Patent ID: 8206375

Claim:
A valved connector configured to selectively permit the passage of fluid and be coupled to a catheter, needle or other device; the valved connector comprising: a body; a distal end configured to be placed in fluid communication with a volume of fluid or to be coupled to a secondary apparatus which is placed in fluid communication with a volume of fluid; a proximal end positioned on the side of the body opposite the distal end; a main lumen allowing fluid to pass from the distal end to the proximal end of the valved connector; a valve positioned between the distal end and proximal end of the valved connector and in fluid communication with main lumen; wherein the main lumen includes a valve chamber in connection with the proximal end and a distal lumen portion in connection with the distal end, and wherein a tapered lumen portion is located between the proximal end and the valve chamber, the tapered portion configured to guide and facilitate the passage of needles, guidewires or other medical instruments from the proximal end to the distal lumen portion.