Method for the intravenous administration of plural solutions through a common flow monitoring station

• US 4,430,074 A
• Filed: 07/02/1981
• Issued: 02/07/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/1981
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Raleigh, N.C. Douglass Samuel Ernest
• Original Assignee: Samuel Ernest Douglass
• Inventors: Mooring, William L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rosenbaum, C. Fred
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kruter, J. L.
• Application Number:
  US06/280,089
• Time in Patent Office: 950 Days
• Field of Search: 128/DIG. 13, 128/214 E, 128/214 G, 128/214 R, 604/49-54, 604/290
• US Class Current: 604/506
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1408 in parallel, e.g. manifolds, sequencing valves access sites A61M39/02; tube connectors A61M39/10
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1689 Drip counters

Abstract

The present invention relates to an efficient method of automatically and sequentially intravenously administering two separate solutions to a patient by utilizing a Y-type IV set provided with a single drip chamber monitoring station disposed below from a Y-connecting point. Solution from a first container is directed through a first leg, a Y-connecting point and a single drip chamber monitoring station. A portion of this first solution is operative to engage a check valve interposed within a second leg leading from a second solution container to the Y-connecting point. This engagement causes the check valve to close and prohibits flow of solution from said second container to the Y-connecting point. Once the first solution container has emptied, the check valve is deactivated, and solution from the second container can automatically in sequential fashion move to the Y-connecting point. From the Y-connecting point, solution from the second container is directed to and through the single drip chamber monitoring station. By providing the single drip chamber monitoring station below the Y-connecting point, an intermediate pressure head is formed in both the first and second legs between the respective solution containers and the drip chamber monitoring station. This intermediate pressure head formed by the respective solutions tends to drive and force the respective solutions through the drip chamber monitoring station more efficiently.

Claims

1. An efficient method of automatically and sequentially intravenously administering two separate solutions to a patient with a Y-type IV set wherein during administration each solution is monitored by a single drip chamber control station disposed downstream from a Y-connecting point, thereby obviating the necessity of altering or changing the IV set and its control devices during the period in which the two solutions are being administered, said method comprising:

(a) elevating a first solution container containing a first solution above a second solution container containing a second solution;

(b) generating and forming a substantial intermediate pressure head between said solution containers and said monitoring station positioned below said Y-connecting point;

(c) said step of forming said substantial intermediate head pressure between said solution containers and said control station including the step of forming an elongated column of solution in first and second legs leading from said first and second solution containers, respectively, to said Y-connecting point;

(d) directing the first solution from the higher elevated first solution container to the first leg leading from said first solution container;

(e) directing a portion of said first solution into operative engagement with a check valve interposed intermediately within the second leg leading from said second solution container to said Y-connecting point so as to effectively close said check valve and to prevent flow of said second solution from said second solution container to said Y-connecting point;

(f) directing flow of said first solution from said Y-connecting point through the flow control station positioned in a delivery leg leading from said Y-connecting point such that the flow of said first solution is not monitored until the same moves downstream from said Y-connecting point;

(g) utilizing the substantial intermediate head pressure formed in said first leg between said first solution container and said control station to drive and force solution passing from said first solution container through said first leg into said control station;

(h) continuing to direct flow from said first solution container through said first leg and to said Y-connecting point and into said delivery leg where said solution passes through said control station formed therein, and continuing such delivery of said first solution until a selected volume of said first solution has been administered;

(i) deactuating said check valve in said second leg branch, and directing a stream of second solution from said second solution container through said second leg to the Y-connecting point;

(j) utilizing the substantial intermediate head pressure formed in said second leg between said second solution container and said control station to drive and force solution passing from said second solution container through said second leg into said control station; and

(k) directing said second solution from said Y-connecting point through said delivery leg and the flow monitoring station therein, wherein the flow of said second solution is monitored subsequently of the Y-connecting point but prior to reaching the patient.