Syringe Pump, and Related Method and System

• US 20140188076A1
• Filed: 12/20/2013
• Published: 07/03/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Deka Products Limited Partnership
• Original Assignee: Deka Products Limited Partnership
• Inventors: Kamen, Dean, Gray, Larry B., Bodwell, Jesse T., Kerwin, John M., van der Merwe, Dirk A., Fichera, Stephen L., Thurber, Jonathan R., Desch, Martin D., Baier, Michael J.
• Granted Patent: US 9,789,247 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/506
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/12 with interchangeable cassettes forming partially or totally the fluid circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/14 Detection of the presence or absence of a tube, a connector or a container in an apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/18 with alarm
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3306 Optical measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3317 Electromagnetic, inductive or dielectric measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/332 Force measuring means
• 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 2205/505 Touch-screens; Virtual keyboard or keypads; Virtual buttons; Soft keys; Mouse touches
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/52 with memories providing a history of measured variating parameters of apparatus or patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/082 Mounting brackets, arm supports for equipment
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/086 Docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1408 in parallel, e.g. manifolds, sequencing valves access sites A61M39/02; tube connectors A61M39/10
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1413 Modular systems comprising interconnecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1415 Stands, brackets or the like for supporting infusion accessories
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1452 pressurised by means of pistons
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1456 with a replaceable reservoir comprising a piston rod to be moved into the reservoir, e.g. the piston rod is part of the removable reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1458 Means for capture of the plunger flange
• 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: A61M 5/16831 Monitoring, detecting, signalling or eliminating infusion flow anomalies low-level float-valves causing cut-off A61M5/40; indicating or recording presence, absence or direction of flow in general G01P13/0066
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/172 : electrical or electronic A61M5/16804, A61M5/16831 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 1/26 : Control
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/65 : stored on portable record carriers, e.g. on smartcards, RFID tags or CD
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/17 : delivered via infusion or injection
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 : for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 : for remote operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 70/40 : relating to drugs, e.g. their side effects or intended usage

Abstract

A method for discharging fluid from a syringe and for mitigating occlusion conditions includes actuating the plunger of a syringe into a barrel. The method monitors fluid pressure within the barrel of the syringe and determines that an occlusion exists when the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. The method actuates the plunger out of the barrel by a predetermined amount in response to the detected occlusion and actuates the plunger of the syringe into the barrel until a measured fluid pressure within the barrel of the syringe exceeds another predetermined threshold.

Claims

1. A pump for administering an agent to a patient, wherein the pump comprises:

a housing;

a motor operatively coupled to the housing;

a gearbox operatively connected to said motor;

a sensor for sensing rotation of said motor;

a controller acting to control operation of said motor and monitor the quantity of said agent delivered to said patient using said sensor; and

a pump assembly;

wherein, the pump is configured to interchangeably receive one of a syringe pump assembly and a peristaltic pump assembly.

2-13. -13. (canceled)

14. A syringe pump for administering an agent to a patient wherein the syringe pump comprises:

a housing;

a lead screw;

a sliding block assembly, said sliding block assembly comprising a threaded section configured for engaging and disengaging from the lead screw;

a plunger head assembly coupled to said sliding block and operative to drive a plunger of a syringe into a barrel of said syringe; and

a clamping means configured for clamping any of a range of plunger flange sizes, said means configured for clamping any of a range of plunger flange sizes comprising at least a first plunger flange clamp jaw and a second plunger flange clamp jaw, the first and second plunger flange clamp jaws configured to be actuated from a first position to a position in which at least one point of each of the first and second plunger flange clamp jaws abut an edge of the plunger flange forcing the plunger flange against the plunger head assembly and acting as an anti-siphon mechanism.

15. The syringe pump of claim 14, wherein the means configured for clamping any of a range of plunger flange sizes comprises;

a cam;

at least one cam follower; and

at least one bias member, said bias member biasing said means configured for clamping any of a range of plunger flange sizes toward a first position;

wherein movement of the at least one cam follower along the cam overcomes the bias member and allows the means configured for clamping any of a range of plunger flange sizes to move toward a second position.

16. The syringe pump of claim 15, wherein the cam, at least one cam follower, and at least one bias member are coupled to a rotatable shaft, said cam not rotatable with said shaft but displaceable along an axial dimension of said shaft, said at least one cam follower fixedly coupled to said shaft and rotatable with said shaft, and wherein rotation of said shaft causes movement of the at least one cam follower along said cam thereby displacing the cam along the axial dimension of said shaft.

17. The syringe pump of claim 15, wherein the bias member automatically returns the means configured for clamping any range of plunger flange sizes to the first position in the absence of a force sufficient to overcome the bias member.

18. The syringe pump of claim 15, wherein the cam comprises at least one detent, each of the at least one detent being reached by one of the at least one cam followers when the means configured for clamping any range of plunger flange sizes has been allowed to move to the second position.

19. The syringe pump of claim 14, wherein the plunger head assembly further comprises a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure of the agent being dispensed from the syringe.

20. The syringe pump of claim 19, wherein the plunger flange of the syringe is held against the pressure sensor by the means configured for clamping any range of plunger flange sizes.

21. The syringe pump of claim 14, wherein the syringe pump further comprises a barrel flange clip, said barrel flange clip configured to retain a barrel flange of the syringe.

22. The syringe pump of claim 21, wherein the barrel flange clip comprises a means of detecting the presence of a barrel flange, said means of detecting the presence of a barrel flange comprising an optical sensor and a light source, said light source obscured in the presence of said barrel flange.

23. A syringe pump for administering an agent to a patient wherein the syringe pump comprises;

a housing;

a lead screw;

a sliding block assembly, said sliding block assembly comprising a threaded section configured for engagement and disengagement with said lead screw and movable along said lead screw;

a plunger head assembly coupled to said sliding block assembly and operative to drive a plunger of a syringe into a barrel of said syringe;

a clamping means configured for clamping any of a range of plunger flange sizes; and

a means of monitoring the clamping means, the means of monitoring the clamping means capable of generating data to determine at least one characteristic of the clamped syringe.

25. The syringe pump of claim 23, wherein the means of monitoring the clamping means is a potentiometer.

26. The syringe pump of claim 23, wherein the data generated by the means of monitoring the clamping means is evaluated by referencing said data against a database.

27. The syringe pump of claim 23, wherein the data generated by the means of monitoring the clamping means is evaluated by referencing said data against a database and data generated by at least one other sensor.

28. The syringe pump of claim 23, wherein the clamping means comprises;

a cam;

at least one cam follower;

at least one bias member, said bias member biasing said clamping means toward a first position; and

wherein movement of the at least one cam follower along the cam overcomes the bias member and allows the clamping means to move toward a second position.

29. The syringe pump of claim 27, wherein the cam, at least one cam follower, and at least one bias member are coupled to a rotatable shaft, said cam not rotatable with said shaft but displaceable along an axial dimension of said shaft, said at least one cam follower fixedly coupled to said shaft and rotatable with said shaft, and wherein rotation of said shaft causes movement of the at least one cam follower along said cam displacing the cam along the axial dimension of said shaft.

30. The syringe pump of claim 27, wherein the bias member automatically returns the clamping means to the first position in the absence of a force sufficient to overcome the bias member.

31. The syringe pump of claim 27, wherein the cam comprises at least one detent, each of said at least one detent being reached by one of the at least one cam followers when the means for clamping any range of plunger flange sizes has been allowed to move to the second position.

32. The syringe pump of claim 23, wherein the plunger head assembly further comprises a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure of the agent being dispensed from the syringe.

33. The syringe pump of claim 31, wherein a plunger flange of the syringe is held against the pressure sensor by the clamping means.

34. The syringe pump of claim 32, wherein the barrel flange clip comprises a means of detecting the presence of a barrel flange, said means of detecting the presence of said barrel flange comprising an optical sensor and a light source, said light source obscured in the presence of said barrel flange.

35. A syringe pump for administering an agent to a patient wherein the syringe pump comprises;

a housing;

a lead screw;

a plunger head assembly operatively coupled to drive a plunger of a syringe into the barrel of a syringe with rotation of said lead screw; and

at least one set of redundant sensors, the redundant sensors configured such that if part of a set of redundant sensors is compromised, the syringe pump is configured to function in a fail operative mode for at least the duration of a therapy, a set of the at least one set of redundant sensors monitoring the volume being infused.

36. A syringe pump for administering an agent to a patient wherein the syringe pump comprises;

a housing;

a syringe barrel holder movable between a first position and a second position, said syringe barrel holder biased by a bias member to one of the first position and the second position;

a syringe barrel contacting member, said barrel contacting member coupled to said syringe barrel holder and configured to hold the syringe in place on the housing; and

a detector capable of sensing the position of the syringe barrel holder and generating position data based on the position of the syringe barrel holder;

wherein when a syringe is in place on said housing said syringe barrel holder is biased such that the syringe is held in place on said housing, the position data generated by said detector indicative of at least one characteristic of the syringe and evaluated to determine said characteristic.

37-41. -41. (canceled)

42. A method of administering an agent to a patient via a syringe pump wherein the method comprises;

defining one or a number of parameters for an infusion through an interface of the syringe pump;

referencing said parameters against a medical database and placing restrictions on further parameters to be defined through the interface of the syringe pump;

wherein one of the further parameters is an end of infusion behavior to be executed by the syringe pump after a volume to be infused has been infused;

infusing said agent to said patient in accordance with the defined parameters for infusion; and

executing the specified end of infusion behavior.

43-44. -44. (canceled)

45. A syringe pump comprising:

a housing;

a syringe seat coupled to the housing; and

a bumper coupled to the housing adjacent to the syringe seat.

46. The syringe pump according to claim 45, wherein the bumper at least partially surrounds a corner of the syringe seat.

47. The syringe pump according to claim 45, wherein the syringe pump is configured to communicate with a monitoring client.

48. A syringe pump comprising:

a housing;

a syringe seat coupled to the housing; and

a power supply coupled to the housing such that the housing is configured as a heat sink for the power supply.

49. The syringe pump according to claim 48, wherein the housing is die casted.

50. The syringe pump according to claim 48, wherein the housing comprises at least one metal.

51. The syringe pump according to claim 48, wherein the housing is a unitary body.

52. The syringe pump according to claim 48, further comprising a motor, wherein the motor is coupled to the housing such that the housing is a heat sink for the motor.

53. The syringe pump according to claim 48, wherein the syringe pump is configured to communicate with a monitoring client.

54. A syringe pump comprising:

a user interface having a front side and a backside;

an antenna disposed on the back side of the user interface; and

a split-ring resonator disposed in spaced relation to the user interface and configured to operate with the antenna.

55-59. -59. (canceled)

60. A syringe pump comprising:

a housing;

a lead screw rotatable within the housing;

a motor operatively coupled to the lead screw and configured to rotate the lead screw, the motor having an integral motor rotation sensor configured to provide a motor rotation signal;

a rotary position sensor operatively coupled to at least one of the motor and the lead screw to provide a rotation signal;

a sliding block assembly configured to engage with the lead screw to actuate the sliding block assembly along the lead screw in accordance with rotation of the lead screw;

a linear position sensor operatively coupled to the sliding block assembly and configured to provide a linear position signal; and

at least one processor configured to control rotation of the motor, wherein the at least one processor operatively receives the motor rotation signal from the integral motor rotation sensor of the motor, the rotation signal from the rotary position sensor, and the linear position signal from the linear position sensor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine a discrepancy exists among the motor rotation signal, the rotation signal, and the linear position signal.

61. The syringe pump according to claim 60, wherein at least one processor is further configured to continue an infusion treatment by ignoring an inoperative one of the integral motor rotation sensor, the rotary position sensor, and a linear position sensor.

62. The syringe pump according to claim 60, wherein the rotary position sensor is a magnetic encoder sensor.

63. The syringe pump according to claim 60, wherein the syringe pump is configured to communicate with a monitoring client.

64. A syringe pump comprising:

a housing;

a lead screw rotatable within the housing;

a sliding block assembly configured for engaging with the lead screw to move along the lead screw in accordance with rotation of the lead screw;

a plunger head assembly coupled to the sliding block assembly and configured to drive a plunger of a syringe into a barrel of the syringe; and

first and second pivotal jaw members each pivotally coupled to the plunger head assembly, wherein the first and second pivotal jaw members are configured to pivot toward each other to retain a plunger flange of the syringe.

65. The syringe pump according to claim 64, wherein the first pivotal jaw member includes a bend.

66. The syringe pump according to claim 65, further comprising a knob coupled to the sliding block assembly, wherein the knob is operatively coupled to the first and second pivotal jaw members to pivotally actuate the first and second pivotal jaw members jaw members.

67. The syringe pump according to claim 66, further comprising a bias member configured to bias the knob in a direction of rotation.

68. The syringe pump of claim 67, wherein the bias member is configured to automatically return the first and second pivotal jaw members to a position away from each other.

69. The syringe pump of claim 67, wherein the bias member is configured to automatically return the first and second pivotal jaw members to a position toward each other.

70. The syringe pump according to claim 64, wherein the syringe pump is configured to communicate with a monitoring client.

71. A syringe pump, comprising:

a housing;

a syringe seat coupled to the housing; and

a retaining finger pivotally coupled to the housing, wherein the retaining finger is configured to rotate toward a syringe disposed within the syringe seat to retain the syringe.

72. The syringe pump according to claim 71, wherein the syringe pump is configured to communicate with a monitoring client.

73-85. -85. (canceled)

86. A syringe pump comprising:

a housing;

a syringe seat coupled to the housing, the syringe seat configured to retain a syringe having a barrel and a plunger disposed within the barrel;

a lead screw rotatable within the housing;

a motor coupled to the lead screw configured rotate the lead screw;

a sliding block assembly configured for engaging with the lead screw to move along the lead screw in accordance with rotation of the lead screw;

a plunger head assembly coupled to the sliding block assembly and configured to drive a plunger of a syringe into a barrel of the syringe, the plunger head assembly having a force sensor operatively coupled to the plunger of the syringe to measure a force of the plunger head assembly on the plunger of the syringe; and

at least one processor operatively coupled to the motor and configured to control the rotation of the motor to thereby control actuation of the plunger head assembly, the at least one processor is also operatively coupled to the force sensor to receive a measured force therefrom, wherein the at least one processor is configured to;

receive a target flow rate of the syringe loaded on the syringe pump;

determine a therapy actuation speed corresponding to the target flow rate;

command the motor to actuate the plunger of the syringe out of the barrel at a first predetermined speed until the force sensor coupled to the plunger measures a force that is less than a first predetermined force threshold;

command the motor to actuate the plunger of the syringe into the barrel at a second predetermined speed greater than the therapy actuation speed until the force sensor coupled to the plunger measures a force that exceeds a second predetermined threshold; and

command the motor to actuate the plunger of the syringe into the barrel at the therapy actuation speed.

87-89. -89. (canceled)

90. A syringe pump comprising:

a housing;

a syringe seat coupled to the housing, the syringe seat configured to retain a syringe having a barrel and a plunger disposed within the barrel;

a lead screw rotatable within the housing;

a motor coupled to the lead screw configured rotate the lead screw;

a sliding block assembly configured for engaging with the lead screw to move along the lead screw in accordance with rotation of the lead screw;

a plunger head assembly coupled to the sliding block assembly and configured to drive a plunger of a syringe into a barrel of the syringe, the plunger head assembly having a force sensor operatively coupled to the plunger of the syringe to measure a force of the plunger head assembly on the plunger of the syringe; and

at least one processor operatively coupled to the motor and configured to control the rotation of the motor to thereby control actuation of the plunger head assembly, the at least one processor is also operatively coupled to the force sensor to receive a measured force therefrom, wherein the at least one processor is configured to;

receive a target flow rate of the syringe loaded on the syringe pump;

determine a therapy actuation speed corresponding to the target flow rate;

command the motor to actuate the plunger of the syringe out of the barrel at a first predetermined speed until a force sensor coupled to the plunger measures a force that is less than a first predetermined force threshold or the plunger travels out of the barrel by a first predetermined distance;

command the motor to actuate the plunger of the syringe into the barrel at a second predetermined speed greater than the therapy actuation speed until the force sensor coupled to the plunger measures a force that exceeds a second predetermined threshold or the plunger travels into the barrel by a second predetermined distance; and

command the motor to actuate the plunger of the syringe into the barrel at the therapy actuation speed.

91-95. -95. (canceled)