DK201500380A1

DK201500380A1 - Intravenous Bag

Info

Publication number: DK201500380A1
Application number: DKPA201500380A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Dorte Dyrsborg
Original assignee: Dorte Dyrsborg
Priority date: 2015-07-05
Filing date: 2015-07-05
Publication date: 2017-04-24
Also published as: DK178893B1; WO2017005265A1

Abstract

An intravenous (IV) bag for providing IV fluid to a patient is disclosed. The IV bag (2) comprises a first compartment (6) separated from a second compartment (4) by means of a wall member (20). The IV bag (2) comprises an outlet port (12) provided in the lower end of the IV bag (2) for dispensing the IV bag (2). The IV bag (2) comprises an activation member (8, 8', 8'') configured to establish fluid connection between the first compartment (6) and the second compartment (4). The activation member (8, 8', 8'') may be a push button or a rotatable button.

Description

Intravenous Bag Field of invention

The present invention relates to a medical fluid system. The present invention more particularly relates to an intravenous (IV) bag for providing IV fluid to patients.

Prior art IV treatment is widely used for infusion of liquid substances directly into veins. IV treatment is applied for several purposes including delivery of preparations and medications, correction of electrolyte imbalances and dehydration treatment.

When present IV bags are applied, the healthcare practitioners carrying out IV treatment as well as the patients receiving the treatment are exposed to aerosols containing medicine (in small doses) in the respirated air during the IV treatment. The contamination takes place when the preparation (medicine) is coupled to the patient. The tubing contains the preparation which has access to the air when the container cap is unscrewed. Before the tubing is connected to the patient's venous catheter, contamination takes place.

When the spike from the tubing is removed from an empty preparation receptacle (e.g. a medicine bottle) and inserted into a saline (saline solution) bag the healthcare practitioners carrying out the IV treatment will be exposed to aerosols.

Further, today, it is not possible to empty the preparation receptacle completely since residual preparation (e.g. medicine) will be present in the tubing and the spike applied to carry out the IV treatment. Accordingly, doses of approximately 5-20 ml will not be used. This is a rather large percentage since the total dose is typically 100-120 ml. As residual preparation (e.g. medicine) is present, the waste is categorised as toxic waste which poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment.

When using the present IV bags, it is difficult for the healthcare practitioners carrying out IV treatment to positively determine if a patient has received one or two treatments (e.g. medicine doses) or only saline, Accordingly, there is risk for inappropriate medication that can cause the patients to get worse.

Today, the treatment (e.g. medicine) and the saline are kept in separate containers. If the healthcare practitioners forget the saline for rinsing, it is time-consuming to go back to get it when the treatment (e.g. medicine) has been given. Thus, there is a need for an improved IV bag that reduces or even eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

It is an object of the invention to provide an IV bag that increases the safety of the healthcare practitioners carrying out IV treatment and reduces the frequency of allergies and eczema among healthcare practitioners carrying out IV treatment.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an IV bag that does not need to be disposed of as toxic waste.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention can be achieved by an IV bag as defined in claim 1 and by a system having the features as defined in claim 15. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent sub claims, explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The IV bag according to the invention is an IV bag for providing IV fluid to a patient, wherein the IV bag comprises a first compartment separated from a second compartment by means of a wall member, wherein the IV bag comprises an outlet port provided in the lower end of the IV bag for dispensing the IV bag. The IV bag comprises an activation member configured to establish fluid connection between the first compartment and the second compartment.

Hereby, it is possible to deliver all the preparation (medicine) to the patient so that no residual preparation will be present in the IV bag after use. Therefore, it is not necessary to dispose of the IV bag as toxic waste.

The invention makes it possible to provide an IV bag that increases the safety of the healthcare practitioners carrying out IV treatment and reduces the frequency of allergies and eczema among healthcare practitioners carrying out IV treatment.

The IV bag according to the invention is an IV bag for providing IV fluid to a patient. The IV bag may be applied to carry out all types of IV treatment.

The IV bag comprises a first compartment separated from a second compartment by means of a wall member. The IV bag, however, may comprise several more compartments.

The IV bag comprises a first compartment separated from a second adjacent compartment by means of a wall member and??? a third compartment separated from the adjacent second compartment.

The IV bag comprises a first compartment separated from a second adjacent compartment by means of a wall member, a third compartment separated from the second adjacent compartment and a fourth compartment separated from the adjacent third compartment.

The IV bag comprises an outlet port provided in the Sower end of the IV bag for dispensing the IV bag. Hereby, the dispensing process is eased (due to gravity).

The IV bag comprises an activation member configured to estabiish fluid connection between the first compartment and the second compartment.

The activation member may be provided in any suitable position and have any suitable form.

The IV bag may comprise more than two compartments, wherein the IV bag may comprise more inlet ports, including an inlet port connected to the first compartment.

It may be an advantage that the activation member is a press button configured to establish fluid connection between the first compartment and the second compartment when pressed or a rotatable button configured to establish fluid connection between the first compartment and the second compartment when rotated.

Hereby, it is possible to establish the desired fluid communication between the adjacent compartments by simple, reliable, user-friendly means.

It may be beneficial that the IV bag comprises an inlet port for injection of a fluid into the IV bag. Hereby, a preparation (e.g. medicine) may be injected into the IV bag through the iniet port.

The inlet port may comprise a sealing member provided at the distal end of the iniet port.

The inlet port may comprise a non-return valve for preventing back flow.

The inlet port may be provided together with an activation unit that may be arranged at an outer wall of the IV bag.

It may be advantageous that the inlet port is connected to the second compartment. Hereby, it is achieved that a preparation (e.g. medicine) can be introduced into the second compartment which may contain a fluid such as saline. The IV bag can be connected to a patient's venous catheter for carrying out an IV treatment comprising the preparation introduced into the second compartment. When the patient has received the preparation introduced into the second compartment, the fluid in the first compartment (often a rinsing or flushing fluid) is led into the second compartment by activating the activation member. Accordingly, all medicine wili be flushed out and dispensed through the outlet port of the IV bag. Therefore, the IV bag and the tubing connected to the outlet port of the IV bag wili be "cleaned" by the rinsing or flushing fluid, and the contamination risk will be reduced significantly. Moreover, the IV bag can be disposed of as ordinary waste (not toxic waste).

It may be an advantage that the IV bag comprises an activation unit comprising an activation member and an inlet port.

Hereby, the healthcare practitioners carrying out IV treatment can easier carry out the IV treatment as both the activation member and the inlet port are provided close to each other at the activation unit. It is preferred that both the activation member and the inlet port are provided dose to each other so that the activation member can be activated by the same hand that introduces the preparation (medicine) into the inlet port in the IV bag.

The activation member may be a push button which can be activated manually or automatically by using an external or a build-in activation device.

It may be beneficial that the IV bag comprises a third compartment and a fourth compartment.

Hereby, it is possible to deliver two different preparations to the same patient by means of one single IV bag.

It may be beneficial that the IV bag comprises a third compartment, a fourth compartment, a fifth compartment and a sixth compartment.

Hereby, it is possible to deliver three different preparations to the same patient by means of one single IV bag.

It may be beneficial that the IV bag comprises a third compartment, a fourth compartment, a fifth compartment, a sixth compartment, a seventh compartment and an eighth compartment.

Hereby, it is possible to deliver four different preparations to the same patient by means of one single IV bag.

It may be advantageous that the IV bag comprises a second activation member configured to establish fluid connection between the second compartment and the third compartment.

Hereby, it is possible to let the fluid in the second compartment flow into the third compartment.

It may be an advantage that the IV bag comprises a third activation member configured to establish fluid connection between the third compartment and the fourth compartment.

Hereby, if is possible to let the fluid in the third compartment flow into the fourth compartment.

It may be beneficial that the compartments are defined by lower wall member(s) that are angled relative to horizontal for facilitating the emptying process.

Hereby, it is easier to dispense the compartments by means of gravity when the IV bag is suspended (orientated vertically).

It may be advantageous that the two adjacent compartments are separated by a membrane which is configured to be ruptured when the IV bag is squeezed by hand.

Hereby, it is possible to carry out the IV treatment without introducing a preparation info the IV bag. Accordingly, the treatment is safer, faster and more user-friendly.

It may be an advantage that the IV bag comprises a thin membrane separating two adjacent compartments, and that the IV bag comprises a thick membrane separating two adjacent compartments, wherein the thin membrane is configured to be ruptured when the IV bag is squeezed by hand, wherein the thick membrane is configured to be ruptured when the IV bag is squeezed by hand with a larger force than is required to rupture the thin membrane. Hereby, it is possible to carry out the IV treatment involving two preparations without introducing any preparation into the IV bag. Moreover, it is possible to control the order (sequence) in which the membranes are ruptured.

It may be advantageous that the IV bag comprises a third compartment and a fourth compartment, wherein the third compartment and the fourth compartment are separated from the second compartment by means of a thick membrane, wherein the third compartment and the fourth compartment are separated from each other by means of a thin membrane. Hereby, it is possible to provide a one-piece IV bag containing all ingredients for carrying out an IV treatment.

It may be an advantage that the outlet port is formed as a dispensing nozzle member, preferably provided with a sealable cap

It may be beneficial that the activation button is configured to keep its position when pressed or rotated. Hereby, it is achieved that the fluid communication between (adjacent or connected) compartments is maintained when established.

It may be advantageous that the IV bag comprises an electrical unit configured to detect when the activation button has been activated,

Hereby, it is possible to automatically detect when the activation button has been activated. This information may be sent to an external receiver.

It may be an advantage that the electrical unit is configured to send and/or receive information wirelessly.

It may be beneficial that the IV bag is configured to be controlled by an external electrical device.

The objects of the invention may be achieved by a system comprising an IV bag according to the invention, a receptacle comprising a fluid such as sterile water and a spike member extending in extension of the receptacle, wherein a foil is covering the distal end of the spike member in order to keep the spike member sterile.

The receptacle may be applied when carrying out treatment including medicine in powder form that needs to be dissolved in sterile water. Instead of applying one separate hypodermic needle, one separate cartridge and one separate container with sterile water, the receptacle contains ail three elements. Accordingly, time can be saved since no separate parts are required to be assembled. Moreover, it is easier to keep the product sterile, since no members need to be coupled.

It may be an advantage that the activation member is provided at the outer wall of the IV bag.

It may be beneficial that the inlet port is provided at the outer wall of the IV bag.

It may be advantageous that the activation member is provided at the centra! area of the IV bag.

It may be an advantage that the inlet port is provided at the centra! area of the IV bag.

The volume of the compartments can vary depending on the type of treatment.

The first compartment may comprise saline (e.g. in a concentration between 0.2-2%, such as 0.7-1.1%, including 0.9%). The volume of the first compartment may be in the range from 12-5000 ml, preferably between 60-2000 ml, such as 120-1020 mi.

In one embodiment, the first compartment has a volume of 120 ml saline, whereas the second compartment has a volume of 100 ml.

It may be preferred that the second compartment, the fourth compartment and the sixth compartment (if any) comprise a rinsing or flushing fluid e.g. in the form of saline or a glucose containing fluid.

Description of the Drawings

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 A shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of an IV bag according to the invention;

Fig, 1 B shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of an IV bag according to the invention;

Fig. 1C shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of an IV bag according to the invention;

Fig, 2 A shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of an IV bag according to the invention;

Fig, 2 B shows a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of an IV bag according to the invention;

Fig. 2 C shows a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of an IV bag according to the invention;

Fig. 3 A shows a schematic perspective view of an activation unit according to the invention;

Fig. 3 B shows a schematic perspective view of another activation unit according to the invention;

Fig. 3 C shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of an activation unit according to the invention;

Fig. 4 A shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an IV bag according to the invention comprising four compartments;

Fig. 4 B shows a schematic view of an enlarged IV bag according to the invention;

Fig, 5 A shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an IV bag according to the invention;

Fig, 5 B shows a schematic view of a receptacle according to an embodiment according to the invention;

Fig. 6 A shows a ciose-up view of the receptacle shown in Fig. 5 B, in which the pointed end of the spike member is covered by a foil and

Fig, 6 B shows a ciose-up view of the receptacle shown in Fig. 6 A without a foil.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, different embodiments of an IV bag 2 of the present invention are illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 A illustrates a schematic view of a first embodiment of an IV bag 2 according to the invention. Fig. 1 B illustrates a schematic view of a second embodiment of an IV bag 2 according to the invention, and Fig. 1 C illustrates a schematic view of a third embodiment of an IV bag 2 according to the invention.

The IV bags 2 comprise a plurality of compartments 4, 4', 6, 6r defined by an upper portion 26 and lower wall(s) 28, 28' connected by a first outer wall 22 and a second outer wall 24, respectively. A hole 14 for suspending the IV bag 2 is provided in the upper portion 26.

Referring now to Fig. 1 A, it can be seen that the IV bag 2 comprises a first compartment 4 for a rinsing fluid and a second compartment 6 for a crystalloid fluid which may be saline. The first compartment 4 is arranged above the second compartment 6. A wail member 20 separates the first compartment 4 and the second compartment 6. The major portion of the wall member 20 separating the first compartment 4 and the second compartment 6 is sloped (with an angle a relative to horizontal H, when the IV bag 2 is in an upright position like illustrated in Fig. 1 A).

The IV bag 2 comprises an activation unit 16 comprising an inlet port 10 for introducing a preparation (e.g, medicine) into the second compartment 6. The activation unit 16 also comprises an activation member 8 shaped as a button that upon being activated (e.g. by pushing or turning the activation button 8) creates an opening and thus a fluid connection between the first compartment 4 and the second compartment 6 so that the crystalloid fluid (such as saline) will flow into the second compartment 6 due to gravity (since the wall member 20 separating the first compartment 4 and the second compartment 6 is angled relative to horizontal H).

Hereby, it is possible to clean the second compartment 6 when the preparation (e.g. medicine) introduced into the second compartment 6 is delivered to a patient through the outlet port 12 arranged in the bottom portion of the IV bag 2. Since the iower wails 28, 28f are angled (with angles β, β') relative to horizontai H, the preparation (e,g. medicine) introduced into the second compartment 6 can easily be delivered to a patient through the outiet port 12.

When the preparation (e.g. medicine) introduced into the second compartment 6 has been delivered to a patient through the outlet port 12, the activation button 8 is activated in order to create an opening and thus fluid connection between the first compartment 4 and the second compartment 6. Hereby, the crystalloid fluid (such as saline) is used to rinse the second compartment. Therefore, the IV bag 2 contains no residual preparation (e.g. medicine) after use. Accordingly, the IV bag can be disposed of as ordinary waste (since no residual preparation is left, the bag is not considered toxic waste).

In one embodiment, the second compartment 6 of the IV bag 2 may be pre-filled with a preparation (e.g. medicine). When using this IV bag, the safety of the patients receiving IV treatment and the healthcare practitioners carrying out IV treatment can be increased. Thus, neither the patients nor the healthcare practitioners carrying out IV treatment will be exposed to aerosols-containing medicine. Hereby, allergies and eczema among healthcare practitioners carrying out IV treatment may be prevented.

The activation unit 16 extends along a section of the outer wall 22 and along a section of the separating wall member 20. Any suitable valve mechanism may be applied, including both mechanical and electronic valve mechanisms.

The IV bag 2 illustrated in Fig. 1 B comprises four compartments 4, 4', 6, 6'. The IV bag 2 comprises a first activation unit 16 provided along the outer wall 22 and extending along a portion of the first wall member 20. The activation unit 16 is equipped with an activation button 8 configured to establish a fluid connection between the first compartment 4 containing a first fluid (e.g. a rinsing fluid or a crystalloid fiuid such as saline) and the second compartment 6 that contains a second fiuid (e.g, a preparation or saline for being mixed with a preparation) and/or is configured to receive a fluid (e.g. a preparation) through an inlet port that may be provided in the activation unit 16. Due to the inclination of the wall member 20 (the angle between the wall member 20 and horizontal H is a), the fluid in the first compartment 4 can flow into the second compartment 6 by means of gravity (when the IV bag 2 is arranged vertically).

The IV bag 2 comprises a second activation unit 16' provided along the outer wall 22 and extending along a portion of the second wall member 20'. The activation unit 16' is provided with an activation button 8' configured to establish a fluid connection between the second compartment 6 and the third compartment 4' that contains a third fluid (e.g. a rinsing fluid). Since the second wall member 20' is angled (the angle between the second wall member 20' and horizontal H is a'), the fluid in the second compartment 6 can flow into the third compartment 4' by means of gravity provided that the IV bag 2 is arranged vertically as intended.

The IV bag 2 comprises a third activation unit 16" provided along the outer wall 22 and extending along a portion of the third wall member 20". The activation unit 16" has an activation button 8" adapted for establishing fiuid connection between the third compartment 4' and the fourth compartment 6'that contains a fourth fluid (e.g. a preparation or a saline for being mixed with a preparation) and/or is configured to receive a fiuid (e.g. a preparation) through an inlet port that may be provided in the activation unit 16". Due to the fact that the third wall member 20" is angled (the angle between the third wall member 20" and horizontal H is a"), the fluid in the third compartment 4' can flow into the fourth compartment due to gravity when the IV bag 2 is arranged vertically as intended.

The IV bag 2 comprises an outlet port 12 arranged in the lowest corner section of the IV bag 2. Since the lower wall 28 is angled (the angle between the lower wall 28 and horizontal H is a'”), the fluid in the fourth compartment 6' can flow out through the outlet port 12 into a tubing (not shown) connected to a patient's venous catheter.

In one embodiment according to the invention, the second compartment 6 and the fourth compartment 6' may contain saline and be configured to receive medicine through an inlet port provided in the activation unit 16, 16'". Rinsing fluid may be provided in the first compartment 4 and in the third compartment 4'. Hereby, medicine may be introduced into the saline in order to achieve the correct medicine concentration.

Fig. 1 C illustrates another embodiment of an IV bag 2 according to the invention. The IV bag 2 comprises an outlet port 12 arranged in the lowest corner section of the IV bag 2. As the lower wall 28 is angled (the angle between the lower wail 28 and horizontal H is a'), the fluid in the second compartment 6 can flow out through the outlet port 12. Similarly, the wall member 20 is angled (the angle between the wall member 20 and horizontal H is fallowing for the fluid in the second compartment 6 to flow out through the outlet port 12.

The IV bag 2 comprises an activation unit 16 provided along the lower wall 28 and extending along a portion of the wall member 20. The activation unit 16 comprises an activation button 8 adapted for establishing fluid connection between the first compartment 4 and the second compartment 6 that contains a fluid (e.g. a preparation or saline for being mixed with a preparation). The second compartment 6 is configured to receive a fluid (e.g. medicine) through an inlet port 10' provided at the activation unit 16. Likewise, the first compartment 4 is configured to receive a fluid (e.g. medicine) through an inlet port 10 provided at the activation unit 16. The activation button 8 is provided at the lowest portion of the wall member 20 and is configured to establish an opening between the first compartment 4 and the second compartment 6.

Fig. 2 A iNustrates a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of an IV bag 2 according to the invention. Fig. 2 B illustrates a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of an IV bag 2 according to the invention, and Fig. 2 C illustrates a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of an IV bag 2 according to the invention.

The IV bags 2 comprise a plurality of compartments 4, 6, 6', 18 defined by an upper portion 26 and lower wall(s) 28, 28' connected by a first outer wall 22 and a second outer wall 24, respectively. A suspending hole 14 is provided in the upper portion 26,

Referring now to Fig. 2 A, it can be seen that the IV bag 2 comprises a first compartment 4 for a rinsing fluid and a second compartment 6 for a crystalloid fluid which may be saline. The first compartment 4 is arranged above the second compartment 6. A wall member 20 separates the first compartment 4 and the second compartment 6. The wall member 20 has two sections: a left section which is angled relative to horizontal (with an angle a relative to horizontal H) and a right section which is angled relative to horizontal (with an angle a relative to horizontal H) when the IV bag 2 is suspended.

The IV bag 2 comprises an activation unit 16 provided at the central portion of the wall member. The activation unit 16 comprises an activation button 8 adapted for establishing fluid connection between the first compartment 4 and the second compartment 6. The angled sections make it possible for the fluid in the first compartment 4 to flow through the opening provided by means of the activation button 8. The second compartment 6 is configured to receive a fluid (e.g. medicine) through an inlet port 10 provided at the activation unit 16.

The lower wall comprises a left section 28 which is angled relative to horizontal (with an angle β relative to horizontal H) and a right section 28' which is angied relative to horizontal (with an angle β' relative to horizontal H) when the IV bag 2 is suspended. Accordingly, the fluid in the second compartment 6 can be emptied through the outlet port 12 provided at the junction between the end of the left section 28 and the right section 28'.

The IV bag 2 illustrated in Fig. 2 B almost corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1 A. The activation button 8, however, is arranged differently. The activation button 8 does not protrude parallel to the inlet port 10 like in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 A.

Fig. 2 C shows an embodiment of an IV bag 2 according to the invention. The IV bag 2 comprises a plurality of compartments 4, 6, 6', 18 defined by an upper portion 26 (provided with a suspension hole 14), two lower wails 28, 28', a first outer wall 22 and a second outer wail 24.

The left lower wall 28 is angled relative to horizontal (with an angle β relative to horizontal H) and the right lower wall 28' is angled relative to horizontal (with an angle β' relative to horizontal H) when the IV bag 2 is suspended. Therefore, the fluid in the second compartment 6 can be emptied through the outlet port 12 provided at the junction between the end of the left lower wall 28 and the right lower wall 28'.

The first compartment 4 is configured to be brought into fluid communication with the second compartment 6 by means of an activation button 8 provided in an activation unit 16 extending along a portion of the first outer wall 22 and a portion of the wall member 20. Since the major portion of the wall member 20 is angied (with an angle a relative horizontal H), the fluid in the first compartment 4 can (by means of gravity) flow into the second compartment 6 when an opening is established by means of the activation button 8 (e.g. a push button or a rotatable button).

The IV bag 2 comprises a third medicai substrate compartment 18 filled with a substrate and a fourth compartment 6' containing a crystalloid fluid (e.g, saline) or sterile water. A thin membrane 30' divides the third compartment 18 and the fourth compartment 6'. Likewise, a thicker membrane 30 separates the second compartment 6 and the third compartment 18 and the fourth compartment 6'.

The thin membrane 30' is configured to be ruptured when squeezed from the outside. Likewise, the thick membrane 30 is configured to be ruptured when squeezed, although by a larger force, from the outside. Accordingly, the sequence of the rupture process can be controlled so that the thin membrane 30' ruptures before the thicker membrane 30.

When applying this IV bag 2, there is no need for injecting a preparation (e.g. medicine) into the second compartment 6. Accordingly, the IV bag 2 increases the safety of the healthcare practitioners carrying out IV treatment. As no preparation (e.g. medicine) needs to be added to the second compartment 6 by means of an injection, the patients and the healthcare practitioners carrying out IV treatment will not be exposed to airborne contaminants. Accordingly, allergies and eczema among patients and healthcare practitioners may be reduced.

Fig. 3 A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an activation unit 16 according to the invention. The activation unit 16 comprises an inlet port 10 adapted for receiving a preparation (e.g. medicine) injected through the inlet port 10 into a second compartment 6. The activation unit 16 comprises an activation member (push button) 8 slidably mounted to the activation unit 16 in such a manner that the push button 8 when pressed establishes fluid communication between a first compartment 4 and the second compartment 6, so that fluid from the first compartment 4 can flow into the second compartment 6 by means of gravity. The direction of the fluid fiow is indicated with two arrows.

Fig. 3 B illustrates a schematic perspective view of another activation unit 16 according to the invention. The activation unit 16 comprises an inlet port 10 for receiving a preparation (e.g. medicine) injected through the inlet port 10 into a compartment. The activation unit 16 comprises an activation member 8 siidably or rotatably mounted to the activation unit 16. The activation member 8 is configured to establish fluid communication between the first compartment 4 and the second compartment 6, so that fluid from the first compartment 4 can fiow into the second compartment 6 by means of gravity. The direction of the fluid flow is indicated with two arrows.

Fig. 3 C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of another activation unit 16 according to the invention. The activation unit 16 comprises an inlet port shaped like a tube 46 provided with an end sealing 48. The activation unit 16 comprises a push button 8 comprising an elongated body provided with an aperture 40 for establishing fluid communication between two compartments. The push button 8 is slidably arranged in a channel 44 provided with a radially extending hole 42. When the push button 8 is pushed, the aperture 40 and the hole 42 will be aligned so that fluid from a first compartment 4 can fiow into the lower compartment 6 through the opening as illustrated with the arrows.

Fig. 4 A illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of an IV bag 2 according to the invention comprising four compartments 4, 6, 4', 6'. The IV bag 2 comprises a first activation unit 16 provided along the outer wall 22 and extending along a portion of the first wail member 20. The activation unit 16 is equipped with an inlet port 10 (for injection of a preparation) and an activation button 8 configured to establish a fluid connection between the first compartment 4 containing a first fluid (e.g. a rinsing fluid or a crystalloid fluid such as saline) and the second compartment 6.

The second compartment 6 may contain a second fluid (e.g. a preparation or saline for being mixed with a preparation. The second compartment 6 is configured to receive a fluid (e.g. a preparation) through the inlet port 10 provided in the activation unit 16. Due to the inclination of the wall member 20 (the angle between the wall member 20 and horizontal H is a), the fluid in the first compartment 4 can flow into the second compartment 6 by means of gravity (when the IV bag 2 is arranged vertically).

The IV bag 2 comprises a second activation unit 16' provided along the outer wall 22 and extending along a portion of the second wall member 20'. The activation unit 16' is provided with an activation button 8' configured to establish a fluid connection between the second compartment 6 and the third compartment 4' which contains a third fluid (e.g. a rinsing fluid). As the second wail member 20' is angled (the angle between the second wall member 20' and horizontal H is a'), the fluid in the second compartment 6 can flow into the third compartment 4' by means of gravity provided that the IV bag 2 is arranged vertically as intended.

The IV bag 2 comprises a third activation unit 16" provided along the outer wall 22 and extending along a portion of the third wall member 20", The activation unit 16" has an activation button 8" adapted for establishing fluid connection between the third compartment 4' and the fourth compartment 6' which contains a fourth fluid (e.g. a preparation or saline for being mixed with a preparation) and/or is configured to receive a fluid (e.g. a preparation) through an inlet port 10 provided in the activation unit 16". As the third wall member 20" is angled (the angle between the third wall member 20" and horizontal H is a"), the fluid in the third compartment 4' can flow into the fourth compartment due to gravity when the IV bag 2 is arranged vertically as intended.

The IV bag 2 comprises an outlet port 12 arranged in the lowest section of the IV bag 2, Since the lower wall 28 is angled, the fluid in the fourth compartment 6' can fiow out through the outlet port 12 into tubing (not shown) connected to a patient's venous catheter.

Fig, 4 B illustrates a schematic view of an enlarged IV bag 2 according to the invention comprising a first compartment 4 and a second compartment 6. The IV bag 2 comprises an activation unit 16 provided along the outer wall 22 and extending along a portion of the first wail member 20, The activation unit 16 is equipped with an inlet port 10 (for injection of a preparation) and an activation button 8 configured to establish a fluid connection between the first compartment 4 containing a first fiuid (e.g. a rinsing or flushing fluid or a crystalloid fluid such as saline) and the second compartment 6.

The second compartment 6 may contain a second fluid (e.g. a preparation or saline for being mixed with a preparation). The second compartment 6 is configured to receive a fluid (e.g. a preparation) through the inlet port 10 provided in the activation unit 16. Due to the inclination of the wall member 20 (the angle between the wali member 20 and horizontal H is β), the fluid in the first compartment 4 can flow into the second compartment 6 by means of gravity (when the IV bag 2 is arranged vertically).

The IV bag 2 comprises an outlet port 12 arranged in the lowest section of the IV bag 2. Since the lower wall 28 is angled, the fluid in the fourth compartment 6' can flow out through the outlet port 12 into tubing (not shown) connected to a patient's venous catheter.

Fig. 5 illustrates a system according to the invention. The system comprises an IV bag 2 shown in Fig. 5 A and a receptacle 32 according to an embodiment according to the invention.

The IV bag 2 shown in Fig. 5 A basically corresponds to the one shown in Fig, 4 B.

The receptacle 32 contains a fluid such as sterile water, A spike member 34 extends from the receptacle 32. A foil 36 has been attached to the distal end of the spike member 34 in order to keep the spike member 34 sterile.

The receptacle 32 is intended for medicine in powder form that needs to be dissolved in sterile wafer. Instead of applying a separate hypodermic needle, a separate cartridge and a separate container with sterile water, the receptacle 32 contains all three elements. Accordingly, time can be saved since no separate parts are required to be assembled. Moreover, it is easier to keep the product sterile since no members need to be coupled.

Fig. 6 A illustrates a close-up view of the receptacle 32 shown in Fig, 5 B, in which the pointed end of the spike member 34 is covered by a foil 36. Fig. 6 B illustrates a close-up view of the receptacle 32 shown in Fig. 6 A without a foil. It can be seen that the distal end 38 of the spike member 34 is pointed.

List of reference numerals 2 IV bag 4, 4' Compartment (e.g. for a rinsing fluid) 6, 6' Compartment (e.g. for saline) 8, 8', 8" Activation member 10, 10' Inlet port 12 Outlet port 14 Hole 16, 16', 16" Activation unit 18 Medical substrate compartment 20, 20', 20" Wall member 22, 24 Outer wall 26 Top portion 28, 28' Lower wall 30, 30' Membrane 32 Receptacle 34 Spike member 36 Foil 38 Pointed end 40 Aperture 42 Hole 44 Channel 46 Tube 48 End sealing a, a', a", a"' Angle β, β', β" Angle H Horizontal

Claims

1. An intravenous (IV) bag for providing IV fluid to a patient, wherein the IV bag (2) comprises a first compartment (4) separated from a second compartment (6) by means of a wall member (20), wherein the IV bag (2) comprises an outlet port (12) provided in the lower end of the IV bag (2) for dispensing the IV bag (2), characterised in that the IV bag (2) comprises an activation member (8, 8', 8") configured to establish fluid connection between the first compartment (4) and the second compartment (6).

2. An IV bag (2) according to claim 1, characterised in that the activation member (8, 8', 8") is a press button (8) configured to establish fluid connection between the first compartment (4) and the second compartment (6) when pressed or a rotatable button (8) configured to establish fluid connection between the first compartment (4) and the second compartment (6) when rotated.

3. An IV bag (2) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the IV bag (2) comprises an inlet port (10, 10') for injecting a fluid into the IV bag (2).

4. An IV bag (2) according to claim 3, characterised in that the inlet port (10, 10') is connected to the second compartment (6).

5. An IV bag (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the IV bag (2) comprises an activation unit (16, 16', 16") comprising an activation member (8, 8', 8") and an inlet port (10, 10').

6. An IV bag (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the IV bag (2) comprises a third compartment (4', 18) and a fourth compartment (6').

7. An intravenous (IV) bag (2) according to claim 6, characterised in that the IV bag (2) comprises a second activation member (8') configured to establish fluid connection between the second compartment (6) and the third compartment (4', 18).

8. An IV bag (2) according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterised in that the IV bag (2) comprises a third activation member (8") configured to establish fluid connection between the third compartment (4', 18) and the fourth compartment (6').

9. An IV bag (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the compartments (4, 4', 6, 6', 18) are defined by (a) lower wall member(s) (20, 20', 20", 28, 28') that are angled relative to horizontal (H) for facilitating the emptying process,

10. An IV bag (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the two adjacent compartments (6, 6', 18) are separated by a membrane (30, 30') that is configured to be ruptured when squeezing the IV bag (2) by hand,

11. An IV bag (2) according to claim 10, characterised in that the IV bag (2) comprises a thin membrane (30') separating two adjacent compartments (6f, 18), and that the IV bag (2) comprises a thick membrane (30) separating two adjacent compartments (6, 6'), wherein the thin membrane (30') is configured to be ruptured when squeezing the IV bag (2) by hand, wherein the thick membrane (30) is configured to be ruptured when squeezing the IV bag (2) by hand with a larger force than is required to rupture the thin membrane (30').

12. An IV bag (2) according to claim 11, characterised in that the IV bag (2) comprises a third compartment (18) and a fourth compartment (6'), wherein the third compartment (18) and the fourth compartment (6') are separated from the second compartment (6) by means of a thick membrane (30), wherein the third compartment (18) and the fourth compartment (6') are separated from each other by means of a thin membrane (30').

13. An IV bag (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the activation button (8) is configured to remain in its position when pressed or rotated.

14. An IV bag (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the IV bag (2) comprises an electrical unit configured to detect when the activation button (8) has been activated.

15. A system comprising an IV bag (2) according to one of the preceding claims and a receptacle (32) comprising: - a fluid such as sterile water; - a spike member (34) extending from the receptacle (32), wherein a foil (35) is covering the distal end (38) of the spike member (34) in order to keep the spike member (34) sterile.