HEMOSTASIS VALVE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING GUIDE WIRE SEAL

摘要

A hemostasis valve assembly (12) adapted for use within a catheter introduce r (10) is disclosed. The valve assembly (12) includes first (30), second (32) and third (34) sealing members wherein the second sealing member (32) comprises a guide wire seal. The guide wire seal includes a plurality of lip members (74) defining a pair of perpendicularly disposed slits (76) and an aperture (84) intersecting at least one of the slits (76). The aperture (84) is adapted to sealingly engage a small diameter guide wire (26) for preventi ng fluid flow out of the catheter introducer (10) through the valve assembly while the slits (76) allow for the passage of a large diameter elongated member or loader (24). Two pairs of diametrically opposed pre-load ribs (86, 88) extend radially towards the aperture (84) for pressing the lip members (74) together in sealing engagement. A substantially spherical inner surface is provided for guiding the guide wire (26) to the aperture (84).