Syringe adapter

Abstract

The present invention relates to syringe adapters. An example syringe adapter for coupling with a syringe can include a housing. A needleless connector can be disposed in the housing. A communication member can be slidably engaged with the housing. The communication member can slide relative to the housing between an unactuated state and an actuated state of the syringe adapter. A cannula can extend from the communication. In the unactuated state, the cannula can be retracted within the needleless connector. In the actuated state, the cannula can protrude through and axially beyond the needleless connector.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on October 1, 2019, application number 201980081464.0, entitled “Syringe Adapter”. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates generally to medical connectors used in fluid transfer applications. More specifically, the present application relates to a syringe adapter for transferring fluids in a medical setting. BACKGROUND

[0003] Medical connectors are widely used to transfer, prepare, and deliver medical fluids. Delivery of medical fluids can include administering medical fluids through an intravenous (IV) set from a fluid source, such as a syringe.

[0004] Unlike other fluid sources, such as collapsible bags, primed syringes include a rigid structure and cannot collapse when the plunger of the syringe is fixed and fluid is withdrawn from the syringe. Therefore, ambient air needs to be introduced into the syringe to replace the fluid withdrawn from the syringe. Conventional methods of allowing air to enter the syringe as fluid is withdrawn from the syringe include attaching a device between the syringe and the IV set. For example, the device conventionally includes an open female luer with a sleeve projecting through the female luer. The sleeve is inserted into the syringe such that a filter at the other end of the sleeve provides an air path into the syringe through the sleeve. However, when the syringe is empty and needs to be removed and replaced by another syringe, the female luer will be exposed to the atmosphere due to the sleeve projecting through the female luer, creating an open system during syringe changeover. SUMMARY

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a syringe adapter for coupling with a syringe. The syringe adapter includes a housing and a needleless connector disposed in the housing. A communication member is slidably engaged with the housing. The communication member is slidable relative to the housing between an unactuated state and an actuated state of the syringe adapter. A sleeve extends from the communication member. In the unactuated state, the sleeve is retracted within the needleless connector. In the actuated state, the sleeve projects through and axially beyond the needleless connector.

[0006] In some aspects, a piston element is disposed in the needleless connector. The piston element includes a piston head and a sealable aperture disposed through the piston head, wherein the sealable aperture is in a sealed state when the piston element is in an uncompressed state and in an open state when the piston element is in a compressed state.

[0007] In some aspects, the needleless connector includes a connection port that is sealingly flush with the piston head and the sealable orifice when the syringe adapter is uncoupled from the syringe.

[0008] In some aspects, a conduit extends from and is disposed through the communication member, wherein the conduit is fluidically isolated from the needleless connector when the syringe adapter is coupled to the syringe and in an unactuated state.

[0009] In some aspects, the conduit is in fluid communication with the needleless connector when the syringe adapter is coupled to the syringe and in an actuated state.

[0010] In some aspects, a conduit extends from and is disposed through the communication member, wherein the conduit fluidically couples the cannula to at least one vent disposed in a filter housing.

[0011] In some aspects, a filter is disposed in the filter housing and a valve is disposed between the filter and the cannula, wherein the valve is configured to allow fluid to flow from the at least one vent through the filter to the cannula and configured to prevent fluid from flowing from the cannula to the filter.

[0012] In some aspects, a first fluid path and a second fluid path are provided when the syringe adapter is coupled to the syringe and in the actuated state.

[0013] In some aspects, the first fluid path is configured to provide filtered ambient air into the syringe and the second fluid path is configured to allow fluid from the syringe to flow to an intravenous set coupled to the syringe adapter.

[0014] In some aspects, the first fluid path flows at least through the cannula, the conduit, and the at least one vent.

[0015] In some aspects, the second fluid path flows at least through the connection port, the piston element, and the conduit.

[0016] Some other aspects of the present disclosure provide a syringe adapter for coupling a syringe to a fluid system. The syringe adapter includes a female connector. A body is in fluid communication with the female connector. A male connector is in fluid communication with the female connector and the body. The male connector is configured to couple with a medical device. A lumen extends axially through the body and projects through the female connector. A filter housing is in fluid communication with the lumen. The filter housing is axially elevated beyond the female connector, wherein a first fluid path is formed through the filter housing and the lumen, and a second fluid path is formed through the female connector, the body, and the male connector. The filter housing is configured to prevent a filter disposed in the filter housing from contacting fluid in the first fluid path and to provide a closed system when the male connector is not coupled with the medical device.

[0017] In some aspects, a flexible tube fluidly couples the filter housing to the lumen.

[0018] In some aspects, the female connector is coupled to the syringe such that the lumen is disposed within a chamber of the syringe.

[0019] In some aspects, a clamp is configured to surround the syringe and the flexible tube. The clamp is configured to secure the flexible tube to the syringe.

[0020] In some aspects, the medical device is an intravenous set. In still other aspects, the medical device is a needleless connector.

[0021] Some other aspects of the present disclosure provide a syringe adapter for coupling with a syringe. The syringe adapter includes a female connector configured to couple with the syringe. A body is in fluid communication with the female connector. A male connector is in fluid communication with the female connector and the body. The male connector is configured to couple with a medical device. A chamber extends from and is in fluid communication with the body, wherein the chamber is configured to receive fluid from the syringe for subsequent delivery to the medical device. A needleless connector is disposed at and in fluid communication with the female connector, wherein the needleless connector is configured to provide a closed system when the female connector is not coupled with the syringe.

[0022] In some aspects, a valve is disposed between the female connector and the needleless connector.

[0023] In some aspects, the chamber is one of an elastomeric bag, a non-elastomeric bag, and a collapsible plastic container.

[0024] Additional features and advantages of the technology will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or can be learned by practice of the technology. The advantages of the technology will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims

[0025] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are intended to provide further explanation of the present technology as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present technology and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of the present technology and together with the description serve to explain its principles.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic view of a fluid delivery system is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 A side view of a syringe adapter is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, shown in an uncoupled, unactuated state, with some portions cut away and sectioned to show details.

[0029] Figure 3 A side view of a syringe adapter is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, shown in an uncoupled, unactuated state, Figure 2 of a syringe adapter, with a syringe immediately adjacent but not coupled to the syringe adapter.

[0030] Figure 4 A side view of a syringe adapter is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, shown in a coupled, unactuated state, Figure 2 of a syringe adapter, with a syringe coupled to the syringe adapter.

[0031] Figure 5 A side view of a syringe adapter is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, shown in a coupled, actuated state, Figure 2 of a syringe adapter, with a syringe coupled to the syringe adapter.

[0032] Figure 6 A detailed side view of a syringe adapter is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 4 of a syringe adapter.

[0033] Figure 7 A detailed side view of a syringe adapter is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 5 of a syringe adapter.

[0034] Figure 8 A perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a syringe adapter is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 9 A sectioned perspective view of a syringe adapter is shown in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 8 of a syringe adapter.

[0036] Figure 10 A perspective view of a syringe adapter according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown attached to a syringe. Figure 8 A side view of a syringe adapter according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown attached to a syringe.

[0037] Figure 11 A perspective view of a syringe adapter according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown attached to a syringe. Figure 10 A cutaway side view of a syringe adapter according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown attached to a syringe.

[0038] Figure 12 A perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a syringe adapter according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] Figure 13 A perspective view of a syringe adapter according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown attached to a syringe. Figure 12 A perspective view of a syringe adapter according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown attached to a syringe.

[0040] Figure 14 A cutaway view of an air vent of a syringe adapter according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 12 A cutaway view of an air vent of a syringe adapter according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 15 A detailed side view of a syringe adapter according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown attached to a syringe, with some portions cut away and sectioned to show internal fluid paths. Figure 12 A detailed side view of a syringe adapter according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown attached to a syringe, with some portions cut away and sectioned to show internal fluid paths.

[0042] Figure 16 A perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a syringe adapter according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown, depicting a container in a pre-charged state.

[0043] Figure 17 A perspective view of a syringe adapter according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown, showing a container in a charged state. Figure 16 A perspective view of a syringe adapter according to some aspects of the present disclosure is shown, showing a container in a charged state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In the following detailed description, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the technology. However, it will be apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art that the technology can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the technology.

[0045] Phrases such as "aspect" do not imply that such aspect is essential to the present technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the present technology. Disclosure related to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples of the present disclosure. Phrases such as "an aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. Phrases such as "an embodiment" do not imply that such embodiment is essential to the present technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the present technology. Disclosure related to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or to one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples of the present disclosure. Phrases such as "an embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. Phrases such as "configuration" do not imply that such configuration is essential to the present technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the present technology. Disclosure related to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples of the present disclosure. Phrases such as "configuration" may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0046] Figures 1-17 The various illustrated embodiments of the syringe adapter are configured to couple with a fluid source and provide a closed system including a sealed surface during fluid source exchange from an IV set. In certain embodiments, in addition to providing a sealed surface during fluid source exchange from an IV set, the syringe adapter also includes a cannula in fluid communication with an air vent to allow filtered air to enter the fluid source as fluid is withdrawn from the fluid source. In such embodiments, the syringe adapter is configured to prevent fluid in the fluid source from contacting a filter disposed in the air vent.

[0047] Figure 1An exemplary fluid delivery system 100 is shown. The fluid delivery system 100 includes a syringe 110, a syringe adapter 112, and an intravenous (IV) set 114. The fluid delivery system 100 is an exemplary system in which the syringe adapter 112 is used, and it should be understood that the syringe adapter 112 can be used with other fluid delivery systems. The syringe 110 includes a syringe barrel 116, a collar 118 extending radially outward from the syringe barrel 116 at one end of the syringe barrel 116, and an end wall 120 formed at an opposite end of the syringe barrel 116. The syringe 110 also includes a plunger 122. The plunger 122 includes a body 124, a thumb press 126 attached to one end of the body 124, and a stopper 128 (shown in phantom) attached to the opposite end of the body 124. The syringe barrel 116 slidably receives the body 124 of the plunger 122 and the stopper 128 such that a syringe chamber 130 is formed within the syringe barrel 116 between the end wall 120 of the syringe barrel 116 and the stopper 128. A tip 132 extends axially outward from the end wall 120 and is in fluid communication with the syringe chamber 130. In some aspects, the tip 132 is a male luer connector.

[0048] The syringe adapter 112 is configured to be coupled to the distal end 132 in a mating manner. The syringe adapter 112 is also configured to be coupled to the connector 134 of the IV set 114 in a mating manner. The IV set 114 includes a tube 136 connected to a connector 138. For example, the connector 138 is a needleless Luer connector that is suitable for connecting to an infusion set (not shown), such as an IV needle. In some aspects, a pumping section 140 is connected to a section of the tube 136 that is suitable for peristaltic manipulation to cause fluid to flow through the tube and includes an alignment connector 142 to facilitate proper placement of the pumping section 140 in the pump (not shown). The IV set 114 also includes a clamp 144 that can be closed to stop flow through the tube 136.

[0049] Figures 2-7An embodiment of a syringe adapter 200 is shown. In some aspects, the syringe adapter 200 includes a housing 210 that is slidably engaged with a communication member 212. The housing 210 includes a connection port 214 disposed at one end of the housing 210 and a receiving opening 216 disposed at another end of the housing 210. A female connector 218 forms a portion of the housing 210 adjacent the connection port 214. The female connector is configured to couple with male connectors on various medical device components. In some aspects, the female connector is a female luer connector that is configured to couple with male luer connectors on various medical device components. The housing 210 also includes a needleless connector section 220 and a receiving section 222 such that the needleless connector section 220 is disposed between the connection port 214 and the receiving section 222. The receiving section 222 is disposed between the needleless connector section 220 and the receiving opening 216.

[0050] A needleless connector 224 is disposed at the needleless connector section 220 of the housing 210. The needleless connector 224 includes the connection port 214 and the female connector 218. The needleless connector 224 also includes a hollow cylinder 226 disposed within the needleless connector section 220 of the housing 210. The hollow cylinder 226 includes a head 228 at one end and a base 230 at another end. The head 228 of the hollow cylinder 226 is axially inwardly offset within the needleless connector section 220 of the housing 210 from the connection port 214 such that a bore 232 extends from the connection port 214 to the head 228. The connection port 214, the bore 232, and the hollow cylinder 226 are all coaxially aligned.

[0051] The needleless connector 224 also includes a resiliently deformable piston element 234. In Figure 2 In the uncoupled, unactuated state of the syringe adapter 200 shown, the resiliently deformable piston element 234 is captured between the connection port 214 and the base 230. The piston element 234 includes a piston 236 and a compressible member 238 formed to the piston 236. In some aspects, the compressible member 238 includes a plurality of corrugations 240. The piston 236 includes a piston head 242. The piston head 242 includes a sealable aperture 244 disposed therethrough that is in a sealed state when the piston element 234 is uncompressed and is in an open state when the piston element 234 is compressed. In the uncoupled, unactuated state of the syringe adapter 200, as shown, the piston head 242 is disposed within the bore 232 of the hollow cylinder 226. Figure 2 and 3As shown, the piston element 234 is uncompressed, with the sealable aperture 244 in a sealed state, such that the compressible member 238 is urged against the base 230, while the piston head 242 is positioned inward into the bore 232 at the housing 210 in sealingly flush alignment with the surrounding connection port 214, collectively forming a flat, closed, and wipeable surface 245. Further, the piston element 234 is hollow and includes a piston passageway 246 extending from an exit aperture 247 of the compressible member 238 to the sealable aperture 244.

[0052] The receiving section 222 includes a transition section 248 disposed adjacent to the needleless connector section 220. The transition section 248 includes an annular shoulder 250 axially offset from the base 230, such that a chamber 252 is formed between the base 230 and the shoulder 250. The chamber 252 is fluidly coupled to the piston passageway 246 via the exit aperture 247, and is coaxially aligned with a bore 253 disposed in the shoulder 250. A channel 254 is disposed in the receiving section 222, and includes a closed end 256 disposed adjacent to the chamber 252 in the transition section 248. The channel 254 includes a transfer passageway 258 disposed proximate to the closed end 256. The channel 254 is fluidly coupled to the chamber 252 via the transfer passageway 258. The channel 254 extends axially from the closed end 256 through the shoulder 250 to an open end 260. The open end 260 of the channel 254 terminates within the receiving section 222, and is axially offset from the receiving opening 216 of the housing 210. The receiving section 222 further includes a slot 262 extending axially between the shoulder 250 and the receiving opening 216. The slot 262 is configured to slidably guide a neck 264 of the communication member 212 as the syringe adapter 200 transitions from the coupled, unactuated state to the coupled, actuated state.

[0053] With particular reference to Figure 2 and 6-7, the communication member 212 includes the neck 264, a sleeve 266, and a conduit 268. The neck 264 extends radially from the communication member 212, and terminates at a valve housing 270 including an inlet port 272. A pipe 274 is disposed within the communication member 212, through the neck 264 and the valve housing 270 to the inlet port 272. A filter housing 276 is fluidly communicatively received by the inlet port 272. The filter housing 276 encircles a filter 278, and includes at least one vent 280 configured to allow ambient air to pass through the filter 278. A valve 282 is disposed in the valve housing 270, and is configured to allow fluid to flow from the at least one vent 280 through the filter 278 and into the pipe 274, and to prevent fluid from flowing in the opposite direction from the pipe 274 to the filter housing 276, thereby ensuring that the filter 278 is not wetted by fluid that can be in the pipe 274.

[0054] The sleeve 266 extends axially from and through the communication member 212 and is fluidly coupled at one end to the conduit 274 and terminates at the opposite end at the opening 267. The conduit 268 is radially offset from the sleeve 266 and extends axially from and through the communication member 212. External to the communication member 212, a crown 284 is disposed at an end of the conduit 268 such that the conduit 268 terminates axially at the crown 284 to fluidly couple with the passageway 286. A first O-ring 288 is disposed about the crown 284 and a second O-ring 290 is disposed about the conduit 268 between the passageway 286 and the communication member 212. Internal to the communication member 212, the conduit 268 is fluidly coupled to an outlet port 292. A connector 294 is disposed about the outlet port 292 and is configured to couple with various medical devices, such as, for example, the connector 134 of the intravenous set 114.

[0055] In assembling the syringe adapter 200, the communication member 212 is received in slidable engagement by the receiving opening 216 of the housing 210 such that the conduit 268 is slidably received by the channel 254, the sleeve 266 is slidably received by the third O-ring 296 disposed in the eyelet 253, and the neck 264 is slidably received by the slot 262. The third O-ring 296 is configured to seal the sleeve 266 relative to the eyelet 253 while allowing the sleeve 266 to sealably slide within the O-ring 296.

[0056] Figure 3 The syringe adapter 200 is shown coupled to an intravenous set, such as, for example, the intravenous set 114, and in an uncoupled, unactuated state. A pre-charged syringe, such as, for example, the syringe 110, is in close proximity to the syringe adapter 200 and is ready to be coupled with the syringe adapter 200. In the uncoupled, unactuated state, the sleeve 266 is retracted into the needleless connector 224. For example, the piston element 234 is not compressed such that the opening 267 of the sleeve 266 is disposed in the piston passageway 246 within the compressible member 238, the neck 264 rests in the slot 262 proximate the receiving opening 216, and the conduit 268 is disposed in the channel 254 proximate the open end 260 such that the passageway 286 is not aligned with the transfer passageway 258 and the conduit 268 is fluidly separated from the needleless connector 224. Further, the sealable aperture 244 is in a sealed state with the piston head 242 sealingly flush with the surrounding connection port 214, thereby forming a flat, closed, and wipeable surface 245.

[0057] Figure 4The syringe adapter 200 is shown in a coupled, unactuated state with the syringe 110. With the syringe 110 coupled to the syringe adapter 200, the male luer tip 132 is in contact with the piston head 242 and compresses the piston element 234 to move the sealable aperture 244 from a sealed state to an open state. In the coupled, unactuated state, the neck 264 and conduit 268 are similarly configured as in the uncoupled, unactuated state, but with the opening 267 of the sleeve 266 now configured in the piston passageway 246 within the piston 236 (rather than the compressible member 238) when the piston element 234 is in a compressed state. With the passageway 286 and the transfer passageway 258 not aligned in this state, and with the first O-ring 288 in sealing contact with the channel 254, ambient air flow from the filter housing 276 through the channel 254 and past the first O-ring 288 to the intravenous set 114 via the outlet port 292 is prevented. This is especially beneficial in cases where the intravenous set 114 includes the pumping section 140 inserted into the pump and the pump is turned on before the syringe adapter 200 transitions to the coupled, actuated state. Further, if the plunger 122 is accidentally depressed in this state, the valve 282 prevents fluid flow from the syringe chamber 130 to the filter 278.

[0058] To allow fluid flow from the syringe 110 to the intravenous set 114, the syringe adapter 200 needs to enter a coupled, actuated state, as shown in Figure 5 To move the syringe adapter 200 from the coupled, unactuated state to the coupled, actuated state, the housing 210 slides axially around the communication member 212 and locks to the communication member 212 such that the sleeve 266 protrudes from the needleless connector 224. For example, the neck 264 is configured in the slot 262 proximate the shoulder 250, the communication member 212 abuts the shoulder 250, the conduit 268 is configured in the channel 254 with the crown 284 abutting the closed end 256 of the channel 254, and the opening 267 of the sleeve 266 is configured in the syringe 110 at a position axially beyond the end wall 120 at a position axially beyond the fluid inlet at the needleless connector 224. With the crown 284 abutting the closed end 256 of the channel 254, the passageway 286 is aligned with the transfer passageway 258 to fluidly couple the conduit 268 with the chamber 252 and to the needleless connector 224. The second O-ring 290 seals the conduit 268 from the channel 254 and prevents fluid entering the passageway 286 from traveling axially past the second O-ring 290 into the channel 254.

[0059] When the syringe adapter 200 is in the coupled, actuated state, a first fluid path is formed through at least the at least one vent 280, the conduit 274, and the cannula 266. For example, ambient air enters the first fluid path, passes through the at least one vent 280, the filter 278, the valve 282, the conduit 274, the cannula 266, and the opening 267 of the cannula 266, into the syringe chamber 130. As the first fluid path provides filtered ambient air into the syringe chamber 130, a reservoir is formed in the syringe chamber 130, allowing fluid in the syringe chamber 130 to flow or drain through a second fluid path without the need to depress the plunger 122. The second fluid path is formed through at least the connection port 214, the conduit 268, and the outlet port 294. For example, fluid from the syringe chamber 130 flows through the tip 132 and around the cannula 266, following the second fluid path through the bore 232, the sealed aperture 244 in the open state, the piston passageway 246, the outlet aperture 247, the chamber 252, the transfer passageway 258, the passageway 286, the conduit 268, and the outlet port 294 to the intravenous set 114. In some aspects, the fluid in the syringe chamber 130 flows through the second fluid path by gravity. In other aspects, where the intravenous set 114 includes the pumping section 140, a bag pump (not shown) is used such that the pumping section 140 is inserted into the bag pump to regulate peristaltic manipulation, causing fluid to flow through the second fluid path. For example, the syringe adapter 200 can be used with a bag pump such as a large volume pump (LVP) such that a spent IV bag can be replaced with the syringe 110 and the syringe adapter 200 without the need for a separate syringe pump.

[0060] When the syringe 110 is ready to be replaced, the syringe adapter 200 is transitioned from the coupled, actuated state to a coupled, unactuated state by axially sliding the housing 210 relative to the communication member 212, and then transitioned from the coupled, unactuated state to an uncoupled, unactuated state by decoupling the syringe 110 from the syringe adapter 200. In the uncoupled, unactuated state, the sealable aperture 244 is in the sealed state, and the piston head 242 is positioned within the housing 210 within the bore 232 and sealingly flush with the surrounding connection port 214, such that the closed flat surface 245 can be wiped before coupling a replacement syringe to the syringe adapter 200.

[0061] Figures 8-11An injector adapter 800 of another embodiment is shown. Similar to the injector adapter 200, the injector adapter 800 can be coupled to a fluid source and includes a first fluid path that allows filtered air to enter the fluid source as fluid is withdrawn from the fluid source through a second fluid path, while preventing the filter in the first fluid path from being exposed to the fluid in the fluid source. The injector adapter 800 also provides a closed system during the change of the fluid source from an intravenous injection set.

[0062] The injector adapter 800 includes a female connector 810, a male connector 812, and a body 814 that fluidly couples the female connector 810 to the male connector 812. In some aspects, the female connector 810 is a female luer connector and the male connector 812 is a male luer connector. The injector adapter 800 also includes a passageway 816 that extends radially through the body 814. A filter housing 818 is fluidly coupled to an end of the passageway 816 that is outside of the body 814. The filter housing 818 terminates at a vent 820 that is also in fluid communication with the passageway 816. A filter 822 is disposed in the filter housing 818 and filters ambient air that enters the vent 820. In some aspects, a valve (not shown) is disposed in the filter housing 818 between the filter 822 and the passageway 816 and is configured to allow ambient air to flow from the vent 820 to the passageway 816 via the filter 822 and to prevent fluid from flowing from the passageway 816 to the filter 822. In some aspects, the filter housing 818 is elevated relative to the female connector 810 and is angled relative to the passageway 816 and extends axially away from and axially beyond the female connector 810 such that the filter housing 818 and the filter 822 are disposed above (e.g., axially beyond) the female connector 810.

[0063] The injector adapter 800 also includes a cannula 824 that is fluidly coupled to the passageway 816 at an end of the passageway 816 that is disposed within the body 814. The cannula 824 extends axially within the body 814 and out through the female connector 810. An opening 826 of the cannula 824 is disposed axially offset from and outside of the female connector 810. A first fluid path is formed at least through the cannula 824, the passageway 816, and the vent 820. A second fluid path is formed at least through the female connector 810, the body 814, and the male connector 812.

[0064] Female connector 810 is configured to couple with a male connector of a fluid source, such as, for example, syringe 110. Male connector 812 is configured to couple with a female connector of a medical device, such as, for example, IV set 114. In operation, syringe adapter 800 is coupled to IV set 114, and syringe 110 is coupled to syringe adapter 800 such that opening 826 of cannula 824 is disposed within syringe chamber 130 of syringe 110. When the first fluid path provides filtered ambient air into syringe chamber 130, a reservoir is formed in syringe chamber 130, thereby allowing fluid in syringe chamber 130 to be discharged through the second fluid path without the need to depress plunger 122. In addition, in aspects where the filter housing 818 is angled relative to the passageway 816 and extends axially away from the male connector 812 and axially beyond the female connector 810, if the plunger 122 is accidentally depressed, the filter 822 is prevented from coming into contact with fluid from the syringe chamber 130 due to the configuration of the filter housing 818 relative to the fluid inlet at the second fluid path. In some aspects, the fluid in the syringe chamber 130 flows through the second fluid path by gravity. In other aspects where the IV set 114 includes the pumping section 140, a bag pump (not shown) is used such that the pumping section 140 is inserted into the bag pump to accommodate peristaltic manipulation, causing fluid to flow through the second fluid path.

[0065] When syringe 110 is ready to be replaced, syringe adapter 800 (while still coupled to syringe 110) is detached from IV set 114, thereby providing a closed system during syringe exchange. Both syringe 110 and syringe adapter 800 can be disposed of, and a new syringe adapter 800 can be coupled to IV set 114, allowing a replacement syringe to be coupled to syringe adapter 800 without having to disrupt the closed system.

[0066] Figures 12-15 Another embodiment of a syringe adapter 1200 is shown. Similar to syringe adapter 200, syringe adapter 1200 can be coupled to a fluid source and further includes a first fluid path that allows filtered air to enter the fluid source while fluid is withdrawn from the fluid source through a second fluid path, while preventing the filter in the first fluid path from being exposed to fluid in the fluid source. Syringe adapter 1200 also provides a closed system during fluid source changes from an IV set.

[0067] Similar to syringe adapter 800, syringe adapter 1200 includes a female connector 1210, a male connector 1212, and a body 1214 that fluidically couples female connector 1210 to male connector 1212. In some aspects, female connector 1210 is a female Luer connector, and male connector 1212 is a male Luer connector. Syringe adapter 1200 includes a passageway 1216 extending radially through body 1214. Flexible tubing 1218 is fluidically coupled to the end of passageway 1216 outside of body 1214. Flexible tubing 1218 is also fluidically coupled to filter housing 1220. Filter housing 1220 terminates in vent 1222, which is also in fluid communication with flexible tubing 1218. Filter 1224 is disposed in filter housing 1220 between vent 1222 and flexible tubing 1218 and filters ambient air that enters vent 1222 and leads to flexible tubing 1218. In some aspects, cover 1225 is hingedly coupled to filter housing 1220 to secure filter 1224 within filter housing 1220 and facilitate replacement of filter 1224 .

[0068] Syringe adapter 1200 also includes a sleeve 1226 that is fluidically coupled to passageway 1216 at an end of passageway 1216 disposed within body 1214. Sleeve 1226 extends axially within body 1214 and protrudes through female connector 1210. An opening 1228 of sleeve 1226 is disposed axially offset from and external to female connector 1210. A first fluid path is formed through at least sleeve 1226, passageway 1216, flexible tube 1218, and vent 1222. A second fluid path is formed through at least female connector 1210, body 1214, and male connector 1212.

[0069] The syringe adapter 1200 is configured to couple with a fluid source, such as, for example, the syringe 110, and includes a clamp 1230 for securing the flexible tubing 1218 in place against the syringe barrel 116 of the syringe 110 when the syringe adapter 1200 is coupled to the syringe 110. In some aspects, the clamp 1230 includes a ring shape having a slit 1232 to facilitate placement of the clamp 1230 around the syringe barrel 116 and the flexible tubing 1218 to retain the flexible tubing 1218 to the syringe barrel 116. For example, when the syringe adapter 1200 is coupled to the syringe 110, the flexible tubing 1218 is configured axially along the syringe barrel 116 such that the clamp 1230 is configured around the syringe barrel 116, and the filter housing 1220 is proximate the collar 118, and the flexible tubing 1218 is secured against the syringe barrel 116 and configured between the clamp 1230 and the syringe barrel 116. Because the filter housing 1220 is configured proximate the collar 118 and above (e.g., axially beyond) the level of any fluid in the syringe chamber 130, the filter housing is elevated relative to the female connector 1210 and the filter 1224 is prevented from contact with fluid from the syringe chamber 130 if the plunger 122 is accidentally depressed.

[0070] The female connector 1210 is configured to couple with a male connector of a fluid source, such as, for example, the syringe 110. The male connector 1212 is configured to couple with a female connector of a medical device, such as, for example, the needleless connector 1234, which in turn is coupled to, for example, the intravenous set 114. In operation, the syringe adapter 1200 is coupled to the intravenous set 114 via the needleless connector 1234, and the syringe 110 is coupled to the syringe adapter 1200 such that the opening 1228 of the cannula 1226 is configured within the syringe chamber 130 of the syringe 110. When the first fluid path provides filtered ambient air into the syringe chamber 130, a reservoir is formed in the syringe chamber 130, allowing the fluid in the syringe chamber 130 to drain through the second fluid path without the need to depress the plunger 122. Moreover, in the event that the plunger 122 is accidentally depressed, the filter 1224 is prevented from contact with fluid from the syringe chamber 130 because the filter housing 1220 and the filter 1224 are elevated above the level of any fluid in the syringe chamber 130. In some aspects, the fluid in the syringe chamber 130 flows through the second fluid path by gravity. In other aspects in which the intravenous set 114 includes the pumping section 140, a bag pump (not shown) is used such that the pumping section 140 is inserted into the bag pump to regulate peristaltic manipulation, resulting in fluid flow through the second fluid path.

[0071] Figure 16 and 17An injector adapter 1600 of another embodiment is shown. The injector adapter 1600 also provides a closed system during the change of fluid source from an intravenous set. The injector adapter 1600 includes a female connector 1610, a male connector 1612, and a body 1614 that fluidly couples the female connector 1610 to the male connector 1612. In some aspects, the female connector 1610 is a female luer connector and the male connector 1612 is a male luer connector. The injector adapter 1600 includes a chamber 1616 that is fluidly coupled to and extends outwardly from the body 1614. The chamber 1616 can be, for example, an elastic bag, a non-elastic bag, or a collapsible plastic container. In some aspects, the injector adapter 1600 includes a holder 1618 for supporting the chamber 1616. The injector adapter 1600 also includes a needleless connector 1620 disposed at and in fluid communication with the female connector 1610. In some aspects, the needleless connector 1620 is integrally formed with the female connector 1610. In some other aspects, the needleless connector 1620 includes a male connector that is couplable to the female connector 1610. The needleless connector 1620 also includes a female fitting 1622 that is couplable to a male connector of a medical device, such as the injector 110. A valve 1624 (shown in dashed lines), such as a check valve, is disposed, for example, between the needleless connector 1620 and the female connector 1610. The valve 1624 is configured to allow fluid to flow from the needleless connector 1620 to the female connector 1610 and to prevent fluid from flowing from the female connector 1610 to the needleless connector 1620.

[0072] In operation, the male connector 1612 of the injector adapter 1600 is coupled to a medical device, such as, for example, the connector 134 of the intravenous set 114 or a pump fitting. With the injector adapter 1600 coupled to the medical device, the injector 110 is then coupled to the needleless connector 1620 of the injector adapter 1600. The plunger 122 of the injector 110 is depressed to push the fluid in the injector 110 through the needleless connector 1620, the female connector 1610, and into the chamber 1616. For example, in aspects in which the chamber 1616 is an elastic bag, the chamber 1616 is shown as being unfilled with fluid and as being filled with fluid Figure 16 Figure 17 ​The illustrated syringe 110 is expanded and filled with fluid. As the fluid is emptied from the syringe 110 and filled into the chamber 1616, the syringe 110 can be detached from the syringe adapter 1600 to provide a closed system via the needleless connector 1620. The fluid in the chamber 1616 can then subsequently flow through the male connector 1612 to the intravenous set 114 by gravity or via a pump (not shown) as atmospheric pressure allows the fluid in the chamber 1616 to flow unimpeded. When additional medication is needed, the needleless connector 1620 can be swabbed and a new syringe coupled to the needleless connector 1620 to fill the chamber 1616, as described above.

[0073] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described herein. Various modifications to these configurations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other configurations. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the configurations shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but instead "one or more." Unless otherwise specified, like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the text.

[0074] Many other potential modifications and alterations to the methods and apparatus are possible. Each of the stages shown and / or described in connection with the figures can be modified or separated into other stages. The embodiments described herein are meant to be exemplary only and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the application. It will be apparent that any feature of any of the embodiments described herein can be employed with any other of the embodiments.

[0075] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" following with a series of items, with the "or" term appearing after any one of the items, is meant to mean that one or more of the items is selected. The phrase "at least one of" is not meant to mean that each member of the list is selected. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" each mean that A, B, or C individually is selected or that any combination of A, B, and C is selected.

[0076] Still further, to the extent that any term is defined by a patentably distinct alternative, such alternative is intended to serve as illustrative examples of the term and not to limit the scope of the term. To the extent that the terms "including," "includes," "having," "has," "with," or the like are used in the detailed description and / or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as an open transition term without precluding any additional or other elements.

[0077] Reference to an item in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so described, but rather "one or more." The term "some" refers to one or more. Described herein are various configurations of elements that can be described as a means for performing an operation or a structure for performing an operation. All structural and functional equivalents of such means-plus-function descriptions in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are expressly incorporated herein by reference in a manner much the same as is an algorithm described in 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

[0078] While certain aspects and embodiments of the technology have been described, these have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims and therein equivalent scope intend to cover such forms or modifications as can fall within the scope and spirit of the technology.

Claims

1. A syringe adapter for coupling with a syringe, the syringe adapter comprising: a housing; a needleless connector disposed in the housing; a communication member slidably engaged with the housing, the communication member being slidable relative to the housing between an unactuated state and an actuated state of the syringe adapter; a cannula extending from the communication member, wherein in the unactuated state the cannula is retracted within the needleless connector and in the actuated state the cannula protrudes through and axially beyond the needleless connector; a piston element disposed in the needleless connector, the piston element comprising a piston head and a sealable aperture disposed through the piston head, wherein the sealable aperture is in a sealed state when the piston element is in an uncompressed state and in an open state when the piston element is in a compressed state; and a conduit extending from and disposed through the communication member, wherein in the syringe adapter is coupled with the syringe and in the unactuated state the conduit is fluidly separated from the needleless connector.

2. The syringe adapter of claim 1, wherein, In the syringe adapter is coupled with the syringe and in the actuated state the conduit is in fluid communication with the needleless connector.

3. The syringe adapter of claim 2, further comprising: a duct extending from and through the communication member, wherein the duct fluidly couples the cannula to at least one vent disposed in a filter housing.

4. The syringe adapter of claim 3, further comprising: a filter disposed in the filter housing and a valve disposed between the filter and the cannula, wherein the valve is configured to allow fluid to flow from the at least one vent through the filter to the cannula and to prevent fluid from flowing from the cannula to the filter.

5. The syringe adapter of claim 4, further comprising: a first fluid path and a second fluid path when the syringe adapter is coupled to the syringe and in the actuated state.

6. The syringe adapter of claim 5, wherein, the first fluid path is configured to provide filtered ambient air into the syringe and the second fluid path is configured to allow fluid from the syringe to flow to an intravenous set coupled with the syringe adapter.

7. The syringe adapter of claim 6, wherein, the first fluid path flows at least through the cannula, the duct, and the at least one vent.

8. The syringe adapter of claim 5, wherein, the needleless connector comprises a connection port, and wherein the second fluid path flows at least through the connection port, the piston element, and the conduit.

9. The syringe adapter of claim 1, wherein, the needleless connector comprises a connection port that is sealingly flush with the piston head and the sealable aperture when the syringe adapter is uncoupled from the syringe.

10. A syringe adapter for coupling a syringe to a fluid system, the syringe adapter comprising: a female connector; a body in fluid communication with the female connector; a male connector in fluid communication with the female connector and the body, the male connector configured to couple with a medical device; a cannula extending axially through the body and out through the female connector; and a conduit extending from and disposed through the body, wherein in the syringe adapter is coupled with the syringe and in the unactuated state the conduit is fluidly separated from the needleless connector. a filter housing in fluid communication with the sleeve, the filter housing elevated axially beyond the female connector, wherein a first fluid path is formed through the filter housing and the sleeve, and a second fluid path is formed through the female connector, the body, and the male connector, the filter housing configured to prevent a filter disposed in the filter housing from contacting fluid in the first fluid path, and wherein a closed system is provided when the male connector is un-coupled from the medical device.

11. The syringe adapter of claim 10, further comprising: a flexible tube fluidly coupling the filter housing to the sleeve.

12. The syringe adapter of claim 11, wherein, the female connector is coupled to the syringe such that the sleeve is disposed within a chamber of the syringe.

13. The syringe adapter of claim 12, further comprising: a clamp configured to surround the syringe and the flexible tube, the clamp configured to secure the flexible tube to the syringe.

14. The syringe adapter of claim 10, wherein, the medical device is an intravenous set.

15. The syringe adapter of claim 10, wherein, the medical device is a needleless connector.

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