Patent ID: 8574203

Claim:
A system for controlling fluid flow in a closed IV catheter assembly, comprising: a luer port having an inner lumen; a valve for controlling fluid flow through the inner lumen, the valve comprising: a septum disposed within a portion of the inner lumen; a septum activator disposed within a portion of the inner lumen adjacent to the septum, wherein a distal end of the septum activator contacts a proximal surface of the septum when the valve is in an unactuated position, and extends through the proximal surface when the valve is in an actuated position, the septum activator further including a sealing portion that extends from an exterior surface of the septum activator and contacts the surface of the inner lumen thereby preventing fluid from flowing into interstitial spaces between the septum and the sealing portion of the septum activator; and a ventilation channel interposed between the septum and an inner surface of the inner lumen of the luer port, 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 when the valve is in the unactuated position.