| abstract |
A catheter assembly comprising: - a first hub (14), comprising a housing comprising an outer surface and an inner surface defining an inner cavity; - a tube (12), fixed to the first hub (14) and extending distally, or away, with respect to the first hub; - a second hub (18), comprising a housing comprising an outer surface and an inner surface that defines an inner cavity; - a needle (16), which has a needle tip fixed to the second hub (18) and protruding distally from the second hub (18) and into the tube (12); - a valve (46), which comprises an upper surface, a skirt that hangs therefrom, and an opening located in the upper one and which has the needle (16) protruding therethrough; - a valve opening element (48, 132), located proximally with respect to the valve (46) and comprising a driving end, so that at least one leg (136) extends proximally from the same, characterized in that - a cleaning element has been provided by rubbing (116, 118, 120, 134, 150, 160, 170, 176, 190, 197) comprising a perimeter defining an opening, and the needle (16) in contact with the perimeter for cleaning by rubbing the needle as the needle is retracted away from the tube (12), - such that the cleaning element by rubbing is incorporated in the first hub (14), distally with respect to to the valve (46). |