Patent ID: 9220630
Filing Date: 2015-12-29
Classification: A61F,F16K

Abstract:
1. A valve assembly for implantation into the vas deferens of a male patient, the valve assembly comprising: a housing including a body section defining a valve chamber, an inlet section having an inlet passage communicating with said valve chamber, and an outlet section having an outlet passage communicating with said valve chamber, wherein said inlet section is adapted to be inserted into a first free end of the vas deferens and said outlet section is adapted to be inserted into a second free end of the vas deferens; a valve member operably disposed within said valve chamber and having a flow aperture, a tool receipt feature, and a valve retention feature, said valve member is moveable within said valve chamber between first and second positions, said valve member is operable in its first position to inhibit fluid communication between said inlet passage and said outlet passage and is operable in its second position to permit fluid communication between said inlet passage and said outlet passage through said flow aperture, said tool receipt feature is operable to receive a tool for moving said valve member between its first and second positions, and said valve retention feature is operable to maintain said valve member in the selected one of its first and second positions while preventing removal of said valve member from said valve chamber; wherein said tool receipt feature is associated with a first end of said valve member and said valve retention feature is associated with a second end of said valve member; and wherein said valve retention feature includes a first leg disposed within a first retention pocket formed in a retention chamber when said valve member is located in its first position, wherein said first leg is disposed within a second retention pocket formed in said retention chamber when said valve member is located in its second position, and wherein a cam surface is disposed between said first and second pockets to assist in maintaining said first leg in a selected one of said first and second retention pockets.