ASPIRATION VALVE FOR CATHETER

摘要

The present invention is directed to a proximal catheter assembly (200) configured to facilitate natural or suction-assisted aspiration through a catheter lumen (258). The proximal catheter assembly (200) comprises a multi-function valve (222) configured to perform functions associated with conventional check valves and relief valves. The valve (222) is configured to regulate the direction of fluid flow, and further configured to regulate the rate of suction-assisted aspiration provided through the lumen of the catheter. When the rate of suction-assisted aspiration exceeds a predetermined threshold, the valve (222) opens to allow fluid to be drawn from tubing coupled to the proximal catheter assembly (200), thereby mitigating excessively high rates of aspiration imposed upon the patient's vessel.