Abstract: A fluid connector device for a blood collection system is disclosed. In order to be safely used with different gauges, the fluid connector device can regulate blood flow therethrough based upon the catheter gauge. For example, when 18-to-22-gauge catheters are used, the fluid connector device regulates the blood flow by positioning a slider assembly (within the fluid connector device) to a setting that allows a single channel to transmit blood through the fluid connector device into a fluid inlet and out of a fluid outlet of the fluid connector device. Alternatively, in another example, when 24-gauge (or greater) catheters are used, the slider assembly can be actuated to a new position, which allows multiple channels to transmit blood into the fluid inlet and out of the fluid outlet. By regulating blood flow, the fluid connector device can limit or prevent hemolysis, while being universally used with different catheters.

Abstract: A single use disposable elapsed time indicator and methods for using same include an indicator that can have a flexible chamber for holding an aqueous medium and a slot with a viewing window and a longitudinal axis. The slot is connected to the chamber via a passage having a breakable seal therein. An absorbable material is located within and at a first end of the slot that swells upon exposure to the aqueous medium. A graded scale is also included along the longitudinal axis of the slot to indicate periods of elapsed time. The absorbable material is configured to expand from the first end of the slot toward an opposing end of the slot along the longitudinal axis and thereby mark elapsed time on the graded scale.

Abstract: A first venous rhythm of a patient is detected above a venous insertion site when a venous catheter connected to an infusion set is inserted into the venous insertion site and, concurrently with the first venous rhythm, a second venous rhythm is detected at a location remote from the venous insertion site. An irregularity between the first and second venous rhythms is identified, and a failure of the venous catheter is determined based on the identified irregularity satisfying a irregularity threshold. An alarm may be provided on detecting the irregularity or the failure of the venous catheter.

Abstract: A single use disposable elapsed time indicator and methods for using same can include an indicator having a chamber and a longitudinal channel for receiving a volatile fluid. A sponge is located and seated in the longitudinal channel and configured to allow evaporation of volatile fluid from within the longitudinal channel to an exterior of the longitudinal channel. A spring is included in the longitudinal channel which presses against an end of the chamber and against a plunger that is seated and moveable in the longitudinal channel along a longitudinal axis thereof. The spring is configured to exert force on and move the plunger from a first end of the chamber toward a second end of the chamber along the longitudinal axis in the longitudinal channel as volatile fluid in the longitudinal channel evaporates through the sponge. The movement of the plunger thereby marks elapsed time along a graded scale.

Abstract: A pressure detection system includes a body having an internal chamber with input and output ports and a flexible membrane fluidically sealed to an exposed opening of the chamber to prevent a fluid passing through the chamber from passing through the exposed opening. The membrane is configured to change shape responsive to an increase in pressure caused by the fluid within the chamber satisfying a predetermined threshold. In some implementations, the membrane includes or is part of an identification mechanism which moves outwards, away from the chamber, as the pressure increases to indicate the pressure increase. In some implementations, the identification mechanism includes markings on the surface of the membrane, and an image sensing device reads the markings, and provides an indication of a current pressure associated with the fluid in the chamber based on a variation in the markings from a default state.

Abstract: Fluid clamps are described herein. A fluid clamp includes a clamp body and a rotating body. The clamp body includes a first and second valve element. Each valve element includes a valve extension portion and a valve end portion extending from the valve extension portion. The first and second valve elements are disposed opposite to each other to allow a tubing to pass between the first and second valve elements. The rotating body is rotatably coupled to the clamp body. The rotation of the rotating body moves the valve end portion of at least one of the first and second valve elements to adjust a flow rate through the tubing.

Abstract: An IV disposable time indication device includes one of a tube and a slot containing a volume of gel, wherein the gel is configured to evaporate at a determined rate of time upon activation by exposure to ambient air. A seal is configured to prevent contact of the gel with ambient air. One or more time indicators are disposed on the device, wherein evaporation of the gel is configured to provide a visual indication of a passage of time after activation. Methods of operating an IV disposable time indication device are also provided.

Abstract: A needle-free connector assembly is provided that includes a main housing coupled to an indicator housing. A plunger is coupled to a bellows disposed in the main housing. An inlet port is disposed at an upstream end of the indicator housing and an outlet port is disposed at a downstream end of the main housing, with a valve disposed within the indicator housing and adjacent the inlet port. A switch member is slidingly disposed in the main housing, wherein the needle-free connector assembly provides both flow regulation and pressure indication when the switch member is in a downstream position and only pressure indication when the switch member is in an upstream position. Infusion sets and methods of operating a needle-free connector are also provided.

Abstract: A flow restriction device may include a male luer connector portion, a female luer connector portion disposed proximally to the male luer connector portion, and a body portion extending between the male and female luer portions, and integrally formed with the male and female luer portions to form a single monolithic piece. The male luer connector portion may have an internal surface defining a lumen thereof, and the female luer connector portion may have an internal surface defining a lumen fluidly connected to the lumen of the male luer connector portion. The body portion may have a recess extending longitudinally therethrough and fluidly communicated with the lumens of the male luer portion and the female luer portion. The recess may define a micro-channel along which fluid flows from the male luer connector portion into the fluid collection device via the female luer connector portion.

Abstract: A flow restriction device may include a proximal housing including an internal fluid channel, a distal housing including an internal fluid channel, and an intermediate housing interposed between the proximal and distal housings. The intermediate housing may include an internal chamber, and a slider reciprocally disposed in the internal chamber. The slider may include an internal fluid channel and a seal overlaying an outer surface of slider excluding the fluid channel, and may be reciprocally movable between (i) a first position where the internal fluid channel of the slider is axially aligned with the internal fluid channels of the proximal and distal housings to allow a fluid to flow therethrough, and (ii) a second position where the internal fluid channel of the slider is not aligned with the internal fluid channels of the proximal and distal housings and the seal blocks fluid connection between the proximal and distal housings.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a container containing a medical fluid to a vascular access device may include an upper housing defining a first internal chamber, and a lower housing coupled to the upper housing and defining a second internal chamber for circulation of the medical fluid into the outlet. The connector may further include a slider disposed at least partially in the first and second internal chambers, and a plug coupled to a distal end of the slider. The slider may be reciprocally movable between (i) an open position, where the plug is spaced apart from a floor of the internal chamber to allow the medical fluid to flow through the outlet, and (ii) a closed position where the plug abuts the floor of the second internal chamber to block the medical fluid from flowing through the outlet.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a container carrying a medical fluid to a vascular access device may include a housing comprising and inner surface defining an internal chamber comprising a fluid channel disposed in the internal chamber. The fluid channel may include a pair of oppositely positioned cutouts. The connector may further include a slider disposed and supported in the internal chamber and having an internal compartment and an aperture through inner walls of the internal compartment. The slider may be reciprocally movable between (i) a first position, where the aperture of the slider is axially aligned with the pair of cutouts to allow the medical fluid to flow through the outlet, and (ii) a second position where the aperture of the slider is not aligned with the pair of cutouts and the inner walls of the slider blocks fluid connection between the slider and the fluid channel.