second female connector portion.

A connector is provided comprising first and second hollow connector bodies, the connector having a first expanded position providing a first fluid flow path through the first hollow connector body, and a second collapsed position providing a second fluid flow path through the first and second hollow connector bodies.