VENT APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

There are a variety of vent devices for venting gas from a medical device line having gas to be removed. The vent device may include an inlet that, during use, communicates with the interior of the line, and an outlet that communicates with air outside the line or is exposed to the atmosphere. The inlet and outlet define opposite ends of a flow path configured to vent gas from within the line to outside the line, and to inhibit the flow of fluid from within the line out the outlet of the vent device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a venting device for venting gases from medical equipment such as tubing lines. In some cases, the present invention may be used to vent gases from peripheral intravenous catheters and other medical devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Venous air embolism occurs when one or more air bubbles enter a vein and restrict the blood supply to certain body organs, such as the heart, lungs, brain, etc. Arterial air embolism is the same event, occurring in an artery.

[0003] Air embolism can cause heart attacks, strokes, respiratory failure and can be fatal, especially in neonatal patients, where as little as 0.02 mL of air can cause ischemia, or a restriction of blood supply to tissues.

[0004] Air embolism can occur as a result of pressure injuries, pulmonary trauma, and compression such as from scuba diving, but also from injections and surgical procedures; it can occur during brain surgery and during infusion therapy when air trapped in the infusion line is not properly evacuated before drug injection.

[0005] Currently, medical personnel are trained to identify and remove air embolisms. This is a reactive rather than proactive procedure and is therefore less desirable. They may also use a syringe to evacuate the air from the infusion line. The practitioner can aspirate the trapped air by connecting the syringe to a needleless connector. In this case, the practitioner must identify the trapped air and remove it all.

[0006] The above mentioned remedies require the practitioner to identify and solve the problem rather than eliminate or reduce the likelihood of the problem occurring.

[0007] Current air aspiration techniques require additional steps to be performed, which is more time consuming, which is undesirable during emergency situations when the practitioner may already be distracted by other symptoms or treatments, and adds waste and costs resulting from the use of syringes and practitioner time.

[0008] It would be desirable to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the above-mentioned problems, or at least provide a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Disclosed is a vent device for venting gas from a line, the device including, in use, an inlet communicating with the interior of the line and an outlet communicating with air outside the line, the inlet and outlet defining opposite ends of a flow path configured to vent gas from the interior of the line to the outlet and to inhibit the flow of liquid from the interior of the line to the outlet.

[0010] The flow passage may comprise a gas permeable hydrophobic material.

[0011] The device may further include a housing, the inlet being at a distal region of the housing and the outlet being at a proximal region of the housing, the flow path forming a conduit within the housing. The outlet may comprise a hydrophobic material. The housing may include one or more proximal outlet openings, and the outlet may be formed as a strip of hydrophobic material across the one or more outlet openings. The strip may cover the one or more outlet openings.

[0012] The hydrophobic material may be embodied as an insert and disposed within the housing and located between the inlet and the outlet.

[0013] The inlet may include one or more inlet openings formed in a distal region of the housing.

[0014] The flow path may be formed by a body of hydrophobic material, with the outlet defined by a proximal region of the body and the inlet defined by a distal region of the body.

[0015] The device may include a distal region at least partially including the inlet, a proximal region including the outlet, and an intermediate region intermediate the distal and proximal regions. The distal region may have a first thickness and the intermediate region may have a second thickness less than the first thickness. The proximal region may have a third thickness greater than the second thickness.

[0016] The proximal region may be configured as a grip. An exterior surface of the proximal region may be textured. The texturing increases friction between the device and a user's fingers.

[0017] The distal region may have a first width and the proximal region may have a second width that is greater than the first width.

[0018] The line may be part of an intravenous catheter (IVC) or a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC). The vent device may be sized to be received through a needleless connector of an IVC or PIVC. In this regard, being sized to be received through a needleless connector may include only the portion that is inserted into or through the needleless connector being so sized. Any portion of the device that does not need to be inserted may be of an appropriate size that may be configured to be grasped by a user.

[0019] Advantageously, when the device is connected to a line having gas to be removed, such as via a needleless connector, it can passively allow the passage of air from the device to the environment along the flow path, and further, because the flow path, which can include a hydrophobic material, is configured to inhibit the passage of liquid from the outlet, there is little risk of blood leaking from the device or through the connector where the device connects to the line.

[0020] A vent device for venting gases from a medical device is disclosed. The vent device, in use, comprises: an inlet communicating with an interior of the medical device; and an outlet open to air outside the medical device, The inlet and outlet define opposite ends of a flow path configured to vent gas from the interior of the medical device through the outlet and inhibit the flow of liquid from the interior of the medical device to the outlet.

[0021] 10. The vent apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow passage comprises a gas permeable hydrophobic material.

[0022] The vent device can further include a housing, the inlet being at a distal region of the housing and the outlet being at a proximal region of the housing, and the flow passage forming a conduit within the housing. For example, the housing can be a two-piece housing having a seam, and an insert is disposed within a cavity of the housing to define the vent device.

[0023] A hydrophobic material may be disposed at the outlet.

[0024] The housing can include one or more proximal exit openings and the hydrophobic material can be located at the exits or a strip of hydrophobic material can be located across the one or more exit openings.

[0025] The strip of hydrophobic material may cover one or more of the exit openings such that gas exiting the one or more openings must flow through the strip of hydrophobic material.

[0026] The hydrophobic material can be formed as an insert, and the insert can be located within the cavity of the housing and disposed between the inlet and the outlet.

[0027] The inlet may include one or more inlet openings formed in a distal region of the housing.

[0028] The flow path may be formed by a body of hydrophobic material.

[0029] The vent device can have a generally planar profile having a length and a thickness, where the length is at least 20 times the thickness. For example, the length can be 25, 30, 35, 40, or 60 times the thickness.

[0030] The vent device may include a distal region that at least partially includes the inlet, a proximal region that includes the outlet, and an intermediate region intermediate the distal and proximal regions.

[0031] The distal region can have a first thickness and the intermediate region can have a second thickness that is less than the first thickness.

[0032] The proximal region can have a third thickness that is greater than the second thickness.

[0033] The proximal region of the vent device may be configured as a grip.

[0034] The exterior surface of the proximal region may be textured to improve grip.

[0035] The distal region can have a first width and the proximal region can have a second width that is greater than the first width.

[0036] The line can be part of an intravenous catheter (IVC) or a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC).

[0037] The inlet may be located within the receiving end of the port or connector.

[0038] In use, gas is exhausted through the vent apparatus without actuating a first portion of the vent apparatus relative to a second portion of the vent apparatus, and the vent apparatus does not incorporate first and second portions that are movable relative to one another for actuation.

[0039] A method of forming a venting device for venting gas from a line having the gas to be removed is disclosed. The method includes: forming a body from a hydrophobic material having a distal region, a proximal region, and an intermediate region between the distal and proximal regions; providing the body with a length at least 20 times greater than a thickness of the body to form a thin profile; forming a first width W1 in the distal region and a second width W2 in the proximal region, the second width W2 being greater than the first width W1; The method further comprises: forming a first thickness H1 in a distal region, a second thickness H2 in a middle region, and a third thickness H3 in a proximal region; Providing a tapered edge in the distal region to facilitate insertion of the vent device.

[0040] The first thickness H1 may be greater than the second thickness H2. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present teachings. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of the device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the device showing the two-piece housing and insert. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an assembled cross-sectional end view of the device of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a device according to one embodiment of the present teachings with a grip having various example texture variations in the proximal region of the device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an alternative device according to one embodiment of the present teachings. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of an alternative device according to one embodiment of the present teachings. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an alternative device according to one embodiment of the present teachings. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows the PIVC prior to connection to the patient's vasculature. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows the PIVC assembly of FIG. 13 after it has been connected to the patient's vascular system. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates a device according to one embodiment of the present teachings that is inserted through a port or connector and attached to the PIVC and in fluid communication with the PIVC. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 illustrates an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present teachings connected to a connector housing to access a line for venting gas from the line. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 illustrates a connector or valve contact area of ​​a device according to one embodiment of the present teachings, where the device is received in the connector or valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of a vent device provided in accordance with aspects of the present device, system, and method, and is not intended to represent the only manner in which the present device, system, and method may be constructed or utilized. This specification defines the features and steps for constructing and using the present device, system, and method embodiments in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments. However, it should be understood that the same or equivalent functions and structures may be accomplished by different embodiments that are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As shown elsewhere in this specification, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features.

[0044] Generally speaking, practitioners must identify trapped air in infusion sets, catheter systems, etc., or after delivering air to a patient, identify the presence of an embolism and remedy it. However, emergency situations place pressure on practitioners who may be distracted by other matters and not identify the trapped air before delivering air to a patient. Embodiments of the present invention allow for passive evacuation of air from lines of medical devices, such as peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) and intravenous catheters (IVCs), without specifically testing for trapped air or intervention by the practitioner. Embodiments of the present invention can also prevent blood and liquids from following the air flow path and escaping the vent device.

[0045] 1, there is shown a vent or vent device 100 that includes an inlet 102, an outlet 104, and a flow path 106 between the inlet and the outlet. In other words, the flow path 106 has an inlet and an outlet at opposite ends of the flow path.

[0046] 1, the exhaust or vent device 100, or simply device for short, includes a housing 108. The inlet 102 is at a distal region 110 of the housing 108 and the outlet 104 is at a proximal region 112 of the housing 108. Thus, the flow path 106 (shown in dashed lines as it is internal to the device 100) forms a conduit within the housing 108.

[0047] The distal region 110 of the housing 108 can be the portion of the housing 108 that communicates with gas (e.g., air) in a line, system, or chamber of a medical device during use of the vent device 100. The shape of the device 100 is not limited to the shape shown and can be adjusted as needed. For example, the distal region 110 can be any portion of the housing 108 that can communicate with gas in the line. As shown, the housing 108 has a flat profile in that the width of the housing is substantially larger or a larger dimension than the thickness of the housing. The flat profile allows the housing 108 to be inserted into the body of a connector that has a complementary narrow opening profile. In other embodiments, the housing 108 can have a distal region that has a cylindrical shape for insertion into a complementary bore-like inlet opening. For example, the housing 108 of the vent device 100 can have a male luer tip for insertion into a female luer of a connector to vent air from the connector side out of the vent device.

[0048] When the vent device 100 is used to remove gas from a medical device, such as from a line that is part of an IVC or PIVC, the inlet 102 communicates with the interior of the line, as shown in Figures 16 and 17. The vent device 100 may be supplied separately from a medical device line, system, or assembly, or may be supplied in situ with the medical device, such as when the medical device is packaged, to allow for rapid passive use of the vent device 100 without a separate connection step.

[0049] 2, the inlet 102 is configured here as a plurality of openings 114, only some of which are provided with reference numerals for clarity of FIG. 2. The openings 114 are formed in a distal region 110 of the housing 108. It will be understood that a single opening or any desired number of openings, such as two, three, four, or more, may be provided in a given embodiment for the purpose for which the device 100 is intended to be used. The distal region 110 of the vent device has a distal edge 155, i.e., a tip-most end. The tip-most end 155 may be solid or may have no openings at least for the inlet gas flow. As shown, the plurality of openings 114 of the inlet are located proximal to the distal edge 155. In certain embodiments, at least one opening 114 is provided in a side edge of the distal region, and optionally at least one opening is provided in a side edge of the middle region. The side edges of the distal and middle regions may be angled with respect to the distal edge 155. In a further embodiment, at least one opening 114 is provided on each of two side edges of the distal region, each of the two side edges being angled relative to the distal edge. In another embodiment, at least one opening 114 is provided on each of two side edges of the intermediate region, each of the two side edges being angled relative to the distal edge. When there is more than one opening 114, the two or more openings can have the same opening size or different sizes, including the same opening type or different opening types.

[0050] The proximal region 112 of the housing 108 (FIG. 1) forms the portion of the housing 108 that is in communication with the surrounding, or ambient, environment during use. For example, the proximal region 112 may be exposed or open to the ambient atmosphere to vent gases removed through the device directly to the ambient atmosphere. Thus, gases vented from the vent 104 in the proximal region 112 may be vented to the atmosphere.

[0051] FIG. 1 further illustrates the outlet 104 configured as a plurality of openings 116, only some of which are provided with reference numerals for clarity in FIG. 1. It will be understood that any desired number of openings, such as a single opening or two, three, four, six, or more, may be provided in a given embodiment as appropriate for the purpose for which the device is intended. The proximal region 112 of the vent device has a proximal edge 153, i.e., aft end. The proximal edge 153 has an exhaust port 104 disposed therein for exhaust gas flow. In one embodiment, at least two or more spaced apart openings 116 are provided as outlets for gas outflow. When two or more openings 116 are present in the proximal region, the two or more openings may have the same opening size or different sizes, including the same opening type or different opening types. Each of the at least two or more spaced apart openings 116 in the proximal region may have an opening that defines a plane, where the plane is angled with respect to the plane of the openings in the distal region. As a result, the flow path within the housing 108 of the vent apparatus of the present invention is non-linear in that gas flow entering the flow path through the housing must change direction one or more times between entering at the inlet and exiting at the outlet.

[0052] 1 and 2, the housing 108 is shown to have an inlet 102 at a distal region 110 and an outlet 104 at a proximal region, which form the inlet and outlet, respectively, of a flow passage 106 formed within the housing 108. Both the inlet and outlet can have one or more openings, which can span a seam 105 extending through the housing.

[0053] Thus, one aspect of the present invention is understood to include a venting device configured for use with a medical device, such as a luer adapter, IVC, PIVC, etc., to remove gas from the medical device. The venting device can be configured to remove gas without actuating the venting device or moving an internal part of the venting device to enable venting. In its simplest form, the venting device need only be placed in fluid communication with a medical device having gas to be removed, without actuating or moving an internal part of the venting device, such as by moving one part of the venting device relative to another part of the venting device.

[0054] While the housing 108 has a distal region 110 and a proximal region 112, some embodiments of the vent device according to aspects of the invention do not include the housing 108. For example, as described further below, FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative vent device 100 having a distal region and a proximal region, allowing gas to flow through or across the device without a separate housing. Thus, with reference to FIG. 3, without the housing 108, the vent device 100 can have a distal region 118, a proximal region 120, and an intermediate region 122 having a valve contact region 123 located intermediate the distal region 118 and the proximal region 120. Thus, the vent device 100 can embody an insert that is disposed within the housing 108, or the vent device can have its own utility without being disposed within a housing. Thus, the vent device can be used with a connector that removes or vents gas without a separate housing. The vent device may alternatively be formed as an insert that is placed within the housing 108, with the combination of the insert and housing being used to remove gas from the medical device lines.

[0055] The distal region 118 includes the inlet 102, here formed as a plurality of openings 114. In some embodiments, the inlet 102 may be formed entirely in the distal region 118 of the device 100, while in other embodiments as shown, the inlet 102 may be located partially on or in the intermediate region 122. In other words, there may be a plurality of openings in the distal and intermediate regions of the device that function as inlets.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, the proximal region 120 of the device includes an outlet 104, here configured as a plurality of openings 116. The openings may span the proximal end of the proximal region or may be disposed in a spaced apart relationship. One or more openings may optionally be provided at corners of the proximal edge and at side edges of the proximal region. In yet other examples, one or more openings may be provided at side edges of the proximal region.

[0057] For purposes of illustration, Figures 3 and 4 are labeled with arrows indicating the direction of gas inflow and outflow through the device 100. In particular, Figure 3 illustrates the inflow of gas, such as from a line of a medical device, as indicated by arrow X pointing into the opening 114 of the inlet 102. Similarly, Figure 4 illustrates the outflow or exhaust of gas from the device 100, and thus from the line, as indicated by arrow Y extending from the opening 116 of the outlet 104. In this manner, gas, for example from a line, may be exhausted through the vent device 100 by entering the inlet 102, passing through one or more flow paths within the device body, and exiting through the outlet 104.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the distal region 118 in this embodiment has a first thickness H1. The intermediate region 122 has a second thickness H2. H2 is less than H1. Similarly, in this embodiment, the proximal region 120 has a third thickness H3 that is greater than H2. In some cases, H1 and H3 may have the same thickness or may have different thicknesses. In other aspects, H3 may have the same thickness as H2. In some instances, H1 is equal to H2 or H1 is less than H2. When these alternative thicknesses are incorporated, the distal region includes alternative structures to resist removal of the device from the port or connector. For example, the distal region may include strips or bumps to increase the thickness of the distal region at certain locations of the distal region.

[0059] A transition 117 is provided between two adjacent regions, such as between the distal and intermediate regions and between the intermediate and proximal regions. The transition 117 can embody a tapered thickness of the vent device and can be provided on only one side of the device, as shown in side elevation in FIG. 5, or on both sides of the device.

[0060] In one embodiment, the vent device 100 can be incorporated into a housing of a connector, and the combination of the housing and vent device can be connected to a port having a line having gas to be removed, as shown in Figures 14-17. In an alternative embodiment, the port having the line having gas to be removed can have a receiving flap having an opening that can directly receive the vent device 100. Thus, a vent device according to aspects of the invention can be directly connected to a port of an adapter of a medical device to remove gas from the medical device without first being assembled to a connector having a tip for inserting the tip into the port of the adapter of the medical device.

[0061] In one embodiment, the connector that grips the device 100 so that the combination can be used with the port can be a resilient member described, for purposes of example only, as a rubber septum. The rubber septum of the connector can be sized and shaped to grip the mid-region 122 of the venting device 100. Thus, by making the distal region 118 larger, such as making the thickness H1 of the distal region larger than the thickness H2 of the mid-region, the device 100 is less likely to inadvertently slip off the rubber septum and separate from the line. A larger thickness H1 of the distal region would create an interference or restriction point with the rubber septum if the device 100 were inadvertently slid proximally from the connector. In this way, the opening in the rubber septum provides a clamp-like function with a gap, limiting the relatively thick distal region of the device 100 from slipping out of the smaller gap in the rubber septum proximally.

[0062] To remove the device 100 from the line, the rubber septum must be compressed laterally along the receiving end to increase the size of the gap at the receiving end and allow the distal region 118 to pass away from the rubber septum. In one embodiment, the receiving end of the connector or port having the gas to be vented has a generally elongated or slotted opening. Thus, to open the receiving end of the connector or port, the two short sides of the opening or slot are squeezed together to open the gap in the elongated or slotted opening. In another embodiment, the rubber septum has a first hardness value and the vent device has a second hardness value that is harder than the first hardness value, such that when the vent device is grasped and retracted to remove it from the rectangular opening, the rubber septum is deformed by the vent device, allowing the vent device to disengage from the rubber septum.

[0063] The proximal region 120 can have any suitable thickness. In this embodiment, it is increased in comparison to the thickness of the intermediate region 122 to allow for easy gripping by the practitioner to facilitate removal of the device 100 from the connector, and therefore from the line, if desired. However, the thickness of the proximal region can be less than the thickness of the intermediate region to allow for gripping and pulling by the practitioner. In yet other examples, the proximal region can include an enlarged gripping block or surface to facilitate gripping. For example, a strip of material, such as a hydrophilic material, can be attached to the proximal end to provide an enlarged surface for gripping.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 6, the distal region 118 has a first width W1 and the proximal region 120 has a second width W2. W2 is greater than W1. The device 100 also has a variable width region 133 between the proximal and distal regions. In some embodiments, the variable width region 133 is instead an abrupt or single angle riser in the transition between the smaller and larger widths. While some portions or sections of the device 100 may have a constant width, the distal-most end of the distal region 118 may have a width with a narrowing or tapering profile, such as a width change, to ensure and facilitate insertion of the tip into a port or connector to access a line having gas to be removed. The proximal region 120 may be large enough to facilitate easy gripping and removal of the device 100 from the line when desired.

[0065] The inlet 102 and outlet 104, as previously described, define opposite ends of the flow path 106. Additionally, the flow path 106 is configured to vent gas from the interior of the line having the gas to be removed through the outlet 104, but not vent liquid flow from the interior of the line through the outlet 104. In some embodiments, restricting the flow of liquid through the vent device can be accomplished by disposing a valve diaphragm or similar hydrophilic material within the housing 108 that closes the flow path when swelled. Thus, when liquid penetrates the housing 108, the hydrophilic material swells and prevents liquid from exiting the housing. Alternatively, in the illustrated embodiment, the flow path can be constructed of a gas-permeable hydrophobic material.

[0066] The term "gas permeable" herein generally refers to "air permeable." This term is intended to refer to a material that allows the passage of gases that tend to become trapped in medical lines. Additionally, the term "hydrophobic" is generally intended to mean hemophobic, such that the passage of blood from outlet 104 during use of device 100 is inhibited or prevented, but gas is permitted to pass through.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 7, the vent device 100 comprises a housing 108 that may be formed in two parts 124, 126, and an insert 128 made of a hydrophobic material that is located in the cavity of the housing when the two parts 124, 126 are assembled together. The two housing parts 124, 126 have cut-outs or surface features that form the noted inlet 102 and outlet 104, each having one or more openings, when the two housing parts are assembled. For example, the upper housing part 124 has a semicircular or semirectangular cut-out and the lower housing part 126 has a complementary semicircular or semirectangular cut-out, and when the upper and lower housing parts 124, 126 are assembled, the two half cut-outs combine to form an opening with a circumference. Each housing part may be configured with two or more cut-outs at the inlet and outlet to form two or more openings at the inlet and outlet.

[0068] The hydrophobic material insert 128 can be disposed within a cavity of the two-part housing 108, and the two housing parts are secured together, such as by welding, adhesive, detents, or a combination thereof. The insert 128 can be disposed between the inlet 102 and the outlet 104 of the housing, for example, to function as a physical presence between the inlet and the outlet. The insert 128 can include multiple protrusions 130 along its edges to occupy the openings 114 and 116 of the inlet 102 and the outlet 104. In other embodiments, the protrusions 130 can be omitted, and the outer periphery of the insert 128 is held firmly, such as with some interference or compression, against the side edges of the housing 108 in the assembled state. In still other embodiments, the insert can have multiple protrusions 130 and can be held firmly against the side edges of the housing when assembled into the housing. To maintain clarity of the drawings, only some of the protrusions 130 are labeled.

[0069] In one embodiment, each of the two housing portions 124, 126 has a housing contour that is complementary to the contour of the insert 128. In other embodiments, the insert can have a contour that differs from the contours of the two housing parts. For example, an insert made from a hydrophobic material can embody a first insert portion that occupies a cavity in a distal region of the housing and covers the inlet at the distal and intermediate regions. A separate second insert occupies a proximal region of the housing and covers the outlet at the proximal region. In one embodiment, the first insert can be spaced apart from the second insert. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, as shown, the vent device 100 can have a body with a generally flat profile such that the length of the body is at least 20 times (20X) the thickness of the body. The length can be about 25 times, e.g., 30X, 35X, 50X, or more, greater than the thickness of the body. The large length to thickness ratio defines a thin profile for insertion into a slot-like or elongated opening as opposed to a round opening in a port or connector.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled housing 108 showing an insert 128 of hydrophobic, gas permeable material that fills substantially the entire interior cavity 132 formed by the two portions 124 , 126 of the housing 108 .

[0071] To remove the device 100 from the line where gas is being removed, a small amount of force is required to pull the distal region of the device 100 through a connector or valve. To aid in the application of this force to pull the device 100, the proximal region 120 of the device is configured as a grip, as shown in FIG. 9. This configuration can be achieved by making the proximal region 120 large enough or otherwise shaped to be easily grasped. In one example, the exterior surface 134 of the device at the proximal region 120 may be textured. Two of many possible options for textures 136, 138 that can be incorporated into the exterior surface 134 of the device 100 are illustrated. In some examples, the exterior surface 134 on both sides of the device may be textured.

[0072] 10 illustrates an alternative vent device 140 in which the outlet 142 includes a hydrophobic material. As noted above, the outlet 142 is internal to the device 140 and thus defines an end of a flow path 144, shown in dashed lines. Thus, by incorporating or using a hydrophobic material in the outlet 142, the flow path 144 defined in part by the outlet is configured to inhibit the flow of liquid.

[0073] The housing 146 of the device 140 includes one or more proximal outlet openings (not shown), such as those used for the outlet 104 of the device 100 discussed elsewhere herein. However, in this embodiment, the outlet 142 includes a strip 143 of hydrophobic material disposed across the one or more outlet openings. In this manner, the strip 143 covers the one or more outlet openings. The internal flow passage 144 of the housing 146 may also include an insert 128 made of a hydrophobic material, or may be a hollow cavity or conduit within the housing without the strip. When the strip 143 of hydrophobic material is incorporated into the housing and covers one or more outlet openings on the housing, a distal opening 145 may be provided in the distal region. The distal opening 145 may be an elongated slot along the varying width of the distal region. The distal opening may be formed in the distal edge of the distal region.

[0074] 11 shows device 140 in a rear perspective view with strip 142 attached to the housing, such as by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or any other suitable process, covering the outlet. In one example, another strip of hydrophobic material can also be attached to the distal region of housing 146, covering the inlet therein. In an alternative embodiment, the distal region of vent device 140, which may embody an insert, disposed within housing 146, can include hydrophobic material to restrict the flow of liquid at the inlet, but the distal region of housing 146 itself does not include a strip, unlike the proximal region.

[0075] The flow path of the device 100 may be formed by or may be substantially coincident with a body of hydrophobic material. For example, the flow path may include a cavity in a housing that is entirely occupied by an insert of hydrophobic material, with gas flowing across the material of the insert.

[0076] FIG. 12 illustrates a further embodiment in which the device 148 itself is formed by a body 150 of a hydrophobic material. The vent device 148 of FIG. 12 can be used to vent gas from a line of a medical device without first inserting the body of the device into a complementary housing. In this embodiment, the outlet is defined by the proximal region 152 of the body 150, and the inlet is defined by the distal region 154 of the body 150. Thus, wherever gas from the line having the gas to be removed enters the body 150 of the insert, i.e., where the gas flows in the distal region 154, is considered an inlet, and wherever that gas escapes from the body 150 into the surrounding environment is considered an outlet. In one example, the distal region 154 of the vent device 148 is inserted into the receiving end of a port or adapter of a medical device having the gas to be removed, and the gas can foreseeably enter all exposed surface areas of the insert located within the port or adapter. In that particular example, the entire distal region of the insert through which the gas enters is considered an inlet.

[0077] The distal region 154 can extend all the way back to the proximal region 152, but for purposes of illustration, the device 148 will be considered to include, again, a distal region 154 that at least partially constitutes an entrance, a proximal region 152 that constitutes an exit, and an intermediate region 156 intermediate the distal region 154 and the proximal region 152.

[0078] The same discussion above relating to the relative thicknesses and widths of the various regions of device 100 similarly applies to device 148 of this embodiment, which can have a variety of thicknesses and can be used without first being inserted into a complementary housing.

[0079] FIG. 13 shows a prior art peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) access assembly 160 with a needleless connector 162 prior to insertion of a needle 164 with a catheter tube disposed therein into a patient's vasculature 166. The tubing line 168 of the assembly 160 between the side port of the catheter hub and the adapter is empty or devoid of blood prior to use. FIG. 14 shows the same assembly as FIG. 13, but after insertion of the needle 164 into the vasculature. Blood 170 is shown traveling up the needle 164 and into the tubing 168. Notably, an air pocket 172 has formed at the adapter junction 174, including within the needleless connector 162, due to the traveling blood. Typically, a practitioner must insert the luer tip of a medical instrument, such as a syringe, into the needleless connector 162 to bleed the air out in order to remove the air pocket 172 and prevent it from being injected as air bubbles into the vasculature 166, causing an air embolism.

[0080] 15 shows a vent device 100 according to the present teachings inserted through a needleless connector 176 so as to communicate with the interior of a line 178. Notably, blood 180 traveling up needle 182, into line 178, and to junction 184 displaces or pushes any air from junction 184 through the vent device 100, but blood does not travel through the device 100 because the device flow path is configured to prevent blood from escaping through an outlet of the device 100. For example, as previously described, the device 100 itself can be made from a hydrophobic material, or one or more strips made from a hydrophobic material can be placed at the inlet of an insert, the inlet of a housing having an insert disposed therein, the outlet of a housing having an insert disposed therein, or a combination thereof, to allow gas to pass through the device but not blood.

[0081] 16 is a schematic diagram of a vent device 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention inserted into a housing 200 of a connector 176 having a luer tip 205 and a threaded collar 207 surrounding the tip 205. In some embodiments, the collar can be omitted and the device is called a Luer slip. The luer tip 205 of the connector 176 can be used with a connector having a female luer, for example a needleless valve having a female luer receptacle.

[0082] As shown, the housing 200 of the connector 176 has a receiving end 202 that includes a flap or valve 204 having a slit or opening sized and shaped to receive the distal region 118 of the vent device 100. The receiving end 202 can receive the distal region 118 and at least a portion of the mid-region of the device 100, but not the proximal region 120 of the device 100 that extends outside of the housing 200. Thus, by making the proximal region 120 too wide and too long to fit into the connector 176, the proximal region 120 prevents the entire device 100 from being inadvertently forced through the housing 200 and into the adapter joint 184. Additionally, a transition region having a variable width or an abrupt change in width between the mid-region and the proximal region can be sized and shaped to prevent insertion into the receiving end 202 of the housing 200.

[0083] Figure 17 shows the same device 100 and needleless connector 176 as in Figure 16, but from a perspective rotated 90 degrees from that of Figure 16 to show the thickness instead of the width of the device 100. As shown, the intermediate region 122 is held by the periphery of the opening of the flap 204 of the connector 176. The thicker distal region 118 is further located within the housing 200 of the connector 176 and communicates with the interior of the line in the direction indicated by arrow Z.

[0084] It is understood that methods of using and manufacturing a vascular access assembly, including the vent device and components of the vascular access assembly, as shown and described herein are within the scope of the present invention.

[0085] It will be understood that many further modifications and permutations of various aspects of the described embodiments are possible, and accordingly, the described aspects are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0086] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context otherwise requires, the word "comprising" is understood to mean the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps, but not to the exclusion of other integers or steps or groups of integers or steps.

[0087] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or known matter is not an acknowledgement or suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or known matter forms part of the general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification pertains.

[0088] Although limited embodiments of the vent device, connector, and vascular access assembly and components thereof have been specifically described and illustrated herein, numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the vent device, connector, and vascular access assembly and components thereof constructed in accordance with the principles of the disclosed devices, systems, and methods may be embodied in ways other than as specifically described herein. The present disclosure is also defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A vent device for venting gas from a medical device, comprising: The vent device is an inlet that, in use, communicates with an interior of the medical device; an outlet exposed to air outside the medical device; the inlet and outlet define opposite ends of a flow path configured to vent gas from the interior of the medical device to the outlet and to inhibit the flow of liquid from the interior of the medical device to the outlet; Venting device.

2. the flow path comprises a gas permeable hydrophobic material; The vent apparatus of claim 1 .

3. Further comprising a housing; The inlet is at a distal region of the housing and the outlet is at a proximal region of the housing, the flow path forming a conduit within the housing. The vent device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a hydrophobic material is disposed at the outlet; 4. The vent apparatus of claim 3.

5. the housing includes one or more proximal exit openings; a hydrophobic material is located at the outlet or a strip of hydrophobic material is disposed across one or more of the outlet openings; 5. The vent apparatus of claim 4.

6. A strip of hydrophobic material may cover the one or more exit openings such that gas exiting the one or more openings must flow through the strip of hydrophobic material.

6. The vent apparatus of claim 5.

7. The hydrophobic material is formed as an insert; The insert is located in the cavity within the housing and is disposed between the inlet and the outlet.

4. The vent apparatus of claim 3.

8. The inlet includes one or more inlet openings formed in a distal region of the housing.

4. The vent apparatus of claim 3.

9. the flow path being formed by a body of hydrophobic material; 3. The vent apparatus of claim 2.

10. having a generally planar profile with a length and a thickness, the length being at least 20 times the thickness; 9. The vent apparatus of claim 8.

11. a distal region at least partially including the inlet, a proximal region including the outlet, and an intermediate region intermediate the distal and proximal regions; The vent apparatus of claim 1 .

12. The distal region has a first thickness and the intermediate region has a second thickness that is less than the first thickness.

12. The vent apparatus of claim 11.

13. The proximal region has a third thickness greater than the second thickness.

13. The vent apparatus of claim 12.

14. The proximal region is configured as a grip.

12. The vent apparatus of claim 11.

15. The exterior surface of the proximal region is textured; 15. The vent apparatus of claim 14.

16. The distal region has a first width and the proximal region has a second width greater than the first width.

12. The vent apparatus of claim 11.

17. The flow path is part of an intravenous catheter (IVC) or a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC). The vent apparatus of claim 1 .

18. The inlet is disposed within the receiving end of the port or connector; 20. The vent apparatus of claim 17.

19. The gas is vented through the vent apparatus without actuating a first portion of the vent apparatus relative to a second portion of the vent apparatus. The vent apparatus of claim 1 .

20. 1. A method of forming a vent device for venting gas from a line having gas to be removed, comprising the steps of: The method is: forming a body from a hydrophobic material having a distal region, a proximal region, and an intermediate region between the distal and proximal regions; providing the body with a length at least 20 times greater than a thickness of the body to form a thin profile; A first width W １ a second width W ２ and forming a second width W ２ is the first width W １ Bigger, The method further comprises: a first thickness H in the distal region; １ and a second thickness H ２ a third thickness H ３ forming a and providing a tapered edge in the distal region to facilitate insertion of the vent device.

21. First thickness H １ is the second thickness H ２ Greater than 21. The method of claim 20.

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