IV Warming Device With Needle Containment Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion warming devices for intravenous fluids lack a mechanism to inject medicaments without compromising the sterility of the IV fluid, as syringe needles can puncture the IV line, leading to contamination and potential infections.
Innovation Solution
A warming device with a wye type fitting and injection site that includes an injection safety member to contain the syringe needle, preventing rupture of the IV tube, and an optional needleless connector for facilitating needleless injections, ensuring sterility of the IV fluid during medication administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a syringe needle is inserted into the injection site to administer medication, then medication can be injected into the IV line, but the IV line may be punctured and sterility compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the injection site assembly with needle containment features) between the syringe needle and the IV line. This intermediary contains the needle within a sealed compartment during injection, preventing direct contact with the IV line while still allowing medication to be administered through the needle into the IV fluid pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection site is segmented into distinct functional zones: a needle containment compartment, an injection pathway, and the IV line connection point. This segmentation isolates the needle within a controlled environment while maintaining separate pathways for IV fluid flow and medication administration, preventing contamination.
2Ease of operation
If a membrane or seal is used at the injection site to accommodate needle insertion, then needle insertion is enabled, but the IV line remains vulnerable to puncture and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe needle is nested within a containment structure (the injection site assembly) that has an outer protective layer. This nested configuration allows the needle to be inserted through the membrane while remaining contained within the sealed assembly, preventing it from reaching and puncturing the IV line outside the containment boundary.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection site assembly incorporates a containment structure that is prepared in advance to intercept and contain the needle within a sealed environment before the needle can potentially reach the IV line. This pre-positioned protective barrier prevents contamination even if the needle extends beyond the membrane.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively allows for the injection of medicaments into the IV line without compromising the sterility of the IV fluid, reducing the risk of infections and maintaining the integrity of the medical procedure, thereby minimizing hospital stays and medical costs.
Implementation Method 1
A heat transfer fluid flows within the area between the IV and heat transfer tubes to heat the intravenous fluid flowing within the IV tube
Data Source
AI summary
A warming device for an IV fluid line according to the present invention includes a warmer unit and a wye type fitting with an injection site. The warmer unit includes a tube for intravenous fluid and channels containing a warming fluid to heat the IV tube. One fitting branch is connected to an intravenous fluid source, while the remaining branch houses the injection site. The injection site branch includes an injection safety member that ensures a syringe needle or other instrument is contained within the fitting to prevent rupture of the IV tube. The warming device may include an additional wye type fitting coupled to the initial fitting and including another injection site, where the fittings typically exclude the safety member. A syringe needle is inserted into the additional injection site to prevent rupture of the IV tube. In addition, the warming device may be configured for needleless injections.