Fluid delivery system including a fluid path set and a check valve connector

A fluid path for use in a fluid delivery system, comprising:

• a first section;
• a second section adapted for removable connection with the first section;
• at least one medical connector providing the removable connection between the first section and the second section, the medical connector comprising:
• a first connector member defining a first lumen for fluid flow through the first connector member, the first connector comprising a first luer member in fluid connection with the first lumen and a first annular member disposed about the first luer member;
• a second connector member defining a second lumen for fluid flow through the second connector member, the second connector comprising a second luer member in fluid connection with the second lumen and a second annular member disposed about the second luer member;
• a check valve disposed in the first lumen or the second lumen of a respective one of the first and second connector members, wherein the check valve is configured to limit fluid flow to one direction through the at least one medical connector, the check valve comprising:
• an axially deformable stopper element of generally uniform diameter along its length, the stopper element disposed in the first lumen or the second lumen;
• and
• a retaining sleeve disposed in a respective one of the first lumen or the second lumen into which the axially deformable stopper element is disposed, the retaining sleeve defining a central bore and a distal end against which the stopper element is adapted to seat to prevent fluid flow through the respective lumen until a sufficient fluid pressure is present within the respective lumen to axially deform the stopper element in a longitudinal direction and thereby unseat the stopper element from the distal end of the retaining sleeve, wherein the respective lumen defines a receiving cavity accommodating the stopper element, and wherein one or more grooves are defined in a wall of the receiving cavity and are adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the central bore of the retaining sleeve for fluid flow through the receiving cavity when the sufficient fluid pressure is present within the respective lumen to unseat the stopper element from the distal end of the retaining sleeve;
• a first tubing section in fluid connection with the central bore of the retaining sleeve;
• a drip chamber in fluid connection with the first tubing section, the drip chamber comprising an elongated body having a top end, a bottom end and a projection formed thereon, wherein the projection extends longitudinally along the elongated body;
• a second tubing section in fluid connection with the drip chamber;
• and
• a spike in fluid connection with the second tubing section.

A fluid delivery system comprising:

• a source of injection fluid;
• a pump device;
• a fluid path connecting the source of injection fluid and the pump device, the fluid path comprising:
• a connector member defining a lumen for fluid flow through the connector member, and comprising a luer member in fluid connection with the lumen and an annular member disposed about the luer member;
• and
• a check valve disposed in the lumen of the connector member, wherein the check valve is configured to limit fluid flow to one direction through the connector member, the check valve comprising:
• an axially deformable stopper element of generally uniform diameter along its length disposed in the lumen of the connector member;
• and
• a retaining sleeve disposed in the lumen of the connector member, the retaining sleeve defining a central bore and a distal end against which the stopper element is adapted to seat to prevent fluid flow through the lumen until a sufficient fluid pressure is present within the lumen to axially deform the stopper element in a longitudinal direction and thereby unseat the stopper element from the distal end of the retaining sleeve, wherein the lumen defines a receiving cavity accommodating the stopper element, and wherein one or more grooves are defined in a wall of the receiving cavity and are adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the central bore of the retaining sleeve for fluid flow through the receiving cavity when the sufficient fluid pressure is present within the lumen to unseat the stopper element from the distal end of the retaining sleeve;
• a first tubing section in fluid connection with the central bore of the retaining sleeve and the pump device;
• a drip chamber in fluid connection with the first tubing section, the drip chamber comprising an elongated body having a top end, a bottom end and a projection formed thereon, wherein the projection extends longitudinally along the elongated body;
• a second tubing section in fluid connection with the drip chamber;
• and
• a spike in fluid connection with the second tubing section and the source of injection fluid.

A medical connector, comprising:

• a first connector member defining a first lumen for fluid flow through the first connector member, the first connector comprising a first member and a first annular member disposed about the first member;
• a second connector member defining a second lumen for fluid flow through the second connector member, the second connector comprising a second member and a second annular member disposed about the second member;
• and
• a check valve disposed in a respective lumen of one of the first and second connector members, wherein the check valve is configured to limit fluid flow to one direction through the medical connector, the check valve comprising:
• an axially deformable stopper element of generally uniform diameter along its length, the stopper element disposed in the respective lumen;
• and
• a retaining sleeve disposed in the respective lumen, the retaining sleeve defining a central bore and a distal end against which the stopper element is adapted to seat to prevent fluid flow through the respective lumen until a sufficient fluid pressure is present within the respective lumen to axially deform the stopper element in a longitudinal direction and thereby unseat the stopper element from the distal end of the retaining sleeve, wherein the respective lumen defines a receiving cavity accommodating the stopper element, and wherein one or more grooves are defined in a wall of the receiving cavity and are adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the central bore of the retaining sleeve for fluid flow through the receiving cavity when the sufficient fluid pressure is present within the respective lumen to unseat the stopper element from the distal end of the retaining sleeve.