Pressure actuated flow control device for gravity IV sets

A flow control device includes a housing having a primary valve body defining a primary inlet and an outlet, a secondary valve body defining a secondary inlet, and a chamber defined by an inner circumferential surface of the housing and fluidly connecting the primary and secondary inlets with the outlet. The primary and secondary inlets share a common central axis perpendicularly disposed to a central axis of the outlet. A valve member is reciprocally mounted in the chamber to block fluid communication between the secondary inlet and the outlet when fluid pressure into the primary inlet is higher than fluid pressure into the secondary inlet, and) block fluid communication between the primary inlet and the outlet when fluid pressure into the secondary inlet is higher than fluid pressure into the primary inlet.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to flow control devices, and more particularly to flow control devices having a valve member capable of preventing under-infusion in IV sets with a secondary line, as well as preventing backflow of drug from the secondary line into the primary line.

BACKGROUND

Infusion IV sets are generally used in infusion therapy in order to deliver medication from a pre-filled container, e.g., an IV bottle or bag containing the desired medication, to a patient. Generally, the IV tubing is connected to a catheter and inserted into the localized area to be treated. In some cases, there is a need to deliver multiple medications to the patient in potentially differing dosages, thereby causing the need for an IV extension set having multiple branches of tubings or fluid lines through which the multiple medications may be dispensed to the patient.

Patients are commonly injected with IV solutions that are initially provided in the IV bottle or bag and dripped into the vein of the patient through an IV line. A flow control device, for example, a check valve, is also commonly included in the IV line to permit fluid flow only in the direction of the patient. This ensures that the medication flows downstream toward the patient, not upstream toward the IV bottle or bag.

During infusion with IV sets, a secondary drug feed could potentially flow backwards into primary IV line leading to under infusion of the secondary drug. Though a check valve may be positioned in the primary line to prevent backflow, check valves are prone to frequent failure. A common reason for check valve failure is due to debris existing in infusates. Additionally, under-infusion frequently occurs due to low pressure difference on either sides of the diaphragm within back check valve which prevents the back check valve to close completely allowing back flow.

SUMMARY

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a flow control device may include a housing having a primary valve body defining a primary inlet and an outlet of the flow control device, a secondary valve body defining a secondary inlet of the flow control device, and a chamber defined by an inner circumferential surface of the housing. The primary and secondary inlets may share a common central axis, and a central axis of the outlet is perpendicularly disposed relative to the common central axis. The chamber may extend between the primary and secondary valve bodies for fluidly connecting the primary and secondary inlets with the outlet. The flow control device may further include a valve member reciprocally mounted in the chamber to (i) block fluid communication between the secondary inlet and the outlet when fluid pressure into the primary inlet is higher than fluid pressure into the secondary inlet, and (ii) block fluid communication between the primary inlet and the outlet when fluid pressure into the secondary inlet is higher than fluid pressure into the primary inlet.

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a flow control device may include a housing having a primary inlet, a primary outlet, a secondary inlet, and a secondary outlet. The primary and secondary inlets may share a common central axis that is perpendicularly disposed relative to central axes of the primary and secondary outlets. A chamber may be defined by an inner circumferential surface of the housing, and the chamber may extend between the primary and secondary inlets for fluidly connecting the primary inlet with the primary outlet and the secondary inlet with the secondary outlet. The flow control device may further include a valve member reciprocally mounted in the chamber to (i) block fluid communication between the secondary inlet and the secondary outlet when fluid pressure into the primary inlet is higher than fluid pressure into the secondary inlet, and (ii) block fluid communication between the primary inlet and the primary outlet when fluid pressure into the secondary inlet is higher than fluid pressure into the primary inlet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes examples of the subject technology and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject technology will now be disclosed according to particular but non-limiting examples. Various embodiments described in the present disclosure may be carried out in different ways and variations, and in accordance with a desired application or implementation.

The present description relates in general to flow control devices, and more particularly to flow control devices having a valve member capable of preventing under infusion in IV sets with a secondary line, as well as preventing backflow of drug from the secondary line into the primary line.

IV sets with a secondary line tend to experience under infusion of the secondary drug due to failure of the check valve in the primary line. The most frequent causes of failure of the check valve are due to debris accumulated at the time of spiking and seeping of drug in the secondary line into the primary line at low pressures. A common cause of under-infusion is dilution of drug at the time of back priming of the secondary IV and also at the time of equal head in the primary and secondary lines. Other causes include dead volume in the secondary line, as well as time taken to infuse the drug. The flow control devices of the various embodiments described herein overcome the above issues commonly associated with IV sets having primary and secondary lines.

FIG.1illustrates a multiple line IV extension set1that includes a flow control device100,200,300, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. IV set1includes a primary fluid system15and a secondary fluid system25. An IV pump (not shown) receives fluid from primary fluid system15and secondary fluid system25via a primary IV line5and may control and dispense the fluids therefrom to a patient50.

In some embodiments, primary fluid system15may include a primary fluid source such as a primary fluid bag10, which may include or contain saline solution or other medicinal fluid or drug to be administered to the patient50. As illustrated, primary IV line5carries primary fluid from a drip chamber12to flow control device100,200,300. As shall be described further with respect to the following figures, flow control device100,200,300may be disposed in primary IV line5and allow fluid flow from primary fluid bag10to the IV pump (not illustrated) while preventing reverse flow (backflow) of fluid from secondary fluid system25toward primary fluid bag10. In accordance with some embodiments, secondary fluid system25includes secondary fluid source such as a secondary fluid bag8, which may contain drugs or other secondary fluid to be supplied to the patient50for treatment. As depicted, the IV set1may further include a secondary IV line7, which carries flow from drip chamber22to the flow control device100,200,300.

FIG.2Aa perspective view of a flow control device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.2Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the flow control device and valve member ofFIG.2A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIGS.2A and2B, the flow control device100may have a housing102including a primary valve body104and a secondary valve body110, a chamber114interposed between the primary and secondary valve bodies104and110, a vent port118, and a valve member120reciprocally mounted in the chamber114. As depicted, the primary valve body104and secondary valve body110may be two components coupled to each other. However, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned configuration. In some embodiments, the primary valve body104and the secondary valve body110may be integrally formed as a single unit. For example, the primary valve body104and the secondary valve body110may be integrally formed as a single tubular housing102.

As depicted, the primary valve body104may define a primary inlet106and an outlet108of the flow control device100. The outlet108may define a fluid path through which medication or drugs from the primary and secondary inlets may be delivered to the patient50. The secondary valve body110may define a secondary inlet112of the flow control device100. The primary and secondary inlets106and112may share a common central axis X1. The primary inlet106may fluidly communicate the primary IV line5with the chamber114. Similarly, the secondary inlet112may fluidly communicate the secondary IV line7with the chamber114. The outlet108may have a central axis Y, and the central axis Y may be perpendicularly disposed relative to the common central axis X1of the primary and secondary inlets106and112.

Referring toFIG.2B, the flow control device100is displayed in cross-sectional view to more clearly illustrate some of the features of the valve member120. As depicted, the flow control device100may be in the form of a housing102having an axially extending body defining a central longitudinal axis X. The housing102may be generally cylindrical (or tubular) or may have any other shape with a hollow interior capable of defining the chamber114. The chamber114may be defined by an inner circumferential surface116of the housing102. As depicted, the chamber114may extend between the primary and secondary valve bodies104and110to fluidly connect the primary and secondary inlets106and112with the outlet108.

FIG.2Cillustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a housing102of the flow control device ofFIG.2Ain accordance with some embodiments. Referring toFIG.2Cwith continued reference toFIG.2B, the housing102may include at least one guide rail122extending longitudinally along the inner circumferential surface116in the chamber114. As depicted, the guide rail122may be oriented projecting radially inwards towards the central longitudinal axis X1of the housing102. In some embodiments, the inner circumferential surface116may have more than one guide rail122protruding therefrom. For example, two guide rails122may protrude from the inner circumferential surface116at positions mirroring each other. The two guide rails122may be symmetrically disposed about the central longitudinal axis X1of the inner circumferential surface116defining the chamber114. As shall be described in further detail below, the guide rails122may act as a guide so that the valve member120may be displaced or otherwise translated axially in the chamber114without rotation about its central axis X2(illustrated inFIG.2D).

FIG.2Dillustrates a perspective view of a valve member of the flow control device ofFIG.2Ain accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated inFIG.2D, and with continued reference toFIG.2C, the valve member120may be in the form of a cylindrical disc, which is slidably mounted in the chamber114. To this effect, the valve member120may have at least one slot124extending longitudinally along an outer circumferential surface132of the valve member120. As depicted, the slot124may define a recess126having a shape corresponding to that of the guide rail122for mounting the valve member120onto the guide rail122.

In some embodiments, the valve member120may have more than one slot, for example two slots124symmetrically disposed about the central longitudinal axis X2of the valve member120. As such, the valve member120may be mounted on the inner circumferential surface132with the rail(s)122engaged in the recess(es)126of the slot(s)124. Accordingly, when the valve member120is subject to fluid pressure from either of the primary IV line5or the secondary IV line7, the valve member120may be translated or otherwise displaced within the chamber114along the length of the guide rails122. The aforementioned configuration is advantageous as the engagement between the guide rails122and slots124restrain degrees of movement of the valve member120in the chamber114. In particular, the aforementioned configuration acts as an anti-rotation mechanism to prevent the valve member120from rolling or rotating about the central axis X of the housing102.

FIG.2Eillustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a housing102and mounted valve member120of a flow control device100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.2Fillustrates a cross-sectional view of a housing102and mounted valve member120of a flow control device100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the valve member120may further include a flow groove130extending longitudinally (e.g., linearly) from a planar surface128of the valve member120. The flow groove130may extend longitudinally along an outer circumferential surface132of the valve member120. As depicted, the flow groove130may extend only partially along the length of the valve member120. Accordingly, the flow groove130may serve to fluidly communicate the secondary inlet112with the outlet108when fluid pressure at the primary inlet106is equal to fluid pressure at the secondary inlet112.

FIG.3Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating a flow control device and valve member before coupling to fluid lines of an IV set, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.3Aillustrates a condition of the flow control device100when initially packaged, before being utilized in an IV set.FIG.3Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating the flow control device and valve member ofFIG.3Awhen coupled to primary and secondary fluid lines of an IV set, where fluid pressure in the primary line is higher than that in the secondary line, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3B, in operation, when subject to a net primary fluid pressure (i.e., a pressure applied by a fluid flowing from the primary inlet106towards the chamber114that exceeds that of any pressure applied by fluid in the secondary IV line), the valve member120may be translated towards the secondary inlet112to a position where the planar surface128of the valve member contacts and blocks the secondary inlet112. Accordingly, fluid flow from the secondary IV line7into the chamber114may be blocked, and only fluid from the primary IV line5may flow into the chamber114via the primary inlet106. The fluid from the primary IV line5may thus be delivered to the patient50through the outlet108.

FIG.3Cis a cross-sectional view illustrating the flow control device and valve member ofFIG.3Awhen coupled to primary and secondary fluid lines of an IV set, where fluid pressure in the secondary line is higher than that in the primary line, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3C, in operation, when subject to a net secondary fluid pressure (i.e., a pressure applied by a fluid flowing from the secondary inlet112towards the chamber114that exceeds that of any pressure applied by fluid in the primary IV line), the valve member120may be translated towards the primary inlet106to a position where the surface125of the valve member contacts and blocks the secondary inlet112. Accordingly, fluid flow from the primary IV line5into the chamber114may be blocked, and only fluid from the secondary IV line7may flow into the chamber114via the secondary inlet112. The fluid from the secondary IV line7may thus be delivered to the patient50through the outlet108.

FIGS.3D and3Eare cross-sectional views illustrating the flow control device and valve member ofFIG.3Awhen coupled to primary and secondary fluid lines of an IV set, where fluid pressure in the primary line equals that in the secondary line, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.3D and3E, in operation, when subject to a primary fluid pressure that equals that of a secondary fluid pressure (i.e., a pressure applied by a fluid flowing from the primary IV line5into the primary inlet106that equals pressure applied by fluid flowing from the secondary IV line7into the secondary inlet112), the valve member120may be translated towards a central portion of the chamber114just above the outlet108. Since the fluid pressure at the primary inlet equals the fluid pressure at the secondary inlet, the position of the valve member120may be equidistant from the primary and secondary inlets106and112. At this position just above the outlet, the flow groove130of the valve member may allow fluid to flow from the secondary IV line7into the chamber114via the secondary inlet112. Accordingly, when fluid pressure in the primary and secondary IV lines5and7is equal, only the secondary medication may be dispensed to the patient via the flow groove130. Since the surface125has no flow groove, fluid communication between the primary inlet and the outlet is blocked, thereby stopping the fluid in the IV line from being dispensed to the patient.

FIG.4illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flow control device200, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the flow control device200may have a housing202including a primary inlet212, a primary outlet210, a secondary inlet206, a secondary outlet208, and a chamber214interposed between the primary and secondary inlets212and206. The flow control device200may further include a valve member220reciprocally mounted in the chamber214. The primary and secondary outlets210and208may define a fluid path through which medication or drugs from the primary and secondary inlets212and206may be delivered to the patient50. The primary and secondary inlets212and206may share a common central axis X3. The primary inlet212may fluidly communicate the primary IV line5with the chamber214. Similarly, the secondary inlet206may fluidly communicate the secondary IV line7with the chamber214. The primary and secondary outlets210and208may each have a central axis, and each of the central axes may be perpendicularly disposed relative to the common central axis X3of the primary and secondary inlets212and206.

Referring toFIG.4, the flow control device200is displayed in cross-sectional view to more clearly illustrate some of the features of the valve member220. As depicted, the flow control device200may be in the form of a generally cylindrical (or tubular) body or may have any other shape with a hollow interior capable of defining the chamber214. Similar to the embodiments previously described, the chamber214may be defined by an inner circumferential surface216of the housing202. As depicted, the chamber214may extend between the primary and secondary inlets212and206to fluidly connect the primary and secondary inlets212and206with the respective primary and secondary outlets210and208.

In some embodiments, the inner circumferential surface216may include a primary sealing surface222defining an inlet port213of the primary inlet212and a secondary sealing surface218defining an inlet port207of the secondary inlet206. As shall be described in further detail below, the primary and secondary sealing surfaces222and218may be structured specifically so as to correspond to a structure of the valve member220in order for the valve member to seal the primary inlet port213and the secondary inlet port207respectively.

As illustrated, the valve member220may be in the form of a disc having a primary inlet sealing surface226corresponding to the primary sealing surface222of the housing202. Similarly, the valve member220may include a secondary inlet sealing surface224corresponding to the secondary sealing surface218of the housing. Additionally, the valve member220may include an outlet sealing surface228for selectively sealing the primary and secondary outlets210and208.

In operation, when subject to a net primary fluid pressure (i.e., a pressure applied by a fluid flowing from the primary inlet212towards the chamber214that exceeds that of any pressure applied by fluid in the secondary IV line7), the valve member220may be translated towards the secondary inlet206. As the valve member moves towards the secondary inlet206and away from the primary inlet212, the primary inlet port213and the primary outlet210may be opened. Fluid from the primary IV line5may then flow into the chamber214via the primary inlet212and be dispensed to the patient via the primary outlet210. When the valve member220is translated to a position where the secondary inlet sealing surface224of the valve member220contacts the secondary sealing surface218, both the secondary inlet port207and the secondary outlet208may be occluded by the valve member220.

In order for the secondary inlet sealing surface224of the valve member220to contact and seal the secondary inlet port207, the secondary inlet sealing surface224and the secondary sealing surface218may have complimentary profiles. For example, the secondary inlet sealing surface224and the secondary sealing surface218may have non-planar profiles. As depicted, the secondary inlet sealing surface224may have a curved profile, for example, but not limited to, a concave profile. Accordingly, the secondary sealing surface218may have a complimentary curved profile, for example, but not limited to, a convex profile.

At the position where the secondary inlet sealing surface224of the valve member220contacts and seals the secondary inlet port207, fluid flow from the secondary IV line7into the chamber214is blocked. Accordingly, only fluid (e.g., primary drug) from the primary IV line5may be dispensed to the patient50via the primary inlet port213and the primary outlet210.

When subject to a net secondary fluid pressure (i.e., a pressure applied by a fluid flowing from the secondary inlet206towards the chamber214that exceeds that of any pressure applied by fluid in the primary IV line5), the valve member220may be translated towards the primary inlet port213. As previously discussed, the secondary inlet sealing surface224and the secondary sealing surface218may have complimentary non-planar profiles. In particular, as depicted, the secondary inlet sealing surface224may have a concave profile and the secondary sealing surface218may have a complimentary convex profile. The aforementioned configuration is advantageous in that the curved profile of the secondary inlet sealing surface224of valve member220would be subject to a lower drag force than if the surface224was a flat or planar surface. Accordingly, a lower fluid pressure threshold at the inlet port207would be required to move the valve member220away from the inlet port207so that fluid could flow from the secondary IV line into the chamber214for dispensing to the patient via the outlet208.

As the valve member220continues to move towards the primary inlet212and away from the secondary inlet206, the secondary inlet port207and the secondary outlet208may be opened. Fluid from the secondary IV line7may then flow into the chamber214via the secondary inlet206and be dispensed to the patient50via the secondary outlet208. When the valve member220is translated to a position where the primary inlet sealing surface226of the valve member220contacts the primary sealing surface222, both the primary inlet port213and the primary outlet210may be occluded by the valve member220.

In order for the primary inlet sealing surface226of the valve member220to contact and seal the primary inlet port213, the primary inlet sealing surface226and the primary sealing surface222may have complimentary profiles. For example, the primary inlet sealing surface226and the primary sealing surface222may have matching or complimentary planar profiles. As depicted, the primary inlet sealing surface226may have a flat profile and the primary sealing surface222may have a complimentary flat profile. However, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned configuration. In some embodiments, similar to the secondary inlet sealing surface224and the secondary sealing surface218, the primary inlet sealing surface226and the primary sealing surface222may have complimentary non-planar profiles.

At the position where the primary inlet sealing surface226of the valve member220contacts and seals the primary inlet port213, fluid flow from the primary IV line7into the chamber214is blocked. Accordingly, only fluid (e.g., secondary drug) from the secondary IV line7may be dispensed to the patient50via the secondary inlet port207and the secondary outlet208. Accordingly, backflow of fluid from the secondary IV line7into the primary IV line5is prevented. Similarly, under-infusion of the secondary drug—which commonly occurs as a result of the secondary drug flowing into the primary IV line5from the chamber214—may be prevented. Preventing backflow of the fluid is advantageous in that it restricts undesirable particulate matter (for example, contained in the drug dispensed from the secondary IV line7) from flowing back through the valve member220, and thereby preventing the patient50from receiving the proper drug dosage concentration or from timely delivery of the drug.

FIG.5illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flow control device300, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the flow control device300may have a housing302including a primary inlet312, a primary outlet310, a secondary inlet306, a secondary outlet308, and a chamber314interposed between the primary and secondary inlets312and306. The flow control device300may further include a valve member320reciprocally mounted in the chamber314. The primary and secondary outlets310and308may define a fluid path through which medication or drugs from the primary and secondary inlets312and306may be delivered to the patient50. The primary and secondary inlets312and306may share a common central axis X4. The primary inlet312may fluidly communicate the primary IV line5with the chamber314. Similarly, the secondary inlet306may fluidly communicate the secondary IV line7with the chamber314. The primary and secondary outlets310and308may each have a central axis, and each of the central axes may be perpendicularly disposed relative to the common central axis X4of the primary and secondary inlets312and306.

Referring toFIG.5, the flow control device300is displayed in cross-sectional view to more clearly illustrate some of the features of the valve member320. As depicted, the flow control device300may be in the form of a generally cylindrical (or tubular) body or may have any other shape with a hollow interior capable of defining the chamber314. Similar to the embodiments previously described, the chamber314may be defined by an inner circumferential surface316of the housing302. As depicted, the chamber314may extend between the primary and secondary inlets312and306to fluidly connect the primary and secondary inlets312and306with the respective primary and secondary outlets310and308.

In some embodiments, the inner circumferential surface316may include a primary sealing surface322defining an inlet port313of the primary inlet312and a secondary sealing surface318defining an inlet port307of the secondary inlet306. As shall be described in further detail below, the primary and secondary sealing surfaces322and318may be structured specifically so as to correspond to a structure of the valve member320in order for the valve member to seal the primary inlet port313and the secondary inlet port307respectively.

As illustrated, the valve member320may be in the form of a disc having a primary inlet sealing surface326corresponding to the primary sealing surface322of the housing302. Similarly, the valve member320may include a secondary inlet sealing surface324corresponding to the secondary sealing surface318of the housing302. Additionally, the valve member320may include an outlet sealing surface328for selectively sealing the primary and secondary outlets310and308.

In operation, when subject to a net primary fluid pressure (i.e., a pressure applied by a fluid flowing from the primary inlet312towards the chamber314that exceeds that of any pressure applied by fluid in the secondary IV line7), the valve member320may be translated towards the secondary inlet306. As the valve member moves towards the secondary inlet306and away from the primary inlet312, the primary inlet port313and the primary outlet310may be opened. Fluid from the primary IV line5may then flow into the chamber314via the primary inlet312and be dispensed to the patient via the primary outlet310. When the valve member320is translated to a position where the secondary inlet sealing surface324of the valve member320contacts the secondary sealing surface318, both the secondary inlet port307and the secondary outlet308may be occluded by the valve member320.

In some embodiments, in order for the secondary inlet sealing surface324of the valve member320to contact and seal the secondary inlet port307, the secondary inlet sealing surface324and the secondary sealing surface318may have complimentary profiles. For example, the secondary inlet sealing surface324and the secondary sealing surface318may have complimentary non-planar profiles. As depicted, the secondary inlet sealing surface324may have a curved profile, for example, but not limited to, a concave profile. Accordingly, the secondary sealing surface318may have a complimentary curved profile, for example, but not limited to, a convex profile.

At the position where the secondary inlet sealing surface324of the valve member320contacts and seals the secondary inlet port307, fluid flow from the secondary IV line7into the chamber314is blocked. Accordingly, only fluid (e.g., primary drug) from the primary IV line5may be dispensed to the patient50via the primary inlet port313and the primary outlet310.

When subject to a net secondary fluid pressure (i.e., a pressure applied by a fluid flowing from the secondary inlet306towards the chamber314that exceeds that of any pressure applied by fluid in the primary IV line5), the valve member320may be translated towards the primary inlet port313. As previously discussed, the secondary inlet sealing surface324and the secondary sealing surface318may have complimentary non-planar profiles. In particular, the secondary inlet sealing surface324may have a concave profile and the secondary sealing surface318may have a complimentary convex profile. The aforementioned configuration is advantageous in that the curved profile of the secondary inlet sealing surface324of valve member320would be subject to a lower drag force than if the surface324was a flat or planar surface. Accordingly, a lower fluid pressure threshold at the inlet port307would be required to move the valve member320away from the inlet port307so that fluid could flow from the secondary IV line7into the chamber314for dispensing to the patient via the outlet308.

As the valve member320continues to move towards the primary inlet312and away from the secondary inlet306, the secondary inlet port307and the secondary outlet308may be opened. Fluid from the secondary IV line7may then flow into the chamber314via the secondary inlet306and be dispensed to the patient50via the secondary outlet308. When the valve member320is translated to a position where the primary inlet sealing surface326of the valve member320contacts the primary sealing surface322, both the primary inlet port313and the primary outlet310may be occluded by the valve member320.

In order for the primary inlet sealing surface326of the valve member320to contact and seal the primary inlet port313, the primary inlet sealing surface326and the primary sealing surface322may have complimentary profiles. For example, the primary inlet sealing surface326and the primary sealing surface322may have matching or complimentary planar profiles. As depicted, the primary inlet sealing surface326may have a flat profile and the primary sealing surface322may have a complimentary flat profile. However, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned configuration. In some embodiments, similar to the secondary inlet sealing surface324and the secondary sealing surface318, the primary inlet sealing surface326and the primary sealing surface322may have complimentary non-planar profiles.

At the position where the primary inlet sealing surface326of the valve member320contacts and seals the primary inlet port313, fluid flow from the primary IV line7into the chamber314is blocked. Accordingly, only fluid (e.g., secondary drug) from the secondary IV line7may be dispensed to the patient50via the secondary inlet port307and the secondary outlet308. Accordingly, backflow of fluid from the secondary IV line7into the primary IV line5is restricted or prevented. Similarly, under-infusion of the secondary drug—which commonly occurs as a result of the secondary drug flowing into the primary IV line5from the chamber314—may be prevented. Preventing backflow of the fluid is advantageous in that it restricts undesirable particulate matter (for example, contained in the drug dispensed from the secondary IV line7) from flowing back through the valve member320, and thereby preventing the patient50from receiving the proper drug dosage concentration or from timely delivery of the drug.

In operation, when subject to a primary fluid pressure that equals that of a secondary fluid pressure (i.e., a pressure applied by a fluid flowing from the primary IV line5into the primary inlet312that equals pressure applied by fluid flowing from the secondary IV line7into the secondary inlet306), the valve member320may be translated towards a central portion of the chamber314between the primary and secondary outlets310and308. Since the fluid pressure at the primary inlet312equals the fluid pressure at the secondary inlet306, the position of the valve member320may be equidistant from each of the primary and secondary inlets ports313and307. At this position both the primary inlet port313and primary outlet310, and the secondary inlet port307and secondary outlet308are open allowing fluid to flow equally from both of the primary and secondary IV lines5and7to the patient50. Accordingly, given the aforementioned configuration, a primary drug and a secondary drug may be administered in equal proportions to the patient without the possibility of backflow of drug from one IV fluid line into the other.

Accordingly, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are advantageous in providing a flow control device capable of preventing under-infusion of the secondary drug by blocking the secondary drug from flowing backwards into the primary IV line, as discussed previously. The flow control device of the various embodiments described herein is further advantageous as it minimizes the number of separate components of an IV set by replacing a check valve and a y-connector with the single flow control device. As a result, cost of the IV set may be reduced. Additionally, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are advantageous in reducing workflow steps for the clinician/nurses since no manual operation is necessary for flow regulation as the flow pressure of the secondary drug or fluid is used to regulate flow of the primary drug or fluid.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, or operations in the processes or methods disclosed are illustrations of exemplary approaches. Based upon implementation preferences or scenarios, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations or processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps, operations or processes may be performed simultaneously. In some implementation preferences or scenarios, certain operations may or may not be performed. Some or all of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed automatically, without the intervention of a user. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps, operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.