Pressure compensation device for reconstituting, withdrawing, and transferring drugs from vials or other reduced pressure containers, and apparatus including same - Patents.com

Abstract

A pressure compensation device (1) for an apparatus for reconstituting, retrieving and transferring drugs from a vial or other reduced pressure container with a closure plug pierceable by axial pressure comprises a three-dimensional compensation bag (2) with a unique flexible wall (3) and an interior space (4) containing sterile air. The three-dimensional compensation bag (2) is interposed between a hooking and piercing device (5) for hooking and piercing the closure plug of a vial (16) and an end connector (6). The end connector (6) has a sealing valve or other extraction means that can be opened by axial pressure applied with the luer portion (25) of a needleless syringe (21) and is automatically resealable when said pressure ceases. The hooking and piercing device (5) comprises a hooking and retention cowling (7), a piercing stem (11) with an axial internal passage (49), and a sealing element (12).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure compensation device for an apparatus for reconstituting, withdrawing and transferring drugs from a vial or other reduced pressure container, and to an apparatus comprising the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In the pharmaceutical field, more or less complex devices are known. They allow the reconstitution, withdrawal and transfer of drugs from vials with a sealing plug, which contain and store the active drug substance under reduced pressure for later administration to a patient. The active drug substance may be in the form of a liquid, gel or powder, which in this case must first be diluted in order to reconstitute the drug to be administered.

[0003] Such devices, especially in the case of cytotoxic drugs, should be in a closed form, i.e. without any communication with the external environment, to exclude possible leakage of drug traces, which may represent a serious risk to the health of medical personnel preparing drug therapy for patients.

[0004] In such a closure system, there is a need to compensate for the internal pressure of the system once the vial is contacted by a hooking device with a tip that pierces the closure plug.

[0005] In devices currently on the market, pressure compensation is typically achieved by a filter in the hooking device of the vial, which allows sterile air to enter the vial and exit the vial without harmful drug particles. These filter devices cannot be classified as "closed systems" because they are unable to retain even small traces of drug, especially when in contact with liquid drugs that impair the filtering properties.

[0006] Another solution on the market involves a closed ampoule that is applied to the hooking device of the vial and communicates with a specific channel in the piercing tip of the hooking device.

[0007] WO 2020 / 221594 discloses a closed circuit device for transferring hazardous pharmaceutical fluids, which comprises a compensation chamber consisting of a cylindrical bellows with an internal space filled with sterile air and a corrugated outer wall made of elastic material, compressible and longitudinally expandable in an accordion-like manner. A first connector suitable for connecting the luer part of a syringe is fixed integrally to a first end of the compensation chamber. This first connector has an axial internal passage into which a first valve is inserted. The first valve is manually movable between an open position and a closed position of such internal passage. A second connector suitable for connecting to a vial, or other type of drug container of hazardous liquid, is likewise fixed integrally to a second end of the compensation chamber, opposite the first end. The second container terminates with a needle with two coaxial longitudinal channels and is suitable for piercing the closure plug of a vial or other drug container. A second elastic membrane valve with a small central slit is positioned between the compensation chamber and the second connector and automatically opens and closes communication between the chamber and the second connector in response to pressure acting on both end faces.

[0008] When it becomes necessary to withdraw a drug dose from a vial containing the drug itself, once the first valve is closed, the second connector is hooked to the drug vial, whereby the piercing needle of the two channels penetrates the closure plug of the vial. With the withdrawal device arranged with the vial at the top and the first connector with the associated first valve at the bottom, the bellows is compressed in the axial direction, resulting in a reduction in the volume in the internal space of the bellows, as well as a transfer of sterile air from the compensation chamber to the vial through the central slit of the inserted elastic membrane, which is forced to the open position, and through one of the two channels in the piercing needle. The liquid drug contained in the vial is thereby forced to move from the vial to the compensation chamber through the other channel of the piercing needle and the central slit of the elastic membrane. Essentially, the pumping of the drug from the vial to the compensation chamber is carried out, possibly repeatedly.

[0009] If not already done, the luer portion of the syringe is then screwed onto the end of the first connector and the first valve is moved to an open position, whereby the desired drug dose can be extracted from the compensation chamber and transferred to the syringe by suction. The first valve is then closed and the syringe with the drug dose can be isolated for administration to the patient.

[0010] The device described in WO 2020 / 221594 has several drawbacks which the present invention aims to overcome. These drawbacks are: a) Poor handling of cylindrical bellows with corrugated walls during compression; b) Syringe plunger instability at the end of withdrawal resulting in an uncertain dose; c) non-automatic closure of the first connector due to lack of attention or incorrect operation by the operator, resulting in possible leakage of drug from the compensation chamber; d) The possibility of leakage of drugs from the luer part of the syringe due to lack of attention or improper operation by the operator. It is.

[0011] Disadvantages b), c) and d) are particularly evident in the case of toxic and harmful drugs, which can have critical effects. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 221594 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a pressure compensation device and an apparatus associated with the pressure compensation device, which allows to reconstitute and / or retrieve and transfer drugs contained in vials in closed mode, i.e. vials without risk of particle, vapor or aerosol leakage, while ensuring easy handling, absolute accuracy in dosing of the retrieved drug and certainty in avoiding any possibility of undesired drug leakage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a pressure compensation device as defined in claim 1 and by an apparatus with a pressure compensation device as defined in claim 6.

[0015] An important advantageous effect of the pressure compensation device according to the invention is that once the bag has been filled with the correct amount of sterile air, the hooking and piercing device and the sealing closure of the connector at the luer part of the syringe block any communication between the interior and exterior of the bag, thereby preventing both leakage of the sterile air from the bag and contamination of the sterile air itself with air in the surrounding space.

[0016] To withdraw the liquid drug prepared in its final form from the vial, a hooking and piercing device is connected to the plug of the vial (or other type of container with a pierceable plug) and the luer portion of a syringe (or other extraction means) is connected to the connector, resulting in the opening of a sealing valve that can be opened by axial pressure.

[0017] By compressing the bag walls laterally, a volume of sterile air is forced into the inner compartment of the vial, thereby completely compensating for the reduced pressure in said inner compartment.

[0018] To withdraw the drug, either before or after pressure compensation, the device is placed upside down, i.e., the vial is on top and the connector with the syringe is on the bottom. By retracting the plunger of the syringe, a dose of drug can then be drawn from the vial into the bag and ultimately into the syringe.

[0019] Once the apparatus is inverted again, the syringe can be separated from the vial and the drug transferred to a drug collection and dispensing bag or any other device for administering the drug to a patient.

[0020] On the other hand, if the active substance contained in the vial is a powder or gel, the hooking and piercing device is connected to the vial below, thereby piercing the closure plug, and the luer part of the syringe is connected from the top to the connector of the bag. The pressure is then compensated by compressing the compensation bag laterally, thus displacing the sterile air into the vial. By pressing the plunger of the syringe, the appropriate diluent amount is introduced into the bag and then into the vial, where it is mixed with the active substance to reconstitute the drug to be administered to the patient. After reconstitution, the desired dose of drug can be drawn from the syringe, and after separation from the connector, the drug is ready to be transferred to a drug collection and dispensing bag, or to any other device for administering the drug to the patient.

[0021] In both cases, a clamp or other similar device is required that can completely close the internal passage of the connector when the bag is compressed laterally for pressure compensation, otherwise such a step would result in undesirable transfer of sterile air from the bag to the syringe, which would change the initial position of the plunger inside the syringe, thereby changing the actual dose withdrawn.

[0022] It is evident that drug handling takes place in a completely closed system, which guarantees perfect safety conditions for medical personnel, whilst facilitating operator operation and resulting in an increased speed of execution.

[0023] It is particularly worth mentioning that total compensation of pressure, with the presence of a sealing valve in the end connector that can be opened by axial pressure and that automatically reseals when this axial pressure ceases, ensures accurate dosing of the drug dose drawn into the syringe.

[0024] It is also evident that once the syringe is released, the undrawn drug remains in the vial or compensation bag without any possibility of leakage of contaminants of the drug itself and harmful particles.

[0025] It is also possible to apply to the luer part of the syringe a suitable adapter which can be separately connected to the connector of the compensation bag and which is provided with a valve device which opens the internal passage only when connected to the connector of this bag and closes it when this connection is terminated, thereby ensuring that no leakage of drug occurs once the syringe is removed, until the syringe is connected to the collection bag or administration device, by a connector with a sealing control valve similar to that of the end connector of the compensation bag, i.e. a connector which can be opened by axial pressure.

[0026] Embodiments of devices and apparatus according to the invention are illustrated by way of non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the pressure compensation device before hooking it to a vial and before applying it to a syringe. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure compensation bag in the device apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 taken along line III-III of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows the device of FIG. 4 already assembled and hooked to a vial for containing an active drug substance. [Figure 6] 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 5 taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, with an enlarged detail of the pressure compensation device hooked onto a vial for containing an active drug substance. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the vial hooking and piercing device prior to the hooking and piercing operation. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the vial hooking and piercing device after the hooking and piercing operation. [Figure 10] 4A-4C are axial cross-sectional views of possible variants of the hooking and piercing device; [Figure 11] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 of an enlarged detail of the connection of a syringe with a Luer adapter to a connector of a pressure compensation device. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 shows the device in a pre-operational state when a drug dose is withdrawn from a vial. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows the device in an upside-down position when withdrawing a drug dose. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 illustrates possible uses of recovered drug doses. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The pressure compensation device shown in the drawings, generally designated by reference number 1, comprises an elongated three-dimensional compensation bag or buffer 2, which has a laterally compressible and elastically flexible outer wall 3 and an internal space filled with sterile air 4. The bag or buffer 2 preferably has the cross-sectional shape shown in Figure 2, i.e. rectangular with rounded corners, but the shape of the bag can vary in three dimensions and as long as it allows for a variation of the volume in the internal space of the bag by lateral compression applied to the two long sides.

[0029] Whatever its shape, the compensation bag 2 has one end integral with a hooking and piercing device 5 for a vial or other type of container with a sealing plug that can be pierced by axial pressure, and an opposite end integral with a connector 6 with a sealing valve that can be opened using axial pressure, for connecting the bag 2 to the luer part of a syringe or other suction means.

[0030] It is worth mentioning that the three parts 2, 5 and 6 of the pressure compensation device, shown already assembled in Figures 1 to 3, can be provided to the user as separate parts that he / she will assemble and fill with sterile air.

[0031] As better shown in Figures 3 and 8, the hooking and piercing device 5 is substantially of the type shown in EP 3144244 B1. By way of example, it comprises a hooking part constituted by a cowling 7 with teeth 8 distributed on its periphery, intended to hook and hold the closure plug of a vial (or phial or other type of container), and a piercing part constituted by a pointed stem 11 with an axial hole 49 which extends integrally into the cowling 7 from a flat plate 9 with an annular collar 10 and onto which an axially compressible tubular cap 12 is forced to securely close the axial hole 49 of the stem 11. The cowling 7 comprises a flat plate 9 with annular collar 10, which is connected by a rod 47 to an end ring 48 from which the teeth 8 project. Similarly, by means of the axial hole 47, the axial extension 14 is forced into a tube 15 which protrudes integrally from the compensation bag 2 and extends from the plate 9 in the opposite direction to the bored stem 11.

[0032] Figures 5 to 7 and 9 show a hooking and piercing device 5, which is applied to a vial 16 with an internal compartment 53 partially filled with an active powder, gel or liquid substance 17, kept under reduced pressure and provided with a sealing plug 18 with a rubber middle part to be pierced by axial pressure, for example of the type described in EP 2867132 B1. The vial 16 is hooked by placing the cowling 7 of the hooking and piercing device 5 around the plug 18 and then inserting the teeth 8 under the plug 18. This hooking simultaneously pierces the plug 21 by the pointed axial stem 11 of the device 5. At the same time as piercing the plug of the vial, it brings about an axial compression of the tubular cap 12 which, once retracted, creates a retaining ring on the outside of the upper part of the stem 9 and around the collar 11, which comes into contact with the rubber part of the plug 18, causing a sealing of the hooked part of the device 5 against leakage of any drug towards the outside space. Once hooking is completed, the teeth 8 hold the vial 16 immobile, thereby preventing any possible release.

[0033] Alternatively, the hooking and piercing device 5 can be of the type shown in Fig. 10, with a hooking part constituted by a cowling 37 with a toothed area 38 arranged on the periphery, intended to hook the closure plug of a vial, and a connecting part constituted by a stem 39 with an internally perforated passage 40, which is forced into the bung 15 integrally protruding from the compensation bag 2. The stem 39 also extends into the cowling 37, where it terminates with a pointed end 41, also axially perforated, intended to pierce the closure plug of a vial. A closure element 42 with a breakable neck 43 is integrally joined at the other end of the stem 39, which serves as a function of normally closing the communication between the internal passage 40 of the stem 39 and the internal passage of the bung 15, and allows the closure element 42 to be opened by breaking the neck 43.

[0034] As also shown in Figures 1, 3 to 6 and 11, the connector 6 is substantially of the type described in EP 2 667 839 B1 and comprises, for example, an axially perforated stem 22, which is forced into a tube 23. The tube 23 projects integrally from the compensation bag 2 and is traversed longitudinally by an internal passage 54 which communicates with the internal space 4 of said bag. An outer body 24 with a threaded end 25 having a smaller diameter is also made integrally with the stem 22 and in which an axially perforated inner body 26 is accommodated. The axially perforated inner body 26 comprises a sealing valve 45 which can be opened by axial pressure and which can be automatically elastically reclosed when this axial pressure ceases. A manually operable clamp 44 is applied to the plug 23 in order to temporarily close the internal passage of the plug 23.

[0035] 5, 6 and 10 show a syringe 27 made up of a cylinder 28 with a threaded luer portion 29, and a sliding plunger 30. A threaded end 31 of an adapter 32 is connected to the luer portion 29. The adapter 32 has an outer body 33 with another threaded end 34 that can be screwed onto the threaded end 25 of the connector 6, and an inner body 35 with a valve element 36 that protrudes outside the threaded end 34 of the outer body 33 to open a valve 45 of the connector 6 once screwed by axial pressure.

[0036] When the pressure compensation device 1 is used to withdraw active substance 17 from a vial 16 by means of a closure plug 18, the pressure compensation device 1 is hooked to the vial by means of the hooking and piercing device 5, simultaneously piercing the closure plug of the vial. A syringe 27 with an adapter 32 applied to the luer part 29 is then connected to the connector 6 until the valve 45 of the connector itself opens, likewise opening the fluid passage between the syringe 27 and the bag 2 (FIG. 12).

[0037] Once the clamp is placed in the closed position, the pressure is compensated by lateral compression on the flexible walls of the bag 2 , allowing sterile air to be introduced into the vial 16 .

[0038] For perfect pressure compensation it is essential that the amount of air initially contained in the bag 2 is equal to or greater than the volume of the portion of the vial not occupied by active substance 17 .

[0039] If the active substance to be withdrawn is in liquid form, the device is set up inverted before and after pressure compensation, i.e., with the vial on top and the container with the syringe on the bottom. By retracting the plunger of the syringe, the dispensed drug amount can be drawn from the vial into the bag and ultimately into the syringe, as shown in Figure 13.

[0040] Once the apparatus is inverted again, the syringe can be separated from the vial and the drug transferred to a drug collection and dispensing bag 50, or to any other device 51 for administering the drug to a patient. Transfer is accomplished by connecting the syringe 27 with the adapter 32 to a connector 52 that is generally smaller than the connector 6 of the compensation and withdrawal device 1.

[0041] On the other hand, if the active substance contained in the vial is a powder or gel, the hooking and piercing device 5 is connected to the vial below, thereby piercing the closure plug, and the luer part of the syringe is connected from the top to the connector 6 of the bag 2. The pressure is then compensated by compressing the walls of the bag 2 laterally, resulting in the displacement of sterile air into the vial. By pressing the plunger of the syringe, the appropriate diluent amount is introduced into the bag and then into the vial, where it is mixed with the active substance to reconstitute the drug to be administered to the patient. After reconstitution, the desired dose of drug can be aspirated from the syringe and, after separation from the connector, the drug is ready to be transferred to a drug collection and dispensing bag or to any other device for dispensing the drug to the patient.

Claims

1. A pressure compensation device (1) for an apparatus for reconstituting, withdrawing and transferring a drug (17) from a vial (16) or other reduced pressure container, the vial (16) comprising: an internal compartment (53) with a first portion occupied by a drug and a second portion not occupied by the drug, and a sealing plug (18) pierceable by axial pressure; The device (1) comprises an elastically deflectable (3) compensation bag (2) containing sterile air, the compensation bag (2) being axially interposed between a device (5) for hooking and piercing the closure plug (18) of the vial (16) and a connector (6) at the luer part of a syringe, wherein said compensation bag (2) has a laterally compressible three-dimensional inner wall (3) and an inner space (4) filled with a volume of sterile air equal to or greater than the volume of the inner compartment (53) of said vial (16) not occupied by a drug, said connector (6) being traversed by an axial passage (54) with a sealing control valve (45) which is openable by axial pressure from outside said bag and which is automatically resealable when said axial pressure ceases; A pressure compensation device (1), characterized in that the hooking and piercing device (5) comprises a hooking and holding cowling (7), a piercing stem (11) with an axial internal passage (49), and a sealing element (12).

2. 2. A pressure compensation device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that it also comprises manual means for fully opening and closing the axial passage (54) of the connector (6).

3. 3. The pressure compensation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connector (6) comprises an axially drilled stem (22) which protrudes integrally from the compensation bag (2) and is forced into a tube (23) communicating with the internal compartment (4) of the compensation bag (2), and an outer body (24) with an external threaded end (25) is made integral with the stem (22) and in which an axially drilled inner body (26) containing the sealing control valve (45) is housed.

4. 4. The pressure compensation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hooking and piercing device (5) comprises a hooking part consisting of a cowling (7) with teeth (8) intended to hook and hold firmly the closure plug of a vial (16) and a piercing part consisting of a pointed stem (11) with an axial hole (49) extending from a flat plate (9) with an annular collar (10) into the cowling (7) and onto which an axially compressible tubular cap (12) is inserted, the cap being axially compressed by the plug (18) itself, forming a retaining ring in the collar (10) and around the stem (11), when the cap hooks the device (5) onto the closure plug (18) of a vial (16).

5. 4. The pressure compensation device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hooking and piercing device (5) comprises a hooking part constituted by a cowling (37) with a toothed area (38) distributed on its circumference, intended to hook the closure plug (18) of the vial (16), and a connecting part constituted by an axially pierced stem (39) with an internally pierced passage (40), which protrudes integrally from the compensation bag (2) and is forced into a tube (15) communicating with the internal space (4) of the compensation bag (2), the stem (39) also extending into the cowling (37) and terminating in an axially pierced pointed end (41) for piercing the closure plug (18) of the vial (16).

6. An apparatus for reconstituting, withdrawing and transferring a drug (17) from a vial (16) or other reduced pressure container, characterized in that it comprises a pressure compensation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a drug withdrawal syringe (27) provided with a luer part (29) to which an end (31) of an adapter (32) can be fixed, the adapter (32) having another end (34) which can be fixed to the connector (6) of the compensation device (1) to open the internal passage (54) of the connector (6).

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