Apparatus and methods for intravenous gas elimination
A gas elimination apparatus and a method for use in an intravenous delivery system are provided. The apparatus includes in a fluid inlet coupling a fluid flow into a liquid chamber, a fluid outlet protruding into the liquid chamber, and a flow diversion member proximal to the fluid outlet. The flow diversion member configured to block a direct flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The apparatus includes a membrane separating a portion of the liquid chamber from an outer chamber and a gas venting valve fluidically coupling the outer chamber with the atmosphere. The flow diversion member may be mechanically supported by at least one strut or elongate member extending along a flow direction into the liquid chamber.
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a fluid inlet coupling a fluid flow into a liquid chamber;
a fluid outlet protruding into the liquid chamber;
a flow diversion member proximal to the fluid outlet, the flow diversion member configured to block a direct flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet;
a membrane separating a portion of the liquid chamber from an outer chamber, the membrane configured to allow a gas to pass through;
a gas venting valve fluidically coupling the outer chamber with an atmosphere, wherein the flow diversion member is mechanically supported by an elongate member extending along a flow direction into the liquid chamber; and
an absorbing element in the outer chamber, the absorbing element configured to absorb a fluid condensate in the outer chamber.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a support cage in the liquid chamber to provide mechanical support to the membrane.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the membrane is disposed on an inner face of the support cage, between the liquid chamber and the support cage.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the membrane is disposed on an outer face of the support cage, between the support cage and the outer chamber.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the membrane is embedded in the support cage by molding.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a wall perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the liquid chamber, the wall configured to be impermeable to a fluid in the liquid chamber and to the gas in the liquid chamber.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the liquid chamber comprises a cylinder with a longitudinal axis aligned with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and further wherein a cross section of the cylinder tapers toward the fluid outlet.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the flow diversion member comprises a spherical surface having a concave cutout portion facing the fluid outlet.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the flow diversion member comprises a semi-spherical surface having a flat portion facing the fluid outlet.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elongate member comprises a strut that is occluded from the fluid flow by the flow diversion member.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a wall surrounding the outer chamber, the wall including a fence around the gas venting valve, the fence configured to prevent an external object to exert pressure on the valve.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elongate member is supported by one of the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a gap between the flow diversion member and the fluid outlet is larger than about 0.5 mm.