Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
  • A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
  • A61M5/142—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
  • A61M5/145—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons
  • A61M5/1452—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons pressurised by means of pistons
  • A61M5/1454—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons pressurised by means of pistons spring-actuated, e.g. by a clockwork
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
  • A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
  • A61M5/142—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
  • A61M5/145—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons
  • A61M2005/14506—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons mechanically driven, e.g. spring or clockwork
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
  • A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
  • A61M5/142—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
  • A61M5/145—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons
  • A61M5/1452—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons pressurised by means of pistons
  • A61M5/1456—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons pressurised by means of pistons with a replaceable reservoir comprising a piston rod to be moved into the reservoir, e.g. the piston rod is part of the removable reservoir

Definitions

• This invention relates generally to the field of fluid infusion devices for medical applications. More specifically, it relates to infusion devices used for the administration of a liquid medicament to a patient from a filled syringe into an intravenous (IV) administration system.
• IV intravenous
• Various devices have been developed for the intravenous (IV) infusion of liquid medicaments into a patient at a controlled flow rate over an extended period of time.
• gravity flow IV administration sets have been employed for many years, and more recently, IV administration sets with electrically powered pumps have been developed.
• syringe actuation mechanism that which utilizes either internal or external springs to displace the plunger of the syringe. Examples of such mechanisms are shown in the following U.S. Patents: 4,381,006 - Genese; 4,597,754 - Thill et al.; 4,608,042 - Vanderveen et al. ; 4,623,330 - Laby et al.; 4,755,172 - Baldwin; 4,966,585 - Gangemi; 5,078,679 - Reese; and 5,100,389 - Vaillancourt.
• the elastomerically powered syringes are typically simpler and less costly to manufacture than the spring actuated devices discussed above. They are also usually easier and more convenient to use, and they are more readily adaptable for single use applications.
• a principal drawback to these prior art elastomerically powered devices, however, is that they require specially designed syringes, and they are thus not readily adapted for use with standard IV administration syringes.
• the present invention is an elastomeric syringe actuation device, comprising an elastomeric element, in the form of a strap or band, having a proximal portion that fits over the outlet tip of an IV administration syringe, and a distal portion that is engageable against the distal end of the plunger of the syringe.
• the device comprises a grommet assembly that fits over the outlet tip of the syringe; an end cap, having a handle or finger grip, that engages the distal end of the plunger of the syringe; and an elastomeric element that connects the grommet assembly and the end cap, so that when the grommet assembly is seated around the outlet tip, and the end cap is seated on the distal end of the plunger, the elastomeric element extends longitudinally along diametrically opposite sides of the syringe, between the grommet assembly and the end cap.
• the elastomeric element When the device is installed on a previously-filled syringe having its plunger pulled out of the syringe barrel to its withdrawn position, the elastomeric element is stretched, placing it under tension, so that it biases the plunger toward its inserted position. As the elastomeric element restores itself to its unstretched configuration, it provides a driving force against the plunger to push the plunger into the barrel of the syringe, thereby expressing the fluid contained in the barrel out of the outlet tip.
• the elastomeric element is an elongate elastic strap, having a single hole near one end, and a plurality of holes in a linear array near the other end.
• the grommet assembly comprises an externally-threaded, hollow, cylindrical, bolt-like attachment fitting that fits through the single hole in the one end of the strap, and, with the strap ends overlapping, through one of the plurality of holes near the other end.
• An internally-threaded annular collar is removably threaded onto the end of the fitting that extends through the strap ends to removably lock the ends of the strap to the grommet assembly.
• the grommet assembly may define an orifice or internal passage with a diameter large enough to accommodate a typical closure cap for an IV line.
• the end cap comprises a short, hollow, cylindrical sleeve with a closed distal end wall that includes an annular peripheral flange.
• the hollow interior of the sleeve is dimensioned to receive the circular thumb rest of the plunger, and the interior wall surface of the sleeve is provided with latch means for releasably grasping the thumb rest.
• Extending distally from the exterior surface of the distal end wall of the end cap is a ring-shaped handle or finger grip, having a large central orifice. Two diametrically opposed slots are provided in the annular flange to accommodate the elastic strap.
• the strap extends longitudinally from the grommet assembly to the end cap, passing through one slot in the end cap flange, from the proximal side of the flange to the distal side thereof.
• the strap then extends laterally across the exterior surface of the distal end wall of the end cap, through the orifice of the finger grip, to the other slot, through which it passes back to the proximal side of the flange. From there, the strap extends longitudinally back to the grommet assembly.
• the device is used by installing it on a filled infusion syringe having its plunger in the withdrawn position, and having outflow from its outlet tip obstructed by any suitable, conventional closure of the outlet tip, or by a conventional clamp applied to a catheter or conduit attached to the outlet tip.
• the grommet assembly is attached to the strap by inserting the externally-threaded fitting through the single hole in the one end of the strap, and through a selected one of the plurality of holes in the other end, the selection being based on the size of the syringe on which the device is to be installed.
• the strap is locked to the grommet assembly by threading the annular, internally-threaded collar onto the fitting.
• the grommet assembly is then seated around the outlet tip of the syringe, and the strap is stretched until the thumb rest of the plunger is received in the end cap of the device, thereby placing the strap under tension and biasing the plunger toward its inserted position in the syringe barrel.
• the elastomeric element comprises a continuous elastic band, with a pair of diametrically-opposed holes.
• a unitary grommet is placed around the outlet tip and inserted into a first one of the holes in the band.
• the grommet may advantageously have an orifice that is large enough to accommodate a typical IV line closure cap.
• the end cap comprises an arcuate grip portion extending distally from the distal end wall, a pair of diametrically-opposed band guides extending radially outwardly from the end wall, and a knob or button extending distally from the distal end of the grip portion.
• the band is passed through the band guides and around the exterior surface of the grip portion, with the knob or button being received in the second one of the holes in the band.
• Still another embodiment comprises a continuous elastic band with a single hole; a tapered fitting that removably fits over the outlet tip of the syringe; and a removable band-pulling implement (in place of the end cap) .
• the fitting is placed on the outlet tip, and is then inserted through the hole in the band.
• the band- pulling implement is then attached to the band to pull it over the distal end of the plunger, after which the implement is removed.
• the fitting is removed to expose the outlet tip just prior to use, thereby maintaining the sterility of the tip.
• the second band hole and the button or knob are omitted.
• the end cap has a flattened distal end wall surface defined between a pair of parallel, distally-extending band guides.
• a similar variation that is most applicable to the third embodiment employs a distal plunger surface having a pair of parallel, distally-extending band guides.
• a combination end cap/band puller is removable from the elastic strap or band, so that the end cap can be reused, even if the elastic strap or band is discarded.
• a further variation, most applicable to the second and third embodiments employs a pair of relatively thin or narrow elastic bands, rather than a single, relatively thick or wide band, to reduce the effort of installing the device on a syringe.
• a similar advantage is obtained by using an elastic member that comprises a bifurcated strap, joined at its ends, each of which is apertured. In use, the ends are overlapped so that a grommet assembly can be inserted through both apertures.
• the bifurcated main portion of the strap, now formed into a loop, is pulled over the distal plunger end (or the distal surface of the end cap) when the syringe is ready for use.
• Still another variation of the above-mentioned first preferred embodiment is useful for very large capacity syringes that require a large actuation force.
• This variation includes dual elastic straps attached to a single grommet assembly, with each of the straps connected to a separate end cap.
• At least one of the end caps is modified so as to have a finger grip or handle with a flattened, disc-shaped fitting on its distal end, the fitting being generally shaped and dimensioned as the thumb rest of the syringe plunger.
• the grommet assembly is seated on the outlet tip of the syringe, and the strap to which the modified end cap is attached is stretched distally until the thumb rest of the syringe can be seated in the modified end cap.
• the other strap is then stretched distally until the disc- shaped fitting on the modified end cap can be seated in the other end cap.
• the present invention provides an elastomerically-powered IV administration syringe actuation device that is easy to use, and adaptable for use with standard IV administration syringes in a wide variety of sizes. Moreover, the present invention is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and thus is readily adaptable to single use (disposable) applications.
• Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a syringe actuation device, in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the device installed on a standard IV administration syringe;
• Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the first preferred embodiment of the syringe actuation device of Figure 1, the device having been removed from the syringe and rotated 90 degrees around the longitudinal axis of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is an elevational view of the first preferred embodiment of the syringe actuation device, taken along line 3 - 3 of Figure 2;
• Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 4 - 4 of Figure 3, showing the first preferred embodiment of the syringe actuation device installed in its stretched position on a syringe;
• Figure 5 is an exploded elevational view of the syringe actuation device, in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention
• Figure 6 is an elevational view, taken along line 6 - 6 of Figure 3;
• Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 7 - 7 of Figure 3;
• Figure 8 is a perspective view of an elastic band configured for use in a second preferred embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view, similar to that of Figure 4, showing the second preferred embodiment of the invention installed on a syringe;
• Figure 10 is an elevational view, taken along line 10 - 10 of Figure 9;
• Figure 11 is a perspective view of an elastic band configured for use in a modified form of the second preferred embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view, similar to that of Figure 9, showing the modified form of the second preferred embodiment of the invention installed on a syringe;
• Figure 13 is an elevational view, taken along line 13 - 13 of Figure 12;
• Figure 14 is a side elevational view of a syringe, showing a third preferred embodiment of the invention, partially in cross-section, in the process of being installed on the syringe;
• Figure 15 is a view similar to that of Figure 14, showing the elastic element fully installed on the syringe;
• Figure 16 is a plan view of the band-pulling implement of the embodiment of Figure 14, taken along line 16 - 16 of Figure 14;
• Figure 17 is an elevational view of the band pulling implement of the Figure 14 embodiment, taken along line 17 - 17 of Figure 16;
• Figure 18 is a plan view of a modified form of the band-pulling implement
• Figure 19 is an elevational view of the band- pulling implement of Figure 18, taken along line 19 - 19 of Figure 18;
• Figure 20 is a side elevational view of a syringe, modified in accordance with a variation of the second preferred embodiment of the invention, and employing dual elastic bands;
• Figure 21 is a plan view, taken along line 21 - 21 of Figure 20;
• Figure 22 is a plan view of a bifurcated elastomeric element that can be used in the present invention.
• Figure 23 is a plan view of a syringe, of the type shown in Figures 20 and 21, with the bifurcated elastomeric element of Figure 22 in the process of being installed;
• Figure 24 is a plan view of the syringe of Figure 23, showing the bifurcated elastomeric element fully installed;
• Figure 25 is a partial elevational view of a modified plunger portion of the syringe of Figures 20, 21, 23, and 24;
• Figure 26 is a plan view, taken along line 26 - 26 of Figure 25;
• Figure 27 is an elevational view of a modified end cap for use in the present invention.
• Figure 28 is a plan view, taken along line 28 - 28 of Figure 27;
• Figure 29 is an elevational view, partly in cross section, showing a modification of a small diameter syringe to accommodate the present invention
• Figure 30 is an elevational view, partially in cross section, of a modified end cap that can be used with the first and second preferred embodiments;
• Figure 31 is a plan view, taken along line 31 - 31 of Figure 30;
• Figure 32 is a plan view of a syringe and the first preferred embodiment of the invention, with the grommet assembly in perspective, showing a method of using the invention.
• Figures 33, 34, and 35 are elevational views of a modified form of the embodiment of Figures 1 through 7, showing the steps of installation on a syringe.
• an elastomeric syringe actuation device 10 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, is shown both installed on ( Figures 1 and 4) and separate from ( Figures 2, 3, and 5 through 7) a standard IV administration syringe 12.
• the syringe 12 has an outlet tip 14 at its proximal end, of the standard configuration that accommodates a typical Luer fitting (not shown) .
• Extending distally from the tip 14 is a substantially cylindrical barrel 16, the interior of which provides a reservoir for a liquid therapeutic agent (hereinafter referred to as a "medicament”) .
• a plunger 18 is received within the barrel 16 for longitudinal movement between a withdrawn position (shown in Figures 1 and 4) and an inserted position.
• the plunger 18 has an actuation portion 19 extending distally from the barrel 16, the actuation portion 19 terminating in a flattened, substantially circular thumb rest 20.
• the elastomeric syringe actuation device 10 comprises a grommet assembly 22 that fits over and seats around the outlet tip 14 of the syringe 12 ; an end cap 24 that engages the thumb rest 20 of the syringe plunger 18; and an elastomeric element 26 that connects the grommet assembly 22 and the end cap 24.
• the grommet assembly 22 comprises an externally-threaded, cylindrical, bolt-like fitting 28 and an internally- threaded annular collar 30 that is removably threaded onto the fitting 28.
• the fitting 28 has an axial bore 32 and an enlarged-diameter head 34 having a central orifice 36 that communicates with the bore 32.
• the end cap 24 comprises a short, cylindrical sleeve 38 having an open proximal end, and a closed distal end wall 40 that includes an annular peripheral flange 42.
• the hollow interior of the sleeve 38 is dimensioned to receive the thumb rest 20, which seats against the interior surface of the end wall 40.
• the flange 42 is provided with a pair of diametrically-opposed guide slots 44.
• Extending radially inwardly from the interior wall surface of the sleeve 38 are a pair of dia etrically- opposed fingers 46 that provide means for releasably engaging or latching the thumb rest 20.
• Extending distally from the exterior surface of the distal end wall 40 of the end cap 24 is a ring-shaped handle or finger grip 48, having a large central orifice 50.
• the elastomeric element 26 is an elongate elastic strap having a first end portion 52 and a second end portion 54, with an intermediate portion therebetween.
• a single hole 56 is formed in the strap 26 near the first end portion 52 and a plurality of holes 58 are formed in a linear array near the second end portion 54.
• the end cap 24 is attached to the approximate middle of the length of the strap 26 by passing one of the end portions 52, 54 through one of the slots 44 in the end cap flange 42, from the proximal side to the distal side thereof.
• That one end portion is then extended across the exterior (distal) surface of the distal end wall 40, through the orifice 50 of the finger grip 48, and then through the other slot 44 back to the proximal side of the flange 42.
• the one end portion of the strap is then pulled through the slots 44 until the end cap 24 is situated approximately mid-way along the length of the strap 26.
• the strap end portions 52, 54 are removably attached to the grommet assembly 22 by means of the single hole 56 and a selected one of the plurality of holes 58.
• the proximal end of the fitting 28 is passed through the single hole 56, and, with the strap end portions 52, 54 overlapping, through one of the plurality of holes 58, selected on the basis of the size of the syringe on which the device 10 is to be installed.
• the collar 30 is then threaded onto the fitting 28 until the strap end portions 52, 54 are snugly captured between the collar 30 and the head 34 of the fitting 28.
• the slots 44 through which the strap 26 is passed, are disposed radially outwardly from the syringe barrel 16 by their placement in the flange 42, the slots 44 and the flange 42 provide an "outrigger" effect, whereby the strap 26 is positioned away from the syringe barrel 16, as best shown in Figure 1.
• This separation between the strap 26 and the syringe barrel 16 prevents abrasion of the strap 26 against the syringe barrel 16, thereby preventing damage to the strap 26, and allowing for a smoother movement of the syringe plunger 18 when the device 10 is used in the manner described below.
• a syringe 12 is filled with the desired quantity of medicament, and then the outflow from the syringe is obstructed by conventional means, such as a clamp (not shown) on the IV tubing (not shown) connected to the outlet tip 14 of the syringe. With the outflow obstructed, the plunger 18 remains in its withdrawn position, as shown in Figures 1 and 4.
• the actuation device 10 is then installed on the syringe 12 by seating the grommet assembly 22 around the outlet tip 14, with the tip 14 extending through the central orifice 36 and axial bore 32 of the fitting 28.
• the end cap 24 is then pulled distally, by means of the finger grip 48, until the thumb rest 20 of the plunger 18 can be seated within the sleeve 38, with the edge of the thumb rest 20 being engaged by the latching fingers 46.
• the elastomeric element or strap 26 is stretched so that it is under tension, thereby biasing the plunger 18 toward its inserted position.
• the plunger 18 When the obstruction to the syringe outflow is removed (e.g. , by removing the above-mentioned clamp) , the plunger 18 is free to be moved toward its inserted position. This is accomplished by the release of the potential energy stored in the stretched strap 26 as it elastomerically restores itself to its unstretched configuration, thereby generating a linearly-directed force against the thumb rest 20 which drives the plunger 18 in the proximal direction toward its inserted position. The proximal movement of the plunger 18 into the barrel 16 causes the medicament therein to be discharged from the outlet tip 14.
• the driving force generated by the strap 26 has a very slow rate of decay, so that the flow rate of medicament from the syringe 12 remains reasonably close to a preselected nominal flow rate until the syringe 12 is empty, or nearly so.
• a syringe 12 may be filled and stored with the actuation device 10 installed on it as described above (and with the syringe's outflow suitably obstructed). Should the strap 26 break while the syringe 12 is stored (or while it is being used) , one or both of the latching fingers 46 in the end cap sleeve 38 is likely to be retained in engagement with the thumb rest 20, thereby keeping the actuation device 10 from "flying" off of the syringe 12 in response to the release of energy when the strap 26 breaks.
• end cap 24 and the grommet assembly 22 are securely (although removably) attached to the strap 26, so that, even if the strap 26 should break, all of the components of the device 10 are held together, with a minimal probability of separation or loss of a component.
• a syringe actuation device 60 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention, is shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10.
• the elastomeric element is a continuous elastic band 62, having a pair of diametrically-opposed holes 64.
• a unitary grommet 66 having a hollow bore 68, is inserted into a first one of the holes 64 to attach the band 62 to the grommet 66.
• the outlet tip 14 of the syringe 12 is inserted into and through the bore 68, so that the grommet 66 is seated around the outlet tip 14.
• An end cap 70 comprises a short cylindrical sleeve 72 having an open proximal end, and a closed distal end wall 74.
• the hollow interior of the sleeve 72 is dimensioned to receive the thumb rest 20 of the syringe 12, which seats against the interior surface of the end wall 74. Extending radially inwardly from the interior wall surface of the sleeve 72 are a pair of diametrically-opposed fingers 76 that provide means for releasably engaging or latching the thumb rest 20.
• the end cap 70 is provided with a pair of diametrically-opposed band guides, each of which comprises a pair of guide fingers 78 extending radially outwardly from the end wall 74, and then angled toward each other substantially at a right angle, with a gap therebetween into which the band 62 can be inserted.
• the guide fingers 78 position the elastic band 62 so that it is spaced from the syringe barrel, and thus function much like the end cap slots 44 of the first embodiment.
• An arcuate grip portion 80 extends distally from the distal end wall 74, and a knob or button 82 extends distally from the distal end of the grip portion 80.
• the band 62 is passed between the band guide fingers 78 and around the exterior surface of the grip portion 80, with the knob or button 82 being received in the second one of the holes 64 in the band 62 to secure the band 62 to the grip portion 80 of the end cap 70.
• FIG. 11 A modification of the second embodiment is illustrated in Figures 11, 12, and 13.
• an elastomeric syringe actuation device 60' differs from the embodiment of Figures 8, 9, and 10 primarily in having an end cap 70' with a grip portion 80' that has a smooth, uninterrupted exterior surface, without any button or knob.
• the device 60 ' employs an elastic band 62 ' that requires only a single hole 64 ' for the attachment of the band to the grommet 66, in the manner previously described.
• the band 62' relies on the guide fingers 78 and on frictional contact with the exterior surface of the grip portion 80'.
• the second embodiment of Figures 8 through 13 is employed in a manner similar to that of the first embodiment of Figures 1 through 7. As compared to the first embodiment, the chief advantage of the second is lower cost, although it can accommodate a narrower range of syringe sizes.
• FIG. 14 - 19 A third preferred embodiment is shown in Figures 14 - 19.
• This embodiment comprises a continuous band or loop 90 of elastomeric material with a single hole 92; a tapered, preferably conical fitting 94, having a proximal apex 95, and a recess 96 in its base that removably receives the outlet tip 14 of the syringe 12; and a band-pulling implement 98.
• the band-pulling implement 98 comprises a handle portion 100, formed from a length of thick wire or tubular plastic, bent or molded in a ⁇ -shaped configuration, the opposed ends of which terminate in a pair of opposed, downwardly-depending hooking fingers 102.
• Figures 18 and 19 comprises a handle portion 100* formed as an arcuate, ⁇ -shaped strip of plastic or metal, with a pair of downwardly-depending hooking fingers 102 ' defined by a pair of vertical slots 104 near the ends of the strip.
• the third embodiment of the invention is used as follows:
• the conical fitting 94 is placed over the syringe outlet tip 14 by inserting the outlet tip 14 into the recess 96 in the base of the fitting 94.
• the elastomeric band 90 is installed on the proximal end of the syringe 12 by inserting the apex 95 of the fitting 94 into the hole 92 in the band 90.
• the band 90 is then engaged by the band-pulling implement 94 (94') by means of the hooking fingers 102 (102'), and the band is then pulled distally, using the implement 94 (94'), until the band is wrapped around and brought to bear against the thumb rest 20 of the syringe plunger 18, as shown in Figure 15.
• the fitting 94 is removed, an IV administration set is attached, and the elastomeric band 90 is installed and actuates the plunger, as described above.
• An advantage of the third embodiment is its simplicity of construction and use, as well as its ability to be used with a wide variety of conventional syringes. Furthermore, the fitting 94 maintains the sterility of the outlet tip 14, while also facilitating the installation of the elastomeric band 90.
• Figures 20 - 32 illustrate a number of modifications and variations that may be employed in conjunction with one or more of the above-described embodiments.
• Figures 25 and 26 illustrate a modified plunger actuation portion 110 that may be incorporated into the plunger of a standard syringe.
• the modified actuation portion 110 comprises a flat distal end surface 112 defined between a pair of parallel, distally-extending flanges 114 that serve as guides for the elastomeric band 90, and keep the band from slipping off the actuation portion 110.
• the flanges or band guides 114 may flare radially outwardly from diametrically-opposed portions of the peripheral edge of the actuation portion 110, as shown in Figures 25 and 26.
• an actuation portion 110* has band guides or flanges 114 ' that are substantially perpendicular to a distal end surface 112 ' , and that are spaced radially inwardly from the peripheral edge of the actuation portion 110' .
• Figures 27 and 28 illustrate a similar concept, embodied in a removable end cap 120 that fits over the standard plunger thumb rest 20.
• a flat, band-receiving channel 122 is defined between pair of parallel band guides 124 that extend distally from the distal surface of the thumb rest 20.
• the band guides 124 may be perpendicular to the distal surface of the thumb rest 20, and spaced inwardly from the peripheral edge of the end cap 120.
• the band guides of "the end cap may also have the flared configuration of Figure 26.
• the end cap 120 also advantageously has a proximally-extending peripheral rim 126 that defines a proximal seating surface 128 for the thumb rest 20.
• FIGS 20 and 21 illustrate another modification that may advantageously be used with the second and third embodiments of the invention.
• this modification at least two relatively weak elastomeric bands 130 are employed, rather than a single band.
• the two bands 130 are thinner than the single band that they would replace, so that each of them, individually, is easier to install.
• each of the bands 130 has a hole 132, through which the outlet tip 14 of the syringe is inserted.
• Each of the bands is separately stretched distally over the actuation portion 110' of the plunger, thereby requiring less effort than the stretching of a single, relatively strong elastomeric band.
• This modification is thus suitable for use by individuals who may be weak or infirm.
• FIG. 22 A similar concept is shown in Figures 22, 23, and 24.
• This modification employs a bifurcated elastomeric strap 140, best shown in Figure 22, comprising a pair of parallel, relatively narrow strip elements 142 separated by a linear gap 144.
• the bifurcated strap 140 has a pair of opposed ends 146, at which the strip elements 144 are joined to each other. Each of the ends 146 has a hole 148.
• the use of the bifurcated strap 140 is shown in Figures 23 and 24. First, the bifurcated strap 140 is folded over onto itself so that the ends 146 overlap with the holes 148 in alignment with each other.
• the strip elements 142 are spread so as to widen the gap 144 for the entry of the syringe between the strip elements 142, whereby the outlet tip 14 of the syringe is inserted through the aligned holes 148.
• the two strip elements 142 are now disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the syringe barrel.
• each of the strip elements 142 is separately stretched distally over the thumb rest 110'.
• the bifurcated elastomeric strap 140 provides the above-described advantages of the dual band modification of Figures 20, and 21, but with the further convenience of using only a single elastomeric element, rather than two separate bands.
• the various embodiments and modifications of the present invention may be used with a wide variety of syringes, of various configurations and sizes.
• the outlet tip and the barrel may be of a diameter that is too small for proper engagement by the grommet assembly of the first and second embodiments.
• Figure 29 illustrates how such a small-diameter syringe 150 may be modified for use with the present invention.
• an annular bushing 152 is installed on the proximal end of the syringe 150 as an adapter that effectively increases the diameter of the syringe, so as to provide a bearing surface against which the grommet assembly can abut.
• the bushing 152 preferably has a substantially conical shape, with a tapered proximal surface 154 that facilitates installation of the grommet assembly, and a base 156 with a stepped orifice that receives and conforms to the exterior surface of the outlet tip and the proximal portion of the syringe barrel.
• FIGS 30 and 31 illustrate still another modification that can be employed in any of the embodiments.
• This modification employs a combination end cap/band puller 160, comprising an end cap portion 162 having a distal end to which is attached a band puller portion 164.
• the end cap portion 162 and the band puller portion 164 are advantageously formed as a unitary component, such as a plastic molding.
• the end cap portion 162 preferably has an interior 166 of stepped or graduated diameter, to accommodate syringe plunger thumb rests of different sizes.
• the band puller portion 164 preferably has the configuration of one of the band-pulling implements of the above-described third embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 14 - 19. As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the band puller portion is configured as the band-pulling implement 98' of Figures 18 and 19. Thus, it has a handle portion 168 formed as an arcuate, U-shaped strip of plastic or metal, with a pair of vertical hooking fingers 170, defined by a pair of vertical slots 172 near the ends of the strip.
• FIG. 32 illustrates how the present invention may be used in a manner that allows for the aseptic attachment of a sterile IV administration set to a sterile syringe 12.
• This method illustrated with a syringe actuation device 10' that is similar to the above-described first embodiment, requires a grommet assembly 22' with a large enough internal diameter for the passage therethrough of an IV line 180 with a locking connector 182 and a closure cap 184.
• the modified grommet assembly 22' includes an optional finger 188 for the attachment of the IV line 180 to the grommet assembly 22' .
• Figures 33, 34, and 35 illustrate a syringe actuation device 210 in accordance with a modification or variation of the above-described first preferred embodiment ( Figures 1-7) .
• This modification or variation 210 is particularly well-adapted for use with a large capacity syringe 12' (such as an irrigation syringe) that requires a large actuation force.
• the syringe 12 * includes an outlet tip 14 ' , of conventional design, a large capacity barrel 16', and plunger 18' disposed for longitudinal movement within the barrel 16 ' .
• the plunger 18 * has an actuation portion 19 ' extending distally from the barrel, and terminating in a flattened thumb rest 20'at its distal end.
• the syringe actuation device 210 includes a grommet assembly 222 that fits over and seats around the outlet tip 14 ' of the syringe 12 ' ; a first end cap 224 that engages the thumb rest 20'; a first elastomeric element 226 that connects the grommet assembly 222 and the first end cap 224; a second end cap 228 that engages a flattened, disc-shaped fitting 230 on the distal end of the first end cap 224; and a second elastomeric element 232 that connects the grommet assembly 222 and the second end cap 228.
• the first and second end caps 224, 228 have respective finger grips or handle portions 234, 236.
• the grommet assembly 222 is preferably of the type described above in connection with Figures 5 through 7.
• the first end cap 224 and the second end cap 228 are preferably of the type described above in connection with Figure 4, except that the first end cap 224 has the disc-shaped fitting 230, which is of substantially the same diameter as the thumb rest 20', so that it can fit into the interior of the second end cap 228.
• the first elastomeric element 226 and the second elastomeric element 232 are preferably elongate elastic straps, of the type described above with respect to the first preferred embodiment, except that, in this modification, it may be preferred to have only single holes (not shown) respectively near the first and second end portions of each of the elastomeric elements 226, 232.
• the first end cap 224 is attached approximately to the middle of the length of the first elastomeric element 226, and the second end cap 228 is attached approximately to the middle of the length of the second elastomeric element 232, by substantially the same means employed for attaching the end cap 24 to the elastomeric element 26 of the first preferred embodiment, as described above.
• each of the elastomeric elements 226, 232 is removably attached to the grommet assembly 222 in the manner described above and illustrated in Figure 5 for the first preferred embodiment.
• Figure 33 shows the grommet assembly 222 having been seated around the outlet tip 14 ' of the syringe 12 ' , with the plunger 18' in its withdrawn position.
• the first elastomeric element 226 is then stretched distally, by means of the handle portion 234 of the first end cap 224, until the thumb rest 20' of the plunger 18' is seated within the first end cap 224, as shown in Figure 34.
• the second elastomeric element 232 is then pulled distally, by means of the handle portion 236 of the second end cap 228, until the flattened distal fitting 230 of the first end cap 224 is seated within the second end cap 228, as shown in Figure 35.
• the syringe 12' is ready for actuation, by means of the force applied by the dual elastomeric elements 226, 232.
• An advantage of the above-described actuation device 210 is that the two elastomeric elements 226, 232, acting in concert, provide an increased actuation force for moving the plunger 12 ' to its inserted position.
• each of the elastomeric elements 226, 232 may be of moderate width and thickness, only a modest force is required to stretch them individually to the engaged positions shown in Figures 34 and 35. This makes the dual elastomeric element actuation device 210 easier to use in practice than would be the case if it employed only a single, large elastomeric element.
• the present invention provides an elastomerically- powered actuation device for an IV administration syringe that is easy and convenient to use, and that is adaptable to a wide variety of conventional IV administration syringes over a broad range of sizes.
• the present invention is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and is therefore suitable for use as a disposable device.
• the invention provides a flow rate from the syringe that remains nearly constant until the syringe is substantially empty.
• the present invention in several embodiments, incorporates features that minimize the possibility of sudden separation of its components, either from each other or from the syringe, due to breakage of the elastomeric element.
• the elastomeric actuation means might comprise a pair of elastic straps, each having one end fixed to a unitary grommet and the opposite end fixed to the end cap.
• Another variation might include a grommet assembly having two separable parts that snap together, rather than being threaded together.
• Other embodiments might include variations in the configuration of the finger grip and/or in the structure of the latching means in the end cap sleeve.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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• Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
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• 1995
  • 1995-03-03 WO PCT/US1995/002739 patent/WO1995024231A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1995-03-03 EP EP95912055A patent/EP0749331A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 1995-03-03 JP JP7523554A patent/JPH09512718A/ja active Pending
  • 1995-03-03 BR BR9507040A patent/BR9507040A/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1995-03-03 CA CA002184154A patent/CA2184154C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1995-03-03 NZ NZ282322A patent/NZ282322A/en unknown
  • 1995-03-03 AU AU19396/95A patent/AU681267B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 1995-03-07 IL IL11290695A patent/IL112906A/xx not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1995-03-08 TR TR00245/95A patent/TR28878A/xx unknown
• 1996
  • 1996-09-04 NO NO963698A patent/NO963698D0/no not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1996-09-09 FI FI963524A patent/FI963524A/fi unknown

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