Methods and Apparatus for Disinfecting and Reflux Prevention Flush Syringe Assembly

A method of flushing a VAD comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a flush syringe assembly comprising
• a barrel,
• a sleeve external to the barrel having a distal end and a proximal end, and an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein the sleeve slides from distal to proximal positions in relationship to the barrel, and
• a disinfecting system comprising a disinfectant contained in a hub wherein the disinfectant system is released upon proximal motion of the sleeve, the disinfecting system comprising a protective cover on the distal end of the syringe assembly;
• (b) using one hand to remove the protective cover from the distal end of the flush syringe assembly thereby exposing a disinfectant contained at the distal end of the syringe assembly;
• (c) using one hand to apply the disinfectant to a connector on the VAD;
• (d) using the same hand to eject the disinfectant system;
• (e) coupling the flush syringe assembly to the VAD;
• (f) using one hand to hold the flush syringe assembly and depress a plunger rod to flush the VAD with a flush solution that is contained in a chamber of the barrel;
• (g) using the same hand to continue to depress the plunger after the barrel is empty to embed a stopper tip into the VAD and retract the sleeve to expose a cap;
• and
• (h) separating the cap including the embedded stopper tip from the flush syringe assembly.