Apparatus and method for removing gas from an injection line - Patents.com

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an infusion line gas removal device and a process for its manufacture and use. The gas removal device includes a gas permeable tube coupled between first and second couplers, and an impermeable tube shield encasing the gas permeable tube between the first and second couplers. The impermeable tube shield is larger in diameter than the gas permeable tube and includes at least one vent and a plurality of supports, the plurality of supports being between the tube shield and the gas permeable tube and configured to support the gas permeable tube within the impermeable tube shield in a fixed position between the first and second couplers and to facilitate the passage of gas from the gas permeable tube to the at least one vent.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] There are a variety of situations in which fluids are injected into a patient. Applications for fluid delivery systems include (but are by no means limited to) intravenous injection, intra-arterial injection, injection of enteral solutions, injection of drugs into the epidural space, and diagnostic injections to determine vascular properties of the arterial, urinary, lymphatic, or cerebrospinal systems. [Background technology]

[0002] A fluid delivery system for infusing a fluid into a patient typically includes a supply of the fluid to be administered, an infusion needle or cannula, an administration set connecting the fluid supply to the cannula, and a flow control device such as a positive displacement infusion pump. The administration set typically includes a length of flexible tubing. A cannula is attached to the distal end of the flexible tubing for insertion into a blood vessel or other body site of the patient to deliver the fluid infusion to the patient.

[0003] During an injection procedure, various agents, the most typical of which is air, can be introduced into the fluid delivery system by a number of events, including causing fluid to be expelled from the fluid supply. Introducing too much air into the patient's vasculature can lead to complications, and if the injection is left unattended and enough air is injected into the patient, serious damage can occur. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to various aspects of the subject technology, an infusion line gas removal device includes a gas permeable tube coupled between first and second couplers and an impermeable tube shield encasing the gas permeable tube between the first and second couplers, the impermeable tube shield having a larger diameter than the gas permeable tube, the impermeable tube shield including at least one vent and a plurality of supports, the plurality of supports being between the tube shield and the gas permeable tube and configured to support the gas permeable tube within the impermeable tube shield in a fixed position between the first and second couplers and to facilitate the passage of gas from the gas permeable tube to the at least one vent. Other aspects include corresponding systems, methods, and processes for implementation of the corresponding gas removal devices.

[0005] In accordance with various aspects of the subject technology, a process for providing an injection line gas removal device includes providing a gas permeable tube coupled between first and second couplers and encasing the gas permeable tube with an impermeable tube shield between the first and second couplers, the impermeable tube shield having a larger diameter than the gas permeable tube and including at least one vent and a plurality of supports, the plurality of supports being between the tube shield and the gas permeable tube and configured to support the gas permeable tube within the impermeable tube shield in a fixed position between the first and second couplers and to facilitate passage of gas from the gas permeable tube to the at least one vent.

[0006] In accordance with various aspects of the subject technology, a method for removing gas from an injection line includes providing a gas permeable tube coupled between first and second couplers and encasing the gas permeable tube with an impermeable tube shield between the first and second couplers, the impermeable tube shield having a larger diameter than the gas permeable tube and including at least one vent hole and a plurality of supports, the plurality of supports being between the tube shield and the gas permeable tube and configured to support the gas permeable tube within the impermeable tube shield in a fixed position between the first and second couplers and to facilitate passage of gas from the gas permeable tube to the at least one vent hole.

[0007] Various configurations of the subject technology have been shown and described by way of example, with the understanding that other configurations of the subject technology will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. As will be understood, the subject technology is capable of other different configurations, and its several details can be modified in other various respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0008] For a better understanding of the various implementations described, reference should be made to the following description of implementations in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the drawings and description, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary infusion pump setup shown in use in its intended environment, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary injection line gas removal device, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary injection line gas removal device, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. [Figure 4A]1 illustrates a second exemplary injection line gas removal device, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates a second exemplary injection line gas removal device, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates an exemplary infusion line gas removal device including a connected vacuum source, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates an exemplary infusion line gas removal device including a connected vacuum source, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates an exemplary alternative configuration of a gas permeable tube, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates an exemplary alternative configuration of a gas permeable tube, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a first exemplary process for removing gas from an injection line, according to various implementations of the subject technology. [Figure 8] 13 illustrates a second exemplary process for manufacturing or otherwise providing an injection line gas removal device according to various implementations of the subject technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Reference will now be made to implementations, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the various implementations described. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various implementations described may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the implementations.

[0011] The disclosed infusion line gas removal device includes a disposable device that can be connected onto the distal end of an infusion pump that is set to capture air present in the infusion line and expel it through an air permeable tube. The tube expansion shield encases the tube to prevent expansion and breakage in the event of a pressure spike, especially when the gas permeable tube may be soft and pliable. The tube expansion shield may have many gaps to allow air to escape from the tube. The edge of the tube expansion shield has a vent with a filter to allow air to escape while preventing the ingress of any airborne particulates. A bubble diverter is included in some implementations and is attached to the distal end of the device to direct air bubbles towards the tube wall, making it difficult for the bubbles to pass and continue towards the patient.

[0012] In some implementations, the device is coupled with an anti-siphon valve upstream of the air removal device, which helps maintain a positive pressure below the valve in the event of momentary backflow. This valve facilitates a constant pressure differential, with the pressure in the gas permeable tube being higher than atmospheric pressure. In some implementations, the vacutainer replaces the vent and / or is coupled to the vent (e.g., with a spike) to draw air out of the gas permeable tube. A small membrane in the vacutainer serves as an indicator of the presence of a vacuum.

[0013] An advantage of the disclosed infusion line gas removal device (compared to conventional air removal techniques and devices) is that it can be configured anywhere in the infusion line between the infusion fluid source and / or pump and the patient, can be oriented in any direction, and / or does not suffer from performance degradation due to different or changing directions during infusion.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary infusion pump setup 10 shown in use in its intended environment, in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. In particular, the infusion pump setup 10 is shown attached to an intravenous (IV) pole 12 on which a fluid source 14 containing IV fluid is held. The fluid source 14 is connected in fluid communication with an upstream fluid line 16. The fluid line 16 is a conventional IV infusion type tubing typically used in a hospital or medical environment and is made of any type of flexible tubing suitable for use in infusing a therapeutic fluid into a patient, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). A flexible pump fluid line 18 is attached in operative engagement with a peristaltic pump device 19 for propelling the fluid through a downstream fluid line 20, for example, to the patient's arm. A cannula 22 is attached to the distal end of a flexible IV tubing 21 for insertion into the patient's blood vessel or other body site to deliver the fluid to the patient.

[0015] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the upstream fluid line 16, flexible line 18, and downstream fluid line 20 may be portions of a continuous length of flexible tubing, which portions are defined by the location of the peristaltic pump 19. For convenience, the continuous length of flexible tubing is designated by the numeral 21. A roller clamp 23 (e.g., configured to mechanically compress the line to block flow) may be positioned on the downstream fluid line 20 between the pump 10 and the patient's arm 22. In this context, the term "upstream" refers to the portion of the flexible tubing that extends between the fluid source and the peristaltic pump, and the term "downstream" refers to the portion of the flexible tubing that extends from the peristaltic pump to the patient.

[0016] Also shown in Figure 1 is a secondary administration setup, generally designated 24. The secondary administration setup 24 includes a secondary fluid container 25 that can be filled with a second therapeutic fluid for infusion into the patient 22. Fluid from the secondary fluid container 25 flows through a secondary fluid line 26 into the fluid line 16 via a connector 27. A manually operated valve 28 is located in the secondary line 26 to control the flow of fluid from the secondary container 25 into the upstream fluid line 16. A one-way check valve 29 is located in the upstream fluid line 16 between the primary fluid container 14 and the connector 27 such that when the rise in fluid in the secondary container 25 is greater than the rise in fluid in the primary container, a pressure differential in the line 16 closes the check valve, preventing the secondary fluid from flowing into the primary container 14 and also preventing fluid from flowing out of the primary container 14. The check valve 29 generally prevents mixing of the primary and secondary infusion fluids.

[0017] 2 illustrates an exemplary infusion line gas removal device 100 in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. The disclosed gas removal device 100 is made of a disposable material (e.g., plastic, PVC, silicone, etc.) and typically has a length a substantially greater than its diameter b. The gas removal device 100 is configured to be connected onto a distal end of an infusion pump set, e.g., onto a downstream fluid line 20 prior to a cannula 22. For example, the fluid line 20 can include upstream and downstream portions, with the gas removal device 100 connected therebetween.

[0018] As will be further described, the gas removal device 100 is configured to capture and evacuate air present in the fluid line 20. The tube expansion shield 102 encases a gas permeable tube 104 coupled between a first coupler 106 and a second coupler 108 to facilitate removal of gas in the fluid line 20 as fluid passes through the device 100 while simultaneously preventing expansion of the tube 104 encased within the expansion shield 102. According to various implementations, the tube expansion shield restrains the tube 104 while simultaneously allowing gas to escape from the tube within the shield 102. Gas, as referred to herein, includes one or more elemental gases and / or gas mixtures, such as air.

[0019] At the edge of the tube expansion shield is a vent 110 configured to allow air to escape. A filter 110-a may be integrated into the vent 110 to prevent any airborne particles from entering the device. An air bubble diverter 112 may be included and attached to the distal end of the device to direct air bubbles towards the tube wall, making it difficult for the air bubbles to pass and continue towards the patient.

[0020] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an exemplary infusion line gas removal device according to various aspects of the subject technology. According to various implementations, the infusion line gas removal device 100 includes a gas permeable tube 104 coupled between a first coupler 106 and a second coupler 108. An impermeable tube shield 102, when assembled, encases the gas permeable tube 104 between the first coupler 106 and the second coupler 108. The gas permeable tube 104 can be formed of a membrane having gas permeability. The membrane is configured such that a pressure delta between the fluid in the tube and the air temperature pushes air out of the tube through the membrane. However, the pores in the membrane are too small to allow the fluid to pass through. According to various implementations, the amount of gas removed during infusion is a function of the total length of the fluid path (e.g., a), the cross-sectional area of ​​the tube 104, the cross-sectional area of ​​the shield 102 (e.g.,

number

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the impermeable tube shield 102 is impermeable to gases, such as air, and has a larger diameter than the gas permeable tube 104. The shield 102 includes one or more vents 110 and a plurality of supports 114. According to various implementations, the plurality of supports 114 are located within the shield, between the tube shield 102 and the gas permeable tube 104, and are configured to support the gas permeable tube 104 within the impermeable tube shield 102 in a fixed position between the first coupler 106 and the second coupler 108. According to various implementations, the supports 114 are spaced apart from one another at equal intervals to provide a number of gaps to facilitate passage from the gas permeable tube 104 to the at least one vent 110.

[0022] According to various implementations, the plurality of supports 114 are configured to support the gas permeable tube 104 within the impermeable tube shield 102 by being periodically arranged to provide support to the exterior of the gas permeable tube 104 to prevent pressure spikes within the gas permeable tube from causing expansion of the gas permeable tube 104. In this regard, each of the supports 114 can include at least a portion of a disk having an opening 114-a at its center when the device is formed, at least a portion of the disk at least partially encases and supports a portion of the gas permeable tube 104 while facilitating the passage of gas from the gas permeable tube to the at least one vent.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the impermeable tube shield 102 can be formed from two molded sections 102-a and 102-b, each section across a length of the gas permeable tube 102. The supports 114, when the two molded sections are joined around the gas permeable tube 104, together form a complete array of supports 114, as shown, supporting the gas permeable tube 104 in a fixed position within the impermeable tube shield. The sections 102-a,b are injection molded and then bonded (e.g., with an adhesive) around / over the gas permeable tube. In some implementations, the tube can be inserted into or through the formed tube shield 102.

[0024] According to various implementations, the supports 114 are evenly spaced to provide uniform support to the gas permeable tube 104 therein. Each of the supports 114 may be a disk with an opening 114-a in its center that confines a portion of the gas permeable tube when the device is completed. In some implementations, the supports may be part of a disk. In some implementations, the supports may take on different shapes or combinations of shapes. In the illustrated implementation, the device 100 is cylindrical in shape and the disk conforms to the cylindrical shape. In implementations where the exterior cross-sectional shape of the shield 102 is not circular (e.g., oval or rectangular), the supports may be shaped to conform to the shape of the shield. Similarly, the opening 114-a may be shaped according to the cross-sectional shape of the tube 104 when the cross-sectional shape of the tube is non-circular (e.g., oval, or rectangular, or star-shaped).

[0025] In some implementations, the impermeable tube shield 102 includes gas channels 116 that allow gas to enter through the spaces between the supports 114 and toward the vents 110. As shown, the gas channels 116 can be configured by linear alignment of gaps between the impermeable tube shield and the disk at the outer edge of each support 114, e.g., the outer edge of the disk. In some implementations, each gap in the multiple supports can be aligned with at least one vent. In some implementations, the gaps can be staggered to regulate the passage of air from the tubes 104 to the vents 110.

[0026] In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 3, the infusion line air removal device 100 includes a bubble diverter 118 coupled to one of the first coupler 106 and the second coupler 108 in the gas permeable tube 104. For example, the bubble diverter 118 can be coupled to the downstream coupler 108 and can be inserted into the downstream section of the tube 104 with a portion of the coupler 108 inserted into the same downstream section of the tube 104. The bubble diverter 118 is configured to control the position of bubbles in the fluid path by utilizing the surface tension of the bubbles. For example, the diverter 118 directs air bubbles in the fluid flowing in the gas permeable tube (around the diverter) toward the wall of the gas permeable tube.

[0027] 4A and 4B show a second exemplary infusion line gas removal device according to various aspects of the subject technology. The illustrated device is configured as described above. In the illustrated implementation, the upstream coupler 106 functions as or is replaced by an anti-siphon valve 120. The anti-siphon valve 120 is configured to allow fluid to move in only one direction and promote positive pressure within the gas permeable tubing. Although the valve 120 is shown in the upstream position, the device 100 may be manufactured with the valve in the downstream position.

[0028] 5A and 5B show an exemplary infusion line gas removal device including a connected vacuum source 122, according to various aspects of the subject technology. According to various implementations, the vacuum source includes a vacutainer, i.e., a vacuum tube or container with a seal or stopper that creates a vacuum seal within the tube or container. The vacuum source 122 is fluidly sealed to at least one vent 110 and creates a vacuum within the tube shield 102 to facilitate removal of gas from the fluid flowing within the gas permeable tube 104 (through the gas permeable tube 104). For example, the vacuum can actively draw air out of the gas permeable tube.

[0029] As in the illustrated example, the vacutainer 122 can be secured to the vent 110 via a conduit 124 having a spike that is inserted into the vacutainer. The conduit can form an elbow conduit 124 such that the vacutainer is aligned with and / or parallel to the device 100. In some implementations (not shown), instead of a vacutainer or similar device, an active vacuum line can be attached to the vent 110. In some implementations, the vacuum source 122 includes a flexible membrane (e.g., within the vacutainer) configured to bend and concave within the flexible membrane in response to a vacuum.

[0030] In some implementations, the use of a vacuum source 122 can eliminate the need for the anti-siphon valve 120 described with respect to Figures 4A and 4B. Both may be used together, but at the expense of increased cost per unit.

[0031] 6A and 6B show exemplary alternative configurations of gas permeable tubes according to various aspects of the subject technology. Different tube geometries can be employed to maximize the amount of air that permeates through the tube walls of the tube 104. FIG. 6A shows a gas permeable tube 104 having a pleated inner surface 130 (e.g., similar to the ridges found in pleated filters) with multiple ridges 132 formed along a length of the gas permeable tube. Thus, the surface 130 of the tube shown in FIG. 6A has a larger surface area than the tube shown in FIGS. 2-5, even if it has the same diameter and does not have the ridges 132.

[0032] 6B has a circular cross section 134 at the first coupler 106 and the second coupler 108, and an oval cross section 136 between the first and second couplers. According to various implementations, the cross section of the tube 104 may be rectangular. The impermeable tube shield 102 can be modified to accommodate various variations in the tube 104. For example, the tube shield 102 can have an oval or rectangular cross section. In some implementations, the tube shield 102 can have an oval or rectangular cross section, while the gas permeable tube has a circular cross section.

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a first exemplary process for removing gas from an injection line, according to various aspects of the subject technology. For purposes of explanation, various blocks of the exemplary process 200 are described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-6 and the components and / or processes described herein. In some implementations, one or more of the blocks may be implemented by one or more different devices, independent of the other blocks. Furthermore, for purposes of explanation, the blocks of the exemplary process 200 are described as occurring sequentially or linearly. However, multiple blocks of the exemplary process 200 may occur in parallel. Furthermore, the blocks of the exemplary process 200 need not be performed in the order shown, and / or one or more of the blocks of the exemplary process 200 need not be performed.

[0034] In the illustrated example, a gas permeable tube 104 is provided (202) coupled between the first and second couplers. An impermeable tube shield 102 is also provided (204) encasing the gas permeable tube 104 between the first and second couplers. According to various implementations, the impermeable tube shield 102 has a larger diameter than the gas permeable tube 104 and includes at least one vent 110 and a plurality of supports 114. The plurality of supports 114 are disposed between the tube shield 102 and the gas permeable tube 104 and are configured to support the gas permeable tube within the impermeable tube shield 102 in a fixed position between the first coupler 106 and the second coupler 108 and to facilitate the passage of gas from the gas permeable tube 104 to the at least one vent 110 as described with respect to any of the implementations previously described with respect to FIGS. 2-6.

[0035] The process optionally continues further by providing a vacuum source configured to be fluidly sealed to the at least one vent (206). According to various implementations, the vacuum source creates a vacuum within the impermeable tube shield to facilitate removal of gas from the fluid flowing within the gas permeable tube. The vacuum source can include a vacutainer 122 or other tub / container device having a flexible membrane configured to bend and concave within the flexible membrane in response to a vacuum, as previously described.

[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates a second exemplary process for manufacturing or otherwise providing an injection line gas removal device, according to various aspects of the subject technology. For purposes of explanation, various blocks of the exemplary process 300 are described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-7, components and / or processes described herein. In some implementations, one or more of the blocks can be implemented by one or more different devices, independent of the other blocks. Additionally, for purposes of explanation, the blocks of the exemplary process 300 are described as occurring sequentially or linearly. However, multiple blocks of the exemplary process 300 may occur in parallel. Additionally, the blocks of the exemplary process 300 need not be performed in the order shown, and / or one or more of the blocks of the exemplary process 300 need not be performed.

[0037] In the illustrated example, a gas permeable tube 104 is provided (302) coupled between the first and second couplers. In some implementations, the tube 104 is a standard size used in IV infusion. In some implementations, different tube shapes can be employed to maximize the amount of air that permeates the tube wall. One such shape includes a star-shaped tube cross section similar to those found in pleated filters. Another tube shape may be a tube shaped with an oval cross section.

[0038] The gas permeable tube 104 is encased (e.g., enclosed or surrounded) (304) within an impermeable tube shield 102 between the first and second couplers. According to various implementations, the shield 102 may be cylindrical. In some implementations, the shield 102 may be straight (as shown in FIGS. 2-6). In some implementations, the shield 102 (and the tube within the shield) may be curved or angled and / or have multiple curves or angles.

[0039] According to various implementations, the impermeable tube shield 102 has a larger diameter than the gas permeable tube 104 and includes at least one vent 110 and a plurality of supports 114. The plurality of supports 114 are between the tube shield 102 and the gas permeable tube 104 and are configured to support the gas permeable tube 104 within the impermeable tube shield 102 in a fixed position between the first coupler 106 and the second coupler 108 and are configured to facilitate the passage of gas from the gas permeable tube 104 to the at least one vent 110. As previously described, supports can be formed within the impermeable tube shield 104 by arranging the plurality of supports 114 to provide support to the exterior of the gas permeable tube 104 while preventing pressure spikes within the gas permeable tube from causing expansion of the gas permeable tube.

[0040] 3, forming the plurality of supports 114 within the impermeable tube shield 102 may include forming the impermeable tube shield 102 within two molded sections 102-a, 102-b. In such implementations, each section may traverse a length of the gas permeable tube 104 and include a plurality of partial supports that together form the plurality of supports 114 and support the gas permeable tube 104 in a fixed position within the impermeable tube shield 102 when the two molded sections are coupled (e.g., by adhesive) around the gas permeable tube. In such implementations, the process includes bonding the two molded sections 102-a, 102-b around the gas permeable tube 104.

[0041] As previously mentioned, the impermeable tube shield 102 can have a circular cross-section when formed. In some implementations, the plurality of supports 114 can be or include disks, each having an opening 114-a at its center that confines a portion of the gas permeable tube when formed. The supports are configured to facilitate the passage of gas from the gas permeable tube 104 to the at least one vent 110, and the disks are coupled to the impermeable tube shield 102.

[0042] According to various implementations, the process optionally continues further by fluidly sealing a vacuum source to the at least one vent (306). The vacuum source creates a vacuum within the impermeable tube shield to facilitate removal of gas from the fluid flowing within the gas permeable tube. The vacuum source can be implemented by any vacuum device or method described herein.

[0043] Advantages of the disclosed gas removal device include the ability to be molded and produced in large quantities, thereby reducing costs while requiring little or no additional on-site clinician training. Additionally, the device is configured to not alter the priming volume (e.g., when a length of tubing similar to that of the device is swapped), and does not require an external power source to operate.

[0044] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0045] Examples of subject matter art as clauses Various examples of aspects of the present disclosure are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and not as limitations of the subject technology. Figure and reference number identification are provided below for illustrative purposes only, and the clauses are not limited by those identifications.

[0046] Clause 1. An injection line gas removal device comprising: a gas permeable tube coupled between first and second couplers; and an impermeable tube shield encasing the gas permeable tube between the first and second couplers, the impermeable tube shield having a larger diameter than the gas permeable tube, the impermeable tube shield comprising at least one vent hole and a plurality of supports, the plurality of supports being between the tube shield and the gas permeable tube and configured to support the gas permeable tube within the impermeable tube shield in a fixed position between the first and second couplers and to facilitate passage of gas from the gas permeable tube to the at least one vent hole.

[0047] Clause 2. An injection line gas removal device as described in clause 1, comprising a plurality of supports configured to support the gas permeable tube in a fixed position within the impermeable tube shield, the plurality of supports being positioned to provide support to an exterior of the gas permeable tube to prevent pressure spikes within the gas permeable tube from causing expansion of the gas permeable tube.

[0048] Clause 3. An injection line gas removal device as described in clause 2, wherein each of the plurality of supports comprises at least a portion of a disk having an opening in its center that at least partially encases a portion of the gas permeable tube to provide support while facilitating the passage of gas from the gas permeable tube to at least one vent, the disk being bonded to an impermeable tube shield.

[0049] Clause 4. The infusion line gas removal device of clause 3, wherein each of the plurality of supports comprises a gap at an outer edge of the disk between the impermeable tube shield and the disk.

[0050] Clause 5. The injection line gas removal device of clause 4, wherein each gap of the plurality of supports is aligned with at least one vent port.

[0051] Clause 6. The injection line gas removal device of any one of clauses 1 to 5, further comprising a bubble diverter coupled to one of the first and second couplers in the gas permeable tube, the bubble diverter configured to direct air bubbles in the fluid flowing in the gas permeable tube toward a wall of the gas permeable tube.

[0052] Clause 7. An infusion line gas removal device according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the impermeable tube shield has an oval cross-section and the gas permeable tube has a circular cross-section.

[0053] Clause 8. An infusion line gas removal device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein one of the first and second couplers is provided with an anti-siphon valve configured to facilitate fluid movement in only one direction and promote positive pressure within the gas permeable tube.

[0054] Clause 9: An injection line gas removal device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 8, further comprising a vacuum source fluidly sealed to at least one vent port, the vacuum source generating a vacuum within the impermeable tube shield to facilitate removal of gas from the fluid flowing within the gas-permeable tube.

[0055] Clause 10. The infusion line gas removal device of clause 9, wherein the vacuum source comprises a vacutainer connected to at least one vent and a flexible membrane within the vacutainer configured to bend into a concave shape within the flexible membrane in response to a vacuum.

[0056] Clause 11. An injection line gas removal device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the gas permeable tube has a plurality of ridges formed along a length of the gas permeable tube and has a pleated inner surface having a greater surface area than a tube of the same diameter as the gas permeable tube.

[0057] Clause 12. An infusion line gas removal device as described in any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the gas permeable tube has a circular cross-section at the first and second couplers and an oval cross-section between the first and second couplers.

[0058] Clause 13. A process for providing an injection line gas removal device, comprising: providing a gas permeable tube coupled between first and second couplers; and encasing the gas permeable tube with an impermeable tube shield between the first and second couplers, the impermeable tube shield being larger in diameter than the gas permeable tube and comprising at least one vent hole and a plurality of supports, the plurality of supports being between the tube shield and the gas permeable tube and configured to support the gas permeable tube within the impermeable tube shield in a fixed position between the first and second couplers to facilitate passage of gas from the gas permeable tube to the at least one vent hole.

[0059] Clause 14. The process of clause 13, further comprising forming a plurality of supports within the impermeable tube shield by arranging the plurality of supports to provide support to an exterior of the gas permeable tube to prevent a pressure spike within the gas permeable tube from causing an expansion of the gas permeable tube.

[0060] Clause 15. The process of clause 14, wherein the step of forming a plurality of supports within the impermeable tube shield includes the steps of forming the impermeable tube shield in two shaped sections, each section traversing a length of gas permeable tubing, and when the two shaped sections are joined around the gas permeable tube, together forming a plurality of supports to support the gas permeable tube in a fixed position within the impermeable tube shield; and bonding the two shaped sections around the gas permeable tube.

[0061] Clause 16. The process of clause 15, wherein the impermeable tube shield, when formed, has a circular cross-section and the plurality of supports, when formed, each comprise a disk having an opening in its center that confines a portion of the gas permeable tube.

[0062] Clause 17. The process of clause 14 or clause 15, wherein each of the plurality of supports comprises at least a portion of a disk having an opening in its center, at least a portion of the disk at least partially enveloping and supporting a portion of the gas permeable tube while facilitating the passage of gas from the gas permeable tube to the at least one vent, and the disk is bonded to an impermeable tube shield.

[0063] Clause 18. The process of any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising the step of fluidly sealing a vacuum source to at least one vent port, the vacuum source creating a vacuum within the impermeable tube shield to facilitate removal of gas from the fluid flowing within the gas permeable tube.

[0064] Clause 19. A method for removing gas from an injection line, comprising: providing a gas permeable tube coupled between first and second couplers; and providing an impermeable tube shield encasing the gas permeable tube between the first and second couplers, the impermeable tube shield being larger in diameter than the gas permeable tube and including at least one vent hole and a plurality of supports, the plurality of supports being between the tube shield and the gas permeable tube and configured to support the gas permeable tube within the impermeable tube shield in a fixed position between the first and second couplers and to facilitate passage of gas from the gas permeable tube to the at least one vent hole.

[0065] Clause 20. The method of clause 19, further comprising providing a vacuum source configured to be fluidly sealed to at least one vent, the vacuum source including a flexible membrane configured to generate a vacuum within the impermeable tube shield to facilitate removal of gas from the fluid flowing within the gas permeable tube and to bend into a concave shape within the flexible membrane in response to the vacuum.

[0066] Further consideration In some examples, any of the clauses herein may be dependent on any one of the independent clauses or any one of the dependent clauses. In an aspect, any of the clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses) may be combined with one or more other clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses). In an aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words (steps, actions, means, or components) recited in a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In an aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words recited in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In an aspect, some of the words in each of the clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs may be removed. In an aspect, additional words or elements may be added to a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In an aspect, the subject technology may be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In an aspect, the subject technology may be implemented utilizing additional components, elements, functions, or operations.

[0067] The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The foregoing description provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects set forth herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, and references to elements in the singular are intended to mean "one or more" and not "one and only one" unless otherwise specified. The term "some" refers to one or more, unless otherwise specified. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and are not intended to limit the invention described herein.

[0068] The terms "configured to," "operable to," and "programmed to" do not imply any particular substantive or insubstantive change in subject matter and are intended to be used interchangeably. For example, a processor configured to monitor and control operations or components may also mean a processor programmed to monitor and control operations or a processor that is operable to monitor and control operations. Similarly, a processor configured to execute code may be interpreted as a processor programmed to execute code or a processor that is operable to execute code.

[0069] As used herein, the term automatic may include being performed by a computer or machine without user intervention, e.g., by instructions responsive to a predicated action by a computer or machine or other initiating mechanism. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or useful over other aspects or designs.

[0070] A phrase such as "an aspect" does not imply that such an aspect is essential to the subject technology, nor that such an aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure regarding an aspect may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. A phrase such as "implementation" does not imply that such an implementation is essential to the subject technology, nor that such an implementation applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure regarding an implementation may apply to all implementations, or to one or more implementations. An implementation may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "implementation" may refer to one or more implementations, and vice versa. A phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that such a configuration is essential to the subject technology, nor that such a configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure regarding a configuration may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "a configuration" can refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0071] As used herein, the term "determine" or "determining" encompasses a wide range of actions. For example, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, generating, obtaining, searching (e.g., searching in a table, database, or another data structure), and ascertaining, etc., via hardware elements without user intervention. "Determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), etc., via hardware elements without user intervention. "Determining" may also include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc., via hardware elements without user intervention.

[0072] As used herein, "providing" or "providing" encompasses a wide range of actions. For example, "providing" may include storing a value at a location on a storage device for subsequent retrieval, transmitting a value directly to a recipient via at least one wired or wireless communication medium, transmitting or storing a reference to a value, etc. "Providing" may also include encoding, decoding, encrypting, decrypting, verifying, verifying, etc. via hardware elements.

[0073] As used herein, the term "selectively" or "selective" encompasses a wide range of actions. For example, a "selective" process may include determining one option from a plurality of options. A "selective" process may include one or more of dynamically determined, pre-configured, or user-initiated inputs to make the decision. In some implementations, an n-input switch may be included to provide the selective function, where n is the number of inputs used to make the selection.

[0074] As used herein, "corresponding" or "corresponding" may include a structural, functional, quantitative, and / or qualitative correlation or relationship between two or more objects, data sets, information, and / or the like, and preferably, the correspondence or relationship can be used to transform one or more of the two or more objects, data sets, information, and / or the like to appear identical or equivalent. Correspondence can be evaluated using one or more of thresholds, value ranges, fuzzy logic, pattern matching, machine learning evaluation models, or combinations thereof.

[0075] In some implementations, the generated or detected data can be transferred to a "remote" device or location, where "remote" means a location or device other than the location or device where the program is executed. For example, the remote location can be another location in the same city (e.g., an office, a lab, etc.), another location in a different city, another location in a different state, another location in a different country, etc. Thus, when one item is described as "remote" from another item, the two items may be in the same room but apart, or at least in different rooms or different buildings, and may be at least 1 mile, 10 miles, or at least 100 miles apart. "Communicating" information refers to transmitting data representing that information as electrical signals over an appropriate communication channel (e.g., a private or public network). "Transferring" an item refers to any means of moving the item from one location to the next, whether the item is physically or otherwise (where possible), and includes, at least in the case of data, physically transporting a medium carrying the data or communicating the data. Examples of communication media include wireless or infrared transmission channels, and network connections to another computer or network device, as well as the Internet, including email transmissions and information stored on web sites, etc.

Claims

1. a gas permeable tube coupled between the first and second couplers; an impermeable tube shield encasing the gas permeable tube between the first and second couplers; and Equipped with 1. An injection line gas removal device comprising: an impermeable tube shield having a larger diameter than the gas permeable tube; and comprising at least one vent hole and a plurality of supports, the plurality of supports being between the tube shield and the gas permeable tube and configured to support the gas permeable tube within the impermeable tube shield in a fixed position between the first and second couplers and to facilitate the passage of gas from the gas permeable tube to the at least one vent hole.

2. 2. The infusion line gas removal device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of supports configured to support the gas permeable tube in a fixed position within the impermeable tube shield comprises the plurality of supports positioned to provide support to an exterior of the gas permeable tube to prevent pressure spikes within the gas permeable tube from causing expansion of the gas permeable tube.

3. 3. The injection line gas removal device of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of supports comprises at least a portion of a disk having an opening in its center that at least partially encases a portion of the gas permeable tube to provide support while facilitating the passage of the gas from the gas permeable tube to the at least one vent, the disk being coupled to the impermeable tube shield.

4. 4. The injection line gas removal device of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of supports comprises a gap at an outer edge of the disk between the impermeable tube shield and the disk.

5. The injection line gas removal device of claim 4 , wherein each gap of the plurality of supports is aligned with the at least one vent hole.

6. 6. The injection line gas removal device of claim 1, further comprising a bubble diverter coupled to one of the first and second couplers in the gas permeable tube, the bubble diverter configured to direct air bubbles in a fluid flowing in the gas permeable tube toward a wall of the gas permeable tube.

7. 7. The infusion line gas removal device of claim 1, wherein the impermeable tube shield has an oval cross-section and the gas permeable tube has a circular cross-section.

8. 8. The infusion line gas removal device of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second couplers comprises an anti-siphonage valve configured to facilitate fluid movement in only one direction and promote positive pressure within the gas permeable tube.

9. 9. The injection line gas removal device of claim 1, further comprising a vacuum source fluidly sealed to the at least one vent port, the vacuum source creating a vacuum within the impermeable tube shield to facilitate removal of the gas from the fluid flowing within the gas permeable tube.

10. the vacuum source comprising: a vacutainer connected to the at least one vent; 10. The infusion line gas removal device of claim 9, comprising: a flexible membrane within the vacutainer configured to bend into a concave shape within the flexible membrane in response to the vacuum.

11. 11. The infusion line gas removal device of claim 1, wherein the gas permeable tube has a plurality of ridges formed along a length of the gas permeable tube, with a pleated inner surface having a greater surface area than a tube of the same diameter as the gas permeable tube.

12. 12. The infusion line gas removal device of claim 1, wherein the gas permeable tube has a circular cross-section at the first and second couplers and an oval cross-section between the first and second couplers.

13. 1. A process for providing an injection line gas removal device, comprising: providing a gas permeable tube coupled between the first and second couplers; encasing the gas permeable tube with an impermeable tube shield between the first and second couplers; Including, the impermeable tube shield is larger in diameter than the gas permeable tube and comprises at least one vent hole and a plurality of supports, the plurality of supports being between the tube shield and the gas permeable tube and configured to support the gas permeable tube within the impermeable tube shield in a fixed position between the first coupler and the second coupler, facilitating the passage of gas from the gas permeable tube to the at least one vent hole.

14. 14. The process of claim 13, further comprising forming the plurality of supports in the impermeable tube shield by arranging the plurality of supports to provide support to an exterior of the gas permeable tube to prevent pressure spikes in the gas permeable tube from causing expansion of the gas permeable tube.

15. The step of forming the plurality of supports within the impermeable tube shield includes: forming the impermeable tube shield in two shaped sections, each section traversing a length of gas permeable tubing, the two shaped sections, when joined around the gas permeable tube, together form the plurality of supports and support the gas permeable tube in a fixed position within the impermeable tube shield; and b. bonding the two shaped sections around the gas permeable tube.

16. 16. The process of claim 15, wherein the impermeable tube shield, when formed, has a circular cross-section, and the plurality of supports, when formed, each comprise a disk having an opening in its center that confines a portion of the gas permeable tube.

17. 15. The process of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of supports comprises at least a portion of a disk having an opening in its center, the at least a portion of the disk at least partially encasing and supporting a portion of the gas permeable tube while facilitating the passage of the gas from the gas permeable tube to the at least one vent, the disk being bonded to the impermeable tube shield.

18. 14. The process of claim 13, further comprising the step of fluidly sealing a vacuum source to the at least one vent, the vacuum source creating a vacuum within the impermeable tube shield to facilitate removal of the gas from fluid flowing within the gas permeable tube.

19. 1. A method for removing gas from an injection line, comprising: providing a gas permeable tube coupled between the first and second couplers; providing an impermeable tube shield encasing the gas permeable tube between the first and second couplers; Including, the impermeable tube shield is larger in diameter than the gas permeable tube and comprises at least one vent and a plurality of supports, the plurality of supports being between the tube shield and the gas permeable tube and configured to support the gas permeable tube within the impermeable tube shield in a fixed position between the first and second couplers and to facilitate the passage of gas from the gas permeable tube to the at least one vent.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of providing a vacuum source configured to be fluidly sealed to the at least one vent, the vacuum source generating a vacuum within the impermeable tube shield to facilitate removal of the gas from a fluid flowing within the gas permeable tube, the flexible membrane configured to bend into a concave shape within the flexible membrane in response to the vacuum.

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