Indwelling catheter valve

摘要

A valve (1) suitable for use on an indwelling catheter is disclosed. Broadly the valve (1) comprises a valve housing (2) having an elongate valve insert (3) disposed therein. The housing (2) has an inlet (4) at one end thereof and an outlet (5) at an opposed end thereof and defines a longitudinal passage (7) extending from the inlet (4) to the outlet (5). The valve insert (3) includes a cannula (25) having an inlet (26) towards one end (27) thereof and an outlet (28) towards an opposed end (29) thereof. The inlet end (27) of the cannula (25) terminates in a sharp point. The outlet end (29) by contrast is rounded and the actual outlet (28) is spaced axially inwardly from the end (29). The valve insert (3) further includes a seal (40) comprising an annular body (41) of resilient material defining an opening (42) therein through which the outlet end (29) of the cannula (25) projects. The seal (40) has an axial end surface which sealingly engages a seat (19) defined by the housing (2). The cannula (25) is displaceable in the housing (2) between a closed position in which the outlet (28) is upstream of the seal (40) and an open position in which the outlet (28) is downstream of the seal (40). The valve insert (3) further includes biasing means in the form of a resilient sleeve (50) loaded under compression for urging the cannula (25) to the closed position. The compression loading in the sleeve (50) also urges the seal (40) into engagement with the seat (19). Typically the valve insert (3) also includes a further sleeve (60) for extending over and around the inlet of the cannula (25). In use the sleeve (60) is punctured by the sharp point on the end (27) of the cannula (25).