Importance

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Abstract

A closed-end catheter having a flat-surfaced valve positioned in a recess about the distal portion of the catheter for preventing retrograde flow of blood therethrough when positioned in a blood vessel of a patient. The valve catheter comprises a flexible material, cylindrical tube having a U-shaped outer wall extending longitudinally about the distal portion thereof. A flat-surfaced valve is positioned in the recess along the U-shaped distal portion and attached to the outer wall. The valve is formed by inserting a flat-surfaced rod in the U-shaped portion of the tube to stretch the outer wall. A flat-surfaced layer of flexible material is applied over the flat-surfaced rod to the stretched outer wall. The flexible material layer is cured and a longitudinal fluid aperture formed therein with the rod remaining in the passage of the U-shaped portion. The rod is then removed and a plug inserted into the passage to close the distal end of the catheter. The stretched outer wall of the U-shaped portion compresses the fluid aperture to a predetermined closed position to prevent fluid leakage therethrough.

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First Claim