FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to medication delivery systems, and, in particular, to valves.

BACKGROUND

Medical treatments often include the infusion of a medical fluid (e.g., a saline solution or a liquid medication) to patients using an intravenous (IV) catheter that is connected though an arrangement of flexible tubing and fittings, commonly referred to as an “IV set,” to a source of fluid, for example, a syringe. Certain configurations of IV sets may have extended lengths of tubing, for example, in excess of 6 feet. Additionally, tubing may be primed with saline prior to the infusion of a liquid medication.

In some applications, during the use of IV catheters, saline from the priming process may be delivered to patient before the liquid medication is delivered to the patient.

SUMMARY

The disclosed subject matter relates to valve. In certain embodiments, a valve is disclosed that comprises a valve body defining a first flow path, a second flow path, and a catheter flow path; and a valve element disposed within the valve body, wherein the valve element is configured to permit fluid communication between the first flow path and the second flow path in a priming position, and is configured to permit fluid communication between the first flow path and the catheter flow path in a dispensing position.

In certain embodiments, a medication delivery system is disclosed that comprises a syringe, comprising: a syringe body defining a syringe cavity; a first plunger disposed within the syringe cavity and defining a first chamber in the syringe cavity; a second plunger disposed within the syringe cavity, the second plunger defining a second chamber in the syringe cavity; and a valve, comprising: a valve body defining a first valve flow path in fluid communication with the first chamber, a second valve flow path in fluid communication with the second chamber, and a catheter flow path in fluid communication with a catheter; and a valve element disposed within the valve body, wherein the valve element is configured to permit fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber in a priming position, and is configured to permit fluid communication between the first chamber and the catheter flow path in a dispensing position.

In certain embodiments, a method to deliver medication is disclosed that comprises introducing saline into a medication flow path; and directing saline from the medication flow path to a return flow path via a valve element; and introducing medication into the medication flow path; actuating the valve element to permit fluid communication between the medication flow path and a catheter; and directing medication from the medication flow path into the catheter.

It is understood that various configurations of the subject technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the summary, drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

