Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, whereby the connector system includes a first coupler including a first coupler passageway disposed within the first coupler, and a first coupler elastically deformable valve operable to seal the first coupler passageway from an external environment. The connector system further includes a second coupler including a second coupler passageway disposed within the second coupler, and a second coupler elastically deformable valve operable to seal the second coupler passageway from the external environment. The first coupler and the second coupler can be substantially identical; thus, the first coupler and the second coupler can be genderless, as opposed to a connector system comprising a male coupler and a female coupler.

Abstract: A catheter for use in medical applications is disclosed. The catheter comprises tubing with a tip hole at one end and an end portion at the other end. Fluid exits the catheter at the tip hole thereof. One or more alternative fluid pathway(s) are provided on the sidewall of the catheter to permit outflow of fluid medication from the catheter to ensure proper delivery of the medication to the intended target area, particularly when the tip opening is occluded or restricted for any reason.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting a first medical device component to a second medical device component is disclosed. The connection system of the present disclosure provides for quick and intuitive coupling and decoupling of two opposing medical device components through the use of a connection path and a disconnection path, the connection path being distinct from the disconnection path. Furthermore, the connection system of the present disclosure provides audible and tactile connection feedback through the use of elastically deformable connection elements.

Abstract: A catheter system may include a needleless connector, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a valve disposed between the distal end of the needleless connector and the proximal end of the needleless connector. The catheter system may include a vent assembly, which may include a proximal component and a distal component. The proximal component may include a male luer adapter, which may include a male luer. The distal component may include a distal end coupled to the proximal end of the needleless connector, and a proximal end coupled to the male luer adapter. In response to movement of the proximal component from a proximal position to a distal position with respect to the distal component, the male luer of the male luer adapter may open the valve to vent air inside the catheter system.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus for use with delivery of respiratory gases to a patient includes a patient interface, having a body section adapted to cover the nose, or nose and mouth of a patient and a sealing interface. The sealing interface includes at least an outer sealing member. The outer sealing member is adapted to attach to the body section in a sealing manner and has a substantially thin section in at least its nasal bridge region. The thin section is substantially thinner than the rest of the outer sealing member. The patient interface includes a mask body and a seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a flexible seal, and a rigid seal clip, the seal assembly being removably attached to the mask body via the rigid seal clip. The mask body and rigid seal clip are profiled to match the contours of a user's face so that the seal has a substantially constant wall depth.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices such as endoscopes, endoscope assemblies, guide tubes, introducers, and instrument caps for endoscopes, guide tubes, and introducers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to biopsy cap configurations providing sealable access for medical instruments to a working channel, such as a working channel for an endoscope.

Abstract: An infusion pump includes a housing. The housing includes a tube port adapted to receive an intravenous (“IV”) tube. The tube port includes a tube channel and a rib. The tube channel has a first end and a second end. The rib is formed to extend laterally from the tube channel at the first end to form at least two channels at an edge of the housing. The rib tends to prevent full occlusion of the IV tube.

Abstract: A drug delivery system includes a drug containing device and a drug delivery device. The drug containing device includes a chamber carrying a fluid drug and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. A first closure initially inhibits the fluid drug from exiting the drug containing device via the outlet. The drug delivery device includes a fluid passageway and a stem having an inlet in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. The stem displaces the first closure from the outlet and enters the outlet to provide fluid communication between the chamber and the fluid passageway and thereby facilitates delivery of the fluid drug to the drug delivery device. A second closure is coupled to the stem, and the second closure engages the first body at the outlet when the stem enters the outlet to inhibit the fluid drug from exiting the drug containing device around the stem.

Abstract: An access assembly includes an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within the instrument valve housing. The instrument valve housing includes upper and lower housing sections. The valve assembly includes a centering mechanism, a seal assembly, and a guard assembly. The centering mechanism is configured to bias the valve assembly towards a generally centered position within the instrument valve housing. The centering mechanism includes a base seal member having an annular base and a flange portion. The flange portion includes an arcuate portion configured to adjustably engage first and second surfaces of the instrument valve housing in a sealing relation. The seal assembly is attachable to the centering mechanism. The seal assembly is configured to engage a surgical instrument inserted into the access assembly in a sealing relation. The guard assembly is attachable to the centering mechanism.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the disclosure, a delivery device may include a handle, a catheter sheath extending distally from the handle, and a hemostasis valve positioned within the handle. The hemostasis valve may be located proximal the catheter sheath and distal to a proximal end of the handle. The delivery device may also include a hemostasis bypass assembly coupled to the handle. The hemostasis bypass assembly may include a bypass tube coupled to an actuator. The actuator may be configured to be transitioned between a first condition in which a distal end of the bypass tube is positioned proximal to the hemostasis valve and the hemostasis valve is closed, and a second condition in which the distal end of the bypass tube traverses the hemostasis valve and the hemostasis valve is opened.

Abstract: A channel device is disclosed for transporting gas and/or liquid between a control unit and a scope accessory, the channel device comprising a wash line, the wash line comprising: a wash line gas channel; a wash container; a piston; and a wash line wash channel, the wash line gas channel being configured to receive a gas from a wash line gas output of the control unit, the piston being configured to be actuated due to an increase in pressure in the wash line gas channel caused by the received gas to cause a liquid to be expelled from the wash container, the wash line wash channel being configured to transport the expelled liquid to the scope accessory.

Abstract: A channel device is disclosed for transporting gas and/or liquid between a control unit and a scope accessory, the channel device comprising a wash line, the wash line comprising: a wash line gas channel; a wash container; a piston; and a wash line wash channel, the wash line gas channel being configured to receive a gas from a wash line gas output of the control unit, the piston being configured to be actuated due to an increase in pressure in the wash line gas channel caused by the received gas to cause a liquid to be expelled from the wash container, the wash line wash channel being configured to transport the expelled liquid to the scope accessory.

Abstract: A catheter for guiding a body fluid of a subject includes an elongated body, an adjusting mechanism, and a valve mechanism. Moreover, the elongated body further includes a first portion, a second portion and a flexible portion between the first and the second portions. The second portion includes a passageway for the body liquid. The valve mechanism closes to the inlet of the passageway. Furthermore, the flexible portion expands when the adjusting mechanism is in a first state to prevent the catheter from being removed from the subject, and the flexible portion retracts when the adjusting mechanism alters to a second state to allow the catheter to be removed from or inserted into the subject. Hence, the body fluid is directed to enter the passageway via the inlet and exit via the outlet when the adjusting mechanism is not in the second state.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a tapered connector including a central passage and a tapered outer surface for sealing with a tube or bottle. A male connector for connection to a female connector to fluidly communicate the female connector with the tube or bottle is coupled with the tapered connector. A method of forming such an adapter assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealing element is received between a connector and an attachment member. The sealing element includes a foot section received by a recess of the connector, a shoulder engaging an inner surface of the attachment member, and a flange engaging a support surface of the connector. The sealing element also includes a cylindrical body extending from the shoulder to the flange along an insertion direction and, where the cylindrical body deforms to create a flow path through the sealing element, and a sealing head defines an opening that transitions from a closed state to an open state when the cylindrical body deforms.

Abstract: Endoscope assemblies, biopsy caps, and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscope assembly may include an endoscope having a channel formed therein and a port that provides access to the channel. A cap may be coupled to the port. The cap may include a base having a securing member for securing the cap to the port, an outer shell and a brush section disposed within the interior volume adjacent the disk shutter section, the brush section including a plurality of brushes arranged in a helical fashion.

Abstract: A check valve includes an upper housing defining an inlet of the check valve, a lower housing defining an outlet of the check valve, and a cavity interposed between and defined by the upper and lower housings for fluidly connecting the inlet and the outlet. The check valve further includes a valve member mounted in the cavity to selectively permit fluid flow in a first direction, and prevent fluid backflow in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The valve member includes a valve body and a valve stem portion extending axially through a central axis of the valve body. The valve member may further include a plurality of feet disposed about and extending longitudinally from an outer circumferential perimeter of the valve body.

Abstract: Biopsy caps and seals, and methods for making and using the same may be provided in conjunction with an endoscope assembly. A seal may include a main body including a circumferential outer wall surrounding a central lumen. The seal may include at least one support wall extending radially from the outer wall towards a center of the lumen, and at least one helical flap extending from the support wall helically downward along an inner surface of the outer wall, where the at least one helical flap defines an opening at the center of the lumen. The seal may alternatively include a plurality of projections extending radially inward from the outer wall towards a center of the lumen, where the plurality of projections are arranged in a series of circumferentially and angularly offset layers.

Abstract: A medical device including a connector portion having a distal end and a proximal end, and a screw groove configured for fluid communication between the connector portion and another medical device. The screw groove has a first side wall provided close to the distal end and a second side wall provided close to the proximal end. The first side wall has a stop portion whose lead angle has been reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A fluid control component configured for controlling fluid flow through the hub of a catheter assembly during and after placement into the patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fluid control component comprises a body disposed within a cavity of the hub, the body being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the body does not pierce a valve disposed in the hub when in the first position and wherein the body pierces the valve when in the second position. The body includes a conduit to enable fluid flow through an internal portion of the body when the body is in the second position, and a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs disposed on an exterior surface of the body. The ribs provide at least one fluid flow channel between the valve and an external portion of the body when the body is in the second position.

Abstract: An indwelling valve actuated urinary catheter has an inner catheter having an inlet port configured on a distal end and for locating within the bladder and a sheath that extends over the inner catheter to produce a valve. The sheath extends over the inlet port when the valve is in a closed position and manipulation of a valve actuator on the proximal end, located within the penis, opens the valve. A bladder plug configured on the distal end of the inner catheter may form a seal between the catheter sheath and the inner catheter. The valve actuator may comprise a proximal nodule and a distal nodule that are configured within the urethra along the penis. Manual manipulation of the valve actuator through the penis, such as by pinching the penis, moves the proximal and distal nodules with respect to each other to open or close the valve.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus includes a body, a door, a drip chamber holster, and a valve. The door is pivotally coupled to the body. The drip chamber holster is coupled to one of the body or the door to retain a drip chamber. The valve is disposed within the body and is configured to receive a fluid line coupled to the drip chamber when the door is in an open position. The valve is operatively coupled to the door to secure the fluid line within the valve when the door is in a closed position.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. Generally, the systems may comprise a first catheter and a second catheter, which may comprise one or more fistula-forming elements. The first and second catheters may comprise one or more magnetic elements, which may be used to assist in bringing the first and catheters in closer proximity to facilitate fistula formation. In some variations, the magnetic elements may have magnetization patterns such that the flux generated by the magnetic elements is locally concentrated. In some instances, the system may comprise a magnetic control device, which may comprise a magnet, and may be used to increase or create an attractive force between the first and second catheters.

Abstract: A needleless valve system includes a cannula comprising a cannula tip; a valve comprising a valve tip, wherein the valve is disposed around the cannula; and a housing comprising a housing tip, wherein the cannula tip, the valve tip, and the housing tip comprise a flat surface when the needleless valve system is in a sealed position.

Abstract: The medical device may comprise an elongate body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and defining a lumen therethrough. Also, the medical device may include an expandable element coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body and in fluid communication with the lumen. The expandable element may define a first end and a second end, the second end being proximal to the first end. The medical device may further include a cannula surrounding at least a portion of the elongate body and the cannula may define a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the cannula may be disposed proximal and adjacent to the second end of the expandable element. An outer dimctcr diameter of the cannula may be substantially equal to or lesser than an outer diameter of the expandable element when inflated. The medical device may be maneuvered through a patient's body.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a catheter tube; a hub having a distal section joined to the catheter tube and a proximal section defining a housing; at least one port connected to the hub by a fluid passage through a passageway; a needle extending through the hub and the catheter tube, wherein the needle has opposite proximal and distal ends, the distal end forming a needle tip; a needle hub attached to the proximal end of the needle; a needle guard slidably arranged on the needle, wherein the needle guard is movably retained in the housing of the hub when the needle extends through the hub and the catheter tube, wherein the needle guard is removable from the hub once the needle tip is received in the needle guard upon withdrawal of the needle from the catheter tube; and wherein the hub is made of two parts each having distal and proximal end sections.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an introducer device for introducing a medical device into a patient's vasculature. In one embodiment, the introducer device comprises a housing, a distal sheath adapted to be inserted into a patient's vasculature with the housing positioned outside of the patient's vasculature, a hemostatic seal mounted within the housing, and a tube positioned within the housing and movable longitudinally relative to the hemostatic seal between a proximal position and a distal position. In the proximal position, a distal end of the tube is positioned proximal to the hemostatic seal with the hemostatic seal closed. In the distal position, the distal end of the tube extends through the hemostatic seal and permits the medical device to be inserted through the housing and into the patient's vasculature without contacting the hemostatic seal.

Abstract: Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems for purposes of providing a repeatable, aseptic fluid coupling system. Such repeatable, aseptic fluid coupling systems are configured to facilitate multiple connection and disconnection cycles while repeatably establishing a sterile fluid pathway through the coupling system. The repeatable, aseptic fluid coupling systems can repeatably establish a sterile fluid pathway through the coupling system even though the coupling system may be used in a non-sterile environment.

Abstract: A vascular introducer hub has a body that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen defined therethrough. The hub includes first and second seals disposed within the body. The first seal includes a first polymeric material and the second seal includes a second polymeric material. The hub is characterized by the first and second polymeric materials having different durometers.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and a method for hydride generation. In some embodiments, the system includes an assembly for introducing hydride generation reagents into a mixing path or mixing container, where the assembly includes first chamber configured to contain a first hydride generation reagent and a second chamber configured to contain a second hydride generation reagent. A first plunger is configured to translate within the first chamber and cause a displacement of the first hydride generation reagent, and a second plunger is configured to translate within the second chamber and cause a displacement of the second hydride generation reagent. The assembly further includes base coupling the first plunger and the second plunger together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a syringe, and more particularly, to an apparatus obtained by improving a conventional syringe formed with an injection flow passage including an injection needle, so as to share a portion of the injection flow passage except the injection needle or to form a suction flow passage completely independent of the injection flow passage, thereby further smoothing suction of a liquid medicine. The syringe is configured such that the separate suction flow passage bypassing the injection needle is formed in the conventional syringe to more smoothly perform suction of the liquid medicine, thereby maximizing user's convenience and marketability of the conventional syringe, and further configured to forcibly close the suction flow passage upon injection of the liquid medicine.

Abstract: A body-fluid-and-medication leak-proof and closed medical connector has a first connecting assembly and a second connecting assembly. The first connecting assembly has a first sleeve and a first resilient valve. The first resilient valve tends to seal a first opening of the first sleeve. The second connecting assembly has a second sleeve and a second resilient valve. The second resilient valve tends to seal a second opening of the second sleeve. The two resilient valves can avoid leakage of the medication remaining in an injector and a vial, or remaining in a fluid infusion tube and a catheter. The two resilient valves also can seal in two directions to avoid leakage during connecting or separating the two connecting assemblies after supplying medication. Therefore, the transfer of the medication is more hygienic and safe, and the waste of medical resources is effectively reduced.

Abstract: A sealing device for a medication vial which is highly efficient and easy to use. The sealing device comprises a valve and a compressible stopper. Fitted vertically on top the valve and stopper is a coupling portion. When a syringe is coupled to the sealing device, the syringe compresses the stopper which in turn exposes an aperture defined in a central neck portion of the valve. As medication is withdrawn from the vial, the medication enters the valve and travels through the central neck where it then exits through its open apertures and subsequently into the syringe itself. As the syringe is withdrawn, the stopper is allowed to expand or relax which again closes the apertures defined within the central neck of the valve, thereby ceasing the flow of medication through the sealing device.

Abstract: An expandable introducer assembly includes a dilator subassembly extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The dilator subassembly includes a dilator having an insertion portion disposed adjacent the distal end, an expansion portion disposed adjacent the distal end, and a tapered transition portion disposed between the insertion and expansion portions. The dilator subassembly includes a distal sheath disposed in overlaying relationship with the insertion portion of the dilator. An introducer subassembly is disposed in coaxial relationship with the expansion portion of the dilator, and includes a valve disposed adjacent the proximal end and an introducer sheath extending from the valve in overlaying relationship with the expansion portion of the dilator.

Abstract: A luer access device (LAD) and a method of attaching the same are provided to create a sterile fluid-flow path. The LAD includes a female luer connector that has an internal female split septum disposed at a proximal end thereof and is coupled to an internal surface of the LAD. A male luer connector is coupled to an external surface of the female split septum. Additionally, a male split septum is disposed within a male luer tip and seals an opening of a distal end of the male luer connector. At least one aperture is disposed through a sidewall of the distal end of the male luer connector. An internal cannula is exposed out of the female luer connector to open the female split septum upon engagement with the male luer connector.

Abstract: An oral irrigator handle through which fluid flows to a tip is described. Fluid flows from a fluidically connected hose to the tip during irrigate mode, and fluid flow may be interrupted by selecting a pause mode. The handle includes a mechanically controlled actuator for selecting the pause mode. The actuator may be operably connected to a shuttle valve that is positioned to block fluid flow to the tip during pause mode but not during irrigate mode. The handle may also include a swivel assembly. The swivel assembly prevents rotational movement of either the handle or the hose from being transmitted to the other, such that rotation of the handle will not affect the position of the hose.

Abstract: A trans anal irrigation device that can be used on a bed. The device includes a rectal catheter connected to an irrigation fluid supply. A waste collection bag is also connected to the catheter. The catheter may be insertable in a seat attached to a fluid supply line. A valve in one of the catheter or seat selectably allows or prevents fluid communication between the catheter and a waste collection bag. The catheter may include an inflationless cuff made of a flexible material that permits it to be inserted in the rectum to prevent leakage around the exterior of the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention molds, with simple processes, a tube which has a smaller outer diameter and is hardly bent in a folded manner. The present invention includes (i) a primary molding step of forming a primary molded body by carrying out resin molding while a reinforcing member and a core pin (4) are placed in a cavity of a first mold made up of a lower mold (30) and an upper mold (40) for primary molding and (ii) a secondary molding step of covering the reinforcing member by carrying out resin molding while the primary molded body is placed in a cavity of a second mold that has an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the cavity of the first mold.

Abstract: Devices for transferring fluid to or from a subject include an elongate tubular cannula having opposing proximal and distal ends with an axially extending lumen. The devices also include an elongate needle having opposing proximal and distal ends. The elongate needle is configured so that the distal end of the needle extends out of the distal end of the cannula a suitable adjustable distance. The devices also include a housing with a length adjustment mechanism that adjusts a length between the tip of the needle and the distal end of the tubular cannula.

Abstract: A trocar for use in a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes an elongated body, nozzle means and means for delivering a pressurized flow of fluid to the nozzle means. The elongated body has a generally tubular configuration with coaxially arranged inner and outer walls and longitudinally opposed proximal and distal end portions, with the inner wall defining a lumen to accommodate passage of an instrument therethrough. The nozzle means is operatively associated with the inner wall of the body for directing pressurized fluid into the lumen to develop a pressure differential in an area within a region extending from a location adjacent a distal end portion of the lumen to a location adjacent a proximal end portion of the lumen, to form a fluid seal around an instrument passing therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a fluid path, a coupling, and a nozzle. The fluid path is to carry a fluid including one or more microparticles. The coupling is located in the fluid path. The nozzle is located in the fluid path to move the fluid through a stagnant region located near the coupling. A method includes introducing a fluid including one or more microparticles into a fluid conduit including a coupling, aligning the fluid conduit near the coupling with a force field, and introducing the fluid includes delivering the one or more microparticles to a vasculature.

Abstract: A needleless injection port assembly includes first and second body parts and a resilient barrier received within the body. A cannula attached to the first body part is received within an internal cavity of the resilient barrier. The resilient barrier is moveable between a less axially compressed first position in which fluid flow through the injection port assembly is prevented and a more axially compressed second position in which fluid flow through the assembly is allowed. An interference fit is provided between the resilient barrier and the cannula to seal against fluid flow through the cannula when the resilient barrier is in the first position. The cannula has an internal fluid passageway with a non-circular cross section providing increased fluid flow.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing including: an insertion section into which a male connector is insertable from an outside of the housing, and a flow path communicating with the insertion section; and an elastic valve body having a slit and configured to block the insertion section. An inner wall of the housing defining the flow path is integrally formed with a liquid barrier face. The housing is configured such that, when the male connector is inserted in the insertion section, the liquid barrier face faces a tip opening of the male connector in an insertion direction of the male connector such that liquid flowing out from the tip opening collides with the liquid barrier face.

Abstract: The tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a suction apparatus. The sealant layer creates a sealed enclosure between it and the surface of a patient by forming an airtight seal around an area of tissue. The suction apparatus is in fluid communication with the sealant layer and together, create a closed, reduced pressure therapy system. The suction apparatus self-creates reduced pressure by decreasing the density of air molecules underneath the sealant layer by expanding the volume of the air molecules.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a medical connector having a backflow resistance module configured to prevent fluid from being drawn into the connector when a backflow inducing event occurs. In some embodiments, the backflow resistance module can include a variable-volume chamber configured to change in volume in response to a backflow-inducing event and a check valve configured to resist backflow. In some embodiments, the medical connector can include a fluid diverter configured to direct fluid flowing through the medical connector into the variable volume chamber to prevent fluid stagnation therein. In some embodiments, the medical connector includes a body member, a base member, a seal member, a support member, and a valve member.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a medical implement having a male protrusion. The cleaning device including a housing defining an inner cavity by and having an inner wall that encloses the inner cavity and an opening. The inner wall has a recess near the opening to the housing. The recess has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the opening. The cap further includes a movable piston having a forward end and rearward end surrounded by a flexible flange that extends outward to abut the inner wall near the recess of the housing. The rearward end of the movable piston configured to contact couple with a distal end of the male protrusion to move the piston toward a distal end of the housing opposite the opening of the housing to provide a portion of the cleaning solution to the male protrusion.

Abstract: A needleless injection port assembly includes first and second body parts and a resilient barrier received within the body. A cannula attached to the first body part is received within an internal cavity of the resilient barrier. The resilient barrier is moveable between a less axially compressed first position in which fluid flow through the injection port assembly is prevented and a more axially compressed second position in which fluid flow through the assembly is allowed. An interference fit is provided between the resilient barrier and the cannula to seal against fluid flow through the cannula when the resilient barrier is in the first position. The cannula has an internal fluid passageway with a non-circular cross section providing increased fluid flow.

Abstract: A connector includes: a port in which a disc configured to be displaceable is provided; a space defined by a side wall surrounding the disc in the circumferential direction when the disc is displaced and a bottom wall arranged at a position opposite the disc and configured to allow displacement of the disc; and a flow passage connected to the bottom wall at a position away from the side wall, and allowing fluid to flow therethrough to the space. The connector further includes cutouts formed from the flow passage to the side wall.

Abstract: A cannula for a multifunction dental syringe includes a fastener bushing that is defined by a circular opening, an end wall, and a side wall comprising a circular cylinder. The cannula also includes at least two channels enabling fluids to be conveyed separately or together from the end wall to fluid projection orifices, and beginning in the end wall beside each other. The cannula is arranged so that the circular cylinder presents a cutout in the thickness of its wall. The cutout comprises, going from the opening, at least one segment extending in a direction other than the axial direction of the cylinder; followed by a longitudinal segment extending towards the end wall.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter hub defining an interior cavity and a catheter tube extending distally thereof. A rigid actuator extends proximally in the interior cavity and supports a seal member thereon. The seal member includes a central membrane, a distal portion, and a proximal portion. An hourglass shaped actuator cavity is formed in the distal portion and receives a barbed end of the actuator. The outer surface of the seal member is in partial circumferential engagement with the catheter hub to define an air path that allows fluid communication between areas of the interior cavity distal and proximal of the seal member. A punch tool is provided to form a tri-slit in the membrane of the seal member.