Patent ID: 12220562

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed syringe incorporates a biasing member to advance a plunger to simplify and/or automate priming a medication delivery system with medical fluids. The biasing member can advance a plunger within the syringe to introduce medical fluid into a tubing. The biasing member can be energized and retained to allow priming at a desired time. By advancing the plunger with the biasing member, a desired amount of medical fluid can be quickly introduced into the medication delivery system.

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. Like components are labeled with identical element numbers for ease of understanding. Reference numbers may have letter suffixes appended to indicate separate instances of a common element while being referred to generically by the same number without a suffix letter.

While the following description is directed to the administration of medical fluid using the disclosed syringe, it is to be understood that this description is only an example of usage and does not limit the scope of the claims. Various aspects of the disclosed syringe may be used in any application where it is desirable to control the flow of medical fluids.

The disclosed syringe overcomes several challenges discovered with respect to certain conventional syringes. One challenge with certain conventional syringes is that syringes may deliver excess medical fluid, such as saline, to patients. Further, conventional syringes may not allow precise administration of medical fluid for priming. Because excess medical fluid may delay the delivery of medical fluids, alter dosage of medication, and may not be tolerated by fluid restricted patients, such as premature babies the use conventional syringes is undesirable.

Therefore, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is advantageous to provide a syringe as described herein that simplifies the administration of medical fluids during priming and eliminates or substantially reduces delivering excess medical fluid to a patient. The disclosed syringe provides biasing member that facilitates priming IV tubing with medication while minimizing excess fluid delivered to a patient.

An example of a syringe that facilitates priming IV tubing and prevents delivery of excess medical fluid is now described.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a medication delivery system100, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the medication delivery system100delivers medication from the syringe130to the patient via a catheter112without delivering excess fluid, such as saline, used to prime the medication delivery system100.

In some embodiments, a medication flow path within a dual lumen tubing120can be primed with saline to remove any air or trapped gasses within the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120. Saline can be advanced from a proximal end132of the syringe130, through the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120and to the valve110.

The saline from the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120can be received by the medication flow path111of the valve110. In a priming configuration, a valve element113can prevent saline from the medication flow path111from entering the patient catheter112and can instead direct the saline toward the return flow path109of the valve110to allow primed saline to be returned to the syringe130via the return flow path of the dual lumen tubing120.

FIG.2is a perspective view of the medication delivery system100ofFIG.1with the priming trigger180removed, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the syringe130advances medication within the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120to prime the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120. Advantageously, by priming the medication flow path with medication, the medication can be delivered to the patient via the catheter112proximal to the patient with less delay and without delivering the saline used to prime the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120.

To introduce medication into the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120, the medication plunger within the syringe130can be advanced or otherwise displaced to introduce a volume of medication into the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120. Optionally, the medication plunger of the syringe130can be configured to be advanced or displaced a desired amount to dispense a volume of medication into the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120that is equivalent to the volume of the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120. In other words, medication plunger of the syringe130can be advanced to fill the volume of the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120up to the valve element113to prime the medication for administration via the catheter112.

In some embodiments, the priming of medication into the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120can be automated or otherwise simplified. For example, the medication plunger can be biased to be advanced to introduce medication into the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120. The biasing member of the priming mechanism within the syringe130can be released by removing the priming trigger180. By removing the priming trigger180, the biasing member can advance the medication plunger to prime the medication within the medication delivery system100. Optionally, the priming travel of the medication plunger can be stopped or limited by a priming stop182. By limiting the travel of the medication plunger during priming, a desired volume of medication can be introduced into the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120, for example, sufficient medication volume to fill the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120.

As illustrated, as the medication is introduced into the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120, the saline previously primed through the dual lumen tubing120is displaced. The displaced saline is directed by the valve element113through the return flow path109of the valve110and into the return flow path of the dual lumen tubing120.

Medical fluid from the return flow path of the dual lumen tubing120can be returned into the syringe130. Returned medical fluid such as saline can be introduced into a return or saline chamber of the syringe130.

FIG.3is a perspective view of the medication delivery system100ofFIG.1with the syringe130actuated, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the syringe130is actuated to dispense medication to the patient through the catheter112.

As illustrated, the distal end134of the syringe130can be advanced toward the proximal end132of the syringe130to actuate the medication plunger within the syringe130. By actuating the syringe130, the medication plunger can be advanced to deliver medication from the syringe130into the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120. In some embodiments, the syringe130can be actuated by a syringe pump to control the flow of medication to the patient.

During operation, the valve110is actuated to permit the flow of medication from the medication flow path111of the valve110to the patient via the catheter112. In some embodiments, the valve element113is actuated to permit fluid communication between the medication flow path111and the catheter112to allow medication to flow to the patient. Optionally, the valve110can be located proximal to the patient to minimize the length of the catheter112, reduce the amount of saline administered to the patient, and reduce the delivery time for the medication.

FIG.4is a perspective view of the medication delivery system100ofFIG.1with the syringe130actuated, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the syringe130advances saline through the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120to advance the remaining medication to the patient via the catheter112.

As illustrated, after the medication is expelled from the syringe130, medication may remain in the volume of the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120. To ensure that the medication is fully delivered to the patient, the syringe130can be utilized to administer a saline “push” to continue to advance the medication through the medication flow path of the dual lumen tubing120after the medication within the syringe130is exhausted. Optionally, saline can be administered through the medication flow path until the medication is fully administered to the patient.

FIG.5is an elevation view of a syringe230with the syringe body hidden, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the figures, similar features may be referred to with similar reference numerals. In the depicted example, the syringe230can be utilized to dispense medication and/or saline through a tubing coupled to the syringe port229of the syringe230. As illustrated, the syringe230can receive, store, and/or dispense medication and/or saline in chambers defined therein.

As illustrated, the proximal syringe portion231of the syringe230can store medical fluids such as medication and saline in a syringe cavity236. In the illustrated embodiment, the medication plunger240is movable within the syringe cavity236to define a medication chamber242within the proximal syringe portion231. Optionally, the volume of the medication chamber242is defined by the position of the medication plunger240relative to the proximal end232of the syringe230. In the depicted example, the medication chamber242can store medication.

In some embodiments, the medication chamber242is in fluid communication with the syringe port229of the syringe230. Optionally, the medication plunger240can include one or more seals244to seal against the walls of the syringe cavity236to prevent unintended fluid migration or mixing.

Further, the medication plunger240can be moved by the medication plunger shaft246. In some embodiments, the medication plunger240can be drawn distally to expand the medication chamber242and draw in more medication or medical fluid through the syringe port229. In some embodiments, the medication plunger240can be advanced proximally to contract the medication chamber242and expel medication or medical fluid from the medication chamber242through the syringe port229.

In the illustrated embodiment, the saline plunger250is movable within the syringe cavity236to define a saline chamber252within the proximal syringe portion231. In some embodiments, the saline plunger250and the medication plunger240cooperatively define the saline chamber252within the syringe cavity236. Optionally, the volume of the saline chamber252is defined by the position of the medication plunger240and the saline plunger250. In the depicted example, the saline chamber252can store saline or other medical fluids.

Optionally, the saline plunger250can include one or more seals254to seal against the walls of the syringe cavity236to prevent unintended fluid migration or mixing.

Further, the saline plunger250can be moved by the saline plunger shaft256. In some embodiments, the saline plunger250can be drawn distally to expand the saline chamber252and draw in more saline or medical fluid. In some embodiments, the saline plunger250can be advanced proximally to contract the saline chamber252and expel saline or medical fluid from the saline chamber252.

As previously described, during the administration of medication to patients, for example, fluid restricted patients, medication can be dispensed from the medication chamber242and then saline can be dispensed from the saline chamber252to advance the medication remaining in the tubing.

In the depicted example, medication can be dispensed from the syringe230by advancing the medication plunger240within the syringe cavity236. As a result, medication can be delivered from the syringe230through the syringe port229.

In some embodiments, the syringe230can include a priming mechanism or actuation mechanism270to automate, control, or otherwise simplify advancement of the medication plunger240to facilitate the priming of medication into an IV tubing. Optionally, the actuation mechanism270can be configured to introduce a sufficient volume of medication from the medication chamber242into the IV tubing to fully fill or prime the IV line prior to administration of the medication to the patient.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism270can utilize a biasing member such as a tension spring274to advance the medication plunger240within the syringe cavity236.

Optionally, the tension spring274can be coupled to the proximal syringe portion231at the proximal end276of the tension spring274and coupled to the actuation mechanism270at the distal end275of the tension spring274. In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism270extends from, or is generally coupled to the medication plunger shaft246. Further, the tension spring274can be disposed around the medication plunger shaft246.

As illustrated, the tension spring274can be preloaded or biased to facilitate advancement of the medication plunger240upon release or activation of the tension spring274. In the depicted example, the tension spring274can be extended or biased from a resting length to an elongated tensioned length. In some embodiments, a biasing member can be compressed from a resting length to a shortened compressed length.

As illustrated, the tension spring274can be preloaded or elongated by retracting the actuation mechanism270, which extends the tension spring274. In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism270can be locked or retained in place, preventing the medication plunger240from being advanced prior to priming by a retention mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention mechanism includes a priming trigger280with a shaft282that extends through the distal syringe portion233and through the through hole272of the actuation mechanism270, releasably coupling the actuation mechanism270to the distal syringe portion233. The priming trigger280can extend through slot284of the distal syringe portion233.

Optionally, the tension applied to the tension spring274can be adjusted by altering the position of the actuation mechanism270relative to the distal syringe portion233and inserting the priming trigger280through a slot284aligned with the through hole272of the actuation mechanism270.

FIG.6is a perspective view of a portion of the syringe230ofFIG.5, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference toFIGS.5and6, the syringe230can optionally include a priming mechanism that disengages after the priming process to facilitate further operation of the syringe230, such as actuating the medication plunger240and the saline plunger250.

For example, the actuation mechanism270can include a release mechanism that releasably couples the tension spring274to the actuation mechanism270such that the tension spring274is released from the actuation mechanism270after the priming process, permitting actuation of the medication plunger240and/or the saline plunger250without resistance from the tension spring274. In the illustrated embodiment, the tension spring274can be releasably coupled to the actuation mechanism270with a rotatable over-centering cam260.

In the depicted example, the rotatable over-centering cam260is coupled to the release body278of the actuation mechanism270on a pivot264extending through the over-centering cam260, permitting the over-centering cam260to rotate. As described herein, the over-centering cam260is rotatable between an attached position normal to the wall of the distal syringe portion233and a decoupled position rotated away from the wall of the distal syringe portion233. During operation, the over-centering cam260can keep the distal end275of the tension spring274coupled to the actuation mechanism270in the attached position, and can release the distal end275of the tension spring274from the actuation mechanism270by rotating to the decoupled position.

As illustrated, the activation tang262of the over-centering cam260can extend through the activation slot268to align the over-centering cam260in the attached position. The activation tang262can extend through the activation slot268when the tension spring274is extended or preloaded, permitting the tension spring274to exert force on the actuation mechanism270during priming.

FIG.7is an elevation view of the syringe230ofFIG.5with the syringe body hidden and the priming trigger280removed, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the priming mechanism of the syringe230can be activated by removing the priming trigger280from the syringe230.

By removing the priming trigger280, the tension spring274is allowed to contract to advance the medication plunger shaft246and in turn, the medication plunger240. By advancing the medication plunger240, medication within the medication chamber242can advance through the IV tubing and prime the IV tubing. As described herein, the medication plunger240can be advanced by a desired or predetermined amount corresponding to the IV tubing volume during the priming process.

Optionally, as the actuation mechanism270is advanced, the over-centering cam260can be moved out of the activation slot268. During priming, the activation tang262can be rotated by the edge of the activation slot268, rotating the over-centering cam260into a decoupled position, allowing the distal end275of the tension spring274to be released as the actuation mechanism270and the activation body278advance toward the proximal end232.

FIG.8is an elevation view of the syringe230ofFIG.5with the syringe body hidden and the priming mechanism actuated, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the medication plunger240can be further actuated to administer any remaining medication in the medication chamber242into the IV tubing and to the patient. In some embodiments, the medication plunger shaft246can be actuated to advance the medication plunger240. For example, the distal end234of the distal syringe portion233can be advanced toward the proximal end232to advance the medication plunger240. In some embodiments, the extensions238of the proximal syringe portion231can allow a clinician or a syringe pump to advance the distal syringe portion233relative to the proximal syringe portion231.

Advantageously, by disengaging the tension spring274from the medication plunger shaft246, the medication plunger240can be advanced without compressing, extending, or otherwise exerting force against the tension spring274.

FIG.9is an elevation view of the syringe230ofFIG.5with the syringe body hidden and the syringe actuated, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the saline plunger250can be actuated to administer saline from the saline chamber252into the IV tubing to “push” or deliver any remaining medication in the IV tubing to the patient. In some embodiments, the saline plunger shaft256can be actuated to advance the saline plunger250. In some embodiments, the same actuation method for the medication plunger240can be utilized for actuating the saline plunger250.

For example, the distal end234of the distal syringe portion233can be advanced toward the proximal end232to advance the saline plunger250. In some embodiments, the extensions238of the proximal syringe portion231can allow a clinician or a syringe pump to advance the distal syringe portion233relative to the proximal syringe portion231.

In some embodiments, saline from the saline chamber252can be advanced through or around the medication chamber242to exit the syringe230via the syringe port229.

FIG.10is a perspective view of a syringe430with the syringe body hidden, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the syringe430includes a priming mechanism to automate, control, or otherwise simplify advancement of the medication plunger440to facilitate priming of medication into the IV tubing.

For example, the priming mechanism can utilize a biasing member such as a spring474to advance the medication plunger440within the syringe cavity436. The spring474can be disposed between an actuation body478at a proximal end and a spring cap486at a distal end. In some embodiments, the actuation body478is coupled to the medication plunger shaft446.

As illustrated, the spring474can be preloaded, biased, or energized to facilitate advancement of the medication plunger440upon release or activation of the spring474. In the depicted example, the spring474can be compressed from a resting length to a shortened compressed length. For example, the spring474can be compressed between the actuation body478and the spring cap486.

In the illustrated embodiment, the spring474can be retained in an energized state to prevent the medication plunger440from being advanced prior to priming by the priming trigger480. The priming trigger480can include extensions481extending through the distal syringe portion433, releasably coupling the actuation body478to the distal syringe portion433. Therefore, when inserted, the priming trigger480creates a barrier preventing actuation body478from advancing proximally and advancing the medication plunger440.

Optionally, the amount of compression applied to the spring474can be adjusted by altering the position of the actuation body478relative to the spring cap486. The priming trigger480can be inserted through one of the plurality of slots484to retain the actuation body478corresponding to the desired amount of compression for the spring474. Advantageously, by adjusting the amount of compression applied to the spring474the speed of priming operations can be modified.

During operation, the priming mechanism of the syringe430can be activated by removing the priming trigger480from the syringe430. By removing the priming trigger480, the spring474is allowed to expand to advance the actuation body478, and in turn the medication plunger shaft446and the medication plunger440. By advancing the medication plunger440, the medication within the medication chamber442can advance through the IV tubing and prime the IV tubing.

Optionally, the displacement of the medication plunger440during priming may be limited to control the amount or volume of medication delivered during priming. For example, a limit stop482can extend through the distal syringe portion433to create a barrier preventing the actuation body478from advancing proximally further than desired, limiting the advancement of the medication plunger440. The position of the limit stop482, and therefore the fluid displacement during priming, can be adjusted by inserting the limit stop482in one of a plurality of slots484.

In some embodiments, the limit stop482can be positioned to permit the medication plunger440to advance or displace a desired amount to dispense a volume of medication into the IV tubing. Optionally, the displacement of the medication plunger440can be configured to be equivalent to the volume of the desired flow path coupled to the syringe430. In other words, the limit stop482can be positioned to permit the medication plunger440to fill the volume of the flow path of the IV tubing coupled to the syringe430to prime the medication for administration.

FIG.11is a perspective view of an actuation lever572of a syringe530with the syringe body hidden, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the syringe530includes an actuation lever572to control the energizing and activation of the priming mechanism of the syringe530.

Similar to syringe230, in the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism570can utilize a biasing member such as a tension spring574to advance the medication plunger within the syringe530. In the depicted example, the tension spring574can be coupled to the actuation mechanism570at the distal end of the tension spring574.

In the depicted example, the actuation lever572provides an interface to preload or bias the tension spring574. As illustrated, the actuation lever572is coupled to the actuation mechanism570and the actuation body578. Therefore, the actuation lever572can be retracted distally within the priming slot580to extend or bias the tension spring574.

Optionally, the actuation mechanism570can be locked to prevent the medication plunger from being advanced prior to priming. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism570is retained by rotating the actuation lever572into the retention slot582. By rotating the actuation lever572into the retention slot582, the proximal edge of the of the retention slot582prevents the actuation lever572, and in turn the actuation mechanism570from advancing proximally and dispensing medication. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention slot582is generally perpendicular to the priming slot580.

In some embodiments, the amount of tension applied to the tension spring574can be adjusted by including multiple retention slots582. The actuation lever572may be rotated into one of multiple retention slots582to adjust the preload exerted upon the tension spring574.

FIG.12is a perspective view of the syringe530ofFIG.11with the syringe body hidden and the actuation lever572in a released position. As illustrated, the priming mechanism of the syringe530can be activated by rotating the actuation lever572out of the retention slot582and into the priming slot580. By rotating the actuation lever572into the priming slot580, the tension spring574is allowed to advance the medication plunger to prime the IV tubing.

Optionally, the displacement of the medication plunger during priming may be limited by adjusting the length of the priming slot580. The proximal edge of the priming slot580creates a barrier preventing the actuation lever572from advancing proximally further than desired, limiting the advancement of the medication plunger. The position of the proximal edge of the priming slot580, and therefore the fluid displacement during priming, can be adjusted as desired.

In some embodiments, the retention slot582can display a visual indicator to allow clinicians to determine the status of the priming operation of the syringe530. For example, if the priming operation has not yet been completed, the syringe530can display a priming incomplete indicator (e.g. a red indicator) through the retention slot582, informing the clinician that a priming operation has not been completed. After priming has been completed, the priming incomplete indicator may no longer be displayed through the retention slot582. In some applications, after the priming operation is completed, the syringe530can display a priming complete indicator (e.g. a green indicator) through the retention slot582to indicate the clinician that priming has been completed. Advantageously, by allowing the syringe530to display the priming operation status, the clinician activate the syringe pump after the priming operation, which may prevent the inadvertent administration of saline to the patient.

The present disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered to be at least equivalent.

A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as an “embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such an embodiment may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such a configuration may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

In one aspect, the term “coupled” or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, the term “coupled” or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled.

Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear” and the like if used in this disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a rear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

Various items may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or partitioned in a different way) all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The Title, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings and Abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the Detailed Description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.