Radio frequency fluid warmer and method
Inventors
Khanifar, Ahmad • Khanifar, Elham
Assignees
Linamp Technologies LLC • Advanced Medical Device Technologies Inc
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Publication Number
US-12028957-B1
Publication Date
2024-07-02
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention is generally a radio frequency apparatus for warming fluids such as IV fluids. In exemplary embodiments, a uniform warming of fluids is achieved by exposing a fluid-carrying tube to Radio Frequency (RF) energy. The RF energy may be supplied by an RF generator, which is coupled to a waveguide. The waveguide typically includes an inlet into which a fluid tube may be introduced. Inside the waveguide, a pathway may be formed wherein the fluid tube may rest in a predetermined position. In exemplary embodiments, the pathway guides the positioning of the tube along a transmission-line length of the waveguide, in a manner such that the tube gradually approaches an electromagnetic field inside the waveguide and exits at a second terminal end of the waveguide. Having absorbed energy supplied from the RF generator, the fluid inside the tube exits the apparatus warmed to a desired temperature.
Core Innovation
A radio frequency (RF) fluid warmer system heats therapeutic fluids using a waveguide in which a fluid-carrying tube is positioned between an inlet and an outlet of the waveguide. RF energy is coupled from an RF generator into the waveguide and interacts with the tube along a transmission-line length to achieve substantially uniform heating. The waveguide includes a resistive termination coupled to a second electromagnetic port to preserve a matched waveguide condition.
The system addresses microwave hotspot and standing-wave behavior by using a travelling wave configuration with an appropriately matched terminated waveguide condition. By preserving the matched waveguide condition, the RF energy is distributed along the tube pathway to support substantially uniform heating rather than localized heating effects.
The system uses one or more sensors situated in proximity to the inlet or the outlet of the waveguide to receive sensing data and monitor a parameter of a fluid inside the fluid-carrying tube based on that sensing data. A control module controls the power level of the RF generator to reach and maintain a target temperature within programmable error limits, using sensor feedback, and the system includes fail-safe shutoff behaviors, such as shutting off RF power and shutting off fluid flow via a valve, along with audible and/or visual alarms.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover an RF fluid warmer scheme that couples an RF generator into a waveguide with a resistive termination for preserving a matched waveguide condition, positions a fluid-carrying tube between a waveguide inlet and outlet, and uses sensor data from proximity to the inlet/outlet to monitor and control a fluid parameter. The inventive features focus on matched travelling-wave waveguide operation using termination, inlet/outlet sensor-based monitoring, and RF power level control based on sensing data.
Resistive termination preserving a matched waveguide condition for RF coupling
Controlling a power level of a radio frequency generator coupled to a first electromagnetic port of a waveguide, wherein the waveguide includes a resistive termination coupled to a second electromagnetic port of the waveguide for preserving a matched waveguide condition.
Fluid-carrying tube positioned between waveguide inlet and outlet
The waveguide is adapted to receive a fluid-carrying tube positioned between an inlet and an outlet of the waveguide.
Proximity sensing and monitoring a fluid parameter inside the tube
Receiving sensing data from one or more sensors situated in proximity to the inlet or the outlet of the waveguide; and monitoring a parameter of a fluid inside the fluid-carrying tube based on sensing data from the one or more sensors.
Across the independent claim coverage provided, the core inventive theme is an RF fluid warmer where RF power is coupled into a waveguide having a resistive termination that preserves a matched waveguide condition, a fluid-carrying tube is positioned between the waveguide inlet and outlet, and sensor data near the inlet/outlet is used to monitor a fluid parameter within the tube.
Stated Advantages
Substantially uniform heating of the therapeutic fluid.
Avoiding microwave hotspot and standing-wave problems by using a travelling-wave, appropriately matched terminated waveguide.
Programmable temperature maintenance within programmable error limits.
Fail-safe shutoff behaviors that shut off RF power and shut off fluid flow, with audible and visual alarms.
Documented Applications
Heating therapeutic fluids, including IV fluids and peritoneal dialysis dialysate.
Heating blood and blood products.
Providing a continuous sterile infusion path by avoiding disposable cartridges, as described in the provided content.
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