Characterization of the syringe

Abstract

An apparatus for syringe characterization may include a syringe pump with a plunger drive for a syringe configured to contain a fluid, wherein the syringe includes a barrel and a plunger. The barrel and the plunger therein together define a central longitudinal axis of the syringe. Also included is a barrel outer diameter sensor; a linear position sensor oriented substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the syringe when installed in the syringe pump. At least one movable marker is associated with the linear potentiometer capable of displaying a position along the linear potentiometer corresponding to a selected position on the syringe barrel when the syringe is installed in the syringe pump. The apparatus may also include software for performing calculations relating to the position of selected ones of the at least one movable marker and the diameter of the barrel sensed by the barrel outer diameter sensor, the calculations being representative of the syringe characterization.

Description

[0001] related application [0002] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 734,595, filed December 7, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present invention generally relates to medical devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for syringe characterization. Background technique [0004] In the field of drug delivery devices including so-called "syringe pumps", prefilled drug syringes are typically mechanically driven under the control of a microprocessor to deliver a prescribed amount or dose of fluid through the fluid at a controlled rate. The infusion line leading to the syringe is delivered to the patient. Syringe pumps typically include a motor that rotates a lead screw. The lead screw in turn drives a plunger driver which pushes forward a plunger located within the syringe barrel. Advancing the plunger thus forces the dose of me...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, such ad hoc visual inspection is prone to error, which may arise, for example, from a lack of sufficient visual acuity of the user and from variability in the definition of parameter interpretation.

Therefore, these known devices and methods have not fully met the characterization of syringes - and some of these devices and methods have even been considered unsafe and unsuitable for human use

Furthermore, characterization of "unknown" syringes may be problematic, or even impossible, within acceptable levels of reliability, precision, and repeatability

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