Infusion pump

• US 20030233069A1
• Filed: 06/14/2002
• Published: 12/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
• Original Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
• Inventors: Spang, Ronald H. Jr., Berrill, James Frei, LaBedz, Ralph H., Platt, Michael Kenneth, Greaney, Michelle Kowalski, Gillespie, John Jr., Vogel, Matthew Stephen
• Granted Patent: US 7,018,361 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/131
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/14208 with a programmable infusion control system, characterised by the infusion program
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/14573 with a replaceable reservoir for quick connection/disconnection with a driving system
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/21 insensitive to tilting or inclination, e.g. spill-over prevention
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/6054 Magnetic identification systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8206 battery-operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8237 Charging means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/086 Docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/142 Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14244 adapted to be carried by the patient, e.g. portable on the body
• 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 5/14566 with a replaceable reservoir for receiving a piston rod of the pump
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/172 electrical or electronic A61M5/16804, A61M5/16831 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 7/00 Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 7/003 for measuring position, not involving coordinate determination coordinate measuring G01B7/004
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 3/60 Rotation of whole images or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/17 delivered via infusion or injection

Abstract

An infusion pump (10) is configured to be powered by either a disposable battery source or a rechargeable battery source. The infusion pump (10) has a housing (12) having a recess (33). A motor is positioned within the housing (12) and is operably connected to an electrical contact (94) disposed in the recess (33). The motor powers the pump (10). The recess (33) receives one of a rechargeable battery unit (90) having an electrical contact (98) that contacts the recess electrical contact (94), and a disposable battery unit (92) having an electrical contact (144) that contacts the recess electrical contact (94).

Claims

1. An infusion pump configured to be powered by either a disposable battery source or a rechargeable battery source, the infusion pump comprising:

a housing having a recess; and

a motor positioned within the housing and operably connected to an electrical contact disposed in the recess, the motor powering the pump,

wherein the recess receives one of a rechargeable battery unit having an electrical contact that contacts the recess electrical contact, and a disposable battery unit having an electrical contact that contacts the recess electrical contact.

2. The infusion pump of claim 1 wherein the rechargeable battery unit and the disposable battery unit each having a housing supporting the respective components of the units.

3. The infusion pump of claim 1 wherein the rechargeable battery unit further comprises:

a power supply connected to an AC power assembly for providing power from an AC power outlet;

a recharger connected to the power supply;

a diode mechanism connected to the recharger and the electrical contact of the unit;

a rechargable battery connected to the switching mechansim,

wherein if the AC power cord assembly is not connected to an AC power outlet, the diode mechanism is configured to provide power to the electrical contact from the rechargeable battery, and wherein if the AC power cord assembly is connected to an AC power outlet, the diode mechanism is configured to provide power to the electrical contact from the AC power outlet and to recharge the battery by the recharger.

4. The infusion pump of claim 1 further comprising a user interface having a display screen, the display screen displaying data in a generally horizontal configuration in a first position and a generally vertical configuration in a second position.

5. The infusion pump of claim 1 wherein when the recess is adapted to receive the disposable battery, the pump is mounted in a generally vertical configuration.

6. The infusion pump of claim 1 wherein when the recess is adapted to receive the rechargeable battery, the pump is mounted in a generally horizontal configuration.

7. The infusion pump of claim 4 wherein when recess is adapted to receive the disposable battery, the pump is mounted in a generally vertical configuration wherein the display screen displays data in a portrait configuration.

8. The infusion pump of claim 4 wherein when the recess is adapted to receive the rechargeable battery, the pump is mounted in a generally horizontal configuration wherein the display screen displays data in a landscape configuration.

9. An infusion pump comprising:

a housing having a recess adapted to receiving at least one of a disposable battery unit and a rechargeable battery unit for powering the pump.

10. The infusion pump of claim 9 wherein the rechargeable battery unit has a power supply connected to a recharger that is connected to a rechargeable battery wherein the rechargeable battery can be recharged when the unit is not installed into the recess of the pump.

11. An infusion pump configured to be powered by either a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery, the infusion pump comprising:

a housing having a recess;

a motor positioned within the housing and being operably connected to an electrical contact disposed in the recess, the motor powering the pump;

the recess adapted to receive one of a disposable battery unit and a rechargeable battery unit.

12. An infusion pump assembly comprising:

a disposable battery unit;

a rechargeable battery unit having an integrated power supply, recharger, rechargeable battery and an AC power cord;

a pump housing having a recess;

a motor positioned within the housing and being operably connected to an electrical contact disposed in the recess, the motor powering the pump;

wherein the recess receives the disposable battery unit in a first configuration wherein disposable battery unit has an electrical contact that engages the recess electrical contact and wherein the recess is adapted to receive the rechargeable battery unit in a second configuration wherein the rechargeable battery unit has an electrical contact that engages the recess electrical contact.

13. An infusion pump comprising:

a housing having a recess;

a motor positioned within the housing and operably connected to an electrical contact disposed in the recess, the motor configured to power the pump;

an electronic means for supplying power to the motor, the electronic means being received by the recess in engagement with the contact, and wherein the electronic means is at least one device selected from the group consisting of a disposable battery source, a rechargeable battery source, and an AC power cord.

14. The infusion pump of claim 13, wherein the electronic means for supplying power to the motor comprises a disposable battery source, a rechargeable battery source, and an AC power cord.

15. The infusion pump of claim 13 wherein the electronic means is a rechargeable battery unit having a power supply, a recharger and a rechargeable battery unit therein.

16. The infusion pump of claim 15 wherein the rechargeable battery unit can be recharged without the unit being installed into the infusion pump.

17. The infusion pump of claim 13 wherein the electronic means is a disposable battery unit having a housing holding a plurality of disposable batteries therein.

18. The infusion pump of claim 13, wherein the housing is configured as a device selected from the group of infusion pumps consisting of a syringe pump, a volumetric pump, and a peristaltic pump.

19. The infusion pump of claim 16 wherein the pump is a syringe pump.

20. An infusion pump adapted to received a syringe having a syringe barrel moveably receiving a syringe plunger therein, the infusion pump comprising:

a housing defining a compartment adapted to receive the syringe, the compartment having a rear wall, the housing further having a curved lip generally adjacent to the rear wall;

a clamp connected to the housing and positioned in the compartment in confronting relation to the rear wall;

wherein can be loaded into the compartment between the rear wall and the clamp wherein upon initial insertion, the curved lip is adapted to slidingly engage the syringe barrel allowing generally one-hand loading of the syringe into the compartment.

21. The infusion pump of claim 20 wherein the curved lip is integral with the rear wall.

22. The infusion pump of claim 20 wherein the rear wall has a concave surface.

23. The infusion pump of claim 20 wherein the curved lip has a length generally in correspondence with a length of the syringe barrel adapted to be received in the compartment.

24. The infusion pump of claim 20 wherein the syringe assembly is adapted to be housed completely within the housing.

25. The infusion pump of claim 20 wherein the clamp is resiliently biased towards the rear wall.

26. The infusion pump of claim 20 wherein the clamp has a concave inner surface.

27. The infusion pump of claim 20 wherein the clamp is pivotable about a roller positioned at one end of the clamp.

28. An infusion pump comprising:

a housing having a compartment adapted to receive a syringe having a barrel and a plunger;

a drive mechanism supported by the housing and adapted to contact the plunger to move the plunger within the barrel, the mechanism further comprising;

a linearly moveable arm having a load cell mounted thereon;

a load beam pivotally connected to the arm, the load beam having one side contacting the load cell and another side adapted to contact the plunger;

wherein upon movement of the arm to move the plunger, the load cell senses a reactive force from the load beam, the load cell converting the force into a usable signal wherein an occlusion is signaled if the usable signal is outside a predetermined acceptable range.

29. The infusion pump of claim 28 wherein the load beam has a pusher block attached thereto that is adapted to contact the plunger.

30. The infusion pump of claim 28 further comprising a flipper extending from the arm, the flipper contacting the plunger.

31. The infusion pump of claim 28 wherein the load cell contacts the load beam at substantially a distal end of the load beam.

32. The infusion pump of claim 28 further comprising an alarm module operably connected to the load cell, the alarm module signaling that an occlusion is present in response to the alarm module receiving the useable signal from the load cell, the signal being outside the predetermined acceptable range.

33. An occlusion sensor for detecting occlusions in an infusion line connected to a syringe received by an infusion pump, the syringe having a syringe barrel and a syringe plunger, the infusion pump having a drive mechanism adapted to contact the plunger to move the plunger within the barrel, the sensor comprising:

an arm adapted to be connected to the drive mechanism for linear movement, the arm having a load cell mounted thereon;

a load beam pivotally connected to the arm, the load beam having one side contacting the load cell and another side adapted to contact the plunger;

wherein upon movement of the arm to move the plunger, the load cell senses a reactive force from the load beam, the load cell converting the force into a usable signal wherein an occlusion is signaled if the usable signal is outside a predetermined acceptable range.

34. An infusion pump comprising:

a housing having a compartment;

a syringe received in the compartment, the syringe having a barrel and a plunger moveable within the barrel;

a drive mechanism supported by the housing and adapted to contact the plunger to move the plunger within the barrel,

a magnet positioned on the drive mechanism adapted to be proximal the syringe plunger; and

a linear sensor array supported by the housing and positioned such that the plunger is adapted to be adjacent thereto, wherein the linear sensor array senses the strength of a magnetic field associated with the magnet to determine a linear position of the plunger within the barrel.

35. The infusion pump of claim 34 wherein the linear sensor array has a plurality of sensors.

36. The infusion pump of claim 34 wherein the magnet is positioned substantially at a distal end of the syringe plunger.

37. An infusion pump comprising:

a housing having a compartment;

a syringe received in the compartment, the syringe having a barrel and a plunger moveable within the barrel;

a drive mechanism supported by the housing and adapted to contact the plunger to move the plunger within the barrel,

a magnet positioned on the drive mechanism adapted to be substantially at a distal end of the syringe plunger; and

a magnet sensor supported by the housing and positioned such that the plunger is adapted to be adjacent thereto, wherein the linear sensor array senses the strength of a magnetic field associated with the magnet to determine a linear position of the plunger within the barrel.

40. The drive mechanism of claim 37 further comprising a rail member, the rail assembly slidably supporting the slide assembly.

43. The drive mechanism of claim 40 wherein the slide assembly has a base having a pair of cantilevered beams extending from the base, the cantilevered beams corresponding in shape to the legs of the rail member wherein the beams are slideable along the legs.

44. The drive mechanism of claim 37 wherein the slide assembly comprises a base and a cover, the base having a bore that receives the threaded member, the base further having a channel that receives the lead screw therethrough.

47. The drive mechanism of claim 44 wherein the arm supports a disengagement rod that is pivotable to linearly move and engage the first engagement surface and rotate the rotary nut to a disengaged position wherein the threaded portions are not in engagement with the lead screw.

48. The drive mechanism of claim 44 wherein the cover supports a pin that engages the second engagement surface when the rotary nut is in the engaged position to prevent over-engagement with the lead screw.

38. An infusion pump comprising:

a housing having a compartment defining a rear wall, the housing further having a syringe clamp slideably positioned towards and away from the rear wall, the housing adapted to and capable of receiving syringes having syringe barrels of varying diameter;

a magnet positioned on the syringe clamp; and

a linear sensor array supported by the housing and positioned such that the syringe clamp is adapted to be generally adjacent thereto, wherein the linear sensor array senses the strength of a magnetic field associated with the magnet to determine a size of a syringe barrel received by the compartment.

41. The drive mechanism of claim 38 wherein the rail member has a cover plate and a pair of legs depending from the cover plate.

39. A drive mechanism for an infusion pump, the drive mechanism adapted to linearly move a syringe plunger within a syringe barrel supported by the pump, the mechanism comprising:

a motor;

a lead screw rotatably connected to the motor;

a slide assembly having a threaded member supported thereon, the threaded member being associated with the lead screw;

an arm having one end connected to the slide assembly and one end adapted to be engaged with the syringe plunger,

the threaded member being rotatably biased in engagement with the lead screw, wherein upon rotation of the lead screw by the motor, the slide assembly linearly moves the arm wherein the arm is adapted to move the syringe plunger within the syringe barrel.

42. The drive mechanism of claim 39 wherein the legs have an inwardly projecting portion.

45. The drive mechanism of claim 42 wherein the threaded member is a rotary nut.

46. The drive mechanism of claim 42 wherein the rotary nut further comprises:

a base, the base having post and ring extending therefrom, the ring being generally circumjacent to the post, the ring having a first notch defining a first engagement surface and a second notch defining a second engagement surface;

a first finger depending from the base, the first finger having a first threaded portion;

a second finger depending from the base, the second finger having a second threaded portion, the second finger being spaced from the first finger defining an opening therebetween,

wherein the lead screw is adapted to be received in the opening.

49. A drive mechanism for an infusion pump, the drive mechanism adapted to linearly move a syringe plunger within a syringe barrel supported by the pump, the mechanism comprising:

a motor;

a lead screw rotatably connected to the motor;

a rail assembly;

a slide assembly slidably supported by the rail assembly, the slide assembly having a rotary nut supported thereon, the rotary nut having a threaded portion;

an arm having one end connected to the slide assembly and one end adapted to be engaged with the syringe plunger,

the rotary nut being rotatably biased wherein the threaded portion is engaged with the lead screw, wherein upon rotation of the lead screw by the motor, the slide assembly linearly moves the arm wherein the arm is adapted to move the syringe plunger within the syringe barrel.

50. A rotary nut for a drive mechanism of a syringe infusion pump, the drive mechanism adapted to linearly move a syringe plunger within a syringe barrel supported by the pump, the drive mechanism having a lead screw rotatable by a motor, and further having a disengagement rod, the drive mechanism further having an arm having one end adapted to be connected to the rotary nut and another end adapted to engage the syringe plunger, the rotary nut comprising:

a cylindrical base, the base having post and ring extending therefrom, the ring being generally circumjacent to the post, the ring having a first notch defining a first engagement surface and a second notch defining a second engagement surface;

a first finger depending from the base, the first finger having a first threaded portion;

a second finger depending from the base, the second finger having a second threaded portion, the second finger being spaced from the first finger defining an opening therebetween,

wherein the lead screw is adapted to be received in the opening wherein the rotary nut has an engaged position wherein the first threaded portion engages a first side of the lead screw and the second threaded portion engages an opposite, second side of the lead screw, wherein the rotary nut linearly moves along the lead screw upon rotation of the lead screw by the motor, the second engagement surface engaging a pin when the rotary nut is in the engaged position to prevent over-engagement with the lead screw, the rotary nut being rotatable by the disengaging rod engaging the first engagement surface wherein the threaded portions are not in engagement with the lead screw.

51. A rotary nut for a drive mechanism of a syringe infusion pump, the drive mechanism having a rotatable lead screw, the rotary nut adapted for linear movement along the lead screw, the rotary nut comprising:

a body having an opening therethrough defining an inner surface, the inner surface having a threaded portion, the opening dimensioned such that when the body is rotated to a first position, the threaded portion engages the lead screw wherein the rotary nut can move linearly along the lead screw in response to rotation of the lead screw and when the body is rotated to a second position, the threads disengage from the lead screw wherein the rotary nut can move freely along the lead screw.

52. A rotary nut for a drive mechanism of a syringe infusion pump, the drive mechanism having a rotatable lead screw, the rotary nut adapted for linear movement along the lead screw, the rotary nut comprising:

a body having an opening therethrough defining an inner surface, the inner surface having a threaded portion, the opening dimensioned such that when the body is rotated to an engaged position, the threaded portion engages the lead screw wherein the nut linearly moves along the lead screw in response to rotation of the lead screw.

53. A method of transferring infusion data from an infusion pump comprising:

providing an infusion pump having a user interface having a memory storing infusion data, the pump having an infrared data port, the data being retrievable upon depressing a button associated with the pump;

providing a personal digital assistant having a data port;

depressing the button;

positioning the personal digital assistant data port adjacent the pump data port;

transferring infusion data from the pump to the personal digital assistant.

54. The method of claim 53 further comprising the steps, after the step of depressing the button:

entering a password into the user interface.

55. The method of claim 53 further comprising the steps, after the step of depressing the button:

entering a password into the user interface; and

entering a patient identification number into the user interface.

56. A method of transferring infusion data from an infusion pump comprising:

providing an infusion pump having a user interface having a memory storing infusion data, the pump having an infrared data port, the data being retrievable upon depressing a button associated with the pump;

providing a hand-held printer having a data port;

depressing the button;

positioning the hand-held printer data port adjacent the pump data port;

transferring infusion data from the pump to the hand-held printer and printing the data.

57. The method of claim 56 further comprising the steps, after the step of depressing the button:

entering a password into the user interface; and

entering a patient identification number into the user interface.

58. A method of transferring infusion data from an infusion pump comprising:

providing an infusion pump having a user interface having a memory storing infusion data, the pump having an infrared data port, the data being retrievable upon depressing a button associated with the pump;

providing a hand-held printer having a data port;

depressing the button;

entering a password into the user interface; and

entering a patient identification number into the user interface;

positioning the hand-held printer data port adjacent the pump data port;

transferring infusion data from the pump to the hand-held printer and printing the data.

59. An infusion pump comprising:

a housing having an opening, the housing having an inner surface;

a user interface having a display screen positioned generally within the opening, and

a pad having a face surface positioned between the display screen and the inner surface of the housing.

60. The infusion pump of claim 59 wherein the pad is made from an elastomeric material.

61. The infusion pump of claim 59 wherein the pad is dimensioned to fit around an entire periphery of the display screen.

62. The infusion pump of claim 59 wherein the pad has a face adjacent a shoulder.

63. The infusion pump of claim 59 wherein the pad is compressed between the housing and display screen.

64. A system for associating a patient controlled analgesia button with a medical device, the system comprising:

a means for providing first status information, the first status information indicating the button is not installed;

a means for providing second status information, the second status information indicating the button is installed and the button is in a rest position;

a means for providing third status information, the third status information indicating the button is installed and the button is actuated; and

a means for providing fourth status information, the fourth status information indicating a fault is present.

65. The system of claim 64, where all status information is provided to a microprocessor.

66. The system of claim 64, where the medical device is a medication delivery device.

67. The system of claim 64 where all status information is designed to provide input signals to a microprocessor while the input signals are also appropriate for a medical environment.

68. The system of claim 64, where the button is a 4-pole push button.

69. The system of claim 64, where the status information is provided by evaluating three circuits.

70. The system of claim 64, where all status information is determined by evaluating whether three circuits are connected to a ground.

71. A method for associating a patient controlled analgesia button with a medical device, the method comprising the steps of:

providing first status information, the first status information indicating the button is not installed;

providing second status information, the second status information indicating the button is installed and the button is in a rest position;

providing third status information, the third status information indicating the button is installed and the button is actuated; and

providing fourth status information, the fourth status information indicating a fault is present.

72. The method of claim 71, where all status information is provided to a microprocessor.

73. The method of claim 71, where the medical device is a medication delivery device.

74. The method of claim 71, where all status information is designed to provide input signals to a microprocessor while the input signals are also appropriate for a medical environment.

75. The method of claim 71, where the button is a 4-pole push button.

76. The method of claim 71, where the status information is provided by evaluating three circuits.

77. The method of claim 71, where all status information is determined by evaluating whether three circuits are connected to a ground.

78. A system for associating a patient controlled analgesia button with a medical device, the system comprising:

a first circuit, the first circuit being connected to ground when the patient controlled analgesia button is installed;

a second circuit, the second circuit connected to ground when the button is installed and at rest; and

a third circuit, the third circuit connected to ground when the button is installed and actuated.

79. The system of claim 78 where the first, second and third circuits have at least one termination at a microprocessor.

80. The system of claim 78 where the medical device is a medication delivery device.

81. The system of claim 78 where the first, second and third circuits provide input signals that are appropriate for a medical environment.

82. The system of claim 78 where the button is a 4-pole push button.

83. The system of claim 78 where a microprocessor evaluates the status of the three circuits to determine the status of the button.

84. The system of claim 78 where a microprocessor evaluates the status of the three circuits to determine the status of the button by evaluating whether the three circuits are connected to a ground.