Medical valve with positive flow characteristics

A medical valve for selectively permitting fluid to flow between a first medical device and a second medical device, the valve comprising:

• a housing having an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of the first medical device;
• and
• a seal element made of a flexible material, the seal element having a downstream end in fluid communication with the interface, an upstream end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and a normally substantially closed passage in fluid communication with the downstream end and the upstream end,
• the seal element comprising:
• a body made of flexible material and having a downstream end and an upstream end opposite the downstream end;
• and
• a transverse flange near an upstream end of the body, the transverse flange having at least one opening in fluid communication with the passage;
• and
• wherein the seal body has a generally rectangular shape, and the passage is generally substantially planar in an undisturbed state.