A medical connector includes a housing with a central axis, a hollow bore, and a narrowed passage. The connector further includes a rigid valve member configured to move along the axis of the connector as the connector moves between an open and closed configuration. The connector includes a resilient member coupled to the valve member and the housing.

A sterile tube connector for a fluid circuit system comprising a housing. A first opening is configured to receive a first length of tubing in communication with a first chamber. A second opening is configured for communicating with the first chamber when the tube connector is in an open configuration but not in a closed configuration. The second opening is configured to reversibly engage a third opening to form a second chamber. The third opening is configured for communicating with a second length of tubing. A first portion of the housing forming the first opening comprises a material at least partially permeable to a sterilization energy source for sterilizing contents of the second chamber.

A fluid conduit has a housing with a body forming an interior and a proximal cavity within the interior. The housing has an outlet and a fluid path extending between the cavity and outlet. The conduit also has an entry channel and a contact surface. The entry channel extends through the housing distal to the cavity and has a radial longitudinal axis. The entry channel is offset from the fluid path such that the radial longitudinal axis of the entry channel does not intersect a longitudinal axis of the fluid path. This offset causes fluid entering the interior of the housing via the entry channel to initiate a swirl-like motion within the interior. A portion of the contact surface is distal to the cavity and intersects the radial longitudinal axis. The surface directs a portion of the fluid proximally into the cavity.

A medical connector for use in a fluid pathway includes a housing configured to permit fluid flow between a first medical device and a second device or location. The medical connector includes a valve member configured to be positioned at least partially within the housing. The valve member is configured to receive the first medical device. The valve member can be moved into a second state. The connector can be adapted for use with a catheter assembly.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a medical connector having a backflow resistance module configured to prevent fluid from being drawn into the connector when a backflow inducing event occurs. In some embodiments, the backflow resistance module can include a variable-volume chamber configured to change in volume in response to a backflow-inducing event and a check valve configured to resist backflow. In some embodiments, the medical connector can include a fluid diverter configured to direct fluid flowing through the medical connector into the variable volume chamber to prevent fluid stagnation therein. In some embodiments, the medical connector includes a body member, a base member, a seal member, a support member, and a valve member.

A self-flushing connector includes a housing having a cavity, a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port. A collapsible valve is disposed within the cavity. A first flow path extends from the first inlet port to the outlet port. The first inlet port and the second inlet port are fluidly connected through a gap defined between the body of the collapsible valve and an inner wall of the housing defining the cavity. A second flow path extends from the second inlet port to the first flow path. When the collapsible valve is in a closed state, the collapsible valve fluidly disconnects the second flow path from the first flow path while allowing fluid to flow through the first flow path. When the collapsible valve is in an open state, the second flow path is fluidly connected to the first flow path.

A soft grip medical connector comprises a housing with an upstream end, a downstream end and a lumen extending through a central portion thereof. A flexible member comprises a valve portion integrally formed with a sleeve portion. The valve portion is positioned within a section of the housing and is configured to control a flow of fluid through the housing lumen. The sleeve is inverted to envelope at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing. In some embodiments the gripping portion is integrally formed with the valve portion. In some embodiments, the connector is also generally configured to create a positive pressure in a catheter lumen upon removal of a syringe or other medical device from the upstream end of the connector. Methods of making a medical fluid connector generally comprise forming a valve member with a sleeve extending there from, and assembling the valve, sleeve and housing.

Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems for purposes of providing a repeatable, aseptic fluid coupling system. Such repeatable, aseptic fluid coupling systems are configured to facilitate multiple connection and disconnection cycles while repeatably establishing a sterile fluid pathway through the coupling system. The repeatable, aseptic fluid coupling systems can repeatably establish a sterile fluid pathway through the coupling system even though the coupling system may be used in a non-sterile environment.

A collapsible valve for use in a needleless access connector to reduce the priming volume of the needleless access connector. A needleless access connector with a small priming volume. A method of connecting a first medical device to a second medical device with a needleless access connector with a small priming volume.

A catheter integral with a valved needle-free connector provides a safety catheter device configured to receive a blunt cannula and sharp needle forming an insertion mechanism. The sharp needle is mounted within a needle tube and a control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of and into the protective needle tube. When the insertion mechanism is mounted to the connector and the control handle is used to slide the sharp needle out of the tube, a blunt cannula first moves into contact with and enters the bore of the valve mechanism of the connector opening it and protecting it from damage that may be caused by the sharp needle. The sharp needle is then extended through the connector and extends out the distal end of the catheter so that a venipuncture procedure may be performed to properly locate the catheter in the patient's circulatory system. Once located, the needle may be retracted into the insertion mechanism, the insertion mechanism disconnected from the connector, and discarded.