Medical valve with positive flow characteristics

Abstract

A medical valve device for use in selectively establishing a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a body defining a passage from a first port to a second port. The valve defines a first fluid volume when both medical implements are connected thereto, and a second, smaller volume when one of the implements is disconnected, thereby causing a positive flow of fluid from the valve to the second medical implement when the first implement is disconnected.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 879,364 filed Jun. 12, 2001, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 078,941 filed May 14, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 767,587 filed Dec. 16, 1996, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to a medical valve, and in particular to a valve which, when connected between a first medical implement, such as a fluid source, and a second medical implement, such as a catheter, facilitates fluid flow therebetween, and when the first medical implement is disconnected therefrom, induces a positive flow of fluid through the valve in the direction of the second medical implement. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The manipulation of fluids for pareriteral administration in hospitals and medical settings routinely involves the use of connectors...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] Most importantly, the valve is arranged to provide a positive flow (i.e. the movement of fluid in the direction out of the valve as opposed to into the valve) when one of the medical implements is disconnected therefrom. At the same time, the valve is safe, reliable and capable of being used repeatedly, is simple to manufacture and use, and is suitable for high pressure applications.

[0018] The valve of the present invention has a fluid space which expands upon connection of the second medical implement and contracts upon disconnection of the medical implement. When the valve is connected to a catheter, disconnection of the second medical implement creates a positive flow from the valve to the catheter tip upon disconnection of the medical implement to avoid the potential problems of blood-clogging. The valve is particularly suited for applications with a catheter where it is desirable to avoid negative flow, but may be used for other applications as well.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, prior art valves suffer from a problem arising from the disconnection of these medical implements from the valve.

A problem arises when the medical implement is disconnected from the valve.

In the medical setting, this movement of fluid is very undesirable.

A serious problem may result in that this blood may clot and clog the catheter near its tip, rendering it inoperable, and may even result in a clot of blood in the patient, which may prove fatal.

This method has generally been unsuccessful in preventing clogging of the catheter.

The risk of blood clogging of the catheter is significantly heightened where the inner diameter of the catheter is small (e.g., 27 gauge).

Because these catheters have a very small passage therethrough, even a small suction force may draw sufficient amount of fluid back through a catheter toward the valve to introduce blood into the catheter tip, which blood may clog the catheter's passage.

Overcoming the above-stated problem is made more difficult when considering other criteria which the valve must satisfy.

If the fluid is allowed to stagnate in one or more areas of the valve, bacteria growth and other problems may occur.

Sharp edges and corners may damage blood cells and cause hemolysis.

Images