DEVICES AND METHODS FOR USE IN ASSESSING A FLOW CONDITION OF A FLUID
First Claim
1. A method of assessing a flow condition of a fluid, comprising:
- determining a time period associated with a delivery of a fluid, the fluid comprising a component to support an electrochemical reaction such that the electrochemical reaction is mass-transport limited;
monitoring a rate of electrochemical reaction in a fluid path of the fluid delivery for the determined time period; and
determining a rate of the fluid delivery based at least in part on the monitored rate of electrochemical reaction;
wherein the fluid comprises a drug and the component comprises a reactant in the electrochemical reaction that is dilute relative to the fluid, and the reactant is an ionic species.
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Abstract
A device for use in assessing a flow condition of a fluid, or a fluid in a flow path, is provided. The device comprises at least one electrochemical cell, comprising a working electrode and at least one other electrode, sufficient for communication with the fluid, or sufficient for communication with a flow path, such that when sufficient fluid is in the flow path, the cell is in communication with the fluid. The fluid comprises a component sufficient to affect a mass-transport limited electrochemical reaction at the working electrode. The device also comprises at least one microcontroller operably connected to the at least one electrochemical cell for providing a potential or a current to the working electrode and for assessing the electrochemical reaction. A method of assessing a flow condition of a fluid, or a fluid in a flow path, is also provided. The device and the method of the present invention may be used in connection with the delivery of a fluid-borne or fluidized drug or medicament to a subject.
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Citations
1 Claim
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1. A method of assessing a flow condition of a fluid, comprising:
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determining a time period associated with a delivery of a fluid, the fluid comprising a component to support an electrochemical reaction such that the electrochemical reaction is mass-transport limited; monitoring a rate of electrochemical reaction in a fluid path of the fluid delivery for the determined time period; and determining a rate of the fluid delivery based at least in part on the monitored rate of electrochemical reaction; wherein the fluid comprises a drug and the component comprises a reactant in the electrochemical reaction that is dilute relative to the fluid, and the reactant is an ionic species.
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Specification