the present invention relates generally to a vascular access device having a septum positioned within a lumen of the device , the device further having a pusher for providing a fluid pathway through the septum . in particular , the present invention relates to systems and methods for improving flow of a fluid through the access device , while minimizing stagnation of fluids within the device . these systems and methods include various modified fluid pathways and interactions between the vascular access device body , the septum and the pusher .