Access disconnection detection system
First Claim
1. An access disconnect detector, comprising:
- at least one RFID sensor; and
a mount suitable for mounting the at least one RFID sensor;
wherein the mount and the at least one RFID sensor are configured for positioning adjacent a dialysis access site for detecting a presence of blood of a patient, and wherein the at least one RFID sensor is configured for communication with an RFID reader so that the RFID reader receives one response from the sensor when the sensor is dry and receives a different response or no response when the sensor is wetted with blood.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An access site disconnection system and method employ RFID sensors that are sensitive to moisture and their presence may not be detected if the sensor is wetted. When a patient receives dialysis treatment, wetness may arise from blood if the access needle becomes disconnected from the access site. At least one RFID sensor is mounted on or near gauze or other absorbent material placed adjacent the access site. After the sensors are placed, the dialysis machine and RFID control circuit may be initialized and dialysis treatment, such as hemodialysis, begun. If blood leaks from the access site, such as if the access needle is dislodged, the RFID sensor is wetted and sends a different or no response to periodic inquiries from an RFID reader. A signal is sent to a controller or to an output device to raise an alert or sound an alarm.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. An access disconnect detector, comprising:
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at least one RFID sensor; and a mount suitable for mounting the at least one RFID sensor; wherein the mount and the at least one RFID sensor are configured for positioning adjacent a dialysis access site for detecting a presence of blood of a patient, and wherein the at least one RFID sensor is configured for communication with an RFID reader so that the RFID reader receives one response from the sensor when the sensor is dry and receives a different response or no response when the sensor is wetted with blood. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An access disconnect detector, comprising:
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a flexible mount suitable for attaching to a patient; at least one RFID sensor mounted on the mount; and a pad of absorbent material on an opposite side of the sensors, wherein the mount and the at least one RFID sensor are configured for positioning adjacent an access site for detecting a presence of blood of the patient, and wherein the at least one RFID sensor and an RFID reader are configured so that the RFID reader receives one response from the at least one sensor when the sensor is dry or wetted with water or perspiration and receives a different response or no response from the least one sensor when the at least one sensor is wetted with blood. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. An access disconnect detector, comprising:
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a plurality of RFID sensors placed in an array on a mount for mounting the detector to a person; and wherein the mount includes a flexible, porous layer adjacent the RFID sensors, wherein the RFID sensors and the layer are configured for rapid detection of blood from the person. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method for detecting an access site disconnection, the method comprising:
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placing an RFID detector comprising at least one RFID sensor on or adjacent the access site; attempting to absorb blood leaking from the access site; detecting the at least one RFID sensor with an RFID reader by pulsing and noting a response from the at least one RFID sensor; periodically repeating the step of detecting; and sending a signal if the step of detecting receives a different response or no response from the at least one RFID sensor. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification