Contrast media dispensing apparatus

• US 5,593,385 A
• Filed: 03/24/1995
• Issued: 01/14/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 02/18/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Harrison, Samuel W., John Hardin III
• Original Assignee: Harrison, Samuel W., John Hardin III
• Inventors: Harrison, Samuel W., Hardin, John III
• Primary Examiner(s): MENDEZ, MANUEL A
• Application Number:
  US08/409,831
• Time in Patent Office: 662 Days
• Field of Search: 604/251-259, 604/246, 604/248, 604/80-85, 604/249, 604/280, 604/30-34
• US Class Current: 604/83
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/007 for contrast media
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1412 Burettes, measuring cylinders for laboratory use B01L3/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16827 controlling delivery of multiple fluids, e.g. sequencing, mixing or via separate flow-paths infusion of multiple fluids without using a controller A61M5/1407

Abstract

A dispensing system and apparatus for introducing contrast media intravascularly during catheterization procedures, which apparatus includes connected segments of tubing that serve as a flow path into the vascular system. A spike is provided at one end of a first segment of the tubing for "spiking" a bottle of contrast media. A stopcock is also provided in the first segment of tubing and a luer lock fitting is attached to the stopcock for connecting a second segment of tubing to the stopcock. A top check valve is provided in the second segment of tubing, which extends from the stopcock. A bottom check valve is provided in the second segment of tubing spaced from the first check valve and a bottom stopcock is also provided in the second segment of tubing below the bottom check valve. A third length of IV tubing projects from the bottom stopcock and receives a second luer lock fitting for securing the bottom end of the third length of IV tubing to a conventional manifold. When the dispensing system is operational, contrast fluid is allowed to flow through the first and second segments of tubing by manipulating the top stopcock, it then flows into the manifold by manipulating the bottom stopcock and is injected intravascularly into the body from the manifold during the catheterization procedure.

Claims

1. A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a fluid from a container to a manifold, comprising a first length of tubing having one end connected in fluid communication to the container;

first adjustable valve means connected to the opposite end of said first length of tubing from said one end for controlling the flow of fluid from the container through said first length of tubing;

first connecting means provided on said first adjustable valve means;

tubing connecting means provided for removably engaging said first connecting means;

a second length of tubing having one end connected to said tubing connecting means, whereby said tubing connecting means releasably engages said first connecting means and removably connects said one end of said second length of tubing to said adjustable valve means;

a pair of check valves provided in said second length of tubing in spaced relationship with respect to each other;

second adjustable valve means attached to the opposite end of said second length of tubing from said one end for further controlling the flow of fluid from the container through said second length of tubing;

a third length of tubing having one end attached to said second adjustable valve means; and

manifold connecting means provided on the opposite end of said third length of tubing from said one end for removably connecting said third length of tubing to the manifold.

2. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 comprising a tubing spike carried by said one end of said first length of tubing for connecting said first length of tubing to the container.

3. The dispensing apparatus of claim 2 comprising vent means provided in air communication with said tubing spike for introducing air into said tubing spike and the container and wherein said first adjustable valve means and said second adjustable valve means each comprises a three-way stopcock.

4. The dispensing apparatus of claim 3 comprising vent means provided in air communication with said tubing spike for introducing air into said tubing spike and the container.

5. The dispensing apparatus of claim 2 comprising vent means provided in air communication with said tubing spike for introducing air into said tubing spike and the container.

6. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first adjustable valve means and said second adjustable valve means each comprises a three-way stopcock.

7. In a contrast fluid dispensing system for dispensing a contrast fluid from a container to a point of contrast fluid distribution, the improvement comprising a contrast fluid dispensing apparatus having a first length of tubing connected in fluid communication to the container;

a first stopcock terminating said first length of tubing for controlling the flow of fluid from the container through said first length of tubing;

a first luer lock fitting provided on said first stopcock;

a second luer lock fitting removably engaging said first luer lock fitting on said first stopcock;

a second length of tubing having one end connected to said second luer lock fitting;

a pair of check valves provided in said second length of tubing in spaced relationship with respect to each other for preventing a reverse flow of contrast fluid from the point of contrast fluid distribution to the container;

a second stopcock carried by the opposite end of said second length of tubing from said one end for selectively dispensing fluid from said second length of tubing;

a third length of tubing having one end connected to said second stopcock; and

a manifold luer lock fitting provided on the opposite end of said third length of tubing from said one end for attachment to the manifold.

8. The contrast fluid dispensing apparatus of claim 7 comprising a tubing spike carried by said first length of tubing for connecting said first length of tubing to the container.

9. The dispensing apparatus of claim 7 comprising vent means provided in air communication with said tubing spike for introducing air into said tubing spike and the container.

10. A contrast fluid dispensing apparatus for dispensing a contrast fluid from a bottle to a manifold, comprising a first length of tubing;

a spike provided on one end of said first length of tubing for connecting said first length of tubing to the bottle in fluid communication;

a first three-port stopcock provided on the opposite end of said first length of tubing from said one end for controlling a flow of contrast fluid from the bottle through said first length of tubing;

a first luer lock attachment provided on said first three-port stopcock;

a second length of tubing having one end adapted for removable attachment to said first luer lock attachment;

a top check valve provided in said second length of tubing and a bottom check valve provided in said second length of tubing in spaced relationship with respect to said top check valve;

a second three-port stopcock provided on the opposite end of said second length of tubing from said one end;

a third length of tubing having an end extending from said second three-port stopcock in fluid communication from said second length of tubing to the manifold; and

a second luer lock attachment provided on said end extending from said second three-port stopcock for attaching said third length of tubing to the manifold.

11. The contrast fluid dispensing apparatus of claim 10 comprising vent means provided in air communication with said tubing spike for introducing air into said tubing spike and the container.