Autoinjector pump near-air alarm activation threshold programming

Abstract

Example systems, methods, and devices are disclosed herein for automatically programming a near-air alert activation threshold based on a type of infusion therapy selected by a user on a syringe pump. Example systems, methods, and devices are configured to use a preloaded drug library to determine whether a selected infusion therapy type includes PCA single dose administration, and accordingly define an appropriate time or volume based alarm activation threshold. The disclosed systems, methods, and devices prevent human programming errors by minimizing the need for broad user interactions with syringe pumps. Further, the disclosed systems, methods, and devices allow automatic programming to increase effective infusion dosing and prevent programming errors that may cause discomfort or even injury to the patient.

Description

[0001] Priority Claims and Cross - References to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Indian Patent Application No. 202241075890, filed on December 27, 2022, and entitled AUTOMATIC SYRINGE PUMP NEAREMPTY ALARM ACTIVATION THRESHOLD PROGRAMMING, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Syringe pumps are commonly used for intravenous administration of pain medications. The syringe pump is programmed to deliver an infusion at a continuous constant rate or may include patient - controlled analgesia (PCA) bolus dosing. During an infusion that requires multiple syringes to sequentially deliver a total volume of medication, the active syringe will become empty and the user will have to insert a new syringe to continue the infusion. Sorting, verifying, and loading a new syringe can take some time, during which the pump is not infusing and the patient will experience discomfort (pain). Currently, the pump control system threshold alarm ("syringe near - empty alarm") warns the user before the volume in the syringe reaches zero in order to prevent an interruption in the infusion.

[0004] The syringe near - empty alarm can be activated when a threshold of the calculated remaining infusion time or a threshold of the volume remaining in the sensor - monitored syringe is reached. Both activation thresholds present problems for the user. First, the time - based threshold is accurate for continuous infusions that do not include bolus dosing because the remaining time in the infusion can be easily calculated. However, the calculated time threshold is inaccurate for infusions that include bolus dosing because the syringe pump control system cannot predict when a bolus dose will be initiated by the patient, and thus, the alarm is activated either very early or very late. Second, the volume - based threshold overcomes some of the problems of the time - based threshold. In that case, the user sets a high volume threshold for infusions that include PCA bolus dosing. However, the user must set a low volume threshold for continuous infusions.

[0005] Problems can occur if the user incorrectly programs the time - based threshold for an infusion that includes PCA bolus dosing or if the user sets a low volume threshold for an infusion that includes PCA bolus dosing. There is also a high likelihood of human error in a stressful hospital environment, and specifically, because the user interacts more with the pump control system programming in a medical setting.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a syringe pump that minimizes user interaction with the syringe pump control system and automatically sets time- and / or volume-based activation thresholds for near-empty syringe alerts based on the type of infusion therapy entered by the user. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Disclosed herein are example systems, methods, and devices for automatically programming near-empty alert activation thresholds based on the type of infusion therapy selected by a user on a syringe pump. The example systems, methods, and devices are configured to: use a pre-loaded drug library to determine whether the selected type of infusion therapy includes PCA single-dose administration and, accordingly, define an appropriate time- or volume-based alert activation threshold. The disclosed systems, methods, and devices prevent human programming errors by minimizing the need for extensive user interaction with the syringe pump. Additionally, the disclosed systems, methods, and devices allow for automatic programming to increase effective infusion dosing and prevent programming errors that could cause patient discomfort or injury.

[0008] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, which is not limited in any way by the present disclosure and may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless otherwise stated, a syringe pump includes an actuator, a syringe holder, a display screen, a memory, and a processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a user-selected type of infusion therapy; determine whether the selected user-selected type of infusion therapy includes PCA single-dose administration or includes a continuous infusion without single-dose administration; if the user-selected type of infusion therapy includes PCA single-dose administration, determine a volume-based threshold; if the type of infusion therapy includes a continuous infusion without single-dose administration, determine a time-based threshold; calculate or determine infusion therapy progress data related to the dosing of the infusion therapy, the infusion therapy progress data including at least one of a total infusion time or a remaining volume in the syringe; compare the total infusion time with the time-based threshold when the user-selected type of infusion therapy includes the continuous infusion without single-dose administration; compare the remaining volume in the syringe with the volume-based threshold when the user-selected type of infusion therapy includes PCA single-dose administration; and generate a message on the display screen that displays a user warning when the syringe holder on the syringe pump reaches the time- or volume-based threshold.

[0009] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, which can be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless otherwise stated, a method of operating a syringe pump based on user input includes: a user selecting an infusion treatment type from a pre-loaded drug library displayed on a display screen; transmitting the selected infusion treatment type to a processor that communicates with a memory, and the processor determining whether the selected infusion treatment type includes PCA single-dose administration or continuous infusion without single-dose administration; if the infusion treatment type includes PCA single-dose administration, transmitting an instruction defining a volume-based threshold from the memory to the processor; if the infusion treatment type includes continuous infusion without single-dose administration, transmitting an instruction defining a time-based threshold from the memory to the processor; the control system automatically converting the volume threshold input by the user into a time-based threshold for continuous infusion without single-dose administration; generating a message on the display screen to display a user warning when the syringe holder on the syringe pump reaches the time-based or volume-based threshold; and allowing the user to control an actuator for the syringe pump based on the user input.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present disclosure (which can be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless otherwise stated), the drug library includes information on whether the infusion treatment type is delivered as PCA single-dose administration or continuous infusion without single-dose administration.

[0011] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure (which can be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless otherwise stated), the user input is a volume-based threshold.

[0012] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure (which can be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless otherwise stated), the user input is a time-based threshold.

[0013] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure (which can be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless otherwise stated), the infusion treatment type is a drug or supplement, the volume of the syringe, the syringe type, the time threshold, the volume threshold, and the volume of single-dose administration.

[0014] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure (which can be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless otherwise stated), the pre-loaded drug library includes the name of the infusion treatment type.

[0015] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure (which can be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless otherwise stated), the memory matches the infusion treatment type selected from the pre-loaded drug library displayed on the display screen with an entry in the pre-loaded drug library and retrieves information on whether the infusion is delivered as PCA single-dose administration or continuous infusion without single-dose administration.

[0016] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure (which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein, unless otherwise stated), the processor determines whether a time-based threshold is reached by calculating a total infusion time based on syringe volume, syringe type, and infusion rate, by monitoring the running infusion time, and by identifying when the running infusion time is equal to the difference between the total infusion time and a time-based threshold.

[0017] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure (which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein, unless otherwise stated), the processor determines whether a volume-based threshold is reached by: calculating a total infusion volume using the syringe volume and syringe type; calculating the syringe volume displaced by the plunger using the syringe type; receiving data from a volume sensor that tracks the position of the plunger relative to the syringe; calculating a remaining syringe volume by comparing the difference between the total infusion volume and the displaced syringe volume; and identifying when the remaining syringe volume is equal to the volume-based threshold.

[0018] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure (which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein, unless otherwise stated), the processor determines whether a volume-based threshold is reached by: calculating a single-dose administration rationing time using the syringe volume, syringe type, and single-dose administration volume; determining at the start of a single-dose administration whether the syringe volume after the single-dose administration will be below the volume-based threshold; and calculating a specific time during the single-dose administration rationing time when the syringe volume will be equal to the volume-based threshold.

[0019] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure (which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein, unless otherwise stated), a message is transmitted to a clinician device.

[0020] In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure (which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein, unless otherwise stated), the clinician device is one of a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a workstation, or a pager.

[0021] In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure (which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein, unless otherwise stated), a syringe pump includes an actuator, a syringe holder, a display screen, a memory, and a processor. The memory stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a type of infusion therapy selected by a user; determine whether the selected type of infusion therapy selected by the user includes PCA single-dose administration or includes continuous infusion without single-dose administration; determine whether the selected type of infusion therapy selected by the user includes a volume-based threshold or includes a time-based threshold; and generate, on the display screen, a message displaying a user warning when the syringe holder on the syringe pump reaches the time-based or volume-based threshold.

[0022] In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure (which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein, unless otherwise stated), when the type of infusion therapy selected by the user includes PCA single-dose administration, the processor determines a volume-based threshold.

[0023] In a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure (which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein, unless otherwise stated), the processor calculates or determines the remaining volume in the syringe on the syringe holder.

[0024] In a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein, unless otherwise stated, when the type of infusion therapy selected by the user includes PCA single-dose administration, the processor compares the remaining volume in the syringe with the volume-based threshold.

[0025] In an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein, unless otherwise stated, when the type of infusion therapy selected by the user includes continuous infusion without single-dose administration, the processor determines a time-based threshold.

[0026] In a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure (which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein, unless otherwise stated), the processor calculates or determines the total time of infusion.

[0027] In a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein, unless otherwise stated, when the type of infusion therapy selected by the user includes continuous infusion without single-dose administration, the processor compares the total time of infusion with the time-based threshold.

[0028] In a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure Figures 1 to 5 any structure, function, and alternative disclosed in any one or more of the figures Figures 1 to 5 may be combined with any other structure, function, and alternative disclosed in any other one or more of the figures.

[0029] According to the present disclosure and the above aspects, an advantage of the present disclosure is thus: minimizing user interaction with the syringe pump control system to minimize human error.

[0030] Another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a syringe pump control system that automatically sets time and / or volume thresholds for a near-empty syringe alert based on the type of infusion therapy input by the user.

[0031] Additional features and advantages are described in the following detailed description and the drawings, and will be apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive, and in particular, given the drawings and description, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, any particular embodiment need not have all of the advantages listed herein, and it is expressly contemplated to claim each advantageous embodiment separately. In addition, it should be noted that the language used in this specification has been chosen primarily for readability and guidance purposes, rather than to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a system-level diagram of a syringe pump within a hospital information system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary syringe pump including a Baxter® Novum pump, which exemplary syringe pump may be included in Figure 1 the hospital system.

[0034] Figure 3 is a software component diagram of operations performed by a syringe pump according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure by Figure 1 the syringe pump.

[0035] Figure 4 is a diagram of a pump control system process for activating a syringe near-empty alert based on user input according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5 is a sample view of a user interface for use in a display screen of a syringe pump according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in Figure 1 the syringe pump. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and devices for a syringe pump that define a time- or volume-based near-empty alarm activation threshold based on a user-selected infusion treatment type (drug name, syringe volume, syringe type, and single-dose administration volume when applicable). Example methods, systems, and devices are configured to automatically select a time- or volume-based alarm activation threshold after a user selects a drug to be infused into a patient. In this way, the interaction between the user and the syringe pump control system is minimized. Instead, the user selects the drug being infused, and the processor and memory in the syringe pump communicate this information to each other. The processor matches the user-selected drug with an entry in a pre-loaded drug library. Entries from the pre-loaded drug library include information on whether the infusion protocol for the drug includes PCA single-dose administration or is continuous without PCA single-dose administration. When the infusion protocol includes PCA single-dose administration, the processor selects a volume-based near-empty alarm activation threshold, locates the relevant instructions, and transmits them to the processor. Alternatively, when the infusion protocol does not include PCA single-dose administration, the processor selects a time-based near-empty alarm activation threshold, locates the relevant instructions, and transmits them to the processor. The processor executes the instructions it receives from the memory, monitors the time or volume in the syringe pump, and activates the near-empty alarm once the appropriate threshold is met. In this way, since the syringe pump control system automatically programs itself after the user selects the drug to be infused, the user does not need to decide whether to program a time- or volume-based threshold.

[0038] The present disclosure mentions a memory. As disclosed herein, a memory refers to a device that holds electronic data and / or instructions for immediate use by a processor and / or a pump control system. The memory is capable of receiving and transmitting data.

[0039] The present disclosure mentions a processor. As disclosed herein, a processor refers to a device that executes instructions stored by a memory. The memory receives and transmits data.

[0040] The present disclosure mentions an infusion. As disclosed herein, an infusion refers to the placement of a fluid into the bloodstream intravenously using a needle or catheter. The fluid can be a drug, a supplement, or a mixture thereof.

[0041] The present disclosure mentions a drug library. As disclosed herein, a drug library refers to an indexed list of drugs and supplements. Each entry contains the name of the substance (both scientific and brand names), important parameters (such as maximum and minimum doses), concentration information, infusion rate, and whether the drug is dispensed with or without PCA single-dose administration. It should be noted that additional information can be included in the entries of the drug library.

[0042] Although example methods, devices, and systems are disclosed herein as operating with a syringe pump, it should be understood that the methods, devices, and systems can operate with other pumps. For example, the methods, devices, and systems can provide for automatically setting a near-empty alarm threshold in a PCA pump based on the type of infusion therapy input by a user.

[0043] Medical environment embodiments

[0044] Figure 1 is a system-level diagram of a syringe pump within a hospital information system 100. Example system 100 includes a syringe pump 125, a network 115, a gateway 110, and an electronic medical record (“EMR”) server 105. Syringe pump 125 is capable of delivering an intravenous infusion therapy to a patient 130 via one or more intravenous (“IV”) line sets based on inputs entered by a user 120. Syringe pump 125 is connected to network 115. Additionally, gateway 110 and EMR server 105 are also connected to network 115. In this way, syringe pump 125 is communicatively coupled to gateway 110 and EMR server 105 via network 115. In some embodiments, multiple syringe pumps 125 are connected to network 115, gateway 110, and EMR server 105. It should be noted that these connections can be wireless (such as via Bluetooth®) or wired (via serial, Ethernet, CAN, or USB connections).

[0045] Gateway 110 is configured to receive infusion therapy type data (e.g., drug name, syringe volume, and single-dose administration volume (when applicable)) from syringe pump 125 and route the data to EMR server 124. In some embodiments, gateway 110 is configured to convert the data from, for example, an EXTCOM message to an HL7 message. In still other embodiments, network 115 and gateway 110 are omitted from system 100.

[0046] Gateway 110 can also be configured to transmit operating parameters or prescription parameters to syringe pump 125. For example, gateway 110 can send an electronic prescription (or software update) to syringe pump 125 at a predetermined time and / or when syringe pump 125 is available to receive a prescription. In other cases, syringe pump 125 can be configured to periodically poll gateway 110 to determine whether an electronic prescription (or software update) is waiting to be downloaded to the pump.

[0047] Correspondingly, syringe pump 125 transmits infusion therapy progress data to network 110. Network 110 then converts the therapy progress data into a protocol for transmission via Ethernet to gateway 110 via network 115. Gateway 110 can include, for example, a Baxter® IQ Enterprise® gateway. In this way, gateway 110 can be configured to integrate with EMR server 105 or other hospital systems to facilitate transmission of infusion therapy progress data from syringe pump 125 to, for example, a hospital electronic medical record (“EMR”) associated with patient 130.

[0048] In one embodiment, EMR server 105 is also communicatively coupled to a pharmacy server (not shown) that is configured to create and / or transmit a drug order corresponding to, for example, a prepared drug (not shown). The drug order includes an electronic record or entry that identifies the patient (e.g., patient identifier) and infusion parameters for dispensing. The drug order is assigned a unique identifier. In some embodiments, the drug order can be printed on a label attached to a drug container that is fluidly coupled to syringe pump 125. The drug order itself associates the patient identifier with the drug identifier. EMR server 124 is configured to use the patient identifier in the drug order to store the drug order or otherwise associate the drug order with the patient's EMR.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, system 100 can also include a clinician device (not shown; e.g., a smart phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, workstation, pager, etc.) such that user 120 can monitor patient data.

[0050] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary syringe pump 125. The illustrated infusion pump 125 is a Baxter® Novum IQ syringe pump. Syringe pump 125 uses a motor connected to actuator 145 to actuate plunger 170 within syringe 160. In this embodiment, syringe pump 125 includes a volume sensor 175 that is configured to monitor the position of plunger 170 relative to syringe 160. The illustrated syringe pump 125 includes a display 150 having an interface 165 and a keypad 155 to enable a clinician to specify or program an infusion therapy.

[0051] The syringe pump 125 also includes a memory 135 and a processor 140. The memory 135 stores one or more drug libraries, and the drug libraries include specific program parameter limitations based on care area, dose change, rate of change, drug type, concentration, patient age, patient weight, etc. These limitations are configured to ensure that the received prescription or the input infusion treatment is within the acceptable range and / or limitations determined by the medical institution, doctor, or clinician. The drug libraries also include information on whether the infusion treatment includes PCA single-dose administration or is dispensed at a continuous constant rate without PCA single-dose administration.

[0052] The processor 140 is configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in the memory 135. The processor 140 executing the machine-readable instructions causes the syringe pump 125 to perform the operations described herein.

[0053] As previously mentioned, the syringe pump 125 is connected to the gateway 110 ( Figure 1 ) via the network 115 ( Figure 1 ) and communicates with the gateway 110. As also mentioned, the syringe pump 125 is configured to: monitor the progress of the infusion treatment and periodically transmit infusion treatment progress data (e.g., medical device data) to the gateway 110 ( Figure 1 ). The treatment progress data disclosed herein can include, for example, infusion rate, dose, total volume infused, remaining treatment time, drug concentration, rate change, volume remaining in the drug container, drug name, patient identifier, titration information, single-dose administration information, care area identifier, timestamp of the generated data, alarm conditions, warning conditions, events, etc. The syringe pump 125 can transmit data continuously, periodically (e.g., every 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.) or when requested by the gateway 110 ( Figure 1 ).

[0054] In some embodiments, the syringe pump 125 can also be communicatively coupled to one or more physiological sensors. For example, the syringe pump 125 can be connected to a pulse oximetry sensor, a blood pressure cuff, a line disconnection device, and / or a weight scale. The first pump 125 can be configured to: integrate or otherwise include data from, for example, the pulse oximetry sensor into the treatment progress data, or alternatively, transmit the pulse oximetry data separately to the gateway 110 ( Figure 1 ). The gateway 110 ( Figure 1 ) can then access the EMR server 105 ( Figure 1 ) to record the data in the patient's electronic medical record.

[0055] Set alarm threshold

[0056] As described above, a near-empty alert can be activated based on a time-based or volume-based activation threshold. If a user knows or wishes to define a time-based or volume-based near-empty alert activation threshold, they can use the user interface (described below) and the keypad 155 to enter the near-empty alert activation threshold into the syringe pump 125. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the user can enter the infusion therapy type (drug name, syringe volume, syringe type, and single-dose administration volume (when applicable)) into the syringe pump 125, and the syringe pump 125 automatically defines a time-based or volume-based threshold based on the drug.

[0057] Figure 3 is performed by Figure 1 The software component diagram of operation 200 for a syringe pump to define a near-empty alert threshold based on user input. As seen in this figure, first, the processor 205 receives the infusion therapy type (drug name, syringe volume, syringe type, and single-dose administration volume when applicable) data 201 input by the user. The drug name is received in the form of a drug or supplement identifier. Then, the processor 205 transmits 215 the data containing the drug name input by the user to the memory 210. The memory 210 receives the drug name data in combination with the processor 205 and searches 225 for a matching entry in the drug library. More specifically, the memory 210 indexes its drug library in combination with the processor 205 to compare the drug library entries with the received drug or supplement identifier.

[0058] Upon finding a match, the processor 205 determines whether the infusion protocol for the selected drug includes a PCA single-dose administration 220. More specifically, the processor 205 accesses the matching drug library entry and retrieves the data indicating whether the infusion protocol includes any PCA single-dose administrations or whether it does not include any PCA single-dose administrations. If the infusion protocol includes a PCA single-dose administration, the processor 205 selects a volume-based threshold 235, and if the infusion protocol does not include a PCA single-dose administration, the processor 205 selects a time-based threshold 230. Once the processor 205 selects a volume-based or time-based threshold, either it locates the volume-based threshold instruction 245 in the memory 210 or it locates the time-based threshold instruction 250 in the memory 210. Then, the memory 210 transmits the instruction to the processor 240 in combination with the processor 205.

[0059] The processor 205 receives instructions transmitted from the memory and executes them. If the instructions are to implement a time-based threshold, the processor monitors the infusion time and, at the time threshold, sends a warning message to the display screen on the syringe pump and may issue an audible alarm. More specifically, to implement a time-based threshold, the processor calculates the total infusion time using the syringe volume and syringe type input by the user and the infusion rate located by the processor in the drug library. The processor monitors the infusion time for the entire infusion protocol and, at a predetermined time threshold, sends a warning message to the display screen on the syringe pump and may issue an audible alarm. In embodiments where the system includes a clinician device, the processor may also send a warning message to the clinician device. It should be noted that the specific time threshold (i.e., when 4 minutes remain in the infusion) may be determined by the user inputting the time threshold when they enter the type of infusion therapy, or an entry for the type of infusion therapy selected by the user may be predefined in the drug library.

[0060] If the instructions are to implement a volume-based threshold, the processor monitors the remaining volume in the syringe and, at the volume threshold, sends a warning message to the display screen on the syringe pump and may issue an audible alarm. More specifically, to implement a volume-based threshold, the processor calculates the total infusion volume using the syringe volume and syringe type input by the user. The processor also uses the syringe type to calculate the volume displaced due to the movement of the plunger 170 ( Figure 2 ). Additionally, the processor uses the syringe volume, syringe type, and single-dose administration volume input by the user to calculate the time taken to dispense a single-dose administration. Throughout the infusion protocol, the processor monitors the remaining volume in the syringe 160 ( Figure 2 ) by consistently receiving data from the volume sensor 175 ( Figure 2 ) as the position of the plunger 170 ( Figure 2 ) relative to the syringe 160 ( Figure 2 ), and calculates the difference between the initial drug volume and the volume displaced by the plunger 170 ( Figure 2The difference between the volume of drug dispensed and the movement of the []. When the syringe reaches a predetermined volume threshold, the processor sends a warning message to the display screen on the syringe pump and may issue an audible alarm. In embodiments where the system includes a clinician device, the processor may also send a warning message to the clinician device. At the start of any single-dose administration, the processor determines whether the remaining volume after a single-dose administration will be below the volume threshold. If a single-dose administration will be below the volume threshold, the processor uses the time taken to dispense the single-dose administration to accurately calculate when the syringe will reach the volume threshold and sends a warning message at that time. It should be noted that the specific volume threshold (i.e., when 10 mL remains in the infusion) can be determined by the user entering the volume threshold when they enter the type of infusion treatment, or an entry for the type of infusion treatment selected by the user can be predefined in the drug library.

[0061] It should also be noted that the user can also directly enter volume- or time-based thresholds instead of having the syringe pump control system define the threshold based on the entered type of infusion treatment (drug). However, if the user enters a volume-based threshold and the infusion protocol for the drug being dispensed is continuous without any PCA single-dose administrations, the control system will automatically convert the near-empty alarm activation threshold to a time-based threshold.

[0062] Figure 4 A diagram showing the process of the pump control system for activating the syringe near-empty alarm based on user input. As seen in this diagram, the user enters their desired type of infusion treatment (block 305). The user does this by selecting, for example, the drug (type of infusion treatment) using the keyboard and screen display on the syringe pump.

[0063] Then, the data corresponding to the user input (unique drug name) is transmitted to the processor (block 310). Once the user input data reaches the processor, the processor transmits the user input data to the memory (block 315).

[0064] Upon arrival, the memory receives the user input data, locates the unique drug name identifier, and accesses its pre-loaded drug library to find a matching entry. When a match is located, the memory retrieves all the data associated with the matching entry. Then, the memory determines whether the matching entry corresponding to the selected drug (type of infusion treatment) has an infusion protocol that includes PCA single-dose administrations or whether the matching entry is continuous without PCA single-dose administrations. To achieve this, the memory retrieves data from the matching entry indicating whether the infusion protocol includes any PCA single-dose administrations or whether the infusion protocol does not include any PCA single-dose administrations (block 320).

[0065] When the data indicates that the infusion protocol for the selected drug includes PCA single-dose administration, the memory then retrieves instructions that define the nearly empty alert activation threshold as volume-based and transmits these instructions to the processor (block 330). On the other hand, when the data indicates that the infusion protocol for the selected drug does not include PCA single-dose administration, the memory then retrieves instructions that define the nearly empty alert activation threshold as time-based and transmits these instructions to the processor (block 325).

[0066] Once the processor receives the instructions from the memory, the processor executes the volume-based or time-based threshold instructions (block 335). More specifically, for the time-based threshold instructions, the processor calculates the time it would take to infuse the entire syringe at the instruction's infusion rate. The processor monitors the remaining time in the infusion by continuously communicating with the syringe pump (block 340). In this way, the processor identifies when the infusion reaches the time threshold (the total time of the infusion minus the desired time for the nearly empty alert) (block 345). At this point, the processor generates a warning message and / or an audible alert command for the syringe pump (block 350). Then, the processor displays the warning message and / or the audible alert command, and / or transmits the warning message to the server. The syringe pump then displays the warning message on the display screen and / or emits an audible alert on the syringe pump (block 355).

[0067] In the case of the volume-based threshold instructions, the processor monitors the volume in the syringe (block 340). The processor receives initial volume data related to the initial position of the plunger 170 ( Figure 2 ) relative to the syringe 160 ( Figure 2 ) from the volume sensor 175 ( Figure 2 ). The processor assigns this initial volume data as equal to the entire volume to be infused. Throughout the infusion, the processor continues to communicate with the volume sensor 175 ( Figure 2 ) and calculates the remaining volume in the syringe as the difference between the initial volume and the equivalent volume of the movement change of the plunger 170 ( Figure 2 ). Then, the processor identifies when the infusion reaches the volume threshold (block 345). At this point, the processor generates a warning message and / or an audible alert command to be displayed on the syringe pump (block 350). The processor may also transmit the warning message to the server. The syringe pump then displays the warning message on the display screen and / or emits an audible alert on the syringe pump (block 355).

[0068] User interface

[0069] Figure 5 illustrates a method for Figure 1FIG. 4 is a diagram of a user interface used in a display screen of a syringe pump of FIG. As can be seen, the user interface has three different stages, lock 401, unlock 402 and overview 403.

[0070] The lock interface 401 shows: "Syringe Nearly Empty" or similar warning message 435, a yellow banner 465 to draw the user's attention; and an icon indicating the lock screen status 455. The interface 401 also shows the name of the drug infusion (infusion therapy type) 430 and the concentration 470 below it. The interface 401 also shows the remaining infusion volume 440 and the continuous infusion rate 405 and the single dose administration amount 410 (if applicable). In addition, the syringe identifier 460 is displayed on the interface 401. Finally, the interface 401 shows a mute digital button 420.

[0071] Once the user unlocks keyboard 425, interface 401 changes to unlock interface 402, and the user is able to use the keyboard to select digital mute button 420. Unlock interface 402 mirrors lock interface 401, with two exceptions: unlock interface 402 includes alarm icon 475 in place of lock icon 455, and unlock interface 402 includes digital dismiss button 445 that appears after the user uses the keyboard to select mute button 420. The user is able to use the keyboard to select dismiss button 445 to dismiss the alarm.

[0072] At this point, the user interface changes to an overview stage 403. The overview interface 403 shows the name of the drug infusion (infusion therapy type) 430 and the concentration 470 below it. The interface 403 also shows the rate of the continuous infusion 405 and the bolus dose amount 410 (if applicable). The interface 403 shows the total drug infusion 450 dispensed and the infusion protocol dispensed (i.e., continuous with the PCA bolus dose) 480. Finally, the overview interface 403 shows a dismiss button 485 that the user can select using the keyboard.

[0073] In this way, the user interface provides the user with a comprehensive overview of the infusion protocol dispensed by the syringe pump. In addition, the syringe pump disclosed herein provides various advantages to the user and the patient. The syringe pump minimizes the user's interaction with the syringe pump, thereby reducing the opportunity for human error that may cause patient discomfort. In addition, the syringe pump improves infusion efficiency and ease of use by automatically defining a near-empty alarm activation threshold based on time or volume based on the type of infusion therapy input by the user.

[0074] Conclusion

[0075] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. Accordingly, these changes and modifications are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A syringe pump, comprising: An actuator; A syringe holder; A display screen; A processor; And A memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: Receive a type of infusion therapy selected by a user; Determine whether the selected type of infusion therapy selected by the user includes PCA single-dose administration or continuous infusion without single-dose administration; When the selected type of infusion therapy by the user includes PCA single-dose administration, determine a volume-based threshold; When the selected type of infusion therapy by the user includes continuous infusion without single-dose administration, determine a time-based threshold; Calculate or determine infusion therapy progress data related to the dispensing of the infusion therapy, the infusion therapy progress data including at least one of the total infusion time or the remaining volume in the syringe; When the selected type of infusion therapy by the user includes continuous infusion without single-dose administration, compare the total infusion time with the time-based threshold; When the selected type of infusion therapy by the user includes PCA single-dose administration, compare the remaining volume in the syringe with the volume-based threshold; And When the syringe holder on the syringe pump reaches the time-based or volume-based threshold, generate a message on the display screen to display a user warning.

2. A method for operating a syringe pump based on user input, comprising: Select a type of infusion therapy from a pre-loaded drug library displayed on a display screen; Transmit the selected type of infusion therapy to a processor, wherein the processor communicates with a memory, and the processor determines whether the selected type of infusion therapy includes PCA single-dose administration or continuous infusion without single-dose administration; If the type of infusion therapy includes PCA single-dose administration, transmit instructions defining a volume-based threshold from the memory to the processor; If the type of infusion therapy includes continuous infusion without single-dose administration, transmit instructions defining a time-based threshold from the memory to the processor, wherein the control system automatically converts a volume threshold input by the user into a time-based threshold for continuous infusion without single-dose administration; When the syringe holder on the syringe pump reaches the time-based or volume-based threshold, generate a message on the display screen to display a user warning; And Allow the user to control an actuator for the syringe pump based on user input.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the pre-loaded drug library includes information on whether the type of infusion therapy is delivered as PCA single-dose administration or as continuous infusion without single-dose administration.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the user input is a volume-based threshold.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein the user input is a time-based threshold.

6. The method according to claim 2, wherein the type of infusion therapy is a drug or supplement, the volume of the syringe, the type of syringe, the time threshold, the volume threshold, and the volume of a single-dose administration.

7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the pre-loaded drug library includes the name of the infusion treatment type.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the memory matches the infusion treatment type selected from the pre-loaded drug library displayed on the display screen with the entries in the pre-loaded drug library, and retrieves information on whether the infusion is delivered as a single PCA dose or as a continuous infusion without a single dose.

9. The method according to claim 2, wherein the processor determines whether the time-based threshold is reached by calculating the total infusion time based on the syringe volume, syringe type, and infusion rate, monitoring the running infusion time, and identifying when the running infusion time is equal to the difference between the total infusion time and the time-based threshold.

10. The method according to claim 2, wherein the processor determines whether the volume-based threshold is reached by: calculating a total infusion volume using a syringe volume and a syringe type; calculating a syringe volume displaced by a plunger using the syringe type; receiving data from a volume sensor that tracks the position of the plunger relative to the syringe; Calculate the remaining syringe volume by comparing the difference between the total infusion volume and the displaced syringe volume; And identify when the remaining syringe volume is equal to the volume-based threshold.

11. The method according to claim 11, wherein the processor determines whether the volume-based threshold is reached by: using the syringe volume, the syringe type, and the single-dose administration volume to calculate the single-dose administration dispensing time; determining at the start of the single-dose administration whether the syringe volume after the single-dose administration will be below the volume-based threshold; and calculating the specific time when the syringe volume will be equal to the volume-based threshold during the single-dose administration dispensing time.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising transmitting a message to a clinician device.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the clinician device is one of a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a workstation, or a pager.

14. A syringe pump, comprising: An actuator; A syringe holder; A display screen; A processor; And A memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: Receive a user-selected infusion treatment type; Determine whether the selected user-selected infusion treatment type includes a PCA single dose or a continuous infusion without a single dose; Determine whether the selected user-selected infusion treatment type includes a volume-based threshold or a time-based threshold; And Generate a message on the display screen warning the user when the syringe holder on the syringe pump reaches a time-based or volume-based threshold.

15. The syringe pump according to claim 14, wherein when the user-selected infusion treatment type includes a PCA single dose, the processor determines the volume-based threshold.

16. The syringe pump according to claim 15, wherein the processor calculates or determines the remaining volume in the syringe on the syringe holder.

17. The syringe pump according to claim 16, wherein when the type of infusion therapy selected by the user includes PCA single-dose administration, the processor compares the remaining volume in the syringe with the volume-based threshold.

18. The syringe pump according to claim 14, wherein when the type of infusion therapy selected by the user includes continuous infusion without single-dose administration, the processor determines a time-based threshold.

19. The syringe pump according to claim 18, wherein the processor calculates or determines the total time of infusion.

20. The syringe pump according to claim 19, wherein when the type of infusion therapy selected by the user includes continuous infusion without single-dose administration, the processor compares the total infusion time with the time-based threshold.

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