Abstract: A lubrication system is disclosed which minimizes friction and that is useful for application on the surface of a flexible portion of a medical device. Such a lubrication system includes a lubricant that is able to move when the flexible portion of the medical device flexes and is biocompatible and is not degraded by the application of alcohol or other conventional medical sterilizing and cleaning agents. The lubricant is bonded to the surface of the flexible portion of the medical device. The lubrication system may be used on an elastomeric septum, such as a silicone rubber elastomer. The lubricant coating may be any type of coating that can be chemically bonded to the elastomer, such as di-paraxylene, poly-(p-xylene), polytetrafluoroethylene, or polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: A lubrication system is disclosed which minimizes friction and that is useful for application on the surface of a flexible portion of a medical device. Such a lubrication system includes a lubricant that is able to move when the flexible portion of the medical device flexes and is biocompatible and is not degraded by the application of alcohol or other conventional medical sterilizing and cleaning agents. The lubricant is bonded to the surface of the flexible portion of the medical device. The lubrication system may be used on an elastomeric septum, such as a silicone rubber elastomer. The lubricant coating may be any type of coating that can be chemically bonded to the elastomer, such as di-paraxylene, poly-(p-xylene), polytetrafluoroethylene, or polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: The applicator for an anti-microbial prep solution of this invention includes a generally hollow handle having a closed proximal end and an open distal end, a foam pad attached to the hollow handle over the open distal end, and a flow control valve disposed in the distal portion of the hollow handle proximal of the foam pad to control the flow of anti-microbial prep solution to the foam pad.

Abstract: A needleless valve connector is disclosed. The needleless valve connector includes a movable diaphragm assembly and an internal central cannula. The proximal portion of the internal cannula has a tapered configuration or is slotted to allow it to be radially compressed to form a tapered configuration. The diaphragm is slit and includes cams formed therein to engage the slotted portion of the internal cannula during downward movement of the diaphragm. The engagement of the cams and the proximal portion of the internal cannula facilitates movement of the diaphragm past the proximal portion of the internal cannula.

Abstract: A valved adapter for connecting a fluid handling device to a medical device includes a body with a longitudinal axis and having a female luer fitting at a proximal end, a distal end and a passageway therethrough. The passageway has a chamber intermediate the proximal end and the distal end containing a valve having a normally closed position but operative to an open position. The valve includes a relatively elongate resilient member with a proximal end and an axis substantially coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the adapter. The valve further includes a pusher disposed at the proximal end of the elongate resilient member. The pusher includes a telescopic portion having an extended position and a collapsed position. The telescopic portion is biased to the extended position.

Abstract: A medical device for securing tubing such as intravenous catheter tubing to a patient. The device is made up of two lobes, each being made up of a channel and a tab. The device is hinged so that the tabs can be brought together. When the tabs are brought together, the tubing is gripped between the gripping channels. The gripping channels have specially adapted surfaces to facilitate the gripping of the tubing. The gripping channels may also be lined with a tacky material or contoured liners.

Abstract: A guidewire introducer assembly is disclosed, together with a method of introducing a guidewire into a blood vessel. The introducer assembly allows a guidewire to be grasped between the digits of a user, thereby facilitating advancement or retraction of the guidewire. It includes an elongated dispenser tube, a guidewire slidably positioned within the dispenser tube and a guidewire introducer. The guidewire introducer includes or defines an opening through which the guidewire may be grasped. As the guidewire passes through the opening, it can be grasped by a user and advanced or retracted through the guidewire introducer. The guidewire introducer also allows the user to straighten the end portion of the guidewire. This allows the easy insertion of a guidewire having a J-tipped end portion within an introducer needle or catheter.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tubular member forming a primary lumen and having an insufflation lumen formed in the wall thereof. The insufflation lumen is of somewhat D-shape with the generally flat side being radially inward and the curved side being radially outward. A communicating tube, which is provided for connection to the proximal opening of the insufflation lumen, is made, at least at the end thereof connected to the insufflation lumen, of a cross-sectional shape approximating that of the insufflation lumen. The generally flat side of this tube is aligned with the generally flat side of the insufflation lumen and the curved radially outward side is aligned with the corresponding side of the insufflation lumen. The communicating tube, at least in the region of connection to the insufflation lumen, is made of a relatively rigid material so as to resist deformation and resultant restriction of the internal cross-section thereof.