Medical valve with positive flow characteristics
First Claim
1. A medical valve for selectively permitting fluid to flow between a first medical device and a second medical device, the valve comprising:
- a housing having an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of the first medical device; and
a seal element made of a flexible material, the seal element having a downstream end in fluid communication with the interface, an upstream end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and a normally substantially closed passage in fluid communication with the downstream end and the upstream end, the seal element comprising;
a body made of flexible material and having a downstream end and an upstream end opposite the downstream end; and
a transverse flange near an upstream end of the body, the transverse flange having at least one opening in fluid communication with the passage; and
wherein the seal body has a generally rectangular shape, and the passage is generally substantially planar in an undisturbed state.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.
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Citations
1 Claim
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1. A medical valve for selectively permitting fluid to flow between a first medical device and a second medical device, the valve comprising:
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a housing having an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of the first medical device; and
a seal element made of a flexible material, the seal element having a downstream end in fluid communication with the interface, an upstream end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and a normally substantially closed passage in fluid communication with the downstream end and the upstream end, the seal element comprising;
a body made of flexible material and having a downstream end and an upstream end opposite the downstream end; and
a transverse flange near an upstream end of the body, the transverse flange having at least one opening in fluid communication with the passage; and
wherein the seal body has a generally rectangular shape, and the passage is generally substantially planar in an undisturbed state.
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Specification