U.S. patent application number 13/494208 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-06 for apparatus and methods for support of a membrane filter in a medical infusion system.
This patent application is currently assigned to BRACCO DIAGNOSTICS, INC.. Invention is credited to Ernest BALESTRACCI.
Application Number | 20120305730 13/494208 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41650395 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120305730 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BALESTRACCI; Ernest |
December 6, 2012 |
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SUPPORT OF A MEMBRANE FILTER IN A MEDICAL
INFUSION SYSTEM
Abstract
A removable clamp, for supporting a membrane filter in a medical
infusion system, includes connected and opposing walls. A locking
feature, which may be connected to an end of one of the walls,
engages and disengages a terminal end of the other wall. The filter
may be inserted between the opposing walls of the clamp, and an
inner surface of each of the opposing walls may be secured against
corresponding major surfaces of the inserted filter, by only
pressing at least one of the opposing walls of the clamp toward the
other of the opposing walls.
Inventors: |
BALESTRACCI; Ernest;
(Iselin, NJ) |
Assignee: |
BRACCO DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
Princeton
NJ
|
Family ID: |
41650395 |
Appl. No.: |
13/494208 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12273899 |
Nov 19, 2008 |
8216181 |
|
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13494208 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/316.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 5/38 20130101; A61M
39/284 20130101; Y10T 29/49947 20150115; A61M 5/1415 20130101; A61M
5/165 20130101; A61M 5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/316.5 |
International
Class: |
A61B 19/00 20060101
A61B019/00 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A removable clamp comprising: a first support wall extending
from a first end to a second end opposite the first end; a first
sidewall extending substantially orthogonally from the first end of
the first support wall, the first sidewall including a locking
feature that extends substantially parallel to the first support
wall and includes a terminal end that projects towards the first
support wall; a second sidewall extending substantially
orthogonally from the second end of the first support wall; and a
second support wall extending from the second sidewall in a
direction substantially parallel to the first support wall, the
second support wall defining a terminal portion extending away from
the first support wall that is configured to engage with the
terminal end of the locking feature of the first sidewall so as to
interlock the second support wall with the first sidewall, wherein
the first support wall includes a first plateau projecting toward
the second support wall and the second support wall includes a
second plateau projecting toward the first support wall, and
wherein, when the terminal end of the first sidewall is engaged
with the terminal portion of the second support wall so as to
interlock the second support wall with the first sidewall, the
first plateau defines a first planar mating surface parallel to
both the first support wall and the second support wall, and the
second plateau defines a second planar mating surface parallel to
both the first support wall and the second support wall.
22. The removable clamp of claim 21, wherein, in combination, the
first support wall, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and
the second support wall define a rectangular-shaped cavity
configured to receive a housing of a membrane filter.
23. The removable clamp of claim 21, wherein the first plateau is
positioned between the first end and the second end of the first
support wall and the second plateau is positioned between the
second sidewall from which the second support wall extends and the
terminal portion defined by the second support wall so that, when
the terminal end of the first sidewall is engaged with the terminal
portion of the second support wall so as to interlock the second
support wall with the first sidewall, a distance between the first
support wall and the second support wall is greater adjacent the
first sidewall and the second sidewall than between the first
sidewall and the second sidewall where the first plateau and the
second plateau are positioned.
24. The removable clamp of claim 21, wherein, when the terminal end
of the first sidewall is engaged with the terminal portion of the
second support wall so as to interlock the second support wall with
the first sidewall, the first planar mating surface is separated
from the second planar mating surface by a constant distance across
a width of the first plateau and a width of the second plateau.
25. The removable clamp of claim 24, wherein the constant distance
ranges from approximately 0.351 inches to approximately 0.354
inches.
26. The removable clamp of claim 21, wherein the second support
wall further comprises a strengthening feature extending outwardly
away from the first support wall.
27. The removable clamp of claim 21, wherein the first support
wall, the second support wall, and the locking feature are
integrally formed.
28. The removable clamp of claim 21, wherein the first support
wall, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the second
support wall are integrally formed.
29. The removable clamp of claim 21, wherein the first support
wall, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the second
support wall are each formed from plastic.
30. The removable clamp of claim 30, wherein the plastic comprises
a polycarbonate resin.
31. The removable clamp of claim 21, wherein the second support
wall is fixedly and flexibly connected to the second support wall
so as to allow the terminal portion of the second support wall to
move toward and away from the first support wall.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention pertains to medical infusion systems
and more particularly to the support of membrane filters
incorporated therein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Fluid circuits of medical infusion systems typically include
at least one filter to assure that air, and/or other gases, are not
introduced, for example, into a venous system of a patient, along
with the infused fluid. The membrane-type filter includes a
hydrophilic membrane, which extends between an inlet and an outlet
of the filter, and a hydrophobic membrane which extends between the
inlet and vent holes of the filter. The hydrophilic membrane is
fluid permeable, yet gas impermeable, and the hydrophobic membrane
is fluid impermeable, yet gas permeable. The design and operation
of these membrane-type filters are known to those skilled in the
art. One such filter is the Speedflow Adult 0.2 .mu.m Positive,
which is available from GVS Group (headquartered in Bologna,
Italy).
[0003] Membrane filters are typically constructed for relatively
low pressure applications (i.e. less than approximately 3.5 bar or
approximately 50 psi), and to be relatively inexpensive, flexible
and disposable. Thus, the housings of these filters may be
susceptible to failure, if the filters are employed by infusion
systems that inject fluids at higher pressures. Support for the
housings of these filters has been proposed, yet, there is still a
need for new apparatus and methods for supporting membrane
filters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The following drawings include those illustrative of
particular embodiments of the present invention, and therefore do
not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale
(unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the
explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of
the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction
with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like
elements.
[0005] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary membrane
filter.
[0006] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an exemplary prior art
auxiliary housing for the filter shown in FIG. 1A.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a removable clamp, according
to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the filter of FIG. 1A
secured within the clamp of FIG. 2, according to some
embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 3B is a cross-section view through section line A-A of
FIG. 3A, according to some embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary infusion
system.
[0011] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a portion of the infusion
system, shown in FIG. 4A, which may incorporate embodiments of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature
and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or
configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following
description provides practical illustrations for implementing
exemplary embodiments. Utilizing the teaching provided herein,
those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples
have suitable alternatives that can be utilized.
[0013] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary membrane
filter 10, which is very similar to the aforementioned filter
supplied by GVS Group. FIG. 1A illustrates filter 10 including a
housing 12, an inlet 125 and an outlet 127; a first fitting 152,
for example, a female Luer lock, is shown joined to inlet 125, and
a second fitting 172, for example, a rotating male Luer lock, is
shown joined to outlet 127. FIG. 1A further illustrates housing 12
including a first sidewall 12A, a second sidewall 12B and a
perimeter seam 123 at which first and second sidewalls 12A, 12B are
joined together, for example, via adhesive bonding or ultrasonic
welding; vent holes 126 are shown formed through a protruding
portion of first sidewall 12A, in proximity to inlet 125. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that a hydrophilic membrane 190,
which may be captured between sidewalls 12A, 12B, at seam 123 (FIG.
3B), extends within housing to divide housing into an inlet
compartment, in proximity to inlet 125, and an outlet compartment,
in proximity to outlet 127; and, further, that a hydrophobic
membrane, for example, being attached to first sidewall 12A,
extends between the inlet compartment and vent holes 126. When
filter 10 is connected, via fittings 152, 172, into a fluid circuit
of a medical infusion system, the joint at seam 123 should be able
to withstand the pressures of injection fluid flow through filter
10, otherwise first and second sidewalls 12A, 12B of housing 12
will separate from one another, thereby causing a failure of the
system.
[0014] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an exemplary prior art
auxiliary housing 100, which is very similar to an auxiliary
housing provided by GVS group for support of a filter that is
similar to filter 10. FIG. 1B illustrates housing 100 including a
first part 100A and a second part 100B; each of first and second
parts 100A, 100B include a cavity 105A and 105B, respectively, to
surround and support housing 12 of filter 10 when auxiliary housing
100 is assembled around filter 10. In order to assemble housing 100
around filter 10, first and second parts 100A, 100B must be
fastened together around filter 10. FIG. 1B further illustrates
each part 100A, 100B including securing features 110 formed
therein, and fasteners 115, for example, thumb screws, inserted
into two of securing features 110 in first part 100A. In order to
fasten parts 100A, 100B together around filter 10, cavities 105A,
105B of parts 100A, 100B must be aligned with filter housing 12,
and securing features 110 of first part 100A also aligned with
corresponding securing features 110 of second part 100B; then,
fasteners 115 must be mated with the aligned features 110.
[0015] With reference back to FIG. 1A, in conjunction with FIG. 1B,
it may be appreciated that a length L1 and a width W1 of housing 12
are either less than or equal to a length L2 and a width W2,
respectively, of cavities 105A, 105B, so that when auxiliary
housing 100 is assembled around filter 10, filter housing 12 will
be completely enclosed within cavities 105A, 105B. Furthermore, a
depth D of each cavity 105A, 105B, in conjunction with adjustment
of fasteners 115, is such that first and second parts 100A, 100B,
when fastened together around filter housing 12, may restrain
sidewalls 12A, 12B from separating at seam 123, under higher
operating pressures. Each part 100A, 100B is shown including a
feature 145, which protrudes into the respective cavity 105A, 105B,
in order to directly interface with each of sidewalls 12A, 12B,
when first and second parts 100A, 100B are fastened together around
filter 10; at least one of features 145 may be movable to adjust a
pressure at the interface with the corresponding sidewall 12A,
12B.
[0016] With further reference to FIG. 1 B, it may be appreciated
that the design of auxiliary housing 100 has several drawbacks, for
example, related to the bulk and the handling thereof. In
particular, a size of auxiliary housing 100 is such that vent holes
126 may be blocked by one of first and second parts 100A, 100B,
when assembled around housing 12, thereby potentially compromising
the function of filter 10; and, with respect to handling, the
aforementioned steps, which are necessary to assemble auxiliary
housing 100 around filter 10, are relatively numerous and
tedious.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a removable clamp 200,
according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2
illustrates clamp 200 including a first support wall 210, which
extends from a first end 211 thereof to a second end 212 thereof, a
locking feature 250, which is connected to second end 212, and a
second support wall 220, opposite first support wall 210, which
extends from a first, terminal end 221 thereof to a second end 222
thereof. FIG. 2 further illustrates locking feature 250 being
formed by a first sidewall 201, which extends from second end 212
of first support wall 210; first sidewall 201 is shown extending
toward second support wall 220 and including a terminal portion 21
that bends toward first support wall 210.
[0018] According to the illustrated embodiment, first, terminal end
221 of second support wall 220 bends away from first support wall
210, such that first, terminal end 221 can interlock with terminal
portion 21 of first sidewall 201, when second support wall 220 is
deflected toward first support wall 210. FIG. 2 further illustrates
second end 222 of second support wall 220 being flexibly connected
to first end 211 of first support wall 210 by a second sidewall
202, which extends opposite first sidewall 201, and allows for the
deflection of second support wall 220. According to preferred
embodiments, clamp 200 is an injection molded plastic part, such
that each of walls 210, 201, 220, 202 are integrally formed. Clamp
200 is preferably formed from a polycarbonate resin, for a suitable
combination of flexibility and strength; yet, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that other plastic materials, which demonstrate
similar flexibility and strength, may alternatively be employed.
With reference to FIGS. 1A and 2, according to an exemplary
embodiment, when width W1 of filter 10 is approximately 1.14
inches, and a thickness t of filter 10 is approximately 0.356 inch,
a width W3 of first support wall 210 is approximately 1.25 inches,
and a height h of second sidewall 202 is approximately 0.375
inch.
[0019] According to the illustrated embodiment, after filter 10 is
inserted between support walls 210 and 220 of clamp 200, first,
terminal end 221 of second support wall 220 may be engaged by
locking feature 250, by simply pressing second support wall 220
toward first support wall 210. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of
filter 10 supported by clamp 200; and FIG. 3B is a cross-section
view through section line A-A of FIG. 3A, according to some
embodiments. FIGS. 3A-B illustrate first, terminal end 221 of
support wall 220 interlocking with terminal portion 21 of sidewall
201, in order to secure an inner surface of second support wall 220
against a first major surface 121 of filter sidewall 12A, and an
inner surface of first support wall 210 against a second major
surface 122 of filter sidewall 12B. Thus, clamp 200 supports
housing 12 of inserted filter 10 against pressures that result from
fluid flow through filter 10, which may otherwise cause the joint,
which connects first sidewall 12A to second sidewall 12B, at seam
123, to fail.
[0020] FIGS. 2 and 3B illustrate each of first and second support
walls 210, 220 including an optional inward projecting plateau 245,
which forms the corresponding inner surfaces of walls 210, 220; a
width WP of each plateau 245 (FIG. 2) may be approximately 0.625
inch, when width W1 of filter 10 is approximately 1.14 inches.
According to some preferred embodiments, the inner surfaces formed
by plateaus 245 are spaced apart from one another at a distance
that is less than a thickness t (FIG. 1A) of filter 10, when
locking feature 250 engages first, terminal end 221 of second
support wall 220 to support housing 12; this spacing may be between
approximately 0.02 inch and approximately 0.05 inch less than
thickness t. FIG. 2 further illustrates second support wall 220
including an optional, outwardly projecting, strengthening feature
265, in the form of a rib.
[0021] With further reference to FIG. 3A, it can be seen that no
portion of clamp 200 extends over vent holes 126 of filter 10, when
clamp 200 supports housing 12 of filter 10. According to an
exemplary embodiment, when length L1 of filter 10 (FIG. 1A) is
approximately 1.575 inches, a length L3 of clamp 200 (FIG. 2) is
approximately 0.625 inch.
[0022] Turning now to FIGS. 4A-B an exemplary medical infusion
system, in which embodiments of the present invention may be
employed, will now be briefly described. FIG. 4A is a perspective
view of a radiopharmaceutical infusion system 400; and FIG. 4B is a
perspective view of a portion of infusion system 400 that includes
a fluid circuit 300. FIG. 4A illustrates infusion system 400
including a cabinet 410, in which a portion of fluid circuit 300 is
enclosed, and which includes an access panel 432 by which enclosed
fluid circuit 300 may be accessed for maintenance thereof. A
shielding assembly 420 is also shown enclosed within cabinet 410 in
order to shield radioactive segments of fluid circuit 300. Infusion
system 400 may be used for medical diagnostic imaging, for example,
Positron Emission Tomography (PET), wherein doses of
radiopharmaceutical, which are generated by elution within a
radioisotope generator 321 (FIG. 4B), are injected, or infused into
a patient. The infused dose of radiopharmaceutical is absorbed by
cells of a target organ, of the patient, and emits radiation, which
is detected by a PET scanner, in order to generate an image of the
organ. An example of a radioactive isotope, which may be used for
PET, is Rubidium-82 (produced by the decay of Strontium-82); and an
example of a radioisotope generator, which yields a saline solution
of Rubidium-82, via elution, is the CardioGen-82.RTM. available
from Bracco Diagnostics Inc. (Princeton, N.J.). Embodiments of such
an infusion system 400 are described in co-pending an commonly
assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/137,363 (Practitioner
Docket number 56782.1.6), which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0023] FIG. 4A illustrates a reservoir 315 of fluid circuit 300,
which is mounted outside cabinet 410, and FIG. 4B illustrates a
pump 333 of fluid circuit 300, which is located within cabinet 410
and is supplied by reservoir 315, via a tubing line 310 that
extends through a sidewall of cabinet 410. According to FIGS. 4A-B,
pump 333 provides a pressure pulse to drive infusion injections,
first through a filter, via an input tubing line 325, and then
through the remainder of tubing circuit 300, via an output tubing
line 327. In order to assure quality diagnostic imaging, pressure
pulses of between approximately 75 psi and approximately 125 psi
are typically applied to inject doses, or boluses, of the
radiopharmaceuticals, that are generated by system 400. Thus, those
elements of fluid circuit 300, which are downstream of pump 333,
must be able to withstand pressure pulses of up to, and possibly
exceeding, approximately 125 psi. Furthermore, these elements of
fluid circuit 300 are typically required to function for as many as
310 to 325 injection pulses, at these pressures.
[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
fluid circuit 300 of infusion system 400 incorporates filter 10,
which is supported by clamp 200, for example, as is illustrated in
FIGS. 3A-B. When inner surfaces of opposing support walls 210, 220
of clamp 200 are secured against surfaces 121, 122 of filter
housing 12, as previously described, clamp 200 may prevent
separation of housing sidewalls 12A, 12B at seam 123 when loaded
under the aforementioned pressure pulses. With reference to FIG.
4B, input tubing line 325 may be connected to first fitting 152, at
inlet 125 of filter 10, and output tubing line 327 to second
fitting 172, at outlet 127 of filter 10. According to exemplary
embodiments of system 400, filter 10 is the aforementioned
Speedflow Adult 0.2 pm Positive (GVS Group), and filter 10 and
clamp 200 are each of a size defined by the corresponding and
exemplary length, width, thickness and height dimensions set forth
herein, above.
[0025] Filter 10, being supported by clamp 200, may be directly
mounted within cabinet 410 of infusion system 400, for example,
along an inside wall 407 thereof (FIG. 4A). Alternatively, FIG. 4B
illustrates infusion system 400 including a holder 317 for filter
10 and clamp 200. Holder 317 may be formed from a thermoformed
plastic sheet into a clam-shell structure, which encloses filter 10
and clamp 200 in an interior space, and allows inlet and outlet
tubing lines 325, 327 to extend out from the interior space, in
between opposing sides thereof. Holder 317 may be hung from a
structure (not shown) along inside wall 407.
[0026] According to some methods of the present invention, in order
to assemble filter 10 into fluid circuit 300, such that the filter
can withstand the aforementioned pressure pulses without failure,
filter 10 is first inserted between opposing support walls 210, 220
of clamp 200, either before or after connecting one or both of
inlet and outlet fittings 152, 172 to inlet and outlet tubing lines
325, 327, respectively. After filter 10 is inserted, the one
assembling circuit 300, need only press second support wall 220
toward first support wall 210, or visa versa, in order to engage
first, terminal end 221 of second support wall 220 with locking
feature 250 of clamp 200, thereby securing inner surfaces of
support walls 210, 220 against corresponding surfaces 121, 122 of
filter 10. This securing step may be performed either before or
after connecting inlet and outlet fittings 152, 172 of filter 10 to
corresponding tubing lines 325, 327. When circuit 300 is
disassembled, after a predetermined life, clamp 200 may be removed
from filter 10, for example, by deflecting first and second
sidewalls 201, 202 away from one another to release first, terminal
end 221 of support wall 220 from the interlock with terminal
portion 21 of first sidewall 201, so that clamp 200 may be re-used
to support another filter.
[0027] In the foregoing detailed description, the invention has
been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it
may be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be
made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth
in the appended claims.
* * * * *