Patent ID: 7993327
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A valve, comprising: a housing defining a valve lumen adapted for fluid connection with a lumen of a catheter; a substantially conical valve member coupled to the housing and extending across the valve lumen to control flow therethrough; a plurality of slits extending through the valve member and separated from one another circumferentially around the valve member, wherein said plurality of slits are configured to open such that they are in fluid communication with one another through the valve lumen; and a ramp formed within a distal end of the valve lumen extending proximally from a distal tip of the valve member toward a ramp vertex separated from the distal tip by a predetermined distance, wherein the ramp includes a surface that intersects a longitudinal axis of the valve, wherein the surface is shaped to direct an instrument inserted through the valve lumen away from the longitudinal axis of the valve as the instrument approaches the distal tip, and wherein a proximal end of the ramp is proximal of a distal end of a first one of the slits.