CATHETER ASSEMBLY WITH DIRECTIONAL PORT OPENING
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- MX · MX
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BECTON DICKINSON & CO
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing catheter assemblies face challenges with unreliable deformation of elastomeric port valves, leading to unintended port opening and leakage during fluid infusion, which complicates fluid management and increases the risk of blood loss.
A vascular access device with a catheter adapter featuring a structural geometry and an elastomeric port valve that deforms in response to a transverse force, creating a controlled proximal fluid path through a port opening, minimizing leakage by directing fluid in the proximal direction.
The solution effectively controls fluid flow, reducing the likelihood of leakage and maintaining pressure integrity during infusion, thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of fluid administration.
Smart Images
Figure MX434468B0
Abstract
Description
CATHETER ASSEMBLY WITH DIRECTIONAL PORT OPENING boccnn / eznz / E / YiAi Field of Invention In medicine, catheter assemblies are used to correctly place a catheter into a patient's vascular system. Once in place, catheters, such as intravenous (IV) catheters, can be used to infuse fluids, including normal saline, medications, and / or nutritional supplements, to a patient requiring such treatment. Catheters also allow for the removal of fluids from the circulatory system and the monitoring of conditions within the patient's vascular system. Background of the Invention One commonly used type of catheter is an over-the-needle catheter. As the name suggests, an over-the-needle catheter is mounted on an introducer needle with a sharp distal tip. The introducer needle typically has a sharp distal tip to pierce the patient's skin and vein with minimal resistance, minimizing patient pain. Although various techniques are used in clinical practice for catheter placement, many generally include the step of inserting at least part of the introducer needle into the target vessel and then sliding the catheter over the needle into place. Once placement of the introducer needle within the vein has been confirmed, the user can occlude Ref. 344581 temporarily stop the flow in the vein and remove the introducer needle, leaving the catheter in place for future fluid infusion and / or blood extraction. In some catheter assemblies, the catheter extends from the distal end of a catheter adapter. A side port on the catheter adapter can be used to administer fluids and medications through the catheter. A port valve can isolate the side port from the main fluid path. In some cases, the port valve can be deformed to allow the entry of fluids and / or medications. However, such deformation is difficult to reliably control and may inadvertently open the port opening, resulting in leakage of infusions or blood. The related issue claimed herein is not limited to modalities that resolve some disadvantage or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate an example technology area where some of the implementations described herein can be practiced. 0 Brief Description of the Invention This description relates generally to a vascular access device, as well as related devices, systems, and methods. In some modalities, the vascular access device may include a catheter adapter that extends along a longitudinal axis. boccnn / eznz / E / YiAi Some catheter adapter modalities may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between them. In some designs, a port opening can be formed on a surface of the catheter adapter in fluid communication with a lateral port of the catheter adapter and the lumen. In some designs, the port opening may include a structural geometry to direct fluid into the lumen in a proximal direction. In some embodiments, an elastomeric port valve may be disposed within the lumen and may seal the port opening. Some embodiments of the elastomeric port valve may be configured to deform in response to a transverse force applied to it. In some embodiments, the deformation of the elastomeric port valve may create a proximal space between an inner wall forming the lumen and a proximal side of the elastomeric port valve to open a fluid pathway. In some designs, the structural geometry may include a sloped surface to direct fluid into the lumen in the proximal direction. In some designs, the sloped surface may extend proximally from a distal wall of the side port to the port opening. In some designs, the sloped surface may extend transversely from a position on the distal wall that is elevated relative to the port opening along a transverse axis, to a location adjacent to the port opening. In some designs, the port opening may be configured to accommodate a syringe for delivering fluid to the fluid pathway. In some designs, the structural geometry may include a semicircular shape; a pie shape. In some designs, the structural geometry may include a rib that extends along at least part of the port opening and is oriented to direct fluid in the proximal direction through the port opening. In some designs, the port opening may be located near a proximal wall of the lateral port. In some designs, the port opening may have a smaller periphery than the periphery of a distal end of the lateral port. Thus, in some designs, the port opening may include a closed portion and an open portion. Some variations of a method may include attaching an infusion device to a side port of a vascular access device. In some variations, the vascular access device may include the catheter adapter, which extends along the longitudinal axis and comprises the proximal end, the distal end, and the lumen extending between them. In some variations, a catheter may extend distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter. In these and other designs, the side port may extend from the surface of the catheter adapter in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. Some side port designs may communicate with the lumen through the port opening. In some designs, the port opening may include a structural geometry configured to direct fluid into the lumen in the proximal direction. Some designs may also include an elastomeric port valve disposed within the lumen and sealing the port opening. In some designs, the elastomeric port valve may be secured within the lumen by friction. In some designs, the elastomeric port valve may be configured to deform in response to an applied force. In some modalities, the method may also include activation of the infusion device. In some modalities, in response to activation of the infusion device, a proximal end of the elastomeric port valve may deform, creating a proximal space between the proximal end of the elastomeric port valve and an inner surface of the catheter adapter. In this way, some modalities can create a fluid pathway, allowing fluid to flow proximally through the elastomeric port valve and the catheter adapter. In some modalities, in response to activation of the infusion device, a transverse force is applied to the elastomeric port valve through the infusion device to create proximal space. In some modalities, coupling the infusion device to the side port may involve inserting a syringe into the side port, so that a distal end of the syringe is positioned adjacent to the port opening. In some modalities, applying the transverse force may involve pressing a syringe plunger to deform the elastomeric port valve. In some modalities, pressing the plunger may force fluid from the distal end of the syringe to deform one side of the elastomeric port valve. In some designs, in response to activation of the infusion device, fluid can be directed through the structural geometry of the port opening. Some structural geometry options may include a semicircular shape, a pie-shaped shape, or a circular shape with a smaller circumference than the distal end of the lateral port. In some designs, in response to activation of the infusion device, fluid can be directed toward a rib located across the port opening. Some rib designs may include a contour to direct fluid toward the lumen in the proximal direction. In some models, in response to activation of the infusion device, the fluid may be directed toward an inclined surface. In some models, the inclined surface may extend transversely from a distal wall of the side port to the port opening. In some models, the inclined surface comprises an angle between approximately 30° and approximately 80°. In some models, the inclined surface may include a curve. It should be understood that both the preceding general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instruments shown in Figures 20. It should also be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be used, and that structural changes, unless so claimed, may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention. The following detailed description 25 should therefore not be taken in an limiting sense. Brief Description of the Figures The example modalities will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the 5 figures. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a catheter adapter, according to some modalities; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an astromeric port valve, according to some modalities; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a vascular access device, according to some modalities; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an earlier technique catheter adapter, illustrating a space in the 15 elastomeric valve; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an example vascular access device, according to some modalities; Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the elastomeric valve arranged within the catheter adapter of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the elastomeric valve and catheter adapter of Figure 6, illustrating fluid flow according to some modalities; Figure EiA is a top view of an example port opening that has a semicircular structural geometry, according to some modalities; Figure 8B is a top view of another example of a port opening that has a structural geometry of 5 off-center concentric circles, according to some modality; and Figure 8C is a top view of another example of a port opening that has a rib integrated into a semicircular structural geometry, according to some 1 0 fashion 1 ities. Detailed Description of the Invention Referring now to Figure 1, as previously described, a catheter adapter 12 can be used to administer fluids and medications through a catheter. In some designs, the catheter adapter 12 may include a side port 22 for introducing fluids and medications into the adapter. In some designs, the side port 22 may extend from a port opening 28. Some designs of the side port 22 may be configured to direct fluid into the port opening 28. In some designs, the port opening 28 may be located near a proximal wall of the side port 22. In some designs, the port opening 28 may have reduced dimensions relative to the dimensions of a distal end 48 of the side port 22. boccnn / eznz / E / YiAi In some modalities, the side port 22 may extend from a surface 52 of the catheter adapter 12 in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis 20. In some modalities, the side port 22 may communicate with the lumen 18 through the port opening 28. In some modalities, the port opening 28 may include a structural geometry configured to direct fluid in the proximal direction as it enters the lumen 18 of the catheter adapter 12. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a port valve 24 can isolate the side port 22 from a main fluid path through the port opening 28. In some cases, the port valve 24 may include a hollow form made from an elastomeric material, such as rubber, for example. In this way, some versions of the port valve 24 can be deformed to provide a fluid path for fluid and / or medication to flow from the side port 22 into the lumen 18. In some embodiments, the port valve 24 may be tubular. In some embodiments, the port valve 24 may be secured within the lumen by friction, an adhesive, or any other suitable method or device. In some embodiments, the port valve 24 may be elastomeric and configured to deform in response to an applied transverse force. In this way, in some embodiments, a proximal space may be created between an inner wall forming the lumen and a proximal side of the elastomeric port valve, thereby opening a fluid path. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may be disposed near the proximal end of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may be configured to receive a distal end of a syringe.In some modalities, a transverse force 10 26 can be applied to the elastomeric valve 24 through the syringe or other device. For example, in a clinical setting, a physician may connect the syringe to the side port 22. In some modalities, the side port 22 may be located on the top of the catheter adapter 12. In some modalities, the downward pressure generated by the physician, when pushing down the syringe plunger, may deform the elastomeric port valve 24, thereby creating a gap between the elastomeric port valve 24 and the catheter adapter 12. In some designs, the space between the elastomeric port valve 24 and the catheter adapter 12 can provide a fluid pathway between the side port 22 and the lumen 18. In some designs, this can allow fluid and / or medications to enter the catheter adapter boccnn / rznz / E / YiAi for administration through the catheter. In some cases, however, deformation of the elastomeric port valve 24 may inadvertently open the port opening 28, resulting in leakage of infusions or blood. With reference to Figure 2, some embodiments of an elastomeric port valve 24 may include a tubular or cylindrical structure, or any other suitable structure configured to provide a through-fluid path. Some embodiments of the elastomeric port valve 10 24 may include outside dimensions that substantially correspond to the inside dimensions of the lumen 18. In this way, some embodiments of the elastomeric port valve 24 may be retained within the lumen 18 of the catheter adapter 12 by friction or a push-fit 15. Some versions of the 24 elastomeric port valve may be hollow or may include a channel to provide a fluid path. In some versions, the 24 elastomeric port valve may include a biocompatible elastomeric material, such as rubber. With reference now to Figure 3, in some modalities, a vascular access device 10 may include the catheter adapter 12 that extends along the longitudinal axis 20. Some modalities of the catheter adapter 25 12 may include a proximal end 14, a distal end boccnn / eznz / E / YiAi 16, and a lumen 18 extending between them. In some modalities, the port opening 28 can be formed on the surface 52 of the catheter adapter 12 at a location close to the proximal end 14 of the catheter adapter 12. The opening of port 28 can be in fluid communication with lumen 18. Referring now to Figure 4, the deformation of the elastomeric port valve 24 in traditional devices is difficult to reliably control and can open the port opening 28, causing leakage of infusions or blood. In fact, the deformation of the elastomeric port valve 24 can change depending on the relative position of the elastomeric port valve 24 and the port opening 28, as well as the fluid injection rate. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a distal space 32 to occur between the elastomeric port valve 24 and the catheter adapter 12 on the distal side of the catheter adapter 12. In some cases, deformation of the elastomeric port valve 24 forms a proximal space 30 and a distal space 32, as shown in Figure 4. In some cases, the injected fluid may flow out of the distal space 32 because the fluid path is closed at the proximal end 14. This can lead to increased pressure on the proximal side of the elastomeric port valve 24 during fluid injection. In other cases, the distal space 32 may cause the elastomeric port valve 24 to displace proximally due to the force exerted on it by the outgoing fluid. Such displacement can open the port opening 28, 5, resulting in leakage of infusions or blood. With reference now to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the elastomeric port valve 24 may be disposed within the lumen 18, so that at least a portion of the elastomeric port valve 24 may occlude the port opening 28. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may be disposed near a proximal wall 46 of the lateral port 22. In some embodiments, the port opening 28 may be configured to couple to an infusion device, such as a syringe, to deliver fluid to the fluid path. For example, in some embodiments, the syringe can be inserted into the side port 22. In some embodiments, the elastomeric port valve 24 can seal the port opening 28. Some embodiments of the syringe can apply the transverse force 26 to an upper surface of the elastomeric port valve 24 to deform the elastomeric port valve 24 in a downward or transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis 20. Some embodiments of the elastomeric port valve 24 can form a proximal space 25 between the side port 22 and the lumen 1E> in response to the transverse force 26, thereby opening a fluid path. As mentioned previously, in some modalities, the port opening 28 may include a structural geometry 5, such as an inclined surface 36 configured to direct fluid in the proximal direction as it enters the lumen 18 of the catheter adapter 12. As shown, in some modalities, the inclined surface 36 may extend in the proximal direction from a distal wall 56 of the lateral port 22 to the port opening 28. In some modalities, the inclined surface 36 may extend further in a diagonal or transverse direction from a location on the distal wall 56 raised transversely to a location adjacent to the port opening 28. In some modalities, the inclined surface 36 may extend from the distal wall 56 at an angle between approximately 30° and approximately 80°.In some forms, the inclined surface 36 may include a curve, a slope, or other suitable structural variation. With reference now to Figure 6, in some modalities, deformation of the elastomeric port valve 24 can open a fluid pathway between the port opening 28 and the lumen 18. In some modalities, this can form a proximal space 30 between the elastomeric port valve 24 and the side port 22. In some modalities, the proximal space 30 can allow fluid to enter the catheter adapter 12 on the proximal side, or on the side near the opening 40 that has a Luer adapter attached. With reference now to Figure 7, some modalities provide a structural port geometry to maximize the probability that the injected fluid can exit the port opening 28 through the proximal space 30. In some modalities, the port opening 28 may be annular or may include any other cross-sectional shape 10 suitable to create a fluid route from the side port 22 to the lumen 18 of the catheter adapter 12. As described above, in some modalities, the syringe or other suitable infusion device can be inserted into the side port 22 to inject fluid and / or apply pressure to the elastomeric port valve 24, thereby forming a proximal space 30 between the side port 22 and the elastomeric port valve 24. In this way, some modalities can create a fluid route from the side port 22 to the lumen 18 of the catheter adapter 12 to 20 through the proximal space 30. In some modalities, as shown in Figure 7, the side port 22 may extend in a substantially transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis 20. In some modalities, a distal wall 56 of the side port 22 may include an inclined surface 36 to direct the fluid in a proximal direction as it flows from the side port 22 into the elastomeric port valve 24 and into the lumen 18. In some modalities, the fluid may enter the lumen 18 through the proximal space 30. In some modalities, the fluid can change course upon impact with the surface of the elastomeric port valve 24 through the proximal space 30. In this way, some fluid path modalities can flow 10 first through the proximal space 30 in the proximal direction, and then change direction to flow through the elastomeric port valve 24 and lumen 18 in the distal direction. boccnn / eznz / E / YiAi With reference now to Figures 8A-8C, in some modalities, the geometry of the structural port 34 may include a port opening 28 formed within a surface 52 of the catheter adapter 12 as a semicircle, a pie shape, or any other suitable shape 60, configured to direct fluid from the side port 22 to a proximal side of the port opening 28. In some modalities, the port opening 28 may include a smaller periphery than the periphery of a distal end 48 of the side port 22. Thus, in some modalities, the port opening 28 may include a closed portion 54 and an open portion 58. In these and other modalities, the closed portion 54 of the form 60 may be inclined downwards or transversely towards the open portion 58 of the form 60. The closed portion 54 of some modalities may thus direct the fluid through the open portion 58 of the port opening 28. Consequently, in some modalities, the fluid may be directed to flow from the side port 22 into the lumen 18 of the catheter adapter 12 in the proximal direction. Some modalities can reduce the likelihood of large-volume flow in the distal direction, even in the event of distal space 32 formation. As described above, some modalities can provide a sloped surface 36 or a shape 60 angled toward the proximal side 15 of the port opening 28 to prevent the formation of distal space 32 and thus prevent displacement of the elastomeric port valve 24 within the lumen 18. In this way, some modalities can also improve the burst pressure of the elastomeric port valve 24 and may reduce the likelihood of leakage of infusions and / or blood from the port opening 28. In some modalities, the port opening 28 may include a cross-sectional shape 60 that has reduced dimensions relative to the distal end 48 of the side port 22. In some modalities, the port opening 28 may include a circle that has reduced dimensions and is offset from the shape of the distal end 48. In these and other modalities, one or more ribs 44 may extend at least partially through or along the length of the port opening 28 to direct fluid toward the proximal side of the port opening 28. In some modalities, the shape 60 and location of the port opening 28 relative to the distal end 48 of the side port 22 may direct fluid in the proximal direction, so that fluid enters the lumen 18 through the proximal space 30. In some modalities, the dimensions of the port opening 28 can be significantly reduced relative to the distal end 48 of the side port 22 without compromising the forces required to inject fluid through the fluid pathway. In some modalities, the port opening 28 can 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 space 30. In some modalities, the location of the port opening 28 can also decrease the likelihood of distal space formation 32. Some modalities of a method may provide a vascular access device 10. In some modalities, the vascular access device 10 may include the catheter adapter 12 that extends along the longitudinal axis 20. The catheter adapter 12 may include the proximal end 14, the distal end 16, and the lumen 18 that extends between them. In some modalities, the catheter may extend distally from the distal end 16 of the catheter adapter 12. In these and other modalities, the side port 22 may extend from the surface 52 of the catheter adapter 12 in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis 10 20. Some modalities of the side port 22 may communicate with the lumen 18 through the port opening 28. In some modalities, the port opening 28 may include a structural geometry configured to direct fluid into the lumen 18 in the proximal direction. Some embodiments may also include an elastomeric port valve 24 disposed within the lumen 18 and sealing the port opening 28. In some embodiments, the elastomeric port valve 24 may be secured within the lumen 18 by friction, a press fit, an adhesive, or any other suitable method or device. In some embodiments, the elastomeric port valve 24 may be configured to deform in response to an applied force. Some modalities of the method may also include activation of the infusion device. In some modalities, 25 in response to activation of the infusion device, a proximal end of the elastomeric port valve 24 may deform and create a proximal space 30 between the proximal end of the elastomeric port valve 24 and an internal surface of the catheter adapter 12. In this way, 5 some modalities may create a fluid pathway, such that fluid flows proximally through the elastomeric port valve 24 and the lumen 18. In some modalities, activating the infusion device may include applying a transverse force to the elastomeric port valve 24 through the infusion device to create the proximal space 30. In some modalities, attaching the infusion device to the side port 22 may include inserting a syringe 38 into the side port 22, such that a distal end of the syringe 38 makes contact 15 with the port opening 28. In some modalities, applying the transverse force may include pressing a plunger of the syringe 38 to deform the elastomeric port valve 24. In some modalities, activation of the infusion device may include directing fluid through the structural geometry of the port opening. Some structural geometry modalities may include a semicircular shape, a pie-shaped shape, or a circular shape with a circumference smaller than the distal end of the lateral port. In some modalities, activation of the infusion device may include directing fluid into a rib arranged through the port opening. Some rib modalities may include a contour to direct fluid into the lumen in the proximal direction. In some modalities, activation of the infusion device may include directing the fluid toward the inclined surface 36. Some modalities of the inclined surface 36 may extend transversely from a distal wall 56 of the lateral port 22 to the port opening 28. In some embodiments, the inclined surface 36 comprises an angle between approximately 30° and approximately 80°. In some embodiments, the inclined surface 36 may include a curve, a channel, or any other structural feature suitable for directing fluid in the proximal direction through the port opening 28. It should be understood that both the preceding general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instruments shown in the figures. It should also be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be used, and that structural changes, unless so claimed, may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention. The following detailed description should therefore not be taken in an inimitable sense. All examples and conditional language listed herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to assist the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the technique, and should be interpreted without limitation to such examples and conditions specifically listed. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.
Claims
1. A vascular access device characterized in that it comprises: a catheter adapter extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between them; a port opening formed in a surface of the catheter adapter and in fluid communication with a lateral port of the catheter adapter and the lumen, the port opening comprising a structural geometry for directing fluid into the lumen in a proximal direction; and an elastomeric port valve disposed within the lumen and sealing the port opening, the elastomeric port valve configured to deform in response to a transverse force applied thereto, such that a proximal space is created between an inner wall forming the lumen and a proximal side of the elastomeric port valve, wherein the proximal space opens a fluid pathway.
2. The vascular access device according to claim 1, characterized in that the structural geometry comprises an inclined surface to direct the fluid towards the lumen in the proximal direction.
3. The vascular access device according to claim 2, characterized in that the irided intra-area extends in the proximal direction from a distal wall 5 of the lateral port to the port opening.
4. The vascular access device according to claim 2, characterized in that the inclined surface extends in a transverse direction from a position on the distal wall that is elevated with respect to the port opening along a transverse axis, to a location adjacent to the port opening.
5. The vascular access device according to claim 1, characterized in that the port opening is configured to couple to a syringe to release 15 the fluid into the fluid path.
6. The vascular access device according to claim 1, characterized in that the structural geometry comprises a semicircular shape and a pie shape.
7. The vascular access device according to claim 1, characterized in that the structural geometry comprises a rib extending through at least a portion of the port opening to direct fluid in the proximal direction through the port opening.
8. The vascular access device according to claim 7, characterized in that the port opening is arranged near a proximal wall of the port 1 ate ra1 . 5 9. The vascular access device according to claim 7, characterized in that the port opening comprises a smaller periphery than the periphery of a distal end of the lateral port, such that the port opening comprises a closed portion and an open portion. 10 10. A method characterized in that it comprises: coupling an infusion device to a side port of a vascular access device, wherein the vascular access device comprises: a catheter adapter extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between them; a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter adapter; the side port extending from a surface of the catheter adapter in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the side port communicates with the lumen through a port opening, the port opening having a structural geometry configured to direct fluid into the lumen in a proximal direction;and an elastomeric port valve disposed within the lumen and sealing the port opening, the elastomeric port valve being configured to deform in response to an applied force; 5 activating the infusion device, wherein, in response to activation of the infusion device, a proximal end of the elastomeric port valve deforms and a proximal space is created between the proximal end of the elastomeric port valve and an internal surface 10 of the catheter adapter, such that fluid flows proximally through it.
11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that in response to activation of the infusion device, a transverse force is applied to the 15 elastomeric port valve through the infusion device to create the proximal space.
12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that attaching the infusion device to the side port comprises inserting a syringe into the side port 20, such that one end of the syringe is disposed next to the opening of the port.
13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that applying the transverse force comprises pressing a syringe plunger to deform the 25 elastomeric port valve. boccnn / eznz / E / YiAi 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that pressing the plunger forces the fluid from the distal end of the syringe to deform one side of the port valve.
15. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that in response to activation of the infusion device, the fluid is directed through the structural geometry of the port opening, wherein the structural geometry comprises a semicircle shape, a pie shape, and a circle shape having a smaller circumference than the distal end of the side port.
16. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that in response to activation of the infusion device, the fluid is directed towards a rib disposed through the port opening, wherein the rib includes a contour for directing the fluid into the lumen in the proximal direction.
17. The method according to claim 20 10, characterized in that the elasomeric valve is secured within the lumen by friction.
18. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that in response to activation of the infusion device, the fluid is directed towards an inclined surface, wherein the inclined surface extends transversely from a distal wall of the side port to the port opening.
19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the inclined surface comprises an angle between approximately 30° and approximately 80°.
20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the inclined surface comprises a curve.