Syringe adapter and intravenous injection kit

Abstract

Syringe adapters and intravenous injection kits are described herein. A syringe adapter includes an adapter body, a coupling portion, and a balloon. The adapter body defines a fluid channel in fluid communication with the syringe and configured to allow medical fluid to flow from the syringe through the syringe adapter and a vent channel in fluid communication with the syringe and configured to allow air to flow into the syringe. The coupling portion defines an adapter portion configured to be coupled to the adapter body and a syringe portion configured to be coupled to the syringe. A balloon is coupled to the adapter body and defines a balloon volume in fluid communication with the fluid channel, and is movable between a deflated configuration configured to discharge air from the balloon volume and the fluid channel, and an expanded configuration configured to draw medical fluid from the syringe into the fluid channel and the balloon volume.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical connectors used in fluid delivery applications. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a syringe adapter for delivering fluids in a medical environment. Background Art

[0002] Medical treatments often involve infusing a patient with a medical fluid (e.g., saline solution or liquid medication) using an intravenous (IV) catheter that is connected to a fluid source, such as an IV bag or syringe, through an arrangement of flexible tubing and fittings commonly referred to as an "IV set." In some applications, other suitable devices or arrangements may be used for infusion delivery.

[0003] Unlike other fluid sources (such as deflated bags), fluid-filled syringes include a rigid structure and do not deflate when the plunger of the syringe is stationary and fluid is expelled from the syringe. As a result, ambient air needs to be introduced into the syringe to replace the fluid expelled from the syringe. Utility Model Content

[0004] The disclosed subject matter relates to syringe adapters. In certain embodiments, a syringe adapter for coupling with a syringe is disclosed, the syringe adapter comprising: an adapter body defining a fluid passageway and a vent passageway, the fluid passageway being in fluid communication with the syringe and configured to allow medical fluid to flow from the syringe through the syringe adapter, and the vent passageway being in fluid communication with the syringe and configured to allow air to flow into the syringe; a coupling portion defining an adapter portion configured to couple to the adapter body and a syringe portion configured to couple to the syringe; and a balloon coupled to the adapter body and defining a balloon volume, wherein the balloon volume is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and is movable between a deflated configuration and an expanded configuration, the deflated configuration being configured to vent air from the balloon volume and the fluid passageway, and the expanded configuration being configured to draw medical fluid from the syringe into the fluid passageway and the balloon volume.

[0005] In certain embodiments, a method of priming an intravenous infusion kit is disclosed, the method comprising: connecting a syringe to a syringe adapter; exhausting air from a fluid channel of the syringe adapter into the syringe by deflation of a balloon connected to the syringe adapter; and drawing medical fluid from the syringe into the fluid channel of the syringe adapter by expanding the balloon.

[0006] In certain embodiments, an IV kit is disclosed, comprising: a syringe, the syringe comprising: a barrel; and a plunger, the plunger being movably disposed within the barrel, wherein the plunger and the barrel together define a syringe volume; and a syringe adapter, the syringe adapter comprising: an adapter body, the adapter body defining a fluid channel and a vent channel, the fluid channel being fluidly connected to the syringe volume and configured to allow medical fluid to flow from the syringe volume through the syringe adapter, and the vent channel being fluidly connected to the syringe volume and configured to allow air to flow into the syringe volume; a coupling portion, the coupling portion defining an adapter portion coupled to the adapter body and a syringe portion coupled to the syringe; and a balloon, the balloon being coupled to the adapter body and defining a balloon volume, wherein the balloon volume is fluidly connected to the fluid channel and the syringe volume and is movable between a deflated structure and an expanded structure, the deflated structure being configured to discharge air from the balloon volume and the fluid channel, and the expanded structure being configured to draw medical fluid from the syringe volume into the fluid channel and the balloon volume.

[0007] It should be understood that, according to the present disclosure, the various structures of the subject technology will become clear to those skilled in the art, wherein the various structures of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be appreciated, the subject technology can have other and different configurations and its several details can be modified in various other aspects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Therefore, the utility model content, the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments should be regarded as illustrative and non-restrictive in nature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] In the attached figure:

[0010] Figure 1 A patient receiving an infusion of a medical fluid in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 A front view of a syringe assembly according to certain aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a syringe assembly.

[0013] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a syringe adapter.

[0014] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 A syringe adapter wherein the balloon of the syringe adapter is in a deflated configuration.

[0015] Figure 6 Shows Figure 2 The invention relates to a syringe adapter wherein the balloon of the syringe adapter is in an expanded configuration.

[0016] Figure 7 Shows Figure 2 The invention also provides a syringe adapter, wherein the balloon of the syringe adapter is in a priming configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The disclosed syringe adapter includes a balloon in fluid communication with a fluid channel. The balloon may be deformable to exhaust air from the balloon and the fluid channel, and to draw medical fluid from a syringe into the balloon and the fluid channel. By utilizing the balloon to exhaust air and draw medical fluid, the process or workflow of priming a syringe adapter and an IV set may be simplified.

[0018] The detailed description set forth below is intended to be a description of the various configurations of the subject technology, and is not intended to represent the unique configuration that can practice the subject technology. The specific embodiments include specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the subject technology can be implemented without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid blurring the concept of the subject technology. For ease of understanding, identical components are marked with identical element numbers. Reference numerals may be appended with letter suffixes to indicate individual instances of common elements, and common elements are generally referred to by identical numerals without suffix letters.

[0019] Although the following description is directed to a filter for administering medical fluids using the disclosed syringe adapter, it should be understood that the description is merely an example of use and does not limit the scope of the claims. The various aspects of the disclosed filter can be used in any application where it is desired to priming a syringe adapter in a simplified process.

[0020] The disclosed syringe adapter overcomes multiple challenges found with certain conventional syringe adapters. One challenge with certain conventional syringe adapters is that certain conventional syringe adapters are intended for use with infusion pumps and are not compatible with gravity infusion. Additionally, another challenge with certain conventional syringe adapters is that certain conventional syringe adapters require a time-consuming or complex workflow to prepare and / or prime an IV set for an infusion. For example, a healthcare professional may need to connect a syringe to a conventional syringe adapter, connect a saline line, aspirate the syringe and prime the conventional syringe adapter in an upstream fluid flow, disconnect the saline line, transport the conventional syringe adapter from a preparation space to a medication delivery space, connect a medication syringe, and connect the patient end of the IV set. Because a healthcare professional needs to perform many steps when preparing an infusion, using a conventional syringe adapter may introduce delays and / or errors during the process.

[0021] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is advantageous to provide a syringe adapter as described herein that allows gravity infusion from a syringe and reduces the time and workflow steps required to prepare and / or prime the syringe adapter. In addition, it is advantageous to provide a syringe adapter that is familiar and easy to operate for healthcare professionals.

[0022] An example of a syringe adapter that allows gravity infusion from a syringe and simplifies workflow is now described.

[0023] Figure 1 A patient 5 is shown receiving an infusion of a medical fluid in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 2 A front view of a syringe assembly 10 is shown in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , syringe assembly 10 delivers a gravity infusion of a medical fluid from a syringe 50 to a patient 5. As shown, the medical fluid from syringe assembly 10 is delivered to patient 5 via IV set 20. In the depicted example, syringe assembly 10 includes a syringe adapter 100 that facilitates the connection and flow of the medical fluid from syringe 50 to IV set 20 and to patient 5.

[0024] As shown, the syringe 50 can store and dispense medical fluids. The syringe 50 includes a syringe barrel 52 and a plunger 54 movably disposed within the syringe barrel 52. The syringe 50 can store medical fluids in a syringe volume defined by the syringe barrel 52 and the plunger 54. During operation, the plunger 54 can be retracted to draw the medical fluid into the syringe barrel 52 and advanced to dispense or administer the medical fluid from the syringe barrel 52. In some embodiments, the end or tip 56 of the syringe 50 can include a Luer connector (such as Figure 3shown).

[0025] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the syringe assembly 10 is shown. Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view of a syringe adapter 100. In the illustrated example, the syringe adapter 100 can facilitate the physical connection or coupling between the syringe 50 and the IV set. As shown, the syringe adapter 100 can include a coupling portion 130 that couples the syringe 50 to the adapter body 110. In some embodiments, the syringe portion 134 of the coupling portion 130 can be coupled to the end or tip 56 of the syringe 50. Optionally, the syringe portion 134 of the coupling portion 130 can include a mating Luer connector to engage with the Luer connector of the syringe 50.

[0026] As shown, adapter portion 132 disposed at opposite ends of coupling portion 130 may be coupled to adapter body 110 of syringe adapter 100. In some embodiments, adapter portion 132 may be disposed on a portion of adapter body 110. In some embodiments, adapter portion 132 may be coupled to spike portion 114 of adapter body 110 or any other suitable portion of adapter body 110.

[0027] In addition, the adapter body 110 can be coupled to a portion of an IV set. In the depicted example, the balloon 150 coupled to the adapter body 110 can be coupled to or otherwise attached to the IV set. In some embodiments, an appropriate portion of the adapter body 110 opposite the spike portion 114 can be coupled to the IV set.

[0028] In the depicted example, syringe adapter 100 allows fluid to flow from syringe 50 to an IV set. As shown, adapter body 110 defines a fluid channel 120 that provides fluid communication between syringe 50 and the IV set. In some embodiments, fluid channel 120 extends along the length of adapter body 110. Fluid channel 120 can extend along the length of spike portion 114 and enter lower portion 112 of adapter body 110. Fluid channel 120 can be disposed along or near a central axis of adapter body 110. Additionally, coupling portion 130 can further facilitate fluid flow between syringe 50 and an upper portion of fluid channel 120.

[0029] As shown, fluid channel 120 allows fluid to flow from adapter body 110 to an IV set coupled to adapter body 110. A lower portion of fluid channel 120 may be connected to or otherwise in fluid communication with an IV set. As shown, fluid channel 120 may be in fluid communication with balloon 150, which in turn is connected to or otherwise in fluid communication with an IV set.

[0030] As described above, in some applications, the syringe 50 includes a rigid structure and does not collapse when the plunger 54 of the syringe 50 is stationary. Therefore, during gravity infusion or other administration of the medical fluid from the syringe 50, ambient air must be introduced into the syringe 50 to replace the medical fluid dispensed from the syringe 50. In the illustrated example, the syringe adapter 100 allows air to flow into the syringe 50 to displace the medical fluid dispensed during fluid administration. As shown, the adapter body 110 defines a vent channel 122 that provides fluid communication between the syringe 50 and the ambient air or environment surrounding the syringe assembly 10. In some embodiments, the vent channel 122 extends along a portion of the length of the adapter body 110. The vent channel 122 can extend along the length of the spike portion 114 and partially enter the lower portion 112 of the adapter body 110.

[0031] As shown, the vent channel 122 allows ambient or surrounding air to enter the adapter body 110 and be directed to the syringe 50. An outer or lower portion 124 of the vent channel 122 is in fluid communication with the environment or surroundings. In the example shown, the lower portion 124 of the vent channel 122 can include a one-way or check valve 126 to allow air flow into the vent channel 122 and prevent the medical fluid from flowing out of the vent channel 122 from the syringe 50. The check valve 126 can include a ball-shaped mechanism to allow air flow into the vent channel 122 and prevent the medical fluid from leaking or flowing out through the vent channel 122.

[0032] In some embodiments, cannula 140 may extend between vent channel 122 and syringe 50 to allow a direct path for ambient or surrounding air from vent channel 122 to enter syringe 50 and displace the fluid being dispensed. In the illustrated example, a portion of cannula 140 extends into vent channel 122 and an opposite end or portion of cannula 140 extends into syringe 50. Cannula lumen 142 of cannula 140 may be in fluid communication with vent channel 122 and syringe 50 to facilitate the flow of air from the environment into syringe 50 via vent channel 122. As shown, cannula 140 may extend through coupling portion 130 of syringe adapter 100. Advantageously, by providing a direct path for fluid communication between syringe 50 and the environment via cannula 140, syringe adapter 100 is able to allow air to quickly enter syringe 50 when dispensing or administering medical fluid from syringe 50. In contrast, some conventional syringe adapters may allow air entering the syringe to slowly pass through the medical fluid before reaching the top of the syringe volume.

[0033] In the illustrated example, syringe adapter 100 may include balloon 150 to allow rapid priming of syringe adapter 100 and IV set. In some embodiments, balloon 150 is formed of an elastic or deformable material that allows a balloon volume 152 defined by balloon 150 to be reduced upon activation. As shown, balloon volume 152 is in fluid communication with fluid channel 120. In some embodiments, balloon 150 is disposed at the lower end of syringe adapter 100. Balloon 150 may be formed of any elastic or deformable material, including but not limited to silicone, rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer. Balloon 150 may have a generally cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, balloon 150 may include or define a drop former.

[0034] After syringe 50 is connected to syringe adapter 100, syringe adapter 100 can be primed. During priming, balloon 150 can exhaust air from syringe adapter 100 and draw fluid from syringe 50 into the syringe adapter. In some embodiments, an automatic priming cap can be used with syringe 50. Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 The syringe adapter 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the balloon 150 of the syringe adapter is in a deflated configuration. Figure 5 , the healthcare professional can compress, squeeze, or deflate the balloon 150 to reduce the balloon volume 152, expelling the air A in the balloon volume 152 and fluid channel 120 upward toward the syringe 50. During priming, the air A can pass through the medical fluid to the top of the syringe 50 volume adjacent the plunger 54.

[0035] Figure 6 Shows Figure 2A syringe adapter, wherein the balloon 150 of the syringe adapter 100 is in an expanded configuration. Figure 6 When balloon 150 recovers, rebounds, or otherwise expands, the expansion of balloon volume 152 can draw medical fluid F into fluid channel 120 and balloon volume 152, thereby displacing air previously present in fluid channel 120 and balloon volume 152. Optionally, balloon 150 can include a one-way valve to prevent backflow from the IV set into balloon volume 152 during expansion of balloon volume 152. The one-way valve can be formed by a membrane disposed at a lower portion of spherical volume 152. During priming, balloon 150 can be deflated and expanded multiple times until air is eliminated from fluid channel 120 and balloon volume 152. In some embodiments, after priming, the automatic priming cap can be removed from syringe 50 (if used) and syringe adapter 100 can be connected to the patient end of the IV set.

[0036] Figure 7 Shows Figure 2 The syringe adapter 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the balloon 150 of the syringe adapter 100 is in the priming configuration. Figure 7 , after syringe adapter 100 is primed, balloon volume 152 is filled with medical fluid. Thus, during operation, medical fluid F from syringe 50 flows through fluid channel 120, through balloon volume 152, and into the IV set. In some embodiments, balloon volume 152 is in fluid communication with the IV set.

[0037] As described above, the fluid dispensed by syringe 50 is displaced by air A, thereby allowing gravity infusion using a rigid fluid container such as syringe 50. Airflow A enters syringe adapter 100 through lower portion 124 of vent channel 122, passes through check valve 126, through vent channel 122, through cannula 140, and into syringe 50. Airflow A may move to the top of the enclosed syringe 50 volume.

[0038] The present disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The present disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Multiple modifications to these aspects are very clear to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0039] For convenience, multiple examples of various aspects of the present disclosure are described according to numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided only as examples and do not limit the subject technology. The reference numerals and the identification of the drawings are shown below only as examples and for illustrative purposes, and the clauses are not limited by these identifications.

[0040] Item 1. A syringe adapter for connecting to a syringe, the syringe adapter comprising: an adapter body, the adapter body defining a fluid channel and a ventilation channel, the fluid channel being connected to the syringe fluid and being configured to allow medical fluid to flow from the syringe through the syringe adapter, and the ventilation channel being connected to the syringe fluid and being configured to allow air to flow into the syringe; a connecting portion, the connecting portion defining an adapter portion configured to be connected to the adapter body and a syringe portion configured to be connected to the syringe; and a balloon, the balloon being connected to the adapter body and defining a balloon volume, wherein the balloon volume is connected to the fluid channel and is movable between a deflated structure and an expanded structure, the deflated structure being configured to discharge air from the balloon volume and the fluid channel, and the expanded structure being configured to draw medical fluid from the syringe into the fluid channel and the balloon volume.

[0041] Clause 2. The syringe adapter of Clause 1, wherein the adapter body further defines a spike portion extending from the adapter body.

[0042] Clause 3. The syringe adapter of Clause 2, wherein the fluid passageway and the vent passageway extend through a spike portion of the adapter body.

[0043] Clause 4. The syringe adapter of Clause 2, wherein the adapter portion of the coupling portion is configured to couple with a spike portion of the adapter body.

[0044] Clause 5. The syringe adapter of Clause 1, further comprising a check valve in fluid communication with the vent channel, wherein the check valve is configured to allow air to flow into the syringe and prevent medical fluid from flowing out of the vent channel.

[0045] Clause 6. The syringe adapter of Clause 5, wherein the check valve comprises a ball mechanism.

[0046] Clause 7. The syringe adapter of Clause 1, further comprising a cannula extending into the vent channel and configured to extend into the syringe, wherein a cannula lumen of the cannula is in fluid communication with the vent channel.

[0047] Clause 8. The syringe adapter of Clause 1, wherein the syringe portion of the coupling portion defines a luer connector configured to couple with a syringe.

[0048] Item 9. A method of priming an intravenous infusion kit, the method comprising: connecting a syringe to a syringe adapter; discharging air from a fluid channel of the syringe adapter into the syringe by deflation of a balloon connected to the syringe adapter; and drawing medical fluid from the syringe into the fluid channel of the syringe adapter by expanding the balloon.

[0049] Clause 10. The method of Clause 9, further comprising allowing fluid to flow from the syringe to the IV set via the fluid channel.

[0050] Clause 11. The method of clause 10, further comprising allowing air to flow from the environment into the syringe via the vent channel.

[0051] Item 12. An IV kit comprising: a syringe comprising: a barrel; and a plunger movably disposed within the barrel, wherein the plunger and barrel together define a syringe volume; and a syringe adapter, the syringe adapter comprising: an adapter body defining a fluid channel and a vent channel, the fluid channel being fluidly connected to the syringe volume and configured to allow medical fluid to flow from the syringe volume through the syringe adapter, and the vent channel being fluidly connected to the syringe volume and configured to allow air to flow into the syringe volume; a coupling portion defining an adapter portion coupled to the adapter body and a syringe portion coupled to the syringe; and a balloon coupled to the adapter body and defining a balloon volume, wherein the balloon volume is fluidly connected to the fluid channel and the syringe volume and is movable between a deflated configuration and an expanded configuration, the deflated configuration being configured to discharge air from the balloon volume and the fluid channel, and the expanded configuration being configured to draw medical fluid from the syringe volume into the fluid channel and the balloon volume.

[0052] Clause 13. The IV set of Clause 12, wherein the adapter body further defines a spike portion extending from the adapter body.

[0053] Clause 14. The IV set of Clause 13, wherein the fluid passageway and the vent passageway extend through a spike portion of the adapter body.

[0054] Clause 15. The IV set of Clause 13, wherein the adapter portion of the coupling portion is configured to couple to a spike portion of an adapter body.

[0055] Clause 16. The IV set of Clause 12, further comprising a check valve in fluid communication with the vent channel, wherein the check valve is configured to allow air to flow into the syringe volume and prevent medical fluid from flowing out of the vent channel.

[0056] Clause 17. The IV set of Clause 16, wherein the check valve comprises a ball mechanism.

[0057] Clause 18. The IV set of Clause 12, further comprising a cannula extending into the vent channel and configured to extend into the syringe, wherein a cannula lumen of the cannula is in fluid communication with the vent channel.

[0058] Clause 19. The IV set of Clause 12, wherein the syringe portion of the coupling portion defines an adapter Luer connector.

[0059] Clause 20. The IV set of Clause 19, wherein the syringe comprises a syringe luer connector configured to couple to an adapter luer connector.

[0060] Unless otherwise specified, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter genders (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the disclosure.

[0061] 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, the various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered to be at least equivalent.

[0062] Phrases such as "aspects" do not mean that such aspects are essential to the subject technology, or that such aspects apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure associated with an aspect may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "an aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. Phrases such as "embodiments" do not mean that such embodiments are essential to the subject technology, or that such embodiments apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure associated with an embodiment may apply to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "an embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. Phrases such as "constructions" do not mean that such constructions are essential to the subject technology, or that such constructions apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure associated with a construction may apply to all configurations or one or more constructions. A construction may provide one or more examples. Phrases such constructions may refer to one or more constructions, and vice versa.

[0063] In one aspect, unless otherwise indicated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications in this specification, including those set forth in the claims that follow, are approximate and not exact. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions to which they are related and with the customary practices in the art to which they belong.

[0064] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to a direct coupling. In another aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to an indirect coupling.

[0065] Terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", etc. used in this disclosure should be understood to refer to an arbitrary reference frame other than the common gravitational reference frame. Thus, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and rear surface may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational reference frame.

[0066] Without departing from the scope of the subject technology, various items may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or divided in a different manner). All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout the present disclosure are known to or will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art in the future, and are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims, the content disclosed herein is not intended to be dedicated to the public. According to the provisions of the sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. §112, the elements of the claims will not be interpreted unless the phrase "means" is used to clearly state the element, or in the case of a method claim, the phrase "step for..." is used to state the element. In addition, for the scope of the terms "including", "having", etc. used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "including", as explained when "including" is used as a transitional word in the claims.

[0067] The title, background technology, utility model content, figure description and abstract of the present disclosure are incorporated into the present disclosure hereby, and are provided as illustrative examples of the present disclosure, rather than restrictive descriptions. The submission of this application is based on the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the specific implementation, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples, and in order to simplify the present disclosure, various features are combined together in various embodiments. This disclosure method should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the subject matter claimed for protection requires more features than those explicitly stated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, the utility model subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed construction or operation. The claims below are therefore incorporated into the detailed description, and each claim is independently a subject matter claimed for protection.

[0068] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and including all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to encompass subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a manner.

Claims

1. A syringe adapter, used for connecting with a syringe, characterized in that: The syringe adapter comprises: an adapter body defining a fluid passageway in fluid communication with the syringe and configured to allow medical fluid to flow from the syringe through the syringe adapter, and a vent passageway in fluid communication with the syringe and configured to allow air to flow into the syringe; a coupling portion defining an adapter portion configured to couple to the adapter body and a syringe portion configured to couple to the syringe; and A balloon is coupled to the adapter body and defines a balloon volume, wherein the balloon volume is in fluid communication with the fluid channel and is movable between a deflated configuration and an expanded configuration, the deflated configuration being configured to vent air from the balloon volume and the fluid channel, and the expanded configuration being configured to draw medical fluid from the syringe into the fluid channel and the balloon volume.

2. The syringe adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter body also defines a spike portion extending from the adapter body.

3. The syringe adapter according to claim 2, wherein: The fluid passage and the vent passage extend through the spike portion of the adapter body.

4. The syringe adapter according to claim 2, wherein: The adapter portion of the coupling portion is configured to couple with the spike portion of the adapter body.

5. The syringe adapter according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a check valve in fluid communication with the vent channel, wherein the check valve is configured to allow air to flow into the syringe and prevent medical fluid from flowing out of the vent channel.

6. The syringe adapter according to claim 5, wherein: The check valve includes a ball mechanism.

7. The syringe adapter according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a cannula extending into the vent channel and configured to extend into the syringe, wherein a cannula lumen of the cannula is in fluid communication with the vent channel.

8. The syringe adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The syringe portion of the coupling portion defines a luer connector configured to couple with the syringe.

9. An intravenous injection kit, characterized in that: It includes: A syringe, comprising: a barrel; and a plunger movably disposed within the barrel, wherein the plunger and barrel together define a syringe volume; and A syringe adapter, the syringe adapter comprising: an adapter body defining a fluid passageway in fluid communication with the syringe volume and configured to allow medical fluid to flow from the syringe volume through the syringe adapter, and a vent passageway in fluid communication with the syringe volume and configured to allow air to flow into the syringe volume; a coupling portion defining an adapter portion coupled to the adapter body and a syringe portion coupled to the syringe; and and a balloon coupled to the adapter body and defining a balloon volume, wherein the balloon volume is in fluid communication with the fluid channel and the syringe volume and is movable between a deflated configuration configured to vent air from the balloon volume and the fluid channel and an expanded configuration configured to draw medical fluid from the syringe volume into the fluid channel and the balloon volume.

10. The intravenous infusion kit according to claim 9, characterized in that: The adapter body also defines a spike portion extending from the adapter body.

11. The intravenous infusion kit according to claim 10, characterized in that: The fluid passage and the vent passage extend through the spike portion of the adapter body.

12. The intravenous infusion kit according to claim 10, characterized in that The adapter portion of the coupling portion is configured to couple to the spike portion of the adapter body.

13. The intravenous infusion kit according to claim 9, characterized in that: Also included is a check valve in fluid communication with the vent channel, wherein the check valve is configured to allow air to flow into the syringe volume and prevent medical fluid from flowing out of the vent channel.

14. The intravenous infusion kit according to claim 13, characterized in that The check valve includes a ball mechanism.

15. The intravenous infusion kit according to claim 9, characterized in that Also included is a cannula extending into the vent channel and configured to extend into the syringe, wherein a cannula lumen of the cannula is in fluid communication with the vent channel.

16. The intravenous infusion kit according to claim 9, characterized in that The syringe portion of the coupling portion defines an adapter Luer connector.

17. The intravenous infusion kit according to claim 16, characterized in that The syringe includes a syringe luer connector configured to couple to the adapter luer connector.

Images