Importance

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Abstract

An automatic fluid valve which permits insertion of a surgical instrument therethrough is disclosed and includes an elastomeric slit valve with a plurality of raised surgical instrument engaging protrusions on a proximal surface thereof. Typically, the slit valve is a tricuspid valve, and three protrusions would be provided. The protrusions may take many forms, including barbells or other shaped elements which are insert molded into the slit valve, or bumps which are molded as part of the slit valve. If the protrusions are insert molded, the protrusions are preferably made of a material having a coefficient of friction lower than then the coefficient of friction of the elastomeric, typically silicone, member. If the protrusions are part of the valve, they are preferably coated with a slippery coating such as TEFLON. The faces of the protrusions may also take different forms such as hemispheres, or elongated ribs.

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First Claim