Vented Syringe

Abstract

Described herein is a vented syringe. The vented syringe includes a syringe body and a plunger body. The syringe body defines a syringe cavity. The plunger body is at least partially disposed within the syringe cavity. The plunger body includes an intake channel defined therein. The vented syringe further includes a plunger seal sealingly engaged with the syringe cavity and collectively defining a syringe volume. The vented syringe further includes a one-way valve in fluid communication with the intake channel and the syringe volume, the one-way valve configured to inhibit fluid flow from the syringe volume to the intake channel and to allow fluid flow from the intake channel to the syringe volume.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to syringes, and more particularly to ventilated syringes. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical procedures often involve injecting a patient with medical fluids (e.g., saline or medical solutions) using an intravenous (IV) catheter connected to a source of fluid, such as an IV bag, via an arrangement of flexible tubing and connections commonly referred to as an "IV set." Certain medical fluids may be delivered in vials or other vessels other than IV bags. Medical fluids delivered in vials or other vessels may be removed and placed into the IV set using an intermediate syringe. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some applications, simplified medical procedures are desired when using medical fluids delivered in vials or other vessels other than IV bags.

[0004] The disclosed subject matter relates to a vented syringe. In certain embodiments, a vented syringe is disclosed having a syringe body defining a syringe cavity, a plunger body disposed at least partially within the syringe cavity, the plunger body having an intake channel defined therein and extending between a first end and a second end of the plunger body, a plunger seal disposed at the second end of the plunger body in sealing engagement with the syringe cavity to cooperatively define a syringe volume within the syringe cavity, and a one-way valve in fluid communication with the intake channel and the syringe volume, the one-way valve configured to inhibit fluid flow from the syringe volume to the intake channel and to allow fluid flow from the intake channel to the syringe volume.

[0005] In certain embodiments, a vented syringe is disclosed having a syringe body defining a syringe cavity; a plunger body disposed at least partially within the syringe cavity, the plunger body having an intake channel defined therein and extending between a first end and a second end of the plunger body; a plunger seal disposed at the second end of the plunger body in sealing engagement with the syringe cavity, the plunger seal collectively defining a syringe volume within the syringe cavity, wherein expansion of the syringe volume creates a vacuum within the syringe volume; and a one-way valve in fluid communication with the intake channel and the syringe volume, the one-way valve configured to inhibit fluid flow into the intake channel during expansion of the syringe volume and to allow fluid flow from the intake channel to the syringe volume to release the vacuum within the syringe volume.

[0006] In certain embodiments, a method of introducing a medical fluid is disclosed that includes the steps of expanding a syringe volume to introduce the medical fluid through an opening in fluid communication with the syringe volume, and sealing an intake channel from the syringe volume while expanding the syringe volume.

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

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a syringe according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the syringe of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a syringe in the configuration shown, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a syringe in a vented configuration according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the syringe of FIG. 4 in a vented configuration, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the syringe of FIG. 4 in a vented configuration, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The disclosed vented syringe incorporates an intake channel with a one-way valve. The intake channel may be disposed within the plunger body to allow delivery of medical fluids directly from the vented syringe to an IV. Delivery of medical fluids directly from the vented syringe may simplify and reduce IV sets, lowering costs. Additionally, the vented syringe may be utilized for plunger delivery of medical fluids as needed.

[0011] The detailed description provided below is intended as a description of various configurations of the present technology, and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the present technology may be implemented. The detailed description includes specific details to enable a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present technology may be implemented without such specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the present technology. For ease of understanding, identical components are labeled with the same element numbers. In some cases, a suffix letter may be added to the reference number to indicate separate instances of common elements, but they are collectively referred to by the same number without a suffix.

[0012] While the following description is directed to the administration of a medical fluid to a patient by a medical practitioner using the disclosed vented syringe, it should be understood that this description is merely illustrative of the method of use and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The various aspects of the disclosed vented syringe may be used in any application in which it is desirable to provide for the administration of a medical fluid directly from the vented syringe while still allowing for plunger delivery of the medical fluid when desired.

[0013] The disclosed vented syringe overcomes several problems found with conventional special syringes, one of which is the inability to administer medical fluids by IV delivery using conventional special syringes without an intermediate step or component. The additional steps and / or components add complexity that makes the use of conventional syringes for IV delivery undesirable.

[0014] It would therefore be beneficial to provide a vented syringe as described herein that eliminates or substantially reduces intermediate steps or components required for administration of medical fluids in accordance with the present disclosure. The disclosed vented syringe includes an intake channel that allows for direct IV administration of medical fluids from the vented syringe while still allowing for plunger delivery of the medical fluid.

[0015] Here, an example of a vented syringe is described that allows for direct IV administration of medical fluids.

[0016] 1 is a perspective view of a syringe 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the vented syringe 100 can dispense medical fluids by actuating a plunger body 120 relative to a syringe body 110 or by functioning as an IV drip device.

[0017] As shown, the plunger body 120 is slidable relative to the syringe body 110. In some embodiments, the syringe body 110 can be locked to a feature on the plunger body 120 to inhibit or limit rotational movement of the plunger body 120 relative to the syringe body 110. In some embodiments, the plunger body 120 can be retracted relative to the syringe body 110 to draw in medical fluid through an opening or connector 114. Optionally, the connector 114 can be any suitable medical connector, including a Luer connector. In some embodiments, a pressure differential or vacuum within the syringe body 110 relative to the atmosphere retains the drawn in medical fluid within the vented syringe 100.

[0018] In some applications, the plunger body 120 can be depressed relative to the syringe body 110 to expel or otherwise dispense the medical fluid within the syringe 100. The plunger body 120 can slide or otherwise move within the syringe body 110 to dispense the medical fluid via the connector 114.

[0019] In some embodiments, the plunger body 120 includes a thumb pad 122 at the end of the plunger body 120 to allow for ergonomic operation of the vented syringe 100. Additionally, the syringe body 110 can include a syringe body extension 112 that allows the clinician to move the plunger body 120 relative to the syringe body 110 both during the movement of withdrawing the plunger body 120 and during the movement of compressing the plunger body 120.

[0020] In some applications, after the medical fluid is drawn into the vented syringe 100, the vented syringe 100 may be configured to dispense the medical fluid as an IV drip device or to otherwise dispense the medical fluid without actuating the plunger body 120 relative to the syringe body 110.

[0021] In the illustrated example, a cap 124 disposed on the end of the plunger body 120 can be removed to expose the medical fluid within the syringe body 110 to atmospheric pressure. By exposing the medical fluid within the syringe body 110 to atmospheric pressure, any pressure differential or vacuum relative to the atmosphere within the syringe body 110 can be equalized or vented, allowing for IV drip or flow of the medical fluid through the connector 114.

[0022] Advantageously, by operating the vented syringe 100 with the cap 124 in a closed position, the vented syringe 100 may be utilized to administer a medical fluid by actuating the plunger body 120 relative to the syringe body 110. Additionally, by removing the cap 124 from the plunger body 120, the vented syringe 100 may be utilized to administer a medical fluid via an IV drip. In some embodiments, the cap 124 is disposed within or forms part of the thumb pad 122. Optionally, the cap 124 may be press fit onto the plunger body 120.

[0023] FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of the syringe 100 of FIGURE 1, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, FIGURE 2 shows the vented syringe 100 in an assembled position. FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of the syringe 100 in the configuration shown, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference to FIGURES 2 and 3, the vented syringe 100 may be utilized to draw a medical fluid 140 into a syringe cavity 115 within a syringe body 110.

[0024] In some applications, to draw fluid into the vented syringe 100, the plunger body 120 is retracted relative to the syringe body 110. By retracting the plunger body 120, a plunger seal 126 coupled to an end of the plunger body 120 moves within the syringe cavity 115 of the syringe body 110 to expand the syringe volume 116. In some embodiments, the plunger seal 126 sealingly engages an inner wall of the syringe cavity 115 to collectively define the syringe volume 116 within the syringe cavity 115. The plunger seal 126 can be a stretchable and / or elastic seal. By retracting the plunger body 120 and the plunger seal 126 during the retraction process, the syringe volume 116 expands.

[0025] As the syringe volume 116 expands, a negative pressure differential or vacuum is created within the syringe volume 116. Due to the pressure differential within the syringe volume 116 compared to the connector 114, medical fluid 140 is drawn from the connector 114 into the syringe volume 116. The medical fluid 140 may be drawn from a vial or any other suitable container through the connector. In some applications, the vented syringe 100 may be pre-filled with the medical fluid 140.

[0026] During the process of drawing in fluid, the one-way valve 128 can prevent the medical fluid 140 from entering the inlet channel 130 and contacting the filter 132. As shown, the inlet channel 130 extends from one end of the plunger body 120 adjacent the plunger seal 126 to the opposite end of the plunger body 120 adjacent the thumb pad 122.

[0027] The intake channel 130 can facilitate air flow or pressure equalization to the syringe volume 116 if an IV drip function is desired, but the entry of medical fluid 140 into the intake channel 130 may be undesirable. In some applications, it may be desirable to inhibit or stop medical fluid 140 from entering the intake channel 130 to prevent contamination or clogging of the filter 132, contamination of the medical fluid 140, and / or to inhibit movement of the medical fluid 140 out of the vented syringe 100.

[0028] In the illustrated example, the one-way valve 128 can inhibit medical fluid 140 from being drawn from the syringe volume 116 into the intake channel 130. In operation, the one-way valve 128 can close or collapse to inhibit flow into the intake channel 130 when the plunger seal 126 is pulled back into the syringe body 110. In some embodiments, the one-way valve 128 can be a duckbill valve that prevents backflow from the syringe volume 116 into the intake channel 130. Optionally, the one-way valve 128 can be integrally formed with the plunger seal 126.

[0029] After the retraction process, the pressure differential from the syringe volume 116 to the connector 114 allows the medical fluid 140 to remain within the syringe volume 116. As shown, the cap 124 can prevent air flow from entering the intake channel 130 and equalizing the pressure differential within the syringe volume 116 until it is needed.

[0030] 4-6 are cross-sectional views of a syringe 100 in a vented configuration, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGs. 4-6, the vented syringe 100 may allow for IV administration of a medical fluid held or stored in the syringe volume 116.

[0031] In operation, the cap 124 is removed from the end of the intake channel 130, allowing the intake channel 130 to receive airflow and / or atmospheric pressure. As shown, the cap 124 may be removed from the thumb pad 122 of the plunger body 120. The cap 124 may be releasably engaged with a receiver 123 formed in the thumb pad 122. Optionally, the cap 124 may be retained by a tether 125 when the cap 124 is off the intake channel 130.

[0032] Upon removal of the cap 124, the intake channel 130 may allow fluid communication between the atmosphere surrounding the vented syringe 100 and the syringe volume 116 containing the medical fluid 140. Atmospheric pressure captured via the intake channel 130 may equalize the pressure within the syringe volume 116 or otherwise release the vacuum, allowing the medical fluid 140 to exit or drip out through the connector 114. In some embodiments, the vented syringe 100 may be coupled to an infusion pump or placed above the patient to allow flow to the patient. As shown in FIG. 6, flow may continue until all of the medical fluid 140 has been administered.

[0033] In some embodiments, the intake channel 130 is integrally formed with the plunger body 120. Optionally, the intake channel 130 may be formed separately from the plunger body 120. The intake channel 130 may have a generally circular cross-sectional profile. Optionally, the intake channel 130 may have a non-uniform cross-sectional profile.

[0034] In some embodiments, the airflow drawn into the syringe volume 116 may pass through a one-way valve 128. The one-way valve 128 may be configured to allow air to flow from the atmosphere through an intake channel 130 into the syringe volume 116. In some embodiments, the one-way valve 128 is a duckbill valve, which may allow air to flow through a flat portion of the valve.

[0035] In some embodiments, the inlet channel 130 can include a filter 132 that filters the airflow passing through the inlet channel 130. The filter 132 can be any suitable filter that allows air to flow through the inlet channel while preventing contaminants from entering the medical fluid 140.

[0036] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure presents various examples of the technology, and the 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.

[0037] Reference to a singular element is intended to mean "one or more" rather than "only one" unless specifically so stated. The term "several" refers to one or more unless specifically stated otherwise. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0038] 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 can be considered at least equivalent.

[0039] The use of phrases such as "aspect" does not imply that such aspect is essential to the technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the technology. A 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 technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the technology. A disclosure of an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or to one or more examples. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an embodiment may refer to one or more examples, and vice versa. A phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the technology. A disclosure of an embodiment may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. Such a phrase "a configuration" may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0040] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, locations, dimensions, sizes, and other specifications set forth in this specification, including those in the claims that follow, are approximate and not precise, and are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which they pertain and that which is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0041] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to a direct connection. In another aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to an indirect connection.

[0042] Terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", etc., as used in this disclosure, should be understood to refer to any coordinate system, not just the usual gravitational coordinate system. Thus, the top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces can extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational coordinate system.

[0043] Various things may be arranged in various ways (e.g., arranged in various orders or divided in various ways), all without departing from the scope of the technology. 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 of skill 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 dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. Claim elements are not to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase "step of." Moreover, to the extent that terms such as "comprise," "have," and the like are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in the same manner that the term "having" is interpreted when "having" is used as a transitional term in the claims.

[0044] The title, background, summary, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and are presented as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as limiting descriptions. They are presented with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the Summary, it will be understood that the description presents illustrative examples, and that various features have been grouped together in various embodiments to streamline 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 Summary, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0045] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claim language and encompass all legal equivalents. Nonetheless, none of the claims are intended, and should not be construed, to encompass subject matter that does not meet the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. a syringe body defining a syringe cavity; a plunger body disposed at least partially within the syringe cavity, the plunger body extending continuously between a first end and a second end, the plunger body comprising: an intake channel defined within the plunger body and extending continuously between the first end and the second end of the plunger body; and a thumb pad disposed at the first end of the plunger body a plunger body having a a filter disposed inwardly adjacent the thumb pad at the first end of the plunger body in fluid communication with the intake channel; a plunger seal disposed at the second end of the plunger body and in sealing engagement with the syringe cavity, the plunger body being fixed relative to the plunger seal; a one-way valve disposed at the second end of the plunger body, the one-way valve, the plunger seal, and the syringe cavity cooperatively defining a syringe volume within the syringe cavity, the one-way valve in fluid communication with the intake channel and the syringe volume, and the one-way valve configured to inhibit fluid flow from the syringe volume to the intake channel and to allow fluid flow from the intake channel to the syringe volume; A ventilated syringe having:

2. The vented syringe of claim 1 , wherein the syringe body further comprises an opening in fluid communication with the syringe volume.

3. The vented syringe of claim 1 , wherein the plunger body is slidable relative to the syringe body.

4. 2. The vented syringe of claim 1, wherein the plunger body further comprises a cap at the first end of the plunger body that removably engages the intake channel.

5. The vented syringe of claim 4 , wherein the cap is configured to restrict fluid flow to the inlet channel when the cap is engaged with the inlet channel.

6. The vented syringe of claim 4 , wherein the plunger body further includes a cap receiving portion for releasably engaging the cap.

7. 2. The vented syringe of claim 1, wherein the one-way valve is configured to collapse to restrict fluid flow from the syringe volume to the intake channel.

8. The vented syringe of claim 1 , wherein the one-way valve comprises a duckbill valve.

9. 2. The vented syringe of claim 1, wherein the one-way valve is integrally formed with the plunger seal.

10. a syringe body defining a syringe cavity; a plunger body disposed at least partially within the syringe cavity, the plunger body extending continuously between a first end and a second end, the plunger body comprising: an intake channel defined within the plunger body and extending continuously between the first end and the second end of the plunger body; and a thumb pad disposed at the first end of the plunger body a plunger body having a a filter disposed inwardly adjacent the thumb pad at the first end of the plunger body in fluid communication with the intake channel; a plunger seal disposed at the second end of the plunger body and in sealing engagement with the syringe cavity, the plunger body being fixed relative to the plunger seal; a one-way valve disposed at the second end of the plunger body, the one-way valve, the plunger seal, and the syringe cavity cooperatively defining a syringe volume within the syringe cavity, expansion of the syringe volume creating a vacuum within the syringe volume, the one-way valve in fluid communication with the intake channel and the syringe volume, and configured to inhibit fluid flow into the intake channel during expansion of the syringe volume and to allow fluid flow from the intake channel to the syringe volume to release the vacuum within the syringe volume; A ventilated syringe having:

11. 11. The vented syringe of claim 10, wherein the plunger body is slidable relative to the syringe body.

12. 11. The vented syringe of claim 10, wherein the plunger body further comprises a cap at the first end of the plunger body that removably engages the intake channel.

13. 13. The vented syringe of claim 12, wherein the cap is configured to restrict fluid flow to the inlet channel when the cap is engaged with the inlet channel.

Images