Apparatus for administrating toxic fluid

[0002] This application is a continuation of PCT/SE96/01411 filed Nov. 4, 1996.

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a device for administrating a toxic fluid, comprising an infusion device for connection to an infusion bag, which infusion device is provided with an insertion portion for connecting the bag, and an infusion chamber for dosing a fluid flow via a flow duct in the insertion portion from the bag to an outlet arranged on the chamber, which insertion portion also comprises a ventilating duct which extends between the bag and the outside of the infusion device and ends in a connection arranged on the side of the infusion device for supplying the fluid to be administrated.

[0005] In medical care highly toxic fluids, e.g. cytotoxic drugs or antiviral antibiotics, are dealt with. Each discharge of such fluids entails health hazards for staff and patients. Protective equipment should always be used when handling such fluids, e.g. fume cupboards, protective gloves and garments.

[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0007] A system with penetrable double membranes is disclosed in SE-B-434,700, which system facilitates preparation and administration of a toxic fluid without it coming into contact with breathable air. However, there are still drawbacks when administrating to a patient via infusion, whereby an injector connected to the conical connection of an infusion bag of standard type under certain circumstances could come loose. In such a case are both membranes penetrated, so that discharge to breathable air can take place.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to accomplish an injector connection for supplying drugs to an infusion bag of standard type, which connection eliminates the risk of the drug coming in contact with breathable air.

[0009] This is accomplished according to the invention by the connection being provided with at least one membrane, which is air tight and penetrable by an injection needle.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the infusion device of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the infusion device of the invention in combination with an infusion bag.

[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an infusion device 10 for connecting an infusion bag 20. The infusion device comprises and insertion portion 11 for connecting the bag, and an infusion chamber 12 which in a known manner facilitates dosing a fluid flow through the chamber.

[0013] The insertion portion 11 also comprises on the one hand a flow duct 13, which extends from the bag into the chamber 12, and on the other hand a ventilating duct 14, which makes it possible to obtain a controllable supply of air to the bag so that the infusion fluid can evacuate from the bag in a controlled way. For this purpose the ventilating duct 14 is perpendicular and ends in a luer connection 15, which can be used for mounting an adjustable adjusting device for the supply of air to the bag.

[0014] A connection 16 with bayonet socket for an injector, which is not shown, is mounted outside the luer connection 15, e.g. using a cyan acrylate glue. The connection 16 is provided with a membrane 17, which is penetrable by an injection needle and which reseals when the needle is being withdrawn. A suitable material for the membrane is silicone.

[0015] When administrating via infusion with the infusion device according to the invention, the infusion device is first connected normally to a bag with an infusion fluid. The infusion chamber and the tube is thereafter filled with an infusion fluid. An injector (not shown) with a corresponding bayonet socket, which is loaded with the drug to be administrated, and with an infusion needle connected thereto is mounted in the connection 16. The needle of the injector is now used to penetrate the membrane of the injector from the injector to the bag via the ventilating duct 14. Thereafter the injector needle is withdrawn through both membranes, so that the injector can be demounted. The infusion can now be started after mixing the contents of the bag.

[0016] The invention is not limited to the above described embodiment. For instance, the above described connection 16 provided with membrane can be connected to a container of a flexible material, such as a bag, which can be used as an air container, or to receive excess fluid.