Vascular access devices having hemostatic safety valve

Abstract

A vascular access device is provided that has a device lumen valve and a safety valve feature to prevent leakage of blood from a lumen of such device. The vascular access device includes a sheath which may have an outer tube and structure defining a device lumen located therein. The access device further includes a detachable device valve which provides sealing of the device lumen. In addition, a non-detachable hemostasis safety valve is provided on the proximal end of the device lumen to seal the device lumen when no device valve is present. The device valve attaches to and simultaneously opens the proximal end of the hemostasis safety valve. In one embodiment, the device valve includes a distal projection that pierces an elastomeric valve member of the hemostasis safety valve. The elastomeric valve member of the hemostasis safety valve is stiffer than an elastomeric valve member of the device valve, and prevents introduction of guidewires and highly flexible catheters therethrough.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for introducing medical devices into the body through a single entry port while at all times preventing backflow of fluids through the entry port, including: 
 providing a vascular access device having a device lumen and a safety valve on the proximal end thereof;    introducing the vascular access device into the body with the distal end of the device lumen being positioned within a vasculature of the body;    attaching a detachable hemostasis valve to the safety valve to open the safety valve; and    inserting a device through the hemostasis valve, open safety valve and device lumen.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further including removing the device and detaching the detachable hemostasis valve from the safety valve while leaving the distal end of the device lumen positioned within the vasculature of the body.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the vascular access device is a multiple lumen device, with the device lumen and an auxiliary lumen for infusing fluids, the method further including infusing fluids through the auxiliary lumen while the device is inserted in the device lumen.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the vascular access device is a single lumen device.