Abstract:
The current invention relates to infusion devices, specifically to peripheral intravenous (IV) catheters. In particular, the invention relates to peripheral IV catheter assemblies having features to enable selective and reversible activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly. Some implementations of the present invention include various configurations of septum valves having a barrier surface that is stressed to bias the barrier surface and provide a pathway through the septum valve.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/544,238, filed Oct. 6, 2011 and entitled MULTIPLE USE STRETCHING AND NON-PENETRATING BLOOD CONTROL VALVES, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The current invention relates to infusion devices, specifically to peripheral intravenous (IV) catheters. In particular, the invention relates to peripheral IV catheter assemblies having features to enable selective and reversible activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly. 
     Catheters are commonly used for a variety of infusion therapies. For example, catheters are used for infusing fluids, such as normal saline solution, various medicaments, and total parenteral nutrition, into a patient, withdrawing blood from a patient, or monitoring various parameters of the patient&#39;s vascular system. 
     Catheters and/or needles are typically coupled to a catheter adapter to enable attachment of IV tubing to the catheter. Thus, following placement of the catheter or needle into the vasculature of a patient, the catheter adapter is coupled to a fluid source via a section of IV tubing. In order to verify proper placement of the needle and/or catheter in the blood vessel, the clinician generally confirms that there is “flashback” of blood in a flashback chamber of the catheter assembly. 
     Once proper placement of the catheter is confirmed, the clinician must then attach the catheter adapter to a section of IV tubing, or continue to manually occlude the vein to prevent undesirable exposure to blood. The process of coupling the catheter adapter to the section of IV tubing requires the clinician to awkwardly maintain pressure on the vein of the patient while simultaneously coupling the catheter adapter and the IV tubing. A common, yet undesirable practice is to permit blood to temporarily and freely flow from the catheter adapter while the clinician locates and couples the IV tubing to the catheter adapter. Another common practice is to attach the catheter adapter to the IV tubing prior to placing the needle or catheter into the vein of the patient. While this method may prevent undesirable exposure to blood, positive pressure within the IV line may also prevent desirable flashback. 
     Some catheter assemblies further utilize a septum actuator and a split septum, wherein the septum actuator is mechanically advanced through a slit of the septum to provide a fluid pathway through the septum. However, once advanced through the septum, the septum actuator becomes lodged within the slit of the septum and is unable to return to its initial position. As such, the fluid pathway remains in an opened position thereby enabling uncontrolled flow of fluids through the septum. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a catheter assembly that permits user controlled fluid flow. Various embodiments of such a catheter assembly is disclosed herein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to overcome the limitations discussed above, the present invention relates to a flushable peripheral IV catheter assembly having features to enable selective activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly. The catheter assembly of the present invention generally includes a catheter coupled to a catheter adapter. The catheter generally includes a metallic material, such as titanium, surgical steel or an alloy as is commonly known in the art. In some embodiments, a polymeric catheter may be used in combination with a metallic introducer needle, as is commonly known and used in the art. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, a septum is positioned within a lumen of the catheter assembly to prevent or limit flow of a fluid through the catheter adapter. The septum generally includes a flexible or semi-flexible material that is compatible with exposure to blood, medicaments, and other fluids commonly encountered during infusion procedures. In some embodiments, a groove is provided on an inner surface of the catheter adapter, wherein the septum is seated within the groove. As such, the position of the septum within the catheter adapter is maintained. 
     In some implementations of the present invention, a closed or partially closed pathway, such as a slit or plurality of slits is further provided in a barrier surface of the septum. The pathway permits fluid to bypass the septum and flow through the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the pathway is a slit that is closed prior to being opened or activated by a probe or septum actuator positioned within the lumen of the catheter adapter. Prior to being opened or activated, the slit prevents passage of fluid through the catheter adapter. Thus, in some embodiments a plurality of air vent channels are interposed between the septum and the groove to permit air flow through the catheter adapter prior to the slit being opened. The air vents prevent buildup of positive pressure within the catheter adapter thereby permitting flashback of blood into the catheter and a forward chamber of the catheter adapter. 
     The septum actuator generally includes a plastic or metallic tubular body having a probing end and a contact end. The probing end is positioned adjacent to the pathway of the septum, and the contact end is positioned adjacent to a proximal opening of the catheter adapter. The probing end of the septum actuator is advanced against the septum when a probe is inserted into the proximal opening of the catheter adapter. As the probe contacts the contact surface of the septum actuator, the septum actuator is advanced in a distal direction thereby deforming or otherwise displacing the barrier surface of the septum and a distal direction. When in the stressed position, the slit or slits in the barrier surface assume an opened position thereby enabling free flow of fluid through the catheter assembly. Upon release of the septum actuator, the slit or slits in the barrier surface resume their closed position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other features and advantages of the invention are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to limit the scope of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a catheter assembly in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded cross-sectioned view of a catheter assembly in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3 , shown in parts A and B, shows a cross-section side view of a catheter adapter, a septum actuator, and a septum in an activated and an inactivated configuration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4 , shown in parts A and B, shows a cross-section side view of a catheter adapter, a septum actuator, and a septum in an activated and an inactivated configuration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-section side view of a catheter adapter and an integrated plunger and septum in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention, prior to activation. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an integrated plunger and septum in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention, following activation. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-section side view of the device of  FIG. 5  following activation by a septum actuator in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention, following activation. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-section perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 5 , in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9 , shown in parts A and B, shows a cross-section side view of a catheter adapter, a probe device, and a septum in an activated and an inactivated configuration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10 , shown in parts A-C, shows a cross-section side view of a catheter adapter, a septum actuator, and a septum in an activated and an inactivated configuration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11 , shown in parts A and B, shows a cross-section side view of a catheter adapter, a septum actuator, and a septum in an activated and an inactivated configuration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-section side view of a catheter adapter, a septum actuator, and an integrated actuator and restraining collar in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention, prior to activation. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an integrated actuator and restraining collar in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective side view of the device shown in  FIG. 12 , following activation. 
         FIG. 15 , shown in parts A and B, shows a cross-section side view of a catheter adapter, a septum actuator, and a septum in an activated and an inactivated configuration, wherein the septum includes a rigid collet leaf spring in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-section side view of a catheter adapter, a septum actuator, and a septum in an activated configuration, wherein the septum slit is minimized in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17 , shown in parts A and B, shows a cross-section side view of a catheter adapter, a septum actuator, and a septum in an activated and an inactivated configuration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18 , shown in parts A and B, shows a cross-section side view of a catheter adapter, a septum actuator, and a septum in an activated and an inactivated configuration, wherein the septum comprises a septum activation post in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19 , shown in parts A-C, shows a catheter adapter, a septum, in a septum actuator in an activated and an inactivated configuration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The presently preferred embodiment of the present invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of presently preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a catheter assembly  10  is illustrated. The catheter assembly  10  generally includes a catheter  12  coupled to a distal end  32  of a catheter adapter  14 . The catheter  12  and the catheter adapter  14  are integrally coupled such that an internal lumen  16  of the catheter adapter  14  is in fluid communication with a lumen  18  of the catheter  12 . The catheter  12  generally comprises a biocompatible material having sufficient rigidity to withstand pressures associated with insertion of the catheter into a patient. In some embodiments, the catheter  12  comprises a flexible or semi-flexible polymer material, such as silicone or polytetrafluoroethylene. Catheter  12  may further comprises a rigid metallic material, such as titanium, stainless steel, nickel, molybdenum, surgical steel, and alloys thereof. 
     One of skill in the art will appreciate that the features of the present invention may be incorporated for use with an over-the-needle catheter assembly. For example, one of skill in the art will appreciate that a flexible or semi-flexible polymer catheter may be used in combination with a rigid introducer needle to enable insertion of the catheter into a patient. One of skill in the art will further appreciate that surgically implanted catheters may also be used in combination with the present invention. 
     Once inserted into a patient, the catheter  12  and catheter adapter  14  provide a fluid conduit to facilitate delivery of a fluid to and/or retrieval of a fluid from a patient, as required by a desired infusion procedure. Thus, in some embodiments the material of the catheter  12  and the catheter adapter  14  are selected to be compatible with bio-fluids and medicaments commonly used in infusion procedures. Additionally, in some embodiments a portion of the catheter  12  and/or catheter adapter  14  is configured for use in conjunction with a section of intravenous tubing  40  to further facilitate delivery of a fluid to or removal of a fluid from a patient. 
     In some embodiments, a proximal end  22  of the catheter adapter  14  includes a flange  28 . The flange  28  provides a positive surface which may be configured to enable coupling of an intravenous tubing or patient conduit  40  to the catheter assembly  10 . In some embodiments, the flange  28  includes a set of threads  30 . The threads  30  are generally provided and configured to compatibly receive a complementary set of threads  44  comprising a portion of a male luer or conduit coupler  42 . The conduit coupler  42  is generally coupled to an end portion of the patient conduit  40  in a fluid-tight manner. In some embodiments, an inner portion of the conduit coupler  42  is extended outwardly to provide a probe surface  46 . 
     The probe surface  46  is generally configured to compatibly insert within a proximal end  22  of the catheter adapter  14 . Following insertion of the probe  46  into the proximal end  22  of the catheter adapter  14 , the conduit coupler  42  is rotated to interlock the coupler  42  and the flange  28  (via the sets of threads  30  and  44 ). During the process of interlocking the coupler  42  and the flange  28 , the probe surface  46  is advanced into the lumen  16  of the catheter adapter  14  to an inserted position. The inserted position of the probe surface  46  activates the catheter assembly  10  to enable flow of fluid through the catheter  12  and catheter adapter  14 . Once the conduit coupler  42  and the catheter adapter  14  are attached, a fluid may be delivered to a patient via the patient conduit  40  and the inserted catheter  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded, cross-sectional view of a catheter assembly  10  is shown. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter  14  includes various design features and components to control and/or limit flow of fluid through the catheter assembly  10 . For example, in some embodiments of the present invention a septum valve or septum  50  is positioned within the inner lumen  16  of the catheter adapter  14 . The septum  50  generally comprises a flexible, or semi-flexible polymer plug having an outer diameter that is configured to compatibly seat within a groove or channel  60  formed on an inner surface  24  of the catheter adapter  14 . In some embodiments, the septum  50  is barrel or can shaped having a barrier surface  52  comprising a distal end of the septum  50  and further having an opening  54  comprising a proximal end of the septum  50 . When positioned within the channel  60 , barrier surface  52  of the septum  50  divides the inner lumen  16  of the catheter adapter  14  into a forward fluid chamber  62  and a rearward fluid chamber  64 . Thus, the presence of the septum  50  controls or limits passage of fluid between the forward and rearward fluid chambers  62  and  64 . Specifically, a chosen configuration of the barrier surface  52  of the septum  50  largely determines the ability of a fluid to flow through the inner lumen  16  of the catheter adapter  14 . 
     For example, in some embodiments the barrier surface  52  of the septum  50  is configured to include a slit  56 . The slit  56  is configured to provide selective access or flow of a fluid through the barrier surface  52 . In some embodiments, the slit  56  is configured to remain in a closed, fluid-tight position until activated or stressed into an opened configuration by advancing a septum actuator  80  against barrier surface  52  in a distal direction  290 . In some embodiments, slit  56  is configured to permit the passage of an introducer needle or other probing device to assist in catheterization or subsequent treatment of the patient. In some embodiments, the barrier surface  52  comprises one slit  56 . In other embodiments, the barrier surface  52  plurality of slits. 
     In general, slit  56  forms a fluid tight seal prior to being actuated by septum actuator  80 . However, for some infusion therapy techniques, it may be desirable to permit a controlled flow of fluid through the septum  50  prior to activating the septum  50  with the septum actuator  80 . Thus, in some embodiments slit  56  does not form a fluid tight seal. Rather, slit  56  forms a leak orifice to permit controlled flow of liquid or air between the forward and rearward chambers  62  and  64  (not shown). 
     The groove or channel  60  into which the septum is seated comprises a recessed portion of the inner surface  24  of the catheter adapter  14 . The outer diameter of the septum  50  is generally configured to compatibly and securely seat within the channel  60 . For example, in some embodiments the outer diameter of the septum  50  is selected to be both slightly smaller than the diameter of the channel  60  and slightly larger than the diameter of the inner lumen  16 . As such, the septum  50  is retained within the channel  60  during use of the catheter assembly  10 . 
     For some infusion therapy techniques, air flow between the forward and rearward chambers  62  and  64  may be desirable. For example, for those embodiments comprising a septum  50  having a fluid-tight slit  56  and  66 , passage of air from the forward chamber  62  to the rearward chamber  64  is prohibited prior to opening or actuating septum  50  via septum actuator  80 , as previously discussed. Thus, when the catheter  12  of the catheter assembly  10  is inserted into the vascular system of a patient, a positive pressure develops within the forward chamber  62  thereby preventing a desired flashback of the patient&#39;s blood into the catheter adapter  14 . An observable flashback is generally desirable to confirm accurate placement of the catheter tip  20  within the vein of the patient. Thus, some embodiments of the present invention include features or elements to enable airflow between the forward chamber  62  and the rearward chamber  64 , without requiring activation of the septum  50  with the septum actuator  80 . As such, some embodiments of the present invention provide an observable flashback, as generally desired for infusion procedures. 
     For example, in some embodiments slit  56  is modified so as to permit controlled leakage of air or liquid, as previously discussed. In other embodiments, a plurality of air vent channels  70  is interposed between the septum  50  and the inner surface  24  of the catheter adapter  14 . The air vent channels  70  relieve the positive pressure within the forward chamber  62  by providing an access for air to bypass the septum  50  into the rearward chamber  64 . In some embodiments, the air vent channels  70  are constructed by removing portions of the channel  60  surface, resulting in a plurality of generally parallel grooves. In other embodiments, an outer surface of septum  50  is modified to include a plurality of generally parallel grooves (not shown), as shown and taught in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/544,625, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the septum actuator  80  comprises a probe-like structure that is primarily housed in the rearward chamber  64  of the catheter adapter  14 . Septum actuator  80  generally comprises a tubular body  82  having a distal end  84  and a proximal end  86 . The tubular body  82  comprises a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as a plastic or metallic material. The tubular body  82  further comprises an inner lumen  88  for facilitating flow of a fluid and/or liquid through the septum actuator  80 . Septum actuator  80  may further include various features  110 ,  120  and  130  to retain septum actuator  80  within catheter adapter  14 , and to optimize fluid flow through and around septum actuator  80 . 
     The distal end  84  of the tubular body  82  is configured to compatibly abut and thereby deform barrier surface  52  of septum  50 . Distal end  84  is generally configured to compatibly insert within opening  54  of septum  50 . The distal end  84  further includes a probing surface  90  which extends through the opening  54  of the septum  50  to a position proximal to the barrier surface  52  of the septum  50 . The probing surface  90  is advanced against barrier surface  52  as septum actuator  80  is advanced through the catheter adapter  14  in distal direction  290 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a bistable septum  50  is shown having a concave barrier surface  52 . Prior to activation, septum  50  forms a fluid tight seal at slit  56 . As septum actuator  80  is advanced in distal direction  290 , barrier surface  52  is stressed or biased into an open position, as shown in  FIG. 3B . When probe  46  is removed from catheter adapter  14 , the resilient nature of septum  50  biases septum actuator  80  in a proximal direction  292  such that a fluid tight seal is once again formed at slit  56 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     In some embodiments, the septum actuator and septum are integrated into a single flexi-plunger unit, as shown in  FIGS. 4A  and B. For this embodiment, septum  50  comprises a disk shaped member having a center portion to which is attached a shaft portion of actuator  80 . Prior to activation, septum  50  forms a fluid tight seal around its perimeter surface against the inner surface of catheter adapter  14 . In some embodiments, septum  50  further comprises a plurality of micro-vents to allow air leakage but not fluid leakage. Thus, the present embodiment provides for multiple accesses with a means of cannula compatibility and air venting. 
     In some embodiments the inner surface of catheter adapter  14  further comprises a plurality of grooves such that as septum  50  is biased in distal direction  290 , the perimeter surface of septum  50  overlaps grooves  78  thereby disrupting the fluid tight seal around its perimeter surface, as shown in  FIG. 4B . Thus, fluid is permitted to pass through a vent portion of actuator  80  and pass into forward fluid chamber  62  via grooves  78 . When probe  46  is removed from catheter adapter  14 , the resilient nature of septum  50  biases septum actuator in proximal direction  292  such that a fluid tight seal is once again established around the perimeter of septum  50 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-8 , another embodiment of an integrated septum and septum actuator is shown. In some embodiments an integrated septum and septum actuator is provided wherein the septum actuator  80  comprises a rigid plastic pusher having a ring shaped base and extension arms which are coupled to a dome or disk shaped septum  50 . The integrated septum and septum actuator are positioned within the catheter adapter  14  such that septum  50  is immobilized and septum actuator  80  is capable of moving a proximal and distal direction. Septum  50  further comprises a plurality of microvents that open when the septum is biased in a distal direction  290  by septum actuator  80 . Septum actuator  80  is biased in distal direction  290  as probe  46  is threaded onto catheter adapter  14 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . When probe  46  is unthreaded from catheter adapter  14 , the resilient or restorative nature of septum  50  biases septum actuator  80  in proximal direction  292  thereby closing the septum microvents, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , in some embodiments septum  50  comprises a convex barrier surface  52 . Prior to activation, septum  50  forms a fluid tight seal at slit  56 . As probe device  46  is advanced in distal direction  290 , barrier surface  52  is biased into an open position, as shown in  FIG. 9B . When probe  46  is removed from catheter adapter  14 , the resilient nature of septum  50  resumes its fluid tight seal at slit  56 , as shown in  FIG. 9A . 
     In some embodiments, catheter assembly  10  further comprises a disruption cone  66 . Referring now to  FIGS. 10A-10C , disruption cone  66  is provided as a rigid barrier over which septum  50  is biased by septum actuator  80 . Prior to activation, an exterior perimeter of septum  50  forms a fluid tight seal with the inner surface of catheter adapter  14 . As probe device  46  is advanced in distal direction  290 , septum actuator  80  contacts septum  50 , thereby biasing septum  50  over disruption cone  66 , as shown in  FIG. 10B . When biased, the fluid tight seal of septum  50  is disrupted thereby permitting passage of fluid between septum  50  in the inner surface of catheter adapter  14 . Channels formed in septum actuator  80  and disruption cone  66  further permit passage of fluid through catheter adapter  14 . When probe  46  is removed from catheter adapter  14 , the resilient nature of septum  50  biases septum actuator  80  in a proximal direction  292  such that a fluid tight seal is once again formed between septum  50  and catheter adapter  14 , as shown in  FIG. 10A . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , in some embodiments septum  50  and septum actuator  80  are configured such that actuator  80  is not allowed to completely penetrate septum  50 . In some embodiments, this is due to the shortened catheter adapter space in which septum actuator  80  is permitted to translate within. In other embodiments, the length of barrier surface  52  is such that when septum actuator  80  penetrates septum  50 , barrier surface  52  contacts wedge  94  of catheter adapter  14  thereby flexing and slightly deforming barrier surface  52 . When this occurs, the distal end of septum actuator  80  is mechanically prevented from bypassing the narrow diameter caused by the interaction between wedge  94  and barrier surface  52 . As such, the resilient, restorative nature and geometric configuration of septum  50  biases septum actuator  80  in proximal direction  292  following removal of probe  46  from catheter adapter  14 , as shown in  FIG. 11A . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12-14 , in some embodiments septum actuator  80  and septum  50  comprise an integrated, elastomeric unit. In particular, in some embodiments catheter adapter  14  is configured to house a restraining collar  68  which includes an outer surface that forms a fluid tight seal with the inner surface of catheter adapter  14 , and further includes a center pathway through which septum actuator/septum  80 ,  50  is retained. The septum actuator portion of the integrated device further comprises a spring feature  81  that creates tension across the integrated device thereby pulling the septum portion  50  of the integrated device against the distal surface a restraining collar  68  to form a fluid tight seal, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . Upon insertion of a probe device  46  into catheter adapter  14 , the probe device contacts the septum actuator portion  80  of the integrated device thereby temporarily defeating spring features  81  in disrupting the seal between the septum portion  50  of the integrated device and restraining collar  68 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . Fluid is then permitted to flow through the center pathway of restraining collar  68  and bypass the septum portion  50  of the integrated device. When probe  46  is removed from catheter adapter  14 , the resilient nature of spring features  81  biased the integrated device in proximal direction  292 , thereby reestablishing the fluid tight seal between septum portion  50  and restraining collar  68 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15A and 15B , in some embodiments septum  50  further comprises a rigid collet leaf spring  76  which is located internally within septum  50 . Catheter adapter  14  further comprises a rigid, bored out spike  74  which prevents the distal end of septum  50  from collapsing during activation of the septum. Collet leaf springs  76  are provided as a rigid element for compressing the distal end of septum  50  when septum  50  is compressed by probe device  46 , as shown in  FIG. 15B . Collet leaf springs  76  further provide a rigid structure over which barrier surface  52  is biased into an opened position. When probe  46  is removed from catheter adapter  14 , the resilient nature of septum  50 , and in particular the distal end of septum  50 , biases the proximal portion of septum  50  and collet leaf spring  76  in proximal direction  292 , such that a fluid tight seal is once again formed at slit  56 , as shown in  FIG. 15A . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , in some embodiments septum slit  56  is undersized such that septum actuator  80  is prevented from fully penetrating slit  56 . As such, when probe device  46  is removed from catheter adapter  14 , the resilient nature of septum  50 , due to the undersized septum slit  56 , biases septum actuator  80  in proximal direction  292  such that a fluid tight seal is once again formed at slit  56 . In other words, the septum is slit small so that the silicone or other material of septum  50  will exert a returning or restoring force moving actuator  80  back to its initial state in the sealing off fluid flow through catheter adapter  14 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 17A and 17B , a rear flange of septum  50  is elongated such that prior to activation of septum  50 , the rear flange is positioned in proximity to a rigid opposing surface of septum actuator  80 . As septum actuator is advanced in distal direction  290 , the rear flange is compressed between septum actuator  80  and an internal feature of catheter adapter  14 . Following removal of a probe device  46  from catheter adapter  14 , the resilient nature of the rear flange of septum  50  biases septum actuator  80  in proximal direction  292  such that a fluid tight seal is once again formed at slit  56 , as shown in  FIG. 17B . 
     In other embodiments, septum  50  comprises an integrated septum actuator, shown as septum activation post  98 . Activation post  98  is positioned such that when probe device  46  is inserted into catheter adapter  14 , probe device  46  contacts activation post  98  thereby biasing a portion of barrier surface  52  in a distal direction  290 , thereby opening slit  56 , as shown in  FIG. 18B . Upon removal of probe  46  from catheter adapter  14 , the resilient nature of barrier surface  52  biases activation post  98  and barrier surface  52  to its original closed and sealed orientation, as shown in  FIG. 18A . 
     In some embodiments, septum  50  comprises a collapsible septum, as shown in  FIGS. 19A-19C . In particular some embodiments comprise an elastomeric septum that is designed with a pre-pierced slit  56  down its length to allow for cannula insertion and retention until such time that the cannula is placed in the vein and removed. Microvents near the sealing surface allow for air venting but no liquid leakage. Upon probe device  46  engagement, several cutout areas allow the septum cylinder to collapse on itself thereby allowing for an opening of a liquid fluid path through catheter adapter  14 . Upon removal of probe device  46 , the natural elastomeric properties of septum  50  force the septum back into his resting, relaxed state and sealed the fluid path. One advantage of this embodiment is that the actuating piece, or septum actuator, and the septum comprise a single, integrated component. The present embodiment may further allow for a smooth cleaning surface at the proximal opening of catheter adapter  14 . 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.