Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for compounding of parenteral admixture solutions, and recirculation with the admixture solution being formed. The apparatus includes a multiple pump cassette configured for operative association with a pump driver, whereby one or more selected source solutions are delivered through a pump cassette to an associated admixture container. After pumping of each source solution, the present method contemplates that the admixture being formed is recirculated through the pump cassettes thereby diluting any source solution in the cassettes and associated tubing. In this manner, the possible mixture of incompatible source solutions, resulting in formation of precipitate, is desirably avoided.

Abstract: A method of detecting occlusions in a solution pumping system includes monitoring and analyzing pressures within the system during selected portions of a pumping cycle. The pumping system of the illustrated embodiment includes a positive displacement pump operated by a reciprocable pump piston, with analysis of pressures within the system identifying those conditions which reflect the presence of an occlusion either upstream or downstream of the positive displacement pump. A suitable signal or alarm can then be activated to alert operating personnel.

Abstract: A protection system is provided for the transfer of toxic liquid from a bulk container through a first conduit to a connector for a delivery device such as a dosage syringe. A second conduit connects the connector to a waste receptacle. The first and second conduits penetrate the closed end of a flexible barrier bag. The bag is initially retracted from the bulk container to allow manipulation of the bulk container. The bag is subsequently extended over and sealed around the bulk container and waste receptacle to protect the health care provider during liquid transfer to the deliver device.

Abstract: An access site for a fluid delivery system is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a rigid, tubular housing having a stepped inlet end, an outlet end and a bore therebetween, the stepped inlet end having an initial larger diameter cavity than the bore. Within the inlet end is a solid resilient sealing member having a larger and smaller cross dimensional portion positioned within the corresponding portions of the cavity and bore. The resilient member includes an axially parallel perforation and at least one axially protruding sealing ring on the large cross dimensioned portion of the sealing member in contact with a shoulder of the housing. Also included is a means for securing the member in the housing such that the resilient member experiences axial compressive forces at all points of axial contact between the member and housing.

Abstract: A retainer is used in combination with two tubular flow connectors to prevent the inadvertent disconnection of I.V. tubing sets. The retainer includes at least one open collar having a flexible opening so as to be radially and securely attachable adjacent to an increased diameter portion on a tubing connector. A pair of parallel straps connects the collar with an axially pivotable joint so as to facilitates easy manipulation and engagement of the retainer.

Abstract: A suction drainage control system that reduces an operator's exposure to infectious waste by permitting waste-treating material to be dispersed into a sealed chamber in which the infectious waste is contained. The sealed chamber includes a cover with a flexible liner sealed to and suspended therefrom. A freely movable reservoir is provided inside the sealed chamber for storing the waste-treating material, which reservoir is opened by manipulating the flexible liner to open the reservoir.

Abstract: An adapter has a cannula to deliver a drug to the interior of a vial. The vial contains a plunger that has a penetratable self-sealing rubber diaphragm, as is common. The adapter comprises a barrel adapted to fit over and telescope onto the vial, with a cannula rigidly mounted axially in the barrel and long enough to reach the bottom of the vial after penetrating the rubber diaphragm. The barrel incorporates fins that stabilize the cannula axially. Cover plugs are provided to close both the barrel and the vial before use. When the covers are removed and the barrel s fitted down over the vial, the cannula projects beyond the fins to penetrate the plunger and push the plunger to the bottom of the vial. The long barrel and the rigidly maintained cannula insure that the cannula cannot contact the inner wall of the vial.

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 terminal reservoir capping device according to the present invention includes a hollow member having first and second open ends. A first plug seals the first open end such that the plug is inwardly displaceable into the hollow member. A second plug seals the second open end. A chamber is defined by the hollow member and the first and second plugs. A reservoir of disinfecting fluid or therapeutic drug is provided in the chamber. Axially extending from the first end of the hollow member is a mechanism for engaging and advancing the tube connector into the chamber so as to inwardly displace the first plug into the chamber. The plug self-releases and allows dispersal of the reservoir fluid into the tube connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the patency of a vein access device in which a dilute solution of an anticoagulant drug is slowly infused into the vein access device. The patency device includes a self-energized container and means for adding a medicament without disconnecting the patency device from the vein access device. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a self-energized container delivers a heparin solution to the vein access device at a concentration from about 0.01 to about 0.99 international heparin units per milliliter of diluent at a flow rate from about 0.01 to about 1.0 milliliters per hour.

Abstract: A catheter assembly with a reciprocable obturator is disclosed which facilitates patency maintenance during intravenous therapy. The assembly includes a catheter having an elongated tubular portion defining a lumen, and an obturator assembly mounted on the catheter. The obturator assembly includes a reciprocable obturator member including an elongated obturator rod telescopically disposed within the catheter lumen. The rod is configured to cooperate with the lumen to inhibit liquid flow into the free end of the catheter. The device can be employed in conjunction with a high molecular weight, viscous fluid, in order to further inhibit ingress of liquid into the catheter.

Abstract: A drug infusion manifold for controlling the infusion of drugs and/or other solutions into an intravenous patient feed line. The manifold includes a housing defining an elongated in-line flow channel that communicates at one end with a carrier fluid inlet line and at the other end with the patient feed line. A plurality of spaced apart drug inlet openings are formed in the housing in communication with the flow channel. Each of the inlet openings is provided with a check valve assembly that includes a valve member defining an inlet socket portion and a valve stem portion that extends into the flow channel. The valve stem portion has a cylindrical side wall that defines an inlet passage that communicates with the socket portion. A plurality of lateral inlet ports extend through the side wall. An elastic sleeve member is received about the valve stem portion in covering relationship with the inlet ports. The valve stem portion is in-line with the flow of carrier fluid through the flow channel.

Abstract: A drug storage and delivery system that includes a drug containing vial assembly, a syringe assembly, and an adapter assembly for attaching the vial assembly to the adapter assembly. The vial assembly includes a vial that is provided with a pierceable stopper and a skirt member that circumscribes the outside of the vial. The syringe assembly includes a cannula extending longitudinally therethrough. The adapter assembly attaches the vial assembly to the syringe assembly in a manner that permits communication between the interior of the vial and the cannula extending through the syringe. The system also permits attachment of the syringe assembly to a container filled with a diluent and means for delivering the diluent into the vial assembly and subsequently directing the mixed solution back into the container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for sterile coupling and decoupling of a first solution system to a second solution system. The first system has a resealable member so as to allow access into the system. The device includes a housing for receiving the resealable member so as to provide a fluid tight cooperating engagement with the resealable member. A penetrable barrier is positioned in the housing across from the resealable member. A conduit in flow communication with the second system is adapted for sterile penetration of the barrier and the resealable member. An inlet and outlet duct provides a passageway between the barrier and the resealable member. The inlet is adapted for fluid flow from a source of sterilizing fluid and optionally a sterile rinsing fluid. The outlet duct receives the sterilizing fluid after is passes across and sterilizes the resealable member facing the barrier.

Abstract: A needle guard for an additive-type syringe includes a sidewall which extends beyond the needle point. The sidewall is joined to the syringe housing by spin welding or sonic welding an annular flange that extends axially rearward from the needle guard to contact the front wall of the housing. The needle guard also includes an intermediate circumferential flange and a centering and guiding member that frictionally slides in the needle guard.

Abstract: Medical tubing is extruded from a composition of a divalent metal ionomer, polyamide and polyurethane, preferably in the ranges of 60-80% of ionomer, 10.gtoreq.25% polyamide and 10-20% polyurethane. After extrusion the tubing may be sterilized with ethylene oxide or gamma irradiation. The tubing is substantially kink-resistant and the degree of stiffness and mechanical strength can be adjusted by varying the amount of polyamide and polyurethane so that the tubing can efficiently function as a catheter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ambulatory infusion device having a housing which has a series of cavities in which there are provided expandable pressure regulator tubes which may be formed of suitable resilient materials. The regulator tubes may be of several different configurations. The cavities have a greater volume than the expandable tubes to permit expansion thereof and also to provide means for limiting the expansion thereof to ensure against bursting of the tubes should a pressure relief valve in the system fail to operate. The open ends of the regulator tubes are interconnected through a series of passageways, connectors, etc. to an inflatable, flexible, substantially non-stretchable diaphragm provided in another housing cavity. A fresh flexible bag of medicament is positioned against the diaphragm by the patient with an administration port of the bag projecting outwardly of the housing for connection to an infusion set connectable to a patient's catheter.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for intravenous therapy includes a protective shield to protect health care personnel from inadvertent injury. The protective shield can be selectively positioned on the assembly to permit manipulation of a needle member of the assembly so that the needle member can be withdrawn from an associated tubular catheter member. After the needle member is withdrawn, it is received within the shield member, and is substantially enclosed therein so that the needle member can disposed of without injury to personnel.

Abstract: A solution pumping system includes a compressible pump cassette having front and rear body members, and an elastomeric diaphragm positioned therebetween. The front and rear body members are joined to each other for limited, relative movement, which movement effects compression of the diaphragm. The pump cassette is removably positionable in a pump driver of the system, which can be configured to effect compression of the cassette for use. In this way, the desired compression of the diaphragm during use can be achieved, while avoiding problems associated with compression set or load decay during storage of the cassette prior to use.