Patent ID: 8469928
Filing Date: 2013-06-25
Classification: A61M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for controlling fluid flow in a catheter assembly, comprising: an intravenous catheter assembly having a catheter adapter and a needle hub, the catheter adapter having a distal end, a proximal end, an inner surface, an outer surface, and an inner lumen; a flow path extending through the inner lumen of the catheter adapter; a groove formed on the inner surface and located within the inner lumen; a septum entirely disposed within the groove, the septum having an outer surface and a length, the length of the septum being approximately equal to a length of the groove; a ventilation channel formed in the groove such that an air flow is interposed between the outer surface of the septum and the ventilation channel along the entire length of the septum, the ventilation channel having a surface area and a perimeter selected to permit passage of at least one of air and blood at a desired rate of flow; and an introducer needle having a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the needle hub and the second extending through the inner lumen of the catheter adapter, a middle portion of the introducer needle being positioned within a portion of the septum.