Apparatus for infusing fluid

• US 9,675,756 B2
• Filed: 03/15/2013
• Issued: 06/13/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Deka Products Limited Partnership
• Original Assignee: Deka Products Limited Partnership
• Inventors: Kamen, Dean, Kerwin, John M., Murphy, Colin H., van der Merwe, Dirk A., Parker, Jonathan, Pawlowski, Daniel F., Gray, Larry B., Langenfeld, Christopher C., Place, Michael S., Slate, Michael J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Plakkoottam, Dominick L
• Assistant Examiner(s): Tremarche, Connor
• Application Number:
  US13/840,339
• Publication Number:
  US 20130336814A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,551 Days
• Field of Search: 417 442, 417 443, 417234, 417474, 604 401, 604 611, 604153
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/16863 Occlusion detection
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/16868 Downstream occlusion sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/12 with interchangeable cassettes forming partially or totally the fluid circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/14 Detection of the presence or absence of a tube, a connector or a container in an apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/18 with alarm
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3306 Optical measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3317 Electromagnetic, inductive or dielectric measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/332 Force measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3375 Acoustical, e.g. ultrasonic, measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3576 with non implanted data transmission devices, e.g. using external transmitter or receiver
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/50 with microprocessors or computers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/505 Touch-screens; Virtual keyboard or keypads; Virtual buttons; Soft keys; Mouse touches
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/52 with memories providing a history of measured variating parameters of apparatus or patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/082 Mounting brackets, arm supports for equipment
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/086 Docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1411 Drip chambers A61M5/162, A61M5/1689, A61M5/40 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1415 Stands, brackets or the like for supporting infusion accessories
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1417 Holders or handles for hanging up infusion containers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14216 Reciprocating piston type
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14224 Diaphragm type
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14228 : with linear peristaltic action, i.e. comprising at least three pressurising members or a helical member
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1452 : pressurised by means of pistons
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1456 : with a replaceable reservoir comprising a piston rod to be moved into the reservoir, e.g. the piston rod is part of the removable reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1458 : Means for capture of the plunger flange
• 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 5/16831 : Monitoring, detecting, signalling or eliminating infusion flow anomalies low-level float-valves causing cut-off A61M5/40; indicating or recording presence, absence or direction of flow in general G01P13/0066
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16859 : Evaluation of pressure response, e.g. to an applied pulse
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1689 : Drip counters
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 43/08 : having tubular flexible members F04B43/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 43/082 : the tubular flexible member being pressed against a wall by a number of elements, each having an alternating movement in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the tubular member and each having its own driving mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 43/1223 : the actuating elements, e.g. rollers, moving in a straight line during squeezing
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/17 : delivered via infusion or injection
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 : for remote operation

Abstract

A pump for pumping fluid includes a tube platen, a plunger, a bias member, inlet and outlet valves, an actuator mechanism, a position sensor, and a processor. The plunger is configured for actuation toward and away from the infusion-tube when the tube platen is disposed opposite to the plunger. The tube platen can hold an intravenous infusion tube. The bias member is configured to urge the plunger toward the tube platen.

Claims

1. A pump for pumping fluid, the pump comprising:

a tube platen;

a plunger configured for actuation toward and away from the tube platen when the tube platen is disposed opposite to the plunger;

a bias member configured to urge the plunger toward the tube platen;

an inlet valve upstream of the plunger configured for actuation between an occluding position and a non-occluding position;

an outlet valve downstream of the plunger configured for actuation between an occluding position and a non-occluding position;

an actuator mechanism configured to control the actuation of the plunger, the inlet valve and the outlet valve, wherein the actuator mechanism is configured to mechanically engage and disengage from the plunger, wherein when the actuator mechanism is disengaged from the plunger, the actuator mechanism is configured to mechanically discharge the bias member such that the plunger is a sole force driving the plunger toward the tube platen, wherein the actuator mechanism is configured to engage the plunger to lift the plunger away from the tube platen to thereby mechanically charge the bias member;

a pressure sensor disposed adjacent to at least one of the inlet valve, the outlet valve, and the plunger;

a position sensor configured to estimate a position of the plunger; and

a processor coupled to the position sensor to receive the estimated position of the plunger therefrom, wherein the processor is configured to detect an anomaly based in part on the estimated plunger position when;

the inlet valve is in the occluding position,

the outlet valve is in the occluding position,

the actuator mechanism is mechanically disengaged from the plunger thereby making the bias member the sole source of actuation force of the plunger toward the tube platen, and

the bias member urges the plunger toward the tube platen,

wherein the processor is further coupled to the pressure sensor to receive a pressure signal from the pressure sensor, the processor is configured to, using the pressure signal, to;

determine a downstream occlusion exists when a difference between a peak pressure level and a trough pressure level is greater than a first predetermined threshold in any cycle of the plurality of cycles,

determine the downstream occlusion exists if a difference between a first trough pressure level of a first cycle and a second trough pressure level of a second cycle is greater than a second predetermined threshold, the first and second cycles are cycles of the plurality of cycles,

determine the downstream occlusion exists if a trough of the cycle of the plurality of cycles is greater than a lowest trough of all of the plurality of cycles by a third predetermined threshold, and

determine the downstream occlusion exists if a subtraction of a filtered value of a sequential series of sequential trough-to-trough pressure values of the plurality of cycles from a trough-to-trough value is greater than a fourth predetermined threshold.

2. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to detect a leak based on a rate of change of the estimated position of the plunger.

3. The pump according to claim 1, the pump further comprising an ultrasonic sensor sensitive to gas in an infusion tube, the ultrasonic sensor located downstream of the plunger and configured communicate with the processor, wherein the processor is configured to distinguish between an upstream occlusion and a presence of air in the fluid using the ultrasonic sensor.

4. The pump according to claim 1, the pump further comprising an ultrasonic sensor sensitive to gas in an infusion tube, the ultrasonic sensor located downstream of the plunger and configured communicate with the processor, wherein the processor is configured to determine a volume of air pumped downstream based on the plunger position when both the inlet and outlet valves occlude the infusion tube and on the sensed gas.

5. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the tube platen is configured to hold an intravenous infusion tube.

6. The pump according to claim 1, further comprising:

a housing; and

a door pivotally coupled to the housing, the door configured to pivot to an open position and to a closed position, wherein the tube platen is disposed on the door.

7. The pump according to claim 6, wherein the tube platen, the door, and the plunger are configured such that the plunger is configured for actuation toward and away from the infusion-tube when the door is in a closed position.

8. The pump according to claim 7, further comprising:

a lever pivotally coupled to the door, the lever having first and second positions; and

a latch coupled to the door, wherein the lever is configured to latch the door onto the housing when in the first position.

9. The pump according to claim 8, wherein the first position is defined as a position in which the lever is pivoted toward to the door.

10. The pump according to claim 8, further comprising a carrier having first and second portions pivotally coupled together, wherein:

the door and the carrier co-pivot together,

the housing includes a first slot in which the first portion of the carrier is at least partially disposed when the door is in the open position,

the door includes a second slot in which the second portion of the carrier is disposed within when the door is in the open position, and

the lever is operatively coupled to the second portion of the carrier such that when the door is in the closed position, lever actuation toward the first position pushes the first and second portions of the carrier into the first slot of the housing.

11. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the actuator mechanism comprises:

a cam shaft;

an inlet-valve cam coupled to the cam shaft configured to actuate the inlet valve;

an outlet-valve cam coupled to the cam shaft configured to actuate the outlet valve; and

a plunger cam coupled to the cam shaft configured to actuate the plunger.

12. The pump according to claim 11, wherein the plunger cam is configured to lift the plunger away from the tube platen.

13. The pump according to claim 11, wherein the processor detects the anomaly when only a force of the bias member forces the plunger toward the tube platen.

14. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the processor detects the anomaly when only a force of the bias member forces the plunger toward the tube platen.

15. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to communicate data to a monitoring client.

16. The pump according to claim 15, wherein the data includes an indication of the anomaly.

17. A pump for pumping fluid, the pump comprising:

a tube platen;

a plunger configured for actuation toward and away from the tube platen when the tube platen is disposed opposite to the plunger;

a bias member configured to urge the plunger toward the tube platen;

an inlet valve upstream of the plunger configured for actuation between an occluding position and a non-occluding position;

an outlet valve downstream of the plunger configured for actuation between an occluding position and a non-occluding position;

an actuator mechanism configured to control the actuation of the plunger, the inlet valve and the outlet valve, wherein;

the actuator mechanism is configured to mechanically engage and disengage from the plunger,

when the actuator mechanism is disengaged from the plunger, the actuator mechanism is configured to mechanically discharge the bias member such that the plunger is a sole force driving the plunger toward the tube platen, and

the actuator mechanism is configured to engage the plunger to lift the plunger away from the tube platen to thereby mechanically charge the bias member;

a pressure sensor disposed adjacent to at least one of the inlet valve, the outlet valve, and the plunger;

a position sensor to estimate the position of the plunger; and

a processor coupled to the position sensor and configured to estimate fluid flow in accordance with the estimated position of the plunger, the processor is further coupled to the pressure sensor to receive a pressure signal from the pressure sensor, wherein;

the inlet valve, the outlet valve, and the plunger are configured to pump fluid in a plurality of cycles, each cycle having a trough pressure level and a peak pressure level, and

the processor is configured to, using the pressure signal, to;

determine a downstream occlusion exists when a difference between a peak pressure level and a trough pressure level is greater than a first predetermined threshold in any cycle of the plurality of cycles,

determine the downstream occlusion exists if a difference between a first trough pressure level of a first cycle and a second trough pressure level of a second cycle is greater than a second predetermined threshold, the first and second cycles are cycles of the plurality of cycles,

determine the downstream occlusion exists if a trough of the cycle of the plurality of cycles is greater than a lowest trough of all of the plurality of cycles by a third predetermined threshold, and

determine the downstream occlusion exists if a subtraction of a filtered value of a sequential series of sequential trough-to-trough pressure values of the plurality of cycles from a trough-to-trough value is greater than a fourth predetermined threshold.

18. The pump according to claim 17, wherein the pressure signal is filtered prior to being received by the processor.

19. The pump according to claim 17, further comprising an analog filter configured to filter the pressure signal prior to being received by the processor.

20. The pump according to claim 17, wherein the processor is configured to communicate data to a monitoring client.