Blockage detection equipment, systems and methods

Abstract

This disclosure relates to obstruction detection devices, systems, and methods. A monitoring device may include a housing that includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a fluid passage extending through the proximal and distal ends. The distal end may include a connector configured to couple to a catheter assembly. The monitoring device may include one or more sensors disposed within the fluid passage. The sensors facilitate the identification of obstructions within the catheter assembly.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Vascular access devices facilitate infusion therapy, a common healthcare procedure. Hospitalized, home-based, and other patients typically receive fluids, medications, and blood products via vascular access devices. Blood draws are another common healthcare procedure that can be facilitated by vascular access devices.

[0002] Vascular access devices can be inserted into a patient's peripheral and / or central cardiovascular system. Vascular access devices can be left in place for short (days), medium (weeks), or long (months to years). Vascular access devices can be used for continuous infusion therapy or for intermittent infusion therapy. Common types of vascular access devices are catheters, such as peripherally inserted venous catheters (PIVCs) or peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).

[0003] When a catheter remains in a patient's vascular system for an extended period, it may become more susceptible to blockage or clogging by debris such as fibrin or platelet clots. Blockage can lead to catheter infection, pulmonary embolism, post-thrombotic syndrome, and other negative health outcomes. Furthermore, when blockage occurs in a catheter, it may need to be removed and / or replaced, which can result in additional needle pricks, patient pain, and higher material costs.

[0004] Currently, clinicians are left to assess catheter obstruction based on their own judgment. Clinicians may determine whether the catheter is partially or completely blocked based on difficulty in blood return or by syringe pressure. Clinicians may not be able to determine if the catheter is close to complete obstruction. In response to a judgment of partial or complete obstruction, clinicians may intervene to clear the obstruction.

[0005] Current methods for removing or preventing blockages include manual flushing of the catheter. Thrombolytic agents can also be used to break up blockages in the catheter. However, thrombolytic agents are typically expensive, and their placement may interrupt infusion therapy through the catheter.

[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that address any shortcomings or operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided merely to illustrate the technical field in which some of the implementations described herein can be practiced. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure generally relates to a monitoring device for monitoring the status of a catheter that may be left in place in a patient's vascular system. In some embodiments, the catheter may include a PIVC, PICC, or a midline catheter. In some embodiments, the monitoring device may include a housing that includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a fluid passage extending through the proximal and distal ends of the housing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing may include a connector configured to couple to a catheter assembly, which may include a catheter. In some embodiments, the distal end of the housing may include another connector. In some embodiments, the distal end and / or the proximal end of the housing may include a Luer connector.

[0009] In some embodiments, the monitoring device may include one or more sensors disposed within a fluid passage. In some embodiments, the monitoring device may include a communication unit configured to wirelessly transmit an output signal to a receiving location. In some embodiments, the output signal may be based on data sensed by the sensors. In some embodiments, the housing may include one or more of the following: a printed circuit board, a power supply, and electrical contacts. In some embodiments, the communication unit and / or processor may be disposed on the printed circuit board.

[0010] In some embodiments, the monitoring device may include another housing that can be removably coupled to the first housing. In some embodiments, the other housing may include one or more of the following: a printed circuit board, a power supply, and another electrical contact. In some embodiments, the other electrical contact of the other housing may be operatively connected to the electrical contacts of the first housing, which may facilitate communication between a sensor disposed within the first housing and a printed circuit board disposed within the other housing.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least one of the sensors disposed within the fluid passage may include a pressure sensor configured to detect fluid pressure within the fluid passage. In some embodiments, at least one of the sensors may include a flow sensor configured to detect fluid flow rate and / or fluid flow rate within the fluid passage. In some embodiments, the monitoring device may include another pressure sensor placed proximal to the pressure sensor.

[0012] In some embodiments, the printed circuit board may include a processor. In some embodiments, the presence of a blockage in the conduit assembly may be determined based on data sensed by a sensor. In some embodiments, the blockage may be partial, partially obstructing fluid flow through the conduit assembly, or complete, completely or substantially completely obstructing fluid flow through the conduit assembly. In some embodiments, in response to determining the presence of a blockage based on data sensed by a sensor and / or another sensor, the communication module may wirelessly transmit an output signal to a receiving location.

[0013] In some embodiments, an alarm can be provided at the receiving location in response to receiving an output signal. In some embodiments, the alarm may include sound, tactile vibration, or visual cues, such as a change in the state of a light. In some embodiments, an indicator at the receiving location may be configured to provide an alarm. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, an indicator on the housing and / or the other housing may be configured to provide an alarm in response to determining that an obstruction is present.

[0014] In some embodiments, the monitoring device may transmit its output signal to a receiving location via a network. In some embodiments, the receiving location may include a patient's electronic health record, storage device, smartphone or other mobile device, computer server, barcode scanner, laptop computer, nurse station, printer, or other suitable receiving location.

[0015] In some implementations, methods for determining the presence of an obstruction in a catheter assembly may include coupling a monitoring device to the catheter assembly into which it may be left in place. In some embodiments, the method may include determining the presence of an obstruction within the catheter assembly based on data sensed by a sensor. In some embodiments, the method may include transmitting an output signal from a communication module to a receiving location in response to determining the presence of an obstruction within the catheter assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments, determining the presence of a blockage within the conduit assembly based on data sensed by sensors may include determining that the blockage is partial in response to the sensors detecting an average maximum pressure between 14 psi and 42.5 psi within the fluid passage. In some embodiments, the method may include providing an alarm in response to determining that the blockage is partial. In some embodiments, determining the presence of a blockage within the conduit assembly based on data sensed by sensors may include determining that the blockage is complete in response to the sensors detecting an average maximum pressure of at least 42.5 psi. In some embodiments, the method may include providing an alarm in response to determining that the blockage is complete.

[0017] In some embodiments, determining the presence of an obstruction within the catheter assembly based on data sensed by sensors may include determining that the pressure within the catheter assembly (such as average maximum pressure) is greater than a threshold. In some embodiments, the sensors may include a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor being disposed within the fluid passage proximal to the first pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the method may include determining the direction of fluid flow within the catheter assembly based on data sensed by the first and second pressure sensors.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sensor may include a first flow sensor and a second flow sensor, the second flow sensor being disposed within the fluid passage near the first flow sensor. In some embodiments, the method may include determining the direction of fluid flow within the conduit assembly based on data sensed by the first and second flow sensors.

[0019] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and exemplary, and not limiting. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that embodiments may be combined, or other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure unless so required. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be construed as limiting. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, utilizing additional features and details, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1A This is a top perspective view of an example monitoring device coupled to an example conduit assembly according to some embodiments;

[0022] Figure 1B According to some embodiments Figure 1A Top perspective view of the monitoring equipment;

[0023] Figure 2A According to some embodiments Figure 1A A partial cross-sectional view of the monitoring equipment;

[0024] Figure 2B According to some embodiments Figure 1A Another partial cross-sectional view of the monitoring device shows that the example circuit board, example battery, and example sensor have been removed;

[0025] Figure 2C According to some embodiments Figure 1A The monitoring equipment along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of line 2C-2C;

[0026] Figure 2D According to some embodiments Figure 1A Another partial cross-sectional view of the monitoring equipment;

[0027] Figure 2E According to some embodiments Figure 1A Another partial cross-sectional view of the monitoring equipment;

[0028] Figure 3A This is an exploded view of another exemplary monitoring device according to some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 3B According to some embodiments Figure 3A Top perspective view of the monitoring equipment;

[0030] Figure 3C According to some embodiments Figure 3A A bottom view of the first housing of the monitoring equipment;

[0031] Figure 3D According to some embodiments Figure 3A Side view of the monitoring equipment;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a top perspective view of an exemplary receiving position according to some embodiments; and

[0033] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of an exemplary monitoring system according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Now for reference Figure 1A According to some embodiments, an example catheter system 10 is shown. In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a monitoring device 12 and a catheter assembly 16 that can be coupled to the monitoring device 12.

[0035] In some embodiments, catheter assembly 16 may include catheter adapter 18 and catheter 20 extending distally from catheter adapter 18. In some embodiments, catheter adapter 18 may include a side port 22 in fluid communication with a lumen of catheter adapter 18. In some embodiments, catheter adapter 18 may include a proximal end 23, a distal end 24, and a lumen extending therebetween. In some embodiments, catheter 20 may include a PIVC, PICC, or midline catheter.

[0036] 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 secured within the needle hub 26. In some embodiments, when the catheter assembly 16 is in an insertion position ready for insertion into a patient's vascular system, the guide needle 28 may extend through the catheter 20, for example as... Figure 1A As shown. In some embodiments, in response to the insertion of the guide needle 28 into the patient's vascular system, blood return may flow through the sharp distal tip 30 of the guide needle 28, and at another location between the guide needle 28 and the catheter 20 and / or within the catheter assembly 16, the blood return may be visible to the clinician.

[0037] In some embodiments, in response to confirmation via blood return that the catheter 20 is positioned within the patient's vascular system, the needle assembly can be removed from the catheter assembly 16. In some embodiments, when the needle assembly is coupled to the catheter assembly 16, for example as... Figure 1A As shown, the guide needle 28 of the needle assembly can extend through a septum disposed within the lumen of the catheter adapter 18.

[0038] In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 16 may include an extension tube 34. In some embodiments, the distal end of the extension tube 34 may be integrally formed with the catheter adapter 18, for example, as shown in the figure. Figure 1A As shown. For example, the extension tube 34 may be integrally formed with the side port 22 of the catheter adapter 18. In some embodiments, the extension tube 34 may be removably coupled to the catheter adapter 18.

[0039] In some embodiments, adapter 38 may be coupled to the proximal end of extension tube 34. In some embodiments, adapter 38 may include a Y-adapter or another suitable connector. In some embodiments, needleless connector 40 may be coupled to adapter 38. In some embodiments, adapter 38 and / or needleless connector 40 may be used to couple catheter 20 to monitoring device 12. In some embodiments, a medical device for fluid administration or blood aspiration may be coupled to the proximal end of monitoring device 12. The medical device may include an infusion bag, syringe, or any other suitable medical device.

[0040] Now refer to Figure 1B In some embodiments, the monitoring device 12 may include a housing 42, which may include a distal end 44, a proximal end 46, and a fluid passage 48 extending through the proximal end 46 and the distal end 44. In some embodiments, the distal end 44 may include a connector configured to couple to the conduit assembly 16. In some embodiments, the proximal end 46 may include another connector. In some embodiments, the connector and / or other connectors may include a convex or concave Luer connector. In some embodiments, the Luer connector may include a Luer slider or a Luer locking feature.

[0041] Now refer to Figures 2A-2E In some embodiments, the monitoring device 12 may include one or more sensors within the fluid passage 48. In some embodiments, the fluid passage 48 may be in fluid communication with a fluid passage extending through the conduit assembly 16. Thus, by detecting conditions within the fluid passage 48, the sensors can detect conditions within the fluid passage extending through the conduit assembly 16.

[0042] For example, such as Figure 2A-2CAs shown, in some embodiments, the sensor may include a flow sensor 50 and / or a pressure sensor 52. In some embodiments, the flow sensor 50 may be located distal to the pressure sensor 52. In some embodiments, the flow sensor 50 may be located proximal to the pressure sensor 52. For example, the positions of the flow sensor 50 and the pressure sensor 52 may be... Figure 2A The positions shown are reversed. In some embodiments, the sensor may be positioned at various locations relative to the fluid passage 48.

[0043] In some embodiments, the flow sensor 50 may be configured to detect the fluid flow rate and / or fluid flow rate within the fluid passage 48. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 52 may be configured to detect the fluid pressure within the fluid passage 48. In some embodiments, the fluid passage 48 may be enclosed within the housing 42 such that fluid does not leak from the fluid passage 48 when fluid flows between the distal end 44 and the proximal end 46. In some embodiments, the fluid passage 48 may extend through a tunnel 54, which may include one or more holes 56 through which a sensor may extend to close the fluid passage 48.

[0044] In some embodiments, flow sensor 50 may include any suitable flow sensor capable of detecting fluid flow through fluid passage 48. Various suitable fluid flow sensors are known and can be used. Exemplary examples of suitable fluid flow sensors may include, but are not limited to, optical sensors, piezoelectric sensors, acoustic sensors, reed switch-based sensors, magnetic sensors, ultrasonic sensors, orifice flow meters, venturi flow meters, etc.

[0045] In some embodiments, the flow sensor 50 may include a heat flow meter. In some embodiments, the heat flow meter may include a heater that can heat the fluid traveling through the fluid passage 48. In some embodiments, the heat flow meter may be configured to measure the fluid temperature at upstream and downstream points within the fluid passage 48. In some embodiments, the fluid flow rate may be determined based on the temperature difference between the upstream and downstream points. In some embodiments, the heater may be controlled to maintain a constant temperature, and the fluid flow rate may be determined based on the amount of power required to maintain the constant temperature. An example flow sensor can be described in U.S. Patent 5,533,412, filed June 7, 1995, entitled “PULSED THERMAL FLOW SENSOR SYSTEM,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0046] In some embodiments, pressure sensor 52 may include any suitable flow sensor capable of detecting fluid pressure within fluid passage 48. In some embodiments, pressure sensor 52 may include a pressure-sensitive device, which may be capacitive, resistive, optical, or ultrasonic. In some embodiments, a first surface of pressure sensor 52 may be exposed to fluid within fluid passage 48, and a second surface of pressure sensor 52 (i.e., a reference surface) may be exposed to a liquid or gas at a reference pressure. In some embodiments, a measured pressure difference between the first and second surfaces of pressure sensor 52 may provide an indication of the fluid pressure exposed at the first surface.

[0047] In some embodiments, the monitoring device 12 may include a communication unit 58 configured to wirelessly transmit an output signal to a receiving location. In some embodiments, the output signal may be based on data sensed by a sensor. In some embodiments, a printed circuit board (“PCB”) 60 and / or a power supply 62 may be disposed within a housing 42. In some embodiments, the power supply 62 may include a battery, which may be rechargeable and / or replaceable. In some embodiments, the position of the PCB 60 and / or the power supply 62 within the housing 42 may vary.

[0048] In some embodiments, power supply 62 may be electrically coupled to the sensor and may be configured to power the sensor. In some embodiments, power supply 62 may be located remotely from PCB 60 and even remotely from conduit assembly 16. In some embodiments, PCB 60 may include a non-volatile memory storage location, such as flash memory, to allow data sensed by the sensor to be stored thereon, temporarily or permanently. In some embodiments, the storage location may be user-accessible and / or transferable to a receiving location.

[0049] In some embodiments, the communication unit 58 and / or processor may be disposed on the PCB 60 and electrically coupled to the sensor. In some embodiments, the presence of a blockage in the conduit assembly 16 may be determined based on data sensed by the sensor. In some embodiments, the blockage may be partial, partially obstructing fluid flow through the conduit assembly, or complete, completely or substantially completely obstructing fluid flow through the conduit assembly. In some embodiments, in response to determining the presence of a blockage based on data sensed by the sensor, the communication unit 58 may wirelessly transmit an output signal to a receiving location.

[0050] In some embodiments, an alarm can be provided at the receiving location in response to receiving an output signal. In some embodiments, the alarm may include sound, tactile vibration, or visual cues, such as a change in the state of a light. In some embodiments, an indicator at the receiving location may be configured to provide an alarm.

[0051] Alternatively or concurrently, in some embodiments, an indicator on housing 42 may be configured to provide an alarm in response to determining the presence of a blockage. In some embodiments, the indicator may include one or more lights, which may be arranged in various configurations. Return to Reference Figure 1B In some embodiments, the alarm may include a visual cue, which may include a change in the state of one or more lights 64. For example, one or more lights 64 may turn on or change color in response to determining that an obstruction exists, such as partial or complete obstruction.

[0052] Return to reference Figures 2A-2E In some embodiments, the presence of air bubbles in the fluid passage 48 can be determined in response to a decrease in fluid pressure detected by pressure sensor 52 within the fluid passage 48. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the decrease may be greater than a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, an indicator on the housing 42 and / or at the receiving position may be configured to provide an alarm in response to the determination of the presence of air bubbles.

[0053] In some embodiments, the monitoring device 12 may transmit the output signal to a receiving location via a network. In some embodiments, the receiving location may include a patient's electronic medical record, storage device, smartphone or other mobile device, computer server, barcode scanner, laptop computer, nurse station, printer or other suitable receiving location.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2D As shown, the sensor may include at least two pressure sensors, which may include or correspond to Figure 2A Pressure sensor 52. In some embodiments, two pressure sensors can provide a more robust determination of blockages within the conduit system 10 and / or facilitate the determination of the direction of fluid flow within the fluid passage 48. In some embodiments, the direction of fluid flow can be determined in response to the first of the two pressure sensors detecting an increase in fluid pressure within the fluid passage 48 before or after the second of the two pressure sensors.

[0055] In some embodiments, bubbles in the fluid passage 48 may be determined in response to one or more of the two pressure sensors detecting a decrease in fluid pressure within the fluid passage 48. In some embodiments, the direction of bubble travel may be determined in response to the first of the two pressure sensors detecting a decrease in fluid pressure within the fluid passage 48 before or after the second of the two pressure sensors.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2E As shown, the sensor may include at least two flow sensors, which may include or correspond to Figure 2AThe flow sensor 50. In some embodiments, the direction of fluid flow may be determined in response to the first of the two flow sensors detecting an increase in fluid pressure within the fluid passage 48 before or after the second of the two flow sensors.

[0057] Now for reference Figures 3A-3D In some embodiments, another housing 66 may be removably coupled to housing 42. In some embodiments, the other housing 66 may include one or more of the following: PCB 60, power supply 62, and one or more electrical contacts 68. In some embodiments, housing 42 may include one or more other electrical contacts 70 that may be operatively coupled to the electrical contacts 68 of the other housing 66, such that power supply 62 may provide power to the sensor and / or data from the sensor may be transmitted to PCB 60.

[0058] In some embodiments, housing 42 and another housing 66 may be coupled together by any suitable coupling mechanism, including, for example, threads, snap-fit, interference fit, friction, or adhesive. In some embodiments, housing 42 or another housing 66 may include a recess or cavity 71. In some embodiments, housing 42 or another housing 66 may include a protrusion 72 which may be configured to fit tightly within the cavity 71.

[0059] In some embodiments, housing 42 may be discarded after use, and another housing 66 may be reusable. In some embodiments, the other housing 66 may be cleaned and reused to care for other patients. In some embodiments, the other housing 66 may be detached from housing 42 and coupled to another housing similar to housing 42. In some embodiments, placing PCB 60 and / or communication unit 58 in another housing 66 may provide space for sensors within housing 42 and / or may prevent the replacement of the relatively expensive component PCB 60 when housing 42 is replaced.

[0060] In some embodiments, another housing 66 may include an indicator configured to provide an alarm in response to determining the presence of a blockage. For example, the other housing 66 may include a lamp 64, which may be arranged in various configurations. In some embodiments, the description of lamp 64 and / or the vicinity of lamp 64 may be as follows: Figure 1B The arrangement is as shown in the diagram. In some embodiments, the lamp 64 may turn on or change color in response to the detection of an obstruction, such as a partial or complete obstruction indicator. In some embodiments, housing 42 and / or another housing 66 may include a display 74, which may be an indicator.

[0061] Now for reference Figure 4The diagram illustrates exemplary receiving locations according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the receiving location may include a clinician monitoring device 76. Examples of the clinician monitoring device 76 may include a computing device, mobile phone, smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, medical device, or connected device (e.g., smartwatch, smart glasses, or any other connected device). In some embodiments, the clinician monitoring device 76 may provide alarms in addition to or as an alternative to the monitoring device 12. In some embodiments, the clinician monitoring device 76 may include a pump that may be coupled to the proximal end 46 of the monitoring device 12 and is configured to infuse the catheter system 10 in response to receiving an output signal.

[0062] In some embodiments, the clinician monitoring device 76 may include a display screen 78 that can provide alerts. In some embodiments, the alert may include phrases such as “partial blockage” or “complete blockage”. In some embodiments, the alert may include visual cues on the display screen 78, such as a portion 80 of the display screen 78 that lights up or changes color. In some embodiments, a portion 80 of the display screen 78 may flash or change its flashing rate to provide an alert. In some embodiments, electronic health records may be displayed on the display screen 78 of the clinician monitoring device 76.

[0063] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a monitoring device 12 arranged according to at least one embodiment described in this disclosure. In some embodiments, the monitoring device 12 may include a computing system 82, which may include, for example, information about... Figure 2A PCB 60 as described.

[0064] In some embodiments, the computing system 82 may include a processor 84, a memory 86, a data storage device 88, and a communication unit 58. In some embodiments, the processor 84, memory 86, data storage device 88, and communication unit 58 may be communicatively coupled via a bus 90. The bus 90 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 any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the processor 84 may include a timer 98. In some embodiments, the timer 98 may be a separate component linked to the processor 84.

[0065] Typically, processor 84 may include any suitable special-purpose or general-purpose computer, computing entity, or processing device comprising various computer hardware or software modules, and may be configured to execute instructions stored on any suitable computer-readable storage medium. For example, processor 84 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other digital or analog circuit configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data. Although in Figure 5 While shown as a single processor, processor 84 may include any number of processors configured to perform any number of operations described herein, individually or collectively. Furthermore, one or more of processors 84 may reside on one or more different electronic devices.

[0066] In some embodiments, processor 84 may interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data stored in memory 86, data storage device 88, or both memory 86 and data storage device 88. In some embodiments, processor 84 may retrieve program instructions from data storage device 88 and load the program instructions into memory 86. In some embodiments, after the program instructions are loaded into memory 86, processor 84 may execute the program instructions.

[0067] For example, in some embodiments, the blocking module 92 may be included as program instructions in the data storage device 88. In some embodiments, the blocking module 92 may be configured to manage flow conditions in a conduit system, such as the conduit system 10 described with respect to FIG. 1. The processor 84 may retrieve the program instructions for the blocking module 92 from the data storage device 88 and may load the program instructions for the blocking module 92 into memory 86. After the program instructions for the blocking module 92 are loaded into memory 86, the processor 84 may execute the program instructions, causing the computing system 82 to perform operations related to the blocking module 92 according to the instructions.

[0068] The memory 86 and data storage device 88 may include a computer-readable storage medium for carrying computer-executable instructions or data structures, or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such a computer-readable storage medium may include any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, such as processor 84. By way of example and not limitation, such a computer-readable storage medium may include tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory devices (e.g., solid-state memory devices), or any other storage medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and is accessible by a general-purpose 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 processor 84 to perform a particular operation or group of operations.

[0069] In some embodiments, one or more clinician monitoring devices 87 may be connected to computing system 82 via network 94. In these and other embodiments, network 94 may include wired or wireless networks and may have any suitable configuration, such as a star topology, token ring topology, or other configurations. Furthermore, in some embodiments, network 94 may include Ethernet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), and / or other interconnected data paths across which multiple devices can communicate. In some embodiments, network 94 may include a peer-to-peer network. In some embodiments, network 94 may also be coupled to or include portions of a telecommunications network that enable data transmission using various different communication protocols. In some embodiments, clinician monitoring devices 87 may include or correspond to references Figure 4 The aforementioned clinical physician monitoring device 76.

[0070] In some embodiments, network 94 may include methods for sending and receiving data. The communication network and / or cellular communication network sends and receives 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 94 can communicate via standards-based protocols (e.g., Smart Energy Profile (SEP), Echonet Lite, OpenADR, or another suitable protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi, ZigBee, HomePlug Green, etc.)).

[0071] In some embodiments, the communication unit 58 may be configured to transmit data to and receive data from the clinician monitoring device 87 via the network 94. In some embodiments, the communication unit 58 may also be configured to transmit data and receive data from a display screen and / or electronic health record 100. In some embodiments, the display screen may include or correspond to a reference. Figure 4 The described display screen 78. In some embodiments, the blocking module 92 may be configured to send and receive data via the communication unit 58.

[0072] In some embodiments, communication unit 58 may include a port for direct physical connection to network 94 and / or another communication channel. For example, communication unit 58 may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a Secure Digital (SD) port, a Category 5 cable (CAT-5) port, or a similar port for wired communication with another device. In some embodiments, communication unit 58 may include a wireless transceiver for exchanging data with clinician monitoring device 87 or other communication channels using one or more wireless communication methods, including IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, etc. Or another suitable wireless communication method.

[0073] In some embodiments, communication unit 58 may include a cellular transceiver for sending and receiving data over a cellular communication network, including via SMS, MMS, HTTP, direct data connection, WAP, email, or another suitable type of electronic communication. Communication unit 58 may also provide other conventional connections to network 94 for distributing files or media objects using standard network protocols including Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), HTTP Secure (HTTPS), and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).

[0074] In some embodiments, examples are now provided of how the blockage module 92 can manage flow conditions within the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the blockage module 92 can determine the presence of a blockage within the catheter assembly based on data sensed by a sensor, such as a reference sensor. Figure 1A-3D The sensors of one or more of the monitoring devices 12 described herein. In some embodiments, the obstruction module 92 may be configured to transmit an output signal from the communication module to the receiving location in response to determining the presence of an obstruction within the conduit assembly.

[0075] In some embodiments, the blocking module 92 may be configured to determine that the blockage is partial in response to a sensor detecting an average maximum pressure between 14 psi and 42.5 psi within the fluid passage near the sensor. In some embodiments, the blocking module 92 may be configured to generate an alarm and / or output signal in response to determining that the blockage is partial. In some embodiments, the blocking module 92 may be configured to determine that the blockage is complete in response to a sensor detecting an average maximum pressure of at least 42.5 psi. In some embodiments, the blocking module 92 may be configured to generate an alarm and / or output signal in response to determining that the blockage is complete.

[0076] In some embodiments, the blocking module 92 may be configured to determine that the pressure (such as the average maximum pressure) within the catheter assembly is greater than a threshold. In some embodiments, the blocking module 92 may be configured to determine the direction of fluid flow within the catheter assembly based on data sensed by sensors.

[0077] In some embodiments, the external server may include one or more components of the computing system 82. In some embodiments, the external server may be connected to the monitoring device 12 and / or the clinician monitoring device 87 via network 94 or another network. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the computing system 82 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0078] All examples and conditional language cited herein are for illustrative purposes, to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors relative to the prior art, and should be construed as not being limited to these specifically cited examples and conditions. While embodiments of the invention may be described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A monitoring device for detecting when a catheter is partially blocked, comprising: A first housing, the first housing including a planar top surface, a distal end, a proximal end, a wall forming a tunnel extending through the proximal end and the distal end, and a fluid passage extending through the tunnel, wherein the wall includes a first hole and a second hole extending through the wall, wherein the distal end includes a connector configured to couple to a catheter assembly, the first housing including: Multiple sensors are disposed and spaced apart within the fluid passage, wherein the multiple sensors include a first sensor disposed within a first orifice and a second sensor disposed within a second orifice, wherein the first and second sensors enclose the fluid passage within a tunnel between the distal and proximal ends of a first housing; and A first set of electrical contacts, connected to the plurality of sensors and embedded in the top surface of the plane; and A second housing having a planar bottom surface, the second housing comprising: A computing system with a processor is configured to receive data sensed by the plurality of sensors. The processor is configured to detect, based on the received data, when the conduit is partially blocked but not completely blocked. The computing system further includes a communication unit through which the processor wirelessly transmits an output signal to a receiving location when the processor detects partial blockage of the conduit. The second set of electrical contacts is connected to the computing system and is embedded in the planar bottom surface.

2. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the processor detects partial blockage of the conduit by detecting the average maximum pressure, defined by the data, between 14 psi and 42.5 psi.

3. The monitoring device of claim 2, wherein the housing includes an indicator configured to provide an alarm in response to the processor determining that the conduit is partially blocked.

4. The monitoring device of claim 3, wherein the second housing includes another indicator configured to provide an alarm in response to the processor determining that the conduit is completely blocked.

5. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors includes one or more pressure sensors configured to detect the fluid pressure of the fluid within the fluid passage.

6. The monitoring device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of sensors includes one or more flow sensors configured to detect the fluid flow rate of the fluid within the fluid passage.

7. The monitoring device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of sensors includes two pressure sensors.

8. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the first housing includes a Luer connector.

9. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to wirelessly transmit another output signal to the receiving location in response to detecting when the duct is completely blocked.

10. The monitoring device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of sensors includes two pressure sensors, wherein the processor detects partial blockage of the conduit by detecting an average maximum pressure, defined in the received data, between 14 psi and 42.5 psi.

11. The monitoring device of claim 10, wherein the processor detects complete blockage of the conduit by detecting an average maximum pressure greater than 42.5 psi in the received data.

12. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the processor detects partial blockage of the conduit by detecting an average maximum pressure between 14 psi and 42.5 psi, as defined by the received data.

13. The monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors includes two pressure sensors, and wherein the processor is configured to determine the direction of fluid flow within the conduit assembly based on data sensed by the plurality of sensors.

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