An aspiration system exhibits an accelerated drop in negative pressure at the distal end of an aspiration catheter from the time of opening a valve. The system includes an aspiration pump in communication with a first chamber, and an aspiration catheter configured for placement into fluid communication with the first chamber by way of an elongate aspiration tube. A second chamber is provided between the aspiration tube and the catheter, and a valve is provided between the second chamber and the aspiration catheter. Upon opening of the valve with negative pressure at equilibrium in the first and second chambers, resistance to fluid flow between the second chamber and the distal end of the catheter is less than the resistance to fluid flow between the second chamber and the first chamber, causing a rapid aspiration into the second chamber.

A methods of placing large bore aspiration catheters is disclosed. The method of removing a vascular obstruction includes the steps of transvascularly advancing a distal end of an aspiration catheter into proximity with an obstruction, activating a low flow, detection mode of aspiration through the catheter, and thereafter activating a momentary control to activate a high flow, aspiration mode of operation and draw obstructive material into the distal end of the access catheter.

A hemostasis valve may be used with a catheter such as an aspiration catheter. The hemostasis valve comprises a support, and at least a first lever, pivotably carried with respect to the support. A collapsible tubular sidewall defining a valve lumen is carried by the support. A filament is formed into a loop around the tubular sidewall, the filament having at least a first tail portion extending away from the loop to the first lever. A first spring may be configured to move the first lever in a direction that pulls the first tail portion away from the tubular sidewall, reducing the diameter of the valve lumen in response to reducing the diameter of the loop. A second tail portion may extend away from the loop to a second lever. Each tail portion may be attached to its respective lever, or may be slidably advanceable around a fulcrum on the lever and attached with respect to the support.

A split dilator aspiration system is disclosed. The system includes a catheter, having an elongate, flexible tubular body with a proximal end, a distal end, a side wall defining a central lumen, and a handle on the proximal end. A dilator is advanceable through the central lumen, the dilator having an elongate body, cannulated to receive a guidewire, and an axially extending split along at least a portion of the elongate body, configured to allow removal of a portion of the dilator laterally from the guidewire.

A method of preventing blood leakage through a septum of a catheter assembly when a needle is disposed within a slit of the septum may include providing a lubricant within multiple gaps disposed between an outer surface of the needle and the slit. The lubricant may include a viscosity greater than 1,000 centipoise. Providing the lubricant within the multiple gaps may include applying the lubricant to the outer surface of the needle, and inserting the lubricated needle distally through the slit of the septum. Providing the lubricant within the multiple gaps may include applying the lubricant to a tip of a septum actuator of the catheter assembly, and penetrating the septum with the lubricated septum actuator. Providing the lubricant within the plurality of gaps may include dispensing the lubricant within the slit of the septum prior to insertion of the septum into the lumen of the catheter adapter.

Aspects herein relate to a low-friction septum for providing a leak-resistant seal for use in a vascular access device. In an embodiment, a device for vascular access hemostasis is included having an enclosure defining a cavity and configured to at least partially receive a medical device. The device can include a first seal portion and a second seal portion, the cavity disposed between the first seal portion and the second seal portion. The device can include a barrel in structural communication with the second seal portion, the second seal portion including a septum seal. The second seal portion can define two or more discrete portions, each separated by one or more split lines. The discrete portions can include a mating surface to interface with mating surfaces of other discrete portions. The mating surface can include a surface topology including raised portions and depressions. Other embodiments are also included herein.

A hemostasis valve for use in a medical device. The hemostasis valve may include a generally cylindrical body having a proximal side, a distal side, and a thickness extending therebetween. The proximal side may include a tapered central region having a surface sloped towards a center of the body and the distal side may include a distally extending curved central region.

An introducer sheath includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween. An actuatable hemostasis valve in a hub is adjacent the proximal end of the elongate shaft and may be used to prevent blood from escaping from the elongate shaft. The introducer sheath may also have a a self-expanding funnel adjacent the distal end of the elongate shaft.

A hemostasis valve for use in a medical device. The hemostasis valve may include a generally cylindrical body having a proximal side, a distal side, and a thickness extending therebetween. The proximal side may include a tapered central region having a surface sloped towards a center of the body and the distal side may include a distally extending curved central region.

In various examples, a hub for a medical device includes a hub housing including a passage from a proximal end of the hub housing to a distal end of the hub housing. A valve is disposed within the hub. The valve is configured to allow passage of an insertable device through the valve while inhibiting leakage of fluid from the valve. A cap is engaged to the hub housing. The cap includes an opening therethrough sized and shaped to allow passage of the insertable device through the opening. The opening allows access to the passage of the hub housing. An angled sidewall is disposed within the hub. The angled sidewall is configured to retain and deform the valve into a curved shape.