Implantable three-way diaphragm valve

Abstract

An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a valve including a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion of the housing defines a first and second nozzle, and the bottom portion of the housing defines an opening. A diaphragm has an open position and a closed position, and the diaphragm is disposed between the top portion of the housing and the bottom portion of the housing. A first fluid flow path between the first nozzle and the second nozzle is defined by the housing and the diaphragm, when the diaphragm is in the closed position. A second fluid flow path between the opening and the first nozzle is defined by the housing and the diaphragm, when the diaphragm is in the closed position. Such a valve can be used for a number of purposes including hemodialysis procedures.

1 .- 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A valve for use in a hemodialysis device comprising:
 a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion;   a first nozzle defined by the top portion;   a second nozzle defined by the top portion;   an opening defined by the bottom portion of the housing;   a diaphragm having an open position and a closed position, said diaphragm being disposed between the top portion of the housing and the bottom portion of the housing;   a first fluid flow path between the first nozzle and the second nozzle, said first fluid flow path being defined by the housing and the diaphragm, when the diaphragm is in the closed position, and wherein the diaphragm completely occludes the opening defined by the bottom portion of the housing in the closed position; and   a second fluid flow path between the opening and the first nozzle, said second fluid flow path being defined by the housing and the diaphragm, when the diaphragm is in the open position, and wherein the diaphragm completely occludes the second nozzle in the open position.   
     
     
         16 . The valve of  claim 15  wherein the bottom portion of the housing further comprises a skirt configured to be secured to a large-diameter blood vessel. 
     
     
         17 . The valve of  claim 15  wherein the top portion of the housing has ridges along an outer surface of the top portion of the housing. 
     
     
         18 . The valve of  claim 15  wherein the valve further comprises a fluted opening to direct the flow of blood. 
     
     
         19 . The valve of  claim 15  wherein the first nozzle and the second nozzle comprise connectors. 
     
     
         20 . The valve of  claim 19  wherein the connectors are selected from one of a group consisting of barbed, press-fit, friction, twist and lock, luer, and threaded.