Patent attributes
A one-way valve apparatus for use in draining fluid from a patient comprises a housing having an inlet end, an outlet end and a valve-receiving chamber therebetween. A valve is positioned in the chamber. The valve has an inlet end, an outlet end and a fluid pathway extending therebetween. The valve is made up of first and second generally flat elongated members joined along respective longitudinal edges. The valve inlet end is engaged with the housing inlet end to comprise an open end for receiving fluid to be drained. The valve outlet end is in a normally closed position. The valve is adapted to partially open to permit drainage of fluid received through the pathway, and to return to the normally closed position upon drainage of the fluid. The valve outlet end communicates with the housing outlet end such that the drained fluid passes from the valve outlet end through the housing outlet end. The valve may be formed from an elastomeric material, and may be provided with a lubricious filler and/or a lubricous coating.
