Patent ID: 8221391
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A needleless medical connector having a downstream end for receiving a first medical device and an upstream end for receiving a second medical device, the medical connector comprising: a housing having an interface configured to receive a connector portion of the first medical device and an axial opening opposite the interface, the housing comprising an upstream end, a downstream end, a cavity extending from the upstream end of the housing to a lower inner surface of the housing, a side inner surface disposed near the upstream end of the housing and defining an offset portion, and a lead cannula extending from the lower inner surface toward the upstream end of the housing; and a seal element having a downstream end in fluid communication with the interface, an upstream end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and a normally substantially closed passage, the seal element comprising a body made of flexible material and having a downstream end and an upstream end opposite the downstream end, a lead lumen formed in the downstream end of the body and in fluid communication with the passage such that in an undisturbed state the lead cannula extends at least partially into the lead lumen, a neck formed proximal to the upstream end of the body, and a transverse flange proximal to an end of the neck opposite the body and having a lower surface, wherein the transverse flange includes a portion disposed upstream of the axial opening and extending radially beyond the side inner surface of the housing, and wherein the body has first and second lateral portions each having an upper surface; wherein a lower surface of the offset portion of the housing is sufficiently remote from an upper surface of an edge of the axial opening to impart a tensile force to the seal element between the lower surface of the transverse flange and the upper surfaces of the lateral portions, thereby causing a portion of the lower surface of the transverse flange to bear against a portion of the upper surface of the edge of the axial opening and the transverse flange to take on a concave configuration.