Apparatus and method for preventing free flow in an infusion line

• US 20040220542A1
• Filed: 04/05/2004
• Published: 11/04/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Zevex (Moog Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Zevex (Moog Incorporated)
• Inventors: Beck, Kent F., McNally, David J., Cise, David
• Granted Patent: US 7,976,513 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/500
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/242 designed to open when a predetermined pressure or flow rate has been reached, e.g. check valve actuated by fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/2473 Valve comprising a non-deformable, movable element, e.g. ball-valve, valve with movable stopper or reciprocating element
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/2486 Guided stem, e.g. reciprocating stopper
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/22 Valves or arrangement of valves A61M39/02, A61M39/0247, A61M39/16 take precedence; regulating valves in infusion systems A61M5/16881; in devices worn by the patient for the reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge, or in colostomy devices A61F5/4405
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/24 Check- or non-return valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/281 Automatic tube cut-off devices, e.g. squeezing tube on detection of air
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14 Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/142 Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14228 with linear peristaltic action, i.e. comprising at least three pressurising members or a helical member
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14232 Roller pumps

Abstract

An apparatus and method for preventing free flow through an infusion set utilizes an occluder disposed within the infusion set to selectively prevent flow therethrough. The occluder may be responsive to a pressure differential within the infusion set or may respond to compression of the infusion set. When a pair of occluders are used in sequence, an in-line pump may be formed.

Claims

1. An occluder for use in an infusion set, the connector comprising:

a body having a proximal section configured for disposition in a piece of tubing of an infusion set; and

a stop configured for positioning within the tubing of the infusion set, the stop having a sealing portion configured for engaging the piece of tubing, and wherein the sealing portion comprises at least one relatively sharp edge for engaging the tubing of the infusion set.

2. The occluder according to claim 1, wherein the stop is attached to and spaced from the body by at least one arm.

3. The occluder according to claim 2 wherein the body comprises a channel therethrough and wherein the at least one arm is attached to the body out of alignment with the channel.

4. The occluder according to claim 3, wherein the at least one arm comprises a pair of arms disposed opposite one another.

5. The occluder according to claim 1, wherein the sealing portion comprises a generally annular channel.

6. An occluder according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises an adaptor body configured for connecting two tubes together.

7. An occluder according to claim 1, wherein the stop has an inner portion and an outer layer affixed thereto.

8. An occluder for use in an infusion set, the connector comprising:

a body having a proximal section configured for disposition in a piece of tubing of an infusion set; and

a stop configured for positioning within the tubing of the infusion set, the stop having at least one projection disposed thereon configured for engaging the piece of tubing.

9. The occluder according to claim 8, wherein the at least one projection comprises a bevel.

10. The occluder according to claim 9, wherein the at least one projection comprises a pair of bevels.

11. The occluder according to claim 10, wherein the bevels are separated by a generally annular channel.

12. The occluder according to claim 8, wherein the at least one projection comprises a generally annular rib.

13. The occluder according to claim 12, wherein the at least one projection comprises a first generally annular rib and a second generally annular rib.

14. The occluder according to claim 13, wherein the first generally annular rib and the second generally annular rib are spaced apart.

15. The occluder according to claim 13, wherein the first generally annular rib and the second generally annular rib extend radially outwardly to different degrees.

16. The occluder according to claim 13, wherein the first generally annular rib and the second generally annular rib extend radially outwardly substantially to the same extent.

17. The occluder according to claim 11, wherein the body has a channel therethrough for passing fluid and wherein the stop is attached to the body by at least one arm, the arm being disposed out of alignment with a channel through the body.

18. The occluder according to claim 17, wherein the at least one arm comprises a pair of arms disposed generally opposite one another.

19. The occluder according to claim 8, wherein the stop includes an inner portion and an outer layer attached to the inner portion.

20. An occluder for preventing fluid flow through a tube, the occluder comprising:

a stop configured for disposal in the tubing, the stop comprising a sealing portion for engaging the tubing to prevent fluid flow between the stop and tubing until the tubing expands radially; and

a body having a channel formed therein for passing fluid therethrough, the body being attached to the stop by at least one arm disposed out of alignment with the channel in the body.

21. The occluder according to claim 20, wherein the at least one arm comprises a plurality of arms.

22. The occluder according to claim 20, wherein the sealing portion comprises a generally annular channel.

23. The occluder according to claim 20, wherein the sealing portion comprises at least one projection for sealing against the tubing.

24. The occluder according to claim 23, wherein the projection comprises at least one annular bevel.

25. The occluder according to claim 24, wherein the projection comprises a pair of spaced apart annular bevels.

26. The occluder according to claim 23, wherein the projection comprises at least annular rib.

27. The occluder according to claim 23, wherein the projection comprises a pair of spaced apart annular ribs.

28. A device for controlling flow through an infusion set, the device comprising:

an infusion set;

an occluder disposed at least partially in the infusion set for preventing flow therethrough; and

an actuator for engaging the infusion set and for forming a flow channel around the occluder, the actuator being configured to engage the infusion set on only one side.

29. The device according to claim 28, wherein the actuator comprises a pair of surfaces for engaging the infusion set, the pair of surfaces being spaced apart less than 150 degrees.

30. The device according to claim 29, wherein the surfaces are disposed apart between 90 and 135 degrees.

31. The device according to claim 30, wherein the surfaces are disposed apart about 110 degrees.

32. The device according to claim 28, wherein the actuator is configured to form a single flow channel past the occluder in the infusion set.

33. A method for controlling free flow in an infusion set mounted in an infusion pump, the method comprising:

selecting an infusion set having an occluder disposed therein;

applying force to one side of the infusion set to open a flow channel past the occluder.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the method comprises using an actuator having first and second engagement surfaces which are spaced apart at an angle of less than 150 degrees.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the method comprises selecting an actuator having engagement surfaces which are spaced apart at an angle of about 90-135 degrees.

36. A method for selectively controlling free flow through an infusion set, the method comprising:

forming an infusion set having tubing and an occluding mechanism disposed in the tubing which occludes fluid flow through the tubing in an ambient state; and

applying pressure to the tubing on one side of the occluding mechanism to enable flow to pass the occluder and thereby enable fluid flow through the tubing.