US20200085691A1 - System and method for compounding medication - Google Patents

Abstract

A medication compounding system is described that is capable of receiving one or more medications and diluents and that includes an array of moveable transfer cartridges to access a medication container and to transfer medication. The transferred medication may be joined with a diluent to form a compounded medication. The resulting compounded medication may then be directed to a filling port where a compounded medication container may be coupled. A second medication container may align with a second transfer cartridge to transfer a second medication. Because the device may comprise one or more medications and diluents, a series of compounded medications may be created using an individual transfer cartridge for each medication.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/319,617, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPOUNDING MEDICATION,” filed on Jun. 30, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
• The present disclosure relates generally to the combining or processing of medication, and, in particular, relates to systems and methods for compounding medication.
• The medication compounding process is often carried out by a pharmacist or medical technician who collects, measures, and combines each of the individual medications or diluents. After preparation, the pharmacist or medical technician places the compounded medication in a bag, bottle, syringe, or other compounded medication container.
• Various machines may be utilized to perform compounding procedures. Manual compounders require human operation to measure and transfer a predefined volume of medication, while robotic compounders mimic the movements of a human to handle the medication containers and transferring of medication.
SUMMARY
• According to certain implementations of the present disclosure, a system for compounding medication comprises a transfer module having one or more transfer cartridges, each transfer cartridge having an access device coupled to a first pump; a medication module having a plurality of medication containers, wherein the access device is configured to access at least one medication container and draw medication from the medication container; a diluent module having one or more diluent containers having a diluent therein, the diluent module comprising a second pump; a filling module that receives medication from the first pump and diluent from the second pump to create a compounded medication comprising at least one medication and diluent, the filling module having a port configured (i) to be coupled to a compounded medication container and (ii) to direct the compounded medication to the compounded medication container through the port. The method further comprises a transfer module having removable transfer cartridges, wherein at least one of the transfer module or medication module is configured to rotate.
• In some implementations of the present disclosure, systems for forming a plurality of compounded medications include an array of access devices, each access device having a medication receiving portion; an array of medication containers, each having a fluid port configured to receive the medication receiving portion of an access device to fluidly couple the medication container with the access device, such that medication is drawn from the medication container through the medication receiving portion, wherein at least one of the array of access devices or the array of medication containers is configured to move to align the medication receiving portion with at least one medication container; and an outlet port, configured to fluidly couple with the access device to receive medication, from at least one medication container, and to communicate the medication to a compounded medication container.
• In some implementations of the present disclosure, systems for forming a plurality of compounded medications include directing a diluent into a medication container to reconstitute a non-aqueous medication. In some embodiments, reconstitution of the medication can occur within a medication container that originally houses the non-aqueous medication when provided to the system.
• Some methods for compounding medications include receiving at least one order for a compounded medication; receiving at least one medication container; receiving at least one diluent container; fluidly coupling a transfer cartridge with a medication container; withdrawing a medication from at least one medication container; withdrawing a diluent from at least one diluent container; receiving a medication and diluent at a port; communicating a medication from the port to a compounded medication container. Some methods further include the step of fluidly coupling a second transfer cartridge with a second compounded medication container.
• It is understood that other configurations of the subject technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration.
• As will be realized, the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:
• FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of a medication compounding system.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a medication compounding system.
• FIG. 3A illustrates a front perspective view of embodiments of a medication compounding system.
• FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded view of the medication compounding system ofFIG. 3A.
• FIG. 3C illustrates a sectional view of the medication compounding system ofFIG. 3A.
• FIG. 3D illustrates a sectional view of the medication compounding system ofFIG. 3C.
• FIG. 4A illustrates a front perspective view of embodiments of a medication compounding system.
• FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded sectional view of the medication compounding system ofFIG. 4A.
• FIG. 4C illustrates an exploded view of the medication compounding system ofFIG. 4B.
• FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of embodiments of a medication compounding system.
• FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of embodiments of a medication compounding system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the disclosure.
• A phrase such as “an aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as “an aspect” may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as “an embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such “an embodiment” may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as “a configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as “a configuration” may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.
• Medication compounding systems disclosed herein include a compounding device capable of receiving one or more medications and diluents. One or more transfer cartridges can be used to access and transfer medication and diluents. In a compounding procedure, transferred medication may be joined with a diluent to form a compounded medication. The resulting compounded medication may then be directed to a filling port where a compounded medication container may be coupled. The system comprises one or more medications, diluents, and transfer cartridges to create a series of compounded medications using an individual transfer cartridge for each medication or for each patient.
• Referring toFIG. 1, a schematic diagram of amedication compounding system100 capable of performing one or more medication compounding procedures is illustrated. Themedication compounding system100 may include atransfer module110, amedication module120, adiluent module140, and afilling module160 in fluid communication.
• Thetransfer module110 is configured to access andtransfer medication122 and diluent142 to afilling module160. Thetransfer module110 may comprise one ormore transfer cartridges112 configured to access, withdraw, and transfer amedication122 from a medication container. Thetransfer module110 may comprise anindividual transfer cartridge112 for each compounding procedure or an array oftransfer cartridges112. The array oftransfer cartridges112 may be disposed on one or more moveable chassis. Onetransfer cartridge112 may be used for each medication, wherebymedication122 may be accessed, withdrawn, and transferred without the risk of cross-contamination withother medications122 or between compounded medications. To facilitate replacement of thetransfer cartridges112, individual transfer cartridges may be removed and replaced, or the entire array oftransfer cartridges112 may be removed and replaced.
• In some embodiments, the chassis may move to align anindividual transfer cartridge112 with a medication container. Thetransfer cartridges112 may then be fluidly coupled to the medication container by an access device such as a needle or other fluid fitting.
• To withdrawmedication122, one or more first pumps may be coupled to thetransfer cartridges112. In some embodiments, an array of first pumps may be moved jointly with the transfer cartridge chassis. A new pump may be used for eachmedication122, or a single pump may be used for each medication compounding procedure. The first pump may be of a low-flow type, providing accurate transfer of themedication122 from themedication module120.
• Themedication module120 is configured to retain one ormore medications122 to be used in a medication compounding procedure. Themedication module120 may work in conjunction with thetransfer module110 to allow atransfer cartridge112 to access and withdrawmedication122. Themedication module120 may be configured to receive one or more medication containers. The medication containers may be disposed upon a moveable medication tray which may be, for example, a chassis or carrousel. The medication tray may be removable to facilitate acquisition and placement of the medication containers in themedication module120. When installed in themedication module120, the medication tray may align a medication container with atransfer cartridge112, whereby themedication122 may then be accessed by thetransfer cartridge112.
• Thediluent module140 is configured to retain and direct one or more diluents for use in a compounding procedure. The diluent142 may be utilized as a component of the compounded medication, to reconstitute amedication122, or to prime a compounded medication container, such as an intravenous bag and line. Thediluent module140 may comprise one or more diluent containers and a second pump. The second pump may be a high-flow type pump, capable of transferring diluent142 at a high velocity or in large volume. In some embodiments, the second pump may be easily replaceable, for example, with each compounding procedure or with the replacement of each diluent142 in thediluent module140.
• The fillingmodule160 is configured to receive and communicate a compounded medication into a compounded medication container. Themedication122 and diluent142 are communicated to thefilling module160 where they are then transferred through a filling port to a compounded medication container. The filling port may be configured to allow a variety of compounded medication containers900 (FIG. 5) to be fluidly coupled. For example, an intravenous bag or a syringe may be coupled to the filling port.
• During the compounding procedure, the contents of the compounded medication container may be confirmed. For example, the compounded medication container may rest upon a scale or other sensor when coupled with thefilling module160.
• Referring toFIG. 2, a flowchart illustrates methods of asystem process200 for compounding medication. In operation, the medicationcompounding system process200, instep202, receives an order to create one or more compounded medications. The order may be entered utilizing a user interface or received by thesystem process200 through a network. In some embodiments, thesystem process200 may evaluate each compounded medication order and determine what medication or diluent is required to fulfill each order. Instep204, medication containers containing the medication to be compounded are loaded in the medication tray of the medication module.
• When loading the medication containers, the user may input data for each medication being loaded into the medication module. The data may include information such as medication type, expiration date, concentration, volume, or location of the medication container in the medication tray. In some embodiments, the medicationcompounding system process200 includes an identifying feature such as a barcode scanner to identify each medication. In a further embodiment, the medicationcompounding system process200 may use one or more sensors, such as an RFID sensor, to detect which medication is loaded in the medication module and to identify the particular location of each medication container in the medication tray.
• Atstep206, one or more diluents, such as saline, sterile water, or dextrose, may be coupled to the system at the diluent module. The diluents may be of a size and configuration to be replaced with less frequency than the medication containers. Next, instep208, the transfer cartridges are individually loaded into the transfer module or a chassis having an array of transfer cartridges and first pumps may be loaded.
• Once the required medication, diluent, and transfer cartridges are provided, thenext step210 initiates the combining of the constituents to compound the medication. Instep212, the medicationcompounding system process200 may prompt the user to couple a specified compounded medication container to the filling port of the filling module. The compounded medication container may be of the type typically used to contain a compounded medication, such as an intravenous bag, or a syringe. Once the compounded medication container is coupled to the filling port, in some embodiments, the medicationcompounding system process200 may require the user to confirm the coupling of the compounded medication container, or the system may itself identify coupling of the compounded medication container. Because a container having a sufficient interior volume should be used, the user may be requested to enter or confirm the compounded medication container size using the user interface, or thesystem process200 may utilize an identifying feature or sensor to confirm that the required container size is coupled.
• To create a compounded medication, instep214, the medicationcompounding system process200 aligns the desired medication container with a transfer cartridge so that a fluid port in the medication container may be fluidly coupled with the transfer cartridge. The fluid coupling may be achieved, for example, by using a needle that extends into a fluid port in the medication container or another connection, such as needleless access valve. Thesystem process200 determines whether it is desirable to reconstitute the medication prior to withdrawal instep215. If so, diluent may be directed into the medication container instep217 to reconstitute the medication. The medication is then withdrawn from the medication container and, instep216, is transferred to the filling module. Once the desired medication has been transferred, the access device and medication container may be decoupled.
• In instances where the medication is not aqueous, or where otherwise desired, the system may direct a diluent into the medication container instep218 to facilitate subsequent withdrawal of the medication. In instances where the medication must be agitated prior to withdrawal, thesystem process200 may move or rotate the medication module to agitate the contents of a medications container. In instances where a diluent is desired, such as for intravenous delivery, thesystem process200 directs a specified diluent from the diluent module to the filling module. In instances where it is desired to prime the compounded medication container, some methods provide that thesystem process200 first transfers the compounded medication to the container and then transfers a diluent to the container.
• During the compounding procedure, the medicationcompounding system process200 may confirm the contents of a medication container, a diluent container, or a compounded medication container, for example in step220. The contents may be confirmed, for example, by assessing weight or by visually confirming it is filled. In some embodiments, the system may determine whether an additional medication is to be transferred during the compounding procedure in step222. If so, thesystem process200 may transfer an additional medication by returning to step214 where another medication may be aligned with the transfer cartridge to continue the medication compounding procedure. In some embodiments, thesystem process200 aligns another medication and a new transfer cartridge together before continuing the medication compounding procedure. Alignment of the medication with the transfer cartridge may be accomplished by (i) rotating at least one or both of the medications (e.g., the medication module or a portion of the medication module) and the transfer cartridge, (ii) linear translation of one or both of the medications and the transfer cartridge relative to each other, (iii) a combination of rotation and linear movement of one or both of the medications and the transfer cartridge, or (iv) some other movement or combination of relative movements. In some embodiments, thesystem process200 may identify the location of each transfer cartridge and pump and designate a specific transfer cartridge for use with a particular medication or patient.
• Once the medicationcompounding system process200 has completed the particular compounding procedure, the user may then disconnect the compounded medication container from the filling port instep224. In some embodiments, thesystem process200 is coupled to a printer that may produce a label comprising compounded medication data. In some embodiments, thesystem process200 may attribute an identifier, such as RFID data, to the compounded medication container. Finally, thesystem process200 may prompt the user to couple another compounded medication container to the filling port and repeat the compounding procedure.
• Still referring toFIG. 2, thesystem process200 may include and utilize a processor, a data storage device, and memory. Thesystem process200 may be configured to provide or facilitate communication with a database to receive or transmit instructions that include one or more orders for a compounded medication instep202. In some embodiments, thesystem process200 may include receiving or transmitting instructions via the user interface. For example, a user may enter or receive a series of compounded medication orders through the user interface. The database may be local or over a network and may include medication data such as formula, expiration date, or concentration. The database may also include data on medication compounding procedures. In some methods, a user may be instructed to couple one or more medications, diluents, or a compounded medication container. Insteps204,206,208, and212, thesystem process200 may include identifying each item coupled and its position in the system, or receive such information through the user interface.
• Instep212, thesystem process200 may compound a medication by instructing the alignment of a medication container and a transfer cartridge. As will be described with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, once aligned, the medication module and transfer module may be directed toward each other to couple the medication container and transfer cartridge. Insteps216 and218, medication or diluent is directed to the compounded medication container. In step220, thesystem process200 may confirm the contents of a medication container, a diluent container, or a compounded medication container. In step222, the system may direct an additional medication or diluent to be transferred, or, instep224, to disconnect the compounded medication container.
• Referring toFIGS. 3A-3D, exemplary embodiments of themedication compounding system300 are illustrated. In these embodiments, an order may be received or entered using auser interface380. Themedication module320,transfer module310, and fillingmodule360 each rotate about a common axis. Preferably, each module is configured as a removable circular array enclosed by alid382. Referring toFIG. 3B, themedication module320 may include amedication tray326 configured to retain an array ofmedication containers324, thetransfer module310 may include achassis316 configured to retain an array of transfer cartridges, and thefilling module360 may be configured to retain an array offirst pumps318 and/or fillingports362. As readily apparent in view of the disclosure herein,system300 may include one or more motors and a processor (e.g., located in the base ofsystem300, below hub384), and each motor may be operable to drive one or more gears to rotate one or more respective module about the common axis, either individually or as a group. In this regard, the processor may direct a respective motor to rotate the module to align arespective medication container324, a respective transfer cartridge, and arespective pump318. As readily apparent in view of the disclosure herein, each pump may be a reciprocating or peristatic pump or any other pump readily available to one skilled in the art, and thefilling module360 and/or pumps318 may be controlled by a processor, which may activate each pump individually or as a group.
• The modules may be loaded into thesystem300 by upwardly rotating thelid382. The fillingmodule360 may then be placed onto ahub384 followed by thetransfer module310 andmedication module320. Amedication container324 may be inserted into themedication tray326 before or after coupling themedication module320 with thesystem300. A diluent342 may be coupled with thesystem300 by suspending adiluent container346 from thehanger350. A compoundedmedication container900 may be coupled to the fillingport362 and placed upon thesensor364.
• As best illustrated inFIG. 3C, each array may be configured such that amedication container324,transfer cartridge312, andfirst pump318 may align circumferentially, or about a tangential axis parallel to the axis of rotation. When amedication container324,transfer cartridge312, andfirst pump318 are aligned, the fillingport362 extends, for example, laterally or distally, from the fillingmodule360 so it can be fluidly connected to afluid line385 that is connected to themedication container900.
• Referring toFIG. 3D, an array oftransfer cartridges312 are disposed between themedication module326 and an array of first pumps318. As depicted inFIG. 3D, themedication tray326 is positioned sufficiently aboveaccess devices312 such that theaccess devices312 do not engagemedication containers324 held by themedication tray326. Amedication container324 may be fluidly coupled to afirst pump318 by engaging anaccess device314 of thetransfer cartridge312 with a fluid port of themedication container324. In some embodiments, the fluid coupling is achieved by lowering amedication container324 from themedication tray326 onto thetransfer cartridge312 such that a proximal portion of theaccess device314, proximate themedication container324, extends into afluid port328 of themedication container324. As depicted inFIG. 3B, the medication tray includesrespective access ports327 at a base of each location of a respective medication container.Ports327 enable anaccess device314 to extend through theport327 and into a fluid port of the correspondingmedication container324. As readily apparent to one skilled in the art, medication tray may be connected to a motor (e.g., within the body and controlled by the processor), which may lower the tray, which lowers themedication containers324 held by the tray. When themedication tray326 is lowered,respective access devices314 under the tray extend throughrespective ports327 and intorespective medication containers324.
• Similar tomedication tray326, and as depicted inFIG. 3D,transfer module316 is positioned sufficiently abovepumps318 such that theaccess devices314 facingpumps318 do not engage with the respective ports of thepumps318. Together, the medication container(s)324 and access device(s)314 may be further lowered by a motor such that the portion of theaccess device314 extending distally, or away from themedication container324, and may extend into afirst pump318. As is readily apparent fromFIG. 3D, each correspondingaccess device pair312,314 form a fluidic passage, and when arespective access device312 is engaged with amedication container324, and thecorresponding access device314 is engaged with arespective pump318, a fluidic connection is formed between the pump and themedication container324. Each pump is positioned between arespective access device314 and a respective fillingport362. As depicted inFIG. 3B, a bottom portion of arespective pump318 is in fluidic communication with a respective fillingport362. A fluidic channel is formed between themedication container324, through the fluidic channel of the respective access devices, through the pump, and the respective fillingport326. As is readily apparent in view of the disclosure herein, when the pump is activated (e.g., by a processor), a suction is created, moving a fluid (e.g., a medication) stored in arespective medication container324 to the respective fillingport326.
• In some embodiments, afirst access device314 may extend into themedication container324, while a second access device (not shown) may extend into thefirst pump318. In some embodiments, themedication module320 andtransfer module310 may rotate independently about the common axis before moving translationally along the rotational axis to engaging each other and become fluidly coupled. Theuser interface380 facilitates operation of themedication compounding system300 by a user. For example, the user interface can include a touch screen that allows the user to enter information or instructions and receive updates and information relating to the compounder system or the process.
• Referring toFIGS. 4A-C, embodiments of themedication compounding system400 are illustrated having amedication module420 and atransfer module410 that are coupled to abody portion405 of themedication compounding system400, and rotate about two axes. In these embodiments, thetransfer module410, adiluent module440, and afilling module460 rotate about a common axis that is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis about which the medication module rotates. A circular array oftransfer cartridges412 is disposed around the common axis.
• A fillingport462 is disposed on a circular ring that is parallel to the array oftransfer cartridges412. Adiluent port444 is disposed on thediluent module410 and proximate to the axis of rotation on the same plane as the fillingport462 ring. In some implementations, thetransfer module410,diluent module440, and fillingmodule460 may each rotate independently of each other.
• Referring toFIGS. 4B and 4C, the modules may be loaded into thesystem400 by first coupling atransfer cartridge412 to thechassis416 of the transfer module410 (as shown inFIG. 4B). The fillingmodule460 anddiluent module440 may then be joined with thetransfer module410 as an assembly. The joining of thefilling module460 anddiluent module440 may form a rotating union or rotary joint between the two modules. The assembly may then be loaded by removing thelid482 and coupling the assembly onto ahub484. As depicted inFIG. 4C, the assembly (e.g.,transfer module410 or chassis416) includes a drive shaft that rotatably connects the assembly with the body by extending through a socket of thehub484. A diluent (not shown) suspended from thehanger450 and coupled with thediluent port444. A compounded medication container (not shown) may be coupled to the fillingport462.
• To compound a medication, thetransfer module410 may rotate to align and couple atransfer cartridge412 with amedication container424. In some embodiments, thetransfer cartridge412 is coupled with amedication container424 by lowering themedication tray426 so that anaccess device414 may extend into afluid port428 of themedication container424. As depicted inFIG. 4C, the medication module420 (including medication tray426) is rotatably connected with the body by way of asecond hub485. Similar to transfermodule410 and/orchassis416,medication module420 also includes a drive shaft (not shown) that rotatably connects themedication module420 with thebody405 by extending through a socket of thehub485. As depicted inFIG. 4C,hub484 may include an elongated slot disposed within thebody405, with the elongated slot configured to permit up and down movement of the medication module and the medication tray, towards or away from thetransfer module410. The up and down movement may be achieved by movement of the drive shaft (not shown) in a vertical direction by any manual or motorized mechanism readily available to those skilled in the art. Thetransfer cartridge412 andmedication container424 may also be coupled by raising thetransfer module410,diluent module440, and fillingmodule460. Thetransfer cartridge412 andmedication container424 may also be coupled by extending aretractable access device414 into a fluid port of themedication container424.
• After thetransfer cartridge412 andmedication container424 are coupled, medication422 may be withdrawn from themedication container424 and directed to the fillingport462. As depicted inFIG. 4C,transfer cartridge412 includes aport413 on a side of the transfer cartridge facingtransfer module410, and which is positioned to engage an opening of fillingport462 that facestransfer cartridge412 and create a fluidic connection betweentransfer cartridge412 and fillingport462. The fluidic connection between fillingport462 andport413 may be sealed by a gasket or any sealing mechanism readily available to those skilled in the art. Additionally, diluent may be transferred from thediluent port444 to the filling port462 (e.g., by way of the rotating union or rotary joint formed between fillingmodule460 anddiluent module440, or other internal fluidic connection readily available to those skilled in the art). After completing the transfer of a first medication (not shown), themedication tray426 may rise, or extend away from thetransfer cartridge412, to disengage themedication container424 from thetransfer cartridge412 and then rotate to align asecond medication container424. Thetransfer module410 may also rotate to align anew transfer cartridge412. In some embodiments, thediluent module440 disengages from thediluent port444 before movement of thetransfer module410. Themedication tray426 may then lower to once again couple thetransfer cartridge412 andmedication container424. The embodiments ofFIGS. 4A-4C facilitate removal or replacement of anindividual medication container424 without removal of themedication tray426.
• Referring toFIG. 5, embodiments of themedication compounding system500 are illustrated having a medication module and a transfer module that rotate about substantially perpendicular or transverse axes. The medication module and auser interface580 are disposed on a horizontal plane that is parallel to the transfer module rotational axis. The medication module may include amedication tray526 configured to retain an array ofmedication containers524.
• In these embodiments, an array oftransfer cartridges512 and first pumps (not shown) are configured as concentric arrays that rotate about a common axis. An outer array, comprisingtransfer cartridges512 retained by achassis516, surround an inner array of first pumps. The inner array may further comprise fillingports562 whereby a compoundedmedication container900 may be coupled. The outer array oftransfer cartridges512 or inner array of first pumps may be removed or replaced without removal of the other. Adiluent container546 may be coupled to themedication compounding system500 such that the diluent (not shown) is fluidly coupled to the fillingport562.
• To compound a medication, the transfer module may rotate to align and couple atransfer cartridge512 with amedication container524. In some embodiments, amedication container524 is fluidly coupled by aligning with atransfer cartridge512 and lowering from themedication tray526 onto an access device (not shown) of atransfer cartridge512 such that the access device enters afluid port528 of themedication container524. Once the medication is withdrawn and transferred through the fillingport562 to the compoundedmedication container900, themedication container524 may return to themedication tray526. The compounding procedure may continue by transferring diluent to the compoundedmedication container900. Thesystem500 may transfer an additional medication by rotating themedication tray526 and/or transfer module to align asecond transfer cartridge512 and/ormedication container524.
• Referring toFIG. 6, embodiments are illustrated having a first andsecond medication module620a,620bthat rotate on opposing sides of themedication compounding system600. Auser interface680, diluent hanger650, and surfaces having asensor664 may be disposed between the first andsecond medication module620a,620b. In some embodiments, the diluent hanger650 is coupled with a sensor (not shown). Eachmedication module620a,620bmay include amedication tray626 configured to retain an array ofmedication containers624. Themedication containers624 may be inserted into themedication tray626 prior to installing eachmedication module620a,620bonto thehub684. In some embodiments, a medication container may be inserted into themedication tray626 by removing thelid682. Atransfer module610 having an array of transfer cartridges612 may be inserted into the center of eachcylindrical medication module620a,0b.
• To compound a medication, amedication module620aor620band atransfer module610 may rotate to align and couple a transfer cartridge (not shown) with amedication container624. Thefirst medication module620amay be utilized for medication in a liquid state, while thesecond medication module620bmay be utilized for medication requiring reconstitution. Medication in thesecond medication module620bmay be reconstituted by directing a diluent (not shown) into amedication container624. Themedication module620bmay then rotate to agitate and reconstitute the medication622. The diluent may be directed into themedication container624 by adjusting valves within themedication compounding system600 and/or reversing operation of the first pump (not shown). The compounding procedure may continue by transferring medication and/or diluent to the compounded medication container (not shown) coupled to thesystem600. Thesystem600 may transfer an additional medication by rotating amedication module620a,620band/ortransfer module610 to align a second transfer cartridge (not shown) and/ormedication container624. During the compounding procedure, thesystem600 may confirm the contents of the compounded medication container by assessing weight using thesensor664.
• The term “machine-readable storage medium” or “computer readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium or media that participates in providing instructions to the processor for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as the data storage device. Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as the memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise the bus. Common forms of machine-readable media include, for example, floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read. The machine-readable storage medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a composition of matter effecting a machine-readable propagated signal, or a combination of one or more of them.
• In an aspect of the subject technology, a machine-readable medium is a computer-readable medium encoded or stored with instructions and is a computing element, which defines structural and functional relationships between the instructions and the rest of the system, which permit the instructions' functionality to be realized. Instructions may be executable, for example, by a system or by a processor of the system. Instructions can be, for example, a computer program including code. A machine-readable medium may comprise one or more media.
• The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described herein. While the subject technology has been particularly described with reference to the various figures and configurations, it should be understood that these are for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the subject technology.
• There may be many other ways to implement the subject technology. Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioned differently from those shown without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Various modifications to these configurations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principles defined herein may be applied to other configurations. Thus, many changes and modifications may be made to the subject technology, by one having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the subject technology.
• It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.
• As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.
• Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear” and the like as used in this disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a rear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.
• Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
• The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
• A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” The term “some” refers to one or more. Underlined and/or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are not referred to in connection with the interpretation of the description of the subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.
• While certain aspects and embodiments of the subject technology have been described, these have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject technology. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the subject technology.
• Described herein are at least the following concepts:
• Concept 1. A compounding system comprising:
• a transfer module having one or more transfer cartridges, each transfer cartridge having an access device coupled to a first pump;
• a medication module having a medication container, wherein the access device is configured to access the medication container and draws medication from the medication container;
• a diluent module having one or more diluent containers having a diluent therein, the diluent module comprising a second pump;
• a filling module that receives medication from the first pump and diluent from the second pump to create a compounded medication comprising at least one medication and diluent, the filling module having a port configured (i) to be coupled to a compounded medication container and (ii) to direct the compounded medication to the compounded medication container through the port.
• Concept 2. The compounding system of concept 1, wherein the one or more transfer cartridges are removable.
  Concept 3. The compounding system of concept 1, wherein the access device is a needle
  Concept 4. The compounding system of concept 1, wherein the access device is a needless connector.
  Concept 5. The compounding system of concept 1, wherein at least one of the transfer module or medication module is configured to move relative to the other of the transfer module and medication module.
  Concept 6. The compounding system of claim5, wherein at least one of the transfer module or medication module is configured to rotate.
  Concept 7. The compounding system of concept 1, wherein the transfer module access device accesses the medication container and the compounded medication container.
  Concept 8. The compounding system of concept 1, wherein the filling module comprises at least one sensor to measure a weight of the compounded medication container.
  Concept 9. The compounding system of concept 1, wherein a new transfer cartridge is employed for a subsequent compounded medication procedure.
  Concept 10. The compounding system of concept 1, wherein at least one sensor at least one of the medication, the diluent, or the compounded medication.
  Concept 11. The compounding system of concept 10, wherein the sensor measures weight.
  Concept 12. The compounding system of concept 10, wherein the sensor measures volume.
  Concept 13. A compounding system comprising:
• a transfer module having a transfer cartridge, the transfer cartridge having a plurality of access devices;
• a medication module having a plurality of medication containers, wherein each access device is configured to access at least one medication container and to draw medication from the at least one medication container;
• a diluent module having one or more diluent containers, each comprising a diluent;
• a filling module that combines the at least one medication, received from at least one access device, and diluent, from the diluent module, to form a compounded medication, the filling module having a port that communicates the compounded medication to a compounded medication container.
• Concept 14. The compounding system of concept 13, wherein the medication is received at the filling module from a first pump.
  Concept 15. The compounding system of concept 13, wherein the diluent is received at the filling module from a second pump.
  Concept 16. A compounding system for forming a plurality of compounded medications, the system comprising:
• a transfer cartridge comprising a plurality of access devices, each access device configured to be used for a single compounded medication;
• a medication cartridge comprising a plurality of medication containers each having a portion configured to receive at least part of an access device to fluidly couple at least one medication container with the access device, such that medication is drawn from the at least one medication container through the access device, wherein at least one of the transfer cartridge or the medication cartridge is configured to rotate about at least one axis to align the access device with the at least one medication container; and
• a filling module fluidly coupled to the access device to receive medication, from the at least one medication container, to form the compounded medication, the filling module comprising an outlet port that directs the compounded medication to a compounded medication container.
• Concept 17. The compounding system of concept 16, further comprising a diluent, wherein the diluent is fluidly coupled to the filling module.
  Concept 18. A compounding system for forming a plurality of compounded medications, the system comprising:
• an array of access devices, each access device having a medication receiving portion;
• an array of medication containers, each having a fluid port configured to receive the medication receiving portion of an access device to fluidly couple the medication container with the access device, such that medication is drawn from the medication container through the medication receiving portion, wherein at least one of the array of access devices or the array of medication containers is configured to move to align the medication receiving portion with at least one medication container; and
• an outlet port, configured to fluidly couple with the access device to receive medication, from at least one medication container, and to communicate the medication to a compounded medication container.
• Concept 19. The compounding system of concept 18, wherein the medication receiving portion comprises a needle.
  Concept 20. The compounding system of concept 18, wherein fluid port comprises an opening in the medication container.
  Concept 21. The compounding system of concept 20, wherein the opening comprises a resilient member
  Concept 22. The compounding system of concept 18, wherein at least one of the array of access devices or the array of medication containers is configured to rotate.
  Concept 23. The compounding system of concept 22, wherein at least one of the array of access devices or the array of medication containers rotate about a common axis.
  Concept 24. A compounding system comprising:
• a transfer module having one or more transfer cartridges, each transfer cartridge having an access device coupled to a first pump;
• a medication module having one or more medications, wherein the access device is configured to access the medication;
• a diluent module having one or more diluents, the diluent module comprising a second pump;
• a filling module having a port configured to be coupled to a container; and
• wherein (i) the first pump transfers the medication to the filling module, and (ii) the second pump directs the diluent to the filling module to create a compounded medication, the filling module configured to communicate the compounded medication to the port.
• Concept 25. The compounding system of concept 24, wherein at least one of the transfer module or the medication module move to align a medication with a transfer cartridge.
  Concept 26. A method of compounding medications comprising:
• receiving at least one medication container;
• fluidly coupling a transfer cartridge with a medication container;
• withdrawing a medication from the medication container;
• receiving a medication at a port; and
• communicating a medication from the port to a compounded medication container.
• Concept 27. The method of concept 26, further comprising receiving at least one order for a compounded medication.
  Concept 28. The method of concept 26, further comprising receiving at least one diluent container.
  Concept 29. The method of concept 26, further comprising fluidly coupling a second transfer cartridge with a second compounded medication container.
  Concept 30. The method of concept 26, further comprising priming the compounded medication container
  Concept 31. The method of concept 26, further comprising withdrawing a diluent from at least one diluent container
  Concept 32. The method of concept 26, further comprising directing a diluent to the compounded medication container
  Concept 33. The method of concept 26, further comprising weighing at least one of the medication container, diluent container, or compounded medication container
  Concept 34. A non-transitory machine-readable medium containing machine-readable instructions for causing a processor to execute a method for compounding medications, the method comprising:
• receiving at least one medication container;
• fluidly coupling a transfer cartridge with a medication container;
• withdrawing a medication from the medication container;
• receiving a medication at a port; and
• communicating a medication from the port to a compounded medication container.
• Concept 35. The method of concept 34, further comprising receiving at least one compounding order.
  Concept 36. The method of concept 34, further comprising receiving at least one diluent container.
  Concept 37. The method of concept 34, further comprising fluidly coupling a second transfer cartridge with a second compounded medication container.
  Concept 38. The method of concept 34, further comprising priming the compounded medication container.
  Concept 39. The method of concept 34, further comprising directing a diluent to the medication container.
  Concept 40. The method of concept 34, further comprising weighing at least one of the medication container, diluent container, or compounded medication container.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A medication compounding system comprising:

a medication module rotatable about a first axis of rotation and comprising a medication tray configured to hold one or more medication containers;

a transfer module rotatable about a second axis of rotation and configured to hold a circular array of transfer cartridges, and configured to rotate and align a respective transfer cartridge held by the rotatable transfer module with a selected medication container of the one or more medication containers held by the medication tray, the respective transfer cartridge comprising a respective access device configured to couple the respective transfer cartridge with the selected medication container when the respective transfer cartridge is aligned with the selected medication container; and

wherein the medication compounding system is configured to, after the respective transfer cartridge and the selected medication container are aligned and coupled, provide for a medication to be withdrawn from the selected medication container to the respective transfer cartridge.

2. The medication compounding system ofclaim 1, wherein the respective transfer cartridge is coupled with the selected medication container by lowering the medication tray with respect to a body portion of the medication compounding system so that the respective access device extends into a fluid port of the selected medication container.

3. The medication compounding system ofclaim 2, wherein the second axis of rotation is substantially parallel to and offset from the first axis of rotation on the same plane substantially perpendicular to the second axis of rotation.

4. The medication compounding system ofclaim 3, wherein the medication module, including the medication tray, is coupled to an elongated slot disposed within the body portion, the elongated slot configured to permit up and down movement of the medication module and the medication tray, towards or away from the transfer module.

5. The medication compounding system ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a rotatable filling module aligned circumferentially along the second axis of rotation with the transfer module, wherein the rotatable filling module comprises a circular portion and a plurality of filling ports disposed on the circular portion around the second axis of rotation, wherein the circular portion is parallel to the array of transfer cartridges such that a respective filling port of the plurality of filling ports is positioned to fluidly couple to the respective transfer cartridge,

wherein the medication compounding system is configured to, after the respective transfer cartridge and the selected medication container are aligned and coupled, provide for the medication to be withdrawn from the selected medication container to the respective transfer cartridge and directed to the respective filling port.

6. The medication compounding system ofclaim 5, wherein the transfer module and the rotatable filling module are joined together as an assembly coupled to a lower hub of a body portion of the medication compounding system.

7. The medication compounding system ofclaim 5, further comprising:

a diluent module aligned circumferentially along the second axis of rotation with the transfer module, wherein the diluent module comprises a diluent port disposed proximate to the second axis of rotation on the same plane as the circular portion of the rotatable filling module.

8. The medication compounding system ofclaim 7, wherein the diluent port is fluidic communication with the respective filling port, and configured to connect to a diluent tube carrying a diluent and to transfer the diluent received from the diluent tube to the respective filling port.

9. A method for compounding a medication, comprising:

rotating a medication module about a first axis of rotation, the medication comprising a medication tray configured to hold one or more medication containers;

rotating a transfer module about a second axis of rotation, the transfer module configured to hold a circular array of transfer cartridges, to rotate and align a respective transfer cartridge held by the rotatable transfer module with a selected medication container of the one or more medication containers held by the medication tray, the respective transfer cartridge comprising a respective access device configured to couple the respective transfer cartridge with the selected medication container when the respective transfer cartridge is aligned with the selected medication container; and

withdrawing, after the respective transfer cartridge and the selected medication container are aligned and coupled, a medication from the selected medication container to the respective transfer cartridge.

10. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising:

lowering the medication tray with respect to a body portion of the medication compounding system so that the respective access device extends into a fluid port of the selected medication container, the lowering coupling the respective transfer cartridge with the selected medication container.

11. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising:

rotating a filling module aligned circumferentially along the second axis of rotation with the transfer module, wherein the rotatable filling module comprises a circular portion and a plurality of filling ports disposed on the circular portion around the second axis of rotation, wherein the circular portion is parallel to the array of transfer cartridges such that a respective filling port of the plurality of filling ports is positioned to fluidly couple to the respective transfer cartridge; and

withdrawing, after the respective transfer cartridge and the selected medication container are aligned and coupled, the medication from the selected medication container to the respective transfer cartridge and to the respective filling port.

12. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising:

coupling, to the transfer module, a diluent module aligned circumferentially along the second axis of rotation with the transfer module, wherein the diluent module comprises a diluent port disposed proximate to the second axis of rotation on the same plane as the circular portion of the rotatable filling module, wherein the diluent port is fluidic communication with the respective filling port;

connecting a diluent tube carrying a diluent to the respective filling port; and

transferring the diluent received from the diluent tube to the respective filling port.

13. A compounding device comprising:

a body;

a medication module rotatably coupled to the body and rotatable about a first axis of rotation and comprising a medication tray configured to hold one or more medication containers;

a transfer module rotatably coupled to the body and rotatable about a second axis of rotation and configured to hold a circular array of transfer cartridges, and configured to rotate and align a respective transfer cartridge held by the rotatable transfer module with a selected medication container of the one or more medication containers held by the medication tray, the respective transfer cartridge comprising a respective access device configured to couple the respective transfer cartridge with the selected medication container when the respective transfer cartridge is aligned with the selected medication container; and

wherein the compounding device is configured to, after the respective transfer cartridge and the selected medication container are aligned and coupled, provide for a medication to be withdrawn from the selected medication container to the respective transfer cartridge.

14. The compounding device ofclaim 13, further comprising:

a rotatable filling module aligned circumferentially along the second axis of rotation with the transfer module, wherein the rotatable filling module comprises a circular portion and a plurality of filling ports disposed on the circular portion around the second axis of rotation, wherein the circular portion is parallel to the array of transfer cartridges such that a respective filling port of the plurality of filling ports is positioned to fluidly couple to the respective transfer cartridge,

wherein the compounding device is configured to, after the respective transfer cartridge and the selected medication container are aligned and coupled, provide for the medication to be withdrawn from the selected medication container to the respective transfer cartridge and directed to the respective filling port.

15. The compounding device ofclaim 14, wherein the transfer module and the rotatable filling module are joined together as an assembly coupled to a lower hub of the body.

16. The compounding device ofclaim 14, further comprising:

a diluent module aligned circumferentially along the second axis of rotation with the transfer module, wherein the diluent module comprises a diluent port disposed proximate to the second axis of rotation on the same plane as the circular portion of the rotatable filling module.

17. The compounding device ofclaim 16, wherein the diluent port is fluidic communication with the respective filling port, and configured to connect to a diluent tube carrying a diluent and to transfer the diluent received from the diluent tube to the respective filling port.

18. The compounding device ofclaim 14, wherein the respective transfer cartridge is coupled with the selected medication container by lowering the medication tray with respect to the body so that the respective access device extends into a fluid port of the selected medication container.

19. The compounding device ofclaim 18, wherein the second axis of rotation is substantially parallel to and offset from the first axis of rotation on the same plane as the circular portion of the rotatable filling module.

20. The compounding device ofclaim 19, wherein the medication module, including the medication tray, is coupled to an elongated slot disposed within the body, the elongated slot configured to permit up and down movement of the medication module and the medication tray, towards or away from the transfer module.

Images