Abstract: An elastomeric valve partition is conventionally mounted on a catheter comprising a tubular catheter body. The valve partition defines a central aperture extending inwardly from one of the faces, only partway through the valve partition. The partition also carries a plurality of radial slits extending from the other of the faces only partway through the valve partition and intersecting the central aperture. The central aperture is of a diameter to closely fit a guidewire extending through the valve partition, while the radial slits have a length that is at least double the radius of the central aperture. The slits preferably rotate circumferentially about 5 to 60 degrees as they extend through the valve partition from one face toward the other. A lubricity enhancing additive is present, selected from the group consisting of bismuth oxychloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, titanium dioxide, graphite, polyethylene wax, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A catheter which carries a hemostasis valve, such as a catheter sheath introducer, carries a slit elastic valve partition as part of the hemostasis valve. The inner housing has a bore and the end cap has an aperture that each communicate with an opposed surface of the valve partition. The diameter of the aperture and the bore are each of a distance that exceeds the outer diameter of preferably a french six catheter extending through the catheter of this invention, plus two times the thickness of the partition. When these conditions are satisfied, larger diameter inner catheters can be slidably inserted and removed through the catheter and valve of this invention with reduced frictional characteristics. Also, a compression ring is provided between the valve partition and the end cap which causes the valve partition to bow outwardly against the end cap and toward the aperture thereof. This, in turn improves the sealing characteristics. Also, an improved slit design for the partition is disclosed.

Abstract: An elastomeric valve partition is conventionally mounted on a catheter comprising a tubular catheter body. The valve partition defines a central aperture extending inwardly from one of the faces, only partway through the valve partition. The partition also carries a plurality of radial slits extending from the other of the faces only partway through the valve partition and intersecting the central aperture. The central aperture is of a diameter to closely fit a guidewire extending through the valve partition, while the radial slits have a length that is at least double the radius of the central aperture. The slits preferably rotate circumferentially about 5 to 60 degrees as they extend through the valve partition from one face toward the other. A lubricity enhancing additive is present, selected from the group consisting of bismuth oxychloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, titanium dioxide, graphite, polyethylene wax, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter comprises a plastic tube of a diameter capable of occupying a blood vessel. The plastic tube defines a tapered distal tip. The distal tip comprises an annular, distal end portion having an outer diameter that tapers at a first acute angle to the tube longitudinal axis, distally and inwardly to a thin, annular, distal end surface. The tube also defines a second, tapered, annular portion proximal of and next to the annular, distal end portion. The second portion defines an outer diameter that tapers distally and inwardly down to an outer diameter of essentially no less than the maximum outer diameter of the annular, distal end portion. The second portion tapers at a second acute angle to the longitudinal axis, which is less than the first acute angle. Also, an improved composition for the cannula tube is disclosed.