Method for managing flushing of a catheter assembly

Abstract

A method for managing the flushing of a catheter assembly can include providing a clamp for a fluid tube, the fluid tube being configured to couple to the catheter assembly. The clamp can include a sensor configured to detect clamp closure. The method can include starting a timer in response to the sensor detecting clamp closure. The method can include providing an alert in response to the timer reaching a predetermined duration. The alert can indicate to a clinician that the catheter assembly should be opened and flushed, which can prevent occlusion of the catheter assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to vascular access systems and related devices and methods. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a method for managing the flushing of a catheter assembly. Background Art

[0002] Catheters are commonly used in various infusion therapies. For example, a catheter can be used to infuse fluids such as saline solution, various drugs, and total parenteral nutrition into a patient's body. A catheter can also be used to draw blood from a patient's body.

[0003] A common type of catheter is a stylet peripheral IV catheter ("PIVC"). As the name implies, a stylet PIVC can be mounted on a guidewire needle having a sharp distal end. The sharp distal end can be used to pierce a patient's skin and vasculature. After piercing the vasculature with the needle, the PIVC can be inserted into the vasculature. The needle and PIVC are typically inserted into the patient's vasculature through the skin at a shallow angle, with the bevel of the needle facing away from the patient's skin. Once the placement of the needle within the vasculature has been confirmed, the clinician can temporarily occlude the flow within the vasculature and withdraw the needle, leaving the PIVC in place for future blood draws and / or fluid infusions.

[0004] In some cases, over time, a PIVC may become unusable or damaged due to occlusion of the PIVC. In response to the PIVC becoming occluded, it may be necessary to remove the PIVC and replace it with a new catheter. Catheter occlusion can be thrombotic, which is due to the formation of a blood clot within or around the distal end of the catheter. Catheter occlusion can also be non-thrombotic, which is caused by precipitation, mechanical occlusion, and other factors. In addition, catheter occlusion can lead to catheter infections, pulmonary embolisms, post-thrombotic syndrome, and other negative health consequences. Clinicians are directed to flush PIVCs regularly to prevent occlusion and extend the dwell time of the PIVC, but some clinicians may not follow the flushing protocol.

[0005] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate an exemplary technical field in which some embodiments described herein may be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to vascular access systems and related devices and methods. In some embodiments, a method for managing flushing of a catheter assembly is provided, the method comprising: providing a clamp for a fluid tube, wherein the fluid tube is configured to be coupled to the catheter assembly, wherein the clamp includes a sensor configured to detect closure of the clamp; starting a timer in response to the sensor detecting closure of the clamp; and providing an alert in response to the timer reaching a predetermined duration.

[0007] In some embodiments, the alert may indicate to a clinician that the catheter assembly should be opened and flushed, which may prevent occlusion of the catheter assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments, providing the alert may include transmitting an alert signal over a network to a monitoring device, such as a clinician monitoring device. In some embodiments, the alert signal may instruct the monitoring device to provide an alert. In some embodiments, the alert may include an audible, tactile vibration, or visual cue. In some embodiments, the visual cue may include a change in the state of a light. In some embodiments, an indication may be provided in the patient's electronic health record in response to the sensor detecting closure of the clamp.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sensor may be configured to detect opening of the clamp. In some embodiments, the timer may be stopped and / or reset in response to the sensor detecting opening of the clamp for another predetermined duration. In some embodiments, another alert signal may be sent over the network to the monitoring device to stop the alert or provide another alert in response to the sensor detecting opening of the clamp for another predetermined duration. In some embodiments, another indication may be provided in the patient's electronic health record in response to the sensor detecting opening of the clamp for another predetermined duration.

[0010] In some embodiments, another sensor may be provided, which may be configured to detect fluid flow through the fluid tube. In some embodiments, the another sensor may include a flow sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor may be stopped and / or reset in response to the sensor detecting opening of the clamp and the another sensor detecting fluid flow through the fluid tube.

[0011] In some embodiments, a method for managing flushing of a catheter assembly is provided, the method comprising: closing a clamp disposed on a fluid tube, wherein the clamp includes a sensor configured to detect closure of the clamp, wherein a timer is started in response to the sensor detecting closure of the clamp; and opening the clamp and flushing the catheter assembly through the fluid tube in response to the alert, wherein the alert is provided in response to the timer reaching a predetermined duration.

[0012] In some embodiments, a method for managing the flushing of a catheter assembly is provided. The method includes: providing a clamp for a fluid tube, where the fluid tube is configured to be coupled to the catheter assembly, and where the clamp includes a first sensor configured to detect an opening of the clamp; providing a second sensor configured to detect fluid flow through the fluid tube; stopping or resetting a timer in response to the first sensor detecting the opening of the clamp and the second sensor detecting fluid flow through the fluid tube, where the clamp is configured to provide an alarm in response to the timer reaching a predetermined duration.

[0013] The objects and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and attained by means of the elements, features, and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Exemplary embodiments will be described and illustrated with additional specificity and detail by using the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1A is an upper perspective view of an exemplary catheter system according to some embodiments;

[0016] Figure 1B is an upper perspective view of an exemplary clamp according to some embodiments, showing the clamp in an open position;

[0017] Figure 1C is according to some embodiments Figure 1B of the clamp, showing the clamp in a closed position;

[0018] Figure 1D is an upper perspective view of an exemplary clinician monitoring device according to some embodiments;

[0019] Figure 1E is an exemplary electronic health record that can be presented on a display screen of a clinician monitoring device according to some embodiments; and

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary flushing management system according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Now referring to Figure 1A, shows an exemplary catheter system 14 in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheter system 14 may include a catheter assembly 16. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 16 may include a catheter adapter 18 and a catheter 20 extending distally from the catheter adapter 18. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 18 may include a side port 22 that is in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter adapter 18. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 18 may include a proximal end 23, a distal end 24, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In some embodiments, the catheter 20 may include a PIVC.

[0022] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 16 may be removably coupled to a needle assembly, which may include a needle hub 26 and a guide needle 28. In some embodiments, the guide needle 28 may include a sharp distal tip 30. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the guide needle 28 may be fixed within the needle hub 26. In some embodiments, when the catheter assembly 16 is in an insertion position ready to be inserted into a patient's vasculature, the guide needle 28 may extend through the catheter 20, such as Figure 1A shown. In some embodiments, in response to insertion of the guide needle 28 into the patient's vasculature, a blood flashback may flow through the sharp distal tip 30 of the guide needle 28 and may be visible to a clinician between the guide needle 28 and the catheter 20 and / or at another location within the catheter assembly 16.

[0023] In some embodiments, in response to confirmation via blood flashback that the catheter 20 is within the patient's vasculature, the needle assembly may be removed from the catheter assembly 16. In some embodiments, when the needle assembly is coupled to the catheter assembly 16, such as Figure 1A shown, the guide needle 28 of the needle assembly may extend through a septum disposed within the lumen of the catheter adapter 18.

[0024] In some embodiments, the catheter system 14 may include one or more fluid tubes. In some embodiments, the fluid tubes may include any suitable tubes through which fluid may flow to enter the catheter assembly 16. In some embodiments, the catheter system 14 may include a clamp 36 through which a particular fluid tube may extend. In some embodiments, the fluid tubes may be connected to each other and / or may be coupled to one or more other elements to form a fluid path extending between an IV bag or fluid delivery device and the catheter assembly 16.

[0025] In some embodiments, the fluid tube may include an extension tube 34, which may be coupled to the catheter assembly 16. More particularly, in some embodiments, the distal end of the extension tube 34 may be integral with the catheter adapter 18, such as Figure 1AAs shown. For example, the extension tube 34 can be integral with the side port 22 of the catheter adapter 18. In some embodiments, the extension tube 34 can be removably coupled to the catheter adapter 18. In some embodiments, the fluid tube can include another tube, which can be disposed proximal to the extension tube 34. For example, the other tube can be connected to an IV bag or a fluid delivery device. In some embodiments, the other tube can include an IV line that can extend between the IV bag and the extension tube 24.

[0026] In some embodiments, the clamp 36 can selectively occlude a particular fluid tube on which the clamp is disposed to prevent blood or another fluid from flowing through the particular fluid tube. In some embodiments, the clinician can activate the clamp 36 by removing the battery isolator 37 or flipping a switch.

[0027] In some embodiments, the adapter 38 can be coupled to the proximal end of the extension tube 34. In some embodiments, the adapter 38 can include a Y-shaped adapter or another suitable connector. In some embodiments, the needleless connector 40 can be coupled to the adapter 38. In some embodiments, the adapter 38 and / or the needleless connector 40 can be used to connect the catheter 20 to a medical device for fluid administration or blood drawing. The medical device can include an infusion bag, a syringe, or any other suitable medical device.

[0028] In some embodiments, the catheter system 14 can include any suitable catheter assembly, and the clamp 36 can be coupled to any suitable fluid tube. In some embodiments, the extension tube 34 can extend from the proximal end 23 of the catheter adapter 18. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 16 can include a peripheral catheter assembly, a central catheter assembly, or a midline catheter assembly. In some embodiments, a peripherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”) assembly can include a pigtail extension tube, and a particular clamp 36 can be coupled to one or more of the pigtail extension tubes.

[0029] Now referring to Figure 1B , in response to the clamp 36 being open, fluid can flow through fluid tubes such as the extension tube 34 and / or another fluid tube and through the catheter assembly 16. For example, fluid can be infused into the patient via a medical device coupled to the adapter 38, or blood can be drawn from the patient into a blood collection device coupled to the adapter 38. In some embodiments, the clamp 36 can include a sensor 42 that can be configured to detect the closure and / or opening of the clamp 36. In some embodiments, the sensor 42 can be positioned to detect the movement of the clamp 36.

[0030] In some embodiments, sensor 42 may include an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, an electromechanical sensor, or another suitable type of sensor. As an example, the optical sensor may include a light barrier, which may be implemented by a light emitting diode or a laser diode and a phototransistor. As an example, the magnetic sensor may include a reed relay or a Hall sensor. As an example, the electromechanical sensor may include a switch or a potentiometer.

[0031] Now referring Figure 1C , in response to clamp 36 closing, fluid flow through a particular fluid tube on which clamp 36 is disposed may be prevented. In some embodiments, clamp 36 may include a pinch clamp that may pinch the particular fluid tube in response to clamp 36 moving to a closed position. In some embodiments, clamp 36 may include an arm 44 that may include a protrusion that contacts and pinches the particular fluid tube. In some embodiments, clamp 36 may include any suitable clamp and sensor 42 may include any suitable sensor. In some embodiments, sensor 42 may be disposed at various locations.

[0032] In some embodiments, clamp 36 may provide an alert, which may include a sound, a tactile vibration, or a visual cue. In some embodiments, the visual cue may include a change in the state of a light. Figures 1A-1C An exemplary light 48 is shown in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the state of light 48 may change in response to clamp 36 closing for a predetermined duration. For example, in response to clamp 36 closing for a predetermined duration, light 48 may turn on or may change color. As another example, light 48 may blink or change its blinking rate in response to clamp 36 closing for a predetermined duration.

[0033] In some embodiments, the predetermined duration may correspond to a time before a clinically recommended time for flushing catheter assembly 16. In these embodiments, the alert may include a warning that may indicate to a clinician that the clinically recommended time for flushing catheter assembly 16 is approaching. In some embodiments, the clinically recommended time for flushing catheter assembly 16 may be between about 6 hours and about 8 hours from the previous flush of catheter assembly 16. In some embodiments, the predetermined duration may correspond to the clinically recommended time for flushing catheter assembly 16. In some embodiments, a first alert may be provided by clamp 36 in response to the clinically recommended time for flushing catheter assembly 16 approaching (e.g., within 30 minutes, within 10 minutes, or within 5 minutes), and a second alert may be provided in response to the clinically recommended time for flushing catheter assembly 16 arriving. In some embodiments, the first alert may include a yellow or orange light and the second alert may include a red light.

[0034] In some embodiments, the lamp 48 can be disposed at various positions on the fixture 36, which are visible to the clinician. In some embodiments, the fixture 36 can include multiple lamps 48. In some embodiments, the lamp 48 can extend around the curved edge of the fixture 36, such as as Figures 1A-1C shown.

[0035] Now referring to Figure 1D , an exemplary clinician monitoring device 46 according to some embodiments is shown. Examples of the clinician monitoring device 46 can include a computing device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a medical device, or a connected device (e.g., a smartwatch, smart glasses, or any other connected device). In some embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to the fixture 36, the clinician monitoring device 46 can provide an alert.

[0036] In some embodiments, the clinician monitoring device 46 can include a display screen 50, which can provide an alert. In some embodiments, the alert can include a phrase, such as "irrigation due". In some embodiments, the alert can include a visual cue on the display screen 50, such as a lighted or color-changed portion 51 of the display screen 50. In some embodiments, the portion 51 of the display screen 50 can blink or change the blinking rate to provide an alert. In some embodiments, the clinician monitoring device 46 can include a lamp 48, such as as for example regarding Figure 1C described.

[0037] Now referring to Figure 1E , according to some embodiments, an exemplary electronic health record 52 that can be presented on the display screen 50 of the clinician monitoring device 46 is shown. In some embodiments, an indication can be provided on the display screen 50 in response to the opening and / or closing of the fixture 36. In some embodiments, an indication can be provided on the display screen 50 in response to the fixture 36 being opened for a specific predetermined duration and / or in response to the fixture 36 being closed for a specific predetermined duration.

[0038] In some embodiments, the indication can include one or more of the following: a time of day 56, a status 58, and a duration 60. In some embodiments, the duration 60 can include the duration for which the fixture 36 has been closed. In some embodiments, the status 58 can include "open" and can be adjacent to the time of day 56, thereby indicating to the clinician the time of day when the fixture 36 is open. In some embodiments, the status 58 can include "closed" and can be adjacent to the time of day 56, thereby indicating to the clinician the time of day when the fixture 36 is closed.

[0039] Figure 2It is a block diagram of an exemplary Flush Management System (FM system) 62 arranged according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the flush management system 62 may include a clamp 63. In some embodiments, the clamp 63 may include or correspond to the clamp 36 described with respect to FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the clamp 63 may include a computing system 64.

[0040] In some embodiments, the computing system 64 may include a processor 66, a memory 68, a data memory 70, and a communication unit 72. In some embodiments, the processor 66, the memory 68, the data memory 70, and the communication unit 72 may be communicatively coupled via a bus 74. The bus 74 may include, but is not limited to, a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, a memory bus, a storage interface bus, a bus / interface controller, an interface bus, or the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the processor 66 may include a timer 75. In some embodiments, the timer 75 may be a separate component linked to the processor 66.

[0041] Generally speaking, the processor 66 may include any suitable special-purpose or general-purpose computer, computing entity, or processing device including various computer hardware or software modules, and may be configured to execute instructions stored on any applicable computer-readable storage medium. For example, the processor 66 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or any other digital circuit or analog circuit configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data. Although shown as a single processor in Figure 2 it, the processor 66 may include any number of processors configured to perform any number of operations described in the present disclosure, either individually or jointly. Additionally, one or more of the processors in the processor 66 may be present on one or more different electronic devices.

[0042] In some embodiments, the processor 66 may interpret and / or execute program instructions stored in the memory 68, the data memory 70, or both the memory 68 and the data memory 70, and / or process data stored therein. In some embodiments, the processor 66 may read program instructions from the data memory 70 and load the program instructions into the memory 68. In some embodiments, after loading the program instructions into the memory 68, the processor 66 may execute the program instructions.

[0043] For example, in some embodiments, the flush module 76 may be included in the data memory 70 as program instructions. In some embodiments, the flush module 76 may be configured to manage the flushing of the catheter line 32 and the catheter assembly 16. The processor 66 may read the program instructions of the flush module 76 from the data memory 70 and may load the program instructions of the flush module 76 in the memory 68. After the program instructions of the flush module 76 are loaded into the memory 68, the processor 66 may execute the program instructions such that the computing system 64 may perform the operations associated with the flush module 76 as indicated by the instructions.

[0044] The memory 68 and the data storage device 70 may include computer-readable storage media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions or data structures thereon. Such computer-readable storage media may include any available media that may be accessed by a general or special purpose computer such as the processor 66. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage media including RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory devices (e.g., solid state storage devices) or any other storage media that may be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a general or special purpose computer. Combinations of the above may also be included within the scope of computer-readable storage media. Computer-executable instructions may include, for example, instructions and data configured to cause the processor 66 to perform an operation or a set of operations.

[0045] In some embodiments, one or more clinician monitoring devices 73 may be connected to the computing system 64 via the network 78. In these and other embodiments, the network 78 may include a wired or wireless network and may have any suitable configuration, such as a star configuration, a token ring configuration or other configuration. Additionally, in some embodiments, the network 78 may include an Ethernet network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet) and / or other interconnected data paths through which multiple devices may communicate. In some embodiments, the network 78 may include a peer-to-peer network. In some embodiments, the network 78 may also be coupled to or include a portion of a telecommunications network that may enable data communication in a variety of different communication protocols. In some embodiments, the clinician monitoring device 73 may include or correspond to any of the clinician monitoring devices 46 described with respect to FIG. 1.

[0046] In some embodiments, the network 78 may include A communication network and / or a cellular communication network for sending and receiving data, including via Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), direct data connection, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), email, etc. Network 78 can be via standards-based protocols (e.g., Smart Energy Profile (SEP), Echonet Lite, OpenADR) or other suitable protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, ZigBee, HomePlug Green, etc.).

[0047] In some embodiments, communication unit 72 can be configured to send data to and receive data from clinician monitoring device 73 via network 78. In some embodiments, communication unit 72 can also be configured to send data from and receive data from display screen 80 and / or electronic health record 82. In some embodiments, display screen 80 can include or correspond to the display screen 50 described with respect to Figure 1D or Figure 1E In some embodiments, electronic health record 82 can include or correspond to the electronic health record 52 of Figure 1E . In some embodiments, flushing module 76 can be configured to send and receive data via communication unit 72.

[0048] In some embodiments, communication unit 72 can include ports for direct physical connection to network 78 and / or another communication channel. For example, communication unit 72 can include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a Secure Digital (SD) port, a Category 5 cable (CAT-5) port, or similar ports for wired communication with another device. In some embodiments, communication unit 72 can include a wireless transceiver for exchanging data with clinician monitoring device 46 or other communication channels using one or more wireless communication methods, including IEEE802.11, IEEE 802.16, or another suitable wireless communication method.

[0049] In some embodiments, communication unit 72 can include a cellular communication transceiver for sending and receiving data via a cellular communication network, including via SMS, MMS, HTTP, direct data connection, WAP, email, or other suitable types of electronic communication. Communication unit 72 can also provide other conventional connections to network 78 for distributing files or media objects using standard network protocols, including Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), HTTP, HTTP Secure (HTTPS), and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).

[0050] Examples of how the flush module 76 manages the flushing of the catheter assembly are now provided. In some embodiments, in response to the sensor 84 detecting that the clamp is closed, the flush module 76 may be configured to start a timer 86. In some embodiments, the sensor 84 may include or correspond to the sensor 42 described with respect to FIG. 1. In some embodiments, in response to the timer 86 reaching a predetermined duration, the flush module 76 may be configured to generate one or more alerts at the clamp and / or send an alert signal over the network 78 to the clinician monitoring device 73, which may provide one or more alerts. In some embodiments, the alerts may include any of the alerts described with respect to FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the alerts may indicate to the clinician that the clinically recommended time to flush the catheter assembly is approaching or has arrived.

[0051] In some embodiments, the flush module 76 may be configured to provide an indication in the patient's electronic health record 88 in response to the sensor 84 detecting that the clamp 63 is closed. In some embodiments, the electronic health record 88 may be stored and / or displayed on the clinician monitoring device 73. In some embodiments, the electronic health record 88 may include or correspond to the electronic health record 52 described with respect to FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the indication may include or correspond to the indication 54 described with respect to FIG. 1.

[0052] In some embodiments, in response to the sensor 84 detecting that the clamp 63 is open or has been open for another predetermined duration, the flush module 76 may be configured to stop and / or reset the timer �6. In some embodiments, the flush module 76 may be configured to stop the timer 86 only after the clamp 63 has been open for another predetermined duration to prevent the clamp 63 from being opened when sufficient flushing has not occurred.

[0053] In some embodiments, in response to the sensor 84 detecting that the clamp 63 has been open for another predetermined duration, the flush module 76 may be configured to stop the alert at the clamp 63 or provide a different alert at the clamp 63. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, in response to the sensor 84 detecting that the clamp 63 has been open for another predetermined duration, the flush module 76 may be configured to send another alert signal over the network 78 to the clinician monitoring device 73 to stop the alert or provide a different alert.

[0054] In some embodiments, the flush module 76 may be configured to provide another indication in the patient's electronic health record 88 in response to the sensor 84 detecting that the clamp 63 has been open for another predetermined duration. In some embodiments, the other indication may include or correspond to the indication 54 described with respect to FIG. 1.

[0055] In some embodiments, one or more other sensors 90 may be configured to detect fluid flow through a fluid tube, such as an extension tube 34 of the catheter assembly 16 described with respect to FIG. 1 or another fluid tube in fluid communication with the catheter assembly 16. In some embodiments, the other sensors may include a flow sensor and / or a pressure sensor. Exemplary devices incorporating a flow sensor and / or a pressure sensor are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 830,707, filed Apr. 8, 2019, entitled "Occlusion Detection Devices, Systems, and Methods" and U.S. Patent No. 5,533,412, filed Jun. 7, 1995, entitled "Pulse Thermal Flow Sensor", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, in response to the sensor 84 detecting that the clamp 63 is open and the other sensors 90 detecting fluid flow through the fluid tube, the flush module 76 may be configured to stop and / or reset the timer 86. Although Figure 2 it is shown in that the other sensor 90 is located outside the clamp 63, it should be understood that the other sensor may be a part of the clamp 63.

[0056] In some embodiments, the external server may include one or more components of the computing system 64. In some embodiments, the external server may be connected to the clamp 63 and / or the clinician monitoring device 73 via the network 78 or another network. The flush management system 62 may be modified, added to, or omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] All of the examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the art, and are to be construed as not being limited to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although numerous embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for managing the flushing of a catheter assembly, the method comprising: providing a clamp for a fluid tube, wherein the fluid tube is configured to be coupled to the catheter assembly, and wherein the clamp includes a sensor configured to detect closure of the clamp; starting a timer in response to the sensor detecting closure of the clamp; providing an alert in response to the timer reaching a predetermined duration; and providing another alert in response to the timer reaching another predetermined duration, wherein the another predetermined duration is greater than the predetermined duration and corresponds to the time for flushing the catheter assembly.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Providing an alert includes: sending an alert signal over a network to a monitoring device, wherein the alert signal instructs the monitoring device to provide the alert.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The alert includes an audible sound, a tactile vibration, or a visual cue.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: providing an indication in a patient's electronic health record in response to the sensor detecting closure of the clamp.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The sensor is configured to detect opening of the clamp, and further includes: stopping or resetting the timer in response to the sensor detecting opening of the clamp for another predetermined duration.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: sending another alert signal over a network to a monitoring device in response to the sensor detecting opening of the clamp for the another predetermined duration, wherein the another alert signal instructs the monitoring device to stop the alert or provide another alert.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: providing an indication in a patient's electronic health record in response to the sensor detecting opening of the clamp for the another predetermined duration.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: providing an indication in a patient's electronic health record in response to the timer reaching the predetermined duration.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein The alert includes an audible sound emitted from the clamp or a change in the state of a light coupled to the clamp.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The another predetermined duration is between six and eight hours.

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