Abstract: An intravenous piggyback tubing flush apparatus includes a flush chamber attached to an intravenous (IV) set on the vertical tube and located lower than an IV medication bag for following administration of medication with a flush solution of normal saline from the flush chamber, which flushes the medication from the IV tubing and from a venous access device that is inserted into the patient, thereby preventing clotting of the venous access device. The flush solution automatically follows administration of the medication. An air vent on the flush chamber and a separate air vent on the medication bag facilitate the flow of medication and flush solution through the IV tubing and the venous access device. The flush chamber is located lower than the medication bag.

Abstract: A ferrule for use as a medical device which makes mechanical connection with external connector tubes is provided; the ferrule comprises an inner wall defining a conduit extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a first taper lock surface is defined by a first region of the inner wall for forming a taper lock with a first connector portion having first dimensions; and a second taper lock surface is defined by a second region of the inner wall for forming a taper lock with a second connector portion having second dimensions.

Abstract: The catheter system for delivering an anesthetic solution to the subarachnoid space of a patient comprises a small diameter catheter section joined to a larger diameter extension tube. The small diameter catheter section is introduced to the subarachnoid space, typically using an introducer needle, and anesthetic can be delivered to the catheter section through the large diameter tube extension. In this way, total flow resistance to the delivery of the anesthetic is reduced without the corresponding increase in the portion of the catheter which is introduced to the subarachnoid space.

Abstract: A device having a plurality of individual passages therethrough is removably attachable to appropriate supporting structure of a sickbed, adjacent equipments, or walls of the room. Each passage is adapted to nondeformably accept and retain a flexible tubing length of an individual intravenous medication administration line running from an associated medication supply reservoir to a patient. In one embodiment, each line may be independently placed into the device or independently removed therefrom through opening a covering surface to expose said passages. This cover may be a separate piece attached by way of hinges or may be a flap closable by way of a living hinge. The cover is provided with spaces onto which the content or nature of an associated intravenous administration line may be identified by erasably writing thereon. In another embodiment, a surface suitable for erasably marking is provided between the passages, obviating the need for a cover.

Abstract: A system for the intravenous administration of a plurality of medicaments and/or nutrients contained in respective liquid containers includes a plurality of liquid intravenous administration sets, each administration set defining a flow path from a point of entry adapted to be fluidly connected to a respective liquid container to a point of exit adapted to be fluidly connected to a vasopuncture device, the flow path being bounded over a portion of its length by a flexible intravenous tube, and a plurality of indicia, each designating a respective one of the liquid reservoirs containing one of the medicaments and/or nutrients and associated with a respective one of the administration sets defining a flow path from that liquid reservoir designated by the indicia. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of indicia comprise respective colors, each color designating a respective one of the liquid containers containing one of the medicaments and/or nutrients.

Abstract: A drug infusion manifold that includes a housing defining a plurality of spaced apart fluid chambers that have a closed first end portion and an opposing second end portion. The second end portions of immediately adjacent chambers are in fluid communication through channels extending therebetween. A plurality of spaced apart fluid inlets are formed in the housing in fluid communication with a corresponding fluid chamber. A check valve means is provided in each fluid chamber for directing drugs and/or solutions from the inlets into the chamber and precluding fluid flow from the chamber. An outlet is formed in the housing in direct fluid communication with at least one of the chambers.

Abstract: A multi-lumen-catheter flow valve system (10) comprises a catheter (14) having three separated lumens (70, 72, 74), each lumen having a separate outlet opening (122a-c) at a distal end portion of the catheter, and a selective-in/all-out valve apparatus (12). The valve apparatus has red, grey and blue input ports (46, 48, 50) and center, first offset and second offset output ports (64, 66, 68), each of the input ports being selectively coupled to a fluid source (16, 18 or 20) and each of the output ports being coupled to a lumen of the blood vessel catheter. The valve apparatus can be adjusted to selectively transmit fluid(s) entering the three input ports to the three output ports without mixing the fluids and to transmit fluids entering a lesser number of input ports than output ports to the three output ports, also without mixing the fluids.

Abstract: In a device for combining a plurality of liquid infusions to form a mixture comprising a chamber having a circumference and a plurality of separately closable inlets for various infusion liquids and an outlet for the mixture, and improvement is provided which comprises a chamber having a first chamber portion having inlets, a second chamber portion and an elastic sealing element held in an outer region of the circumference and interposed between the first and second portions, the sealing element extending over and covering the inlets, and segments of the sealing element being prestressed against such inlets to close same, each of the inlets communicating with the chamber and the outlet when the elastic sealing element is removed from covering each such inlet, wherein the separately closable inlets are disposed radially about an axis and the outlet is disposed longitudinally along the axis, wherein the inlets are located proximate the circumference of the chamber and each inlet ends in a sealing element openin

Abstract: An agent formulator (30, 60) for an intravenous administration set (14) is provided. The intravenous administration set (14) includes a container (12) of an IV fluid (13), a drip chamber (22), an agent formulator (30, 60) and an adapter-needle assembly (28). The agent formulator (30, 60) has a fluid inlet (23) and a fluid outlet (25) for maintaining a flow of IV fluid (13 ) therethrough. A portion (36) of the formulator wall (32) is comprised of a window material which allows the agent to diffuse therethrough but which prevents convective loss of the IV fluid (13). A flow distributor (38, 68) is provided within the chamber for distributing the flow of IV fluid (13) along the interior surface of the window (36). A transdermal-type drug delivery device (40) is adhered to the exterior surface of the window (36). Drug is delivered by the delivery device (40) through the window (36) and into the flowing IV fluid (13).

Abstract: An improved IV system comprising one or more medication bags in which fluid is packaged, a safety IV catheter assembly for delivering fluid from the medication bags to the patient, and a quick-disconnect fluid coupler by which fluid tubing from respective medication bags may be quickly and efficiently connected to fluid tubing associated with the catheter assembly. Each medication bag includes an integral flow control device and drip chamber by which to accurately and selectively regulate the rate at which fluid is supplied to the catheter assembly. The catheter assembly includes a detachable and disposable safety housing into which a solid core trocar can be withdrawn and shielded after making a veni puncture through the patient's tissue. The fluid coupler includes a pair of locking fingers that are rotated through respective locking perforations located adjacent the fluid tube to which the coupler is to be connected.

Abstract: The gravity flow fluid path for administering IV fluids to a patient is disclosed in which multiple IV fluids can be delivered at different flow rates to the patient without having to replace the administration set up.

Abstract: A drug formulation chamber for an intravenous administration set is provided. The intravenous administration set includes a container of an IV fluid, a drip chamber, a drug formulation chamber, and an adapter-needle assembly. The drug formulation chamber has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for maintaining a flow of IV fluid through the chamber. A portion of the chamber wall is comprised of a window material which allows the drug to diffuse therethrough but which prevents convective loss of the IV fluid. A flow distributor is provided within the chamber for distributing the flow of IV fluid along the interior surface of the window. A transdermal-type drug delivery device is adhered to the exterior surface of the window. Drug is delivered by the delivery device through the window and into the flowing IV fluid. The device delivers drug into the IV fluid at a rate that is independent of the flow rate of IV fluid through the formulation chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intravenous administration set 10 having a primary container 22 and a secondary container 24, each containing fluid, and a pump 20. The primary container 22 and secondary container 24 are joined into a single flow path by a Y-site 50. A check valve 42 is provided between the primary container 22 and the Y-site 50. A fluid capacitor 60 is provided on the single flow path between the Y-site 50 and the pump 20 to repenish displaced fluid in the pump 20.

Abstract: A multiline check valve assembly has an elongated body which defines a fluid passageway and which is formed with a plurality of valve cavities that are in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. Each valve cavity has a resilient valve element disposed within the cavity and each valve element rests in the cavity with one end against a protrusion disposed in the cavity for centering the element within the cavity. The resilient valve element is biased to urge its other end against a valve seat that surrounds an opening to the valve cavity to create a fluid tight seal with the valve seat and close the opening. In addition, an access port is formed circumferentially around both the valve seat and opening to establish a fluid communication path through the access port to the fluid passageway in the body when the valve element is separated from the valve seat.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for organizing and maintaining a plurality of catheters, valves, intravenous and monitoring lines for patient care includes a member having a surface dimensioned to receive a patient, and with at least one wing rotatably coupled to the member. The wing has a manifold at its distal extremity for receiving the catheters, intravenous and monitoring lines in a relatively fixed relation with respect to the patient during rotation of the wing. The wing is rotatable into numerous positions between a first position lateral to the sides of the member into a second position generally parallel to the member. An identifying sleeve at the opposite ends of each catheter or line further facilitates organization and identification.

Abstract: A drug formulation chamber for an intravenous administration set is provided. The intravenous administration set includes a container of an IV fluid, a drip chamber, a drug formulation chamber, and an adapter-needle assembly. The drug formulation chamber has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for maintaining a flow of IV fluid through the chamber. A portion of the chamber wall is comprised of a window material which allows the drug to diffuse therethrough but which prevents convective loss of the IV fluid. A flow distributor is provided within the chamber for distributing the flow of IV fluid along the interior surface of the window. A transdermal-type drug delivery device is adhered to the exterior surface of the window. Drug is delivered by the delivery device through the window and into the flowing IV fluid. The device delivers drug into the IV fluid at a rate that is independent of the flow rate of IV fluid through the formulation chamber.

Abstract: A multiple fluid delivery system usable for the delivery of intravenous fluids to a patient from a plurality of fluid sources includes flexible tubing members for coupling the sources to a fluid junction member. The fluid junction member, wherein little or no interfluid mixing occurs, is coupled by an output conduit to a controllable pump. Output from the pump, via a further fluid flow conduit, can be coupled to the patient's catheter. The system can multiplex a plurality of different fluids. Spaced apart sequences of fluid quanta are injected into the output conduit from the fluid flow junction. The fluids are either mixed, or not, in the output conduit as desired. Operator interaction and control of the system can occur either through a display screen or by means of a bar code sensor. Hard copy records can be provided of fluid flow delivery schedules or other related information.

Abstract: Apparatus including a manifold and associated check valves for selectively injecting supplemental fluids into a closed IV line extending from a source of saline solution to a patient during an operation. Also disclosed are a plurality of connected manifolds and a device to secure the apparatus in location for easy administration of the supplemental fluids to the IV line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the accuracy of administration of intravenous medicinal fluids including an elongated matrix device attachable to a plurality of intravenous tubes, so that each tube is disposed in spatial and visual alignment with an indicia device on which the type of fluid flowing in the tube and the identification of the body port to which the fluid is flowing is recorded, as well as visual means, such as staggered positioning, is used to visually connect the tubes coming into the matrix with the corresponding effluent tube to a particular body portal, and including the use of color coding as an enhancement to the basic arrangement.

Abstract: An improved medication administration system includes a series of one way valves disposed closely adjacent and in direct fluid communication with an auxiliary IV line leading to a patient. A plurality of syringes filled with various selected medications are each secured in a tray against axial and lateral movement by depressing them into correspondingly dimensioned longitudinal grooves. The flanges of the syringes abut a lip of the tray to further restrict axial movement. The nozzles of the syringes are connected to the inlets of the valves so that medication can be adminstered intravenously by simply depressing the appropriate syringe plunger. The tray is surrounded by a supporting outer box which includes retractable clamps for fastening the tray to an operating table. A second similarly shaped box is adapted to be clipped to the first box or clamped to the table. The second box can contain miscellaneous medical equipment.

Abstract: A disposable system for enabling a succession of individuals to be supplied with a sterile medical solution during operative and other procedures utilizes a number of spaced apart, penetrable elastomerically sealed funnels branching from an outlet from the solution container or an attached drip chamber. A standard sterile administration set having a spike end may be inserted into the seal of a first funnel to provide flow to a first individual. After the first procedure is completed the conduit to the first funnel is clamped off and the sequence repeated, but with the spike end of a second administration set inserted for supply to solution to a second individual. This sequence may be repeated for a selectable number of branches, enabling valuable solution from a container to be used with minimum wastage but without danger of cross-contamination.

Abstract: Apparatus for the rapid infusion of physiologic solutions into the human body which have been warmed by said apparatus to normothermic temperature. The apparatus includes an extracorporeal heat exchanger which warms cold bank blood and other physiologic solutions to normothermic temperature. Bank blood and blood products enter the apparatus through a filtered infusion line. Crystalloids and synthetic colloids enter the apparatus through an unfiltered infusion line. Bank blood, blood products, crystalloids, and synthetic colloids flow through PVC tubing, filtered drip chambers, and the extracorporeal heat exchanger at a rapid rate to restore and maintain the normal circulating blood volume of a patient in hypovolemic shock. The flow rate is regulated by PVC tube clamps and a fluid shut-off valve. The apparatus also embodies a macrodrip administration set for the infusion of drugs and other physiologic solutions at a slower infusion rate.

Abstract: A gravitational fluid administration apparatus for large animals includes: a mechanism to allow a person of average strength to lift, lower, and suspend containers of blood, plasma, parenteral fluids, drugs, and supplemental salt solutions weighing as much as 25 kg without injuring the animal or human personnel; a hanger to hold the fluid containers; and a swivel mechanism to allow the suspended fluid containers to turn as the animal moves and to prevent kinking of the associated tubing. Further, there are "primary" and "secondary" tubing systems. The purpose of the primary tubing system is to convey fluids and drugs from fluid containers to the animal through a closed system.

Abstract: An intravenous delivery system is disclosed for formulating an intravenously administrable solution in the delivery system. The delivery system comprises means for transferring a fluid and for mixing the fluid with a drug in the delivery system.

Abstract: A self contained portable apparatus for the rapid warming and infusion of massive amounts of a parenteral fluid into a patient under conditions where time is of the essence. The apparatus comprises a portable cabinet, a parenteral fluid supply system, a fluid warming system, and apparatus monitoring and failure warning systems. The portable cabinet has a rectangular shaped enclosure which houses portions of the fluid supply and warming systems and the monitoring and failure warning systems. Extending upwardly from the top of the rectangular enclosure is a vertical support member which carries upper and lower horizontal crossmembers. The upper crossmember carries a plurality of disposable parenteral fluid bags and their respective pressure cuffs which surround the bags.

Abstract: An intravascular tube assembly is disclosed which facilitates the administration of drugs and fluids to a patient. The invention is especially useful during emergency surgery, or in other contexts where several medications need to be administered simultaneously, and wherein it is necessary to provide a complicated assortment of infusion lines. The assembly comprises a plurality of tubes for delivering the fluids, the tubes having indicia disposed at intervals along their length. In the preferred embodiment, the indicia are printed on the tubes at intervals of about six inches, and are printed three times at each location along the tube, around its circumference. Alternatively, the indicia can be printed in a spiral fashion from one end of the tube to the other. The assembly also includes at least one generally flat separator having a plurality of spaced-apart holes, the diameter of the holes being slightly larger than the diameter of the tubes.

Abstract: Apparatus for the rapid infusion of physiologic solutions into the human body which have been warmed by said apparatus to normothermic temperature. The apparatus includes an extracorporeal heat exchanger which warms cold bank blood and other physiologic solutions to normothermic temperature. Bank blood and blood products enter the apparatus through a filtered infusion line. Crystalloids and synthetic colloids enter the apparatus through an unfiltered infusion line. Bank blood, blood products, crystalloids, and synthetic colloids flow through PVC tubing, filtered drip chambers, and the extracorporeal heat exchanger at a flow rate of approximately 1500 milliliters per minute or greater. Said flow rate is regulated by PVC tube clamps and a fluid shut-off valve. The apparatus also embodies a macrodrip administration set for the infusion of drugs and other physiologic solutions at a slower infusion rate.

Abstract: A tubing clamp for firmly retaining flexible tubing without occluding flow through it and for forcing the tube into straight and open configuration. The tubing clamp rests on a platform member and comprises a pair of jaws positioned in opposed relation to each other and pivotally mounted on the platform member to be pivotally movable between open and closed positions. Facing surfaces of the jaws defines recesses that together define a tube port in the closed position of substantially the outer diameter of the tubing intended for retention therein. The tube has a parting line, and the jaws also define overlapping members at the parting line to prevent pinching of tubing occupying the tube port in the parting line as the jaws are moved to closed position.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery set is disclosed for administering a beneficial agent to a recipient. The set comprises (a) a primary container of a medical fluid; (b) a primary tubing in fluid communication with the primary container; (c) a secondary container of a medical fluid; (d) a secondary tubing in fluid communication with the secondary container; (e) a formulation chamber connected to the secondary tubing and housing an agent dispensing device or the beneficial agent; and (f) a common tubing in communication with the primary tubing and the secondary tubing for communicating the set to the recipient.

Abstract: A fluid infusion system includes a selector valve for convenient interruption of administration of a primary infusion fluid to a patient to permit administration of a secondary infusion fluid, such as a selected drug solution, followed by resumption of primary fluid flow. The selector valve includes a valve housing with a primary spike for connection to a primary fluid container, a dual path secondary spike for connection to a vial or the like containing the secondary infusion fluid, and an outlet fitting for connection to the patient, for example, through a standard intravenous (IV) infusion set. A valve insert is movably mounted within the valve housing and defines a fluid channel network for controlling flow from the primary and secondary spikes to the outlet fitting.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery set is disclosed for administering a beneficial agent to a recipient. The set comprises (a) a primary container of a medical fluid; (b) a primary tubing in fluid communication with the primary container; (c) a secondary container of a medical fluid; (d) a secondary tubing in fluid communication with the secondary container; (e) a formulation chamber connected to the secondary tubing and housing an agent dispensing device or the beneficial agent; and (f) a common tubing in communication with the primary tubing and the secondary tubing for communicating the set to the recipient.

Abstract: A dual parenteral solution apparatus for delivering predetermined volumes of two solutions at predetermined flow rates with increased accuracy. The apparatus has a shut-off valve in the supplementary solution supply system which is immediately activated when the supplemental solution supply is depleted.

Abstract: A spike exchanger to move a spike from one peritoneal dialysis bag to another. A pair of peritoneal dialysis bags are positioned by a base having clamps for releasably closing the tubular ports of each bag. A patient connectable tube with a spike shaped end is removably mounted to a device slidably mounted on the base and guided by means of a slot and roller combination to the tubular port of either bag. Various embodiments of the slot roller mechanism guide the spike shaped end to the tubular ports. A hook shaped tool pivotally mounted upon the base is engageable to unlock a sterile clamp mounted to the spike and port of one bag. Spaced apart and integrally connected arms moveably mounted to the base receive a sterile clamp and are positionable to lockingly mount a sterile clamp to the spike and port of the other bag. A further hook shaped arm pivotally mounted to the base is moveable against a bag port to hold the port immoveably straight as it is engaged by the spike.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery set is disclosed for administering a beneficial agent to a recipient. The set comprises (a) a primary container of a medical fluid; (b) a primary tubing in fluid communication with the primary container; (c) a secondary container of a medical fluid; (d) a secondary tubing in fluid communication with the secondary container; (e) a formulation chamber connected to the secondary tubing and housing an agent dispensing device or the beneficial agent; and (f) a common tubing in communication with the primary tubing and the secondary tubing for communicating the set to the recipient.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a first connector from a second connector and reconnecting the first connector with the third connector by mechanical means so that the visually impaired can do it, without touching critical areas where sterility should be retained. The apparatus finds particular use in the field of peritoneal dialysis where the catheter or set connecting to the patient must be disconnected from one container of solution and reconnected to another under the most aseptic conditions possible. A platform is provided having track means for permitting controlled movement of a first retention means between a first position, permitting disconnection between the first and second connectors, and a second position permitting connection between the first and third connectors when the first, second, and third connectors are respectively carried in the first, second, and third retention means.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery set is disclosed for administering a beneficial agent to a recipient. The set comprises (a) a primary container of a medical fluid; (b) a primary tubing in fluid communication with the primary container; (c) a secondary container of a medical fluid; (d) a secondary tubing in fluid communication with the secondary container; (e) a formulation chamber connected to the secondary tubing and housing an agent dispensing device or the beneficial agent; and (f) a common tubing in communication with the primary tubing and the secondary tubing for communicating the set to the recipient.

Abstract: A manifold for sequentially dispensing a plurality of solutions through an intravenous supply catheter. The manifold includes a disposable tubing manifold that is connected to each of the solutions to be administered. Flow of solution through the branches of the tubing manifold can be stopped by valves which engage each branch. The quantity of solution dispensed is metered by a volumetric infusion pump and controlled by sequentially opening and closing the valves individually.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery set is disclosed for administering a beneficial agent to a recipient. The set comprises (a) a primary container of a medical fluid; (b) a primary tubing in fluid communication with the primary container; (c) a secondary container of a medical fluid; (d) a secondary tubing in fluid communication with the secondary container; (e) a formulation chamber connected to the secondary tubing and housing an agent dispensing device or the beneficial agent; and (f) a common tubing in communication with the primary tubing and the secondary tubing for communicating the set to the recipient.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery set is disclosed for administering a beneficial agent to a recipient. The set comprises (a) a primary container of a medical fluid; (b) a primary tubing in fluid communication with the primary container; (c) a secondary container of a medical fluid; (d) a secondary tubing in fluid communication with the secondary container; (e) a formulation chamber connected to the secondary tubing and housing an agent dispensing device or the beneficial agent; and (f) a common tubing in communication with the primary tubing and the secondary tubing for communicating the set to the recipient.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery system is disclosed for administering a beneficial agent to a recipient. The system comprises (a) a primary container of a medical fluid; (b) a primary drip chamber in fluid communication with the primary container; (c) a primary formulation chamber in fluid communication with the primary drip chamber and housing an agent dispensing device or a beneficial agent; (d) a secondary container of a medical fluid; (e) a secondary drip chamber in fluid communication with the secondary container; (f) a secondary formulation chamber in fluid communication with the secondary drip chamber and housing an agent dispensing device or a beneficial agent; and (g) a common tubing in communication with the primary formulation chamber and the secondary formulation chamber for communicating the system with the recipient.

Abstract: A spike exchanger to move a spike from one peritoneal dialysis bag to another. A pair of peritoneal dialysis bags are mounted to a base having clamps for releasably closing the tubular ports of each bag. A patient connectable tube with a spike shaped end is removably mounted to a bar slidably mounted on the base and guided by means of a slot and roller combination to the tubular port of either bag. Three embodiments of the slot roller mechanism guide the spike shaped end to the tubular ports.

Abstract: For portable use of peritoneal dialysis, a flexible bag of plastic material has two chambers therein, one being a dialysis liquid chamber (42) and substantially larger than a further disinfectant chamber (8); the bag is formed of thermoplastic material, heat-sealed together at seam lines extending thereacross, and sealed into the seam lines are a communication line (16) from the dialysis chamber (42) to the outside, and a branch duct (17) extending from the disinfectant chamber to the communication duct; the respective ducts are closed off at the inside of the chambers, after filling, by releasable closures, such as a ball squeezed into the duct, or a frangible pin which can be broken off by flexing the bag, thus permitting removal of, respectively, dialysis fluid and disinfectant from the respective chambers; used dialysis fluid can be returned into the bag.

Abstract: A dual parenteral solution apparatus for delivering predetermined volumes of two solutions at predetermined flow rates with increased accuracy. The apparatus has a shut-off valve in the supplementary solution supply system which is immediately activated when the supplemental solution supply is depleted.