CLOSED SYSTEM FOR IV SITE FLUSH

Abstract: A closed system for flushing an IV site comprises a first fluid reservoir (34) for containing a first flush fluid, a second fluid reservoir (36) for containing a second flush fluid, a tubing array (28, 30) for connecting the first and the second reservoirs to an IV site (12, 14, 16) comprising a common tube (28) having a connector on one end thereof for connection to the site, and a connector (32) on the other end thereof for connection of each of the first (34) and the second (36) reservoirs thereto, and depressible panels (54, 56, 58) for selectively controlling the flow of a fluid from each of the first and the second reservoirs.

Description: Description Closed System For IV Site Flush Reference To Related Applications This application is related to co-pending U. S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/634,408, filed on December 27, 1990, and entitled "Closed System For IV Site Flush" Technical Field The present invention relates to IV drug delivery apparatus and pertains particularly to an improved IV site flush system. Background Art Because of the high cost of administering health care in this country, many patients administer their own intravenous therapy (IV) at home. Many times, such therapy requires the periodic infusion of a fluid, such as an antibiotic. The patient is usually equipped with an IV site consisting of a catheter connected to the patient by trained medical personnel. The catheter is equipped with an injection cap into which a needle is inserted to administer the therapeutic fluid. Currently in the health care industry, IV sights are flushed with a saline solution before infusion and after the infusion is complete. This is carried out by means of a separate syringe and hypodermic needle for each flush. The catheter is then filled with Heparin by means of another syringe after the infusion and second saline flush. This procedure is carried out with at least three syringes, 25G needles with vials of saline and Heparin. The patient or nurse draws fluid into the syringe and pierces the IV sight to inject for each stage of the procedure. The IV sight is pierced first for saline, second for IV therapy, third for saline and fourth for Heparin. This requires the use and disposal of at least three syringes and four needles with each treatment. The present invention provides a closed system wherein the syringes and multiple needles are eliminated and the sight is pierced only once for each treatment. Disclosure of the Invention It is the primary object of the present invention to provide an improved IV site flush system. In accordance with a primary aspect of the present invention, an IV site flush system comprises a closed self-contained system having a plurality of solution reservoir usually, saline reservoir and Heparin reservoir with a common connection to an IV site. Brief Description of Drawings The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention in operation; Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the flush system of Fig. 1? Fig. 3 is a side elevation view in section of the housing of the flush system taken generally on line 3-3 of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is an elevation view of the housing of the flush system taken generally on line 4-4 of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a front elevation view of the housing of the flush system of Fig. 1; and Fig. 6 is a partial detailed view in section like Fig. 4 illustrating an alternate modification. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Referring to the drawing, and particularly to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a typical IV site to which is attached a combination of an infusion device and a flush system in accordance with the invention. A typical IV infusion site, as illustrated, comprises an IV needle 12 inserted in a vein of a patient's arm, with a catheter or tubing 14 connected thereto and having an infusion cap 16 on an outer end thereof. The IV site and catheter unit is typically held in place by tape or the like, and may include one or more protective covers. The cap 16 may be of the type for penetrating by a needle or the like, or it may be of the luer lock type for detachable connection to an infuser. In the illustrated embodiment, a flush system in accordance with the invention comprises a first section of tubing 20 having a first or proximal end 22 for connection to the catheter 14, and a Y coupling 24 including a coupling 26 for infusion, and a tubing 28 having a Y coupling 30 connected to the flush system reservoirs. The flush system comprises a substantially rigid box-like housing, designated generally at 32, having a saline reservoir 34 therein for containing at least two flush charges of saline and a Heparin container or reservoir 36 containing at least one Heparin charge. These reservoirs are preferably of a pliable 5 impervious material, such as typically used for IV bags and the like. The reservoir 34 may be partially separated along a line 38 to partially divide it into two adjacent reservoirs as will be explained. Any suitable infusion device 40 such as for 10 example, of the type disclosed in co-pending application Serial No. 07/492,982, filed March 12, 1990, and assigned to the assignee hereof, is connected by a usual tubing or line 42 to the infusion coupling 26. This coupling is by suitable means, such 15 as a needle cap or a luer lock. The flush system may be utilized with any suitable infuser. Referring to Fig. 2, the housing 32 of the flushing device is preferably of a generally rectangular configuration in top or plan view, and of 20 a generally triangular cross section configuration in side view. As seen in Figs. 2 and 3, the housing has triangular end walls 44 and 46, and generally rectangular front and back walls 48 and 50 extending upward from a generally planar rectangular bottom wall 2552, forming a generally triangular shaped cavity or chamber in which the reservoirs 34 and 36 are disposed. A top wall is formed of multiple panels or sections 54, 56 and 58. The panels or sections 54 and 56 overlie and are co-planar with the saline reservoir 3034, and the panel 58 is co-planar with the Heparin reservoir 36. These panels are each hingediy or pivotally secured along the front to the lower edge of the front wall 48 by suitable tabs and slots. The back edge engages latching wedges on the inside of the back wall 50. Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the back wall 50 is formed of three spring panels 60, 62, and 64 by U-shaped slots 66, 68 and 70. Each of the spring panels are provided with a pair of upper wedge shaped latch shoulders 72, 74 and 76 for latching the upper or top wall panels in an initial position as seen in Fig. 3. A lower latch shoulder 78, 80 and 82 is provided at the lower edge of each panel to latch the top wall panels in the collapsed position. Intermediate latch notches may be provided (i.e. between 72 and 78), refer to Fig. 6, so that each reservoir may have multiple charges. Referring to Figs. 3 and 5, the front wall 48 is provided with a plurality of rectangular slots 84, 86, 88, 90, 92 and 94. Each of the top wall panels is provided with a pair of tabs 96, 98, 100, 102, 104 and 106 which extend into the slots for hinging the respective panels in the housinq. A pair of slots 108 and 110 in the front wall 48 and bottom 52, and matching slots 112 and 114 in top panels 54 and 58 provide a pair of openings through which filler ports 116 and 118 for bladder reservoirs 34 and 36 extend. The housing is thus constructed to have collapsible top walls, such that the sections of the wall can be selectively collapsed against the reservoirs, forcing a liquid therefrom. As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, each of the top wall panels 54, 56 and 58 may be pressed downward by the fingers or other suitable means, such as a spring to latch in a position closely adjacent the lower wall of the housing, thereby forcing the liquid from the respective reservoirs. Thus, the walls 54, 56 and 58 may be selectively pushed downward, expelling a charge of the fluid from the space beneath the respective panel, and latched in a lower position to effectively force a selected portion or all of the liquid from the respective reservoir or portion thereof. The reservoir 34, in the illustrated embodiment, is designed to hold two charges (in adjacent portion of the reservoir) , with panels or walls 54 and 56 effective in sequence to respectfully discharge these charges. In other words, the first panel pressed down, preferably 54, expels half of the contents or charge and the second panel expels the remainder. However, each panel may be effective to expel two or more charges, as explained above. It will also be appreciated that other means, such as rollers or merely exposed panels, may be utilized to collapse the walls of the reservoirs and expel fluid therefrom. The reservoirs are each provided with suitable valves, which may be built into the housing (not shown) or such as clamps 120 and 128. Referring to Fig. 6, an alternate modification is illustrated wherein like elements are identified by like numbers primed. In this embodiment, the back wall is modified to provide latch bumps or shoulders 120 intermediate the latch shoulders 72' and 78' on the spring latch panel 60'. Thus, multiple charges are provided as above described for each reservoir or chamber of a reservoir. In normal operation, a flush kit in accordance with the invention is factory assembled, with a pair of reservoirs 34 and 36 placed in the housing with tube assembly 20, 22, 28 and 30 attached thereto. The top panels 54, 56 and 58 are put in place by inserting the tabs into the slots and pressing the panel down so that the back edge snaps over the top shoulder wedges 72, 74 and 76. When ready for use, they are filled by a pharmacist and delivered to a health care official or patient for use in IV therapy. In the usual procedure, an IV site is or has been installed by medical or health care personnel and left in place for successive IV treatment. The patient selects a fresh filled flush kit, and the end 22 of tubing 20 is connected at cap 16 to the IV site, and if infusion therapy is to be administered, an infuser is attached at cap 26 to the flush kit. The IV site is first flushed by opening a valve or clamp 120 on the saline feeding tube, and then pressed down on panel 48 with the fingers until the fluid is expelled and the panel is latched beneath the latch notch 78. The clamp 120 is then reclosed and infusion may begin by releasing ' a clamp 122 on an infusion apparatus tubing 42 to feed the IV solution from an infuser or infusion apparatus 40. The infuser may be of any suitable type, but is preferably of the inflatable bladder type having an inflatable bladder within a housing. One preferred type is that of the aforementioned application wherein the inflatable bladder 124 is mounted within a substantially or generally spherical housing or shell 126. The term substantially or generally spherical is not intended to connote spherical with mathematical precision, but is intended to allow variation within practical limits. After the infusion is complete, the site is agair flushed with a saline solution by again opening clamp 120, and then depressing the second panel 56 until remaining fluid is expelled, and the panel 56 is latched beneath the latch notch or tab 80, and the saline reservoir is thus empty. The clamp 120 is then reapplied to the tubing, and clamp 128 from the Heparin reservoir 36 is then opened. The panel 58 is then depressed with the fingers until the Heparin has been forced from the reservoir, the panel latched beneath latch notch 82, and the Heparin has been injected into the site. The flush unit may now be removed from the cap 16, and it together with the infusion apparatus disposed of in the usual manner. While I have illustrated and described my invention by means of specific embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. I further assert and sincerely believe that the above specification contains a written description of the invention and the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly concerned, to make and use the same, and further that it sets forth the best mode contemplated by me for carrying out the invention.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A closed system for flushing an IV site comprising: a first fluid reservoir for containing a first flush fluid? a second fluid reservoir for containing a second flush fluid; a tubing array for connecting said first and said second reservoirs to an IV site comprising a common tube having means on one end thereof for connection to said site, and means on the other end thereof for connection of each of said first and said second reservoirs thereto; and means for selectively collapsing each of said first and said second reservoirs for controlling the flow of a fluid therefrom. 2. A closed system according to claim 1 wherein: said first and said second reservoirs are formed of impervious pliable bags. 3. A closed system according to claim 1 wherein: said common tube has an IV injection site. 4. A closed system according to claim 1 wherein: said common tube has an IV coupling site for coupling an IV infusion device thereto. 5. A closed system according to claim 1 wherein: said first and second reservoirs are disposed in a box-like housing; and said housing includes means for selectively collapsing said reservoirs. 6. A closed system according to claim 1 wherein: said means for collapsing said reservoir comprises pivoting wall means contacting said reservoirs and responsive to pressure for biasing said reservoirs to a collapsed condition. 7. A closed system according to claim 1 wherein: said first and second reservoirs constructed of impervious pliable bags. 8. A closed system according to claim 1 wherein: said common tube has an IV coupling for coupling an IV infuser thereto. 9. A closed system according to claim 1 wherein: said housing has a triangular shape in cross section; and means for latching said pivoting walls in a collapsed position. 10. A closed IV site flushing system for flushing an IV infusion site comprising in combination: a housing having walls defining a chamber; a first pliable fluid reservoir disposed in said housing for containing a first flush fluid; a second pliable fluid reservoir disposed in said housing for containing a second flush fluid; a tubing array connected to said first and said second fluid reservoirs having means on a common end thereof for connecting to an IV infusion site;* and means for selectively collapsing said first and said second reservoirs for controlling the flow of a fluid from each of said first and said second reservoirs to said site. 11. A closed system according to claim 10 wherein said tubing array has an IV coupling site for coupling an IV infusion device thereto. 12. A closed system according to claim 10 wherein said means for collapsing said reservoirs comprises pivoting wall means contacting said reservoirs and responsive to pressure for biasing said reservoirs to a selected collapsed condition. 13. A closed system according to claim 12 wherein: said housing has a triangular shape in cross section; and means for latching said pivoting walls in a selected one of a partially and a fully collapsed position. 14. A closed system according to claim 13 wherein said tubing array has an IV coupling site for coupling an IV infusion device thereto. 15. A combination IV infusion and IV site flushing system comprising in combination: a housing having a chamber therein; a first collapsible fluid reservoir disposed in said housing for containing a first flush fluid; a second collapsible fluid reservoir disposed in said housing for containing a second flush fluid; a tubing array connected to said first and said second reservoirs for connecting said reservoirs to an IV site comprising a common tube having means on one end thereof for connection to said site; means for selectively controlling the flow of a fluid from each of said first and said second reservoirs; and an IV infusion device connected to said tubing array for dispensing a fluid to said site. 16. A combination according to claim 15 wherein said means for collapsing said reservoirs comprises pivoting wall means contacting said reservoirs and responsive to pressure for biasing said reservoirs to a collapsed condition. 17. A closed system according to claim 16 wherein: said housing has a triangular shape in cross section; and means for latching said pivoting walls in a collapsed position. 18. A closed system according to claim 15 wherein: said infusion device comprises a housing; an inflatable bladder in said housing; and tubing means for conveying a fluid in said bladder to an IV site. 19. A closed system according to claim 18 wherein: said housing of said infusion device is substantially spherical in configuration. 20. A combination according to claim 18 wherein said means for collapsing said reservoirs comprises pivoting wall means contacting said reservoirs and responsive to pressure for biasing said reservoirs to a collapsed condition. 21. A closed system according to claim 20 wherein: said housing has a triangular shape in cross section; and means for latching said pivoting walls in a collapsed position. _ . . _ 50 AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 9 June 1992 (09.06.92); original claims 1,3,5 and 7 amended; other claims unchanged (5 pages)] 1. A closed system for flushing an IV site comprising: a box-like housing; a first fluid reservoir for containing a first flush fluid disposed in said housing; a second fluid reservoir for containing a second flush fluid disposed in said housing; a tubing array for connecting said first and said second reservoirs to an IV site comprising a common tube having means on one end thereof for connection to said site, and means on the other end thereof for connection of each of said first and said second reservoirs thereto; and means associated with said housing for selectively collapsing each of said first and said second reservoirs for controlling the flow of a fluid therefrom. 2. A closed system according to claim 1 wherein said first and said second reservoirs are formed of impervious pliable bags. 3. A closed system according to claim 2 wherein said common tube has an IV injection site. 4. A closed system according to claim 1 wherein said common tube has an IV coupling site for coupling an IV infusion device thereto. 5. A closed system according to claim 1 wherein: said first and second reservoirs are disposed in a common chamber in said box-like housing; and said means for selectively collapsing said reservoirs includes pivoting wall means of said housing. 6. A closed system according to claim 1 wherein said means for collapsing said reservoirs comprises pivoting walls contacting said reservoirs and responsive to pressure for biasing said reservoirs to a collapsed condition. 7. A closed system according to claim 6 wherein said first and second reservoirs are constructed of impervious pliable bags, and one of said reservoirs is divided into two chambers, and said housing has a pivoting wall for each of said chambers. 8. A closed system according to claim 7 wherein said common tube has an IV coupling for coupling an IV infuser thereto. 9. A closed system according to claim 6 wherein: said housing has a triangular shape in cross section; and means for latching said pivoting walls in a collapsed position. 10. A closed IV site flushing system for flushing an IV infusion site comprising in combination: a housing having walls defining a chamber; a first pliable fluid reservoir disposed in said housing for containing a first flush fluid; a second pliable fluid reservoir disposed in said housing for containing a second flush fluid; - o - a tubing array connected to said first and said second fluid reservoirs having means on a common end thereof for connecting to an IV infusion site; and means for selectively collapsing said first and said second reservoirs for controlling the flow of a fluid from each of said first and said second reservoirs to said site. 11. A closed system according to claim 10 wherein said tubing array has an IV coupling site for coupling an IV infusion device thereto. 12. A closed system according to claim 10 wherein said means for collapsing said reservoirs comprises pivoting wall means contacting said reservoirs and responsive to pressure for biasing said reservoirs to a selected collapsed condition. 13. A closed system according to claim 12 wherein: said housing has a triangular shape in cross section; and means for latching said pivoting walls in a selected one of a partially and a fully collapsed position. 14. A closed system according to claim 13 wherein said tubing array has an IV coupling site for coupling an IV infusion device thereto. 15. A combination IV infusion and IV site flushing system comprising in combination: a housing having a chamber therein; a first collapsible fluid reservoir disposed in said housing for containing a first flush fluid; a second collapsible fluid reservoir disposed in said housing for containing a second flush fluid; 5 a tubing array connected to said first and said second reservoirs for connecting said reservoirs to an IV site comprising a common tube having means on one end thereof for connection to said site; means for selectively controlling the flow of a ° fluid from each of said first and said second reservoirs; and an IV infusion device connected to said tubing array for dispensing a fluid to said site. 5 16. A combination according to claim 15 wherein said means for collapsing said reservoirs comprises pivoting wall means contacting said reservoirs and responsive to pressure for biasing said reservoirs to a collapsed condition. 0 17. A closed system according to claim 16 wherein: said housing has a triangular shape in cross section; and 5 means for latching said pivoting walls in a collapsed position. 18. A closed system according to claim 15 wherein: said infusion device comprises a housing; an inflatable bladder in said housing; and tubing means for conveying a fluid in said bladder to an IV site. 19. A closed system according to claim 18 wherein: said housing of said infusion device is substantially spherical in configuration. 20. A combination according to claim 18 wherein said means for collapsing said reservoirs comprises pivoting wall means contacting said reservoirs and responsive to pressure for biasing said reservoirs to a collapsed condition. 21. A closed system according to claim 20 wherein: said housing has a triangular shape in cross section; and means for latching said pivoting walls in a collapsed position.

Inventors: SANCOFF GREGORY E, SANCOFF, GREGORY, E.
Applicants: BLOCK MEDICAL INC, BLOCK MEDICAL, INC.
Application year: 1991
Main classification: A61M5
IPC codes: A61M5