Abstract: A medication management system (MMS) includes a medication management unit (MMU) associated with a medical device. The MMU downloads a medication order to the medical device only if information from a first input matches information from a second input. The medical device receives delivery information only from the MMU. The medication order is performed only after delivery data validation. The MMU also determines drug-drug incompatibility. The MMU can modulate (start, stop, and dynamically adjust) medication order performance. The medical device wirelessly receives a patient ID to automatically associate with the patient. During delivery, the medical device caches an updated drug library to replace an existing one. The medical device displays a patient picture for validation. The MMU evaluates the performance of medical devices and caregivers based medical device feedback. The MMU adjusts the output of medical device information conveyed to a caregiver.

Abstract: A method and system for handling hazardous materials contained in a vial includes an isolation enclosure having an opening selectively sealable about the vial, a bag body portion, and a cap portion. A latching extraction element is attached to the cap portion and has a preceding engaging member to secure the vial to the isolation enclosure, an extraction member to be inserted into the vial and remove material therefrom, and a primary engaging member to secure the vial to the extraction member. A valve is mounted outside the isolation enclosure and controls the flow of fluid from the vial. An adaptor having a reseal member permits flow when coupled to the valve and restricts flow when uncoupled from the valve. Once uncoupled, the adaptor is removably associated with a second valve located remotely from the isolation enclosure, allowing fluid to pass into the second valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for operating a medical device with a screen having an improved graphical user interface, which selectively reallocates screen display for both single and multi-channel pumps. Channel indicators associate operation information with a specific delivery channel. Patient or drug order verification is facilitated with a rendering of the patient or the entire drug order/label on the screen. Decimal numbers are presented in vertically offset decimal format. A dual function button cancels the current operation and, after a delay, clears entered parameters. An area sensitive scrollbar cycles through information at various speeds. Screen brightness is adjusted based on an ambient light detector. A screen saver mode activates based on several operating conditions. The screen is incorporated in a removable user interface.

Abstract: A medical pump with a closed loop stroke feedback system and method, for use with a pumping chamber, for example in a cassette, is disclosed. The pump includes a pumping element that intermittently pressurizes a pumping chamber during a pumping cycle. A pressure sensor detects the pressure exerted by the pumping element on the pumping chamber. A position sensor detects the position of the pumping element. A processing unit processes pressure data from the pressure sensor and position data from the position sensor to determine a calculated stroke volume of the pump for a pump cycle, and to adjust a stroke frequency of the pump to compensate for variation in the stroke volume.

Abstract: A first portable medical device is adapted for use in an interlocking system for interlocking the first medical device to a second medical device. The first device includes a housing having opposite sides, a selective element, a blocking element, and an optional clamp mechanism. At least one of the opposite sides includes a matable element to detachably attach a second medical device. The selective element restricts the attachment of the second device to only one side of the first device. The blocking element prevents a third medical device from attaching to the first and second devices once the first and second devices are attached. The clamp restricts the attachment of the second device to only one side of the first device when the clamp is attached to a support member. The clamp permits slide-ratcheting axial movement of a clamp shaft.

Abstract: A first portable medical device is adapted for use in an interlocking system for interlocking the first medical device to a second medical device. The first device includes a housing having opposite sides, a selective element, a blocking element, and a clamp mechanism. At least one of the opposite sides includes a matable element to detachably attach a second medical device. The selective element restricts the attachment of the second device to only one side of the first device. The blocking element prevents a third medical device from attaching to the first and second devices once the first and second devices are attached. The clamp restricts the attachment of the second device to only one side of the first device when the clamp is attached to a support member. The clamp permits slide-ratcheting axial movement of a clamp shaft.

Abstract: A medical pump includes a chassis having a fixed seat, and a main carriage having a carriage footing for receiving a fluid delivery device and restricting its movement. An actuator automatically moves the main carriage between open and closed positions to engage the fluid delivery device to the seat. The seat establishes the position of both the main carriage and fluid delivery device in the closed position. The actuator is connected to the main carriage by a rear carriage assembly having a manual release element for disengaging the actuator from rear carriage assembly and thereby from the main carriage. A processing unit detects jam conditions by processing carriage position data and electrical load data from the actuator.

Abstract: A medical pump for use with a tube set having a slack portion includes a pump housing and a pumping mechanism to meter fluid into the outlet line from the inlet line. A tube snap or a tube snap set is located on the pump housing remote from the pumping mechanism to gather and hold a slack portion between first and second tube snaps. In addition or alternatively, a tube hanger can be attached to the pump housing to allow insertion of a slack portion between the tube hanger and the pump housing.

Abstract: A method and system for handling hazardous materials contained in a vial includes an isolation enclosure having an opening selectively sealable about the vial, a bag body portion, and a cap portion. A latching extraction element is attached to the cap portion and has a preceding engaging member to secure the vial to the isolation enclosure, an extraction member to be inserted into the vial and remove material therefrom, and a primary engaging member to secure the vial to the extraction member. A valve is mounted outside the isolation enclosure and controls the flow of fluid from the vial. An adaptor having a reseal member permits flow when coupled to the valve and restricts flow when uncoupled from the valve. Once uncoupled, the adaptor is removably associated with a second valve located remotely from the isolation enclosure, allowing fluid to pass into the second valve.

Abstract: The invention provides a syringe and a method for using the same. The syringe includes a housing having a reservoir disposed therein and a plunger to be received by the reservoir, the plunger being moveable between a first plunger position and a second plunger position. The syringe also includes a plunger spring to urge the plunger toward the second plunger position and an actuator to deploy the plunger spring. The syringe also includes a needle proximate the distal end of the housing displaceable from a first needle position to a second needle position, and a shroud coupled with the housing. The shroud is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, the shroud surrounding at least a portion of the needle when in the extended position. The syringe also includes an interlocking assembly, a shroud spring, and a locking assembly configured to inhibit movement of the shroud.

Abstract: The invention provides a syringe and a method for using the same. The syringe includes a housing having a reservoir disposed therein and a plunger to be received by the reservoir, the plunger being moveable between a first plunger position and a second plunger position. The syringe also includes a plunger spring to urge the plunger toward the second plunger position and an actuator to deploy the plunger spring. The syringe also includes a needle proximate the distal end of the housing displaceable from a first needle position to a second needle position, and a shroud coupled with the housing. The shroud is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, the shroud surrounding at least a portion of the needle when in the extended position. The syringe also includes an interlocking assembly, a shroud spring, and a locking assembly configured to inhibit movement of the shroud.

Abstract: A drug delivery system stores a beneficial agent and mixes the beneficial agent with a component in a reservoir, the mixture to be delivered to a patient. A plunger in the drug delivery system delivers the beneficial agent to a reservoir containing a component, such as diluent. The beneficial agent and component are mixed in the reservoir and the mixture flows from the reservoir to an access port in the drug delivery device to an administration set or other device to be delivered to a patient.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided. The apparatus comprises: (a) a housing having a sealable chamber located therein and a sealable opening in fluid communication with the sealable chamber; (b) a vacuum pump in communication with the sealable chamber; (c) a device for forming an unobstructed opening in an area of skin from which a sample is to be collected, preferably a lancing assembly, the device positioned within the sealable chamber; (d) a movable support for supporting and positioning a port for a fluid collector in the sealable chamber, the movable support capable of moving the port within the sealable chamber between a first position and a second position; and (e) a stop for aligning the fluid collector.

Abstract: A drug delivery system stores a beneficial agent and mixes the beneficial agent with a component in a reservoir, the mixture to be delivered to a patient. A plunger in the drug delivery system delivers the beneficial agent to a reservoir containing a component, such as diluent. The beneficial agent and component are mixed in the reservoir and the mixture flows from the reservoir to an access port in the drug delivery device to an administration set or other device to be delivered to a patient.