The present invention relates to a connector system for use in connecting conduits together, such as those used with an extracorporeal blood circulation system. The system has a male and female connector and a seal. The seal is operatively associated with the male and female connectors and forms a fluid tight connection between the male and female connectors. An inner surface of the seal and the inner surfaces of the first and second coupling ends form a continuous and smooth transitional surface.

Valve assemblies having improved ability to selectively control flow of fluids through the catheter and prevent leakage of fluids from the proximal end of a catheter that is positioned within a patient. Such improved catheter valve assemblies also prevent leakage of fluids after repeated insertion and removal of medical instruments through the valve.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a multi-lumen catheter with self-sealing hub and an attachable extension assembly. In a preferred aspect, the present invention can allows removal of the external fluid connections of an elongated percutaneous medical article, such as a catheter or cannula. The percutaneous medical article suitably contains a distal septum that prevents fluid movement within the intraluminal space of the percutaneous medical article, when the fluid connections are removed. A single-use, disposable extension set of one or more single lumen lines with associated clamp and cap is attached for intraluminal access and removed following clinical use. Retaining the catheter transition allows the catheter to be secured using methods common to the art.

An apparatus for providing instrument access through a gel pad of a surgical access device disposed to seal an opening to a body cavity of a patient is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stem having a bore extending therethrough, the stem having a length sufficient such that when the stem is inserted through the gel pad a distal end of the stem protrudes beyond an inner surface of the gel pad. The bore is sized to permit an instrument to be inserted through the bore and through the opening into the body cavity. The stem includes a flanged opening to the bore that remains external to an outer surface of the gel pad and limits the insertion of the stem through the gel pad. The apparatus also includes a displaceable seal disposed within the bore below the flanged opening, the displaceable seal being operable to seal the bore prior to insertion of the instrument and to displace to permit insertion of the instrument while maintaining the seal.

A Y-connector for medical lines, includes a tubular body provided with a first inlet coaxial to the tubular body and containing a valve device formed by an elastic element, and a second inlet arranged obliquely to the tubular body and communicating therewith between the first inlet and the outlet. The tubular body is formed with an inner septum for deviating a flow coming from the second inlet towards the hollow elastic element prior to directing the flow to the outlet.

Methods for cleaning and antiseptically maintaining patient fluid line access valves to minimize the risk of infection via catheters. The methods include cleaning patient fluid line access valves devices with a cap that may contain a dry pad impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. Covering the access portion of the access valve when not in use with the cap. The devices have a hood that contains a wet pad impregnated with a cleaning solution and, optionally, an antimicrobial agent. The methods include wet pad cleaning the access portion of the access valve prior to and optionally, after the access valve is utilized to access the patient fluid line.

Cap and cleaning devices antiseptically maintain patient fluid line access valves to minimize the risk of infection via catheters. The devices have a cap that may contain a dry pad impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The cap covers the access portion of the access valve when not in use. The devices have a hood that contains a wet pad impregnated with a cleaning solution and, optionally, an antimicrobial agent. The wet pad cleans the access portion of the access valve prior to and optionally, after the access valve is utilized to access the patient fluid line.

A peripheral intravenous catheter assembly may include a low-drag septum. The septum may include a body having a distal end and a proximal end, which may be sealed. The septum may include a slot disposed within an outer surface of the body and oriented along a longitudinal axis of the body. The slot may include a distal end spaced apart from the distal end of the body, and a proximal end spaced apart from the proximal end of the body. An introducer needle may extend through the slot.

A medical port includes a hub having a body forming a hub chamber for containing a fluid, and a proximal opening to the hub chamber for receiving a medical implement. The port also has a valve member, a first radial fluid channel, and a second radial fluid channel. The valve member is located within the hub chamber, has a radial portion, and closes the proximal opening when the medical port is in a closed mode. The first and second radial fluid channels are in fluid communication with the hub chamber when the medical port is in the closed mode. The radial portion of the valve member restricts fluid communication between the first radial fluid channel and the hub chamber when the medical port is in an open mode.

Systems and methods are adapted for treating the carotid artery. The systems include interventional catheters and blood vessel access devices that are adapted for transcervical insertion into the carotid artery. Embodiments of the systems and methods can be used in combination with embolic protection systems including blood flow reversal mechanisms, arterial filters, and arterial occlusion devices.