CONTROLLING BODY FLUID CONDITION USING DIURETICS
The system for controlling body fluids overcomes the limitations of the prior art by automatically infusing diuretic and/or other drugs into a human patient. In one approach, the rate of infusion of the diuretic is adjusted based on the measured weight of the patient. For example, this weight can be transmitted wirelessly to a portable diuretic infusion device attached to the patient.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to (a) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/967,025, “Apparatus and method to control body fluid balance,” filed Sep. 1, 2007, (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/979,634, “Controlling body fluid condition using diuretics,” filed Oct. 12, 2007, (c) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/986,974, “Controlling body fluid condition using diuretics,” filed Nov. 9, 2007, and (d) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/988,375, “Controlling body fluid condition using diuretics,” filed Nov. 15, 2007, and (e) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/048,113, “Controlling body fluid condition using diuretics,” filed Apr. 25, 2008. The subject matter of all of the foregoing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any appendices or attachments, for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to controlling body fluid condition using diuretics.
2. Description of the Related Art
Body fluid imbalance is associated with many diseases such as congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis and kidney disease. Congestive heart failure in particular is a major cause of death and hospitalization. Despite currently available treatment, mortality and hospitalization from congestive heart failure remains high. Causes of heart failure include coronary artery disease, hypertension, valvular heart disease, myocardial infarction, etc. As pump function of the heart deteriorates, body fluid often increases and may lead to complications such as pulmonary edema.
When pumping capacity of the heart deteriorates, blood perfusion to the kidneys decreases. This results in retention and accumulation of body fluid because excessive body fluid is not delivered to the kidneys to be excreted. This excessive body fluid often manifests as swelling of the legs. If body fluid continues to expand, a weak heart may be no longer able to handle increased blood volume and finally fails to pump blood forward adequately. Symptoms of congestive heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of legs, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (not being able to breathe suddenly at night). Many people come to the emergency room due to congestive heart failure exacerbation. People do not breathe well when fluid builds up in the lungs.
Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide and bumetanide are often used to treat this fluid accumulation by increasing the excretion of body fluid and sodium through the kidneys. However, use of oral diuretics often fails to prevent heart failure exacerbation. This failure of diuretics to prevent heart failure can be explained by several mechanisms. First, the dosage of oral diuretics prescribed by the doctor is often fixed, but the ideal dosage often changes depending on changing body conditions. For example, when people with heart disease eat salty food high in sodium content, their body fluid may increase significantly. We often see people come to the emergency room after they eat excessive amount of salt at a party. In this situation, people will require a higher dose of diuretics in order to excrete excessive body fluid and salt. The required dose of diuretics is affected by the dietary intake of sodium, water and tendency to retain sodium. When body fluid builds up in the digestive system, it may cause intestinal edema (swelling). Bioavailability of diuretics may decrease with intestinal swelling. The body may not be able to absorb diuretics effectively. Patients may need to take higher dose of diuretics when poor bioavailability occurs.
Second, poor compliance plays a role. People sometimes forget to take medications. This poor compliance could result in heart failure. Third, treatment delay plays a role. When there is a sign of body fluid accumulation such as swelling of legs, many people ignore this early sign of heart failure and wait until their condition gets severe enough to require hospitalization. These explanations are associated with many cases of heart failure.
Sliding scale diuretic titration of oral diuretics has been attempted for the treatment of congestive heart failure by some heart failure management programs. In sliding scale diuretic titration, patients are instructed to measure body weights and adjust diuretics pill dose according to the instruction given by their physician or nurse. However, conventional diuretic sliding scale titration has several significant drawbacks. First, patients may not understand the sliding scale instruction or may not comply with it. Poor understanding of the instruction may also lead to inappropriate use of medication. Second, conventional instructions may be limited to instructions and sliding scale titration that are simpler than would be desired. In real clinical situations, a more complex diuretic titration may be required to maintain ideal body fluid condition. However, some patients may not be able to follow such complex instructions so instructions may be simplified at the cost of a less effective titration.
In addition, if the sliding scale diuretic titration changes frequently, some patients may not understand the change of sliding scale diuretic titration and may end up taking the wrong dose of medication. This may lead to serious complications. Taking too much medication may lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, hypotension, and kidney failure. Conventional sliding scale diuretic titration is also limited to oral diuretics, which may not be as effective as, for example, continuous infusion of diuretics.
As a result of these possible complications, sliding scale diuretic titration, when attempted, is typically based on a straightforward and simple protocol. More complex protocols generally have not been attempted because there is not a reliable way to carefully monitor and control the dispensing of diuretic or to adjust the dose according to varying conditions. In addition, there are not reliable safety measures to safeguard against the possible inappropriate use of diuretics. Without such controls and safety measures, more complex protocols can have a higher risk of inappropriate use of diuretics and possible adverse effects such as dehydration, electrolytes abnormalities, hypotension, and kidney failure.
Thus, there is a need for better, and preferably automatic, approaches to control body fluid condition using diuretics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne aspect of the present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by automatically infusing diuretic into a human patient. In one approach, the rate of infusion of the diuretic is adjusted based on the measured weight of the patient. This weight can be transmitted wirelessly to a portable diuretic infusion device attached to the patient, for example.
In one aspect of the invention, a portable diuretic infusion device includes a reservoir, a pump and a controller. The reservoir can hold a diuretic or an antihypertensive drug to be infused into the patient. The pump is connected to the reservoir and is also connectable to the patient, for example using an infusion set. The pump is operated to infuse diuretic or other drug from the reservoir into the patient. The controller controls the pump, thereby controlling the rate of infusion of the diuretic or other drug.
In one embodiment, the controller adjusts the rate of infusion based on a measured weight of the patient. For example, the protocol may be designed to maintain a target weight for the patient, so that more diuretic is infused when the patient is over the target weight and less diuretic is infused when the patient is under the target weight. In another aspect, the patient's weight can be measured and then wirelessly transmitted to the diuretic infusion device. The controller on the diuretic infusion device receives the weight information and automatically adjusts the infusion rate.
In another aspect of the invention, the weight information is not used to automatically control a diuretic pump. Rather, it is used to automatically calculate the correct dose of diuretic and this is displayed to the patient. In one approach, a weight measurement apparatus (e.g., a scale) includes a weight sensor, a processor and a display. The weight sensor measures the body weight of the patient. The processor calculates the corresponding dose of diuretic based on the measured weight. The dose is shown to the patient on the display. It could also be shown on other devices, such as a computer, cell phone, PDA, etc.
In still a further aspect of the invention, the diuretic infusion system includes a biologicalal parameter measurement apparatus with a biological parameter measurement sensor for measuring a biological parameter of a human patient and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting measured biological parameter information. The diuretic infusion system also includes a portable diuretic infusion device with a reservoir for holding diuretic, a pump connected to the reservoir and connectable to the human patient, for infusing diuretic from the reservoir into the human patient, a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving the biological parameter information transmitted by the biological parameter measurement apparatus, and a controller coupled to the wireless receiver, for controlling the pump and rate of infusion of the diuretic based on the received biological parameter information.
In other aspects of the invention, the portable diuretic infusion device is a metered dose diuretic infusion pump. This pump can include a reservoir for holding diuretic, and a pump connected to the reservoir and connectable to a human patient for infusing diuretic from the reservoir into the patient.
In further embodiments, the diuretic infusion system is remote control operated. The system can include a weight measurement apparatus having a weight sensor for measuring a body weight of a human patient and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting weight information based on the measured body weight. The system can further include a portable diuretic infusion device with a reservoir for holding diuretic, a pump connected to the reservoir and connectable to the patient, a controller for controlling the pump, and a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving commands. The system can also include a remote control device with a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving the weight information transmitted, a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting one or more commands to the portable diuretic infusion device, and a controlled coupled to the receiver/transmitter for wirelessly controlling the pump and rate of infusion based on weight information. Other embodiments of the diuretic infusion system can include fewer or more components within the weight measurement apparatus, the portable diuretic infusion device, and the remote control device.
In yet another embodiment, the diuretic infusion system includes a urine output measurement apparatus with a urinary catheter, a urinary drainage apparatus, and a urine output sensor for measuring urine output of a human patient. In some embodiments, the urine output measurement apparatus also includes a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting urine output information based on the measured urine output. The system can also include a portable diuretic infusion device with a reservoir for holding diuretic, a pump connected to the reservoir and connectable to the patient for infusing diuretic from the reservoir into the patient, and a controller that controls the pump, thereby controlling a rate of infusion of the diuretic based on received urine output information. Where the urine output measurement apparatus is configured for wireless communication, the portable diuretic infusion device can include a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving the urine output information transmitted from the urine output measurement apparatus. In some embodiments, the infusion system further includes a remote control device with a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving the urine output information transmitted from the urine output measurement apparatus, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting one or more command to the portable diuretic infusion device. The remote control device can also include a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and transmitter for wirelessly controlling the pump and rate of infusion of the diuretic based on the received urine output information
Different protocols can be implemented using these devices and systems. For example, the infusion rate can include both basal and bolus components. Diuretic infusion can be supplemented and/or replaced by other delivery mechanisms, such as oral diuretics. Fairly complex protocols can be implemented, since the protocol is more automated and depends much less on the patient implementing the protocol. For example, infusion rate can vary by time of day, thus reducing urination at nighttime. Prospective infusion can also be implemented, for example if heavy salt intake is expected. The infusion rate can also be adjusted based on feedback other than just weight.
These approaches allow the dose of diuretics to be controlled much more carefully than by patient instructions alone, resulting in many possible advantages. For example, early detection and early treatment of various body fluid related diseases may be possible. This can reduce hospitalizations and death from congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema and fluid overload. In addition, patients can now have continuous infusion of diuretics by using a portable, ambulatory infusion pump. Continuous infusion of diuretics may be more effective than bolus use of diuretics. These approaches may also be more effective in maintaining target weight and/or dry weight, compared with using oral diuretics. The automated approach is also easier for patients and allows the implementation of more complex protocols, while also reducing the risk of over- or under-treatment. The automated devices can also record diuretic use (and also body weight), thus providing a reliable medical history. This information can be sent over the internet to the healthcare providers or others, for analysis or remote monitoring of patients.
Other aspects of the invention include methods corresponding to the devices and systems described above, and protocols for use with same.
The invention has other advantages and features which will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1-a depicts a diuretic infusion system.
FIG. 1-b depicts a wireless diuretic infusion system.
FIG. 8-a and 8-b is a mechanical depiction of a diuretic pump.
FIGS. 55-a and 55-b illustrate additional drug-infusion protocols
The figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSFIG. 1-a depicts a diuretic infusion system according to the invention. Diuretic infusion device 101 is located on the patient's body 102. Weight sensor 103 measures the patient's body weight. In one embodiment, the weight sensor 103 is an electric scale. A user inputs measured body weight into the diuretic infusion device 101. The diuretic infusion device 101 delivers diuretic to the human body 102. The dose of the diuretic is determined based on the measured body weight. FIG. 1-b depicts another embodiment. The weight sensor 103 communicates with the diuretic infusion device 101, in this example using a wireless communications channel. Weight information, for example body weight, body weight change, past body weight measurements and/or body weight trends, is transferred from weight sensor 103 to the diuretic infusion device 101 via the wireless communication. The diuretic infusion device 101 uses this information to adjust the rate of diuretics infusion to the patient 102.
Various wireless technologies may be used. Examples include Bluetooth, WiFi, Wimax, other RF (radio frequency) technologies, and infrared and optical technologies. Wireless transmitters and receivers may be built into the weight sensor 103 and diuretic infusion device 101. The sensor 103 and diuretic infusion device 101 may communicate directly with each other, or through intermediary devices such as a remote control device, a separate computer system (for example, accessible by the patient and/or his healthcare professional). The computer system may save information from weight sensor 103 and/or diuretic infusion device 101 to allow further analysis.
In one implementation, the weight sensor 103 is activated by the patient (e.g., by stepping onto a scale), and patients who tend to accumulate body fluid due to heart disease, kidney disease or liver disease are instructed to measure body weight frequently using the weight sensor 103. In an alternate embodiment, the weight sensor may be located so that it is automatically activated. For example, the weight sensor may be located in the patient's bed or as part of a chair that the patient uses regularly. The weight sensor 103 and/or diuretic infusion device 101 may also obtain other types of relevant information, such as the time of day of the weight measurement. In this way, weight measurements can be time stamped and the time stamp may be used to account for cyclical variations in body weight.
Body weight measurements may also be tagged with the patient's identification so that multiple patients can conveniently use the same weight sensor 103. In one approach, the diuretic infusion device 101 or other device 101 identifies the patient to the weight sensor 103, which then tags the weight information with the patient's identification. Alternately, the weight sensor 103 may broadcast the weight information, and the diuretic infusion device 101 has the responsibility to associate the weight information with the correct patient.
Various diuretics may be used with the diuretics infusion device. Examples include hydrochlorothiazide, chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, metolazone, furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, torsemide, spironolactone, indapamide and eplerenone. Vasopressin receptor antagonist may also be used. Examples include conivaptan, tolvaptan. Brain natriuretic peptide may also be used. One example is nesiritide.
An external keypad to allow the user to program an onboard processor. The onboard processor controls the rate of diuretic infusion. Various buttons 202, 203 are used for various functions, such as programming the diuretics pump and adjusting the diuretic infusion rate. Information such as rate of diuretic infusion, name of diuretics in use, weight information, and optimal or target weight, can be displayed on the screen 204. This screen also shows signals that indicate malfunction of the device and other signals such as time to change a diuretics cartridge or time to change a battery.
This diuretic infusion pump 201 includes a disposable reservoir or a disposable cartridge for the diuretic. The prefilled cartridge containing diuretics is replaced when empty. In alternative embodiments, the reservoir and/or cartridge may not be disposable. Instead, the reservoir may be refilled when empty.
A disposable infusion set for the diuretic infusion pump may include a cannula 209, an adhesive pad 205, a needle 208 and tubing system 206 (that delivers the diuretic reservoir to a user). The user inserts the needle 208 together with the cannula 209 under the skin. The needle 208 may be removed, leaving the cannula 209 under the skin. Preferably, the tip of the cannula 209 is located at the subcutaneous tissue. Alternatively, the tip of cannula 209 may be located in the abdominal cavity, intramuscular space, intravascular space or peritoneal cavity. The cannula 209 may be made with biocompatible materials such as polyethylene.
This figure illustrates a patient whose weight is 73 kg, 3 kg above the target weight of 70 kg. Weight measurement apparatus 301 also displays the weight of the user on the screen 302. This body weight is transmitted from the weight measurement apparatus 301 to diuretic infusion pump 305 via wireless communications. Once the diuretic infusion pump 305 receives a signal from the weight measurement apparatus 301, the weight information is decoded. Software coupled with the processor controls at least in part, the operation of the diuretic infusion pump. More than one processor may be used to control the diuretic infusion system. A pumping system controls the transfer of diuretics from a reservoir or a diuretic cartridge to the tubing system and a cannula.
The pumping system is controlled by a processor. In
The user preferably is instructed to measure weight frequently and on a regular basis. At a later weighing, if the body weight is still above target weight but less than weight on the previous measurement, the same infusion rate of diuretics may be programmed to continue. If the body weight returns to the target weight, the infusion rate of the diuretic infusion pump may be programmed to decrease to prevent dehydration.
Various protocols on diuretics infusion can be programmed and/or stored in the processor onboard the diuretic pump, as will be described in more detail below. This is advantageous compared to a conventional approach where a doctor gives instructions to the patient, because patients often do not follow these instructions and more complex protocols can be carried out by the diuretic pump than by most patients.
Buttons on the keypad 304 of the diuretic infusion pump can be used to program an onboard processor and adjust settings on a diuretic infusion pump. The diuretic infusion pump may also be programmed by using a computer system such as a desktop computer, a portable computer, a portable phone or a remote control.
The onboard program of the diuretic infusion pump calculates the difference between target weight and current weight. If the measured body weight is more than 3 kg above target weight (which may suggest there are approximately 3 kg of extra water inside a body), the diuretic infusion pump is programmed to increase the basal rate of diuretics infusion by 100% from the initial basal rate to increase urine output and excrete excess water and salt. If the measured body weight is 2-3 kg above target weight, the diuretic infusion pump is programmed to increase the basal rate of diuretics infusion by 75% from the initial basal rate to increase urine output. If the measured body weight is 1-2 kg below target weight, this may suggest dehydration. The diuretic infusion pump is programmed to decrease the basal rate of diuretics infusion by 75% from the initial basal rate. The basal rate is the continuous infusion rate of a diuretic medication that may be set by a doctor or a user. Bolus is rapid infusion of a diuretics medication to expedite the effect to increase urine output rapidly by increasing drug concentration level in the blood. The diuretic infusion pump may be programmed to use both basal rate and bolus, or to use only one infusion method, either basal rate or bolus.
Conventional methods and technologies for basal infusion and bolus infusion may be used. If the patient does not want to carry the diuretic infusion pump constantly, this patient may choose bolus infusion method only. This user may remove the diuretic infusion pump after bolus infusion and reinsert it when diuretic needs to be infused. An alarm may sound to notify a user when it is time to infuse drug. A user may want to use basal infusion until a certain time of day (like in the evening) for lifestyle purpose. If basal infusion of furosemide stops at 7 pm for example, the effect of furosemide may stop around 10-12pm. This method may help patients to avoid urinating in the middle of the night, which is a common problem for people who take oral diuretic pills at night. The diuretic infusion pump may be programmed by using software built in the diuretic infusion pump and/or by using software in a separate computer that communicates with the diuretic pump via a wireless communication or non-wireless communication (using a cradle, port, cable, etc).
One example of a case is as follows. A doctor may program a diuretic infusion pump as follows:
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- Diuretics—furosemide (10 mg/ml)
- Initial basal rate—1 mg per hour
- Duration of basal rate—start at 7AM and end at 7PM
- Maximum basal rate—5 mg per hour
- Bolus infusion—10 mg over 10 minutes at 7AM and 4PM
- Maximum bolus infusion per each infusion—60 mg
- Maximum daily dose combining basal rate and bolus—200 mg
- Target weight—70 kg.
- If body weight is more than 3 kg above target weight, increase basal rate by 100% from initial basal rate and provide bolus infusion of 40 mg at 7 AM and 4PM.
- If body weight is 2-3 kg above target weight, increase basal rate by 75% from initial basal rate and provide bolus infusion of 30 mg at 7AM and 4PM.
- If body weight is 1-2 kg above target weight, increase basal rate by 50% from initial basal rate and provide bolus infusion of 20 mg at 7AM and 4PM.
- If body weight is 0-1 kg above target weight, increase basal rate by 25% from initial basal rate and provide bolus infusion of 10 mg at 7AM and 4PM.
- If body weight is 0-1 kg below target weight, decrease the basal rate by 50% from initial basal rate and provide bolus infusion of 5 mg at 7AM.
- If body weight is 1-2 kg below target weight, decrease the basal rate by 75% from initial basal rate and hold bolus infusion.
- If body weight is more than 2 kg below target weight, stop basal rate and bolus infusion and instruct a user to contact his/her doctor.
Let's say a patient measures his weight on a weight measurement apparatus and finds out that his weight is 3.1 kg above the previously set target weight of 70 kg. Following the programmed furosemide protocol shown on
In certain embodiments, the diuretic infusion device has the capacity to deliver 0-10 ml/hour in basal rate and up to 40 ml per bolus of furosemide (10 mg/ml). Alternatively, the diuretics infusion device may use other diuretics such as bumetanide, torsemide, ethacrynic acid, chorothiazide, other concentrations, other diuretics and other classes of medications as previously mentioned. In an alternate embodiment, the diuretic infusion device has the capacity to deliver 0-10 ml/hour in basal rate and up to 10 ml per bolus of bumetanide (1 mg/ml). In another embodiment, the diuretic infusion pump may have a capacity to deliver 0-20 ml/hour in basal rate and up to 40 ml per bolus of furosemide (10 mg/ml). In alternative embodiments, different basal rate ranges and different bolus rate ranges may be used.
The weight signal is received by a receiver of the diuretic infusion pump. The receiver of the diuretic infusion pump is electrically connected to a processor which is housed in the diuretic infusion pump. The processor receives the weight information and performs computations to determine diuretic infusion rate such as basal rate and bolus rate according to programmed parameters, protocols and algorithms. The processor controls an electric motor to deliver diuretic from a reservoir to a user through an outlet, a tube and an infusion set of the diuretic infusion pump. In an alternative embodiment, a user manually inputs measured weight into a diuretic infusion device. This weight information enters a processor which is housed in the diuretic infusion pump. The processor performs computations to determine diuretic infusion rate in a manner similar to that described above.
In
The processor 701 is in electrical communication with an electric motor and pump 713. The processor controls the electric motor 713 according to its program. The processor also controls a screen 704, an audible alarm 707, vibratory alarm 708 and telemetry system 703. Weight information that is transmitted from the weight measurement apparatus is received by the telemetry system 703 of the diuretic infusion pump. It then enters the processor 701. Alternately, weight information may be input into the diuretic infusion pump manually by a user, for example from a keypad or a remote controller.
In this example, flash memory 714 and SRAM 715 are used for memory storage. This memory may store information such as pump settings, a historical log of weight, malfunctions of the pump, infusion rate, a historical log of infusion rate, medication, etc. In one design, the RAM has 100 kilobytes, ROM has 4 megabytes and flash memory has 4 megabytes memory. Alternate memory media include RAM, ROM, EPROM, DRAM, hard-drives and other types of flash memory.
The user may program the processor 701 using a keypad (or other user interface) on the diuretic infusion pump. In alternative embodiments, a user may use a remote controller or a computer station to program the processor 701.
Information and commands from other computers, portables devices such as PDAs (personal digital assistant), handheld computers, portable phones, remote controllers and the internet may be received through receiver 703. Examples of wireless technologies include radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR) and optical. Specific technologies include Bluetooth, DECT, ZigBee, NFC, GSM, UWB, UMTS, DAB, CDMA, WiFi and WIMAX. Wired communications ports can include Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports and/or RS-232 ports, as well as other technologies.
The diuretic infusion pump displays on its screen whether new weight information, command, or alerts are received. The diuretic infusion pump, weight measurement apparatus, corresponding computer systems and/or remote controller may be assigned a unique identifier and/or password to provide privacy for its users.
In
Various other inputs, such as various types of sensors, may also be included in the diuretic infusion pump (or communicate to the diuretic pump from other parts of the system). For example, motion detection sensor 712 may be used to detect the motion of a gear in the drive mechanism for the pump. Cartridge sensor or reservoir sensor 711 may be used to detect the amount of diuretic left within a cartridge or reservoir, and to notify a user when a new cartridge is required or a reservoir requires refilling.
In one embodiment, LCD is used as a screen. Feedback from the weight measurement apparatus, a computer, a remote control device as well as diuretic infusion pump status and programming changes may be displayed on a LCD screen. Time, name of drug, dose of drug used during a particular period of time, reservoir or cartridge usage and history may also be displayed.
A speaker can be used to send audio feedback. A user may choose to use a vibratory alarm instead of audible alarm. For example, if measured body weight is too low or too high, an audible or vibratory alarm may warn a user. If measured body weight is lower than a set value, a certain instruction such as “Drink more water and eat more because you may be dehydrated” may be shown on the screen or played through the speaker. When measured body weight is higher than a set value, certain instructions may be expressed, such as “Calibrate your weight measurement scale” or “Call your doctor if you feel shortness of breath.” Alarms may also be activated for pump malfunction, low battery, dead battery, occlusion of infusion set, near-empty cartridge (or reservoir), pump delivery error, if bolus is changed, if mode is changed, if pump is not primed, if infusion exceeds maximum limits, etc.
The diuretic infusion pump preferably uses a AAA alkaline battery. More than one AAA alkaline batteries may be used. Alternatively, different types of batteries may be used such as nickel cadmium battery, nickel metal hydride battery, lithium ion battery, carbon battery, lithium battery and 3.6V lithium battery. The battery may be included inside the housing 716 of the diuretic infusion pump.
Not all embodiments require all of the components described above.
FIGS. 8-a and 8-b are mechanical depictions of a diuretic pump. The diuretic infusion pump contains a processor 801. The processor is electrically connected or otherwise communicatively coupled to an electric motor 802, for example a DC motor with gear-reducer. The processor 801 controls the electric motor 802 according to its programming. The electric motor 802 is connected to a peristaltic pump 804. The peristaltic pump 804 has a rotor inside. A flexible tube inside the peristaltic pump 804 is connected with a tube 805 and 808. The flexible tube is in contact with the rollers. When the rotor turns, one or more rollers squeeze and release the flexible tube to deliver drug from a reservoir 803 to a user via the infusion tube 808. In order to detect if the diuretics solution is depleted and needs to be replaced or refilled, a sensor 809 can be used. FIG. 8-b is a simplified mechanical depiction of a syringe pump system. The pump housing 815 contains a syringe 816. The syringe 816 contains diuretics. The processor 810 is electrically connected or otherwise communicatively coupled to an electric motor 811. The processor 810 controls the electric motor 811 according to its programming. The motor 811 rotates a motor gear which moves a screw 813 axially. A screw 813 is configured to move axially to push a plunger 814 inside a syringe and push diuretics out of a syringe 816 or a reservoir through an infusion tube 818 and a cannula 819. The plunger mechanism transfers the diuretics solution from a diuretics cartridge or reservoir through an outlet of the housing to the patient via tubing system 805, 808 and the infusion set. Technologies used in insulin pumps may be used also for diuretic pumps.
In alternative embodiments, more than one type of drug may be used in the diuretic infusion pump. A processor may be coupled with more than one program, software, protocols and/or parameters that are tailored according to the specific drug that is used. The diuretic infusion pump may automatically recognize the inserted drug. Drug reservoir or cartridge may have a unique identification code. One example of a drug name recognition method is to decode the bar code of the drug name, which is attached on the reservoir or cartridge. Alternatively, the name of the inserted drug may be manually put into the diuretic infusion pump using the keypad which can select alphabets on the screen.
Examples of medications that may be contained in the reservoir 807, 810 or cartridge include hydrochlorothiazide, chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, metolazone, furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, torsemide, spironolactone, eplerenone, vasopressin receptor antagonists, conivaptan, tolvaptan, brain natriuretic peptide, and nesiritide.
The weight signal may be sent to different receivers. Diuretic infusion pump receives the signal 906 through an onboard receiver 908 via an antenna 907. A computer such as a home (or physician office) desktop computer or portable computer may receive the signal 906 through an onboard receiver 910 via antenna 909. A handheld communication device such as an iPod, MP3 player, handheld computer, remote control device, or portable phone may receive the signal 906 through onboard receiver 912 via an antenna 911. A user may choose to send information to a computer or handheld communication device for the purpose of saving weight information into the computer or connecting with the internet to send weight information to healthcare providers.
The keypad 1009 may have various buttons which are used for particular functions and programming. For example, button 1006 has “S” sign on it and it is used to select a particular menu, number, letter, protocol, medication etc. Button 1004 has “M” sign on it and it is used to show menus, protocols, numbers, letters, medications, etc on the screen 1003 that can be selected using the “S” button. Buttons 1007 and 1008 are used to scroll menus, protocols, numbers, letters and medications up 1008 or down 1007.
In addition to processor control of the infusion rate, the user may be able to adjust the infusion rate manually using the keypad. If the user wants to increases infusion rate more than what is recommended or programmed by the program, or if the user wants to decrease infusion rate less than what is recommended or programmed by the program, the user manually adjusts the rate using the M button 1004, scroll buttons 1007, 1008 and/or S button 1006.
Some medications may not be compatible each other so these medications may need to be delivered through separate channels. More than two medications, channels and holes may be used in alternative embodiments. A processor 1110 controls an electric motor 1105 and a pump 1106 according to its program. More than two electric motors and pumps may be used in alternative embodiments. A separate electric motor and pump may be used to deliver different medications in alternative embodiments.
ANP (Atrial natriuretic peptide), CNP (C-type natriuretic peptides), NT-pro BNP, ventricular natriuretic peptides and other bio markers that indicate volume overload and heart failure may also be used to compute the diuretic infusion rate.
Physical signs of volume overload, such as ankle swelling, leg swelling, arm swelling, and abdominal distension can also be used. For example, a user may use a scale of one to four in body swelling as one being no swelling, four being severe swelling, three being moderate swelling, two being mild swelling. The diuretic infusion pump might adjust the infusion rate to return body swelling to the zero score condition of no swelling. The diuretic infusion pump may also adjust the infusion rate based on blood pressure.
The diuretic infusion pump may also adjust the infusion rate by using symptom scores such as a shortness of breath scale (one to four, one—no difficulty breathing, two—mild difficulty, three—moderate difficulty, four—severe difficulty) or a walking scale (one—can walk without limitations, two—can walk less than one block, three—can barely walk even inside home).
The diuretic infusion pump may use the NYHA (New York Heart Association) classification to compute the diuretics infusion rate. The NYHA classification is widely used to assess the stage of heart failure. The diuretic infusion pump may adjust diuretics infusion rate to improve patient condition from class II, III or IV to class I.
Combinations of variables may be used for the computation of diuretic infusion rate and/or dose. These variable(s) may be used for the computation of the dose and/or infusion of other drugs. Some examples of these drugs include, but not limited to, anti-hypertensive drug, inotropic agents, and anti-arrhythmic drugs.
Adjusting the diuretic dose according to intracardiac pressure or central vein pressure is another possibility. See
In this example, the measured weight is 3 kg above the target weight of 70 kg. The processor computes the diuretics pill dosage and displays instructions on the screen to increase the dose of furosemide from 10 mg twice a day to 20 mg twice a day. An example protocol is the following:
-
- If body weight is more than 2 kg above target weight, increase the dosage of diuretics by 100%.
- If body weight is 1-2 kg above target weight, increase the dosage of diuretics by 50%.
- If body weight is 0.5-1 kg above target weight, increase the dosage of diuretics by 25%.
- If body weight is 0-0.5 kg above target weight, hold diuretics.
Another example of oral furosemide dose titration protocol is shown inFIG. 20 .
A plastic tube 1501 (a catheter) is attached to a silicone bubble 1504 (septum). Tip 1508 of the plastic tube may be located into a peritoneal space or a vein (or an artery). A needle 1503 is inserted into the silicone bubble. Medication is delivered from the infusion pump 1507 through a tubing system 1508, a needle 1503 and a plastic tube 1501 into a target space of a user. Examples of a target space include a peritoneal space, a vein, an artery and a muscle. A port 1502 and silicone bubble 1504 may be located in subcutaneous tissue or may be located outside the skin.
In this example, the tube 1608 merges with tube 1609. However, there are different channels within the tube to deliver each medication through different channels to prevent mixture of non-compatible medications. These two medications are delivered through separate openings 1610, 1613. Two medications may be delivered according to two separate programs, protocols, parameters.
In alternative embodiments, a diuretic inhaler may be used. Examples include a furosemide inhaler, a bumetanide inhaler, and so forth. If measured body weight is above a previously set target weight, the display on the weight measurement apparatus, the diuretic inhaler or a separate device may show instructions on the dose of drug to be inhaled. For example, if measured body weight is one kilogram above the target weight, a user may be instructed to have one extra-inhalation of furosemide. Other diuretic inhalers, including (but not limited to) furosemide, bumetanide, and torsemide, may be used in alternative embodiments.
In
In
The diuretic infusion device may also be connected with a blood pressure cuff, either wirelessly or in a wired manner. Blood pressure information measured by the blood pressure cuff is transmitted to the diuretic infusion pump. Certain instructions may be provided on the display 1902. See
Instructions to take potassium supplement, magnesium supplement and other electrolyte supplement may be displayed on the screen. These electrolytes may be lost by the kidneys as diuretics dose increases. In
In
In
An alternative protocol that may be used is to provide a fixed amount of furosemide or other diuretics when extra salt is taken regardless of the amount of extra salt taken. For example, the diuretic infusion pump infuses 3 mg of bolus furosemide when a user eats extra salt.
An alternative protocol is to provide a certain amount of furosemide or a certain amount of other diuretics per a certain amount of sodium intake. For example, the diuretic infusion pump may be programmed to infuse 1 mg of bolus furosemide per 30 mg sodium intake. If snack contains 150 mg sodium, the diuretic infusion pump is programmed to infuse 5 mg furosemide bolus. For a safety measure, a user may set limits to diuretics dose.
In the reverse direction, if the body weight decreases below a target weight on high dose diuretic protocol, the diuretic infusion pump is programmed to automatically change the protocol to the moderate dose diuretic protocol. If the body weight decreases below a target weight on the moderate dose diuretic protocol, the diuretic infusion pump is programmed to automatically change the protocol to the low dose diuretic protocol.
Another protocol is to automatically change the diuretic dose protocol to a higher dose protocol if the body weight remains above a target weight for more than a set period of time. For example, if the body weight remains above a target weight for more than three days in a row on the low dose diuretic protocol, the diuretic pump changes the protocol to the moderate dose diuretic protocol to decrease body weight. Yet another protocol is to automatically change the diuretic dose protocol to a lower dose protocol if the body weight remains below a target weight for more than a set period of time. In another example, if the body weight remains below a target weight for more than two days in a row on the high dose diuretic protocol, the diuretic pump is programmed to automatically change the protocol to the moderate dose diuretic protocol. In alternative embodiments, there may be more or less than three different dose diuretic protocols and/or the triggers of when to switch protocols may also vary. In alternative embodiments, the diuretic infusion pump may change the drug infusion protocol only after a user and/or a healthcare provider, such as a physician or a nurse, approves the change of the drug infusion protocol.
A healthcare provider may review the data transmitted by the diuretic infusion pump system over the internet, wireless communication, a phone, and/or fax. Data including (not limited to) current weight, previous weight, blood pressure, the dosage of a drug, the name of the drug in use, condition of the user, the presence of other symptoms such as chest pain may be delivered to a healthcare provider. A healthcare provider may be able to program the diuretic infusion pump remotely via an internet in alternative embodiment.
In one approach, a user inputs a target pressure into the diuretic infusion pump. The diuretic infusion pump adjusts its infusion rate to maintain the target pressure. One example of a suitable implant is the Chronicle heart monitor made by MEDTRONIC™. In alternative embodiments, a pacemaker, an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD), or a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device may be coupled with the pressure measuring sensor, wireless communication module, processor and software program to transmit pressure signals to the diuretic infusion pump.
In another embodiment, a user can use one reservoir that contains diuretics and a second reservoir that contains an inotropic drug that increases blood pressure. Examples of inotropic drugs include (but are not limited to) dopamine, dobutamine, phosphodiesterase inhibitor, amrinone, milrinone, enoximone, pimobendan, levosimendan, calcium sensitizing agent, venarinone, and ibopamine. In alternative embodiments, the diuretic infusion pump contains a combination of antihypertensive drugs, inotropic agents, diuretics, and it adjusts the infusion rate according to blood pressure measured by non-invasive blood pressure measurement device and/or measured body weight.
Many different biological parameter measurement sensors and/or biological parameter measurement devices can be used for the present invention. Examples of these biological parameter measurement sensors/devices include, but are not limited to, a patch sensor system, an intracardiac pressure sensor system, an intravascular pressure sensor system, an intrathoracic impedance monitor sensor system, a non-invasive blood pressure measurement sensor system, a weight measurement sensor and/or device, a blood pressure measurement cuff and device, a heart rate measurement sensor system, an electrocardiogram monitoring sensor and/or device, an arrhythmia monitoring sensor system and other vital sign measurement devices. These biological sensors can be coupled with other implantable medical devices, such as a pacemaker, an ICD, or a cardiac resynchronization therapy. The biological parameter measurement sensor/device and the diuretic infusion pump can preferably communicate wirelessly. One example is illustrated in
In alternative embodiments, the diuretic infusion pump system is an open loop drug infusion system. The diuretic infusion pump can receive measured weight or other biological parameters from sensor(s) wirelessly or manually, however the diuretic infusion pump may or may not automatically adjust the rate of infusion in an open loop system. A user, a doctor, a nurse and/or other people that are involved in the use of the diuretic infusion pump system may need to approve or choose particular protocol(s) and methods. These people can also control the controller of the diuretic infusion pump. Healthcare provider(s) can transmit a new order or new drug infusion protocols to the diuretic infusion pump system via the Internet, a phone, or other methods. In an open loop drug infusion system, wireless communication among the devices may or may not be used.
In some embodiments, a user chooses an open loop system, a closed loop system, or mixed loop system (e.g., a closed loop system when a certain conditions are met and open loop system when a certain conditions are not met). The diuretic infusion pump system can be programmed to be a closed loop system when measured blood pressure is within a certain parameter, when a user does not have symptoms, such as chest pain, and/or when the dosage of an infused drug is within a certain range. The diuretic infusion pump can be programmed to be an open loop system when these conditions are not met in a mixed loop system.
In alternative embodiments, a portable pen-type diuretic infusion device includes a reservoir for holding diuretic, an infusion device connected to the reservoir and injectable to a human patient, for infusing diuretic from the reservoir into the patient; and a controller that controls the infusion device, thereby controlling a dosage of the diuretic. A user can input the amount of salt, water and/or the dosage of a diuretic into a pen-type diuretic infusion device to inject a predetermined amount of a diuretic or inject the desired amount of a diuretic. In another embodiment, a portable pen-type diuretic infusion device includes a reservoir for holding diuretic, a diuretic infusion device connected to the reservoir and injectable to a human patient, for infusing diuretic from the reservoir into the patient. A user of this portable pen-type diuretic infusion device adjusts an amount of drug infusion based on an amount of salt, sodium and/or water content of food.
A photograph of the user's legs or other parts of the body can be taken by the diuretic infusion pump system by a camera or a cell phone. The photograph can be transmitted to a healthcare provider. The healthcare provider reviews the photograph of legs, and may be able to verify the body fluid condition by comparing the measured weight with the photograph. The diuretic infusion pump can also have a built-in camera. The healthcare provider can detect malfunction of the weight scale when the measured body weight is far greater than the target weight but the photograph of the legs does not show any swelling.
In alternative embodiments, the urine output measurement system includes a urinary catheter, a drainage apparatus, a sensor to measure urine output and a display to show the measured urine output. A user inputs the urine output information into the diuretic infusion pump based on the measured urine output shown on the display of the urine output measurement system. In alternative embodiments, the urine output measurement system includes a urinary catheter, a drainage apparatus and does not include a sensor to measure urine output. A user measures the urine output directly from a urine drainage apparatus and inputs the measured urine output into the diuretic infusion pump.
As one example, a physician programs the diuretic infusion pump system to achieve 2400 ml of urine output over a 24-hour period. In order to achieve this, a urine output of 100 ml per hour is required on average over 24 hours. Various diuretic infusion protocols shown in other figures may be programmed into the diuretic infusion pump. The sensor of the urine output measurement system measures the amount of the urine output. The transmitter of the urine output measurement system transmits the urine output information wirelessly or by other means (e.g., wired, manual data input, etc.) to the diuretic infusion pump system and/or a separate computer, a remote control device, etc. If the urine output over a predetermined period of time is less than the target urine output, the diuretic infusion pump can increase diuretic infusion to increase urine output. If the urine output over a predetermined period of time is greater than the target urine output, the diuretic infusion pump can decrease diuretic infusion to decrease urine output. If the urine output were 80 ml over one hour, the diuretic infusion pump would increase the diuretic infusion to achieve 120 ml over the next hour to achieve 100 ml per hour of urine output. The diuretic infusion pump 6701 can deliver the diuretic intravascularly, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, etc. In one embodiment, the diuretic infusion pump 6701 can communicate wirelessly or by other means (e.g., wired, manual data input, etc.) with a non-invasive blood pressure monitoring system 6707. The non-invasive blood pressure monitoring system 6707 can have a processor, a controller, software, a wireless transmitter/receiver, though it may have fewer or more components in alternative embodiments.
When blood pressure is measured using a blood pressure cuff 6706, the measured blood pressure is transmitted wirelessly or by other means (e.g., wired, manual data input, etc.) to the diuretic infusion pump 6701. If blood pressure is below a predetermined level, the diuretic infusion pump 6701 can stop the diuretic infusion or adjust the diuretic infusion based on the program. This system may reduce the risk of hypotension. If blood pressure is above a predetermined level, the diuretic infusion pump 6701 can increase diuretic infusion or adjust the diuretic infusion based on the program.
In alternative embodiments, the urine output measurement system comprises a urinary catheter, a urine drainage bag, and a sensor to measure urine output, but does not include a wireless transmitter and receiver. The user may input the urine output over a certain period of time manually into a diuretic infusion pump system and/or a separate computer or a remote control device. In alternative embodiments, the diuretic infusion pump system can communicate wirelessly or by other means (e.g., wired, manual data input, etc.) with the urine output measurement system and other biological parameter sensors (see other figures). The diuretic infusion pump system can adjust the diuretic infusion to maintain the target urine output, as well as to maintain the target biological parameter (e.g., the target intravascular pressure, the target intracardiac pressure, and/or the target intrathoracic impedance).
The urine output information signal is received by a receiver of the diuretic infusion pump. The receiver of the diuretic infusion pump is electrically connected to a processor which is housed in the diuretic infusion pump. The processor receives the urine output information and performs computations to determine the diuretic infusion rate, such as basal rate and bolus rate, according to programmed parameters, protocols and algorithms. The processor controls an electric motor to deliver diuretic from a reservoir to a user through an outlet, a tube, and an infusion set of the diuretic infusion pump. In alternative embodiments, the user manually inputs measured urine output into the diuretic infusion device. This urine output information enters a processor which is housed in the diuretic infusion pump. The processor performs computations to determine the diuretic infusion rate as described with regard to other figures.
The urine output signal(s) can be sent to different receivers. The diuretic infusion pump receives the signal(s) 6906 through an onboard receiver 6908 via an antenna 6907. A handheld communication device, such as a remote control device, an iPOD™, an MP3 player, a handheld computer, or a portable phone may receive the signal 6906 through an onboard receiver 6912 via an antenna 6911. The user may choose to send information to a computer or handheld communication device for the purpose of saving urine output information on the computer or connecting with the Internet to send urine output information to healthcare providers. The diuretic infusion pump system and/or handheld communication device can receive biological parameter signal(s) wirelessly or by other means (e.g., wired, manual data input, etc.) from the biological parameter sensor, transmitter, or processor 6910.
Even though the term “diuretic infusion pump” (or “diuretic infusion system” or similar variants) is used in this application, one of ordinary skill in the art would know that this term is not limited to the use of diuretics, but can also use other types of drugs, as well. Thus, this term is not limited to diuretics. Many different drugs can be used for the diuretic infusion pump. Examples of such drugs are described in other parts of the application.
Diuretic infusion pumps can contain two reservoirs in some embodiments. One reservoir can contain furosemide. The other reservoir can contain buffering solution. Buffering solution includes (but is not limited to) sodium chloride solution, Lactated Ringer's solution, or Dextrose 5% solution. Some furosemide solution may have a high pH of about 9. Mixing a furosemide solution with a sodium chloride solution, Lactated Ringer's solution or Dextrose 5% solution may lower the pH of the furosemide solution.
Furosemide discolors when it is exposed to light. Discolored furosemide is not recommended to be used. A reservoir and cartridge within a diuretic infusion pump may be light resistant to protect furosemide or other drugs from being exposed to the light.
In all of the above embodiments, the diuretic infusion pump was located external to the body. However, alternatively, internal and implantable diuretic infusion pumps may also be made. The diuretic infusion pumps are also shown as portable in the above description. In alternative embodiments, the diuretic infusion pump may not be portable.
In another aspect of the invention, a user of the diuretic infusion pump may choose to use the device for long term or may choose to use it for short term when his body weight changes. The diuretic infusion pump can also be used in various locations: home, outpatient facilities and hospitals, as well as the intensive care unit.
Programs and protocols coupled with the diuretic infusion pump preferably have various safety measures to minimize side effects of diuretics. One example of a safety measure is that the diuretic infusion pump stops infusing diuretics when a user does not measure body weight in a certain period after previous weight measurements. For example, the diuretic infusion pump may be programmed to stop diuretic infusion in two days if the diuretic infusion pump does not receive a new body weight measurement. This safety measure helps to avoid using inappropriately high dose of diuretics when previously measured body weight is higher than actual body weight. Alarms and display on the screen may be programmed to request a user to enter a new body weight measurement into the diuretic infusion pump.
The above description and illustration of preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented to provide illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms that are disclosed. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to people skilled in this art.
Depending on the form of the components, “coupling” or “connection” between components may take different forms. Dedicated circuitry can be coupled to each other by hardwiring or by accessing a common register or memory location, for example. Software “coupling” can occur by any number of ways to pass information between software components (or between software and hardware, if that is the case). The term “coupling” is meant to include all of these and is not meant to be limited to a hardwired permanent connection between two components. In addition, there may be intervening elements. For example, when two elements are described as being coupled to each other, this does not imply that the elements are directly coupled to each other nor does it preclude the use of other elements between the two.
Claims
1. A portable diuretic infusion device comprising:
- a reservoir for holding diuretic; and
- a metered dose diuretic infusion pump connected to the reservoir and connectable to a human patient for infusing diuretic in metered doses from the reservoir into the patient.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the metered dose diuretic infusion pump dispenses diuretic based on the use of salt, sodium, and/or water.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein portable diuretic infusion device is disposable.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein portable diuretic infusion device is reusable.
5. A portable pen-type diuretic infusion device comprising:
- a reservoir for holding diuretic;
- a infusion device connected to the reservoir and injectable to a human patient, for infusing diuretic from the reservoir into the patient; and
- a controller that controls the infusion device, thereby controlling a dosage of the diuretic infused.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein the controller is further configured to adjust the dosage of diuretic infusion based on an amount of salt, sodium and/or water content of food for the patient.
7. The device of claim 5 wherein the patient can directly instruct the controller to adjust a dosage of the diuretic infused.
8. A diuretic infusion system comprising:
- a urine output measurement apparatus comprising: a urinary catheter; and a urinary drainage apparatus; and
- a portable diuretic infusion device comprising: a reservoir for holding diuretic; and a pump connected to the reservoir and connectable to the patient, for infusing diuretic from the reservoir into the patient; and a controller that controls the pump, controlling an infusion rate of the diuretic based on a measured urine output according to a predetermined protocol.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein the controller adjusts the infusion rate to achieve a target urine output.
10. The system of claim 8 wherein the infusion rate is proportional to a difference between the measured urine output and a target urine output.
11. The system of claim 8 wherein the infusion rate includes a bolus rate.
12. The system of claim 8 wherein the infusion rate includes a basal rate.
13. The system of claim 8 wherein the controller specifies an infusion rate that does not exceed an upper limit.
14. The system of claim 8 wherein the controller specifies an infusion rate that does not fall below a lower limit.
15. The system of claim 8 wherein the predetermined protocol is selected from a set of predetermined protocols that includes a low dose protocol, a moderate dose protocol and a high dose protocol.
16. The system of claim 8 wherein the predetermined protocol specifies an alarm if the measured urine output falls below a lower limit.
17. The system of claim 8 wherein the urine output measurement apparatus further comprises a urine output sensor for measuring the urine output of the patient.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein:
- the urine output measurement apparatus further comprises: a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting urine output information based on the measured urine output; and
- the portable diuretic infusion device further comprises: a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving the urine output information transmitted from the urine output measurement apparatus; the controller controlling the infusion rate of the diuretic based on the received urine output information.
19. The system of claim 8 wherein:
- the urine output measurement apparatus further comprises: a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting urine output information based on the measured urine output;
- the portable diuretic infusion device further comprises: a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving commands; and
- a remote control device comprising: a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving the urine output information transmitted from the urine output measurement apparatus; a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting one or more command to the portable diuretic infusion device; and a controller coupled to the wireless receiver and transmitter for determining commands that control the pump and infusion rate of the diuretic based on the received urine output information.
20. A portable diuretic dispensing apparatus comprising:
- a container for diuretic pills; and
- a controller that controls the number of pills that are dispensed.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein a user adjusts the number of pills dispensed based on an amount of salt, sodium and/or water content of food.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 29, 2008
Publication Date: Mar 5, 2009
Inventor: Sang Hoon Woo (Palo Alto, CA)
Application Number: 12/202,089
International Classification: A61M 5/172 (20060101); A61M 5/142 (20060101);