Abstract: A syringe includes a plunger having a plunger tube with proximal and distal ends, a center tube with a center passage that extends within the plunger tube, and a balloon disposed over the center tube and sealingly fixed to at least one of the center tube and the plunger tube. The syringe also includes a barrel having a barrel tube having proximal and distal ends and an interior configured to accept a portion of the plunger, a tip fixedly coupled to the proximal end of the barrel tube, a post fixedly attached to the tip and extending within the barrel tube toward the distal end, the tip configured to partially extend into the center passage of the plunger, and a gas passage extending from a proximal end of the tip to the distal end of the post.

Abstract: Liquid transfer devices based on commonly owned WIPO International Publication No. WO 2007/052252 entitled Needleless Additive Control Valve. The liquid transfer devices include either an integral vial adapter and/or an integral infusion set for reducing cost and facilitating use by reducing user steps.

Abstract: An access device for containers of fluidizable substances includes a body provided with a hollow spike designed to be inserted into a container of a substance to fluidize and having an axial fluid passage and an axial passage for venting of the container, an expandable chamber connected to the venting passage of the spike through a lateral passage of the body, a first check valve enabling one-way communication from the lateral passage to the expandable chamber, a second check valve enabling one-way communication from a vent opening to the venting passage of the spike. A double impermeable filtering membrane is interposed between the first check valve and the second check valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising at least one fluid reception chamber and at least one hydrophobic filter means, wherein a vertical through the hydrophobic filter means does not have a point of intersection with a fluid level of fluids present in the fluid reception chamber. It further relates to an external functional means as well as a treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A drug transferring needle includes a needle base portion, a first needle portion having therein an air passage, and a second needle portion longer than the first needle portion and arranged parallel to the first needle portion. In the first needle portion, a first air vent being one end of the air passage is provided on a distal end side of the second needle portion from a second air vent being the other end of the air passage. In the second needle portion, one end of a liquid passage is connected to the inside of the needle base portion, and the other end thereof is a liquid pass opening of the second needle portion. The second needle portion has a distal end having the liquid pass opening, a base portion connected to the needle base portion, and an intermediate portion connecting the distal end and the base portion.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for providing fluid communications are described. In an example, a vial access cap includes a connector having an opening for providing access to a fluid pathway; a canella extending into an interior of a vial, the canella having a fluid lumen operatively coupled to the fluid pathway and a gas lumen; and a gravity-assisted valve comprising a valve body defining an elongated valve cavity, a first port, a second port operatively coupled to the gas lumen, and a valve member movable between a sealable end of the elongated valve cavity proximal to the first port and a non-sealable end of the elongated valve cavity proximal to the second port. In other examples, a syringe including a gravity-assisted valve and a system including gravity-assisted valves are described.

Abstract: A device is placed upon a container that is sealed by a sealing element and filled with a liquid, the device allowing the liquid to be withdrawn. The device is provided with a penetration element with a hollow needle that is held in an unused position on a head section. The penetration element is held by guide elements on the head section so that the element can be pressed against the sealing element in a withdrawal position, in which the hollow needle penetrates the sealing element. At least one aeration channel is provided to equalize the pressure in the container during the withdrawal of the liquid, the channel running preferably along the hollow needle. The air sucked from the atmosphere enters the aeration channel via a filter. This prevents the contamination of the liquid and the latter can be withdrawn without the risk of a reverse flow.

Abstract: Air-vented liquid dispensers are disclosed herein, including refill units for use in connection with such dispensers. A rigid container holds a liquid and has a neck portion. A manifold is secured to the neck portion underneath the container, and includes an air passage for air to enter into the container and a liquid passage for air to exit the container. A gasket member is located between the container neck and the manifold, and has a flexible and resilient flap portion which acts as a check valve for the air passage. An air tube carries the air up into the rigid container.

Abstract: A withdrawal spike unit (200) comprises a withdrawal spike component (30?) and an integrally formed adapter component (60?) that is adapted to couple with a vial (10) in a safe and secure manner. The integral formation of the component parts (30?, 60?) makes fully automated manufacture and assembly of assemblies comprising such a withdrawal spike unit (200) coupled to a vial (10) possible. As such, human errors associated with the assembly at the point of use are mitigated.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.

Abstract: A drip chamber having an upper reservoir that is separated from a lower reservoir via a filter assembly, wherein a distance between the filter assembly and a bottom surface of the drip chamber is selected to prevent dislodged air bubbles of the filter assembly from being drawn into an intravenous fluid line that is coupled to the bottom surface of the drip chamber, during an infusion procedure.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a housing and a bag. In some embodiments, an initial volume of a regulating fluid can be contained within the bag. In some embodiments, the regulating fluid flows into the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts.

Abstract: A blood plasma collecting flask consisting of plastic for storing blood plasma in a frozen state, comprising a flask body (1), which has a flask neck (2) on the upper face thereof, wherein connection points (7a, 7b) having connection pieces (8) are provided on the upper face of the flask body (1) on opposite sides of the flask neck (2) and laterally spaced apart from same, of which connection points one connection point (7a) is used to fill the flask body (1) with blood plasma and the other connection point (7b) is used for taking samples, and substantially L-shaped connectors (9) are provided at the connection points (7a, 7b), wherein each connector limb is connected to the connection piece (8) of the flask body (1) and the other connector limb points towards the flask neck (2) and bears a tube (10).

Abstract: Liquid drug transfer devices including a vented vial adapter having a top wall, a downward depending skirt, and a dual lumen puncturing spike. The top wall includes vent apertures in flow communication with an underlying air filter and protective hoods for covering the vent apertures from splashes. The hood-like hoods are preferably quarter sphere shaped with hood apertures facing radial outwards.

Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly including a vented female vial adapter and male vial adapter for use with a pair of vials including a vial with contents under negative pressure for liquid drug reconstitution and administration purposes. The vented female vial adapter includes a venting arrangement and the male vial adapter includes a sealing arrangement for selectively sealing the venting arrangement. The fluid transfer assembly is designed such that only filtered air is drawn into the vial under negative pressure subsequent to reconstitution of liquid drug contents to ensure sterile conditions.

Abstract: A device for providing sterilized or cleaned fluid to a receptacle and thereby facilitate conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle, comprising a connector and a container which form an integrated unit. The connector is provided with a first means for connection to a receptacle. Sterilized or cleaned fluid is transferred from the container to the receptacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for use with a medical device which arrangement comprises a shield for a tip of a needle member of a medical device. The arrangement comprises a filter for filtering gas to be transferred out from or into the medical device via the needle member when the arrangement is interconnected with the medical device. The filter is integrated with or constitutes at least a portion of the needle member tip shield.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-venting cannula assembly. The self-venting cannula assembly including an outer tube that defines a throughbore, an inner tube, a vent aperture, and a filter element. The inner tube is positioned within the outer tube, which defines a vent channel therebetween. The vent aperture is formed in the outer tube to provide fluid communication between the vent channel and an external environment. The filter element is positioned over the vent aperture and prevents particles having a dimension greater than about 0.2 microns from passing therethrough.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a container system having an inner container for receiving ready-to-use liquid, in particular dialysis liquid, and an outer container surrounding the inner container to receive spent liquid such that the inner container has through-openings which establish a fluidic connection for the liquid in the outer container.

Abstract: A connector (1) that can be connected to a first container and a second container (20) to transfer a liquid between the first container and the second container (20) includes a first connecting portion (3) that is engageable with the first container and a second connecting portion (4) that is engageable with the second container (20). The second connecting portion (4) is integrally provided with an engagement portion that is engageable with the second container (20) and a needle-like portion (7) for piercing into the second container (20). Thus, it is possible to prevent a container from falling off during liquid transfer. Also, since the needle-like portion (7) is integral with the second connecting portion (4), connection to the second container (20) is facilitated.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial includes a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial includes a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bag (1) for packaging a biological substance, such as animal semen, which is formed by two plastic walls (10, 11) assembled so as to define a pouch (P) for receiving said substance and that comprises a line (15) communicating with said pouch (P) a line for filling the same, this bag comprising in addition at least one pair of openings (3, 4) located on both sides of said line (15), in order to get hung, via these openings, to fingers that are complementary to a supporting device. This bag is characterized in that at least one of these openings (3, 4) has an oblong shape, extends perpendicularly to said line (15), and comprises an area forming a hard spot. The invention relates also to a strip formed by juxtaposing such bags (1), and an assembly comprised of a bag and a hanging support.

Abstract: An adapter device (1) for reducing or eliminating the potential bacterial contamination in a process of extraction or transfer of blood components from at least one container (3) to a recipient or any applicable destination, thereby increasing user safety, that comprises a body (2) provided with at least one first area (2a) designed to be approached or attached to at least one container (3) and at least one second area (2b) designed to remain accessible to the exterior, and at least one needle (7) that projects from each first area (2a) and is capable of piercing a pierceable area (3a) of a container (3). The needle (7) presents an inner tube (8) that communicates with an inner tube (9) of the body (2), which in turn leads to an opening (4) in a second area (2b), and at least one flexible part (10) that maintains each inner tube (9) of the body (2) closed.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-dose device for insertion into a vial containing a fluid. The device has a double-nested needle inserter for insertion into the vial. Opposite the double-nested needle inserter is an air opening stack and a Luer lock port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding a liquid into or removing a liquid from a receptacle, said device having a spike (1) and a housing (10, 20, 30) connected to the spike (1), wherein the spike (1) has a liquid channel (6) and a venting channel (7), and the housing (10, 20, 30) has a liquid filter chamber (24) connected to the liquid channel (6) and a venting filter chamber (11) connected to the venting channel (7). In order to achieve a larger filter surface while keeping the overall size of the structure to a minimum, the invention proposes that the liquid filter chamber (24) and the venting filter chamber (11) are arranged one above the other in the direction of a longitudinal axis (4) running along the spike (1).

Abstract: A method for retaining aerosols when accessing a sealed vial is disclosed. The method includes the steps of piercing the vial seal with a sharp cannula having a medicament lumen and a vent lumen, introducing a liquid through the medicament lumen into the vial, and conducting gas out of the vial through the vent lumen and a vent port to the atmosphere. The method also includes the steps of blocking the passage of non-dispersed liquid out the vent lumen at a first filter device comprising pores having a diameter in the range of 0.2-3.0 microns, absorbing liquid dispersed in gas at a second filter device, and inhibiting the passage of bacteria at a third filter device having a pore size smaller than 0.2 microns.

Abstract: Liquid drug transfer devices including a vented vial adapter having a top wall, a downward depending skirt, and a dual lumen puncturing spike. The top wall includes vent apertures in flow communication with an underlying air filter and protective hoods for covering the vent apertures from splashes. The hood-like hoods are preferably quarter sphere shaped with hood apertures facing radial outwards.

Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly including a vented female vial adapter and male vial adapter for use with a pair of vials including a vial with contents under negative pressure for liquid drug reconstitution and administration purposes. The vented female vial adapter includes a venting arrangement and the male vial adapter includes a sealing arrangement for selectively sealing the venting arrangement. The fluid transfer assembly is designed such that only filtered air is drawn into the vial under negative pressure subsequent to reconstitution of liquid drug contents to ensure sterile conditions.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.

Abstract: A method for retaining aerosols when accessing a sealed vial is disclosed. The method includes the steps of piercing the vial seal with a sharp cannula having a medicament lumen and a vent lumen, introducing a liquid through the medicament lumen into the vial, and conducting gas out of the vial through the vent lumen and a vent port to the atmosphere. The method also includes the steps of blocking the passage of non-dispersed liquid out the vent lumen at a first filter device comprising pores having a diameter in the range of 0.2-3.0 microns, absorbing liquid dispersed in gas at a second filter device, and inhibiting the passage of bacteria at a third filter device having a pore size smaller than 0.2 microns.

Abstract: To provide a drug solution preparing kit which can be handled with ease in a substantially aseptic manner, and has no risk that a leakage of a drug solution such as a splash and a dispersion of an aerosol to an ambient environment occurs upon preparation of the drug solution There is provided a drug solution preparing kit including a pre-filled syringe and a transfusing tool, wherein the pre-filled syringe includes a sealing member which seals the tip end and can not be removed from the tip end, and that the transfusing tool includes a one-way valve which can discharge only gas from the system in an irreversible manner, and a filter which is provided so as to adjoin to the second communication channel with respect to the one-way valve.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a housing and a bag. In some embodiments, an initial volume of a regulating fluid can be contained within the bag. In some embodiments, the regulating fluid flows into the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure relates to extracorporeal fluid circuits. In some aspects, an air-release device for allowing air to be released from a liquid in extracorporeal circuitry includes an elongate chamber having a bottom region and a top region and a fluid entry port and fluid exit port at or near the bottom region. The air release device also includes a vent structure at or near the top region of the elongate chamber that includes a porous material capable of swelling when moistened such that the vent structure can inhibit liquid from escaping the air-release device during use.

Abstract: Device (5) for filtering blood including a filter unit (7) having a blood filter, an inlet (8) for blood to be filtered and being connectable to an artery of a patient and a blood outlet (9) for filtered blood and being connectable to a vein of the patient, and having a filtrate container (6,14), that encloses the filter unit (7), for receiving filtrate (12) passing through the blood filter during a filtering process and that the filtrate container (6,14) is a closed container, which in a filled state is arranged to establish a counter-pressure over the blood filter, whereby the filtering process is interrupted. The invention also concerns a system including the above device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-venting cannula assembly. The self-venting cannula assembly including an outer tube that defines a throughbore, an inner tube, a vent aperture, and a filter element. The inner tube is positioned within the outer tube, which defines a vent channel therebetween. The vent aperture is formed in the outer tube to provide fluid communication between the vent channel and an external environment. The filter element is positioned over the vent aperture and prevents particles having a dimension greater than about 0.2 microns from passing therethrough.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.

Abstract: A container for use with a hemodialysis apparatus having a vent structure is described. The vent structure is porous, and allows air in the container to vent when the container is being filled with fluid, but expands when the vent structure becomes wet, when filling is complete, thereby closing off the pores and inhibiting (e.g., preventing) fluid from flowing through the vent structure, and reentry of air into the container. The vent structure can also include a micro-porous membrane.

Abstract: Pressure equalizing device comprising a fluid container for attachment to a receptacle such as a vial to permit pressure equalization between the fluid container and the receptacle. The pressure equalizing device comprises a flow channel that is arranged to provide fluid communication into or out of the fluid container when the pressure equalizing device is attached to the receptacle. The pressure equalizing device also comprises a fluid inlet that contains a one-way valve that permits fluid to flow into the fluid container via said fluid inlet and that prevents fluid from flowing out of the fluid container via said fluid inlet and filter-receiving means that are arranged to permit fluid flowing into or out of the fluid container to be filtered when the filter-receiving means comprises a filter.

Abstract: Biological fluid filtration methods are provided for the treatment of gas within a biological fluid filtration system. A quantity of biological fluid is flowed under the force of gravity through a leukocyte removal filter and into a post-filter container. The post-filter container has a maximum vented volume that is approximately the same as the quantity of biological fluid flowed through the filter and into the post-filter container. At least a substantial portion of the gas in the post-filter container is vented therefrom without separately restricting expansion of the post-filter container and without manually manipulating the post-filter container to expel gas.

Abstract: A vent assembly is described for use in an extracorporeal fluid unit. A vent structure adjacent to a micro-porous membrane forms the assembly. The vent structure is porous, but expands when the vent structure becomes wet, thereby closing off the pores and inhibiting (e.g., preventing) fluid from flowing through the vent structure. The vent structure also protects the membrane from becoming wet, such as from condensation.

Abstract: In a peritoneal dialysis embodiment of the present invention, spent dialysate from the patient's peritoneal cavity passes, along a patient loop, through a dialyzer having a membrane that separates waste components from the spent dialysate, wherein the patient loop returns fresh dialysate to the patient's peritoneal cavity. The waste components are carried away in a second regeneration loop to a regeneration unit or sorbent cartridge, which absorbs the waste components. The regeneration unit removes undesirable components in the dialysate that were removed from the patient loop by the dialyzer, for example, excess water (ultrafiltrate or UF), toxins and metabolic wastes. Desirable components can be added to the dialysate by the system, such as glucose and electrolytes. The additives assist in maintaining the proper osmotic gradients in the patient to perform dialysis and provide the necessary compounds to the patient.

Abstract: An interface device for connecting a syringe to a perforable bottle containing a drug has a base for connection to the perforable bottle. The connection base has an air circulation device for allowing air in and out of the perforable bottle and filtering the air.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a drug mixing system including a vial adapter assembly including a main body element having a vial receiving portion and a needle puncturable port, the main body element including an axial hollow tubular portion which is in fluid flow engagement with a bore of a vial puncturing spike, the main body element further including a membrane support surface that supports a first membrane which is in fluid flow engagement with the vial puncturing spike via the bore and via a recess formed in an intermediate portion of the main body element, and a second membrane supported by a membrane support member and separated by a gap from the first membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracorporeal oxygenation of a patient's blood during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The apparatus comprises a bubble sensor, arranged at or connected to a venous line, for detecting bubbles in the venous blood received from the patient. When air bubbles are detected, a second pump is activated to draw air from an air chamber provided in an air filter connected to the venous line and arranged downstream of the bubble sensor. A first pump draws the blood from the air filter and supplies the blood to an oxygenator and to the patient via an arterial line.

Abstract: A device and a procedure for the extemporaneous preparation of an individual quantity of sterile treatment fluid that may be compressible, in particular a treatment gas, the device comprising a rigid cartridge (3) with an outlet valve, an administration syringe (4) and a filtration-type connection/sterilization device (5, 6). The cartridge (3) simply contains an individual quantity of treatment fluid under pressure, and the cylinder of the syringe (4) is adapted to contain this individual quantity.

Abstract: A vial adapter is described comprising a housing, the housing comprising an expandable chamber to contain a volume, an internal passage in communication with the expandable chamber, at least one opening in communication with the internal passage, and an access member integral with the housing. A hollow spike comprising a proximal end is integral with the housing and a distal end. The spike comprises a vent lumen open at the distal end and a fluid lumen open at the distal end, the vent lumen is in communication with the internal passage and the fluid lumen is in communication with the access member. A first check valve restricts communication from the expandable chamber to the internal passage, and a second check valve restricts communication from the internal passage to the opening. Methods of reconstituting and/or withdrawing hazardous material using the vial adapter are described.

Abstract: A blood filter system used for the sequential filtering of blood while actively removing air bubbles and debris comprising a filter housing with unique conical, or cylindrical shape, a flared inlet port, a unique up and down blood flow path, a multi-stage sequential filter assembly, an active air purge assembly and a unique downspout assembly with outlet port. The filter housing is adapted so that blood passes from the inlet port through the multi-stage sequential filter assembly to the outlet port following an up and down flow path, while its unique shape and angled filters effectively direct any air bubbles and debris up and out of the blood stream toward the active air purge assembly where they are removed.

Abstract: The present device is a suppression device for containing sound and germs emanating from a user's cough. A substantially hollow tube forms a gas conduit with a gas-permeable end membrane fixed within the tube across the gas conduit. A layer of a gas-permeable anti-bacterial material is fixed within the tube against the end membrane and a gas-permeable filter material is fixed within the tube against the anti-bacterial material. When a user needs to cough, the user coughs into the suppression device whereby the emanating germs and sound are suppressed as they encounter the filter material, the anti-bacterial material, and the end membrane. The suppression device further includes a lanyard permitting a user to wear the device and a label to write the user's name on the device. The suppression device is primarily comprised of biodegradable materials, allowing the suppression device to be disposable in an environmentally friendly way.

Abstract: A blood filter system used for the sequential filtering of blood while actively removing air bubbles and debris comprising a filter housing with unique conical, or cylindrical shape, a flared inlet port, a unique up and down blood flow path, a multi-stage sequential filter assembly, an active air purge assembly and a unique downspout assembly with outlet port. The filter housing is adapted so that blood passes from the inlet port through the multi-stage sequential filter assembly to the outlet port following an up and down flow path, while its unique shape and angled filters effectively direct any air bubbles and debris up and out of the blood stream toward the active air purge assembly where they are removed.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.