Intravenous set with syringe interface for rapid injection via reusable driver

Abstract

The intravenous (IV) infusion set includes at least one infusion component, a first IV tubing connected to a first inlet port of the first infusion component, a second IV tubing connected to an outlet port of the second infusion component, and a syringe interface connected to the second inlet port of the infusion component. The syringe interface includes a housing configured to receive a syringe, an outlet connected to the second inlet port of the infusion component, and a drive interface coupling configured to receive a drive interface configured to be rotated by a driver, the drive interface configured to slide a plunger within a body of the syringe to expel fluid from the syringe. Methods of assembly and use of the IV set are also provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to intravenous (IV) infusion sets, and more particularly to a syringe interface and reusable driver for rapid infusion via an IV set. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical procedures often involve infusing a patient with medical fluids (e.g., medications, saline) using an IV catheter connected to a fluid source, such as an IV bag, via a combination of flexible tubing and fittings, commonly referred to as an "IV set." During a procedure, medical fluids and additional medications may be needed quickly and at significantly increased fluid flow rates, as shorter medical procedure times often reduce the risk of death for trauma patients. Additionally, some medical fluids can be very viscous, making it difficult to add the medical fluid to an IV set in use. In a typical IV set, increasing fluid flow rates is achieved by manually pressing harder or faster on the syringe plunger, resulting in muscle fatigue and / or an insufficient increase in fluid flow rate.

[0003] For these reasons, it would be desirable to provide an IV set with a syringe interface that is driven via a reusable mechanical driver to minimize muscle fatigue, rapidly increase the volume of fluid pumped through the IV set, and / or efficiently pump highly viscous fluids through the IV set.

[0004] Any matter described in the Background of the Invention section of the present invention should not be deemed to be prior art merely because it is mentioned in or associated with the Background section. The Background section may contain information that describes one or more aspects of the present technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one or more embodiments, an IV infusion set includes at least one infusion component, a first IV tubing connected to a first inlet of the infusion component, a second IV tubing connected to an outlet of the infusion component, and a syringe interface connected to the second inlet of the infusion component. The syringe interface includes a housing configured to receive a syringe, an outlet connected to the second inlet of the infusion component, and a drive interface coupling configured to receive a drive interface. The drive interface is configured to be rotated by a driver to slidably move a plunger within the syringe body and expel fluid from the syringe.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the IV set assembly includes at least one infusion component, IV tubing connected to an outlet of the infusion component, a driver, a drive shaft, and a disposable syringe interface. The syringe interface includes a housing configured to receive a syringe. The housing includes an outlet connected to the inlet of the infusion component and a drive interface coupling configured to receive the drive interface. The drive interface is configured to be rotated by the driver to slidably move a plunger within the syringe body to expel fluid from the syringe.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a method of using the IV set assembly includes connecting a first end of the IV set to a fluid container, connecting a second end of the IV set to a catheter inserted into a patient, flowing fluid from the fluid container to the patient, connecting a driver to a drive interface of a syringe interface of the IV set, placing a syringe containing fluid within a housing of the syringe interface, actuating the driver to rotate the drive interface of the syringe interface to slidably move a plunger within the syringe body, and expelling fluid from the syringe to the patient at a fluid flow rate based on the rotation of the drive interface of the syringe interface.

[0008] Other configurations of the present technology will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. Various configurations of the present technology have been shown and described herein by way of example. As will be understood, the present technology is capable of incorporating other different configurations, and its several details are capable of modification in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are illustrative and should not be interpreted as limiting. The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of the invention, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example patient care system having four fluid infusion pumps, each connected to a respective fluid supply for delivering the contents of the fluid supply to a patient. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a top view of a typical assembled IV infusion set and syringe. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the IV set of FIG. 2 with a syringe interface, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 is a front view of a syringe interface and syringe according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the driver, driver interface, and syringe interface of FIG. 4, and syringe, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a front view of a syringe interface and syringe according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7 is a front view of the driver and syringe interface of FIG. 6, syringe according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a driver and charging assembly according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 9] 8 is a perspective view of an IV set including the driver, syringe interface, and syringe of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 8 is a perspective view of an IV set connecting the driver, syringe interface, syringe, and infusion pump of FIG. 7 to a patient, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following detailed description describes various configurations of the present technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the present technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. Accordingly, dimensions are shown as non-limiting examples of specific embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present 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 present technology.

[0011] The present invention includes examples of the present technology, but does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the present technology are disclosed below according to specific, non-limiting examples. The various embodiments described in the present invention can be implemented in different ways and with variations depending on the desired application or implementation.

[0012] Referring more particularly to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like or corresponding elements throughout the various views, FIG. 1 illustrates a patient care system 20 having four infusion pumps 22, 24, 26, and 28. Each infusion pump 22, 24, 26, and 28 is fluidly connected to an upstream fluid line 30, 32, 34, and 36, respectively. Each infusion pump 22, 24, 26, and 28 is also fluidly connected to a downstream fluid line 31, 33, 35, and 37, respectively. The fluid lines may be any type of fluid conduit through which fluid can flow, such as an IV administration set. It should be understood that a variety of pump mechanisms may be used, including syringe pumps.

[0013] Fluid sources 38, 40, 42, and 44, which can take a variety of forms but are shown in this case as bottles, are suspended in an inverted position above the pumps. The fluid sources may also take the form of other types of containers, including bags or syringes. Both the patient care system 20 and the fluid sources 38, 40, 42, and 44 may be mounted on a roller stand, an IV pole 46, a tabletop, or the like.

[0014] Separate infusion pumps 22, 24, 26, and 28 are used to infuse fluid from each fluid source into the patient. The infusion pumps are flow control devices that act on respective fluid lines to move fluid from the fluid sources through the fluid lines to the patient 48. Because separate pumps are used, each pump can be individually set to the delivery or operating parameters needed to infuse a particular medical fluid from its respective fluid source into the patient at a particular rate prescribed by a physician for that fluid. Such medical fluids may include medications, nutrients, or other fluids. The infusion pumps 22, 24, 26, and 28 are controlled by a pump control unit 60.

[0015] Fluid sources 38, 40, 42 and 44 are connected to electronic data tags 81, 83, 85 and 87, respectively, or electronic transmitters. Any device or component associated with the infusion system may be equipped with an electronic data tag, reader or transmitter.

[0016] A typical infusion set may be a gravity-fed set, which does not require an infusion pump. For example, any of fluid sources 38, 40, 42, and 44 may be connected directly to patient 48 via a gravity-fed IV set, in which case gravity causes fluid to flow through the infusion set to patient 48 without the assistance of a pump.

[0017] Typically, medical fluid administration sets have more components than those shown in FIG. 1, such as those shown in FIG. 2. IV sets may be formed from any combination of infusion components and tubing. Typically, the infusion components and tubing are disposable items that are discarded after a single use. The infusion components and tubing may be formed from any suitable material (e.g., plastic, silicone, rubber), many or all of which may be transparent or translucent to allow visualization of the fluid flow or level therein.

[0018] 2, IV set 120 may include drip chamber 130, syringe 140, and roller clamp 150 connected by tubing 160. IV set 120 may also include Y-site 170 having a Y-junction with needleless connector 175, and luer lock connector 180 at the end of IV set 120. Luer lock connector 180 may be used, for example, to connect to a catheter inserted into a patient. IV set 120 may include additional infusion components and may be formed from any combination of components and tubing 160.

[0019] In use, IV set 120 is connected to an IV infusion bag (e.g., a saline bag) via drip chamber 130, and luer lock connector 180 is connected to a catheter inserted into a patient's vein. Thus, fluid flows from the fluid bag, through drip chamber 130, through the remainder of IV set 120, and out luer lock connector 180. When plunger 142 of syringe 140 is depressed, fluid (e.g., medication, medical fluid) contained within syringe body 144 is forced out outlet 146 and flows downstream through IV set 120. When syringe 140 is released (e.g., when the plunger is no longer depressed), fluid flow from syringe 140 to IV set 120 stops. This syringe cycle can be repeated by removing the used syringe 140 and connecting another syringe 140 containing additional fluid, thereby delivering fluid from one or more syringes 140 to the patient as quickly as possible.

[0020] The syringe body 144 is typically a hard cylinder equipped with a rigid plunger 142 that can be continuously depressed with one hand by a user to dispense a desired amount of medical fluid from the syringe 140. However, the smooth cylindrical shape of the syringe body 144 and the hard feel of the syringe 140 provide an unergonomic shape and texture for manual gripping and lacks additional features to facilitate downstream fluid ejection from the syringe 140. Thus, the cylindrical geometry of the syringe 140 and the hard texture of the syringe body 144 and plunger 142 are often uncomfortable during extended use and can quickly cause fatigue in the user's hand. Furthermore, depending on the viscosity of the medical fluid dispensed by the syringe 140, manually depressing the plunger 142 may require a long time or additional manual force to depress the plunger 142.

[0021] Rapid delivery of fluids and / or medications into a vein is often necessary. The present technology facilitates rapid infusion of fluids / medications into a patient by including a syringe interface on a disposable IV set. The syringe interface can operate in conjunction with a powered driver (e.g., a reusable driver) that rotates a threaded shaft to depress a plunger and expel fluid from the syringe. The syringe interface and driver can be configured to achieve a desired target flow rate of fluid from the syringe.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, a disposable syringe interface is integrated into an IV set. The syringe interface can be actuated by a powered driver. The powered driver provides a rotational input to the syringe interface, which translates into sliding movement of the plunger within the syringe body. As a result, the syringe expels fluid from the syringe through the remainder of the IV set and into the patient at a rapidly increased flow rate. This reduces or eliminates the fatigue on the user's hand that occurs when manually expelling fluid from a syringe, such as syringe 140, and rapidly accelerates the infusion rate of new fluid into the patient. Also, unlike manual operation of syringe 140, the syringe interface and powered driver increase the fluid delivery rate by rotating the driver interface faster without having to manually push the plunger into the syringe body faster, and provide a more continuous delivery of fluid, as opposed to variations in delivery rate based on user differences, hand strength, hand fatigue, etc.

[0023] In embodiments of the present invention, the syringe interface may be configured to be driven by any suitable drive shaft (e.g., a hexagonal shaft similar to a power screwdriver). For example, the syringe interface may be driven by an intramedullary driver available from Becton Dickinson & Company. In this case, the disposable syringe interface may be configured to interface with the intramedullary driver. In embodiments of the present invention, a disposable interface key may be included with the IV set, and the disposable interface key may be configured to operate with one or more specific power screwdrivers. In embodiments of the present invention, any suitable syringe may be used.

[0024] According to an aspect of the present invention, an IV set 200 is provided that includes a syringe interface 210, as shown in Figure 3. For example, IV set 200 may include all of the components of IV set 120 with the addition of syringe interface 210. IV set 200 may also include additional infusion components and may be formed from any combination of components and tubing 160.

[0025] Syringe interface 210 may be formed from any suitable material (e.g., polymer, rubber, plastic) configured to contact a syringe containing a medical fluid (e.g., saline, medication). The material of syringe interface 210 may be flexible or rigid, and may be a single material or combination of materials selected or designed to accommodate the desired flexibility / rigidity and lifecycle use.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4 , syringe interface 210 may include housing 212, outlet 214, drive interface coupling 216, and drive interface 218. Outlet 214 may be configured to receive an outlet (e.g., outlet 146) of a syringe (e.g., syringe 140), and drive interface 218 may rotatably engage drive interface coupling 216. For example, drive interface coupling 216 may be a threaded edge of housing 212 or a threaded profile (e.g., semicircular) on housing 212. Syringe interface 210 may be added to an existing IV set (e.g., IV set 120) by connecting housing 212 to a syringe port (e.g., needleless port 175 of Y-junction 170). For example, housing 212 may be attached to needleless port 175 via a snap fit, with the end of needleless port 175 extending through outlet 214 and into housing 212. As another example, the outlet 214 may be threaded and the housing 212 may be threaded onto the threads of the needle-less port 175, with the end of the needle-less port 175 extending through the outlet 214 and into the housing 212. As yet another example, the housing 212 may be secured to the needle-less port 175 by any suitable means (e.g., gluing, welding, clamping) with the end of the needle-less port 175 extending through the outlet 214 and into the housing 212.

[0027] In use, a syringe 140 containing a medical fluid is inserted into the syringe interface 210, and the outlet 146 of the filled syringe 140 may be connected to the needle-less port 175 (e.g., by threading the threaded outlet 146 into the threaded needle-less port 175). As one example, both the outlet 146 and the end of the needle-less port 175 may be disposed within the outlet 214. As another example, the end of the needle-less port 175 may extend into the housing 212, such that the connection between the outlet 146 and the needle-less port 175 is located within the housing 212. As yet another example, the outlet 146 of the syringe 140 may extend through the outlet 214 of the housing 212, such that the connection between the outlet 146 and the needle-less port 175 is located outside the housing 212.

[0028] Additionally, the plunger 142 of the syringe 140 may engage or be connected to the drive interface 218. For example, the drive interface 218 may be threaded into the housing 212 and engage the plunger 142. As another example, the plunger 142 may slidably move into the syringe body 144 and contact the drive interface 218, or slide out of the syringe body 144 and contact the drive interface 218. As yet another example, the drive interface 218 may not contact the plunger 142 (e.g., a gap may be provided between the drive interface 218 and the plunger 142) until actuation of the syringe 140 is desired.

[0029] 5 illustrates a syringe interface 210 with a filled syringe 140 and a driver 250 connected to a drive shaft 254 via a driver interface 252. Here, the drive shaft 254 may be a threaded shaft configured to mate with the threads of the drive interface 218. For example, actuation of the driver 250 rotates the drive shaft 254, which in turn rotates the connected threaded drive interface 218 relative to the threaded drive interface coupling 216, causing the drive interface 218 to move laterally toward the syringe body 144, engaging the plunger 142 and / or sliding the plunger 142 into the syringe body 144. In embodiments of the invention, the drive shaft 254 may be configured to be held against the drive interface 218 by a user force applied to the driver 250. In embodiments of the invention, the drive shaft 254 may be configured to be received in the housing 212, with the threads of the drive shaft 254 engaging the threads of the drive interface 218.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6 , syringe interface 210a may include housing 212a, outlet 214a, drive interface coupling 216a, and drive interface 218a. Outlet 214a is configured to receive an outlet (e.g., outlet 146) of a syringe (e.g., syringe 140), and drive interface 218a may rotatably engage drive interface coupling 216a. For example, drive interface coupling 216a may be a threaded hole or opening in housing 212a. Syringe interface 210a may be added to an existing IV set (e.g., IV set 120) by connecting housing 212a to a syringe port (e.g., needleless port 175 of Y-junction 170). For example, housing 212a may be attached to needleless port 175 via a snap fit, with the end of needleless port 175 extending into housing 212a through outlet 214a. As another example, the outlet 214a may be threaded and the housing 212a may be threaded onto the threads of the needle-less port 175, with the end of the needle-less port 175 extending through the outlet 214a and into the housing 212a. As yet another example, the housing 212a may be secured to the needle-less port 175 by any suitable means (e.g., gluing, welding, clamping) with the end of the needle-less port 175 extending through the outlet 214a and into the housing 212a.

[0031] In use, a syringe 140 containing a medical fluid is inserted into the syringe interface 210a, and the outlet 146 of the filled syringe 140 may be connected to the needle-less port 175 (e.g., by threading the threaded outlet 146 into the threaded needle-less port 175). As one example, both the outlet 146 and the end of the needle-less port 175 may be disposed within the outlet 214a. As another example, the end of the needle-less port 175 may extend into the housing 212a, and the connection between the outlet 146 and the needle-less port 175 may be located within the housing 212a. As yet another example, the outlet 146 of the syringe 140 may extend through the outlet 214a of the housing 212a, and the connection between the outlet 146 and the needle-less port 175 may be located outside the housing 212a.

[0032] Additionally, plunger 142 of syringe 140 may engage or be connected to drive interface 218a. For example, drive interface 218a may be threaded through drive interface coupling 216a to engage plunger 142. As another example, plunger 142 may slidably move into syringe body 144 and contact drive interface 218a, or slide out of syringe body 144 and contact drive interface 218a. As yet another example, drive interface 218a may not contact plunger 142 (e.g., a gap may be provided between drive interface 218a and plunger 142) until actuation of syringe 140 is desired.

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates syringe interface 210a with a filled syringe 140 and driver 250 connected to drive interface 218a via driver interface 252. Here, drive interface 218a may have an end sized and shaped to be received in driver interface 252. For example, actuation of driver 250 causes threaded drive interface 218a to rotate within threaded drive interface coupling 216a, thereby moving drive interface 218a laterally toward syringe body 144 and engaging plunger 142 and / or sliding plunger 142 into syringe body 144. In embodiments of the invention, drive interface 218a may be assembled with syringe interface 210a and configured to be quickly connected (e.g., snap-fit) to driver interface 252 of driver 250. In embodiments of the invention, drive interface 218a may be assembled with driver 250 and configured to be quickly connected (e.g., threaded) to threaded drive interface coupling 216a.

[0034] In aspects of the present invention, syringe interface 210, 210a may be disposed of with IV set 200 upon completion of use of IV set 200 and / or upon the end of the life of IV set 200 or any component of IV set 200. For example, syringe interface 210, 210a may be manufactured and / or used as a low-cost disposable component.

[0035] Drive interface 218, 218a may be configured with a size and shape, including any suitable end (e.g., a fillet end, a molded end), to be received by a corresponding end surface of plunger 142. For example, drive interface 218 or drive interface 218a may be configured to engage an end of plunger 142, as shown by syringe interface 210 in FIG. 4 and syringe interface 210a in FIG. 6. The other end of drive interface 218 may be engaged with drive shaft 254 of driver 250 (see FIG. 5), and the other end of drive interface 218a may be engaged with driver interface 252 of driver 250 (see FIG. 7).

[0036] In embodiments of the present invention, drive interface 218, 218a may be connected to housing 212, 212a as an integral part of syringe interface 210, 210a during manufacture / assembly of IV set 200. In embodiments of the present invention, drive interface 218, 218a may be connected to housing 212, 212a before IV set 200 is put into use. In embodiments of the present invention, drive interface 218, 218a may be connected to housing 212, 212a only as needed after IV set 200 is put into use. For example, one end of drive interface 218, 218a may be connected to drive shaft 254 or driver interface 252 of driver 250, and the other end may be engaged with plunger 142 of syringe 140 only when a high fluid delivery rate and / or delivery of a highly viscous fluid from syringe 140 is required. On the other hand, if fluid delivery from the syringe 140 is not required, the drive interface 218, 218a may be separated from the drive shaft 254 or the driver interface 252.

[0037] In embodiments of the invention, drive shaft 254 may be part of syringe interface 210 or driver 250, where driver 250 and drive shaft 254 interface directly. In embodiments of the invention, drive interface 218a may be part of syringe interface 210a or driver 250, where driver 250 and drive interface 218a interface directly. In embodiments of the invention, any of drive shaft 254, drive interface 218, and drive interface 218a may be individual, disposable components provided with IV set 200.

[0038] In embodiments of the invention, driver 250 may be a rechargeable device configured to be charged by charging assembly 256, as shown in FIG. 8 . In embodiments of the invention, driver 250 may have a power cord and be powered by connecting to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet). In embodiments of the invention, driver 250 may be configured to clip onto any suitable structure (e.g., an IV pole, a hospital bed). In embodiments of the invention, driver 250 may be configured to operate at a fixed speed and / or variable speeds.

[0039] 9, syringe interfaces 210, 210a may be part of an IV set 300. IV set 300 includes fluid bag 190, drip chamber 130, roller clamp 150, Y-junction 170 with needleless port 175, syringe interfaces 210, 210a, and Luer connector 180, all interconnected by IV tubing 160.

[0040] In embodiments of the present invention, syringe interface 210, 210a may be a passive in-line device when not actuated (e.g., not driven by driver 250), in which case fluid from fluid bag 190 is delivered downstream via drip chamber 130, with the flow rate controlled by either gravity, the amount of fluid in fluid bag 190, and / or roller clamp 150. In use, when syringe 140 is connected to syringe interface 210, 210a and drive interface 218, 218a is rotated by driver 250, fluid contained within syringe body 144 is rapidly forced out outlet 214, 214a by multiple rotations of drive interface 218, 218a.

[0041] This rotation of drive interface 218, 218a causes fluid to flow rapidly (e.g., faster than if the plunger were manually depressed) from syringe 140 to the remaining downstream portion of IV set 200. Thus, continued rotation of drive shaft 218 rapidly expels any fluid within syringe 140 and forces it toward the desired destination (e.g., the patient's arm).

[0042] In embodiments of the present invention, syringe interface 210, 210a may be a disposable component of IV set 300. For example, syringe interface 210, 210a may be connected to needleless port 175 as an integral component of IV set 300. Thus, syringe interface 210, 210a is used only for the life of IV set 300 (e.g., 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days) and is then discarded along with the associated IV set 300. In embodiments of the present invention, syringe interface 210, 210a may be connected to any component within IV set 300, such as by being directly connected to fluid bag 190 via an infusion port.

[0043] In use, IV set 300 with disposable syringe interfaces 210, 210a is connected to a fluid container (e.g., fluid bag 190) containing medical fluid (e.g., saline). In an inactivated state, syringe interfaces 210, 210a have stationary drive interfaces 218, 218a, so that fluid flows through IV set 300 at a rate set by a flow regulator (e.g., roller clamp 150) without introducing medical fluid from syringe 140. When medical fluid from syringe 140 needs to be added quickly, drive interface 218 is rotated by a drive shaft 254 connected to driver 250, or drive interface 218a is rotated directly by driver 250, resulting in medical fluid from syringe 140 being pumped into IV set 300 more quickly than by manually manipulating syringe 140. If more medical fluid is needed, driver 250 is quickly reversed to retract drive interface 218, 218a from empty syringe 140, remove the empty syringe from syringe interface 210, 210a, insert the filled syringe 140 into syringe interface 210, 210a, and again reverse driver 250 to drive drive interface 218, 218a against plunger 142 of the newly inserted syringe 140, thereby quickly expelling the contents of the new syringe 140 into IV set 300. In embodiments of the invention, driver 250 may be configured to automatically reverse when plunger 142 is fully depressed within syringe 140 (e.g., when all fluid within syringe 140 has been expelled), thereby allowing the expelled syringe 140 to be quickly removed and a newly filled syringe 140 to be quickly inserted.

[0044] 10 , an IV set 400 with syringe interfaces 210, 210a may be connected to a fluid source 38, an infusion pump system 260 having two infusion pumps 262 and a control device 264, and a catheter 270 inserted into a patient 280. If medical fluid needs to be quickly added to the fluid from the infusion pump system 260, the syringe interfaces 210, 210a may be actuated (e.g., driven by a driver 250) to quickly dispense the medical fluid from the syringe 140 into the IV set 400. In an embodiment of the present invention, before using the syringe interfaces 210, 210a, the IV set 400 may be quickly disconnected from the infusion pump system 260, or the infusion pump system 260 may be set to neutral to allow fluid flow from the fluid source 38 to pass through the IV set 400 unimpeded. This allows a large volume of fluid to pass through the IV set 400 and carry the medical fluid dispensed from the syringe 140.

[0045] In embodiments of the present invention, syringe interface 210, 210a and / or driver 250 may include any suitable fastener for connecting syringe interface 210, 210a and / or driver 250 to an IV pole 46, a bed (e.g., a hospital bed), a gurney (e.g., a mobile gurney for transport), a surgical table, etc. The fastener may be, for example, a cradle, a hanger, a hook, Velcro®, adhesive, and / or other suitable fastener. In embodiments of the present invention, syringe interface 210, 210a may be configured to simply hang from an IV set (e.g., IV set 400) via a syringe port (e.g., needleless port 175). In this case, syringe interface 210, 210a may be positioned on the IV set to maximize accessibility and / or remove syringe interface 210, 210a from a particular working area (e.g., directly above a patient).

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, medication may be rapidly administered to a patient by a pump-syringe interface 210, 210a that forces the medication through the IV line at a rate at which the plunger 142 is depressed based on the rotational speed of the drive interface 218, 218a.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, an IV infusion set includes at least one infusion component, a first IV tubing connected to a first inlet of the infusion component, a second IV tubing connected to an outlet of the infusion component, and a syringe interface connected to the second inlet of the infusion component. The syringe interface includes a housing configured to receive a syringe, an outlet connected to the second inlet of the infusion component, and a drive interface coupling configured to receive a drive interface. The drive interface is configured to be rotated by a driver to slidably move a plunger within the syringe body and expel fluid from the syringe.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the drive interface is configured to be connected to a drive shaft of the driver and rotated by the drive shaft of the driver. In an embodiment of the present invention, the drive interface is an integral part of the syringe interface, and the drive shaft is configured to be removably connected to the driver. In an embodiment of the present invention, the drive shaft is an integral part of the driver, and the drive shaft is configured to be removably connected to the syringe interface. In an embodiment of the present invention, the drive interface is configured to be directly connected to the driver. In an embodiment of the present invention, the drive interface is provided as a removable component separate from the rest of the IV infusion set. In an embodiment of the present invention, the drive interface is provided as a removable component pre-connected to the syringe interface. In an embodiment of the present invention, the outlet of the syringe interface is configured to receive the outlet of the syringe. In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one infusion component comprises a fluid connector configured to be connected to a fluid container and a luer lock connector configured to be connected to a catheter inserted into a patient.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the IV set assembly includes at least one infusion component, IV tubing connected to an outlet of the infusion component, a driver, a drive shaft, and a disposable syringe interface. The syringe interface includes a housing configured to receive a syringe. The housing includes an outlet connected to the inlet of the infusion component and a drive interface coupling configured to receive the drive interface. The drive interface is configured to be rotated by the driver to slidably move a plunger within the syringe body and expel fluid from the syringe.

[0050] In an aspect of the invention, the drive interface is configured to be connected to a drive shaft of the driver and rotated by the drive shaft of the driver. In an aspect of the invention, the drive interface is an integral part of the syringe interface, and the drive shaft is configured to be removably connected to the driver, and / or the drive shaft is an integral part of the driver, and the drive shaft is configured to be removably connected to the syringe interface. In an aspect of the invention, the drive interface is configured to be directly connected to the driver. In an aspect of the invention, the driver comprises a fixture configured to connect the driver to any of an IV stand, a bed, a gurney, and a surgical table, and / or the syringe interface comprises a fixture configured to connect the syringe interface to any of an IV stand, a bed, a gurney, and a surgical table. In an aspect of the invention, the at least one infusion component comprises a fluid connector configured to connect to a fluid container and a luer lock connector configured to connect to a catheter inserted into a patient.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, a method of using the IV set assembly includes connecting a first end of the IV set to a fluid container, connecting a second end of the IV set to a catheter inserted into a patient, flowing fluid from the fluid container to the patient, connecting a driver to a drive interface of a syringe interface of the IV set, placing a syringe containing fluid within a housing of the syringe interface, actuating the driver to rotate the drive interface of the syringe interface to slidably move a plunger within the syringe body, and expelling fluid from the syringe to the patient at a fluid flow rate based on the rotation of the drive interface of the syringe interface.

[0052] In an aspect of the invention, the method includes actuating a driver to rotate a drive interface of a syringe interface at either a fixed speed or a variable speed. In an aspect of the invention, the method may include any of the following: securing a fixture of the driver to one of an IV stand, a bed, a gurney, and a surgical table; and securing a fixture of the syringe interface to one of an IV stand, a bed, a gurney, and a surgical table. In an aspect of the invention, the method may include connecting a first end of a drive shaft to the driver, connecting a second end of the drive shaft to the drive interface of the syringe interface, and rotating the drive interface by rotating the drive shaft of the driver. In an aspect of the invention, the method may include directly connecting the drive interface of the syringe interface to the driver and rotating the drive interface by rotating the driver.

[0053] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the disclosed methods or processes is an example of an example approach. Based on design or implementation preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes may be rearranged, or all of the blocks shown may be performed. In some embodiments, any blocks may be performed simultaneously.

[0054] The present invention is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The present invention provides various examples of the present technology, but the present 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.

[0055] When referring to an element in the singular, it does not mean "one and only one" unless otherwise specified, but rather "one or more." The term "some" refers to "one or more" unless otherwise specified. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter forms (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0056] The word "exemplary," as used herein, means "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.

[0057] In the present invention, when the phrase "at least one" precedes a list of items and the word "or" is used to separate the items, the phrase modifies the entire list, not just each item in the list. The phrase "at least one" does not require the selection of at least one item, but allows for a meaning including at least one of any one item and / or at least one of any combination and / or at least one of each item. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" may refer to only A, only B, or only C, or to any combination of A, B, and C.

[0058] In the present invention, the use of a phrase such as "aspect" does not imply that the aspect is essential to the technology or that the aspect applies to all configurations of the technology. The disclosure of an aspect may apply to all configurations, or may apply to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. The use of a phrase such as "embodiment" does not imply that the embodiment is essential to the technology or that the embodiment applies to all configurations of the technology. The disclosure of an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or may apply to one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. The use of a phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that the configuration is essential to the technology or that the configuration applies to all configurations of the technology. The disclosure of a configuration may apply to all configurations, or may apply to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. The phrase "a component" may refer to one or more components, and vice versa.

[0059] The terms "determining" or "determining" as used herein encompass a wide range of actions. For example, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, generating, obtaining, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, database, or other data structure), confirming, etc., by a hardware element without user intervention. "Determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), etc., by a hardware element without user intervention. "Determining" may also include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc., by a hardware element without user intervention.

[0060] The terms "providing" or "providing" as used herein encompass a wide range of actions. For example, "providing" may include storing a value at a location on a storage device for later 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, inserting, etc. by a hardware element.

[0061] In one aspect, unless otherwise specified, all measurements, numbers, ratings, positions, quantities, sizes, and other specifications described in the present invention (including those contained in the claims that follow) are approximate values ​​rather than exact values, and in one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions to which they relate and common practice in the technical field.

[0062] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is an example of a sample approach. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be rearranged. Some steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. Some or all of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed automatically without user intervention. If there are any accompanying method claims, the various steps, operations, or process elements are presented in a sample order, and are not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0063] All structural and functional equivalents known or that become known in the future to those skilled in the art to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this invention are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed in this invention is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether the disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase "step for." Furthermore, to the extent terms such as "comprise," "having," and the like are used, they are intended to be inclusive in the same manner as "comprise" is used as a transitional term in a claim.

[0064] The title, background art, abstract, brief description of the drawings, and summary of the present invention are incorporated herein by reference and are provided as illustrative examples, not as limiting descriptions. They are submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it is understood that the description provides illustrative examples, and that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not 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 incorporated into the detailed description of the present invention, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0065] 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 encompass all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended, and should not be construed, to cover subject matter that does not satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. 1. An intravenous (IV) infusion set comprising: at least one injection component; a first IV tube connected to a first inlet of the infusion component; a second IV tube connected to the outlet of the infusion component; a syringe interface connected to the second inlet of the injection component; The syringe interface includes: a housing configured to receive a syringe; an outlet connected to the second inlet of the injection component; a drive interface coupling configured to receive a drive interface; Equipped with The drive interface is configured to be rotated by a driver to slide a plunger within a body of the syringe to expel fluid from the syringe.

2. The IV infusion set of claim 1 , wherein the drive interface is configured to be connected to and rotated by a drive shaft of the driver.

3. 3. The IV infusion set of claim 2, wherein the drive interface is an integral part of the syringe interface, and the drive shaft is configured to be removably coupled to the driver.

4. 3. The IV infusion set of claim 2, wherein the drive shaft is an integral part of the driver, the drive shaft being configured to be removably coupled to the syringe interface.

5. The IV infusion set of claim 1 , wherein the drive interface is configured to connect directly to the driver.

6. The IV infusion set of claim 1 , wherein the drive interface is provided as a removable component separate from the remainder of the IV infusion set.

7. The IV infusion set of claim 1 , wherein the drive interface is a removable component pre-coupled to the syringe interface.

8. The IV infusion set of claim 1 , wherein the outlet of the syringe interface is configured to receive the outlet of the syringe.

9. 10. The IV infusion set of claim 1, wherein the at least one infusion component includes a fluid connector configured to connect to a fluid container and a luer lock connector configured to connect to a catheter inserted into a patient.

10. 1. An intravenous (IV) set assembly comprising: at least one injection component; an IV tube connected to the outlet of the infusion component; Driver and A drive shaft; a disposable syringe interface having a housing configured to receive a syringe; The housing includes: an outlet connected to the inlet of the injection component; a drive interface coupling configured to receive the drive interface; The drive interface is configured to be rotated by a driver to slide a plunger within the syringe body and expel fluid from the syringe.

11. The IV set assembly of claim 10 , wherein the drive interface is configured to be connected to and rotated by a drive shaft of the driver.

12. 12. The IV set assembly of claim 11, the drive interface is an integral part of the syringe interface, and the drive shaft is configured to be removably coupled to the driver; or the drive shaft is an integral part of the driver, the drive shaft being configured to be removably coupled to the syringe interface.

12. The IV set assembly of claim 11, characterized by any one of:

13. 11. The IV set assembly of claim 10, wherein the drive interface is configured to connect directly to the driver.

14. 11. The IV set assembly of claim 10, the driver includes a fixture configured to secure the driver to one of an IV pole, a bed, a gurney, or a surgical table; or the syringe interface comprising a fixture configured to secure the syringe interface to one of an IV stand, a bed, a gurney, or a surgical table; 1. An IV set assembly, comprising:

15. 11. The IV set assembly of claim 10, wherein the at least one infusion component includes a fluid connector configured to connect to a fluid container and a luer lock connector configured to connect to a catheter inserted into a patient.

16. 1. A method of using an intravenous (IV) set assembly, comprising: connecting a first end of the IV set to a fluid container; connecting a second end of the IV set to a catheter inserted into a patient; flowing fluid from the fluid container to the patient; connecting a driver to a drive interface of a syringe interface of the IV set; placing a syringe containing a fluid within a housing of the syringe interface; activating the driver to rotate a drive interface of the syringe interface and slide a plunger within a body of the syringe; dispensing the fluid from the syringe to the patient based on rotation of the drive interface of the syringe interface; A method comprising:

17. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising actuating the driver to rotate a drive interface of the syringe interface at either a fixed speed or a variable speed.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, Securing the driver fixture to either an IV pole, a bed, a gurney, or an operating table; or Securing the syringe interface fixture to one of an IV stand, a bed, a stretcher, or a surgical table; The method further comprising any one of:

19. 17. The method of claim 16, connecting a first end of a drive shaft to the driver; connecting a second end of the drive shaft to the drive interface of the syringe interface; rotating the drive interface by rotation of the drive shaft of the driver; The method further comprises:

20. 17. The method of claim 16, directly connecting the drive interface of the syringe interface to the driver; rotating the drive interface by rotating the driver; The method further comprises:

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