Method and system controlling access to an intravenous catheter

Abstract

A method includes logically associating an intravenous catheter and an electronic patient record stored on a computer readable storage medium, wherein the electronic patient record includes medical information specific to an identified patient. An identification code of a syringe to be administered to the identified patient is read in order to identify a liquid contained in the syringe. The blocking member may be electronically actuated to provide fluid communication between a catheter chamber and a catheter line inserted into the identified patient, wherein the fluid communication is provided only while the syringe is received within the catheter chamber and only in response to determining that administration of the identified liquid to the identified patient is compatible within the medical information.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the use of intravenous catheters, and more particularly to systems and methods for introducing fluids into a patient through an intravenous catheter. Background technique [0002] An intravenous catheter is a medical device that is inserted through the skin into a blood vessel and remains in place to facilitate the introduction of fluids or the withdrawal of blood samples. Depending on the application, intravenous catheters can be used continuously or periodically. [0003] Although intravenous catheters make these medical interventions simpler and can be used to avoid multiple needle sticks, intravenous catheters can still involve the delivery of inappropriate fluids. Because each patient may have a unique set of symptoms and allergies, careful consideration must be given as to whether a particular fluid (eg, an aqueous drug solution) is appropriate for a particular patient before administering the fluid. Additionall...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, the ever-increasing volume of medical fluids complicates determining what fluid is appropriate

[0004] Although a patient's medical records and files are a good source of information about what fluids may be applied to the patient, the records themselves must be kept up to date, and those administering the fluids must be diligent in reviewing them

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