Method and apparatus for fluid administration with distributed heating
First Claim
1. An apparatus adapted for fluid administration to a patient comprising:
- a reservoir containing fluid to be administered;
a length of fluid administration tubing;
an in-line fluid heater;
a fluid heater controller;
a temperature probe;
and a temperature feedback line wherein the temperature probe is located at or about an end of the fluid administration tubing nearest the patient.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosure is provided for apparatus and methods to control the temperature of fluids being administered to patients. The apparatus consists of an I.V. reservoir, fluid administration or I.V. tubing, an in-line heater, a heater controller, a temperature sensor located near the patient and feedback circuit connecting the temperature sensor to the heater controller. A method is disclosed which provides for overheating of the fluid so that it cools down to the desired temperature (usually body temperature) by the time it reaches the patient.
In another embodiment, apparatus is disclosed for providing distributed heat to fluids being administered to patients. This apparatus includes heating channels or elements running along a length of the fluid administration tubing. These heating elements are controlled by a controller, which is attached to a temperature sensor, preferably located near the patient. The key advantages of this system include low cost, ease of use and reduced overheating of fluids prior to delivery to the patient. Such overheating could result in degradation of the fluids being delivered to the patient.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. An apparatus adapted for fluid administration to a patient comprising:
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a reservoir containing fluid to be administered;
a length of fluid administration tubing;
an in-line fluid heater;
a fluid heater controller;
a temperature probe;
and a temperature feedback line wherein the temperature probe is located at or about an end of the fluid administration tubing nearest the patient. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of controlling the temperature of fluid administered to a patient comprising the steps of:
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heating the fluid with an in-line heater;
controlling the amount of heat added to the fluid with a heater controller;
administering the heated fluid to the patient through a length of tubing;
sensing the fluid temperature at or near to the patient; and
feeding back the fluid temperature to the heater controller. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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10. An apparatus adapted for fluid administration to a patient comprising:
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a reservoir containing a volume of fluid to be administered;
a length of fluid administration tubing comprising an I.V. fluid lumen; and
a distributed heating system to heat the fluid to be administered. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18)
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15. A method of delivering temperature controlled fluids to a patient comprising the steps of:
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providing a volume of fluid to be administered;
delivering said volume of fluid to the patient through a length of fluid administration tubing that comprises an I.V. fluid lumen;
heating said fluid using a heating system distributed along at least part of the length of the fluid administration tubing.
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Specification