Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling fluid infusion to a patient
Inventors
Rinehart, Joseph • Patton, Douglas • McKeown, Morgan
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12208243-B2
Publication Date
2025-01-28
Expiration Date
2041-12-14
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Abstract
Systems and methods are described for presenting information for managing a vital sign of a patient. A graphical user interface (GUI) can be presented that displays information concerning a vital sign of a patient, including the most current value of the vital sign received and past values of the vital sign over an elapsed time period. Preferably, the systems and methods are used with a closed-loop system that may automatically adjust a dosage rate of a medication, although manual control is also contemplated. The GUI may comprise one or more visual indicators presented on the historical data that, when selected, present additional information that may be useful to managing the care of the patient.
Core Innovation
The invention provides systems and methods for presenting information to manage a vital sign of a patient using a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display screen. The GUI displays the most current value of at least one patient vital sign, as well as historical data of that vital sign over an elapsed time period. Preferably, this GUI is part of an intravenous (IV) infusion system that can be used with either a closed-loop (automated) system, which automatically adjusts medication dosage rates, or allow for manual control by a clinician.
A key innovation is the GUI’s ability to present not only continuous and historical vital sign data, but also to overlay indicator objects on the historical chart at specific time points. When a clinician selects one of these indicator objects, a window is overlayed showing a set of additional information pertinent to patient care at that specific moment—such as detected anomalies or changes in patient status—that may not be otherwise included in the standard GUI display.
This invention addresses the limitations of prior volumetric infusion pumps, which are often bulky, difficult to use, and have limited user interfaces. It seeks to provide improved user interfaces for infusion devices that are easier to use and allow better access to and management of pertinent patient information by medical professionals.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims in the patent, each introducing significant inventive features for both a method and a system involving vital sign monitoring and GUI interaction.
A method for monitoring a vital sign of a patient via a graphical user interface with interactive historical indicators
This method includes: - Presenting a GUI on a visual display screen to show the current vital sign received from a first source. - Displaying a chart of historical vital sign data based on information from the first source. - Upon receipt of a new vital sign, updating both the displayed current and historical values on the GUI. - Presenting indicator objects on the historical data chart at specific times, which, when selected, overlay a window with a set of additional information relevant to the selected indicator, such as a detected irregular heartbeat, changes in medication dosage, or other second vital sign data.
A system for managing a vital sign of a patient with GUI-based indicator overlays and interactive information presentation
The system features: - A display screen configured to present a GUI. - A receiver adapted to acquire patient vital sign information from a first source. - A processor linked to the receiver and display screen, controlling information presented on the GUI regarding both the vital sign and administered medication. - The GUI displays the current vital sign, a chart of historical vital sign data, and an indicator object placed on the chart at a specific time point. - When an indicator object is selected, the processor overlays a window on the GUI presenting a set of information corresponding to that event, such as irregular heartbeats, changes to medication dosage, or other second vital signs.
The claims define a method and system that utilize a GUI to display vital sign data with interactive historical indicators, providing clinicians with specific event-based supplemental information. The inventive features are centered on the dynamic GUI interface and its capacity for enhanced patient data management in fluid infusion scenarios.
Stated Advantages
Allows clinicians to quickly review current and historical vital sign and medication dosage data for improved patient care management.
Enables rapid identification of when and for how long patient vital signs have fallen outside predetermined ranges using color coding and graphical representations.
Provides additional pertinent information through selectable indicator objects, alerting clinicians to events not routinely displayed on the main GUI.
Facilitates easier use of infusion devices and improved accessibility of relevant patient information by offering an intuitive and interactive GUI.
Supports comparison of automated versus manual management modes, including 'time in target' percentages for each, aiding in assessment of infusion strategies.
Documented Applications
Monitoring and controlling fluid infusion to a patient by presenting vital sign and medication information on a GUI for healthcare providers.
Use in intravenous (IV) infusion devices, particularly those operating in either closed-loop automatic or manual medication delivery modes.
Providing clinicians with real-time and historical patient data to facilitate dosing adjustments and prompt responses to specific clinical events.
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