Systems and methods for parallel preparation processing
Inventors
Marsh, Charles • McCutchan, Larry • Kaintz, Ryan • Braun, Ezekiel • Petersen, Walter • Eckert, Robert • Slaymaker, JR., Robert Barrie
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12125574-B2
Publication Date
2024-10-22
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods for parallel medication processing are disclosed herein. Such methods can include receiving a request for preparation of a plurality of dosed medication delivery containers, determining at least one attribute of the request for preparation of at least one dosed medication delivery container, identifying a template corresponding to the at least one attribute of the request, the template identifying steps and a step sequence for filling the dosed medication delivery container, and executing the template. Executing the template can include iteratively assigning tasks to a plurality of stations within the automated dosing device, the performance of which tasks at least partially overlap, and directing a transport tool to move at least one medication delivery container between the stations of the automated dosing device.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an IV pharmacy automation system for parallel medication processing using an automated dosing device. The system receives a request for preparation of at least one dosed medication delivery container, where each container comprises a medication delivery container and at least one ingredient added by the automated dosing device. The dosed medication delivery container comprises at least a syringe and a medication bag, and the automated dosing device includes a plurality of stations and a transport tool.
A central controller determines at least one attribute of the request for preparation and identifies a template corresponding to the determined attributes. The template identifies steps and an order of the steps for filling the dosed medication delivery container, and the device executes the template by iteratively assigning tasks to a plurality of stations, with at least some tasks at least partially overlappingly performed by the plurality of stations.
During execution, the system directs the transport tool to move at least one medication delivery container between the stations. The disclosed system also describes station hardware controlled by station controllers, template-based parallel preparation, and parallel processing in connection with mini-batches and serial processing. It further includes aseptic monitoring features in a direct compounding area using a particle counter probe and cap handling/recapping on shutdown.
Claims Coverage
The document contains two independent claims covering a method of parallel medication processing and a corresponding automated dosing device. The claims center on request attributes, template identification, iterative overlapping tasks across multiple stations, and a transport tool moving containers between stations, with the device claim further specifying a central controller, station controllers, and station hardware.
Parallel medication processing using an automated dosing device
Receiving a request for preparation of at least one dosed medication delivery container, determining at least one attribute of the request, identifying a template corresponding to the determined attribute, and executing the template by iteratively assigning tasks to a plurality of stations, with at least some tasks at least partially overlappingly performed by a plurality of stations, while directing a transport tool to move at least one medication delivery container between the stations.
Automated dosing device with central controller and overlapping station execution
A plurality of stations, each with a station controller and station hardware, a transport tool configured to transport medication delivery containers to and from the plurality of stations, and a central controller configured to receive a request, determine at least one attribute of the request, identify a template corresponding to the determined attribute, execute the template by iteratively assigning tasks to the plurality of stations with at least some tasks at least partially overlappingly performed, and direct the transport tool to move at least one medication delivery container between the stations.
Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on selecting a filling template based on request attributes and executing it through iterative overlapping tasks across multiple stations, coordinated with a transport tool that moves medication delivery containers between stations.
Stated Advantages
Enables parallel medication processing by iteratively assigning tasks to multiple stations with at least partially overlappingly performed tasks.
Coordinates template execution across stations by directing a transport tool to move medication delivery containers between the stations.
Provides weight-based dosing determinations based on first and second weight measurements before and after injection.
Supports mini-batch sizing based on ingredient dosing and maximum number of doses derived from vial size for each ingredient.
Provides aseptic monitoring in a direct compounding area using a particle counter probe and includes stop/alert logic for continuous monitoring.
Documented Applications
IV pharmacy automation for parallel medication processing using an automated dosing device to prepare dosed medication delivery containers comprising a syringe and a medication bag.
Sterile compounding monitoring in a direct compounding area (DCA) using particle counter probe monitoring and related stop/alert logic.
Preparation workflows involving mini-batches and serial processing for dosed medication delivery containers, including mini-batch sizing based on ingredient/vial dose limits.
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