Self-priming vent plug

Abstract

To provide an air venting device.SOLUTION: The air venting device may include an adapter including a tubular body having a hollow interior defining a fluid flow path and a vent plug removably coupled to at least a portion of the tubular body. The vent plug may include an inner circumferential surface defining an interior chamber of the vent plug, and the fluid flow passage of the adapter may fluidly communicate the adapter with the interior chamber of the vent plug. The vent plug may further include a superabsorbent polymer material disposed in the internal chamber. Air entrained in the liquid entering the interior chamber can be vented to the exterior of the air venting device via the vent plug.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for venting air or gas from fluid tubing, and more particularly to a vent plug that can be included in an extravascular or intravenous ("IV") delivery system set to facilitate venting of air from the extravascular or intravenous delivery system. [Background technology]

[0002] Infusion therapy is one of the most common medical procedures. Hospitalized patients, home care patients, and other patients receive fluids, medications, and blood products through vascular access devices inserted into the vascular system. Infusion therapy may be used to treat infections, provide anesthesia or analgesia, provide nutritional support, treat cancer growths, maintain blood pressure and heart rhythm, or for many other clinically important uses.

[0003] Infusion therapy is facilitated by a vascular access device. The vascular access device is capable of accessing a patient's peripheral or central vascular system. The vascular access device may be left in place for short-term (days), medium-term (weeks), or long-term (months to years). The vascular access device may be used for continuous infusion therapy or intermittent therapy.

[0004] A common vascular access device is a catheter that is inserted into a patient's vein. Catheter length can vary from a few centimeters for peripheral access to many centimeters for central access. Catheters can be inserted percutaneously or surgically implanted under the patient's skin. The catheter, or any other vascular access device attached to it, can have a single lumen or multiple lumens for infusing multiple fluids simultaneously. The group of vascular access and other devices used to access a patient's vascular system can be collectively referred to as an extravascular system.

[0005] One example of an extravascular system including a catheter is the BD NEXIVA™ Closed IV (intravenous) Catheter System by Becton, Dickinson and Company. This system includes an over-the-needle peripheral intravascular catheter made from polyurethane, another catheter used as integral extension tubing with a Y-adapter and slide clamp, a vent plug, a Luer access port, and a passive needle shielding mechanism.

[0006] The BD NEXIVA™ IV catheter design can be described as a closed system because it protects the clinician or operator from blood exposure during the catheter insertion procedure. Because the needle is withdrawn through a sealing septum, blood is contained within the NEXIVA™ device during catheter insertion after the needle is removed and both ports of the Y-adapter are closed. Pressure exerted on the needle as it passes through the septum wipes blood from the needle, further reducing potential blood exposure. A sliding clamp on the integrated extension tubing is provided to eliminate blood exposure when the vent plug is exchanged for another vascular access device (e.g., an infusion set connection or Luer access port).

[0007] The current procedure for initiating use of an extravascular system, such as the BD NEXIVA™ Closed IV Catheter System, is as follows: The device operator inserts the needle into the patient's vasculature and waits for blood to flash back into the device to confirm that the needle is properly positioned within the patient's vasculature. As blood enters the device, the vent plug allows air to escape the device, allowing blood to travel along it into the catheter of the device. After the operator confirms proper placement, the operator clamps the catheter, stopping the progression of blood through the catheter, removes the vent plug, replaces the vent plug with another vascular access device (e.g., an infusion set connection or Luer access port), unclamps the catheter, allows blood to flash back from the catheter into the patient's vasculature, and reclamps the catheter. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Many current procedures, such as the procedure described above, present challenges that need to be overcome. For example, the procedure can involve an unnecessary number of steps and an unnecessary amount of time simply to insert and prepare the extravascular system for use within the patient's vascular system. Furthermore, by removing the vent plug, the system's fluid pathway is temporarily exposed to potential contamination from the environment external to the extravascular system.

[0009] Rather than using a vent plug, some operators attempt to solve the above problem by simply loosening the Luer access device to allow air to escape from the system during flashback and then tightening the Luer access device to stop blood from moving forward along the catheter. Unfortunately, this procedure is prone to user error, a lack of consistent and precise control of blood flow through the system, potentially leading to blood exposure and fluid loss, and the risk of unnecessary contamination.

[0010] Therefore, what is needed are improvements to many of the systems and methods described above, which can be improved by providing more efficient extravascular venting systems and methods.

[0011] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an air venting device for promoting self-priming of a fluid line can include an adapter for connecting a vascular access device and a vent plug. The adapter can include a tubular body having a hollow interior defining a fluid flow path, and the vent plug can be removably coupled to at least a portion of the tubular body. The vent plug can include an inner circumferential surface defining an internal chamber of the vent plug, and the fluid flow path of the adapter can fluidly connect the adapter to the internal chamber of the vent plug. The vent plug can further include a superabsorbent polymer material disposed within the internal chamber of the vent plug. The superabsorbent polymer material can be configured to (i) absorb liquid entering the internal chamber from the fluid flow path and (ii) expand in volume as the liquid is absorbed into the superabsorbent polymer material. Air entrained in the liquid entering the internal chamber can be vented to the outside of the air venting device via the vent plug.

[0012] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of assembling a self-priming vent plug can include providing a substantially tubular body having an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a seating surface extending longitudinally within the lower chamber, and an inner circumferential surface defining an interior chamber of the tubular body. The method can further include coupling a perforated screen to the inner circumferential surface at a proximal end of the tubular body; and interposing a superabsorbent polymer material within the upper chamber between the perforated screen and the seating surface.

[0013] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a vent plug can include a substantially tubular body having an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and an inner circumferential surface defining an interior chamber of the tubular body; and a perforated screen coupled to the inner circumferential surface at a proximal end of the tubular body. The vent plug can further include a superabsorbent polymer material disposed in the upper chamber between the perforated screen and the proximal end of the lower chamber.

[0014] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject technology as claimed. Also, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the subject technology.

[0015] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of embodiments and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The disclosed subject matter is capable of considerable modification, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an extravascular system having an adapter with a removable vent plug, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter, a ventable end cap, and a removable vent plug. [Figure 3] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views of an adapter and a removable vent plug according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter and removable vent plug of FIG. 3 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The detailed description set forth below describes various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. Thus, dimensions may be provided as non-limiting examples with respect to particular embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.

[0018] It should be understood that the present disclosure includes examples of the subject technology and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject technology will now be disclosed according to specific, but non-limiting, examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure may be implemented in different ways and variations and may be implemented according to a desired application or implementation.

[0019] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to systems and methods for venting air or gas from fluid tubing, and in particular to a vent plug that can be included in an extravascular or intravenous delivery system set to facilitate venting air from the extravascular or intravenous delivery system.

[0020] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a Luer integrated air venting system is presented that includes a self-venting mechanism that allows air to escape during use, which typically also prevents the escape of fluids (e.g., blood, etc.). As used herein, the term "venting mechanism" refers to one or more features or elements that provide a vent for air but typically also prevent the passage of liquids. The term "proximal" is used to refer to the portion of the device that is closest to the user or clinician and farthest from the patient during normal use. The term "distal" is used to refer to the portion of the device that is farthest from the user handling the device and closest to the patient during normal use.

[0021] The present invention may be suitable for use in any closed system luer connection application where venting can facilitate self-priming, with one example of a suitable application being an extravascular system such as a closed intravenous (IV) catheter system.

[0022] It should be noted that the vent media can be a separate physical element such as, for example, a plug or insert, an integral part of the device that has been treated by, for example, laser drilling or formed from a porous material in whole or in part, or a coating, layer, etc. that is formed by disposing a material on the device by, for example, dipping, coating, or spraying.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an extravascular system 100 having an adapter 30 with a removable vent plug 50, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The extravascular system 100 can be a closed intravenous (IV) catheter system used to communicate fluid with a patient's vascular system. As shown, the extravascular system can include an intravascular needle 20, an over-the-needle peripheral intravascular catheter 15, and integrated extension tubing 25 (also referred to herein as a catheter) with a Y-adapter 30. The extravascular system 100 can further include an air venting device 45 including the vent plug 50, a Luer access port 35, and a passive needle shielding mechanism 10. While a Y-adapter 30 is shown, various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this configuration. In some embodiments, any adapter used to connect two or more vascular access devices can be used in place of the Y-adapter 30.

[0024] The extravascular system 100 can be referred to as a closed system because it protects the clinician or operator from blood exposure during the catheter 15 insertion procedure. Blood is contained within the system 100 during catheter 15 insertion because the needle 20 is withdrawn through a septum that seals after the needle 20 is removed, closing both ports of the Y-adapter 30. Pressure exerted on the needle 20 as it passes through the septum wipes blood from the needle 20, further reducing potential blood exposure. A slide clamp (not shown) can be provided on the integrated extension tubing 25 to eliminate blood exposure when the vent plug 50 is replaced with another vascular access device (e.g., an infusion set connection or another Luer access port).

[0025] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 30, ventable end cap 18, and removable vent plug 2. As shown, the ventable end cap 18 includes a body 8 having an open channel 12 housing an elastomeric septum 16. The septum 16 has a very small access hole 14 that is sealed under compression in the end cap 18 assembly. The septum access hole 14 allows passage of a hollow cannula 22 from the removable vent plug 2, thereby providing communication between atmospheric pressure and the patient's venous pressure, allowing air to vent and blood to flash back and be visible on extension tubing 25 or other catheters attached to an extravascular system. The vent plug 2 can include a body 6, an attached cannula 22, and an air-permeable material 4 or other air filter. The air-permeable material 4 allows air flow to pass through but prevents liquid from passing through. For example, the air-permeable material 4 can be an acrylic hydrophobic membrane, which allows air to escape from the extravascular system as blood enters the system. The vent plug 2, described with reference to FIG. 2, allows the integrated catheter system to vent while remaining closed, thereby allowing flashback visualization of blood without exposing the physician to blood. The system can be easily added to existing integrated catheter systems with a Luer adapter.

[0026] 3 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter 30 and a vent plug 50 of an air venting device 45, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the adapter 30 can be in the form of a tubular body 36 having a hollow interior defining a fluid flow path 34 therein. The vent plug 50 can be removably coupled to at least a portion of the tubular body 36. In some embodiments, the vent plug 50 can be in the form of a substantially tubular body 51 including an inner circumferential surface 59 that defines an internal chamber 58 of the vent plug 50. The tubular body 36 thus defines an internal longitudinal passage or bore 58 that extends from a proximal end 60 to a distal end 62 and is fluidly connected to the fluid flow path 34. The fluid flow path 34 of the adapter 30 can fluidly connect the adapter 30 to the internal chamber 58 of the vent plug 50, allowing fluid (e.g., blood from the patient) to flow through the extension tubing 25 into the vent plug 50, which can be coupled or otherwise connected to a peripheral intravascular catheter 15 (as shown in FIG. 1).

[0027] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the vent plug 50 can have an upper chamber 52 and a lower chamber 54, with the lower chamber 54 disposed axially opposite and connected to the upper chamber 52. For example, the lower chamber 54 can be formed from at least one lower wall extending away from the upper chamber 52. As shown, the vent plug 50 can be formed with a raised pedestal portion 55 that protrudes proximally and longitudinally from the distal end 62 of the vent plug 50 within the lower chamber 54. The raised pedestal portion 55 can include the inlet port 72 of the vent plug 50, define a portion of the flow path 34, and terminate at the seating surface 69. For example, the seating portion 69 can define a fluid channel 33 that forms a portion of a flow path 34 that is in fluid communication with the lumen of a needle device (e.g., needle 20) configured to be inserted into a patient. Thus, the interior chamber 58 having the superabsorbent polymer material 70 can be fluidly connected to the flow path 34 via the port 72, such that the superabsorbent polymer material 70 can contact and be exposed to the patient's blood.

[0028] In some embodiments, the vent plug 50 can include a perforated screen 68 disposed at the proximal end 60 of the vent plug upper chamber 52. A superabsorbent polymer material 70 can be disposed within the interior chamber 58 of the vent plug 50 between the perforated screen 68 and the seating surface 69. As will be described in more detail below, the superabsorbent polymer material 70 can be configured to (i) absorb liquid (e.g., blood) entering the interior chamber 58 from the fluid flow path 34 and (ii) expand in volume upon contact with the liquid in the interior chamber. The perforated screen 68 can allow air or gas entrained in the liquid to vent out through the proximal end 60 of the vent plug 50. In the above-described configuration, the superabsorbent polymer material 70 absorbs and traps liquid (e.g., blood) and expands to impede further blood flow into the vent plug 50 while allowing entrained air or gas to vent out of the vent plug 50 through the perforated screen 68.

[0029] In some embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer material 70 can be a sponge, sheet, or mesh material. In other embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer material 70 can be a powder or granular material. In these embodiments, the vent plug can further include a porous membrane 66 disposed on the seating surface 69 of the raised pedestal portion 54. The superabsorbent polymer material 70 can be interposed between the perforated screen 68 and the porous membrane 66, which can serve to prevent the powder or granular superabsorbent polymer material from entering the fluid channels 33 and flow paths 34 through the vent plug inlet port 72. In embodiments in which the superabsorbent polymer material 70 is not in powder or granular form, but instead in the form of a sponge, sheet, or mesh material, the porous membrane 66 can be omitted. However, various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above configurations. In some embodiments, the porous membrane 66 can be included when the superabsorbent polymer material 70 is in the form of a sponge, sheet, or mesh material.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the superabsorbent polymer material can be impregnated into a base material. In these embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer-impregnated base material can replace the superabsorbent polymer material 70 and / or the porous membrane 66. For example, the superabsorbent polymer-impregnated base material can be disposed on the seating surface 69 above the vent plug inlet port 72, allowing the superabsorbent polymer-impregnated base material to be exposed to the patient's blood flowing into the fluid channel 33 through the vent plug inlet port 72.

[0031] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the superabsorbent polymeric material can be formed from at least one or a combination of acrylic acid sodium salt, polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, or starch graft copolymer of polyacrylonitrile. In some embodiments, the superabsorbent polymeric material can include one or more biocompatible superabsorbent polymers.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter and removable vent plug of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. With continued reference to FIG. 3, and referring to FIG. 4, the superabsorbent polymer material 70, upon exposure to blood 32 flowing through the fluid channel 33, can instantly expand and swell in size from the configuration 70 illustrated in FIG. 3 to configurations 70a, 70b, and 70c illustrated in FIG. 4 as the superabsorbent polymer material 70 absorbs the blood 32. As shown, the superabsorbent polymer material 70 can swell from the seating surface 69 upward toward the proximal end 60 of the vent plug as the blood 32 is absorbed into and travels through the superabsorbent polymer material 70. For example, as shown, particles or structures of the superabsorbent polymer material 70 can swell from an initial, non-liquid-contacting state 70a to a liquid-absorbed state 70c at the initial point of contact with the liquid at the seating surface 69. State 70b merely illustrates a transition state between the liquid-absorbed state 70c and the initial non-liquid-contacting state 70a.

[0033] In some embodiments, as described above, the perforated screen 68 and the porous membrane 66 can be separated from one another with a superabsorbent polymer material 70 interposed therebetween. The perforated screen 68 and the porous membrane 66 are formed within the vent plug's internal chamber 58, and it is desired that air or other gases present in the fluid 32 flowing through the fluid flow path 34 be vented through the internal chamber 58 and out of the system 100 through the vent plug 50 to the outside atmosphere. With continued reference to FIG. 1 and with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, in operation, a clinician / nurse or other operator inserts the needle 20 into the patient's vascular system and waits for blood flashback to travel into the system 100 to confirm that the needle 20 is properly positioned within the patient's vascular system. Blood 32 travels into and along the catheter 15 in the space between the needle 20 and the catheter 15. This occurs because the vent plug 50 allows air to escape from the system 100 as blood enters the system 100. The vent plugs of various embodiments of the present disclosure utilize a superabsorbent polymer material 70 along with a perforated screen 68 and an optional porous membrane 66 (depending on the configuration of the superabsorbent polymer material 70) to allow air to escape from the system 100 as blood enters the system 100, as described below.

[0034] As blood flows from the patient's vasculature into the system 100, air particles or bubbles can become trapped in the blood 32 stream as the blood travels into and along the catheter 15, into the extension tubing 25, and into the adapter 30. When fluid 32 (e.g., the patient's blood 32) in the flow path 34 enters the vent plug 50 through the vent plug inlet port 72 and contacts the superabsorbent polymer material 70, the superabsorbent polymer material 70 absorbs the fluid 32, expands, and swells upon contact with the fluid 32. For example, in some embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer material 70 is capable of expanding in volume by at least 300% upon contacting and absorbing fluid. The above-described configuration is advantageous in that, when expanded, the superabsorbent polymer material acts as a stop or obstruction for additional fluid (e.g., blood) entering the vent plug 50 from the flow path 34 while simultaneously allowing air or gas within the system 100 to vent out of the vent plug 50 through the perforated screen 68.

[0035] In some embodiments, the porous membrane 66 can function as a stop to prevent the superabsorbent polymer material from entering the fluid flow path 34 of the adapter 30 through the vent plug inlet port. Thus, the porous membrane 66 can allow seepage of fluid 32 under pressure from the fluid flow path 34 into the superabsorbent polymer material 70. A perforated screen 68 positioned at the proximal end 60 of the vent plug 50 can provide a second stop that can prevent the superabsorbent polymer material 70 from expanding out of the vent plug 50, while allowing air or other gases to be vented out of the system 100 through the perforated screen 68 at the proximal end 60 of the vent plug 50. After the operator or other user has confirmed proper installation and after sufficient venting of the system 100 has occurred, the clinician / nurse or other user can clamp the tubing 25, stop the progression of blood through the catheter 15, remove the vent plug 50, unclamp the tubing 25, allow the blood to flash back from the catheter 15 into the patient's vascular system, and re-clamp the tubing 25.

[0036] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a method of assembling an air vent plug 50 for facilitating priming of a fluid line can include providing a substantially tubular body 51 having an upper chamber 52, a lower chamber 54, a seating portion having a seating surface 69 extending longitudinally within the lower chamber 54, and an inner circumferential surface 59 defining an interior chamber 58 of the tubular body 51. The method can further include coupling a perforated screen 68 to the inner circumferential surface 59 at a proximal end 60 of the tubular body 51, and interposing a superabsorbent polymer material 70 within the upper chamber 52 between the perforated screen 68 and the seating surface 69. In some embodiments, the method can further include coupling a porous membrane 66 to the seating surface 69 such that the superabsorbent polymer material 70 is disposed between the porous membrane 66 and the perforated screen 68.

[0037] The vent plug 50 of various embodiments of the present disclosure is advantageous over existing vent plugs because the vent plug 50 utilizes a superabsorbent polymer material 70, along with a perforated screen 68 and an optional porous membrane 66 (depending on the configuration of the superabsorbent polymer material 70), to vent air out of the system 100, as described above. Among other advantages, the above-described configuration of the vent plug 50 is that the superabsorbent polymer material 70 can swell, expand, or otherwise expand by at least 300% upon contact with the fluid 32 (i.e., blood 32 and air or gas particles) in the flow path 34. Upon contact with the fluid, the superabsorbent polymer material 70 can absorb the fluid and expand in volume, thereby obstructing further fluid flow into the vent plug 50. In some embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer material is configured to retain fluid (e.g., a patient's blood) for a minimum of 15 seconds while allowing any air or gas within the system 100 to vent to the outside of the system 100 through the perforated screen 68 of the vent plug 50. In some embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer material can retain fluid (e.g., a patient's blood) in the presence of fluid for a much longer period of time than currently existing vent plugs that utilize hydrophobic membranes.

[0038] In contrast, as explained above, currently existing vent plugs (e.g., vent plug 2 illustrated in FIG. 2 ) utilize a hydrophobic membrane 4, which is an air- or gas-permeable material that allows air flow therethrough but prevents liquids from passing therethrough. This hydrophobic membrane 4 is typically made in the form of an acrylic hydrophobic membrane, which can be costly to acquire and manufacture, thereby adding to the overall cost of the vent plug 2. Thus, because vent plug 50 utilizes a superabsorbent polymer material 70 instead of a costly acrylic hydrophobic membrane 4 for venting air in system 100, the cost to produce and manufacture vent plug 50 is reduced compared to that of currently existing vent plugs 2 having an acrylic hydrophobic membrane 4.

[0039] While various embodiments of the vent plug 50 have been described with respect to extravascular systems (e.g., closed IV catheter systems), various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described configurations. In some embodiments, the vent plug 50 can be included in an intravenous delivery system set to facilitate venting of air from the intravenous delivery system. The term intravenous delivery system according to the present invention is used broadly herein to describe components used to deliver fluids to a patient for use in arterial, intravenous, intravascular, peritoneal, and / or non-vascular administration of the fluid. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that an intravenous delivery system can be used to administer fluids to other locations within a patient's body.

[0040] For example, in some embodiments, an intravenous delivery system can include a fluid source such as a fluid bag, a drip chamber used to determine the flow rate of fluid from the fluid bag, tubing to provide a connection between the fluid bag and the patient, and an intravenous access unit such as a catheter that can be positioned intravenously within the patient. The intravenous delivery system can also include a Y-connector 30 that allows for piggybacking of the intravenous delivery system to allow administration of medication from a syringe into the tubing of the intravenous delivery system.

[0041] It is generally good practice to remove air from intravenous delivery systems that access a patient's blood flow. This concern is important when accessing arterial blood, but it is also a concern when accessing the venous side. Specifically, if air bubbles are allowed to enter a patient's bloodstream while receiving intravenous fluid administration, the bubbles can form air embolisms and cause serious injury to the patient.

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention can also be generally directed to an intravenous delivery system having a vent plug 50 that provides enhanced air venting. For example, the intravenous delivery system can include a fluid supply containing fluid to be delivered to a patient, tubing, and a vent plug 50. The tubing can have a first end connectable to the fluid supply and a second end connectable to the vent plug 50. In some embodiments, the distal end 62 of the vent plug 50 can be connectable to the proximal end of the IV tubing and can receive fluid from the fluid supply. In some embodiments, the vent plug 50 can have a volume selected to allow the internal chamber 58 to receive a predetermined amount of fluid from the IV tubing, where air or gas (if entrained in the fluid) is likely to be present, after the tubing has been primed sufficiently to advance the fluid through the proximal end of the IV tubing.

[0043] During priming, the vent plug 50, which includes a perforated screen 68 and a superabsorbent polymer material 70 disposed within the internal chamber 58 between the perforated screen 68 and the seating surface 69, can be configured to (i) absorb IV fluid entering the internal chamber 58 from the proximal end of the IV tubing and (ii) expand in volume as the IV fluid is absorbed into the superabsorbent polymer material. The perforated screen 68 can allow entrained air or gas to vent completely out through the proximal end 60 of the vent plug 50 until the IV fluid contacts the superabsorbent polymer. In the above-described configuration, the superabsorbent polymer material 70 absorbs and traps liquid molecules, expanding to impede further IV fluid flow into the vent plug 50 while allowing the entrained air or gas to vent out of the vent plug 50 through the perforated screen.

[0044] As used herein, the terms "medical connector," "connector," "fitting," and any variations thereof refer to any device used to provide a fluid flow path between fluid lines connected thereto. For example, a medical connector can be or include a bond pocket or other type of connector. Additionally, "medical connector," "connector," "fitting," and any variations thereof refer to any device used to deliver liquids, solvents, or fluids to or from a patient under medical care. For example, a medical connector can be used for intravenous (IV) delivery of fluids to a patient, fluid drainage, oxygen delivery, combinations thereof, and the like.

[0045] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure 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 general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0046] Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more." The term "some" refers to "one or more" unless specifically stated otherwise. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter (e.g., "her" and "it"), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used merely for convenience and do not limit the invention.

[0047] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0048] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" preceding a list of items (with the word "or" separating any of the items) modifies the list as a whole, rather than each item in the list. The phrase "at least one of" does not require the selection of at least one item. Rather, the phrase allows for a meaning including at least one of any one of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of the items, and / or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" can refer to A only, B only, or C only; or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0049] The use of phrases such as "aspects" does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of 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 "embodiment" does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or to one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an embodiment may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. A phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of a configuration may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. Any reference to such a configuration may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0050] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, dimensions, sizes, and other specifications set forth in this specification (including the claims that follow) are approximate and not exact, and in one aspect, are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which they relate and with functions customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0051] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or methods disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based on implementation preferences or scenarios, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. In some implementation preferences or scenarios, certain operations may or may not be performed. Some or all of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed automatically, without user intervention. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps, operations, or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0052] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or that later become known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. No element of a claim is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for," or, in the case of a method claim, unless the element is recited using the phrase "step for." Moreover, to the extent terms such as "include" or "having" are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in the same manner as the term "comprise," such as "comprise" is construed when used as a transitional phrase in a claim.

[0053] The Title of the Invention, Background Art, Summary of the Invention, Brief Description of the Drawings, and Abstract of the Disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as examples for purposes of illustrating the disclosure, not as a limiting description. They are submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Additionally, in the Detailed Description, it can be understood that the description provides examples for illustrative purposes, and that various features have been grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed structure or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate claimed subject matter.

[0054] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are to be accorded full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Nonetheless, none of the claims are intended to encompass subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be so interpreted.

Claims

1. 1. An air venting device for promoting self-priming of a fluid line, the air venting device comprising: an adapter for connecting a vascular access device, the adapter including a tubular body having a hollow interior defining a fluid flow path; a vent plug removably coupled to at least a portion of the tubular body; Including, The vent plug is an inner circumferential surface defining an interior chamber of the vent plug, the fluid flow passage of the adapter placing the adapter in fluid communication with the interior chamber of the vent plug; a raised pedestal portion extending longitudinally from a distal end of the tubular body and defining an inlet port; a porous membrane layer disposed between the inlet port of the raised pedestal portion and an upper chamber of the internal chamber, the porous membrane layer being non-hydrophobic and configured to allow fluid to seep from the fluid flow path into the internal chamber; a superabsorbent polymer material disposed within the interior chamber of the vent plug; and Including, An air venting device, wherein air entrained in the fluid entering the internal chamber from the fluid flow path is vented to the exterior of the air venting device through the vent plug.

2. 2. The air venting device of claim 1, wherein the vent plug further comprises a lower chamber and a perforated screen, and wherein the air entrained in the fluid entering the interior chamber from the fluid flow path is vented to the outside of the air venting device through the perforated screen.

3. 3. The air venting device of claim 2, wherein the superabsorbent polymer material is disposed between the porous membrane layer and the perforated screen.

4. 10. The air venting device of claim 1, wherein the porous membrane layer is configured to restrict the superabsorbent polymer material from entering the fluid flow path.

5. 10. The air venting device of claim 1, wherein the superabsorbent polymer material is configured to absorb liquid that enters the interior chamber from the fluid flow path.

6. 6. The air venting device of claim 5, wherein the liquid is blood.

7. 6. The air venting device of claim 5, wherein the superabsorbent polymer material is configured to expand when the superabsorbent polymer material absorbs the liquid.

8. A vent plug, the vent plug comprising: a substantially tubular body including an upper chamber and an inner circumferential surface defining an interior chamber; a raised pedestal portion extending longitudinally from a distal end of the tubular body and defining an inlet port; a porous membrane layer disposed between the inlet port and the upper chamber, the porous membrane layer being non-hydrophobic and configured to allow fluid to seep into the interior chamber; a superabsorbent polymer material disposed within the interior chamber of the vent plug; and Including, The vent plug is configured to vent air entrained in the fluid.

9. 9. The vent plug of claim 8, wherein the substantially tubular body further includes a lower chamber and a perforated screen, and wherein the air entrained in the fluid is vented through the perforated screen.

10. 10. The vent plug of claim 9, wherein the raised pedestal portion further includes a seating surface extending axially into the lower chamber.

11. 11. The vent plug of claim 10, wherein the porous membrane layer is disposed over the seating surface.

12. 11. The vent plug of claim 10, wherein the inlet port terminates in the seating surface.

13. 10. The vent plug of claim 9, wherein the superabsorbent polymer material is disposed between the porous membrane layer and the perforated screen.

14. 9. The vent plug of claim 8, wherein the porous membrane layer is configured to maintain the superabsorbent polymer material within the interior chamber.

15. 9. The vent plug of claim 8, wherein the superabsorbent polymer material is configured to absorb liquid that enters the interior chamber from the fluid flow path.

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