Fluid delivery systems, devices and methods for delivery of fluids

Abstract

A fluid delivery system includes a container for fluid to be delivered to a patient, a continuous pump mechanism in non-removable fluid connection with the container, and an outlet in fluid connection with the pump mechanism.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to fluid delivery systems, to fluid delivery devices and to methods of fluid delivery, and, especially, to fluid delivery systems, devices and method for delivery of medical fluids to a patient. [0002] In many medical procedures, such as drug delivery, it is desirable to inject a fluid into a patient. Likewise, numerous types of contrast media (often referred to simply as contrast) are injected into a patient for many diagnostic and therapeutic imaging procedures. For example, contrast media are used in diagnostic procedures such as X-ray procedures (including, for example, angiography, venography and urography), computed tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonic imaging. Contrast media are also used during therapeutic procedures, including, for example, angioplasty and other interventional radiological procedures as well as chemotherapy. Saline is often used as a diluent or f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] In general, the continuous pumping mechanisms of the present invention enable convenient operation via continuous (or uninterrupted) pumping of fluid from the container (without, for example, having to stop and reload) over multiple procedures and / or patients. Moreover, a patient dose can be determined in real time as the procedure is progressing, ensuring that the patient will be neither over dosed nor under dosed. Moreover, no waste of fluids occur as a result of over dosing or under dosing.

[0012] Preferably, continuous pumping mechanisms for use in the present invention provide for relatively accurate control of a bolus of fluid delivered to a patient. (for example, rise and fall times of under 100 ms can be provided in the case of, for example, a square bolus). A square bolus of fluid delivery or other bolus configuration may be required for optimum enhancement.

[0014] The fluid delivery system of the present invention can further include at least one one-way valve or other mechanism in fluid connection with the container (for example, between the pump mechanism and the container) to prevent flow of fluids from outside the container into the container (for example, from the pump into the container). In one embodiment, the container includes a plurality of ports in fluid connection with the pumping mechanism, and a one way valve is in fluid connection between the pump mechanism and each the plurality of ports, to prevent flow from the pumping mechanism to the container. Preventing flow of fluid from outside of the container into the container (for example, from the pumping mechanism to the container) can reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination between patients when the fluid delivery systems of the present invention are used in connection with multiple patients. Likewise, undesirable fluids (for example, air or, indeed, any fluid other than the original contents of the container can be prevented from entering the container. Additionally or alternatively, the pumping mechanism is adapted (for example, via means known in the pumping arts) so that it cannot pump fluid from outside the container into the container. In other words, the pump mechanism cannot be operated in reverse. Preventing such reverse flow can further reduce or eliminate the likelihood of cross-contamination between patients and reduce the likelihood of drawing fluids (for example, air) into the container. Preferably, continuous pumping mechanisms used in the present invention facilitate generally the prevention of or the minimization of delivery of air to a patient during an injection procedure.

[0019] In one embodiment, the container comprises no inlet port through which a fluid can enter the container. In this manner, contamination of fluid within the container with external agents can more easily be prevented. However, such inlet ports can be provided in certain embodiments. The fluid container and the pump mechanism of the fluid delivery systems of the present invention can, for example, be disposable as unit.

[0023] Each of the pressurizing chambers can be in fluid connection with a single pump mechanism outlet. In one embodiment, the pressurizing chambers are formed from a flexible, resilient material that can be compressed to pressurize fluid within the pressurizing chamber. The flexible material of the pressurizing chambers can be suitably resilient such that recovery of the flexible material of the pressurizing chambers creates a pressure difference between the pressurizing chamber and the storage container suitable to draw fluid from the storage container into the pressurizing chambers. The drive mechanism can include at least one drive member to compress the pressurizing chambers. The drive mechanism can, for example, include a drive member for each of the pressurizing chambers to compress each of the pressurizing chambers in a timed fashion. The operation of the drive member can be appropriately timed to reduce pulsatile nature of the flow.

Problems solved by technology

In that regard, contrast is typically very expensive.

Time consuming procedures are required to reload the syringe if more contrast is required than originally calculated.

On the other hand, expensive waste results if only a portion of a filled syringe is injected.

The inventory of contrast containers required under the current system increases costs and regulatory burdens throughout the contrast media supplier-consumer chain.

Waste also occurs, for example, in that case that a prefilled syringe includes insufficient fluid, resulting in termination of a procedure or use of only a portion of a second prefilled syringe.

Although continuous pumping systems such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,916,197 and 6,197,000 can eliminate many of the problems associated with current injection practices, a number of problems persist.

For example, there is a risk of contamination by operating personnel when removable fluid connections are made or broken (such as the fluid connection between a fluid source and the pumping mechanism of the pumping system).

Making such fluid connections also requires use of valuable and limited operator time.

Furthermore, required operator tasks introduce the potential for human error.

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