Abstract: An infusion pump system dispenses a drug to a patient in accordance with a predetermined therapy. The system includes a drug delivery system controlled by a microprocessor and replaceable memory modules coupled to the microprocessor for configuring a specific pump user interface and other characteristics required for the therapy. Information specific to a particular patient is entered through input structure on the pump. The memory modules include plural memory sections for storing different types of information.

Abstract: A drug pump is disclosed having at least one rotatable cam and a reciprocally mounted follower engaged with the cam, and a tube which is compressed by the follower during rotation of the cam. The drug pump preferably has three followers, including an expulsor follower, an inlet valve follower, and an outlet valve follower. Three cams are provided to reciprocally move the followers, with one cam engaging each follower. The cams are interconnected by a cam shaft. The drug pump is ambulatory and provides two activations per revolution of the cams. The tube loading is nonlinear. Such nonlinear tube loading is taken into consideration to minimize energy consumption and to reduce peak torque loads. A design optimization and manufacturing system is provided to optimize energy consumption of the pump.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for communicating with ambulatory medical devices, such as drug delivery devices, both locally and remotely. In one embodiment, a caregiver drug pump communicates with a remote patient drug pump for data gathering, trouble shooting, and operational program changes. The caregiver drug pump is at least substantially identical in configuration to the patient drug pump. The caregiver drug pump transmits caregiver key input signals to the remote patient drug pump. The patient drug pump receives the key input signals, accesses a desired program, and transmits information for display on the display of the caregiver drug pump. In another embodiment, a computer is provided for communicating locally and/or remotely with a drug pump. The computer may include a display with an image of a pump. The computer may be operated through the use of a mouse or touch screen with respect to the image of the pump, to simulate use of the pump while using the personal computer.

Abstract: A programmable infusion pump and controller for automatically determining the interval between pump activations necessary to produce a substantially linear rate of increase or decrease in fluid flow, during the administration of fluids to a patient. The infusion pump contains a user interface, with a keyboard to enter infusion volume, infusion period, and taper period. When the pump is turned on, the previous infusion parameters are retrieved from non-volatile memory. If the user attempts to alter the infusion parameters so as to violate the "rate too high" or "rate too low" criteria of the system, an alarm sounds and the user interface displays the "next best answer" possible. The pump also allows the user to initiate the taper sequence at any time during plateau or continuous fluid delivery.

Abstract: This connection system has particular application to releasably securing a flexible elastic catheter to a rigid portal outlet stem received in the catheter lumen. The system includes a radial enlargement on the outlet stem and a retainer sleeve that slidably encircles the stem. The sleeve is slidable along the stem between a clamping position where it tightly engages around the stem enlargement and the segment of catheter encircling same at a circular contact surface and a release position wherein it is spaced from the catheter segment. The system assures a secure, fluid-tight connection of the catheter to the stem and provides strain relief for the catheter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for determining accurately the location of the tip (14) of a catheter (16) inside biological tissue is disclosed including a locator (34) having a coil (38) wound axially on a core (36) and a detector (12) in the form of a coil (28) wound on a core (24) removably positionable within catheter (16) adjacent the tip (14). A controller (20) generates AC current to coil (38) to produce an electromagnetic field and compares it with the output voltage developed in coil ( b 28) when the locator (34) comes within close physical proximity to detecetor (12). Locator (34) includes an amber LED indicator (42) which is energized when the locator (34) is behind the detector (12) and the monitored output voltage is in phase with the generated alternating current and includes a red LED indicator (44) which is energized when the locator (34) is beyond the detector (12) and the monitored output voltage is 180.degree. out of phase with the generated alternating current.

Abstract: A system for delivering a drug to a patient according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown as including a plunger assembly reciprocally received in a reservoir for forcing the drug therefrom for delivery to the patient. The plunger assembly is axially advanced by the rotation of a lead screw rotatably mounted and axially movable with respect to the chassis. In a first axial position, the end of the lead screw deflects contacts of a switch member into electrical engagement which interrupts operation of the motor which rotates the lead screw. The lead screw is biased out of its first axial position such that the first end of the lead screw does not actuate the switch member and rotation of the lead screw is not interrupted.