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 first portion having a proximal end including an opening configured to receive a delivery end of a first medical implement, a second portion having a distal end in fluid communication with the proximal end of the first tubular body, and an internal cavity, the housing further comprising a first region positioned near the proximal end having a first cross-sectional width, a second region positioned in a distal direction from the first region having a second cross-sectional width, the second cross-sectional width being larger than the first cross-sectional width; 
 a seal element comprising a proximal end, a distal end, an internal cavity, and an external surface comprising a radially outwardly extending portion, wherein an outward portion of the outwardly extending portion is positioned between the first portion of the housing and the second portion of the housing to secure the radially outwardly extending portion with a tight fit, the seal element adapted to move from a first position in which the proximal end of the seal element is positioned adjacent the opening of the housing to a second position in which the proximal end of the seal element is positioned in a distal direction from its location in the first position, the proximal end of the seal element further comprising an orifice extending between an external surface of the seal element and the internal cavity of the seal element, the orifice being in an open position when fluid is permitted to flow through the valve and being in a closed position when fluid is not permitted to flow through the valve;  
   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.