Becton, Dickinson and Company
CATHETER ASSEMBLY WITH DIRECTIONAL PORT OPENING

Abstract:

A vascular access device including a catheter adapter, a port opening, and an elastomeric valve. The catheter adapter extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The port opening is formed in a surface of the catheter adapter in fluid communication with a side port of the catheter adapter and the lumen. A structural geometry of the port opening directs a fluid into the lumen in a proximal direction. The elastomeric port valve is disposed within the lumen and configured to deform in response to a transverse force applied thereto. A proximal gap may result between the inner wall forming the lumen and a proximal side of the elastomeric port valve, thereby opening a fluid path.