Abstract:
A flushable catheter assembly (300) having features to enable selective activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly is disclosed herein. A septum (356) is placed within the catheter adapter (314) of the catheter assembly and includes a pathway that is closed prior to being biased open via a septum activator (380) also positioned within the catheter adapter. A plurality of air vent channels (70) is interposed between the septum and the inner surface (60) of the catheter adapter to permit "flashback" of blood during insertion of the catheter into a patient. The septum activator is advanced through the pathway of the septum as a coupler is attached to a proximal opening of the catheter adapter.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for positioning a compression member about the septum of a seal member. In one embodiment, a source of low pressure or vacuum is provided to draw the septum of seal member into the hollow body of the compression member. In an alternative embodiment, a molding apparatus is provided which is dimensioned to receive a compression member and configured to facilitate molding of the septum within the compression member. In another embodiment, the septum of the seal member includes a septum having a tab extending from the septum. The tab is configured to assist positioned of a compression member about the septum.
Abstract:
Catheter assemblies are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to catheter assemblies having a tip protector, a valve, a valve opener, and optionally a needle wiper. The valve opener is disposed inside a catheter hub and is configured to be pushed by an IV set luer connector to open a valve following successful catheterization to pass fluids or other solutions through the catheter. A tip protector is incorporated to block the needle tip and prevent the same from accidental needle stick. A wiper is optionally included to wipe blood deposits on the needle when the same is retracted from the catheter.
Abstract:
An iris-type valve assembly for controlling a flow of fluid. The assembly comprises a base member, a rotatable member, and an elongated elastomeric valve sheath. The distal end of the valve sheath is secured to the base member and the proximal end of the valve sheath is secured to the rotatable member. At least one of the vale sheath ends includes a flange that is secured to a valve-receiving surface of the base member or the rotatable member. The base member and the rotatable member are aligned to define an elongated passageway therethrough for passage of an interventional device, and the elastomeric valve sheath is disposed along the passageway and has a longitudinal opening therethrough for passage of the interventional device. Upon rotation of the rotatable member relative to the base member the longitudinal opening of the valve sheath is selectively constrictable to comprise a seal around the interventional device. The assembly may be provided with ratcheting members to inhibit recoil of the rotatable member, and rib members along the inner surface of the valve sheath to enhance the seal provided by the assembly.
Abstract:
A hemostasis valve includes a single gland (16) with multiple offset longitudinal slits (32/34) that do no extend through the gland (16) completely. The multiple slits (32/34) from a complex pathway for the guide dilator/catheter (58) and thus a better seal. The offset slits (32/34) are joined by a lateral cut (36) in the gland. When a guide wire or dilator/catheter (58) is introduced into the introducer, the gland (16) deforms sufficiently to allow the guide wire or other device (58) to move through the first slits (32), the lateral cut (36) and the second slits (34). This complex pathway or slit provides a larger sealing surface thereby creating a better seal. As a result, effective seals may be formed around relatively large, as compared to the inner diameter of an introducer sheath, catheters.
Abstract:
A hemostasis cannula unit (70) including a valve housing (90), a cap (80), and a hemostasis valve (10), wherein the hemostasis valve (10) includes a proximal valve gasket (20) and a distal valve gasket (40) compressed by the valve housing (90), wherein the proximal valve gasket (20) is the same shape as the distal valve gasket (40). In order to restrict axial rotation of the proximal valve gasket (20) in relation to the distal valve gasket (40), a positioning protusion (52) of the distal gasket (40) interacts with a positioning slot (34) of the proximal valve gasket (20).
Abstract:
An introducer assembly and methods of use are provided, wherein the assembly comprises a main flexible sheath (24) for insertion into a blood vessel, the sheath (24) having a proximal end (23) including a dual valve arrangement (25, 26).
Abstract:
A valve (10) useful as a fluid flow check valve or as a self-sealing, penetrable, hemostatic valve for sealing a catheter introducer (12) includes a seal (26) which is highly resistant to tearing and leakage, yet is capable of accepting repeated penetrations by devices of a wide variety of diameters. The seal (26) is disk-shaped and is composed of a thermoplastic styrenic elastomer, such as a styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer, of low durometer (a hardness of no more than about 30 Shore A). The seal (26) is preferably contained in a valve body (40) and is compressed between a valve seat (48) in the valve body (40) and a cap (56) connected to the valve body (40). The seal (26) includes at least one perforation (34) closed by such compression. This compression also provides the seal (26) with a proximal or upstream concave surface (30), making it highly resistant to inversion during repeated removals and manipulations of interventional devices passing through the valve (10). The valve (10) of the present invention is particularly advantageous in that is seals the introducer (12) with a high degree of effectiveness when no interventional device lies across its seal (26), and in that it offers a high resistance to tearing when penetrated by devices of large diameter. The valve (10) also allows the easy passage of devices without interfering with tactile feedback ("feel") from them.
Abstract:
The invention relates to instruments for introducing catheters, comprising a haemostatic valve, used for introducing a catheter into a blood vessel. The haemostatic valve is accommodated in a two-part housing (1, 2). Between the two parts of the instruments' housing (1, 2) is at least one sealing element (10), having a positive and/or non-positive fit, designed to allow elongated component parts to be passed through in a sealing manner. The invention is characterized in that the sealing element (10) consists of at least one sealing washer (103) made of a soft, elastic foam plastic.
Abstract:
This invention is a hemostasis cannula comprising a housing (10) having a passage (11) therethrough sized to receive a catheter and a valve body (1') mounted in the passage. The valve body (1') includes an opening (3') therethrough which forms a seal around a catheter enclosed within the cannula. When the catheter is removed, the valve body (1') closes thus blocking airflow into the patient's blood vessel, and also blocking blood flow out of the patient's blood vessel. The cannula housing (10) also includes a side port (47) for introducing fluids into the patient's blood vessel.