Patent ID: 6053896
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: A61M,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
An extracorporeal flow circuit for directing a body fluid in a flow direction from a body cavity, said flow circuit comprising a cannula for insertion in the body cavity, a drain line connected to the cannula, and a vent valve placed in said drain line, said vent valve comprising:a valve body, said valve body having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface defining a flow passage for directing the body fluid in the flow direction, said valve body comprising a first end portion connected to said drain line, and a second end portion connectable to a vacuum or suction source;at least one opening in the valve body defining a vent passage for venting the flow passage, said vent passage having a first end adjacent to the interior surface of the valve body and a second end adjacent the exterior surface of the valve body, the vent passage being substantially parallel to said flow passage from the first end to the second end;a check valve within said valve body, said check valve comprising a valve portion allowing flow of fluid in the flow direction of the body cavity; andsaid check valve further comprising a bottom portion, said bottom portion normally covering said vent opening.