Valve with sampling and purge ports

Abstract

A valve for use in an extracorporeal blood circulation system, the valve comprising: a valve port extending at an angle from a main cavity, the valve port defining a valve cavity; an access port extending at an angle from the valve cavity and defining an access cavity in fluid communication with the valve cavity; and a valve element disposed in the valve port. The valve element is movable between a closed position, in which the valve element engages a sidewall of the valve chamber to prevent fluid flow through the access chamber, and an open position, in which the valve element is retracted relative to the closed position to allow fluid flow through the valve chamber and into the access chamber.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to valves for controlling fluid flow, and more particularly to valves with a sampling port and / or a purge port. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0002] Extracorporeal blood circulation is an important component of modern medical care. Various types of extracorporeal blood circulation systems such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machines, heart-lung machines, cardiopulmonary bypass machines, pump-assisted lung protection machines, and dialysis machines can be used to provide cardiac and / or respiratory support to individuals whose own heart and / or lungs cannot sustain life. During installation of such systems, connection of such systems to a patient, and throughout operation, it can be necessary or desirable to access the fluid circuit of the system to perform various functions. For example, it can be necessary to purge air from the fluid circuit to prevent air from being injected into the patient. In some cases, it can be necessary or desirable to draw blood from the fluid circuit for analysis. These and other functions can be performed via a valve that can be opened and closed to provide selective access to the fluid circuit.

[0003] While conventional valves can be able to provide the necessary access to the fluid circuit, they also have inherent drawbacks that can pose risks to the patient. In particular, the structure of conventional valves includes obstructions that are impacted by blood flow through the valve. Conventional valves exacerbate hemolysis through edge / corner portions due to the merging of ports in the blood path. Conventional valves also increase the risk of blood clotting due to a “dead zone” in which blood stagnates in the blood path under “normal” conditions when the valve is closed. Conventional purge ports also include a purge port that is press-fit into the housing. As a result, the disinfectant gas cannot reach the stopcock or the portion of the purge port that is later exposed to blood in application. This impact can cause red blood cells to rupture, resulting in conditions such as hemolysis. Furthermore, the obstructions in conventional valves can cause unwanted blood clotting in the valve. SUMMARY

[0004] In view of the above, there is a need for a valve for use in an extracorporeal circulation system that allows for the implementation of sampling, purging, and the like, while eliminating negative effects on blood. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a valve for use in an extracorporeal blood circulation system. The valve includes a valve port defining a valve cavity, an access port extending at an angle from the valve cavity and defining an access cavity in fluid communication with the valve cavity, and a valve element disposed in the valve port. The valve element is movable between a closed position in which the valve element engages a sidewall of the valve cavity to prevent fluid flow through the access cavity, and an open position in which the valve element is retracted relative to the closed position to allow fluid flow through the valve cavity and into the access cavity.

[0005] In some embodiments, the valve port has a tapered sidewall that narrows in a direction toward the main cavity, and the valve element includes a tapered pin configured to seal against the tapered sidewall in the closed position.

[0006] In some embodiments, the tapered sidewall has a tapering angle in a range of 3° to 15°.

[0007] In some embodiments, the tapered sidewall functions as a stop preventing the tapered pin from extending into the main cavity.

[0008] In some embodiments, in the closed position of the valve element, the distal end of the valve element is substantially flush with an inner sidewall of a main fluid path component to which the valve can be fluidly connected.

[0009] In some embodiments, the valve element includes a protrusion for adjusting the valve element between the closed position and the open position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the valve port includes a threaded section, and the proximal end of the valve element is threaded to engage the threaded section of the valve port.

[0011] In some embodiments, the threaded section includes a threaded insert connected to the valve port.

[0012] In some embodiments, the valve port extends at an angle of about 90° from a main fluid path component to which the valve can be fluidly connected.

[0013] In some embodiments, the access port extends from the valve port at an angle in a range of about 30° to 90°.

[0014] In some embodiments, the access port includes a luer fitting.

[0015] In some embodiments, the valve further includes a seal disposed in the valve port for preventing fluid flow between the valve element and a sidewall of the valve port.

[0016] In some embodiments, the extracorporeal blood circulation system is selected from a group comprising an ECMO machine, a heart-lung machine, a heart-lung bypass machine, a pump-assisted lung protection machine, and a dialysis machine.

[0017] Other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to extracorporeal blood circulation systems including a fluid path component and a valve. The valve includes a main fluid path component defining a longitudinal axis and a main lumen extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a valve port extending at an angle from the main lumen, the valve port defining a valve lumen in fluid communication with the main lumen, an access port extending at an angle from the valve lumen and defining an access lumen in fluid communication with the valve lumen, and a valve element disposed in the valve port. The valve element is movable between a closed position in which the valve element engages a sidewall of the valve lumen to prevent fluid flow from the main lumen to the access lumen and an open position in which the valve element is retracted relative to the closed position to allow fluid flow from the main lumen through the valve lumen and into the access lumen. The main fluid path component is internally disposed in a fluid path of the fluid path component.

[0018] In some embodiments, the fluid path component includes at least one of an oxygenator and a heat exchanger.

[0019] In some embodiments, the valve port has a tapered sidewall that narrows in a direction toward the main lumen, and the valve element includes a tapered pin configured to seal against the tapered sidewall in the closed position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the tapered sidewall has a tapering angle in a range of 3° to 15°.

[0021] In some embodiments, the tapered sidewall functions as a stop to prevent the tapered pin from extending into the main lumen.

[0022] In some embodiments, in the closed position of the valve element, a distal end of the valve element is substantially flush with an inner sidewall of the main fluid path component.

[0023] In some embodiments, the valve element includes a protrusion for adjusting the valve element between the closed position and the open position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the valve port includes a threaded section, and a proximal end of the valve element is threaded to engage the threaded section of the valve port.

[0025] In some embodiments, the threaded section includes a threaded insert connected to the valve port.

[0026] In some embodiments, the valve port extends at an angle of approximately 90° from the main fluid path component.

[0027] In some embodiments, the access port extends at an angle in a range of approximately 30° to 90° from the valve port.

[0028] In some embodiments, the access port includes a luer fitting.

[0029] In some embodiments, the valve further includes a seal disposed in the valve port for preventing fluid flow between the valve element and a sidewall of the valve port.

[0030] In some embodiments, the extracorporeal blood circulation system is selected from the group consisting of an ECMO machine, a heart-lung machine, a heart-lung bypass machine, a pump-assisted lung protection machine, and a dialysis machine.

[0031] In another embodiment, a valve for use in an extracorporeal blood circulation system can include a valve port defining a valve lumen in fluid communication with a main lumen; a valve element disposed in the valve port, wherein the valve element defines a fluid path channel and is configured to move between: a closed position in which the valve element engages a sidewall of the valve lumen to prevent fluid flow through the access lumen; and an open position in which the valve element is retracted relative to the closed position to allow fluid flow through the valve lumen and into the access lumen; and an access port formed on a proximal end of the valve element and defining an access lumen in fluid communication with the valve lumen.

[0032] In another embodiment, the access port includes a luer lock.

[0033] In another embodiment, the fluid path channel extends from a distal end of the valve element to a proximal end of the valve element.

[0034] In another embodiment, the valve port has a tapered sidewall that narrows in a direction toward the main lumen; and wherein the valve element includes a tapered pin configured to seal against the tapered sidewall in the closed position.

[0035] In another embodiment, the tapered sidewall has a tapering angle in a range of 3° to 15°.

[0036] In another embodiment, the tapered sidewall functions as a stop preventing the tapered pin from extending into a main fluid path component to which the valve can be fluidly connected.

[0037] In another embodiment, in the closed position of the valve element, the distal end of the valve element is substantially flush with an inner sidewall of a main fluid path component to which the valve can be fluidly connected.

[0038] In another embodiment, a seal is disposed in the valve port for preventing fluid flow between the valve element and a sidewall of the valve port.

[0039] In another embodiment, the extracorporeal blood circulation system is selected from the group consisting of an ECMO machine, a heart-lung machine, a heart-lung bypass machine, a pump-assisted lung protection machine, and a dialysis machine.

[0040] More details and advantages of the various non-limiting examples described in detail herein will become clear to the skilled person upon reading the detailed description of various non-limiting examples below, with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 1 taken along line A-A in an open position;

[0043] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 1 taken along line A-A in a closed position;

[0044] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 1 taken along line A-A in an open position;

[0045] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an oxygenator assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the valve is in a closed position.

[0047] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the valve of Figure 6 in an open position.

[0048] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 6 in a closed position.

[0049] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of Figure 6 in an open position.

[0050] The present disclosure relates generally to an extracorporeal circulation system and a fluid heating pump assembly for use in such system, with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as it is oriented in the drawing figures. Spatial or directional terms, such as "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "above", "below", and the like, are not to be considered as limiting but are intended to aid in the description of the disclosed embodiments.

[0052] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0053] All numbers used herein to indicate amounts of material, physical properties and / or size of components should be understood to include amounts of the term "about" unless otherwise explicitly indicated. The terms "about", "approximately" and "substantially" mean a range of plus or minus ten percent of the value being described.

[0054] As used herein, the term "at least one of' is synonymous with "one or more of'. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means any one of A, B, and C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, and C. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes one or more of A alone; or one or more of B alone; or one or more of C alone; or one or more of A together with one or more of B; or one or more of A together with one or more of C; or one or more of B together with one or more of C; or all of A, B, and C together in any combination. Similarly, as used herein, the term "at least two of' is synonymous with "two or more of'. For example, the phrase "at least two of D, E, and F" means any combination of any two or more of D, E, and F. For example, "at least two of D, E, and F" includes one or more of D together with one or more of E; or one or more of D together with one or more of F; or one or more of E together with one or more of F; or all of D, E, and F together in any combination.

[0055] It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0056] The terms "first", "second", etc. are not intended to refer to any particular order or time sequence, but rather to distinguish different conditions, characteristics, or elements.

[0057] The term "at least" is synonymous with "greater than or equal to". The term "no more than" is synonymous with "less than or equal to".

[0058] It should be understood that the present disclosure can take alternative variations and order of steps unless explicitly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0059] Reference will now be made to Figures 1 to 4 The present disclosure relates to a valve 100 for controlling the flow of a fluid, and in particular for allowing sampling and / or purging of a fluid. The valve 100 can be used in any fluid flow system, but can be particularly suitable for use in extracorporeal blood circulation systems, such as ECMO machines, heart-lung machines, cardiopulmonary bypass machines, pump-assisted lung protection machines, and dialysis machines. The valve 100 comprises a main fluid path component 110 through which fluid flows within the valve 100. The main fluid path component 110 defines a longitudinal axis 112 extending from a first end 120 of the fluid path component 110 to a second end 122 of the fluid path component 110. A main lumen 114 defined by an inner side wall 124 of the main fluid path component 110 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 112. In use, fluid can flow through the main lumen 114 between the first end 120 and the second end 122 in the general direction of the longitudinal axis 112 from the first end 120 to the second end 122, and fluid can flow through the main lumen 114 between the first end 120 and the second end 122 in the general direction of the longitudinal axis 112 from the second end 122 to the first end 120. In some embodiments, flow through the main fluid path component 110 is bidirectional, meaning that the first end 120 can be used as an inlet and / or outlet, and likewise the second end 122 can be used as an inlet and / or outlet. Thus, the valve 100 can be installed in a fluid flow system in either orientation relative to the direction of flow of the fluid. Each of the first end 120 and the second end 122 of the main fluid path component 110 can comprise a connector, such as a luer lock, a bayonet connector, a slide fitment, or the like, for suitable connection to an adjacent component of the system.

[0060] The valve 100 further comprises a valve port 130 extending from the main fluid path component 110. The valve port 130 has an inner side wall 132 defining a valve lumen 134 extending parallel to a valve axis 136. The valve lumen 134 is in fluid communication with the main lumen 114 of the main fluid path component 110 when the valve 100 is in an open position. The angle Θ between the longitudinal axis 112 and the valve axis 136 can be approximately 90°. It is also envisaged that the valve axis 136 can be at an angle other than 90°. A valve element 140 is disposed in the valve lumen 134 and is configured to translate along the valve axis 136. The valve element 140 can be in the form of a pin having a tapered distal end 142. The inner side wall 132 of the valve port 130 can taper such that the valve lumen 134 is frustoconical in shape. The taper of the inner side wall 132 can be complementary to the shape of the tapered distal end 142 of the valve element 140 such that, when the valve element 140 is in the closed position shown in Figure 1, the engagement between the inner side wall 132 and the distal end 142 forms a substantially fluid-tight seal. Figure 3 The valve 100 further comprises a valve port 130 extending from the main fluid path component 110. The valve port 130 has an inner side wall 132 defining a valve lumen 134 extending parallel to a valve axis 136. The valve lumen 134 is in fluid communication with the main lumen 114 of the main fluid path component 110 when the valve 100 is in an open position. The angle Θ between the longitudinal axis 112 and the valve axis 136 can be approximately 90°. It is also envisaged that the valve axis 136 can be at an angle other than 90°. A valve element 140 is disposed in the valve lumen 134 and is configured to translate along the valve axis 136. The valve element 140 can be in the form of a pin having a tapered distal end 142. The inner side wall 132 of the valve port 130 can taper such that the valve lumen 134 is frustoconical in shape. The taper of the inner side wall 132 can be complementary to the shape of the tapered distal end 142 of the valve element 140 such that, when the valve element 140 is in the closed position shown in Figure 1, the engagement between the inner side wall 132 and the distal end 142 forms a substantially fluid-tight seal.

[0061] Valve 100 also includes an access port 150 extending from the fluid path component valve port 130. As will be described herein, access port 150 can be used to obtain or add fluid samples from the main chamber 114 and / or to purge the main chamber 114. Access port 150 defines an access cavity 152 extending along an access axis 154. Access cavity 152 is in fluid communication with valve cavity 134 when valve 100 is in the open position. Access axis 154 may extend relative to valve axis 136 at an angle β, wherein angle β is in the range of approximately 20° to 70°, and approximately 45° in some embodiments. In another example, angle β is in the range of approximately 30° to 90°. Access port 150 may include a fitting 156 for connection to another component, such as a Luer fitting.

[0062] Valve element 140 can be in two states, namely Figure 3 The closed position shown in the figure is the same as Figure 2 and Figure 4 The valve element 140 moves between the open and closed positions as illustrated in the diagram. As previously described, in the closed position, the valve element 140 forms a substantially fluid-tight seal with the inner wall 132 of the valve port 130. Specifically, the tapered distal end 142 of the valve element 140 engages a complementary tapered portion of the inner wall 132 to produce a substantially fluid-tight engagement. In some embodiments, the tapering angle between the valve element 140 and the inner wall 132 can be in the range of approximately 1° to approximately 15°. In another example, the tapering angle between the valve element 140 and the inner wall 132 can be 3° to 15°. In the closed position, the valve element 140 extends through the opening 158 between the valve chamber 134 and the access chamber 152, thereby preventing fluid from flowing from the main chamber 114 into the valve chamber 134 and ultimately into the access chamber 152. Also in the closed position, the end face 144 of valve element 140 is substantially flush with the side wall 124 of main fluid path component 110 to provide a smooth transition through which fluid can flow across the main cavity 114. The tapered portion of the inner side wall 132 can serve as a stop or restriction to prevent valve element 140 from protruding significantly beyond the side wall 124 of main fluid path component 110 into the main cavity 114. The flush, smooth transition between the side wall 124 and the end face 144 of main fluid path component 110 has no protruding edges that could cause undesirable clotting of fluid (e.g., blood) flowing in the main cavity 114 and / or potentially cause shocks that could lead to conditions such as hemolysis.

[0063] In order to use valve 100 for sampling or purging, valve element 140 from Figure 3 The closed position shown in the figure has been moved to... Figure 2 and Figure 4The diagram illustrates the open position. In the open position, the end face 144 of valve element 140 retracts away from the sidewall 124 of the main cavity 114 to allow fluid flow into valve cavity 134. The end face 144 is spaced apart from the sidewall 124, allowing fluid to flow from the main cavity 114 into valve cavity 134, through opening 158, and ultimately into access cavity 152. As valve element 140 retracts to this position, the fluid-tight engagement between the tapered distal end 142 and the inner sidewall 132 is no longer present, thus fluid may flow between the inner sidewall 132 and valve element 140. To prevent this, one or more seals 160 (e.g., O-rings) are provided around valve element 140.

[0064] Refer again Figures 1 to 4 Valve element 140 can be threaded into valve port 130, such that rotating valve element 140 moves valve element 140 along (i.e., parallel to) valve axis 134. Specifically, rotating valve element 140 in one direction moves valve element 140 from the open position (see...) Figure 2 and Figure 4 Move to the closed position (see) Figure 3 Rotating valve element 140 in the opposite direction moves valve element 140 from the closed position to the open position. Valve element 140 may include a knob 148 to allow clinicians to manually rotate valve element 140.

[0065] Valve element 140 may include an externally threaded portion 146 located proximal to the distal end 142. The externally threaded portion 146 engages a complementary internally threaded portion 172 of valve port 130. Specifically, the internally threaded portion 172 may be disposed on a threaded insert 170 arranged in valve port 130. The threaded insert 170 may be connected to valve port 130 via press fit, snap fit, adhesive, welding, etc. In addition to allowing rotation of valve element 140, the threaded insert 170 may also hold seal 160 in place within valve port 130. It is also conceivable that valve element 140 may be moved by a spring of a magnetic, electric, or pneumatic actuator.

[0066] To collect a sample of the fluid within the main chamber 114, the clinician connects a syringe (or other collection device) to the fitting 156 at the outlet port 150 and moves the valve element 140 to the open position (see [link]). Figure 2 and Figure 4 This allows fluid in the main chamber 114 to flow into the access chamber 152, as described above. The clinician then aspirates the fluid into a collection device connected to the access port 150 and returns valve element 140 to the closed position (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3 ).

[0067] To purge valve 100 and connected fluid components, the clinician connects a syringe (or other collection device) to fitting 156 at outlet port 150 and moves valve element 140 to the open position (see [link]). Figure 2 and Figure 4 This allows air in the main chamber 114 to flow into the access chamber 152. The clinician then draws air into a collection device connected to the access port 150, and once all air has been removed, returns valve element 140 to the closed position (see [link]). Figure 3 ).

[0068] Now refer to Figure 5 The valve 100 of this disclosure may be attached to or combined with another fluid path component 200 of the extracorporeal circulation system 300 (such as an oxygenator, heat exchanger, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the main fluid path component 110 is internally disposed in the fluid path of the component 200, wherein the access port 150 and at least the knob 148 of the valve element 140 protrude from the component 200 to allow a clinician to actuate the knob 148 and obtain a fluid sample 200 from the component and / or purge the component 200 via the access port 150.

[0069] Reference Figures 6 to 9 In another non-limiting embodiment or aspect of this disclosure, valve 300 is shown and described. Valve 300 can be fluidly connected to main fluid path component 110, similar to valve 100 described above. Valve 300 includes a valve port 330 extending from main fluid path component 110. Valve port 330 has an inner wall 332 defining a valve cavity 334 extending parallel to valve axis 336. Valve cavity 334 is in fluid communication with the main cavity of main fluid path component 110 when valve 300 is in the open position. Valve element 340 is disposed in valve cavity 334 and configured to translate along valve axis 336. Valve element 340 may be in the form of a pin having a tapered distal end 342. The inner wall 332 of valve port 330 may tapere such that valve cavity 334 is truncated cone in shape. The tapered portion of the inner wall 332 can complement the shape of the tapered distal end 342 of the valve element 340, so that when the valve element 340 is in Figure 6 When in the closed position shown, the engagement between the inner wall 332 and the distal end 342 forms a substantially fluid-tight seal.

[0070] Valve 300 may include an access port 350 integrally formed with valve element 340. Access port 350 may be located on the proximal end of valve element 340. In one example, access port 350 is a convex portion of a Luer lock.

[0071] Valve element 340 can be in two states, namely Figure 6 andFigure 8 The closed position shown in the figure is the same as Figure 7 and Figure 9 The valve element 340 moves between the open and closed positions as illustrated in the diagram. As previously described, in the closed position, the valve element 340 forms a substantially fluid-tight seal with the inner wall 332 of the valve port 330. Specifically, the tapered distal end 342 of the valve element 340 engages a complementary tapered portion of the inner wall 332 to produce a substantially fluid-tight engagement. In some embodiments, the tapering angle between the valve element 340 and the inner wall 332 can be in the range of approximately 1° to approximately 15°. In another example, the tapering angle between the valve element 340 and the inner wall 332 can be 3° to 15°. In the closed position, the valve element 340 extends through the opening 358 between the valve cavity 334 and the main fluid path component 110, thereby preventing fluid from flowing from the main fluid path component 110 into the valve cavity 334 and ultimately to the access port 350. Also in the closed position, the end face 344 of the valve element 340 is substantially flush with the side wall 124 of the main fluid path component 110 to provide a smooth transition through which fluid can flow across the main fluid path component 110. The tapered portion of the inner side wall 332 can serve as a stop or restriction to prevent the valve element 340 from protruding significantly beyond the side wall 124 of the main fluid path component 110. The flush, smooth transition between the side wall 124 and the end face 344 of the main fluid path component 110 has no protruding edges that could cause undesirable clotting of fluids (e.g., blood) flowing in the main fluid path component 110 and / or potentially cause shocks that could lead to conditions such as hemolysis.

[0072] In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of this disclosure, valve element 340 may define a fluid path passage 360 ​​extending from an opening in the distal end 342 of valve element 340 to an opposite opening in the proximal end of valve element 340. When valve element 340 is in the open position, a fluid path is established between the main fluid path component 110 and the access port 350 because the opening defined in the distal end 342 of valve element 340 is not flush with or in contact with the inner wall 332 of valve port 330.

[0073] Refer again Figures 6 to 9 The valve element 340 can be threaded into the valve port 330, such that rotating the valve element 340 moves the valve element 340 along (i.e., parallel to) the valve axis 336. Specifically, rotating the valve element 340 in one direction moves the valve element 340 from the open position (see...). Figure 7 and Figure 9 Move to the closed position (see) Figure 6 and Figure 8 Rotating the valve element 340 in the opposite direction moves the valve element 340 from the closed position to the open position.

[0074] Valve element 340 may include an externally threaded portion 346 located proximal to the distal end 342. The externally threaded portion 346 engages a complementary internally threaded portion 372 of valve port 330. Specifically, the internally threaded portion 372 may be disposed on a threaded insert 370 arranged in valve port 330. The threaded insert 370 may be connected to valve port 330 via press fit, snap fit, adhesive, welding, etc. In addition to allowing rotation of valve element 340, the threaded insert 370 may also hold a seal in place within valve port 330. It is also conceivable that valve element 340 may be moved by a spring of a magnetic, electric, or pneumatic actuator.

[0075] While various examples of this disclosure have been provided in the foregoing description, modifications and alternatives can be made to these examples by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For example, it should be understood that features of the various embodiments described herein can be adapted to other embodiments described herein. Therefore, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The disclosure described above is defined by the appended claims, and all changes to the disclosure falling within the meaning and equivalents of the claims will be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A valve for use in an extracorporeal blood circulation system, the valve comprising: A valve port, wherein the valve port defines a valve cavity; An access port extends from the valve cavity at a certain angle and defines an access cavity in fluid communication with the valve cavity; as well as A valve element disposed in the valve port and movable between the following positions: In the closed position, the valve element engages the sidewall of the valve chamber to prevent fluid flow through the access chamber; and In the open position, the valve element is retracted relative to the closed position to allow fluid flow through the valve chamber and into the access chamber.

2. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The valve port has a tapering sidewall that narrows in the direction toward the main cavity; and The valve element includes a tapered pin configured to seal against the tapered sidewall in the closed position.

3. The valve according to claim 2, wherein, The tapering sidewall has a tapering angle in the range of 3° to 15°.

4. The valve according to claim 2, wherein, The tapered sidewall serves as a stop to prevent the tapered pin from extending into the main cavity.

5. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, In the closed position of the valve element, the distal end of the valve element is substantially flush with the inner wall of the main fluid path component to which the valve can be fluidly connected.

6. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The valve element includes a knob for adjusting the valve element between the closed position and the open position.

7. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The valve port includes a threaded section, and The valve element has a threaded proximal end to engage the threaded section of the valve port.

8. The valve according to claim 7, wherein, The threaded section includes a threaded insert that is connected to the valve port.

9. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The valve port extends at an angle of approximately 90° from the main fluid path component to which the valve can be fluidly connected.

10. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The access port extends from the valve port at an angle ranging from approximately 30° to approximately 90°.

11. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The access port includes a Luer assembly.

12. The valve of claim 1, further comprising a seal disposed in the valve port for preventing fluid from flowing between the valve element and the sidewall of the valve port.

13. The valve according to claim 1, wherein, The extracorporeal blood circulation system is selected from the group including ECMO machine, cardiopulmonary bypass machine, cardiopulmonary bypass machine, pump-assisted lung protection machine and dialysis machine.

14. An extracorporeal blood circulation system, the system comprising: Fluid path components; as well as The valve includes: A main fluid path component, the main fluid path component defining a longitudinal axis and a main cavity extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; A valve port extends from the main cavity at an angle and defines a valve cavity in fluid communication with the main cavity; An access port, the access port extending from the valve cavity at an angle and defining an access cavity in fluid communication with the valve cavity; and A valve element disposed in the valve port and movable between the following positions: In the closed position, the valve element engages the sidewall of the valve chamber to prevent fluid from flowing from the main chamber to the access chamber; and In the open position, the valve element is retracted relative to the closed position to allow fluid to flow from the main chamber through the valve chamber and into the access chamber. The main fluid path component is internally disposed within the fluid path of the fluid path component.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The fluid path components include at least one of an oxygenator and a heat exchanger.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The valve port has a tapering sidewall that narrows in the direction toward the main cavity; and The valve element includes a tapered pin configured to seal against the tapered sidewall in the closed position.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein, The tapering sidewall has a tapering angle in the range of 3° to 15°.

18. The system according to claim 16, wherein, The tapered sidewall serves as a stop to prevent the tapered pin from extending into the main cavity.

19. The system according to claim 14, wherein, In the closed position of the valve element, the distal end of the valve element is substantially flush with the inner wall of the main fluid path component.

20. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The valve element includes a knob for adjusting the valve element between the closed position and the open position.

21. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The valve port includes a threaded section, and The valve element has a threaded proximal end to engage the threaded section of the valve port.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein, The threaded section includes a threaded insert that is connected to the valve port.

23. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The valve port extends from the main fluid path component at an angle of approximately 90°.

24. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The access port extends from the valve port at an angle ranging from approximately 30° to approximately 90°.

25. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The access port includes a Luer assembly.

26. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The valve also includes a seal disposed in the valve port to prevent fluid from flowing between the valve element and the sidewall of the valve port.

27. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The extracorporeal blood circulation system is selected from the group including ECMO machine, cardiopulmonary bypass machine, cardiopulmonary bypass machine, pump-assisted lung protection machine and dialysis machine.

28. A valve for use in an extracorporeal blood circulation system, the valve comprising: A valve port, wherein the valve port defines a valve cavity in fluid communication with the main cavity; A valve element disposed in the valve port, wherein the valve element defines a fluid path passage and is configured to be movable between the following positions: In the closed position, the valve element engages the sidewall of the valve chamber to prevent fluid flow through the access chamber; and In the open position, the valve element is retracted relative to the closed position to allow fluid flow through the valve chamber and into the access chamber; and An access port is formed on the proximal end of the valve element and defines an access cavity in fluid communication with the valve cavity.

29. The valve according to claim 28, wherein, The access port includes a Luer lock.

30. The valve according to claim 28, wherein, The fluid path extends from the distal end of the valve element to the proximal end of the valve element.

31. The valve according to claim 28, wherein, The valve port has a tapering sidewall that narrows in the direction toward the main cavity; and The valve element includes a tapered pin configured to seal against the tapered sidewall in the closed position.

32. The valve according to claim 31, wherein, The tapering sidewall has a tapering angle in the range of 3° to 15°.

33. The valve according to claim 31, wherein, The tapered sidewall serves as a stop to prevent the tapered pin from extending into the main path fluid component to which the valve can be fluidly connected.

34. The valve according to claim 28, wherein, In the closed position of the valve element, the distal end of the valve element is substantially flush with the inner wall of the main fluid path component to which the valve can be fluidly connected.

35. The valve of claim 28 further includes a seal disposed in the valve port for preventing fluid from flowing between the valve element and the sidewall of the valve port.

36. The valve according to claim 28, wherein, The extracorporeal blood circulation system is selected from the group including ECMO machine, cardiopulmonary bypass machine, cardiopulmonary bypass machine, pump-assisted lung protection machine and dialysis machine.

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