CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of: United States patent application serial number 13/861,727, filed April 12, 2013; The content of the application cited above is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally to fluid infusion devices for delivering a medication fluid to the body of a user. More particularly, embodiments of the subject matter relate to systems for an insulin infusion set having an improved bore configuration for use with a fluid infusion device.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Certain diseases or conditions may be treated, according to modern medical techniques, by delivering a medication or other substance to the body of a user, either in a continuous manner or at particular times or time intervals within an overall time period. For example, diabetes is commonly treated by delivering defined amounts of insulin to the user at appropriate times. Some common modes of providing insulin therapy to a user include delivery of insulin through manually operated syringes and insulin pens. Other modern systems employ programmable fluid infusion devices (e.g., insulin pumps) to deliver controlled amounts of insulin to a user.

[0004] A fluid infusion device suitable for use as an insulin pump may be realized as an external device or an implantable device, which is surgically implanted into the body of the user. External fluid infusion devices include devices designed for use in a generally stationary location (for example, in a hospital or clinic), and devices configured for ambulatory or portable use (to be carried by a user). External fluid infusion devices may establish a fluid flow path from a fluid reservoir to the user via, for example, a hollow tubing. The hollow tubing may be connected to a hollow fluid delivery needle that is designed to pierce the user's skin to deliver an infusion medium to the body. Alternatively, the hollow tubing may be connected directly to the user's body through a cannula or set of micro-needles. In order to ensure proper fluid delivery, the hollow tubing needs to be properly coupled to the user's body. [0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an infusion set having an improved bore configuration for coupling of a hollow tubing in communication with a fluid infusion device to a user's body to ensure proper insulin delivery. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] According to various exemplary embodiments, an infusion set for use with a fluid infusion device is provided. The infusion set can comprise a mount including a projection having a bore. The projection can be surrounded at least partially by a recess defined through a surface of the mount, and the mount can include at least one rib that spans the recess. The infusion set can include a fluid outlet coupled to at least a portion of the bore of the projection and a coupling device to couple the infusion set to a user. The coupling device can be coupled to the surface and the at least one rib of the mount.

[0007] Also provided according to various embodiments is an infusion set for use with a fluid infusion device. The infusion set can include a connector to fluidly couple the fluid infusion device to the infusion set. The infusion set can also include a mount having a distal end coupled to the connector and a proximal end. The mount can include a projection having a bore that extends along an axis. The proximal end can include a plurality of ribs that extend from a surface of the proximal end to the projection. The plurality of ribs can be arranged to lie in a plane transverse to the axis. The infusion set can include a fluid outlet coupled to at least a portion of the bore of the mount to be in fluid communication with the fluid infusion device through the connector. The infusion set can also comprise a coupling device to couple the infusion set to a user. The coupling device can be coupled to the surface and each of the plurality of spaced apart ribs of the proximal end.

[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the figures.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid infusion device including an infusion set according to various teachings of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary infusion set of FIG. 1 ;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the exemplary infusion set of FIG. 1 ; and

[0013] FIG. 4 is an environmental cross-sectional view of the exemplary infusion set of FIG. 1, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

[0015] Certain terminology may be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "above", and "below" could be used to refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as "front", "back", "rear", "side", "outboard", and "inboard" could be used to describe the orientation and/or location of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms "first", "second", and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. [0016] The following description relates to a fluid infusion device of the type used to treat a medical condition of a user. The infusion device can be used for infusing fluid into the body of a user. The non-limiting examples described below relate to a medical device used to treat diabetes (more specifically, an insulin pump), although embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not so limited. Accordingly, the infused medication fluid is insulin in certain embodiments. In alternative embodiments, however, many other fluids may be administered through infusion such as, but not limited to, disease treatments, drugs to treat pulmonary hypertension, iron chelation drugs, pain medications, anti-cancer treatments, medications, vitamins, hormones, or the like. For the sake of brevity, conventional features and characteristics related to infusion system operation, insulin pump and/or infusion set operation, fluid reservoirs, and fluid syringes may not be described in detail here. Examples of infusion pumps and/or related pump drive systems used to administer insulin and other medications may be of the type described in, but not limited to: U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2009/0299290 and 2008/0269687; U.S. Patent Nos. 4,562,751 ; 4,678,408; 4,685,903; 5,080,653; 5,505,709; 5,097, 122; 6,485,465; 6,554,798; 6,558,351 ; 6,659,980; 6,752,787; 6,817,990; 6,932,584; 7,621,893; 7,828,764; and 7,905,868; which are each incorporated by reference herein.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid infusion system 100. The fluid infusion system 100 includes two main components: a fluid infusion device 102 (e.g., an insulin pump) and an infusion set component 104, which can be coupled to the fluid infusion device 102 as depicted in FIG. 1. The infusion set component 104 can include, without limitation: a tube 1 10, an infusion unit 112 and a connector assembly 114. The infusion unit 112 can be coupled to a first end 116 of the tube 110 and the connector assembly 114 can be coupled to a second end 1 18 of the tube 110. The fluid infusion device 102 can be carried or worn by the user, and the infusion set component 104 terminates at the infusion unit 1 12 such that the fluid infusion device 102 can deliver fluid to the body of the user via the tube 1 10. Thus, the infusion unit 1 12 can be coupled to the body of the user, as described in more detail below. The fluid infusion device 102 may leverage a number of conventional features, components, elements, and characteristics of existing fluid infusion devices. For example, the fluid infusion device 102 may incorporate some of the features, components, elements, and/or characteristics described in United States Patent Nos. 6,485,465 and 7,621,893, the relevant content of which is incorporated by reference herein. It should be noted that the fluid infusion device 102 illustrated herein is merely exemplary, as any suitable fluid infusion device can be employed with the infusion set component 104. Furthermore, the techniques described herein for coupling the infusion unit 112 to the body of a user can be employed with other devices, such as an analyte monitoring device coupled to the body of a user. Thus, the following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

[0018] The fluid infusion device 102 accommodates a fluid reservoir (hidden from view in FIG. 1) for the fluid to be delivered to the user. The tube 1 10 represents the fluid flow path that couples the fluid reservoir to the infusion unit 1 12. When installed as depicted in FIG. 1, the tube 110 extends from the fluid infusion device 102 to the infusion unit 1 12, which in turn provides a fluid pathway to the body of the user. For the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly 1 14 is realized as a removable reservoir cap 120 (or fitting) that is suitably sized and configured to accommodate replacement of fluid reservoirs (which are typically disposable) as needed. In this regard, the reservoir cap 120 is designed to accommodate the fluid path from the fluid reservoir to the tube 110.

[0019] With reference to FIG. 2, a schematic side view of the infusion unit 1 12 is shown. In one example, the infusion unit 112 can include a connector 122, a mount 124, a coupling device 126 and a fluid outlet 128. The connector 122 can be coupled to the first end 116 of the tube 1 10 and to the mount 124. The connector 122 can have any desired shape and configuration to facilitate fluid flow from the tube 1 10 through the infusion unit 112. In one example, the connector 122 can be substantially annular and can define a throughbore 132 for coupling the connector 122 to the mount 124. The connector 122 can also define a passageway 134, which can enable the first end 116 of the tube 1 10 to pass through the connector 122. The tube 1 10 can be coupled to the connector 122 through any suitable technique, including, but not limited to, press-fit, adhesives, etc. The passageway 134 can be in communication with a passageway 136 of the mount 124 to enable the tube 110 to be fluidly coupled to the fluid outlet 128.

[0020] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the mount 124 can include a first or distal end 138, a second or proximal end 140, the passageway 136, an internal projection 142 and an internal recess 144. In one example, the connector 122 can be coupled to the distal end 138 and the coupling device 126 can be coupled to the proximal end 140. Generally, the distal end 138 can be sized so as to be received within the throughbore 132 of the connector 122. The distal end 138 of the mount 124 can be coupled to the connector 122 via any suitable technique, including, but not limited to, a press-fit, snap- fit, etc. The distal end 138 can have any desired shape that can cooperate with the connector 122, and in one example, can be substantially cylindrical.

[0021] The proximal end 140 can be coupled to the distal end 138. The proximal end 140 can be substantially annular, and can have a diameter, which can be greater than a diameter of the distal end 138. The proximal end 140 can have a height along an axis A of the infusion unit 112, which can be less than a height of the distal end 138 defined along the axis A. In one example, with reference to FIG. 3, the proximal end 140 can have at least one or a plurality of ribs 146. For example, the proximal end 140 can include about eight ribs. The ribs 146 can span the internal recess 144, to couple or connect the internal projection 142 with a surface 148 of the proximal end 140. In one example, the ribs 146 can be arranged at substantially evenly spaced intervals about a perimeter or circumference of the internal projection 142, however, the ribs 146 could be arranged so as to be spaced at different intervals or distances from each other about the perimeter of the internal projection 142. The ribs 146 can provide structural support to the internal projection 142, which can aid in maintaining the position of the fluid outlet 128 in the body of the user. In this regard, the ribs 146 can stiffen the internal projection 142, which can receive the fluid outlet 128 therethrough, and thereby the ribs 146 can aid in ensuring the fluid outlet 128 remains positioned along the axis A even with relative movement between the infusion unit 112 and the body of the user.

[0022] In one example, the ribs 146 can be substantially rectangular, however, the ribs 146 can have any desired shape. The ribs 146 can generally lie in a plane that is transverse to the axis A of the infusion unit 1 12, and can be substantially symmetric with respect to the axis A. In one example, the ribs 146 can extend radially from the axis A. The ribs 146 can have a width W that can be sized to enable a portion of the coupling device 126 to be coupled to the mount 124 so that the coupling device 126 is positioned adjacent to the internal projection 142. Generally, it is desirable to position the coupling device 126 as close to the internal projection 142 as possible to assist in maintaining the location of the fluid outlet 128 in the body of the user. It should be noted that the ribs 146 as described and illustrated herein are merely exemplary, and the proximal end 140 could have any number of ribs 146 in any desired shape to facilitate positioning a portion of the coupling device 126 adjacent to the internal projection 142. Furthermore, the proximal end 140 could include a wall that extends from the surface 148 to the internal projection 142 such that the internal recess 144 is substantially completely enclosed. [0023] With reference to FIG. 2, the passageway 136 of the mount 124 can be in communication with a bore 150 defined through at least a portion of the internal projection 142. The bore 150 can be sized to receive at least a portion of the fluid outlet 128 to couple the fluid outlet 128 to the mount 124. In one example, the bore 150 can have a diameter D2 that can be substantially the same as a diameter D3 of the fluid outlet 128. For example, the diameter D2 of the bore 150 can be about 0.8 millimeters (mm) and the diameter D3 of the fluid outlet 128 can be substantially about 0.8 mm.

[0024] The internal projection 142 can be substantially cylindrical, and can extend from the distal end 138 to the proximal end 140. The internal projection 142 can generally extend through the internal recess 144 along the axis A of the infusion unit 112. The internal projection 142 can support and impart rigidity to the fluid outlet 128, and the ribs 146 can support and impart rigidity to the internal projection 142. The internal projection 142 can have a sidewall with a thickness selected such that the ribs 146 are substantially adjacent to the fluid outlet 128. By placing the ribs 146 closer to the fluid outlet 128, the coupling device 126 can be coupled closer to the fluid outlet 128, which can assist in maintaining the location of the fluid outlet 128 relative to the user during movement of the user.

[0025] The internal recess 144 can be defined through the surface 148 of the proximal end 140 and can extend through the proximal end 140 and a portion of the distal end 138. The internal recess 144 can provide the infusion unit 112 with flexibility such that the infusion unit 1 12 can move with the body of the user. The internal recess 144 can be substantially annular. It should be noted that the use of the internal recess 144 is merely exemplary, as the infusion unit 1 12 need not include the internal recess 144, if desired.

[0026] The coupling device 126 can couple the mount 124 to the body of the user. In one example, the coupling device 126 can comprise a mounting layer 152, an adhesive layer 154 and a backing 156. It should be noted that the mounting layer 152 and backing 156 are illustrated herein as having a nominal thickness, but that the mounting layer 152 and backing 156 could have any suitable thickness as necessary for the manufacture of the coupling device 126. The mounting layer 152 and adhesive layer 154 can be separately or integrally formed. The mounting layer 152 can couple or fixedly attach the adhesive layer 154 to the mount 124. The mounting layer 152 can be coupled or secured to the proximal end 140 of the mount 124 through any suitable technique, including, but not limited to, ultrasonic welding. Generally, the mounting layer 152 can be coupled to substantially all surface areas of the proximal end 140 of the mount 124. Thus, the mounting layer 152 can be coupled to the ribs 146 and the surface 148 of the proximal end 140. It should be noted that an end 142a of the internal projection 142 may not be coupled to the coupling device 126, if desired. In addition, while the mounting layer 152 is illustrated herein as being defined over substantially an entire surface of the coupling device 126, the mounting layer 152 can be coupled to just a portion of the surface of the adhesive layer 154. For example, the mounting layer 152 can be coupled to the adhesive layer 154 so as to extend over a portion of the adhesive layer 154 that corresponds with the portion of the coupling device 126 that is coupled to the mount 124. In other words, the mounting layer 152 can be sized to correspond to the size of the mount 124, and can have a radius that can be substantially smaller than a radius of the adhesive layer 154.

[0027] The adhesive layer 154 can enable the mount 124 to be removably coupled to the body of the user. It should be noted that the use of the adhesive layer 154 is merely exemplary, as any suitable technique could be used to removably couple the mount 124 to the user. The backing 156 can be coupled to at least a portion of the adhesive layer 154, and can be removed to facilitate coupling the coupling device 126 to the user, as is generally known in the art.

[0028] The fluid outlet 128 can be coupled to the tube 1 10, and can extend through the bore 150 of the internal projection 142. In one example, the fluid outlet 128 can comprise a portion of the first end 1 16 of the tube 110, however, the fluid outlet 128 can comprise a separate fluid conduit coupled to the first end 116 of the tube 1 10, including, but not limited to, a hollow needle, cannula, etc. Generally, the fluid outlet 128 can be composed of a suitable biocompatible material, such as a biocompatible polymer, however, the fluid outlet 128 can be composed of a suitable biocompatible metal or metal alloy, if desired. In the case of the fluid outlet 128 being composed of a biocompatible polymer, the ribs 146 and diameter D2 of the internal projection 142 can impart rigidity to the polymeric fluid outlet 128. At least a portion of the fluid outlet 128 can be received into a portion of the body of the user, to enable the fluid from the fluid infusion device 102 to flow into the body of the user. For example, with reference to FIG. 4, a first or proximal end 158 of the fluid outlet 128 can be received into a body B of the user, and a second or distal end 160 can be coupled to the first end 1 16 of the tube 110. The proximal end 158 can include a piercing tip 158a, however, the proximal end 158 can be atraumatic. In one example, the fluid outlet 128 can be substantially cylindrical, and can have the diameter D3, which can be substantially about equal to the diameter D2 of the bore 150. The fluid outlet 128 can be coupled to the mount 124 through any suitable technique, including, but not limited to, press-fitting, adhesives, etc.

[0029] In order to assemble the infusion unit 112, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the coupling device 126 can be coupled to the mount 124. Then, the tube 1 10 can be coupled to the fluid outlet 128, and then coupled to or inserted through the passageway 134 of the connector 122, passageway 136 of the mount 124 and the bore 150. In one example, with the tube 110 in communication with the infusion unit 112, the tube 1 10 can be coupled to the fluid infusion device 102. Then, the infusion unit 1 12 can be coupled to the body B of the user (FIG. 4). For example, the backing 156 of the coupling device 126 can be removed to expose the adhesive 152 (FIG. 2). Then, the infusion unit 1 12 can be coupled or pressed onto the body B of the user, so that at least a portion of the fluid outlet 128 extends into the body B of the user, and the mount is removably coupled to the user via the coupling device 126 (FIG. 4). With the infusion unit 1 12 coupled to the user, fluid from the fluid reservoir of the fluid infusion device 102 can flow through the infusion unit 112 into the body B of the user.

[0030] In addition, by providing the bore 150 with the diameter D2 about substantially the same as the diameter D3 of the fluid outlet 128, the internal projection 142 can impart stability and reinforcement to the fluid outlet 128. This can ensure that the fluid outlet 128 remains disposed substantially along the axis A of the infusion unit 112 during movement of the user relative to the infusion unit 1 12, such as when the user is sleeping, for example. Further, by coupling the coupling device 126 to the ribs 146, which are adjacent to the bore 150, the infusion unit 1 12 is further secured to the user to ensure that the fluid outlet 128 remains disposed substantially along the axis A of the infusion unit 1 12 during movement of the user relative to the infusion unit 1 12.

[0031] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time of filing this patent application.