Apparatus and method for preventing free flow in an infusion line
AssigneeZevex, Inc.
InventorsDavid Cise, David J. McNally, Kent F. Beck
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims36
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.