VALVES AND SUCTION CATHETER ASSEMBLIES

摘要

Conventional closed system suction catheters have a valve with a housing within which a valve member is movable to control suction applied by the catheter. In the present invention the outlet bore is inclined at an angle to the inlet bore and opens into it via an aperture. A valve member comprises a rod member and a manually actuable plate extending longitudinally in an external channel along the housing between two walls. The rod member supports a resilient sleeve and its forward end is urged, by a spring, to engage a tapered seal within the housing forwardly of the aperture, thereby blocking flow through the valve. The valve is opened by sliding the plate rearwardly so that the valve member moves rearwardly of the aperture. A locking cap can be twisted to prevent movement of the valve member from its closed position.