Infusion device having improved valving apparatus

Abstract

An infusion device is disclosed having an improved valving apparatus with the valving apparatus being configured to substantially preclude formation of volumetric dead spaces. The valving apparatus is typically utilized to allow introduction of one or more secondary fluids, such as drugs, into a patient during normal infusion of the primary fluid into the patient, with such insertion being effected through a secondary conduit connected to the primary infusion conduit through the valving apparatus. The valving apparatus includes a movable element that is positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the primary conduit so that the movable element forms a one-way valve thereat. The movable element is partially displaced due to flow of secondary fluid through the secondary conduit toward the primary conduit to thereby allow the secondary fluid to pass by the movable element and enter the primary conduit, but the movable element cannot be displaced by flow within the primary conduit and therefore prevents passage of fluids through the valving apparatus from the primary conduit to the secondary conduit. When not displaced due to flow of secondary fluid through the valving apparatus into the primary conduit, the movable element is positioned near the inner wall of the primary conduit to substantially preclude formation of volumetric dead spaces thereat.