Dressing for an Electromagnetic Spectrum Sensor Monitoring an Intravascular Infusion

• US 20130237835A1
• Filed: 03/11/2013
• Published: 09/12/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: ivWatch, LLC
• Original Assignee: Gary P. Warren, ivWatch, LLC, Marilyn J. Bowers, Matthew S. Alley, Scott J. Anchell
• Inventors: Warren, Gary P., Bowers, Marilyn J., Alley, Matthew S., Anchell, Scott J.
• Application Number:
  US13/792,199
• Publication Number:
  US 20130237835A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/473
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0059 using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence A61B5/0093, A61B5/1455, A61B5/02416 and A61B5/0261 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/443 Evaluating skin constituents, e.g. elastin, melanin, water
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/1588 having means for monitoring, controlling or visual inspection, e.g. for patency check, avoiding extravasation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3306 Optical measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3313 used specific wavelengths
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/158 Needles for infusions; Accessories therefor, e.g. for inserting infusion needles, or for holding them on the body

Abstract

An epidermal dressing includes an appliance for linking an electromagnetic spectrum sensor with a cannula administering an intravascular infusate. The appliance includes a body and a fitting coupled to the body. The body is configured to space the connector from the epidermis. The fitting includes a first arrangement that is configured to retain the electromagnetic spectrum sensor for sensing the infusate in perivascular tissue, and a second arrangement that is configured to release the electromagnetic spectrum sensor from the first arrangement.

Claims

1. A dressing for a cannula administering an intravascular infusate, the cannula including an extracorporeal connector coupled to a transcutaneous sleeve penetrating an epidermis at an insertion site, the dressing comprising:

an appliance configured to link an infrared sensor with the cannula, the appliance including—

a central portion including a fitting, the fitting having—

a first arrangement being configured to retain the infrared sensor for sensing the infusate in perivascular tissue proximate the transcutaneous sleeve; and

a second arrangement being configured to release the infrared sensor from the first arrangement;

a first wing coupled to the central portion and being configured to space the extracorporeal connector from a first area of an epidermis; and

a second wing coupled to the central portion and being configured to space the extracorporeal connector from a second area of the epidermis;

a barrier configured to be substantially impervious to solids, liquids, microorganisms and viruses, the barrier including—

a first portion configured to overlie the insertion site; and

a second portion configured to overlie one of the first and second areas of the epidermis.

2. The dressing of claim 1 wherein the fitting comprises a chute extending along an axis between first and second ends, the chute being configured to receive the infrared sensor in the first arrangement.

3. The dressing of claim 2 wherein the axis comprises a straight line and the chute is configured for guiding the infrared sensor to translate along the axis.

4. The dressing of claim 2 wherein the axis is configured to extend obliquely with respect to the epidermis in the first arrangement.

5. The dressing of claim 2 wherein the first end is configured to pass the infrared sensor when rearranging between the first and second arrangements.

6. The dressing of claim 1 wherein the appliance comprises a panel occluding the second end, the panel is configured to be disposed between the infrared sensor and the epidermis in the first arrangement.

7. The dressing of claim 6 wherein the panel substantially prevents passage of solids, liquids, microorganisms, and viruses.

8. The dressing of claim 6 wherein the panel is approximately transparent to near-infrared signals.

9. The dressing of claim 6 wherein the panel couples the first and second wings.

10. The dressing of claim 1 wherein the fitting comprises a cage defining a pocket configured to receive the infrared sensor in the first arrangement.

11. The dressing of claim 1 wherein the first and second wings extend from opposite sides of the central portion.

12. The dressing of claim 1 wherein the barrier includes a peripheral edge configured to partially cincture the central portion.

13. The dressing of claim 5 wherein the peripheral edge is configured to approximately abut the central portion.

14. The dressing of claim 1 wherein the first portion is configured to permit visual inspection of the insertion site.

15. The dressing of claim 1 wherein the second portion and one of the first and second wings are configured to sandwich at least a portion of the extracorporeal connector.

16. The dressing of claim 1, comprising a strip configured to secure the extracorporeal connector to one of the first and second wings.

17. The dressing of claim 1 wherein the fitting comprises a latch configured to contiguously engage the infrared sensor in the first arrangement.

18. The dressing of claim 17 wherein the latch is configured to disengage the infrared sensor in the second arrangement.

19. The dressing of claim 1 wherein the fitting includes a polypropylene homopolymer and the first and second wings include a thermoplastic elastomer.