A valve assembly for use with a catheter assembly is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for fluid engagement with a catheter assembly. The valve housing has an internal passageway for flow of fluids relative to the catheter assembly. A valve member is at least partially disposed within the valve housing and defines a valve passage. The valve member is adapted for movement within the valve housing between an open position wherein the valve passage is in general alignment with the internal passageway of the valve housing to permit flow of fluids through the valve housing, and a closed position to substantially occlude the internal passageway of the valve housing. An actuation mechanism is selectively movable in a general longitudinal direction to cause corresponding movement of the valve member between the open position and the closed position.
