Apparatus, system and method for detection and delivery of medicinal dose

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed as part of a system for tracking and confirming delivery of a medicinal dose to a user. The apparatus includes a detector. The detector is secured to and communicatively coupled to the user and is capable of detecting a current flow through the user's body. The current flow is produced when the user makes contact with the apparatus. The apparatus includes at least two contact areas connected to a power source where a circuit and, hence, a current path is completed through the user's body as the user makes contact with the apparatus. The current flow is detected by the detector, which is coupled to the user. Also disclosed is an apparatus for tracking and confirming delivery of a medicinal dose to a user where the apparatus includes an acoustic detector. Upon loading the dose into a chamber an acoustic vibration is generated. The vibration is detected and correlated with a current flow that is produced when the user makes contact with the apparatus. The combined event of vibration detection and current flow detection confirms that the dose is loaded and the user is in contact with the apparatus and ready to receive the dose.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of the following patent applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 322,893, filed April 11, 2010, entitled "System and Method for Delivery of an Inhalable Dose"; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 357,506, entitled "System and Method for Detection of Delivery of an Inhalable Dose"; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 373,803; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 377,072, filed August 25, 2010, entitled "System and Method for Patient Access Port Reporting." Each of the aforementioned patents is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to electronic systems, and more particularly, to electronic systems for judging and confirming the delivery of drug doses. Background technique [0004] Commonly used drug delivery systems include chambers for storing doses. Patients will use the sys...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For example, a patient may allow the delivery system to expel for extended periods of time without actually taking or inhaling a dose, thereby creating the illusion that doses are being taken regularly over an extended period of time

Therefore, these delivery systems cannot determine whether the patient actually received the dose

Furthermore, there is no precise way to determine whether the delivered dose was actually delivered to the patient as intended

For example, the delivery system may have been discharged by someone other than the patient

Also, in some cases, the delivery system may accidentally discharge

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