Iv catheter with in-line valve and methods related thereto

Abstract

Featured is a vascular access device such as an IV catheter device including a housing, a tubular member and a seal member, and a securing mechanism. The housing includes a proximal and distal portion and a chamber that extends between the proximal and distal portions. The tubular member is coupled to the housing distal portion so it is fluidly coupled to the chamber. The seal member is disposed within the chamber and the securing mechanism secures the seal member distal end to the housing proximal portion so the seal member is sealingly and compressibly retained between a chamber proximal end and the securing mechanism. Such a seal member also is constituted so a portion of the seal member moves axially responsive to an axial force applied to the proximal end.

1 . A method for positioning a compression member about a septum of a seal member, the method comprising the following steps:
 providing a compression member having a hollow body with a first open end and a second open end;   providing a seal member having a septum and a tab extending from the septum;   positioning the compression member about the tab adjacent the septum; and   moving the tab in relation to the compression member about the septum of the seal member.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the septum and the tab are longitudinally aligned. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the tab is substantially cylindrical. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , further including the step of removing the tab from the septum after the compression member is positioned about the septum. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of removing includes cutting the tab. 
     
     
         6 . A method for positioning a compression member about a septum of a seal member, the method comprising the following steps:
 providing a compression member having a hollow body with a first open end and a second open end;   providing a septum having a body formed of an elastomeric material;   providing an apparatus including a source of low pressure and a conduit having a first end and a second end, the second end of the conduit communicating with the source of low pressure;   supporting the compression member on the first end of the conduit;   operating the apparatus to provide a reduced pressure within the conduit and within the compression member; and   drawing the septum into the compression member using the reduced pressure within the compression member.   
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the apparatus further includes a pressurized chamber. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the drawing step is conducted within the pressurized chamber. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the septum is preslit to facilitate insertion and removal of a medical device. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the septum forms a portion of a seal member. 
     
     
         11 . A method for positioning a compression member about a septum of a seal member, the method including the following steps:
 providing a compression member having a hollow body with a first open end and a second open end;   molding a bell portion of a seal member to the compression member; and   inserting a septum of the seal member into one of the first and second open ends of the compression member.   
     
     
         12 . A method of positioning a compression member about a septum of a seal member, the method including the following steps:
 providing a compression member having a body including circular upper and lower body portions which are interconnected by converging end portions to define a substantially eye-shape;   positioning the compression member about a septum of a seal member; and   crimping the end portions of the compression member about the septum to secure the compression member about the septum.   
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the septum of the seal member includes a slit for receiving a medical device. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the compression member is dimensioned to provide compression on the septum to assist in resealing the slit after a medical device has been removed from the septum. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein providing the seal member includes providing the seal member such that the tab includes a beveled end portion facilitating passage of the tab through the compression member. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein moving the tab in relation to the compression member includes pulling the tab to draw the septum into the compression member. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein providing the seal member includes providing the tab with an opening. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein providing the seal member includes providing the opening in the tab in contiguous relation with an opening formed in the septum to facilitate passage of an object through the tab and the septum. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein molding the bell portion of the seal member includes molding the seal member within the compression member. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein molding the seal member within the compression member includes expanding the seal member within the compression member such that the seal member is supported in compression by the compression member.