IP Library Patent Application 13366019
Patent Application
App. No. 13/366,019

GAS ADAPTOR AND METHOD OF USE

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
13/366,019
Abstract

A system for safely delivering gas through a medical device to a patient and a method for using an exemplary system are disclosed. The system may be configured to minimize the risk of delivering an unwanted gas through mix up or mistake. A pneumatic fitting for use in medical procedures is also disclosed. The fitting may be configured to mate exclusively with a specific gas or fluid source.

Claims (42)

1 . A pneumatic system, comprising:

a pneumatic adaptor, comprising:

a nipple comprising a shaft including a nipple first end and a nipple second end, the nipple first end configured to mate with a gas source;

a connector including a connector first end and a connector second end, the connector first end coupled to the nipple second end and the connector second end configured to mate exclusively with a gas-specific medical tubing connector; and

a nut configured to couple the nipple to the gas source comprising:

a bore through which the shaft of the nipple passes; and

an aperture through which the first end of the nipple emerges; and

a first section of medical tubing comprising a first gas-specific medical tubing connector coupled to the second end of the connector on the pneumatic adaptor.

2 . The pneumatic system of claim 1 , further comprising a gas reservoir wherein the first section of medical tubing is coupled to the gas reservoir permitting fluid communication between the pneumatic adaptor and the gas reservoir.

3 . The pneumatic system of claim 1 , further comprising a syringe including a syringe connector, wherein the first medical tubing connector is configured to couple to the syringe connector.

4 . The pneumatic system of claim 3 , further comprising a second section of medical tubing coupled to a syringe nozzle on the syringe providing for fluid communication between the syringe and a patient.

5 . The pneumatic system of claim 4 , further comprising a stopcock positioned between the syringe and the first section of medical tubing, the stopcock being configured such that when the stopcock is in a first position, gas from the gas reservoir exclusively enters the syringe through the first section of medical tubing and when the stopcock is in a second position, gas in the syringe exits the syringe through the second section of medical tubing.

6 . The pneumatic system of claim 1 , further comprising an indicator configured to detect the presence or absence of a particular gas or fluid.

7 . A method for injecting gas into a patient, comprising:

coupling a pneumatic adaptor to a specific gas source, the pneumatic adaptor comprising a first end configured to mate exclusively with the specific gas source;

coupling a first section of medical tubing to a second end of the pneumatic adaptor, the second end comprising a connector specific to the gas from the gas source, and the first section of medical tubing being coupled to a gas reservoir;

accessing the gas source such that gas flows through the pneumatic adaptor into the gas reservoir via the first section of medical tubing;

uncoupling the first medical tubing connector from the pneumatic adaptor;

coupling the first section of medical tubing to a syringe connector coupled to a syringe, the syringe comprising a syringe plunger, syringe barrel, and syringe nozzle;

coupling a second section of medical tubing to the syringe nozzle and to the patient;

actuating the syringe plunger to draw gas from the gas reservoir and into the syringe barrel; and

applying positive pressure to the syringe plunger until gas is forced into the patient.

8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein a nut is coupled to the gas source using internal threads to secure the pneumatic adaptor onto the gas source.

9 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the gas is selected from at least one of the following: carbon dioxide, helium, medical air, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, and oxygen.

10 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising confirming the presence or absence of the specific gas by observing an indicator configured to detect the presence or absence of the specific gas.

11 . A carbon dioxide pneumatic adaptor, comprising:

a nipple, comprising:

a shaft comprising a nipple first end and a nipple second end, the nipple first end configured to mate exclusively with a carbon dioxide gas source;

a nipple central lumen running from the nipple first end to the nipple second end;

a flange positioned on the shaft between the nipple first end and the nipple second end;

a connector, comprising:

a connector first end coupled to the nipple second end;

a connector second end configured to mate exclusively with a gas-specific medical tubing connector;

a connector central lumen running from the connector first end to the connector second end such that the nipple and connector are in fluid communication; and

a nut coupled to the nipple, the nut configured to couple the nipple to a carbon dioxide gas source and the nut limits axial movement of the nipple by abutment with the flange positioned on the shaft of the nipple.

12 . The carbon dioxide adaptor of claim 11 , wherein the nut comprises internal threads that are configured to mate with a carbon dioxide regulator.

13 . The carbon dioxide adaptor of claim 11 , wherein the connector lumen and the nipple lumen are configured to form a fluid pathway between the carbon dioxide gas source and a section of medical tubing coupled to the connector second end.

14 . The carbon dioxide adaptor of claim 11 , wherein the connector first end is rigidly attached to the nipple by bonding the connector first end to the nipple second end.

15 . The carbon dioxide adaptor of claim 11 , wherein the connector first end is rigidly attached to the nipple by an interference fit between the connector first end and the nipple second end.

16 . The carbon dioxide adaptor of claim 11 , wherein the connector first end is rigidly attached to the nipple through the interaction of mating grooves and ridges on the connector first end and the nipple.

17 . The carbon dioxide adaptor of claim 11 , wherein the connector is coupled to the nipple such that some axial displacement is allowed.

18 . The carbon dioxide adaptor of claim 11 , further comprising further comprising an indicator configured to detect the presence or absence of carbon dioxide.

Assignments (2)
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jan 25, 2013
From: MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 029698/0033 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 30, 2012
From: LAMPROPOULOS, FRED; TAYLOR, GRAHAM; COLLARD, RICHARD; FERGUSON, F. MARK; MOTTOLA, JIM
To: MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
Reel/Frame 027962/0896 →