Valve, catheter and method for preventing the introduction of air into the body of a patient

Claim 1

Fluid flow control means comprising: tubular means having open input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; obturating means located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means from the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; inlet and outlet connectors for insertion into said input and output bores, respectively of the tubular means for releasable attachment of the control means to fluid directing means; and housing means enclosing said tubular means and obturating means, and maintaining said inlet and outlet connectors at a predetermined spaced distance.

Claim 22

A method for preventing the introduction of air on reflux of blood flow into the vascular system of a patient through catheter means during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures which comprises: providing catheter means with fluid flow control means comprising: tubular means having open input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; and obturating means located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means from the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; introducing the catheter means into the vascular system of the patient during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures; and introducing a fluid into said patient through said fluid flow control means and catheter means by directing the fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of said fluid flow control means so that the fluid flow control means opens in response to said positive fluid pressure to allow flow therethrough, but remains competent in response to ambient air pressure in the bore of said input means to prevent the introduction of air into the vascular system of the patient.

Claim 23

A method for preventing the introduction of air on reflux of blood flow into the vascular system of a patient through catheter means during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures which comprises: providing catheter means with fluid flow control means comprising: tubular means having open input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; and obturating means located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means from the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; introducing the catheter means into the vascular system of the patient during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures; and introducing a fluid into said patient through said fluid flow control means and catheter means by directing the fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of said fluid flow control means so that the fluid flow control means opens in response to said positive fluid pressure to allow flow therethrough, but remains competent in response to ambient air pressure in the bore of said input means to prevent the introduction of air into the vascular system of the patient.

Claim 24

A method for preventing the introduction of air or reflux or blood into the vascular system of a patient through catheter means during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures which comprises: providing catheter means having fluid flow control means comprising: tubular means having open input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; obturating means located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means beings forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means from the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; and concentric housing means for enclosing said tubular means and obturating means; introducing the catheter means into the vascular system of the patient during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures; and introducing a fluid into said patient through said fluid flow control means and catheter means by directing the fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of said fluid flow control means so that the fluid flow control means opens in response to said positive fluid pressure to allow flow therethrough, but remains competent in response to ambient air pressure in the bore of said input means to prevent the introduction of air into the vascular system of the patient.

Claim 25

A method for preventing the introduction of air or reflux or blood into the vascular system of a patient through catheter means during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures which comprises: providing catheter means having fluid flow control means comprising: tubular means having open input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; obturating means located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means beings forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means from the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; and concentric housing means for enclosing said tubular means and obturating means; introducing the catheter means into the vascular system of the patient during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures; and introducing a fluid into said patient through said fluid flow control means and catheter means by directing the fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of said fluid flow control means so that the fluid flow control means opens in response to said positive fluid pressure to allow flow therethrough, but remains competent in response to ambient air pressure in the bore of said input means to prevent the introduction of air into the vascular system of the patient.

Claim 26

A method for preventing the introduction of air or reflux or blood into the vascular system of a patient through catheter means during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures which comprises: providing catheter means comprising: an elongated body portion for insertion into the patient; a hub portion adjacent to the body portion for introducing or removing fluids through the body portion; and fluid flow control means comprising: a tubular structure having input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; and obturating means located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means form the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; introducing the catheter means into the vascular system of the patient during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures; and introducing as fluid into said patient through said fluid flow control means and catheter means by directing the fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of said fluid flow control means so that the fluid flow controls means opens in response to said positive fluid pressure to allow flow therethrough, but remains competent in response to ambient air pressure in the bore of said input means to prevent the introduction of air into the vascular system of the patient.

Claim 27

A method for preventing the introduction of air or reflux or blood into the vascular system of a patient through catheter means during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures which comprises: providing catheter means comprising: an elongated body portion for insertion into the patient; a hub portion adjacent to the body portion for introducing or removing fluids through the body portion; and fluid flow control means comprising: a tubular structure having input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; and obturating means located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means form the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; introducing the catheter means into the vascular system of the patient during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures; and introducing as fluid into said patient through said fluid flow control means and catheter means by directing the fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of said fluid flow control means so that the fluid flow controls means opens in response to said positive fluid pressure to allow flow therethrough, but remains competent in response to ambient air pressure in the bore of said input means to prevent the introduction of air into the vascular system of the patient.

Claim 28

A method for preventing the reflux of fluids into an organ or the pleural cavity of a patient when fluid directing means is utilized for removal of such fluids, which comprises: providing fluid directing means having fluid flow control means comprising: tubular means having open input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; obturating means located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means form the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; and inlet and outlet connectors for insertion into said input and output bores, respectively, of the tubular means for releasable attachment of the control to means said fluid directing means; introducing the fluid directing means into the organ or pleural cavity of a patient; and removing fluids from said organ or plural cavity by directing said fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of said fluid flow control means to facilitate removal of said fluids by flow therethrough while preventing the reflux of fluid or the introduction of air into the organ or pleural cavity of the patient.

Claim 29

A method for preventing the reflux of fluids into an organ or the pleural cavity of a patient when fluid directing means is utilized for removal of such fluids, which comprises: providing fluid directing means having fluid flow control means comprising: tubular means having open input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; obturating means located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means form the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; and inlet and outlet connectors for insertion into said input and output bores, respectively, of the tubular means for releasable attachment of the control to means said fluid directing means; introducing the fluid directing means into the organ or pleural cavity of a patient; and removing fluids from said organ or plural cavity by directing said fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of said fluid flow control means to facilitate removal of said fluids by flow therethrough while preventing the reflux of fluid or the introduction of air into the organ or pleural cavity of the patient.

Claim 30

A method for preventing the reflux of fluids into an organ or the pleural cavity of a patient when fluid directing means is utilized for removal of such fluids, which comprises: providing fluid directing having fluid flow control means comprising: tubular means having open input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; and obturating means comprising disc means for maintaining said tubular means in a substantially flat configuration located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means from the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; introducing the fluid directing means into the organ or pleural cavity of a patient; and removing fluids from said organ or pleural cavity by directing said fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of said fluid flow control means to facilitate removal of said fluids by flow therethrough while preventing the reflux of fluid or introduction of air into the organ or pleural cavity of the patient.

Claim 31

A method for preventing the reflux of fluids into an organ or the pleural cavity of a patient when fluid directing means is utilized for removal of such fluids, which comprises: providing fluid directing having fluid flow control means comprising: tubular means having open input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; and obturating means comprising disc means for maintaining said tubular means in a substantially flat configuration located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means from the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; introducing the fluid directing means into the organ or pleural cavity of a patient; and removing fluids from said organ or pleural cavity by directing said fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of said fluid flow control means to facilitate removal of said fluids by flow therethrough while preventing the reflux of fluid or introduction of air into the organ or pleural cavity of the patient.

Claim 32

A method for preventing the reflux of fluids into an organ or the pleural cavity of a patient when catheter means is utilized for removal of such fluids, which comprises: introducing into an organ or pleural cavity of a patient catheter means comprising: an elongated body portion for insertion into the patient; a hub portion adjacent to the body portion for introducing or removing fluids through the body portion; and fluid flow control means comprising: a tubular structure having input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; and obturating means comprising disc means for maintaining said tubular means in a substantially flat configuration located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means form the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel mean to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; and removing fluids from said organ or pleural cavity by directing said fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of said fluid flow control means to facilitate removal of said fluids by flow therethrough while preventing the reflux of fluid or introduction of air into the organ or pleural cavity of the patient.

Claim 33

A method for preventing the reflux of fluids into an organ or the pleural cavity of a patient when catheter means is utilized for removal of such fluids, which comprises: introducing into an organ or pleural cavity of a patient catheter means comprising: an elongated body portion for insertion into the patient; a hub portion adjacent to the body portion for introducing or removing fluids through the body portion; and fluid flow control means comprising: a tubular structure having input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; and obturating means comprising disc means for maintaining said tubular means in a substantially flat configuration located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means form the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel mean to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; and removing fluids from said organ or pleural cavity by directing said fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of said fluid flow control means to facilitate removal of said fluids by flow therethrough while preventing the reflux of fluid or introduction of air into the organ or pleural cavity of the patient.

Claim 34

A method for preventing the reflux of fluids into an organ or the pleural cavity of a patient when catheter means is utilized for removal of said fluids, which comprises: introducing into an organ or pleural cavity of a patient catheter means comprising: an elongated body portion for insertion into the patient; a hub portion adjacent the body portion for introducing or removing fluids through the body portion; and fluid flow control means comprising: a tubular structure having input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; and obturating means comprising disc means for maintaining said tubular means in a substantially flat configuration located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means from the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; and removing fluids form said organ or pleural cavity by directing said fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of said fluid flow control means to facilitate removal of said fluids by flow therethrough while preventing the reflux of fluid or introduction of air into the organ or pleural cavity of the patient.

Claim 35

A method for preventing the reflux of fluids into an organ or the pleural cavity of a patient when catheter means is utilized for removal of said fluids, which comprises: introducing into an organ or pleural cavity of a patient catheter means comprising: an elongated body portion for insertion into the patient; a hub portion adjacent the body portion for introducing or removing fluids through the body portion; and fluid flow control means comprising: a tubular structure having input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; and obturating means comprising disc means for maintaining said tubular means in a substantially flat configuration located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means from the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; and removing fluids form said organ or pleural cavity by directing said fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of said fluid flow control means to facilitate removal of said fluids by flow therethrough while preventing the reflux of fluid or introduction of air into the organ or pleural cavity of the patient.

Claim 36

A method for preventing the reflux of fluids into an organ or the pleural cavity of a patient when catheter means are utilized for removal of such fluids, which comprises: introducing into an organ or pleural cavity of a patient catheter means comprising: an elongated body portion for insertion into the patient; at least two hub portions adjacent the body portion for introducing or removing fluids through the body portion; and fluid flow control means associated with each hub portion comprising: tubular means having open input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; and obturating means located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means from the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; and removing fluids from said organ or pleural cavity by directing said fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of at least one of said fluid flow control means to facilitate removal of said fluids by flow therethrough while preventing the reflux of fluid or introduction into the organ or pleural cavity of the patient.

Claim 37

A method for preventing the reflux of fluids into an organ or the pleural cavity of a patient when catheter means are utilized for removal of such fluids, which comprises: introducing into an organ or pleural cavity of a patient catheter means comprising: an elongated body portion for insertion into the patient; at least two hub portions adjacent the body portion for introducing or removing fluids through the body portion; and fluid flow control means associated with each hub portion comprising: tubular means having open input and output bores connected by channel means and operable between an open position to allow fluid flow therethrough and a closed position to prevent ambient pressure air from passing therethrough; and obturating means located within said channel means for prestressing and maintaining a portion of said channel means in said closed position, said channel means being forceable to said open position in response to a positive fluid pressure in said input or output bore of said tubular means to allow fluid flow through said channel means from the bore containing the positive pressure to the other bore, said fluid flow control means capable of passing fluid in either direction depending upon which bore contains the positive pressure; said obturating means returning said channel means to said closed position when said positive pressure is removed; and removing fluids from said organ or pleural cavity by directing said fluid under a positive pressure into the bore of the input means of at least one of said fluid flow control means to facilitate removal of said fluids by flow therethrough while preventing the reflux of fluid or introduction into the organ or pleural cavity of the patient.