Fluid management system heater assembly and cartridge

• US 8,790,303 B2
• Filed: 03/09/2010
• Issued: 07/29/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Stryker Corporation
• Original Assignee: Thermedx, LLC (Stryker Corporation)
• Inventors: Williams, Jeffrey B., Pyles, Kenneth R., Torer, Steven J., Donath, Edward R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sirmons, Kevin C
• Assistant Examiner(s): GRAY, PHILLIP A
• Application Number:
  US12/720,488
• Publication Number:
  US 20100228223A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,603 Days
• Field of Search: 604/113, 604/114, 604/123, 392/407, 392/411, 392/416, 392/424, 392/425, 392/428, 392/430, 392/432, 392/433
• US Class Current: 604/113
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/72 Cassettes forming partially or totally the fluid circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/77 Suction-irrigation systems aspiration tips supplying fluids A61M1/85; specific for negative pressure wound therapy A61M1/92; combined with tracheal tubes A61M16/0463
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/777 Determination of loss or gain of body fluids due to suction-irrigation, e.g. during surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/123 with incorporated reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/127 with provisions for heating or cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3331 Pressure; Flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3334 Measuring or controlling the flow rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3344 Measuring or controlling pressure at the body treatment site
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/368 by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. IR waves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/502 User interfaces, e.g. screens or keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/505 Touch-screens; Virtual keyboard or keypads; Virtual buttons; Soft keys; Mouse touches
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/0201 Cassettes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/0202 with electronic control means or interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/0208 before use
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/0216 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/022 Volume; Flow rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/0245 Containers therefor, e.g. with heating means or with storage means for cannula
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 3/0258 by means of electric pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/142 Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/172 electrical or electronic A61M5/16804, A61M5/16831 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/36 : with means for eliminating or preventing injection or infusion of air into body dialysis systems, blood oxygenators A61M1/14; haemofiltration equipment A61M1/34; automatic tube cut-off A61M39/281
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/44 : having means for cooling or heating the devices or media
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 17/04 : for weighing fluids, e.g. gases, pastes
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/414 : using electronic computing means only

Abstract

Surgical fluid management systems and methods of operating surgical fluid management systems which may provide one or more functions associated with suction, irrigation, distention, deficit monitoring, infusion, fluid warming, and the like. Some example embodiments may include infra-red lamps arranged to heat fluid flowing through a disposable cartridge. Some example embodiments may provide a three-dimensional fluid path through the cartridge and/or multi-stage heating capabilities. Some example fluid management systems may be selectable between pressure control and flow control modes.

Claims

1. A fluid management system comprising:

a cartridge having a plurality of fluid channels, including first, second, third and fourth fluid channels defining a three-dimensional fluid path for fluid flowing therethrough, said cartridge having a main wall dividing the cartridge between first and second sides, wherein

the first fluid channel and the fourth fluid channel are separated by a first separation wall and are located on the first side of the cartridge,

the second fluid channel and the third fluid channel are separated by a second separation wall and are located on the second side of the cartridge,

said cartridge includes an inlet in fluid communication with said first fluid channel and an outlet in fluid communication with said fourth fluid channel, and

said fluid flowing through the three-dimensional fluid path of the cartridge from the inlet to the outlet in order of;

first fluid channel, second fluid channel, third fluid channel, and fourth fluid channel;

a heater assembly including;

a housing having a slot dimensioned to receive the cartridge,

a plurality of infrared lamps, including first, second, third and fourth infrared lamps mounted within the housing generally adjacent to the slot, wherein

the first and fourth infrared lamps are respectively located proximate to the first and fourth fluid channels on the first side of the cartridge when received in the slot, and

the second and third infrared lamps are respectively located proximate to the second and third fluid channels on the second side of the cartridge when said cartridge is received in the slot; and

a control system operatively connected to the plurality of infrared lamps to adjust power to the plurality of infrared lamps to heat the fluid in the three-dimensional fluid path to a desired temperature.

2. A fluid management system according to claim 1, wherein said fluid management system further comprises:

an upstream tubing section fluidicly interposing a fluid supply container and said cartridge; and

a downstream tubing section fluidicly connected at one end to said cartridge.

3. A fluid management system according to claim 1, wherein

the first fluid channel is oriented in a first direction and faces outwardly from the first side of the cartridge, and

the second fluid channel is oriented in a second direction and faces outwardly from the second side of the cartridge, the second direction being substantially opposite the first direction,

wherein the first fluid channel is fluidicly connected to the second fluid channel by a port.

4. A fluid management system according to claim 3, wherein

the third fluid channel is generally adjacent to the second fluid channel, the third fluid channel being oriented generally in the first direction and facing outwardly from the second side of the cartridge, and

the fourth fluid channel is generally adjacent to the first fluid channel, the fourth fluid channel being oriented generally in the second direction and facing outwardly from the first side of the cartridge.

5. A fluid management system according to claim 4,

wherein the cartridge includes a first side sheet at the first side of the cartridge and a second side sheet at the second side of the cartridge;

wherein the first side sheet at least partially defines outwardly facing aspects of the first fluid channel and the fourth fluid channel, the first fluid channel and the fourth fluid channel being disposed substantially against the first side sheet; and

wherein the second side sheet at least partially defines outwardly facing aspects of the second fluid channel and the third fluid channel, the second fluid channel and the third fluid channel being disposed substantially against the second side sheet.

6. A fluid management system according to claim 1, wherein said cartridge further comprises

a fitting configured to releasably couple with a corresponding heater assembly fitting associated with the heater assembly upon receipt of the cartridge into the slot,

said fitting of the cartridge fluidicly connected to the fluid path.

7. A fluid management system according to claim 6, wherein said cartridge further comprises

a hydrophobic filter fluidicly interposing the fitting and the fluid path, the hydrophobic filter being operative to prevent fluid from flowing from the fluid path through the fitting.

8. A fluid management system according to claim 1, wherein said cartridge includes at least one bubble trap configured to vent gas from the fluid path.

9. A fluid management system according to claim 8, wherein the bubble trap includes an umbrella valve arranged to allow the gas to escape the fluid path without allowing air to enter the fluid path.

10. A fluid management system according to claim 1, wherein said three-dimensional fluid path includes:

a first through-port fluidly connecting the first fluid channel to the second fluid channel,

a turn section where the second fluid channel fluidly connects with the third fluid channel, and

a second through-port fluidly connecting the third fluid channel to the fourth fluid channel.

11. A fluid management system according to claim 10, wherein the first fluid channel, the second fluid channel, the third fluid channel, and the fourth fluid channel have generally flattened shapes.

12. A fluid management system according to claim 11, wherein the first fluid channel, the second fluid channel, the third fluid channel, and the fourth fluid channel each have lengths and heights substantially greater than their respective thicknesses.

13. A fluid management system according to claim 1, wherein

said inlet includes an inlet fitting fluidicly connected to the first fluid channel, and

said outlet includes an outlet fitting fluidicly connected to the fourth fluid channel.

14. A fluid management system according to claim 13, wherein said cartridge includes a first bubble trap located between the inlet fitting and the first fluid channel.

15. A fluid management system according to claim 14, wherein said cartridge includes a second bubble trap located between the fourth fluid channel and the outlet fitting.

16. A fluid management system according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the first bubble trap and the second bubble trap includes a hydrophobic membrane, said hydrophobic membrane disposed within the cartridge such that the hydrophobic membrane is canted with respect to vertical when the cartridge is in use, the hydrophobic membrane being canted towards a fluid-contacting side.

17. A fluid management system according to claim 1, wherein said cartridge further comprises

a substantially rigid main body that includes the main wall, the first separation wall and the second separation wall, and

first and second relatively flexible side sheets, wherein the main body and the first side sheet define the first and fourth fluid channels, and the main body and the second side sheet define the second and third fluid channels.

18. A fluid management system according to according to claim 17,

wherein the main body includes molded polycarbonate;

and

wherein the first and second side sheets are constructed from polycarbonate and are fixed to the main body.

19. A fluid management system according to claim 1, wherein said cartridge further comprises a pressure sensor fitting configured to couple with a corresponding fitting in said heater assembly upon receipt of the cartridge into the slot of said heater assembly, the pressure sensor fitting fluidicly connected to the fluid path.

20. A fluid management system accordingly to claim 19, wherein said cartridge further comprises a hydrophobic filter fluidicly interposing the pressure sensor fitting and the fluid path, the hydrophobic filter operative to prevent fluid from flowing through the pressure sensor fitting.

21. A fluid management system according to claim 20, wherein said cartridge further comprises a pressure sensor fluid path fluidicly connecting the fluid path and the hydrophobic filter, said pressure sensor fluid path configured to retain a volume of gas adjacent to the hydrophobic filter.

22. A fluid management system according to claim 1, wherein

the first infrared lamp and the second infrared lamp are operatively connected to be controlled by said control system as a first pair of lamps;

and

the third infrared lamp and the fourth infrared lamp are operatively connected to be controlled by said control system as a second pair of lamps,

wherein said first pair of lamps are controlled at least in part on a sensed inlet temperature and said second pair of lamps are controlled at least in part on a sensed temperature of the fluid between the first and second pair of lamps and/or a sensed outlet temperature.

23. A fluid management system according to claim 22, wherein said heater assembly further comprises:

an inlet temperature sensor, an intermediate temperature sensor, and a outlet temperature sensor;

wherein the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel are fluidicly connected between the inlet temperature sensor and the intermediate temperature sensor, and the third fluid channel and the fourth fluid channel are fluidicly connected between the intermediate temperature sensor and the outlet temperature sensor;

wherein said control system applies a level of power to the first infrared lamp and the second infrared lamp determined at least in part by a signal from the inlet temperature sensor; and

wherein said control system applies a level of power to the third infrared lamp and the fourth infrared lamp determined at least in part by a signal from the outlet temperature sensor.

24. A fluid management system according to claim 1, wherein said heater assembly further comprises:

a first reflector associated with the first infrared lamp and arranged to direct infrared energy emitted by the first infrared lamp toward the first fluid channel,

a second reflector associated with the second infrared lamp and arranged to direct infrared energy emitted by the second infrared lamp toward the second fluid channel,

a third reflector associated with the third infrared lamp and arranged to direct infrared energy emitted by the third infrared lamp toward the third fluid channel, and

a fourth reflector associated with the fourth infrared lamp and arranged to direct infrared energy emitted by the fourth infrared lamp toward the fourth fluid channel.

25. A fluid management system according to claim 24,

wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first reflector, the second reflector, the third reflector, and the fourth reflector is shaped, in cross-section, generally as at least a portion of an ellipse.

26. A fluid management system according to claim 25,

wherein one of the first infrared lamp, second infrared lamp, third infrared lamp, and fourth infrared lamp is located proximate a first foci of the ellipse, and

wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first fluid channel, the second fluid channel, the third fluid channel, and the fourth fluid channel is located proximate a second foci of the ellipse.

27. The fluid management system of claim 1, wherein the control system is operative to adjust power to the plurality of infrared lamps using pulse width modulation.

28. The fluid management system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of infrared lamps is an elongated infrared lamp.

29. The fluid management system of claim 28, wherein each of said elongated infrared lamps is mounted generally parallel to a respective fluid channel.

30. The fluid management system of claim 1, wherein the control system individually adjusts power to each of said plurality of infrared lamps to individually control heating of each of said plurality of fluid channels.

31. The fluid management system of claim 1, further comprising at least one reflector arranged to direct infrared energy emitted by at least one of the plurality of infrared lamps towards at least one of the plurality of fluid channels.

32. The fluid management system of claim 31, wherein each reflector is arranged to minimize exposure of portions of the cartridge to infrared energy emitted by one of said infrared lamps.

33. The fluid management system of claim 31, wherein each reflector is integrated with one of said infrared lamps.

34. The fluid management system of claim 31, wherein each reflector includes a reflector shroud mounted generally adjacent to one of said infrared lamps.

35. A fluid management system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fluid channels is exposed to an exterior of the cartridge to receive infrared energy therein;

and

wherein a first one of the plurality of fluid channels is disposed adjacent to a second one of the plurality of fluid channels to permit heat transfer from the first one of the plurality of fluid channels to the second one of the plurality of fluid channels through an interposing wall.

36. A fluid management system according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge further comprises:

a substantially rigid main body at least partially defining at least one of the plurality of fluid channels; and

a substantially flexible side sheet affixed to the main body, the side sheet at least partially defining the at least one of the plurality of fluid channels, such that the main body and side sheet together define the at least one of said plurality of fluid channels.

37. A fluid management system according to claim 36, wherein the side sheet is sufficiently flexible to substantially dampen pulsatile fluid flow through the plurality of fluid channels.

38. A fluid management system according to claim 37, wherein the side sheet is sufficiently flexible to substantially dampen pulsatile fluid flow produced by a pump.

39. A fluid management system according to claim 1,

wherein said heater assembly further comprises a heater assembly pressure sensor fitting;

wherein said cartridge further comprises a cartridge pressure sensor fitting configured to couple with the heater assembly pressure sensor fitting upon insertion of the cartridge into the slot of said heater assembly, the cartridge pressure sensor fitting being fluidicly connected to at least one of said plurality of fluid channels within the cartridge; and

wherein said fluid management system further comprises a fluid pressure sensor fluidicly connected to the heater assembly pressure sensor fitting, the fluid pressure sensor being operative to measure a pressure of a column of air trapped between the fluid pressure sensor and fluid in at least one of said plurality of fluid channels.

40. A fluid management system comprising:

a cartridge having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and an elongated, three-dimensional convoluted fluid path extending through said cartridge between said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet, said fluid path having two fluid channels on a first side of said cartridge and two fluid channels on a second side of said cartridge, said cartridge comprising a main body including a wall separating said two fluid channels on said first side of said cartridge from said two fluid channels on said second side of said cartridge, wherein said fluid flowing through the three-dimensional convoluted fluid path flows through a first of said two fluid channels on the first side of the cartridge, and then flows through said two fluid channels on the second side of the cartridge, and then flows through a second of said two fluid channels on the first side of the cartridge;

a housing having a slot dimensioned to receive the cartridge;

a plurality of infrared lamps disposed relative to said slot such that at least one infrared lamp is located proximate to the first side of said cartridge to heat fluid in the fluid channels on the first side of the cartridge and at least one infrared lamp is located proximate to the second side of said cartridge to heat fluid in the fluid channels on the second side of the cartridge; and

a control system to control operation of said infrared lamps and fluid flow through said cartridge.

41. A fluid management system according to claim 40, wherein said cartridge further comprises a first separating wall for separating the two fluid channels on the first side of said cartridge and a second separating wall for separating the two fluid channels on the second side of said cartridge.

42. A fluid management system according to claim 41, wherein said cartridge further comprises first and second side sheets, said first side sheet forming a wall partially defining the two fluid channels on the first side of the cartridge and said second side sheet forming a wall partially defining the two fluid channels on the second side of the cartridge.

43. A fluid management system according to claim 42, wherein said first and second side sheets are comprised of a material transmissive to infrared energy.

44. A fluid management system according to claim 43, wherein said first and second side sheets are comprised of a polycarbonate.

45. A fluid management system according to claim 42, wherein said first and second side sheets are comprised of a flexible material.

46. A fluid management system according to claim 42, wherein said first and second side sheets have a thickness hi the range of approximately 0.010-0.030 inches.

47. A fluid management system according to claim 42, wherein said first and second side sheets are attached to said main body by ultrasonic welds.

48. A fluid management system according to claim 40, wherein said two fluid channels on the first side of said cartridge are substantially in registry with infrared lamps located proximate to the first side of said cartridge, and said two fluid channels on the second side of said cartridge are substantially in registry with infrared lamps located proximate to the second side of said cartridge.

49. A fluid management system according to claim 40, wherein said plurality of infrared lamps, includes first, second, third and fourth infrared lamps, wherein the first and fourth infrared lamps are located proximate to the first side of the cartridge when received in the slot, and the second and third infrared lamps are located proximate to the second side of the cartridge when received in the slot.

50. A fluid management system according to claim 40, wherein said control system is operatively connected to said plurality of infrared lamps to adjust power to the plurality of infrared lamps based on (i) fluid temperature and (ii) flow rate to heat the fluid in the three-dimensional fluid path to a desired temperature.

51. A fluid management system according to claim 40, wherein said control system individually adjusts power to each of said plurality of infrared lamps.

52. A fluid management system according to claim 40, wherein said plurality of infrared lamps includes first, second, third and fourth infrared lamps, wherein the first and fourth infrared lamps are located proximate to the first side of the cartridge when received in the slot, and the second and third infrared lamps are located proximate to the second side of the cartridge when received in the slot.

53. A fluid management system comprising:

a cartridge having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and an elongated, three-dimensional convoluted fluid path extending through said cartridge between said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet, said cartridge including;

a main body having a wall defining first and second sides of the cartridge, wherein said fluid path includes at least one fluid channel on a first side of said cartridge and said fluid path includes at least one fluid channel on a second side of said cartridge, and

first and second flexible side sheets fixed to the main body, wherein said first flexible side sheet forms an outer wall partially defining the at least one fluid channel on the first side of the cartridge and said second flexible side sheet forms an outer wall partially defining the at least one fluid channel on the second side of the cartridge, said first and second flexible side sheets comprised of a material transmissive to infrared energy and flexing in response to pulsating fluid flow within the fluid channels to dampen pulses in the fluid flow;

a housing having a slot dimensioned to receive the cartridge, said slot dimensioned to allow space for the first and second flexible side sheets to flex within the slot in response to a pulsating fluid flow;

a plurality of infrared lamps disposed relative to said slot such that at least one infrared lamp is located proximate to the first side of said cartridge to heat fluid in the at least one fluid channel on the first side of the cartridge, and at least one infrared lamp is located proximate to the second side of said cartridge to heat fluid in the at least one fluid channel on the second side of the cartridge;

a pump for conveying fluid through the cartridge, wherein said pump provides a pulsating fluid flow; and

a control system to control operation of said infrared lamps and said pump.

54. A fluid management system according to claim 53, wherein said first and second side sheets are comprised of a polycarbonate.

55. A fluid management system according to claim 53, wherein said first and second side sheets have a thickness in the range of approximately 0.010-0.030 inches.

56. A fluid management system according to claim 53, wherein said first and second side sheets are attached to said main body by ultrasonic welds.

57. A fluid management system according to claim 53, wherein said at least one fluid channel on the first side of said cartridge is substantially in registry with the at least one infrared lamp located proximate to the first side of said cartridge, and said at least one fluid channel on the second side of said cartridge is substantially in registry with the at least one infrared lamp located proximate to the second side of said cartridge.