Floater based flow control device for gravity intravenous sets

Abstract

A flow control device includes an upper housing, a lower housing, a chamber interposed between and defined by the upper and lower housings, and a valve member. The upper housing includes a primary inlet having an internal surface defining a cavity and a secondary inlet. The lower housing defines an outlet of the flow control device. The chamber fluidly connects the primary and secondary inlets with the outlet. A valve member is reciprocally disposed at least partially in the cavity and partially in the chamber to (i) selectively permit fluid flow into the primary inlet in a first direction when a fluid level in the chamber is below a predetermined level, and (ii) prevent fluid backflow in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the fluid level in the chamber is above the predetermined level.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to flow control devices, and more particularly, to a flow control device having a valve member capable of preventing under-infusion in an intravenous (IV) set with a secondary line , and to prevent drug backflow from the secondary line into the main line. Background technique [0002] Infusion IV sets are commonly used in infusion therapy to deliver medication to a patient from a prefilled container (eg, an IV bottle or bag containing the desired medication). Typically, IV tubing is connected to a catheter and inserted into the localized area to be treated. In some cases, multiple medications need to be delivered to a patient in potentially different doses, resulting in the need for an IV extension set with multiple limb tubing or fluid lines through which multiple medications can be dispensed to the patient. [0003] The patient is usually infused with an IV solution that is initially provided in an IV bottle...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In addition, underinfusions often occur due to air entering the secondary line, causing some secondary drug to remain in the secondary line (undelivered drug)

Air entering the IV line may have adverse effects such as air embolism in the patient

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