Importance

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Abstract

A percutaneous access device for aseptically introducing catheters or other tubes into the body, is disclosed. In one aspect, the device comprises a valve housing having a tapered inner bore; a tapered tubular valve means which is inserted into the valve housing bore and comprises one or two valves; and a valve cap which is screwed into the valve housing behind the valve. The valve means, housing and cap have bores along a common axis to permit the insertion of a tube such as a catheter through the device and into the body. The cap and valve housing cooperatively compress the valve means to selectively seal the valve bore about the catheter, close the valve bore when the catheter is removed, and provide anti-microbial wiping action of the catheter during insertion. The valve means may comprise two valves, a hemostatic sealing valve and an anti-bacterial squeegee valve which provides accelerated release of the anti-bacterial agent under mechanical compression. Alternatively, the two valves may comprise a first, convex hemispherical valve which provides an air reflux barrier and mechanical seal when the catheter is not present and a second, cylindrical valve compressed between the first valve and the locking cap for providing a compressively-enhanced long-term anti-bacterial mechanical sealing barrier when the cap is locked over the inserted catheter and anti-bacterial wiping action during insertion or removal of the catheter with the cap unlocked. In another alternative, the wiping/squeegee function and the sealing functions are cooperatively provided by a duck bill valve, and a cylindrical valve with an O-ring.

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First Claim