Medical valve and method of use

Abstract

A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 163,403, filed Jun. 5, 2002, which was a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 569,712, filed May 9, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,592, which was a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 905,370, filed Aug. 4, 1997, now abandoned, which was a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 334,846, filed Nov. 4, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,866, which was a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 096,659, filed Jul. 23, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,466, which was a continuation-in-part of PCT Application No. PCT / US92 / 10367, filed Dec. 1, 1992, now abandoned, which was continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 07 / 813,073, filed Dec. 18, 1991, now abandoned.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] This invention relates to a closed, patient access system which automatically reseals after administering medication using a standard medical implement that directly connects with the system with...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The system ensures reliable and repeatable performance, reduces the risk of contamination and needle sticks, minimizes dead space for accurate dosing, and maintains sterility, making it safer and more efficient for medical applications.

Problems solved by technology

Adaptors and connectors that malfunction during use may be life-threatening.

The more mechanical or moving parts such as springs and diaphragms, the more likely that they will function improperly.

Improper functioning can result in the introduction of air embolisms into a patient.

This "dead space" within the device prevents accurate introduction of precise fluid volumes and provides an opportunity for contamination upon disconnection of the device.

These connectors often require further manipulation if, for example, the valve is inadvertently assembled in a direction that will not facilitate fluid flow.

These manipulations increase handling, thereby increasing both the risk of contamination and the amount of time required to establish the fluid connection.

Metal needles employed as part of connector devices increase the risk of puncture wounds to the user.

Such an event can prove fatal to a patient.

Such through-holes may also become clogged easily with material from the septum.

Reusable connectors, however, are difficult to keep sterile.

Frequently, these caps are lost, or simply not used because they are not readily available when needed.

Rough edges at the tip may present a tear problem.

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