Multiple reservoir programmable pump

• US 8,808,231 B2
• Filed: 10/16/2013
• Issued: 08/19/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2011
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Aqulinx Medical, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Palyon Medical Corporation
• Inventors: Steinbach, Bernd
• Primary Examiner(s): FLICK, JASON E
• Application Number:
  US14/054,992
• Publication Number:
  US 20140039384A1
• Time in Patent Office: 307 Days
• Field of Search: 604/67
• US Class Current: 604/67
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0211 with multiple chambers in a single site
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/0223 having means for anchoring the subcutaneous access site
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1413 Modular systems comprising interconnecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/145 using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14593 the diaphragm being actuated by fluid pressure
• 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 5/172 electrical or electronic A61M5/16804, A61M5/16831 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F04C 2270/041 Controlled or regulated

Abstract

Different embodiment programmable pumps including multiple reservoirs are disclosed, as are methods of utilizing same. The pumps generally include at least two reservoirs and means for dispensing active substances housed in each at varying flow rates.

Claims

1. A method for dispensing first and second active substances at varying flow rates from a programmable pump system to a patient comprising:

providing a pump housing defining an interior including a first chamber containing the first active substance, a second chamber containing the second active substance, and a third chamber containing a propellant;

dispelling the first active substance from the first chamber at a first flow rate to a catheter fluidly connected to the first and second chambers;

dispelling the second active substance from the second chamber at a second flow rate to the catheter;

determining whether to actuate a first valve in fluid communication with the first chamber to vary the first flow rate based on a comparison of pressure readings taken by the first and second pressure sensors; and

determining whether to actuate a second valve in fluid communication with the second chamber to vary the second flow rate based on a comparison of pressure readings taken by the third and fourth pressure sensors.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second active substances are identical.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the third chamber is defined by first and second membranes.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the housing includes first and second portions, the first and second membranes captured between the first and second portions so that the first portion and first membrane defines the first chamber and the second portion and second membrane defines the second chamber.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising actuating the first valve using a first motor.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising actuating the second valve using a second motor.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the steps of actuating the first and second valves occur in planes parallel to a top plane of the housing and a bottom plane of the housing.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of actuating the first valve is accomplished by the first motor rotating a first offset cam associated with the first motor and the first valve, and the step of actuating the second valve is accomplished by the second motor rotating a second offset cam associated with the second motor and the second valve.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the steps of actuating the first and second valves occur in planes perpendicular to a top plane of the housing and a bottom plane of the housing.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of actuating the first valve is accomplished by the first motor moving a first lever associated with the first motor and the first valve, and the step of actuating the second valve is accomplished by the second motor moving a second lever associated with the second motor and the second valve.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second pressure sensors and the first motor are contained within a first hermetic housing and the third and fourth pressure sensors and the second motor are contained within a second hermetic housing.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first hermetic housing includes a first aperture covered by a first membrane and the second hermetic housing includes a second aperture covered by a second membrane.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first membrane is associated with the first motor and the first lever and the second membrane is associated with the second motor and the second lever.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein a third hermetic housing is associated with the first and second hermetic housings.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the third hermetic housing includes at least one power source and at least one electronic element.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising filling the first chamber with the first active substance and filling the second chamber with the second active substance through a replenishment opening in the pump housing.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising positioning a third valve in a first position whereby only the first chamber can be refilled, the third valve being in fluid communication with the replenishment opening and the first and second chambers.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising positioning the third valve in a second position, whereby only the second chamber can be refilled.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising actuating and actuation mechanism to position the third valve in either the first or second position.