Importance

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Abstract

An introducer valve has a connecting housing enclosing a generally cylindrical elastomeric valve body having a proximal end, a distal end, a central axis, and a central longitudinal opening. The central opening has a proximal aperture tapering inwardly to the central axis and has a distal aperture tapering inwardly to the central axis, and is adapted to receive an elongated guidewire or catheter element. The valve body has an exterior surface which tapers from the proximal end inwardly and from the distal end inwardly generally parallel with the respective apertures (in a somewhat hourglass configuration). The central opening of the valve body is normally sealed closed, and further surrounds and seals a penetrating catheter which is introduced or changed within the valve. The valve further comprises an elastomeric ring which circumscribes the center of the valve body. This ring facilitates the compressive sealing of the central opening and particularly facilitates liquid-tight sealing with penetrating elements having greatly differing diameters of about 1 mm to about 6 mm.

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First Claim