Catheter assembly with directional port opening

Abstract

The vascular access device includes a catheter adapter (12), a port opening (28), and an elastomeric valve (24). The catheter adapter extends along a longitudinal axis (20) and includes a proximal end (14), a distal end (16), and a lumen (18) extending therebetween. The port opening is formed in a surface of the catheter adapter and is in fluid communication with a side port (22) and the lumen of the catheter adapter. The structural shape of the port opening directs fluid proximally into the lumen. The elastomeric port valve is disposed within the lumen and configured to deform in response to an applied lateral force. A proximal gap may be created between the inner wall defining the lumen and the proximal side of the elastomeric port valve, thereby opening a fluid path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to vascular access devices, as well as related devices, systems, and methods.

Background Art

[0002] In medicine, catheter assemblies are used to properly place catheters in a patient's vasculature. Once in place, a catheter, such as an intravenous (i.e., "IV") catheter, can be used to infuse fluids such as normal saline, pharmaceutical compounds, and nutritional compositions into a patient requiring such treatment. Additionally, a catheter enables the withdrawal of fluid from the circulatory system and the monitoring of conditions within a patient's vasculature.

[0003] One commonly used type of catheter is an over-the-needle catheter. As the name indicates, an "over-the-needle" catheter may be attached to cover a guide needle having a sharp distal end. The guide needle typically has a sharp distal end and pierces a patient's skin and vein with minimal resistance to minimize patient pain. Although several techniques for placing a catheter are practiced in the art, many generally involve inserting at least a portion of the guide needle into a target blood vessel and then sliding the catheter over the needle to a predetermined position. Once it is confirmed that the introducer needle has been placed within the vein, the user may temporarily occlude the flow within the vein, withdraw the introducer needle, and leave the catheter in a predetermined position for future fluid injection and / or blood withdrawal.

[0004] In some catheter assemblies, the catheter extends from the distal end of the catheter adapter. The side port of the catheter adapter may be used to administer fluids and medications through the catheter. A port valve may separate the side port from the main flow path. In some cases, the port valve may be deformed to allow the introduction of fluids and / or medications. However, such deformation is difficult to control reliably and may unintentionally release the seal on the port opening, leading to leakage of infusion or blood.

[0005] The claims made in this application are not limited to embodiments that resolve all defects or embodiments that operate only in the environment described above. Rather, this background art is provided merely to illustrate an exemplary area of ​​technology in which some of the embodiments described herein can be carried out. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] This disclosure generally relates to vascular access devices, as well as related devices, systems, and methods. In some embodiments, the vascular access device may include a catheter adapter extending along a longitudinal axis. Some embodiments of the catheter adapter may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In some embodiments, a port opening may be formed on the surface of the catheter adapter to create fluid communication between the side port and the lumen of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the port opening may include a structural shape that guides the fluid toward the lumen in a proximal direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, an elastomer port valve may be positioned within the lumen to seal the port opening. Some embodiments of the elastomer port valve may be configured to deform in response to a lateral force applied thereto. In some embodiments, the deformation of the elastomer port valve may create a proximal gap between the inner wall forming the lumen and the proximal side of the elastomer port valve, thereby opening the flow path.

[0009] In some embodiments, the structural shape may include an inclined surface that guides fluid toward the lumen in a proximal direction. In some embodiments, the inclined surface may extend proximal from the distal wall of the side port toward the port opening. In some embodiments, the inclined surface may extend laterally along the transverse axis from a position on the distal wall higher than the port opening toward a position adjacent to the port opening. In some embodiments, the port opening may be configured to be connected to a syringe for delivering fluid into the flow path.

[0010] In some embodiments, the structural shape may include a semicircular or pie-like shape. In some embodiments, the structural shape may include ribs that extend across at least a portion of the port opening and are oriented to guide fluid proximal through the port opening.

[0011] In some embodiments, the port opening may be positioned close to the proximal wall of the side port. In some embodiments, the port opening may include an outer edge smaller than the peripheral edge of the distal end of the side port. In this method, in some embodiments, the port opening may include a closed portion and an open portion.

[0012] Some embodiments of the method may include the step of connecting an infusion device to a side port of a vascular access device. In some embodiments, the vascular access device may include a catheter adapter that extends along a longitudinal axis and has a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between them. In some embodiments, the catheter may extend distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter.

[0013] In these and other embodiments, the side port may extend substantially transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis from the surface of the catheter adapter. Some embodiments of the side port may communicate with the lumen through a port opening. In some embodiments, the port opening may include a structural shape configured to guide fluid toward the lumen in a proximal direction. In some embodiments, an elastomer port valve may be further included, positioned within the lumen and sealing the port opening. In some embodiments, the elastomer port valve may be fixed within the lumen by friction. In some embodiments, the elastomer port valve may be configured to deform in response to a force applied thereto.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of activating an infusion device. In some embodiments, depending on the step of activating the infusion device, the proximal end of the elastomeric port valve may deform to form a proximal gap between the proximal end of the elastomeric port valve and the inner surface of the catheter adapter. In this way, in some embodiments, a flow path can be formed through which the fluid flows proximal to the elastomeric port valve and lumen.

[0015] In some embodiments, a lateral force is applied to the elastomeric port valve via the infusion device in response to the operation of the infusion device, thereby forming a proximal gap. In some embodiments, connecting the infusion device to the side port may include inserting the syringe into the side port such that the distal end of the syringe is positioned adjacent to the port opening. In some embodiments, applying a lateral force may include pushing down the plunger of the syringe to deform the elastomeric port valve. In some embodiments, pushing down the plunger may force fluid from the distal end of the syringe, thereby deforming the side surface of the elastomeric port valve.

[0016] In some embodiments, in response to the activation of the infusion device, the fluid may be guided through the structural shape of the port opening. Some embodiments of the structural shape may include a semicircular shape, a pie-like shape, or a circular shape having an outer edge smaller than the distal end of the side port. In some embodiments, in response to the activation of the infusion device, the fluid may be guided through a rib positioned across the port opening. Some embodiments of the rib may include a contour for guiding the fluid in the lumen in a proximal direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fluid may be directed to an inclined surface in response to the operation of the infusion device. In some embodiments, the inclined surface may extend laterally from the distal wall of the side port to the port opening. In some embodiments, the inclined surface forms an angle between about 30° and about 80°. In some embodiments, the inclined surface is curved surface It may include.

[0018] It should be understood that both the general description above and the detailed description below are illustrative and descriptive, and do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and fixtures shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that embodiments can be combined, or other embodiments can be utilized, and structural modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless otherwise stated in the claims. Therefore, the detailed description below should not be construed as restrictive.

[0019] Exemplary embodiments will be described with further specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a fluoroscopic view of a catheter adapter according to several embodiments. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of an elastomer port valve according to several embodiments. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a vascular access device according to several embodiments. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a prior art catheter adapter showing the gap between elastomer valves. [Figure 5] This is a broken diagram of an exemplary vascular access device according to several embodiments. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the elastomer valve placed inside the catheter adapter. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an elastomer valve and catheter adapter illustrating the fluid flow according to several embodiments. [Figure 8A] This is a top view of an exemplary port opening having a semicircular structural shape according to several embodiments. [Figure 8B]Top view of another exemplary port opening having a structural shape of eccentric coaxial circles, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8C] Top view of another exemplary port opening having ribs integrated into a semi-circular structural shape, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, as described above, the catheter adapter 12 may be used to administer fluids and medications via a catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 12 may include a side port 22 for introducing fluids and medications into the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the side port 22 may extend from a port opening 28. Some embodiments of the side port 22 may be configured to direct fluid to the port opening 28. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may be disposed proximate to the proximal wall of the side port 22. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may include dimensions that are reduced relative to the dimensions of the distal end 48 of the side port 22.

[0022] In some embodiments, the side port 22 may extend substantially laterally from the surface 52 of the catheter adapter 12 with respect to the longitudinal axis 20. Some embodiments of the side port 22 may communicate with the lumen 18 via the port opening 28. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may include a structural shape configured to direct fluid in a proximal direction as the fluid enters the lumen 18 of the catheter adapter 12.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the port valve 24 may separate the side port 22 from the main flow path through the port opening 28. In some embodiments, the port valve 24 may include a hollow shape formed from, for example, an elastomer material such as rubber. Thus, some embodiments of the port valve 24 may be deformed to provide a flow path for fluids and / or drugs to flow from the side port 22 to the lumen 18.

[0024] In some embodiments, the port valve 24 may be tubular. In some embodiments, the port valve 24 may be fixed within the lumen 18 by friction, adhesive, or any other suitable method or device. In some embodiments, the port valve 24 may be elastomer and configured to deform in response to applied lateral forces. Thus, in some embodiments, a proximal gap may be formed between the inner wall forming the lumen and the proximal side of the elastomer port valve, thereby opening the flow path.

[0025] In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may be located near the proximal end 14 of the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may be configured to receive the distal end of the syringe 38. In some embodiments, a lateral force 26 may be applied to the elastomer valve 24 via the syringe or other device.

[0026] For example, in a clinical setting, a clinician may connect a syringe to the side port 22. In some embodiments, the side port 22 may be located on top of the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the downward pressure generated when the clinician pushes down the plunger of the syringe may deform the elastomer port valve 24, thereby creating a gap between the elastomer port valve 24 and the catheter adapter 12.

[0027] In some embodiments, the gap between the elastomer port valve 24 and the catheter adapter 12 may provide a flow path between the side port 22 and the lumen 18. In some embodiments, this may allow the introduction of fluid and / or drug into the catheter adapter 12 for administration via catheter. However, in some cases, deformation of the elastomer port valve 24 may inadvertently release the seal of the port opening 28, resulting in leakage of infusion fluid or blood.

[0028] Referring to Figure 2, some embodiments of the elastomer port valve 24 may include a tubular or cylindrical structure, or any other suitable structure configured to provide a flow path through it. Some embodiments of the elastomer port valve 24 may include an external dimension substantially corresponding to the internal dimension of the lumen 18. In this way, some embodiments of the elastomer port valve 24 may be held in the lumen 18 of the catheter adapter 12 by a slide fit or a press fit.

[0029] Some embodiments of the elastomeric port valve 24 may be hollow or may include channels for providing a flow path. In some embodiments, the elastomeric port valve 24 may include a biocompatible elastomer material such as rubber.

[0030] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the vascular access device 10 may include a catheter adapter 12 extending along a longitudinal axis 20. Some embodiments of the catheter adapter 12 may include a proximal end 14, a distal end 16, and a lumen 18 extending between them. In some embodiments, a port opening 28 may be formed on the surface 52 of the catheter adapter 12 at a position close to the proximal end 14 of the catheter adapter 12. The port opening 28 may be in fluid communication with the lumen 18.

[0031] Referring to Figure 4, deformation of the elastomer port valve 24 in conventional devices is difficult to control with high reliability and may cause the seal of the port opening 28 to break, leading to leakage of infusion fluid or blood. In fact, the deformation of the elastomer port valve 24 may change based on the relative position of the elastomer port valve 24 and the port opening 28, as well as the fluid injection rate. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a distal gap 32 to form between the elastomer port valve 24 and the catheter adapter 12 on the distal side of the catheter adapter 12. In some cases, deformation of the elastomer port valve 24 results in the formation of both a proximal gap 30 and a distal gap 32, as shown in Figure 4.

[0032] In some cases, because the flow path is closed at the proximal end 14, the injected fluid may flow out through the distal gap 32. This may increase the pressure on the proximal gap 30 side of the elastomer port valve 24 during fluid injection. In other cases, the distal gap 32 may displace the elastomer port valve 24 proximal due to the force exerted on the elastomer port valve 24 by the outflowing fluid. Such displacement may release the seal of the port opening 28, causing leakage of infusion fluid or blood.

[0033] Referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the elastomer port valve 24 may be positioned within the lumen 18 such that at least a portion of the elastomer port valve 24 can occlude the port opening 28. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may be positioned close to the proximal wall 46 of the side port 22. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may be configured to be connected to an infusion device, such as a syringe, for supplying fluid to the flow path.

[0034] For example, in some embodiments, a syringe may be inserted into the side port 22. In some embodiments, the elastomer port valve 24 may seal the port opening 28. In some embodiments of the syringe, a lateral force 26 may be applied to the upper surface of the elastomer port valve 24, causing the elastomer port valve 24 to deform downward, i.e., laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis 20. In some embodiments of the elastomer port valve 24, in response to the lateral force 26, a proximal gap 30 may be formed between the side port 22 and the lumen 18, thereby opening the flow path.

[0035] As described above, in some embodiments, the port opening 28 may include a structural shape such as an inclined surface 36 configured to guide the fluid proximal as the fluid enters the lumen 18 of the catheter adapter 12. As shown, in some embodiments, the inclined surface 36 may extend proximal from the distal wall 56 of the side port 22 to the port opening 28. Some embodiments of the inclined surface 36 may further extend obliquely or laterally from a position on the distal wall 56 that is laterally raised with respect to a position adjacent to the port opening 28. In some embodiments, the inclined surface 36 may extend from the distal wall 56 at an angle between about 30° and about 80°. In some embodiments, the inclined surface 36 is curved surface This may include a drop or other appropriate structural change.

[0036] Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, deformation of the elastomer port valve 24 may create a flow path between the port opening 28 and the lumen 18. In some embodiments, this may form a proximal gap 30 between the elastomer port valve 24 and the side port 22. In some embodiments, the proximal gap 30 may allow fluid to enter the catheter adapter 12 on the proximal side, i.e., the side closer to the opening 40 having a Luer adapter to which it is coupled.

[0037] Referring to Figure 7, several embodiments provide a structural port shape to maximize the possibility of the injected fluid exiting through the proximal gap 30 and out of the port opening 28. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may be annular or may include any other suitable cross-sectional shape to form a flow path from the side port 22 to the lumen 18 of the catheter adapter 12.

[0038] As described above, in some embodiments, a syringe or other suitable infusion device may be inserted into the side port 22 to inject fluid and / or pressurize the elastomer port valve 24, thereby forming a proximal gap 30 between the side port 22 and the elastomer port valve 24. In this way, in some embodiments, a flow path may be formed from the side port 22 through the proximal gap 30 into the lumen 18 of the catheter adapter 12.

[0039] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, the side port 22 may extend substantially laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis 20. In some embodiments, the distal wall 56 of the side port 22 may include an inclined surface 36 to guide the fluid proximal as it flows from the fluid side port 22 toward the elastomer port valve 24 and into the lumen 18. In some embodiments, the fluid may enter the lumen 18 through a proximal gap 30.

[0040] In some embodiments, the fluid may change course as it passes through the proximal gap 30 and strikes the surface of the elastomeric port valve 24. Thus, in some embodiments of the flow path, the fluid may first flow proximal through the proximal gap 30, and then change direction to flow distally through the elastomeric port valve 24 and the lumen 18.

[0041] Referring to Figures 8A to 8C, in some embodiments, the structural port shape 34 may include a port opening 28 formed within the surface 52 of the catheter adapter 12, such as a semicircular shape, a pie shape, or any other suitable shape 60 configured to guide fluid from the side port 22 toward the proximal side of the port opening 28. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may include an outer edge smaller than the outer edge of the distal end 48 of the side port 22. Thus, in some embodiments, the port opening 28 may include a closure portion 54 and an opening portion 58.

[0042] In these embodiments and other embodiments, the closing portion 54 of shape 60 may be inclined downward, i.e., laterally, toward the opening portion 58 of shape 60. Thus, in some embodiments, the closing portion 54 may guide fluid through the opening portion 58 of the port opening 28. Thus, in some embodiments, the fluid may be guided to flow proximal from the side port 22 toward the lumen 18 of the catheter adapter 12.

[0043] In some embodiments, even if a distal gap 32 occurs, the possibility of high-volume flow occurring distally can be reduced. As described above, in some embodiments, an inclined surface 36, or a shape 60 inclined toward the proximal side of the port opening 28, can be provided to prevent the formation of a distal gap 32, thereby preventing displacement of the elastomer port valve 24 within the lumen 18. Thus, in some embodiments, the burst pressure of the elastomer port valve 24 can also be improved, reducing the possibility of leakage of infusion fluid and / or blood from the port opening 28.

[0044] In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may include a cross-sectional shape 60 having reduced dimensions compared to the distal end 48 of the side port 22. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may include a circle having reduced dimensions and offset compared to the shape of the distal end 48. In these embodiments and other embodiments, one or more ribs 44 may at least partially traverse the port opening 28 or extend at least partially along the port opening 28 to guide fluid toward the proximal side of the port opening 28. In some embodiments, the shape 60 and position of the port opening 28 with respect to the distal end 48 of the side port 22 may guide fluid proximal so that the fluid enters the lumen 18 through the proximal gap 30.

[0045] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the port opening 28 can be significantly reduced relative to the distal end 48 of the side port 22 without any disadvantage to the force required to inject fluid through the flow path. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may be located near the proximal wall 46 of the side port 22 to increase the likelihood of fluid entering the lumen 18 through the proximal gap 30. In some embodiments, this position of the port opening 28 can also reduce the likelihood of the formation of the distal gap 32.

[0046] Some embodiments of the method may provide a vascular access device 10. In some embodiments, the vascular access device 10 may include a catheter adapter 12 extending along a longitudinal axis 20. The catheter adapter 12 may include a proximal end 14, a distal end 16, and a lumen 18 extending between them. In some embodiments, the catheter may extend distally from the distal end 16 of the catheter adapter 12.

[0047] In these embodiments and other embodiments, the side port 22 may extend substantially laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis 20 from the surface 52 of the catheter adapter 12. Some embodiments of the side port 22 may communicate with the lumen 18 via a port opening 28. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may include a structural shape configured to guide fluid toward the lumen in a proximal direction. Some embodiments may further include an elastomer port valve 24 positioned within the lumen 18 and sealing the port opening 28. In some embodiments, the elastomer port valve 24 may be fixed within the lumen 18 by friction, press-fitting, adhesive, or any other suitable method or device. In some embodiments, the elastomer port valve 24 may be configured to deform in response to applied force.

[0048] Some embodiments of the method may further include the step of activating the infusion device. In some embodiments, in response to activating the infusion device, the proximal end of the elastomeric port valve 24 may deform to form a proximal gap 30 between the proximal end of the elastomeric port valve 24 and the inner surface of the catheter adapter 12. In this way, some embodiments may form a flow path through which fluid flows proximal to the elastomeric port valve 24 and the lumen 18.

[0049] In some embodiments, the step of activating the infusion device may include applying a lateral force to the elastomer port valve 24 via the infusion device to form a proximal gap 30. In some embodiments, connecting the infusion device to the side port 22 may include inserting the syringe 38 into the side port 22 such that the distal end of the syringe 38 contacts the port opening 28. In some embodiments, applying a lateral force may include pushing down the plunger of the syringe 38 to deform the elastomer port valve 24.

[0050] In some embodiments, the step of activating the infusion device may include directing fluid through the structural shape of the port opening 28. Some embodiments of the structural shape may include a semicircular shape, a pie shape, or a circular shape having an outer edge smaller than the distal end of the side port. In some embodiments, activating the infusion device may also include directing fluid toward a rib 44 positioned across the port opening 28. Some embodiments of the rib 44 may include a contour for directing fluid toward the lumen 18 in a proximal direction.

[0051] In some embodiments, the step of activating the infusion device may include directing the fluid to the inclined surface 36. In some embodiments of the inclined surface 36, it may extend laterally from the distal wall 56 of the side port 22 to the port opening 28. In some embodiments, the inclined surface 36 includes an angle between about 30° and about 80°. In some embodiments, the inclined surface 36 directs the fluid proximal through the port opening 28, curved surface It may include a drop, or any other structural shape suitable for directing fluid proximal through the port opening 28.

[0052] It should be understood that both the general description above and the detailed description below are illustrative and descriptive, and do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and fixtures shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that embodiments can be combined, or other embodiments can be utilized, and structural modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the invention, unless otherwise stated in the claims. Therefore, the detailed description below should not be construed as restrictive.

[0053] All examples and conditional statements described herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the concepts to which the inventors have contributed to advance the invention and the art. The invention should be construed as not being limited to such specifically described examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A catheter adapter that extends along the longitudinal axis and includes a lumen extending to the proximal end, the distal end, and between them, A port opening formed on the surface of the catheter adapter, which is in fluid communication with the side port of the catheter adapter and the lumen of the catheter adapter, wherein the side port has an opening on the opposite side of the port opening, A shape having a fluid-guiding structure located within the side port, which guides fluid from the side port towards the lumen of the catheter adapter in a proximal direction, wherein the shape includes an inclined surface that includes a proximal end in contact with the distal wall of the side port and a distal end located within the port opening. An elastomer port valve disposed within the lumen and sealing the port opening, wherein the elastomer port valve is configured to deform in response to an applied lateral force, thereby creating a proximal gap between the inner wall forming the lumen and the proximal side of the elastomer port valve, and the proximal gap opens a flow path. A vascular access device characterized by including the following:

2. The vascular access device according to claim 1, characterized in that the proximal end of the shape is positioned close to the opening of the side port.

3. The vascular access device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inclined surface is a continuously inclined surface.

4. The vascular access device according to claim 1, characterized in that the port opening is configured to be connected to a syringe for delivering fluid to the flow path.

5. The vascular access device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shape includes a semicircular shape.

6. The vascular access device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shape includes a rib that extends across at least a portion of the port opening to guide the fluid proximal through the port opening.

7. The vascular access device according to claim 6, characterized in that the port opening is positioned close to the proximal wall of the side port.

8. The vascular access device according to claim 6, wherein the port opening includes an outer edge smaller than the outer edge of the distal end of the side port, and the port opening includes a closure portion where the distal end of the shape is located, and an open portion having a distal surface defined by the shape.

9. A step of connecting an infusion device to the side port of a vascular access device, wherein the vascular access device is A catheter adapter that extends along the longitudinal axis and includes a lumen extending to the proximal end, the distal end, and between them, A catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter, A side port extending substantially transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis from the surface of a catheter adapter, the side port communicating with the lumen through a port opening, the side port including a shape having a fluid-guiding structure located within the side port and configured to guide fluid proximal from the side port into the lumen of the catheter adapter, the shape including an inclined surface including a proximal end in contact with the distal wall of the side port and a distal end located within the port opening, An elastomer port valve disposed within the lumen and sealing the port opening, configured to deform in response to an applied lateral force, and Processes including, A step of operating an infusion device, wherein, in response to the operation of the infusion device, the proximal end of the elastomer port valve deforms, a proximal gap is created between the proximal end of the elastomer port valve and the inner surface of the catheter adapter, and fluid flows through the proximal gap in a proximal direction. A method characterized by including the following.

10. The method according to 9, characterized in that, in response to the operation of the infusion device, a lateral force is applied to the elastomer port valve via the infusion device, thereby forming a proximal gap.

11. The method according to 9, characterized in that the step of connecting an infusion device to a side port includes inserting a syringe into the side port such that the distal end of the syringe is positioned adjacent to the shape described above.

12. The method according to 11, characterized in that applying a lateral force includes pushing down the plunger of the syringe to deform the elastomer port valve.

13. The method according to 12, characterized in that the downward movement of the plunger pushes fluid out from the distal end of the syringe and deforms the side surface of the elastomer port valve.

14. The method according to 9, characterized in that, in response to the operation of the infusion device, a fluid is guided over the shape, and the shape includes one of a semicircular shape and a circular shape having an outer edge smaller than the distal end of the side port.

15. The method according to 9, characterized in that, in response to the operation of the infusion device, fluid is guided to a rib positioned across the port opening, and the rib includes a contour that guides the fluid in the lumen in a proximal direction.

16. The method according to 9, characterized in that the elastomer valve is fixed inside the lumen by friction.

17. The method according to 9, characterized in that the inclined surface includes an angle of 30° or more and 80° or less.

18. The method according to 9, characterized in that the inclined surface includes a curved surface.

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