CN110177597B - Apparatus and method for intravenous dispensing of fluid and apparatus and method for flushing lines of intravenous fluid administration system - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for dispensing fluid intravenously to a subject and apparatus and methods for flushing the lines of an intravenous fluid administration apparatus are provided. The apparatus may include a chamber including a plurality of connector ports and configured to operate in fluid communication with an upstream source via a first connector port and configured to pass a first fluid from the upstream source through the chamber to a downstream tube under a first pressure condition via a second connector port during operation. The third connector port may be configured to connect to an end of a valve connector or tube such that, during operation, the chamber is configured to pass a second fluid from a second fluid source through the chamber to the downstream tube via the third and second connector ports under a second, higher pressure condition, preventing the first fluid from flowing into the downstream tube, and preventing the second fluid from flowing through the first connector port.

Description

Apparatus and method for intravenous dispensing of fluid and apparatus and method for flushing lines of intravenous fluid administration system

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to intravenous fluid administration systems, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for dispensing fluid intravenously to a subject and for flushing lines of an intravenous fluid administration system.

Background

Conventional Intravenous (IV) fluid administration systems include stopcocks (e.g., three-way stopcocks) for controlling the delivery of different IV fluids to a subject (e.g., a human patient). For example, fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional IV fluid administration system. As shown in fig. 1, a conventional IVfluid administration system 100 includes an IVfluid bag 110, adrip chamber 120, a thumbwheel regulator (TWR)130, astopcock valve 140, atube 152 interconnecting the various components, and astand 190 that supports and holds the IVbag 110 at an appropriate height above a subject (not shown) to enable gravity flow of IV fluid to the subject. Typically, the lower end (not shown) oftube 152 belowstopcock 140 is connected to a vascular access device (not shown), such as a needle, that is inserted into a vein of a subject (not shown) to administer IV fluids.

FIG. 1 shows a conventional three-way stopcock valve 140 that includes a three-way switch 142 and aport 145. In the illustrated configuration (fig. 1), theswitch 142 is positioned in the "open for subject" position such that IV fluid will be expelled from the IVbag 110 through thetube 152,drip chamber 120,TWR 130, andstopcock 140 and into the downstream tube for administration to the subject. In many procedures, it is also necessary to administer predetermined amounts of different IV fluids (e.g., drugs, antibiotics, anesthetics, etc.) to the subject. In this case,switch 142 is manipulated to an "off subject" position (not shown), a syringe (not shown) containing a predetermined amount of a different IV fluid is inserted intoport 145, and the syringe is then operated to dispense the different IV fluid intostopcock 140 and the downstream tubing for administration to the subject.

Typically,stopcock valve 140 and the downstream tubing must be flushed to ensure that the predetermined amounts of the different IV fluids are all administered to the subject. Typically, withswitch 142 manipulated to an "off subject" position (not shown), one or more different syringes (not shown) that are respectively prefilled with flush IV fluid or aspirate flush IV fluid into each corresponding syringe barrel are inserted intoport 145 and operated to flushstopcock 140 and the downstream tubing, respectively. If thesame port 145 is used to inject different IV fluids (e.g., medications, antibiotics, anesthetics, etc.) and flush IV fluids, theport 145 must be sterilized (e.g., with alcohol) prior to inserting the flush IV fluid syringe. This process may be repeated multiple times to flush a single different IV fluid (e.g., medication, antibiotics, anesthetics, etc.), and when an IV fluid is administered to a given subject, several different IV fluids may need to be injected and flushed. This process is laborious and time consuming and syringes (especially pre-filled syringes) are expensive. The amount of syringe required in this conventional procedure also results in a significant amount of environmental waste.

Another conventional technique for flushing an IV line involves squeezing IV bag 110 (withswitch 142 positioned in an "open to subject" position) to force IV fluid throughstopcock valve 140 and the tubing downstream ofstopcock valve 140. However, such a process may overflow the spike anddrip chamber 120, rendering it unusable, and administering an inaccurate amount of flushing IV fluid into the subject.

Disclosure of Invention

In some embodiments, an apparatus for intravenously dispensing fluid to a subject is provided that includes a first pressure operated valve configured to operate in fluid communication with a first upstream source of a first fluid and an upstream reservoir pump configured to automatically refill itself with a second fluid from a second upstream fluid source. The first pressure operated valve is also configured to pass a first fluid from a first upstream fluid source through the first pressure operated valve to a pipe downstream of the first pressure operated valve during operation at a first pressure condition. The first pressure operated valve is further configured to pass a second fluid from the upstream reservoir pump through the first pressure operated valve to the tubing downstream of the first pressure operated valve during operation at a second pressure condition, wherein the second pressure condition is a higher pressure condition than the first pressure condition.

In various embodiments, an apparatus for dispensing fluid intravenously to a subject is provided that includes a reservoir pump configured to operate in fluid communication with an upstream source of a first fluid and a downstream pressure operated valve. The reservoir pump is also configured to automatically refill itself with the first fluid from the first upstream source during operation. The downstream pressure operated valve is configured to operate in fluid communication with the reservoir pump and a second fluid source upstream of the pressure operated valve. The downstream pressure operated valve is further configured to distribute the first fluid to the tubes downstream of the pressure operated valve during operation based on a pressure condition within the pressure operated valve exceeding a threshold pressure.

In various embodiments, there is provided a method of flushing a line of an intravenous fluid administration system, the method comprising: introducing a first fluid into a tube configured to deliver fluid for intravenous infusion to a subject; and operating the reservoir pump upstream of the tube to dispense a predetermined amount of the second fluid through the pressure-operated valve upstream of the tube and under fluid pressure conditions exceeding a threshold pressure of the pressure-operated valve. The method also includes releasing the reservoir pump such that the reservoir pump automatically fills itself with a predetermined amount of the second fluid from the source upstream of the reservoir pump, and such that the pressure operated valve automatically reconfigures itself to receive the third fluid from the fluid source upstream of the pressure operated valve and at a fluid pressure less than a threshold pressure.

In various embodiments, an apparatus for dispensing a fluid intravenously to a subject is provided that includes a chamber having a plurality of connector ports. The chamber is configured to operate in fluid communication with a first upstream source of a first fluid via a first port of the plurality of connector ports. The chamber is further configured to pass a first fluid from a first upstream fluid source through the chamber to a tube downstream of the chamber at a first pressure condition via a second connector port of the plurality of connector ports during operation. A third connector port of the plurality of connector ports is configured to connect to an end of a valve connector or tube such that, during operation, the chamber is configured to pass a second fluid from a second fluid source through the chamber to the tube downstream of the chamber via the third and second connector ports at a second pressure condition that is higher than the first pressure condition, prevent the first fluid from flowing into the tube downstream of the chamber, and prevent the second fluid from flowing through the first connector port.

In some embodiments, a method of flushing a line of an intravenous fluid administration system is provided, the method comprising introducing a first fluid into a tube configured to deliver fluid for intravenous infusion to a subject via a first connector port and a second connector port of a chamber and at a fluid pressure that exceeds a threshold pressure of the chamber, the chamber comprising a plurality of connector ports. The method also includes introducing a second fluid into the tube via the third connector port of the chamber and the second connector port of the chamber and at a fluid pressure that exceeds a threshold pressure of the chamber. In each introduction step of the method, the first fluid or the second fluid is automatically prevented from flowing through the fourth connector port of the chamber.

In various embodiments, a method includes operably coupling a first connector port of a plurality of connector ports of a chamber to a first upstream source of a first fluid, such that the chamber is configured to pass the first fluid through the chamber to a tube downstream of the chamber under a first pressure condition via a second connector port of the plurality of connector ports during operation. The method also includes operably coupling an end of the valve connector or tube to a third connector port of the plurality of connector ports of the chamber, such that during operation, the chamber is configured to pass a second fluid from a second fluid source through the chamber to the tube downstream of the chamber via the third and second connector ports at a second pressure condition that is higher than the first pressure condition, prevent the first fluid from flowing into the tube downstream of the chamber, and prevent the second fluid from flowing through the first connector port.

Drawings

Various aspects of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying exemplary, non-limiting embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional Intravenous (IV) fluid administration system;

fig. 2 is a perspective view of an Intravenous (IV) fluid administration system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 3A is a plan view of an example of a reservoir pump receiving fluid from an upstream fluid source, according to some embodiments;

fig. 3B is a plan view of an example of a reservoir pump dispensing fluid to a downstream fluid sink, according to some embodiments;

fig. 3C is a plan view of an example of a reservoir pump including an adjustable fill volume and receiving fluid from an upstream fluid source, according to some embodiments;

fig. 3D is a plan view of an example of a reservoir pump including an adjustable fill volume and dispensing fluid to a downstream fluid sink, in accordance with some embodiments;

fig. 3E is a plan view of an example of a reservoir pump including an adjustable fill volume and receiving fluid from an upstream fluid source, according to some embodiments;

fig. 4A is a plan view of an example of a reservoir pump receiving fluid from an upstream fluid source, according to some embodiments;

fig. 4B is a plan view of an example of a reservoir pump including an adjustable fill volume and receiving fluid from an upstream fluid source, according to some embodiments;

fig. 5A is a plan view of an example of a pressure operated valve at a first pressure condition according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 5B is a plan view of an example of a pressure operated valve at a second pressure condition according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 5C is a plan view of an example of a pressure operated valve at a first pressure condition according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 5D is a plan view of an example of a pressure operated valve at a first pressure condition according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 5E is a plan view of an example of a pressure operated valve at a second pressure condition according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 5F is a plan view of an example of a pressure operated valve at a first pressure condition according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 6 is a perspective view of an Intravenous (IV) fluid administration system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an example of a manifold according to some embodiments;

fig. 8 is a perspective view of an Intravenous (IV) fluid administration system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of flushing a line of an intravenous fluid administration system, in accordance with some embodiments;

fig. 10A is a plan view of an example of a chamber according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 10B is a plan view of an example of a chamber including multiple connector ports, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 10C is a plan view of an example of a chamber including a plurality of connector ports and an example of a valve connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10D is a plan view of an example of a chamber and an example of a valve connector, the chamber including a plurality of connector ports respectively connected to respective ends of a tube, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10E is a plan view of an example of a chamber and an example of a valve connector, the chamber including a plurality of connector ports respectively connected to respective ends of a tube, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10F is a plan view of an example of a chamber and an example of a valve connector, the chamber including a plurality of connector ports respectively connected to respective ends of a tube, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10G is a plan view of an example of a chamber and an example of a valve connector, the chamber including a plurality of connector ports respectively connected to respective ends of a tube, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 11 is a perspective view of an Intravenous (IV) fluid administration system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of flushing a line of an intravenous fluid administration system, in accordance with some embodiments;

fig. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for dispensing fluid intravenously to a subject and an apparatus and method for flushing the lines of an intravenous fluid administration system are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements have been given like numerals to facilitate understanding of the drawings. The figures are not drawn to scale.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of a representative exemplary set. Many variations may be made to the embodiments described herein while still obtaining beneficial results. Some of the desired benefits discussed below may be obtained by selecting some of the features or steps discussed herein without utilizing other features or steps. Thus, many modifications and adaptations, as well as subsets of the features and steps described herein, are possible and may even be desirable in certain circumstances. Accordingly, the following description is provided as illustrative and not restrictive.

The description of the illustrative embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely for convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Relative terms, such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Unless expressly stated otherwise, terms such as "attached," "secured," "connected," and "interconnected" refer to an attachment or relationship in which structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, and both may be movable or rigid. The term "adjacent" as used herein to describe the relationship between structures/components includes direct contact between the referenced respective structures/components as well as the presence of other intervening structures/components between the respective structures/components.

As used herein, singular articles such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to exclude a plurality of the headword objects unless the context clearly and clearly indicates otherwise.

An improved intravenous fluid administration system, method of using such a system to dispense fluid intravenously to a subject, and method of flushing a line of such a system are provided. The procedures described herein are not limited to any particular configuration of intravenous fluid administration system, nor to any particular intravenous fluid. The present inventors have developed apparatus and methods for efficiently, cost-effectively, and accurately dispensing fluid intravenously to a subject, as well as apparatus and methods for efficiently, cost-effectively, and accurately flushing the lines of an intravenous fluid administration system.

The present inventors have observed that by utilizing a reservoir pump configured to automatically refill itself with IV flush fluid from an upstream IV fluid source and a downstream pressure operated valve, the time, cost, and environmental waste required to use a syringe is minimized. The inventors have also observed that by utilizing a reservoir pump configured to automatically fill itself with IV flush fluid from an upstream IV fluid source and a downstream pressure operated valve, there is no need to reposition the stopcock valve switch and to switch syringes, which saves significant time and cost and provides environmental benefits, reducing environmental waste. The present inventors have further determined that this solution is easily scalable, such that a variety of different IV fluids can be injected and flushed efficiently, cost effectively, and accurately. The inventors have additionally observed that the time and cost required to use a stopcock valve is eliminated by utilizing a chamber comprising a plurality of connector ports, wherein at least the connector ports configured to receive fluid from a gravity-fed IV fluid source are automated. Thus, these solutions provide significant improvements in administering IV fluids to a subject.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an Intravenous (IV)fluid administration system 200, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 2, some embodiments include a first source of a first IV fluid, such as anIV fluid bag 210, a plastic IV bottle (not shown), a glass IV bottle (not shown), or the like. Any fluid suitable for intravenous administration to a subject may be provided as the first IV fluid. In various embodiments, the first IV fluid is a solution comprising a salt (e.g., 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl)). In some embodiments, the first IV fluid is a solution comprising glucose (e.g., 5% glucose). In some embodiments, the first IV fluid is a solution comprising heparin. In some embodiments, the first IV fluid is a solution comprising one or more additives. For example, the first IV fluid solution may include electrolytes, such as lactated ringer's solution and/or vitamins. In some embodiments, the first IV fluid is a solution comprising salt and glucose.

As shown in fig. 2, the IVfluid administration system 200 may include adrip chamber 220, a roller clamp (e.g., a Thumb Wheel Regulator (TWR)230), atube 252 upstream of thedrip chamber 220, between the drip chamber and theTWR 230, and downstream of theTWR 230, astopcock valve 240, and acradle 290 configured to support and hold a firstIV fluid source 210 at an appropriate height above a subject (not shown) to enable gravity flow of the first IV fluid to the subject. Any suitable tube may be provided astube 252, such as a flexible tube, plastic tube. In some embodiments, a snorkel may be used. In some embodiments, a vent (not shown) is included above thedrip chamber 220. In various embodiments, a spike (not shown) is included above thedrip chamber 220 and at the upper or proximal end of thetube 252 to initiate flow of the first IV fluid from the first IV fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210). In various embodiments,stopcock valve 240 is not included in IVfluid administration system 200.

In various embodiments, a lower or distal end of a tube (not shown) downstream ofstopcock valve 240 is connected to a vascular access device (not shown), such as a needle (such as a butterfly needle), a peripherally inserted central catheter, a trocar catheter, a central venous catheter, a cannula, or the like, that is inserted into a vein (not shown) of a subject to administer IV fluids. In various embodiments, the vein is a cephalic vein, basilic vein, or median elbow vein in a hand or forearm of the subject. In various embodiments, a male or female adapter (not shown) connects the lower or distal end of the tube (not shown) to a female or male seat of a vascular access device (not shown). In some embodiments, a locking collar may be used to further secure the connection between the lower or distal end of the tube (not shown) and the seat of the vascular access device (not shown).

In various embodiments, the IVfluid administration system 200 includes a pressure operatedvalve 270. In various embodiments, the pressure operatedvalve 270 is configured to operate in fluid communication with the firstIV fluid source 210, as shown upstream of the pressure operatedvalve 270, viatubing 252 and with thereservoir pump 260, as shown upstream of the pressure operatedvalve 270, viatubing 256. In various embodiments, the pressure operatedvalve 270 includes male and/or female ends for connecting to the end of theupstream tube 252 and the end of thedownstream tube 252. In some embodiments, the pressure operatedvalve 270 may be connected to the end of theupstream tube 252 and the end of thedownstream tube 252 using male and/or female adapters.

In various embodiments,reservoir pump 260 is configured to automatically refill itself with a second IV fluid from a second upstream IV fluid source. In various embodiments, thereservoir pump 260 includes male and/or female ends to connect to the end of theupstream tube 254 and the end of thedownstream tube 252. In some embodiments, a male and/or female adapter may be used to connect the pressure operatedvalve 270 to the end of theupstream tube 252 and the end of thedownstream tube 256. As shown in fig. 2, the first and second upstream fluid sources may be the same source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210), and the first and second fluids may be the same type of fluid (e.g., a solution containing salt). In various embodiments, the second upstream fluid source may be a different fluid source (not shown) than the first upstream fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210). In various embodiments, the second fluid may be a different type of fluid than the first fluid. For example, the first fluid may be a solution comprising salt and glucose and the second fluid may be a solution comprising heparin.

In some embodiments, the IVfluid administration system 200 includes aviewing chamber 265 configured to operate in fluid communication with an upstream IV fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210) andreservoir pump 260, and to provide an indication that during operation thechamber 265, tubing (e.g., tubing 254) disposed between thechamber 265 and thereservoir pump 260, and thereservoir pump 260 are filled with IV fluid. In various embodiments, theviewing chamber 265 includes a viewing window or port that allows an operator to view the level of the second IV fluid in thechamber 265 and in a tube (e.g., tube 254) disposed between thechamber 265 and thereservoir pump 260. In various embodiments, the viewing window or port is graduated to indicate the precise amount of fluid contained in theviewing chamber 265, thedownstream tube 254, and thereservoir pump 260.

As shown in fig. 2, thereservoir pump 260 is configured to operate in fluid communication with an upstream IV fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210) and a downstream pressure operatedvalve 270. In various embodiments, during operation, thereservoir pump 260 is configured to dispense IV fluid under fluid pressure through thetubing 256 into the pressure operatedvalve 270 and automatically refill itself with IV fluid from an upstream IV fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210). In various embodiments, thereservoir pump 260, when operated, dispenses a predetermined amount of IV fluid into thetube 256 and the pressure operatedvalve 270. Any suitable reservoir pump may be used to dispense IV fluid under fluid pressure into thetubing 256 and the pressure operatedvalve 270.

Referring now to fig. 3A, a plan view of an example of a reservoir pump receiving fluid from an upstream fluid source is provided, according to some embodiments. As shown in fig. 3A,reservoir pump 360 is connected totube 254 andtube 256. In the example shown, thereservoir pump 360 includes a plunger assembly including ahandle 361 and aspring 364 operably coupled to apiston 362 located within areservoir pump chamber 363. In various embodiments, thereservoir pump chamber 363 is cylindrical; however, any suitable shape may be used for thereservoir pump chamber 363. In various embodiments, thereservoir pump chamber 363 is formed from a rigid plastic material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylic polymer, or methacrylic polymer. In some embodiments, thereservoir pump chamber 363 is formed of glass. Thereservoir pump 360 may includecheck valves 366a and 366 b. In the example shown, thereservoir pump 360 includes a normally openswing check valve 366a and a normally closedswing check valve 366 b. Any suitable check valve may be used forcheck valves 366a and 366 b. For example, swing check valves, lift check valves, wafer check valves, disc check valves, flap check valves, inline check valves, ball check valves, and the like may be used. With thepiston 362 in the fully retracted position within thereservoir pump chamber 363, as shown in fig. 3A, thecheck valve 366a is in a normally open position and thecheck valve 366b is in a normally closed position, IV fluid from an upstream IV fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210) is received into thereservoir pump 360 via the tube 354 until thereservoir pump chamber 363 is filled.

Referring now to fig. 3B, a plan view of an example of a reservoir pump dispensing fluid to a downstream fluid sink is provided, according to some embodiments. In the example shown, during operation, thereservoir pump 360 is configured to dispense IV fluid under fluid pressure into the downstream tubing 356. As shown in fig. 3B, with thehandle 361 depressed, thespring 364 is biased to drive thepiston 362 into the reservoir pump chamber 363 (e.g., laterally) to pressurize the IV fluid in thereservoir pump chamber 363. In the example shown, the pressurized IV fluid closes the normallyopen check valve 366a and opens the normally closedcheck valve 366b to dispense the pressurized IV fluid into the tubing 356 via thecheck valve 366 b. For example, an operator (e.g., a clinician) may grasp thereservoir pump 360 and depress thehandle 361 to initiate a flushing operation. In various embodiments, thehandle 361 is depressed to extend thepiston 362 completely through thereservoir pump chamber 363 with the biasing force of thespring 364 to fully dispense the IV fluid contained therein into the tube 356 under fluid pressure. In some embodiments, thehandle 361 may be depressed to extend thepiston 364 only partially through thereservoir pump chamber 363 such that only a portion of the IV fluid contained therein is dispensed into the tubing 356 under fluid pressure. In various embodiments, thereservoir pump chamber 363 is graduated to identify the precise amount of IV fluid contained therein and/or to provide an indication of the precise amount of fluid dispensed during operation thereof. In various embodiments, when the plunger assembly of thereservoir pump 360 is released, thespring 364 automatically biases the handle outward to bring thepiston 362 back to its fully retracted position (e.g., fig. 3A) via thereservoir pump chamber 363, thecheck valve 366a reopens, and thecheck valve 366b recloses. As shown in fig. 3A, with thepiston 362 returning to its retracted position within thereservoir pump chamber 363, thecheck valve 366a returning to its normally open position, and thecheck valve 366b returning to its normally closed position, IV fluid from an upstream IV fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210) is received into thereservoir pump 360 via the tube 354 until thereservoir pump chamber 363 is refilled.

Referring now to fig. 3C and 3E, respective plan views of examples of a reservoir pump including an adjustable fill volume and receiving fluid from an upstream fluid source according to some embodiments are provided. In the example shown in fig. 3C, a portion of thereservoir pump chamber 363 is externally threaded to engage with an internally threaded external device 367 (e.g., an internally threaded external cylinder, nut, ring, flange, etc.) such that the retracted position of thepiston 362 within thereservoir pump chamber 363, and thus the fill volume thereof, is adjusted by the threaded connection of theexternal device 367 on thereservoir pump chamber 363. Referring now to fig. 3E, in the example shown, the additional threaded connection of theexternal device 367 on thereservoir pump chamber 363 further adjusts the retracted position of thepiston 362 within thereservoir pump chamber 363 to adjust its fill volume. As shown in the example of fig. 3C and 3E, with thepiston 362 in its respective regulated retracted position within thereservoir pump chamber 363, thecheck valve 366a in a normally open position, and thecheck valve 366b in a normally closed position, IV fluid from an upstream IV fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210) is received into thereservoir pump 360 via the tube 354 until the regulated volume of thereservoir pump chamber 363 is filled.

Fig. 3D provides a plan view of an example of a reservoir pump that includes an adjustable fill volume and dispenses fluid to a downstream fluid sink, in accordance with some embodiments. In various embodiments, when the plunger assembly of thereservoir pump 360 is released, thespring 364 automatically biases thehandle 361 outward to bring thepiston 362 back to its adjusted retracted position (e.g., fig. 3C) through thereservoir pump chamber 363, thecheck valve 366a reopens, and thecheck valve 366b recloses. As shown in fig. 3C, IV fluid from an upstream IV fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210) is received into thereservoir pump 360 via tube 354 with thepiston 362 returning to its regulated retracted position within thereservoir pump chamber 363, thecheck valve 366a returning to its normally open position, and thecheck valve 366b returning to its normally closed position until the regulated volume of thereservoir pump chamber 363 is refilled.

Referring now to fig. 4A, a plan view of an example of a reservoir pump receiving fluid from an upstream fluid source is provided, according to some embodiments. In the example shown,reservoir pump 460 is connected to tube 454 and tube 456, and may includecheck valves 466a and 466b, as described in, for example, fig. 3A-3D. As shown in fig. 4A, thereservoir pump 460 may include a bellows 469. In various embodiments, bellows 469 may be elastically deformable. In some embodiments, bellows 469 is formed from a compressible elastomeric material, such as polyisoprene rubber. In some embodiments, bellows 469 is formed from, for example, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, or a thermoplastic elastomer.

With thebellows 469 in its fully released position, thecheck valve 466a in a normally open position, and thecheck valve 466b in a normally closed position, as shown in fig. 4A, IV fluid from an upstream IV fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210) is received into thebellows 469 via tube 454 until thebellows 469 is filled. During operation, thebellows 469 may be compressed to close the normallyopen check valve 466a, open the normally closedcheck valve 466b, and dispense pressurized IV fluid into the tube 456 via thecheck valve 466 b. For example, an operator (e.g., a clinician) may grasp and compress thebellows 469 to initiate an irrigation procedure. In various embodiments, when bellows 469 is released, it will automatically expand and return to its uncompressed form, which reopenscheck valve 466a and recloses checkvalve 466 b. As shown in fig. 4A, with thebellows 469 returning to its uncompressed form, thecheck valve 466a returning to its normally open position, and thecheck valve 466b returning to its normally closed position, IV fluid from an upstream IV fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210) is received into thebellows 469 via tube 454 until thebellows 469 is refilled.

Referring now to fig. 4B, a plan view of an example of a reservoir pump including an adjustable fill volume and receiving fluid from an upstream fluid source is provided, according to some embodiments. In the example shown, the compression device 480 (e.g., a clip, ring, flange, locking collar, etc.) limits the fillable volume of thebellows 469 to the volume in front of the compression device. As shown in fig. 4B, with thecompression device 460 installed around a portion of thebellows 469, thecheck valve 466a in the normally open position, and the check valve 466B in the normally closed position, IV fluid from an upstream IV fluid source (e.g., the IV fluid bag 210) is received into thereservoir pump 460 via the tube 454 until thebellows 469 is filled.

As described above with respect to fig. 4A, during operation, the fill portion ofbellows 469 may be compressed to close normallyopen check valve 466a, open normallyclosed check valve 466b, and dispense pressurized IV fluid from the regulated fill volume ofbellows 469 into tube 456 viacheck valve 466 b. In various embodiments, when this portion ofbellows 469 is released, it will automatically expand and return to its uncompressed form, which reopenscheck valve 466a and recloses checkvalve 466 b. As shown in fig. 4A, with the fill portion ofbellows 469 restored to its uncompressed form,check valve 466a returned to its normally open position, andcheck valve 466b returned to its normally closed position, IV fluid from an upstream IV fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210) is received into the fill portion ofbellows 469 via tube 454 until that portion ofbellows 469 is refilled.

Referring again to fig. 2, in various embodiments, the pressure operatedvalve 270 is configured to pass a first IV fluid from a first upstream fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210) through the pressure operated valve to a tube (e.g., tube 258) downstream of the pressure operatedvalve 270 at a first pressure condition during operation and to pass a second IV fluid from theupstream reservoir pump 260 through the pressure operated valve to a tube (e.g., tube 258) downstream of the pressure operatedvalve 270 at a second pressure condition during operation, wherein the second pressure condition is a higher pressure condition than the first pressure condition. For example, the first pressure may be the fluid pressure of the gravity-fed first IV fluid entering the pressure operatedvalve 270 via thetube 252, and the second pressure may be the fluid pressure of the pressurized second IV fluid from thereservoir pump 260 entering the pressure operatedvalve 270 via thetube 256. Any suitable pressure operatedvalve 270 may be used to selectively dispense either a first IV fluid (e.g., the first IV fluid gravity fed from theIV fluid bag 210 via the tubing 252) or a second IV fluid (e.g., the second IV fluid from thereservoir pump 260 via the tubing 256) to thedownstream tubing 258 based on the pressure conditions within the pressure operatedvalve 270. In various embodiments, the pressure operatedvalve 270 is set at a threshold pressure such that when the threshold pressure is met and/or exceeded, the second IV fluid (e.g., the second IV fluid dispensed from thereservoir pump 260 via the tube 256) passes through the pressure operated valve and is dispensed to thedownstream tube 258 instead of the first IV fluid (e.g., the first IV fluid gravity fed from theIV fluid bag 210 via the tube 252).

Referring now to fig. 5A, a plan view of an example of a pressure operated valve at a first pressure condition is provided, according to some embodiments. As shown in fig. 5A, pressure operatedvalve 570 is connected totube 252,tube 258, andtube 256. In the example shown, the pressure operatedvalve 570 includes aspring 574 operably coupled to apiston 572. As shown in FIG. 5A, thepiston 574 is generally "T" shaped in cross-section, including a longitudinal rod portion operably coupled to thespring 574 and a transverse rod portion disposed above the spring. Any suitable shape may be provided forpiston 572 andspring 574. In various embodiments, thespring 574 is biased at a predetermined threshold pressure of the pressure operatedvalve 570. As shown in fig. 5A, during normal operation, the second IV fluid pressure fromreservoir pump 260 and viatubing 256 is minimal; thus, thespring 574 is biased to extend thepiston 572 toward thetube 256, and the first IV fluid, gravity fed from the first upstream IV fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210) via thetube 252, passes through the pressure operatedvalve 570 into thedownstream tube 258.

Referring now to fig. 5B, a plan view of an example of a pressure operated valve at a second pressure condition is provided, according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, during a reservoir pump use operation (e.g., a flush operation), pressurized second IV fluid is received fromreservoir pump 260 and enters pressure operatedvalve 570 viatubing 256. As shown in fig. 5B, the pressurized second IV fluid applies fluid pressure topiston 572. In the example shown, when fluid pressure received fromreservoir pump 260 viatube 256 reaches or exceeds a threshold biasing pressure ofspring 574,piston 572 compressesspring 574 to reposition a lateral rod portion ofpiston 572 to block fluid flow fromtube 252 and provide fluid communication between an inlet fromtube 256 and an outlet totube 258. When the fluid pressure received fromreservoir pump 260 viatube 256 is again less than the threshold bias pressure ofspring 574,spring 574biases piston 572 back towardtube 256 to reopen the inlet fromtube 252, provide fluid communication between the inlet fromtube 252 and the outlet totube 258, and block fluid flow fromtube 256.

Fig. 5C is a plan view of an example of a pressure operated valve at a first pressure condition according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the example shown, pressure operatedvalve 570 is connected totube 252,tube 258, andtube 256, and includes aspring 574 operably coupled topiston 572, as described above with respect to fig. 5A-5B. As shown in fig. 5C, the pressure operatedvalve 570 may include aport connector 575, such as a luer lock connector. In various embodiments, the pressure operatedvalve 570 may include a male or female connector end for connection to the end of theport connector 575. In various embodiments, theport connector 575 may be integral with the pressure operatedvalve 570. In various embodiments, the female end of the port connector 575 (e.g., a luer lock connector) serves as a connection point through which a third IV fluid (e.g., a drug, an antibiotic, an anesthetic, etc.) is introduced into the pressure operatedvalve 570 under fluid pressure conditions (e.g., via a syringe (not shown)).

The pressurized third IV fluid may apply fluid pressure to thepiston 572, and when the fluid pressure received via theport connector 575 reaches or exceeds the threshold bias pressure of thespring 574, thepiston 572 compresses thespring 574 to reposition the lateral stem portion of thepiston 572 to block fluid flow from thetube 252 and provide fluid communication between theport connector 575 and the outlet to thetube 258, as described above for fig. 5B and the second IV fluid from thereservoir pump 260 via thetube 256. When the fluid pressure received via theport connector 575 is again less than the threshold bias pressure of thespring 574, thespring 574 biases thepiston 572 back toward thetube 256 to reopen the inlet from thetube 252, provide fluid communication between the inlet from thetube 252 and the outlet to thetube 258, and block fluid flow from theport connector 575 and thetube 256. In various embodiments,port connector 575 includes a filter (not shown). In some embodiments,port connector 575 comprises a normally closed check valve (not shown). In various embodiments, after injecting the third IV fluid into the pressure operatedvalve 570 via the port connector 575 (e.g., a luer lock connector), a flush operation using thereservoir pump 260 may be initiated as described above with respect to fig. 2, 3A-4B, and 5B.

Fig. 5D is a plan view of an example of a pressure operated valve at a first pressure condition according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 5D, a pressure operatedvalve 570 is connected to thepipe 252, thepipe 258, and thepipe 256. In various embodiments, the pressure operatedvalve 570 comprises one or more check valves. In various embodiments, the pressure operatedvalve 570 may include a check valve located within the valve inlet from thetube 252. As shown in fig. 5D, the pressure operatedvalve 570 may include a check valve located in the valve inlet from thepipe 252 and a check valve located in the valve outlet to thepipe 258. In the example shown, the pressure operatedvalve 570 includes a normally openswing check valve 576 located within the valve inlet from thetube 252 and a normally opendisc check valve 577 located within the valve outlet to thetube 258. Any suitable check valve may be used forcheck valves 576 and 577. As shown in fig. 5D, during normal operation, the second IV fluid pressure fromreservoir pump 260 and viatubing 256 is minimal; thus, the first IV fluid, gravity fed from the first upstream IV fluid source (e.g., IV fluid bag 210) viatube 252, passes through the pressure operatedvalve 570 into thedownstream tube 258. In various embodiments, the pressure operatedvalve 570 comprises a check valve (not shown) positioned within the valve inlet from thetube 256. In various embodiments, fluid pressure from below the check valve 577 (e.g., backflow from the tubing 258) will operate the valve disc to close thecheck valve 577 and prevent any fluid flow from thetubing 258 from entering the pressure operatedvalve 570.

Referring now to fig. 5E, a plan view of an example of a pressure operated valve at a second pressure condition is provided, according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, during a reservoir pump use operation (e.g., a flush operation), pressurized second IV fluid is received fromreservoir pump 260 and into pressure operatedvalve 570 viatubing 256. As shown in fig. 5B, the pressurized second IV fluid applies fluid pressure to closecheck valve 576. In the example shown, when the fluid pressure received from thereservoir pump 260 via thetube 256 reaches or exceeds the threshold pressure of thecheck valve 576, thecheck valve 576 closes to block fluid flow from thetube 252 and provide fluid communication between the inlet from thetube 256 and the outlet to thetube 258 via thecheck valve 577. When the fluid pressure received from thereservoir pump 260 via thetube 256 is again less than the threshold pressure of thecheck valve 576, thecheck valve 576 reopens to reopen the inlet from thetube 252 and provide fluid communication between the inlet from thetube 252 and the outlet to thetube 258 via thecheck valve 577.

Fig. 5F is a plan view of an example of a pressure operated valve under a first pressure condition according to some embodiments. In the example shown, pressure operatedvalve 570 is connected totube 252,tube 258, andtube 256, and includescheck valves 576 and 577, as described above with respect to fig. 5E-5F. As shown in fig. 5F, the pressure operatedvalve 570 may include a port connector 575 (e.g., a luer lock connector) as described above with respect to fig. 5C. In various embodiments, the pressurized third IV fluid injected via the port connector 575 (e.g., a luer lock connector) may apply a fluid pressure to thecheck valve 576, and when the fluid pressure received via theport connector 575 reaches or exceeds the threshold pressure of thecheck valve 576, as described above for fig. 5E and the second IV fluid from thereservoir pump 260 viatubing 256, thecheck valve 576 closes to block fluid flow from thetubing 252 and provide fluid communication between the inlet from thetubing 256 and the outlet to thetubing 258 viacheck valve 577. When the fluid pressure received viaport connector 575 is again less than the threshold pressure ofcheck valve 576,check valve 576 reopens to reopen the inlet fromtube 252 and provide fluid communication between the inlet fromtube 252 and the outlet totube 258 viacheck valve 577. In various embodiments,port connector 575 includes a filter (not shown). In some embodiments,port connector 575 includes a normally closed check valve (not shown). In various embodiments, after injecting the third IV fluid into the pressure operatedvalve 570 via the port connector 575 (e.g., a luer lock connector), a flush operation using thereservoir pump 260 may be initiated as described above for fig. 2, 3A-4B, and 5E.

Referring to fig. 6, a perspective view of an Intravenous (IV) fluid administration system is provided, according to some embodiments. As shown in fig. 6, some embodiments include afirst source 610a of a first IV fluid, adrip chamber 620, aroller clamp 630, atubing 652 upstream of thedrip chamber 620, between thedrip chamber 620 and theroller clamp 630, and downstream of theroller frame 630, astopcock 640, and a stand 690, as described above with respect to fig. 2. In various embodiments,stopcock valve 640 is not included in IVfluid administration system 600. In various embodiments, the IVfluid administration system 600 includes a first pressure operatedvalve 670a, as described above for the pressure operated valve 270(570) of fig. 2, 5A-5F. In various embodiments, the IVfluid administration system 600 includes afirst reservoir pump 660a and atube 656a between thefirst reservoir pump 660a and a first pressure operatedvalve 670a, as described above for the reservoir pump 260(360 ) of fig. 2, 3A-4B and the pressure operated valve 270(570) of fig. 2, 5A-5F. In various embodiments, the IVfluid administration system 600 includes a first viewing chamber 665a and atube 654a positioned between thefirst reservoir pump 660a and the first viewing chamber 665a, as described above with respect toviewing chamber 265 and reservoir pump 260(360 ) of fig. 2, 3A-4B. In various embodiments, the IV fluid source (not shown) of the firstIV fluid source 610a and thefirst reservoir pump 660a is a different IV fluid source than described above with respect to fig. 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the IV fluid source of the firstIV fluid source 610a and thefirst reservoir pump 660a is the same IV fluid source (610 a).

The inventors have determined that the solution described herein is easily scalable so that a variety of different IV fluids can be effectively, cost-effectively, and accurately infused and flushed. For example, as shown in fig. 6, the IVfluid administration system 600 may include another upstream IV fluid source 610B and another upstream reservoir pump 660B configured to automatically refill itself with a third IV fluid from the another upstream IV fluid source 610B, as described above for the reservoir pump 260(360, 460) of fig. 2, 3A-4B. In the illustrated embodiment, theIV fluid source 610b of the firstIV fluid source 610a and thesecond reservoir pump 660b are different IV fluid sources. In various embodiments, theIV fluid source 610b of the firstIV fluid source 610a and thesecond reservoir pump 660b is the same IV fluid source (not shown). In some embodiments, the IVfluid administration system 600 includes a second viewing chamber 665B configured to operate in fluid communication with the other upstream IV fluid source 610B and the other upstream reservoir pump 660B, and configured to provide an indication that during operation the second chamber 665B, tubing (e.g., tubing 654B) disposed between the chamber 665B and the other upstream reservoir pump 660B, and the other upstream reservoir pump 660B are filled with IV fluid, as described above with respect toviewing chamber 265 and reservoir pump 260(360 ) of fig. 2, 3A-4B.

As shown in fig. 6, the further upstream reservoir pump 660B is configured to operate in fluid communication with the further upstream IV fluid source 610B and a downstream second pressure operated valve 670B, as described above for the reservoir pump 260(360 ) of fig. 2, 3A-4B and the pressure operated valve 270(570) of fig. 2, 5A-5F. In various embodiments, during operation, the another upstream reservoir pump 660B is configured to dispense IV fluid into the second pressure operated valve 670B at fluid pressure via tube 656B and to automatically refill itself with IV fluid from the another upstream IV fluid source 610B, as described above for reservoir pump 260(360 ) of fig. 2, 3A-4B and pressure operated valve 270(570) of fig. 2, 5A-5F. In various embodiments, the otherupstream reservoir pump 660b, when operated, dispenses a predetermined amount of IV fluid into thetube 656b and the second pressure operatedvalve 670 b. Any suitable reservoir pump may be used to dispense IV fluid under fluid pressure into 656b and second pressure operatedvalve 670 b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the IVfluid administration system 600 may include a second pressure operatedvalve 670b configured to operate in fluid communication with the first upstreamIV fluid source 610a (as described above with respect to the pressure operated valves 270(570) of fig. 2, 5A-5F) or theupstream reservoir pump 660a, depending on which fluid passes through theupstream tube 658 a. In various embodiments, the second pressure operated valve 670B is also configured to operate in fluid communication with another upstream reservoir pump 660B (as described above for reservoir pump 260(360, 360) of fig. 2, 3A-4B and pressure operated valve 270(570) of fig. 2, 5A-5F) that is configured to automatically refill itself with a third IV fluid from another upstream IV fluid source 610B. In various embodiments, neither the IV fluid source (not shown) of thefirst reservoir pump 660a nor the IV fluid source (610b) of thesecond reservoir pump 660b is the same IV fluid source as the firstIV fluid source 610 a. In various embodiments, the IV fluid source of the firstIV fluid source 610a and the IV fluid source of thefirst reservoir pump 660a are the same IV fluid source (610a), and the IV fluid source (610b) of thesecond reservoir pump 660b is a different IV fluid source.

In various embodiments, during operation, the second pressure operatedvalve 670b is configured to pass the first fluid from the first upstreamIV fluid source 610a or the second fluid from the firstupstream reservoir pump 660a through it to thepipe 658b downstream of the second pressure operatedvalve 670b under third pressure conditions (as described above for the pressure operated valve 270(570) of fig. 2, 5A-5F), and a line 658B that is further configured to pass a third IV fluid from the other upstream reservoir pump 660B through the second pressure operated valve to downstream of the second pressure operated valve 670B during operation at a fourth pressure condition (as described above for reservoir pump 260(360, 360) of fig. 2, 3A-4B, and pressure operated valve 270(570) of fig. 2, 5A-5F), wherein the fourth pressure condition is a higher pressure condition than the third pressure condition. For example, the third pressure may be the fluid pressure of the gravity-fed first IV fluid entering the second pressure operatedvalve 670b vialine 658a, and the fourth pressure may be the fluid pressure of the pressurized third IV fluid entering the second pressure operatedvalve 670b from anotherreservoir pump 660b vialine 656 b. The third pressure may be the fluid pressure of the pressurized second IV fluid entering the second pressure operatedvalve 670b from thereservoir pump 660a vialine 658a, and the fourth pressure may be the fluid pressure of the pressurized third IV fluid entering the second pressure operatedvalve 670b from theother reservoir pump 660b vialine 656 b.

The first IV fluid (e.g., the first IV fluid gravity fed from theIV fluid bag 610a via theline 658 a), the second IV fluid (e.g., the second IV fluid from thereservoir pump 660a via the first pressure operatedvalve 670a and theline 658 a), or the third IV fluid (e.g., the third IV fluid from anotherreservoir pump 660b via theline 656b) may be selectively dispensed to thedownstream line 658b using any suitable pressure operatedvalve 670b based on the pressure conditions within the second pressure operatedvalve 670 b. In various embodiments, the second pressure operatedvalve 670b is set at a threshold pressure such that when the threshold pressure is met and/or exceeded, a third IV fluid (e.g., the third IV fluid dispensed from anotherreservoir pump 660b viatube 656b) passes through the second pressure operated valve and is dispensed to thedownstream tube 658b instead of the first IV fluid (e.g., the first IV fluid gravity fed from theIV fluid bag 610a viatube 658 b). In various embodiments, the second pressure operatedvalve 670b is set at a threshold pressure such that when the threshold pressure is met and/or exceeded, a third IV fluid (e.g., the third IV fluid dispensed from anotherreservoir pump 660b viatube 656b) is passed therethrough and dispensed to thedownstream tube 658b instead of the first IV fluid (e.g., the first IV fluid gravity fed from theIV fluid bag 610a viatube 658b) and not the second IV fluid (e.g., the second IV fluid from thestorage pump 660a via the first pressure operatedvalve 670a andtube 658 a). In various embodiments, the third pressure condition of the second pressure operatedvalve 670b is the same as the first pressure condition of the first pressure operatedvalve 670 a.

Referring now to fig. 7, a plan view of an example of a manifold according to some embodiments is provided. In various embodiments, the manifold 790 includes a plurality of interconnected pressure operated valves (770a, 770b, 770c) that operate as described above with respect to the pressure operatedvalve 270, the first pressure operatedvalve 670a, and/or the second pressure operatedvalve 670b of fig. 2, 5A-5F, and/or 6. In various embodiments,manifold 790 is connected totube 752 andtube 756a via a first pressure operatedvalve 770a, totube 756b via a second pressure operatedvalve 770b, and totube 756c,tube 758, and port (e.g., luer lock connector) 775 via a third pressure operatedvalve 770 c. In various embodiments,port 775 is configured to receive a needle of a syringe (not shown) as described above forport 575. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of interconnected pressure operated valves (770a, 770b, 770c) includes one or more respective check valves (not shown), e.g., as described above for the pressure operatedvalve 270 of fig. 5D-5F.

As shown in fig. 7, the third pressure operatedvalve 770c may be configured to operate in fluid communication with a first upstream source of first IV fluid (e.g., 610a) viatubing 752, first pressure operatedvalve 770a, and second pressure operatedvalve 770b, with a first upstream reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260 or 660a) viatubing 756a, first pressure operatedvalve 770a, and second pressure operatedvalve 770b, with a second upstream reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 660b) viatubing 756b and second pressure operatedvalve 770b, with a syringe via port 775 (e.g., a luer lock connector), and with a third upstream reservoir pump viatubing 756 c. In various embodiments, the third pressure operated valve 770C may be configured to pass the first IV fluid from the firstupstream fluid source 610a through it under fifth pressure conditions to thetubing 758 downstream of the third pressure operated valve 770C during operation (as described above for the pressure operated valve 270(570) of fig. 2, 5A-5F), and further configured to pass the fourth IV fluid from the syringe through it under sixth pressure conditions to thetubing 758 downstream of the third pressure operated valve 770C during operation (as described above for the reservoir pump 260(360, 460) of fig. 2, 3A-4B and the port connector of fig. 5C, 5F), wherein the sixth pressure conditions are higher pressure conditions than the fifth pressure conditions.

In various embodiments, the third pressure operatedvalve 770c may be configured to pass a first IV fluid from the firstupstream fluid source 610a (as described above for the pressure operated valve 270(570) of fig. 2, 5A-5F), a second IV fluid from the first upstream reservoir pump (e.g., 260 or 660a), or a third IV fluid from the second upstream reservoir pump (e.g., 260 or 660B) to thetube 758 downstream of the third pressure operatedvalve 770c under fifth pressure conditions during operation, and further configured to pass a fourth IV fluid from the third upstream reservoir pump (e.g., 260) (as described above for the reservoir pumps 260(360, 460) of fig. 2, 3A-4B, and the pressure operated valve 270(570) of fig. 2, 5A-5F) to thetube 758 downstream of the third pressure operatedvalve 770c under sixth pressure conditions during operation, wherein the sixth pressure condition is a higher pressure condition than the fifth pressure condition.

For example, the fifth pressure may be the fluid pressure of gravity-fed first IV fluid entering the second pressure operatedvalve 670b vialine 658a, and the sixth pressure may be the fluid pressure of pressurized fourth IV fluid entering the third pressure operatedvalve 770c from a third upstream reservoir pump (not shown) vialine 756c or pressurized fourth IV fluid entering the third pressure operatedvalve 770c from a syringe (not shown) viaport 775. The fifth pressure may be the fluid pressure of the pressurized second IV fluid entering manifold 700 from the first upstream reservoir pump (e.g., 260 or 660a) viatube 756a or the pressurized third IV fluid entering manifold 700 from the second upstream reservoir pump (e.g., 260 or 660b) viatube 756b, and the sixth pressure may be the fluid pressure of the pressurized fourth IV fluid entering the third pressure operatedvalve 770c from the third upstream reservoir pump (not shown) viatube 756 c.

Referring to fig. 8, a perspective view of an Intravenous (IV) fluid administration system is provided, according to some embodiments. As shown in fig. 8, some embodiments include a firstIV fluid source 810, adrip chamber 820, aroller clamp 830, and atube 852 located downstream of theroller clamp 830, as described above with respect to fig. 2. In various embodiments, the IVfluid administration system 800 includes a pressure operatedvalve 870, as described above with respect to the pressure operated valve 270(570) of fig. 2, 5A-5F. In various embodiments, the IVfluid administration system 800 includes areservoir pump 860 and atube 856 between thereservoir pump 860 and a pressure operatedvalve 870, as described above for the reservoir pump 260(360 ) of fig. 2, 3A-4B and the pressure operated valve 270(570) of fig. 2, 5A-5F. In various embodiments, the IVfluid administration system 800 includes atube 854 located between thereservoir pump 860 and theIV fluid source 810 for thereservoir pump 860, as described above for the reservoir pump 260(360 ) of fig. 2, 3A-4B. In various embodiments, the IV fluid source (not shown) of the firstIV fluid source 810 and thereservoir pump 860 is a different IV fluid source, as described above with respect to fig. 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstIV fluid source 810 and the IV fluid source of thereservoir pump 860 are the same IV fluid source 810 a. As shown in fig. 8, the IVfluid administration system 800 does not include a stopcock valve or viewing chamber located between thereservoir pump 860 and theIV fluid source 810 for thereservoir pump 860.

Referring now to fig. 9, a flow diagram is provided that illustrates amethod 900 of flushing lines of an intravenous fluid administration system (e.g., IVfluid administration systems 200, 600, 800) in accordance with some embodiments. Atblock 910, a first IV fluid is introduced into a tube (e.g.,tube 258, tube 858) configured to deliver a fluid for intravenous infusion to a subject. Atblock 920, the reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260, reservoir pump 860) located upstream of the tubing (e.g.,tubing 258, tubing 858) is operated to dispense a predetermined amount of the second IV fluid at a fluid pressure that exceeds a threshold pressure of the pressure operated valve (e.g., pressure operatedvalve 270, pressure operated valve 870) through the pressure operated valve (e.g., pressure operatedvalve 270, pressure operated valve 870) also located upstream of the tubing (e.g.,tubing 258, tubing 858). Atblock 930, the reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260, reservoir pump 860) is released. Atblock 934, once the reservoir pump is released atblock 930, the reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260, reservoir pump 860) automatically fills itself with a predetermined amount of the second IV fluid from the source (e.g.,source 210, source 810) upstream of the reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260, reservoir pump 860). Atblock 938, upon releasing the reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260, reservoir pump 860) atblock 930, the pressure operated valve (e.g., pressure operatedvalve 270, pressure operated valve 870) automatically reconfigures itself to receive the third IV fluid from the fluid source (e.g.,source 210, source 810) upstream of the pressure operated valve (e.g., pressure operatedvalve 270, pressure operated valve 870) and at a fluid pressure less than the threshold pressure.

In various embodiments, the fluid source upstream of the reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260, reservoir pump 860) and the fluid source upstream of the pressure operated valve (e.g., pressure operatedvalve 270, pressure operated valve 870) are the same source (e.g.,source 210, source 810), and the second and third IV fluids are the same type of fluid. In various embodiments, the fluid source upstream of the reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260, reservoir pump 860) and the fluid source upstream of the pressure operated valve (e.g., pressure operatedvalve 270, pressure operated valve 870) are different sources, and the second and third IV fluids are different types of fluids. In various embodiments, the first IV fluid is introduced (at block 910) via an injection port (e.g.,port connector 575, port 775) or an inlet port (e.g., port 245) of a three-way stopcock (e.g., stopcock 240) disposed downstream of a pressure operated valve (e.g., pressure operatedvalve 270, pressure operated valve 870). In various embodiments, the first IV fluid is introduced (at block 910) via the inlet ports (e.g.,port 575, port 775) of the pressure operated valves (e.g., pressure operatedvalve 270, pressure operated valve 870) and at a pressure that exceeds the threshold pressure of the pressure operated valves (e.g., pressure operatedvalve 270, pressure operated valve 870). In various embodiments, the third IV fluid is a solution comprising a salt and the first IV fluid comprises a drug or an antibiotic.

The present inventors have observed that utilizing a chamber comprising a plurality of connector ports, at least the connector ports configured to receive fluid from a gravity-fed IV fluid source are automated, eliminates the time and cost required to use a stopcock valve. Referring now to fig. 10A and 10B, plan views of examples of chambers according to some embodiments are provided. In various embodiments, achamber 1070 is provided that includes a plurality ofconnector ports 1071, 1072, 1073, 1074. Although the illustrated embodiment shows an example of achamber 1070 having four (4) connector ports, achamber 1070 including any suitable number of connector ports (e.g., three (3), five (5), six (6), etc.) may be selected and used. As shown in the example of fig. 10A and 10B, thechamber 1070 may include acheck valve 1076 located downstream of theconnector port 1071. In the embodiment shown in fig. 10A, thecheck valve 1076 is a normally open swing check valve. In the embodiment shown in fig. 10B, thecheck valve 1076 is a normally open disc check valve. Any suitable check valve may be used forcheck valve 1076. For example, swing check valves, lift check valves, wafer check valves, disc check valves, flapper check valves, inline check valves, ball check valves, and the like may be used.

Each of the plurality of connector ports (1071, 1072, 1073, 1074) is configured to be operably coupled to an end of a valve connector or tube. In various embodiments, the connector port is configured to be operably coupled to a cap (e.g., a cap) to prevent contaminants from entering thechamber 1070 when the connector port is not operably coupled to an end of a valve connector or tube. For example, the cap may be screwed or snapped onto any connector port that is not operably coupled to the end of the valve connector or tube. Referring to fig. 10A and 10B, for example, theconnector port 1072 may be configured to be operably coupled to thecap 1092 and theconnector port 1074 may be configured to be operably coupled to thecap 1094.

Referring now to fig. 10C, a plan view of an example of a chamber including a plurality of connector ports and an example of a valve connector according to some embodiments is provided. As shown in the example of fig. 10C, an end ofvalve connector 1078 including a needle-free valve may be operably coupled to a connector port (e.g., 1074) ofchamber 1070, an end ofvalve connector 1076 including one or more normally open check valves may be operably coupled to a connector port (e.g., 1073) of chamber, and/or an end ofvalve connector 1079 including a normally open check valve and/or a normally closed check valve may be operably coupled to a connector port (e.g., 1072) of chamber. Any suitable valve connector may be operatively coupled to the connector port ofchamber 1070. For example, the valve connector may include a needle-free valve, a suction valve, a trumpet valve, a normally closed check valve, a normally open check valve, a luer fitting, and/or combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, the valve connector (e.g., 1079, fig. 10C) may include a normally open check valve at one end and a normally closed check valve at the other end. In various embodiments, engagement of one end of the valve connector with the connector port ofchamber 1070 will automatically reposition the corresponding check valve at that end such that the normally open check valve will close and the normally closed valve will open. For example, valve connector 1079 (fig. 10C) includes a normally open check valve at one end, a normally closed check valve at the other end,post 1081 andpost 1083. During operation, if an operator (e.g., a clinician) desires both check valves in the valve connector (e.g., 1079, fig. 10C) to operate in a normally open position, the operator will cause that end of the valve connector (e.g., 1079, fig. 10C) with the normally closed check valve to be operably coupled to the connector port of thechamber 1070. Engagement of this end with the connector port will operate thepost 1081 to open the normally closed check valve. In the example shown in fig. 10C, when the respective end of the valve connector is engaged with the connector port, thepost 1081 will contact the hinge plate assembly and apply a force to open the normally closed check valve. During operation, if an operator (e.g., a clinician) desires both check valves in the valve connector (e.g., 1079, fig. 10C) to operate in a normally closed position, the operator will cause that end of the valve connector (e.g., 1079, fig. 10C) with the normally open check valve to be operably coupled to the connector port of thechamber 1070. Engagement of this end with the connector port will operate thepost 1083 to close the normally open check valve. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10C, when the respective end of the valve connector is engaged with the connector port, thepost 1083 will contact the hinge plate assembly and apply a force to close the normally open check valve.

In various embodiments, a plurality of connector ports are each operably coupled to a respective end of a respective valve connector or tube. For example, respective ends of the valve connector or tube may be clamped, screwed or snapped onto or into each of the plurality of connector ports. A locking collar may be used to operably couple a respective end of a valve connector or tube with one or more of the plurality of connector ports. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of connector ports includes a respective male and/or female end for connection to an end of a valve connector or tube. In some embodiments, respective male and/or female adapters may be used to connect each of the plurality of connector ports (1071, 1072, 1073, 1074) to an end of a valve connector or tube. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of connector ports are shaped to snap into and out of engagement with an end of a valve connector.

Referring to fig. 10D and 10E, plan views of an example of a chamber and an example of a valve connector according to some embodiments are provided, the chamber including a plurality of connector ports respectively connected to ends of a tube. As shown in the example of fig. 10D, an end of thevalve connector 1078 including the needle-free valve may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1074 of thechamber 1070, an end of thetube 1052 may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1071 of the chamber, and an end of thetube 1058 may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1073 of the chamber. As shown in the example of fig. 10E, an end of avalve connector 1079 comprising a normally closed check valve may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1074 of thechamber 1070, an end of atube 1052 may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1073 of the chamber, and an end of atube 1058 may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1073 of the chamber. In the example shown in fig. 10E, when the respective end of thevalve connector 1079 is engaged with theconnector port 1072, thepost 1081 of thevalve connector 1079 contacts the hinge plate assembly and applies a force to open the normally closed check valve.

Referring to fig. 10F and 10G, plan views of an example of a chamber and an example of a valve connector according to some embodiments are provided, the chamber including a plurality of connector ports respectively connected to ends of a tube. In various embodiments, the first portion of the valve connector may operably engage the second portion of thevalve connector 1089. As shown in the example of fig. 10F and 10G, thevalve connector 1089 may include a first portion having a perimeter that is greater than a perimeter of a second portion. In the example shown, one portion of the first portion has internal threads to threadingly engage 1067 the external threaded portion of the second portion. Any suitable technique for operable engagement between the first and second portions of thevalve connector 1089 may be used. For example, one or both of the first and second portions of thevalve connector 1089 may include notches, ridges, ribs, and/or threads to allow an operator to operate the valve connector between the first and second positions. In various embodiments, the first portion of thevalve connector 1089 can be operated between the first position and the second position by twisting the first portion in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction relative to the second portion. In some embodiments, a portion of the first portion is required to rotate a full turn around a portion of the second portion to operate the valve connector between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, partial rotations (e.g., 1/4 rotations, 1/2 rotations) are required. In some embodiments, multiple full rotations are required. In some embodiments, the first portion is pushed toward the second portion and then twisted relative to the second portion to operate thevalve connector 1089 between the first and second positions.

In the example shown in fig. 10F, thevalve connector 1089 is in a first position such that the check valve comprising theplunger assembly 1085 is a normally open check valve. In the example shown, a proximal end of the valve connector 1089 (relative to the chamber 1070) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1072, and a distal end of thevalve connector 1089 may be operably coupled to an end of a tube to receive IV fluid from an upstream source. In the example shown, with the proximal end ofvalve connector 1089 operably coupled toconnector port 1072, IV fluid from an upstream source is allowed to flow throughvalve connector 1089 andpast plunger assembly 1085 intochamber 1070 viaconnector port 1072. In the example shown, with the proximal end ofvalve connector 1089 operably coupled toconnector port 1072, fluid pressure of IV fluid received intochamber 1070 via another connector port (e.g., 1071, 1074, 1073) may operate to close a normally open check valve invalve connector 1089 by operatingplunger assembly 1085 to prevent IV fluid from flowing to the distal end of valve connector 1089 (opposite chamber 1070).

Referring now to the example shown in fig. 10G, thevalve connector 1089 has been operated from the first position (shown in fig. 10F) to the second position (shown in fig. 10G) such that the check valve comprising theplunger assembly 1085 is a normally closed check valve. In the example shown, a proximal end of valve connector 1089 (relative to chamber 1070) may be operably coupled toconnector port 1072, and a distal end ofvalve connector 1089 may be operably coupled to an end of a tube to receive IV fluid from an upstream source. In the example shown, with the proximal end ofvalve connector 1089 operably coupled toconnector port 1072, IV fluid from an upstream source and received via the distal end of valve connector 1089 (opposite chamber 1070) is prevented from flowing throughvalve connector 1089 andpast plunger assembly 1085 intochamber 1070 viaconnector port 1072 until the fluid pressure of the IV fluid exceeds the threshold bias pressure of the spring ofplunger assembly 1085. In the example shown, with the proximal end ofvalve connector 1089 operably coupled toconnector port 1072,plunger assembly 1085 also prevents IV fluid received intochamber 1070 via another connector port (e.g., 1071, 1074, 1073) from flowing to the distal end of valve connector 1089 (opposite chamber 1070).

In various embodiments, thechamber 1070 is configured to operate in fluid communication with a first upstream source of a first IV fluid (e.g., thesource 210 of fig. 2, thesource 810 of fig. 8) via a first connector port (e.g., 1071) of the plurality of connector ports of thechamber 1070. Any suitable fluid for intravenous administration to a subject may be provided as the first IV fluid, as described above for the first IV fluid source of fig. 2. In various embodiments, an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2,tube 852 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled toconnector port 1071 ofchamber 1070 such thatchamber 1070 receives a first IV fluid gravity-fed from a first IV fluid source (e.g.,source 210 of fig. 2,source 810 of fig. 8) viaconnector port 1071.

In various embodiments, thechamber 1070 is configured to pass a first IV fluid from a first upstream IV fluid source (e.g., thesource 210 of fig. 2, thesource 810 of fig. 8) through thechamber 1070 and to a tube (e.g., thetube 258 of fig. 2, thetube 858 of fig. 8) downstream of thechamber 1070 via a second connector port (e.g., 1073) of the plurality ofconnector ports 1071, 1072, 1073, 1074 at a first pressure condition during operation. In various embodiments, an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled toconnector port 1073 ofchamber 1070 and an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2,tube 852 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled toconnector port 1071 ofchamber 1070. In various embodiments, during operation and under a first pressure condition (e.g., the first pressure may be a fluid pressure of a gravity-fed first IV fluid entering thechamber 1070 via thetubes 252, 852 and the connector port 1071), thechamber 1070 may pass the gravity-fed first IV fluid from a first IV fluid source (e.g., thesource 210 of fig. 2, thesource 810 of fig. 8) through the chamber and to a tube (e.g., thetube 258 of fig. 2, thetube 858 of fig. 8) downstream of thechamber 1070 via theconnector ports 1071 and 1073.

In various embodiments, a third connector port (e.g., 1072) of the plurality of connector ports of thechamber 1070 is configured to be connected to an end of a valve connector or tube such that, during operation, thechamber 1070 is configured to pass a second IV fluid from a second IV fluid source through the chamber to a tube (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) downstream of thechamber 1070 via the third connector port (e.g., 1072) and the second connector port (e.g., 1073) at a second pressure condition that is higher than the first pressure condition, preventing the first IV fluid from flowing into the tube (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) downstream of thechamber 1070 and preventing the second IV fluid from flowing through the first connector port (e.g., 1071). In various embodiments, an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1072 of thechamber 1070, an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1073 of the chamber, and an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2,tube 852 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1071 of the chamber. In some embodiments, one end of a valve connector including a normally closed check valve (e.g., 1079) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1072, and one end of a tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to the other end (e.g., 1079) of the valve connector.

In various embodiments, the tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) or valve connector (e.g., 1079) operably coupled to theconnector port 1072 is also operably coupled to a reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260 of fig. 2,reservoir pump 860 of fig. 8) configured to automatically refill itself with the second IV fluid from the second upstream fluid source. In various embodiments, the IV fluid source (e.g.,source 610b of fig. 6) of the first IV fluid source (e.g.,source 610a of fig. 6) and the reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 660b of fig. 6) are different IV fluid sources, as described above with respect to fig. 2 and 6. In various embodiments, the IV fluid source of the first IV fluid source (e.g.,source 210 of fig. 2,source 810 of fig. 8) and the reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260 of fig. 2,reservoir pump 860 of fig. 8) is the same IV fluid source (e.g.,source 210 of fig. 2,source 810 of fig. 8), as described above for fig. 2 and 8.

In various embodiments, during a reservoir pump use operation (e.g., a flush operation), pressurized second IV fluid is received into thechamber 1070 from a reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260 of fig. 2,reservoir pump 860 of fig. 8) via a tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) and a connector port (e.g., 1072, 1074) that is operably coupled to the connector port. In various embodiments, the pressurized second IV fluid applies fluid pressure to close thecheck valve 1076 of thechamber 1070, as described above for thecheck valves 366a, 466a, 576 of fig. 3B, 3D, 4A, 4B, 5E. In some embodiments, one end of a valve connector including a normally closed check valve (e.g., 1079) may be operably coupled to a selected connector port (e.g., 1072, 1074), and an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to the other end of the valve connector (e.g., 1079). In various embodiments, the pressurized second IV fluid applies fluid pressure to open a normally closed check valve of the valve connector (e.g., 1079), as described above for check valves 366B, 466B of fig. 3B, 3D, 4A, and 4B.

In various embodiments, when the fluid pressure of the second IV fluid received from the reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260 of fig. 2,reservoir pump 860 of fig. 8) via the tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) and the selected connector port (e.g., 1072, 1074) reaches or exceeds the threshold pressure of thecheck valve 1076, thecheck valve 1076 closes to block the flow of the first IV fluid from the upstream tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2,tube 852 of fig. 8) and the selected connector port (e.g., 1071), and the second IV fluid communication is provided between the inlet from the selected connector port (e.g., 1072, 1074) and the upstream tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) and the outlet from the downstream tube (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) via the selected connector port (e.g., 1073). When the fluid pressure received from the reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260 of fig. 2, 860 of fig. 8) via the tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2, 852 of fig. 8) and the selected connector port (e.g., 1072, 1074) is again less than the threshold pressure of thecheck valve 1076, thecheck valve 1076 reopens to reopen the inlet from the upstream tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2, 852 of fig. 8) and the selected connector port (e.g., 1071), and a first IV fluid communication is provided between the inlet from the upstream tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2, 852 of fig. 8) and the selected connector port (e.g., 1071) and the outlet to the downstream tube (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2, 858 of fig. 2) via the selected connector port (e.g., 1073).

In various embodiments, an end of a valve connector comprising a needle-free valve (e.g., 1078) or luer lock (not shown) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1074 of thechamber 1070, an end of a tube (e.g., thetube 258 of fig. 2, thetube 858 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1073 of the chamber, and an end of a tube (e.g., thetube 252 of fig. 2, thetube 852 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1071 of the chamber. In various embodiments, a pressurized second IV fluid injected via a syringe (not shown) inserted into the male luer fitting of a valve connector (e.g., 1078), including a needle-free valve or luer lock, and entering into thechamber 1070 via a selected connector port (e.g., 1072, 1074), may apply fluid pressure to close thecheck valve 1076 of thechamber 1070, as described above for thecheck valves 366a, 466a, 576 of fig. 3B, 3D, 4A, 4B, 5E.

In various embodiments, when the fluid pressure of the second IV fluid received via the selected connector port (e.g., 1072, 1074) from a syringe (not shown) inserted into a male luer fitting (including a needle-free valve or luer lock) of the valve connector (e.g., 1078) reaches or exceeds a threshold pressure of thecheck valve 1076, thecheck valve 1076 closes to block the flow of the first IV fluid from the upstream tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2,tube 852 of fig. 8) and the selected connector port (e.g., 1071) and provide a second IV fluid communication between the valve connector inlet via the selected connector port (e.g., 1072, 1074) and the outlet to the downstream tube (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) via the selected connector port (e.g., 1073). When the fluid pressure received from the valve connector via the selected connector port (e.g., 1072, 1074) is again less than the threshold pressure of thecheck valve 1076, thecheck valve 1076 reopens to reopen the inlets from the upstream tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2,tube 852 of fig. 8) and the selected connector port (e.g., 1071) and provide a first IV fluid communication between the inlet from the upstream tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2,tube 852 of fig. 8) and the selected connector port (e.g., 1071) and the outlet to the downstream tube (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) via the selected connector port (e.g., 1073). In various embodiments, after injecting the second IV fluid into thechamber 1070 via a valve connector comprising a needle-free valve (e.g., 1078) or luer lock (not shown) and a selected connector port (e.g., 1072, 1074), a flush operation using a reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260 of fig. 2,reservoir pump 860 of fig. 8) may be initiated via a tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) and another selected connector port (e.g., 1074, 1072), as described above.

In various embodiments, a fourth connector port (e.g., 1074) of the plurality of connector ports of thechamber 1070 is configured to be connected to an end of a valve connector or tube such that, during operation, thechamber 1070 is configured to pass a third IV fluid from a third IV fluid source through the chamber to a tube downstream of the chamber 1070 (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) via the fourth connector port (e.g., 1074) and the second connector port (e.g., 1073) at a third pressure condition that is higher than the first pressure condition, prevent the first IV fluid from flowing into the tube downstream of the chamber 1070 (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8), and prevent the third IV fluid from flowing through the first connector port (e.g., 1071). In various embodiments, an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to a selectedconnector port 1074 of thechamber 1070, an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to aconnector port 1073 of the chamber, and an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2,tube 852 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to aconnector port 1071 of the chamber. In some embodiments, an end of a valve connector including a normally closed check valve (e.g., 1079) may be operably coupled to a selectedconnector port 1074 and an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to another end of the valve connector (e.g., 1079).

In some embodiments, an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 656a of fig. 6) may be operably coupled to a selectedconnector port 1074 ofchamber 1070, an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 656b of fig. 6) may be operably coupled toconnector port 1072 of chamber, an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 652 of fig. 6) may be operably coupled toconnector port 1071 of chamber, and an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 658b of fig. 6) may be operably coupled toconnector port 1073 of chamber. In some embodiments, multiple connector ports ofchamber 1070 may receive respective gravity-fed IV fluids from respective IV fluid sources. For example, an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2,tube 852 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1071 to receive a first, gravity-fed IV fluid from an IV fluid source (e.g.,IV fluid bag 210 of fig. 2,IV fluid bag 810 of fig. 8) via theconnector port 1071 andcheck valve 1076, and another end of the tube (not shown) may be operably coupled to another selected connector port (e.g., 1074) to receive a second, gravity-fed IV fluid from another IV fluid source (not shown) via the other selected connector port (e.g., 1074). In some embodiments, the other end of the tube (not shown) may be operably coupled to the other selected connector port (e.g., 1074) via a valve connector. In some embodiments, the valve connector may include a check valve (e.g., a normally open check valve).

In some embodiments, an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2,tube 852 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1071 to receive a gravity-fed first IV fluid from an IV fluid source (e.g.,IV fluid bag 210 of fig. 2,IV fluid bag 810 of fig. 8) via theconnector port 1071 and acheck valve 1076, another end of the tube (not shown) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1074 to receive a gravity-fed second IV fluid from another IV fluid source (not shown) via theconnector port 1074 and a valve connector including a normally-open check valve, an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1073, and an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to a selectedconnector port 1074. In various embodiments, during a reservoir pump use operation (e.g., a flush operation), pressurized third IV fluid is received intochamber 1070 from a reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260 of fig. 2,reservoir pump 860 of fig. 8) via a tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) operably coupled toconnector port 1072 and theconnector port 1072. In various embodiments, the pressurized third IV fluid applies fluid pressure to close thecheck valve 1076 of thechamber 1070 and the check valve in the valve connector operably coupled to theconnector port 1074, as described above for thecheck valves 366a, 466a, 576 of fig. 3B, 3D, 4A, 4B, 5E. In various embodiments, when the fluid pressure of the third IV fluid received from the reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260 of fig. 2,reservoir pump 860 of fig. 8) via the tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) and theconnector port 1072 reaches or exceeds the respective threshold pressures of thecheck valve 1076 and the check valve in the valve connector operably coupled to theconnector port 1074, the check valves close to block a first flow of IV fluid from an upstream tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2,tube 852 of fig. 8) andconnector port 1071 and to block a second flow of IV fluid from an upstream tube operably coupled toconnector port 1074, and provides a second IV fluid communication between an inlet from theconnector port 1072 and an upstream tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) and an outlet to a downstream tube (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) via theconnector port 1073. When the fluid pressure received from the reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260 of fig. 2,reservoir pump 860 of fig. 8) via the tube (256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) and theconnector port 1072 is again less than the respective threshold pressures of thecheck valve 1076 and the check valve in the valve connector operably coupled to theconnector port 1074, the check valves reopen to reopen the inlets from the upstream tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2,tube 852 of fig. 8) and theconnector port 1071 and the upstream tube operably coupled to theconnector port 1074 and provide respective first and second IV fluid communications between the respective inlets and the outlet to the downstream tube (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8).

In some embodiments, an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 256 of fig. 2,tube 856 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to a selectedconnector port 1074 of thechamber 1070, an end of a valve connector comprising a needle-free valve (e.g., 1078) or luer lock (not shown) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1072 of the chamber, an end of a tube (e.g.,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1073 of the chamber, and a tube (e.g.,tube 252 of fig. 2,tube 852 of fig. 8) may be operably coupled to theconnector port 1071 of the chamber.

The inventors have observed that utilizing a chamber comprising a plurality of connector ports, wherein at least the connector ports configured to receive fluid from a gravity-fed IV fluid source are automated, wherein any suitable number of connector ports may be selected and utilized, and wherein any suitable IV fluid source and tank may be operably coupled to the chamber via such connector ports and via any selected valve connector or selected tubing, the inventors' solution described herein is readily scalable such that several different IV fluids may be efficiently, cost-effectively, and accurately injected and flushed. Referring now to fig. 11, a perspective view of an Intravenous (IV) fluid administration system is provided, according to some embodiments. As shown in fig. 11, some embodiments include: a firstIV fluid source 1110, adrip chamber 1120, aroller clamp 1130, atube 1152 downstream of theroller clamp 1130 as described above with respect to fig. 2 and 10A-10E, achamber 1170 as described above with respect to fig. 10A-10E, and atube 1158 downstream of thechamber 1170 as described above with respect to fig. 2 and 10A-10E. As shown in fig. 11, the IVfluid administration system 1100 does not include a stopcock valve.

Referring to fig. 12, a flow diagram is provided illustrating amethod 1200 of flushing a line of an intravenous fluid administration system, in accordance with some embodiments. Atblock 1210, a first IV fluid is introduced into a first connector port (e.g., 1072) of a chamber (e.g., 1070) that includes a plurality of connector ports (e.g., 1071, 1072, 1073, 1074) at a fluid pressure that exceeds a threshold pressure of the chamber. In various embodiments, the first IV fluid includes a drug, an antibiotic, or an anesthetic. In various embodiments, the threshold pressure of the chamber is a threshold pressure of a check valve (e.g., 1076) disposed downstream of a fourth connector port (e.g., 1071) of the chamber (e.g., 1070). Atblock 1220, the introducing step (at block 1210) automatically prevents the first IV fluid from flowing through a fourth connector port (e.g., 1071) of the chamber (e.g., 1070). In various embodiments, the introducing step (at block 1210) automatically closes a check valve (e.g., 1076) disposed downstream of a fourth connector port (e.g., 1071) of the chamber (e.g., 1070) to prevent the first IV fluid from flowing through the fourth connector port

Atblock 1230, the first IV fluid is introduced into a tube (e.g., 1158,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) configured to deliver IV fluid for intravenous infusion to a subject (not shown) via a second connector port (e.g., 1073) of the chamber. Atblock 1240, a second IV fluid is introduced into a third connector port (e.g., 1074) of the chamber (e.g., 1070) at a fluid pressure that exceeds the threshold pressure of the chamber. In various embodiments, the second IV fluid is a solution comprising a salt. In various embodiments, the introducing step (at block 1240) includes operating a reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260 of fig. 2,reservoir pump 860 of fig. 8) located upstream of a third connector port (e.g., 1074) of the chamber (e.g., 1070), as described above with respect to fig. 2, 3A-4B, 8, and 10A-10E. Atblock 1250, the introducing step (at block 1240) automatically prevents the second IV fluid from flowing through the fourth connector port (e.g., 1071) of the chamber (e.g., 1070). In various embodiments, the introducing step (at block 1240) automatically closes a check valve (e.g., 1076) disposed downstream of a fourth connector port (e.g., 1071) of the chamber (e.g., 1070) to prevent the second IV fluid from flowing through the fourth connector port. Atblock 1250, a second IV fluid is introduced into a tube (e.g., 1158,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) configured to deliver IV fluid for intravenous infusion to a subject (not shown) via a second connector port (e.g., 1073) of the chamber.

In various embodiments,method 1200 includes releasing a reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260 of fig. 2,reservoir pump 860 of fig. 8) operably coupled to a chamber (e.g., 1070) via a third connector port (e.g., 1074), causing the reservoir pump to automatically fill itself with a second IV fluid from a source (e.g.,source 210 of fig. 2,source 810 of fig. 8) upstream of the reservoir pump, and causing the chamber (e.g., 1070) to automatically reconfigure itself to receive the third IV fluid from a fluid source (e.g.,source 210 of fig. 2,source 810 of fig. 8) upstream of the chamber (e.g., 1070) and at a fluid pressure less than a threshold pressure of the chamber. In various embodiments, the chamber (e.g., 1070) receives the third IV fluid via a fourth connector port (e.g., 1071). In various embodiments, the third IV fluid is a solution comprising a salt. In various embodiments, each of the introducing step (at block 1240) and the introducing step (at block 1210) automatically prevents the third IV fluid from flowing into a tube (e.g., 1158,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) configured to deliver IV fluid for intravenous infusion to a subject (not shown) via a second connector port (e.g., 1073) of the chamber. In various embodiments, the introducing steps (atblocks 1210 and 1240) each automatically close a check valve (e.g., 1076) disposed downstream of the fourth connector port (e.g., 1071) of the chamber (e.g., 1070) to prevent the third IV fluid from flowing through the check valve (e.g., 1076).

Referring now to fig. 13, a flow diagram is provided that illustrates amethod 1300 according to some embodiments. Atblock 1310, a first connector port (e.g., 1071) of a plurality of connector ports (e.g., 1071, 1072, 1073, 1074) of a chamber (e.g., 1070) is operably coupled to a first upstream source (e.g., 1110, thesource 210 of fig. 2, thesource 810 of fig. 8) of a first IV fluid. Atblock 1320, a third connector port (e.g., 1074) of the plurality of connector ports of the chamber (e.g., 1070) is operably coupled to an end of a valve connector or tube, as described above with respect to fig. 10A-10E. In various embodiments, an end of the valve connector or tube is operably coupled to a reservoir pump (e.g.,reservoir pump 260 of fig. 2,reservoir pump 860 of fig. 8) configured to automatically refill itself with a second IV fluid from a second upstream IV fluid source (e.g.,source 210 of fig. 2, source 610A or 610B of fig. 6,source 810 of fig. 8), as described above with respect to fig. 2, 3A-4B, 6, 8, and 10A-10E. In various embodiments, the first IV fluid source and the second IV fluid source are the same source (e.g.,source 210 of fig. 2,source 610a of fig. 6,source 810 of fig. 8), the first IV fluid and the second IV fluid being the same type of fluid. In some embodiments, the first IV fluid source and the second IV fluid source are different sources (e.g.,source 610a andsource 610b of fig. 6), the first IV fluid and the second IV fluid being different types of fluids. In some embodiments, the valve connector comprises a luer fitting. In some embodiments, the valve connector comprises a needle-free valve, a suction valve, a trumpet valve, or a normally closed check valve.

At block 1330, during operation, a pressure condition is evaluated for the presence of a first pressure condition. Atblock 1350, if it is determined that the first pressure condition exists (at block 1330), the first IV fluid is routed through the chamber (e.g., 1070) to a tube (e.g., 1058, 1158,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) downstream of the chamber (e.g., 1070) via a first connector port (e.g., 1071) and a second connector port (e.g., 1073) of the plurality of connector ports of the chamber (e.g., 1070). Atblock 1340, during operation, the pressure conditions are evaluated for the presence of a second pressure condition that is higher than the first pressure condition. Atblock 1360, if it is determined that a second pressure condition exists (at block 1340) that is higher than the first pressure condition, a second IV fluid is passed through the chamber (e.g., 1070) to a tube (e.g., 1058, 1158,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) downstream of the chamber (e.g., 1070) via a third connector port (e.g., 1074) and a second connector port (e.g., 1073) of the chamber (e.g., 1070). Atblock 1360, if it is determined that the second pressure condition exists (at block 1340), the first IV fluid is prevented from flowing into a tube (e.g., 1058, 1158,tube 258 of fig. 2,tube 858 of fig. 8) downstream of the chamber (e.g., 1070). Atblock 1370, if it is determined that the second pressure condition exists (at block 1340), the second IV fluid is prevented from flowing through the first connector port (e.g., 1071) of the chamber (e.g., 1070).

In some embodiments, the various steps of the method (e.g., introduction of IV fluid) may be implemented by a general purpose computer programmed according to the principles discussed herein. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

While various embodiments are described herein, it will be understood that the embodiments described are illustrative only and that the scope of the present subject matter is to be accorded the full range of equivalents, variations and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art from a perusal of the present subject matter.

Claims (14)

1. An apparatus for intravenously dispensing a fluid to a subject, the apparatus comprising:

a chamber comprising a plurality of connector ports, the chamber configured to:

operating in fluid communication with a first upstream source of a first fluid via a first connector port of the plurality of connector ports; and

during operation, passing the first fluid from the first upstream fluid source through the chamber to a tube downstream of the chamber via a second connector port of the plurality of connector ports under a first pressure condition; and is

Wherein a third connector port of the plurality of connector ports is configured to connect to an end of a valve connector or tube such that, during operation, the chamber is configured to, at a second pressure condition that is higher than the first pressure condition:

passing a second fluid from a second fluid source through the chamber to the tube downstream of the chamber via the third connector port and the second connector port;

preventing the first fluid from flowing into the tube downstream of the chamber; and

preventing the second fluid from flowing through the first connector port.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a fourth connector port of the plurality of connector ports is configured to connect to an end of a valve connector or tube such that, during operation, the chamber is configured to, at a third pressure condition higher than the first pressure condition:

passing a third fluid from a third fluid source through the chamber to the tube downstream of the chamber via the fourth connector port and the second connector port;

preventing the first fluid from flowing into the tube downstream of the chamber; and

preventing the third fluid from flowing through the first connector port.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve connector or the end of the tube is operably coupled to a reservoir configured to automatically refill itself with the second fluid from a second fluid source.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the valve connector comprises a normally closed check valve.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve connector comprises a luer fitting.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second fluid source is a syringe.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve connector comprises a needle-free valve, a suction valve, a flare valve, or a normally closed check valve.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first upstream fluid source and the second fluid source are the same source, and the first fluid and the second fluid are the same type of fluid.

9. A method of flushing a line of an intravenous fluid administration system, comprising:

operably coupling a first connector port of a plurality of connector ports of a chamber to a first upstream fluid source of a first fluid, such that the chamber is configured to pass the first fluid through the chamber at a first pressure condition to a tube downstream of the chamber via a second connector port of the plurality of connector ports during operation; and

operably coupling an end of a valve connector or tube to a third connector port of the plurality of connector ports of the chamber such that, during operation, the chamber is configured to, at a second pressure condition higher than the first pressure condition:

passing a second fluid from a second fluid source through the chamber to the tube downstream of the chamber via the third connector port and the second connector port;

preventing the first fluid from flowing into the tube downstream of the chamber; and

preventing the second fluid from flowing through the first connector port.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

operably coupling an end of a valve connector or tube to a fourth connector port of the plurality of connector ports of the chamber, such that during operation, the chamber is configured to, at a third pressure condition higher than the first pressure condition:

passing a third fluid from a third fluid source through the chamber to the tube downstream of the chamber via the fourth connector port and the second connector port;

preventing the first fluid from flowing into the tube downstream of the chamber; and

preventing the third fluid from flowing through the first connector port.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

operably coupling the valve connector or the end of the tube to a reservoir configured to automatically refill itself with the second fluid from a second fluid source.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the valve connector comprises a luer fitting.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the valve connector comprises a needle-free valve, a suction valve, a flare valve, or a normally closed check valve.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the first upstream fluid source and the second fluid source are the same source, and the first fluid and the second fluid are the same type of fluid.

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