Importance

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Abstract

A valved catheter is disclosed having an elongated, flexible tubular element extending along a central axis and a flow portion of a valve assembly which controls fluid flow in the tubular element. The element is adaptable for bidirectional flow of fluid between its proximal and its distal ends, with a bidirectional valve assembly coupled to the interior of the tubular element. The bidirectional assembly generally defines a control plane which intersects the central axis at an oblique angle. The assembly has an inflow portion and an outflow portion nominally disposed to lie in the control plane. The inflow portion includes an inflow vane positioned between the intersection of the control plane with the central axis and the distal end and which is adapted to be deflected out of the control plane toward the distal end in response to the establishment of a relatively high fluid pressure at the proximal end and a relatively lower fluid pressure at the distal end. The outflow portion also includes an outflow vane positioned between the intersection of the central plane with the central axis and the proximal end and which is adapted to be deflected out of the control plane toward the proximal end in response to the establishment of a relatively low fluid pressure at the proximal end and a relatively higher fluid pressure at the distal end.

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First Claim