Patent ID: 6352521
Filing Date: 2002-03-05
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A valve for use in a subcutaneously implantable access device, said device comprising a housing assembly, said device also permitting fluid connection to a vessel or space within a patient's body, said device further having a substantially straight through flow path, said valve being incorporated toward the proximal end of the device, said valve further having a first position occupied when the device in not in use, in which first position the valve resists the passage of fluids yet is able to be opened by insertion of a needle into the valve, said insertion establishing a second position resulting in an essentially straight, smooth, continuous, streamlined flow path through the device, said valve comprising:an access lumen and an inner tapered sealing surface disposed in said housing assembly; an axially disposed piston; an axially disposed sealing plug within the housing assembly between the access lumen and the piston; and an axially disposed spring whereby when the valve is in the first position the spring biases the piston against the sealing plug, thereby urging the sealing plug against the tapered sealing surface, thereby preventing fluid flow through the device and when the valve is in the second position an essentially straight, smooth, continuous streamlined flowpath is established.