AUTOMATED INTRAVENOUS FLUID CONTAINER DELIVERY DEVICE AND SYSTEM

• US 20080275590A1
• Filed: 04/18/2008
• Published: 11/06/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Carefusion 303 Incorporated (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Original Assignee: Cardinal Health 303 Incorporated (Cardinal Health, Inc.)
• Inventors: Ross, Graham
• Granted Patent: US 8,954,354 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/228
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/30 Surgical robots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/32 operating autonomously
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/90 Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/96 using barcodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3576 with non implanted data transmission devices, e.g. using external transmitter or receiver
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/50 with microprocessors or computers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/6072 Bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/086 Docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14212 Pumping with an aspiration and an expulsion action
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1483 using flexible bags externally pressurised by fluid pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16827 controlling delivery of multiple fluids, e.g. sequencing, mixing or via separate flow-paths infusion of multiple fluids without using a controller A61M5/1407
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 15/0019 End effectors other than grippers
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 5/007 mounted on wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/00 Programme-controlled manipulators
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 901/01 Mobile robot

Abstract

An IV product transport device is configured to transport an IV product from one location to another in automated fashion. The transport device may comprise a chassis with one or more ports for IV products. A drive mechanism is configured to move the transport device. In one embodiment, the transport device includes a controller. Information may be provided to the controller about an IV product, such as its intended destination or use. The controller may also exchange information with a delivery device, such as an infusion pump, to verify that the IV product is delivered to the proper destination. The transport device may include a delivery mechanism for off-loading an IV product. The transport device may deliver IV products of various configurations, including one in which the product comprises a flexible bag and a container housing for supporting and protecting the fluid bag.

Claims

1. An IV product transport and delivery device comprising:

a supporting chassis;

one or more supports connected to said chassis and configured to movably support said chassis;

an IV product support configured to support at least one IV product on said chassis;

a delivery mechanism configured to move an IV product from said IV product support;

a communication interface configured to transmit and receive information regarding an IV product to be transported; and

a controller, said controller configured to process information received by said communication interface and to be transmitted by said communication interface.

2. The IV product transport device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said IV product support comprises a plurality of ports defined at least partially within said housing and configured to receive an IV product therein.

3. The IV product transport device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said one or more support comprise a plurality of wheels.

4. The IV product transport device in accordance with claim 2 including at least one drive configured to rotate one or more of said wheel to move said transport device at one or more times.

5. The IV product transport device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said delivery mechanism is configured to move an IV product outwardly of an IV product support and said transport device.

6. The IV product transport device in accordance with claim 1 including at least one information reader.

7. The IV product transport device in accordance with claim 6 wherein said at least one information reader comprises a bar code scanner.

8. The IV product transport device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said IV product comprises a container housing a flexible container therein.

9. A method of delivering an IV product for use comprising:

loading an IV product onto an IV product delivery device at a first location;

transmitting information regarding the IV product to a controller of said delivery device;

transporting said IV product from said first location to a second location;

exchanging information regarding said IV product between said IV product delivery device and a destination device; and

delivering said IV product from said IV product delivery device to said destination device.

10. The method in accordance with claim 9 wherein said destination device comprises an infusion pump.

11. The method in accordance with claim 9 wherein said step of transmitting information comprises transmitting information from a source to a controller of said IV product delivery device via a communication interface of said IV product delivery device.

12. The method in accordance with claim 9 wherein said transmitted information identifies an intended use for said IV product.

13. The method in accordance with claim 9 wherein said transmitted information is selected from the group consisting of:

patient identification, intended destination, IV product content and IV product source.

14. The method in accordance with claim 9 wherein said step of delivering comprises activating a device configured to move said IV product from said IV product delivery device.

15. The method in accordance with claim 9 wherein said step of transporting comprises activating a drive mechanism of said IV product delivery device and moving said IV product delivery device.

16. The method in accordance with claim 9 wherein said step of exchanging information further comprises confirming that said destination device is an intended destination for said IV product.