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Publication Number
US-12758756-B2
Publication Date
2026-10-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
A medical connector for use in a fluid pathway includes a housing configured to permit fluid flow between a first medical device and a second device or location. The medical connector includes a valve member configured to be positioned at least partially within the housing. The valve member is configured to receive the first medical device. The valve member can be moved into a second state. The connector can be adapted for use with a catheter assembly.
Core Innovation
The catheter assembly comprises a catheter hub with a housing, a catheter, a needle, and a valve member having an internal cavity and a slit extending from its top surface to the cavity. Transitioning the needle from a non-insertion position to an insertion position transitions the valve member from a first state having a first length to a second state having a greater second length. [procedural detail omitted for safety]
In another configuration, inserting the needle hub into the catheter hub moves lateral extensions of the valve member from outside housing recessed areas to at least partly within those recessed areas. The assembly further features a needle guard within the valve cavity and a distal needle notch configured to engage the needle guard during needle removal. Delaying valve tensioning until use addresses valve compression set and improves sealing after needle withdrawal without additional clinician steps.
Claims Coverage
The two independent claims cover methods of using a catheter assembly to insert a catheter into a patient, setting forth two inventive features.
Needle-actuated valve length transition
A method provides a catheter assembly with a slit valve member configured to transition from a first state having a first length to a second state having a greater second length when the needle transitions from a non-insertion position to an insertion position, prior to inserting the needle and catheter into the patient and removing the needle.
Needle-hub-actuated lateral extension transition into housing recesses
A method provides a catheter assembly with a housing defining at least two recessed areas and a valve member having at least two lateral extensions, wherein inserting the needle hub into the catheter hub transitions the valve member from a first state in which the lateral extensions are outside the recessed areas to a second state in which at least a portion of each extension is positioned within a recessed area, followed by catheter insertion and needle removal.
The independent claims cover distinct valve member transitions: one links the length transition to movement of the needle to its insertion position, and the other links the movement of lateral extensions into housing recesses to needle hub insertion.
Stated Advantages
The valve-member transition and delaying valve tensioning until use reduce or avoid compression set and improve sealing after needle withdrawal without additional clinician steps.
Documented Applications
Use of a catheter assembly to insert a catheter into a patient, including insertion of the needle and catheter followed by removal of the needle.
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