EP4612427A2

EP4612427A2 - Aspiration stopcock

Info

Publication number: EP4612427A2
Application number: EP23887044.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Maricela Walker
Original assignee: Terumo Corp
Current assignee: Terumo Corp
Priority date: 2022-11-03
Filing date: 2023-11-03
Publication date: 2025-09-10
Also published as: JP2025535557A; WO2024097928A3; WO2024097928A2; CN120380274A

Abstract

An aspiration stopcock is provided with a body including: an opening into a cavity having an inner diameter; and first and second ports disposed at first and second positions around the inner diameter; and a stem partially disposed in the cavity and having a first outer diameter, the stem including a rotational groove of a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter, wherein the stem, when in an unlocked configuration, is configured to transition between a flow configuration that defines a flow path between the first and second ports and a stopped configuration that blocks the flow path between the first and second ports; and a stopper, projecting into the cavity and the rotational groove, wherein the stem is configured to translate relative to the body to transition between the unlocked configuration and a locked configuration that prevents transition between the flow configuration and the stopped configuration.

Description

ASPIRATION STOPCOCK

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 63/422,224 entitled “ASPIRATION STOPCOCK” and filed on 2022-11-03, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Stopcocks are valves that regulate the flow of liquids and gases, blocking flow when the valve is in the closed position. When used in an aspiration system, stopcocks may block the application of negative pressure from a suction source on a fluid target (e.g., a vein from which bodily fluids or emboli are drawn by the negative pressure).

SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure is generally related to an improved stopcock design for use for use in a pressure supply line as part of a suction or aspiration device. The stopcock includes a body to which various tubes in the pressure supply line or other components of the aspiration device may be attached, and a stem that a user can manually actuate to adjust the flow state permitted through the body. The presently described stopcock provides improvements in the ease of assembly, ease of use, and resistance to change of state due to fluid flow, among other benefits.

[0004] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a stopcock, comprising: a body including: an opening into a cavity having an inner diameter; a first port disposed at a first position around the inner diameter; and a second port disposed at a second position around the inner diameter; and a stem partially disposed in the cavity and having a first outer diameter, the stem including a rotational groove of a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter, wherein the stem, when in an unlocked configuration, is configured to transition between a flow configuration that defines a flow path between the first port and the second port and a stopped configuration that blocks the flow path between the first port and the second port; and a stopper, projecting into the cavity and the rotational groove, wherein the stem is configured to translate relative to the body to transition between the unlocked configuration and a locked configuration that prevents transition between the flow configuration and the stopped configuration.

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a stopcock, comprising: a body including: an opening, defined in a first plane, into a cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port disposed at a first position around the inner diameter; a second port disposed at a second position around the inner diameter; and a stem disposed in the cavity and projecting from the cavity in a first direction perpendicular to the first plane and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the stem having a first outer diameter less than the inner diameter, the stem including: a through-hole, wherein the stem is configured to rotate between a flow configuration in which the through-hole is aligned with the first port and the second port to open a flow path through the body and the stem and a stopped configuration in which the through-hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the body and the stem; a stopper projecting from a portion of the stem that projects from the cavity in the first direction, the stopper projecting in the first plane beyond the inner diameter of the cavity; and a retaining groove projecting from the cavity in the second direction and having a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter; and a retainer disposed in the retaining groove and extending beyond the inner diameter of the cavity.

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a stopcock, comprising: a body including: an opening, on a first side of the body, into a cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port disposed at a first position around the inner diameter perpendicular to the opening; a second port disposed at a second position around the inner diameter perpendicular to the opening; and a vent, on a second side of the body opposite to the first side, having a second inner diameter less than the first inner diameter; a stem disposed in the cavity and projecting from the opening of the cavity, the stem having a first outer diameter, the stem including: a through- hole, wherein the stem is configured to rotate between a flow configuration in which the through-hole is aligned with the first port and the second port to open a flow path through the body and the stem and a stopped configuration in which the through-hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the body and the stem; a first sealing groove defined around a circumference of the stem on a first side of the through-hole and having a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter; and a second sealing groove defined around the circumference of the stem on a second side of the through- hole opposite to the first side and having a third outer diameter less than the first outer diameter; and a first sealing means and a second sealing means disposed respectively in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove and having outer sealing diameters not less than the first outer diameter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying figures depict various elements of the one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not considered limiting of the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] In the Figures, some elements may be shown not to scale with other elements so as to more clearly show the details. Additionally, like reference numbers are used, where possible, to indicate like elements throughout the several Figures.

[0009] It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in the other embodiments without further recitation or illustration. For example, as the Figures may show alternative views and time periods, various elements shown in a first Figure may be omitted from the illustration shown in a second Figure without disclaiming the inclusion of those elements in the embodiments illustrated or discussed in relation to the second Figure.

[0010] Figures 1A-1 G illustrate operation of the stopcock, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figures 2A-2J illustrate several of the flow states permitted by the stopcock, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figures 3A-3F illustrate features of the stem of the stopcock, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figures 4A-4D illustrate features of the body of the stopcock, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present disclosure is generally related to an improved stopcock for use for use in a pressure supply line as part of a suction or aspiration device. The stopcock includes a body to which various tubes in the pressure supply line or other components of the aspiration device may be attached, and a stem that a user can manually actuate to adjust the flow state permitted through the body. The presently described stopcock provides improvements in the ease of assembly, ease of use, and resistance to change of state due to fluid flow and pressure, among other benefits. Additionally, the described stopcock is able to be manufactured with tighter tolerances with desirable (and improved) materials for use as higher pressures without leaking. Some embodiments include an air escape vent, which may provide for further improvements in ease of assembly, but may also be used as an injection hole for an additional port.

[0015] Figures 1A-1 G illustrate operation of the stopcock 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In Figures 1A-1 G the body 110 of the stopcock 100 is connected to a first tube 130a (generally or collectively, tube 130) on a first side, and to a second tube 130b on a second side to place the stopcock 100 between a negative pressure source and a fluid target. For example, the stopcock 100 may be placed between a vacuum pump or a syringe and a vein of a patient from whom an embolism is being aspirated (e.g., via a catheter connected to the tube 130 via an adapter). In various embodiments, the tubes 130 are inserted into female connectors defined by the body 110 to secure the tubes 130 to the body 110, but may also be fitted over male connectors defined by the body 110. Additionally or alternatively, the tubes 130 may be omitted in some embodiments when the body 110 is directly connected to another component (e.g., the negative pressure source or a catheter).

[0016] Each of Figures 1A-1 G illustrate a stem 120 inserted into the body 110, but in different states that affect the fluid flow across the body 110. In various embodiments, the different states affect a flow rate of fluid through the flow path or a pressure exerted by the fluid on a fluid target, which may include the flow of liquids or gasses via positive pressure or negative pressure from a pressure source, including applying a vacuum to a fluid target. [0017] Figure 1A illustrates a stem 120 in a blocking state, where the stem 120 blocks or prevents fluid flow across the body 110. For example, when in the blocking state, fluid communication between a negative pressure source (connected to the stopcock 100 via the first tube 130a) and the fluid target (connected to the stopcock 100 via the second tube 130b) is blocked. In various embodiments, the direction of a handle on the stem 120 may indicate whether the stem 120 blocks or permits fluid flow across the body 110.

[0018] Figure 1 B illustrates a stem 120 in a pass-through state, where the stem 120 allows fluid flow across the body 110 and the stem 120. For example, when in the flow state, fluid communication between a negative pressure source (connected to the stopcock 100 via the first tube 130a) and the fluid target (connected to the stopcock 100 via the second tube 130b) is permitted through the body 110 and the stem 120 (e.g., through a through-hole in the stem 120). The stem 120 in Figure 1 B is rotated about a rotational axis relative to the stem 120 in Figure 1A to move a portion of the stem 120 that defines a flow path into fluid communication with the first tube 130a and the second tube 130b, thereby placing the first tube 130a in fluid communication with the second tube 130b.

[0019] Figure 1 C illustrates a stem 120 in a pulled-out state. In some embodiments, when in the pulled-out state, the stem 120 is partially moved out of the body 110 to allow fluid flow across the body 110 whereas the pushed-in state (e.g., as shown in Figures 1A and 1 B) the stem 120 blocks fluid flow. For example, when in the pulled-out state, fluid communication between a negative pressure source (connected to the stopcock 100 via the first tube 130a) and the fluid target

(connected to the stopcock 100 via the second tube 130b) is permitted through the body 110 (e.g., through a cavity in the body 110 otherwise occupied by the stem 120). The stem 120 in Figure 1 C is pulled outward from the body 110 relative to the stem 120 in Figure 1A to move a portion of the stem 120 that blocks a flow path from one side of the body 110 to the other, thereby placing the first tube 130a in fluid communication with the second tube 130b. In some embodiments, as discussed in relation to Figure 1 D, the pulled-out state vertically (on the longitudinal axis of the stem 120) aligns through-holes in the stem 120 with the ports in the body 110, and the stem 120 is also rotated (about the longitudinal axis) to align or unalign the through-holes with the ports.

[0020] Figure 1 D illustrates a stem 120 in a pulled-out and rotated state, where the stem 120 is partially moved out of the body 110 and rotated to align a though- hole relative to the ports in the body 110. For example, if Figure 1 C illustrates a rotational alignment of the stem 120 that places the stopcock 100 in one of the blocking state or the flow state, Figure 1 D illustrates the other one of the blocking state or the flow state. In another example, if Figure 1 C illustrates a pulled-out state in which the stem 120 is partially moved out of the body 110 to allow fluid flow across the body 110, Figure 1 D may illustrate a locked configuration that engages the stem 120 with the body 110 to resist being further pushed or pulled inward or outward from the body 110 (e.g., due to applied suction of positive pressure). [0021] Whereas Figures 1A-1 D illustrate a two-way rotation of an example stopcock 100, Figures 1 E-1 G illustrate a three-way rotation of an example stopcock 100 that includes a third port in the body 110 of the stopcock 100 to which various through-holes in the stem 120 can be variously aligned or unaligned.

[0022] Figure 1 E illustrates a first rotational configuration that aligns the through-holes of the stem 120 with two of the three ports, such as when the second tube 130b is closed off from the stem 120, but the first tube 130a is in fluid communication with the third port. For example, when the stopcock 100 is in use, an operator (e.g., a physician) may connect a positive or negative pressure source to the first tube 130a and move the stem 120 according to Figure 1 E to put the first tube 130a in fluid connection with the third port and thereby apply the positive or negative pressure from the pressure source throughout the flow path of the stopcock 100 to a device (e.g. , a syringe or other tube) connected to the third port, and not apply the pressure to the second tube 130b and a device or fluid target connected to the second tube 130b.

[0023] Figure 1 F illustrates either a second rotational configuration that aligns the through-holes of the stem 120 with all three of the three ports or a third rotational configuration that aligns the through-holes of the stem 120 with all two of the three ports such as when the third port is closed off from the stem 120, but the first tube 130a is in fluid communication with the second tube 130b. For example, when the stopcock 100 is in use, an operator (e.g., a physician) may connect a positive or negative pressure source to the first tube 130a and move the stem 120 according to Figure 1 F to put the first tube 130a in fluid connection with the third port and the second port and thereby apply the positive or negative pressure from the pressure source throughout the flow path of the stopcock 100 to a device (e.g., a syringe or other tube) connected to the third port and to apply the pressure to the second tube 130b and a device or fluid target connected to the second tube 130b. In another example, when the stopcock 100 is in use, an operator (e.g., a physician) may connect a positive or negative pressure source to the first tube 130a and move the stem 120 according to Figure 1 F to put the first tube 130a in fluid connection with the second port and thereby apply the positive or negative pressure from the pressure source throughout the flow path of the stopcock 100 to the second tube 130b (and a device or fluid target connected to the second tube 130b), but not to the third port or any devices or tubes connected thereto.

[0024] Figure 1 G illustrates a fourth rotational configuration that aligns the through-holes of the stem 120 with two of the three ports, such as when the first tube 130a is closed off from the stem 120, but the second tube 130b is in fluid communication with the third port. For example, when the stopcock 100 is in use, an operator (e.g., a physician) may move the stem 120 according to Figure 1 G to put the first tube 130a out of fluid connection with the third port and the second port, while maintaining fluid communication between the second port and the third port, to thereby stop applying pressure to the fluid target from a pressure source connected to the first tube 130a, allowing the operator to draw a sample from the fluid target connected to the second tube 130b into a syringe connected to the third port or inject a dye, contrast agent, or pharmaceutical from a syringe connected to the third port into the second tube 130b without interference from the pressure source.

[0025] Depending on the design of the stopcock 100, the various states of the stem 120 relative to the body 110 may provide for different flow states, of which, Figures 2A-2J illustrate several of the flow states permitted by the stopcock 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The body 110 and the stem 120 co-define whether a flow path 210 is present between two ports in the body 110 and a cavity of the body 110 or a through-hole in the stem 120.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2A-2C, a user may rotate the stem 120 relative to the body 110 to change the amount of a flow path 210 presented at the ports, allowing full flow in Figure 2A, partial flow in Figure 2B, and no flow (e.g., closing the flow path 210 and disconnecting fluid communication) in Figure 2C. Although illustrated in Figures 2A-2C with the user rotating the through-hole of the stem 120 clockwise to transition from the full flow state to the no flow state, in various embodiments, a user may rotate the through-hole of the stem 120 counterclockwise to transition from the full flow state to the no flow state.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2D-2G, a user may move the stem 120 inward or outward relative to a cavity in the body 110 to change the amount of a flow path 210 presented at the ports when the flow path 210 is provided via a through-hole in the stem 120, allowing full flow in Figure 2D, partial flow in Figures 2E and 2F, and no flow (e.g., closing the flow path 210 and disconnecting fluid communication) in Figure 2G. Figures 2D, 2E, and 2G illustrate a sequence of the user pulling the stem 120 “upward” to close the flow path 210 (and the reverse sequence to push the stem 120 “downward” to open the flow path 210). Figures 2D, 2F, and 2G illustrate a sequence of the user pushing the stem 120 “downward” to close the flow path 210 (and the reverse sequence to pull the stem 120 “upward” to open the flow path 210).

[0028] As shown in Figures 2H-2J, a user may translate the stem 120 relative to the body 110 to change the amount of a flow path 210 presented at the ports when the flow path 210 is provided via the presence or absence of the stem 120, allowing full flow in Figure 2H, partial flow in Figure 2I, and no flow (e.g., closing the flow path 210 and disconnecting fluid communication) in Figure 2J.

[0029] The partial flow examples shown in Figures 2B, 2E, 2F, and 2I are provided as non-limiting examples for partial flow; a user may adjust the amount of the flow path 210 presented at the ports in the body 110 to other percentages between fully presented (as in Figures 2A, 2D, and 2H) and fully absent (as in Figures 2C, 2G, and 2 J).

[0030] Figures 3A-3F illustrate features of the stem 120 of the stopcock 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Each of the illustrated stems 120 may include features that may be freely combined with features in the other illustrated stems. [0031] The stem 120 includes a handle 310, which allows a user to rotate the stem 120 about a longitudinal axis and/or push and pull the stem 120 in and out of the body 110. In various embodiments, the handle 310 is oriented to identify a rotation of the stem 120 that places the stopcock into a flow-permitting configuration when the handle 310 is aligned with the ports on the body 110. Various ergonomic shapes may be used for the handle 310.

[0032] A stalk 320 of the stem 120 extends from the handle 310, and is inserted (at least partially) into the body 110. The stalk 320 is substantially circular in cross section, and includes a sealing surface 360 that blocks fluid communication between the ports of the body 110 in the blocking configuration. In various embodiments, the stalk 320 includes various grooves and channels that allow for various gaskets, rotational controls, extension controls, and retainers to interface with the stem 120.

[0033] For example, in Figure 3A, the stalk 320 includes a first sealing groove 330a (generally or collectively, sealing groove 330) and a second sealing groove 330b around the circumference of the stalk 320 and on opposing sides of the sealing surface 360 that are shaped to respectively accept a first o-ring 370a (generally or collectively, o-ring 370) and a second o-ring 370b. Between the second sealing groove 330b and the handle 310, the stalk 320 in Figure 3A includes a first rotational groove 340a and a second rotational groove 340b around the circumference of the stalk 320, and on opposing sides of a translation groove 340c provided in a non-parallel orientation relative to the first rotational groove 340a and the second rotational groove 340b. In various embodiments, one or both of the first rotational groove 340a and the second rotational groove 340b circumscribe 360 degrees of the circumference of the stalk 320, but may also circumscribe less than 360 degrees of the circumference of the stalk 320 to restrain the rotation of the stem 120 relative to the body 110.

[0034] In some embodiments, the sealing surface 360 is a solid surface (e.g., lacks a through-hole) that blocks fluid communication when the stem 120 is fully inserted into the body 110 (see e.g., Figure 2 J ), and is pulled (at least partially) out of the body 110 to permit fluid communication (see e.g., Figures 2H and 2I). In some embodiments, an alignment tab (455) is inserted into the grooves 340a-c to restrict the inward/outward translation of the stem 120 between a fully inserted and fully extracted configuration to a rotational state that aligns the alignment tab (455) with the translation groove 340c.

[0035] For example, in Figure 3B, the stalk 320 includes a first sealing groove 330a (generally or collectively, sealing groove 330) and a second sealing groove 330b around the circumference of the stalk 320 and on opposing sides of the sealing surface 360 that are shaped to respectively accept a first o-ring 370a and a second o-ring 370b. As illustrated in Figure 3B, the sealing surface 360 includes a through-hole that forms part of the flow path 210 when aligned with the ports that blocks or permits fluid communication depending on the rotational position of the stem 120 relative to the body 110 (see e.g., Figures 2A-2C). In some embodiments, the stalk 320 includes a retaining groove 380 on a distal end of the stem 120 relative to the handle 310 that is shaped to accept a retainer 390 to retain the stem 120 in the body 110 (e.g., to prevent translation when installed). In various embodiments, the retainer 390 is a c-ring that flexes to permit installation into the retaining groove 380 or is crimped to secure the retainer 390 in the retaining groove 380.

[0036] For example, in Figure 3C, the stalk 320 includes a sealing surface 360 that includes a through-hole that forms part of the flow path 210 when aligned with the ports that blocks or permits fluid communication depending on the rotational position of the stem 120 relative to the body 110 (see e.g., Figures 2A-2C), and omits sealing grooves 330 and associated o-rings 370, and instead establishes a seal by matching the outer diameter of the stalk 320 to an inner diameter of the body 110. Additionally, in some embodiments, the stem 120 includes a rotational block 350 configured to interact with a blocking feature (460) on the opening of the body 110 into which the stem 120 is inserted to restrict an amount of rotation that the stem 120 may rotated (e.g., to less that 360+ degrees). In some embodiments, the stalk 320 includes a retaining groove 380 on a distal end of the stem 120 relative to the handle 310 that is shaped to accept a retainer 390 to retain the stem 120 in the body 110 (e.g., to prevent translation when installed). In various embodiments, the retainer 390 is a c-ring that flexes to permit installation into the retaining groove 380 or is crimped to secure the retainer 390 in the retaining groove

380. [0037] For example, in Figure 3D, the stalk 320 includes a first sealing groove 330a (generally or collectively, sealing groove 330) and a second sealing groove 330b around the circumference of the stalk 320 and on opposing sides of the sealing surface 360 that are shaped to respectively accept a first o-ring 370a and a second o-ring 370b. As illustrated in Figure 3D, the sealing surface 360 includes a through-hole with openings on either side of the stalk 320 that forms part of the flow path 210 when aligned with the ports that blocks or permits fluid communication depending on the rotational position of the stem 120 relative to the body 110 (see e.g., Figures 2A-2C).

[0038] For example, in Figure 3E, the stalk 320 includes a first sealing groove 330a and a second sealing groove 330b around the circumference of the stalk 320 and on opposing sides of the sealing surface 360 that are shaped to respectively accept a first o-ring 370a and a second o-ring 370b. Between the second sealing groove 330b and the handle 310, the stalk 320 in Figure 3E includes a first rotational groove 340a and a second rotational groove 340b around the circumference of the stalk 320, and on opposing sides of a translation groove 340c provided in a non-parallel orientation relative to the first rotational groove 340a and the second rotational groove 340b. In some embodiments, the sealing surface 360 includes a through-hole that forms part of the flow path 210 when aligned with the ports that blocks or permits fluid communication depending on the rotational and translational position of the stem 120 relative to the body 110 (see e.g., Figures 2A-2F). In some embodiments, an alignment tab (455) is inserted into the grooves 340a-c to restrict the inward/outward translation of the stem 120 between a fully inserted configuration and fully extracted configuration to a rotational state that aligns the alignment tab (455) with the translation groove 340c, and the flow path 210.

[0039] For example, in Figure 3F, the stalk 320 includes a first sealing groove 330a and a second sealing groove 330b around the circumference of the stalk 320 and on opposing sides of the sealing surface 360 that are shaped to respectively accept a first o-ring 370a and a second o-ring 370b. As illustrated in Figure 3F, the sealing surface 360 includes a through-hole with three openings (one not shown) that forms part of the flow path 210 when aligned with the ports that blocks or permits fluid communication depending on the rotational position of the stem 120 relative to the body 110 (see e.g., Figures 2A-2C). The flow path 210 in Figure 3E includes a first bore, which extends through the diameter of the stalk 320, and a second bore, which extends through the radius of the stalk 320 to form a T-shaped or Y-shaped flow path 210. In a T-shaped flow path 210, the openings of the flow path 210 are arranged to have a first opening 180 degrees of arc from a second opening, and a third opening 90 degrees of arc from both the first and second openings (in opposing directions), while a Y-shaped arrangement describes any other arc arrangement of the openings.

[0040] Figures 4A-4D illustrate features of the body 110 of the stopcock 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Each of the illustrated bodies 110 may include features that may be freely combined with features in the other illustrated bodies.

[0041] The body 110 includes a shell 410 having an outer diameter and forms cavity with an inner diameter configured to mate with the sealing surface 360 and/or o-rings 370 of an associated stem 120. The shell 410 includes an opening 440 (or first opening 440a) on an opposite side of the body 110 from a base 430 to permit the stem 120 to be inserted into the cavity, and a first port 420a (generally or collectively, port 420) and a second port 420b through which fluid communication is formed when in the flow-permitting configuration and through which fluid communication is blocked in the blocking configuration.

[0042] The o-rings 370, if included, act as sealing devices to prevent or reduce fluid flow through paths other than between the ports 420 of the body 110. The o- rings 370 are sized to have an inner o-ring diameter less than the outer diameter of the stem 120 and an outer o-ring diameter greater than the inner diameter of the body 110, so that the o-rings 370 are fitted into respective sealing grooves 330 in the stem 120 and are compressed by the inner diameter of the body 110.

[0043] In various embodiments, the base 430 may be solid (e.g., lack any through-holes, as in Figure 4A), include a second opening 440b sized to perm it the stem 120 to be inserted through both ends of the body 110 (e.g., as in Figure 4B), or include a second opening 440b sized as a vent or third port 420 that does not permit the stem 120 to be inserted through both ends of the body 110 (e.g., as in Figure 4C). Additionally, although illustrated on opposing sides of the body 110 (e.g., 180 degrees apart) at equal distances relative to the base 430, and equal sizes (e.g., bores or outer diameters), in various embodiments, the ports 420 may located at different orientations around the body 110, with different distances relative to the base 430, and with different sizes from one another.

[0044] Figure 4A illustrates a body 110 that may be used with any of the stems 120 illustrated in Figures 3A-3F. The body 110 includes an opening 440 on a first side, and a solid base 430 on an opposite side (e.g., omitting a second opening 440b). Because the body 110 in Figure 4A has a solid base 430, the flow path 210 between the ports 420 may operate according to any of the sequences illustrated in Figures 2A-2J.

[0045] In some embodiments, a stem 120 inserted through the opening 400 may be held within the cavity of the body 110 via friction (e.g., between the inner diameter of the body 110 and the outer diameter of the stem 120 or an outer diameter of the o-rings 370, if included).

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the body 110 includes a stopper 450 that is installed in a cleft defined in the body 110 after the stem 120 is inserted into the cavity of the body 110. The stopper 450 may be bonded in place in the cleft with various epoxies or thermal bonding, or held in place via friction, an overlaid adhesive strip, one-way tabs, or the like. An alignment tab 455 extends from the stopper 450 past the inner diameter of the cavity to interface with the grooves 340a-c of the stem 120 (e.g., as illustrated in Figures 3A and 3E), which restricts the rotational and translational movement of the stem 120 relative to the body 110, and may hold the stem 120 at least partially within the cavity of the body 110. The stopper 450 may be omitted (or removed) when used with stems 120 that lack grooves 340a-c configured to accept the alignment tab 455 (e.g., with the stems 120 illustrated in Figures 3B-3D) or when a user does not wish to constrain the rotation and translation of the stem 120 according to the paths defined by the grooves 340a-c or wishes to remove the stem 120 from the body 110.

[0047] Figure 4B illustrates a body 110 that may be used with any of the stems 120 illustrated in Figures 3A-3F. The body 110 includes a first opening 440a on a first side and a second opening 440b on a second side, opposite to the first side through which the stem 120 may be inserted. Because the base 430 includes a second opening, the flow path 210 between the ports 420 may operate according to any of the sequences illustrated in Figures 2A-2G.

[0048] In various embodiments, after being inserted, the stem 120 is held in place in the cavity of the body 110 via a retainer 390 held in a retaining groove 380 of the stem 120 (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 3B). In various embodiments that include a retainer 290, the retainer 390 may prevent or restrict outward translation of the stem 120 relative to the body 110 to prevent a user from opening/closing a flow path 210 via translation (e.g., per Figures 2D-2J) or prevent a user from accidentally translating the stem 120 too far out of the body 110 when opening/closing a flow path 210 via translation. [0049] In other embodiments, the stem 120 is held in place via friction (e.g., between the inner diameter of the body 110 and the outer diameter of the stem 120 or an outer diameter of the o-rings 370, if included).

[0050] The body 110 illustrated in Figure 4B includes a blocking feature 460 at the first opening 440a that is configured to interface with a rotational block 350 included on the stem 120 to restrict an amount of rotation that the stem 120 may be rotated relative to the body 110 (e.g., to less that 360+ degrees). In various embodiments, more than one blocking feature 460 may be present at the opening 440 of the body 110 or the blocking feature 460 may occupy a different amount of arc around the opening 440 to affect the amount of permitted rotation for the stem 120 relative to the body 110 by various amounts (e.g., between 0-90 degrees, between 0-180 degrees, between 0-X degrees).

[0051] Figure 4C illustrates a body 110 that may be used with any of the stems 120 illustrated in Figures 3A-3F. The body 110 includes a first opening 440a on a first side and a second opening 440b on a second side, opposite to the first side that is smaller than the diameter of the stem 120. As illustrated, the second opening 440b is positioned parallel and concentric to the first opening 440a with the same generally circular shape, although the vent may be position in a non-concentric position and having a different shape relative to the first opening 440a in other embodiments.

[0052] In various embodiments, the smaller second opening 440b may be used as a vent, allowing air in the cavity to escape more readily when the stem 120 is inserted into the body 110. Additionally or alternatively, the smaller second opening

440b may be used as an additional port in the stopcock 100. In embodiments using the smaller second opening 440b as a vent, the flow path 210 between the ports 420 may operate according to any of the sequences illustrated in Figures 2A-2G, while in embodiments using the smaller second opening 440a as an additional port 420 the flow path 210 among the three ports 420 may operate according to the sequences illustrated in Figures 2H-2J. In some embodiments using the smaller second opening 440b as a port, the port may be sealed with a temporary gasket (e.g., made from a foam, rubber, or plastic) that is designed to be punctured via insertion of a trocar, needle, catheter, or similar device.

[0053] In various embodiments, the stem 120 is held in place via friction (e.g., between the inner diameter of the body 110 and the outer diameter of the stem 120 or an outer diameter of the o-rings 370, if included). In some embodiments, the stem 120 includes a retaining projection of a smaller diameter than the rest of the stem 120 to project through the vent, and thereby extend a retaining groove 380 out of the second opening 440b, which may be held in place via an appropriately sized retainer 390.

[0054] Figure 4D illustrates a body 110 that may be used with any of the stems 120 illustrated in Figures 3A-3F. The body 110 includes a first opening 440a on a first side and a second opening 440b on a second side, opposite to the first side that is smaller than the diameter of the stem 120. As illustrated, the second opening 440b is positioned parallel and concentric to the first opening 440a with the same generally circular shape, although the vent may be position in a non-concentric position and having a different shape relative to the first opening 440a in other embodiments.

[0055] The body 110 of Figure 4D includes three ports 420a-c, in which the first port 420a and the second port 420b are illustrated on opposing sided of the body 110, and the third port 430c is illustrated at a 90 degree arc between the first port 420a and the second port 420b in a T-shaped arrangements. In various embodiments, the various arc distances between the ports 420 may be defined at different arc distances to define various Y-shaped arrangements. As illustrated, the first port 420a and the second port 420b are sized to interface with various tubes 130, while the third port 420c is sized to interface with a different device (e.g., a syringe) having a different bore than the other ports 420, such as to connect a syringe to flush one of the tubes 130 or inject a substance (e g., a dye or contrast agent) via one of the tubes 130, such as when the stopcock 100 is in the first or fourth configuration (e.g., as in Figures 1 E or 1 G).

[0056] The ports 420 may operate according to any of the sequences illustrated in Figures 2A-2G, while in embodiments using the smaller second opening 440a as an additional port 420 the flow path 210 among the three ports 420 may operate according to the sequences illustrated in Figures 2H-2J. In some embodiments using the smaller second opening 440b as a port, the port may be sealed with a temporary gasket (e.g., made from a foam, rubber, or plastic) that is designed to be punctured via insertion of a trocar, needle, catheter, or similar device.

[0057] In various embodiments, the stem 120 is held in place via friction (e.g., between the inner diameter of the body 110 and the outer diameter of the stem 120 or an outer diameter of the o-rings 370, if included). In some embodiments, the stem 120 includes a retaining projection of a smaller diameter than the rest of the stem 120 to project through the vent, and thereby extend a retaining groove 380 out of the second opening 440b, which may be held in place via an appropriately sized retainer 390.

[0058] The present disclosure may also be understood with reference to the following numbered clauses.

[0059] Clause 1 : A stopcock, comprising: a body including: an opening into a cavity having an inner diameter; a first port disposed at a first position around the inner diameter; and a second port disposed at a second position around the inner diameter; and a stem partially disposed in the cavity and having a first outer diameter, the stem including a rotational groove of a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter, wherein the stem, when in an unlocked configuration, is configured to transition between a flow configuration that defines a flow path between the first port and the second port and a stopped configuration that blocks the flow path between the first port and the second port; and a stopper, projecting into the cavity and the rotational groove, wherein the stem is configured to translate relative to the body to transition between the unlocked configuration and a locked configuration that prevents transition between the flow configuration and the stopped configuration.

[0060] Clause 2: The stopcock of any of clauses 1 and 3-11 , further comprising: a first sealing device attached around a circumference of the stem at a first location; and a second sealing device attached around the circumference of the stem at a second location, wherein a distance between the first location and the second location is greater than a port diameter of the first port or the second port, and the first location is on a first side relative to the first port and the second port and the second location is on a second side, opposite to the first side, relative to the first port and the second port when the stem is in the stopped configuration.

[0061] Clause 3: The stopcock of clause 2, wherein the first sealing device and the second sealing device are o-rings that have an inner o-ring diameter less than the first outer diameter of the stem and an outer o-ring diameter greater than the inner diameter of the body, wherein the first sealing device is fitted into a first sealing groove in the stem and the second sealing device is fitted into a second sealing groove in the stem.

[0062] Clause 4: The stopcock of any of clauses 1 -3 and 5-11 , wherein the rotational groove includes a first path defined in a first plane in which the stopper rotates relative to the stem and a second path in which the stopper translates relative to the stem, wherein the stem is in the unlocked configuration when the stopper projects into the first path, and is in the locked configuration when the stopper projects into the second path.

[0063] Clause 5: The stopcock of clause 4, wherein the rotational groove includes a third path defined in a second plane different from the first plane, wherein the third path is linked to the first path by the second path, wherein the stem is in the locked configuration when the stopper projects into the third path.

[0064] Clause 6: The stopcock any of clauses 1 -5 and 7-11 , wherein the stem is in the flow configuration when in the locked configuration.

[0065] Clause 7 : The stopcock of any of clauses 1 -6 and 8-11 , wherein the stem is in the stopped configuration when in the locked configuration.

[0066] Clause 8: The stopcock of any of clauses 1 -7 and 9-11 , wherein the rotational groove circumscribes less than 360 degrees of the stem.

[0067] Clause 9: The stopcock of any of clauses 1 -8, 10, and 11 , wherein the stem includes a through-hole, through which the flow path is defined, wherein the through-hole is aligned with the first port and the second port in the flow configuration and is not aligned with the first port or the second port when in the stopped configuration, wherein the through-hole is translated or rotated into and out of alignment according to the rotational groove.

[0068] Clause 10: The stopcock of any of clauses 1 -9 and 11 , wherein the body further includes a vent, on a second side of the body opposite to the opening, having a second inner diameter less than the inner diameter of the cavity. [0069] Clause 11 : The stopcock of any of clauses 1 -10, wherein: the body further comprises a third port disposed at a third position around the inner diameter; and the stem, when in the unlocked configuration, is further configured to transition between at least three of: a first rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a second rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the second port, but not the third port; a third rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the third port, but not the second port; and a fourth rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the second port and the third port, but not the first port.

[0070] Clause 12: A stopcock, comprising: a body including: an opening, defined in a first plane, into a cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port disposed at a first position around the inner diameter; a second port disposed at a second position around the inner diameter; and a stem disposed in the cavity and projecting from the cavity in a first direction perpendicular to the first plane and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the stem having a first outer diameter less than the inner diameter, the stem including: a through-hole, wherein the stem is configured to rotate between a flow configuration in which the through- hole is aligned with the first port and the second port to open a flow path through the body and the stem and a stopped configuration in which the through-hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the body and the stem; a stopper projecting from a portion of the stem that projects from the cavity in the first direction, the stopper projecting in the first plane beyond the inner diameter of the cavity; and a retaining groove projecting from the cavity in the second direction and having a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter; and a retainer disposed in the retaining groove and extending beyond the inner diameter of the cavity.

[0071] Clause 13: The stopcock of any of clauses 12 and 14-16, further comprising: a first sealing device fitted into a first groove around a circumference of the stem on a first side relative to the through-hole, wherein the first groove has a third outer diameter less than the first outer diameter; and a second sealing device fitted into a second groove around the circumference of the stem on a second side, opposite to the first side, relative to the through-hole, wherein the second groove has a fourth outer diameter less than the first outer diameter.

[0072] Clause 1 : The stopcock of any of clauses 12, 13, 15, and 16, wherein the body further includes a rotational stopper, projecting in the first direction from the opening, wherein the rotational stopper is inserted into a cleft included in the body, wherein the rotational stopper prevents rotation of the stem beyond 360 degrees via the stopper.

[0073] Clause 15: The stopcock of any of clauses 12-14 and 16, wherein the flow path is configured to apply a vacuum to a fluid target.

[0074] Clause 16: The stopcock of any of clauses 12-15, wherein the body includes a third port and the stem is further configured to rotate between the flow configuration as a first rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the second port, but not the third port, and at least two of: a second rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a third rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the third port, but not the second port; and a fourth rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the second port and the third port, but not the first port

[0075] Clause 17: A stopcock, comprising: a body including: an opening, on a first side of the body, into a cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port disposed at a first position around the inner diameter perpendicular to the opening; a second port disposed at a second position around the inner diameter perpendicular to the opening; and a vent, on a second side of the body opposite to the first side, having a second inner diameter less than the first inner diameter; a stem disposed in the cavity and projecting from the opening of the cavity, the stem having a first outer diameter, the stem including: a through-hole, wherein the stem is configured to rotate between a flow configuration in which the through-hole is aligned with the first port and the second port to open a flow path through the body and the stem and a stopped configuration in which the through-hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the body and the stem; a first sealing groove defined around a circumference of the stem on a first side of the through-hole and having a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter; and a second sealing groove defined around the circumference of the stem on a second side of the through-hole opposite to the first side and having a third outer diameter less than the first outer diameter; and a first sealing means and a second sealing means disposed respectively in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove and having outer sealing diameters not less than the first outer diameter.

[0076] Clause 18: The stopcock of any of clauses 17 and 19-24, wherein the vent is parallel and concentric to the opening.

[0077] Clause 19: The stopcock of any of clauses 17, 18, and 20-24, wherein the first sealing means and the second sealing means are compressible and the outer sealing diameters are greater than the inner diameter when the first sealing means and the second sealing means are in an uncompressed state.

[0078] Clause 20: The stopcock of any of clauses 17-19 and 21 -24, wherein the stem further includes a rotational groove of a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter, and the stopcock further comprises: a stopper projecting into the cavity and the rotational groove, wherein the stem is configured to translate relative to the body to transition between: an unlocked configuration in which the stem is permitted to rotate relative to the body to transition between the flow configuration and the stopped configuration, and a locked configuration in which the stem the stem is prevented from transitioning between the flow configuration and the stopped configuration. [0079] Clause 21 : The stopcock of any of clauses 17-20, and 22-24, wherein: the rotational groove includes a first path defined in a first plane, a second path defined in a second plane different from the first plane, and a third path joining the first path and the second path; the stem is in the unlocked configuration when the stopper projects into the first path; and the stem is in the locked configuration when the stopper projects into the second path or the third path.

[0080] Clause 22: The stopcock of any of clauses 17-21 , 23, and 24, wherein the through-hole has a first through diameter that is less than a port diameter of the first port or the second port.

[0081] Clause 23: The stopcock of any of clauses 17-22 and 24, wherein the stem includes a retaining projection that projects outside of the cavity through the vent and includes a retaining groove, wherein a retainer having a diameter greater than the second inner diameter of the vent.

[0082] Clause 24: The stopcock of any of clauses 17-23, wherein the body includes a third port and the stem is further configured to rotate between the flow configuration as a first rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the second port, but not the third port, and at least two of: a second rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a third rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the third port, but not the second port; and a fourth rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the second port and the third port, but not the first port. [0083] Clause 25: A stopcock, comprising: a body including: an opening, on a first side of the body, into a cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port disposed at a first position around the first inner diameter perpendicular to the opening; a second port disposed at a second position around the inner diameter perpendicular to the opening; a third port disposed at a third position around the inner diameter perpendicular to the opening; and a vent, on a second side of the body opposite to the first side, having a second inner diameter less than the first inner diameter; a stem disposed in the cavity and projecting from the opening of the cavity, the stem having a first outer diameter, the stem including: a through-hole, wherein the stem is configured to rotate between a stopped configuration in which the through- hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block a flow path through the body and the stem and a flow configuration selected from at least three of: a first rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the second port, but not the third port; a second rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a third rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the third port, but not the second port; and a fourth rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the second port and the third port, but not the first port; a first sealing groove defined around a circumference of the stem on a first side of the through-hole and having a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter; and a second sealing groove defined around the circumference of the stem on a second side of the through-hole opposite to the first side and having a third outer diameter less than the first outer diameter; and a first sealing device and a second sealing device disposed respectively in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove and having outer sealing diameters not less than the first outer diameter.

[0084] Clause 26: The stopcock of any of clauses 25, 27, and 28, wherein the first port, the second port, and the third port are arranged in a Y-shape about the circumference of the body.

[0085] Clause 27: The stopcock of any of clauses 25, 26, and 28, wherein the first port, the second port, and the third port are arranged in a T-shape about the circumference of the body, wherein the first port is positioned at a 90 degree arc from the third port, and the second port is positioned at a 90 degree arc from the third port.

[0086] Clause 28: The stopcock of any of clauses 25, 26, and 27, wherein the third port has a different bore size from the first port and the second port.

[0087] The descriptions and illustrations of one or more embodiments provided in this disclosure are intended to provide a thorough and complete disclosure the full scope of the subject matter to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art and are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the subject matter as claimed in any way. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this disclosure are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable those of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the best mode of the claimed subject matter. Descriptions of structures, resources, operations, and acts considered well-known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may be brief or omitted to avoid obscuring lesser known or unique aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure. The claimed subject matter should not be construed as being limited to any embodiment, aspect, example, or detail provided in this disclosure unless expressly stated herein. Regardless of whether shown or described collectively or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Further, any or all of the functions and acts shown or described may be performed in any order or concurrently.

[0088] Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept provided in this disclosure that do not depart from the broader scope of the present disclosure.

[0089] As used in the present disclosure, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any set of those items, including sets with a single member, and every potential combination thereof. For example, when referencing “at least one of A, B, or C” or “at least one of A, B, or C”, the phrase is intended to cover the sets of: A, B, C, A-B, B-C, and A-B-C, where the sets may include one or multiple instances of a given member (e.g., A-A, A-A-A, A-A-B, A-A-B-B-C-C-C, etc.) and any ordering thereof. [0090] As used in the present disclosure, the term “determining” encompasses a variety of actions that may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., via a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), retrieving, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0091] As used in the present disclosure, the terms “substantially”, “approximately”, “about”, and other relative terms encompass values within ± 5% of a stated quantity, percentage, or range unless a different approximation is explicitly recited in relation to the state quantity, percentage, or range or if the context of the value indicates that a different approximation would be more appropriate. For example, a value identified as about X% may be understood to include values between 0.95*X% and 1 ,05*X% or between X-0.05X and X+0.05X percent, but may stop at zero or one hundred percent in various contexts. In another example, a feature described as being substantially parallel or perpendicular to another feature shall be understood to be within ± 9 degrees of parallel or perpendicular. Any value stated in relative terms shall be understood to include the stated value and any range or subrange between the indicated or implicit extremes.

[0092] As used in the present disclosure, all numbers given in the examples (whether indicated as approximate or otherwise) inherently include values within the range of precision and rounding error for that number. For example, the number 4.5 shall be understood to include values from 4.45 to 4.54, while the number 4.50 shall be understood to include values from 4.495 to 4.504. Additionally, any number or range that explicitly or by context refers to an integer amount (e.g., approximately X users, between about Y and Z states), shall be understood to round downward or upward to the next integer value (e.g., X±1 users, Y-1 and Z+1 states).

[0093] The following claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. Within the claims, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated as such, but rather as “one or more” or “at least one”. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. No claim element is to be construed under the provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for”. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described in the present disclosure that are known or come later to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1 . A stopcock, comprising: a body including: an opening into a cavity having an inner diameter; a first port disposed at a first position around the inner diameter; and a second port disposed at a second position around the inner diameter; and a stem partially disposed in the cavity and having a first outer diameter, the stem including a rotational groove of a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter, wherein the stem, when in an unlocked configuration, is configured to transition between a flow configuration that defines a flow path between the first port and the second port and a stopped configuration that blocks the flow path between the first port and the second port; and a stopper, projecting into the cavity and the rotational groove, wherein the stem is configured to translate relative to the body to transition between the unlocked configuration and a locked configuration that prevents transition between the flow configuration and the stopped configuration.

2. The stopcock of claim 1 , further comprising: a first sealing device attached around a circumference of the stem at a first location; and a second sealing device attached around the circumference of the stem at a second location, wherein a distance between the first location and the second location is greater than a port diameter of the first port or the second port, and the first location is on a first side relative to the first port and the second port and the second location is on a second side, opposite to the first side, relative to the first port and the second port when the stem is in the stopped configuration.

3. The stopcock of claim 2, wherein the first sealing device and the second sealing device are o-rings that have an inner o-ring diameter less than the first outer diameter of the stem and an outer o-ring diameter greater than the inner diameter of the body, wherein the first sealing device is fitted into a first sealing groove in the stem and the second sealing device is fitted into a second sealing groove in the stem.

4. The stopcock of claim 1 , wherein the rotational groove includes a first path defined in a first plane in which the stopper rotates relative to the stem and a second path in which the stopper translates relative to the stem, wherein the stem is in the unlocked configuration when the stopper projects into the first path, and is in the locked configuration when the stopper projects into the second path.

5. The stopcock of claim 4, wherein the rotational groove includes a third path defined in a second plane different from the first plane, wherein the third path is linked to the first path by the second path, wherein the stem is in the locked configuration when the stopper projects into the third path.

6. The stopcock of claim 1 , wherein the stem is in the flow configuration when in the locked configuration.

7. The stopcock of claim 1 , wherein the stem is in the stopped configuration when in the locked configuration.

8. The stopcock of claim 1 , wherein the rotational groove circumscribes less than 360 degrees of the stem.

9. The stopcock of claim 1 , wherein the stem includes a through-hole, through which the flow path is defined, wherein the through-hole is aligned with the first port and the second port in the flow configuration and is not aligned with the first port or the second port when in the stopped configuration, wherein the through-hole is translated or rotated into and out of alignment according to the rotational groove.

10. The stopcock of claim 9, wherein the body further includes a vent, on a second side of the body opposite to the opening, having a second inner diameter less than the inner diameter of the cavity.

11 . The stopcock of claim 1 , wherein: the body further comprises a third port disposed at a third position around the inner diameter; and the stem, when in the unlocked configuration, is further configured to transition between at least three of: a first rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a second rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the second port, but not the third port; a third rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the third port, but not the second port; and a fourth rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the second port and the third port, but not the first port.

12. A stopcock, comprising: a body including: an opening, on a first side of the body, into a cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port disposed at a first position around the first inner diameter perpendicular to the opening; a second port disposed at a second position around the first inner diameter perpendicular to the opening; and a vent, on a second side of the body opposite to the first side, having a second inner diameter less than the first inner diameter; a stem disposed in the cavity and projecting from the opening of the cavity, the stem having a first outer diameter, the stem including: a through-hole, wherein the stem is configured to rotate between a flow configuration in which the through-hole is aligned with the first port and the second port to open a flow path through the body and the stem and a stopped configuration in which the through-hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the body and the stem; a first sealing groove defined around a circumference of the stem on a first side of the through-hole and having a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter; and a second sealing groove defined around the circumference of the stem on a second side of the through-hole opposite to the first side and having a third outer diameter less than the first outer diameter; and a first sealing means and a second sealing means disposed respectively in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove and having outer sealing diameters not less than the first outer diameter.

13. The stopcock of claim 12, wherein the vent is parallel and concentric to the opening.

14. The stopcock of claim 12, wherein the first sealing means and the second sealing means are compressible and the outer sealing diameters are greater than the first inner diameter when the first sealing means and the second sealing means are in an uncompressed state.

15. The stopcock of claim 12, wherein the stem further includes a rotational groove of a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter, and the stopcock further comprises: a stopper projecting into the cavity and the rotational groove, wherein the stem is configured to translate relative to the body to transition between: an unlocked configuration in which the stem is permitted to rotate relative to the body to transition between the flow configuration and the stopped configuration, and a locked configuration in which the stem the stem is prevented from transitioning between the flow configuration and the stopped configuration.

16. The stopcock of claim 15, wherein: the rotational groove includes a first path defined in a first plane, a second path defined in a second plane different from the first plane, and a third path joining the first path and the second path; the stem is in the unlocked configuration when the stopper projects into the first path; and the stem is in the locked configuration when the stopper projects into the second path or the third path.

17. The stopcock of claim 12, wherein the through-hole has a first through diameter that is less than a port diameter of the first port or the second port.

18. The stopcock of claim 12, wherein the stem includes a retaining projection that projects outside of the cavity through the vent and includes a retaining groove, wherein a retainer having a diameter greater than the second inner diameter of the vent.

19. The stopcock of claim 12, wherein the body includes a third port and the stem is further configured to rotate between the flow configuration as a first rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the second port, but not the third port, and at least two of: a second rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a third rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the third port, but not the second port; and a fourth rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the second port and the third port, but not the first port.

20. A stopcock, comprising: a body including: an opening, on a first side of the body, into a cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port disposed at a first position around the first inner diameter perpendicular to the opening; a second port disposed at a second position around the first inner diameter perpendicular to the opening; a third port disposed at a third position around the first inner diameter perpendicular to the opening; and a vent, on a second side of the body opposite to the first side, having a second inner diameter less than the first inner diameter; a stem disposed in the cavity and projecting from the opening of the cavity, the stem having a first outer diameter, the stem including: a through-hole, wherein the stem is configured to rotate between a stopped configuration in which the through-hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block a flow path through the body and the stem and a flow configuration selected from at least three of: a first rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the second port, but not the third port; a second rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a third rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the first port and the third port, but not the second port; and a fourth rotational configuration that defines the flow path between the second port and the third port, but not the first port; a first sealing groove defined around a circumference of the stem on a first side of the through-hole and having a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter; and a second sealing groove defined around the circumference of the stem on a second side of the through-hole opposite to the first side and having a third outer diameter less than the first outer diameter; and a first sealing device and a second sealing device disposed respectively in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove and having outer sealing diameters not less than the first outer diameter.