U.S. patent application number 14/795060 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-05 for system and method for mixing the contents of two containers.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hospira, Inc.. Invention is credited to Edward Browka, John A. Domkowski, David L. Foshee, Theodore J. Mosler, Benjamin Leo Rush, John Sundquist.
Application Number | 20150313796 14/795060 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48082705 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150313796 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Domkowski; John A. ; et
al. |
November 5, 2015 |
System and Method for Mixing the Contents of Two Containers
Abstract
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a port assembly for
establishing fluid communication between a first container and a
second container. The port assembly includes a retainer for
connecting a first container, where the retainer is positioned in a
cavity defined by a port housing that includes an axially fixed
actuator. The housing also includes a plug member constructed to
seal a fluid passageway between the port housing and an interior of
a second container. The plug member is configured to move axially
relative to the actuator. Rotation of the retainer relative to the
actuator causes the plug member to move to an open position in
which it does not seal a fluid passageway between the port housing
and an interior of a second container. The rotation of the retainer
relative to the port housing also causes the retainer to move
axially relative to the port housing so that the actuator forces a
stopper associated with a first container connected to the retainer
into a first container.
Inventors: |
Domkowski; John A.;
(Kenosha, WI) ; Sundquist; John; (Glen Ellyn,
IL) ; Rush; Benjamin Leo; (Wilmette, IL) ;
Foshee; David L.; (Apex, NC) ; Mosler; Theodore
J.; (Raleigh, NC) ; Browka; Edward; (Chapel
Hill, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hospira, Inc. |
Lake Forest |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48082705 |
Appl. No.: |
14/795060 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13573752 |
Oct 3, 2012 |
9079686 |
|
|
14795060 |
|
|
|
|
61542534 |
Oct 3, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/383 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 1/1462 20130101;
A61J 1/201 20150501; A61J 1/10 20130101; A61J 1/2041 20150501; Y10T
137/9029 20150401; A61J 1/2089 20130101; B65D 25/20 20130101; A61J
1/2068 20150501; B65B 3/003 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61J 1/20 20060101
A61J001/20; B65B 3/00 20060101 B65B003/00; A61J 1/10 20060101
A61J001/10 |
Claims
1. A port assembly for establishing fluid communication between a
first container containing a first substance and a second container
containing a second substance, the port assembly comprising: a
retainer for connecting a first container; a port housing defining
a cavity, the retainer positioned within the cavity, the port
housing comprising an axially fixed actuator constructed to force a
stopper associated with a first container into a first container;
and a plug member constructed to seal a fluid passageway between
the port housing and an interior of a second container, the plug
member configured to move axially relative to the actuator, wherein
the retainer is configured to rotate relative to the port housing,
wherein rotation of the retainer relative to the port housing
causes the retainer to move axially relative to the port housing,
whereby the actuator forces a stopper associated with a first
container connected to the retainer into a first container, and
whereby rotation of the retainer relative to the port housing
further causes the plug member to move to an open position in which
it does not seal a fluid passageway between the port housing and an
interior of a second container.
2. The port assembly of claim 1, wherein the plug member comprises
at least one leg, wherein the retainer pushes the leg to move plug
member to the open position.
3. The port assembly of claim 1, wherein the plug member is
constructed to move at least partially into a second container upon
rotation of the retainer relative to the port housing.
4. The port assembly of claim 1, wherein a first set of threads are
formed on a surface of the port housing and wherein a second set of
threads are formed on a surface of the retainer, the first and
second set of threads constructed to rotationally engage and move
the retainer axially into the port housing upon rotation of the
retainer relative to the port housing.
5. The port assembly of claim 1, the port assembly further
comprising a collar that is rotationally fixed to the retainer,
wherein the collar comprises a first locking element and the
retainer comprises a second locking element constructed to
cooperate with the first locking element to prevent rotation of the
collar and retainer relative to the port housing if a first
container is not connect to the retainer.
6. The port assembly of claim 5, wherein the first locking element
and the second locking element cooperate to prevent axial movement
of the retainer relative to the collar if a first container is not
connected to the retainer.
7. The port assembly of claim 5, wherein the collar circumscribes
the retainer, and the first locking element comprises a tab
extending radially inwardly from the collar, and wherein the second
locking element comprises a protrusion wherein the engagement
between the tab and the protrusion prevents axial movement of the
retainer relative to the collar.
8. The port assembly of claim 7, wherein the tab of the first
locking element is configured to cooperate with an unlocking member
associated with a first container such that connection of a first
container to the retainer releases engagement between the tab and
the protrusion of the second locking element.
9. The port assembly of claim 1, wherein the retainer comprises a
radially extending retention tab configured to engage a first
container to axially lock a first container to the retainer.
10. The port assembly of claim 1, wherein the retainer comprises a
seal member constructed to sealingly engage a first container.
11. The port assembly of claim 10, wherein the seal member is
constructed to sealingly engage a first container in a radial
direction.
12. The port assembly of claim 11, wherein the seal member
comprises a plurality of circumferential sealing surfaces that
engage a first container.
13. The port assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a
tip portion constructed to force a stopper associated with a first
container into the first container, and wherein the actuator
further comprises at least one support member mounted on the port
housing, the at least one support member positioned between the
port housing and the tip portion.
14. The port assembly of claim 13, wherein the actuator comprises a
plurality of support members that extend radially from a common
axis.
15. The port assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one support
member is tapered as it transition the tip portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/573,752, filed on Oct. 3, 2012, now U.S.
Pat. No. 9,079,686, which claims priority to Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/542,534, filed on Oct. 3, 2011, and titled
"System and Method for Mixing the Contents of Two Containers,"
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to a system and method for
mixing the contents of two separate containers. The system avoids
discharge of the contents and mixture into the environment while
maintaining their sterility.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many compounds for medical use are packaged separately from
the diluents used to reconstitute or dilute them, and facilitate
their intravenous or subcutaneous delivery to a patient. These
medical compounds are packaged in a variety of known pharmaceutical
containers (e.g., vials) in solid form (e.g., lyophilized or
spray-dried), liquid form, and other forms. Prior to administration
of these compounds to a patient, the compounds are mixed with the
diluents. If desired, the diluents can contain additional active
compounds.
[0004] In order to mix a compound with a diluent, it is desirable
to provide a system for mixing the compound and diluent that does
not expose the compound, diluent, or resulting mixture to the
external environment prior to and during mixing. Such exposure
could negatively affect the sterility of the mixture, or, in the
case of hazardous compounds, could place the user (e.g., a
healthcare worker) in danger by exposing them to the hazardous
compounds.
[0005] Systems for facilitating the safe transfer and mixing of
medical compounds and diluents stored in separate containers are
known. For example, a system involving the packaging of a
medicament and a diluent in separate containers, which may be
connected to one another at the time of use for convenient and safe
mixing of the medicament and diluent in a sterile environment is
currently sold by Hospira, Inc. (Lake Forest, Ill.) under the
trademark ADD-VANTAGE.RTM.. The ADD-VANTAGE.RTM. system is
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,703,864; 4,757,911; 4,784,259;
4,784,658; 4,936,445; 4,948,000; 5,064,059; and 5,332,399, each of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0006] In one example of the ADD-VANTAGE.RTM. system, a flexible
diluent container includes a receiving port configured to receive a
medicament vial closed by a vial stopper. The receiving port is
positioned at the top end of the diluent container (i.e., the end
of the diluent container that is on top when the diluent container
is hung for delivery of its contents to a patient). The flexible
diluent container further includes a stopper removal member
configured to connect to the vial stopper by engaging an undercut
or shouldered recess in the exposed end of the vial stopper.
Securement of the vial and the diluent container is accomplished by
threadable engagement of threads that circumscribe the outside of
the neck portion (which defines the vial opening) of the vial with
complementary threads within the diluent container port.
Additionally, ratchet teeth, which circumscribe the outside of a
skirt member of the vial, engage complementary ratchet teeth
located on the interior of the diluent container port. The slopes
of the ratchet teeth are such that once engagement is initiated,
the vial cannot be backed out of the port without causing visible
damage to the vial and/or port, thereby obviating any contamination
which may be occasioned by vial-container disengagement and
reengagement. In other words, the ratchet teeth are "one-way"
ratchet teeth. As the stoppered vial is advanced into and engaged
with the port of the diluent container, the vial stopper advances
onto the stopper removal member. The stopper removal member is
thereby secured to the stopper such that the stopper may
subsequently be pulled and removed (via manipulation of the stopper
removal member) from the vial, thereby allowing the contents of the
two containers to be mixed. The system can then be hung for
delivery of the mixture to a patient. To hang the system, the vial
is provided with a hanger at its proximal end (i.e., the end
opposite the stopper).
[0007] The flow path created as a result of activating the stopper
removal member of the ADD-VANTAGE.RTM. system is defined by the
neck of the vial and the dimension of the flow channel defined
through the port of the diluent container. The dimension of this
flow path is sufficient to permit the contents of the diluent
container to flow readily into and out of the vial, (e.g., by
"sloshing" the diluent container). By providing significant flow of
fluid between the vial and the diluent container, the
ADD-VANTAGE.RTM. system provides quick and thorough mixing.
Further, because the vial is positioned at the top end of the
diluent container when the contents of the diluent container are
delivered to a patient, any contents remaining in the vial will
flow downward into the diluent container.
[0008] Another example of a delivery system similar to the
ADD-VANTAGE.RTM. system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,216,207,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This
patent describes a connector that establishes fluid communication
between a medicament vial and a diluent container using a feature
that pushes the stopper of a medicament vial into the vial upon
connecting the medicament vial to the diluent container via the
connector. Then upon further insertion of the medicament vial into
the connector, the stopper of the diluent container is dislodged
thereby establishing fluid communication between the medicament
vial and the diluent container.
[0009] Another example of a system for transferring and mixing
medical compounds and diluents stored in separate containers is the
add-EASE binary connector sold by B. Braun Medical, Inc. A first
end of the add-EASE connector includes a structure for receiving
and securing the connector to a pharmaceutical vial. The first end
includes a first spike for penetrating an elastomeric stopper
sealing the vial. The second end of the add-EASE connector includes
a structure for receiving and securing the connector to a port of a
diluent container. The second end also includes a second spike for
penetrating an elastomeric closure associated with the port of the
diluent container. Once the add-EASE connector has been secured to
both the vial and the diluent container, pressure is applied to the
contents of the diluent container. This pressure results in a force
being applied to a plug member positioned within the first spike,
thereby moving the plug from the first spike and into the vial.
Because of the relatively narrow flow channel defined by the first
and second spikes of the add-EASE connector, it is necessary to
pump or "milk" diluent out of the diluent container and into the
vial in order to reconstitute and/or dilute the drug contained in
the vial. It also is necessary to pump or "milk" the resulting
diluent/drug mixture out of the vial back into the diluent
container for delivery to the patient. Further, because the diluent
container port is positioned at the bottom of the diluent container
(i.e., at the end of the diluent container that is positioned
closest to the floor when the contents of the diluent container are
delivered to a patient) the dimension of the flow channel defined
by the first and second spikes must remain small in order to
prevent contents of the diluent container from flowing back into
the vial (rather than flowing to the patient).
[0010] While the above described systems provide solutions for
certain medication delivery challenges, the inventors have
identified a need in the art for an improved system for mixing
substances that provides more convenience and handling, and
improves operator and patient safety.
SUMMARY
[0011] In one aspect, the invention is directed to system for
mixing contents of a first container with contents of a second
container. The system includes a first container having contents, a
second container having contents, a device constructed to establish
fluid communication between the first container and the second
container, and a hanger for hanging the system, wherein the hanger
is operable only when fluid communication between the first
container and the second container has been established.
[0012] In a further aspect, the device includes a port housing
connected to the second container, and the device further includes
a main body constructed to connect to the first container. The port
housing rotates relative to the main body, wherein fluid
communication is established upon rotation of the port housing
relative to the main body. For example, the port housing and the
main body rotate from a first position to a second position,
wherein the device prevents fluid communication in the first
position and the device establishes fluid communication in the
second position.
[0013] In various embodiments, the hanger is connected to the
device, the first container or the second container. The device may
also include one or more antirotational members that limit rotation
from the second position to the first position.
[0014] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method for
preventing errors in the delivery of an intravenous medicament. The
method includes providing a first container having contents for
intravenous delivery; providing a second container having contents
for intravenous delivery; providing a hanger; preventing use of the
hanger when the first container and the second container are not in
fluid communication; and allowing use of the hanger when the first
container and the second container are in fluid communication. In
one aspect of this embodiment, the second container includes a
device configured for connecting the first container and the second
container, the device having a first position in which the first
container and the second container are not in fluid communication,
the device having a second position in which the first container
and the second container are in fluid communication.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed to a
port assembly for connecting a first container and a second
container, the port assembly includes a hanger configured to
transition from a first, non-activated condition to a second,
activated condition, the port assembly further constructed to move
between a first position in which the first and second containers
are not in fluid communication and a second position in which the
first and second containers are in fluid communication, wherein
movement of the port assembly from the first position to the second
position causes the hanger to move from the first, non-activated
condition to the second, activated condition.
[0016] In one aspect, the port assembly includes a circumferential
guide slot, the hanger being at least partially positioned within
the circumferential guide slot when the hanger is in the first,
non-activated condition, the hanger and the circumferential guide
slot constructed for relative motion therebetween, the
circumferential guide slot being constructed to release the hanger
to the second, activated condition upon movement of the port
assembly from the first position to the second position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with
reference to the following drawings:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded isometric view of an
exemplary system for mixing the contents of two containers.
[0019] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of an exemplary first container
of the system shown in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the first container
shown in FIG. 2A without the vial.
[0021] FIG. 2C is an isometric view of the label sleeve of the
first container shown in FIG. 2A.
[0022] FIG. 2D is an isometric view of the body cap and top cap of
the first container shown in FIG. 2A.
[0023] FIG. 2E is an isometric view of the stopper of the first
container shown in FIG. 2A.
[0024] FIG. 2F is an isometric view of the vial of the first
container shown in FIG. 2A.
[0025] FIG. 3A is an isometric view of another exemplary body cap
and top cap that may be used with the first container shown in
FIGS. 2A-F.
[0026] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the body cap and top
cap shown in FIG. 3A.
[0027] FIG. 4A is an isometric view of an exemplary second
container and port assembly of the system shown in FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 4B is another isometric view of the second container
and port assembly shown in FIG. 4A.
[0029] FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional isometric view of the
port assembly and second container shown in FIGS. 4A-B.
[0030] FIG. 5B is an exploded isometric view of the main body,
actuator, and cap of the port assembly shown in FIG. 5A.
[0031] FIG. 5C is an exploded isometric view of the port housing
and plug member of the port assembly shown in FIG. 5A.
[0032] FIG. 6A is an isometric view of the system shown in FIG. 1
in the docked position.
[0033] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the system shown in
FIG. 6A.
[0034] FIG. 7A is an isometric view of the system shown in FIG. 1
in the activated position.
[0035] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the system shown in
FIG. 7A.
[0036] FIG. 8A is a partial cross-sectional isometric view of a
portion of an exemplary port assembly of the system shown in FIG.
1, including the hanger, before activation.
[0037] FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional isometric view of the
portion of the port assembly of FIG. 8A during activation.
[0038] FIG. 8C is a partial cross-sectional isometric view of the
portion of the port assembly of FIG. 8A after activation when the
hanger is in an activated hanging configuration.
[0039] FIG. 9A is an isometric view of another exemplary body cap
and top cap that may be used with the first container shown in
FIGS. 2A-F.
[0040] FIG. 9B is an isometric view of the body cap shown in FIG.
9A.
[0041] FIG. 9C is a side view of the body cap and top cap shown in
FIG. 9A.
[0042] FIG. 9D is a top view of the body cap and top cap shown in
FIG. 9A.
[0043] FIG. 9E is a cross-sectional view of the body cap and top
cap shown in FIG. 9A.
[0044] FIG. 10A is an isometric view of another exemplary body cap
and top cap that may be used with the first container shown in
FIGS. 2A-F.
[0045] FIG. 10B is an isometric view of the body cap shown in FIG.
10A.
[0046] FIG. 10C is an isometric view of the top cap shown in FIG.
10A.
[0047] FIG. 11A is an isometric view of another exemplary plug
retainer that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1.
[0048] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the plug retainer of
FIG. 11A in the unactivated position within an exemplary port
assembly.
[0049] FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the plug retainer of
FIG. 11A in the activated position within an exemplary port
assembly.
[0050] FIG. 12A is an isometric view of another exemplary port
assembly that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1, where
the port assembly has a locking mechanism.
[0051] FIG. 12B is a semi-transparent isometric view of the port
assembly shown in FIG. 12A.
[0052] FIG. 13A is an isometric view of another exemplary port
assembly that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1, where
the port assembly has another exemplary locking mechanism.
[0053] FIG. 13B is a zoomed-in isometric view of the locking
mechanism shown in FIG. 13A.
[0054] FIG. 14A is an isometric view of another exemplary port
assembly that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1, where
the port assembly has another exemplary locking mechanism.
[0055] FIG. 14B is a zoomed-in isometric view of another exemplary
port assembly that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 1,
where the port assembly has another exemplary locking
mechanism.
[0056] FIG. 15A is an isometric view of another exemplary vial that
can be used with the system shown in FIG. 1.
[0057] FIG. 15B is an isometric view of an exemplary body cap that
can be used with the vial shown in FIG. 15A.
[0058] FIG. 15C is an isometric view of another exemplary first
container comprising the vial and body cap of FIGS. 15A and 15B
respectively.
[0059] FIG. 16A is an isometric view of another exemplary body cap
and top cap that may be used with the first container shown in
FIGS. 2A-F.
[0060] FIG. 16B is a top view of the body cap and top cap shown in
FIG. 16A.
[0061] FIG. 16C is an isometric view of the body cap shown in FIG.
16A.
[0062] FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view another exemplary port
assembly that can be used in the system shown in FIG. 1.
[0063] FIG. 17B is a zoomed-in cross-sectional view of the cutting
edge and septum of the port assembly shown in FIG. 17A.
[0064] FIG. 18A is a partial cross-sectional isometric view of an
exemplary cover for a port assembly that may be used with the
system shown in FIG. 1.
[0065] FIG. 18B is a top view of the cover shown in FIG. 18A.
[0066] FIG. 18C is a zoomed in view of a post in its undeformed
state for attaching the cover shown in FIG. 18A to a port
assembly.
[0067] FIG. 19A is an isometric view of another exemplary first
container that can be used in the system shown in FIG. 1, where the
actuator is in the unactivated position.
[0068] FIG. 19B is another isometric view of the first container
shown in FIG. 19A, where the actuator is in the activated
position.
[0069] FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view of the first container
shown in FIG. 19A, where the actuator is in the activated
position.
[0070] FIG. 19D is another cross-sectional view of the first
container shown in FIG. 19A, where the actuator is in the activated
position.
[0071] FIG. 19E is another isometric view of the first container
shown in FIG. 19A, where the actuator is in the activated
position.
[0072] FIG. 20A is an isometric view of another exemplary first
container and port assembly.
[0073] FIG. 20B is a top view of the first container and port
assembly shown in FIG. 20A.
[0074] FIG. 20C is a side view of the first container and port
assembly shown in FIG. 20A.
[0075] FIG. 20D is a bottom view of the first container and port
assembly shown in FIG. 20A.
[0076] FIG. 20E is another side view of the first container and
port assembly shown in FIG. 20A.
[0077] FIG. 20F is a cross-sectional view of the first container
and port assembly shown in FIG. 20A.
[0078] FIG. 21A is an isometric view of an exemplary port housing
of the port assembly shown in FIGS. 20A-F.
[0079] FIG. 21B is a top view of the port housing shown in FIG.
21A.
[0080] FIG. 21C is a side view of the port housing shown in FIG.
21A.
[0081] FIG. 21D is a bottom view of the port housing shown in FIG.
21A.
[0082] FIG. 21E a cross-sectional view of the port housing shown in
FIG. 21A.
[0083] FIG. 22A is an isometric view of an exemplary retainer of
the port assembly shown in FIGS. 20A-F.
[0084] FIG. 22B is a top view of the retainer shown in FIG.
22A.
[0085] FIG. 22C is a side view of the retainer shown in FIG.
22A.
[0086] FIG. 23A is an isometric view of an exemplary actuator seal
of the port assembly shown in FIGS. 20A-F.
[0087] FIG. 23B is a top view of the actuator seal shown in FIG.
23A.
[0088] FIG. 23C is a side view of the actuator seal shown in FIG.
23A.
[0089] FIG. 23D is a cross-sectional view of the actuator seal
shown in FIG. 23A.
[0090] FIG. 24A is an isometric view of an exemplary activation
collar of the port assembly shown in FIGS. 20A-F.
[0091] FIG. 24B is a bottom view of the activation collar shown in
FIG. 24A.
[0092] FIG. 24C is a side view of the activation collar shown in
FIG. 24A.
[0093] FIG. 24D is another side view of the activation collar shown
in FIG. 24A.
[0094] FIG. 24E is a top view of the activation collar shown in
FIG. 24A.
[0095] FIG. 24F is a cross-sectional view of the activation collar
shown in FIG. 24A.
[0096] FIG. 25A illustrates a partially exploded view of another
exemplary system for mixing the contents of two containers.
[0097] FIG. 25B illustrates a fully exploded view of the system
shown in FIG. 25A.
[0098] FIG. 26 illustrates the system shown in FIG. 25A in the
docked position prior to activation.
[0099] FIG. 27 illustrates the system shown in FIG. 25A in the
activated position.
[0100] FIG. 28A is an isometric view of an exemplary first
container of the system shown in FIG. 25A.
[0101] FIG. 28B is a top view of the first container shown in FIG.
28A.
[0102] FIG. 28C is a cross-sectional view of the first container
shown in FIG. 28A.
[0103] FIG. 29A is an isometric view of an exemplary body cap of
the first container shown in FIG. 28A.
[0104] FIG. 29B is a side view of the body cap shown in FIG.
29A.
[0105] FIG. 29C is a top view of the body cap shown in FIG.
29A.
[0106] FIG. 29D is a cross-sectional view of the body cap shown in
FIG. 29A.
[0107] FIG. 29E is a zoomed-in cross-sectional view of Section A-A
of FIG. 29D.
[0108] FIG. 30A is an isometric view of another exemplary body cap
that may be used with the first container shown in FIG. 28A.
[0109] FIG. 30B is a side view of the body cap shown in FIG.
30A.
[0110] FIG. 30C is a top view of the body cap shown in FIG.
30A.
[0111] FIG. 30D is a cross-sectional view of the body cap shown in
FIG. 30A.
[0112] FIG. 30E is a zoomed-in cross-sectional view of Section A-A
of FIG. 30D.
[0113] FIG. 31A is an isometric view of an exemplary port housing
of the port assembly shown in FIGS. 25A-B.
[0114] FIG. 31B is a top view of the port housing shown in FIG.
31A.
[0115] FIG. 31C is a side view of the port housing shown in FIG.
31A.
[0116] FIG. 31D is a bottom view of the port housing shown in FIG.
31A.
[0117] FIG. 31E is a cross-sectional view of the port housing shown
in FIG. 31A.
[0118] FIG. 32A is an isometric view of the inner port housing part
of the port housing shown in FIGS. 31A-E.
[0119] FIG. 32B is a top view of the inner port housing part shown
in FIG. 32A.
[0120] FIG. 32C is a side view of the inner port housing part shown
in FIG. 32A.
[0121] FIG. 32D is a bottom view of the inner port housing part
shown in FIG. 32A.
[0122] FIG. 32E is a cross-sectional view of the inner port housing
part shown in FIG. 32A.
[0123] FIG. 33A is an isometric view of the outer port housing part
of the port housing shown in FIGS. 31A-E.
[0124] FIG. 33B is a bottom view of the outer port housing part
shown in FIG. 33A.
[0125] FIG. 33C is a side view of the outer port housing part shown
in FIG. 33A.
[0126] FIG. 33D is a top view of the outer port housing part shown
in FIG. 33A.
[0127] FIG. 33E is a cross-sectional view of the outer port housing
part shown in FIG. 33A.
[0128] FIG. 34A is an isometric view of an exemplary retainer of
the port assembly shown in FIGS. 25A-B.
[0129] FIG. 34B is a top view of the retainer shown in FIG.
34A.
[0130] FIG. 34C is a side view of the retainer shown in FIG.
34A.
[0131] FIG. 34D is a cross-sectional view of the retainer shown in
FIG. 34A.
[0132] FIG. 35A is an isometric view of the inner retainer part of
the retainer shown in FIGS. 34A-D.
[0133] FIG. 35B is a top view of the inner retainer part shown in
FIG. 35A.
[0134] FIG. 35C is a side view of the inner retainer part shown in
FIG. 35A.
[0135] FIG. 35D is a cross-sectional view of the inner retainer
part shown in FIG. 35A.
[0136] FIG. 36A is an isometric view of the outer retainer part of
the retainer shown in FIGS. 34A-D.
[0137] FIG. 36B is a top view of the outer retainer part shown in
FIG. 36A.
[0138] FIG. 36C is a side view of the outer retainer part shown in
FIG. 36A.
[0139] FIG. 36D is a cross-sectional view of the outer retainer
part shown in FIG. 36A.
[0140] FIG. 37A is an isometric view of an exemplary seal between
the retainer and first container of the system shown in FIGS.
25A-B.
[0141] FIG. 37B is a top view of the seal shown in FIG. 37A.
[0142] FIG. 37C is a side view of the seal shown in FIG. 37A.
[0143] FIG. 37D is a cross-sectional view of the seal shown in FIG.
37A.
[0144] FIG. 38A is an isometric view of an exemplary activation
collar of the port assembly shown in FIGS. 25A-B.
[0145] FIG. 38B is a top view of the activation collar shown in
FIG. 38A.
[0146] FIG. 38C is a side view of the activation collar shown in
FIG. 38A.
[0147] FIG. 38D is a bottom view of the activation collar shown in
FIG. 38A.
[0148] FIG. 38E is a cross-sectional view of the activation collar
shown in FIG. 38A.
[0149] FIG. 39A is an isometric view of an exemplary hanger of the
port assembly shown in FIGS. 25A-B.
[0150] FIG. 39B is a bottom view of the hanger shown in FIG.
39A.
[0151] FIG. 39C is another isometric view of the hanger shown in
FIG. 39A.
[0152] FIG. 39D is another isometric view of the hanger shown in
FIG. 39A.
[0153] FIG. 40A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary port
assembly that can be used with system shown in FIGS. 25A-B, in the
docked position.
[0154] FIG. 40B is a zoomed-in view of the locking mechanism of the
port assembly shown in FIG. 40A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0155] The system and corresponding method disclosed herein allow a
user (e.g., a pharmacist or other healthcare worker) to mix the
contents (e.g., a medicament and a diluent) of two separate
containers and then deliver the combined mixture (e.g., a medicinal
fluid) to a patient while maintaining sterility of the contents and
mixture and preventing unwanted release of the contents and mixture
into the environment. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary two-component
system 100. The system 100 includes (1) a first container 102
containing a first substance and (2) a second container 104
containing a second substance, the second container 104 having a
port assembly 106 at its proximal end for receiving the first
container 102.
[0156] In one embodiment, the first container 102 is a medicament
container in the form of a vial having an exterior housing and the
second container 104 is a diluent container in the form of a
flexible intravenous (IV) solution bag. The flexible bag may be
formed from first and second opposing sheets of flexible material
that are joined and sealed at the edges to provide a fluid tight
cavity for containing a diluent therein. At one edge thereof, the
opposing sheets of the flexible diluent container are sealed around
at least a portion of the port assembly 106 to mount the port
assembly 106 to the second container 104. In one embodiment, the IV
bag is constructed of a non-PVC DEHP-free material providing a
vapor barrier capability that is sufficient to permit diluent or
drug product to be stored therein without the use of an overwrap.
For example, the IV bag can be constructed of the materials
utilized by Hospira, Inc. in the manufacture of its VISIV.RTM. flex
container. Other materials for the second container can be used as
long as they can be connected to a port assembly 106.
[0157] Although described and shown herein as being mounted to the
second container 104, the port assembly 106 may be provided as a
separate and stand-alone device that connects the first and second
containers 102, 104, thereby resulting in a three-component system
(i.e., the first container 102, the second container 104, and the
port assembly 106).
[0158] As used herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to
the opposing directions associated with the orientation of the
components of the system. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 6A, 6B,
7A and 7B and as more fully described herein, the distal portion of
the port assembly 106 is secured to the proximal end of the second
container 104, and the proximal portion of the port assembly is
configured to receive the distal end of the first container
102.
[0159] FIGS. 2A-F illustrate one embodiment of the first container
102. As shown, the first container 102 includes a vial 108 having
an exterior housing that includes a body cap 110 and a label sleeve
112. Connected to the body cap 110 is a removable top cap 114. The
vial 108 includes a body portion 116 and a neck portion 118 having
an annular flange 119 at its distal end that defines an opening 120
in which a stopper 122 is located. In its sealed position, the
stopper engages both the opening 120 and the annular flange 119.
The opening 120 may be of constant diameter throughout the neck
portion 118 of the vial 108 or may have a larger diameter at its
distal end (i.e., the end open to the environment) to facilitate
the transition of the stopper 122 from a first sealed position in
the opening 120 to a second unsealed position within the cavity of
first container 102. The larger opening at the distal end can be
accomplished by simply enlarging the radius of the edge 121 of the
opening 120, thereby allowing a smoother transition of the stopper
122 into the cavity of the vial 108.
[0160] In another embodiment of the vial, as shown in FIG. 15A, the
vial 902 may be double stepped. In other words, instead of having a
body portion 904 of substantially constant diameter, the distal
portion 906 of the body 904 may have a diameter that is smaller
than the diameter of the proximal portion 908 of the body 904 as
further described below.
[0161] Turning back to FIGS. 2A-F, the stopper 122 seals the
opening 120 and prevents the contents in the cavity of the vial 108
from escaping out of the opening 120. The stopper 122 has a body
portion 124 that is configured to be positioned within the opening
120 of the vial 108 and a top surface 126 that is outwardly facing
from the neck 118 when the stopper 122 is in the sealed position
shown in FIG. 2B. In one embodiment, the top surface 126 of the
stopper 122 has a depression 128 to assist in reducing the force
necessary to transition the stopper 122 to the second unsealed
position within the cavity of the vial 108 (i.e., the "push-in
force") when the first container 102 is docked to the port assembly
106. The depression also acts as a target for a syringe needle or
cannula when the contents of the vial are extracted without the use
of the system described herein. In an alternate embodiment, there
is no depression in the top surface 126 of the stopper 122.
[0162] As shown, the stopper 122 has an annular flange 130 radially
extending from the body portion 124. The flange 130 is beneficial
for maintaining the stopper 122 position in the vial 108,
especially when a needle or cannula is inserted through stopper
122. In embodiments where the stopper 122 is a dual-use stopper
(i.e., capable of being used with the system described herein or
being used separately with a syringe needle or cannula), the
stopper 122 is secured tightly enough to the vial 108 that a
syringe needle or cannula can be inserted through the stopper 122
to make additions to and/or extract contents from the vial 108
without dislodging the stopper 122. At the same time, the stopper
122 maintains the appropriate push-in force to permit the stopper
122 to be pushed into the vial 108 upon insertion of the first
container 102 into the port assembly 106. The stopper push-in force
should be achievable by the average user when using the system
described herein.
[0163] An undercut (not shown) may be provided about the
circumference of the stopper 122 at the point at which the
underside of flange 130 meets stopper body portion 124. Such an
undercut serves as a hinge to assist in reducing the stopper
push-in force by more easily enabling flange 130 to fold upwardly
when the stopper 122 is being pushed into the vial 108 as the first
container 102 is advanced into the port assembly 106 of the second
container 104. The undercut may be in the form of a groove having a
width in the range of about 0.03-0.1 inches. In an alternative
embodiment, the width of the undercut may be in the range of about
0.04-0.07 inches. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that the dimension and shape of the undercut may vary
depending upon, among other things, (1) the material from which
stopper 122 is constructed and (2) the desired stopper push-in
force. In an embodiment where the diameter of the opening 120 is
greater near the distal end of the opening, as described above, the
stopper push-in force is further reduced as such a configuration
allows the flange 130 to fold more easily.
[0164] The body cap 110 of the first container 102 is generally
positioned around the neck 118 and an upper region of the body
portion 116 of the vial 108. The body cap 110 is configured to
sealingly engage the vial 108 and the port assembly 106 of the
second container 104 such that any diluent, medicament, and/or
other contents or combination of contents is prevented from
escaping out of the fluid flow path established between the first
and second containers 102, 104 during use (e.g., during docking of
the first container 102 to the port assembly 106, during
activation, during mixing, or during drug delivery to a patent). To
assist in providing a sealing engagement with the port assembly
106, the body cap 110 has at least one mating member that engages a
complimentary mating member of the port assembly 106 as more fully
described below. In one embodiment, the mating member of the body
cap 110 is an annular flange 132 that extends radially outward from
the sidewall of the body cap 110. As shown, the annular flange 132
is positioned adjacent the distal end 134 of the body cap 110.
[0165] As shown best in FIG. 6B, the tapered geometry of the
annular flange 132 helps to center the first container 102 in the
port assembly 106 during the docking step while the underside 133
of the annular flange 132 helps securely dock the first container
102 to the port assembly 106 by providing a surface for the
retention tabs 192 of the port assembly 106 to engage. In the
depicted embodiments, the annular flange 132 has a circular
circumferential perimeter that is sized and shaped to fit within
the proximal cavity 147 of the port assembly 106 and to engage
retention tabs 192 of the port assembly 106. In alternative
embodiments, the annular flange 132 may have an interrupted
circumferential perimeter (e.g., one or more gaps or voids are
present about the circumference).
[0166] As illustrated in one embodiment of the body cap shown in
FIGS. 19A-19E, the body cap 1302 may be configured to partially
cover the opening 1303 of the vial 1306 and the stopper 1304. Such
a configuration helps to maintain the position of the body cap 1304
on the vial 1306. As shown, the distal end of the body cap 1302
extends radially inward over a portion of the opening 1303 of the
vial 1306 and the top surface 1310 of the stopper 1304, while
providing an opening 1312 through which the stopper 1304 can be
accessed by, for example, a syringe needle or cannula. In addition
to helping maintain the position of the body cap 1302 on the vial
1306, the radially inward extending portion (herein sometimes
referred to as "the annular sealing member") 1314 of the distal end
of the body cap 1302 forms a fluid seal with the actuator 1316 when
the first container 1318 is docked to the port assembly (only the
actuator 1316 is shown) of the second container (not shown), as
shown in FIGS. 19B-E. In one embodiment, the portion of the stopper
1304 that is accessible through the opening 1312 of the body cap
1302 is elevated so that it lies in substantially the same plane as
the radially inward extending portion 1314. The elevated portion of
the stopper 1304 can act as a target for a syringe needle or
cannula in the event it is desirable to access the vial in that
fashion.
[0167] In one embodiment, the entire body cap 1304 including the
radially inward extending portion 1314 in composed of a single
material. In other embodiments, the radially inward extending
portion 1314 may be composed of a different material than the rest
of the body cap 1304. In either case, the radially inward extending
portion 1314 should be elastic/resilient enough to form a fluid
seal with the actuator 1316 when the first container 1318 is docked
to the port assembly of the second container.
[0168] In an embodiment of the first container 900 having a
double-stepped vial 902, as shown in FIGS. 15A-C, the body cap 910
circumscribes the distal portion 906 (smaller diameter portion) of
the body 904 of the vial 902 such that the proximal end surface 912
of the body cap 910 abuts the transition ledge 914 between the
distal and proximal portions 906, 908 of the double stepped vial
902. The difference between the diameters of the distal and
proximal portions 906, 908 is such that when the body cap 910 is
applied to the vial 902, the outer perimeter of the body cap 910 is
flush with the outer surface of the proximal portion 908 of the
vial 902. When a shrink sleeve 916 is placed over the vial 902 and
body cap 910, the sleeve 916 lays flat on the vial 902 and body cap
910. When the sleeve is a shrink sleeve 916, the reformed shape of
the sleeve 916 after it is heated and shrunk in place will aid in
securing the body cap 910 the vial 902 and may also create a
sterility barrier that protects the underside of the body cap 910
including the vial stopper. In one embodiment, the shrink sleeve
916 may be transparent so that when the vial 902 and body cap 910
are also transparent, an operator can view a needle syringe or
cannula being inserted into the container 900. The shrink sleeve
916 may also contain one or more glue strips on the inside of the
sleeve 916 that further aids in securing the cap 910 to the vial
902.
[0169] Referring back to FIG. 2B, the body cap 110 may also include
first and second rib seals 146. The rib seals 146 are protrusions
extending radially inward from the interior surface of the body cap
110 to engage the vial 108 and to provide an additional seal
against contaminants entering the cavity 138 of the body cap 110.
The annular rib seals 146 may be located anywhere along the
interior wall of the body cap 110 as long as they seal against the
outer surface of the vial 108. In one embodiment, each rib seal 146
is interrupted twice at approximately 180 degrees to allow for
venting of the cavity 138, however, in such an embodiment, the
interruptions of the first rib seal 146 may be offset 90 degrees
from the interruptions of the second rib seal 146 to provide a
tortuous path for the preservation of sterility of the cavity 138
of the body cap 110. Of course other degrees of offset between the
rib seals are possible.
[0170] The body cap may be made of polypropylene, but many suitable
materials would be known to one of skill in the art. The vial and
body cap may be suitable for radiation sterilization at a minimum
of 34 kGy. Accordingly, other suitable materials for the body cap
include, for example, PCT and DEHP.
[0171] A removable top cap 114 may be provided at the distal end of
the body cap 110. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and
2D, the top cap 114 has a pull ring 136 associated therewith to
assist in removing the top cap 114 from the body cap 110. The top
cap 114 prevents the first container 102 from being docked to the
port assembly 106 prior to its removal. The top cap 114 also
protects the first container 102 from any attempted tampering by
generally providing a protective seal over the opening to the body
cap 110 to seal the internal cavity 138 of the body cap 110 from
the outside environment and to prevent access to the stopper 122. A
thin wall 140 joins the top cap 114 to the body cap 110 and can be
ruptured to disconnect the top cap 114 from the body cap 110. To
remove the top cap 114, a user pulls on the pull ring 136, which in
turn ruptures the thin wall 140 connecting the top cap 114 to the
body cap 110, thereby disconnecting the top cap 114 from the body
cap 110. Because thin wall 140 is ruptured in the process of
removing top cap 114 from body cap 110, top cap 114 cannot be
easily reattached, thus providing evidence of possible tampering
with the contents of first container 102. The body cap 110 and top
cap 114 may be manufactured integrally from a low density
polyethylene. However, it will be appreciated that a variety of
materials, and combinations of materials, can be used in the
manufacture of body cap 110 and top cap 114.
[0172] In another embodiment of the top cap 114 shown in FIGS. 3A
and 3B, the top cap 114 does not include a pull ring 136. Rather,
the top cap 114 engages the body cap 110 via an annular flange 142
that engages a compatible annular recess 144 in the interior wall
of the body cap 110. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
other attachment means can also be used.
[0173] In a further embodiment of the top cap shown in FIGS. 9A-9E,
the top cap 302 engages the body cap 304 via a partially
circumferential radial protrusion 306 that engages a compatible
radial groove 308 in the exterior wall of the body cap 304. As
shown, the top cap 302 includes a pull ring 310 in the form of an
annular rim. In the untampered state, the pull ring 310 is attached
to the body of the top cap 302 via two frangible pull ring
attachment features 312 (only one is shown) disposed on opposite
sides of the top cap 302 and a tab 314 formed by frangible surfaces
316 extending from a side wall 318 of the top cap 302 to a position
on the top surface 320 of the top cap 302. To remove the top cap
302, a user pulls up on the pull ring 310 which causes the
frangible pull ring attachment features 312 to fracture. Further
pulling on the pull ring 310 causes the two frangible surfaces 316
to fracture thus allowing the radial protrusion 306 to be
disengaged from the radial groove 308 such that the top cap 302 can
be completely removed from the body cap 302. Depending on the
desired cap removal force, alternative embodiments may include a
different number of frangible pull ring attachment features 312 and
surfaces 316. Because the frangible attachment features 312 and
surfaces 316 are ruptured in the process of removing the top cap
302 from the body cap 304, the top cap 302 cannot be easily
reattached, thus providing evidence of possible tampering with the
contents of first container.
[0174] In yet another embodiment of the top cap shown in FIGS.
10A-10C, the top cap 402 engages the body cap 404 via compatible
thread features 406, 408. To prevent reattachment of the top cap
402 to the body cap 404, the diameter of the female thread 408 of
the body cap 404 increases as it rises vertically (i.e., the depth
of the thread groove decreases). Thus, as the top cap 402 is
rotated relative to the body cap 404 to unscrew the top cap 402
from the body cap 404, the male thread 406 of the top cap 402 is
forced to turn through the increasing diameter of the female thread
408 of the body cap 404, which causes the top cap 402 to deform
(expand radially outwardly) as it is removed. Once removed, the
resilient nature of the top cap 402 causes the top cap 402 to
return substantially to its undeformed configuration. The
increasing diameter of the female thread 408 of the body cap 404
prevents reattachment of the top cap 402 by making it difficult to
thread the top cap 402 onto the body cap 404. To further prevent
reattachment of the top cap 402 to the body cap 404, the body cap
404 includes anti-threading features 410, which obstruct the male
thread 406 of the top cap 402 from entering the female thread 408
of the body cap 404. Thus, the user is prevented from threading the
top cap 402 onto the body cap 404. Moreover, the top cap 402 may
include a frangible surface 412 that fractures due to the
deformation caused as the top cap 402 is removed from the body cap
404. Alternative embodiments may include a different number of
frangible surfaces 412. Because of the combination of the frangible
surface 412 rupturing in the process of removing top cap 402 from
body cap 404, the increasing diameter of the thread 408 of the body
cap 404, and the anti-threading features 410 of the body cap 404,
top cap 402 cannot be easily reattached to the body cap 408, thus
providing evidence of possible tampering with the contents of first
container. As shown, the top cap 402 includes ridges 414 that
assist in the removal of the top cap 402 by allowing a user to more
easily grip and rotate the top cap 402.
[0175] In another embodiment of the top cap shown in FIGS. 16A-C,
the top cap 1002 engages the body cap 1004 via a partially
circumferential radial protrusion (not shown) that engages a
compatible radial groove 1008 in the exterior wall of the body cap
1004. As shown, the top cap 1002 includes a pull ring 1010 in the
form of an annular rim. In the untampered state, the pull ring 1010
is attached to the body 1012 of the top cap 1002 via two frangible
pull ring attachment features 1014 disposed on opposite sides of
the top cap 1002 and a bridge 1016. To remove the top cap 1002, a
user pulls up on the pull ring 1010 which causes the frangible pull
ring attachment features 1014 to fracture. Further pulling on the
pull ring 1010 causes the partially circumferential frangible path
1018 to fracture at the region 1022 adjacent the bridge 1016 and
then continue to fracture until the end stop 1020 of the frangible
path 1018 is reached. At this point, the radial protrusion of the
top cap can be disengaged from the radial groove 1008 of the body
cap 1004 such that the top cap 1002 can be completely removed from
the body cap 1004. Depending on the desired cap removal force,
alternative embodiments may include a different number of frangible
pull ring attachment features 1014 or a different frangible path
geometry (e.g., one that spans more or less of the circumference of
the top cap 1002). Because the frangible attachment features 1014
and partially circumferential path 1018 are ruptured in the process
of removing top cap 1002 from body cap 1004, top cap 1002 cannot be
easily reattached, thus providing evidence of possible tampering
with the contents of first container.
[0176] As shown in the embodiment of the second container 104
illustrated in FIGS. 4A-5C, the second container 104 is secured to
the distal portion of the port assembly 106. The port assembly 106
has a main body 148 that is configured to receive the first
container 102 and engage the body cap 110 of the first container
102 such that the first container 102 can be securely docked to the
assembly 106. To activate the system after the first container 102
is docked, a user rotates the main body 148 relative to the port
housing 152 (i.e., the portion of the port assembly 106 that is
secured to the second container 104). As shown best in the exploded
views of FIGS. 5B and 5C, the port assembly 106 generally includes
(i) a port housing 152; (ii) a plug member 154; (iii) a main body
148 having an activation collar 150, and a retaining feature having
retention tabs 192 to secure the first container; and (iv) an
actuator 160. The main body 148 may also optionally include a
hanger 156. The port assembly 106 is covered with a removable cap
162 in order to maintain sterility of the assembly 106 prior to
use. The various components of the port assembly may be
manufactured from materials that are autoclavable and/or UV
sterilizable.
[0177] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-5C, the port housing 152
serves as a mount for the opposing flexible sheets of the IV bag.
In one embodiment, the port housing 152 has a semi-elliptical outer
shape to assist in sealing the second container 104 to the port
assembly 106. Any known sealing technique in the art may be used
such as heat sealing, RF welding, or adhesive. The proximal end of
the port housing 152 defines a cavity 164 that is configured to
receive and engage the main body 148 such that the main body 148
can rotate relative to the port housing 152.
[0178] Axially aligned and supported in the cavity 147 of the main
body 148 is the actuator 160 having a flow passageway 194 through
its interior that is substantially axially aligned with the
interior bore 166 of the port housing. The actuator 160 is secured
to (and supported axially by) the main body 148 such that rotation
of the main body 148 results in corresponding rotation of the
actuator 160. Accordingly, in this embodiment, little to no
relative rotation between the actuator 160 and main body 148 should
exist. In addition, the actuator 160 should be secured to the main
body 148 to prevent fluid leakage between the actuator 160 and the
main body 148. Securement may be achieved using any known
connection mechanisms in the art. As shown, the actuator 160
includes a sealing ring 214 to provide a leak-proof seal between
the actuator 160 and the main body 148. In alternative embodiments
the actuator 160 may include a plurality of sealing rings 214 for
sealing securement to the main body 148. In one particular
embodiment, the actuator is molded in a double-shot process wherein
a rigid material for the body of the actuator 160 and a resilient
material for the sealing ring 214 are molded together.
[0179] The proximal end of the actuator 160 is formed of a
plurality of sidewall members or ribs 196 that extend from a
shoulder 198 of the body portion 200 of the actuator 160 towards
the proximal end of the cavity 147. In one embodiment, the proximal
end of the actuator 160 is comprised of three ribs 196 with gaps
202 therebetween. The ribs 196 define at least a portion of the
flow passageway 194 of the actuator 160 and the gaps 202 provide
access from the cavity 147 into the flow passageway 194. When the
first container is docked to the port assembly 106, the actuator
160 enters the opening 120 of the first container 102 thereby
forcing the stopper 122 out of its sealed position in the opening
120 of the first container 102 to its unsealed position in the
cavity of the first container 102. As a result, fluid communication
between the flow passageway 194 of the actuator 160 and the cavity
of the first container 102 is established.
[0180] In one embodiment, the outermost diameter of the ribs 196
(i.e., where the ribs 196 meet the shoulder 198) of the actuator
160 is approximately equal to the inside diameter of the opening
120 of the first container 102. The proximal ends of the ribs 196
are angled inwardly toward the actuator tip 204 (i.e., the portion
of the actuator 160 that initially contacts the stopper 122 of the
first container 102 during docking) The actuator 160 may be
constructed of a relatively rigid material so that it is capable of
displacing the stopper 122 into the cavity of the first container
102 upon docking of the first container to the port assembly 106.
As shown, the actuator 160 includes two sealing rings 216 that
engage the inner surface of the neck portion 118 of the vial 108
after the actuator enters the opening 120 during docking, thereby
creating a fluid seal and preventing leakage of the contents of the
first container 102 after docking. In alternative embodiments a
different number of sealing rings 216 may be used. In one
particular embodiment, the actuator is molded in a double-shot
process wherein a rigid material for the body of the actuator 160
and a resilient material for sealing rings 216 are molded
together.
[0181] In an embodiment where the distal end of the body cap 1302
extends radially inward over a portion of the opening of the vial
1306 and the top surface 1310 of the stopper 1304 while providing
an opening 1312 through which the stopper 1304 is accessible, as
shown in FIGS. 19A-E, the actuator 1316 may or may not include
sealing rings 216. As noted above, in such an embodiment, the
radially inward extending portion 1314 of the distal end of the
body cap 1302 forms a fluid seal with the actuator 1316 when the
first container 1318 is docked to the port of the second container,
as shown in FIGS. 19B-E.
[0182] Turning back to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the distal
end of the actuator 160 (herein sometimes referred to as a "cam
member") includes two angled surfaces 186, each sloping in opposite
directions. These angled surfaces 186 are configured to interact
with complimentary angled surfaces 180 of the plug retainer 172 in
a cam-like fashion during activation of the system as described in
detail below. Alternative embodiments of the actuator 160 may
include a single angled surface 186 at the distal end that is
configured to interact with a single angled surface 180 of the plug
retainer 172.
[0183] After docking the first container 102 to the port assembly
106 but prior to activation of the system, plug member 154 prevents
fluid communication between the first and second containers 102,
104 by sealing the bore 166 of the port housing 152. The plug
member 154 may be a single unitary component or comprised of
multiple components such as a plug retainer 172 and a plug stopper
174, as shown best in FIG. 5C. In such a two-component embodiment,
the plug stopper 174 is configured to prevent contents from
escaping into or out of the second container 104 through the
interior bore 166 of port housing 152. The plug stopper 174
includes an annular recess 176 that is configured to engage an
annular flange 177 of the plug retainer 172. Alternative
embodiments may include any other known connection means in the
art.
[0184] As shown best in FIG. 5C, the plug retainer 172 has a
plurality of legs 178 extending proximally away from the plug
stopper 174. Any number of legs are possible, for example, two,
three or four. The legs 178 partially define a central bore 182 in
the plug retainer 172 that is axially aligned with the bore 166 of
the port housing 152. Additionally, between each leg 178 and below
the portions of the plug retainer 172 that form the proximal angled
surfaces 180, multiple inlet/outlet windows 210 are provided that
allow access to the central bore 182. The windows 210 are in direct
fluid communication with the contents of the second container 104
after activation of the system 100, which causes the plug stopper
174 to move distally into the cavity of the second container 104
without releasing the plug stopper 174. Further, one or more of the
legs 178 includes a splined protrusion 184 that engages a
corresponding groove (not shown) in the internal surface of the
interior bore 166 of the port housing 152 so that the plug member
154 can slide axially relative to the port housing 152 and the
actuator 160 during activation. The splined protrusion 184 may run
the length of the leg 178, a portion of the length of the leg 178,
or be comprised of multiple protrusions distributed along the
length of the leg 178. Moreover, each leg 178 need not include the
same splined protrusion 184.
[0185] In an alternative embodiment, the plug retainer 172 may
include one or more legs 178 that include snap features (not shown)
in addition to one or more legs 178 that include a splined
protrusion 184. Such snap features may be configured to engage
compatible snap features (not shown) on the inner surface of the
bore 166 of the port housing 152. These snap features may provide
tactile feedback to the user during activation and may also ensure
that the plug member 154 does not inadvertently move in the
proximal direction (i.e., to its pre-activation configuration)
after activation. In other words, as the plug member 154 moves in
the distal direction, snap features of the legs 178 may advance
into engagement with compatible snap features on the inner surface
of the bore 166 of the port housing 152. This may help to ensure
that the optimum fluid flow path is maintained between the first
and second containers 102, 104 after activation so that the
contents of the containers may be sufficiently mixed.
[0186] The splined engagement between the plug retainer 172 and the
port housing 152 allows the plug member 154 to slide axially
relative to the port housing 152 but prevents relative rotation
therebetween. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in an
alternative embodiment, one or more of the legs 178 may contain an
axially oriented groove that engages a corresponding spline on the
internal surface of the interior bore 166.
[0187] As mentioned above, the proximal angled surfaces 180 of the
plug retainer 172 are configured such that they cooperate with the
distal angled surfaces 186 of the actuator 160 during activation of
the system 100. Prior to activation, the angled surfaces 180 of the
plug retainer 172 are substantially parallel to the angled surfaces
186 of the actuator 160. Accordingly, as a user rotates the main
body 148 (which in this embodiment the actuator 160 is rotationally
and axially fixed) relative to the port housing 152 (which in this
embodiment the plug retainer 172 is rotationally fixed but free to
move axially via the splined engagement), the actuator 160
undergoes corresponding rotation, which results in the distal
angled surfaces 186 of the actuator 160 contacting the proximal
angled surfaces 180 of the plug retainer 172. As the actuator 160
rotates, the distal angled surfaces 186 of the actuator 160 act as
a cam that translate the rotational motion of the actuator 160 into
linear motion of the plug member 154, which forces the plug stopper
174 and a portion of the plug retainer 172 into the cavity of the
second container thereby placing the windows 210 of the plug
retainer 172 in direct fluid communication with cavity of the
second container 104 and opening a fluid flow path from the cavity
of the second container 104, through the plug retainer 172 and the
actuator 160, to the cavity of the first container 102.
[0188] The distal angled surfaces 186 of the actuator 160 and the
proximal angled surfaces 180 of the plug retainer 172 should be
dimensioned such that the desired vertical displacement of the plug
member 154 is achieved when the system 100 is activated by rotating
the main body 148.
[0189] In another embodiment of the plug retainer shown in FIGS.
11A-11C, the plug retainer 502 includes two body pins 504, each
having two distally located snap features 506 and two proximally
located snap features 508. In addition, like the embodiment
described above, the plug retainer 502 includes two angled surfaces
510 that interact with the two angled surfaces 186 of the actuator
160 during activation of the system in the same manner as described
above. In the pre-activated state, as shown in FIG. 11B, the
distally located snap features 506 are located just above latch
features 512 of the port housing 152. The latch features 512 are
located on opposite sides of the inner surface of the bore 166 of
the port housing 152. As described above, during activation of the
system, the actuator 160 forces the plug retainer 502 in the distal
direction. This distal movement causes the two distally located
snap features 506 to interact with the latches 512 of the port
housing thereby causing the body pins 504 to flex until the snap
features 506 disengage and move past the latches 512. As the
actuator 160 continues to rotate, the plug retainer 502 continues
to move in the distal direction until the proximally located snap
features 508 come into contact with the latch features 512, as
shown in FIG. 11C, thereby preventing further distal displacement
of the plug retainer 502. The system is now in its activated state.
In this embodiment, the combination of the slots 514 defined by the
body pins 504 and the latches 512 on the inner surface of the bore
166 of the port housing 152 ensure that the plug retainer 502 is
rotationally fixed within the port housing 152 but free to move
axially.
[0190] As noted above, and as shown for example in FIGS. 5B and
8A-8C, the main body 148 of the port assembly 106 includes a collar
150 by which a user can rotate the main body 148. As shown, the
collar 150 is an annular feature having a consistent outer surface.
In alternative embodiments the outer surface may include
depressions and/or ridges that enable a user to easily grab and
rotate the main body 148. The main body 148 is rotatably engaged to
the port housing 152 by any engagement features known in the art
that allow the main body 148 to rotate relative to the port housing
152. In one embodiment, the engagement features include an annular
flange 167 on the outside surface of the wall 168 of the port
housing 152 that engages an annular recess (not shown) on an inner
surface of the activation collar 150 to allow rotation but prevent
axial disengagement between the main body 148 and the port housing
152.
[0191] The main body 148 also includes a proximally facing annular
sealing surface 220 that is configured to abut a distal surface of
the vial 108 (e.g., the distally facing surface of the annular
flange 119) and/or body cap 110 of the first container 102 when the
first container 102 is docked to the port assembly 106. This
sealing engagement helps to prevent any diluent and/or medicament
from escaping out of the fluid flow path established between the
first and second containers 102, 104 during use.
[0192] As shown, the main body 148 includes multiple resilient
retention tabs 192 that are configured to engage the annular flange
132 of the first container 102 to dock the first container 102 to
the port assembly 106. As shown, the tabs 192 extend distally and
radially inward from the proximal end of the main body 148 such
that they are positioned within the cavity 147 of the main body
148. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-5B, there are four tabs
192 substantially equally spaced around the axis of the main body
148. However, any number of tabs 192, for example, two, three or
four, are appropriate as long as they secure the first container
102 to the port assembly 106. In one embodiment, the main body 148
includes a single, resilient annular ring that uniformly collars
and engages the entire annular flange 132 of the first container
102.
[0193] The tabs 192 may be constructed of a flexible material to
allow the tabs 192 to be flexed when the first container 102 is
inserted into the port assembly 106, and to thereafter allow the
tabs 192 to spring back into their original position once the
annular flange 132 of the first container 102 passes the distal end
of the tabs 192, thereby securely docking the first container 102.
Accordingly, the tabs 192 allow the first container 102 to be
inserted into the port assembly 106 but prevent removal of the
first container 102 from the port assembly 106 after the distal end
of the first container 102 is inserted a predetermined distance
into the cavity 147. This predetermined distance corresponds to the
insertion required for the tabs 192 to engage the annular flange
132 of the first container 102. By preventing removal of the first
container 102 from the port assembly 106, drug tampering,
contamination, and accidental discharge of the contents is
prevented.
[0194] In one embodiment, the port assembly 106 includes a hanger
156 for conveniently hanging the system on an appropriate device
(e.g., pole, rack or stand). When the port assembly 106 is in a
non-activated condition, the hanger 156 is not accessible to the
user (e.g., nurse). Upon activation of the system, the hanger 156
transitions from the non-activated non-hanging condition to an
activated hanging condition which releases the hanger 156 and
presents it for proper use, rendering it is operable by the user.
In one embodiment, the release of the hanger 156 and the
establishment of fluid communication occur simultaneously. For
instance, the hanger is operable only when fluid communication
between the first container and the second container has been
established.
[0195] As shown best in FIG. 5B, the hanger 156 is provided at a
gap in the side wall 188 of the collar 150 and is attached to the
main body 148 via a hinge 190 (e.g., a living hinge, a pin hinge,
or any other hinge known in the art). As shown best in FIG. 5C, a
wall 168 defining the cavity 164 overlaps itself so as to provide a
partially circumferential guide slot 170 for housing the hanger so
that the hanger is at least partially positioned within the slot
prior to activation and for guiding the hanger 156 from a
non-activated non-hanging condition to the activated hanging
condition when the main body 148 is rotated relative to the port
housing 152 from a first position to a second position and fluid
communication between the first container and the second container
has been established. The amount of rotation needed to release the
hanger 156 from the guide slot 170 and activate the system can
vary, and in particular, may be between about 120-200 degrees.
[0196] The hinge mechanism 190 may include a spring or be composed
of a resilient material that biases the hanger 156 away from the
main body 148 when the hanger 156 is released from the port housing
152 upon activation of the system. Accordingly, when the main body
148 is sufficiently rotated, the biasing force causes the hanger
156 to pivot away from the main body 148 so that the hanger is
operable and the system can be easily hung for use as shown in
FIGS. 5B and 8C. In embodiments where the hinge does not include a
spring, once the main body 148 is sufficiently rotated, the hanger
156 is made available (i.e., the hanger is in the activated hanging
condition) for a user to manually manipulate for hanging.
[0197] Turning now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the port assembly 106 may
be provided with a locking mechanism 602 that prevents inadvertent
rotation between the main body 148 and the port housing 152. This
helps prevent discharge of the contents of the second container 104
into the environment before the first container 102 is docked to
the port assembly 106 and also prevents inadvertent/premature
mixing of the contents of the containers after docking. In one
embodiment, the port housing 152 may be provided with a tab 604
having ratchet teeth 606 that engage complimentary ratchet teeth
(not shown) on an inside surface of the collar 150 of the main body
148. To unlock the port housing 152 from the main body 148, a user
pushes the tab 604 radially inward thereby disengaging the ratchet
teeth 606. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13A and
13B, the port housing 152 may be provided with a tab 702 that is
rotationally constrained by two protrusions 704 of the main body
148. To unlock the port housing 152 from the main body 148, a user
pushes down on the tab 702 thereby causing the tab 702 to rotate
downward about its base 706 to a position in which the tab 702 is
no longer constrained by the protrusions 704, thereby allowing the
main body 148 to rotate relative to the port housing 152. In yet
another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14A-14B, the port housing 152
may be provided with a tab 802 that is rotationally constrained by
a cutout 804 in the collar 150 of the main body 148. To unlock the
port housing 152 from the main body 148, a user pushes the tab 802
radially inward until the tab 802 is located radially inward from
the wall of the collar 150, thereby allowing the main body 148 to
rotate relative to the port housing 152. To further prevent
inadvertent rotation of the main body 148 relative to the port
housing 152, the tab 802 may be protected by barriers 806 that
extend radially outward form the side wall of the port housing 152.
These barriers 806 help ensure that the tab 802 is intentionally
depressed only when the system is ready for activation.
[0198] In another embodiment of the port assembly 1102, as shown in
FIG. 17A, the distal end of the bore 1104 of the port housing 1106
is sealed with a septum or film 1108 instead of a plug stopper 174
as described above. In such an embodiment, fluid communication is
established between the first and second containers when the septum
or film 1108 is ruptured during activation (i.e., rotation of the
main body 1110/actuator 1112). In one such embodiment, a cutting
member 1114 may be fixed to the actuator 1112, which is in turn
fixed to the main body 1110 such that rotation of the main body
1110 causes corresponding rotation of the actuator 1112 and cutting
member 1114. Alternatively, the actuator 1112 and cutting member
1114 may be manufactured as a single unitary component. In an
embodiment where the actuator 1112 and cutting member 1114 are two
separate components, the actuator 1112 may be fixed to the cutting
member 1114 using any known technique in the art.
[0199] Located at the distal end of the cutting member 1114 is a
cutting edge 1116. As shown in FIG. 17B, the cutting edge 1116 may
be located within a pocket or depression 1118 of the septum or film
1108 prior to rotation of the main body 1110. After docking the
first container to the second container, a user rotates the main
body 1110, which causes the cutting edge 1116 to undergo
corresponding rotation thereby exiting the pocket or depression
1118 and slicing the septum or film 1108 which in turn provides
fluid communication between the first and second containers. Unlike
the embodiments described above, the actuator and cutting member do
not need to have compatible cam-like surfaces nor is there a need
for any splined engagement with the port housing because the rotary
motion of the actuator does not need to be translated into linear
motion of the cutting member. Instead, the combination of the
actuator 1112 and cutting member 1114 needs to rotate with the main
body 1110 but relative to the port housing 1106. With the exception
of this significant difference, it should be understood, that many
of the other features described above with respect to the
embodiments are equally applicable to this embodiment. However, in
another embodiment, it is possible to include compatible cam-like
surfaces on the distal end of the actuator 1112 and proximal end of
the cutting member 1114 in a similar manner as that described
above. In such an embodiment, a splined engagement may be provided
between the port housing 1106 and cutting member 1114. Accordingly,
as the user rotates the main body 1110, the actuator 1112 undergoes
corresponding rotation which causes the cutting member 1114 to be
axially displaced in the distal direction. Such axial displacement
causes the cutting edge 1116 to penetrate the septum or film 1108
thereby providing fluid communication between the first and second
containers. In such an embodiment, the septum or film 1108 does not
need to be provided with a pocket 1118.
[0200] The port assembly 106 may be provided with a tamper evident
cover that protects the proximal cavity 147 of the port assembly.
As shown in FIGS. 18A-C, the tamper evident 1200 cover is contoured
to the port assembly 106 and is configured to completely surround
the main body 148 and at least a portion of the port housing 152.
To secure the tamper evident cover 1200 to the port assembly 106,
the main body 148 may be provided with a plurality of attachment
posts 1202 that are configured to fit within a corresponding number
of post holes 1204 in the tamper evident cover 1200. Any number of
posts 1202 and corresponding holes 1204 may be used.
[0201] To secure the tamper evident cover 1200 to the port assembly
106, the posts 1202 are aligned with the holes 1204 and then the
tamper evident cover 1200 is seated within the proximal cavity 147.
Once the tamper evident cover 1200 is completely seated, the
attachment posts 1202 are deformed using ultrasonic staking or any
other suitable known method in the art. Such deformation locks the
tamper evident cover 1200 in place. To remove the cover 1200, a
user pulls up on the pull tab 1206 provided near the proximal end
of the cover 1200. After the cover 1200 has been removed, either
the holes 1202 or the poles 1204, or both, are fractured and/or
deformed, which provides evidence of tampering.
[0202] In addition to being attached to the main body 148 via the
posts 1202, the tamper evident cover 1200 may be engaged to the
port housing 152 via a slotted engagement 1208, where a portion of
the tamper evident cover 1200 extends into a slot (or groove) of
the port housing 152. This slotted engagement 1208 may prevent
rotation of the tamper evident cover 1200 and the main body 148,
which helps to ensure that the port assembly 106 is not
unintentionally activated.
[0203] In accordance with a method of the present invention, a user
can mix the contents of two containers following a simple two-step
process. First, the first container 102 is docked to the port
assembly 106 of the second container 104, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B.
Second, following the docking step, the system 100 is activated,
which places the cavities of the containers 102, 104 in fluid
communication, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B. The simple two-step process
helps to ensure the proper medication dose and can prevent errors
associated with the preparation and delivery of medication.
[0204] In addition, the method of the invention includes the
prevention of errors in the delivery of intravenous medicaments by
preventing the use of a hanger associated with the system 100 when
the first container and the second container are not in fluid
communication. The system can be configured to allow use of the
hanger only when the first container and the second container are
in fluid communication, which can prevent an error such as a
provider administering only the contents of the diluent container
without the contents of the medicament container.
[0205] In one embodiment, the first container 102 holds a
medicament and can be maintained separate from the second container
104 that holds a diluent until, for example, the medicament is
requested by a doctor. After a prescription for the medicament is
ordered, a pharmacist or other healthcare worker will locate the
first container 102 containing the requested medicament and remove
the top cap 114 from the body cap 110. The pharmacist or other
healthcare worker will also remove the cap 162 from the port
assembly 106 of the second container 104. The first container 102
can now be "docked" to the port assembly 106, typically in the
pharmacy, by pushing the stoppered end of the first container 102
into the port assembly 106, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B.
[0206] When the first container 102 is moved axially into the port
assembly 106, the annular flange 132 of the body cap 110 contacts
the retention tabs 192 of the main body and flexes the tabs 192
radially outward to allow the flange 132 to move past the tabs 192.
After the flange 132 passes the distal most point of the tabs 192,
the tabs 192 will spring back to their original, unflexed
positions, thereby locking the first container 102 in the docked
position. During this docking step, the tip 204 of the actuator 160
forces the stopper 122 of the first container 102 into the internal
cavity of the first container 102, thereby bringing the flow
passageway 194 of the actuator 160 into fluid communication with
the contents of the first container 102. In one embodiment, during
the docking step, the stopper 122 is forced into the cavity of the
first container 102 prior to the tabs 192 springing back to their
original unflexed positions.
[0207] In order to ensure that the actuator 160 is able to push the
stopper 122 completely into the cavity of the first container 102,
the tip 204 of the actuator 160 is sufficiently long and narrow
enough so that when the stopper flange 130 folds upward while being
pushed into the first container 102, such upward folding does not
interfere with the insertion of the actuator 160 into the opening
120/neck 118 of the first container 102. In other words, the tip
204 of the actuator 160 should be configured such that the stopper
flange 130 does not become wedged between the actuator 160 and the
wall of the opening 120/neck 118 as it folds upwards.
[0208] In an embodiment where the distal end of the body cap 1302
extends radially inward over a portion the opening of the vial 1306
and the top surface 1310 of the stopper 1304, as shown in FIGS.
19A-E, the pharmacist or other healthcare worker removes the top
cap, aligns the actuator tip 1320 with the opening 1312 formed by
the radially inward extending portion 1314, and then docks the
first container 1318 to the port assembly of the second container.
During this docking step, the actuator tip 1320 contacts the
exposed portion of top surface 1310 of the stopper 1304 and then as
the actuator 1316 passes through the opening 1312 it forces the
stopper 1304 of the first container 1318 into the internal cavity
1322 of the first container 1318, as shown in FIGS. 19C-D.
[0209] Because of the elastic/resilient properties of the radially
inward extending portion 1314 of the body cap 1302 and the fact
that the diameter of the opening 1312 is less than the diameter of
the body portion 1324 of the actuator 1316, docking causes the
radially inward extending portion 1314 of the distal end of the
body cap 1302 to form a fluid seal with the body portion 1324 of
the actuator 1316 when the first container 1318 is docked to the
port assembly of the second container. In addition, as shown in
FIGS. 19B-E, the inwardly extending portion 1314 of the distal end
of the body cap 1302 is bent towards or into the opening of the
vial 1306 as the first container 1318 is docked to the port
assembly. Such bending is achievable due to the void left from
where the flange 1328 of the stopper 1304 engaged the shoulder 1330
of the vial 1306 prior to docking.
[0210] The configuration and material of the stopper 122 should be
selected such that the force required to push stopper 122 into the
interior of first container 102 during docking (i.e., the "push-in
force") is appropriate in view of the mechanical strength of the
system and ergonomics. It will be appreciated that the stopper
push-in force should be great enough to prevent inadvertent docking
while simultaneously being small enough to permit both (i) the
various components of the system to be constructed of relatively
low-cost materials and (ii) a clinician to readily dock the first
container 102 to the port assembly 106. In one embodiment, the
stopper push-in force is in the range of about 4-20 pounds of
force. In another embodiment, the stopper push-in force is in the
range of about 5-15 pounds of force. In a further embodiment, the
stopper push-in force is in the range of about 8-13 pounds of
force.
[0211] As the flange 132 of the first container 102 is forced past
the tabs 192, the pharmacist or healthcare worker will typically
hear an audible "pop," signaling that the flange 132 has passed
over the tabs 192 and that the first container 102 is docked. As
noted above, in this position, the tabs 192 preclude reverse axial
movement and thus do not allow the first container 102 to be
intentionally or unintentionally removed/undocked from the port
assembly 106, thereby preventing possible tampering.
[0212] In the docked but unactivated state, as shown in FIGS.
6A-6B, the first container 102 is open but the contents of the
first container 102 remain separate from the contents of the second
container 104; however, the first container 102 is fixed to the
port assembly 106 of the second container 104 and as noted above,
cannot be removed therefrom without generally destroying various of
its components. Thus, at this point, the first container 102 is
mechanically connected to the port assembly 106 but is not yet in
fluid communication with the second container 104. The two
containers 102, 104 can remain in the docked state without
activating the system 100 and mixing the contents for an extended
period typically limited only by the shelf life of the contents in
the two containers 102, 104. At any time after the first container
102 is docked to the port assembly 106, a nurse or other healthcare
worker can activate the system 100, thereby enabling mixing of the
contents in the first container 102 with the contents in the second
container 104.
[0213] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7B, to activate the system 100, a
user grips the collar 150 of the main body 148 of the port assembly
106 and rotates (either clockwise or counterclockwise depending on
design) it a predetermined amount relative to the port housing 152
from a first position to a second position. As noted above, the
predetermined amount of rotation can vary. In one embodiment, the
rotation required to activate the system 100 is between 120-200
degrees. If the port assembly 106 includes a lock mechanism that
prevents the main body 148 from rotating relative to the port
housing 152, then the user must unlock the assembly 106 before
rotating the main body 148. Various locking mechanisms have been
described above with reference to FIGS. 12A-14B.
[0214] As the user rotates the main body 148, the actuator 160
undergoes corresponding rotation, which causes the distal angled
surfaces 186 of the actuator 160 to cooperate with the proximal
angled surfaces 180 of the plug retainer 172 in cam-like fashion.
Because the actuator 160 is fixed axially while the plug retainer
172 is free to move axially but rotationally fixed via the splined
engagement described above, the plug retainer 172 is forced in the
distal direction. As the plug retainer 172 moves in the distal
direction so does the plug stopper 174 that is attached thereto,
thereby placing the cavity of the second container 104 into fluid
communication with the cavity of the first container 102. At this
point the contents of the containers can be mixed. When the user
has sufficiently rotated the main body 148 such that the system 100
is activated, the inlet/outlet windows 210 of the plug retainer 172
are located at least partially within the cavity of the second
container 104 so that the contents of the containers are free to
flow into and out of the flow path created by the bore 182 of the
plug retainer 172, the bore 166 of the port housing 1652, and the
flow passageway 194 of the actuator 160.
[0215] The main body 148 and or port housing 152 may include
features that lock the system 100 in the activated (second)
position after rotation. Further, these features may provide an
audible or tactile signal to the user that the system has been
activated. Thus, the user will be alerted when the system 100 is
activated and the user will not continue to rotate the main body
148, thereby preventing possible damage to the system 100. Even
further, the activation collar 188 of the main body 148 may include
a window in which a visible signal may be viewed when the system is
in the activated state.
[0216] Depending on the orientation of the system 100 and the
characteristics of the contents, mixing may immediately commence
without assistance from the user. However, in order to sufficiently
mix the contents, the user may have to invert or tip the system
100, shake the system 100, and/or squeeze/milk either or both of
the containers 102, 104. Once the contents are sufficiently mixed,
the composition may be delivered to a patient through the outlet
208. Delivery of the contents of first and second containers to the
patient will require that an IV line of known construction be
fluidly connected to the outlet 208 of the second container
104.
[0217] In addition to establishing fluid communication between the
containers, the rotation of the main body 148 relative to the port
housing from a first position that prevents fluid communication to
a second position that establishes fluid communication, places the
hanger 156 of the port assembly 106 in an activated hanging
condition, as shown best in FIGS. 7A and 8C. As the main body 148
rotates (see FIG. 8B), the hanger 156 slides along the guide slot
170 formed by the overlap of the side wall 168 of the port housing
152. Near or at the end of rotation, the hanger 156 exits the
circumferential guide slot 170. The system can now be hung, perhaps
on a standard IV stand. In the hanging position, the first
container 102 should be above the second container 104 so that any
contents of the first container 102 that are not mixed or
reconstituted with the contents of the second container 104 will
tend to flow (due to gravity) into the second container 104. In
some embodiments, the port housing includes antirotational members
that limit or prevent rotation from the second position to the
first position.
[0218] As noted above, an additional aspect of one embodiment of
the two-component mixing system described herein, is that after the
top cap 114 is removed from the body cap 110, the contents of the
first container 102 can be accessed with a syringe needle or
cannula to either remove some of the contents thereof, add a small
amount of diluent to the contents thereof, or a combination of
adding contents and removing contents from the first container 102.
To perform such operations, the pharmacist or other healthcare
worker may pierce the stopper 122 with the needle of a syringe to
access the cavity of the first container 102. In this embodiment,
the first container 102 can be used as a standard pharmaceutical
vial (i.e., a vial that is accessed using a hypodermic needle
associated with a syringe) or as a component of the two-component
mixing system. Stopper 122 may be constructed of a polymeric
material that is resistant to coring when a hypodermic syringe
needle is pushed therethrough.
[0219] The configuration and material of stopper 122 may be
selected such that the force required to push a hypodermic syringe
needle therethrough is ergonomically acceptable to clinicians. In
one embodiment, the force required to pierce stopper 122 with a
hypodermic syringe needle is less than 1.5 pounds of force. In an
alternative embodiment, the force required to force a hypodermic
syringe needle through stopper 122 is in the range of about 0.5-1.0
pounds of force. It is desirable that the material used to
construct the stopper 122 be a material that is inert to the
intended contents of first container 102. Where first container 102
is intended to contain a medicament, the material of construction
of the stopper 122 is ideally a material that is already approved
by regulatory agencies for use with the medicament, thereby
minimizing or eliminating the need to undertake extensive
compatibility testing to ensure that there is no undesirable
interaction between the medicament and the stopper 122.
[0220] FIGS. 20A-24F illustrate another embodiment of a port
assembly 1400 that can be used to mix the contents of two separate
containers. As shown best in FIG. 20F, the port assembly 1400
generally comprises four components: (i) a port housing 1402 with
an integral actuator 1404, (ii) an actuator seal 1406, (iii) a main
body comprising a retainer 1408 and an activation collar 1410, and
(iv) a hanger 1412 (partially shown in FIG. 20E). The retainer 1408
of the main body is configured to receive and engage a first
container 102 such that the first container 102 can be securely
docked to the assembly 1400 without dislodging the stopper 122 from
the opening/neck 120/118 of the first container 102. FIG. 20F shows
the first container 102 in the docked position in the port assembly
1400 but does not show the specific features of the first container
102. To activate the system after docking the first container 102,
a user rotates the activation collar 1410 of the main body relative
to the port housing 1402, which causes the retainer 1408 to rotate
and move axially in the distal direction relative to the port
housing 1402. As the retainer 1408 moves in the distal direction,
(1) the actuator 1404, which is axially fixed in the port housing
1402, forces the stopper 122 out of the opening/neck 120/118 of the
first container 102 and into the cavity of the first container 102,
and (2) the actuator seal 1406 (which is attached to the retainer
1408) slides distally past the openings 1414 in the actuator 1404,
thereby establishing fluid communication between the first and
second containers 102, 104 via the fluid passageway 1416 of the
actuator 1404.
[0221] As noted above, in the port assembly 1400 shown in FIGS.
20A-24F, the first container 102 can be docked to the port assembly
1400 without dislodging the stopper 122 of the first container 102
from the opening/neck 120/118 of the first container 102.
Accordingly, when the first container 102 is docked to the port
assembly 1400, the actuator tip 1442 is positioned slightly below
the stopper 122, or in some embodiments such as the one shown is
FIG. 20F, the actuator tip 1442 may actually contact the stopper
122 without dislodging the stopper 122 from the opening/neck
120/118 of the first container 102. This may be beneficial because
it allows the first container 102 to be docked to the second
container 104 without exposing the medicament in the first
container 102 to the outside environment. Therefore, the shelf life
of the medicament is not compromised.
[0222] In the embodiment of the port housing 1402 shown in FIGS.
21A-E, the distal portion 1418 of the port housing 1402 serves as a
mount for a second container 104. As shown, the distal portion 1418
of the port housing 1402 has a semi-elliptical outer shape, which
assists in sealing a second container 104 to the port housing 1402.
Any known sealing technique in the art may be used such as heat
sealing, RF welding, or a blow-fill-seal procedure. In other
embodiments, the second container 104 may mounted directly to the
cylindrical outer surface 1420 of the port housing 1402. In such an
embodiment, the port housing 1402 may not include a distal portion
1418 with a semi-elliptical outer shape. Instead, the port housing
1402 may terminate at the distal end 1422 of the cylindrical
portion 1420 of the port housing 1402.
[0223] The proximal end of the port housing 1402 is configured to
rotatably attach to the activation collar 1410 using any engagement
features known in the art that allow the activation collar 1410 to
rotate relative to the port housing 1402. In the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 20F, 21E, and 24F, the engagement features includes an
annular recess 1424 on the outside surface 1426 of the outer
annular lip 1428 of the port housing 1402 that engages annularly
spaced protrusions 1430 on the inner surface 1432 of the outer
annular skirt 1434 of activation collar 1410 to allow rotation but
prevent axial disengagement between the activation collar 1410 and
the port housing 1402. In another embodiment, the activation collar
1410 may be provided with an annular recess while the port housing
1402 is provided with annular protrusions. While a plurality of
annularly spaced protrusions 1430 are shown, other embodiments may
include a single annular protrusion that circumscribes the inner
surface 1432 of the outer annular skirt 1434 of the activation
collar 1410.
[0224] The interior of the port housing 1402 defines a threaded
cavity 1436, 1480 that is open at its proximal end and configured
to engage corresponding threads 1438 on the outer surface 1440 of
the retainer 1408. As such, the retainer 1408 can be threaded into
the port housing 1402 during activation of the system. As the
retainer 1408 is threaded into the port housing 1402, the retainer
1408 moves axially in the distal direction relative to the port
housing 1402.
[0225] As shown best in FIG. 21E, axially aligned in the cavity
1436 of the port housing 1402 is an actuator 1404 that extends from
the distal elliptical portion 1418 of the port housing 1402 past
the proximal end of the port housing 1402. In embodiments that do
not include a distal elliptical portion 1418, the actuator 1404 may
extend from the distal portion of the cylindrical body 1420 of the
port housing 1402. Additionally, in other embodiments, the actuator
1404 may terminate at or below the proximal end of the port housing
1402.
[0226] The actuator 1404 defines a flow passageway 1416 through its
interior that extends from the distal end of the port housing 1402
and terminates at the openings 1414 in the actuator 1404 near the
actuator tip 1442. As shown, the actuator 1404 is an integral part
of the port housing 1402, however, in other embodiments, the
actuator 1404 may be a separate component that is secured to (and
supported axially by) the port housing 1402. In such an embodiment,
the actuator 1404 may be secured to the port housing 1402 using any
known connection mechanisms in the art.
[0227] The proximal portion of the actuator 1404 is formed of a
plurality of sidewall members or ribs 1444 that extend from a
shoulder 1446 of the actuator 1404 and terminate at the actuator
tip 1442. In one embodiment, the proximal portion of the actuator
1404 comprises four ribs 1444 with openings 1414 therebetween that
provide access to the flow passageway 1416. In other embodiments, a
different number of ribs 1444 and openings 1414 may be used as long
as the structural integrity of the actuator 1404 is such that it
can force the stopper 122 of the first container 102 into the
cavity of the first container 102 during activation. Additionally,
the openings 1414 should allow for sufficient fluid flow such that
the contents of the first and second containers 102, 104 can be
easily mixed.
[0228] The outermost diameter of the ribs 1444 (i.e., where the
ribs 1444 meet the actuator shoulder 1446) is approximately equal
to the inside diameter of the opening 120 of the first container
102. The actuator 1404 may be constructed of a relatively rigid
material so that it is capable of forcing the stopper 122 into the
internal cavity of the first container 102 upon activation of the
system. In one embodiment, the actuator 1404 may include one or
more sealing rings (not shown) that circumscribe the outer surface
of the actuator 1404 and engage the inner surface of the opening
120/neck portion 118 of the first container 102 after the actuator
1404 enters the opening 120 during activation, thereby creating a
fluid seal and preventing leakage of the contents of the first
container 102. In such an embodiment, the actuator 1404 may be
molded according to a double-shot process where a rigid material
for the actuator 1404 and a resilient material for sealing rings
are molded together.
[0229] As shown best in FIGS. 21A and 21E, the proximal portion of
the port housing 1402 comprises three concentric annular lips 1428,
1448, 1450 that define two annular channels 1452, 1454
therebetween. The outer channel 1452 is a circumferential guide
slot that is configured to house the hanger 1412 prior to
activation and to guide the hanger 1412 to the exit slot 1456 in
the outer annular lip 1428. The inner annular channel 1454 is
configured to receive the inner skirt 1458 and guide tab 1459 of
the activation collar 1410 to provide stability and to ensure
smooth rotation of the activation collar 1410 relative to the port
housing 1402. The outer annular lip 1428 includes a recess 1424
that circumscribes its outer surface 1426, which as noted above, is
configured to receive the protrusions 1430 on the inner surface
1432 of the outer skirt 1434 of the activation collar 1410 to allow
rotation but prevent axial disengagement between the activation
collar 1410 and the port housing 1402.
[0230] The retainer 1408 is configured to receive and dock the
first container 102. As shown in FIGS. 22A-22C, the retainer 1408
includes four resilient retention tabs 1460 that are configured to
engage the annular flange 132 of the first container 102 when the
first container 102 is inserted into the cavity 1462 of the
retainer 1408. As shown, the tabs 1460 extend distally and radially
inward from the proximal end of the retainer 1408. As shown best in
FIG. 22B, the four tabs 1460 are substantially equally spaced
around the axis of the retainer 1408. However, any number of tabs
1460, for example, two, three or four, are appropriate as long as
they secure the first container 102 to the port assembly 1400. In
one embodiment, the retainer 1408 includes a single resilient
annular ring that uniformly collars and engages the entire annular
flange 132 of the first container 102.
[0231] The tabs 1460 may be constructed of a flexible material to
allow the tabs 1460 to be flexed when the first container 102 is
inserted into the port assembly 1400, and to thereafter allow the
tabs 1460 to spring back into their original position once the
annular flange 132 of the first container 102 passes the distal end
of the tabs 1460, thereby securely docking the first container 102
to the port assembly 1400. Accordingly, the tabs 1460 allow the
first container 102 to be inserted into the port assembly 1400 but
prevent easy removal of the first container 102 from the port
assembly 1400 after the first container 102 is inserted a
predetermined distance into the cavity 1462. This predetermined
distance corresponds to the insertion required for the tabs 1460 to
engage the annular flange 132 of the first container 102. By
preventing removal of the first container 102 from the port
assembly 1400, drug tampering, contamination, and accidental
discharge of the contents of the containers 102, 104 is
prevented.
[0232] The cylindrical distal portion 1464 of the retainer 1408
includes a bore 1466 that is configured to allow the retainer 1408
to move distally about the actuator 1404 during activation. The
cylindrical distal portion 1464 is also configured to retain the
actuator seal 1406 such that the retainer 1408 and seal 1406 rotate
and move axially together. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 22A-C,
the distal portion 1464 of the retainer 1408 includes an annular
skirt 1468 having six tabs 1470 that are configured to engage six
corresponding slots 1472 between the two concentric annular lips
1474, 1476 of the actuator seal 1406, as shown in FIG. 23B.
Adhesive, snap fit, pressure fit, etc. may be used to help secure
the tabs 1470 in slots 1472. In other embodiments, the retainer
1408 may not include tabs 1470 and instead, the seal 1406 may be
attached to the retainer 1408 using known connection mechanisms in
the art. The annular skirt 1468 of the retainer 1408 may comprise
any number of tabs 1470, for example, two, three or four. In one
embodiment, the annular skirt 1468 comprises a single annular
ring.
[0233] As shown best in FIGS. 20F and 22A, the retainer 1408 also
includes a flange 1478 that extends inward from the inner surface
of the bore 1466, against which the proximal end of the inner
annular skirt 1476 of the actuator seal 1406 abuts.
[0234] The outer surface 1440 of the retainer 1408 includes
external threads 1438 that, as noted above, are complimentary to
the internal threads 1480 of the port housing 1402. The threads
1438, 1480 allow the retainer 1408 to be threaded into the port
housing 1402 during activation of the system. As shown, the outer
wall of the retainer 1408 comprises four portions 1484 that are
equally spaced around the axis of the retainer 1408. In other
embodiments, the outer wall may comprise any number of portions
1484 or may be continuous cylindrical shell.
[0235] The retainer 1408 also includes four radial notches 1486 at
its proximal end that are equally spaced around the axis of the
retainer 1408 and are configured to engage corresponding splines
1488 on the internal surface 1490 of the activation collar 1410.
Engagement between the splines 1488 and notches 1486 allows the
retainer 1408 to rotate with the activation collar 1410 while
moving distally along the splines 1488 relative to the activation
collar 1408 as the retainer 1408 is threaded into the port housing
1402 during activation of the system. As the activation collar 1408
is rotated relative to the port housing 1402, the engagement
between the splines 1488 of the collar 1408 and the notches 1486 of
the retainer 1408 causes the retainer 1408 to rotate. In turn, this
rotation causes the retainer 1408 to be threaded into the port
housing 1402. As the retainer 1408 is threaded into the port
housing 1402, the axially fixed actuator 1404 forces the stopper
122 of the first container 102 into the cavity of the first
container 102. In other embodiments, the same functional
relationship between the retainer 1408 and activation collar 1410
may be accomplished by providing the outer surface of the retainer
1408 with spline-like features and the inner surface 1490 of the
activation collar 1410 with notches/grooves.
[0236] In one embodiment, the retainer 1408 may be provided with a
proximally facing annular seal on the proximal surface of the
flange 1478 of the retainer 1408. In such an embodiment, the
annular seal abuts and seals against the distal surface of the
first container 102 (e.g., the distally facing surface of the
annular flange 119) when the first container 102 is docked to the
port assembly 1400. This sealing engagement helps to prevent any
diluent and/or medicament from escaping out of the fluid flow path
established between the first and second containers 102, 104 during
use. In addition to or instead of a proximally facing annular seal,
the retainer 1408 may be provided with an annular seal that
projects radially inward and seals against a lateral surface of the
first container 102 when the first container 102 is docked to the
port assembly 1400. Such a radial seal may help ensure sealing
engagement between the first container 102 and the port assembly
1400 regardless of any axial movement of the first container 102
after docking.
[0237] As shown in FIGS. 23A-D, the actuator seal 1406 generally
comprises two concentric annular lips 1474, 1476 that extend
proximally from the base 1492 of the seal 1406. As shown, the inner
annular lip 1476 defines an axial bore 1494 and is longer than the
outer annular lip 1474, however, in other embodiments, the annular
lips 1474, 1476 may be the same length or the outer annular lip
1474 may be longer than the inner annular lip 1476. The annular gap
1496 between the lips 1474, 1476 is configured to receive at least
a portion of the skirt 1468 of the retainer 1408 such that the
actuator seal 1406 can be secured to the main body 1408. At the
bottom of the annular gap 1496 there are six slots 1472 that
correspond to the six tabs 1470 of the skirt 1468 of the main body
1408. These slots 1472 are configured to receive the tabs 1470 of
the skirt 1468. As noted above, adhesive, snap fit, pressure fit,
etc. may be used to help secure the tabs 1470 in slots 1472. When
the actuator seal 1406 is secured to the retainer 1408, the
proximal surface 1498 of the inner annular lip 1476 abuts or is in
close proximity to the distal surface of the inner bore flange 1478
of the retainer 1408, as shown in FIG. 20F.
[0238] The actuator seal 1406 also includes two sealing beads 1500,
1502 that extend from the inner surface 1504 of the inner annular
lip 1476 into the bore 1494. The sealing beads 1500, 1502 are
configured to seal against the actuator 1404 such that when the
system is in the non-activated position, the proximal flange 1502
seals above the openings 1414 in the actuator 1404 while the distal
flange 1500 seals below the openings 1414 in the actuator 1404, as
shown in FIG. 20F. After activating the system, the retainer 1408
and actuator seal 1406 slide together distally about the actuator
1404 until both sealing beads 1500, 1502 are located below the
openings 1414 in the actuator 1404. Accordingly, the openings 1414
in the actuator 1404 are able to communicate with the contents of
the first container 102. As shown, the proximal bead 1502 extends
further into the bore 1494 of the actuator seal 1406 than the
distal bead 1500. This ensures that the proximal bead 1502 can seal
against the reduced diameter of the proximal portion of the
actuator 1404 prior to activation. In other embodiments, both
sealing beads 1500, 1502 may be the same size. The beads 1500, 1502
each provide a fluid seal with the actuator 1404 that prevents the
escape of fluid prior to and during activation.
[0239] Turning to FIGS. 24A-F, the activation collar 1410 is
generally cylindrical with a flare at its distal end. The outer
surface of the activation collar 1410 is provided with ribs/ridges
1506 so that a user can easily grip and rotate the activation
collar 1410 in order to activate the system. In other embodiments,
the outer surface of the activation collar 1410 may be smooth,
provided with depressions/dimples or bumps instead of ribs 1506, or
may simply be provided with a surface finish that enhances the
friction between the activation collar 1410 and user's hands. The
diameter of the bore 1508 that extends through the activation
collar 1410 is larger than the outside diameter of the first
container 102 so that the first container 102 can be inserted
through the proximal opening of the bore 1508 and docked to the
retainer 1408 of the port assembly 1400.
[0240] As shown, the activation collar 1410 includes four pairs of
splines 1488. Each pair of splines 1488 is spaced to correspond to
the width of the notches 1486 in the retainer 1408. In another
embodiment, each pair of splines 1488 may be replaced with a single
spline having a width that corresponds to each respective notch
1486. Any number of splines 1488 and corresponding notches 1486 is
possible as long as rotation of the activation collar 1410 can be
translated into rotation of the retainer 1408 and so that the
retainer 1408 can slide axially along the splines 1488.
[0241] As noted above, the distal end of the activation collar 1410
is configured to rotatably attach to the port housing 1402. As
shown best in FIGS. 20F and 24F, the distal end of the activation
collar 1410 includes two concentric annular skirts 1434, 1458. The
inner annular skirt 1458 and guide tab 1459 is configured to fit
within the inner annular channel 1454 of the port housing 1402 to
stabilize the activation collar 1410 and ensure that it easily
rotates relative to the port housing 1402. The outer annular skirt
1434 includes a plurality of annularly spaced protrusions 1430 on
its inner surface 1432 that are configured to engage the annular
recess/groove 1424 in the outer surface 1426 of the outer annular
lip 1428 of the port housing 1402, which allows rotation but
prevents axial disengagement between the activation collar 1410 and
the port housing 1402.
[0242] Also, as partially shown in FIGS. 20E and 24D, the port
assembly 1400 includes a hanger 1412 for conveniently hanging the
system on an appropriate device (e.g., pole, rack or stand). When
the port assembly 1400 is in a non-activated non-hanging condition,
the hanger 1412 is not accessible to the user. Upon activation of
the system, the hanger 1412 transitions from the non-activated
non-hanging condition to an activated hanging condition which
releases the hanger 1412, presents it for proper use, and is
operable by the user. In one embodiment, the release of the hanger
1412 and the establishment of fluid communication occur
simultaneously.
[0243] Turning to FIGS. 21A-E, prior to activation, a distal
portion of the hanger 1412 is positioned in the circumferential
guide slot 1452 of the port housing 1402; however, as the
activation collar 1410 is rotated in order to activate the system,
the hanger 1412 slides within the guide slot 1452 until the distal
portion contacts the angled surface 1510 which forces the hanger
1412 out of the guide slot 1452 via the exit slot 1456. The amount
of rotation needed to transition the hanger 1412 from the
non-activated non-hanging position to the activated hanging
position and to activate the system may vary, and in particular may
be between about 120-200 degrees.
[0244] As explained with respect to FIGS. 8A-C above, the hanger
1412 may be hinged (e.g., by a living hinge, a pin hinge, or any
other hinge known in the art) to the activation collar 1410. The
hinge mechanism connecting the hanger 1412 to the activation collar
1410 may include a spring or be composed of a resilient material
that biases the hanger 1412 away from the retainer 1408 when the
hanger 1412 is released from the port housing 1402 upon activation
of the system. Accordingly, when the activation collar 1410 is
sufficiently rotated, the biasing force causes the hanger 1412 to
pivot away from the collar 1410 so that the system can be easily
hung for use. In embodiments where the hinge does not include a
spring, once the activation collar 1410 is sufficiently rotated,
the hanger 1412 is made available for a user to manually manipulate
for hanging.
[0245] In other embodiments, the hanger is connected to the first
or second containers, and the hanger is operable only upon the
establishment of fluid communication between the first and second
containers.
[0246] The port assembly 1400 shown in FIGS. 20A-24F may be
provided with a locking mechanism that prevents inadvertent
rotation of the activation collar 1410 relative to the port housing
1402. Such locking mechanisms are shown and described with
reference to FIGS. 12A-14C and FIGS. 40A-B below.
[0247] FIGS. 25A-40B illustrate another exemplary two-component
system 1600 that allows a user (e.g., a pharmacist or other
healthcare worker) to mix the contents of two separate containers
(e.g., a medicament and a diluent) and then deliver the mixture
(e.g., a medicinal fluid) to a patient while maintaining sterility
of the contents and mixture and preventing unwanted release of the
contents and mixture into the environment. The system 1600 includes
(1) a first container 1602 containing a first substance and (2) a
second container 1604 containing a second substance, the second
container 1604 having a port assembly 1606 at its proximal end for
receiving and connecting to the first container 1602. Although
described and shown herein as being mounted to the second container
1604, in another embodiment, the port assembly 1606 may be provided
as a separate and stand-alone device that connects the first and
second containers 1602, 1604.
[0248] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 25A, the first container
1602 is a medicament container in the form of a vial 1616 that is
sealed by a stopper 1617. As shown, the 1616 vial is partially
encased with a body cap 1608 that is configured to engage the port
assembly 1606 of the second container 1604. The second container
1604 is a diluent container in the form of a blow-fill-seal
container 1618 with (1) the port assembly 1606 at its proximal end
for receiving and engaging the first container 1602 and (2) an
administration port 1610 at its distal end for delivering a
medicinal fluid to the patient. The first container 1602, port
assembly 1606, and administration port 1610 may each be provided
with a protective cap to help maintain sterility of the system 1600
prior to use. As shown in FIG. 25A, the port assembly 1606 and
administration port 1610 are provided with protective caps 1612 and
1614 respectively. The first container 1602 may be provided with a
protective cap according to any of the embodiments described herein
(e.g., protective cap 114 (see FIG. 2A)) or as generally known to
those of skill in the art.
[0249] As illustrated in the exploded view of the system 1600 shown
in FIG. 25B, the port assembly 1606 generally includes: (1) a
two-part port housing 1620 with an axially fixed actuator 1622
configured to open the first container 1602, (2) a main body
including (a) a two-part retainer 1624 for docking the first
container 1602 to the port assembly 1606 and (b) an activation
collar 1626 for activating the system 1600 upon rotation, (3) an
axially moveable plug member 1628 having a seal 1632 for fluidly
sealing the fluid passageway between the port housing 1620 and the
second container 1604 prior to activating the system 1600, and (4)
a hanger 1630 for hanging the system 1600 after activation so that
a medicinal fluid can be delivered to a patient.
[0250] As shown, the two-part port housing 1620 includes an inner
port housing part 1620a and an outer port housing part 1620b.
Likewise, the two-part retainer 1624 includes an inner retainer
part 1624a and an outer retainer part 1624b. Although shown as
two-part components, in another embodiment, the port housing 1620
and retainer 1624 may be designed and manufactured as single
unitary components. One skilled in the art would understand that if
manufacturing permits, any component described herein could be
designed as a single or multi-part component. For simplicity, the
two-part port housing 1620 and two-part retainer 1624 are
principally described herein as single unitary components with
reference to FIGS. 31A-E and 34A-D.
[0251] The port assembly 1606 also includes three fluid-tight seals
1632, 1634, 1636 to prevent fluid leakage. As shown in FIGS. 26-27,
seal 1632 of the plug member 1628 is provided between the body of
the plug member 1628 and the port housing 1620. Seal 1634 is
provided between the port housing 1620 and the retainer 1624. This
seal 1634 is configured to seal a portion of the fluid passageway
defined by the bore 1654 of the port housing 1620 to a portion of
the fluid passageway defined by the bore 1728 of the retainer 1624.
Seal 1636 is provided within the retainer 1624 and is configured to
sealingly engage the first container 1602 when the first container
1602 is docked to the port assembly 1606 and during activation of
the system 1600.
[0252] To use the system 1600 a user performs two simple steps.
First, the user docks the first container 1602 to the port assembly
1606 (FIG. 26 shows the system in the docked position). Second, the
user activates the system 1600 (FIG. 27 shows the system in the
activated position). Activation of the system 1600 results in fluid
communication between the first and the second containers 1602,
1604.
[0253] A user docks the first container 1602 to the port assembly
1606 by inserting the first container 1602 into the proximal end of
port assembly 1606 until retention tabs 1638 of the retainer 1624
engage protrusions 1640 of the body cap 1608. At this point, the
first container 1602 is irreversibly connected to the port assembly
1606, and both the first and second containers 1602, 1604 remain
sealed by stopper 1617 and plug/seal 1628/1632 respectively.
[0254] A user activates the system 1600 by rotating the activation
collar 1626 relative to the port housing 1620. Rotation of the
activation collar 1626 causes the retainer 1624, which is engaged
to (1) the port housing 1620 via threads 1642, 1644 (see, e.g.,
FIGS. 31A and 34A) and (2) the activation collar 1626 via an axial
spline-groove arrangement 1646, 1648 (see, e.g., FIGS. 31A and
34A), to rotate and move axially in the distal direction relative
to the port housing 1620. This rotational and axial movement is a
result of the retainer 1624 being threaded into the port housing
1620 as the user rotates the activation collar 1626. Because the
first container 1602 is secured to the retainer 1624 via engagement
between the protrusions 1640 and tabs 1638, the first container
1602 moves in the distal direction with the retainer 1624 during
this process. As the retainer 1624 and first container 1602 move in
the distal direction relative to the port housing 1620, the
actuator 1622, which is axially fixed in the port housing 1620,
forces the stopper 1617 out of the opening 1650 of the first
container and into the cavity 1652 of the first container, thereby
opening the first container 1602. Concurrently, the distal end of
the retainer 1624 pushes on the proximal end of the legs 1653 of
the plug 1628, which forces the plug 1628/seal 1632 out of the bore
1654 of the port housing 1620 and into an open position partially
within the second container 1604, thereby opening the fluid
passageway to the second container 1604. Accordingly, the plug
member 1628/seal 1632 moves axially relative to the port housing
1620 and actuator 1622 to open the fluid passageway. As a result,
fluid communication is established between the first and second
containers 1602, 1604 via the fluid passageway defined by the bore
1654 of the port housing 1620 and the bore 1728 of the retainer
1624.
[0255] The individual components of the system 1600 will now be
described in detail. Like the first container 102 shown in FIGS.
2A-F, the first container 1602 of this embodiment includes a
container body having an opening 1650 fluidly connected to a cavity
defined by the container body. In one embodiment shown best in FIG.
28C, the first container 1602 includes a vial 1616 partially
encased by a body cap 1608. The vial 1616 generally includes a body
portion 1656 and a neck portion 1658 having an annular flange (or
shoulder) 1660 at its distal end that defines an opening 1650 in
which a stopper 1617 is located. In its sealed position, the
stopper 1617 engages both the opening 1650 and the distal surface
1659 of the vial shoulder 1660.
[0256] The stopper 1617 has a body portion 1666 that is configured
to engage the opening 1650 of the vial 1616 and an annular flange
1662 radially extending from the body portion 1666 that is
configured to engage the distal surface 1659 of the vial shoulder
1660. In the embodiment shown, the distal surface of the stopper
1617 has a depression 1668, which assists in reducing the force
required to transition the stopper 1617 from a first sealed
position in the opening 1650 of the vial 1616 to a second unsealed
position in the cavity 1652 of the vial 1616 (the stopper
"push-in-force") when the system is activated. The depression 1668
may also serve as a target when inserting a syringe needle or
cannula into the vial 1616 in order to make additions to and/or
extract contents from the vial 1616. While a depression 1668 may be
useful in some embodiments, other embodiments may utilize a stopper
1617 without such a feature. To further reduce the stopper
push-in-force, the stopper 1617 is also provided with a cavity
1669. The cavity 1669 enables the flange 1662 to fold more easily
when the stopper 1617 is being pushed into the cavity 1652 of the
vial 1616. In addition, an undercut (not shown) may be provided
about the circumference of the stopper 1617 to further assist in
reducing the stopper push-in force by enabling the flange 1662 to
fold more easily when the stopper 1617 is being pushed into the
cavity 1652 of the vial 1616, as described in U.S. Pat. No.
8,075,545, which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0257] The opening 1650 of the vial 1616 may have a constant
diameter throughout the neck and shoulder portions 1658, 1660 or
may have a larger diameter at its distal end to facilitate the
transition of the stopper 1617 from the first sealed position in
the vial opening 1650 to the second unsealed position within the
vial cavity 1652. In an embodiment where the diameter of the
opening 1650 is greater near its distal end, the stopper
push-in-force may be further reduced as such a configuration also
allows the flange 1662 of the stopper 1617 to fold more easily. A
larger opening 1650 can be accomplished by enlarging the radius at
the edge 1664 of the opening 1650.
[0258] The stopper push-in force should be achievable by the
average user. In embodiments where the stopper 1617 is designed to
be dual-use (i.e., capable of being used with the system 1600
described herein or being used separately with a syringe needle or
cannula), the stopper 1617 should be configured such that a syringe
needle or cannula can be inserted through the stopper 1617 without
dislodging the stopper 1617 from its sealed position in the opening
1650 of the first container 1602. At the same time, the stopper
1617 should maintain the appropriate push-in force so that it can
be used with the system 1600 by an average user. Accordingly, in
one embodiment, the stopper push-in force is in the range of about
4-20 pounds of force. In another embodiment, the stopper push-in
force is in the range of about 5-15 pounds of force. In a further
embodiment, the stopper push-in force is in the range of about 8-13
pounds of force.
[0259] The body cap 1608 of the first container 1602 is generally
positioned around the neck 1658 and upper region of the body
portion 1656 of the vial 1616. The body cap 1608 has at least one
axial locking member that is configured to engage at least one
complimentary mating member of the port assembly 1606 to dock the
first container 1602 to the port assembly 1606. In the embodiment
shown best in FIGS. 29A-E, the axial locking member of the body cap
1608 includes a plurality of protrusions 1640 that are configured
to engage a plurality of retention tabs 1638 of the retainer 1624
to irreversibly connect the first container 1602 to the retainer
1624 such that the first container 1602 cannot be pulled out of the
port assembly 1606. As shown, the protrusions 1640 are located near
the distal end of the body cap 1608. In other embodiments, however,
the protrusions 1640 may be located closer or further away from the
distal end of the body cap 1608. Moreover, the protrusions 1640 may
be located around the neck portion 1670 of the body cap 1608 (as
shown in FIGS. 29A-E) or around the body portion 1672 of the body
cap 1608.
[0260] The tapered geometry 1673 of the distal portion of each of
the protrusions 1640 helps to center the first container 1602 in
the port assembly 1606 during the docking step while the underside
1674 of each of the protrusions 1640 provides a surface for the
retention tabs 1638 of the retainer 1624 to engage in order to
securely dock the first container 1602 to the port assembly 1606.
As shown best in FIG. 29E, each protrusion 1640 includes a cavity
1676, which reduces the likelihood of sinks being created during
molding by decreasing the thickness of the material.
[0261] In the depicted embodiment, there are six protrusions 1640;
however, the number of protrusions 1640 may vary depending on
design. For example, the body cap 1608 may include a single annular
docking protrusion in the form of a flange that extends radially
outward from the neck 1670 or body portion 1672 of the body cap
1608.
[0262] In certain embodiments of the port assembly 1606, one or
more of the protrusions 1640 are not used to dock the first
container 1602 to the port assembly 1606 but are instead unlocking
members used to unlock the port assembly 1606 for activation. For
example, in one embodiment, three of the six protrusions ("docking
protrusions") 1640 are used to dock the first container 1602 to the
port assembly 1606 while the other three protrusions ("unlocking
protrusions") 1640 are unlocking members used to unlock a locking
mechanism of the port assembly 1606 so that a user can rotate the
activation collar 1626 relative to the port housing 1620. In other
words, prior to unlocking the locking mechanism of the port
assembly 1606, the activation collar 1626 cannot rotate relative to
the port housing 1620. In such an embodiment, the retainer 1624 may
have three retention tabs 1638 that extend radially inward for
engaging the three docking protrusions 1640 of the body cap 1608,
as shown in FIGS. 34A-D. However, whether used for docking or used
for unlocking, the protrusions 1640 may be identical, which
eliminates the need for a user to match the protrusions with
corresponding features of the retainer 1624. Moreover, the number
of docking and unlocking protrusions may vary.
[0263] The body cap 1608 is configured to sealingly engage both the
vial 1616 and the port assembly 1606 of the second container 1604
such that fluid and/or contaminants are prevented from entering
and/or escaping out of the fluid flow path established between the
first and second containers 1602, 1604 during use (e.g., during
activation, during mixing, or during fluid delivery to a patient).
To seal against the vial 1616, the body cap 1608 has two rib seals
1678 near its proximal end and another rib seal 1679 near its
distal end. The rib seals 1678, 1679 extend radially inward from
the interior surface of the body cap 1608. The proximal rib seals
1678 are positioned to seal against the body portion 1656 of the
vial 1616 while the distal rib seal 1679 is positioned to seal
against the flange 1660 of the vial 1616.
[0264] In one embodiment, each of the proximal rib seals 1678 is
interrupted twice at approximately 180 degrees to allow for venting
of the body cap cavity 1680. In such an embodiment, the
interruptions (only one interruption 1682 is shown) of one of the
rib seals 1678 may be offset 90 degrees from the interruptions of
the other rib seal 1678 to provide a tortuous path for fluids
and/or contaminants, thereby helping to preserve sterility of the
system. Of course a different number of interruptions and other
degrees of offset between the proximal rib seals 1678 are
possible.
[0265] To sealingly engage the port assembly 1606, the body cap
1608 is provided with a radially-facing sealing surface 1684 near
its distal end. The radially-facing sealing surface 1684 is
configured to form a seal with seal 1636 in the cavity of the
retainer 1624 when the first container 1602 is docked to the port
assembly 1606, thereby radially sealing the first container 1602 to
the port assembly 1606 prior to opening the first or second
container. In other words, the seal is established before
activation of the system (i.e., before the actuator 1622 forces the
stopper 1617 into the cavity 1652 of the first container 1602,
thereby opening the first container 1602, and before the plug 1628
is moved distally out of the bore 1654 of the port housing 1620,
thereby opening the second container 1604). This ensures that once
the first and second containers 1602, 1604 are opened during
activation, fluid cannot escape the fluid-flow path between the two
containers. As shown best in FIG. 29E, the body cap 1608 of this
embodiment also includes an axially-facing sealing surface 1686
that is also configured to engage seal 1636 of the retainer 1624
upon docking the first container 1602 to the port assembly 1606.
Accordingly, upon docking the first container 1602 to the port
assembly 1606, two seals may be established between the first
container 1602 and the port assembly 1606: a radial seal and an
axial seal. In other embodiments, the body cap 1608 may include
either a radially-facing sealing surface or an axially-facing
sealing surface, but not both.
[0266] In another embodiment of the body cap 1608 shown in FIGS.
30A-E, the body cap 1608 is provided with a radial sealing bead
1688 near its distal end. Like the radial sealing surface 1684
described above, the radial sealing bead 1688 of the body cap 1608
is configured to form a radial seal with the retainer 1624 of the
port assembly 1606 when the first container 1602 is docked to the
port assembly 1606, prior to activation. In this embodiment, a seal
such as seal 1636 does not need to be provided in the cavity of the
retainer 1624. Instead, the sealing bead 1688 is configured to seal
against a radially-facing sealing surface 1690 of the retainer
1624.
[0267] The sealing bead 1688 is positioned near the end of a
distally extending annular flexible lip 1692 of the body cap 1608
that is adjacent an annular channel 1694. The channel 1694 allows
the lip 1692 to deflect radially inward as it contacts the
radially-facing sealing surface 1690 of the retainer 1624 when the
first container 1602 is inserted into the retainer 1624 of the port
assembly 1606 during docking. As the lip 1692 deflects radially
inward, the resilient nature of the lip 1692 biases the lip 1692
radially outward to ensure that a seal is established between the
sealing bead 1688 and sealing surface 1690.
[0268] Turning now to the port housing 1620 shown in FIGS. 31A-E,
the port housing 1620 has a first end (proximal end) and a second
end (distal end). A distal portion 1696 of the outer surface of the
port housing 1620 serves as a mounting surface for the second
container 1604. In another embodiment, the mounting surface 1696
may comprise substantially the entire outer surface of the port
housing 1620. To assist in mounting the second container 1604 to
the port housing 1620, the outer surface includes ribs 1698 that
increase the mountable surface area. In order to prevent the
contents of the second container 1604 from leaking, a fluid tight
seal should be established between the second container 1604 and
port assembly 1606 during the mounting process. Any known
mounting/sealing technique in the art may be used. (e.g., heat
sealing, RF welding, or a blow-fill-seal procedure).
[0269] The proximal end of the port housing 1620 is configured to
rotatably attach to the activation collar 1626. In the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 31A-E, the proximal end of the port housing 1620
includes a plurality of radial protrusions 1700 annularly spaced
around the proximal end of the outer surface of the port housing
1620. The radial protrusions 1700 are configured to engage an
annular recess 1702 on the inner surface of an outer annular skirt
1704 of the activation collar 1626, which allows rotation of the
activation collar 1626 relative to the port housing 1620 but
prevents axial disengagement therebetween. While a plurality of
protrusions 1700 are shown, other embodiments may include a single
annular flange that circumscribes the outer surface of the port
housing 1620. In an embodiment where the port housing 1620 is a
two-part component, the radial protrusions 1700 may be provided on
the outer port housing part 1620b (see FIGS. 33A-E).
[0270] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 31A-E, the radial
protrusions 1700 are in the form of one-way ratchet teeth that are
configured to allow rotation of the activation collar 1626 in one
direction (i.e., the direction that activates the system) but
prevent rotation in the opposite direction. In such an embodiment,
the activation collar 1626 is provided with one or more protrusions
on the inner surface of the outer annular skirt 1704 that are
configured to engage the ratchet teeth 1700 during rotation such
that activation of the system cannot be reversed. This may be
beneficial because it prevents the first container 1602 from being
backed out of (or unthreaded from) the port assembly 1606 after
activation.
[0271] The outer surface of the port housing 1620 may also include
a feature for attaching a protective cap. In the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 31A-E, the outer surface of the port housing 1620 is
provided with threads 1706 for engaging corresponding threads on
the inner surface of the protective cap 1612. Other attachment
mechanisms well known to those of skill in the art may also be
used.
[0272] The interior of the port housing 1620 defines a cavity 1710
that is open at its proximal end. The interior surface 1711 of the
cavity 1720 includes threads 1642 that are configured to engage
corresponding threads 1644 on the outer surface of the retainer
1624. Accordingly, the retainer 1624 can be threaded into the port
housing 1620 during activation of the system. As the retainer 1624
is threaded into the port housing 1620, the retainer 1624 moves
axially in the distal direction relative to the port housing 1620.
In an embodiment where the port housing 1620 is a two-part
component, the threads 1642 may be provided on an interior surface
1711 of the outer port housing part 1620b (see FIG. 33A-E).
[0273] In order to prevent the retainer 1624 from being axially
displaced without being rotated, the interior surface 1711 of the
port housing 1620 includes at least one stop feature 1712, shown
best in FIGS. 33A-E. As shown, the port housing 1620 includes three
stop features 1712, each of which intersects the distal portion of
the threads 1642. When the retainer 1624 is initially attached to
the port housing 1620, each of the three threads 1644 of the
retainer sits on top of a respective one of the stop features 1712
of the port housing. Thus, axial movement of the retainer 1624 is
precluded. To engage the threads 1644 of the retainer 1624 with the
threads 1642 of the port housing 1620, the retainer 1624 must be
rotated which causes the threads 1644 of the retainer 1624 to slide
off the stop features 1712 and engage the adjacent threads 1642 of
the port housing 1620. This may be beneficial because it may
prevent premature activation of the system. Without these stop
features 1712, a user may unintentionally push the first container
1602 into the port assembly 1606 with force sufficient to cause the
retainer 1624 to be displaced distally past the docking position,
thereby opening the first and second containers 1602, 1604 by
causing the actuator 1622 to push the stopper 1617 of the first
container 1602 into the cavity 1652 of the first container and the
plug 1628 to move distally at least partially into the second
container 1604.
[0274] Turning back to FIGS. 31A-E, axially aligned in the cavity
1710 of the port housing 1620 is an actuator 1622 that extends in
the proximal direction from a position near the distal end of the
port housing 1620 and terminates at a proximal tip 1714. As shown,
the actuator extends past the proximal end of the port housing
1620. In other embodiments, however, the actuator 1622 may
terminate at or below the proximal end of the port housing 1620.
Additionally, the actuator 1622 may extend from a position closer
or further away from the distal end of the port housing 1620. In an
embodiment where the port housing 1620 is a two-part component, the
actuator 1622 is provided on the inner port housing part 1620a (see
FIGS. 32A-E).
[0275] The actuator 1622 includes three support members 1716 that
extend radially from a common axis. The support members 1716 and
bore 1654 define the distal portion of the fluid passageway that is
configured to allow fluid to be transferred between the first and
second containers 1602, 1604 in order to mix the contents of the
containers. As shown, the support members 1716 are attached to a
distal portion of the wall 1718 of the bore 1654. In other
embodiments, the support members 1716 may be attached to the wall
1718 of the bore 1654 along substantially the entire length of the
bore 1654.
[0276] As shown best in FIGS. 31B and 31D, the support members 1716
are curved between the axis of the actuator 1622 and the wall 1718
of the bore 1654 to enhance the torsional rigidity of the actuator
1622. Although this embodiment has three support members 1716, the
number of support members 1716 can vary as long as the support
members 1716 are strong enough to withstand the axial and
rotational force associated with transitioning the stopper 1617 of
the first container 1602 from the first sealed position in the
opening 1650 of the first container 1602 to the second unsealed
position in the cavity 1652 of the first container 1602 during
activation. In addition, the support members 1716 should not
occlude the fluid passageway of the port assembly 1606 such that
fluid cannot easily be transferred between the first and second
containers 1602, 1604.
[0277] The proximal portion of each support member 1716 includes a
tapered section 1724 as the support member 1716 transitions to the
actuator tip 1714. This tapered section 1724 is configured to
prevent interference between the flange 1662 of the stopper 1617
and the support members 1716 when the tip 1714 of the actuator 1622
forces the stopper 1617 into the cavity 1652 of the first container
1602 during activation. Without such a tapered section 1724, the
flange 1662 of the stopper 1617 may become wedged between the
support members 1716 and the internal surface of the neck
1658/opening 1650 of the first container 1602 when the flange 1662
folds.
[0278] As shown best in FIG. 31E, the proximal portion of the port
housing 1620 includes a circumferential guide slot 1730 that is
configured to house a hanger 1630 prior to activation and to guide
the hanger 1630 out of an exit slot 1732 of the port housing 1620
during activation. To facilitate the transition of the hanger 1630
from the non-activated, non-hanging position in the slot 1730, to
the activated hanging position outside the slot 1730, an angular
surface 1734 is provided that connects the inner lip 1736 of the
port housing 1620 to the outer lip 1738 of the port housing 1620.
The angular surface 1734 is configured to force the hanger 1630 out
of the exit slot 1732 upon rotation of the activation collar 1626
relative to the port housing 1620 so that it is presented to the
user and operable for hanging the system 1600 after activation.
Accordingly, in this embodiment, the hanger is only operable when
fluid communication is established between the first and second
containers 1602, 1604.
[0279] The guide slot 1730 is also configured to receive the guide
tabs 1764 of the activation collar 1626, as shown in FIGS. 26 and
27. This tab-slot engagement helps maintain axial alignment between
the activation collar 1626 and the port housing 1620 and ensures
smooth rotation of the activation collar 1626 relative to the port
housing 1620 during activation.
[0280] Turning now to the retainer 1624 shown in FIGS. 34A-D, the
retainer 1624 is configured to receive and dock the first container
1602. To dock the first container 1602, the retainer 1624 includes
a plurality of resilient retention tabs 1638, each configured to
engage one of the protrusions 1640 of the first container 1602 when
the first container 1602 is inserted into the port assembly 1606.
As shown, the tabs 1638 extend distally and radially inward from a
proximal portion of the retainer 1624. Shown best in FIG. 34B,
there are three tabs 1638 equally spaced around the axis of the
retainer 1624; however, any number of tabs 1638 can be used as long
as they are capable of securing the first container 1602 to the
port assembly 1606 and preventing disengagement. In an embodiment
where the retainer 1624 is a two-part component, the tabs 1638 may
be provided on the outer retainer part 1624b (see FIGS. 36A-D).
[0281] The tabs 1638 should be constructed of a material that
allows the tabs 1638 to flex inward when the first container 1602
is inserted into the port assembly 1606, and to thereafter allow
the tabs 1638 to spring back to their original positions once the
protrusions 1640 of the first container 1602 pass the distal end of
the tabs 1638, thereby securely docking the first container 1602 to
the port assembly 1606. The tabs 1638 allow the first container
1602 to be inserted into the port assembly 1606 but prevent removal
of the first container 1602 after the first container 1602 is in
the docked position. By preventing removal of the first container
1602 from the port assembly 1606, drug tampering, contamination,
and accidental discharge of the contents is prevented.
[0282] The tabs 1638 of the retainer 1624 are axially positioned
such that the first container 1602 can be docked to the port
assembly 1606 without opening the first container 1602. This may be
beneficial because it allows the first container 1602 to be docked
to the second container 1604 (via the port assembly 1606) without
exposing the contents of the first container 1602 to the outside
environment. Thus, the shelf life of the first container's contents
is not compromised. Moreover, this configuration may allow the
first container 1602 to be selected and docked to the rest of the
system by, for example, a pharmacist, and then transported to the
location of the patient for activation and subsequent delivery by,
for example, a nurse.
[0283] When the first container 1602 is docked to the port assembly
1606, the actuator tip 1714 is positioned below the stopper 1617,
or in some embodiments such as the one shown is FIG. 26, the
actuator 1714 tip may abut the stopper without dislodging it from
its sealed position in the opening 1650 of the vial 1616.
[0284] The retainer 1624 is also be provided with alignment
features 1740 that align the protrusions 1640 on the body cap 1608
of the first container 1602 with the tabs 1638 and openings 1790 of
the retainer 1624. This ensures that the tabs 1638 properly engage
the protrusions 1640 during docking. As shown best in FIG. 34D, the
alignment features 1740 extend radially inward from an inner
surface 1741 of the retainer 1624 and each include two angled
surfaces at their proximal end. The angled surfaces of two adjacent
guide features 1740 guide the protrusions 1640 to the correct
locations during docking of the first container 1602 to the
retainer 1624.
[0285] The retainer 1624 includes a bore 1728 that defines the
proximal portion of the fluid passageway of the port assembly 1606.
As shown in FIGS. 26-27, the inner diameter of the retainer bore
wall 1726 is greater than the diameter of the actuator 1622 in
order to allow the retainer 1624 to move distally about the
actuator 1622 during activation. The outer diameter of the retainer
bore wall 1726 is less than the inner diameter of the port housing
bore wall 1718 in order to allow the retainer 1624 to move distally
within the port housing 1620 during activation.
[0286] The outer surface of the retainer bore wall 1726 is provided
with a step 1742 that serves as a proximal stop for the seal 1634
that circumscribes the smaller diameter portion 1744 of the bore
wall 1726. The step 1742 prevents the seal 1634 from moving in the
proximal direction as the retainer 1624 moves in the distal
direction into the port housing 1620 during activation. As noted
above, the seal 1634 is configured to seal the portion of the fluid
passageway defined by the bore 1728 of the retainer 1624 to the
portion of the fluid passageway defined by the bore 1654 of the
port housing 1620 in order to prevent fluid from escaping the fluid
passageway during use. As shown in FIGS. 26-27, the seal 1634 is
located between the outer surface of the retainer bore wall 1726
and the inner surface of the port housing bore wall 1718.
[0287] Below the tabs 1638, the retainer 1624 includes an annular
lip 1746 that extends proximally from a proximal facing surface
1748 in the cavity of the retainer 1624. The lip 1746 is configured
to engage an annular groove 1750 in the seal 1636, which is
configured to seal the first container 1602 to the retainer 1624
during docking and before activation of the system. The seal 1636
may be fixed to the retainer 1624 using any known technique in the
art.
[0288] In one embodiment of the seal 1636 shown in FIGS. 37A-37D,
the seal 1636 includes a plurality of circumferential sealing
surfaces that are configured to seal against the radially-facing
sealing surface 1684 of the body cap 1608 of the first container
1602. These sealing surfaces may be provided as three inwardly
extending radial ribs 1752. However, during use, all three ribs
1752 may not actually provide a seal, rather, only one or two of
the ribs 1752 may actually abut and seal against the body cap 1608
of the first container 1602. Moreover, any number of radial ribs
1752 may be used. In addition to the radial ribs 1752, the seal
1636 includes an axial rib 1754 that is configured to seal against
the axially-facing sealing surface 1686 of the body cap 1608 of the
first container 1602. Any number of axial ribs 1752 may be used.
During use, however, the axial rib 1754 may not actually seal
against the axially-facing sealing surface 1686 due to proximal
"spring back" of the first container 1602 after it passes the
distal end of the tabs 1638.
[0289] Turning back to the retainer 1624 shown in FIGS. 34A-D, the
outer surface of the retainer 1624 includes threads 1644 that, as
noted above, are complimentary to the internal threads 1642 of the
port housing 1620. The threads 1644 allow the retainer 1624 to be
threaded into the port housing 1620 during activation of the
system. The retainer 1624 has three threads 1644, each configured
to engage one of the corresponding threads 1642 of the port housing
1620. In other embodiments, the number of threads 1642, 1644 may
vary. As shown best in FIG. 34C, the threads 1644 only span a
distal portion of the outer surface of the retainer 1624 but in
other embodiments they may span more of the length of the retainer.
In an embodiment where the retainer 1624 is a two-part component,
the threads 1644 may be located on the distal portion of the inner
retainer part 1624a (see FIGS. 35A-D).
[0290] The retainer 1624 also includes three notches 1648 at its
proximal end that are equally spaced around the axis of the
retainer 1624 and are configured to engage three corresponding
splines 1646 on the internal surface of the activation collar 1626.
Engagement between notches 1648 and splines 1646 allows the
retainer 1624 to fixedly rotate with the activation collar 1626. In
particular, as the activation collar 1626 is rotated relative to
the port housing 1620, the engagement between the splines 1646 of
the collar 1626 and notches 1648 of the retainer 1624 causes the
retainer 1624 to rotate. In turn, this rotation causes the retainer
1624 to be threaded into the port housing 1620. As the retainer
1624 is threaded into the port housing 1620, the notches 1648 of
the retainer 1624 slide distally along the splines 1646 of the
activation collar 1626. As the retainer 1624 moves axially in the
distal direction relative to the port housing 1620, the axially
fixed actuator 1622 forces the stopper 1617 of the first container
1602 into the cavity 1652 of the first container 1602. In other
embodiments, the same functional relationship between the retainer
1624 and activation collar 1626 may be achieved by providing the
outer surface of the retainer 1624 with spline-like features and
the inner surface of the activation collar 1626 with
notches/grooves.
[0291] As shown in FIG. 27, to prevent the retainer 1624 from
moving too far in the distal direction after activation, the
proximal end of the bore wall 1718 of the port housing 1620 is
positioned such that after activation the proximal end of the bore
wall 1718 contacts or is in close proximity to a distally facing
surface 1649 of the retainer 1624. Accordingly, the retainer 1624
cannot move any further in the distal direction.
[0292] In an embodiment where the port assembly 1606 does not
include a seal 1636 in the cavity of the retainer 1624, for
example, when the body cap 1608 of the first container 1602 is
provided with a radial sealing bead 1688 as described above, the
radially facing surface 1690 of the annular lip 1746 may provide a
sealing surface for the sealing bead 1688. In such an embodiment,
the radial sealing bead 1688 of the first container 1602 abuts and
seals against the radially-facing sealing surface 1690 when the
first container 1602 is docked to the port assembly 1606, prior to
activation.
[0293] Turning to the activation collar 1626 shown in FIGS. 38A-E,
the activation collar 1626 is generally cylindrical. The outer
surface of the activation collar 1626 is provided with ribs/ridges
1756 so that a user can easily grip and rotate the activation
collar 1626 in order to activate the system. In other embodiments,
the outer surface of the activation collar 1626 may be smooth,
provided with depressions/dimples or bumps instead of ribs 1756, or
may simply be provided with a surface finish that enhances the
friction between the activation collar 1626 and user's hands. The
diameter of the proximal opening 1758 of the activation collar 1626
is larger than the outside diameter of the first container 1602 so
that the first container 1602 can be inserted through the proximal
opening 1758 and docked to the retainer 1624 of the port assembly
1606. When assembled as shown in FIGS. 26-27, the collar 1626
circumscribes the retainer 1624.
[0294] The inner surface of the activation collar 1626 includes
splines 1646 that are configured to slidably engage corresponding
notches 1648 in the outer surface of the proximal end of the
retainer 1624. As shown, the activation collar 1626 includes three
splines 1646. Although three splines 1646 are shown, any number of
splines 1646 and corresponding notches 1648 are possible as long as
rotation of the activation collar 1626 can be translated into
rotation of the retainer 1624 and the notches 1648 of the retainer
1624 are free slide axially along the splines 1646.
[0295] As noted above, the distal end of the activation collar 1626
is configured to rotatably attach to the port housing 1620. As
shown best in FIGS. 26-27 and 38A, the distal end of the activation
collar 1626 includes two distally extending annular skirts 1704,
1764 that define an annular channel 1762 that is configured to
receive the outer annular lip 1738 of the port housing 1620. The
outer annular skirt 1704 of the collar 1626 includes a radial
groove (or recess) 1702 that is configured to receive the one-way
ratchet teeth 1700 at the proximal end of the outer annular lip
1738 of the port housing 1620. The groove 1702 axially engages the
one-way ratchet teeth 1700 of the port housing 1620 in a snap-fit
manner, which allows rotation but prevents axial disengagement
between the activation collar 1626 and the port housing 1620.
[0296] As shown best in FIG. 38E, the distal portion of the inner
annular skirt 1764 of the activation collar 1626 includes a
plurality of guide tabs that are configured to engage the annular
slot 1730 at the proximal end of the port housing 1620. This
tab-slot engagement helps maintain axial alignment between the
activation collar 1626 and the port housing 1620 and ensures smooth
rotation of the activation collar 1626 relative to the port housing
1620.
[0297] The outer surface of the activation collar 1626 is also
provided with a region 1766 for the hanger 1630 to rest in its
non-activated non-hanging position. This hanger region 1766 is void
of any ridges/ribs 1756. A male snap feature 1768 is provided near
the distal end of the hanger region 1766 to temporarily hold the
hanger 1630 against the outer surface of the activation collar 1626
prior to activation. The male snap feature 1768 is configured to
engage a female snap recess 1770 on the backside of the hanger 1630
(see FIG. 39D).
[0298] The hanger 1630 may be provided as a separate part that is
attached to the activation collar 1626 or may be molded as an
integral part of the activation collar 1626 with a living hinge. As
shown best in FIG. 27, the hanger 1630 is configured so that it can
swing away from the activation collar 1626 for use. As shown in
FIGS. 39A and 39C-D, the hanger 1630 includes a through-hole 1772
for conveniently hanging the system on an appropriate device (e.g.,
pole, rack or stand).
[0299] When the port assembly 1606 is in the non-activated
non-hanging condition shown in FIG. 26, the hanger 1630 is not
accessible to the user. Upon activation of the system, the hanger
1630 transitions from the non-activated non-hanging condition to an
activated hanging condition in which the hanger 1630 is presented
to the user, as shown in FIG. 27. In one embodiment, the release of
the hanger 1630 and the establishment of fluid communication occur
simultaneously. Accordingly, the hanger is only operable when fluid
communication has been established between the first and the second
containers.
[0300] As explained above with reference to FIGS. 31A-E, the
circumferential guide slot 1730 near the proximal end of the port
housing 1620 includes an exit slot 1732 that is defined by the
angled surface 1734 and the outer annular lip 1738 of the port
housing 1620. Prior to activation, the distal tab 1774 (shown in
FIGS. 39A and 39C-D) of the hanger 1630 is positioned in the guide
slot 1730 of the port housing 1620. As the activation collar 1626
is rotated in order to activate the system, the tab 1774 of the
hanger 1630 slides within the guide slot 1730 until it contacts the
angled surface 1734 of the port housing 1620 which disengages the
male snap feature 1768 of the collar 1626 from the female snap
feature 1770 of the hanger 1630 and forces the hanger 1630 out of
exit slot 1732 of the guide slot 1730. The amount of rotation
needed to transition the hanger 1630 from the non-activated
non-hanging position to the activated hanging position and to
activate the system may vary, and in particular may be between
about 120-200 degrees.
[0301] In an embodiment where the hanger 1630 is a separate
component that is attached to the activation collar 1626, as shown
in FIGS. 39A-D, the hanger 1630 may include a living hinge 1776
between a main body 1778 of the hanger 1630 and the hanger
attachment feature 1780. As shown best in FIGS. 39A-B, the hanger
attachment feature 1780 is provided with two holes 1782 for
receiving two posts 1784 of the activation collar 1626. The posts
1784 of the activation collar 1626 may be attached to the holes
1782 of the hanger 1630 using any known connection mechanism in the
art (e.g., ultrasonic welding).
[0302] As noted above, the port assembly 1606 described with
respect to FIGS. 25A-40B, may also be provided with a locking
mechanism that prevents inadvertent rotation between the activation
collar 1626 and the port housing 1620, thereby preventing premature
activation of the system 1600. In one embodiment, the locking
mechanism includes locking elements on both the activation collar
1626 (e.g., a first locking element) and retainer 1624 (e.g., a
second locking element) that cooperate with each other to prevent
rotational and axial movement of the collar 1626 and retainer 1624
relative to the port housing 1620. As shown in the embodiment of
FIGS. 38A-E, the first locking element on the activation collar
1626 includes three locking tabs 1786 that extend distally and
radially inwardly and are configured to engage the second locking
element of the retainer which includes the locking protrusions 1788
(see FIGS. 34A-D) in the openings 1790 of the retainer 1624. This
engagement is present prior to the first container 1602 being
inserted into and docked to the retainer 1624. More specifically,
each of the three locking tabs 1786 includes two wings 1792, each
wing 1792 having a step 1794 configured to engage the distal end
1796 (see FIG. 34D) of a respective one of the locking protrusions
1788 on the retainer 1624.
[0303] When the locking tabs 1786 are engaged with the locking
protrusions 1788 via the steps 1794 of the wings 1792, the
activation collar 1626 and the retainer 1624 are prevented from
rotating relative to the port housing 1620 because the retainer
1624 cannot move axially due to the distal ends 1796 of the locking
protrusions 1788 being engaged with the steps 1794 of the wings
1792 of the locking tabs 1786. In other words, as a user tries to
rotate the activation collar 1626, the retainer 1624 cannot be
threaded into the port housing 1620 because the retainer 1624
cannot move axially. Engagement between the locking protrusions
1788 and steps 1794 of the wings 1792 is shown best in FIGS.
40A-B.
[0304] To unlock the locking mechanism, the locking tabs 1786 must
be forced radially outward, thereby releasing engagement between
the locking tabs 1786 of the collar 1626 and the locking
protrusions 1788 of the retainer 1624. To accomplish this, a user
simply inserts and connects the first container 1602 to the port
assembly 1606. As the first container 1602 is inserted into the
port assembly 1606, the alignment features 1740 of the retainer
1624 align the docking protrusions 1640 with the retention tabs
1638 of the retainer 1624 and the unlocking protrusions 1640 with
the locking tabs 1786 of the retainer 1624. Accordingly, as the
first container 1602 enters the port assembly 1606, three of the
protrusions ("unlocking protrusions") 1640 on the body cap 1608
contact the three locking tabs 1786 of the collar 1626 and force
the locking tabs 1786 radially outward which unlocks the port
assembly 1606. At substantially the same time, the other three
protrusions ("docking protrusions") 1640 engage the retention tabs
1638 of the retainer 1624, thereby docking the first container 1602
to the port assembly 1606. In such an embodiment, the three
unlocking protrusions 1640 and the three docking protrusions 1640
alternate around the body cap 1608 as dictated by the configuration
of the retainer 1624 shown in FIGS. 34A-D.
[0305] Other locking mechanisms may be used, including, for
example, the ones shown and described above with reference to FIGS.
12A-14C.
[0306] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been
described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the
art will further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be
provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed
herein. Additionally, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. as
used herein are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not
limit the embodiments in any way. Further, the term "plurality" as
used herein indicates any number greater than one, either
disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite
number. Additionally, the term "having" as used herein in both the
disclosure and claims, is utilized in an open-ended manner.
[0307] A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that
the invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from
the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples
and embodiments are to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be
limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while specific
embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous
modifications and/or combinations may be made to these embodiments
without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of
protection, which is only limited by the scope of the accompanying
claims.
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