Movable Hanger Labels Enable Direct Undiluted Vial Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug infusion methods require dilution of pharmaceuticals into IV bags, which prolongs the infusion time and complicates healthcare providers' workflows.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that allows for direct intravenous infusion of undiluted liquid drug solutions from a vial using a label with a movable hanger that supports the vial, enabling it to hang from an infusion stand, facilitating faster and more convenient administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drug is diluted into IV bags prior to administration, then the drug can be administered through standard IV infrastructure, but the infusion time is prolonged and workflow is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the hanger function from traditional IV bag systems and applies it directly to vials. The label itself is transformed into a hanger mechanism, allowing vials to be hung directly on infusion stands without requiring dilution into IV bags. This eliminates the intermediate step of bag preparation while maintaining compatibility with existing IV infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The label performs multiple functions: it provides drug identification information and simultaneously serves as the hanger mechanism. The movable portion of the label automatically forms a hanger when the vial is inverted, requiring no additional components or preparation steps. The system uses its own existing structure (the label) to accomplish the hanging function.
2Productivity
If drug is diluted into IV bags, then standard administration protocols can be followed, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the label's informational function with its mechanical function. The same label that provides drug identification, dosage information, and barcodes also serves as the hanger mechanism. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate hanger components and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The label is designed to perform multiple functions: patient identification, drug identification, dosage information, barcode scanning, and mechanical hanging. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the infusion system, simplifying both the device and the administration process.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for direct drug infusion from a vial to a patient are provided. A movable hanger label is provided to adhere to and support the vial to facilitate direct infusion of a drug, such as one or more pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, and/or biologics, from the vial to the patient. Additionally, a process is provided in which the drug, contained in the vial with the movable hanger label, may be directly infused through a primed infusion line with a rapid infusion rate. A saline flush is incorporated at the end of the administration to flush the infusion line, resulting in a reduced amount of the drug remaining in the line.