Filter assembly and instillation chamber assembly

Abstract

Filter assemblies and instillation chamber assemblies are described herein. The filter assembly includes an outer filter having an outer filter media and an inner filter having an inner filter media. The inner filter media defines an inner flow channel. The inner filter is disposed within the outer filter defining an annular portion between the outer filter and the inner filter. The outer filter media is configured to allow a first flow from the annulus toward the outlet portion of the outer filter and capture particles from the first flow. The inner filter media is configured to allow a second flow from the annulus toward the inner flow channel and capture particles from the second flow.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 591,346, filed October 18, 2023, entitled “BLOOD SET FILTER DESIGN”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to filters, and more particularly to filters for intravenous injection kits. Background Technology

[0004] Medical treatments typically involve infusing a patient with medical fluids (e.g., blood or blood components) using an intravenous (IV) catheter, which is connected to the fluid source via an arrangement of flexible tubing and fittings commonly referred to as an “IV kit.” During the procedure, the medical fluid can be filtered to prevent the transfer of bacteria, microorganisms, and / or other pathogens.

[0005] In some applications, such as blood transfusions for trauma patients, blood needs to be delivered to the patient within a relatively short timeframe. The characteristics of IV kit components (such as filters) can affect the flow rate and delivery time of blood to the patient. Utility Model Content

[0006] The disclosed subject matter relates to filters for IV kits. In some embodiments, a filter assembly is disclosed, comprising an external filter containing an external filter medium; and an internal filter including an internal filter medium defining an internal flow channel, wherein the internal filter is disposed within the external filter, defining an annular portion between the external and internal filters, wherein the external filter medium is configured to allow a first flow from the annular portion toward an outlet portion of the external filter and to capture particles from the first flow, and the internal filter medium is configured to allow a second flow from the annular portion toward the internal flow channel and to capture particles from the second flow.

[0007] In some embodiments, a method is disclosed that includes introducing an inlet flow into a chamber volume; allowing the inlet flow to pass from an inlet portion of the chamber volume through an annular portion defined between an external filter and an internal filter, through the external filter, and into an outlet portion of the chamber volume; capturing particles from the inlet flow in the external filter; allowing the inlet flow to pass from the inlet portion of the chamber volume through the annular portion, through the internal filter, and into the outlet portion of the chamber volume; and capturing particles from the inlet flow in the internal filter.

[0008] In some embodiments, a drip chamber assembly is disclosed, comprising a drip chamber including a chamber body defining a chamber volume; and a filter disposed within the chamber volume, the filter comprising: a cylindrical external filter including an external filter medium; and a cylindrical internal filter including an internal filter medium defining an internal flow channel, wherein the internal filter is disposed within the external filter and defines an annular portion between the external filter and the internal filter, wherein the external filter medium is configured to allow a first flow from an inlet portion of the chamber volume through the annular portion toward an outlet portion of the chamber volume and to capture particles from the first flow, and the internal filter medium is configured to allow a second flow from the inlet portion of the chamber volume through the annular portion toward an outlet portion of the chamber volume and to capture particles from the second flow.

[0009] It should be understood that, based on this disclosure, various structures of the present subject matter will become clear to those skilled in the art, wherein various structures of the present subject matter are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be appreciated, the present subject matter can have other and different constructions and certain details thereof can be modified in various other aspects, all without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. Therefore, the utility model description, drawings, and detailed descriptions should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated into and form part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] In the attached image:

[0012] Figure 1 The image depicts a patient receiving an infusion of medical fluids using an IV pump.

[0013] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an infusion chamber assembly according to certain aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 3 It shows crossing Figure 2 Fluid flow in the drip chamber assembly.

[0015] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the filter in the drip chamber assembly.

[0016] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the filter in the drip chamber assembly.

[0017] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2Top view of the filter in the infusion chamber component.

[0018] Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the filter in the drip chamber assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The disclosed filter provides an annular configuration. The annular filter configuration provides an increased filtration area, allowing for increased flow velocity and stable flow through the filter.

[0020] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various constructions of the subject matter, and not as representing the only construction in which the subject matter can be practiced. Specific details are included for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject matter. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject matter. For ease of understanding, the same components are labeled with the same element numbers. Reference numerals may be appended with letter suffixes to indicate individual instances of common elements, which are generally referred to by the same numbers without suffixes.

[0021] While the following description pertains to filters used to administer medical fluids using the disclosed filters, it should be understood that this description is merely an example of use and does not limit the scope of the claims. Various aspects of the disclosed filters can be used in any application where an increased flow rate through the filter is desired.

[0022] The disclosed filter overcomes several challenges found with certain conventional filter devices. One challenge with certain conventional filter devices is that the conventional filter media may not provide sufficient or required fluid flow (e.g., blood flow) to the patient. Furthermore, another challenge with certain conventional components is that some conventional devices may be complex and / or may include many component parts. Therefore, some conventional devices may be difficult to manufacture in a scalable and cost-effective manner. Because some conventional filter devices may not provide sufficient or required fluid flow and may be difficult to manufacture, the use of certain conventional filter devices is not ideal.

[0023] Therefore, according to this disclosure, it is advantageous to provide a filter that allows for increased flow rate without significantly increasing the complexity of the component design. Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide a filter design that allows for efficient utilization of the filter element. Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide a filter with increased filtration area and improved pressure gradient. Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide a filter that reduces fluid (e.g., blood) splashing and helps stabilize fluid flow through the filter. Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide a filter design that is easy to manufacture and assemble and inexpensive.

[0024] Examples of filter and drip chamber components that allow for increased fluid flow rates while minimizing complexity are now described.

[0025] Figure 1 A patient 5 is shown receiving an infusion of medical fluid (e.g., blood) via an IV pump 30 according to certain aspects of this disclosure. The IV pump 30 includes a controller 32 and two pump modules 34. An IV kit 20 is connected between a container 36 of the medical fluid and the patient 5. Prior to operation, components of the IV kit 20 can be perfused with the medical fluid. Furthermore, during operation, the medical fluid delivered to the patient 5 can be filtered to prevent the transfer of bacteria, microorganisms, and / or other pathogens. The filtering device described herein can allow filtration of the medical fluid delivered to the patient 5. In some embodiments, the filter and / or infusion chamber assembly may be disposed between or in series with the tubing of the IV kit 20.

[0026] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an infusion chamber assembly 100 according to certain aspects of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3 It shows crossing Figure 2 Fluid flow in the drip chamber assembly 100. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the depicted example, the infusion chamber assembly 100 allows the function of the infusion chamber 101 while also allowing the filtration of medical fluids passing through it. As described herein, the infusion chamber assembly 100 may include a filter 120 disposed within the infusion chamber 101.

[0027] As shown in the figure, the infusion chamber 101 provides a visual indicator of the flow rate of the medical fluid passing through it. Advantageously, clinicians can monitor and adjust the flow rate of the medical fluid based on the visual indication provided by the infusion chamber 101.

[0028] During operation, medical fluid may drip or otherwise flow through the chamber volume 104 defined by the chamber body 110. Medical fluid flow 10 may enter the chamber body 110 through an upper portion or inlet portion 102 defined in the chamber body 110. Fluid flow 40 may exit the chamber body 110 through a lower portion or outlet portion 112. In some embodiments, the outlet portion 112 may include an outlet 108. An outlet lumen 106 formed in the outlet 108 may be in fluid communication with the chamber volume 104. The outlet 108 may be coupled to a fitting of the IV kit 20.

[0029] As fluid flows through the chamber body 110, clinicians can use the infusion chamber 101 as a visual indicator to observe the dripping or flow of the medical fluid. It is understood that the chamber body 110 can be transparent or translucent.

[0030] In some embodiments, the chamber body 110 can balance the pressure difference between the chamber volume 104 and the environment during operation. In some embodiments, the chamber body 110 may be formed of an elastic material to allow the chamber body 110 to be squeezed or compressed to draw in medical fluids for infusion of the IV system.

[0031] In the described example, the infusion chamber 101 can aspirate medical fluid for perfusion of the IV system. It is understood that during the perfusion procedure, the chamber volume 104 can be filled with a desired volume of medical fluid.

[0032] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the filter 120 of the infusion chamber assembly 100. Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the filter 120 of the infusion chamber assembly 100. Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 Top view of the filter 120 of the infusion chamber assembly 100. Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the filter 120 of the drip chamber assembly 100. (Reference) Figures 2-7 During operation, as medical fluid flows through the infusion chamber assembly 100, the fluid can be filtered before flowing out of the infusion chamber 101 and into the tubing of the IV kit 20. In the example shown, a filter 120 is disposed within the chamber volume 104 to filter fluid passing through the chamber volume 104.

[0033] As shown in the figure, filter 120 has an annular structure. In some embodiments, an inner filter 121b is disposed within an outer filter 121a, defining an annular portion 126a between them. Optionally, the inner filter 121b may be bonded within or to the outer filter 121a.

[0034] Reference Figure 3 Fluid within chamber volume 104 can pass through filter 120 to prevent the transfer of bacteria, microorganisms, and / or other pathogens into the patient's body. During operation, fluid can flow from the inlet portion of chamber volume 104 to the inlet portion 122 of filter 120, as shown in fluid flow 10. Fluid can flow from inlet portion 122 to an annular portion 126a between the inner filter 121b and the outer filter 121a. As shown in fluid flow 20a, fluid can flow from the annular portion 126a outward or toward the outer filter 121a. As shown in fluid flow 30a, fluid can flow through the filter medium 140a of the outer filter 121a through the outlet portion 124a of the outer filter 121a. Furthermore, as shown in fluid flow 20b, fluid can flow from the annular portion 126a inward or toward the inner filter 121b. As shown in fluid flow 30b, fluid can flow through the filter medium 140b of the inner filter 121b and enter the internal flow channel 126b defined within the inner filter 121b. The flow can exit the internal flow channel 126b of the internal filter 121b via the outlet portion 124b. As shown in fluid flow 40, the filtered fluid flow from the outlet portion 124a of the external filter 121a and the outlet portion 124b of the internal filter 121b can converge at the outlet portion of the chamber volume 104.

[0035] In some embodiments, the filter 120 may be positioned within or spaced apart within the chamber volume 104 to define a flow path between the chamber body 110 and the lower frame 134 of the filter 120. Optionally, the lower frame 134 of the filter 120 may be disposed on a protrusion defined within the chamber body 110, which may facilitate or otherwise define the flow path between the chamber body 110 and the lower frame 134.

[0036] It is understood that a positive pressure differential can guide fluid flow 10 from the inlet portion 122 of filter 120 through the external filter 121a and the internal filter 121b, and into the outlet portions 124a and 124b of filter 120. The filtered fluid can flow from the outlet portion 112 through the outlet 108 of the drip chamber 101.

[0037] In some embodiments, the annular configuration of filter 120 can promote a pressure gradient on the annular portion 126a, thereby increasing the pressure difference between the outer filter 121a and the inner filter 121b relative to certain conventional cylindrical filter configurations. For example, for a given set of dimensions and fluid flow characteristics, the velocity distribution of fluid through a cylindrical filter is defined by the following equation:

[0038]

[0039] In contrast, for a given set of dimensions and fluid flow characteristics, the fluid velocity distribution through an annular filter is defined by the following equation:

[0040]

[0041] Advantageously, for a given set of dimensions and fluid flow characteristics, the annular design offers an incremental increase in velocity compared to a cylindrical filter construction. As shown in the following equation, energy is conserved in the annular filter design:

[0042] P 头部 +speed 头部 +height 头部 = constant

[0043] (P1-P2)+(Z1-Z2)=(W2-W1)

[0044] Therefore, since the annular filter configuration provides an increase in velocity compared to the cylindrical filter configuration, it similarly provides an increase in pressure differential compared to the cylindrical filter configuration. Thus, the increased pressure differential, or gradient, provides an improved flow rate relative to the cylindrical filter configuration.

[0045] As described herein, filter media 140a and 140b can selectively filter flow passing through external filter 121a and internal filter 121b, respectively. Filter media 140a and 140b can have an average filter opening of 15 to 200 micrometers. In some embodiments, the average filter opening can be in the range of 180 to 200 micrometers. Optionally, filter media 140a and 140b can have pores of different sizes. In some embodiments, filter media 140a and 140b can be formed of a mesh or nonwoven filter material. Filter media 140a and 140b can be formed of an elastic or expandable material. Optionally, filter media 140a and 140b can be treated with an anticoagulant.

[0046] In some embodiments, the external filter 121a and the internal filter 121b may have a generally cylindrical shape. As shown, the external filter 121a may have a length L1 extending along a portion of the length of the infusion chamber 101. In some embodiments, the external filter 121a may have a radius R1 allowing the filter 120 to be fitted within the chamber volume 104 of the infusion chamber 101. Furthermore, the internal filter 121b may have a length L2 allowing the internal filter 121b to be fitted within the external filter 121b. Similarly, the internal filter 121b may have a radius R2 allowing the internal filter 121b to be fitted within the opening of the external filter 121a and defining an annular portion 126a therebetween.

[0047] In some embodiments, the annular configuration of filter 120 can provide additional filtration area compared to certain conventional cylindrical filter configurations. For example, for a given set of dimensions, the filtration surface area of ​​a cylindrical filter is defined by the following equation:

[0048] A = 2πrl

[0049] In contrast, for a given set of dimensions, the filtration surface area of ​​an annular filter is defined by the following equation:

[0050] A = 2πR₁L₁ + 2πR₂L₂

[0051] Advantageously, for a given set of dimensions, the annular construction provides an incremental increase in the filter surface area (compared to the cylindrical filter construction) (2πR2L2), thereby increasing the flow capacity of the annular filter 120.

[0052] During operation, fluid flow 20a can pass through the inlet portion of chamber volume 104, through the inner portion of filter medium 140a, and enter the outer filter 121a. Flow 30a can move radially outward through filter medium 140a and downward into the outlet portion of chamber volume 110. Similarly, fluid flow 20b can pass through the annular portion 126a, through the outer portion of filter medium 140b, and enter the inner filter 121b. Flow 30b can move radially inward through filter medium 140b and enter the inner flow channel 126b. Flow from the inner flow channel 126b can flow downward into the outlet portion of chamber volume 110.

[0053] In some embodiments, the filter 120 is supported by a filter frame. As shown, the external filter media 140a may be supported by an upper frame 130a and / or a lower frame 134. The upper frame 130a and / or the lower frame 134 may maintain the overall shape of the filter media 140a. In some embodiments, ribs or struts 132 may connect the upper frame 130a and the lower frame 134 to provide additional support or rigidity for the frame and the filter 120. Optionally, the upper frame 130a and / or the lower frame 134 may be sealed against the chamber body 110 to prevent fluid from bypassing the filter media 140a. The upper frame 130a and / or the lower frame 134 may have a generally elastic construction to maintain sealed contact with the chamber body 110 during deformation of the drip chamber 101. Furthermore, the lower frame 134 may serve as an end plate to prevent fluid from bypassing the filter media 140a. In some applications, filter media 140a and / or filter media 140b may be bonded to the lower frame 134.

[0054] In some embodiments, the internal filter 121b includes a circular top 130b for guiding fluid flow. During operation, the circular top 130b can guide fluid flow into the annular portion 126a, stabilizing fluid flow and preventing splashing. In some embodiments, the circular top 130b is bonded to the filter media 140b of the internal filter 121b.

[0055] Optionally, the filter 120 is captured by the features and / or geometry of the infusion chamber 101. In some embodiments, the filter 120 is attached to the infusion chamber 101 via fasteners and / or adhesives. The filter 120 may also float freely relative to the infusion chamber 101.

[0056] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject matter, and the subject matter is not limited to these examples. Numerous modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0057] Unless otherwise stated, the use of the singular form to refer to an element 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. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. The use of titles and subtitles (if any) is for convenience only and does not limit this disclosure.

[0058] The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” should not be construed as preferred or advantageous to other aspects or designs. In one respect, the various alternative constructions and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0059] For example, phrases like "aspect" do not imply that such an aspect is essential to the present subject matter, or that such an aspect applies to all constructions of the present subject matter. Disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all constructions or one or more constructions. An aspect may provide one or more examples. For example, the phrase "an aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. For example, phrases like "embodiment" do not imply that such an embodiment is essential to the present subject matter, or that such an embodiment applies to all constructions of the present subject matter. Disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. For example, the phrase "an embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. For example, phrases like "construction" do not imply that such a construction is essential to the present subject matter, or that such a construction applies to all constructions of the present subject matter. Disclosure relating to a construction may apply to all constructions or one or more constructions. A construction may provide one or more examples. The phrase "such a construction" may refer to one or more constructions, and vice versa.

[0060] In one respect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications set forth in this specification, including in the following claims, are approximate, not precise. In another respect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions they pertain to and with the custom of the art to which they belong.

[0061] In one respect, the term "linkage" can refer to a direct connection. In another respect, the term "linkage" can refer to an indirect connection.

[0062] For example, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” etc., used in this disclosure should be understood to refer to any frame of reference rather than a general gravitational frame of reference. Therefore, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and rear surface can extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

[0063] Various items may be arranged differently (e.g., in different orders or divided in different ways) without departing from the scope of the subject matter. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements throughout the various aspects described in this disclosure are known to or will be known hereafter to those skilled in the art, expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims, the disclosure herein is not intended for the public. According to paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.SC §112, elements of a claim will not be interpreted unless the element is clearly stated using the phrase “means”, or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase “for the step of…”. Moreover, the scope of terms such as “comprising,” “having,” etc., is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising,” as interpreted when “comprising” is used as a transitional term in a claim.

[0064] The title, background art, utility model description, description of drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are incorporated herein and are provided as illustrative examples rather than limiting descriptions. This application is filed on the understanding that they are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it will be apparent that the description provides illustrative examples, and various features are combined in various embodiments to simplify the disclosure. This disclosure approach should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the utility model subject matter lies in all features of fewer than those in a single disclosed construction or operation. The following claims are therefore incorporated into the detailed description, each claim being an independent, separately claimed subject matter.

[0065] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but rather to conform to the full scope consistent with the language claims and to include all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended to include subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.SC § 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

Claims

1. A filter assembly, characterized in that, It includes: An external filter, the external filter comprising an external filter medium; as well as An internal filter includes an internal filter medium defining an internal flow channel, wherein the internal filter is disposed within the external filter and defines an annular portion between the external filter and the internal filter. The external filter medium is configured to allow a first flow from the annular portion toward the outlet portion of the external filter and to capture particles in the first flow, and the internal filter medium is configured to allow a second flow from the annular portion toward the internal flow channel and to capture particles in the second flow.

2. The filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external and internal filters are cylindrical.

3. The filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external filter medium is configured to allow radial outward flow from the annular portion toward a first flow through the external filter medium.

4. The filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The internal filter medium is configured to allow a second flow that radially inwards through the internal filter medium from the annular portion.

5. The filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the inner filter of the inner filter is less than the length of the outer filter of the outer filter.

6. The filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radius of the inner filter of the inner filter is smaller than the radius of the outer filter of the outer filter.

7. The filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a frame that supports the external filter medium, wherein the frame guides the first flow and the second flow toward the annular portion.

8. The filter assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The upper portion of the frame guides the first and second flows toward the annular portion.

9. The filter assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a lower portion of the frame, wherein the lower portion of the frame prevents the first flow and the second flow from bypassing the external filter medium and the internal filter medium.

10. The filter assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The upper part and the lower part of the frame are connected by pillars.

11. The filter assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The internal filter media is bonded to the lower part of the frame.

12. The filter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a circular top attached to the upper portion of the internal filter medium, wherein the circular top is configured to guide the first flow and the second flow into the annular portion.

13. The filter assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The circular top is bonded to the internal filter medium.

14. A drip chamber assembly, characterized in that, It includes: A drip chamber, the drip chamber comprising a chamber body defining a chamber volume; as well as A filter, disposed within the chamber volume, the filter comprising: A cylindrical external filter, the cylindrical external filter comprising an external filter medium; and A cylindrical internal filter includes an internal filter medium defining an internal flow channel, wherein the internal filter is disposed within an external filter and defines an annular portion between the external filter and the internal filter. The external filter medium is configured to allow a first flow from the inlet portion of the chamber volume through the annular portion toward the outlet portion of the chamber volume, and to capture particles from the first flow; and the internal filter medium is configured to allow a second flow from the inlet portion of the chamber volume through the annular portion toward the outlet portion of the chamber volume, and to capture particles from the second flow.

15. The drip chamber assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The external filter medium is configured to allow radial outward flow from the annular portion toward a first flow through the external filter medium.

16. The infusion chamber assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The internal filter medium is configured to allow a second flow that radially inwards through the internal filter medium from the annular portion.

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