A fluid control component configured for controlling fluid flow through the hub of a catheter assembly during and after placement into the patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fluid control component comprises a body disposed within a cavity of the hub, the body being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the body does not pierce a valve disposed in the hub when in the first position and wherein the body pierces the valve when in the second position. The body includes a conduit to enable fluid flow through an internal portion of the body when the body is in the second position, and a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs disposed on an exterior surface of the body. The ribs provide at least one fluid flow channel between the valve and an external portion of the body when the body is in the second position.

Aspects of the present disclosure include a connector that is suitable for connecting medical suction tubing with at least two different types of fluid ports of a medical fluid collection system. In certain aspects, the connector includes a generally cylindrical body portion having a cylindrical outer surface extending generally parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the body portion, and an inner surface defining a primary conduit extending through the connector. At least one lateral closure wall extends radially outward from the outer surface of the body portion. At least one annular skirt wall extends longitudinally from the at least one lateral closure wall, including a first annular skirt wall that serves to receive an open mouth of a first fluid port having a relatively small diameter, and a second annular skirt wall that serves to receive an open mouth of a second fluid port having a relatively larger diameter.

Apparatus and method are disclosed for opening a frangible internal cannula located in flexible fluid flow path. The frangible cannula has first and second portions joined by a frangible junction and the apparatus and method cause bending of one portion of the cannula relative to the other portion that results in breaking of the frangible junction and opening of the flow path to fluid flow therethrough.

Bypass elements for medical valves and methods of using the same are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include an insert having a tip that is adapted to displace a valve element without penetrating it, and a lumen that fluidly communicates with a lumen of a valve housing distal to the valve element when the bypass element is engaged. Bypass elements are used, in certain embodiments, to facilitate fluid pressure and ECG signal measurements through implanted medical devices including catheters.

Fluid channel sealing devices, frangible seals, fluid circuits, associated controllers and methods of using the same are provided for controlling fluid distribution using a reconfigurable blocking element having first and second portions to establish a first configuration free of any open channels such that fluid is prevented from flowing through the channel and a second configuration where the first and second portions are separated to establish an open channel and allow fluid to pass.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to medical connectors with a housing comprising a proximal body member and a base member that form an internal cavity with a proximal abutment surface. An elastomeric seal with a collar and without a guide member is positioned within the internal cavity. A rigid, hollow elongated portion is located within the internal cavity such that in an open configuration, a tip of the elongated portion is more proximal than a proximal surface of the elastomeric seal.

A delivery assembly for an ingestible device for delivering a fluid preparation into a GI lumen wall or surrounding tissue of a subject includes a housing, a piston-needle assembly, a membrane, and a valve member. The housing defines a chamber. The piston-needle assembly is movably disposed in the chamber and includes an inlet and a channel. The membrane is coupled to the housing such that the membrane and the housing cooperatively define a reservoir for containing the fluid preparation. The housing further defines an opening extending between the chamber and the reservoir. In response to sufficient movement of the piston-needle assembly relative to the housing, the valve member opens to allow the fluid preparation to flow from the reservoir through the opening into the chamber where the fluid preparation is directed to the inlet and the channel for delivery into the GI lumen wall or surrounding tissue thereof.

The present invention extends to a blood control catheter valve for use in a catheter adapter. The blood control catheter value employs an actuator for bypassing a septum to open the blood control catheter valve. The actuator includes flexible retention arms positioned on one end which retract into the body of the actuator while the end of the actuator passes through the septum, and then expand outwardly to maintain the actuator positioned within the septum. This design facilitates the manufacturing of catheter adapters (as well as blood control catheter valves and other components that attach to the catheter adapter) because the design can reduce the tolerance requirements of such components. Further, the design provides a reliable blood control catheter valve that does not require the catheter adapter to be increased in size to accommodate the valve.

The present invention extends to a blood control catheter valve for use in a catheter adapter. The blood control catheter value employs an actuator for bypassing a septum to open the blood control catheter valve. The actuator includes flexible retention arms positioned on one end which retract into the body of the actuator while the end of the actuator passes through the septum, and then expand outwardly to maintain the actuator positioned within the septum. This design facilitates the manufacturing of catheter adapters (as well as blood control catheter valves and other components that attach to the catheter adapter) because the design can reduce the tolerance requirements of such components. Further, the design provides a reliable blood control catheter valve that does not require the catheter adapter to be increased in size to accommodate the valve.

An enema includes a liquid in a dispenser having a bottle, a nozzle attached to the bottle, and a valve. The valve may be a membrane having a slit and a thickness of at most 0.90 mm. The valve may be attached to the bottle or it may be attached to the nozzle. The enema can be administered more easily, with a lower amount of force. A method of bowel cleansing includes inserting the enema into a rectum and applying a compression force to the enema bottle.