SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING AIR BUBBLES IN A FLUID DELIVERY LINE
First Claim
1. A method for detecting air in a fluid delivery line using a medical pump having a first air detection sensor, comprising the steps of:
- starting a fluid delivery cycle;
activating the first air detection sensor after a first predetermined cycle parameter value has been met;
measuring a first air content signal generated by the first air detection sensor;
generating first air content data from the first air content signal;
determining whether the first air content data has met a first predetermined air threshold;
deactivating the first air detection sensor after measuring the first air content signal and after a second predetermined cycle parameter value has been met;
reactivating the first air detection sensor after a third predetermined cycle parameter value has been met;
measuring a second air content signal generated by the first air detection sensor;
generating second air content data from the second air content signal;
determining whether the second air content data has met the first predetermined air threshold; and
,deactivating the first air detection sensor after measuring the second air content signal and after a fourth predetermined cycle parameter value has been met.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and pump that accurately senses air in a fluid delivery line pulses or activates and deactivates the air sensor(s) multiple times during the pumping phase of the fluid delivery cycle and can generate alarms based upon a single indication or a cumulative indication of air in the line. The pump can include multiple air sensors spaced along the delivery line so that the method can use the multiple signals therefrom to distinguish real moving air bubbles from false positives and/or air bubbles adhered to the inner wall of the line.
113 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for detecting air in a fluid delivery line using a medical pump having a first air detection sensor, comprising the steps of:
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starting a fluid delivery cycle; activating the first air detection sensor after a first predetermined cycle parameter value has been met; measuring a first air content signal generated by the first air detection sensor; generating first air content data from the first air content signal; determining whether the first air content data has met a first predetermined air threshold; deactivating the first air detection sensor after measuring the first air content signal and after a second predetermined cycle parameter value has been met; reactivating the first air detection sensor after a third predetermined cycle parameter value has been met; measuring a second air content signal generated by the first air detection sensor; generating second air content data from the second air content signal; determining whether the second air content data has met the first predetermined air threshold; and
,deactivating the first air detection sensor after measuring the second air content signal and after a fourth predetermined cycle parameter value has been met. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A medical pump for delivery of a substance through a fluid delivery line connected to a pumping chamber, comprising:
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a pump drive for exerting a force on the pumping chamber; a pump drive position sensor operatively connected to the pump drive for sensing the position of the pump drive; a first air detection sensor for sensing whether there is air in the fluid delivery line; a processor in electronic communication with the pump drive, the pump drive position sensor and the first air detection sensor; a memory in electronic communication with the processor, wherein the memory comprises programming code for execution by the processor, and wherein the programming code is adapted to; start a fluid delivery cycle; activate the first air detection sensor after a first predetermined cycle parameter value has been met; generate first air content data from a first air content signal measured by the first air detection sensor; determine whether the first air content data has met a first predetermined air threshold; deactivate the first air detection sensor after the first air content signal is measured and after a second predetermined cycle parameter value has been met; reactivate the first air detection sensor after a third predetermined cycle parameter value has been met; generate second air content data from a second air content signal measured by the first air detection sensor; determine whether the second air content data has met the first predetermined air threshold; and
,deactivate the first air detection sensor after the second air content signal is measured and after a fourth predetermined cycle parameter value has been met. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification