Detecting access disconnect by pattern recognition
First Claim
1. A method of detecting blood leakage, the method comprising:
- providing a digital video camera;
mounting the camera to observe an extracorporeal blood processing access site;
taking a baseline image of the access site on a patient;
processing the baseline image with image processing software and saving data of the baseline image;
monitoring the access site by taking additional images of the access site during an extracorporeal blood processing therapy and processing the additional images with the image processing software to detect a pattern of blood leakage under the skin of the patient; and
sending a signal if a pattern of blood leakage under the skin of the patient is detected.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A blood detection system is used to detect blood in a patient undergoing an extracorporeal blood therapy, such as hemodialysis or apheresis. The blood detection system uses a digital video device, which may be a camera, such as a standard digital video camera, a low light camera, an infrared camera, or a night vision camera. The digital image is sent to a computer with image processing and pattern recognition software. The software is used to detect whether a pool of blood is forming at the access site. The system is able to detect a pool of blood atop the access site, such as when a leak or a dislodgement of a needle occurs. The system is also able to detect pooling of blood under the skin, as a result, for instance, infiltration of an arteriovenous fistula.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method of detecting blood leakage, the method comprising:
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providing a digital video camera; mounting the camera to observe an extracorporeal blood processing access site; taking a baseline image of the access site on a patient; processing the baseline image with image processing software and saving data of the baseline image; monitoring the access site by taking additional images of the access site during an extracorporeal blood processing therapy and processing the additional images with the image processing software to detect a pattern of blood leakage under the skin of the patient; and sending a signal if a pattern of blood leakage under the skin of the patient is detected. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for detecting blood leakage at an access site, the method comprising:
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providing a digital video device; mounting the device in viewing range of the access site on a patient; taking a baseline image of the access site; processing the baseline image with pattern recognition software; saving data of the baseline image; monitoring the access site during a therapy procedure by taking additional images and processing the additional images with the pattern recognition software to detect a pattern of blood leakage under the skin of the patient; and sending a signal if a pattern indicative of a blood leakage under the skin of the patient is detected. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system for detecting blood leakage, the system comprising:
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a digital video device suitable for mounting near an access site of a patient for extracorporeal therapeutic blood processing; signal processing circuitry operably connected to the digital video device; image processing software on a computer readable medium operably connected to the signal processing circuitry, the image processing software suitable for recognizing a pattern; a microcontroller in communication with the digital video device and the circuitry; and a communications circuit in communication with the microcontroller, wherein the digital video device is configured for monitoring the access site during an extracorporeal blood processing therapy and for sending images of the site to the signal processing circuitry, and wherein the image processing software is configured to detect a leakage of blood under the skin of the patient by recognizing a pattern or shape of a blood pool growing under the skin of the patient during the therapy. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A hemodialysis machine, comprising:
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a machine for administering extracorporeal hemodialysis of blood of a patient; a system for detecting blood leakage during hemodialysis, the system operably connected to the machine, the system further comprising; a digital video camera for monitoring an access site of the patient; signal processing circuitry for receiving signal data from the camera; image processing software on a computer readable medium operably connected to the signal processing circuitry; a microcontroller in communication with the digital video device and the circuitry; and a communications circuit in communication with the microcontroller, wherein the digital video device is configured for monitoring the access site during an extracorporeal blood processing therapy and for sending images of the site to the signal processing circuitry, and wherein the image processing software is configured to detect a leakage of blood under the skin of the patient that is growing during the therapy. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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Specification