Infiltration detection apparatus
First Claim
1. A method for rapidly detecting the infiltration of a liquid from a source thereof through the vasuclar wall into the perivascular tissue, comprising the steps of, providing a non-invasive conformal microwave antenna, disposing said antenna on the skin at the area where liquid infusion into a blood vessel is to occur, establishing a reference, providing a microwave radiometer coupled from said microwave antenna, detecting the sub-cutaneous temperature at the site of the antenna with the use of said microwave radiometer, and rapidly signaling as alarm condition upon detecting a predetermined temperature differential between temperature sensed by said microwave radiometer and said reference.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus used in association with a needle for infusing a liquid. This apparatus is for detecting the infiltration of the liquid through the vascular wall into the perivascular tissues. The apparatus includes a non-invasive conformal microwave antenna means adapted to be positioned over the area where liquid infusion occurs. A microwave radiometer connects from the antenna means for detecting sub-cutaneous temperature at the site thereof. A reference antenna means is also employed so that a proper temperature differential can be established. In an alternate version of the invention, switching means is provided so that upon detecting an alarm condition, the liquid can be immediately terminated and a neutralizing agent can be introduced to the needle.
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Citations
23 Claims
- 1. A method for rapidly detecting the infiltration of a liquid from a source thereof through the vasuclar wall into the perivascular tissue, comprising the steps of, providing a non-invasive conformal microwave antenna, disposing said antenna on the skin at the area where liquid infusion into a blood vessel is to occur, establishing a reference, providing a microwave radiometer coupled from said microwave antenna, detecting the sub-cutaneous temperature at the site of the antenna with the use of said microwave radiometer, and rapidly signaling as alarm condition upon detecting a predetermined temperature differential between temperature sensed by said microwave radiometer and said reference.
- 15. A method of rapidly detecting liquid-infusion infiltration into the skin of a patient from a liquid source of infusion liquid in which there is provided a liquid-infusion delivery conduit placed into a blood vessel of the patient for delivery of the infusion liquid into the blood vessel of the patient, said method comprising the steps of, providing a non-invasive conformal and substantially planar microwave antenna, disposing said antenna on the skin at the area where liquid infusion into the blood vessel is to occur, continuously monitoring sub-cutaneous temperature at the site of the antenna as the liquid is infused with the use of a microwave radiometer, and signaling an alarm condition upon detecting a predetermined temperature deviation from normal skin temperature.
Specification