Multi-Opening Hemostasis Valve for Simultaneous Device Passage

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hemostasis valves often struggle to accommodate multiple elongate medical devices simultaneously while maintaining effective hemostasis and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A hemostasis valve system with a resilient valve member featuring multiple sealable openings and slits, allowing passage of multiple medical devices while forming a hemostatic seal, and a sidearm for fluid communication, enabling easy cleaning and adaptation to various device sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single sealable opening is used in the valve member, then the valve structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate multiple elongate medical devices simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate multiple medical devicesVSAvoidvalve member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve member is divided into multiple sealable openings (first sealable opening and second sealable opening) that can independently seal around different elongate medical devices. This segmentation allows the valve to accommodate multiple devices simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure for each opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The valve member is designed with multiple sealable openings that can each independently perform the sealing function around different types of elongate medical devices (e.g., guidewires, catheters). This multi-functionality enables the valve to adapt to various device configurations without requiring complex specialized structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple sealable openings are provided in the valve member, then multiple medical devices can pass through simultaneously, but the valve member becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous passage of multiple devicesVSAvoidvalve member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve member is divided into multiple sealable openings (first sealable opening and second sealable opening) that can independently seal around different elongate medical devices. This segmentation allows the valve to accommodate multiple devices simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure for each opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each sealable opening is designed with specific local characteristics (such as slit configurations and sealing surfaces) optimized for its particular function. The first sealable opening may have different slit arrangements compared to the second, allowing each to be locally optimized for specific device types while contributing to the overall multi-device capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the valve member includes multiple slits and openings, then adaptability to various device sizes is improved, but hemostasis may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to various device sizesVSAvoidhemostasis effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each sealable opening is designed with specific local characteristics (such as slit configurations and sealing surfaces) optimized for its particular function. The first sealable opening may have different slit arrangements compared to the second, allowing each to be locally optimized for specific device types while contributing to the overall multi-device capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The valve member utilizes the elastic properties of its material to automatically adjust the sealing surfaces around inserted devices. When devices are inserted, the elastic material deforms to conform to the device outer surfaces, creating seals without requiring complex active sealing mechanisms. This self-adjusting capability maintains hemostasis across different device sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates simultaneous passage of multiple medical devices with secure hemostasis and maintains fluid communication, enhancing versatility and ease of use in medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

A resilient valve member (130) with a first sealable opening (132a) and a second sealable opening (132b)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4681662A2Hemostasis valve systems and associated methods

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D

AI summary

Hemostasis valves and hemostasis valve systems are provided. A hemostasis valve can include a valve member, wherein the valve member includes a first sealable opening disposed through a first portion of the valve member and a second sealable opening disposed through a second portion of the valve member. The valve member may also include three or more sealable openings. A hemostasis valve system may include a hemostasis valve and another medical device. The hemostasis valve may be releasably coupleable to the other medical device.