Abstract: An intravascular valve component broadly includes a valve case and a flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve. The valve case includes attached proximal and distal case portions that present respective spaced apart fluid ports and a fluid passageway extending between the ports. The flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway and includes a slitted central valve wall and an annular flange surrounding the central valve wall. The annular flange includes a radially-extending flange wall and a projection extending axially from the flange wall, with the projection engaging one of the case portions to restrict radial movement of the flow control valve relative to the valve case.

Abstract: A cannula assembly includes a cannula adapted for insertion within tissue and having a longitudinal passage extending along a longitudinal axis of the cannula for passage of a surgical instrument. An expandable member is mounted to the cannula and longitudinally spaced from a distal end of the cannula. The expandable member is adapted to expand, upon introduction of fluids therein, in a radially outward direction relative to the longitudinal axis whereby the expandable member engages the tissue to facilitate anchoring of the cannula relative to the tissue, and also to expand in a radially inward direction relative to the longitudinal axis and within the longitudinal passage to engage the surgical instrument positioned within the longitudinal passage to facilitate formation of a seal about the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A disconnectable connector assembly is provided comprising (a) a first polymeric fitting including a first open end, and a second open end; (b) a stem disposed in the first fitting, the stem including an open end and a closed end, a head comprising the closed end, a side wall including one or more apertures and a plurality of circumferential grooves, and a plurality of resilient members circumferentially engaging circumferential grooves in the side wall, wherein the stem is axially movable, from a first position to a second position, in the direction from the first end of the first fitting toward the second end of the first fitting; and, (c) a second polymeric fitting connected to the first fitting, the second fitting including a first end and a second end, the second fitting being in fluid communication with the stem and the first fitting when the stem is in the first position, and wherein fluid flow between the second fitting and the stem and the first fitting is blocked when the stem is in the second posit

Abstract: Injection shut off valve devices and methods are provided for limiting flow and pressure from a pharmaceutical composition on injection. In some embodiments, the injection shut off valve is coupled to a syringe and can be used to monitor and avoid maximum pressures that can cause damage on injection.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed that has a housing having a fluid path from a first port through an internal cavity to a second port. The connector also includes a plug that has first and second positions within the internal cavity, where the plug blocks the fluid path between the first port and the internal cavity when in the first position. The plug has a diaphragm that separates the internal cavity into a first volume that is vented and a second volume that includes the fluid path. The plug also includes a biasing element that is disposed within the first volume and that urges the plug toward the first position. Displacement of the plug from the first position toward the second position opens the fluid path and increases the second volume.

Abstract: A medical swab pouch is disclosed. The inexpensive elastic pouch contains disinfectant and is configured for protecting and swabbing a wide variety of luer systems to prevent and eliminate bacterial contamination. The pouch has a flattened configuration and can be elastically dilated, as by squeezing the pouch between the thumb and index finger and is readily carried in large numbers in nurse's pockets (in a manner similar to that for conventional alcohol swabs). The pouch covers and protects the luer valve at the discretion of the user and without transmission of torsion or longitudinal force which might loosen the luer valve or otherwise be transmitted to the vein.

Abstract: A needleless luer access connector is disclosed having a septum disposed in a housing. The septum has a proximal portion with a cross section, a medial portion with a cross section smaller than the cross section of the proximal portion, and a distal portion. A longitudinal slit extends through the septum from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The septum and housing are designed so that septum will not be rotated or removed from the housing when the connector is accessed by a male luer taper. In addition, the septum and housing are designed to bias the slit at the distal portion closed and so a male luer connector does not have to extend completely through the distal portion to open the slit at the distal portion. Finally, the septum and housing are designed to minimize the amount of dead space in the connector when accessed with a male luer taper.

Abstract: A medical device having a vascular access device including a rotationally activated flow control valve having, a body including a distal adapter and a proximal adapter defining a lumen extending therethrough and a septum. A method of use in which the connection of first and second medical devices results in the automatic activation of the rotational flow control valve.

Abstract: A catheter end closure assembly includes a catheter adaptor with a head, a stem, a fastening segment between the head and stem and an axial passage extending the length of the adaptor. A plug with a head and a shank is shaped and dimensioned so that the shank may slidably engage in the stem and block a segment of the passage therein. The assembly also includes a cap dimensioned to be engaged around the stem and the fastening segment so as to define between the cap and adaptor a closed chamber that contains the stem and plug. Interfitting fastening surfaces on the cap and the fastening segment may releasably couple the cap to the adaptor, and cooperating surfaces on the plug and cap side wall may interfit when the cap is coupled to the adaptor so that when the cap is subsequently decoupled from the adaptor, the plug is automatically pulled from the passage. The assembly may be incorporated with a catheter extension set to facilitate dialysis or other therapy.

Abstract: A device for retaining and dispensing a free-flowing substance includes a syringe-like retaining body (12) in which a retaining space (46) is formed. A displaceable piston (22) is axially introduced into the retaining space (46) and the retaining body (12) is provided with a dispensing nozzle (18) on its front end facing away from the piston (22). A locking pin (36) through which at least one transverse channel (44) passes, with an axial channel (42) branching off therefrom, is provided on the inside of the dispensing nozzle (18). In a closed position of the locking pin (36), a flow connection between the retaining space (46) and the transverse channel (44) is blocked. In an activation position of the locking pin (36), the transverse channel (44) is connected to the retaining space (46), so that the free-flowing substance can be dispensed from the retaining space (46) via the transverse channel (44) and the axial channel (42).

Abstract: The present invention provides catheter cleaning devices that are effective at reducing microbial contamination of a catheter port entry. For example, the invention provides a catheter, a catheter cleaning device and a catheter cleaning injection port cap, each of which reduces potential microbial contamination at a catheter port entry.

Abstract: A drug delivery pump drive which uses a linear piezoelectric motor to advance a syringe piston to deliver a liquid drug and a method thereof are disclosed. The pump drive, provided in a drug delivery pump, provides silent operation and very low energy consumption compared to electric motor-based drives. The small size of the motor helps also to reduce overall size of the pump drive and the resulting drug deliver pump.

Abstract: Seal assemblies are provided, comprising a seal holder including a cylindrical wall portion having a tapered distal portion, wherein the cylindrical wall portion defines a central passage. The seal assembly comprises a ball seal supported in the central passage of the seal holder. The ball seal includes a distal aperture and a proximal aperture, wherein the distal and/or proximal aperture is dimensioned for substantial sealed reception with a surgical instrument. The ball seal is adapted for angular movement relative to a central longitudinal axis of the seal holder upon angulation of the surgical instrument, whereby the ball seal substantially maintains the seal with the surgical instrument. The seal assembly comprises a seal cover defining an aperture formed in a transverse wall thereof. The seal cover is configured for connection with the seal holder for maintaining the ball seal within the central passage of the seal holder.

Abstract: A gland member within a medical valve is configured to have a substantially consistent or enlarging internal volume as the valve transitions from a closed mode to an open mode. To that end, the valve has a housing forming an interior containing a flow path, and a stationary post member within the interior. The post member has a lumen that is a part of the flow path. The lumen has an opening to the interior of the housing. The valve further includes a gland member circumscribing the post member to produce a variable volume region formed at least in part between the gland member itself and the post member. In addition, the variable volume region is a part of the flow path, while the gland member occludes the post lumen opening when in the closed mode. The variable volume region has an open volume (i.e., when the valve is in the open mode) that is no less than its closed volume (i.e., when the valve is in the closed mode).

Abstract: A system and method for disinfecting an exposed portion of a female luer connector is disclosed. A male luer connector coupled to a male luer connector cap is provided where the male luer connector cap has a chamber containing a disinfectant and a sealing member for sealing the disinfectant in the chamber. The chamber is at least partly opened and the disinfectant exposed by movement of the sealing member. An exposed surface of a female luer connector is caused to come in contact with the disinfecting fluid in the chamber prior to the female luer connector mating with the male luer connector.

Abstract: A gland member within a medical valve is configured to have a substantially consistent or enlarging internal volume as the valve transitions from a closed mode to an open mode. To that end, the valve has a housing forming an interior containing a flow path, and a stationary post member within the interior. The post member has a lumen that is a part of the flow path. The lumen has an opening to the interior of the housing. The valve further includes a gland member circumscribing the post member to produce a variable volume region formed at least in part between the gland member itself and the post member. In addition, the variable volume region is a part of the flow path, while the gland member occludes the post lumen opening when in the closed mode. The variable volume region has an open volume (i.e., when the valve is in the open mode) that is no less than its closed volume (i.e., when the valve is in the closed mode).

Abstract: A medical valve transitions between an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the medical valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a rigid member movably mounted within the housing, and a resilient member with a sealing portion. The housing also has at least one relief zone that is in fluid communication with the outlet when the valve is in the closed mode. The rigid member may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a flow channel. The relief zone may be radially outward from the sealing portion. The sealing portion may seal the valve and prevent fluid from passing through the valve when in the closed mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for medical liquid-containing packages, in particular to infusion or transfusion bags comprising a connection element (1) provided with a channel-shaped opening (1c) in which a self-sealing membrane (8) is arranged. A breakable part (17) which is connected to the connection piece closes the channel-shaped opening. Above the membrane (8), said connection element is embodied in the form a connection piece (13) comprising an internal cone (14) and external thread (15), the membrane (8) being sealed for receiving a syringe cone shaft. The inventive connector makes it possible to inject an active substance by means of a conventional Luer lock syringe devoid of an injection cannula (needle).

Abstract: A manual switch has a body, a button, a valve rod and a biasing member. The body is hollow and has a connecting tube and a valve mount. The connecting tube is mounted through the body. The valve mount is mounted in the body and communicates with the connecting tube. The button is connected pivotally to the body at a pivotal position on the body. The valve rod is mounted slidably in the valve mount to close the communication of the connecting tube, is pressed by the button and has an annular recess. The annular recess is defined around the valve rod and selectively communicates with the connecting tube when the valve rod is moved. The biasing member is mounted in the valve mount and is connected to the valve rod to provide a recoil force to the valve rod.

Abstract: A rigid tubular piece (24) and a cassette assembly (10) for extracorporeal blood circulation having the rigid tubular piece are disclosed. The rigid tubular piece is used for submitting fluid circulating therein to measurements and includes a protrusion or a recess in correspondence of at least an end connector. A blood treatment medical apparatus using the cassette assembly is also disclosed. The apparatus is able to detect if the right rigid tubular piece is in proper position before authorizing measurements of a blood property.

Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from collapsible containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser includes a novel stored energy source that is provided in the form of a compressible-expandable member that functions to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The apparatus further includes a novel fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solutions from the device reservoir to the patient.

Abstract: A soft grip medical connector can include a housing and a flexible member. The housing has a lumen extending through it from an upstream end to the downstream end. The flexible member includes a valve portion integrally formed with a sleeve portion. The valve portion is positioned within a section of the housing and can control a flow of fluid through the housing lumen. The sleeve can be inverted to envelop some or all of the outer surface of the housing. The sleeve can include a gripping portion integrally formed with the valve portion. The connector can also create a positive pressure in the lumen upon removal of a syringe or other medical device from the upstream end of the connector.

Abstract: Various improvements are made to catheters adapted to be flushed to remove air from within the catheter. For example, improved catheters include a catheter with a self-sealing seal at its distal end to pass a venting tube for removing air from within the catheter, a catheter having a distal end whose diameter is reduced to compress a seal adapted to pass a venting tube; a catheter having a cap at its distal end where the cap has a venting hole that is opened or closed depending on the conditions subjected to the shape-memory material of the cap; a catheter having a vent hole at its distal end; a catheter having an opening at its distal end that can be closed by a plug; and a catheter having a narrow neck with an opening to vent air and the neck is coupled to a tab where twisting the tab closes the opening in the neck.

Abstract: A luer connector including a housing with first end including a male luer tip and a second end. The connector further includes a rigid valve member having a first opened end and a second closed end and a retaining member configured to couple the valve member and the housing. The housing further includes a rigid conduit positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the second end of the housing, the rigid conduit adapted to engage the first opened end of the valve member. The housing including a first internal volume when the valve member is in a first position and a second, smaller volume when the valve member is in a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing free flow through an infusion set utilizes an occluder disposed within the infusion set to selectively prevent flow therethrough. The occluder may be responsive to a pressure differential within the infusion set or may respond to compression of the infusion set. The occluder may also be configured to allow flow when the infusion set adjacent the occluder is moved sideways relative to the occluder or maintained at an angle relative to the occluder. When a pair of occluders are used in sequence, an in-line pump may be formed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a valve assembly comprising a male luer end portion and a female luer end portion and a passage for the transfer of fluids extending between the male and female luer end portions, valve means movable between a first position, in which the passage is closed, and a second position, in which the passage is open, biasing means for biasing the valve means toward the first position, and actuating means extending into the male luer end portion and coupled to the valve means to actuate the valve means when a female luer end portion of a medical accessory is engaged with the male luer end portion.

Abstract: A medical connector is described which is formed by a body having an inlet port, an outlet port through a male luer portion of the body, and a fluid path between the inlet port and the at least one outlet ports. A retractable post extends through the fluid path in the male luer sealing a tip of the male luer thereby closing the fluid path when the connector in not activated. Barbs extending along the exterior of the male luer and connected to the retractable post, wherein when the connector is activated, the barbs force the retractable post away from the tip of the male luer thereby opening the fluid path through the medical connector. A retention member applies force to the post to force the post to seal the tip of the male luer with the medical connector is not activated.

Abstract: A trocarless intravenous cannula with a multifilament tip is described. The trocarless intravenous cannula has a tapered, distal multifilament tip that is comprised of a plurality of individual filaments. In one aspect, the distal part of the cannula is fenestrated. The tip and the distal part of the cannula may both be covered in a dry, water-soluble coating.

Abstract: A convenience kit which provides a basic configuration for use in measuring, filling and dispensing medication and flush solutions to IV sets and patient catheters through needleless connectors while improving safety and efficacy by requiring fewer post-sterilization makes and breaks compared to conventional filling and dispensing methods. Further, the kit improves flush compliance by facilitating dispensing of flush solutions and decreases likelihood of infections by providing for flushing of patient lines and catheter connecting fittings without line breaks. Convenience of operation is provided by a two-syringe assembly which is operable by a single hand for selective dispensing accomplished from either of the two syringes while obstructing flow from the other syringe. The kit comprises a clip for stabilizing the two syringe assembly.

Abstract: A luer connector comprising a housing with a hollow bore having first and second ends. The hollow bore also has a male luer tip and a tapering interior surface. The luer connector also comprises a rigid valve member configured to at least partially extend through the housing. The valve member has a first opened end and a second closed end. The valve member also comprises a passageway within the valve member and an outwardly extending flange near the second end adapted to seal the hollow bore at the second end of the housing when placed in contact with a tapering interior surface of the housing. The valve member further comprises at least one opening near the closed end of the valve member extending outward from the passageway through the valve member and at least one strut attached to the valve member. At least a portion of the strut extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the valve member.

Abstract: A luer connector comprising a housing with a hollow bore having first and second ends. The hollow bore also has a male luer tip and a tapering interior surface. The luer connector also comprises a rigid valve member configured to at least partially extend through the housing. The valve member has a first opened end and a second closed end. The valve member also comprises a passageway within the valve member and an outwardly extending flange near the second end adapted to seal the hollow bore at the second end of the housing when placed in contact with a tapering interior surface of the housing. The valve member further comprises at least one opening near the closed end of the valve member extending outward from the passageway through the valve member and at least one strut attached to the valve member. At least a portion of the strut extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the valve member.

Abstract: A trocar system for endoscopic surgery, cap assembly, and related methods are provided. The cap assembly includes a housing with an opening formed in line with an axis of the housing. The cap assembly also includes a variable opening flexible sealing gland having a stack of valve body sections each including a valve extension extending from a valve ring and having a valve opening and a slit extending between a valve opening and the valve ring. The combination of the individual valve body sections forms a substantially conically shaped iris diaphragm portion of the sealing gland. The iris is positioned to individually and separately receive elongate tools so that when any one of the elongate tools is positioned through the valve opening, a seal is maintained between peripheries of the seal gland surrounding the iris and outer peripheries of the inserted elongate tool.

Abstract: An intravascular port access device includes a first component having a chamber configured to attach reversibly to an intravenous line port. A second component reversibly attaches to the first component and contains a disinfecting agent and an applicator material. The second component is configured to be reversibly received over external surfaces of the intravenous line port. A method of cleansing an intravenous line port includes providing a port cleaning device having a first component with a chamber containing a first cleaning agent. A second component includes a second cleaning agent. A third component has a microbiocidal agent and is reversibly attached to the first component. The second component is removed from the device, the external surfaces of the port are contacted with the second cleaning agent, the first cleaning agent is ejected from the chamber into the port, and the third component is used to cap the port.

Abstract: A normally closed valve that may be opened upon insertion of a nozzle permits two-way flow when opened by a luer-taper nozzle. The valve also is able to resist large back pressures. The valve includes a substantially rigid housing that defines a passageway having an inlet section and an outlet section. The housing has an exterior inlet face to which the inlet section opens. The inlet section preferably has tapered and expanding zones. The tapered zone is adjacent to the exterior inlet face and is shaped to receive the nozzle. The expanding zone is adjacent to the tapered zone and has a larger inner diameter than the tapered zone's inner diameter. The exterior of the inlet section of the housing may have threads to accept luer-lock threads that may surround the nozzle.

Abstract: An administering device for a fluid product includes a product receptacle that accommodates the product to be administered, a fluid reservoir for a driving fluid, a driving means, a product chamber, and a fluid connection. The product receptacle includes an opening at a forward end and a product stopper at a rear end. The driving means acts upon the fluid reservoir, the pressure chamber adjoins the product stopper while the fluid connection is located between the fluid reservoir and the pressure chamber, and the driving means acts upon the fluid reservoir in such a way that the pressure chamber is impinged upon by pressure which affects the product stopper and the product is discharged from the product receptacle.

Abstract: A medical connector contains a plurality of arms having respective entrance ports. The medical connector also contains a cover preferably having first and second caps coupled together by a first tether, and a fastener coupled to at least one of the first and second caps by a second tether. The fastener is secured to a portion of the medical connector. The first and second caps are adapted to cover at least a portion of the entrance ports of respective first and second arms of the plurality of arms. The medical connector preferably has a sleeve that is detachably coupled to a first arm of the plurality of arms. The first cap preferably comprises a first portion with a first inner diameter adapted to encircle an end of the first arm and a second portion with a second inner diameter adapted to encircle a distal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A delivery device and a method for administering a fluid from a fluid reservoir, wherein an unintended free flow of the fluid from the reservoir to a recipient is reliably prevented, are disclosed. The delivery device has a tank for the fluid; a fluid delivery device which delivers the fluid from the tank; a valve body providing an input hole and an output hole; and an infusion set in order to guide the fluid from the tank to a distal end of the delivery device. The delivery device further provides a shutter assembly which is or can be mounted to the valve body and prevents the fluid from flowing inside the infusion set when the fluid exhibits a pressure which is lower than a predefined pressure.

Abstract: A hemostatic valve apparatus used in medical procedures that provides rapid activation of a sealing mechanism resulting in lower blood loss during use of the sealing device. The valve apparatus incorporates an actuator and two mechanisms that counter-rotate opposite ends of a sealing tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating fluid flow between an internal body structure and a device external to the body comprises a housing having proximal and distal chambers separated from one another by a wall and fluidly connected to proximal port and distal ports. The wall includes a valve selectively sealing first and second openings thereof and a canopy biased toward a sealing position sealingly surrounding the first opening. The bias of the canopy is set to define a first pressure differential at which the canopy is moved out of the sealing position to permit fluid transfer therepast in a first direction. A duck-bill stem extends through the second opening and includes a lumen extending therethrough with walls of the stem being biased toward a sealing position and configured so that, when a second pressure differential is applied at at least a second level, the first end opens to permit flow therepast.

Abstract: An intravascular port access device includes a first component having a chamber configured to attach reversibly to an intravenous line port. A second component reversibly attaches to the first component and contains a disinfecting agent and an applicator material. The second component is configured to be reversibly received over external surfaces of the intravenous line port. A method of cleansing an intravenous line port includes providing a port cleaning device having a first component with a chamber containing a first cleaning agent. A second component includes a second cleaning agent. A third component has a microbiocidal agent and is reversibly attached to the first component. The second component is removed from the device, the external surfaces of the port are contacted with the second cleaning agent, the first cleaning agent is ejected from the chamber into the port, and the third component is used to cap the port.

Abstract: A first fluid connector is provided for selective interconnection to and fluid transfer with a second fluid connector. The first connector comprises a fluid passageway, an internal member and an outer collar supportably disposed about the internal member for selective advancement and retraction relative thereto. At least a portion of the fluid passageway may extend through the internal member. The outer collar may be selectively retracted to facilitate cleaning of the internal member. In some embodiments, the outer collar and internal member may be disposed so that a distal portion of the internal member is substantially flush with or a distal portion of internal member projects beyond a distal end of the outer collar when the outer collar is in a retracted position relative thereto. To facilitate cleaning, a distal end or distal portion of the internal member may be substantially closed when the first and second connectors are disconnected.

Abstract: There is provided an enteral feeding assembly having a base and a connector. The base has a catheter with a lumen for communication with a body lumen. The base also has an opening with a predetermined shape on its proximal side that also communicates with the catheter lumen. The connector has a key configured to complement the predetermined shape of the opening in the base, which occurs desirably in one position only, so that the connector and base may be joined together. The connector is also connected to a feeding tube that provides a nutrient solution from a replaceable feeding bag. Once the connector is in position in the base, liquid may from the bag to the body lumen. Once in position, the connector may rotate 360 degrees relative to the base before being again in the installation/removal position.

Abstract: A needleless luer access connector is disclosed having a septum disposed in a housing. The septum has a proximal portion with a cross section, a medial portion with a cross section smaller than the cross section of the proximal portion, and a distal portion. A longitudinal slit extends through the septum from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The septum and housing are designed so that septum will not be rotated or removed from the housing when the connector is accessed by a male luer taper. In addition, the septum and housing are designed to bias the slit at the distal portion closed and so a male luer connector does not have to extend completely through the distal portion to open the slit at the distal portion. Finally, the septum and housing are designed to minimize the amount of dead space in the connector when accessed with a male luer taper.

Abstract: A skin seal or trocar stabilizer with an inflatable balloon in the shape of a dumbbell, where the balloon may be stored within a cannula for easy placement in an incision and inflated to deploy the balloon inside the body, and a portion of the balloon expands inside the cannula, whereby medical instruments may be passed through the skin seal into a laparoscopic workspace while the balloon is inflated, thereby allowing the use of normal short surgical instruments during laparoscopic procedures and during insufflation.

Abstract: A seal for laparoscopic port comprising: a base adapted to engage a cannula, the base including an axial aperture for a surgical instrument; a multiplicity of jaws mounted on the base, the jaws being moveable radially with respect to the aperture between an open position wherein the shaft of the surgical instrument may pass freely and the closed position wherein the jaws engage said shaft and provide a restraining force restraining radial movement of the shaft; and an actuator rotatable to urge the jaws to move between said open position and said closed position.

Abstract: A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50 A to about 90 A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5 A to about 49 A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient.

Abstract: A needleless luer access connector is disclosed having a septum disposed in a housing. The septum has a proximal portion with a cross section, a medial portion with a cross section smaller than the cross section of the proximal portion, and a distal portion. A longitudinal slit extends through the septum from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The septum and housing are designed so that septum will not be rotated or removed from the housing when the connector is accessed by a male luer taper. In addition, the septum and housing are designed to bias the slit at the distal portion closed and so a male luer connector does not have to extend completely through the distal portion to open the slit at the distal portion. Finally, the septum and housing are designed to minimize the amount of dead space in the connector when accessed with a male luer taper.

Abstract: A needleless valve assembly includes a needleless connector having a housing with an inlet end with an inlet opening and an outlet end with an outlet opening, and a valve disposed in the housing to control passage between the openings. The assembly also includes a collar having an exterior surface and an interior surface, and a first end with a collar opening communicating between the interior surface and the exterior surface and a second end moveably attached to the housing. Further, the assembly includes a barrier disposed across the collar opening with a slit therethrough and including an anti-microbial material. The collar is moveable relative to the housing so that the inlet end of the housing depends past the exterior surface of the collar through the slit in the barrier. A kit may include the assembly and a catheter having a first end attached to the outlet opening.

Abstract: A monitoring device is coupled to the open proximal end of an implanted gastrostomy feeding tube in order to monitor the administration of enteral nutritional fluids into the body of the patient. The monitoring device includes a clamshell-like casing and an electronic control circuit mounted within the casing. The casing includes upper and lower housings which are coupled together about a hinge. The casing additionally includes a connector shaped to fittingly project into the open proximal end of the feeding tube, the connector defining a lumen in fluid communication with the longitudinally-extending bore of the tube. A metering device is disposed within the lumen in the casing and is electrically connected to the control circuit.

Abstract: A seal for use in a surgical instrument to provide a gas-tight seal with an instrument passed through the seal. The seal can form a gas-tight seal with an instrument having a diameter within a wide range of diameters. The seal comprises a seal body, an instrument seal, and a laterally-compliant seal mounting device. The seal body includes a bore through which the instrument is passed. The instrument seal is made of an elastic material and is disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis defined by the bore in the seal body. The instrument seal includes an instrument port through which the instrument is passed. The laterally-compliant seal mounting device mounts the instrument seal to the seal body, forms a gas-tight seal between the instrument seal and the seal body, and allows the instrument seal to move freely laterally in response to lateral movement of the instrument.