Flushing apparatus for use with an IV infusion set and an IV infusion set having an automatic flushing function
Inventors
Allerup, Tore Victor Chrom • Fält, Rasmus • Nørløv, Mads Bundgaard • Dahl, Mette • Bech, Marcus Borum Mølskov • Elmelund, Christoffer Junker • Rädel, Niklas
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12208234-B2
Publication Date
2025-01-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
A flushing apparatus for use with an IV infusion set and an IV infusion set having an automatic flushing function. The IV set includes a rigid and/or non-collapsible flushing liquid chamber (3), that is connected directly by a flushing port (7) to a fluid flow path for the IV fluid at a flushing height (FH) and by a venting port (17) at a venting height (VH). When the level of IV liquid in the fluid flow path falls below the venting height (VH) the venting port (17) allows air from the fluid flow path to enter the flushing liquid chamber (2) and flushing liquid from the flushing liquid chamber (2) to enter the fluid flow path via the flushing port (7) when, during use of the IV infusion set the IV liquid level falls below the venting height (VH), thereby allowing the flushing liquid chamber (2) to be drained by gravity into the fluid flow path.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an IV infusion set having an automatic flushing function with a flushing liquid. The IV infusion set defines at least partially gravity-driven fluid flow path for IV liquid from a collapsible IV liquid container positioned at the highest height to a connector for connecting to a needle or to an IV catheter placed in a patient at a lower height. The infusion set includes a rigid flushing liquid chamber that is closed except for at least one flushing port at or near the lower end and at least one venting port for allowing air from the fluid flow path to enter the flushing liquid chamber.
The flushing port is fluidically connected to the fluid flow path at a flushing height (FH) lower than a venting height (VH), and the venting port is fluidically connected at the vent height (VH). The flushing port and the venting port form permanently open fluidic connections between the flushing liquid chamber and the fluid flow path. When the level of IV liquid in the fluid flow path becomes lower than the venting height (VH), air enters via the venting port and simultaneously flushing liquid enters the fluid flow path via the flushing port.
The arrangement allows the flushing liquid chamber to be drained by gravity into the fluid flow path, enabling automated sequential flushing after dose completion. A corresponding flushing apparatus includes a rigid and/or non-collapsible closed flushing liquid chamber containing a flushing liquid different from the IV liquid, with gravity-driven inlet and outlet coupling components and a conduit connecting them, also using vent height (VH) and flushing height (FH) for simultaneous air entry and gravity drainage.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims, each centered on gravity-driven IV flushing using a closed, rigid/non-collapsible flushing liquid chamber connected through permanently open flushing and venting ports at different heights (FH and VH).
Rigid closed flushing liquid chamber with permanently open flushing and venting ports at different heights
An IV infusion set with an automatic flushing function, where a rigid flushing liquid chamber is closed except for at least one flushing port at or near the lower end and at least one venting port. The venting port is fluidically connected to the fluid flow path at a vent height (VH), and the flushing port is fluidically connected at a flushing height (FH) lower than VH, with both forming permanently open fluidic connections between the flushing liquid chamber and the fluid flow path. When the IV liquid level in the fluid flow path falls below VH, air enters via the venting port while flushing liquid enters via the flushing port, and the flushing liquid chamber is drained by gravity into the fluid flow path.
Simultaneous air entry and gravity drainage using a rigid/non-collapsible closed chamber with FH below VH
A flushing apparatus for use with an IV infusion set, including a rigid and/or non-collapsible flushing liquid chamber containing a flushing liquid different from the IV liquid. The chamber is closed except for at least one flushing port at or near the lower end and at least one venting port allowing air from a conduit to enter. The venting port is fluidically connected to the conduit at a vent height (VH), and the flushing port forms a permanently open fluidic connection at a flushing height (FH) lower than VH. When, during use, the level of IV liquid in the conduit becomes lower than VH, air enters through the venting port while flushing liquid drains by gravity through the flushing port into the conduit.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage is the same threshold-height concept (FH below VH) implemented with a closed rigid/non-collapsible flushing chamber that has permanently open venting and flushing ports. This arrangement is claimed to enable simultaneous air entry into the flushing chamber and gravity drainage of flushing liquid into the gravity-driven IV fluid flow path when the IV liquid level drops below VH.
Stated Advantages
Reduced residual medicine.
Lower risk of underdosing.
Lower risk of phlebitis and catheter occlusion.
Reduced contamination risk.
Documented Applications
Automated sequential flushing after dose completion for an IV infusion set administering an IV liquid.
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