A valve (100) for use in delivering a medical device comprises first and second ends and an hourglass shaped centre section defining an aperture (34) for accepting a guidewire. The application of torsion about the centre section closes the aperture to seal against the guidewire.

A laparoscopic surgical system configured for cooperation with a trocar is described. In one configuration, the system is configured to expand to accommodate trocars of varying dimensions. In another configuration, which is not necessarily exclusive of the first configuration, the system may function to provide an anchoring and closure system for use in laparoscopic surgery.

The present invention discloses an introducer system comprising an introducer sheath, a valve assembly, and a medical device passage. The valve assembly includes a flexible material with an inner surface exposed along a portion of the medical device passage and an outer surface defining a valve membrane chamber. Additionally, a compliance chamber within the valve assembly is in communication with the valve membrane chamber and houses a piston assembly movable between positions to accommodate inflation media.

In a sheath device for inserting a catheter into a patient's body, comprising a first sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein when used as intended the distal end of the first sheath is provided for arrangement in the patient's body and the proximal end of the first sheath is provided for arrangement outside the patient's body, and wherein the first sheath comprises a tubular section and a sheath housing, which is disposed at the proximal end of the section and comprises a receiving channel for a catheter, according to the invention the tubular section is detachably held in a clamping element of the sheath housing in a non-positive manner so as to be able to easily shorten the tubular section.

A medical valve assembly includes a tube extending between a first tube end and a second tube end to define a passageway extending along a longitudinal axis between the ends. A plunger plate extends radially from the second tube end of the tube, and a valve housing surrounds the tube about the second tube end and extends from a first valve housing end to a second valve housing end. The valve housing includes a flange extending radially inwardly from the second valve housing end and disposed in spaced relationship with the plunger plate to define a distance dimension D extending therebetween. An elastomeric seal is compressed between the plunger plate and the flange, and one of the valve housing and the tube is axially movable relative to the other to vary the distance between said plunger plate and said flange and adjust an inner diameter of the elastomeric seal.

An anti-reflux catheter includes a central support body having an inner longitudinal passage chamber; a cannula extending out of one end of the central body and connected to the inner chamber; a transverse opening which extends through the central body and communicates with the inner chamber; an outwardly extending mouthpiece of the transverse opening; a flexible sleeve longitudinally accommodated in the inner chamber at the transverse opening and having an outer surface facing such transverse opening, the mouthpiece having a pressure system associated therewith, which act upon the sleeve and is movable between an idle position or an operating pressed position, and vice versa.

A hemostasis mechanism includes a deformable seal, and a plunger guided for translation within a housing to displace a fluid to a clearance extending between the deformable seal and the housing. The displaced fluid increases fluid pressure in the clearance to deform the deformable seal into sealing contact with a medical device. An actuator for the plunger includes a linkage having arms rotatable about first and second axes, and configured such that their rotation is converted into translation of the plunger. The linkage is adjustable from a retracted configuration to an advanced, cammed-over configuration.

Collapsible tube embodiments may be used to promote hemostasis at surgical sites or any other suitable location. In some cases, vascular closure device embodiments may include collapsible tube embodiments in order to promote hemostasis at a surgical site during a vascular closure procedure.

A flushing and hemostasis apparatus for a trans-catheter surgical procedure may be provided with an elongated body. A seal assembly may be located at a proximal end of the elongated body and configured to receive a distal end of an implant loading tool therethrough. A valve assembly may be located at a distal end of the elongated body and may include a flush port. In some embodiments, the valve assembly is configured to move between an open position in which the flush port is in fluid communication with the mid-section of the elongated body and a closed position in which the distal end of the elongated body is sealed off from the mid-section. A mid-section of the elongated body may be configured to receive an element protruding from the distal end of the implant loading tool. Other flushing and hemostasis tools and methods of use are also provided.

A catheter assembly includes a flexible catheter (22), a needle (12) having a sharp distal tip, the needle (12) disposed in the flexible catheter (22) and moving from a first position that exposes the needle (12) to a second position, an outer member (26) that is configured to engage and disengage a catheter hub (14), an inner member (28) disposed in the outer member (26), and a needle protection (30) member disposed in the inner member (28), the needle protection member (30) enclosing at least a portion of the needle (12) when the needle (12) is in the second position.