Fluid transfer device and method of use

Abstract

A fluid transfer device comprising a hollow piercing element having a first end for receiving a standard syringe nose or other similar medical device and a second end having a tapered tip for accessing fluid inside a medication container is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device has a disk-shaped stop for limiting entry of the piercing element into the vial. Preferably, the piercing element includes outwardly extending barbs which allow the device to be inserted into a vial but which prevent the device from being removed from the vial after insertion. After the syringe is disengaged from the device, the device and spent medication vial may be discarded as a unit. Alternatively, the device can remain attached to the vial, and a new syringe can be used to withdraw additional fluid from the vial when desired. In an alternate embodiment, a reusable, resealable valve is connected to the first end of the piercing element, which valve allows multiple syringes to be used with the piercing element. Various adaptors for using the device with intravascular (IV) lines and drip-bags are also disclosed.

1 . A medical connector for controlling the flow of fluid from a plurality of fluid sources, the connector comprising: 
 a first tubular body including a proximal end, a distal end, and a wall structure including a fluid passage;    a valve including a housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal cavity, the proximal end having an opening adapted to receive a male Luer of a first medical implement and the distal end in fluid communication with the proximal end of the first tubular body, the cavity having a neck portion adjacent the opening having at least a first cross-sectional width and a main portion distal the neck portion having at least a second cross-sectional width, the second cross-sectional width being larger than the first cross-sectional width; 
 a seal element having a proximal end, a neck portion, and a distal end, the seal element positioned at least partially in the cavity and adapted to move by insertion of the male Luer into the housing from a first position where at least a portion of the seal element bears against the housing to a second position, the proximal end of the seal in the first position being substantially flush with the opening of the housing to facilitate antiseptic wiping at a proximal end of the valve, at least a portion of the proximal end and at least a portion of the neck portion of the seal element being closer to the distal end of the seal element when in the second position than in the first position, the seal element further comprising an external wall comprising at least one recess when the seal element is in the first position to accommodate movement of the seal element within the cavity, the seal element in the first position having a first cross-sectional width adjacent the opening, a second cross-sectional width in the neck portion of the cavity, and a third cross-sectional width in the main portion of the cavity, the second cross-sectional width being smaller than the first cross-sectional width and the third cross-sectional width;  
   a second tubular body having a wall structure including a fluid passage such that the fluid passage is in direct communication with the fluid passage of the first tubular body, and wherein the first tubular body defines a first axial centerline and the second tubular body defines a second axial centerline extending at an angle to the first axial centerline.