SYRINGE PUMP RAPID OCCLUSION DETECTION SYSTEM
An apparatus and method for detecting an occlusion in a downstream fluid line of a medical pump in relation to increased pressure in the downstream fluid line between the beginning and the end of each interval of a series of intervals of operation of the pump even if one or more intervals between the first and last intervals does not reflect such an increase in pressure in the downstream fluid line.
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This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/490,848, filed Jun. 7, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/449,355, filed Apr. 18, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/700,738, filed Nov. 4, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,182,461, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to drug infusion pumps, and more particularly, to detecting an occlusion in the fluid path of such pumps.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe administration of many medications requires specific dosing regimens that occur over a relatively long period of time. To this end, the development of syringe pumps has dramatically benefited patients needing volumetrically proportioned delivery of their medication. Syringe pumps generally comprise a barrel, or syringe, and mount to a housing. The syringe is typically filled with one or more chemical, nutritional or biological substances that are mixed into a uniform solution. A pusher associated with the pump forces a plunger through the syringe. As the plunger travels through the syringe, the medication is forced out into flexible tubing and/or catheters and into the patient.
During the course of delivering the medication to the patient, it is possible for an occlusion to arise in the delivery path. Examples of occlusions may include a closed stopcock, slider valve or pinched line. Such a condition, if undetected, may cause injury to the patient. That is, when an occlusion occurs along the delivery path, medication is not delivered to the patient even though the pump continues to function. Thus, an occlusion prevents the infusion pump from delivering medication to the patient until the occlusion can be detected and cleared from the infusion path. For this reason, the rapid detection of occlusions along the delivery path is key to reliable pump operation.
An occlusion in the infusion line will cause the force, or pressure, in the syringe to increase. In turn, force between the pusher of the syringe pump and the syringe plunger will increase. Conventional pumping systems use a transducer to monitor force between the pusher of the syringe pump and the syringe plunger, or the pressure in the syringe. Other more costly pumping systems position a disposable sensor within the actual delivery line.
In such prior art pumps, an alarm is generated when the force between the pusher and the plunger or the pressure in the syringe increases above a predetermined threshold. As such, the alarm is either “on” or “off” depending on whether the threshold has been met. As a consequence, the user has no way to know whether the pressure in the syringe is building up to an unacceptable level that precedes the threshold. The user only knows when the alarm is reached. Thus, remedial action can only be taken once an infusion protocol has already been potentially compromised.
This circumstance is compounded where the threshold is set to a relatively high value to avoid false occlusion alarms. At low delivery rates, a conventional pump may take hours to reach high enough line pressure to trigger conventional alarm systems. This detection period delay would ideally be around five minutes or less to avoid having a negative impact on patient care.
Still another obstacle to occlusion detection arises in the context of bolus injections, where a relatively large volume of medication is delivered in a relatively short period of time. In such bolus applications, the pressure in the pump will easily exceed the threshold alarm level, irrespective of the presence or absence of an actual occlusion. Similarly, widely varying pressures that occur during the initial, ramping stage of a non-bolus delivery render conventional detection methods unreliable in the face of varying flow rates. Thus, it is extremely difficult to detect whether the deliver line is occluded during stages of both bolus and non-bolus pumping applications.
As a consequence, there exists a need for an improved manner of automatically detecting an occlusion within a fluid line with a medical infusion system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides an improved apparatus, program product and method for automatically detecting an occlusion in a fluid line of a medical infusion system in a manner that overcomes the problems of conventional pumps. In one sense, the invention detects a trend that is indicative of an occlusion much earlier than is possible with known practices. For example, processes of the present invention typically allow detection of closed stopcocks, slider valves, pinched lines and other occlusions in about five minutes or less (based on a delivery rate of 1 ml/hr with a 60 ml syringe).
Such occlusion detection results are made possible using existing transducers present in most pumps, and thus do not require additional hardware. Moreover, occlusions are detected under a wide variety of circumstances and without a propensity of false occlusions. To this end, the pressure values of a force sensor are monitored over time spaced intervals. The pressure values may be processed to generate a slope, which is compared to value comprising an expected relationship. If the comparison is unfavorable, an occlusion alarm is initiated.
In more particularly determining the presence of an occlusion, first and second pressure values are obtained at times T1 and T2, respectively. A relationship between the pressure values is determined. This relationship typically comprises a slope. An occlusion is indicated if this relationship between the first and second pressure values departs from an expected relationship. For instance, the trial slope determined from the pressure values may be greater than an occlusion slope recalled from memory. The recalled slope is optimized for the purpose of detecting an occlusion as a product of syringe size, type and fluid delivery rate, among other clinically established factors.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a steady state condition of the infusion system is determined to improve system reliability. Steady state processes consistent with the principles of the present invention accommodate the wide pressure variance that occurs during initial ramp up. In so doing, the steady state processes account for a period of system operation ranging from the start of an infusion application to some determinable point where the initial operating stage of the application should normally have completed.
If an occlusion occurs after steady state has been achieved, the slope determined from the pressure values climbs with respect to time. If this ramp-up in pressure continues for a minimum duration to the extent it departs from the expected relationship, the system determines that an occlusion has occurred.
Another or the same embodiment that is consistent with the principles of the present invention allows an occlusion to be detected during a bolus injection, despite the elevated and widely varying pressure levels associated with such applications. In one sense, movement of the plunger is halted during a bolus infusion whenever a detected value deviates from an expected relationship. Where so desired, the movement of the plunger may continue after some delay time and/or at a reduced infusion rate. Allowing the pressure in the system to relax for a period equal to a delay time limit, in combination with the reduced rate, enables a bolus infusion in a manner that does not exceed the occlusion limit and/or initiate a false occlusion alarm. That is, the intermittent infusion (switch-on/switch-off) bolus feature reduces incidences of false occlusion, while enabling bolus applications at maximum infusion rates.
By virtue of the foregoing, there is thus provided an improved mechanism for automatically detecting an occlusion in a fluid line of a syringe pumping system adapted to carry fluid under pressure to a patient. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.
To this end, a motor internal to the housing 14 actuates a pusher, or plunger driver mechanism 17, to move the plunger 16. A sensor, which is typically internal to the plunger driver mechanism 17, monitors fluid force as desired per system specifications. The pump housing 14 may additionally include a display 19 and a communications port 20. A typical display 19 may include operator interface input mechanisms, such as a keyboard, touch screen features, switches, a microphone, dials, and the like. The communications port 20 may include a communications interface for additional equipment, including laptops, handheld programming devices and/or networking equipment. For instance, the communications port 20 of the pump housing 14 may accommodate RS-232 cabling.
While generally not shown in
The syringe 13 drives medication into the downstream infusion line 22 at a controlled rate. The head of the plunger 16 is typically retained in such a way as to allow the plunger 16 to be pushed in, but to prevent the plunger 16 from moving in of its own accord as a result of siphoning of fluid from the syringe barrel. For instance, the plunger 16 may be retained by means of wedge-like arms that move across the forward surface of the head of the plunger 16 and force the rear surface of the plunger head against a forward facing surface of the plunger head retainer so as to formally clamp it against the surface.
The display 19 may include options for a user to enter input. Such input may include data pertaining to drug concentration, patient weight, as well as desired doses and dose rates. The digital communication port 20 provides a mechanism for external control, where desired. For instance, the pump housing 14 may be continuously cabled to a separate remote personal computing device. One skilled in the art will appreciate that wireless communications may be alternatively used. In any case, this personal computing device can then run a particular program tailored to provide the desired pattern of drug delivery appropriate to the specific circumstance.
Regardless of the source of the input, the processor 31 contained within the pump housing 14 may initiate the volume and fluid flow rates to be delivered to the patient.
The processor 31 of the system 30 typically couples to a memory 32. As discussed herein, processor 31 may represent one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors), and memory 32 may represent the random access memory (RAM) devices comprising the main storage of the system 30, as well as any supplemental levels of memory, e.g., cache memory, non-volatile or backup memories (e.g., programmable or flash memories), read-only memories, etc. In addition, memory 32 may be considered to include memory storage physically located elsewhere in the system 30, e.g., any cache memory in a processor 31, as well as any storage capacity used as a virtual memory, e.g., as stored within mass storage or on a computer coupled to the system 30 via a network 38. As discussed below in greater detail, stored data may include syringe type, size, infusion rate and slope information, as well as force values. The processor 31 may execute various computer software applications, components, programs, objects, modules, etc. (e.g., rapid detection program 42, cancellation program 43, steady state program 44, and bolus program 45, among others).
In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of the invention, whether implemented as part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, object, module or sequence of instructions will be referred to herein as “programs.” The programs typically comprise one or more instructions that are resident at various times in the system 30. When a program is read and executed by a processor 31, the program causes the system 30 to execute steps or elements embodying the various aspects of the invention.
Moreover, while the invention has and hereinafter will be described in the context of a fully functioning system 30, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments of the invention are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that the invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of signal bearing media include, but are not limited to recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile memory devices, floppy and other removable disks, hard disk drives, optical disks (e.g., CD-ROM's, DVD's, etc.), among others, and transmission type media such as digital and analog communication links.
In addition, various programs described hereinafter may be identified based on the application for which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular program nomenclature that follows is used merely for convenience, and thus the invention should not be limited to use solely in any specific application identified and/or implied by such nomenclature.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the exemplary environments illustrated in
The initialization of block 202 may include user specified infusion protocols, operating parameters and other data. For instance, the user may select one or more fluid flow rates or sequences may be selected based on a desired pattern of drug delivery that is appropriate to the protocol of the patient. Alternatively or additionally, certain parameters may be factory set and/or automatically retrieved from memory or prior use. For example, an earlier infusion protocol may be retrieved where an infusion sequence is to be repeated for a patient.
Initialization may include recalling or defining an expected relationship. This expected relationship may include an occlusion slope. Such a slope may be predetermined using clinical data. For instance, force measurements may be taken under known laboratory conditions at the beginning and end of a window interval. These force measurements are divided by the window to determine the occlusion slope. Some such slopes may be stored in an associative relationship with one or more of the known conditions as applicable to a given pumping system scenario. For instance, a slope may be stored in associative relationship with a particular type or size of syringe, and/or a given infusion rate. As discussed in greater detail in the text describing
Where desired, system parameters can be set at block 202 to tolerate “sticky” syringes and handle glitches in force caused by various conditions, including a change in force due to repositioning of the height of a pump, or the change in delivery rate of another pump that is feeding the same delivery path.
Another setting accomplished at or prior to block 202 of
Still another exemplary parameter that is set at or prior to block 202 of
Block 202 of
At block 204 of
The output from the A/D converter thus varies according to the force detected by the force sensor. For example, a force reading of two PSI may cause the A/D converter to output a binary value of 76 mV. This voltage output may later be converted to a “count” unit for processing considerations. Either or both the output and count comprise force values for purposes of this specification and may be stored at block 205 for later use.
A subsequent, second force value may be obtained at block 206. This second force value may be accomplished in a fashion similar to that of block 204 at time, T2. As before, time T2 may be predetermined as part of an infusion application setup. Where desired, this second force value is stored also at block 205. While steps for determining only two force values are shown at blocks 204 and 206, one of skill in the art will appreciate that additional force value measurements may be taken in accordance with the principles of the present invention. That is, more than two force values may be used to determine a relationship that is compared to the expected relationship.
The system 10 at block 207 of
Prior to proceeding to another step associated with detecting an occlusion, the system 10 at block 208 may determine if steady state has been achieved. While discussed more particularly in connection with
The occlusion slope specified at block 202 of
Should the detected or other trial slope alternatively be greater than or equal to the retrieved occlusion slope/expected relationship at block 210, the system 10 may determine at block 211 if an occlusion has been canceled. While discussed in greater detail below as the subject of
More particularly, where no cancellation has occurred at block 211, it may be determined at block 212 whether a period corresponding to the occlusion detection time has expired. As discussed herein, the occlusion detection time may be defined as a minimum duration in which an occlusion slope must be sustained in order to declare an occlusion. Step 212 is accomplished, in part, to mitigate occurrences of false occlusions. Namely, an alarm is not generated at block 217 until the occlusion time has expired at block 212. The application counter continues to increment at block 216 until the occlusion time is reached or some other condition intervenes.
Where the detected slope is greater than or equal to the occlusion slope, and the occlusion detection time has lapsed at block 212, the system 10 will generate an occlusion alarm at block 217. While a typical alarm may include an audible signal and/or a flashing display 19, a suitable alarm may comprise any indicator configured to communicate an occlusion status to a user.
As with all of the flowcharts disclosed in this specification, one of skill in the art will appreciate that any of the exemplary steps 202-218 of the flowchart 200 of
As shown in
The size of each window 310-316 may be adjusted to meet any number of system requirements. For instance, the size, or time spanning a window 310 may be adjusted to eliminate or otherwise account for fractions of counts. For example, the size of a first window 310 may be adjusted such that its size will generally detect all of the count data occurring between T1 and T2. Such precaution may avoid instances where the transducer outputs, for example, a sixth count at the border of window 312, where most of the force associated with the sixth count was actually generated in the time span of window 310. As such, the window size may be expanded or contracted to avoid fractional readouts. Continuing with the above example, the size of the windows 308 may be expanded such that the sixth count registers in window 310. In any case, other processing and conversionary applications as appreciated by one skilled in the art may be employed to achieve desired readouts, irrespective of window size.
As discussed herein, each force value may comprise a count from the transducer/analog-to-digital converter over a time span defined by the window size, T1-T2. For instance, a window having a time span of one minute may generate 76 counts. Thus, the counts are indicative of force within the system 10, and may be used along the y-axis 302 of
An embodiment of the present invention processes the data contained within the database fields 382 and 384 as input by the user to determine an expected relationship, or slope rate 386. This slope rate 386, which may comprise and/or be converted to counts per minute, may be recalled from memory 32 at block 209 of
The processes of the flowchart 400 of
Steady state detection is enabled at block 402. Initialization processes at block 402 may include user and/or factory specified parameters, such as a minimum time for occlusion, a startup time, steady state slope and a startup volume.
The system 10 determines or otherwise obtains force values at block 404. As discussed herein, an exemplary force value may comprise a count output from an analog-to-digital converter in communication with a force sensor. The force value may be detected by a force or pressure sensor in communication with the downstream infusion tube 22, for instance.
The system 10 may determine whether the pump system 10 is primed at block 406. Priming the pump may include the user pushing a button on a display 19 that initializes the steady state detection processes, along with elevating pressure within the system 10 to an acceptable level. Should the pump not be primed as such at block 406, the steady state detection algorithm 44 may declare steady state where the volume of fluid that has been delivered is greater than a startup volume. The volume delivered and/or the startup volume may be determined as a function of time and the infusion rate. Where such a condition at block 424 is determined to exist, then steady state may be declared at block 418. Otherwise, additional force values may be obtained at block 404. As discussed herein, such force values may be numerous as per system specifications and conditions.
The system 10 may determine a trial slope at block 410 using the force values obtained at block 404. This determined, actual, or trial slope may be compared to a slope retrieved from memory 32. While the retrieved slope may comprise the occlusion slope in one embodiment, another may retrieve a steady state slope having some other appropriate value.
Should the slope determined at block 410 be greater than or equal to the retrieved slope as determined at block 412, then the system 10 may determine at block 416 if a steady state startup time has been exceeded. The steady state startup time may comprise a time period after which steady state will be declared at block 416. This specified startup time limit includes a time at which elevated startup slopes associated with a pre-steady state timeframe normally level off. That is, the startup time may comprise some preset period in which normal (non-occlusion), pre-steady state conditions should have resolved themselves. Where such a startup time limit has been met or exceeded at block 416, the system may declare steady state at block 418. Otherwise at block 416, the system 10 may continue to determine force values at block 404 until the startup time limit or another condition has been met.
Should the slope determined at block 410 fail to meet or exceed the occlusion slope at block 412, the system may rely on time-based analysis at block 422 to determine if some specified startup time limit has expired. Where such a startup time limit has been met or exceeded at block 416, the system may declare steady state at block 418.
Once steady state has been detected, the system 10 may progress into another aspect of occlusion detection as discussed herein. Upon exiting steady state at block 426, for example, the determined slope will then be compared to the same or another (non-steady state) occlusion slope to determine if an occlusion is present within the system 10.
Flowchart 488 of
A trial slope or other relationship is determined at block 490 of
At block 491, an occlusion cancellation slope value may be retrieved. The occlusion cancellation slope may be predetermined and specified by a user in a manner similar to the occlusion slope discussed in connection with
The system 10 may compare at block 492 the slope determined at block 490 of
Alternatively, should the determined slope be less than the occlusion cancellation slope as determined at block 492 of
The register may be compared to a threshold value at block 496 at the expiration of an occlusion cancellation time. The threshold value and occlusion cancellation times may be preset by a user. As with all settings discussed herein, these settings may be modified in the field by users to reflect preferences. In the exemplary step of block 496 of
The flowchart 500 of
The user may initialize the system 10 at block 502 of
The system 10 obtains a force value at block 504. The force value may comprise a count output from an analog-to-digital converter. For instance, the system 10 may register 112 counts within the time span of one minute. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any value indicative of force within the system 10 may be alternatively used.
The system 10 determines if the obtained force value is greater than the occlusion limit at block 506. The occlusion limit may be set at any value. Where the obtained force value is less than the occlusion limit, then the system may continue to monitor force readings at block 504.
In the flowchart 500 of
The system 10 may verify that it is operating in bolus delivery mode at block 510. This step at block 510 allows the bolus infusion processes to work within the context of normal, non-bolus infusions. More particularly, if the system determines at block 510 that a bolus is not being delivered, then an occlusion alarm may be generated at block 512. As with other embodiments of the present invention, detection of an occlusion at block 512 may initiate remedial action. Such action may include verifying the function of the system 10, as well as adjusting flow rate and other infusion parameters to compensate for a potential occlusion.
If, however, the user has indicated at block 502 that a bolus is being delivered, then a clock or other counter is monitored at block 514. More particularly, the processor 31 may determine at block 514 whether a span of time from when delivery was stopped at block 508 now exceeds or equals a period specified at block 502 as the set delay time limit. This delay time limit may be set to a duration that will allow the force within most systems to decrease below the occlusion limit in the absence of an occlusion. In the embodiment of
Continuing with
As suggested by block 518 of
Allowing the force in the system 10 to relax for a period equal to the delay time limit, in combination with the reduced rate feature of block 518, enables a bolus infusion in a manner that does not exceed the occlusion limit and/or initiate a false occlusion alarm. That is, the switch-on and switch-off bolus features of blocks 508-520 of
One of skill in the art will appreciate that the sequence of the steps in all of the included flowcharts may be altered, to include omitted processes without conflicting with the principles of the present invention. Similarly, related or known processes can be incorporated to complement those discussed herein. It should be further understood that any of the embodiments and associated programs discussed above are compatible with most known infusion processes and may be fully optimized to realize even greater efficiencies.
While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, while this specification focused generally on a syringe pump, one skilled in the art will recognize that the underlying principles of the present invention apply equally to other medical pumping systems, to include cassette based and peristaltic pumps. Additionally, while force transducers are discussed above in connection with several embodiments, pressure transducers may have equal or greater applicability in other others that are consistent with the principles of the present invention. For instance, a sensor comprising a pressure transducer may be used at the outlet of a syringe or in the tubing.
Moreover, while embodiments discussed herein generally relate to downstream occlusion, they may apply equally to upstream occlusion detection. As such, a fluid source may comprise a syringe, as well as a bag located upstream. Furthermore, one of skill in the art will appreciate that all slope, time and other value comparisons used to determine the presence of an inclusion may be configured such that either a higher or lower value will trigger a given process. For instance, an alarm of one embodiment may be initiated in response to a determined slope being lower or higher than an expected slope, depending on how the system 10 is configured.
Additionally, while slope determinations serve well for relational comparisons, a suitable expected relationship may alternatively comprise any value indicative of force within the system. In one embodiment, a suitable expected relationship may be a product of both slope and window size. As such, the system 10 may maintain a number of force sensor readings in a buffer or other memory 32. A difference in force sensor readings may be compared to the product of the slope and window size to determine if an inequality or other relationship exists. For example, if the difference in force values is greater than or equal to the product of the slope and window size, then a detection count may be incremented by one. Otherwise, the detection count register may remain unchanged or be reset to zero. When the increment detection count register contents are greater than or equal to those of another occlusion detection counter, an occlusion is declared.
Moreover, one of skill in the art will appreciate that while the processes of the present invention may achieve occlusion detection with only a single force sensor, embodiments that are consistent with the principles of the present invention may include multiple force sensors and sensor positions. The invention in its broader aspects is, therefore, not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.
Claims
1. A method of automatically detecting an occlusion in a downstream fluid line of a medical pumping system, the downstream fluid line being configured to carry fluid under pressure between a fluid source and a patient, the method comprising:
- initiating a pumping sequence to cause the fluid to flow into the downstream fluid line with the patient at an elevation;
- during the pumping sequence, using a sensor to determine a first force value indicative of force in the fluid line at a first time;
- during the pumping sequence, determining a second force value indicative of force in the fluid line at a second time; and
- providing an indication of the occlusion if a relationship between the first and second force values departs from an expected relationship unless the relationship departs from an expected relationship as a result of a change in elevation of the patient.
2. A medical pumping system for pumping fluid under pressure through a downstream fluid line being configured to carry fluid under pressure between a fluid source and a patient at an elevation, the system comprising:
- a pump configured to force fluid from a fluid source under pressure into a downstream fluid line;
- a sensor for determining a first force value indicative of the force in said downstream fluid line at a first time, and second force value indicative of the force in said downstream fluid line at a second time;
- a processor in communication with the pump, the processor being configured to execute program code that operates the pump to force fluid under pressure in said downstream fluid line; and
- wherein the processor is further configured execute program code to declare an occlusion if a relationship between the first and second force values departs from an expected relationship, unless the relationship departs from an expected relationship as a result of a change in elevation of said patient.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 29, 2013
Publication Date: Feb 27, 2014
Applicant: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc. (Rockland, MA)
Inventors: Brian Pope (Suwanee, GA), Zhan Liu (Fremont, CA)
Application Number: 14/066,112
International Classification: A61M 5/168 (20060101);