TWI565489B - New needleless access connector and method of use - Google Patents

Description

New needleless connector and method of use Field of invention

The present disclosure relates to a needleless connector, and more particularly to a positive displacement needleless connector.

Background of the invention

Modern medical treatment often requires a medical professional to introduce fluids from or withdraw fluid from a patient. For example, a patient may need a treatment that requires a medical professional to separately withdraw urine or blood from the urethra or vein. Conversely, a medical professional may need to introduce a drug or nutrient into a patient's vein (ie, intravenously). In order to create a fluid flow path into or from a patient, one of the methods requires a medical practitioner to use a catheter, wherein one end of the catheter is inserted into the patient. The other end of the catheter is connected to an intravenous bag (IV bag) via an IV wire. A needleless connector uses a valve that allows a medical practitioner to not remove or add to the catheter (eg, an IV bag). An embodiment of the needleless connector is shown in Figures 1A and 1B.

Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of the now needleless connector 100. The needleless connector 100 includes a housing 120 having a female luer fitting 101 at a proximal end, a base 130 having a male luer fitting 102 at a distal end, and a valve element 103 positioned therein Inside the outer casing 120 and on the top end of the base 130. The outer casing 120 and the base 130 are made of a rigid plastic (usually polycarbonate), and the valve element 103 is made of liquid polyfluorene, so that it is elastic and foldable. When in use, the male luer fitting 102 is coupled to, for example, a catheter or female luer, and the female luer fitting 101 is coupled to a fluid reservoir (eg, an IV bag) or a male luer. The female luer fitting 101 is coupled to the fluid reservoir via a second male luer fitting 106 having a hollow member (as shown in Figure 1B) and inserted through the top end of the female luer fitting 101. The insertion of the male luer 106 folds the valve element 103 down into the volume 104 to break the seal and create a fluid flow path. Figure 1B shows the foldable valve element 103 in a folded position after the male luer 106 is inserted into the female luer 101. The male luer 106 delivers fluid (e.g., from an IV bag) that flows around the valve member 103 into the passageway in the male luer fitting 102 and into the conduit or female luer.

A gap (or spacing, no display) is placed within the valve element 103, which is filled with air. The needleless connector 100 is a positive displacement device such that when a new connection is made at the female luer fitting 101, the device 100 draws fluid from the male side of the valve (i.e., adjacent the side of the male luer fitting 102). . When disconnected at the female luer fitting 101, the device 100 pushes fluid from the female edge (i.e., the side adjacent the top end of the female luer fitting 101). An advantage of positive displacement is that when disconnected, device 100 discharges fluid from male luer fitting 102 and effectively flushes the conduit. In contrast, some devices on the market today have a negative displacement such that when the male luer (e.g., male luer 106) is disconnected, the device draws a small amount of liquid from the male luer 102 side. When inhaling fluid from the male luer 102 attached to the catheter of the venous patient, blood may be drawn into the lumen of the catheter, and if the blood remains in the lumen of the catheter, it may condense into pieces and cause health to the patient. problem. The positive displacement connector pushes the fluid out when the male luer (eg, male luer 106) is disconnected from the needleless connector, and its collapsible valve moves from its collapsed state to its unfolded state. Avoid this problem. Fluid cleaning (from the positive displacement connector) helps prevent blood from entering the catheter tip, thus preventing clotting/contamination and, therefore, blood flow infection.

In operation, when the female end of the needle-free connector 100 is picked up by the male luer (Fig. 1B), the valve element 103 is sufficiently resilient that it can bend out of the path allowing flow and then at the female end After disconnection, return to its original shape. Thus, the needleless connector 100 itself reseals and forms a flat surface that can be sterilized at the top surface 110 using an alcohol swab.

Prior to connecting the device to, for example, a catheter using the needleless connector 100, the needleless connector 100 will contain some air. This air is removed prior to use of the needleless connector 100 with the catheter because otherwise it can be pumped into the patient and cause injury to the patient. Generally, to remove this air, the medical practitioner reverses the needleless connector and attaches the syringe containing the saline to the needleless connector. The salt solution is then pushed through the needleless connector, thus expelling air from the connector. (This method is known as priming, and the minimum volume of liquid required to remove all air from the needleless connector is known as the perfusion volume.) Some medical practitioners prefer to have a smaller perfusion volume. The needle-free connector is used to reduce the delay in drug delivery.

After the needleless connector is infused, the medical practitioner typically connects the male end 102 to the catheter (no display). The medical practitioner connects the male luer (no display) from the IV bag to the needleless connector. For example, a medical practitioner connects the end of the syringe 106 to the female luer fitting 101. As shown in Figure 1B.

The type mentioned in the needleless connector 100 is the shape of the outer casing 120, the base 130 and the valve element 103. The valve element 103 has a flange 105 which is a portion having an outer diameter greater than the body of the valve element 103. The outer casing 120 has a shoulder 107 that is similar to the flange 105. When assembled, the flange 105 is securely seated between the base 130 and the shoulder 107, thus creating a seal between the flange 105 and the base 130. The reason for the sealing is such that air in the space can be discharged without air entering the fluid flow path from the male luer 106 to the male luer 102. Although not shown herein, there are two vent holes (which allow air in and out) in the y-axis direction extending from the threaded portion of the base 130 to the spacing of the valve member 103, the interval being compressed as the valve member 103 and Not mixed with fluid without compression. Once assembled, the outer casing 120 and the base 130 are in close contact at the interface 115.

The flange 105 increases the overall width of the valve element 103, and the connector 100 allows fluid to flow around the flange 105, thus causing the connector 100 to tamper itself. As a result, the connector 100 can appear large when compared to a catheter (not shown), particularly when the connector 100 is placed against the newborn's skin. A typical use of the connector 100 is to tape the catheter to the patient's skin at a location near the catheter coupled to the connector 100. However, the shape of the jaws of the connector 100 can cause the connector 100 to be placed uncomfortably against the skin. Additionally, the width of the connector 100 can result in a large perfusion volume.

Summary of invention

A number of specific examples include connectors having valve elements secured to the base. For example, in one embodiment, the embodiment valve element is flush with the base, with the two members mating. In another embodiment, the base and valve member are coupled to each other to create a combination having a maximum outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the outer casing.

A number of specific examples reduce or eliminate the flange so that the width of the valve element and the connector as a whole can be reduced (when compared to the solution previously shown in Figures 1A and 1B), used to eliminate the flange and Embodiment techniques for securing the valve element to the base include the use of a snap fit that mates the valve element to the base, although other embodiments may use other techniques. Other specific examples include a method of manufacturing a connector.

The features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the <RTIgt; Other features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter, which form the subject of the scope of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concept and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modification or design of other structures. It is also to be understood by those skilled in the art that this equivalent structure does not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features of the present invention (such as both its organization and method of operation) will be better understood from the following description (when considered in connection with the accompanying figures) along with further objects and advantages. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are in the

Simple illustration

In order to more fully understand the present invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which are associated with the following description, wherein:

Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of the current needleless connector. Figure 1B shows the collapsible valve element in a folded position after the male luer is inserted into the female luer.

2A and 2B provide an expanded version of a typical positive displacement needleless connector adapted to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 3A and 3B provide an expanded version of a typical positive displacement needleless connector adapted to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a typical connector according to a specific example when in use.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of a typical connector adapted to a specific example by rotating the sections of Figures 2A, B and 3A, B by ninety degrees.

Figure 6 is a illustration of a combination of a specific example and a typical connector ready for use.

Figure 7 is an illustration of a typical connector adapted to a specific example.

Figure 8 is an illustration of a typical method for making a positive displacement needleless connector in accordance with one embodiment.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

2A and 2B provide an expanded version of a typical positive displacement needleless connector 200 that is adapted to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view, but Fig. 2B shows the exterior of the connector 200.

The connector 200 has three basic portions, a base 210, a valve member 220, and a housing 230. The outer casing 230 has a female luer fitting 231 at the proximal end (which is attached, for example, to a fluid reservoir, such as an IV bag). The base 210 and threads 232 form a male luer fitting at the distal end of the connector 200 that is coupled to, for example, a conduit in communication with the patient. Valve element 220 includes a space 221 that can be filled with air and vented to the atmosphere when compressed and uncompressed, as explained in more detail below.

3A and 3B provide an expanded version of a typical positive displacement needleless connector 200 that accommodates a particular embodiment in accordance with the present invention. 3A is a cross-sectional view, while FIG. 3B shows the exterior of the connector 200, and both FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the base 210 has been secured to the valve member 220.

In this particular example, base 210 and valve element 220 are coupled together using an internal lock male/female fitting 250 (referred to herein as a snap fit for convenience). The top end of the valve member 220, which is the female portion of the snap fitting 250, is made sufficiently small to have a tight, sealed compression at a corresponding portion of the base 210 that forms the male portion of the snap fitting 250. In many embodiments, the seal at the snap fitting 250 is airtight (at least at normal operating temperatures and pressures) to maintain air and fluid separation in the connector 200. During manufacture, the base 210 and valve element 220 can be secured by pushing or pushing them together by hand or by machine. In some embodiments, about one pound of force is sufficient to make a connection and about two pounds is sufficient to break the connection, although multiple specific examples may vary.

Although Figures 3A and B show a snap fitting 250, the scope of the specific examples is not so limited. For example, other specific examples may use different types of fixed fittings, such as a threaded combination or other fitting.

In a typical embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B, the outer surfaces of the base 210 and valve member 220 are flush at the snap fitting 250. For real-world devices, it is to be understood that the outer surfaces of valve element 220 and base 210 will be less precisely flush, but in some embodiments, some tolerance (eg, about 2%) is acceptable. . Accordingly, the connector 200 replaces the flange of the conventional positive displacement device (e.g., the flange 105 of FIG. 1A) with the snap fitting 250 and the outer surface that is flush shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Therefore, the shape of the valve element 220 is narrow The appearance and can be used in a narrower appearance connector.

The base 210 is secured to the valve member 220 to form a combination that fits into the outer casing 230. The connector 200 mates the base 210 with the outer casing 230 using a slightly "v" shaped fitting. The complementary surfaces 211 and 233 are substantially v-shaped, but have a slight curvature and are disposed together to properly hold the base 210 when the base 210 is inserted into the outer casing 230. When inserted into the base 210, the complementary surfaces 211, 233 are automatically aligned with the base 210 in line with respect to the outer casing 230, acting as a cam. Thus, if the pedestal 210 is inserted at any arbitrary number of angles from the straight line, the complementary surfaces 211, 233 (once contacted) will transfer the susceptor 210 into position. As a result, the base 210 is accurately seated, and after the close, when the end flow passage 213 is connected to the male luer output of the base 210, the air vent 212 will be able to vent to the atmosphere.

In this specific example, the end flow passage 213 and the air venting opening 212 are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, one of the two air vent holes 212 is shown in Fig. 3B, however the end flow passage 213 is shown in cross section in Fig. 3A. Flow and exhaust are shown in more detail in Figure 4.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a typical connector 200 according to a specific example when in use. In Figure 4, the flow system is transferred from the male luer connector 401 (which engages the female luer fitting 231) via the outer casing 230, via the male luer output of the base 210, and into the female luer fitting 402. . This embodiment may include transferring fluid from the IV bag (not shown) into the patient's bloodstream. While Figure 4 shows inflow into a patient, it is to be understood that various embodiments of the invention also facilitate fluid flow from the patient.

When there is no connection at the female luer fitting 231, the valve element 220 is in the female luer A seal is created at the proximal end of the fitting 231 and at the shoulder 234. This seal prevents fluid from flowing through the connector 200 when not in use. Likewise, the seal at the proximal end of the fitting 231 creates a wipeable Hush surface. The seal at the proximal end of the female luer fitting 231 and at the shoulder 234 is shown in Figure 5.

During use, the male luer fitting 401 folds the valve element 220 and breaks the seal at the shoulder 234 and at the proximal end of the fitting 231. Fluid then flows freely around valve element 220 and through outer casing 230 via proximal flow passage 403 (which forms the interior surface of outer casing 230). The tightness at the surfaces 211, 233 blocks the fluid so that the fluid flows around the v-shape and into the end flow channel 213, wherein the fluid is directed through the male luer output of the susceptor 210. Air from the space 221 is vented to the atmosphere via the air vents 212 and into the threaded compartment 404 (which is part of the male luer fitting formed by the base 210 and the outer casing 230). The air passage is defined by the venting opening 212 and the interior surface of the outer casing 230, and the sealing at the surfaces 211, 233 creates a seal that maintains the air flow separate from the fluid flow. The threaded bay 404 is not airtight (even when engaged with the female component 402), thus allowing the spacing 221 to communicate with the surrounding atmosphere when the valve element 220 is compressed (as in Figure 4) or uncompressed.

Figure 5 is an illustration of a cross-section of a typical connector 200 according to one embodiment, which is rotated ninety degrees from the sections of Figures 2A, B and 3A, B. Note that in Figure 5, the air passage from the interval 221 to the atmosphere. The air passage includes a single exhaust hole 501 (formed in the base 210) and a vent hole 212. The single venting opening 501 and the venting opening 212 form a substantially "Y" shaped air passage. This is compared to the previous design (no display) which includes two or more separate vents formed in the y-axis direction ("axial") that connect the atmosphere directly to the gap.

During conventional manufacturing techniques, injection molding techniques are used, and the use of long, thin pins into the mold cavity (when the material is hot) produces two or more separate vents. When the mold is opened, the long, thin plug is removed to form two or more separate vents. However, long, thin plugs have a tendency to break during use. The general rule is that the shorter and thicker plugs last longer.

In contrast, the susceptor 210 has relatively short and short venting holes 212 that can be formed in the mold by correspondingly shaped metal sheets. The air passage has a triangular widening from the central axis to the outer surface of the base 210 in each of the exhaust holes 212. Correspondingly shaped metal sheets (not shown) are longer and thinner than conventional techniques, and therefore less susceptible to breakage. The single channel 501 is made opposite and placed in a portion of the base 210 (which corresponds to the male portion of the snap fitting 250). Again, because the single channel 501 does not have to traverse the entire length from the spacing 221 to the threaded compartment 404, it avoids clamping the fluid flow path. In addition, the single channel 501 is not made with any long, thin pins.

Figure 6 is an illustration of a typical connector 200 that is combined and ready for use in accordance with one embodiment. The outer casing 230 can be made of a material including polycarbonate, polystyrene, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The outer casing 230 includes a female luer fitting 231 that conforms to ISO standard 594 in some specific examples. Similarly, in some embodiments, the male luer configuration at the distal end of the outer casing 230 and with the base 210 conforms to ISO standard 594. Valve element 220 is disposed within outer casing 230 and may be fabricated from an elastomeric material such as polyoxyxene rubber that is deformable and biocompatible.

Figure 7 is an illustration of a typical connector 700 in accordance with one embodiment. The connector 700 is similar to the connector 200 (eg, Figures 2-6), but the housing 730 is mated with the base 710 using slots and key assemblies instead of the v-shaped fittings of the features in the connector 200. In the slot and key configuration, the base 710 has protrusions (keys) sized to fit into slots in the inner surface of the outer casing 730 (or vice versa). During manufacture, the base 710 and valve element 220 are inserted into the housing 730 and rotated until the slot mates with the key. Then, the base 710 is brought into close contact with the outer casing 730. The scope of the specific examples is not limited to slots and key fittings or v-shaped fittings, and various techniques for mating the base and the outer casing may be used in various embodiments.

Figure 8 is an illustration of a typical method 800 for fabricating a positive displacement needleless connector, according to one embodiment. Method 800 can be performed, for example, by a human and/or one or more machines.

In block 801, the distal end of the valve member is secured to the proximal end of the base. The securing creates a seal between the valve member and the base that separates the spacing from the fluid flow path between the first and second luer fittings. Block 801 produces a combination comprising a valve element and a mating pedestal (such as shown in Figure 3A). In one embodiment, the valve element and base are mated using snap fittings, although other securing techniques may be used in other embodiments.

In block 802, the valve element and base are disposed within the housing. For example, a v-shaped fitting (such as shown in Figures 3A and 3B that automatically aligns the base to the outer casing) can be used, although other accessories such as keys and slots can be used. When the valve and base are disposed within the housing, the proximal end of the valve element creates one or more seals at the proximal end of the housing.

In block 803, the base and outer casing are permanently secured. A variety of techniques can be used in block 803, such as ultrasonic welding, coating adhesives, and the like. In this embodiment, the base and the outer casing are tightly disposed together to create a seal that separates the air discharge path from the fluid flow path after the base is permanently secured to the outer casing. A plurality of specific examples are not limited to the method shown in FIG. 8, such as adding, omitting, rearranging or modifying various effects.

Some specific examples may have one or more advantages over previous solutions. In one aspect, the dimensions of the flange reducing valve element and the sequential connector of Figures 1A and 1B are eliminated. Connectors with smaller volumes are generally expected to have a smaller perfusion volume, as such, which reduces fluid and waste and can be more visually appealing to health care professionals. Additionally, certain embodiments have a reduced overall width that is generally more comfortable for the patient when approaching the connector to secure the catheter to the skin.

Having described the invention and its advantages in detail, it is understood that various modifications, substitutions and changes may be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Further, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, compositions, components, methods and steps described in the patent specification. As will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions, components, methods, or steps of the present invention, which are present or later developed, may be used in accordance with the present invention, as described herein. Corresponding specific examples substantially perform the same function or substantially achieve the same result. In addition, the scope of the appended claims is intended to include within the scope of the invention, the process, machine, manufacture, compositions, components, methods or steps.

All of the elements, parts and steps described herein are preferred. It is to be understood that any of these elements, parts and steps may be substituted or deleted entirely by other elements, parts and steps, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Broadly speaking, this document discloses a positive displacement needleless connector that includes a housing having a female luer fitting, a base having a male luer fitting, and a valve member having a A proximal end of the seal is formed in the outer casing, a space is defined, and a distal end is secured to the base to discharge the gas of the space; the base and the valve member are coupled to each other to produce a combination having a maximum outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the outer casing.

concept

This document has revealed at least the following concepts.

Concept 1. A positive displacement needleless connector includes:

a housing having a female Luer fitting;

a base having a male luer fitting; and

a valve member having a proximal end that creates a seal in the outer casing, a gap, and a distal end that is fixed to the base to discharge the space, the base and the valve member being coupled to each other to produce a maximum outer diameter A combination smaller than the inner diameter of the outer casing.

Concept 2. A positive displacement needleless connector as in Concept 1, wherein the distal end of the valve member is secured to the base using a snap mechanism.

Concept 3. A positive displacement needleless connector, as in Concept 1, wherein the outer casing is coupled to the base using a "v" shaped fitting.

Concept 4. A positive displacement needleless connector, as in Concept 1, wherein the housing is coupled to the base using a key and a socket fitting.

Concept 5. A positive displacement needleless connector, as in Concept 1, includes a "Y" shaped exhaust path from the spacing to the distal end of the base.

Concept 6. A positive displacement needleless connector such as Concept 5, wherein the "Y" shaped exhaust path includes a triangular branch.

Concept 7. A positive displacement needleless connector includes:

An outer casing having a first luer fitting at a proximal end thereof;

a base having a second luer fitting at a distal end thereof; and

A valve member having a proximal end to create a seal at the first luer fitting and secured to the base such that the surface of the valve member is substantially flush with the surface of the base.

Concept 8. A positive displacement needleless connector as in Concept 7, wherein the housing and the base have corresponding mating surfaces.

Concept 9. A positive displacement needleless connector as in Concept 8, wherein the corresponding mating surface comprises a v-shaped cam surface.

Concept 10. A positive displacement needleless connector such as Concept 8, wherein the corresponding mating surface includes a socket and a key fitting.

Concept 11. A positive displacement needleless connector as in Concept 7, wherein the housing, valve member and base define a fluid flow path from the first luer fitting to the second luer fitting.

Concept 12. A positive displacement needleless connector, as in Concept 11, wherein the valve member includes a space, and the valve member defines a gas passage connecting the space to the atmosphere.

Concept 13. A positive displacement needleless connector, as in Concept 12, wherein the air passage is sealed from the fluid flow path.

Concept 14. A positive displacement needleless connector includes:

An outer casing having a first luer fitting at a proximal end thereof;

a base having a second luer fitting at a distal end thereof; and

A valve member having a proximal end to create a seal at the first luer fitting and secured to the proximal end of the base using an interlocking snap fit.

Concept 15. A positive displacement needleless connector as in Concept 14, wherein the spaced air passage from the valve member includes a single path axially disposed in a portion of the base forming the snap fitting portion.

Concept 16. A positive displacement needleless connector as in Concept 15, wherein the air passage further includes a branch from the single path to the atmosphere.

Concept 17. A positive displacement needleless connector such as Concept 16, wherein the branch is a triangle.

Concept 18. A method of combining a needle-free connector, the needle-free connector comprising a housing having a first luer fitting at a proximal end thereof and a base having a second Lu at a distal end thereof And a valve component having a spacing and a proximal end that produces a first seal at the first luer fitting, the method comprising:

Fixing the distal end of the valve member to the proximal end of the base, creating a second seal between the valve member and the base that separates the spacing from the fluid flow path between the first and second luer fittings Where the valve element is flush with the outer surface of the base, wherein the outer surfaces are in contact; and

The valve element and the base are disposed within the housing.

Concept 19. The method of Concept 18, wherein the distal end of the valve member is secured to the proximal end of the base, comprising:

Push the interlocking snap fittings together.

Concept 20. The method of Concept 18 includes:

The base is permanently fixed to the outer casing.

100. . . Needleless connector

101. . . Female Luer Accessories

102. . . Male lure accessories

103. . . Valve element

104. . . volume

105. . . Flange

106. . . Second male lure accessories

107. . . Shoulder

110. . . Top surface

115. . . interface

120. . . shell

130. . . Pedestal

200. . . Needleless connector

210. . . Pedestal

211. . . surface

212. . . Air vent

213. . . End flow channel

220. . . Valve element

221. . . interval

230. . . shell

231. . . Female Luer Accessories

232. . . Thread

233. . . surface

234. . . Shoulder

250. . . Internal lock male/female accessories

401. . . Male lure accessories

402. . . Female Luer Accessories

403. . . Flow channel

404. . . Threaded compartment

501. . . Single channel

700. . . Connector

710. . . Pedestal

730. . . shell

800. . . method

801, 802, 803. . . Block

Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of the current needleless connector. Figure 1B shows the collapsible valve element in a folded position after the male luer is inserted into the female luer.

2A and 2B provide an expanded version of a typical positive displacement needleless connector adapted to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 3A and 3B provide an expanded version of a typical positive displacement needleless connector adapted to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a typical connector according to a specific example when in use.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of a typical connector adapted to a specific example by rotating the sections of Figures 2A, B and 3A, B by ninety degrees.

Figure 6 is a illustration of a combination of a specific example and a typical connector ready for use.

Figure 7 is an illustration of a typical connector adapted to a specific example.

Figure 8 is an illustration of a typical method for making a positive displacement needleless connector in accordance with one embodiment.

210. . . Pedestal

211. . . surface

212. . . Air vent

213. . . End flow channel

220. . . Valve element

230. . . shell

231. . . Female Luer Accessories

233. . . surface

234. . . Shoulder

401. . . Male lure accessories

402. . . Female Luer Accessories

403. . . Flow channel

404. . . Threaded compartment

Claims (19)

A positive displacement needleless connector comprising: a housing having a female luer fitting; a base having a male luer fitting; and a valve member having a proximal end, a a spacer and a distal end, the proximal end establishing a sealing body in the outer casing, the distal end being fixed to the base to exhaust the interval, the base and the valve element being coupled to each other to establish a An assembly that is smaller than a maximum outer diameter of one of the inner diameters of the outer casing; wherein the base includes a "Y" shaped exhaust path from the interval to a distal end of the base, the "Y" shaped exhaust path Contains a triangle branch. A positive displacement needleless connector of claim 1 wherein the distal end of the valve member is secured to the base using a snap mechanism. A positive displacement needleless connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer casing is coupled to the base using a "v" shaped fitting. A positive displacement needleless connector as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing is coupled to the base using a key and socket fitting. A positive displacement needleless connector comprising: a housing having a first Luer fitting at a proximal end; a base having a second Luer at a distal end An accessory; and a valve member having a proximal end, the proximal end establishing a sealing body at the first luer fitting and being fixed to the base such that a surface of the valve member and the base are The surface is substantially flush, wherein the valve element includes a spacing, and the valve element defines a connection with the base An air passage to the atmosphere. The positive displacement needleless connector of claim 5, wherein the outer casing and the base have corresponding mating faces. A positive displacement needleless connector of claim 6 wherein the respective mating faces comprise a v-shaped cam surface. The positive displacement pinless connector of claim 6 wherein the respective mating faces comprise a slot and a key fitting. A positive displacement needleless connector according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the outer casing, the valve element and the base define a second luer fitting from the first luer fitting A fluid flow path. A positive displacement needleless connector of claim 9 wherein the air passage is sealed from the fluid flow path. A positive displacement needleless connector comprising: a housing having a first Luer fitting at a proximal end; a base having a second Luer at a distal end An accessory; and a valve member having a proximal end, the proximal end establishing a sealing body at the first luer fitting and being secured to the proximal end of the base using an interlocking snap fitting, wherein The valve member includes a gap and the valve member and the base define an air passage connecting the gap to the atmosphere. The positive displacement needleless connector of claim 11 wherein the air passage includes a single path axially disposed within a portion of the portion of the base that forms the snap fitting. A positive displacement needleless connector as claimed in claim 12, wherein the air passage further comprises a branch from the single path to the atmosphere. A positive displacement pinless connector, such as claim 13, wherein the branches are triangular. A method for assembling a needleless connector, the needleless connector comprising a housing having a first Luer fitting at a proximal end and a pedestal at a distal end Having a second luer fitting; and a valve member having a spacing and a proximal end establishing a first sealing body at the first luer fitting, the method comprising: a distal end of the valve member Fixed to a proximal end of the base, a second sealing body is formed between the valve element and the base, the spacing is separated from a fluid flow path between the first and second luer fittings Wherein the valve element is flush with the outer surface of the base at the intersection of the outer surfaces; and the valve element and the base are disposed within the outer casing. The method of claim 15, wherein securing a distal end of the valve member to a proximal end of the base comprises: applying a force to adapt an interlocking snap fitting to each other. The method of claim 15, further comprising: permanently securing the base to the outer casing. A positive displacement needleless connector comprising: a housing having a first Luer fitting; a base having a second Luer fitting, the second Luer fitting and the first a Luer fitting is complementary; and has a valve member that establishes a proximal end of the seal in the housing, a spacing, and a distance to the base to vent the interval The base and the valve member are coupled to each other to establish an assembly having a maximum outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the outer casing. A method for assembling a needleless connector, the needleless connector comprising a housing having a female Luer fitting, a base having a male luer fitting, and having the housing in the housing Forming a proximal end of the sealing body, a spacing, and a valve element fixed to the base to open the distal end of the spacing, the method comprising: coupling the base and the valve element to each other, To form an assembly having a maximum outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of one of the outer casings.