Dynamically controllable patient fluid control device
Inventors
EIBL, Joseph • KENNY, Jon-Emile
Assignees
1929803 Ontario Corp (d/b/a Flosonics Medical) • 1929803 Ontario Corp
Publication Number
US-11511040-B2
Publication Date
2022-11-29
Expiration Date
2039-03-08
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Abstract
A fluid control device includes an interface to a remote fluid monitoring sensor that detects fluid flow in a patient. In some embodiments, a processor within the fluid delivery device is programmed to adjust the delivery or withdrawal of fluids based on the fluid flow signals provided by the sensor. In some embodiments, the fluid control device can display and/or record fluid flow signals thereby acting as a hemodynamic monitor.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a patient fluid control device configured to receive signals from a remote sensor that detects fluid flow, such as Doppler velocimetry signals derived from echocardiography interrogation of a patient's vessels. The device includes one or more processors programmed to analyze these fluid flow measurements and adjust the delivery or withdrawal of fluids accordingly. The fluid control device can deliver fluids intravenously or withdraw/recirculate fluids such as in dialysis. It communicates with the flow sensor via wired or wireless links and may also display or record fluid flow signals, effectively functioning as a hemodynamic monitor.
The disclosed technology solves the problem of fluid delivery devices operating without patient feedback regarding how fluids are being received. Conventional fluid delivery pumps deliver programmed quantities of fluids at preset rates without real-time monitoring or adjustment based on patient-specific vascular responses. The invention addresses this gap by integrating Doppler fluid flow sensor signals to dynamically adjust fluid administration or removal. This provides automated or clinician-assisted titration of intravenous fluids, dialysis fluid removal, or vasoactive medication dosing based on direct hemodynamic measurements, along with alarms and monitoring to guide therapy.
The device can perform iterative fluid challenges by delivering partial fluid boluses and comparing pre- and post-challenge Doppler signals to determine responsiveness. Changes in arterial and venous Doppler waveforms can inform adjustments to infusion rates, fluid removal, or vasoactive medication selection and dosing. Additionally, the device can generate warnings or alarms if adverse hemodynamic changes are detected. The system integrates Doppler waveform analysis, waveform morphology, and vessel size metrics to tailor fluid management dynamically and safely.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim describing a fluid delivery device with integrated control based on fluid flow signals from a remote sensor and recited several dependent claims elaborating on features like display, communication, and control instructions. Below are the main inventive features extracted from the independent claim and key dependent claims.
Fluid delivery device with processor-controlled pump responsive to remote fluid flow signals
A device comprising a processor programmed to control a fluid delivery pump based on fluid flow signals received from a remotely located flow sensor. The processor compares fluid flow signals before and after a challenge designed to change the patient's blood flow and controls the pump accordingly.
Display configured to show fluid flow signals from the remote sensor
The fluid delivery device includes a display used to visually present fluid flow signals received from the remote sensor, such as graphs showing peak Doppler velocity over time.
Partial bolus delivery and fluid flow response-based control
The processor is programmed to deliver a portion of a fluid bolus, receive flow signals before and after this portion is delivered, compare these signals, and then decide whether to deliver the remainder of the bolus based on this comparison.
Utilization of Doppler signals from arterial and venous blood flow as input
The fluid flow signals used by the processor are Doppler signals derived from the arterial and venous blood flow in the patient's vessels.
Wireless communication port to receive fluid flow data from the remote sensor
The communication port is configured to receive wireless signals indicative of fluid flow in the patient transmitted from the remotely located flow sensor.
Memory for storing fluid flow signals
The fluid delivery device further includes a memory to store the received fluid flow signals for record-keeping or further analysis.
Processor-generated instructions and alarms based on flow signal comparison
The processor can generate instructions for an operator to administer a fluid challenge and can generate alarms based on the comparison of pre- and post-challenge fluid flow signals.
The independent claim centers on a fluid delivery device that dynamically controls fluid administration based on remotely received fluid flow signals, with particular emphasis on comparing signals before and after a blood flow challenge. The dependent claims add inventive features involving displaying flow data, partial bolus administration with feedback control, Doppler-based flow measurement, wireless communication, data storage, and automatic generation of operator instructions and alarms.
Stated Advantages
Enables automated or clinician-assisted titration of intravenous fluids or dialysis fluid removal based on real-time hemodynamic measurements.
Provides dynamic adjustment of fluid delivery responding to the patient’s vascular response rather than fixed programmed rates.
Functions as a hemodynamic monitor by displaying and recording fluid flow signals, giving clinicians real-time feedback on fluid responsiveness.
Improves patient safety by generating warnings or alarms when fluid administration or withdrawal may cause adverse effects.
Allows responsive delivery of vasoactive medications based on arterial and venous Doppler waveform analysis.
Documented Applications
Adjusting intravenous fluid delivery in response to changes in arterial and venous Doppler fluid flow measurements.
Controlling fluid removal or recirculation in dialysis machines based on patient vascular flow signals.
Automatic titration and adjustment of vasoactive medication dosages based on Doppler waveform analysis indicating types of shock.
Using the fluid control device as a hemodynamic monitor to record and display blood flow over time during clinical interventions.
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