Medical connectors and methods of use
Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a medical connector having a backflow resistance module configured to prevent fluid from being drawn into the connector when a backflow inducing event occurs. In some embodiments, the backflow resistance module can include a variable-volume chamber configured to change in volume in response to a backflow-inducing event and a check valve configured to resist backflow. In some embodiments, the medical connector can include a fluid diverter configured to direct fluid flowing through the medical connector into the variable volume chamber to prevent fluid stagnation therein. In some embodiments, the medical connector includes a body member, a base member, a seal member, a support member, and a valve member.
1. A neutral-flow medical connector for use in a fluid pathway, the connector comprising:
a housing comprising a proximal female end with a proximal opening and a distal male end with a distal opening;
a first valve member positioned substantially or entirely within the housing, the first valve member being configured to selectively seal the proximal opening;
a second valve member positioned within the housing, the second valve member being configured to selectively seal within the housing in a distal direction from the first valve member, wherein the second valve member is capable of both automatically opening and automatically closing while the first valve member is open;
a proximal internal volume inside of the housing extending between and within the first valve member and the second valve member; and
a dynamic regulator configured to buckle, flex, or move in response to a pressure changing event so as to change the proximal internal volume when the first valve member is open and the second valve member is closed, thereby diminishing or eliminating a pressure change within a proximal region of the connector.
2. The medical connector of claim 1 wherein the second valve member is configured to automatically open in response to a pressure differential across the second valve member.
3. The medical connector of claim 2 wherein the second valve member is configured to automatically open to permit fluid to flow in the distal direction.
4. The medical connector of claim 3 wherein the second valve member is configured to automatically open to permit fluid to flow in the proximal direction.
5. The medical connector of claim 4 wherein the automatic opening of the second valve to permit fluid to flow in the proximal direction requires a higher pressure differential than the automatic opening of the second valve to permit fluid to flow in the distal direction.
6. The medical connector of claim 5 wherein the dynamic regulator is made of a flexible material.
7. The medical connector of claim 6 wherein the dynamic regulator is made of the same material as the first valve member.
8. The medical connector of claim 7 further comprising a hollow elongate support member positioned within the first valve member.
9. The medical connector of claim 8 wherein a proximal end of the support member penetrates through the first valve member when the first valve member is in an open state.
10. The medical connector of claim 1 wherein the dynamic regulator and the second valve member comprise a single unitary structure.
11. The medical connector of claim 1 wherein the connector substantially prevents negative flow upon disconnection of a medical device from the proximal end of the housing.
12. The medical connector of claim 11 wherein the connector is a neutral flow connector.
13. The medical connector of claim 1 wherein the connector is a neutral flow connector.
14. The medical connector of claim 1 wherein the dynamic regulator is between the first and second valve members.
15. The medical connector of claim 1 wherein a proximal end surface of the first valve member is adjacent to the proximal end of the housing in a closed state to facilitate swabbing to maintain sterility.
16. The medical connector of claim 1 wherein the connector substantially prevents negative flow upon connection of a medical device to the proximal end of the housing.
17. The medical connector of claim 16 wherein the connector substantially prevents negative flow upon both connection and disconnection of a medical device to the proximal end of the housing.
18. The medical connector of claim 1 wherein the connector resists negative flow into the distal end of the housing induced by pressure changes outside of the connector.