CATHETER FLUSH DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHODS

Abstract

A flush device may be used to flush a catheter system. The flush device may include a housing, a proximal connector coupled to the housing, and a distal connector coupled to the housing. The flush device may include a first conduit disposed within the housing and extending between the proximal connector and the distal connector. The flush device may include a second conduit disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the first conduit. The flush device may include a fluid reservoir, which may be disposed within the housing of the flush device. The flush device may include a pump that pumps fluid from the fluid reservoir, through the second conduit, and into the first conduit. The device may include a one-way valve, which may prevent fluid from flowing beyond the one-way valve toward the fluid reservoir.

Claims

1. A medical device, comprising: a housing; a proximal connector coupled to the housing; a distal connector coupled to the housing; a first conduit disposed within the housing and extending between the proximal connector and the distal connector; a second conduit disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the first conduit; a fluid reservoir coupled to the second conduit, wherein the second conduit extends between the first conduit and the reservoir; a pump disposed within the housing, wherein the pump is configured to pump fluid from the fluid reservoir through the second conduit, and into the first conduit; and a one-way valve disposed within the second conduit, wherein the one-way valve is configured to prevent fluid from flowing beyond the one-way valve toward the fluid reservoir.

2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the distal connector is configured to couple to a vascular access device, wherein the vascular access device comprises a peripheral intravenous catheter.

3. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the proximal connector comprises a needleless connector.

4. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the pump provides a fluid flow rate of 0.2 mL/hr.

5. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the pump provides a fluid flow rate greater than 0.2 mL/hr.

6. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the medical device further comprises a clothing article configured to be worn by a patient, wherein the housing is coupled to the clothing article.

7. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the clothing article comprises an arm band.

8. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the second conduit intersects the first conduit.

9. A method of preventing catheter occlusion, comprising: coupling a vascular access device to a medical device, wherein the medical device comprises: a housing; a proximal connector coupled to the housing; a distal connector coupled to the housing; a first conduit disposed within the housing and extending between the proximal connector and the distal connector; a second conduit disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the first conduit; a fluid reservoir coupled to the second conduit, wherein the second conduit extends between the first conduit and the reservoir; a pump disposed within the housing, wherein the pump is configured to pump fluid from the fluid reservoir through the second conduit and into the first conduit; and a one-way valve disposed within the second conduit, wherein the one-way valve is configured to prevent fluid from flowing beyond the one-way valve toward the fluid reservoir; and activating the pump, wherein in response to activation of the pump, the pump provides fluid from the fluid reservoir to the first conduit and vascular access device at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/hr or more.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the vascular access device comprises a peripheral intravenous catheter.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the proximal connector comprises a needleless connector.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising securing the medical device to a patient.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the medical device is secured to the patient via a an arm band, wherein the housing is coupled to the arm band.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the pump is activated to provide the fluid from the fluid reservoir to the first conduit and vascular access device when the medical device is secured to the patient, further comprising when the medical device is secured to the patient: coupling an IV line to the proximal connector, coupling a blood collection device to the proximal connector, or coupling a syringe to the proximal connector.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the fluid reservoir is a first fluid reservoir, further comprising: replacing the first fluid reservoir with a second fluid reservoir after deactivating the pump, comprising: decoupling the first fluid reservoir from the second conduit; coupling the second fluid reservoir to the second conduit, wherein the first fluid reservoir contains less fluid compared to the second fluid reservoir; and activating the pump after the second fluid reservoir is coupled to the second conduit.

16. A method of aspirating blood from a patient, comprising: coupling a vascular access device to a medical device, wherein the medical device comprises: a housing; a proximal connector coupled to the housing; a distal connector coupled to the housing; a first conduit disposed within the housing and extending between the proximal connector and the distal connector; a second conduit disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the first conduit; a fluid reservoir coupled to the second conduit, wherein the second conduit extends between the first conduit and the reservoir; a pump disposed within the housing, wherein the pump is configured to pump fluid from the fluid reservoir through the second conduit and into the first conduit; and a one-way valve disposed within the second conduit, wherein the one-way valve is configured to prevent fluid from flowing beyond the one-way valve toward the fluid reservoir; deactivating the pump; coupling a blood collection device to the proximal connector after deactivating the pump; and extracting a blood sample through the proximal connector into the blood collection device.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the vascular access device comprises a peripheral intravenous catheter.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising securing the medical device to a patient.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising activating the pump when the medical device is secured to the patient, wherein in response to activation of the pump, the pump provides fluid from the fluid reservoir to the first conduit and vascular access device at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/hr or more.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: when the medical device is secured to the patient, coupling a syringe to the proximal connector and manually flushing the first conduit and the vascular access device via the syringe.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an example flush device, according to some embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the flush device of FIG. 1, illustrating an example first conduit, an example second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit, and an example pump according to some embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 2B is another cross-sectional view of the flush device of FIG. 1, illustrating the first conduit, the second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit, and another example pump, according to some embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of the pump of FIG. 2B, according to some embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 3A is an upper perspective view of an example catheter system that includes the flush device of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 3B is an upper perspective view of the flush device of FIG. 1 coupled to a an example clothing article worn by a patient, according to some embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 4A is an upper perspective view of the flush device of FIG. 1 coupled to an example intravenous (IV) line, according to some embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 4B is an upper perspective view of the flush device of FIG. 1 coupled to an example syringe, according to some embodiments;

[0027] FIG. 4C is an upper perspective view of the flush device of FIG. 1 coupled to an example blood collection device, according to some embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 4D is an upper perspective view of the flush device of FIG. 1, illustrating an example cap coupled to an example proximal connector, according to some embodiments; and

[0029] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an example proximal connector, according to some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems, and methods to reduce or eliminate catheter occlusions. Referring now to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, a flush device 10 may include a housing 12. In some embodiments, the flush device 10 may include a proximal connector 14 coupled to the housing 12, and a distal connector 16 coupled to the housing 12. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 14 and/or the distal connector 16 may be integrally formed with the housing 12. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 14 may include a needleless connector.

[0031] In some embodiments, the flush device 10 may include a fluid reservoir 18, which may be disposed within a container 20. In some embodiments, the container 20 may include a vial, syringe, or another suitable container. In some embodiments, the flush device 10 may include a pump disposed within the housing 12.

[0032] In some embodiments, the pump may include an operation switch 22, which may be used to activate and/or deactivate the pump. In some embodiments, the operation switch 22 and/or an indicator 24 may be disposed on the housing 12 so as to be visible to the clinician. In some embodiments, the operation switch 22 may include a push button or another suitable switch.

[0033] In some embodiments, a state of operation of the pump, such as, for example, activated or deactivated, may be shown by the indicator 24, which may include a light or other suitable indicator. In some embodiments, the indicator 24 may be electrically coupled with one or more other devices. In some embodiments, the indicator 24 may provide information to the clinician. In some embodiments, the information may include one or more of the following: battery life, fluid flow rate, and fluid volume remaining in the fluid reservoir 18.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the flush device 10 may include a first conduit 26 disposed within the housing 12 and extending between the proximal connector 14 and the distal connector 16. In some embodiments, the first conduit 26 may include tubing or may be integrally formed with the housing 12. In some embodiments, the tubing may be flexible. In some embodiments, a second conduit 28 may also be disposed within the housing 12 and in fluid communication with the first conduit 26.

[0035] In some embodiments, the second conduit 28 may extend between the first conduit 26 and the fluid reservoir 18. In some embodiments, the second conduit 28 may include tubing or may be integrally formed with the housing 12. In some embodiments, the second conduit 28 may intersect with the first conduit 26. In some embodiments, the second conduit 28 may be coupled to the first conduit 26 via a T-connector or another suitable connector.

[0036] In some embodiments, the flush device 10 may include the pump 30, which may be disposed within the housing 12. In some embodiments, the pump 30 may be configured to pump fluid from the fluid reservoir 18, through the second conduit 28, and into the first conduit 26. In some embodiments, the fluid may include saline or another fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid pumped by the pump 30 may reach the vascular access device to facilitate prevention of occlusion of the vascular access device.

[0037] In some embodiments, the pump 30 may provide a fluid flow rate, which may be about 0.2 mL/hr. In some embodiments, the fluid flow rate may be greater than about 0.2 mL/hr. In some embodiments, the fluid flow rate may be between about 0.2 mL/hr and about 0.5 mL/hr. In some embodiments, the fluid flow rate may be between about 0.2 mL/hr and about 1 mL/hr. In these and other embodiments, the pump 30 may pump the fluid continuously or periodically to flush the vascular access device. In some embodiments, the pump 30 may provide continuous or periodic automatic flushing of the vascular access device in response to activation of the pump 30. In some embodiments, the continuous or periodic automatic flushing may occur until the pump 30 is deactivated.

[0038] In some embodiments, the pump 30 may include any type of suitable pump known in the art. In some embodiments, the pump 30 may include a peristaltic medical infusion pump, a rotary piston pump, a syringe or syringe pump, a piston brake pump, or any other suitable pump. In some embodiments, the pump 30 may be electric. In some embodiments, the pump 30 may be electrically coupled to a power supply 36. In some embodiments, the power supply 36 may be located internal to the housing 12 of flush device 10. In some embodiments, the power supply 36 may include an alkaline battery. In some embodiments, the power supply 36 may include a rechargeable battery, external power supply or another suitable power source. It is understood that a location of the power supply 36, as well as other features, within the housing 12 may vary.

[0039] In some embodiments, the pump 30 and/or elastomeric forces may provide a constant or consistent pressure on the fluid reservoir 18. In some embodiments, the elastomeric forces on the fluid reservoir 18 may be provided by a manual pressure adjustment, such as, for example, a handle or twisting dial operated from outside the housing 12.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pump 30 may include a solenoid valve that may be activated by the pump 30 to allow fluid to flow through the second conduit 28. In some embodiments, the solenoid valve may be maintained in a closed position when a magnetic solenoid is not energized. In some embodiments, when the magnetic solenoid is energized, the solenoid valve may open allowing fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir 18 through the second conduit 28.

[0041] In some embodiments, the container 20 may be removably disposed within the housing 12. In some embodiments, the housing 12 may be configured to have an access door so that the container 20 may be installed or removed into flush device 10. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 18 may include a vial, which may contain saline or another fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 18 may include between about 2 mL and about 10 mL of fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 18 may include about 5 mL of fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 18 may include more than about 10 mL of fluid.

[0042] In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 18 may be external to the housing 12. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 18 may include a syringe or another suitable fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, the fluid reservoir 18 is a first fluid reservoir that may be replaced or replenished. In some embodiments, the first fluid reservoir may have less fluid compared to a second fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, the replacing of the fluid reservoir 18 after deactivating the pump 30 may include decoupling the first fluid reservoir 18 from the second conduit 28, coupling the second fluid reservoir to the second conduit 28, and then activating the pump 30.

[0043] In some embodiments, the flush device 10 may include a one-way valve 32 disposed within the second conduit 28. In some embodiments, the one-way valve 32 may be configured to prevent fluid from flowing beyond the one-way valve 32 and toward the fluid reservoir 18. In some embodiments, the one-way valve 32 may include a check valve. In some embodiments, the one-way valve 32 may prevent fluid, such as, for example, medication or blood, from entering into the pump 30 and/or the fluid reservoir 18.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 2B-2C, in some embodiments, the pump 30 may include a peristaltic medical infusion pump. In some embodiments, the second conduit 28 may be formed by the tubing 40. In some embodiments, the pump 30 may include members 38 that sequentially push on the tubing 40 and force the fluid to flow in a lateral direction and/or towards the first conduit 26. In some embodiments, the pump 30 may operate intermittently or periodically. In some embodiments, the pump 30 may provide episodic bursts of fluid at a regular interval and/or throughout a given time period.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 3A, a catheter system 41 is illustrated, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the flush device 10 may be coupled to a vascular access device 42 or another suitable device. In further detail, an extension tube 47 may be coupled to the distal connector 16 and may extend between the vascular access device 42 and the flush device 10.

[0046] In some embodiments, the vascular access device 42 may include a catheter adapter 43. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 43 may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 43 may include a catheter 44 extending from the distal end. In some embodiments, the catheter 44 may include a PIVC or a PICC.

[0047] In some embodiments, the distal connector 16 may be integrally formed with the housing 12. In some embodiments, the distal connector 16 may include a luer adapter, such as a slip or thread male or female luer adapter, or another suitable connector. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the extension tube 47 may be integrally formed with the distal connector 16.

[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B, in some embodiments, the flush device 10 may be coupled to a clothing article 45 configured to be worn by a patient. In some embodiments, the housing 12 may be coupled to the clothing article 45 via threads, snaps, adhesive, or any other suitable coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the clothing article 45 may secure the housing 12 to the patient. In one embodiment, the clothing article 45 may be an armband that may be secured to the arm of a person, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, the clothing article 45 may include a gown, a wrap, or another suitable clothing article. In some embodiments, the catheter system 41 may not include the clothing article 45.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 4A, in some embodiments, the proximal connector 14 may be configured to couple to an intravenous (IV) line 46. In some embodiments, fluid from the IV line 46 may pass through the first conduit 26 and into the vascular access device 42. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 14 may be coupled to one or more alternate fluid sources as required by an operator of the flush device 10. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 14 may include a needleless connector or another suitable connector. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 14 may be configured to couple to a fluid supply, such as the IV line 46.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 4B, in some embodiments, a syringe 48 may be coupled to the proximal connector 14 of the device. In some embodiments, the syringe 48 may contain fluid, such as, for example, medicine to administer to the patient through the flush device 10 or saline to flush the flush device 10 and/or the vascular access device 42. In some embodiments, when a particular fluid is administered by the IV line 46 (illustrated, for example, in FIG. 4A) or manually with the syringe 48, the one-way valve 32 (illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 2A-2B) may prevent the particular fluid from entering one or more of the following: the second conduit 28, the pump 30, and the fluid reservoir 18. In some embodiments, the pump 30 may facilitate flushing of the flushing device 10 and/or the vascular access device 42 at multiple fluid flow rates. In further detail, in some embodiments, manual activation of the syringe 48 may facilitate flushing at a first fluid flow rate and activation of the pump 30 may facilitate flushing at a second fluid flow rate.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 4C, in some embodiments, a blood collection device 50 may be coupled to the proximal connector 14. In some embodiments, a blood sample contained in the blood collection device 50 may be collected from the vascular access device 42 coupled to the flush device 10. In some embodiments, the blood sample may be drawn proximally through the first conduit 26 and out of the proximal connector 14 into the blood collection device 50 coupled to the proximal connector 14.

[0052] In some embodiments, the pump 30 may be deactivated prior to collection of the blood sample. In some embodiments, after the blood sample has been collected in the blood collection device 50, the clinician may uncouple the blood collection device 50 from the proximal connector 14 and couple the syringe 48 to the proximal connector 14. In some embodiments, the syringe 48 may be used to manually flush the first conduit 26 and/or the vascular access device 42. In some embodiments, when the blood sample is collected, the one-way valve 32 may prevent blood from entering one or more of the following: the second conduit 28, the pump 30, and the fluid reservoir 18.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 4D, in some embodiments, the proximal connector 14 and/or the distal connector 16 may each include a cap 52, which may be removable. In some embodiments, the cap 52 may be coupled to the proximal connector 14 and/or the distal connector 16 via threads or another suitable method. In some embodiments, installing the cap 52 on the proximal connector 14 and/or the distal connector 16 may facilitate protection of the flush device 10 from contaminants and inadvertent use.

[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates an example needleless connector, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 14 may include any suitable needleless connector. The proximal connector 14 may include or correspond to the needleless connector of FIG. 5, according to some embodiments. The needleless connector of FIG. 5 may be described in further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 8,066,670, filed Nov. 5, 2007, entitled VASCULAR ACCESS DEVICE SEPTUM VENTING, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0055] In some embodiments, the proximal connector 14 may include a septum 88, which may prevent fluid from exiting the flush device 10. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 14 may be integrally formed with the housing 12. In some embodiments, the proximal connector 14 may be monolithically formed with the housing 12 as a single unit. In some embodiments, the first conduit 26 may include tubing 90, which may be integrated with the proximal connector 14.

[0056] All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.