A dialysis valve includes a tube attached between an artery and a vein which, when elongated, simultaneously narrows in diameter at at least one location. The narrowed portion of the tube decreases the volume and velocity between the arterial and venous side of the patient to prevent damage or intimal hyperplasia on the venous side between dialysis treatments. When the valve is opened for dialysis, an unrestricted blood flow exists between the arterial and venous side, permitting a controlled, open blood flow during dialysis.

A self-sealing catheter valve that includes a flexible tubular part having a distal opening and an opposite proximal opening, and a proximal valve part. The proximal valve part has a curved self-sealing flexible diaphragm disposed inside the flexible tubular part and has a base perimeter united with a circumferential wall of the flexible tubular part. The curved self-sealing flexible diaphragm has a concave surface facing towards the proximal opening, and a convex surface facing towards the distal opening, and a flexible diaphragm wall of the curved self-sealing flexible diaphragm has a traverse slit. The self-sealing catheter valve provides an efficient self-closing mechanism for a peripheral catheter assembly and constitutes an efficient barrier against potential contagious spread from the patient to the surrounding environment by blood born disease e.g. HIV, hepatitis and Ebola viruses.

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.

A valved nasal cannula adapted to provide a positive pressure in the airway using the breathing of the intended user as a source of positive pressure without the need for an external source of energy and/or compressed air. The cannula is designed so as to be relatively easily insertable and retractable into and from the nasal vestibule portion of the nose of the intended user without requiring manual dexterity.

An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft systems includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

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.

An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft systems includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

A valved nasal cannula adapted to provide a positive pressure in the airway using the breathing of the intended user as a source of positive pressure without the need for an external source of energy and/or compressed air. The cannula is designed so as to be relatively easily insertable and retractable into and from the nasal vestibule portion of the nose of the intended user without requiring manual dexterity.

The invention relates to a valve used in medical procedures. More specifically the invention relates to an introducer sheath valve used in minimally invasive and conventional surgical procedures. The valve may accommodate a wide range of surgical implement diameters, shapes, and multiple implements without imposing the high frictional forces of known valves.

A flow rate control device having features for selectively controlling the flow rate of a fluid over a continuous range of flow rates is provided. In particular, a flow rate control device including an inflatable flow restrictor is provided, where the flow restrictor is selectively inflatable to occlude a flow path of a fluid to thereby control the flow rate of the fluid. A flow rate control mechanism comprising a flow restrictor also is provided, the flow restrictor having an inflatable balloon for occluding a flow path of a fluid to selectively control the flow rate of the fluid.