Syringe Adapter

Abstract

To prevent an opening system from being generated during syringe exchange in a syringe adapter for transferring fluid on a medical site.SOLUTION: An exemplary syringe adapter for coupling with a syringe may include a housing. A needle-free connector may be disposed in the housing. A communication member may be in slidable engagement with the housing. The communication member may be slidable, with respect to the housing, between an unactuated state and an actuated state of the syringe adapter. A cannula may extend from the communication. In the unactuated state, the cannula may be retracted within the needle-free connector. In the actuated state, the cannula may protrude through and axially beyond the needle-free connector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical connectors used in fluid transfer applications, and more particularly to syringe adapters for transferring fluids in medical settings. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical connectors are widely used to transfer, prepare, and deliver medical fluids, which may include administering the medical fluid intravenously from a fluid source, such as a syringe, through an intravenous (IV) set.

[0003] Unlike other fluid sources, such as collapsible bags, fluid-filled syringes have a rigid structure, and the syringe plunger is stationary and cannot collapse when fluid is withdrawn from the syringe. As a result, ambient air must be introduced into the syringe to replace the fluid withdrawn from the syringe. Conventional approaches to allowing air to enter the syringe as fluid is withdrawn from the syringe include attaching a device between the syringe and an IV set. For example, this device traditionally includes an open female luer with a cannula protruding beyond the female luer. The cannula is inserted into the syringe such that a filter at the other end of the cannula provides an air path through the cannula into the syringe. However, when the syringe needs to be emptied, removed, and replaced with another syringe, the female luer is exposed to the atmosphere because the cannula protrudes beyond the female luer, creating an open system during syringe replacement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a syringe adapter for coupling to a syringe. The syringe adapter includes a housing and a needleless connector disposed in the housing. A communication member is slidably engaged with the housing. The communication member is slidable relative to the housing between an inactivated state and an activated state of the syringe adapter. A cannula extends from the communication member. In the inactivated state, the cannula is retracted within the needleless connector. In the activated state, the cannula protrudes axially through and beyond the needleless connector.

[0005] In some embodiments, the needleless connector includes a piston element disposed therein, the piston element including a piston head and a sealable orifice disposed therethrough, the sealable orifice being in a sealed state when the piston element is in an uncompressed state and being in an open state when the piston element is in a compressed state.

[0006] In some embodiments, the needleless connector comprises a connection port that is sealingly flush with the piston head and sealable orifice when the syringe adapter is separated from the syringe.

[0007] In some embodiments, the conduit extends from and is disposed through the communication member, and when the syringe adapter is coupled to the syringe and in an unactivated state, the conduit is fluidly isolated from the needleless connector.

[0008] In some embodiments, when the syringe adapter is coupled to the syringe and in an activated state, the conduit is in fluid communication with the needleless connector.

[0009] In some embodiments, a duct extends from and through the communication member, the duct fluidly coupling the cannula to at least one vent disposed in the filter housing.

[0010] In some embodiments, a filter is disposed within the filter housing and a valve is disposed between the filter and the cannula, the valve being configured to allow fluid to flow from the at least one vent through the filter to the cannula and configured to prevent fluid flow from the cannula to the filter.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the syringe adapter is coupled to the syringe and in an activated state, a first fluid path and a second fluid path are provided.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first fluid pathway is configured to provide filtered ambient air into the syringe, and the second fluid pathway is configured to allow fluid from the syringe to flow to an intravenous set coupled to the syringe adapter.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first fluid path is through at least a cannula, a duct, and at least one vent.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second fluid path is through at least the connection port, the piston element, and the conduit.

[0015] Some other aspects of the present disclosure provide a syringe adapter for connecting a syringe to a fluid system. The syringe adapter includes a female connector. A body is in fluid communication with the female connector. A male connector is in fluid communication with the female connector and the body. The male connector is configured to couple to a medical device. A cannula extends axially through the body and through the female connector. A filter housing is in fluid communication with the cannula. The filter housing is axially elevated beyond the female connector, such that a first fluid pathway is formed through the filter housing and the cannula, and a second fluid pathway is formed through the female connector, the body, and the male connector. The filter housing is configured to prevent a filter disposed within the filter housing from contacting fluid in the first fluid pathway, such that when the male connector is separated from the medical device, a closed system is provided.

[0016] In some embodiments, a flexible tube fluidly couples the filter housing to the cannula.

[0017] In some embodiments, the female connector is coupled to the syringe such that the cannula is disposed within the chamber of the syringe.

[0018] In some aspects, a clip is disposed around the syringe and the flexible tubing, the clip being configured to secure the flexible tubing to the syringe.

[0019] In some embodiments, the medical device is an intravenous set. In further embodiments, the medical device is a needleless connector.

[0020] Some other aspects of the present disclosure provide a syringe adapter for coupling to a syringe. The syringe adapter includes a female connector configured to couple to the syringe. A body is in fluid communication with the female connector. A male connector is in fluid communication with the female connector and the body. The male connector is configured to couple to a medical device. A chamber extends from the body and is in fluid communication with the body, the chamber being configured to receive fluid from the syringe for subsequent delivery to the medical device. A needleless connector is disposed on and in fluid communication with the female connector, the needleless connector being configured to provide a closed system when the female connector is separated from the syringe.

[0021] In some embodiments, a valve is disposed between the female connector and the needleless connector.

[0022] In some embodiments, the chamber is one of an elastic bag, a non-elastic bag, and a collapsible plastic container.

[0023] Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the subject technology. The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings.

[0024] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject matter.

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the subject technology and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this description, illustrate aspects of the subject technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the subject technology. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fluid delivery system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of a syringe adapter shown in an isolated, unactuated state with portions cut away and fragmented to show detail, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 3 is a side view of the syringe adapter of FIG. 2 shown in a separated, unactuated state in which the syringe is in close proximity to, but separated from, the syringe adapter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a side view of the syringe adapter of FIG. 2 shown in a coupled, unactuated state, with a syringe coupled to the syringe adapter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 3 is a side view of the syringe adapter of FIG. 2 shown in a coupled, operative state, with a syringe coupled to the syringe adapter, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a detailed side view of the syringe adapter of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a detailed side view of the syringe adapter of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a syringe adapter according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the syringe adapter of FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a side view of the syringe adapter of FIG. 8 attached to a syringe, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a syringe adapter attached to the syringe of FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a syringe adapter according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the syringe adapter of FIG. 12 attached to a syringe, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an air vent of the syringe adapter of FIG. 12 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a detailed side view of the syringe adapter of FIG. 12 attached to a syringe, with portions cut away and fragmented to show the internal fluid paths, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a syringe adapter showing the container in a pre-filled state, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the syringe adapter of FIG. 16 showing the container in a filled state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In the following detailed description, specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the subject technology.

[0028] 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 relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as "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 relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or to one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as "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 relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more instances of the disclosure. A phrase such as "configuration" may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0029] Various embodiments of syringe adapters shown in Figures 1-17 are configured to couple with a fluid source and provide a closed system including a closed sealing surface during exchange of the fluid source from an IV set. In certain embodiments, in addition to including a closed sealing surface during exchange of the fluid source from an IV set, the syringe adapter also includes a cannula in fluid communication with the air vent to allow filtered air to enter the fluid source as fluid is drawn from the fluid source. In such embodiments, the syringe adapter is configured to prevent fluid in the fluid source from contacting a filter disposed in the air vent.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary fluid delivery system 100. The fluid delivery system 100 includes a syringe 110, a syringe adapter 112, and an intravenous (IV) set 114. The fluid delivery system 100 is an exemplary system in which the syringe adapter 112 is used; it is understood that the syringe adapter 112 may be used in other fluid delivery systems. The syringe 110 includes a syringe barrel 116, a collar 118 extending radially outward from the syringe barrel 116 at one end thereof, and an end wall 120 formed at the opposite end of the syringe barrel 116. The syringe 110 also includes a plunger 122. The plunger 122 includes a body 124, a thumb press 126 attached to one end of the body 124, and a stopper 128 (shown in phantom) attached to the opposite end of the body 124. Syringe barrel 116 slidably receives stopper 128 and body 124 of plunger 122 such that a syringe chamber 130 is formed within syringe barrel 116 between stopper 128 and end wall 120 of syringe barrel 116. Tip 132 extends axially outward from end wall 120 and is in fluid communication with syringe chamber 130. In some embodiments, tip 132 is a male Luer connector.

[0031] Syringe adapter 112 is configured to matingly couple with tip 132. Syringe adapter 112 is also configured to matingly couple with connector 134 of IV set 114. IV set 114 includes tubing 136 connected to fitting 138. For example, fitting 138 is a needleless luer connector suitable for connection to an infusion device (not shown), such as an IV needle. In some embodiments, pumping segment 140 is a section of tubing suitable for peristaltic action to drive fluid through the tubing, includes matching fitting 142 to facilitate proper placement of pumping segment 140 within a pump (not shown), and connects segments of tubing 136 together. IV set 114 also includes clamp 144 that can be closed to stop flow through tubing 136.

[0032] 2-7 illustrate an embodiment of a syringe adapter 200. In some embodiments, syringe adapter 200 includes a housing 210 slidably engaged with a communication member 212. Housing 210 includes a connection port 214 disposed at one end of housing 210 and a receiving opening 216 disposed at the other end of housing 210. Female connector 218 forms a portion of housing 210 adjacent connection port 214. The female connector is configured to mate with male connectors on various medical device components. In some embodiments, the female connector is a female luer connector configured to mate with male luer connectors on various medical device components. Housing 210 also includes a needleless connector portion 220 and a receiving portion 222 such that needleless connector portion 220 is disposed between connection port 214 and receiving portion 222. Receiving portion 222 is disposed between needleless connector portion 220 and receiving opening 216.

[0033] The needleless connector 224 is disposed in the needleless connector portion 220 of the housing 210. The needleless connector 224 includes a connection port 214 and a female connector 218. The needleless connector 224 also includes a hollow cylinder 226 disposed within the needleless connector portion 220 of the housing 210. The hollow cylinder 226 includes a head 228 at one end and a base 230 at the other end. The head 228 of the hollow cylinder 226 is offset axially inward from the connection port 214 in the needleless connector portion 220 of the housing 210 such that a bore 232 extends from the connection port 214 to the head 228. The connection port 214, the bore 232, and the hollow cylinder 226 are all coaxially aligned.

[0034] Needleless connector 224 also includes a resiliently deformable piston element 234. In the separated, unactuated state of syringe adapter 200 shown in FIG. 2, resiliently deformable piston element 234 is captured between connection port 214 and base 230. Piston element 234 includes a piston 236 and a compressible member 238 formed on piston 236. In some embodiments, compressible member 238 includes a plurality of bellows 240. Piston 236 includes a piston head 242. Piston head 242 includes a sealable orifice 244 disposed therein, which is in a sealed state when piston element 234 is uncompressed and is in an open state when piston element 234 is compressed. 2 and 3, in the isolated, unactuated state of syringe adapter 200, piston element 234 is uncompressed and sealable orifice 244 is in a sealing state, whereby compressible member 238 is pressed against base 230, while piston head 242 is positioned internally relative to housing 210 within bore 232 and sealingly flushes with surrounding connection port 214, jointly forming a flat, closed, swabable surface 245. Furthermore, piston element 234 is hollow and includes a piston passageway 246 extending from exit orifice 247 of compressible member 238 to sealable orifice 244.

[0035] The receiver 222 includes a transition portion 248 disposed adjacent to the needleless connector portion 220. The transition portion 248 includes an annular shoulder 250 axially offset from the base 230 such that a chamber 252 is formed between the base 230 and the shoulder 250. The chamber 252 is fluidly coupled to the piston passage 246 through an exit orifice 247 and is coaxially aligned with an opening 253 disposed in the shoulder 250. A channel 254 is disposed in the receiver 222 and includes a closed end 256 disposed adjacent to the chamber 252 within the transition portion 248. The channel 254 includes a transfer passage 258 disposed proximate the closed end 256. The channel 254 is fluidly coupled to the chamber 252 via the transfer passage 258. The channel 254 extends axially from the closed end 256, through the shoulder 250, to an open end 260. An open end 260 of channel 254 terminates within receiver 222 and is axially offset from receiving opening 216 of housing 210. Receiver 222 also includes a slot 262 extending axially between shoulder 250 and receiving opening 216. Slot 262 is configured to slidably guide neck 264 of communication member 212 as syringe adapter 200 transitions from a coupled, unactivated state to a coupled, activated state.

[0036] 2 and 6-7, the communication member 212 includes a neck 264, a cannula 266, and a conduit 268. The neck 264 extends radially from the communication member 212 and terminates in a valve housing 270 having an inlet port 272. A duct 274 is disposed within the communication member 212 through the neck 264 and the valve housing 270 to the inlet port 272. A filter housing 276 is fluidly received by the inlet port 272. The filter housing 276 surrounds a filter 278 and includes at least one vent 280 configured to allow ambient air to pass through the filter 278. Valve 282 is disposed within valve housing 270 and is configured to allow fluid to flow from at least one vent 280 through filter 278 into duct 274, and to prevent fluid from flowing in the opposite direction from duct 274 to filter housing 276, thereby ensuring that filter 278 is not wetted by fluid in duct 274, as the case may be.

[0037] A cannula 266 extends axially from and through the communication member 212, is fluidly coupled to the duct 274 at one end, and terminates at an opening 267 at the opposite end. A conduit 268 is radially offset from the cannula 266 and extends axially from and through the communication member 212. A crown 284 is disposed at the end of the conduit 268 exterior to the communication member 212, such that the conduit 268 axially terminates at the crown 284 and is fluidly coupled to the passageway 286. A first O-ring 288 is disposed around the crown 284, and a second O-ring 290 is disposed around the conduit 268 between the passageway 286 and the communication member 212. Within the communication member 212, the conduit 268 is fluidly coupled to an outlet port 292. A connector 294 is disposed about the outlet port 292 and is configured to couple with various medical devices, such as, for example, the connector 134 of the IV set 114 .

[0038] When syringe adapter 200 is assembled, communication member 212 is slidably received by receiving opening 216 of housing 210 so that conduit 268 is slidably received by channel 254, cannula 266 is slidably received by third O-ring 296 disposed in opening 253, and neck 264 is slidably received by slot 262. Third O-ring 296 is configured to seal cannula 266 against opening 253 while allowing cannula 266 to sealingly slide along within O-ring 296.

[0039] 3 shows syringe adapter 200 in a separated, unactuated state coupled to an IV set, such as IV set 114. For example, a pre-filled syringe, such as syringe 110, is in close proximity to syringe adapter 200 and ready to couple with syringe adapter 200. In the separated, unactuated state, cannula 266 is retracted within the needleless connector. For example, piston element 234 is uncompressed such that opening 267 of cannula 266 is disposed in piston passageway 246 within compressible member 238, neck 264 resides within slot 262 adjacent receiving opening 216, and conduit 268 is disposed within channel 254 adjacent open end 260 such that passageway 286 is not aligned with transfer passageway 258 and conduit 268 is fluidly isolated from needleless connector 224. Furthermore, the sealable orifice 244 is in a sealed state and the piston head 242 is sealingly flush (substantially flat) with the surrounding connection port 214 to form a flat, closed, wipeable surface 245.

[0040] 4 shows syringe adapter 200 in a coupled, unactuated state with syringe 110. With syringe 110 coupled to syringe adapter 200, male luer tip 132 contacts piston head 242, compressing piston element 234 and moving sealable orifice 244 from a sealed state to an open state. In the coupled, unactuated state, neck 264 and conduit 268 are positioned similarly to how they are in the separated, unactuated state, but because piston element 234 is in a compressed state, opening 267 of cannula 266 is now positioned in piston passageway 246 within piston 236 rather than in compressible member 238. Because passageway 286 and transfer passageway 258 are not aligned in this state and first O-ring 288 is in sealing contact with channel 254, ambient air from filter housing 276 is prevented from flowing through channel 254, past first O-ring 288, and into IV set 114 via outlet port 292. This is particularly useful when IV set 114 includes a pumping segment 140 that is inserted into a pump and the pump is actuated before syringe adapter 200 transitions to the coupled, actuated state. Furthermore, even if plunger 122 is accidentally depressed in this state, valve 282 prevents fluid from syringe chamber 130 from flowing to filter 278.

[0041] In order for fluid to flow from syringe 110 to IV set 114, syringe adapter 200 must enter the coupled, operative state, as shown in Figure 5. To move syringe adapter 200 from the coupled, non-activated state to the coupled, operative state, housing 210 is slid axially around and locked to communication member 212 such that cannula 266 protrudes from needleless connector 224. For example, neck 264 is disposed within slot 262 adjacent shoulder 250, communication member 212 abuts shoulder 250, conduit 268 is disposed within channel 254 with crown 284 abutting closed end 256 of channel 254, and opening 267 of cannula 266 is disposed axially beyond end wall 120 and within syringe 110 at a location axially beyond fluid intake at needleless connector 224. When crown 284 abuts closed end 256 of channel 254, passageway 286 aligns with transfer passageway 258, fluidly coupling conduit 268 with chamber 252 and, in turn, with needleless connector 224. A second O-ring 290 seals the conduit 268 to the channel 254 preventing fluid entering the passage 286 from passing axially through the second O-ring 290 and into the channel 254 .

[0042] When syringe adapter 200 is in a coupled, operative state, a first fluid pathway is formed at least through at least one vent 280, duct 274, and cannula 266. For example, ambient air enters the first fluid pathway through at least one vent 280, filter 278, valve 282, duct 274, cannula 266, opening 267 of cannula 266, and into syringe chamber 130. As the first fluid pathway provides filtered ambient air to syringe chamber 130, a reservoir is formed in syringe chamber 130, allowing fluid within syringe chamber 130 to be expelled or flow through the second fluid pathway without the need to depress plunger 122. The second fluid pathway is formed at least through connection port 214, conduit 268, and outlet port 294. For example, fluid from syringe chamber 130 passes around tip 132 and cannula 266, then at connection port 214 through a second fluid pathway that passes through bore 232, open sealed orifice 244, piston passage 246, exit orifice 247, chamber 252, transfer passage 258, passage 286, conduit 268, and exit port 294 to IV set 114. In some embodiments, fluid in syringe chamber 130 flows through the second fluid pathway by gravity. In other embodiments in which IV set 114 includes pumping segment 140, a bag pump (not shown) is used to regulate peristaltic action and force fluid through the second fluid pathway by inserting pumping segment 140 into the bag pump. For example, the syringe adapter 200 can be used with a bag pump, such as a large volume pump (LVP), so that a spent IV bag can be replaced with the syringe 110 and syringe adapter 200 without the need for a separate syringe pump.

[0043] When syringe 110 is ready to be replaced, syringe adapter 200 is transitioned from the coupled, operative state to the coupled, inoperative state by sliding housing 210 axially relative to connecting member 212, and then from the coupled, inoperative state to the separated, inoperative state by separating syringe 110 from syringe adapter 200. In the separated, inoperative state, sealable orifice 244 is in a sealing state and piston head 242 is positioned internally relative to housing 210 within bore 232 and sealingly flush with peripheral connection port 214, allowing closed, flat surface 245 to be wiped clean prior to coupling a replacement syringe to syringe adapter 200.

[0044] 8-11 show another embodiment of syringe adapter 800. Similar to syringe adapter 200, syringe adapter 800 is connectable to a fluid source and includes a first fluid path that prevents a filter in the first fluid path from being exposed to fluid in the fluid source while allowing filtered air to enter the fluid source as fluid is drawn from the fluid source through the second fluid path. Syringe adapter 800 also provides a closed system during replacement of the fluid source from an IV set.

[0045] Syringe adapter 800 comprises a female connector 810, a male connector 812, and a body 814 that fluidly couples female connector 810 to male connector 812. In some embodiments, female connector 810 is a female luer connector and male connector 812 is a male luer connector. Syringe adapter 800 also comprises a passageway 816 that extends radially through body 814. Filter housing 818 is fluidly coupled to an end of passageway 816 that is exterior to body 814. Filter housing 818 terminates in vent 820, which is also in fluid communication with passageway 816. Filter 822 is disposed within filter housing 818 and filters ambient air that enters vent 820. In some embodiments, a valve (not shown) is disposed within filter housing 818 between filter 822 and passageway 816, and is configured to allow ambient air to flow from vent 820 to passageway 816 through filter 822, while preventing fluid from flowing from passageway 816 to filter 822. In some embodiments, filter housing 818 is elevated relative to female connector 810 and extends axially away from and beyond male connector 812 at an angle to passageway 816, such that filter housing 818 and filter 822 are disposed above (e.g., axially beyond) female connector 810.

[0046] Syringe adapter 800 also includes a cannula 824 fluidly coupled to passageway 816 at an end of passageway 816 disposed within body 814. Cannula 824 extends axially within body 814 and extends through female connector 810. An opening 826 of cannula 824 is disposed axially offset from and outside female connector 810. A first fluid pathway is formed through at least cannula 824, passageway 816, and vent 820. A second fluid pathway is formed through at least female connector 810, body 814, and male connector 812.

[0047] Female connector 810 is configured to mate with a male connector of a fluid source, such as, for example, syringe 110. Male connector 812 is configured to mate with a female connector of a medical device, such as, for example, IV set 114. In operation, syringe adapter 800 is coupled to IV set 114, and syringe 110 is coupled to syringe adapter 800 such that opening 826 of cannula 824 is disposed within syringe chamber 130 of syringe 110. As the first fluid path provides filtered ambient air to syringe chamber 130, a reservoir is formed in syringe chamber 130, allowing fluid within syringe chamber 130 to be expelled through the second fluid path without the need to depress plunger 122. Furthermore, in embodiments in which filter housing 818 extends axially away from male connector 812 and axially beyond female connector 810 at an angle relative to passageway 816, the positioning of filter housing 818 relative to the fluid inlet of the second fluid pathway prevents filter 822 from contacting fluid from syringe chamber 130, even if plunger 122 is accidentally depressed. In some embodiments, fluid in syringe chamber 130 flows through the second fluid pathway by gravity. In other embodiments in which IV set 114 includes pumping segment 140, a bag pump (not shown) is used to insert pumping segment 140 into a bag pump to regulate peristaltic action and force fluid through the second fluid pathway.

[0048] When syringe 110 is ready to be replaced, syringe adapter 800 is separated from IV set 114 while still coupled to syringe 110, providing a closed system during syringe replacement. Both syringe 110 and syringe adapter 800 can be discarded and a new syringe adapter 800 can be coupled to IV set 114, so that a replacement syringe can be coupled to syringe adapter 800 without having to break the closed system.

[0049] 12-15 show another embodiment of syringe adapter 1200. Similar to syringe adapter 200, syringe adapter 1200 is connectable to a fluid source and includes a first fluid path that prevents a filter in the first fluid path from being exposed to fluid in the fluid source, while allowing filtered air to enter the fluid source as fluid is drawn from the fluid source through the second fluid path. Syringe adapter 1200 also provides a closed system during replacement of the fluid source from an IV set.

[0050] Similar to syringe adapter 800, syringe adapter 1200 comprises a female connector 1210, a male connector 1212, and a body 1214 that fluidly couples female connector 1210 to male connector 1212. In some embodiments, female connector 1210 is a female luer connector and male connector 1212 is a male luer connector. Syringe adapter 1200 comprises a passageway 1216 that extends radially through body 1214. Flexible tubing 1218 is fluidly coupled to an end of passageway 1216 that is exterior to body 1214. Flexible tubing 1218 is also fluidly coupled to a filter housing 1220. Filter housing 1220 terminates in a vent 1222, which is also in fluid communication with flexible tubing 1218. Filter 1224 is disposed within filter housing 1220 between vent 1222 and flexible tubing 1218 and filters ambient air entering vent 1222 into flexible tubing 1218. In some embodiments, cap 1225 is hingedly coupled to filter housing 1220 to secure filter 1224 within filter housing 1220 and facilitate replacement of filter 1224.

[0051] Syringe adapter 1200 also includes a cannula 1226 fluidly coupled to passageway 1216 at an end of passageway 1216 disposed within body 1214. Cannula 1226 extends axially within body 1214 and extends through female connector 1210. An opening 1228 of cannula 1226 is axially offset from and disposed outside female connector 1210. A first fluid pathway is formed through at least cannula 1226, passageway 1216, flexible tubing 1218, and vent 1222. A second fluid pathway is formed through at least female connector 1210, body 1214, and male connector 1212.

[0052] Syringe adapter 1200 is configured to couple to a fluid source, such as syringe 110, and includes a clip 1230 for securing flexible tubing 1218 in place relative to syringe barrel 116 of syringe 110 when syringe adapter 1200 is coupled to syringe 110. In some embodiments, clip 1230 includes an annular shape with slits 1232 to facilitate placement of clip 1230 around syringe barrel 116 and flexible tubing 1218 to retain flexible tubing 1218 to syringe barrel 116. For example, when syringe adapter 1200 is coupled to syringe 110, flexible tubing 1218 is disposed axially along syringe barrel 116 such that clip 1230 is disposed around syringe barrel 116 with filter housing 1220 adjacent to collar 118, and flexible tubing 1218 is secured relative to syringe barrel 116 and disposed between clip 1230 and syringe barrel 116. Because filter housing 1220 is adjacent to collar 118 and disposed above (e.g., axially above) any fluid level in syringe chamber 130, the filter housing is elevated relative to female connector 1210, preventing filter 1224 from contacting fluid from syringe chamber 130 even if plunger 122 is accidentally depressed.

[0053] Female connector 1210 is configured to mate with a male connector of a fluid source, such as, for example, syringe 110. Male connector 1212 is configured to mate with a female connector of a medical device, such as, for example, needleless connector 1234, which is in turn coupled to, for example, IV set 114. In operation, syringe adapter 1200 is coupled to IV set 114 via needleless connector 1234, and syringe 110 is coupled to syringe adapter 1200 such that opening 1228 of cannula 1226 is disposed within syringe chamber 130 of syringe 110. As the first fluid path provides filtered ambient air to syringe chamber 130, a reservoir is formed in syringe chamber 130, allowing fluid within syringe chamber 130 to be expelled through the second fluid path without the need to depress plunger 122. Additionally, because filter housing 1220 and filter 1224 are elevated above the level of any fluid in syringe chamber 130, filter 1224 is prevented from contacting fluid from syringe chamber 130 if plunger 122 is accidentally depressed. In some embodiments, fluid in syringe chamber 130 flows through the second fluid path by gravity. In other embodiments in which IV set 114 includes pumping segment 140, a bag pump (not shown) is used to regulate peristaltic action of pumping segment 140 inserted into a bag pump to drive fluid through the second fluid path.

[0054] 16-17 illustrate another embodiment of a syringe adapter 1600. The syringe adapter 1600 also provides a closed system during replacement of the fluid source from the IV set. The syringe adapter 1600 includes a female connector 1610, a male connector 1612, and a body 1614 that fluidly couples the female connector 1610 to the male connector 1612. In some embodiments, the female connector 1610 is a female luer connector, and the male connector 1612 is a male luer connector. The syringe adapter 1600 includes a chamber 1616 that is fluidly coupled to and extends outwardly from the body 1614. The chamber 1616 can be, for example, an elastic bag, a non-elastic bag, or a collapsible plastic container. In some embodiments, the syringe adapter 1600 includes a holder 1618 for supporting the chamber 1616. The syringe adapter 1600 also includes a needleless connector 1620 disposed on and in fluid communication with the female connector 1610. In some embodiments, the needleless connector 1620 is integrally formed with the female connector 1610. In other embodiments, the needleless connector 1620 includes a male connector matable with the female connector 1610. The needleless connector 1620 also includes a female fitting 1622 matable with a male connector of a medical device, such as the syringe 110. A valve 1624 (shown in phantom), such as a check valve, is disposed between the needleless connector 1620 and the female connector 1610. The valve 1624 is configured to allow fluid flow from the needleless connector 1620 to the female connector 1610 and to prevent fluid flow from the female connector 1610 to the needleless connector 1620.

[0055] In operation, the male connector 1612 of the syringe adapter 1600 is coupled to a medical device, such as, for example, a pump fitting or the connector 134 of an IV set 114. Once the syringe adapter 1600 is coupled to the medical device, the syringe 110 is then coupled to the needleless connector 1620 of the syringe adapter 1600. The plunger 122 of the syringe 110 is depressed, forcing fluid within the syringe 110 through the needleless connector 1620, the female connector 1610, and into the chamber 1616. For example, in embodiments where the chamber 1616 is a resilient elastomeric bag, the chamber 1616 may be unfilled with fluid as shown in FIG. 16 and may expand and fill with fluid as shown in FIG. 17. Once fluid is emptied from the syringe 110 and filled into the chamber 1616, the syringe 110 may be separated from the syringe adapter 1600, providing a closed system via the needleless connector 1620. Because atmospheric pressure allows the fluid in chamber 1616 to flow without resistance, the fluid in chamber 1616 can then flow by gravity or via a pump (not shown) through male connector 1612 to IV set 114. If an additional dose is needed, needleless connector 1620 can be wiped and a new syringe is coupled to needleless connector 1620 to fill chamber 1616, as described above.

[0056] The above description is provided to enable one skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described herein. While the subject technology has been specifically described with reference to various figures and configurations, it should be understood that these are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject technology.

[0057] There are many other ways to implement the subject technology. The various functions and elements described herein may be divided differently than shown without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Various modifications to these configurations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other configurations. Thus, many changes and modifications to the subject technology may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the subject technology.

[0058] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" following a list of items with the term "and" or "or" separating any of the items modifies the entire list, not each member (e.g., each item) of the list. The phrase "at least one of" does not require the selection of at least one of each item in the list; rather, the phrase allows for a meaning including at least one of any one of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of the items, and / or at least one of each of the items. Illustratively, "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" means, respectively, A only, B only, or C only; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0059] Furthermore, to the extent that terms such as "include" or "have" are used in the description or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in the same manner as the term "comprise" is interpreted when used as a transitional term in a claim. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0060] Reference to an element in the singular is intended to mean "one or more," and not "one and only one," unless specifically stated otherwise. The term "some" refers to one or more. All structural or functional equivalents to the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known, or that later become known, to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly set forth in the above description.

[0061] While specific aspects and examples of the subject technology have been described, they have been presented by way of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject technology. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the subject technology.

Claims

1. 1. A syringe adapter for coupling a syringe to a fluid system, comprising: A female connector; a body in fluid communication with the female connector; a male connector in fluid communication with the female connector and the body, the male connector configured to mate with a medical device and disposed at an end of the body opposite the female connector; a passageway extending radially through the body; a cannula extending axially through the body and out through the female connector, a first end of the cannula coupled to an end of the passageway disposed within the body; a filter housing fluidly coupled to a first end of a flexible tube, a second end of the flexible tube fluidly coupled to an end of the passageway exterior to the body, the filter housing terminating in a vent fluidly coupled to the passageway; a filter disposed within the filter housing; and A syringe adapter, wherein a first fluid path is formed through the cannula, the passageway, and the vent, and a second fluid path is formed through the female connector, the body, and the male connector, providing a closed system when the male connector is separated from the medical device.

2. 10. The syringe adapter of claim 1, further comprising a valve disposed within the filter housing between the filter and the passageway.

3. 3. The syringe adapter of claim 2, wherein the valve is configured to allow ambient air to flow from the vent through the filter and into the passageway.

4. 3. The syringe adapter of claim 2, wherein the valve is configured to prevent fluid flow from the passageway to the filter.

5. 2. The syringe adapter of claim 1, wherein the filter housing is elevated relative to the female connector.

6. 2. The syringe adapter of claim 1, wherein the filter housing is aligned with the passageway and extends axially away from the male connector.

7. 2. The syringe adapter of claim 1, wherein the filter housing extends axially beyond the female connector.

8. 2. The syringe adapter of claim 1, wherein the female connector is coupled to the syringe such that the second end of the cannula is disposed within a chamber of the syringe.

9. The syringe adapter of claim 1 , wherein the medical device is an intravenous set.

10. The syringe adapter of claim 1 , wherein the medical device is a needleless connector.

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