Infusion Filter

Abstract

An IV filter is described herein. The IV filter includes a body, a filter medium, and a valve portion. The body defines a body volume. The filter medium is disposed within the body volume. The filter medium defines an inlet portion of the body volume and an outlet portion of the body volume. The filter medium allows inlet flow from the inlet portion of the body volume to the outlet portion of the body volume and captures particulates from the inlet flow. The valve portion defines a valve volume in fluid communication with the outlet portion of the body volume. The valve portion is deformable to compress the valve volume and direct backflow from the outlet portion of the body volume through the filter medium to the inlet portion of the body volume, moving particulates captured in the filter medium to the inlet portion of the body volume.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to filters, and more particularly to filters for infusion sets. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical procedures often involve infusing a patient with a medical fluid (e.g., saline or liquid medication) using an intravenous (IV) catheter connected to a fluid source (e.g., an IV bag) via a flexible tubing and fitting arrangement commonly referred to as an "IV set." During the procedure, the medical fluid may be filtered to prevent the transfer of bacteria, microorganisms, and / or other pathogens. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In some applications, the filter may become clogged, limiting the filtration efficiency and lifespan of the filter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The disclosed subject matter relates to an IV filter. In certain embodiments, the IV filter includes: a body defining a body volume; a filter medium disposed within the body volume and defining an inlet portion of the body volume and an outlet portion of the body volume, the filter medium allowing an inlet flow from the inlet portion of the body volume to the outlet portion of the body volume and capturing particulates from the inlet flow; and a valve portion defining a valve volume in fluid communication with the outlet portion of the body volume, the valve portion being deformable to compress the valve volume and direct backflow from the outlet portion of the body volume through the filter medium to the inlet portion of the body volume, thereby moving the particulates captured in the filter medium to the inlet portion of the body volume.

[0005] In certain embodiments, a method is disclosed that includes the steps of allowing an inlet flow from an inlet portion of a body volume through a filter medium to an outlet portion of the body volume, capturing particulates from the inlet flow in the filter medium, directing a backflow from the outlet portion of the body volume through the filter medium to the inlet portion of the body volume, and transferring the particulates captured in the filter medium to the inlet portion of the body volume.

[0006] In a specific embodiment, an IV set is disclosed, the IV set comprising: a first section of tubing; a second section of tubing; and an IV filter, the IV filter comprising: a body defining a body volume; an inlet connected to the first section of tubing and in fluid communication with the body volume; an outlet connected to the second section of tubing and in fluid communication with the body volume; a filter medium disposed within the body volume, the filter medium defining an inlet portion of the body volume in fluid communication with the inlet and an outlet portion of the body volume in fluid communication with the outlet, the filter medium capturing particulates from a flow from the inlet to the outlet; and a valve portion defining a valve volume in fluid communication with the outlet portion of the body volume, the valve portion being deformable to compress the valve volume and direct backflow from the outlet portion of the body volume through the filter medium to the inlet portion of the body volume, thereby moving particulates captured in the filter medium to the inlet portion of the body volume.

[0007] It will be understood that various configurations of the subject technology will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure, in which they have been shown and described by way of example. As will be understood, the subject 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 subject 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 explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a patient receiving an infusion of medical fluid via an IV pump according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an in-line IV filter according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the in-line IV filter of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 shows a perspective view of an in-line IV filter according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the in-line IV filter of FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The disclosed IV filter incorporates a valve portion in fluid communication with the body volume. The valve portion is deformable to direct backflow through the filter media, displacing particulates embedded within the filter media. Displacing embedded particulates from the filter media can extend the life of the IV filter without reducing filtration efficiency.

[0011] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the subject technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. For ease of understanding, similar components are labeled with the same element numbers. Letter suffixes may be added to the numerals to indicate individual instances of common elements, but they are generally referred to by the same numbers without the suffixes.

[0012] While the following description is directed to a filter for administering medical fluids using the disclosed IV filter, it should be understood that this description is merely an example of use and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Various aspects of the disclosed filter can be used in any application where it is desirable to provide extended filter life without reducing filtration efficiency.

[0013] The disclosed connector overcomes several challenges found with certain conventional filters. One challenge with certain conventional filters is that they can clog, limiting their filtering efficiency. For example, many therapies utilize lipids or other polymeric components, which can clog the filter within a short period of time. Certain conventional filters can clog rapidly during the administration of a treatment that utilizes lipids or other polymeric components, and a clogged filter can interrupt the administration of medical fluids and require frequent replacement, making the use of certain conventional filters undesirable.

[0014] Therefore, in accordance with the present disclosure, it would be advantageous to provide an IV filter as described herein that allows for the removal of embedded particles from the filter media, thereby extending the life of the filter.Furthermore, it would be advantageous to provide an IV filter as described herein that allows for the extension of the filtration life without reducing the filtration efficiency of the IV filter.

[0015] An example of an IV filter that allows for the removal of embedded particles is now described.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a patient 5 receiving an infusion of medical fluid via an IV pump 30 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The IV pump 30 includes a controller 32 and two pump modules 34. An IV set 20 is connected between a container 36 of medical fluid and the patient 5. During operation, the medical fluid delivered to the patient 5 may be filtered to prevent the transfer of bacteria, microorganisms, and / or other pathogens. In some embodiments, an IV filter may be positioned between or alongside the tubing of the IV set 20.

[0017] Figure 2 shows a front view of an in-line IV filter 100 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the in-line IV filter 100 of Figure 2. With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the in-line IV filter 100 allows for filtration of fluids passing through an IV set.

[0018] In the illustrated example, fluid flow enters the inline IV filter 100 through an inlet 110 formed in the body 102 of the inline IV filter 100. The inlet body 104 may define a protrusion that extends away from the body 102 to form the inlet 110. An inlet lumen 111 defined in the inlet body 104 provides fluid communication with a volume (body volume) 142 defined within the body 102 to allow fluid flow to enter the inline IV filter 100. The body 102 may be formed from a highly rigid material, including, but not limited to, plastic.

[0019] In some embodiments, tubing from the IV set 20 can be coupled to the inlet 110 to allow flow from the fluid container 36 or other component of the IV set 20 into the volume 142 defined within the body 102. The fluid flow can have a positive pressure through the in-line IV filter 100.

[0020] As shown, fluid within volume 142 may pass through filter media 140 to prevent the transfer of bacteria, microorganisms, and / or other pathogens to a patient. During operation, fluid may flow from an inlet portion 144 of volume 142, through filter media 140, to an outlet portion 146 of volume 142. As can be appreciated, a positive pressure differential may direct fluid flow from the inlet portion 144 of volume 142, through filter media 140, to the outlet portion 146 of volume 142.

[0021] As described herein, the filter media 140 can selectively filter the flow through the in-line IV filter 100. The filter media 140 can have an average filter opening of approximately 2 microns. Optionally, the average filter opening of the filter media can range from 1 micron to 10 microns. In some embodiments, the filter media 140 can be formed from a nonwoven filter media. The filter media 140 can be formed from a resilient or expandable material.

[0022] The filter media 140 can have a generally planar or rectangular prism shape. As shown, the filter media 140 can extend along a portion of the width and length of the body 102. In some embodiments, the filter media 140 can extend substantially along the width of the body 102. During operation, fluid flow can enter the filter media 140 along the surface area of ​​the filter media 140 exposed to the inlet portion 144 of the volume 142.

[0023] As shown, the filter media 140 can be supported by portions of the body 102. In some embodiments, a lower portion of the filter media 140 can be captured between opposing portions of the body 102. Optionally, protrusions formed on the body 102 can further retain or support the filter media 140 within the volume 142. As shown, one or more protrusions formed on the body 102 can retain an upper portion of the filter media 140 within the body 102.

[0024] After passing through the filter media 140, the fluid flow may enter an outlet portion 146 of the volume 142. The outlet flow may exit the in-line IV filter 100 through an outlet 112 formed in the body 102 of the in-line IV filter 100. The outlet body 106 may define a protrusion that extends away from the body 102 to form the outlet 112. An outlet lumen 113 defined within the outlet body 106 provides fluid communication with the volume 142 defined within the body 102 and allows the fluid flow to exit the in-line IV filter 100.

[0025] Similar to the inlet 110, in some embodiments, tubing from the IV set 20 can be coupled to the outlet 112 to allow flow from the volume 142 to the patient or other components of the IV set 20.

[0026] During operation, the inlet side of the filter media 140 can become clogged with particulates, limiting the filtration efficiency of the filter media 140. In some applications, treatments utilizing lipids or other large molecules can clog the filter media 140 over a short period of time, reducing the filtration efficiency of the filter media 140. As described herein, conventional filters are typically replaced when they become clogged with particulates.

[0027] Advantageously, the in-line IV filter 100 can remove sediment or particulates embedded in the filter media 140, extending the life of the in-line IV filter 100 without reducing filtration efficiency. As described herein, the in-line IV filter 100 can direct a backflow or backpressure through the filter media 140 to remove particulates embedded on the inlet side of the filter media 140.

[0028] During the removal operation, a reverse flow may be forced from the outlet portion 146 of the volume 142 through the filter media 140 and into the inlet portion 144 of the volume 142. As can be appreciated, the removal operation may create a pressure differential between the outlet portion 146 and the inlet portion 144 of the volume 142. Particulates removed from the inlet side of the filter media 140 may flow into the inlet portion 144 of the volume 142. In some applications, the removed particulates may settle to the lower or bottom of the volume 142, allowing fluid to pass through the filter media 140 without clogging.

[0029] In the illustrated example, a clinician can actuate the valve portion 120 to create backflow through the filter media 140. In some embodiments, the valve portion 120 is formed from a resilient or deformable material that allows a valve volume 122 defined by the valve portion 120 to decrease upon actuation. As shown, the valve volume 122 is in fluid communication with the outlet portion 146 of the volume 142. The valve portion 120 can be formed from any resilient or deformable material, including, but not limited to, silicone, rubber, or a thermoplastic elastomer. The valve portion 120 can have a generally rectangular prism shape.

[0030] By reducing valve volume 122, fluid in valve volume 122 and outlet portion 146 of volume 142 is pressurized relative to fluid in inlet portion 144 of volume 142. Thus, when valve portion 120 is actuated or compressed, backflow is forced from outlet portion 146 of volume 142 through filter media 140 and into inlet portion 144 of volume 142, displacing or removing particulates from the inlet side of filter media 140.

[0031] Prior to the removal operation, IV flow into in-line IV filter 100 via inlet 110 and out of in-line IV filter 100 via outlet 112 may be restricted or blocked to prevent backflow from entering IV set 20. In some embodiments, tubing coupled to inlet 110 and / or outlet 112 may be clamped to prevent inadvertent flow during the removal operation.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an in-line IV filter 100 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 5 shows a rear view of the in-line IV filter 100 of Figure 4. In some embodiments, the in-line IV filter 100 can include a suction valve 130 that allows particulates dislodged from the filter media 140 to be removed from the inlet portion 144 of the volume 142. Advantageously, by removing particulates from the in-line IV filter 100, the useful life of the in-line IV filter 100 can be further extended without reducing filtration efficiency.

[0033] In the illustrated example, the suction valve 130 is in fluid communication with the inlet portion 144 of the volume 142. Optionally, the suction valve 130 is in fluid communication with a lower portion of the inlet portion 144 of the volume 142, where the dislodged particulates are expected to settle. A clinician can attach or couple a syringe to the port 132 and / or the connector body 134 of the suction valve 130. The syringe can withdraw dislodged particulates through the port 132 of the suction valve 130. In some embodiments, the suction valve 130 is a needleless connector.

[0034] This disclosure is provided to enable those 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 generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0035] Reference to a singular element is intended to mean "one or more" and not "one and only one" unless otherwise specified. The term "some" refers to one or more unless otherwise specified. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter forms (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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The use of a phrase such as "aspect" 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 one 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 one 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. A phrase such as an embodiment may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0038] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, locations, dimensions, sizes, and other specifications set forth herein, including the following claims, are approximate and not exact, and are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which they relate and that which is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0039] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled.

[0040] For example, terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," and "rear," as used in this disclosure, should be understood to refer to any coordinate system, rather than the typical gravitational coordinate system. Thus, upper, lower, front, and rear surfaces can extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational coordinate system.

[0041] Various items may be arranged in different ways (e.g., placed in a different order or divided differently) without departing from the scope of the subject technology at large. 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 ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. A claim element is not to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase "step for." Furthermore, to the extent terms such as "include," "have," and the like are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in the same manner as "comprise" when interpreted as a transitional term in a claim.

[0042] The title, background, summary, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of 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. It will also be appreciated that the detailed description provides illustrative examples and that various configurations are 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 configurations than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all configurations of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0043] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims as literal, including 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. a body defining a body volume; a filter medium disposed within the body volume and defining an inlet portion of the body volume and an outlet portion of the body volume, the filter medium permitting an inlet flow from the inlet portion of the body volume to the outlet portion of the body volume and capturing particulates from the inlet flow; a valve section defining a valve volume in fluid communication with the outlet portion of the body volume, the valve section being deformable to compress the valve volume and direct backflow from the outlet portion of the body volume through the filter media to the inlet portion of the body volume, thereby moving particulates captured on the filter media to the inlet portion of the body volume; a suction valve in selective fluid communication with a lower portion of the inlet portion of the body volume, the suction valve configured to remove displaced particulates within the inlet portion of the body volume; An IV filter comprising:

2. The IV filter of claim 1 , wherein the suction valve comprises a needleless connector.

3. The IV filter of claim 1 , further comprising an inlet in fluid communication with the inlet portion of the body volume.

4. The IV filter of claim 3 , further comprising an outlet in fluid communication with the outlet portion of the body volume.

5. 5. The IV filter of claim 4, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet through the filter media.

6. The IV filter of claim 1 , wherein the valve portion comprises a resilient material.

7. 10. The IV filter of claim 1, wherein the valve portion comprises silicone, rubber, or a thermoplastic elastomer.

8. The IV filter of claim 1 , wherein the bulb portion includes a rectangular prism shape.

9. An IV set comprising: a first portion of the tube; a second portion of the tube; an IV filter, the IV filter comprising: a body defining a body volume; an inlet coupled to the first portion of the tube and in fluid communication with the body volume; an outlet coupled to the second portion of the tube and in fluid communication with the body volume; and a filter medium disposed within the body volume, the filter medium defining an inlet portion of the body volume in fluid communication with the inlet and an outlet portion of the body volume in fluid communication with the outlet, the filter medium trapping particulates from a flow from the inlet to the outlet. a valve section defining a valve volume in fluid communication with the outlet portion of the body volume, the valve section being deformable to compress the valve volume and direct backflow from the outlet portion of the body volume through the filter media to the inlet portion of the body volume, thereby moving particulates captured on the filter media to the inlet portion of the body volume; a suction valve in selective fluid communication with a lower portion of the inlet portion of the body volume, the suction valve configured to remove displaced particulates within the inlet portion of the body volume; An IV set comprising:

10. 10. The IV set of claim 9, further comprising one or more valves to prevent backflow through the first section of tubing or the second section of tubing.

11. The IV set of claim 9 , wherein the aspiration valve comprises a needleless connector.

12. 10. The IV set of claim 9, wherein the valve portion comprises a resilient material.

13. 10. The IV set of claim 9, wherein the valve portion comprises silicone, rubber, or a thermoplastic elastomer.

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