LIQUID DRUG TRANSFER DEVICES

Abstract

Liquid drug transfer devices with universal drug vial adapters for use with a drug vial of a small drug vial and a large drug vial. Some universal drug vial adapters employ the same generally opposite upright flex members for clamping a small drug vial and a large drug vial. Other universal drug vial adapters include a set of minor flex members for clamping a small drug vial and a set of major flex members encircling the set of minor flex members for clamping a large drug vial whereupon the large drug vial underlies the set of minor flex members. Liquid drug transfer devices with a universal injection port connector for attachment on an injection port of an infusion bag.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to liquid drug transfer devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Liquid drug transfer devices including universal drug vial adapters for telescopic mounting on a drug vial of a small drug vial and a large drug vial can be classified into one of two types as follows:

First, a universal drug vial adapter shaped and dimensioned to telescopically clamp equally on a small drug vial and a large drug vial. Exemplary prior art references include inter alia U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,179 to Poli et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,656,433 to Sasso, U.S. Pat. No. 6,875,205 to Leinsing, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,469,939 to Fangrow.

And second, a universal drug vial adapter shaped and dimensioned to telescopically clamp on a large drug vial only and provided with a vial coupling adapter for insertion thereinto shaped and dimensioned to telescopically clamp on a small drug vial only. U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,397 to Peterson et al discloses a Medication Vial/Syringe Liquid Transfer Apparatus including a liquid transfer apparatus (20) with a liquid drug transfer device (24) and a vial coupling adapter (26).

Some liquid drug transfer devices are intended to be mounted on injection ports of infusion bags containing infusion liquid. Different suppliers of infusion bags provide injection ports of different sizes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,671 to Aalto et al. discloses a reconstitution device (10) including a plastic housing (52) for sealed mounting on an injection site (34). The plastic housing (34) includes a rigid tubular double pointed needle (54).

There is a need for liquid drug transfer devices with improved universal drug vial adapters for mixing, reconstitution and administration purposes and improved injection port connectors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is directed toward liquid drug transfer devices with universal drug vial adapters for telescopic clamping a drug vial of a so-called small drug vial and a so-called large drug vial. Large drug vials have the same shape as small drug vials but proportionally larger dimensions. In particular, large drug vials have a drug vial closure and a drug vial neck with wider diameters than their counterpart small drug vials. For the purpose of the present description, so-called small drug vials are widely commercially available 13 mm drug vials and so-called large drug vials are widely commercially available 20 mm drug vials. The present invention is equally applicable to larger so-called small drug vials and so-called large drug vials containing larger liquid volumes, for example, a 28 mm diameter drug vial closure and a 32 mm diameter drug vial closure, respectively.

Some preferred embodiments of the liquid drug transfer devices in accordance with the present invention include a universal drug vial adapter employing the same at least one pair of generally opposite upright flex members for clamping a small drug vial and a large drug vial by virtue of the inherent flexibility of the plastic material, for example, polycarbonate, and the like, from which the universal drug vial adapters are manufactured. The at least one pair of flex members are resiliently flexibly mounted on crosspieces towards a drug vial base as opposed to a drug vial head on telescopically clamping a universal drug vial adapter on a drug vial. The flex members have flex member free ends opposite their respective crosspieces which each include an inward radial directed drug vial grip. The inward radial directed drug vial grips underlie a drug vial head on telescopically clamping a universal drug vial adapter on a drug vial. Generally speaking, the flex members are outwardly resiliently flexed correspondingly at their crosspieces with respect to the longitudinal drug vial adapter axis to a greater extent on telescopically clamping the universal drug vial adapter on a large drug vial compared to telescopically mounting the universal drug vial adapter on a small drug vial.

Other preferred embodiments of the liquid drug transfer devices in accordance with the present invention include a universal drug vial adapter employing a set of minor flex members for telescopically clamping a small drug vial and a set of major flex members encircling the set of minor flex members for telescopically clamping a large drug vial whereupon the large drug vial underlies the set of minor flex members. The set of major flex members are preferably arranged such that the set of minor flex members are free to outwardly flex with respect to a longitudinal drug vial adapter axis on being telescopically clamped on a small drug vial without interference from the set of major flex members.

A wide range of liquid drug transfer devices can be formed with the universal drug vial adapters of the present invention for different liquid drug transfer purposes. The universal drug vial adapters can be optionally formed in vented and unvented versions. Some liquid drug transfer devices can include an integral access port and an integral puncturing member for puncturing a drug vial stopper on telescopically clamping a drug vial for enabling flow communication with its interior. Such liquid drug transfer devices include inter alia a female drug vial adapter with a female Luer connector, a male drug vial adapter including a male Luer connector, and the like.

Other liquid drug transfer devices can be so-called ready-to-use medical devices including a pre-attached intact, namely, not punctured, drug vial. Such liquid drug transfer devices can include a discrete liquid transfer member with a puncturing member for puncturing a drug vial on actuation. The universal drug vial adapters of the present invention are preferably designed such that an intact drug vial can be readily released by a drug vial release tool for subsequent use, thereby avoiding possible drug waste. Intact drug vials can be possibly returned to suitable storage conditions without a bulky liquid drug transfer device.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to liquid drug transfer devices with a universal injection port connector for attachment to a conventional injection port of an infusion bag. Conventional injection ports include an injection port tip with a trailing injection port tip rim disposed behind an exposed plug surface of a self-sealing plug for needle injection of syringe contents into an infusion bag. The universal injection port connectors include a multitude of curved connector members which are outwardly urged from their non-flexed position on forced inward insertion of an injection port tip therethrough such that the multitude of curved connector members snap behind the trailing injection port tip rim, thereby precluding sliding withdrawal of the injection port tip from the universal injection port connector. By virtue of their curved shape, the connector members of the universal injection port connector of the present invention are capable of countering a greater withdrawal force compared to straight connector members. Moreover, the curved connector members facilitate mounting on different sizes of injection ports typically of different suppliers of infusion liquid containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it can be carried out in practice, preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which similar parts are likewise numbered, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a syringe, a small drug vial, a large drug vial, and a first preferred embodiment of a liquid drug transfer device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of FIG. 1's liquid drug transfer device;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 1's liquid drug transfer device;

FIG. 4A is a right side elevation view of FIG. 1's liquid drug transfer device;

FIG. 4B is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 1's liquid drug transfer device along line A-A in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a front elevation view of FIG. 1's liquid drug transfer device;

FIG. 5B is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 1's liquid drug transfer device along line B-B in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of FIG. 1's liquid drug transfer device telescopically clamped on a small drug vial;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 6's assemblage along line C-C thereon;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of FIG. 1's liquid drug transfer device telescopically clamped on a large drug vial;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 8's assemblage along line D-D thereon;

FIG. 10 is a pictorial view showing syringe aspiration of liquid contents from FIG. 6's assemblage;

FIG. 11 is a pictorial view showing syringe aspiration of liquid contents from FIG. 8's assemblage;

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross section of a second preferred embodiment of a liquid drug transfer device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 12's liquid drug transfer device in a flow communication position;

FIG. 14 is a pictorial view of a third preferred embodiment of a liquid drug transfer device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a pictorial view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a liquid drug transfer device in accordance with the present invention and an infusion liquid container;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of FIG. 15's liquid drug transfer device;

FIG. 17A is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 15's liquid drug transfer device in an initial pre-actuated position along line E-E in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17B is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 15's liquid drug transfer device in an intermediate position for puncturing a drug vial along line E-E in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17C is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 15's liquid drug transfer device in an actuated position for puncturing an infusion liquid container along line E-E in FIG. 15;

FIG. 18A is a front elevation view of a drug vial release tool in its set-up position;

FIG. 18B is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 18A's drug vial release tool along line F-F thereon;

FIG. 19A is a front elevation view of the drug vial release tool in its operative vial release position to release a drug vial;

FIG. 19B is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 19A's drug vial release tool along line G-G thereon;

FIG. 20A is a front elevation view of the drug vial release tool in its set-up position mounted on FIG. 15's liquid drug transfer device with a pre-attached intact drug vial;

FIG. 20B is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 20A's assemblage along line H-H thereon;

FIG. 21A is a front elevation view of the drug vial release tool in its operative vial release position mounted on FIG. 15's liquid drug transfer device with a pre-attached intact drug vial;

FIG. 21B is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 21A's assemblage along line I-I thereon;

FIG. 22A is a front elevation view of the drug vial release tool mounted on FIG. 15's liquid drug transfer device and a detached intact drug vial;

FIG. 22B is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 22A's assemblage along line J-J thereon;

FIG. 23A is a front elevation view of the drug vial release tool in an inoperative position mounted on FIG. 15's liquid drug transfer device with a punctured drug vial after a partial manual actuation rotation;

FIG. 23B is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 23A's assemblage along line K-K thereon;

FIG. 24 is a front top perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a liquid drug transfer device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of FIG. 24's liquid drug transfer device;

FIG. 26 is a right side elevation view of FIG. 24's liquid drug transfer device;

FIG. 27 is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 24's liquid drug transfer device along line L-L on FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a right side elevation view of FIG. 24's liquid drug transfer device telescopically clamped on a small drug vial;

FIG. 29 is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 28's assemblage along line M-M thereon;

FIG. 30 is a front elevation view of FIG. 24's liquid drug transfer device mounted on a large drug vial;

FIG. 31 is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 30's assemblage along line N-N thereon;

FIG. 32 is a pictorial view showing syringe aspiration of liquid contents from FIG. 28's assemblage;

FIG. 33 is a pictorial view showing syringe aspiration of liquid contents from FIG. 30's assemblage;

FIG. 34 is a front perspective view of a conventional liquid drug transfer device for attaching to an injection port;

FIG. 35 is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 34's liquid drug transfer device along line O-O thereon deployed with a conventional injection port connector for attaching to an injection port;

FIG. 36 is a top view of FIG. 35's conventional injection port connector;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a universal injection port connector in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 37's universal injection port connector along line P-P thereon;

FIG. 39 is a front perspective view of an infusion bag with a so-called small injection port;

FIG. 40 is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 34's liquid drug transfer device with FIG. 37's universal injection port connector mounted on FIG. 39's small injection port;

FIG. 41 is a front perspective view of an infusion bag with a so-called large injection port tip; and

FIG. 42 is a longitudinal cross section of FIG. 34's liquid drug transfer device with FIG. 37's universal injection port connector mounted on FIG. 41's large injection port.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a syringe 10, a small drug vial 20A, a large drug vial 20B, and a liquid drug transfer device 100 constituted as a female vial adapter for use with the syringe 10 and a drug vial 20 of the small drug vial 20A and the large drug vial 20B.

The syringe 10 includes a barrel 11 with a plunger rod 12 and a male Luer lock connector 13. The syringe 10 can be formed with other types of male connectors, for example, a slip Luer connector, and the like. The syringe 10 is typically filled with diluent. Alternatively, the syringe 10 can include an active liquid component.

The drug vials 20 have a longitudinal drug vial axis 21 and include a drug vial body 22 having a drug vial base 23, a drug vial head 24 defining a drug vial opening 26, and a narrow diameter drug vial neck 27 between the drug vial body 22 and the drug vial head 24. The drug vials 20 have a drug vial interior 28 for storing a powder or liquid medicament 29. The drug vials 20 are sealed by a drug vial stopper 31 inserted into the drug vial opening 26. The drug vial stopper 31 has an uppermost drug vial surface 32. The drug vials 20 are hermetically sealed by a drug vial closure 33 constituted, for example, by an aluminum band, and the like.

Widely commercially available small drug vials 20A have a drug vial closure 33 with an external diameter D1 of between 13 mm and 14 mm and widely commercially available large drug vials 20B have a drug vial closure 33 with an external diameter D2>D1 and typically between 20 mm and 21 mm.

FIGS. 1 to 11 show the liquid drug transfer device 100 includes a universal drug vial adapter 200A and a female Luer connector 101 for engagement with the syringe's male Luer lock connector 13. The liquid drug transfer device 100 includes a tubular puncturing member 102 in flow communication with the female Luer connector 101 for enabling flow access to a drug vial interior 28.

The universal drug vial adapter 200A has a longitudinal drug vial adapter axis 201 and a skirt 202 for defining a drug vial cavity 203 for snugly telescopically receiving at least a top part of the drug vial 20B therein and therefore inherently a top part of the drug vial 20A. The skirt 202 includes a top wall 204 constituted by an annular centerpiece 206 with a first pair of two radial directed struts 207 and a second pair of two radial directed struts 208. The annular centerpiece 206 is formed with the upright female Luer connector 101.

The skirt 202 includes a first pair of axial directed spaced apart flex member supports 209 and 211 downward depending from the radial directed struts 207. The skirt 202 includes a second pair of axial directed spaced apart flex member supports 212 and 213 downward depending from the radial directed struts 208. The first pair of axial directed flex member supports 209 and 211 are opposite the second pair of axial directed flex member supports 212 and 213.

The flex member support 209 has a proximate end 209A adjacent the top wall 204 and a distal end 209B remote therefrom. The flex member support 211 has a proximate end 211A adjacent the top wall 204 and a distal end 211B remote therefrom. The flex member support 212 has a proximate end 212A adjacent the top wall 204 and a distal end 212B remote therefrom. The flex member support 213 has a proximate end 213A adjacent the top wall 204 and a distal end 213B remote therefrom.

The skirt 202 includes a single continuous annular support 214 including a first crosspiece 216 extending between the distal ends 209B and 211B, a second crosspiece 217 extending between the distal ends 212B and 213B, a third crosspiece 218 extending between the distal ends 209B and 212B and a fourth crosspiece 219 extending between the distal ends 211B and 213B.

The skirt 202 includes an axial directed first flex member 221 resiliently flexibly mounted on the first crosspiece 216, an axial directed second flex member 222 resiliently flexibly mounted on the second crosspiece 217 and opposite the first flex member 221, an axial directed third flex member 223 resiliently flexibly mounted on the third crosspiece 218 between the first flex member 221 and the second flex member 222, and an axial directed fourth flex member 224 resiliently flexibly mounted on the fourth crosspiece 219 and opposite the third flex member 223.

The first flex member 221 has a first flex member free end 221A remote from the first crosspiece 216 and an inward radial directed first drug vial grip 221B theretoward. The second flex member 222 has a second flex member free end 222A remote from the second crosspiece 217 and an inward radial directed second drug vial grip 222B theretoward. The third flex member 223 has a third flex member free end 223A remote from the third crosspiece 218 and an inward radial directed third drug vial grip 223B theretoward. The fourth flex member 224 has a fourth flex member free end 224A remote from the fourth crosspiece 219 and an inward radial directed fourth drug vial grip 224B theretoward.

The first drug vial grip 221B and the second drug vial grip 222B define a separation S therebetween where S<D1 and similarly the third drug vial grip 223B and the fourth drug vial grip 224B define the separation S therebetween such that they underlie a drug vial closure 33 of a drug vial 20A on telescopically clamping the liquid drug transfer device 100 thereon. Since D2>D1, the drug vial grips 221B, 222B, 223B and 224B also underlie a drug vial closure 33 of a drug vial 20B.

The flex members 221, 222, 223 and 224 are generally parallel to the longitudinal drug vial adapter axis 201 before telescopically clamping the liquid drug transfer device 100 on a drug vial 20A. On telescopically clamping the liquid drug transfer device 100 on a drug vial 20A, the flex members 221, 222, 223 and 224 are outwardly resiliently flexed at their respective crosspieces 216, 217, 218 and 219 with respect to the longitudinal drug vial adapter axis 201 as the drug vial closure 33 passes from beneath the drug vial grips 221B, 222B, 223B and 224B to thereabove under the top wall 204 whereupon the flex members 221, 222, 223 and 224 revert to being generally parallel to the longitudinal drug vial adapter axis 201 as depicted by dashed lines A in FIGS. 6 and 7.

In the case of telescopically clamping the liquid drug transfer device 100 on a drug vial 20B, the flex members 221, 222, 223 and 224 are further outwardly resiliently flexed at their respective crosspieces 216, 217, 218 and 219 with respect to the longitudinal drug vial adapter axis 201 relative to the drug vial 20A due to the former 20B have a wide diameter drug vial closure 33 than the latter 20A. In the case of the drug vial 20B, the flex members 221, 222, 223 and 224 are prevented from fully reverting to being generally parallel to the longitudinal drug vial adapter axis 201 but rather remain outwardly flexed with respect to their original unflexed position as depicted by dashed lines B in FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 10 shows a syringe 10 attached to the liquid drug transfer device 100 mounted on a drug vial 20A for mixing, reconstitution and aspiration purposes.

FIG. 11 shows a syringe 10 attached to the liquid drug transfer device 100 mounted on a drug vial 20B for mixing, reconstitution and aspiration purposes.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a liquid drug transfer device 110 including a universal drug vial adapter 200B and intended for use with a discrete dual ended liquid transfer member 111 formed with a female Luer connector 112 and a puncturing cannula 113 in flow communication therewith. The liquid drug transfer device 110 is similar in construction to the liquid drug transfer device 100 and differs therefrom insofar as its universal drug vial adapter 200B has a top wall 204 formed with the annular centerpiece 206 and a retainer arrangement 226 for retaining the liquid transfer member 111 above the annular centerpiece 206 ready for actuation. The puncturing cannula 113 is covered by a sheath 114 which maintains sterile conditions during storage and for use as a sealing member for use with a drug vial 20. The liquid drug transfer device 110 can be telescopically mounted on a drug vial 20 ready for subsequent actuation by downward depression of the liquid transfer member 111.

FIG. 14 shows a liquid drug transfer device 120 as disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,372 to Zinger et al. including a fluid control device 121 and a universal drug vial adapter 200C for screw thread engagement thereon.

FIGS. 15 to 17 show a liquid drug transfer device 130 for use with an infusion liquid container 40 exemplary shown as an IV bag. The IV bag 40 includes an injection port 41, an administration port 42 and liquid contents 43. The IV bag ports 41 and 42 are in the form of plastic tubing. The injection port 41 terminates in an injection port tip 44 containing a self-sealing plug 46 with an exposed plug surface 47 intended for needle injection of syringe contents into the IV bag 40. The injection port tip 44 has a trailing injection port tip rim 48. The administration port 42 is typically sealed by a twist off cap 49 for insertion of an IV spike for administration purposes.

The liquid drug transfer device 130 has a longitudinal liquid drug transfer device axis 131 and includes an injection port adapter 132, a dual ended liquid transfer member 133 and a universal drug vial adapter 200D. The injection port adapter 132 is preferably provided with a universal injection port connector 250 for attachment on the injection port 41. The liquid transfer member 133 is provided with a needle 134 for puncturing the injection port 41 and terminates in a puncturing tip 136 for puncturing a drug vial stopper 31. The needle 134 is protected by a sheath 134A and the puncturing tip 136 is protected by a sheath 136A.

The liquid transfer member 133 is formed with a leading drill like bit 137 and a trailing pair of outward directed pins 138. The universal drug vial adapter 200D differs from the universal drug vial adapter 200A insofar that it has a top wall 204 formed with an axial directed tubular stem 227 on the annular centerpiece 206. The stem 227 has a pair of opposite generally helical tracks 228 for corresponding engagement by the pair of outward radial pins 138. The tracks 228 each have a start track end 228A remote from the top wall 204 and a final track end 228B adjacent the top wall 204.

The drill like bit 137 has a leading stopper 139A and a trailing stopper 139B. The injection port adapter 132 has an internal surface 141 formed with an inward radial directed leading flange 142A and an inward directed trailing flange 142B.

FIG. 17A shows the leading stopper 139A is disposed on the leading flange 142A in an initial pre-actuated position of the liquid drug transfer device 130. The puncturing tip 136 is deployed above or at the top wall 204 such that an intact drug vial 20 can be telescopically clamped in the universal drug vial adapter 200D for subsequent use. On telescopic mounting a drug vial in the universal drug vial adapter 200D, the puncturing tip 136 is spaced apart from its uppermost drug vial surface 32. The liquid drug transfer device 130 has a height H1 in its initial pre-actuated position.

FIG. 17B shows initial manual actuation rotation of the universal drug vial adapter 200D in a clockwise tightening direction around the longitudinal axis 131 as depicted by arrow A in FIG. 15 leads to the universal drug vial adapter 200D traveling along the liquid transfer member 133 until the outward directed pins 138 stop at the final track ends 228B. This linear movement causes the puncturing tip 136 to puncture through a drug vial stopper 31 into a drug vial interior 28 of a previously clamped drug vial 20 for establishing flow communication with its drug vial interior 28. The liquid drug transfer device 130 has a height H2 in its intermediate drug vial puncturing position where H2<H1.

FIG. 17C shows continuing manual actuation rotation of the universal drug vial adapter 200D in the same clockwise tightening direction leads to the combined movement of the liquid transfer member 133 and the universal drug vial adapter 200D until the trailing stop 141B stops against the trailing flange 142. This linear movement urges the needle 134 towards the universal injection port connector 250 for puncturing an injection port 41, thereby establishing flow communication between an infusion liquid container 40 and a drug vial 20. The liquid drug transfer device 130 has a height H3 in its actuated infusion liquid container puncturing position where H3<H2.

The liquid drug transfer device 130 is preferably provided with a pre-attached intact drug vial 20. The liquid drug transfer device 130 can optionally be pre-attached to an infusion liquid container 40. Accordingly, a user is required to execute a single manual actuation rotation for establishing flow communication between an infusion liquid container and a drug vial.

FIGS. 18 to 23 show a drug vial release tool 300 for releasing an intact drug vial 20 from the liquid drug transfer device 130 in its initial set-up state before having undergone a manual actuation rotation. The construction and operation of the drug vial release tool 300 is shown with reference to a drug vial 20B and equally applies to a drug vial 20A.

The drug vial release tool 300 has a longitudinal tool axis 301 and includes an open-topped housing 302 having a peripheral wall 303, a bottom wall 304 and a top rim 306. The housing 302 is intended to slidingly receive the universal drug vial adapter 200D with a pre-attached intact drug vial 20. The peripheral wall 303 has an internal surface 307 having with four longitudinal directed slots 308 for slidingly receiving the four equispaced downward depending flex member supports 209, 211, 212 and 213 for ensuring correct rotational alignment of the universal drug vial adapter 200D in the drug vial release tool 300. The longitudinal directed slots 308 are each formed with a stopper 309 for stopping the sliding insertion of the universal drug vial adapter 200D into the drug vial release tool 300 such that an intact drug vial 20 is at a height H4 above the inside bottom wall 304 (see FIG. 20B). In the case of manual actuation rotation of the liquid drug transfer device 130, the universal drug vial adapter 132 prevents full insertion of the universal liquid drug adapter 200D into the drug vial release tool 300 as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B in which the punctured drug vial is at a height H5 above the bottom wall 304.

The housing 302 is formed with four longitudinal directed rectangular apertures 311 in registration with the four resiliently flexible upward depending flex members 221, 222, 223 and 224 on sliding insertion of the universal drug vial adapter 200D thereinto. The drug vial release tool 300 includes an annular railing 312 encircling the housing 302. The railing 312 supports four pivotal release members 313 each having a release member rim 314. The release members 313 have a set-up position enabling free sliding insertion of the universal drug vial adapter 200D into the housing 302 (see FIGS. 20A and 20B). The release members 313 are operable to an operative position such that their release member rims 314 are disposed in the separations between the top wall 204 and the flexible flex members 221, 222, 223 and 224 (see FIGS. 21A and 21B). The release members 313 are manually operated to outwardly flex the flex members 221, 222, 223 and 234 with respect to the longitudinal tool axis 301 thereby freeing the drug vial 20 which drops onto the bottom wall 304 (see FIGS. 22A and 22B).

FIGS. 23A and 23B show that in the case the liquid drug transfer device 130 has been partially actuated to puncture the drug vial 20, the universal drug vial adapter 200D rests on the top rim 306 on its insertion into the drug vial release tool 300, the release members 313 are not aligned with the separations between the top wall 204 and the flex members 221, 222, 223 and 224 but rather their release member tips 314 directly face the flex members 221, 222, 223 and 224 and are therefore inoperable to release the punctured drug vial 20.

FIGS. 24 to 33 show a liquid drug transfer device 150 for use with a syringe 10, and a drug vial of a small drug vial 20A and a large drug vial 20B. The liquid drug transfer device 150 is similar to the liquid drug transfer device 100 insofar it includes a universal drug vial adapter 200E, a female Luer connector 101, and a tubular puncturing member 102 in flow communication with the female Luer connector 101 for enabling flow access to a drug vial interior 28. The universal drug vial adapter 200E is similar to the universal drug vial adapter 200A insofar it has a longitudinal drug vial adapter axis 201, a skirt 202, a drug vial cavity 203 for snugly telescopically receiving at least a top part of a drug vial 20B therein and therefore inherently a top part of a drug vial 20A, and a top wall 204 transverse to the longitudinal drug vial adapter axis 201.

The puncturing member 102 has a pair of elongated flow apertures 151 each having a proximal end 152A adjacent the top wall 204 and a distal end 152B adjacent a puncturing tip 153. The proximal ends 152A are adjacent the top wall 204 to ensure that the entire liquid contents of a drug vial 20A can be aspirated therefrom on inversion of an assemblage of the liquid drug transfer device 150 and a drug vial 20A. The distal ends 152B are adjacent the puncturing tip 153 to ensure that the puncturing member 102 is in flow communication with a drug vial 20B's drug vial interior 28 in an assemblage of the liquid drug transfer device 150 and a drug vial 20B.

The liquid drug transfer device 150 includes a thin sheath 154 covering the puncturing member 102. The sheath 154 is urged towards the top wall 204 on mounting the liquid drug transfer device 150 on a drug vial 20A and a drug vial 20B. In the former case, FIG. 29 shows the sheath 154 is flattened between the top wall 204 and the drug vial 20A's uppermost drug vial surface 32. In the latter case, FIG. 31 shows the sheath 154 takes on a bellows like appearance between the top wall 204 and the drug vial 20B's uppermost drug vial surface 32. The sheath 154 acts as a sealing member for sealing the proximal ends 152A of the elongated flow apertures 151 which are exposed between the top wall 204 and the drug vial 20B's uppermost drug vial surface 32.

The skirt 202 includes a set of minor flex members 230 for telescopically clamping on a drug vial 20A's drug vial head. The set of minor flex members 230 includes a pair of opposite minor flex members 231A and 231B for telescopically clamping on a drug vial 20A's drug vial head 24. The minor flex members 231 each have a free minor flex member end 232A and 232B distal from the top wall 204 and an inner directed rim 233A and 233B for snap fitting on a drug vial 20A's drug vial head 24.

The skirt 202 includes a set of major flex members 234 for telescopically clamping on a drug vial 20B's drug vial closure 33. The set of major flex members 234 includes a first pair of adjacent major flex members 236A and 236B and a second pair of adjacent major flex members 237A and 237B opposite the first pair of adjacent major flex members 236A and 236B. The set of major flex members 234 includes pairs of adjacent major flex members 236 and 237 for ensuring they clamp two opposite major lengths of the periphery of a drug vial 20B's drug vial closure 33.

The major flex members 236 and 237 are each formed with a longitudinal directed window 238 and an inner directed rim 239 for snap fitting on a drug vial 20B's drug vial closure 33. The major flex members 236A and 237A are spaced apart to leave a separation 241A therebetween. The major flex members 236B and 237B are spaced apart to leave a separation 241B therebetween. The minor flex members 231 are aligned with the separations 241 whereby, on telescopically clamping the liquid drug transfer device 150 on a drug vial 20A, the minor flex members 231 are unhindered by the major flex members 236 and 237 to outwardly flex relative to the longitudinal drug vial adapter axis 201.

FIGS. 28 and 29 show the liquid drug transfer device 150 mounted on a drug vial 20A. The puncturing member 102 entirely punctures through its drug vial stopper 31 such that the proximal ends 152A are within its drug vial interior 28.

FIGS. 30 and 31 show the liquid drug transfer device 150 mounted on a drug vial 20B. The set of minor flex members 230 acts as an abutment member to distance the drug vial 20B from the top wall 204 whereupon the drug vial 20B's uppermost drug vial surface 32 underlies the minor flex member free ends 232A and 232B.

The top portion of puncturing member 102 remains exposed between the top wall 204 and the drug vial's uppermost drug vial surface 32. The sheath 154 assumes a bellows like appearance between the top wall 204 and the drug vial 20B's uppermost drug vial surface 32 for acting as a sealing member for the exposed lengths of the elongated flow apertures 151.

FIG. 32 shows a syringe 10 attached to the liquid drug transfer device 150 mounted on a drug vial 20A for mixing, reconstitution and aspiration purposes.

FIG. 33 shows a syringe 10 attached to the liquid drug transfer device 150 mounted on a drug vial 20B for mixing, reconstitution and aspiration purposes.

FIG. 34 shows a liquid drug transfer device 160 with an injection port connector 230 for mounting on a particular sized injection port 41 having an injection port tip 44 with a self-sealing plug 46, an exposed plug surface 47 and a trailing injection port tip rim 48. The liquid drug transfer device is commercially available under the trade name VIAL-MATE Adaptor Device from Baxter Healthcare Corporation. The product sheet is available online at http://www.baxtermedicationdeliveryproducts.com/drug-delivery/vialmate.html.

The product sheet indicates that the VIAL-MATE Adaptor Device is suitable only for single dose vials with 20 mm closure and VIAFLEX containers also available from Baxter Healthcare Corporation.

FIG. 35 shows the liquid drug transfer device 160 includes an open-ended housing 161 having a longitudinal housing axis 162, an access aperture 163 and a vial adapter 164. The open ended housing 161 includes a needle 166 for puncturing an injection port 41 and a puncturing member 167 downward depending into the vial adapter 164 in flow communication with the needle 166.

FIG. 36 shows a conventional injector port connector 230 deployed in the open ended housing 161 towards the access aperture 163. The injector port connector 230 includes a longitudinal connector axis 231 in co-axial alignment with the longitudinal housing axis 162. The injection port connector 230 includes a circular support ring 232 defining a horizontal plane 233 transverse to the longitudinal housing axis 162. The support ring 232 includes a multitude of straight connector members 234 each terminating in a free connector member end 236 disposed toward the longitudinal housing axis 162. The free connector member ends 236 converge to define a generally circular connector aperture 237 underlying the horizontal plane 233. The connector aperture 237 has a connector aperture diameter D4 where D4<D3.

The liquid drug transfer device 160 is designed for a particular sized injection port 41 to be forcibly slidingly inserted through the connector aperture 237 from the direction of the access aperture 163 towards the vial adapter 164 whereupon the free connector member ends 236 snap behind the trailing injection port tip rim 48. However, the injection port 41 is undesirably capable of being readily withdrawn from the open-ended housing 161 on application of a relatively small outward longitudinal withdrawal force in the direction of the access aperture 163.

FIGS. 37 and 38 show a universal injection port connector 250 for mounting on different sizes of injection ports 41. The universal injection port connector 250 has the same basic construction as the injector port connector 230 as follows: The universal injection port connector 250 has a longitudinal axis 251, a closed support ring 252 defining a horizontal plane 253, a multitude of connector members 254 each resiliently flexibly mounted on the support ring 252 and terminating in a free connector member end 256 converging towards a connector aperture 257 parallel to the horizontal plane 253. The closed support ring 252 is preferably circular but can be formed in other closed shapes, for example, oval, and the like.

The universal injection port connector 250 differs from the conventional injection port connector 230 insofar as the former has curved connector members 254 as opposed to the latter's straight connector members 234 such that the universal injection port connector 250 assumes an overall bowl like shape. The connector aperture 257 has a connector aperture diameter D5 where D5<D3 such that forced sliding insertion of an injection port tip 44 through the connector aperture 257 from the direction of the support ring 252 outwardly flexes the connector members 254 from their non-flexed position relative to the longitudinal connector axis 251 for snapping behind the trailing injection port rim 48, thereby precluding sliding withdrawal of the injection port tip 44 in a reverse direction to the forced sliding insertion. By virtue of the curved shape of its connector members 254, the universal injection port connector 250 is capable of being attached on different sizes of injection ports 41. Moreover, by virtue of its curved connector members 254, the universal injection port connector 250 is more capable of withstanding an outward longitudinal withdrawal force than the conventional injection port connector 230.

FIG. 39 shows an infusion bag 40A having a so-called small injection port 41A having an injection port tip 44A with a self-sealing plug 46A, an exposed plug surface 47A and a trailing injection port tip rim 48. The injection port 41A has an external diameter D11. The injection port tip 44A has an external tip diameter D12 and a tip height H11. The trailing injection port tip rim 48A has an external diameter D13. D11 is 6.5 mm, D12 is 7.5 mm, H11 is 7.5 mm and D13 is 10.5 mm.

FIG. 40 shows the liquid drug transfer device 160 with the universal injection port connector 250 attached on the small injection port 41A.

FIG. 41 shows an infusion bag 40B having a so-called large injection port 41B with the same construction as the small injection port 41A but with larger dimensions as follows: The injection port 41B has an external diameter D21. The injection port tip 44B has an external tip diameter D22 and a tip height H21. The trailing injection port tip rim 48B has an external diameter D23. D21 is 10.5 mm, D22 is 10.5 mm, H21 is 10 mm and D23 is 13 mm.

FIG. 42 shows the liquid drug transfer device 160 with the universal injection port connector 250 attached on the large injection port 41B. The connector members 254 are more steeply inclined when attaching the liquid drug transfer device 160 on the injection port 41B than the injection port 41A since the former 41B has a wider injection port diameter D21 than the latter 41A's injection port diameter D11.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications, and other applications of the invention can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. A liquid drug transfer device for use with a drug vial of a small drug vial and a large drug vial, the drug vial including a drug vial bottle, a drug vial interior, a drug vial stopper, an uppermost drug vial surface, and a drug vial closure, the small drug vial having a drug vial closure with an external diameter D1 and the large drug vial having a drug vial closure with an external diameter D2 where D2>D1 and the difference D2−D1 is in the range of between 4 mm and 7 mm,the liquid drug transfer device comprising an universal drug vial adapter having a longitudinal drug vial adapter axis and a skirt for telescopically clamping on the drug vial closure,said skirt including a top wall transverse to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis, a first pair of axial directed, spaced apart flex member supports and a second pair of axial directed, spaced apart flex member supports opposite said first pair of axial directed flex member supports for defining a drug vial cavity for snugly telescopically receiving at least a top part of a large drug vial therein,each flex member support having a proximate end adjacent said top wall and a distal end remote from said top wall,said first pair of flex member supports including a first crosspiece extending between their corresponding distal ends, said first crosspiece integrally formed with an axial directed first flex member resiliently flexibly mounted thereon with respect to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis, said first flex member having a first flex member free end remote from said first crosspiece and being axially directed and extending generally parallel to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis between said first crosspiece and said first flex member free end, said first flex member further having an inward radial directed first drug vial grip,said second pair of flex member supports including a second crosspiece extending between their corresponding distal ends, said second crosspiece integrally formed with an axial directed second flex member resiliently flexibly mounted thereon with respect to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis, said second flex member having a second flex member free end remote from said crosspiece and being axially directed and extending generally parallel to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis between said second crosspiece and said second flex member free end, said second flex member further having an inward radial directed second drug vial grip,said first flex member and said second flex member being opposite such that said first drug vial grip and said second drug vial grip define a separation S therebetween where S<D1 whereupon said first drug vial grip and said second drug vial grip underlie a drug vial closure on telescopically clamping said universal drug vial adapter on the drug vial,said first flex member and said second flex member being outwardly resiliently flexed correspondingly at said first crosspiece and said second crosspiece with respect to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis to a greater extent on telescopically clamping said universal drug vial adapter on the large drug vial compared to telescopically clamping said universal drug vial adapter on the small drug vial.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein said skirt includes a single continuous annular support including said first crosspiece, said second crosspiece, a third crosspiece extending between said first crosspiece and said second crosspiece, and a fourth crosspiece extending between said first crosspiece and said second crosspiece and opposite said third crosspiece, said third crosspiece integrally formed with a third flex member resiliently flexibly mounted thereon with respect to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis, said third flex member having a third flex member free end remote from said third crosspiece and being axially directed and extending generally parallel to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis between said third crosspiece and said third flex member free end, said third flex member further having an inward radial directed third drug vial grip, andsaid fourth crosspiece integrally formed with a fourth flex member resiliently flexibly mounted thereon with respect to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis, said fourth flex member having a fourth flex member free end remote from said fourth crosspiece and being axially directed and extending generally parallel to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis between said fourth crosspiece and said fourth flex member free end, said fourth flex member further having an inward radial directed fourth drug vial grip,said third flex member and said fourth flex member being opposite such that said third drug vial grip and said fourth drug vial grip define said separation S therebetween whereupon said third drug vial grip and said fourth drug vial grip underlie the drug vial closure on telescopically clamping said universal drug vial adapter on the drug vial.

17. The device according to claim 15, wherein said top surface is constituted by an annular centerpiece and a radial strut from said annular centerpiece to each said flex member support.

18. The device according to claim 15, wherein said flex members are arranged to be generally parallel to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis prior to telescopically clamping said universal drug vial adapter on a drug vial such that said first flex member and said second flex member are generally parallel to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis on telescopically clamping said universal drug vial adapter on a small drug vial and are outwardly flexed with respect to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis on telescopically mounting said universal drug vial adapter on a large drug vial.

19. The device according to claim 15, wherein said top wall includes an integral access port and an integral puncturing member in flow communication with said integral access port for puncturing a drug vial stopper on telescopic clamping said universal drug vial adapter on the drug vial for enabling flow communication with the drug vial interior.

20. The device according to claim 15, wherein said universal drug vial adapter is capable of being telescopically clamped on a pre-attached initially intact drug vial, said top wall including an axial directed tubular stem overlying the uppermost drug vial surface of the pre-attached initially intact drug vial, the liquid drug transfer device further comprising a discrete liquid transfer member with a puncturing tip disposed in said stem for puncturing the drug vial stopper on downward urging said liquid transfer member towards the drug vial for enabling flow communication with the drug vial interior.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein said pre-attached intact drug vial is removable intact from said universal drug vial adapter on employing a drug vial release tool for outwardly flexing said flex members relative to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis.

22. The device according to claim 15, wherein D1 is between 13 mm and 14 mm and D2 is between 20 mm and 21 mm.

23. A liquid drug transfer device for use with a drug vial of a small drug vial and a large drug vial, the drug vial including a drug vial bottle, a drug vial interior, a drug vial stopper, an uppermost drug vial surface, and a drug vial closure, the small drug vial having a drug vial closure with an external diameter D1 and the large drug vial having a drug vial closure with an external diameter D2 where D2>D1,the liquid drug transfer device comprising an universal drug vial adapter having a longitudinal drug vial adapter axis and a skirt for telescopically clamping on the drug vial closure,said skirt including a top wall transverse to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis, a first pair of axial directed, spaced apart flex member supports and a second pair of axial directed, spaced apart flex member supports opposite said first pair of axial directed flex member supports for defining a drug vial cavity for snugly telescopically receiving at least a top part of a large drug vial therein,each flex member support having a proximate end adjacent said top wall and a distal end remote from said top wall,said first pair of flex member supports including a first crosspiece extending between their corresponding distal ends, said first crosspiece integrally formed with an axial directed first flex member resiliently flexibly mounted thereon with respect to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis, said first flex member having a first flex member free end remote from said first crosspiece and being axially directed and extending generally parallel to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis between said first crosspiece and said first flex member free end, said first flex member further having an inward radial directed first drug vial grip,said second pair of flex member supports including a second crosspiece extending between their corresponding distal ends, said second crosspiece integrally formed with an axial directed second flex member resiliently flexibly mounted thereon with respect to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis, said second flex member having a second flex member free end remote from said crosspiece and being axially directed and extending generally parallel to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis between said second crosspiece and said second flex member free end, said second flex member further having an inward radial directed second drug vial grip,said first flex member and said second flex member being opposite such that said first drug vial grip and said second drug vial grip define a separation S therebetween where S<D1 whereupon said first drug vial grip and said second drug vial grip underlie a drug vial closure on telescopically clamping said universal drug vial adapter on the drug vial,said first flex member and said second flex member being outwardly resiliently flexed correspondingly at said first crosspiece and said second crosspiece with respect to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis to a greater extent on telescopically clamping said universal drug vial adapter on the large drug vial compared to telescopically clamping said universal drug vial adapter on the small drug vial.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein said skirt includes a single continuous annular support including said first crosspiece, said second crosspiece, a third crosspiece extending between said first crosspiece and said second crosspiece, and a fourth crosspiece extending between said first crosspiece and said second crosspiece and opposite said third crosspiece, said third crosspiece integrally formed with a third flex member resiliently flexibly mounted thereon with respect to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis, said third flex member having a third flex member free end remote from said third crosspiece and being axially directed and extending generally parallel to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis between said third crosspiece and said third flex member free end, said third flex member further having an inward radial directed third drug vial grip, andsaid fourth crosspiece integrally formed with a fourth flex member resiliently flexibly mounted thereon with respect to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis, said fourth flex member having a fourth flex member free end remote from said fourth crosspiece and being axially directed and extending generally parallel to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis between said fourth crosspiece and said fourth flex member free end, said fourth flex member further having an inward radial directed fourth drug vial grip,said third flex member and said fourth flex member being opposite such that said third drug vial grip and said fourth drug vial grip define said separation S therebetween whereupon said third drug vial grip and said fourth drug vial grip underlie the drug vial closure on telescopically clamping said universal drug vial adapter on the drug vial.

25. The device according to claim 23, wherein said top surface is constituted by an annular centerpiece and a radial strut from said annular centerpiece to each said flex member support.

26. The device according to claim 23, wherein said flex members are arranged to be generally parallel to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis prior to telescopically clamping said universal drug vial adapter on a drug vial such that said first flex member and said second flex member are generally parallel to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis on telescopically clamping said universal drug vial adapter on a small drug vial and are outwardly flexed with respect to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis on telescopically mounting said universal drug vial adapter on a large drug vial.

27. The device according to claim 23, wherein said top wall includes an integral access port and an integral puncturing member in flow communication with said integral access port for puncturing a drug vial stopper on telescopic clamping said universal drug vial adapter on the drug vial for enabling flow communication with the drug vial interior.

28. The device according to claim 23, wherein said universal drug vial adapter is capable of being telescopically clamped on a pre-attached initially intact drug vial, said top wall including an axial directed tubular stem overlying the uppermost drug vial surface of the pre-attached initially intact drug vial, the liquid drug transfer device further comprising a discrete liquid transfer member with a puncturing tip disposed in said stem for puncturing the drug vial stopper on downward urging said liquid transfer member towards the drug vial for enabling flow communication with the drug vial interior.

29. The device according to claim 28, wherein said pre-attached intact drug vial is removable intact from said universal drug vial adapter on employing a drug vial release tool for outwardly flexing said flex members relative to said longitudinal drug vial adapter axis.

30. A liquid drug transfer device for use with an infusion bag containing an infusion liquid and having an injection port, the injection port terminating in an injection port tip containing a self-sealing plug with an exposed plug surface, the injection port tip having a trailing injection port rim, the liquid drug transfer device comprising an open ended housing having a longitudinal housing axis and including a universal injection port connector,said universal injection port connector having a longitudinal connector axis co-directional with said longitudinal housing axis and a closed support ring defining a horizontal plane transverse to said longitudinal connector axis,said support ring having a multitude of curved connector members resiliently flexibly mounted thereon and a free connector member end converging towards a connector aperture underlying said support ring from a direction of said open ended housing such that said universal injection port connector assumes an overall bowl like shape,the arrangement being such that on forced sliding insertion of the injection port tip through said connector aperture into said open ended housing, the injection port tip outwardly flexes said multitude of connector members from their non-flexed position relative to said connector axis for snapping behind the trailing injection port rim, thereby precluding outward sliding withdrawal of the injection port tip from said open ended housing in a reverse direction to said forced sliding insertion.