CA2551817A1 - Empty container detection using container side pressure sensing - Google Patents

Empty container detection using container side pressure sensing Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2551817A1
CA2551817A1 CA002551817A CA2551817A CA2551817A1 CA 2551817 A1 CA2551817 A1 CA 2551817A1 CA 002551817 A CA002551817 A CA 002551817A CA 2551817 A CA2551817 A CA 2551817A CA 2551817 A1 CA2551817 A1 CA 2551817A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
fluid
infusion
pressure
container
averaged
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
CA002551817A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2551817C (en
Inventor
Timothy W. Vanderveen
Robert D. Butterfield
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
CareFusion 303 Inc
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2551817A1 publication Critical patent/CA2551817A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2551817C publication Critical patent/CA2551817C/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/14Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
    • A61M5/168Means for controlling media flow to the body or for metering media to the body, e.g. drip meters, counters ; Monitoring media flow to the body
    • A61M5/16831Monitoring, detecting, signalling or eliminating infusion flow anomalies
    • A61M5/16854Monitoring, detecting, signalling or eliminating infusion flow anomalies by monitoring line pressure
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/14Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
    • A61M5/168Means for controlling media flow to the body or for metering media to the body, e.g. drip meters, counters ; Monitoring media flow to the body
    • A61M5/16831Monitoring, detecting, signalling or eliminating infusion flow anomalies
    • A61M5/1684Monitoring, detecting, signalling or eliminating infusion flow anomalies by detecting the amount of infusate remaining, e.g. signalling end of infusion
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/18General characteristics of the apparatus with alarm
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/35Communication
    • A61M2205/3546Range
    • A61M2205/3561Range local, e.g. within room or hospital
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/14Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
    • A61M5/142Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
    • A61M5/14212Pumping with an aspiration and an expulsion action
    • A61M5/14228Pumping with an aspiration and an expulsion action with linear peristaltic action, i.e. comprising at least three pressurising members or a helical member

Abstract

A system and method for monitoring changes in the pressure of a fluid line upstream of an infusion pump to determine when a fluid container has emptied, and to provide a signal indicating that the container needs replacement or replenishment. The difference between averaged pressures over separate time periods is monitored to determine when the fluid container is empty. The system and method are applicable to primary and secondary fluid container setups and can detect the point where the secondary has been emptied and the primary flow has resumed.

Description

EMPTY CONTAINER DETECTION USING CONTAINER SIDE
PRESSURE SENSING
Background of the Invention Field of the Invention:
The present invention generally relates to a system and method for determining when an infusion fluid container has emptied, or is about to empty, as a result of fluid being withdrawn from the container. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system including an infusion pump having a sensor that is capable of monitoring and detecting pressure within the container-side of a fluid "infusion set" so as to determine when the associated fluid container is empty, or about to become empty. Upon such detection, the system may provide a local or remote audible and/or visual alert to a caregiver administering or monitoring the infusion and may initiate pre-programmed changes to the flow' of fluid including changing to an alternate flow rate or stopping infusion. 1 2. General Background and State of the Art:
Infusion of therapeutic fluids to treat or nourish patients is commonly used in hospitals and other medical care institutions. Originally such infusions were carried out by hanging a bag or container of therapeutic fluid from a pole so that fluid flows under the force of gravity regulated by a user-controllable restrictor through a length of tubing and into the lumen of a vessel of a patient. More recently, the flow of fluid into the patient is under the control of a programmed infusion pump located in the fluid pathway.
Infusion pumps are useful in that they allow for more precise control of the flow of therapeutic fluid into the patient. For example, using an infusion pump, relatively precise amounts of fluid may be infused at controlled rates. Moreover, the rate of infusion may be altered during the infusion by programming the pump to pump the fluid at a different rate.
This capability is useful where a bolus of therapeutic fluid is desired to initiate an infusion regimen, with the rate then being decreased to a reduced flow rate for the remainder of the infusion. When a pump is located in the fluid pathway, the portion of the tubing between the container of medical fluid and the pump is referred to as the "container-side" fluid line.

One problem that exists with all infusions is that it is difficult to monitor and determine when the fluid container becomes empty, necessitating a change of container or other attention from a care-giver. In the case of a simple primary infusion, when the fluid container is emptied, the flow rate is typically reduced from the flow rate prescribed by a physician to a "keep vein open" or KVO rate. If the empty or nearly empty container is not replaced or replenished, air may enter the infusion line, which is generally considered to be an undesirable condition. In the case of "secondary" infusion, a fluid container containing a different IV solution is attached to the container-side primary fluid line and its fluid is infused temporarily in lieu of the primary fluid until the secondary container is empty. In these infusions attention must be given to the secondary fluid container so that air does not enter into the infusion line.
One method used to monitor the state of the fluid container has been to estimate the volume of fluid in the secondary container and program the secondary mode of the pump to deliver this volume. This method is prone to errors due to mistakes or inaccurate estimations of the fluid infusion rate or the amount of fluid remaining in the container.
In many secondary infusion systems, a one-way check valve is inserted in the primary fluid path and the primary container is lowered below the secondary container, typically, for example, about eight inches. The secondary fluid enters the main intake fluid pathway through a port in the main fluid line. When the secondary container is filled, the pressure exerted against the check valve prevents flow of the primary fluid into the fluid line. When the secondary fluid container is emptied to a level slightly below that of the top of the fluid in the primary container, the pressure against the check valve reduces to the point that it opens, permitting the primary fluid to once again flow into the infusion line.
In many cases where secondary infusion of a fluid is performed, the desired rate of secondary fluid flow is different from the desired rate of primary fluid flow.
Accordingly, an operator must preset the infusion pump with the estimated volume in the secondary container, so that when the pump has infused that amount at the prescribed secondary rate, the pump will automatically transition to the primary flow rate. However, frequent errors due to incorrect estimation of container volume or inaccurate setting of the secondary volume-to-be-infused renders this method unreliable, requiring frequent monitoring by care-givers to ensure that the proper fluid is being infused at the proper rate, and to prevent air from entering into the infusion line in the instance of a fault such as a non-flowing checkvalve.
In some infusion tubing setups, there may be multiple infusion lines connected together via a manifold or similar device providing fluid to a common vascular access device. Such a system allows two or more therapeutic fluids to be infused into the patient in a programmed sequence. For example, the care-giver may prescribe a therapeutic regimen requiring the infusion of a primary fluid for a first set length of time, a secondary fluid for a second set length of time, and then a third fluid for a third set length of time, followed by infusion of the secondary fluid. In many cases, the various therapeutic fluids are not compatible with each other, and so care must be taken to avoid mixing the fluids in the manifold: While current pumps can be programmed to deliver the exemplary therapeutic regimen described above, as with the other examples, errors in setting the pumps for the volumes to be infused, or the occurrence of an empty container, can complicate the delivery of the infusion fluids and require frequent monitoring during the infusion.
Another attempt to determine when a container is empty involved trying to sense the vibration produced by drops falling into a drip chamber. Cessation of these vibrations meant that drops were no longer falling, indicating that the container was empty.
However, noise sources such as patient or equipment movement, cross coupling between fluid lines or pumping channels made this approach difficult to carry out in practice.
What has been needed, and heretofore unavailable, is an inexpensive yet reliable system and method for detecting when an infusion container is empty, or nearly empty, and for providing a signal to an infusion pump to either alter the infusion rate, provide an alert signal to a care-giver that the container needs replenishment or replacement, or switch to a different infusion source. What is further needed is a reliable system and method for use with automatic secondary infusion setups that provide detection of the occurrence of transition from flow of the secondary fluid to flow of the primary fluid. The present invention satisfies these and other needs.
Invention Summary:
Briefly and in general terms, the system and method in accordance with the invention are directed to monitoring the pressure of a fluid line connecting a fluid container with an infusion pump. A pressure sensor monitors the pressure within the fluid line as fluid is drawn from the fluid container by the infusion pump. A
processor in communication with the pressure sensor samples at a selected frequency pressure signals generated by the pressure sensor representative of the pressure within the fluid line. At the conclusion of a selected period of time, the processor averages the values of the sampled pressure signals received during the period of time, and stores the averaged value in a memory that is accessible by the processor. After a second period of time has elapsed, a second averaged value is calculated using the sampled signals received during the second period of time. The processor then compares the averaged value from the second period of time to the averaged value from the first period of,time to determine if there is a difference that reaches a predetermined threshold. If the predetermined threshold is exceeded, the processor provides a signal indicating that the predetermined threshold has been exceeded.
In another aspect, the present invention is embodied in a system for determining when a fluid container connected to an infusion pump by an infusion line has been emptied of fluid and comprises: a pressure sensor in operable communication with the fluid line, the pressure sensor capable of monitoring a pressure within the fluid line and providing a signal representative of the monitored pressure; a memory for storing pressure-related values; and a processor in operable communication with the pressure sensor and the memory, the processor programmed to receive signals from the pressure sensor and sample the received signals at selected intervals, the processor also programmed to calculate a first averaged sampled pressure value from the signals received during a first selected interval and store the first averaged sampled pressure value in the memory, the processor also programmed to compare the stored averaged sampled pressure value with a second averaged sampled pressure value calculated during a second selected interval and provide a signal if the comparison results in a difference between the first and second calculated averaged sampled pressure values reaches a predetermined threshold. In a more detailed aspect, the pressure'sensor is located within a housing of the infusion pump.
In further detail, the processor is also located within the housing of the infusion pump and in yet .
even further detail, the processor is located at a position remote from the infusion pump.
In still another aspect in accordance with the invention, a system is provided wherein the processor is in communication with an information system of an institution, and wherein the signal is communicated to the information system for dissemination to at least one care giver within the institution. In another embodiment, the processor is part of a local network.
In a further more detailed aspect, the sampling period is determined by counting the number of pump mechanism cycles that have occurred, and then calculating the averaged value when a selected number of cycles have been completed.
In yet another aspect in accordance with the invention, a method is provided for detecting when a fluid container has emptied during the course of an infusion.
The method comprises the steps of sampling the pressure within an infusion line connecting a fluid.
container with an infusion pump at a selected frequency, calculating a first averaged sampled pressure value by averaging the sampled pressure over a selected period of time, storing the averaged sampled pressure value in a memory, calculating a second averaged sampled pressure value by averaging the sampled pressure over a second selected period of time, calculating a difference between the first averaged sampled pressure value and the second averaged sampled pressure value, and providing a signal if the difference reaches a pre-determined threshold value. In another aspect, the method further comprises the steps of continuously sampling the pressure within the infusion line and calculating averaged sampled pressure values, incrementing the selected period of time for each calculation, comparing the latest averaged sample pressure value to a selected previous averaged sampled pressure value and calculating a difference between the latest averaged sample pressure value and the selected previous averaged sampled pressure value, and providing a signal if the difference reaches a pre-determined threshold value.
In a further aspect, the step of providing a first signal comprises providing an indication that the container is empty. In another aspect, the step of providing the second signal comprises providing an indication that a drip chamber associated with the container is empty.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features of the invention Brief Description of the Drawings:
FIGURE 1 depicts an infusion set-up including a fluid source and an infusion pump for infusing fluid from the fluid source into a patient.
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of an exemplary peristaltic infusion pump including an upstream pressure sensor.
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of an infusion pump controller capable of being programmed to carry out the present invention.
FIG. 4 depicts an infusion set up showing a container, drip chamber, infusion line and infusion pump with a container side (upstream) pressure sensor, and a graph of sampled pressure measurements over time as fluid is withdrawn from the chamber, the graph illustrating the detection of an empty container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows an infusion set up with primary and secondary fluid containers both connected to the same fluid line to infuse fluid to the patient, showing that the secondary container is higher than the primary container.
FIG. 6 presents a graph of the pressure waveform of the system of FIG. 5.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments:
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an infusion pump set-up, generally designated 10, shown in use in its intended environment. In particular, the infusion pump set-up 10 is shown mounted to an intravenous (LV.) pole 12 on which a fluid source 14 containing an LV. fluid is held. The fluid source 14 is connected in fluid communication with an upstream fluid line 16. The upstream fluid line 16 is a conventional LV. infusion-type tube typically used in a hospital or medical environment, and is made of any type of flexible tubing appropriate for use to infuse therapeutic fluids into a patient, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). The upstream fluid line 16 is connected with another tube portion 18 that is flexible and is mounted in operative engagement with a peristaltic pumping apparatus 19, for propelling fluid through a downstream fluid line 20, for example, to a patient's arm 22.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the upstream fluid line 16, the flexible portion fluid line 18, and the downstream fluid line 20 may be portions of a continuous length of flexible tubing, with the portions defined by the location of the peristaltic pump 19. For convenience in reference, the overall length of tube has been given the reference numeral of 21 in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this context, the term "upstream" refers to that portion of the flexible tubing that extends between the fluid source and peristaltic pump, and the term "downstream" refers to that portion of the flexible tubing that extends from the peristaltic pump to the patient. For convenience, the overall tube extending between the FIG. 2 depicts an enlarged schematic view of the pumping mechanism of the infusion pump 10 showing the interaction of the infusion tube with the elements of the peristaltic infusion pump. The fluid line 16 is disposed in the housing 30 of the pump 10 in such a manner that the flexible portion 18 of the infusion line is in releasable contact with one or more fingers 40 of the peristaltic infusion pump. Typically, such a peristaltic infusion pump utilizes a camshaft 35, or other mechanism, to actuate one or more fingers 40 so that one or more fingers 40 sequentially press upon and squeeze the flexible portion 18 of the tube to displace fluid within the tube in a downstream direction.
The downstream segment 20 of the tube of the fluid administration set 21 is also partially showri~ Various details of a complete peristaltic mechanism have been left out of FIG. 2 so that clarity of illustration of the above-discussed features is retained.
However, one skilled in the art will understand that many other mechanical components can exist with such a mechanism.
An upstream pressure sensor or detector 50 is mounted in the housing of the pump 10 to monitor the fluid pressure within the upstream tube 16. The upstream pressure sensor 50 may be any kind of detector known in the art that is capable of monitoring the fluid pressure within the tube 16 and providing signals that may be received by suitable electronics, such as, for example an A/D converter and a storage medium, such as a flash memory, or other type of suitable~storage medium for storing digital values representative of the signals provided by the sensor. The signals may also be provided to a computer or microprocessor for analysis, display or reporting. Examples of pressure sensors or detectors suitable for monitoring the pressure within an upstream infusion line are silicon strain gauges, resistive strain beams or other sensors or detectors known to those skilled in the art.
Those skilled in the art will also understand that the upstream pressure sensor 50 and methods described herein are equally applicable to any displacement type infusion pump, and such is intended to be within the scope of the present invention.
Even further, the principles may be employed even in pumps or servo-controlled gravity flow regulators.
Moreover, while the present invention is described in relation to an infusion pump having a processor or computer associated with the pump, it is intended that the invention also include systems wherein the microprocessor or computer is remote from, but in communication with the pump.
Generally, as shown in FIG. 3, the infusion pump 10 will include a controller configured or programmed to control the operation of the peristaltic infusion pump so that a prescribed amount of medication or other therapeutic fluid is infused into the patient over a desired period of time: Such controllers typically include a microprocessor 75, a memory 80 associated with the microprocessor 75, one or more inputs 85 for inputting signals to the microprocessor, and one or more outputs 90 for outputting signals from the microprocessor.
The controller 70 may also be in communication with other systems, such as a pharmacy information system, hospital administration system, or other such systems in the institution using an input/output communications port 92 and a communication means 95.
The input/output communications port 92 may be any port configured to send and receive data using appropriate communication protocols, such as RS232 and the like.
For example, the input/output communications port 92 may be a serial port, a parallel port, a USB~ or other suitable port. It will also be understood that the input 85 and the output 90 may be combined in such a manner that all signals to and/or from the processor are communicated through one or more input/output ports 92, rather than through separate inputs and outputs.
The communication means 95 may be a hard wired or wireless connection to another computer, a local area network, a wide area network, a telephone line to a remote server or client system, or the Internet. The communication means may include specialized connection devices for connecting to optical fiber, coaxial cable, Ethernet cabling, or other communication lines. Alternatively, wireless connections may be used, which may also include the use of suitable transmitters and receivers as is known in the art.

Such wireless connectivity may include use of infra red, RF, Bluetooth or WiFi (IEEE
802.1 1b) communication means and the like. Additionally, the microprocessor 75 is commonly programmed using either embedded programming instructions or suitable software so that the microprocessor can carry out the tasks desired of it.
In one embodiment of the system and method of the present invention, the microprocessor 75 is capable of receiving signals from an upstream pressure sensor 105 through the input 85 (typically an amplifier and A/D converter). The upstream pressure sensor 105 is disposed adjacent an upstream infusion line so as to monitor the pressure within the upstream infusion line, and provide signals representative of the sensed pressure within the infusion line to the microprocessor 75. The microprocessor 75, as described above is prograrilmed using appropriate software or embedded commands to analyze the signals received from the upstream pressure sensor 75. After analysis of the received upstream pressure signals is completed, the processor may output a signal through the output 90. This signal output may be directed to the pump motor 115 to control the infusion of fluid to the patient.
The output signal may also be directed to a display 120 to inform an operator of the status of the pump and/or the pressure within the upstream infusion line. This display may also include a means of providing a visual alert, such as a flashing display, blinking light, or a change in text color on the display to alert an operator that the infusion set-up requires attention.
The output signal may also be directed to an alert module 125. This alert module may be a separate module of the processor 75 that is controlling the pump 10, or it may be located at a location remote from the pump, and/or associated and in communication with a separate processor remote from the pump. The alert module 125 ,may be configured to provide visual, auditory, or a combination of visual and auditory notifications to care givers to alert the care giver that attention must be given to the infusion system. The alert module may produce signals that are communicated to consoles at the bed side, the nurse station, or a centrally located monitoring system. Additionally, various combinations of display changes and auditory alerts may be used to signify a priority of an alert, so that alerts which do not require immediate attention are less noticeable than alerts that require immediate attention to correct a problem before harm to the patient being infused can occur.

The alert module 125 may also provide signals representing the progress of the infusion, including any alerts generated due to a sensed reduced or negative pressure in the upstream infusion line 16 (FIG. 1), to a database where the information is stored for later inspection and analysis. The database may be associated with the pump 10, or the database may be remote from the pump. For example, where the pump is controlled by a remote controller, the database may be located and associated with the remote controller.
In another embodiment, the database may be part of an institutional information system which may be part of an enterprise wide network.
In another embodiment, the microprocessor.75 may also be configured to receive signals from a pump motor sensor 110 through the input 85. In this embodiment, the processor 75 may monitor the function of the pump, collecting, analyzing, and storing information related to the infusion, such as, for example, the start time and completion time of the infusion, the amount of fluid infused, and the number of pump cycles that have been completed since the start of the infusion or since a selected time in the past. This information may be stored in the memory ~0 for later retrieval and analysis, or the information may be communicated to another, remote, system using the communication means 95.
FIG. 4 illustrates the design and software analysis of an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the upstream portion 200 of an infusion setup is shown.
Such an infusion set up typically comprises a fluid container 205 that is filled with an LV.
fluid. To facilitate priming of the infusion set, avoid entrainment of air bubbles and provide visualization of the infusion, a drip chamber 210 is generally located adjacent the bottom of the container 205. A length of flexible infusion line extends from the bottom of the drip chamber and into the infusion pump 220. The infusion pump 220 includes an upstream, or container side pressure sensor 225, and typically also includes a patient side pressure sensor 230 as well as a pumping mechanism 222, such as a peristaltic mechanism.
As fluid is withdrawn from the container 205, the level of fluid falls. The upstream pressure sensor 225 in one embodiment senses the resulting decrease in pressure within the infusion line 215. The pressure within the infusion line 215 is dependent on the amount of fluid in the container 205 and the rate of flow of fluid through the fluid line.

The change in pressure within the infusion line 215 as an infusion progresses is illustrated by the graph in FIG. 4. During an infusion, the processor controlling the infusion pump motor also samples the output of the upstream pressure sensor 225.
Typically, the upstream pressure sensor is sampled about once every 100 milliseconds, although other sampling rates may be used. Because the mechanism 222 does not draw fluid absolutely smoothly, small variations of intake flow rate throughout a mechanical cycle through the fluidic impedance to flow of the upstream tubing 215 produce small pressure changes in the upstream infusion line 215. The amount of fluid pumped during a cycle is dependent on the particular pump being used. For example, the MEDLEY"
Large Volume Pump Module (LVP) manufactured and sold by ALARIS Medical Systems, Inc., San Diego, California, typically draws and expels 165 microliters of fluid volume during each cycle.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the upstream sensor 225 is sampled synchronously with the movement of the pump mechanism 222 to account for artifacts in the pressure signal caused by the variation in flow during a cycle. Since the fluctuations are cyclic with each revolution of the mechanism of the infusion pump 220, the cycle averaged pressure ("Pca"), which is an average of the sampled pressures detected by the pressure sensor during a single cycle. Pca is highly stable from cycle to cycle owing to the large number of samples typically measured. One added advantage of averaging the signal is that the averaging may start and stop at any point within the cycle and the averaged signal will produce equivalent results to calculations begun and ended at a different point.
Further, pausing the pump, or changing the pumping rate will not affect the resultant Pca value. In a typical embodiment, the pressure sensed by the upstream pressure sensor 225 is sampled approximately 100 times per cycle. Thus, in the MEDLEY" LVP pump identified above, a pressure sample is obtained for about each 1.5-2.0 microliters of fluid drawn from the container.
The pressure sampling and analysis process is controlled by the processor associated with the infusion pump. As each sampled pressure is received by the processor, the processor may store the sampled pressure values in a buffer, cache, working memory, or other storage medium for later analysis. Periodically, typically at least once a cycle, the sampled pressure values are averaged to calculate the Pca.

The values for the Pca signal may also be stored by the processor for further analysis, as will be disclosed in more detail below. Each stored Pca signal may also be associated with a value representing the number of cycles that had elapsed since the start of the infusion, or since the last Pca was determined. For example, the first Pca calculated could be associated with the number 1, the second Pca with the number 2, and so on, so that the series of Pca may be sequentially arranged in accordance with the number of cycles that are completed, providing a time frame for further analysis to determine the occurrence of sequential events.
As an infusion fluid container empties, the "head" pressure due to depth of the fluid within the upstream infusion line falls slowly, as can be seen from the line indicated by numeral 250 of the graph of FIG. 4, which is a line connecting pressure measurements indicated by volts at each sample. The sampled signal from the pressure sensor 225 may be further processed by calculating the difference between two Pca signals separated by r one cycle. The "delta" value thus calculated is the slope of the Pca filtered pressure signal of line 250, and is illustrated by the line indicated by numeral 255 of the graph of FIG. 4, which shows the slope or rate of change or differential in units of volts per second.
Differentiating the Pca signals in this manner is advantageous in that it enhances the sensitivity of the analysis, since for small containers, the pressure changes much more rapidly than the pressure where large fluid containers are used, and such large changes in pressure may result in false identification of an empty container, as will be discussed in more detail below.
Referring again to the graph of FIG. 4, the function of one embodiment of the present invention will be described. As fluid is removed from the container 205, the pressure within the fluid line 215 falls slowly and relatively constantly, as indicated by the line 250 of the graph. It is also apparent that the slope of the pressure drop is relatively constant, although magnification of the slope value by the choice of units on the axis of the graph causes the graph of the slope to appear somewhat jagged. The processor associated with the pump monitors the value of the slope, or delta signal, of line 250 that have been calculated as described above, and is typically programmed to ignore all changes in the slope of the signal that fall below a pre-determined threshold.

Because the amount of fluid being withdrawn from the container 205 by the pump 220 is relatively small compared to the volume of fluid within the container 205, the level within the container 205 falls relatively slowly. However, when the fluid surface level reaches the orifice of the drip chamber 210, which typically has less volume than the container 205, the amount of fluid removed during each sensor sampling results in a relatively large change in fluid level with each sample. This rapid reduction in the level of the fluid appears as a large negative delta signal at point b' of line 255.
Similarly, once the drip chamber 210 empties, the fluid surface level enters the relatively small bore of the infusion line 215, resulting in a further pressure decrease and large negative delta, depicted at point c' on line 255.
As stated above,'the processor 75 monitoring the pressure signal may be programmed to respond when a negative delta signal reaches a pre-determined threshold value, as illustrated by the line 260 of the graph of FIG. 4. When the delta signal reaches the threshold value represented by line 260, the logic of the processor is programmed to determine that the container has emptied. The processor may respond to such a threshold-exceeding event in a number of ways known to those skilled in the art, such as providing a visual or audible signal to a care-giver indicating that the infusion system needs attention.
Alternatively, the processor may log the event in a memory that may be either associated with the processor, or located at location remote from the pump or processor, if the processor is in communication with an appropriate storage media by way of a network connection or some other means.
In another embodiment, the processor 75 may respond to a sufficiently large delta signal indicating an empty container 205 by operating one or more suitable valves to change containers, or to change between infusion lines or infusion sources or take another suitable action depending on the type of infusion regimen that has been programmed into the processor associated with the pump 220. This is particularly useful where more than one infusion line or source is connected to the pump by way of a manifold or other similar arrangement. For example, where the system detects that a secondary infusion container has been emptied, the processor may provide a command to the pump to change the rate of infusion to a keep-vein-open mode, or it may control the pump to begin pumping at a different rate suitable for infusion of fluid from the primary container.

In another embodiment, the processor 75 may store the occurrence of threshold exceeding delta signals so as to discriminate between the emptying of the container 205 and the emptying of the drip chamber 210. In this embodiment, a memory 80 associated with the processor may be indexed with a value indicating the start of the infusion. When the first delta signal that reaches a pre-determined threshold is detected, that value, or some representation of that value, or a flag indicating that a pre-determined threshold exceeding event has occurred, may be stored in the memory. When a second threshold-exceeding delta signal is detected, the logic of the processor, by comparing the sequencing of the threshold exceeding events, can determine which event occurred first in time, indicating that the container 205 is empty, and which event occurred later in time indicating that the drip chamber 210 is empty. Such a determination is useful in ensuring that all, or nearly all of the fluid contained in the container 205 is infused into the patient, leaving only the relatively small volume remaining in the upstream infusion line 215, before sending an alert to a care-giver or monitor system that the container is empty and needs replenishment or replacement. Further, such determinations may be made by the processor depending on the infusion regimen prescribed. For example, in the case of a secondary infusion, the processor is able to determine when the secondary container is empty, and infusion switches to a primary container, and when the primary container is empty, so that it may provide an alert to the care giver or institution that replenishment or replacement of the fluid containers is required.
Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown an infusion set up 270 with primary 272 and secondary 274 fluid containers both connected to the same container-side fluid line 276 to infuse fluid to the patient. Both the primary and the secondary fluid containers include a drip chamber 278 and 280 respectively. The primary line 282 includes a check valve 284 so that the secondary fluid will flow to the infusion pump 286. A fitting 288 connects the line 290 from the secondary to the container-side fluid line 276. FIG. 5 shows that the secondary container 274 is higher than the primary container 272 so that the fluid from the secondary will activate the check valve 284 to prevent fluid from the primary from flowing into the container-side fluid line 276. Although not shown, the infusion device 286 includes an upstream pressure sensor as is shown in FIG. 4.
Referring now to both FIGS. 5 and 6, the flow of fluid through the infusion set up will be shown and the pressure waveform of the container-side fluid line is shown.

The line segment 300 represents the pressure of the secondary container 274 which is falling slowly while there is fluid surface in the secondary container.
When the fluid surface reaches the drip chamber cannula, as shown at point 310, the pressure will fall more rapidly, as indicated by the line 320. Once the fluid surface is in the drip chamber 280, the fluid pressure falls more slowly again 330. But when the fluid surface reaches the secondary line 290 as shown at point 340, the pressure falls rapidly, as indicated by the line 350. Once the fluid surface of the secondary line becomes level with the fluid surface in the primary container 272, the pressure change becomes small again as shown by line 360 because now the primary container is emptying. Finally when the primary container is emptied and the primary fluid enters its drip chamber 278 cannula, a rapid negative pressure drop occurs as shown by line 380.
The waveform of FIG. 6 can be considered to be a sort of "signature" of what is to be expected in a primary/secondary system such as that shown in FIG. 5. If the operator sets a secondary volume to be infused ("VTBI"), then by detecting the failure of this pattern or signature to occur within a pre-determined volume relative to the programmed secondary VTBI, a fault of the setup (such as a failure to open a clamp on the secondary line 290) could be determined and the operator alerted. Also, if the infusion continues for some selected time period beyond the programmed secondary VTBI without the appearance of the "return to primary" signature shown in FIG. 6, then a fault is determined.
Another use of the waveform, pattern, or signature shown in FIG. 6 is to automatically switch infusion rates. If the operator does not set a secondary VTBI, then by detecting the occurrence of the pattern of FIG. 6, the system will automatically determine that flow from the primary container has resumed. The pump could be automatically programmed to change its flow rate to the primary flow rate at that time.
While several particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. A method for detecting when a fluid container has emptied during the course of an infusion, comprising:

sampling the pressure within an infusion line connecting a fluid container with an infusion flow control device at a selected frequency;

calculating a first averaged sampled pressure value by averaging the sampled pressure over a selected period of time;

storing the averaged sampled pressure value in a memory;

calculating a second averaged sampled pressure value by averaging the sampled pressure over a second selected period of time;

calculating a difference between the first averaged sampled pressure value and the second averaged sampled pressure value; and providing a signal if the difference reaches a pre-determined threshold value.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

continuing to sample the pressure within the infusion line and calculating averaged sampled pressure values, incrementing the selected period of time for each calculation;

comparing the latest averaged sample pressure value to a next previous averaged sampled pressure value and calculating a difference between the latest averaged sample pressure value and the next previous averaged sampled pressure value; and providing a signal if the difference reaches a pre-determined threshold value.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising:

processing multiple averaged sample pressure values to provide an optimized measure of a rate of change of a slope of the multiple averaged sample pressure values, and determining when the optimized measure of the rate of change indicates the existence of a pre-defined condition within the infusion line.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein providing the signal provides an indication that the container is empty.
5. The method of claim 2 wherein providing the signal provides an indication that a drip chamber associated with the container is empty.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of synchronizing the sampling with movement of a pump mechanism that causes the fluid to flow from the fluid container.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of sampling the fluid pressure comprises the step of sampling the pressure within an infusion line through direct contact with the infusion line at a location lying between a fluid movement mechanism in the fluid flow control device and the container.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of sampling the pressure within an infusion line connecting a primary and a secondary fluid container with a fluid flow control device.
9. A system for determining when a fluid container connected to an infusion flow control device by an infusion line has been emptied of fluid, comprising:

a pressure sensor in operable communication with the fluid line, the pressure sensor capable of monitoring a pressure within the fluid line and providing a signal representative of the monitored pressure; and a memory for storing pressure related values;

a processor in operable communication with the pressure sensor and the memory, the processor programmed to receive signals from the pressure sensor and sample the received signals at selected intervals, the processor also programmed to calculate a first averaged sampled pressure value from the signals received during a first selected interval and store the first averaged sampled pressure value in the memory, the processor also programmed to compare the stored averaged sampled pressure value with a second averaged sampled pressure value calculated during a second selected interval and provide a signal if the comparison results in a difference between the first and second calculated averaged sampled pressure values reaches a predetermined threshold.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the pressure sensor is located within a housing of the infusion flow control device.
11. The system of claim 9 wherein the processor is remote from the infusion flow control device.
12. The system of claim 9 wherein the processor is in communication with an information system of an institution, and wherein the signal is communicated to the information system for dissemination to at least one care giver within the institution.
13. The system of claim 9 wherein the processor is programmed to count the number of revolutions of a fluid movement mechanism of the infusion flow control device, and calculates the averaged pressure value when a predetermined number of revolutions have been completed.
14. The system of claim 9 wherein the pressure sensor is disposed indirect contact with the fluid line at a location between a fluid movement mechanism of the infusion flow control device and the container.
15. The system of claim 9 wherein the processor is configured to sample the received signals in synchronization with movement of a fluid control mechanism forming part of the infusion flow control device.
16. The system of claim 9 wherein the processor is further configured to sample the pressure within the infusion line that connects a primary and a secondary fluid container with the infusion flow control device.
17. The system of claim 9 wherein the infusion flow control device comprises an infusion pump.
18
CA2551817A 2003-12-31 2004-12-28 Empty container detection using container side pressure sensing Active CA2551817C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/750,082 US7206715B2 (en) 2003-12-31 2003-12-31 Empty container detection using container side pressure sensing
US10/750,082 2003-12-31
PCT/US2004/043616 WO2005065749A1 (en) 2003-12-31 2004-12-28 Empty container detection using container side pressure sensing

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2551817A1 true CA2551817A1 (en) 2005-07-21
CA2551817C CA2551817C (en) 2013-04-16

Family

ID=34711203

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2551817A Active CA2551817C (en) 2003-12-31 2004-12-28 Empty container detection using container side pressure sensing

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (2) US7206715B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1699509B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5032126B2 (en)
AU (1) AU2004312054B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2551817C (en)
ES (1) ES2418630T3 (en)
NZ (1) NZ548305A (en)
WO (1) WO2005065749A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA200605844B (en)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11004035B2 (en) 2011-08-19 2021-05-11 Icu Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for a graphical interface including a graphical representation of medical data
US11029911B2 (en) 2017-12-27 2021-06-08 Icu Medical, Inc. Synchronized display of screen content on networked devices
US11135360B1 (en) 2020-12-07 2021-10-05 Icu Medical, Inc. Concurrent infusion with common line auto flush
US11278671B2 (en) 2019-12-04 2022-03-22 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion pump with safety sequence keypad
US11395875B2 (en) 2007-12-18 2022-07-26 Icu Medical, Inc. User interface improvements for medical devices
US11596737B2 (en) 2013-05-29 2023-03-07 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion system and method of use which prevents over-saturation of an analog-to-digital converter
US11623042B2 (en) 2012-07-31 2023-04-11 Icu Medical, Inc. Patient care system for critical medications
US11883361B2 (en) 2020-07-21 2024-01-30 Icu Medical, Inc. Fluid transfer devices and methods of use

Families Citing this family (75)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7206715B2 (en) * 2003-12-31 2007-04-17 Cardinal Health 303, Inc. Empty container detection using container side pressure sensing
EP2330524A3 (en) * 2005-05-10 2012-07-11 CareFusion 303, Inc. Medication safety system featuring a multiplexed RFID interrogator panel
US10010686B2 (en) 2006-02-27 2018-07-03 Ivenix, Inc. Fluid control system and disposable assembly
TWI329414B (en) * 2006-12-18 2010-08-21 Delta Electronics Inc Adjusting method and device of sensitivity of signal determination
CA2675956C (en) * 2007-02-26 2015-05-26 Cardinal Health 303, Inc. Automatic relay pump system
TWI347078B (en) * 2007-05-25 2011-08-11 Delta Electronics Inc Motor control method and device thereof
US7955295B2 (en) 2007-07-05 2011-06-07 Baxter International Inc. Fluid delivery system with autoconnect features
US8105266B2 (en) * 2007-07-05 2012-01-31 Baxter International Inc. Mobile dialysis system having supply container detection
US7808246B2 (en) * 2007-07-05 2010-10-05 Baxter International Inc. Apparatus and method for verifying a seal between multiple chambers
US8496609B2 (en) 2007-07-05 2013-07-30 Baxter International Inc. Fluid delivery system with spiked cassette
US7736328B2 (en) 2007-07-05 2010-06-15 Baxter International Inc. Dialysis system having supply container autoconnection
US8152116B2 (en) * 2008-02-27 2012-04-10 Baxter International Inc. Dialysate bag seal breakage sensor incorporated in dialysate bag management
WO2009112513A1 (en) * 2008-03-11 2009-09-17 Novo Nordisk A/S Drug delivery system with two communicating devices providing continuous drug delivery
ITMO20080159A1 (en) 2008-05-27 2009-11-28 Gambro Lundia Ab MEDICAL FLUID CIRCUIT.
US9662163B2 (en) 2008-10-21 2017-05-30 Hermes Innovations Llc Endometrial ablation devices and systems
US9421325B2 (en) 2008-11-20 2016-08-23 Medtronic, Inc. Pressure based refill status monitor for implantable pumps
US9480795B2 (en) * 2009-01-21 2016-11-01 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Sensor system for drug delivery device, drug delivery device having the same and method of using the same
US10441710B2 (en) * 2009-02-09 2019-10-15 Baxter International Inc. Infusion pump and method to prevent titration errors in infusion therapies
EP2445548A4 (en) * 2009-06-24 2014-12-24 Carticept Medical Inc Injection system for delivering multiple fluids within the anatomy
US11896282B2 (en) 2009-11-13 2024-02-13 Hermes Innovations Llc Tissue ablation systems and method
US9789247B2 (en) 2011-12-21 2017-10-17 Deka Products Limited Partnership Syringe pump, and related method and system
US9744300B2 (en) 2011-12-21 2017-08-29 Deka Products Limited Partnership Syringe pump and related method
US9295778B2 (en) 2011-12-21 2016-03-29 Deka Products Limited Partnership Syringe pump
US9677555B2 (en) 2011-12-21 2017-06-13 Deka Products Limited Partnership System, method, and apparatus for infusing fluid
US8810394B2 (en) 2010-04-16 2014-08-19 Medtronic, Inc. Reservoir monitoring for implantable fluid delivery devices
US9687603B2 (en) 2010-04-16 2017-06-27 Medtronic, Inc. Volume monitoring for implantable fluid delivery devices
FR2959224A1 (en) * 2010-04-23 2011-10-28 Commissariat Energie Atomique METHOD FOR DRAINING A COLLABABLE RESERVOIR
US9958878B2 (en) * 2010-05-07 2018-05-01 Metropolitan Industries, Inc. Multi-priority pump control unit
WO2012027342A1 (en) * 2010-08-23 2012-03-01 Rashmi Sharma Timing arrangement for medical devices
US9139316B2 (en) 2010-12-29 2015-09-22 Cardinal Health 414, Llc Closed vial fill system for aseptic dispensing
WO2012126744A1 (en) * 2011-03-18 2012-09-27 Gambro Lundia Ab Infusion system and method of integrity testing and leak detection
US8206378B1 (en) 2011-04-13 2012-06-26 Medtronic, Inc. Estimating the volume of fluid in therapeutic fluid delivery device reservoir
US8979825B2 (en) 2011-04-15 2015-03-17 Medtronic, Inc. Implantable fluid delivery device including gas chamber pressure sensor
WO2013012813A1 (en) 2011-07-15 2013-01-24 Cardinal Health 414, Llc Modular cassette synthesis unit
US9417332B2 (en) 2011-07-15 2016-08-16 Cardinal Health 414, Llc Radiopharmaceutical CZT sensor and apparatus
US20130102772A1 (en) 2011-07-15 2013-04-25 Cardinal Health 414, Llc Systems, methods and devices for producing, manufacturing and control of radiopharmaceuticals-full
US9956141B2 (en) * 2011-09-06 2018-05-01 Fenwal, Inc. Automatic fluid container switching in a blood processing system
US10022498B2 (en) 2011-12-16 2018-07-17 Icu Medical, Inc. System for monitoring and delivering medication to a patient and method of using the same to minimize the risks associated with automated therapy
US9675756B2 (en) 2011-12-21 2017-06-13 Deka Products Limited Partnership Apparatus for infusing fluid
US11295846B2 (en) 2011-12-21 2022-04-05 Deka Products Limited Partnership System, method, and apparatus for infusing fluid
US11217340B2 (en) 2011-12-21 2022-01-04 Deka Products Limited Partnership Syringe pump having a pressure sensor assembly
US10722645B2 (en) 2011-12-21 2020-07-28 Deka Products Limited Partnership Syringe pump, and related method and system
US9995611B2 (en) * 2012-03-30 2018-06-12 Icu Medical, Inc. Air detection system and method for detecting air in a pump of an infusion system
US9415175B2 (en) * 2013-03-15 2016-08-16 Carefusion 303, Inc. System and method for verifying alignment of drug pump and fluid supply
WO2014190264A1 (en) 2013-05-24 2014-11-27 Hospira, Inc. Multi-sensor infusion system for detecting air or an occlusion in the infusion system
AU2014274146B2 (en) 2013-05-29 2019-01-24 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion system which utilizes one or more sensors and additional information to make an air determination regarding the infusion system
MX2016010876A (en) 2014-02-21 2016-10-26 Deka Products Lp Syringe pump having a pressure sensor assembly.
EP3110474B1 (en) 2014-02-28 2019-12-18 ICU Medical, Inc. Infusion system and method which utilizes dual wavelength optical air-in-line detection
WO2015134651A1 (en) * 2014-03-07 2015-09-11 Carefusion 303, Inc. Syringe flush protection valve and method
AU2015266706B2 (en) 2014-05-29 2020-01-30 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion system and pump with configurable closed loop delivery rate catch-up
CA2959086C (en) 2014-09-18 2023-11-14 Deka Products Limited Partnership Apparatus and method for infusing fluid through a tube by appropriately heating the tube
WO2016090265A1 (en) * 2014-12-04 2016-06-09 Becton, Dickinson And Company Force sensing resistor for liquid low-volume detection and occlusion sensing and methods and apparatuses for flow sensing along fluid path in fluid delivery device
US11344668B2 (en) 2014-12-19 2022-05-31 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion
US10850024B2 (en) 2015-03-02 2020-12-01 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion system, device, and method having advanced infusion features
CN104784776A (en) * 2015-05-19 2015-07-22 京东方科技集团股份有限公司 Infusion system
JP7072501B2 (en) * 2015-08-28 2022-05-20 バイエル・ヘルスケア・エルエルシー Systems and Methods for Syringe Fluid Fill Verification and Image Recognition of Automatic Injector System Mechanisms
DE102015121356A1 (en) * 2015-12-08 2017-06-08 Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh A method for determining a parameter of a liquid drug during an extracorporeal blood treatment and blood treatment device
AU2017264784B2 (en) 2016-05-13 2022-04-21 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion pump system and method with common line auto flush
EP3468635A4 (en) 2016-06-10 2019-11-20 ICU Medical, Inc. Acoustic flow sensor for continuous medication flow measurements and feedback control of infusion
WO2018026791A1 (en) * 2016-08-02 2018-02-08 Carrier Corporation Method of monitoring a volume index valve of a compressor and diagnostic system
US10485926B2 (en) * 2016-10-07 2019-11-26 Carefusion 303, Inc. Systems and methods for controlling an infusion pump
CN112204664A (en) 2018-05-29 2021-01-08 美光科技公司 Apparatus and method for setting a duty cycle adjuster for improving the duty cycle of a clock
US20200001059A1 (en) * 2018-07-02 2020-01-02 Minnetronix Neuro, Inc. Systems, catheters, and methods for treating along the central nervous system
US11707615B2 (en) 2018-08-16 2023-07-25 Deka Products Limited Partnership Medical pump
CN113164674A (en) * 2018-10-15 2021-07-23 康尔福盛303公司 Pump flow adjustment system
US11813431B2 (en) * 2019-03-29 2023-11-14 Honeywell International Inc. Fluid flow sensor
US11517670B2 (en) 2019-05-10 2022-12-06 Honeywell International Inc. Fluid sensor
US11554214B2 (en) * 2019-06-26 2023-01-17 Meditrina, Inc. Fluid management system
EP4000669A4 (en) * 2019-07-15 2022-11-09 Shenzhen Mindray Scientific Co., Ltd. Infusion state detection method for infusion pump, infusion pump, medical device and storage medium
DE102020211555A1 (en) * 2020-09-15 2022-03-17 B. Braun Melsungen Aktiengesellschaft Device for administering an infusion or transfusion, system comprising such a device and method for controlling such a device
CN111905189B (en) * 2020-09-22 2022-07-08 浙江迈帝康医疗器械有限公司 Double-channel automatic infusion pump and control method thereof
CN114788909A (en) * 2022-03-15 2022-07-26 深圳圣诺医疗设备股份有限公司 Infusion state detection method for infusion pump and infusion pump
US20230398286A1 (en) * 2022-06-13 2023-12-14 Icu Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for substantially continuous intravenous infusion of the same or substantially the same medical fluid with fluid source replacements
WO2024039748A1 (en) * 2022-08-17 2024-02-22 Carefusion 303, Inc. Multi-pump closed-loop management system
CN116467857B (en) * 2023-03-30 2023-09-22 淄博市特种设备检验研究院 Pressure pipeline parameter inspection management system based on data processing

Family Cites Families (47)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US453347A (en) * 1891-06-02 Island
FR2385486A1 (en) * 1977-03-31 1978-10-27 Petroles Cie Francaise AUTOMATIC CHAMFERED TUBES WELDING METHOD AND MACHINE
US4394862A (en) 1980-08-25 1983-07-26 Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. Metering apparatus with downline pressure monitoring system
US4430074A (en) 1981-07-02 1984-02-07 Samuel Ernest Douglass Method for the intravenous administration of plural solutions through a common flow monitoring station
US4553958A (en) 1983-02-04 1985-11-19 Quest Medical, Inc. IV Delivery controller
US4530696A (en) 1983-06-13 1985-07-23 Institute Of Critical Care Medicine Monitor for intravenous injection system for detecting occlusion and/or infiltration
US4533347A (en) 1983-12-19 1985-08-06 Warner-Lambert Company Controller for a dual drug delivery system
CA1257165A (en) 1984-02-08 1989-07-11 Paul Epstein Infusion system having plural fluid input ports and at least one patient output port
US5100380A (en) 1984-02-08 1992-03-31 Abbott Laboratories Remotely programmable infusion system
US4865584A (en) 1984-02-08 1989-09-12 Omni-Flow, Inc. Cassette for programable multiple input infusion system
US5108367A (en) 1984-02-08 1992-04-28 Abbott Laboratories Pressure responsive multiple input infusion system
US4705506A (en) 1984-11-29 1987-11-10 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Multiple solution IV system with setup error protection
US4673389A (en) 1984-11-29 1987-06-16 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Sequence valve for piggyback IV administration
US4714463A (en) 1984-11-29 1987-12-22 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Sequence valve for piggyback IV administration with tube reversal prevention
US5088981A (en) 1985-01-18 1992-02-18 Howson David C Safety enhanced device and method for effecting application of a therapeutic agent
US4681563A (en) 1985-04-26 1987-07-21 Centaur Sciences, Inc. Flow control system
US4650464A (en) 1985-06-21 1987-03-17 Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation, Inc. Method for monitoring infusion of intravenous fluid into a patient
US4710166A (en) 1985-11-08 1987-12-01 Quest Medical, Inc. Automated drug additive infusion system
US4617014A (en) 1985-11-26 1986-10-14 Warner-Lambert Company Dual mode I. V. infusion device
US4690673A (en) 1985-11-26 1987-09-01 Imed Corporation Dual mode I.V. infusion device with distal sensor
US4778451A (en) 1986-03-04 1988-10-18 Kamen Dean L Flow control system using boyle's law
US4898576A (en) 1986-06-06 1990-02-06 Philip James H Intravenous fluid flow monitor
US4850972A (en) 1987-01-16 1989-07-25 Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd. Progammable multiple pump medication infusion system with printer
GB2200445B (en) 1987-01-21 1990-09-05 Mascar Limited Flow measuring device
US4882575A (en) 1987-01-28 1989-11-21 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Monitor for blocked condition in tube for fluid infusion pump
US4769001A (en) 1987-02-25 1988-09-06 Baxter International Inc. Method and apparatus for calibrating plural pump fluid flow system
US4838856A (en) 1987-07-02 1989-06-13 Truckee Meadows Research & Development Fluid infusion flow control system
US4836752A (en) 1987-11-02 1989-06-06 Fisher Scientific Company Partial restriction detector
DE3805368C1 (en) 1988-02-17 1989-08-24 Peter P. Dipl.-Ing. Wiest
US4979940A (en) 1988-03-08 1990-12-25 Baxter International Inc. Infusion system, methodology, and algorithm for identifying patient-induced pressure artifacts
US4946439A (en) 1988-08-15 1990-08-07 Critikon, Inc. Dual source parenteral infusion system with secondary infusion module
US5087245A (en) 1989-03-13 1992-02-11 Ivac Corporation System and method for detecting abnormalities in intravascular infusion
US5096385A (en) * 1989-11-08 1992-03-17 Ivac Corporation Method and system for upstream occlusion detection
GB2247317B (en) 1990-08-13 1994-05-04 Danby Medical Ltd A device for monitoring pressure in a fluid flow system
JPH05176996A (en) 1992-01-06 1993-07-20 Sharp Corp Transfusion apparatus
EP0554716B1 (en) * 1992-01-22 1997-12-03 Alaris Medical Systems, Inc. Fluid line condition detection
US5423743A (en) 1993-09-17 1995-06-13 Ivac Corporation Cannula position detection
US5423749A (en) 1993-11-18 1995-06-13 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Cardioplegia administration system and method
US5695473A (en) 1994-07-27 1997-12-09 Sims Deltec, Inc. Occlusion detection system for an infusion pump
US6213972B1 (en) 1994-09-13 2001-04-10 Alaris Medical Systems, Inc. Fluid flow resistance monitoring system
US5803917A (en) 1994-09-13 1998-09-08 Alaris Medical Systems, Inc. Fluid flow resistance monitoring system
US5554115A (en) 1995-04-07 1996-09-10 Abbott Laboratories Sensor for measuring pressures in a cassette pump proximal and distal to a pumping chamber
US5989222A (en) * 1998-06-12 1999-11-23 Abbott Laboratories Pressure (occlusion) sensor
FR2806310B1 (en) 2000-03-16 2002-05-24 Fresenius Vial METHOD FOR ANALYZING THE PRESSURE VARIATION IN A PERFUSION DEVICE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF INFUSION MODULES
AU6172301A (en) 2000-05-18 2001-11-26 Alaris Meidical Systems Inc Distributed remote asset and medication management drug delivery system
US6847899B2 (en) * 2002-04-26 2005-01-25 Dean Allgeyer, M.D., Inc. Device and method for qualitative and quantitative determination of intravenous fluid components
US7206715B2 (en) * 2003-12-31 2007-04-17 Cardinal Health 303, Inc. Empty container detection using container side pressure sensing

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11395875B2 (en) 2007-12-18 2022-07-26 Icu Medical, Inc. User interface improvements for medical devices
US11004035B2 (en) 2011-08-19 2021-05-11 Icu Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for a graphical interface including a graphical representation of medical data
US11599854B2 (en) 2011-08-19 2023-03-07 Icu Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for a graphical interface including a graphical representation of medical data
US11623042B2 (en) 2012-07-31 2023-04-11 Icu Medical, Inc. Patient care system for critical medications
US11596737B2 (en) 2013-05-29 2023-03-07 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion system and method of use which prevents over-saturation of an analog-to-digital converter
US11029911B2 (en) 2017-12-27 2021-06-08 Icu Medical, Inc. Synchronized display of screen content on networked devices
US11868161B2 (en) 2017-12-27 2024-01-09 Icu Medical, Inc. Synchronized display of screen content on networked devices
US11278671B2 (en) 2019-12-04 2022-03-22 Icu Medical, Inc. Infusion pump with safety sequence keypad
US11883361B2 (en) 2020-07-21 2024-01-30 Icu Medical, Inc. Fluid transfer devices and methods of use
US11135360B1 (en) 2020-12-07 2021-10-05 Icu Medical, Inc. Concurrent infusion with common line auto flush

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US7561986B2 (en) 2009-07-14
JP5032126B2 (en) 2012-09-26
NZ548305A (en) 2007-09-28
EP1699509A1 (en) 2006-09-13
AU2004312054B2 (en) 2011-01-20
US20050145009A1 (en) 2005-07-07
AU2004312054A1 (en) 2005-07-21
EP1699509B1 (en) 2013-04-17
CA2551817C (en) 2013-04-16
US20070271062A1 (en) 2007-11-22
ES2418630T3 (en) 2013-08-14
ZA200605844B (en) 2008-04-30
WO2005065749A1 (en) 2005-07-21
US7206715B2 (en) 2007-04-17
JP2007520270A (en) 2007-07-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2551817C (en) Empty container detection using container side pressure sensing
JP4818933B2 (en) Improvement of drug administration safety for secondary injection
EP1703928B1 (en) System for detecting the status of a vent associated with a fluid supply upstream of an infusion pump
EP0554716B1 (en) Fluid line condition detection
US20230034662A1 (en) Systems and methods for controlling an infusion pump
CN113164674A (en) Pump flow adjustment system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request