Disposable tubular device and method

Abstract

A disposable tubular device adapted for releasable and sealing connection to a medical instrument for transporting fluid between a patient and the instrument comprises a generally pliable elongate tube of resilient material extending substantially the entire length of the device and a tube-support structure extending substantially the entire length of the tube. The medical instrument has a nipple with a fluid passageway therethrough and the tube has a proximal end configured to be slidably pushed onto the nipple of the medical instrument to a position in which the nipple fits snugly inside the proximal end of the tube. The tube further comprises a distal end and an elongate fluid passageway extending through the tube from its proximal end to its distal end. The fluid passageway is configured to communicate with the fluid passageway of the nipple when the proximal end of the tube is on the nipple. The tube is sufficiently pliable to expand radially outwardly at its proximal end when the proximal end is pushed on the nipple and sufficiently resilient to form a continuous seal around the nipple for sealing against fluid leakage between the nipple and the tube when fluid flows through the passageways. The tube-support structure has a stiffness greater than that of the tube and sufficient to maintain the tube in a selected operative position.