Variable flow control device, system and method

Abstract

A device, system and method are provided for controlling the rate of infusion of fluids during infusion therapy using non-electric infusion devices. Rotation of a flow regulator dial causes an orifice connected to the inlet to modify its position relative to a particular one or more orifices or groove portions, the characteristics of which provide a certain flow rate characteristic. The regulator allows for the infusion pump to infuse at a rate that may be varied during use by the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority from co-pending Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 565,120, filed on Nov. 30, 2011 and entitled “INFUSION SYSTEM WITH VARIABLE FLOW RATE ADJUSTMENT”, the foregoing application being incorporated herein, by reference, in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a device, system and method useful in infusion therapy, and more particularly, useful for varying the flow rate during infusion therapy.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Infusion therapy requires the use of an infusion device (a source of positive pressure). There are several types of infusion devices which include: mechanical pumps, elastomeric pumps, gravity flow, electric / electronic pumps among others. Non-electric pumps and gravity infusions have a general disadvantage in that they often do not provide a sufficiently stable flow rate.[0006]Flow rate control ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]A device, system and method are provided for controlling the rate of infusion of fluids during infusion therapy using non-electric infusion devices. The flow control device of the present invention improves flow control, as well as safety resulting from such improved flow rate control, when compared to the performance of flow regulator devices in the prior art. The flow control device of the present invention has a design and method of construction that optimizes flow rate and functionality, safety and ergonomics in applications such as those that can be used with non-electric pumps including, but not limited to: mechanical pumps, gravity flow, elastomeric pumps, and other similar devices or applications.

[0023]Additionally, in a further particular embodiment of the invention, improved flow regulation or control is achieved by providing combining two or more adjustable dial layers, each having a variable flow control mechanism in accordance with the present invention. In one particular embodiment, one or more additional variable flow control layers are added after the first or main variable flow control layer to provide a combination of coarse and fine control levels, thus greatly enhancing the actual flow rate controllability through the device.

Problems solved by technology

Non-electric pumps and gravity infusions have a general disadvantage in that they often do not provide a sufficiently stable flow rate.

This presents the following limitations:The flow cannot be adjusted during the infusion.

This adds cost and it may it may increase the risk of contamination.In order to change the flow rate, the tubing diameter has to change and thus multiple rate sets have to be made available and changed during infusion.

This may or may not be possible during certain therapies.The nominal flow rate of these sets does not correspond to the flow rate during use due to the viscosity of the fluid often leading to patient and clinician confusion and errors.

Flow regulators in the prior art offer limited accuracy, versatility and pressure rating performance.

These factors can result in significant variances in flow rates and could adversely affect patients to a significant extent.

Flow rate controllers are generally labeled in ml / hour without taking into account the specific effect of the viscosity of the fluid which has a significant effect on the flow rate thus invalidating the significance of the markings of the device and confusing the clinician.

This method presents limitations including inability to change flow rate without changing the rate set, incorrect flow rate labeling due to the varying viscosities of fluids administered, and undesired flow rates due to device design limitations, patient and environmental factors.

Thus, a particular flow regulator of the '239 patent has limited flow control characteristics.

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