Abstract: A feeding tube assembly includes a feeding tube, a polyurethane feeding tube adaptor having an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, and a removable cap for selectively closing the inlet conduit. The surface configuration of the cap that causes frictional engagement with the inlet conduit is noncomplementary therewith in a common transverse plane and has a cross-sectional shape substantially different than that of the corresponding surface configuration of the inlet conduit. This difference in surface configurations can be established by providing one or both of the surfaces with a series of protuberances, indentations, or other surface variations.

Abstract: A closed system, spikeless, positive-flow valve device includes a body defining an internal cavity. At the proximal end of the body is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The valve includes a plastic, resilient silicon seal which fills the upper cavity and opening with an oval seal cap having a slit. The opening presses the oval seal cap to keep the slit closed in the decompressed state. The slit opens as the nose of the medical implement compresses the seal into the cavity and the seal cap is free from the opening. The housing also includes a fluid space which facilitates fluid flow between the medical implement and a catheter tip.

Abstract: A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container.

Abstract: A plug and sealing system for medical bayonet connectors and drug infusion ports of the type having an interior self-sealing element. A male plug removably installed in the female collar portion of the connector, before or after penetration of the self-sealing element by a puncturing needle, has a shank portion the fits the inner surfaces of the collar portion side wall to provide a substantial sealing relation therebetween to prevent contamination of the interior surfaces of the collar portion from environmental contaminants. The plug has a bottom end that is resiliently engaged on an outer face of the self-sealing element, and a pair of lugs that are resiliently biased against a top wall of diametrically opposed apertures in the side wall of the collar portion to maintain the bottom end in a firm sealing relation with the self-sealing element to prevent leakage and spreading of aerosols and vapor.

Abstract: A needleless connector for medical use, adapted to facilitate the flow of fluid therethrough, includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. The connector also includes a flex-tube assembly defining a fluid path between the inlet port and the outlet port. The flex-tube assembly is movable between uncompressed and compressed states. The flex-tube assembly has a first internal volume when in the uncompressed state and a second internal volume, greater than or substantially equal to the first internal volume, when in the compressed state.

Abstract: A device for storing and administering a medical fluid comprising a sealed flexible formed container with an opening part in its front end in which an insert is positioned. Over the insert, the container extends into a removable sealing cap. After removal of the sealing cap an injection means is attached to the insert and fluid administration through the insert is admitted in one direction by squeezing the container.

Abstract: A medical system that may include a filter/flow restrictor which limits the pressure drop within an aspiration system. The restrictor may include a flow restrictor that is coupled to a filter housing. The flow restrictor restricts the pressure drop within the aspiration system. The housing may contain a filter which prevents occlusion of the flow restrictor. When used in an opthtalmic procedure the flow restrictor may limit the minimum pressure within a cornea and prevent corneal collapse.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site includes a housing with a flow path therethrough. A first end of the housing carries a pre-slit septum. One form of a blunt cannula, usable with the injection site, carries a locking member. When the pre-slit injection site slidably receives the blunt cannula, the locking member latches to the injection site and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula includes a tube having a tapered distal end region and having elongate discharge slots for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post, an annular barb, and axially oriented grooves.

Abstract: An aseptic connector comprises a first member and a second member. The first member preferably includes a resilient septum, and the second member preferably includes a penetrating member. Preferably, the septum is formed from an elastomeric material such as a silicone elastomer. The penetrating member preferably includes an extending penetrating element to penetrate the resilient septum. The aseptic connector further comprises a resilient sealing element that contacts the penetrating member and one of an inner wall of the first member and an inner wall of the second member to create a seal between the penetrating member and one of the inner wall of the first member and the inner wall of the second member. The seal created is suitable to withstand relatively high pressures (for example, those experienced during the injection of contrast media in CT procedures). A fluid delivery system comprising at least a first aseptic connector as described above is also provided.

Abstract: A closure element for sterile closure of connections, in particular connections of filter modules for dialysis, hemofiltration or ultrafiltration is described. A closure element with a simple design that provides a reliable seal is formed by having the closure element include a wall with an automatically closing slit-shaped indentation which when closed creates a germ-proof seal. The sealing element is used for sterile closure of connections of medical items, as well as for the medical items themselves.

Abstract: A closed system, spikeless, positive-flow valve device includes a body defining an internal cavity. At the proximal end of the body is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The valve includes a plastic, resilient silicon seal which fills the upper cavity and opening with an oval seal cap having a slit. The opening presses the oval seal cap to keep the slit closed in the decompressed state. The slit opens as the nose of the medical implement compresses the seal into the cavity and the seal cap is free from the opening. The housing also includes a fluid space which facilitates fluid flow between the medical implement and a catheter tip.

Abstract: A closure element for sterile closure of connections, in particular connections of filter modules for dialysis, hemofiltration or ultrafiltration is described. A closure element with a simple design that provides a reliable seal is formed by having the closure element include a wall with an automatically closing slit-shaped indentation which when closed creates a germ-proof seal. The sealing element is used for sterile closure of connections of medical items, as well as for the medical items themselves.

Abstract: An insert is disclosed that is placed in the slit in a slit tipped catheter during storage of the catheter. This insert prevents opposite of the slit from contacting and forming bonds that tend to close the slit. When the catheter is to be used, the insert is removed and the catheter is used in its intended way.

Abstract: A valve (10) useful as a fluid flow check valve or as a self-sealing, penetrable, hemostatic valve for sealing a catheter introducer (12) includes a seal (26) which is highly resistant to tearing and leakage, yet is capable of accepting repeated penetrations by devices of a wide variety of diameters. The seal (26) is disk-shaped and is composed of a thermoplastic styrenic elastomer, such as a styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer, of very low durometer (a hardness of no more than about 30 Shore A). The seal (26) is preferably contained in a valve body (40) and is disposed between a valve seat (48) in the valve body (40) and a cap (56) connected to the valve body (40) and becomes deflected upon assembly of the valve. The seal (26) includes at least one perforation (34) closed by such deflection.

Abstract: Catheter system consisting of a sleeve, a catheter and a membrane partially arranged in the sleeve, which can be fixed in a skin passage unit in such a way that the catheter protrudes from the skin passage unit towards the interior of the body, wherein the individual components of the catheter system are inseparably connected to one another.

Abstract: A cannula valve arrangement made from a suitably resilient polymeric material including a body (10) having a substantially cylindrical cavity (16) for receiving a medical apparatus hub (32, 34) and a sleeve (14) having a bore (18) for receiving a cannula (28), which is open into the body cavity. A zone (20) of the body wall which defines the cavity (16) is convexly bulged from the body (10) and is adapted to snap from its convex shape into a concave shape in the body cavity (16) when pressed over-center into the body to close the bore (18) of the sleeve (14) to the cavity until again moved outwardly from the cavity (16).

Abstract: A universal suction canister pour spout adaptor for use with suction canisters of various designs to fit onto the internal or external pour spout of various standard suction canisters so that such canisters can receive materials through their pour spouts during surgical procedures. The suction canister adaptor has a series of stepped external and internal diameters sized for engaging the various sized pour spouts of various suction canisters.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve apparatus includes (i) a valve body having a lumen therethrough; (ii) a first resiliently deformable seal disposed within the valve body; and (iii) a plunger having a lumen extending therethrough. A passageway extends through the lumens of the plunger and valve body. A cap movably coupled to the valve body selectively moves the plunger along the valve body, thereby selectively compressing the seal. A connector coupled to the plunger is configured to couple the plunger in fluid communication with a fluid delivery means for delivering fluid to the valve. The valve has a substantially linear configuration for convenient storage and use. The valve also features a second seal for sealing the passageway extending through the lumens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the supply or branching off of a secondary flow into or out of a main flow of a medical fluid, comprising a fluid guide body in which at least one main passage open to one side and at least one secondary passage opening into the main passage are provided and comprising a covering film which is disposed on the fluid guide body above the open side of the main passage, wherein the orifice of the secondary passage into the main passage can be closed by the covering film. In order to improve the haemocompatibility of the apparatus, the main passage is formed free of wake space in the region of the orifice of the secondary passage. To reduce flow losses, the secondary passage in the main passage has a streamlined outer contour in accordance with the invention corresponding to the flow direction of the main flow in the main passage.

Abstract: A resealable barrier closure is provided for a container with an open top and an annular snap ring below the open top. The closure includes a shell having an outer skirt dimensioned to telescope over the open top of the container. The outer skirt has a snap ring for engaging the snap ring on the container. The shell further includes an inner skirt to telescope into the open top of the container. An elastomeric diaphragm is sealingly engaged in the inner skirt. A barrier cup extends across the bottom face of the diaphragm and telescopes upwardly over the inner skirt. The barrier cup initially is sealed hermetically to the container and to the plastic shell. The container may be opened by urging the plastic shell upwardly with sufficient force to break the seal between the barrier cup and the container. The container then may be resealed by merely urging the closure back over the open top of the container.

Abstract: A medical valve has a body which includes a wall structure defining an internal cavity having an inside and an outside. The body also has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has an opening sufficiently large to receive a tip of a delivery end of a medical implement which transfers fluid through the delivery end. The body has a fluid escape space in its wall structure. The valve also has a spike with a tip and at least one hole located at or near the tip. The spike has a passageway in communication with the hole that allows fluid to flow through the spike. A resilient seal in the cavity surrounds the spike. This seal is adapted to be moved into a compressed state upon insertion of the tip of the medical implement into the opening. The seal is sufficiently resilient to return to a decompressed state upon removal of the tip of the medical implement from the opening. The fluid escape space is in fluid communication with the outside of the cavity when the seal is in its compressed state.

Abstract: A mixing/charging port for medical treatment in which no air bubble is retained inside thereof even at the time of priming, and which is capable of infusing a drug solution or transfusing blood into a patient safely.

Abstract: A mixing/charging port for medical treatment capable of reliably absorbing air bubbles. The mixing/charging port for medical treatment includes a disc-like valve having an insertion hole at the center, a seating for supporting the lower part of the periphery of the valve with the center of the rear surface side of the valve not supported, and a cover for restraining the valve by covering at least the upper part of the periphery of the valve with the center on the front side surface of the valve left uncovered, wherein a fitting hole defined by an inner periphery of the cover works as an anchor for anchoring an insertion body to the mixing/charging port by fitting the insertion body to the fitting hole when the insertion body is inserted into the insertion hole; and the tip of the depressed part of the valve is brought into contact against the inner bottom surface of the seating when the valve is depressed by the insertion member.

Abstract: A mixing/charging port for medical treatment capable of cleanly wiping out a residual liquid, residual blood, or the like.

Abstract: A pierceable stopper for a liquid container, which has a pierceable part made of a thermoplastic synthetic resin elastic material. The pierceable part is formed so as to prevent leakage of liquid from the container when it is pierced with a hollow needle. The pierceable part is confined in a compressed state in the stopper body of the pierceable stopper. A molten thermoplastic synthetic resin elastic material is injected into an injection mold at an injection pressure higher than the normal injection pressure to mold the pierceable part.

Abstract: Along with a reduction in the resistance of a catheter in passing through a valve in an catheter introducer, the hemostatic effect is improved. A main body of the valve is made of a 3-layer structure, and both front and back layers are provided with narrow slits B, B having a crossing at the center, and the interlayer is provided with narrow slit B having a cut closed by contact with the tip of flap 8 protruded from both sides, where the narrow slit in the interlayer is provided as a penetration hole having a round section with the outer periphery in contact with both the sides of the interlayer and in a perpendicular direction to the narrow slits B, B in the back and front layers, as shown in FIG. 8.

Abstract: A valve (1) suitable for use on an indwelling catheter is disclosed. Broadly the valve (1) comprises a valve housing (2) having an elongate valve insert (3) disposed therein. The housing (2) has an inlet (4) at one end thereof and an outlet (5) at an opposed end thereof and defines a longitudinal passage (7) extending from the inlet (4) to the outlet (5). The valve insert (3) includes a cannula (25) having an inlet (26) towards one end (27) thereof and an outlet (28) towards an opposed end (29) thereof. The inlet end (27) of the cannula (25) terminates in a sharp point. The outlet end (29) by contrast is rounded and the actual outlet (28) is spaced axially inwardly from the end (29). The valve insert (3) further includes a seal (40) comprising an annular body (41) of resilient material defining an opening (42) therein through which the outlet end (29) of the cannula (25) projects. The seal (40) has an axial end surface which sealingly engages a seat (19) defined by the housing (2).

Abstract: A needless connector is provided which utilizes a resealable preslit septum valve. The valve is resiliently restrained relative to a housing with the valve and housing configured to accept a standard male luer lock having a luer tip which penetrates the valve through the opening to extend within the housing and a luer locking flange of the luer lock extending about the housing. The valve includes a disk shaped upper portion covering the opening, a lower portion spaced from the housing and extending downward from the disk shaped portion into a passageway defined by the housing, and an annular skirt to attach the septum to the housing. The connector exhibits satisfactory leak pressure after multiple connections and disconnects to the luer lock fitting and long periods of indwell of the luer tip.

Abstract: A sealing rubber closure is provided for use with a syringe/container specified by ISO (the International Organization of Standardization) and having a Luer nozzle to be inserted into a Luer-nozzle-receiving part of the sealing rubber closure. The Luer-nozzle-receiving part is configured, on a side of an inner end portion thereof, in an untapered cylindrical form to assure tight-fitted insertion of a free end portion of the Luer nozzle and, on a side of a Luer-nozzle-receiving opening thereof, in a tapered, substantially cylindrical form to assure tight-fitted insertion of a basal end portion of the Luer nozzle. A plastic film is laminated on the sealing rubber closure at least in an area of the Luer-nozzle-receiving part, where a free end of the Luer nozzle is to be maintained in contact with the sealing rubber closure.

Abstract: A valve is included as part of a medical appliance used to transport an artificial blood vessel into a body through a catheter. The valve is formed by a membrane having a plurality of holes which are normally closed and which can be pushed to open against elasticity of the membrane to permit a plurality of devices used to transport the artificial blood vessel to be passed through the holes in parallel with each other. In a preferred embodiment, a hole is provided at the center of the membrane and three other holes are equi-spaced from the center hole; equal spaces are also provided between adjacent ones of the three holes. A relatively thick embankment or projecting portion is preferably provided extending between every pair of adjacent holes, to avoid breakage of the membrane therebetween upon parallel insertion of devices through the holes.

Abstract: A bleed back control assembly and method for controlling blood loss during catheterization procedures includes a side arm body connected at the proximal end to a seal body. The side arm body comprises one or more branches, each having a lumen, and a finger rest on the exterior of at least one branch. The seal body comprises a cap assembly and a seal assembly. The seal assembly comprises a clamp seal and a bleed back seal, both made of elastomer and held by a seal holder. The cap assembly comprises a threaded cap and a funnel cap. The threaded cap is connected to the seal holder. Rotation of the threaded cap causes the clamp seal to open or close. The funnel cap comprises a dilator, and pressing the funnel cap causes the dilator to open an aperture in the bleed back control seal. A spring, wound around the dilator, returns the funnel cap to its original position, thus closing the bleed back seal. The bleed back seal self-sizes to devices introduced through its aperture.

Abstract: A hemostasis cannula unit including a valve housing, a cap, and a hemostasis valve, wherein the hemostasis valve includes a proximal valve gasket and a distal valve gasket compressed against the valve gasket by the valve housing, wherein the proximal valve gasket is the same shape as the distal valve gasket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector for introducing medication into a patient in a safe, convenient way. It comprises a pair of plastic tubular members adapted to be manually pushed together to engage in a male-female relationship, and a locking mechanism that detachably secures the members together. The male member has a sealed entry port at its end, and the female member safely houses within it a needle which centrally pierces the seal of the port upon engagement of the members. Preferably, the locking mechanism provides a “click” sound when it locks the members together.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for providing clinical nutrition is provided. The valve arrangement is suitable for use with a rotary peristaltic pump and is capable of allowing flow of fluid in a first direction and capable of preventing flow of fluid in a second direction, wherein the valve arrangement comprises a valve having a cracking pressure of about 0.10 to about 0.20 bar. Also described are a method of production of the valve arrangement, use of the valve arrangement in providing nutrition to a patient and a method of treatment of a patient that comprises administering an effective amount of a composition via the valve arrangement.

Abstract: A single-use preassembled medical device for administering at least two drugs in preset proportions to patients, comprising at least one pair of independent injectors and at least one pair of piercing couplings for corresponding bottles containing the drugs which are reciprocally connected by corresponding tubes which lead into a single tube for infusion to a patient; at least one of the piercing couplings is of a conventional type and the second one is of a dedicated type, forming a conveniently provided small cup-shaped receptacle for the precision insertion of the neck of a bottle of a preset drug whose dimensions are likewise correspondingly smaller than those of a normal bottle.

Abstract: A medical valve device for use in selectively establishing a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a body defining a passage from a first port to a second port. The valve defines a first fluid volume when both medical implements are connected thereto, and a second, smaller volume when one of the implements is disconnected, thereby causing a positive flow of fluid from the valve to the second medical implement when the first implement is disconnected.

Abstract: A medical valve has a body which includes a wall structure defining an internal cavity having an inside and an outside. The body also has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has an opening sufficiently large to receive a tip of a delivery end of a medical implement which transfers fluid through the delivery end. The body has a fluid escape space in its wall structure. The valve also has a spike with a tip and at least one hole located at or near the tip. The spike has a passageway in communication with the hole that allows fluid to flow through the spike. A resilient seal in the cavity surrounds the spike. This seal is adapted to be moved into a compressed state upon insertion of the tip of the medical implement into the opening. The seal is sufficiently resilient to return to a decompressed state upon removal of the tip of the medical implement from the opening. The fluid escape space is in fluid communication with the outside of the cavity when the seal is in its compressed state.

Abstract: A needless valve is described which avoids the suctioning problems of the prior needleless devices upon deactivation and which preferably provides a positive self-purging effect. The valve is self-purging at the end of an administration cycle, avoiding clogging of attached catheters or other devices, and ensures that substantially all of liquid received into the valve is delivered to the receiver. The valve is also extremely simple in design and easy to construct and assemble, since it consists of only three pieces. The valve has a base with a connector for fluid communication attachment to tubing or other device, a solid elongated fluid channeling rod, and an internal fluid flow conduit; a flexible hollow expandable and contractible plug fitting over and moveable along the rod; and a tubular housing fitting over the plug and attached to the base.

Abstract: A vascular introducer sheath including a tubular shaft and a hemostasis valve assembly connected to the proximal end thereof. The hemostasis valve assembly includes a hub, a cap and a normally-flat gasket disposed therebetween. Both the hub and the cap include continuous curved contact surfaces facing the top and bottom surfaces of the gasket. The continuous contact surfaces may be flat or gently curved and may be smooth or include a means to grip the gasket. At least one of the contact surfaces is formed at an angle to cause the gasket to become convex or concave in response to compression between the hub and the cap. The continuous contact surfaces uniformly distribute forces onto the perimeter of the gasket to avoid stress concentration points that may compromise gasket integrity. In addition, the continuous contact surfaces reduce the amount of pressure necessary to impart the curved shape of the gasket.

Abstract: A sterile cap assembly including first and second cap sections, the first cap section to be coupled to an opening of a first element and the second cap section to be coupled to an opening of a second element, upon the opening of the first element being separated from the opening of the second element. The first cap section includes a sterile engagement face exposed to an interior of the first element upon being coupled thereto and the second cap section including a sterile engagement face exposed to an interior of the second element upon being coupled thereto, the sterile engagement faces structured to be coupled with one another upon the opening of the first element being coupled to the opening of the second element, thereby maintaining the sterility of the sterile engagement faces.

Abstract: A urinary sphincter control device for application to a urethra to control flow of fluid through the urethra, comprises a cuff which can be fitted around the urethra. The cuff comprises a plurality of chambers which extend generally parallel to the axis of the cuff, and which can be inflated by supply of pressurised control fluid thereto. Inflation of the chambers causing the configuration of the cuff to change so as to alter the resistance that is provided by the cuff to flow of fluid along the urethra.

Abstract: The cannula is provided for depositing liquid or pasty substances. At the free end of the cannula there is formed a closure body closing this. In the region between the cannula and the closure body there is provided a break-off location so that the closure body by way of a simple breaking may be removed from the cannula. The closure body may then for a later re-closing be placed onto the end of the cannula.

Abstract: A device (10) for generating a pulsatile fluid drug flow comprises a housing (11) containing an expandable-contractible chamber (12) having an inlet (14) and an outlet (15), a valve (16) associated with the outlet (15) which is actuated by the expansion and contraction of the chamber (12), and means (13, 23) for biasing the chamber (12) to its contracted state. When the inlet (14) is connected to a pressurised fluid drug supply the chamber (12) is expanded by the drug, and this expansion of the chamber (12) actuates the valve (16) to open, thereby allowing release of the drug from the chamber (12), following which the chamber (12) contracts under the influence of the biasing means (13, 23), this contraction in turn actuating the valve (16) to close thereby allowing the chamber (12) to refill. By this mechanism, a constant supply of liquid, such as from an osmotic or elastomeric drug delivery pump, can be converted to a pulsatile flow, which may provide a more suitable delivery of certain drugs.

Abstract: A needless valve is described which avoids the suctioning problems of the prior needleless devices upon deactivation and which preferably provides a positive self-purging effect. The valve is self-purging at the end of an administration cycle, avoiding clogging of attached catheters or other devices, and ensures that substantially all of liquid received into the valve is delivered to the receiver. The valve is also extremely simple in design and easy to construct and assemble, since it consists of only three pieces. The valve has a base with a connector for fluid communication attachment to tubing or other device, a solid elongated fluid channeling rod, and an internal fluid flow conduit; a flexible hollow expandable and contractible plug fitting over and moveable along the rod; and a tubular housing fitting over the plug and attached to the base.

Abstract: In an infusion set having a container for fluid medicines, which by a feed-line and a differential pressure valve is connected to a drip chamber and which by a further feed-line is connected to a front end controlled with a roller clamp according to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/800,779, the differential pressure valve has two inlets each with an associated differential force chamber and the two differential force chambers are sealingly separated from each other by a diaphragm disk, wherein both differential force chambers are connected to an exit line for the fluid medicine. To use the differential pressure valve, the valve is configured as a 3-way check valve by the fact that the first inlet is connected to the container for the fluid medicine and that the second inlet is designed for the connection to a syringe or the like.

Abstract: An infuser for transferring hazardous treatment fluids to and from a medical application includes a spill containing housing having a medical application connecting element and a syringe seat. The syringe seat of the infuser leads to a syringe connecting element that provides a fluid coupling between the syringe and a fluid passage leading to the medical application connecting element. The interior of the housing can be sealed against leaks, for example, by providing the housing in two portions with a gasket provided between the portions. A fluid tight coupling between the syringe and the interior of the housing may be created by integrally forming a septum with the gasket and coupling the syringe with the syringe connecting element through the septum. The infuser can also be provided with two syringe seats so that two different fluids can be transferred. In one embodiment, a second syringe connecting element is provided in fluid-tight communication with a second fluid passage.

Abstract: A valve system configured to access the cardiovascular system of a patient includes: (i) a valve body having a lumen therethrough; (ii) a selectively openable resilient first seal, (iii) a compressible second seal including an opening which communicates with the lumen when the second seal is in an open position; (iii) a locking nut movably coupled to the valve body, the locking nut configured to selectively increase and decrease compressive force on the second seal; and (iv) an introducer configured to selectively open the resilient first seal. The introducer has a proximal end and a distal end. The introducer is movably coupled to the locking nut and reciprocates between a first position and a second position within the locking nut. The resilient first seal is in the closed position when the introducer is in the first position and the resilient first seal is in the open position when the introducer is in the second position.

Abstract: A plug system for a low profile hollow catheter or other guidewire or balloon catheter, which catheter has a distal portion and a proximal portion and at least one lumen in fluid communication therebetween. The catheter further has an outer diameter in the range of about 0.01″ to 0.04″ and an inner diameter in the range of about 0.007″ to 0.035″. The plug system comprises an elastomeric plug for engaging and sealing a proximal open end of the catheter in such a way that the maximum outer diameter of the plug does not exceed the outer diameter of the catheter. A low profile fluid delivery and sealing system for a catheter with a lumen comprises a pierceable and self-resealable member sealably coupled to the lumen at a proximal portion of the catheter forming an assembly. The transverse cross sectional area of the assembly as viewed along a longitudinal axis of the catheter does not exceed 150% of the original transverse cross sectional area of the catheter.

Abstract: A needleless injection site comprising a housing defining proximal and distal ends and including a reseal member disposed therein. The reseal member has an elastically openable and closable aperture formed therein, and normally resides within the housing in a closed position wherein the aperture is in a closed configuration. The reseal member is deformable such that the application of distally directed pressure thereto will cause the reseal member to distally advance within the housing to an open position wherein the aperture assumes an open configuration. The removal of the distally directed pressure from the reseal member will cause it to resiliently return to the closed position wherein the aperture assumes the closed configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides highly adaptable valves for providing hemostasis about minimally invasive surgical implements such as guidewires and endovascular prosthetic delivery catheters. The valves generally comprise an elastomeric sealing body which will maintain hemostasis by contacting a surgical implement traversing the valve over a very small contact area. Preferably, the orifice is formed in a thin membrane which extends radially inward from a torroidal balloon having a relatively rigid outer rim and a flexible inner portion. When a vacuum is applied within such a balloon, the flexible inner portion pulls the membrane radially outward to expand the orifice diameter. A positive pressure can be applied within the torroidal balloon so that the balloon expands radially inward to block access through the valve.