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 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.