Pulsatile or resonant flush syringe

Abstract

A flush syringe for maintaining an intravenous catheter can more efficiently and effectively flush the catheter by providing a pulsed, pulsatile, and / or oscillating fluid flow that can be generated using the momentum of the motion fluid itself. A steady force applied on the plunger during flushing can provide a pulsed fluid flow to the catheter.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. PCT / US2019 / 015208, Chinese application No. 201980009441.9, filed on January 25, 2019, entitled "Pulse-type or Resonance-type Flushing Injector".

[0002] Inter-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 622,907, filed January 28, 2018, pursuant to 35 USC §119(e), the entire contents of which (including all attachments filed therewith) are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] In general, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to the field of vascular access devices, and more particularly to flushing devices for use in maintaining intravenous (IV) catheters. Background Technology

[0005] In medical applications, various procedures are used to flush intravenous catheters to prevent blockages that could become sources of infection and / or to remove bacteria to prevent bacterial colonization of the catheter. Studies such as “Pulsative Flushing As A Strategy to Prevent Bacterial Colonization of Vascular Access” by Agnes Ferroni et al. (Medical Devices: Evidence and Research 2014: 7 379-383, Doverpress 2004) (the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) have demonstrated that using pulsed flow (sometimes referred to as “start-stop” flushing) by alternately applying high and low forces on the syringe plunger is more than twice as effective at removing bacteria from intravenous catheters compared to continuous (constant flow) flushing.

[0006] Conventional techniques involve manually generating a pulsed flow from the design of a conventional flushing syringe, and typically involve using both hands to alternately apply high and low force to the syringe plunger. Other methods of generating a pulsed flow from a flushing syringe are described in the publication text of U.S. Patent No. 8,491,537 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20100076370 (the entire disclosure of both patents is incorporated herein by reference).

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 8,491,537 describes as follows: Figure 1Aand 1B The flushing syringe assembly shown includes a syringe barrel 110 having a proximal end 119 with an opening and a distal end 111 with a ring portion 121, an end cap 124 engaging the ring portion 121, a plunger rod 130 disposed within the syringe barrel 110, a plug 160 attached to one end 133 of the plunger rod 130, a finger pressure portion 170 attached to a second end of the plunger rod 130, and a pulse control element 190 disposed between the finger pressure portion 170 and the plunger rod 130. The pulse element 136 is configured as a protrusion along the length of the plunger rod 130, engaging with a pulse element 126 configured as a protrusion on the inner surface of the syringe barrel 110 to induce a pulsed motion of the plunger rod 130 as it moves within the barrel 110 in at least a distal direction.

[0008] U.S. Publication No. 20100076370 describes other variations in the design of the plunger rod and cylinder, and cascaded pulse devices for generating pressure pulses to provide turbulent flow for cleaning, such as those shown in Figures 9-14, 15-17, and 18-20 of U.S. Publication No. 20100076370: In Figures 9-14, the cascaded automatic pulse device 310 includes an upstream or proximal connection 320 and an output port and connector 330 to which liquid from a liquid source is supplied, and the output port and connector 330 can be connected to a downstream conduit system. In Figures 15-17, the clamping or squeezing pump 410 includes an upstream or proximal connection 420 and an output port and connector 430, to which liquid from a liquid source is supplied. The output port and connector 430 can be connected to a downstream conduit system. In Figures 18-20, the device 510 for providing manually digitally generated controlled pressure pulses to clean the conduit system includes an upstream or proximal connection 520 and an output port and connector 530, to which liquid from a liquid source is supplied. The output port and connector 530 can be connected to a downstream conduit system.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 8,491,537 and U.S. Publication No. 20100076370 both describe embodiments in which a pulsed fluid flow can be generated through mechanical interference and interaction between features on the syringe plunger rod and features on the syringe barrel, and / or through an additional cascaded pulse device. The industry anticipates alternative embodiments that reduce the impact of the syringe plunger on clinicians during flushing operations and / or eliminate the need for additional cascaded devices. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Examples provided in this specification are intended to aid in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures have been omitted.

[0011] As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, although descriptive terms such as “pulse,” “pulse-like,” “flow,” “distal,” “proximal,” “rinse,” “syringe,” “wheel,” “blade,” “tilt,” “wall,” “top,” “side,” and “bottom” are used throughout this specification for ease of understanding, they are not intended to limit any component that may implement aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure in combination or individually.

[0012] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a flushing syringe for maintaining intravenous catheters that can flush the catheter more efficiently and effectively by providing a pulsed, pulsatile, and / or pulsatile fluid flow rather than, for example, a constant flow. In exemplary embodiments, the pulsed flow is generated by utilizing the momentum of the moving fluid itself rather than, for example, by the mechanical action of the syringe plunger. According to some exemplary embodiments, a clinician operating a syringe according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can provide a pulsed fluid flow to the catheter by applying a steady force to the plunger during flushing.

[0013] According to some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a pulsed flow can be generated by rotating a bladed wheel disposed in the flowing fluid using a flowing fluid. In one exemplary embodiment, the blades may be non-tilted, and a rotational velocity component may be induced in the fluid before the fluid impacts the non-tilted blades. In another exemplary embodiment, the blades may be tilted, and the tilting of the blades may induce a rotational velocity component in the fluid. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the tilted blade configuration on the wheel may resemble the configuration of a turbine or windmill.

[0014] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotating wheel may include one or more openings that alternately cover and expose an outlet orifice located downstream of the wheel, for example, causing fluid flow to begin and stop at each outlet orifice, thereby causing a pulsed flow through the tip of the syringe.

[0015] According to further exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the pulse flow can be caused by the movement of fluid injected at the end of the syringe barrel, such that, for example, the pressure waves in the fluid can be damped before they reach the syringe plunger and the user's thumb or finger. The exemplary non-limiting advantages that can be achieved reduce the sensations experienced by clinicians by prior embodiments that could produce hammering impacts on the syringe plunger interacting with optional features on the syringe barrel or other components.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the flushing syringe is configured to generate a pulsating or pulsed flow to an intravenous catheter, utilizing the resonance of one or more components to generate the pulsed flow for more efficient flushing. In one exemplary embodiment, the basic technical principles include: the resonance of the flexible body caused by the interaction between pressure differential and turbulence as the fluid flows around it, and the flexibility of the flexible body allowing it to deform due to changes in pressure and turbulent eddies along its surface. An exemplary non-limiting advantage of the provided exemplary embodiments is that the total number of components used is less, and there are no moving parts, which would otherwise require tighter tolerances.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment, one or more components may be structurally flexible and / or disposed within the flushing syringe. One exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides an additional component for existing flushing syringe designs, wherein such a component can be flexed and fixedly disposed relative to mating parts or attachments of the flushing syringe. Exemplary non-limiting advantages include achieving potentially looser tolerances and further reducing manufacturing costs.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment of certain embodiments of this disclosure, a pulsed fluid flow is generated due to resonance caused by the interaction of one or more flexible members, wherein fluid flows into a conduit via a syringe. The resonance of the flexible members alternately disrupts or restricts the fluid flow, thereby producing a pulsed flow pattern (pressure / velocity variation in the flow) that is beneficial to improving flushing. Alternatively, in one exemplary embodiment, the resonance can generate pressure waves in the flow without disrupting or restricting the flow (as when sound pressure waves move through a liquid).

[0019] One exemplary embodiment of the many embodiments of this disclosure provides a resonant component comprising a relatively thin, wide tube that is nominally closed. Fluid discharged from a flushing syringe passes through this tube, causing the tube walls to alternately open and close relative to each other in a "slapping" manner. In one exemplary embodiment, the resonance between the tube walls of the thin-walled tube generates a pulsating flow exiting the syringe. In a non-limiting example, the operating mechanism is analogous to the "buzzing" vibration of the neck of a balloon when air is released from it.

[0020] Another exemplary embodiment of the numerous embodiments of this disclosure provides a resonant component comprising a long, thin tube through which fluid discharged from a flushing syringe flows. In one exemplary embodiment, at least a portion or the entire tube undergoes a whip-like tumbling motion due to the outflow velocity of the fluid at the end of the tube. In a non-limiting example, the operating mechanism is similar to that of a fire hose (or other high-pressure hose) that undergoes a whip-like tumbling motion when high-speed fluid flows through it.

[0021] Another exemplary embodiment of the numerous embodiments of this disclosure provides a resonant component comprising a relatively thin and wide "strip" member through which fluid discharged from a flushing syringe flows. In one exemplary embodiment, the fluid does not flow through the resonant component but rather flows around it. In a non-limiting example of operation, fluid flowing on the surface of the strip member causes the strip member to "beat," alternately blocking fluid flow on one side or the other as it alternately contacts the opposing syringe end wall (or other wall of the syringe body). In a non-limiting example, the operating mechanism is analogous to a flag flapping in a strong wind, the vibrating tongue of a wild animal making a call, or a reed vibrating in a wind instrument.

[0022] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the resonant member is configured to avoid tearing or disconnection so as not to block the fluid path of the conduit.

[0023] Several exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may provide a flexible member that will resonate only within a certain range of fluid velocities. An exemplary, non-limiting advantage allows clinicians to depress the syringe plunger faster (e.g., with greater force) or slower (e.g., with less force) to avoid resonance and pulsating flow within said fluid velocity range, for example, where the clinician does not wish to apply a pulsating flow to the catheter. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts in several views, embodiments of the present disclosure are described below.

[0025] Figure 1A and 1B An example of a flushing syringe assembly is shown.

[0026] Figure 2A , 2B Images 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2G show various views of a syringe barrel including a flushing mechanism and its various components according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3A , 3BImages 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, and 3G show various views of a syringe barrel including a flushing mechanism and its various components according to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E , Figure 4F , Figure 4G , Figure 4H , Figure 4I and Figure 4J Various views of a syringe barrel including a flushing mechanism and its various components are shown according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5A A perspective view of a syringe barrel including a flushing mechanism or combination of mechanisms according to exemplary embodiments and / or implementations of this disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 5B A perspective view is shown of a ring (such as an O-ring) that can be used to secure a flushing mechanism or mechanism assembly within a syringe barrel according to exemplary embodiments and / or implementations of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6A , 6B Figures 6C and 6D show various views of a syringe barrel including a flushing mechanism and its various components according to alternative exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 7A , 7B Figures 7C and 7D show various views of a syringe barrel including a flushing mechanism and its various components, according to another alternative exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8A , 8B Figures 8C and 8C show various views of a syringe barrel including a flushing mechanism and its various components according to another alternative exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The examples provided in this specification are intended to aid in a full understanding of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments described herein within the scope of the appended claims without departing from their full scope and equivalents. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions have been omitted for clarity and brevity. Similarly, certain naming conventions, identifiers, and terms used in the context of this disclosure are non-limiting and are provided for illustrative purposes only to facilitate an understanding of exemplary embodiments of the exemplary implementations.

[0035] Reference Figure 2A-2G According to some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, and 3A-3G, the flushing syringe 200 / 300 includes a flushing mechanism 210 / 310 disposed in the syringe barrel 240. For example... Figure 5A As shown in the example, the syringe barrel 240 includes a sidewall 244 that defines a generally cylindrical chamber 245 having an open proximal end (not shown) and a distal end 241 having a syringe tip 242, wherein a plunger rod (not shown) disposed within the syringe barrel 240 generates a fluid flow toward the distal end 241 and out of the syringe tip 242 within the chamber 245 when, for example, it is pushed by a clinician in the direction of the distal end 241.

[0036] In one exemplary embodiment, the flushing mechanism 210 / 310 includes an orifice plate 230 / 330 disposed downstream or distal to the rotating wheel 220 / 320. Optionally, the orifice plate 230 / 330 may frictionally engage with the chamber 245. In one exemplary configuration, the plate 230 / 330 includes a pressure plate 232 / 332 having a pin 238 / 338 extending therefrom, about which the wheel 220 / 320 may rotate. In one exemplary embodiment, the pressure plate 232 / 332 is generally circular, and the pin 238 / 338 extends generally perpendicular to the pressure plate. The plate 230 / 330 also includes one or more orifices 236 / 336 in the pressure plate 232 / 332 (in... Figure 2E-2G In the example, there are two holes, 236. Figure 3E-3G In the example, there are three orifices 336, such as outlet orifices, for allowing fluid to flow from chamber 245 out of end 242 through these orifices. Plates 230 / 330 may be arranged immediately adjacent to the distal end 241 within chamber 245 and may be permanently and / or removably fixed within chamber 245 in a non-rotatable and / or non-axially movable manner, for example, by means of pressure plates 232 / 332 relative to the inner surface of sidewall 244 and / or the bottom of distal end 241.

[0037] In one exemplary embodiment, plate 230 / 330 includes a groove 234 / 334 located in the outer periphery of pressure plate 232 / 332 for receiving, for example, a rubber, plastic, or other flexible or compressible O-ring, such as... Figure 5B The O-ring 500 shown facilitates a frictional engagement between the plates 230 / 330 and the inner surface of the sidewall 244. In one exemplary embodiment, the plates 230 / 330 may be positioned within the chamber 245 to facilitate a liquid-tight seal between the plates 230 / 330 and the interior of the sidewall 244. In one exemplary embodiment, the entire structure of the plates 230 / 330 may be monolithic, for example, formed by injection molding.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment, wheel 220 / 320 includes pressure plate 222 / 322 having one or more inclined blades 224 / 324 (in Figure 2B-2D In the example, there are two blades, 224. Figure 3B-3D In the example, there are three blades 324, for example, at a non-90-degree angle relative to the pressure plate 222 / 322, and the pressure plate 222 / 322 has a hub 228 / 328 extending from the pressure plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the hub 228 / 328 is located approximately at the center of the pressure plate 222 / 322 and extends approximately perpendicular to the pressure plate 222 / 322. The hub 228 / 328 and the pressure plate 222 / 322 have generally cylindrical openings 226 / 326 extending through them for receiving pins 238 / 338. The pressure plate 222 / 322 includes one or more openings, such as cutouts 229 / 329 (in...). Figure 2B-2D In the example, there are two openings, 229, while... Figure 3B-3D (In the example, there are three openings 329). In an exemplary embodiment, the entire structure of the wheels 220 / 320 can be monolithic, for example, formed by injection molding.

[0039] In another exemplary embodiment, for example, the wheel 220 / 320 can be secured to the plate 230 / 330 by engaging the pin 238 / 338 in the hub 228 / 328, thereby restricting the axial movement of the wheel 220 / 230 relative to the plate 230 / 330 while allowing the wheel 220 / 230 to rotate freely relative to the plate 230 / 330.

[0040] exist Figure 2A-2GIn the exemplary embodiments of the flushing injector and flushing mechanism 210 / 310 shown in 3A-3G, a pulsed flow can be generated by the flowing fluid in the chamber 245, thereby causing the wheel 220 / 320 having blades 224 / 324 arranged in the flowing fluid to rotate relative to the plate 220 / 320, such that a rotational velocity component in the fluid can be induced by the tilting of the blades 224 / 324. In one exemplary embodiment, the construction of the tilted blades 224 / 324 on the wheel 220 / 320 can be similar to that of a turbine or windmill. The rotating wheel 220 / 320 includes one or more openings 229 / 239 that alternately cover and expose the outlet orifices 236 / 336 of the plate 230 / 330 located downstream of the wheel 220 / 320, for example, causing the fluid flow to start and stop at each outlet orifice 236 / 336, thereby causing a pulsed flow through the injector tip 242.

[0041] Reference Figure 4A-4J According to some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the flushing syringe 400 includes a flushing mechanism 410 disposed in a syringe barrel 240. In one exemplary embodiment, the flushing mechanism 410 includes an orifice plate 430 disposed downstream or distal to a rotating wheel 420 disposed downstream or distal to a static plate 440.

[0042] In one exemplary configuration, plate 430 includes a pressure plate 432 having a pin 438 extending therefrom, about which wheel 420 can rotate. In one exemplary embodiment, pressure plate 432 is generally circular, and pin 438 extends generally perpendicular to the pressure plate. Plate 430 also includes one or more orifices 436 in pressure plate 432, such as outlet orifices, for allowing fluid to flow from chamber 245 out of end 242 through the orifices. Plate 430 may be disposed within chamber 245 abutting the distal end 241, and may be permanently and / or removably secured within chamber 245 in a non-rotatable and / or non-axially movable manner, for example, by means of the pressure plate 432 relative to the inner surface of sidewall 244 and / or the bottom of distal end 241. In one exemplary embodiment, the entire structure of plate 430 may be integral, for example, formed by injection molding.

[0043] In one exemplary embodiment, the wheel 420 includes a pressure plate 422 having one or more non-tilted blades 424 that are generally perpendicular to the pressure plate 422 and a hub 428 extending from the pressure plate 422. In one exemplary embodiment, the hub 428 is located generally at the center of the pressure plate 422 and extends generally perpendicular to the pressure plate 422. The hub 428 and the pressure plate 422 have generally cylindrical openings 426 extending therethrough for receiving pins 438. The pressure plate 422 includes one or more openings, such as cutouts 429. In one exemplary embodiment, the entire structure of the wheel 420 may be integral, for example, formed by injection molding.

[0044] In one exemplary configuration, plate 440 includes a pressure plate 442 having a pin 448 extending therefrom. In one exemplary embodiment, the pin 438 of plate 430 includes a hollow cylindrical opening 437 for receiving the pin 448 therein. In one exemplary embodiment, the pressure plate 442 is generally circular, and the pin 448 extends generally perpendicular to the pressure plate 442. Plate 440 also includes one or more orifices 446, such as outlet orifices, in the pressure plate 442 having inclined walls 447, for allowing fluid to flow from chamber 245 through the orifices and impinge on one or more blades 424 at a non-zero angle. In one exemplary embodiment, as an alternative to or like plate 430, plate 440 may be permanently and / or removably fixed within chamber 245 in a non-rotatable and / or non-axially movable manner, for example, by means of the pressure plate 442 relative to the inner surface of sidewall 244 and / or the bottom of distal end 241. In one exemplary embodiment, the entire structure of plate 440 may be monolithic, for example, formed by injection molding.

[0045] In one exemplary embodiment, plates 430 and / or 440 may include grooves (not shown, but see reference) on the outer periphery of pressure plate 442. Figure 2E-2G (and examples of 3E-3G), for accommodating, for example, rubber, plastic or other flexible or compressible O-rings, such as Figure 5B The O-ring 500 shown is used to facilitate a frictional engagement of plates 430 and / or 440 with respect to the inner surface of sidewall 244. In one exemplary embodiment, plates 430 and / or 440 may be positioned within chamber 245 to facilitate a liquid-tight seal of plates 430 and / or 440 with respect to inner sidewall 234.

[0046] In another exemplary embodiment, the wheel 420 can be secured between plates 430 and 440, for example, by engaging pin 448 in hollow pin 438, to restrict axial movement of the wheel 420 relative to plates 430 and / or 440, while allowing the wheel 420 to rotate freely relative to plates 430 and 440.

[0047] exist Figure 4A-4J In the exemplary embodiment of the flushing syringe and flushing mechanism 410 shown, a pulsed flow can be generated by fluid flowing through orifice 446 in chamber 245, such that a rotational velocity component in the fluid can be induced by inclined wall 447, thereby causing a wheel 420 having blades 424 arranged in the fluid flowing through orifice 446 to rotate relative to plate 430. The rotating wheel 420 includes one or more openings 429 that alternately cover and expose outlet orifice 436 of plate 430 located downstream of wheel 420, for example, causing fluid flow to start and stop at each outlet orifice 436, thereby causing a pulsed flow through syringe tip 242.

[0048] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, with lower manufacturing costs, can provide a wheel (turbine) with inclined blades manufactured by molding. As described herein, using a wheel with inclined blades reduces the total number of components required to generate the pulsed flow—a rotating wheel / turbine and an orifice plate downstream of the wheel, which will include a pin about which the wheel can rotate, for example as... Figure 2A-2G As shown in 3A-3G.

[0049] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure can be configured with a minimum "stack height" of the pulse flow mechanism to minimize the additional size and material of the flushing syringe and to minimize the amount of fluid remaining in the syringe that has not been infused when the plunger reaches the pulse flow mechanism, for example, as Figure 2A-2G As shown in 3A-3G and 4A-4J, the pulse flow mechanisms 210, 310, and 410 can be placed on the distal portion of the syringe barrel adjacent to the syringe tip 242.

[0050] In one exemplary embodiment, a swirling flow may also be induced in the fluid before it leaves the tip of the flushing syringe. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the swirling component of the fluid flow may continue until it reaches the intravenous catheter, and this swirling component can help flush away blood or other unwanted fluid from areas in the catheter fluid path that are difficult to flush with a constant non-swirling flow (such as sharp inner corners).

[0051] An alternative embodiment of this disclosure that uses fluid momentum to generate pulsed flow utilizes a flexible valve that resonates (beats, flutters), which can generate flutter or resonance within a certain fluid velocity range.

[0052] Reference Figures 6A-6DOne exemplary alternative embodiment of the numerous embodiments of this disclosure provides a syringe 600 having a resonant flushing member 610 at the distal end 241 of a syringe barrel 240. This resonant flushing member 610 includes a flapping portion 612, such as a relatively thin and wide nominally closed tube arranged on a flapping portion support structure 616. As explained in more detail below, the syringe tip 242 includes an end 243 within a Luer lock ring 247. Fluid 650 discharged from the barrel 240 of the flushing syringe 600 by a moving plunger (not shown) flows into a slit 614 in the flapping portion 612, passing through a portion 652 through the flapping portion 612, causing the individual walls of the flapping portion 612 to alternately open and close relative to each other in a "flapping" manner. For example, low pressure caused by the fluid velocity causes the individual walls of the flapping portion to move toward each other to close the slit 614. In one exemplary embodiment, the resonance between the walls of the thin-walled tube generates a pulsed flow 654 that exits the syringe 600 at the end 243. In a non-limiting example, component 610 may be manufactured as a single, integral component and is fixed axially and non-rotatably within the chamber 245 of the barrel 240 at the distal end 241, such that at least a portion of the flapping portion 612 extends into the end 243 of the syringe 600.

[0053] Reference Figures 7A-7D Another exemplary alternative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a syringe 700 having a resonant flushing component 710 at the distal end 241 of a syringe barrel 240. The resonant flushing component 710 includes a long, narrow tube 712 with an opening 714 disposed on a tube support structure 716. Fluid 750 discharged from the barrel 240 of the flushing syringe 700 by a moving plunger (not shown) flows into the opening 714 of the tube 712 and through a portion 752. In one exemplary embodiment, at least a portion or the entire tube 712 undergoes a whip-like tumbling motion due to the discharge velocity of the fluid at the end of the tube 712. For example, the fluid flowing out of the end of the tube 712 generates a compressive recoil force on the tube 712, and the tube 712 becomes unstable under the action of the compressive recoil force 752, periodically “whipping” the tube, thereby creating a kink and generating a pulsed flow 754. In a non-limiting example, component 710 may be manufactured as an integral component and is fixed in a non-axially movable and non-rotatable manner within the chamber 245 of the barrel 240 at the distal end 241 of the barrel 240, such that at least a portion of the tube 712 extends into the end 243 of the syringe 700.

[0054] Reference Figures 8A-8CAnother exemplary alternative embodiment of the numerous embodiments of this disclosure provides a syringe 800 having a resonant flushing member 810 at the distal end 241 of a syringe barrel 240. The resonant flushing member 810 includes a relatively thin and wide "strip" member 812 disposed on a support structure 816 of the strip at a holding section 814. Fluid flow 850, discharged from the barrel 240 of the flushing syringe 800 by a moving plunger (not shown), flows through an opening 818 in the support structure 816 and across a portion 852 on the strip 812. In one exemplary embodiment, the fluid does not flow through the resonant member but rather around it. In a non-limiting example of operation, the fluid flowing across the portion 852 on the surface of the strip member 812 causes the strip 812 to throb or vibrate due to the fluid-structure interaction between vortex shedding and the shape of the wavy strip 812, thereby periodically interrupting the flow through the syringe tip and causing a pulsed flow 842. For example, as the band 812 alternately contacts the opposing inner wall of the syringe tip 243 (or other walls of the syringe body, such as the distal portion 241 of the chamber 245), the flapping or fluttering of the band 812 alternately blocks fluid flow on one side or the other. In a non-limiting example, the component 810 may be manufactured as a single piece and fixed, for example by friction fit, to the chamber 245 of the barrel 240 in an axially immobile and non-rotatable manner at the distal end 241 of the barrel 240, such that at least a portion of the band 812 extends into the tip 243 of the syringe 800.

[0055] While this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments thereof. Furthermore, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, any feature or element of any exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure as described above and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be implemented individually or in any combination (one or more) without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments thereof.

[0056] In addition, the included drawings illustrate non-limiting examples of certain exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and aid in the description of the related technology. Furthermore, as mentioned above, any specific or relative dimensions or measurements provided in the drawings are exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope or content of the design or method of the invention, as would be understood by those skilled in the art related to this disclosure.

[0057] Other objects, advantages, and salient features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the details of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Claims

1. A flushing syringe, the flushing syringe comprising: A cylinder having sidewalls extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defining a chamber for containing fluid; The syringe tip, which includes an end within a Luer lock ring, is positioned at the distal end of the barrel, through which fluid exits the barrel. A resonant flushing component is disposed at the distal end of the cylinder, the resonant flushing component comprising a resonant flexible member disposed in the fluid flow. The resonant flexible member includes a flat tube having a wall with an internal slit, and is at least partially disposed within the tip of the syringe. The fluid flow through the internal slit causes the walls to resonate with each other, thereby generating a pulsed flow in the fluid flow, which flows out of the chamber from the syringe tip via the resonant flexible member.

2. A flushing syringe, the flushing syringe comprising: A cylinder having sidewalls extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defining a chamber for containing fluid; The syringe tip, which includes an end within a Luer lock ring, is positioned at the distal end of the barrel, through which fluid exits the barrel. A resonant flushing component is disposed at the distal end of the cylinder, the resonant flushing component comprising a resonant flexible member disposed in the fluid flow. The resonant flexible component includes a hollow tube, which is at least partially disposed within the tip of the syringe. The fluid flow through the hollow tube generates a compressive recoil force on the hollow tube, thereby making the hollow tube unstable and periodically twisted to generate a pulsed flow in the fluid flow, which flows out of the chamber from the syringe tip via the resonant flexible member.

3. A flushing syringe, the flushing syringe comprising: A cylinder having sidewalls extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defining a chamber for containing fluid; The syringe tip, which includes an end within a Luer lock ring, is positioned at the distal end of the barrel, through which fluid exits the barrel. A resonant flushing component is disposed at the distal end of the cylinder, the resonant flushing component comprising a resonant flexible member disposed in the fluid flow. The resonant flexible component includes: A band, said band being disposed at least partially within the tip of the syringe; and A support structure that guides fluid flow from the chamber across the belt. The fluid flow over the belt causes the belt to bend periodically, thereby interrupting the flow through the syringe tip to generate a pulsed flow in the fluid flow, which flows out of the chamber from the syringe tip via the resonant flexible member.

4. The flushing syringe according to claim 3, wherein, The belt and the support structure are integrally formed.

5. The flushing syringe according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The support structure includes at least one opening for the fluid flow.

6. The flushing syringe according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The support structure is fixed inside the cylinder in a way that prevents axial movement and rotation.

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