Computerized system for blood chemistry monitoring
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Publication Number
US-8956321-B2
Publication Date
2015-02-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
An apparatus and computerized method of intravenously monitoring a patient's blood chemistry transmits real time measurements to an electronically controlled closed loop system that auto-regulates blood osmolality and glucose level with medications infused through a catheter designed for such purpose. The closed loop system utilizes a glucose algorithm and an osmolality algorithm implemented in hardware and software to control the flow of dextrose, insulin and hypertonic saline to a patient in an effort to achieve better patient outcomes in instances of trauma, surgery and medical illnesses.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a computerized glucose adjustment system for intravenously controlling a patient's blood chemistry on a real time basis. It includes a glucose sensor, a pump connected to a source of insulin and a source of dextrose, and a computer processor that receives electronic signals from the glucose sensor and controls pump distribution of insulin and dextrose based on real time monitoring.
The processor calculates a real time average glucose level over a specified time period and records a prior running average glucose level for a prior time period. The glucose control module compares the running average glucose level (Xa) to the prior running average glucose level (Xb) to track a real time average blood glucose level rate of change, and determines where the patient's real time average blood glucose level lies along a continuum of glucose values.
To refine how pump adjustments are made, the glucose control module comprises pump controlling commands divided into categories. The processor assigns each running average glucose level (Xa) to one of the categories by grouping the difference between Xa and the range of Xmin to Xmax, the rate of change of the real time average blood glucose level, and values of a previous weight-based insulin flow rate and a previous weight-based dextrose flow rate, then determines an extent to which dextrose flow rate and insulin flow rate are adjusted according to the selected category.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers a computerized, closed-loop intravenous glucose adjustment system using real-time running averages (Xa) and a categorized pump command structure. Three inventive features are identified in the consolidated materials, with dependent refinements directed to the same iterative control approach.
Real-time computerized glucose adjustment with running average (Xa) and prior average (Xb)
A processor receives sensor signals to calculate a patient's real time average glucose level (Xa) over a specified time period, records a prior running average glucose level (Xb) for a prior time period, and compares Xa to Xb to track a real time average blood glucose level rate of change.
Iteratively adjusting insulin and dextrose toward a known normal glucose range
A glucose control module determines where the real time average blood glucose level lies along a continuum of glucose values and iteratively adjusts the dextrose flow rate and insulin flow rate to adjust the real time average glucose level closer to a known normal glucose range.
Categorized pump controlling commands based on Xa position, rate of change, and prior weight-based flows
Pump controlling commands are divided into categories, and the processor assigns each running average glucose level (Xa) to one category by grouping a difference between Xa and Xmin to Xmax, the real time average blood glucose level rate of change, a previous weight-based insulin flow rate, and a previous weight-based dextrose flow rate, then determines an extent to which the dextrose flow rate and the insulin flow rate are adjusted according to the selected category.
The claims center on real-time running-average glucose calculation (Xa) compared to a prior running average (Xb) to estimate glucose rate of change, followed by iterative insulin and dextrose flow adjustments toward a known normal glucose range. The control actions are structured by pump controlling commands divided into categories selected based on Xa relative to Xmin to Xmax, the rate of change, and prior weight-based insulin and dextrose flow rates.
Stated Advantages
Adjusts a real time average blood glucose level closer to a known normal glucose range.
Documented Applications
Intravenously controlling a patient's blood chemistry on a real time basis.
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