Patent ID: 8048039

Claim:
A surgical fluid transfer apparatus for passage of fluids, which comprises: a hub defining a longitudinal axis and having an internal chamber; an elongated member extending from the hub and defining a longitudinal conduit; and a closure valve disposed within the internal chamber of the hub, the closure valve adapted for longitudinal movement along the longitudinal axis between a first position substantially sealing the internal chamber to prevent passage of fluids and a second position establishing a fluid passage extending through the hub to permit passage of fluids therethrough and beyond the closure valve, the closure valve including a valve housing having inner wall portions defining a general tapered internal bore and a seal member at least partially disposed within the tapered internal bore of the valve housing, the seal member defining a general tapered configuration and having an open condition establishing an internal seal passage through the closure valve, the internal seal passage different than the fluid passage within the hub, the internal seal passage configured to permit passage of an access instrument through the closure valve and into the longitudinal conduit of the elongated member in substantial sealing relation with the access instrument, the seal member defining inner seal portions adapted for displacement to establish the seal passage to permit passage of the access instrument when in the open condition of the seal member and to establish the substantial sealing relation with the access instrument introduced therethrough, the seal member having a closed condition in the absence of the access instrument, the inner wall portions of the valve housing cooperating with the seal member to permit the seal member to assume the closed condition thereof, the fluid passage dimensioned and arranged to permit passage of fluids completely through the hub while the seal member is in the closed condition, the seal member adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the valve housing between an actuated position and an initial position corresponding to the open and closed conditions of the seal member.