Apparatus and method for removing gasses from a liquid Number:7,097,690 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent Medical devices for removing gasses, such as gas bubbles and/or dissolved gasses, from a liquid to be delivered to a patient, and methods of use and making of such devices. In at least some embodiments, a gas permeable membrane material is used in the construction of the gas removal devices. In some embodiments, layers of gas permeable membrane material are used to construct a filter structure for removing gas from the liquid. In other embodiments, hollow tubes and/or fibers of the gas permeable membrane material are used to construct a filter structure for removing gas from the liquid. The gas removal devices may be used in any of a broad variety of liquid delivery systems and/or configurations.<H Apparatus, removing, Apparatus, and, m, 7097690.html, Patent, pto, 7097690

Title: Apparatus and method for removing gasses from a liquid

Abstract: Medical devices for removing gasses, such as gas bubbles and/or dissolved gasses, from a liquid to be delivered to a patient, and methods of use and making of such devices. In at least some embodiments, a gas permeable membrane material is used in the construction of the gas removal devices. In some embodiments, layers of gas permeable membrane material are used to construct a filter structure for removing gas from the liquid. In other embodiments, hollow tubes and/or fibers of the gas permeable membrane material are used to construct a filter structure for removing gas from the liquid. The gas removal devices may be used in any of a broad variety of liquid delivery systems and/or configurations.

Patent Number: 7,097,690 Issued on 08/29/2006 to Usher, et al.

Inventors: Usher; Kathryn M. (Saratoga, NY), Foster; George R. (Glen Falls, NY), Kolvek; Edward M. (West Newbury, MA), Harvey; Andrew C. (Waltham, MA), Taylor; Malcolm E. (Pepperell, MA), Lovell; Thomas Williams (Beverly, MA), Hart; Colin P. (Queensbury, NY), Girzone; William Edmund (Saratoga Springs, NY)
Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc. (Maple Grove, MN)

Appl. No.: 10/684,215

Filed: October 10, 2003

Current U.S. Class: 95/46 ; 604/122; 604/126; 604/9; 96/10; 96/14; 96/6; 96/7; 96/8

Current International Class: C02F 1/44 (20060101); B01D 53/22 (20060101)

Field of Search: 95/46 96/6-8,10,14 604/9,49,122,126

References Cited [Referenced By]

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Foreign Patent Documents


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Primary Examiner: Greene; Jason M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A medical device for removing gas from a liquid to be delivered to a patient, the device comprising: a housing defining a chamber including a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; a gas filter structure disposed within the chamber, the filter structure comprising a first gas permeable membrane layer spaced from a second gas permeable membrane layer, the first and second layers defining a gas collection space between the first and second layers, and defining a liquid flow space separated from the gas collection space by at least one of the membrane layers; a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas collection space; a first liquid path conduit within the chamber and in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, the gas filter structure being disposed within the first liquid path conduit; a second liquid path conduit within the chamber and in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; and a valve assembly configured to allow for the flow of liquid from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the first liquid path conduit while preventing the flow of liquid from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the second liquid path conduit, and the valve assembly further configured to allow for the flow of liquid from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the second liquid path conduit while preventing the flow of liquid from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the first liquid path conduit.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second membrane layers are coiled, curved, or folded within the housing.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second membrane layers are coiled about a longitudinal axis within the housing.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second membrane layers are folded within the housing.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second membrane layers each include an inner surface defining at least a portion of the gas collection space and an outer surface defining at least a portion of the liquid flow space.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first and second membrane layers are coiled, curved, or folded within the housing such that at least a portion of the liquid flow space is defined between outer surfaces of the membrane layers.

7. The device of claim 1, further including a conduit extending within the housing, the conduit connecting and in fluid communication with the gas collection space and the gas outlet.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the conduit comprises a tubular member extending within the housing, the tubular member defining a lumen that provides fluid communication between the gas collection space and the gas outlet.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the tubular member extends along a longitudinal axis within the housing, and the first and second membrane layers are coiled about the tubular member along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the tubular member includes a wall defining the lumen, and one or more opening in the wall, and wherein the first gas permeable membrane layer is connected to the wall along a first side of the opening and the second gas permeable membrane layer is connected to the wall along a second side of the opening so as to provide fluid communication between the gas collection space and the lumen.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the gas outlet comprises a gas outlet port defined in the housing.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the gas outlet port defines one or more opening in the housing, and wherein the first gas permeable membrane layer is connected to the housing along a first side of the opening and the second gas permeable membrane layer is connected to the housing along a second side of the opening so as to provide fluid communication between the gas collection space and the gas outlet port.

13. The device of claim 1, further including a conduit extending through at least a portion of the chamber within the housing, the conduit extending from adjacent the liquid inlet to adjacent the liquid outlet, and being configured to receive an elongated medical device.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the conduit comprises a tubular member extending within the chamber within the housing, the tubular member defining a lumen configured for receiving or passing an elongated medical device there through.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the conduit extends to a medical device delivery port in the housing.

16. The device of claim 1, further including a conduit extending through at least a portion of the chamber within the housing, the conduit extending from a medical device delivery port in the housing to adjacent the liquid outlet, and being configured to receive an elongated medical device.

17. The device of claim 1, further including: a first conduit extending within the housing, the conduit extending between and in fluid communication with the gas collection space and the gas outlet; and a second conduit extending within the housing, the second conduit extending from adjacent the liquid inlet to adjacent the liquid outlet, and being configured to receive an elongated medical device.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the first and second conduits are coaxially disposed along at least a portion of the lengths thereof.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein the filter structure further includes a gas permeable spacer layer disposed within the gas collection space.

20. The device of claim 1, wherein the filter structure further includes a liquid permeable spacer layer disposed within the liquid flow space.

21. The device of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly includes: a first one way check valve disposed within the first liquid path conduit and allowing one-directional liquid flow from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the first liquid path conduit; and a second one way check valve disposed within the second liquid path conduit and allowing one-directional liquid flow from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the second liquid path conduit.

22. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further includes a vacuum creating structure attached to the housing and in fluid communication with the gas outlet.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the vacuum creating structure includes a structure mounted onto the housing and defining a lumen in fluid communication with the gas outlet, and a plunger member disposed within the lumen.

24. A medical device for removing gas from a liquid to be delivered to a patient, the device comprising: a housing defining a chamber including a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; a filter structure disposed within the chamber, the filter structure comprising: a first gas permeable membrane layer including an inner surface and an outer surface; a gas permeable spacer layer; a second gas permeable membrane layer including an inner surface and an outer surface; and a liquid permeable spacer layer; the first and second membrane layers being connected and defining an inner gas collection space between the inner surfaces of the first and second membrane layers, and defining a liquid flow space separated from the gas collection space by at least one of the membrane layers; the gas permeable spacer layer being disposed within the gas collection space, and the liquid permeable spacer layer being disposed within the liquid flow space; a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas collection space; a first liquid path conduit within the chamber and in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, the gas filter structure being disposed within the first liquid path conduit; a second liquid path conduit within the chamber and in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; and a valve assembly configured to allow for the flow of liquid from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the first liquid path conduit while preventing the flow of liquid from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the second liquid path conduit, and the valve assembly further configured to allow for the flow of liquid from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the second liquid path conduit while preventing the flow of liquid from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the first liquid path conduit.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the housing and filter structure are configured such that when the liquid is introduced through the inlet port into the chamber at least some of the liquid contacts the liquid contact surface such that at least a portion of gasses present in the liquid permeate through one of the membrane layers and into the gas collection space.

26. A medical device for removing gas from a liquid to be delivered to a patient, the device comprising: a housing defining a chamber including a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; a filter structure disposed within the chamber, the filter structure comprising a first gas permeable membrane layer spaced apart from a second gas permeable membrane layer, both layers including an inner surface, an outer surface, and an outer periphery, the first and second layers connected to each other along at least a portion of the outer peripheries and defining a gas collection space between the inner surfaces of the first and second layers, and defining a liquid flow space along at least a portion of the outer surface of one or both of the first and second layers; a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas collection space; a first liquid path conduit within the chamber and in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, the gas filter structure being disposed within the first liquid path conduit; a second liquid path conduit within the chamber and in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; and a valve assembly configured to allow for the flow of liquid from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the first liquid path conduit while preventing the flow of liquid from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the second liquid path conduit, and the valve assembly further configured to allow for the flow of liquid from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the second liquid path conduit while preventing the flow of liquid from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the first liquid path conduit.

27. A medical fluid delivery system for use in delivering a liquid to a patient, the system comprising: a fluid delivery manifold including a manifold body defining a fluid delivery lumen, the manifold including one or more liquid inlet ports and one or more liquid outlet ports in selective fluid communication with the fluid delivery lumen; and a device for removing gas from the liquid, the device being configured to be connected to at least one of the ports of the manifold, the device including a housing defining a chamber including a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; a gas filter structure disposed within the chamber, the filter structure comprising a first gas permeable membrane layer spaced from a second gas permeable membrane layer, the first and second layers defining a gas collection space between the first and second layers, and defining a liquid flow space separated from the gas collection space by at least one of the membrane layers; a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas collection space; a first liquid path conduit within the chamber and in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, the gas filter structure being disposed within the first liquid path conduit; a second liquid path conduit within the chamber and in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; and a valve assembly configured to allow for the flow of liquid from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the first liquid path conduit while preventing the flow of liquid from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the second liquid path conduit, and the valve assembly further configured to allow for the flow of liquid from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the second liquid path conduit while preventing the flow of liquid from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the first liquid path conduit.

28. A method for removing gasses from a liquid to be delivered to a patient, the method comprising: providing a medical device for removing gas from the liquid, the device comprising: a housing defining a chamber including a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; a gas filter structure disposed within the chamber, the filter structure comprising a first gas permeable membrane layer spaced from a second gas permeable membrane layer, the first and second layers defining a gas collection space between the first and second layers, and defining a liquid flow space separated from the gas collection space by at least one of the membrane layers; a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas collection space; a first liquid path conduit within the chamber and in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, the gas filter structure being disposed within the first liquid path conduit; a second liquid path conduit within the chamber and in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; and a valve assembly configured to allow for the flow of liquid from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the first liquid path conduit while preventing the flow of liquid from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the second liquid path conduit, and the valve assembly further configured to allow for the flow of liquid from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the second liquid path conduit while preventing the flow of liquid from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the first liquid path conduit; introducing liquid into the chamber through the liquid inlet such that the liquid flows into the liquid flow space; and moving the liquid from within the liquid flow space and through the liquid outlet.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the first and second membrane layers are coiled, curved, or folded within the housing.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the first and second membrane layers are coiled about a longitudinal axis within the housing.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein the first and second membrane layers are folded within the housing.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein the first and second membrane layers each include an inner surface defining at least a portion of the gas collection space and an outer surface defining at least a portion of the liquid flow space.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the first and second membrane layers are coiled, curved, or folded within the housing such that at least a portion of the liquid flow space is defined between outer surfaces of the membrane layers.

34. The method of claim 28, wherein the device further includes a conduit extending within the housing, the conduit extending between and in fluid communication with the gas collection space and the gas outlet.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the conduit comprises a tubular member extending within the housing, the tubular member defining a lumen that provides fluid communication between the gas collection space and the gas outlet.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein at least a portion of the tubular member extends along a longitudinal axis within the housing, and the first and second membrane layers are coiled about the tubular member along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein the tubular member includes a wall defining the lumen, and one or more opening in the wall, and wherein the first gas permeable membrane layer is connected to the wall along a first side of the opening and the second gas permeable membrane layer is connected to the wall along a second side of the opening so as to provide fluid communication between the gas collection space and the lumen.

38. The method of claim 28, wherein the gas outlet comprises a gas outlet port defined in the housing.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the gas outlet port defines one or more opening in the housing, and wherein the first gas permeable membrane layer is connected to the housing along a first side of the opening and the second gas permeable membrane layer is connected to the housing along a second side of the opening so as to provide fluid communication between the gas collection space and the gas outlet port.

40. The method of claim 28, wherein the device further includes a conduit extending through at least a portion of the chamber within the housing, the conduit extending from adjacent the liquid inlet to adjacent the liquid outlet, and being configured to receive an elongated medical device.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the conduit comprises a tubular member extending within the chamber within the housing, the tubular member defining a lumen configured for receiving or passing an elongated medical device there through.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein the conduit extends to a medical device delivery port in the housing.

43. The method of claim 28, wherein the device further includes a conduit extending through at least a portion of the chamber within the housing, the conduit extending from a medical device delivery port in the housing to adjacent the liquid outlet, and being configured to receive an elongated medical device.

44. The method of claim 28, wherein the device further includes: a first conduit extending within the housing, the conduit extending between and in fluid communication with the gas collection space and the gas outlet; and a second conduit extending within the housing, the second conduit extending from adjacent the liquid inlet to adjacent the liquid outlet, and being configured to receive an elongated medical device.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the first and second conduits are coaxially disposed along at least a portion of the lengths thereof.

46. The method of claim 28, wherein the filter structure further includes a gas permeable spacer layer disposed within the gas collection space.

47. The method of claim 28, wherein the filter structure further includes a liquid permeable spacer layer disposed within the liquid flow space.

48. The method of claim 28, wherein the valve assembly includes: a first one way check valve disposed within the first liquid path conduit and allowing one-directional liquid flow from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the first liquid path conduit; and a second one way check valve disposed within the second liquid path conduit and allowing one-directional liquid flow from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the second liquid path conduit.

49. The method of claim 28, wherein the device further includes a vacuum creating structure attached to the housing and fluid communication with the gas outlet.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the vacuum creating structure includes a structure mounted onto the housing and defining a lumen in fluid communication with the gas outlet, and a plunger member disposed within the lumen.

51. A manifold for use in delivering a liquid to a patient, the manifold comprising: a manifold body defining a fluid delivery lumen, the manifold body including a plurality of liquid inlet ports in fluid communication with the lumen and one or more liquid outlet ports, the manifold body also including a gas filter structure disposed within the fluid delivery lumen, the gas filter structure comprising: a first gas permeable membrane layer and a second gas permeable membrane layer, the first and second layers forming a gas collection space between the first and second layers, and defining a liquid flow space separated from the gas collection space by at least one of the membrane layers; and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas collection space.

52. A manifold for use in delivering a liquid to a patient, the manifold comprising: a manifold body defining a fluid delivery lumen having an inner surface, the manifold body including a plurality of liquid inlet ports in fluid communication with the lumen and one or more liquid outlet ports, the manifold body also including a gas filter structure disposed within the fluid delivery lumen, the gas filter structure comprising: a plurality of hollow tubular members made of a gas permeable membrane material disposed within the lumen, each of the tubular members having a first end and a second end; a first liquid tight seal between the first end of each of the tubular members and the interior surface of the lumen; a second liquid tight seal between the second end of each of the tubular members and the interior surface of the lumen, wherein a gas collection space is defined by the first and second liquid tight seals; and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas collection space.

53. A medical device for removing gas from a liquid to be delivered to a patient, the device comprising: a housing defining a chamber defining an inner surface and including a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; a gas filter structure disposed within the chamber, the filter structure comprising: a plurality of hollow tubular members made of a gas permeable membrane material disposed within the chamber, each of the tubular members having a first end and a second end; a first liquid tight seal between the first end of each of the tubular members and the interior surface of the chamber; a second liquid tight seal between the second end of each of the tubular members and the interior surface of the chamber, wherein a gas collection space is defined by the first and second liquid tight seals; a gas outlet port extending through the housing; and a conduit extending within the housing, the conduit connecting and in fluid communication with the gas collection space and the gas outlet, wherein the conduit comprises a tubular member extending within the chamber, the tubular member defining a lumen that provides fluid communication between the gas collection space and the gas outlet.

54. The device of claim 53, wherein at least a portion of the tubular member extends along a longitudinal axis within the housing and within the gas collection space.

55. The device of claim 53, further including a second conduit extending within the housing, the second conduit extending from adjacent the liquid inlet to adjacent the liquid outlet, and being configured to receive an elongated medical device.

56. The device of claim 55, wherein the conduit and the second conduit are coaxially disposed along at least a portion of the lengths thereof.

57. A medical device for removing gas from a liquid to be delivered to a patient, the device comprising: a housing defining a chamber defining an inner surface and including a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; a gas filter structure disposed within the chamber, the filter structure comprising: a plurality of hollow tubular members made of a gas permeable membrane material disposed within the chamber, each of the tubular members having a first end and a second end; a first liquid tight seal between the first end of each of the tubular members and the interior surface of the chamber; and a second liquid tight seal between the second end of each of the tubular members and the interior surface of the chamber, wherein a gas collection space is defined by the first and second liquid tight seals; a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas collection space; and a vacuum creating structure attached to the housing and in fluid communication with the gas outlet, wherein the vacuum creating structure is permanently mounted onto or of uniform construction with the housing and defines a lumen in fluid communication with the gas outlet.

58. The device of claim 57, wherein the vacuum creating structure includes a plunger member disposed within the lumen.

59. A medical device for removing gas from a liquid to be delivered to a patient, the device comprising: a housing defining a chamber defining an inner surface and including a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; a first liquid path conduit within the chamber and in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, the first liquid path conduit defining a lumen having an inner surface; a second liquid path conduit within the chamber and in fluid communication with the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet; a valve assembly configured to allow for the flow of liquid from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the first liquid path conduit while preventing the flow of liquid from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the second liquid path conduit, and the valve assembly further configured to allow for the flow of liquid from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the second liquid path conduit while preventing the flow of liquid from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the first liquid path conduit; and a gas filter structure disposed within the first liquid path conduit, the filter structure comprising: a plurality of hollow tubular members made of a gas permeable membrane material disposed within the lumen, each of the tubular members having a first end and a second end; a first liquid tight seal between the first end of each of the tubular members and the inner surface of the lumen; a second liquid tight seal between the second end of each of the tubular members and the inner surface of the lumen, wherein a gas collection space is defined by the first and second liquid tight seals; and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas collection space.

60. The device of claim 59, wherein the valve assembly includes: a first one way check valve disposed within the first liquid path conduit and allowing one-directional liquid flow from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet through the first liquid path conduit; and a second one way check valve disposed within the second liquid path conduit and allowing one-directional liquid flow from the liquid outlet to the liquid inlet through the second liquid path conduit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the medical devices and methods of treatment using medical devices, and more particularly the invention relates to devices and methods of removing gasses, such as gas bubbles and/or dissolved gasses, from a liquid to be delivered to a patient.

BACKGROUND

Many diseases and/or conditions are commonly treated and/or diagnosed by procedures involving the introduction of one or more fluids to an internal site within a patient. For example, liquids such as drugs, marker dies, saline, flush solutions, intravenous nutrients, anesthetics, blood, and/or a broad variety of other such liquids may be delivered to an internal site in a patient. For example, the delivery of liquids to a treatment site may be used in procedures such as angioplasty, angiography, catheterization, arterial pressure monitoring, intravenous, interarterial, intercranial or other such delivery procedures, or the like.

In order to prevent or minimize the risk of injury to the patient from air embolism, it is generally necessary to reduce and/or eliminate air or other gasses from the fluid delivered. In many procedures, fluid delivery devices and lines are manually cleared of visible air bubbles by flushing prior to use.

There are a number of different structures and assemblies, and method for use thereof, for removing gasses from a liquid, each having certain advantages and disadvantages. However, there is an ongoing need to provide alternative structures, assemblies, and methods for removing gasses, such as gas bubbles and/or dissolved gasses, from a liquid to be delivered to a patient.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, the invention relates to several alternative designs, materials, and methods of manufacturing alternative structures and assemblies, and alternative methods of removing gasses, such as gas bubbles and/or dissolved gasses, from a liquid to be delivered to a patient.

The above summary is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The Figures, and Detailed Description which follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an example embodiment of a catheter infusion system including a plurality of gas removal devices;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of one example embodiment of a gas removal device including a filter structure including gas permeable membranes and a central arrangement of structure for gas removal;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a vertical line perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the gas removal devices of FIG. 2 (i.e., along line 3--3 of FIG. 2);

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the filter structure used in the example filter device of FIGS. 2 and 3, showing the filter assembly prior to rolling and insertion into a filter housing;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the filter structure used in the example filter device of FIGS. 2 and 3, showing the filter structure absent the housing and in an un-rolled configuration;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of one example embodiment of a gas removal device including a side arrangement of structure for gas removal;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the gas removal devices of FIG. 6 taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the filter structure used in the example filter device of FIGS. 6 and 7, showing the filter structure shown in an unrolled configuration and in communication with a side port;

FIG. 9 is a side view of another example embodiment of a catheter infusion system including a plurality of gas removal devices, one of which includes structure for allowing insertion of a device there through;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional side view of one example embodiment of a gas removal device including a side venting configuration and including a device lumen;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional side view of one example embodiment of a gas removal device including a central venting configuration and including a device lumen;

FIG. 12 is a side view of another example embodiment of a catheter infusion system including a plurality of gas removal devices, wherein one of the gas removal devices includes structure for connection to a fluid delivery system, such as a manifold, and structure for allowing insertion of a device into and through the gas removal device separate from the manifold;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional side view of one example embodiment of a gas removal device including structure for connection to a fluid delivery system and structure for allowing insertion of a device into and through the gas removal device, as in FIG. 12, wherein the gas removal device includes a side venting configuration and a device lumen;

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional side view of one example embodiment of a gas removal device including structure for connection to a fluid delivery system and structure for allowing insertion of a device into and through the gas removal device, similar to that shown in FIG. 13, but wherein the gas removal device includes a central venting configuration and the device lumen extends through a side wall of the device housing;

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional side view of another example embodiment of a gas removal device similar to the one shown in FIG. 7, but including a flow return system, wherein in the embodiment shown, a check valve system is shown;

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the gas removal device of FIG. 15, showing check valve system preventing flow into the filter and providing a reverse flow of fluid around the filter;

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional side view of another example embodiment of a gas removal device similar to the one shown in FIG. 15, including a flow return system, and also including a device lumen;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a filter assembly used in another example filter device, showing generally folds in the filter assembly prior to insertion into a filter housing;

FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of the filter assembly of FIG. 18, showing the filter assembly prior to insertion into a filter housing;

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a vertical line perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of another example embodiment of a gas removal device (for example, a view similar to the one shown in FIG. 3);

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional side view of another example embodiment of a gas removal device similar to the one shown in FIG. 7, but also including a vacuum generating device on the housing and in fluid communication with the vent port of the gas removal device;

FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional side view of another example embodiment of a gas removal device including a plurality of gas permeable hollow fiber membranes and including a central venting configuration;

FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the gas removal devices of FIG. 22 taken along line 23--23 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 23A is a partial cross-sectional view of the gas removal devices of FIG. 22 taken along line 23A--23A of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional side view of another example embodiment of a gas removal device similar to the one shown in FIG. 22, but also including a device lumen extending within the device;

FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional side view of another example embodiment of a gas removal device similar to the one shown in FIG. 22, but including a side vent configuration and further including a flow return system, wherein in the embodiment shown, a check valve system is shown;

FIG. 26 is a partial cross-sectional side view of another example embodiment of a gas removal device similar to the one shown in FIG. 22, but including a side vent configuration and further including a vacuum generating device on the housing and in fluid communication with the side vent port; and

FIG. 27 is a side view of another example embodiment of a catheter infusion system including a manifold device including a filter structure within the catheter body.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.

All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term "about", whether or not explicitly indicated. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the terms "about" may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The following detailed description of some example embodiments should be read with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict some example embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art and others will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives which may also be utilized.

The invention relates to the use of gas permeable membrane material in the construction of gas removal devices adapted and/or configured to remove gas, such as gas bubbles and/or dissolved gas, from a liquid to be delivered to a patient during a medical procedure. In some embodiments, layers of gas permeable membrane material are used to construct a filter structure for removing gas from the liquid. In other embodiments, hollow tubes and/or fibers of