SUCTION CATHETER ASSEMBLIES AND VALVES

摘要

Closed system suction catheter assemblies have a valve controlling suction applied at the patient end of the assembly. In the present invention, the valve has a pinch tube connected in line with the catheter and secured at each end to the housing of the valve. An occluder bar midway along a pivoted lever is urged up by a spring to pinch the tube closed against a fixed occluder and close the valve. The valve has a button protected by a rotatable guard, which bears on an end of the lever so that the valve can be opened by pressing down on the button. A snap mechanism engages a detent on the occluder lever to give the button a snap action.