Vial multi-access adapter

Abstract

A multi-access adapter operable to dispense doses of a medicament in succession from a bulk container, such as a vial. A preferred adapter may be used alone, or in combination with various discharge devices. A first preferred combination includes the adapter paired with a needle for injection of the medicament into one or more patients. A second preferred combination includes an atomizing nozzle affixed to the adapter and arranged for discharge of the medicament therethrough. Sometimes the atomizing nozzle carries a nostril guide structure that can be absorbent and may operate as a splash guard.

1 . In an atomizer of the type adapted to deliver treatment fluid in a misted form to a patient, the improvement comprising:
 a seal surface disposed near a fluid discharge orifice of said atomizer, said seal surface being arranged to couple with cooperating structure of a fluid extracting device that is operable to conduct fluid from the inside of a bulk fluid container effective to permit withdrawal of a dose of treatment fluid from said bulk fluid container for transfer of said dose through said discharge orifice and into a staging zone associated with said atomizer.   
     
     
         2 . The improvement of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said fluid extracting device comprises a needle carrying a female portion of a luer-locking joint at one end.   
     
     
         3 . The improvement of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said fluid extracting device comprises a needle of the stickless type.   
     
     
         4 . The improvement of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said fluid extracting device comprises a needle formed from a plastic material.   
     
     
         5 . The improvement of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said seal surface is structured to form a slip-fit connection between said seal surface and said cooperating structure.   
     
     
         6 . The improvement of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said seal surface comprises a male portion of a luer-locking joint.   
     
     
         7 . The improvement of  claim 1 , in combination with:
 a nostril guide comprising a passageway extending there-through from a proximal end to a distal end there-of, said passageway being structured and arranged to permit travel of said seal surface from said proximal end toward said distal end.   
     
     
         8 . The improvement of  claim 7 , wherein:
 a length of said passageway is sized to permit a portion of said seal surface to protrude distally there-from.   
     
     
         9 . The improvement of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said atomizer comprises:
 a length of fluid-communicating conduit; 
 said discharge orifice disposed in fluid communication through a swirling chamber to receive fluid provided from one end of said conduit; and 
 connection structure disposed at an opposite end of said conduit, said connection structure being configured and arranged to couple with a source of pressurized fluid. 
   
     
     
         10 . The improvement of  claim 9 , wherein:
 said connection structure comprises a female portion of a luer-locking joint.   
     
     
         11 . The improvement of  claim 10 , wherein:
 said connection structure comprises a thread of a luer-locking joint and a wing structured to facilitate twisting luer-locking structure into and out-of engagement.   
     
     
         12 . The improvement of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said staging zone comprises a syringe.   
     
     
         13 . The operable combination of a syringe, an atomizer, an extraction adapter, and a container capable of holding treatment fluid, wherein:
 fluid conducting structure that may be placed in fluid communication with said syringe is arranged to couple with said extraction adapter operably to extract a dose of said treatment fluid from within said container for passage of said dose along a flow path, a portion of said path extending through a discharge orifice of said atomizer, in a direction from said container toward said syringe as a plunger of said syringe is retracted.   
     
     
         14 . A method for use of a combination structured according to  claim 13 , comprising the steps of:
 placing said syringe in fluid communication with said atomizer;   coupling a seal surface of said atomizer with cooperating structure of said extraction device;   placing a fluid-communicating opening of said extraction adapter into said container;   using said syringe to draw a first quantity of treatment fluid from said container through said extraction adapter, at least a portion of said first quantity of treatment fluid being drawn through said discharge orifice;   de-coupling said atomizer from engagement with said extraction adapter; and   dispensing a dose of said treatment fluid to a treatment site of a patient by aiming a mist discharged from said atomizer while depressing a plunger of said syringe.   
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising:
 re-coupling said atomizer with said extraction device;   using said syringe to draw a second quantity of treatment fluid from said container through said extraction adapter, at least a portion of said second quantity of treatment fluid being drawn through said discharge orifice;   de-coupling said atomizer from engagement with said extraction adapter; and   dispensing a dose of said treatment fluid to a treatment site of a patient by aiming a mist discharged from said atomizer while depressing a plunger of said syringe.   
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising:
 placing a nostril guide over the dispensing end of said atomizer.   
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein:
 said extraction adapter comprises a needle.   
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein:
 said syringe is coupled directly to structure of said atomizer.   
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein:
 said extraction adapter is left in an installed position in said container during the time increment between drawing said first quantity and drawing said second quantity.   
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein:
 said container is a normally-sealed container; and   said extraction adapter is structured to pierce a re-sealable portion of said container.