Patent Publication Number: US-11654240-B2

Title: Low dose syringe including an air venting system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/679,156, filed Jun. 1, 2018, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to medical devices capable of evacuating air trapped within the medical device while filling the medical device with liquid. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Syringe barrels contain, store, transfer and measure liquids, typically containing medicaments or other fluids for delivery to a patient. Medical devices, including plunger rods and stoppers, are used to aspirate and expel liquid from syringe barrels. During aspiration, air can become trapped within the syringe barrel. The presence of air within the syringe barrel can result in inaccurate dosage measurements and other issues. 
     Typically, air is removed from syringe barrels, by inverting the syringe barrel to force the air trapped within the barrel to the opening through which the fluid is aspirated. The air is then expelled through the opening by applying a force on the plunger rod in the distal direction. This expulsion process, however, can result in the expulsion of a portion of the liquid aspirated into the syringe barrel. In addition, this method of removing air from the syringe barrel may require the user to agitate the barrel of the syringe to force the air bubbles to move toward the opening. 
     There is a need to provide a device to facilitate the removal of air trapped in the barrel during dose preparation to reduce preparation time and improve clinician efficiency. 
     SUMMARY 
     Several aspects of a medical device including structure to evacuate air from a syringe barrel when filling liquid into the syringe barrel are provided. Exemplary syringe barrels described herein include a side wall having an interior surface defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end and a distal end including a distal wall with a tip extending distally therefrom having an open passageway in fluid communication with said chamber. The medical devices include a plunger rod and stopper disposed within the chamber of the syringe barrels or other containers. 
     A first aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a medical device including a syringe barrel having an open proximal end, a distal end and a distal wall. A sidewall extends from the distal end to the open proximal end and includes an interior surface that defines a chamber for retaining or holding fluids, which may include liquid medication and/or other liquids. A tip extending distally from the distal wall. The tip having an open passageway there through in fluid communication with the chamber. 
     The medical device also includes a plunger rod having a proximal end, a distal end and a body extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The plunger rod is disposed within the chamber and moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber. 
     The medical device also includes a stopper having a distal face and a proximal end. The stopper is attached to the plunger rod. The stopper is disposed within the chamber and moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber. 
     Sidewall of the syringe barrel includes a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion. First sidewall portion is disposed at the distal end of the barrel. First sidewall portion has an inner diameter equal to or smaller than an outer diameter of the stopper to form a releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper and the interior surface of the sidewall of the barrel. Second sidewall portion is disposed at the open proximal end of the barrel. Second sidewall portion includes a taper. Second sidewall portion has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the stopper forming a gap between the interior surface of the sidewall and stopper causing the releasable seal between the stopper and the sidewall of the barrel to break thereby permitting air to vent from the chamber while preventing liquid from exiting the chamber. In one or more embodiments, the inner diameter of the second sidewall portion increases gradually in the proximal direction. 
     In one or more embodiments, the distal end of the plunger rod is disposed within the barrel and the stopper forms a releasable seal with the sidewall of the barrel having an inner diameter equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the stopper. The releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper and the interior surface of the sidewall of the barrel is broken when the stopper reaches the taper of the second sidewall portion at the open proximal end of the barrel. 
     In one or more embodiments, upon movement of the plunger rod in a distal direction relative to the taper of the second sidewall portion at the open proximal end of the barrel, the releasable seal is re-formed allowing the fluid within the chamber to be expelled through the open passageway of the tip in fluid communication with said chamber. 
     In one or more embodiments, medical device includes a barrel graduation line. In one or more embodiments, the second sidewall portion is proximal to the barrel graduation line. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for filling a syringe barrel with a liquid including providing a medical device of the as described herein. The tip of the syringe barrel is submerged in a liquid and an air source and the liquid is drawn into the chamber prior to reaching the tapered sidewall of the barrel. The air source is evacuated from the chamber by moving the plunger rod in a proximal direction past the second sidewall portion of the barrel to allow the stopper to break the releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper and the interior surface of the sidewall of the barrel when the stopper reaches the gap formed by the second sidewall portion for permitting air to vent from the chamber and preventing liquid from exiting the chamber. The releasable fluid-tight seal is re-formed upon contact of the stopper with the first sidewall portion allowing the fluid within the chamber to be expelled through the open passageway of the tip in fluid communication with said chamber. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a medical device including a syringe barrel including a sidewall having an interior surface defining a chamber for retaining a liquid, an open proximal end, a distal end including a distal wall with a tip extending distally therefrom having an open passageway in fluid communication with said chamber. The sidewall includes a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion. The medical device includes a plunger rod having a proximal end, a distal end and a body extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The plunger rod is disposed within the chamber and is moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber. The medical device includes a stopper disposed within the chamber. The stopper includes a distal face and a proximal end. The stopper is moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber. The distal end of the barrel includes the first sidewall portion to form a releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper and the interior surface of the first sidewall portion of the barrel. In one or more embodiments, the open proximal end of the barrel includes the second sidewall portion having one air venting groove embedded within the second sidewall portion of the barrel to break the releasable seal between the stopper and the sidewall of the barrel for permitting air to vent from the chamber and preventing liquid from exiting the chamber. In one or more embodiments, the open proximal end of the barrel includes the second sidewall portion including a plurality of air venting grooves embedded within the second sidewall portion of the barrel to break the releasable seal between the stopper and the sidewall of the barrel for permitting air to vent from the chamber and preventing liquid from exiting the chamber. 
     The stopper forms a releasable fluid-tight seal with the first sidewall portion of the barrel when the distal end of the plunger rod is disposed within the first sidewall portion. 
     The stopper breaks the releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper and the first sidewall portion of the barrel when the distal end of the plunger rod is disposed within the second sidewall portion. 
     Upon movement of the plunger rod in a distal direction from the second sidewall portion towards the first sidewall portion, the releasable fluid-tight seal is re-formed upon contact of the stopper with the first sidewall portion allowing the fluid within the chamber to be expelled through the open passageway of the tip in fluid communication with said chamber. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for filling a syringe barrel with liquid, including providing a medical device as described herein. The tip of the syringe barrel is submerged in a liquid and an air source and the liquid are drawn into the chamber prior to reaching the plurality of air venting grooves embedded within the second sidewall portion of the barrel. The air source is evacuated from the chamber by moving the plunger rod in a proximal direction past the plurality of air venting grooves embedded within the second sidewall portion of the barrel to allow the stopper to break the releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper and the interior surface of the first sidewall portion of the barrel for permitting air to vent from the chamber and preventing liquid from exiting the chamber. The releasable fluid-tight seal is re-formed upon contact of the stopper with the first sidewall portion allowing the fluid within the chamber to be expelled through the open passageway of the tip in fluid communication with said chamber. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a medical device including a syringe barrel having a sidewall having an interior surface defining a chamber for retaining a liquid, an open proximal end and a distal end including a distal wall with a tip extending distally therefrom having an open passageway in fluid communication with said chamber. The sidewall having a first side-wall portion and a second side-wall portion. A plunger rod including a proximal end, a distal end and a body extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The plunger rod disposed within the chamber and moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber. A stopper disposed within the chamber and moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber, the stopper having a stopper including a distal face, a proximal end. 
     The distal end of the barrel includes the first sidewall portion to form a releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper and the interior surface of the first sidewall portion of the barrel. The open proximal end of the barrel includes the second sidewall portion including a plurality of air venting grooves embedded within the interior surface of the second sidewall portion of the barrel to break the releasable seal between the stopper and the sidewall of the barrel. 
     A porous membrane is disposed over the plurality of air venting grooves to permit air to flow out of the chamber and to prevent liquid from exiting the chamber. 
     In one or more embodiments, the stopper forms a releasable fluid-tight seal with the first sidewall portion of the barrel when the distal end of the plunger rod is disposed within the first sidewall portion. The stopper breaks the releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper and the first sidewall portion of the barrel when the distal end of the plunger rod is moved over the porous membrane disposed over the plurality of air venting grooves of the second sidewall portion. Upon movement of the plunger rod in a distal direction from the second sidewall portion towards the first sidewall portion, the releasable fluid-tight seal is re-formed upon contact of the stopper with the first sidewall portion allowing the fluid within the chamber to be expelled through the open passageway of the tip in fluid communication with said chamber. 
     In one or more embodiments, the porous membrane disposed over the plurality of air venting grooves extends in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the chamber. In one or more embodiments, the porous membrane disposed over the plurality of air venting grooves is disposed along a portion of the second sidewall portion. In one or more embodiments, the porous membrane disposed over the plurality of air venting grooves is disposed along an entire length of the second sidewall portion. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for filling a syringe barrel with liquid, including providing a medical device of the as described herein and submerging the tip of the syringe barrel in a liquid. An air source and the liquid are drawn into the chamber prior to reaching the one air venting groove or the plurality of air venting grooves embedded within the second sidewall portion of the barrel. The air source is evacuated from the chamber by moving the plunger rod in a proximal direction past the porous membrane disposed over the plurality of air venting grooves embedded within the second sidewall portion of the barrel to allow the stopper to break the releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper and the interior surface of the first sidewall portion of the barrel for permitting air to vent from the chamber and preventing liquid from exiting the chamber. The releasable fluid-tight seal is re-formed upon contact of the stopper with the first sidewall portion allowing the fluid within the chamber to be expelled through the open passageway of the tip in fluid communication with said chamber. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a medical device including a syringe barrel having a side wall with an interior surface defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end and a distal end including a distal wall with a tip extending distally therefrom having an open passageway in fluid communication with said chamber. The medical device includes a plunger rod having a proximal end, a distal end and a body extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The plunger rod is disposed within the chamber and moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber. The medical device also includes a stopper disposed within the chamber and moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber. The stopper forms a fluid-tight seal with the interior surface of the syringe barrel. The stopper includes a distal face having an opening, a proximal end, and a channel extending from the distal face to the proximal end. A porous plug is disposed within the channel of the stopper to permit air to flow from the chamber and to prevent liquid from exiting the chamber. 
     In one or more embodiments, the porous plug includes a selective barrier that defines a liquid penetration pressure and an air penetration pressure that is less than the liquid penetration pressure. In one or more embodiments, the selective barrier includes one of a hydrophobic filter, a swellable polymer or a combination thereof. 
     In one or more embodiments, the plunger rod includes a channel disposed in body of the plunger rod extending from the proximal end of the plunger rod to the distal end of the plunger rod. The channel of the plunger rod is in fluid communication with the channel of the stopper. 
     In one or more embodiments, the medical device includes a removable plunger cap inserted in the channel at the proximal end of plunger rod. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    shows a cross-sectional side view of a medical device having a barrel with a tapered sidewall, the device including a plunger rod and stopper according to a first aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    shows a side view of a stopper and plunger rod of the medical device shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    shows a cross-sectional side view of a medical device having a barrel, a plunger rod and stopper according to a second aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    shows a side view of a stopper and plunger rod of the medical device shown in  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5 A  shows a cross-sectional side view of a sidewall of the medical device shown in  FIG.  3    having square shaped air venting grooves; 
         FIG.  5 B  shows a cross-sectional side view of a sidewall of the medical device shown in  FIG.  3    having triangle shaped air venting grooves; 
         FIG.  5 C  shows a cross-sectional side view of a sidewall of the medical device shown in  FIG.  3    having round shaped air venting grooves; 
         FIG.  6    shows a cross-sectional side view of a medical device having a barrel, a plunger rod and stopper according to a third aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    shows a side view of a stopper and plunger rod of the medical device shown in  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8 A  shows a cross-sectional side view of a medical device shown in  FIG.  6    having air venting grooves with overlain hydrophobic porous membrane air filter; 
         FIG.  8 B  shows a cross-sectional side view of a sidewall of the medical device shown in  FIG.  6    having air venting grooves with overlain hydrophobic porous membrane air filter; 
         FIG.  9 A  shows a cross-sectional side view of a sidewall of the medical device shown in  FIG.  8    having square shaped air venting grooves; 
         FIG.  9 B  shows a cross-sectional side view of a sidewall of the medical device shown in  FIG.  8    having triangle shaped air venting grooves; 
         FIG.  9 C  shows a cross-sectional side view of a sidewall of the medical device shown in  FIG.  8    having round shaped air venting grooves; 
         FIG.  10    shows a cross-sectional side view of a medical device having a barrel, a plunger rod and stopper according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11    shows a side view of a stopper and plunger rod of the medical device shown in  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    shows a cross-sectional side view of a stopper of the medical device shown in  FIGS.  10  and  11   ; and 
         FIG.  13    shows a cross-sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of a stopper and plunger rod of the medical device shown in  FIGS.  10  and  11   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before describing several exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the following description. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. It is to be understood that the configurations shown in  FIGS.  1 - 13    are merely exemplary, and the components can be different in shape and size than shown. 
     With respect to terms used in this disclosure, the following definitions are provided. 
     In this disclosure, a convention is followed wherein the distal end of the device is the end closest to a patient and the proximal end of the device is the end away from the patient and closest to a practitioner. 
     As used herein, the use of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes the singular and plural. 
     As used herein, the use of “plurality” includes the singular and plural. 
     The embodiments of the present disclosure described herein, with specific reference to various aspects, provides for a medical device including syringe barrel or other containers to draw liquid from a source into the syringe barrel. Because a syringe has a nozzle where the plunger stopper does not contact, some air will be drawn into the syringe barrel when fluid, such as medication, is drawn in preparation for injection. The air will be trapped between the fluid and the stopper. The trapped air needs to be purged from the syringe to set up the proper injection volume. However, it is very difficult to purge the trapped air from the syringe, particularly for low dose syringe such as the 1 ml oral, enteral, and/or hypodermic syringe. The present disclosure pertains to a low dose syringe with means to vent the air trapped in the barrel during dose preparation. The medical devices described herein generally include a plunger rod and stopper that allow the removal or evacuation of air from the liquid drawn into the syringe barrel or other container. The embodiments of the medical device may be used with other types of containers, in addition to syringe barrels, for example, needleless IV sets or other devices having a chamber that can be used to store and/or transfer liquid medication and/and/or other liquids. Syringe barrels described herein may include optional needle hubs, integrated needle cannulas and/or needle shields. 
       FIGS.  1 - 2    illustrate one of more embodiments of a medical device  100  according to a first aspect of the disclosure. As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , medical device  100  includes a syringe barrel  110  having an open proximal end  112  and a distal end  114  and a distal wall  116 . A sidewall  118  extends from the distal end  114  to the open proximal end  112  and includes an interior surface  120  that defines a chamber  122  for retaining or holding fluids, which may include liquid medication and/or other liquids. A tip  124  extending distally from the distal wall  116 . The tip  124  having an open passageway  126  therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber  122 . The syringe barrel  110  may include a finger flange  128  at the open proximal end  112  extending radially outwardly from the sidewall  118 . A needle hub may be utilized to attach a needle cannula to the tip  124 . A needle hub may include a needle cannula with a lumen or opening therethrough and may be attached to the tip  124  so that the lumen is in fluid communication with the open passageway  126  and the chamber  122 . The needle hub may include a distal end and a proximal end and a body defining a hollow space. When assembled, the tip  124  is inserted into the hollow space through the open proximal end of the needle hub until the body frictionally engages the tip  124 . Alternatively, the needle cannula may be attached to the tip  124 , without the use of a needle hub, using other methods known in the art. The interior surface  120  of the syringe barrel  110  may have a smooth surface that is free of any protrusions or depressions. In use, a plunger rod  130  and a stopper  140  are inserted into the open proximal end  112  of the syringe barrel  110 . 
     As more clearly shown in  FIG.  2   , the plunger rod  130  has a proximal end  132 , a distal end  136  and a body  134  extending from the proximal end  132  to the distal end  136 . The plunger rod  130  is disposed within the chamber  122  and moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber  122 . The plunger rod  130  may be made of a rigid plastic or other material. Examples of such materials include polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate and combinations thereof. The proximal end  132  of the plunger rod  130  includes a thumbpress  138 . The distal end  136  of the plunger rod  130  includes a stopper-engaging portion. In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, the stopper-engaging portion is shaped to fit within the stopper cavity of the stopper  140  and to retain the stopper  140  at the distal end  136  of the plunger rod. In a specific embodiment, the plunger rod  130  and stopper  140  may be integrally formed or permanently attached. 
     As more clearly shown in  FIG.  2   , stopper  140  having a distal end  142  and a proximal end  144 . The stopper  140  includes an outside surface and an inside surface defining a stopper cavity. The stopper  140  may be formed from an elastomeric material, polymeric material or other material known in the art. 
     As more clearly shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , the medical device  100  includes a plunger rod  130  attached to a stopper  140 . The stopper  140  is disposed within the chamber  122  and moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber  122 . 
     Sidewall  118  of the syringe barrel  110  includes a first sidewall portion  118 A and a second sidewall portion  118 B. First sidewall portion  118 A is disposed at the distal end  114  of the barrel  110 . First sidewall portion  118 A has an inner diameter equal to or smaller than an outer diameter of the stopper  140  to form a releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper  140  and the interior surface  120  of the sidewall  118  of the barrel  110 . Second sidewall portion  118 B is disposed at the open proximal end  112  of the barrel  110 . Second sidewall portion  118 B includes a taper defining an air purge zone  119 . Second sidewall portion  118 B has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the stopper  140  forming a gap  150  between the interior surface  120  of the sidewall  118  and stopper  140  causing the releasable seal between the stopper  140  and the sidewall  118  of the barrel  110  to break thereby permitting air to vent from the chamber  122  while preventing liquid from exiting the chamber  122 . In one or more embodiments, the inner diameter of the second sidewall portion  118 B increases gradually in the proximal direction to the open proximal end  112 . The inner diameter of the barrel  110  increases gradually in the proximal direction such that the gap  150  exists between the barrel  110  and stopper  140  when the stopper  140  is pulled into this location. When the device  100  is held in a tip  124  up position, the gravity force on the liquid within the chamber  122  will push the trapped air outside quickly and easily. 
     Formation of a seal between the stopper  140  and the first sidewall portion  118 A of the barrel  110  ensures a vacuum is created between the distal face of the stopper  140  and the chamber  122  of the syringe barrel  110  so that liquid may be aspirated into the chamber  122 . The structure of the stopper  140  and the sidewall  118  of the barrel prevents the seal from being released during aspiration and when the liquid is being expelled from the chamber  122  of the syringe barrel  110  but permits the release of the seal when the stopper  140  reaches the proximal end of the barrel after the desired amount of liquid is drawn and the stopper reaches the tapered portion of the second sidewall portion  118 B of the syringe barrel  110  so the air within the barrel chamber  122  may be vented. 
     In one or more embodiments, the distal end of the plunger rod is disposed within the barrel and the stopper forms a releasable seal with the sidewall of the barrel having an inner diameter equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the stopper. The releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper  140  and the interior surface  120  of the sidewall  118  of the barrel  110  is broken when the stopper  140  reaches the taper of the second sidewall portion  118 B at the open proximal end  112  of the barrel  110 . 
     In one or more embodiments, upon movement of the plunger rod  130  in a distal direction relative to the taper of the second sidewall portion  118 B at the open proximal end  112  of the barrel  110 , the releasable seal is re-formed allowing the fluid within the chamber  122  to be expelled through the open passageway  126  of the tip  124  in fluid communication with said chamber  122 . 
     In one or more embodiments, medical device  100  includes a barrel graduation line  160 . In one or more embodiments, the second sidewall portion  118 B is proximal to the barrel graduation line. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for filling a syringe barrel  110  with a liquid, comprising providing a medical device  100  as described herein; submerging the tip  124  of the syringe barrel  110  in a liquid; drawing an air source  170  and the liquid into the chamber  122 ; and evacuating the air source  170  from the chamber  122  by moving the plunger rod  130  in a proximal direction to allow the stopper  140  to break the releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper  140  and the interior surface  120  of the sidewall  118  of the barrel  110  when the stopper  140  reaches the taper of the second sidewall portion  118 B at the open proximal end  112  of the barrel  110 . The force of gravity of the liquid acting upon the air source  170  trapped in the chamber  122  is the driving force for evacuating the air source  170  from the chamber  122 . 
       FIGS.  3 - 5    illustrate one of more embodiments of a medical device  200  according to another aspect of the disclosure. As shown more clearly in  FIG.  3   , medical device  200  includes a syringe barrel  210  having an open proximal end  212  and a distal end  214  and a distal wall  216 . A sidewall  218  extends from the distal end  214  to the open proximal end  212  and includes an interior surface  220  that defines a chamber  222  for retaining or holding fluids, which may include liquid medication and/or other liquids. A tip  224  extending distally from the distal wall  216 . The tip  224  having an open passageway  226  therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber  222 . The syringe barrel  210  may include a finger flange  229  at the open proximal end  212  extending radially outwardly from the sidewall  218 . A needle hub may be utilized to attach a needle cannula to the tip  224 . A needle hub may include a needle cannula with a lumen or opening therethrough and may be attached to the tip  224  so that the lumen is in fluid communication with the open passageway  226  and the chamber  222 . The needle hub may include a distal end and a proximal end and a body defining a hollow space. When assembled, the tip  224  is inserted into the hollow space through the open proximal end of the needle hub until the body frictionally engages the tip  224 . Alternatively, the needle cannula may be attached to the tip  224 , without the use of a needle hub, using other methods known in the art. The interior surface  220  of the syringe barrel  210  may have a smooth surface that is free of any protrusions or depressions. In use, a plunger rod  230  and a stopper  240  are inserted into the open proximal end  212  of the syringe barrel  210 . 
     As more clearly shown in  FIGS.  3 - 4   , the plunger rod  230  has a proximal end  232 , a distal end  236  and a body  234  extending from the proximal end  232  to the distal end  236 . The plunger rod  230  is disposed within the chamber  222  and moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber  222 . 
     As more clearly shown in  FIG.  4   , stopper  240  having a distal face  242  and a proximal end  244 . The stopper  240  includes an outside surface and an inside surface defining a stopper cavity. The stopper  240  may be formed from an elastomeric material, polymeric material or other material known in the art. 
     As more clearly shown in  FIGS.  3 - 4   , the medical device  200  includes a plunger rod  230  attached to a stopper  240 . The stopper  240  is disposed within the chamber  222  and moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber  222 . 
     Sidewall  218  of the syringe barrel  210  includes a first sidewall portion  218 A and a second sidewall portion  218 B. First sidewall portion  218 A is disposed at the distal end  214  of the syringe barrel  210  and forms a releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper  240  and the interior surface  220  of the sidewall  218  of the syringe barrel  210 . Second sidewall portion  218 B is disposed at the open proximal end  212  of the syringe barrel  210 . In one or more embodiments, the open proximal end of the barrel includes the second sidewall portion  218 B having one air venting groove embedded within the second sidewall portion of the barrel to break the releasable seal between the stopper and the sidewall of the barrel for permitting air to vent from the chamber and preventing liquid from exiting the chamber. In one or more embodiments, the second sidewall portion  218 B including a plurality of air venting grooves  280  embedded within the interior surface of the second sidewall portion  218 B of the syringe barrel  210  to break the releasable seal between the stopper  240  and the first sidewall portion  218 A of the syringe barrel  210  for permitting air to vent from the chamber  222  and preventing liquid from exiting the chamber  222 . The width of the air venting groove is chosen to allow air leakage but prevent liquid to leak through. The width of the air venting groove  280  may be in the range of 0.025 mm through 1 mm. In a specific embodiment the width of the air venting groove  280  may be in the range of 0.05 mm through 0.5 mm. In one or more embodiments, the width of the air venting grooves  280  could increase gradually in the proximal direction. In one or more embodiments, plurality of air venting grooves  280  are disposed along a portion or the entire length of the inner surface of the second sidewall portion  218 B of the syringe barrel  210  defining an air purge zone  219 . In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  280  can be molded in the inner diameter of the syringe barrel  210 . When the stopper  240  is over the plurality of air venting grooves  280 , the air will be vented out under gravity load of the liquid in the chamber  222 . The plurality of air venting grooves  280  can be sized such that the air will leak through the plurality of air venting grooves  280  while liquid will not leak out due to surface tension. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  280  extends along the second sidewall portion in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis “L” of the chamber. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  280  may have any desired shape, including, but not limited to, a triangular, square, rectangular, or rounded shape, as shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C . In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  280  may be tapered. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  280  may be positioned equi-distance about the circumference of the inside surface of the chamber  222 . In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  280  may be oriented opposite from each other around a circumference of the chamber  222 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  280  may be arranged in sets of one or more individual grooves. The individual grooves comprising the plurality of air venting grooves  280  may be spaced close together from one another. In an alternate embodiment, the individual grooves comprising the plurality of air venting grooves  280  may be spaced apart from one another. In another embodiment, the plurality of air venting grooves  280  may be oriented 180° apart around a circumference of the inside surface of the cavity. 
     When the medical device  200  is held in a tip  224  up position, the gravity force on the liquid within the chamber  222  will push the trapped air outside quickly and easily. 
     In one or more embodiments, the stopper  240  forms a releasable fluid-tight seal with the first sidewall portion  218 A of the syringe barrel  210  when the distal end  236  of the plunger rod  230  is disposed within the first sidewall portion  218 A. The releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper  240  and the interior surface  220  of the sidewall  218  of the syringe barrel  210  is broken when the distal end  236  of the plunger rod  230  is disposed within the second sidewall portion  218 B and stopper  240  reaches the plurality of air venting grooves  280  embedded within the second sidewall portion  218 B at the open proximal end  212  of the syringe barrel  210 . 
     In one or more embodiments, upon movement of the plunger rod  230  in a distal direction from the second sidewall portion  218 B towards the first sidewall portion  218 A relative to the plurality of air venting grooves  280  of the second sidewall portion  218 B at the open proximal end  212  of the syringe barrel  210 , the releasable seal is re-formed upon contact of the stopper  240  with the first sidewall portion allowing the fluid within the chamber  222  to be expelled through the open passageway  226  of the tip  224  in fluid communication with said chamber  222 . 
     In one or more embodiments, medical device  200  includes a barrel graduation line  260 . In one or more embodiments, the second sidewall portion  218 B is proximal to the barrel graduation line  260 . 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for filling a syringe barrel  210  with a liquid, comprising providing a medical device  200  as described herein; submerging the tip  224  of the syringe barrel  210  in a liquid; drawing an air source  270  and the liquid into the chamber  222  prior to reaching the plurality of air venting grooves  280  embedded within the second sidewall portion  218 B; and evacuating the air source  270  from the chamber  222  by moving the plunger rod  230  in a proximal direction past the plurality of air venting grooves  280  embedded within the second sidewall portion  218 B of the syringe barrel  210  to allow the stopper  240  to break the releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper  240  and the interior surface  220  of the first sidewall portion  218 A of the syringe barrel  210  when the stopper  240  reaches the plurality of air venting grooves  280  of the second sidewall portion  218 B at the open proximal end  212  of the syringe barrel  210  for permitting air to vent from the chamber  222  and preventing liquid from exiting the chamber  222 ; and re-forming the releasable fluid-tight seal upon contact of the stopper  240  with the first sidewall portion  218 A allowing the fluid within the chamber  222  to be expelled through the open passageway  226  of the tip  224  in fluid communication with said chamber  222 . The force of gravity of the liquid acting upon the air source  270  trapped in the chamber  222  is the driving force for evacuating the air source  270  from the chamber  222 . 
       FIGS.  6 - 9 C  illustrate one of more embodiments of a medical device  300  according to another aspect of the disclosure. As shown more clearly in  FIGS.  6 - 7   , medical device  300  includes a syringe barrel  310  having an open proximal end  312  and a distal end  314  and a distal wall  316 . A sidewall  318  extends from the distal end  314  to the open proximal end  312  and includes an interior surface  320  that defines a chamber  322  for retaining or holding fluids, which may include liquid medication and/or other liquids. A tip  324  extending distally from the distal wall  316 . The tip  324  having an open passageway  326  therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber  322 . The syringe barrel  310  may include a finger flange  328  at the open proximal end  312  extending radially outwardly from the sidewall  318 . A needle hub may be utilized to attach a needle cannula to the tip  324 . A needle hub may include a needle cannula with a lumen or opening therethrough and may be attached to the tip  324  so that the lumen is in fluid communication with the open passageway  326  and the chamber  322 . The needle hub may include a distal end and a proximal end and a body defining a hollow space. When assembled, the tip  324  is inserted into the hollow space through the open proximal end of the needle hub until the body frictionally engages the tip  324 . Alternatively, the needle cannula may be attached to the tip  324 , without the use of a needle hub, using other methods known in the art. The interior surface  320  of the syringe barrel  310  may have a smooth surface that is free of any protrusions or depressions. In use, a plunger rod  330  and a stopper  340  are inserted into the open proximal end  312  of the syringe barrel  310 . 
     As more clearly shown in  FIGS.  6 - 7   , the plunger rod  330  has a proximal end  332 , a distal end  336  and a body  334  extending from the proximal end  332  to the distal end  336 . The plunger rod  330  is disposed within the chamber  322  and moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber  322 . 
     As more clearly shown in  FIG.  7   , stopper  340  having a distal face  342  and a proximal end  344 . The stopper  340  includes an outside surface and an inside surface defining a stopper cavity. The stopper  340  may be formed from an elastomeric material, polymeric material or other material known in the art. 
     As more clearly shown in  FIGS.  6 - 7   , the medical device  300  includes a plunger rod  330  attached to a stopper  340 . The stopper  340  is disposed within the chamber  322  and moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber  322 . 
     As more clearly shown in  FIGS.  6 - 8 B , sidewall  318  of the syringe barrel  310  includes a first sidewall portion  318 A and a second sidewall portion  318 B. First sidewall portion  318 A is disposed at the distal end  314  of the syringe barrel  310  and forms a releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper  340  and the interior surface  320  of the sidewall  318  of the syringe barrel  310 . Second sidewall portion  318 B is disposed at the open proximal end  312  of the barrel  310 . In one or more embodiments, the open proximal end of the barrel includes the second sidewall portion  318 B having one air venting groove  380  embedded within the second sidewall portion of the barrel to break the releasable seal between the stopper and the sidewall of the barrel for permitting air to vent from the chamber and preventing liquid from exiting the chamber. In one or more embodiments, as more clearly shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 9 C , the second sidewall portion  318 B including a plurality of air venting grooves  380  embedded within the interior surface of the second sidewall portion  318 B of the syringe barrel  310  to break the releasable seal between the stopper  340  and the first sidewall portion  318 A of the syringe barrel  310  for permitting air to vent from the chamber  322  and preventing liquid from exiting the chamber  322 . The width of the air venting groove  380  may be in the range of 0.025 mm through 2.0 mm. In one or more embodiments, the width of the air venting grooves  380  could increase gradually in the proximal direction. As more clearly shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 9 C , a hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  overlies the plurality of air venting grooves  380  embedded within the interior surface of the second sidewall portion  318 B of the syringe barrel  310  to facilitate the purging of trapped air while preventing liquid from leaking out. 
     In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  380  with the overlain hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  is disposed along a portion or the entire length of the inner surface of the second sidewall portion  318 B of the syringe barrel  310 . In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  380  can be molded in the inner diameter of the syringe barrel  310 . When the stopper  340  is over the plurality of air venting grooves  380  overlain with the hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390 , the air will be vented out under gravity load of the liquid in the chamber  322 . The hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  can be sized such that the air will leak through the hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  while liquid will not leak out due to surface tension. The plurality of air venting grooves  380  can also be sized such that the air will leak through the plurality of air venting grooves  380  while liquid will not leak out due to surface tension. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  380  overlain with the hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  extends along the second sidewall portion in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis “L” of the chamber. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  380  may have any desired shape, including, but not limited to, a triangular, square, rectangular, or rounded shape, as shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C . In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  380  may be tapered. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  380  overlain with the hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  may be positioned equi-distance about the circumference of the inside surface of the chamber  322 . In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  380  overlain with the hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  may be oriented opposite from each other around a circumference of the chamber  322 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the plurality of air venting grooves  380  overlain with the hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  may be arranged in sets of one or more individual grooves. The individual grooves comprising the plurality of air venting grooves  380  may be spaced close together from one another. In an alternate embodiment, the individual grooves comprising the plurality of air venting grooves  380  may be spaced apart from one another. In another embodiment, the plurality of air venting grooves  380  may be oriented 180° apart around a circumference of the inside surface of the cavity. 
     When the medical device  300  is held in a tip  324  up position, the gravity force on the liquid within the chamber  322  will push the trapped air out of the plurality of air venting grooves  380  overlain with the hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  quickly and easily. 
     In one or more embodiments, the stopper  340  forms a releasable fluid-tight seal with the first sidewall portion  318 A of the syringe barrel  310  when the distal end  236  of the plunger rod  330  is disposed within the first sidewall portion  318 A. The releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper  340  and the interior surface  320  of the sidewall  318  of the syringe barrel  310  is broken when the distal end  336  of the plunger rod  330  is disposed within the second sidewall portion  318 B and stopper  340  reaches the hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  overlying the plurality of air venting grooves  380  embedded within the second sidewall portion  318 B at the open proximal end  312  of the syringe barrel  310 . 
     In one or more embodiments, upon movement of the plunger rod  330  in a distal direction from the second sidewall portion  318 B towards the first sidewall portion  318 A relative to the hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  overlying the plurality of air venting grooves  380  of the second sidewall portion  318 B at the open proximal end  212  of the syringe barrel  310 , the releasable seal is re-formed upon contact of the stopper  340  with the first sidewall portion allowing the fluid within the chamber  322  to be expelled through the open passageway  326  of the tip  324  in fluid communication with said chamber  322 . 
     In one or more embodiments, medical device  300  includes a barrel graduation line  360 . In one or more embodiments, the hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  overlying second sidewall portion  318 B is proximal to the barrel graduation line  360 . 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a method for filling a syringe barrel  310  with a liquid, comprising providing a medical device  300  as described herein. The tip  324  of the syringe barrel  310  is submerged in a liquid. An air source  370  and the liquid is drawn into the chamber  322  prior to reaching the hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  overlying the plurality of air venting grooves  380  embedded within the second sidewall portion  318 B of the syringe barrel  310 . The air source  370  is evacuated from the chamber  322  by moving the plunger rod  330  in a proximal direction over the hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  overlying the plurality of air venting grooves  380  embedded within the second sidewall portion  318 B of the syringe barrel  310  to allow the stopper  340  to break the releasable fluid-tight seal between the stopper  340  and the interior surface  320  of the first sidewall portion  318 A of the syringe barrel  310  when the stopper  340  reaches the hydrophobic porous membrane air filter  390  overlying the plurality of air venting grooves  380  of the second sidewall portion  318 B at the open proximal end  312  of the syringe barrel  310  for permitting air to vent from the chamber  322  and preventing liquid from exiting the chamber  322 . The force of gravity of the liquid acting upon the air source  370  trapped in the chamber  322  is the driving force for evacuating the air source  370  from the chamber  322 . 
     The releasable fluid-tight seal is re-formed upon contact of the stopper  340  with the first sidewall portion  318 A allowing the fluid within the chamber  322  to be expelled through the open passageway  326  of the tip  324  in fluid communication with said chamber  322 . 
       FIGS.  10 - 13    illustrate one of more alternate embodiments of a medical device  400  according to another aspect of the disclosure wherein a hydrophobic porous membrane air filter can be built into the stopper such that the air can be vented out of the trapped space but not the fluid inside. The advantage of this approach is that the stopper does not need to be pulled back to an air purge zone, thereby resulting in a more efficient dose preparation. 
     As shown more clearly in  FIG.  10   , medical device  400  includes a syringe barrel  410  having an open proximal end  412  and a distal end  414  and a distal wall  416 . A side-wall  418  extends from the distal end  414  to the open proximal end  412  and includes an interior surface  420  that defines a chamber  422  for retaining or holding fluids, which may include liquid medication and/or other liquids. A tip  424  extending distally from the distal wall  416 . The tip  424  having an open passageway  426  therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber  422 . The syringe barrel  410  may include a finger flange  429  at the open proximal end  412  extending radially outwardly from the sidewall  418 . A needle hub may be utilized to attach a needle cannula to the tip  424 . A needle hub may include a needle cannula with a lumen or opening therethrough and may be attached to the tip  424  so that the lumen is in fluid communication with the open passageway  426  and the chamber  422 . The needle hub may include a distal end and a proximal end and a body defining a hollow space. When assembled, the tip  424  is inserted into the hollow space through the open proximal end of the needle hub until the body frictionally engages the tip  424 . Alternatively, the needle cannula may be attached to the tip  424 , without the use of a needle hub, using other methods known in the art. The interior surface  420  of the syringe barrel  410  may have a smooth surface that is free of any protrusions or depressions. In use, a plunger rod  430  and a stopper  440  are inserted into the open proximal end  412  of the syringe barrel  410 . 
     As more clearly shown in  FIGS.  10 - 11   , the plunger rod  430  has a proximal end  432 , a distal end  436  and a body  434  extending from the proximal end  432  to the distal end  436 . The plunger rod  430  is disposed within the chamber  422  and moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber  422 . As more clearly shown in  FIG.  10   , the medical device  400  includes a plunger rod  430  attached to a stopper  440 . The stopper  440  is disposed within the chamber  422  and moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber  422 . 
     As more clearly shown in  FIG.  12   , stopper  440  having a distal end  441  having a distal face  442  and a proximal end  444 . The stopper  440  is disposed within the chamber  422  and is moveable in the proximal and distal direction within the chamber  422 , the stopper  440  forming a fluid-tight seal with the interior surface of the syringe barrel  410 . The stopper  440  includes an outside surface and an interior surface defining a channel  445  within the body extending from the distal end  441  to the proximal end  444  for venting air. The distal face  442  has an opening  447  in fluid communication with channel  445 . The channel  445  within the stopper has a depth, shape or cross-sectional width that allows the air within the barrel to escape through the channel  445 . A porous plug  449  disposed within the channel  445  of the stopper  440  to permit air to flow from the chamber  422  and to prevent liquid from exiting the chamber  422 . 
     The porous plug  449  of the embodiments of the medical devices described herein may include a selective barrier that defines a liquid penetration pressure and an air penetration pressure that is less than the liquid penetration pressure. In one or more embodiments, the porous plug  449  may include a hydrophilic filter, a hydrophobic filter, a swellable polymer and/or other suitable materials that are air permeable and liquid impermeable and/or combinations thereof. Examples of suitable hydrophilic filters include hydrophilic polytetrafluoroethylene membrane filters. Such filters are available from the W. L. Gore &amp; Associates of Elkton, Md. Examples of suitable hydrophobic filters include a material known under the trademark “Tyvek” produced by E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware which is a spunbonded olefin or a material known under the trademark “Acropor” that is made of acrylonitrile polyvinyl chloride reinforced with nylon and may be obtained from Gelman Instrument Company or Ann Arbor, Mich. Other suitable hydrophobic filters include filters made of polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate, and polethersulfone. 
     Suitable hydrophobic filters resist liquid from wicking through the filter at a reasonable pressure gradient. In one or more embodiments, the hydrophobic filter has a water penetration pressure, or the pressure at which water permeates or penetrates the hydrophobic filter that is greater than the air penetration pressure, or the pressure at which air permeates or penetrates the hydrophobic filter. In a specific embodiment, the water penetration pressure of the hydrophobic filter is greater than a vacuum pressure generated within the chamber of the syringe barrel or other containers and/or within the stopper and plunger rod assemblies described herein. This difference in pressure creates a pressure differential across the porous portion that drives air and liquid toward the porous portion, with the liquid impermeable property of the porous portion preventing liquid from permeating through the porous portion and allowing air to permeate through the porous portion. 
     The porous plug  449  may be shaped and positioned to occupy a portion of the distal face of the stopper to provide an evacuation system for the air within the syringe barrel to escape without interfering with the ability of the stopper or plunger rod to form a seal with the syringe barrel. In one or more embodiments, the porous plug  449  may be shaped and positioned to occupy the opening of the distal face  442  and is in fluid communication with channel  445  of the stopper  440 . In one or more embodiments, the porous plug  449  is air permeable and liquid impermeable. In one or more embodiments, the porous plug  449  comprises a selective barrier having a liquid penetration pressure and an air penetration pressure that is less than the liquid penetration pressure. 
     In one or more embodiments, the porous plug  449  has a circular shape. Alternatively, the porous plug  449  may have a square and/or rectangular shape. In one or more embodiments, the porous plug  449  may be integrally formed or disposed on the distal face  442 , adjacent to the opening  447 . In a specific embodiment, the porous plug  449  has a cross-sectional width that is smaller than the cross-sectional width of the distal face  442 . The porous portion may also be integrally formed and/or disposed adjacent to the channel  445  on the inside surface of the stopper. 
     The porous plug  449  may be integrally formed on the distal face  442 , with the peripheral edges of the distal face  442  and the body of the stopper remaining non-porous. The porous plug  449  may also be shaped to fit within the opening  447 . For example, the porous plug  449  may extend from the distal face  442  into the channel  445 . The porous plug  449  may have a periphery that is molded to a portion of the distal face  442 . In one or more embodiments, the porous plug  449  may be attached to the distal face  442  of the stopper by mechanical means, for example, adhesives and/or molding. In a specific embodiment, the distal face  442  may include a pocket (not shown) for holding and securing the porous plug  449  adjacent to the distal face  442  and the opening  447  such that the porous plug  449  is in fluid communication with channel  445 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the porous plug may be associated with the stopper to permit air to flow into the stopper cavity and to prevent liquid from entering the stopper cavity. 
     In one or more embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  13   , plunger rod  430  has a channel  438  disposed in body  434  of the plunger rod  430  extending from the proximal end  432  to the distal end  436  that is in fluid communication with channel  445  of the stopper. A plunger cap  450  may be removably inserted in the channel  438  at the proximal end  432  of plunger rod  430 . The plunger cap  450  may be shaped and positioned to occupy a portion of the channel  438  at the proximal end  432  of plunger rod  430  to provide an evacuation system for the air within the syringe barrel to escape without interfering with the ability of the stopper or plunger rod to form a seal with the syringe barrel. In one or more embodiments, the porous plug  449  may be shaped and positioned to occupy the opening of the distal face  442  and is in fluid communication with channel  445  of the stopper  440 . Plunger cap  450  is inserted in a portion of the channel  438  at the proximal end  432  of plunger rod  430  during filling of the syringe an dispensing. Plunger cap  450  is removed from the channel  438  at the proximal end  432  of plunger rod  430  during venting of air from the chamber  422 . In one or more embodiments, the plunger cap  450  can be designed as push button such that the air venting path in the channel  438  can be opened and closed with pushing on the plunger cap  450 . 
     The plunger cap  450  may be formed from an elastomeric material, polymeric material or other material known in the art. 
     The stopper  440  may be formed from an elastomeric material, polymeric material or other material known in the art. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” “one or more embodiments” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as “in one or more embodiments,” “in certain embodiments,” “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
     Although the disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as disclosed.