Low profile, pivotal connection infusion assembly
This invention relates to therapeutic infusion assemblies, more specifically a device for the subcutaneous delivery of a fluid from a remote source. Applicant provides a base assembly which has a fluid channel therein and a cannula extending vertically downward from a flat bottom. A fluid connector member which receives a fluid bearing line from the remote fluid source and the fluid connector member pivotably and removably connects to the base member. The manner of connection is “hinged” allowing the fluid connector to move from a non-use position by rotation downward to a used position. In the use position a fluid channel in the fluid connector will connect with a fluid channel in the base to provide fluid to the cannula and to the patient.
1. An infusion system for delivery of a fluid from a remote source into a patient's body comprising:
a main fluid infusion unit having a cannula, said cannula attached at a near end to an underside of said main fluid infusion unit, a first fluid channel in fluid communication with said cannula, and a first hinge section;
a fluid connection line having a near end and a removed end, said fluid connection line engagable at said removed end to a remote fluid source; and
a fluid connector assembly having a second fluid channel attachable to said near end of said fluid connection line, and a second hinge section;
said first hinge section cooperating with said second hinge section to allow pivotal movement of said fluid connector assembly relative to said main fluid infusion unit from a first non-delivery position wherein the first hinge section is engaging the second hinge section but the fluid connector assembly and the main fluid infusion unit are spaced apart such that said first fluid channel is not in fluid communication with said second fluid channel to a second delivery position wherein the fluid connector assembly is brought into engagement with the main fluid infusion unit due to pivoting about the hinge sections and said first fluid channel is in fluid communication with said second fluid channel to deliver said fluid from a remote source through said cannula.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising:
a main fluid infusion unit emplacement member having an insertion needle, said insertion needle adapted to extend through said main fluid infusion unit and extend beyond a distal end of said cannula when said system is in a first emplacement position.
3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a septum.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said septum is homogenous.
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a septum wherein at least a portion of said septum is positioned above said first fluid channel in said main fluid infusion unit.
6. The system of claim 1 further comprising:
a first fluid channel protector affixed to said main fluid infusion unit for occluding a port opening in said first fluid channel, said protector movable from a first occluding position to a second non-occluding position.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said fluid connector assembly further comprises:
a protector engagement member, said protector engagement member urging said first fluid channel protector from said first occluding to said second non-occluding position as said fluid connector assembly is pivoted about said first and second hinge sections.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein said protective member engagement member includes a cam.
9. The system of claim 6 wherein said main fluid infusion unit further comprises slots cooperating with legs on said first fluid channel protector, said slots adapted to guide said first fluid channel protector from said first occluding position to said second non-occluding position.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein said second hinge section of said fluid connector assembly is on a first end of said fluid connector assembly, said cooperating first and second hinge sections forming an articulation point such that a closing force applied on an opposite end of the fluid connector assembly urges said system from said first non-delivery position to said second delivery position.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein said first hinge section includes walls defining a cutout, and wherein said fluid connector assembly includes a projecting member adapted for pivotal receipt into said cutout.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein said first hinge section includes walls defining a hook and said second hinge section includes an arm for pivotal engagement with said hook.
13. The system of claim 1 , wherein:
the main fluid infusion unit comprises a base that is substantially planar: and
the fluid connector assembly comprises a top that is substantially planar;
wherein the base of the main fluid infusion unit and the top of the fluid connector assembly are in a non-parallel relationship when the fluid connector assembly is in the non-delivery position and in a substantially parallel relationship when the fluid connector assembly is in the fluid delivery position.