Abstract: A y-port device including a valve positioned proximally to the fluid channel thereby eliminating aberrant currents and dead space within the y-port device. The valve is a septum and penetrable by a probe. The valve is positioned such that the external end may be cleaned and/or sanitized prior to penetration by a probe and the internal end abuts the fluid channel of the device such that dead space is eliminated between the flow path and the internal end of the valve. The y-port device ensures that an entire infused bolus is flushed from the interior of the y-port and into the desired vascular system.

Abstract: A medical device includes an antimicrobial layer. A method of depositing an antimicrobial agent on or in the body of a medical device includes inserting a high temperature resistant tube having multiple holes through its surface into a vascular access device and coating, or delivering an antimicrobial agent to, and interior surface of the device.

Abstract: A medical device may include an extravascular system for communication of fluid with a vascular system, a fluid path within the extravascular system, and a fluid flow director in communication with the fluid path. The director encourages movement of stagnant fluid within the fluid path of the extravascular system. A method may include providing an extravascular system having a fluid path and encouraging the movement of stagnant fluid within the fluid path of the extravascular system.

Abstract: A medical device includes a body and an interior surface of the body that communicates with a fluid capable of delivering a pathogen to the interior surface. The medical device may also have an energy source coupled with the vascular access device that provides energy to the interior surface of the body to repress pathogenic activity. A method of repressing pathogenic activity in a vascular access device includes providing a body having an interior surface and energizing the vascular access device to repress pathogenic activity on the interior surface.

Abstract: A medical device may include a vascular access device with an access port which may include a septum and a slit. The slit may be formed on the inner surface of the body of the septum and the access port may be capable of receiving a separate access device through the slit of the septum. The medical device may also include a flexible member which expands to create an additional volume within the access port when the port is accessed by the access device. A method of controlling volume displacement a chamber of a medical device may include decreasing the volume of a chamber of an extravascular system by inserting a substance having a mass into the chamber and/or increasing the volume of the chamber simultaneously and commensurately with the mass of the substance inserted into the chamber.

Abstract: A catheter introducer is disclosed having a splittable introducer and an introducer needle. The splittable introducer includes a pair of wings and a tray with an open top extending from the proximal end of the introducer cannula between the wings to lead the distal end of a long, thin and flexible medical device into the open proximal end of the splittable introducer cannula.

Abstract: A catheter introducer is disclosed having a splittable introducer and an introducer needle. The splittable introducer includes a pair of wings and a tray with an open top extending from the proximal end of the introducer cannula between the wings to lead the distal end of a long, thin and flexible medical device into the open proximal end of the splittable introducer cannula.

Abstract: A multiple sheath catheter is provided for placing an IV catheter or other medical instrument into a blood vessel of a patient. The multiple sheath catheter includes a first stage catheter having a distal end for introducing into a blood vessel, a proximal end, and an internal lumen between the distal and proximal ends. Disposed lengthwise within the lumen of the first stage catheter is a needle for piercing a blood vessel of a patient. The device uses a small diameter needle to gain venous access, thereby reducing the probability of failure. The multiple sheath catheter also includes a second stage catheter or introducer.