Systems and components for regulating fluid infusion to a patient
Inventors
Patton, Douglas • Rinehart, Joseph • McKeown, Morgan
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11484645-B2
Publication Date
2022-11-01
Expiration Date
2041-11-18
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Abstract
Various fluid delivery systems are described comprising an infusion pump having a housing with a first opening and a hollow interior portion that is configured to receive a cartridge having a tubing. A pump unit can be disposed within the housing. The pump unit comprises a motor mechanically coupled with a crank shaft or eccentric cam that is configured to move a set of pistons or other objects to thereby compress one or more portions of the tubing over time as the crank shaft or eccentric cam rotates.
Core Innovation
The invention provides apparatus, systems, and methods for intravenous (IV) fluid infusion, specifically a fluid delivery system comprising an infusion pump with a housing designed to receive a cartridge containing tubing. A pump unit is disposed within the housing and features a motor mechanically coupled to a crank shaft or eccentric cam that, through motion and connected components such as sheaves, tie rods, and pistons, sequentially compresses portions of the tubing to control fluid flow based on rotational movement.
The cartridge is designed to be easily inserted into the pump's housing and includes safety features such as a valve and actuator that inhibit fluid flow when not engaged, preventing unintentional fluid delivery. The actuator can be depressed to permit fluid flow, and the valve is biased to a closed position, typically using a spring. Visual indicators and latching mechanisms further secure the cartridge and provide status indications. The system also includes a communicatively coupled display, which can be touch-enabled and physically separate from the pump, allowing user interaction and command input for dosage and monitoring.
This invention addresses problems associated with existing pumps, such as the lack of precise dosage rates in gravity infusion devices and bulkiness, limited user interfaces, and unreliable cartridge retention in current volumetric pumps. It provides improved ease of use, priming, and additional safeguards to prevent unnecessary suspensions and issues associated with unintentional cartridge removal.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains several independent claims that define the major inventive features for fluid delivery systems and cartridges.
Infusion pump with crank shaft-driven piston system
A fluid delivery system incorporating an infusion pump having a housing with a first opening configured to receive a cartridge containing tubing. The system includes a pump unit with a motor mechanically coupled to a crank shaft that has a set of sheaves. Each sheave features a projection, off-axis relative to the crank shaft, to which a tie rod is attached. A set of pistons, each connected to a tie rod, are configured so that, when the crank shaft rotates, the pistons sequentially compress portions of the tubing for controlled fluid flow.
Controller-enabled infusion pump operation
A controller comprising a processor and memory is communicatively coupled to the pump unit, able to receive information and transmit command signals to control the speed of the pump’s motor. The controller can be situated within the pump housing or in a separate control unit and may also manage latching solenoids for cartridge retention and release.
Cartridge with valve-actuator assembly for flow control
A cartridge with a housing configured to retain tubing in a C-shape that enters at the top and exits at the bottom. The cartridge includes a valve that compresses the tubing to prevent fluid flow in a first position and an actuator mechanically coupled to the valve, moving it to a second position to allow flow upon force application. The valve is biased toward the flow-blocking position, and in certain embodiments utilizes a hook and stopper design.
Fluid delivery system with separable display interface
The fluid delivery system features a display that is physically separate yet communicatively coupled to the infusion pump. The display can receive information from and send commands to the infusion pump for user interactions such as dosage adjustments. The housing may include a slot to removably receive the display.
Integration of sensors for monitoring flow and fluid properties
The system can incorporate at least one sensor for monitoring flow rate within the tubing and/or determining properties (such as concentration or type) of the fluid within the tubing. Supported sensor types include chemical, optical, and resistance sensors.
Illuminated housing for cartridge status indication
The housing may include at least one light source to illuminate the interior and cartridge, with the light source configured to indicate the infusion pump status.
Together, these inventive features define a fluid infusion system and cartridge that combine precise mechanical regulation of flow, user interface improvements, enhanced safety via flow control and cartridge retention mechanisms, and integrated sensory feedback.
Stated Advantages
The system allows for precise control of fluid dosage rates, overcoming limitations of gravity infusion devices.
The design improves ease of use and system priming, making it simpler to begin a line of infusion.
Additional safeguards are provided to prevent unnecessary suspensions of medication delivery and inadvertent cartridge removal.
The separable and adjustable display enhances user ergonomics and accessibility for medical professionals.
Documented Applications
Intravenous fluid infusion for delivering medication or other fluids from a medication source to a patient.
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