Quantifying blood loss by recycling effluent using a medical waste collection system

Abstract

A medical waste collection system is used to quantify blood loss. A removable cartridge forms a fluid pathway with a cartridge receiver and defines an optically transparent detection window. The cartridge can include a spine extending from a head and including opposing optically transparent sides. The sensor module includes an emitter and a sensor configured to detect an optical property of the effluent. The controller can determine a volume of blood loss based on a blood concentration and a volume of the collected effluent. A sensor housing can be removably coupled to the spine of the cartridge. The cartridge can define a fluid reservoir and can include an actuator for drawing the effluent into the fluid reservoir. A tank can define the fluid reservoir. The effluent can be recirculated through a removable manifold. Methods of deploying and operating the medical waste collection system are also disclosed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [Priority claim] This application claims priority to and the full benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 271,763, filed October 26, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Liquid, semi-solid, and / or solid waste materials are generated as by-products of some surgical procedures. Liquid waste materials may include bodily fluids and irrigation solution(s) at the surgical site, while solid and semi-solid waste materials may include tissue debris and small pieces of surgical material(s). Regardless of its phase, medical waste is preferably collected without contaminating the surgical site and without posing a biological hazard to the medical suite in which the procedure is being performed.

[0003] Medical waste can be removed from the surgical site through a suction tube under the influence of a vacuum provided by a medical waste collection system. One exemplary medical waste collection system is sold under the trade name Neptune by Stryker Corporation (Kalamazoo, Michigan). A manifold can be provided that facilitates connection of the suction tube with the medical waste collection system. The manifold can be disposable.

[0004] The collected liquid waste material may contain blood, which may be present in the suction channel along with other bodily fluids such as interstitial fluid, mucus, bile, etc. Determining blood loss during surgery may be used to monitor the health of the patient. Excessive blood loss may indicate surgical complications, and determining blood loss facilitates the assessment of the need for blood transfusion. Of particular interest is childbirth, where obstetric bleeding is a major cause of maternal morbidity. Earlier detection of obstetric bleeding can significantly reduce maternal morbidity. There is a push among clinicians and governing bodies to increase the utilization and accuracy of methods and tools to quantify blood loss, especially in vaginal and cesarean deliveries, where postpartum hemorrhage is a concern.

[0005] It is known to estimate blood loss during surgery by visually assessing absorbent articles (e.g., sponges, surgical gowns, bedding, or drapes), by measuring absorbent articles using a scale, and / or by observing graduated collection vessels in the operating room. The aforementioned methods result in less than optimal accuracy and can result in a significant delay between blood loss from the patient and the determination of blood loss.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved systems, devices and methods that perform quantitative blood loss (QBL) analysis in an accurate, instantaneous and reproducible manner. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure relates to performing QBL analysis using a medical waste collection system. The medical waste collection system includes a waste container and a vacuum pump configured to draw waste liquid through an aspiration line into a waste volume. The medical waste collection system recirculates waste liquid from the waste volume to be analyzed for QBL analysis. At least one manifold receiver is supported on the chassis and defines a manifold opening sized to removably receive the manifold. A vacuum generated by a vacuum source is drawn on the aspiration line and waste liquid at the surgical site is drawn through the manifold and collected in the waste container. The vacuum source or another pump can circulate the waste liquid from the waste volume through a fluid path to be recollected in the waste volume. The sensor module is configured to detect an optical property of the waste liquid being circulated in the fluid path.

[0008] The waste collection system may include a cartridge receiver configured to removably receive a cartridge to facilitate QBL analysis. The cartridge receiver may be separate from the manifold receiver. The cartridge receiver may include a cartridge opening defined by the sensor housing or another housing. The sensor module is coupled to the sensor housing and includes at least one emitter and at least one sensor. The emitter is configured to emit energy and the sensor is configured to detect the emitted energy. The emitter may be a light emitting diode (LED) and the sensor may be a light detector. The sensor detects the emitted light, more particularly the light after being transmitted or scattered through the waste liquid. The first emitter may be an infrared LED and the second emitter may be a visible light LED, such as a green LED. The first sensor may detect the transmitted and scattered light from the first emitter and the second sensor may detect the transmitted and scattered light from the second emitter. The four measurements (two of transmitted light and two of scattered light) are values ​​provided to a controller (or another processor) to perform the QBL analysis. An alternative configuration includes two emitters and four sensors, each of the four sensors configured to detect one of the four measurements. There can be more or less than two emitters, with the additional emitters configured to detect optical properties of non-blood fluids, such as amniotic fluid, bile, etc. The emitters and sensors can be positioned adjacent or opposite the fluid path in any suitable configuration. The detected intensity of the transmitted and / or scattered light can be indicative of the transmittance, opacity, and / or other physical properties of the effluent. The cartridge can define a detection window forming part of the fluid path such that with the cartridge removably inserted into the cartridge receiver, the detection window of the cartridge is positioned between the emitters and the sensor. The controller is configured to determine a blood concentration of the effluent based on the measurements.

[0009] A fluid measurement system is disposed within the waste container and in electronic communication with the controller. The fluid measurement system is configured to generate a waste level signal representative of a fluid level of effluent collected within the waste container and to transmit the waste level signal to the controller. The controller determines a volume of the effluent based on the waste level signal. The controller can then further determine a volume of blood loss based on the blood concentration of the effluent and the volume of effluent collected.

[0010] A user may select operating parameters of the medical waste collection system on the control panel, such as the level of vacuum pulled on the waste receptacle. The controller is configured to control the vacuum source and / or vacuum regulator to operate the medical waste collection system based on the operating parameters. The control panel may further display the operating parameters and other information, such as the volume of blood loss determined by the controller. The front of the chassis may define a window that allows a user to view the contents within the waste volume of the waste receptacle.

[0011] The fluid pathway can define an inlet and an outlet, each in fluid communication with the waste volume. A first conduit can be coupled to the exterior of the waste container and define the inlet, and a second conduit can be coupled to the exterior of the waste container and define the outlet. A pump and a valve can be disposed in fluid communication with the waste volume and configured to circulate waste liquid from the waste volume through the fluid pathway to be recollected in the waste volume. A pump can be coupled to the first conduit or the second conduit and define a portion of the fluid pathway. The pump can provide a positive or negative pressure to circulate waste liquid from the waste volume through the fluid pathway. A sensor housing can also be coupled to the first conduit or the second conduit and define a portion of the fluid pathway.

[0012] The medical waste collection system may include an agitator disposed within the waste container. The agitator may be an impeller coupled to a motor for mixing the waste liquid. The agitator promotes homogenization of the waste liquid within the waste volume and the fluid pathway. The agitator may be in communication with a controller, and the controller 36 may selectively operate the agitator based on any number of operating parameters. The controller may toggle the agitator off and on at fixed or varying intervals. If the instantaneous blood concentration values ​​deviate from each other by more than a predetermined threshold for a certain period of time, the controller may initiate or accelerate operation of the agitator. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may operate or accelerate the agitator for any period of time during which the pump is operated to indicate a QBL mode of operation. A user may also provide an input to the control panel to selectively operate the agitator as needed. Circulating the waste liquid through the fluid pathway itself may promote homogenization of the waste liquid within the waste volume. Recharging the waste liquid within the waste container, possibly from above the fluid level, may provide an additional mixing effect.

[0013] The inlet of the flow path can be located below the outlet such that the pump is configured to pump the waste liquid through the fluid path against gravity. The waste container can be pre-filled with waste liquid or another fluid, such as water, to a fluid level above the inlet of the fluid path prior to circulating the waste liquid through the fluid path using the pump or activating the sensor module. The pre-filled fluid level can be regulated by the fluid measurement system and controller. The waste liquid can also be diluted with waste liquid or another fluid, such as water, such that the blood concentration is below a predetermined blood concentration.

[0014] The cartridge includes a cartridge housing sized to be removably inserted into the cartridge receiver and inserted through the cartridge opening. The cartridge housing can be at least partially disposed within the sensor housing. The cartridge housing defines channels configured to form or complete a fluid path when the cartridge is removably coupled to the cartridge receiver. The cartridge housing can include shoulders each defining a bore. The channels can be coupled to the shoulders to define a passage in fluid communication with the bore. When the cartridge housing is at least partially disposed within the cavity, the channels themselves can define a detection window positioned between the emitter and the sensor. The channels can be a tube or a member having another suitable cross-section. The cartridge housing can define the detection window through a notch or other geometric shape formed in the cartridge housing. The cartridge can include a handle having a shoulder extending from the handle. The handle can be positioned outside the casing of the chassis to facilitate insertion and removal of the cartridge into and from the cartridge receiver. Additionally, the cartridge may include a retention feature configured to releasably engage a complementary retention feature of the cartridge receiver. The retention feature may form an interference or friction fit, or a movable structure configured to be actuated between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Actuation between the engaged and disengaged positions may be provided through a mechanical input on the chassis, or through an input on a control panel where a controller mechanically or electronically moves the structure to the disengaged position to allow removal of the cartridge.

[0015] The cartridge housing can include a trunk and a head removably or fixedly coupled to the head to define a cartridge space. The trunk can include a body portion, a first leg extending from the body portion, and a second leg extending from the body portion. A gap can be defined between the first leg and the second leg. Each of the first leg and the second leg can extend proximally from the body portion to define a gap therebetween.

[0016] The cartridge housing may include at least one of an arm, a locking element, a spine, and a catch. The arm and / or spine may extend from the body or the first leg. The locking element may extend from the body and the catch may be disposed on the second leg. The first leg may include a rim defining an outlet opening and / or a recirculation opening and the second leg may define the other of the outlet opening and the recirculation opening. A first seal may be disposed within the outlet opening and a second seal may be disposed within the recirculation opening. The first and second seals may be similar or different in size, shape, and material selection. One of the outlet opening and the recirculation opening may be positioned below the other with the cartridge oriented for insertion into the cartridge opening of the cartridge receiver. The arm, locking element, spine, and catch may be positioned distal to the outlet opening or the recirculation opening defined in the second leg.

[0017] The cartridge housing can define an optically transparent detection window. The head can include a ridge defining the detection window. The head can further define a circular recess, the ridge extending through the recess. The ridge includes opposing outer sides that are at least partially transparent. The cartridge can include a grip coupled to the head, the trunk, or another suitable structure of the cartridge.

[0018] The pump is operated to establish a fluid path from the waste volume, through the recirculation opening, towards and through the detection window, and towards and through the exit opening for recollection in a waste container. The pump can be positioned to pull a vacuum on the exit opening to draw waste fluid through the recirculation opening or to provide a positive pressure on the recirculation opening. The sensor module detects an optical property of the waste fluid in the detection window and generates and transmits an optical property signal to the controller. The controller determines the volume of blood loss in the manner described above.

[0019] The fluid path may include waste fluid being directed through the recirculation opening, the first leg of the trunk, the detection window, the second leg of the trunk, and the outlet opening. The cartridge may include an inner housing that couples to or otherwise engages the trunk. The inner housing may be at least partially disposed within the trunk and includes a contoured feature that follows a complementary feature of the trunk. The inner housing may include an inner first leg disposed within the first leg of the trunk and an inner second leg disposed within the second leg of the trunk. A first seal may be coupled to the inner second leg and a second seal may be coupled to the inner first leg. The first seal may be compressed between the inner second leg and the second leg to cover one of the outlet opening and the recirculation opening, and the second seal may be compressed between the inner first leg and the first leg to cover the other of the outlet opening and the recirculation opening. The inner housing can further include a barrier separating the inlet and exhaust paths to constrain the fluid path toward and away from the detection window, respectively. The cartridge can also include a filter element disposed in the exhaust path such that waste material being directed through the fluid path is not filtered prior to encountering the detection window.

[0020] The cartridge housing may include opposing flat sides that are parallel and larger than the opposing outer sides such that the cartridge is in the form of a cassette. The gap may extend inwardly at least half the length of each of the first and second legs such that the cartridge housing is U-shaped or H-shaped. The gap may be sized and shaped to receive the sensor module. At least one of the first and second legs may define a detection window. A ridge may extend from at least one of the body, the first and second legs into the gap.

[0021] The spine of the cartridge housing can define a detection window. Opposing outer sides of the spine can be spaced apart from one another to define a channel in fluid communication with an interior of the body or the first leg. The arm can include opposing outer sides spaced apart from one another to define a channel in fluid communication with an interior of the body or the first leg, thereby defining the detection window. The first leg can include a barrier coupled to the rim to separate the recirculation opening and the outlet opening within the rim. An interior geometry of the first leg can be provided to maintain separation of the intake and exhaust paths within the first leg at least a sufficient distance for waste liquid to be detected by the sensor module.

[0022] The cartridge may also include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including a memory for storing data. The RFID tag is configured to be detected by an RFID reader coupled to the cartridge receiver or another suitable component of the medical waste collection system and transmit data to the RFID reader. The data may be indicative of compatibility of the cartridge with the medical waste collection system. The memory of the RFID tag may store calibration data for the emitters and / or sensors. The data may be instructions for operating the medical waste collection system in a particular manner with the cartridge removably coupled to the cartridge receiver. The controller may receive the data from the RFID reader and operate a pump and actuate a valve to recirculate waste liquid from the waste volume through the fluid path. The controller may receive the data from the RFID reader and actuate a sensor module to perform a QBL analysis and display output from the QBL analysis on a control panel.

[0023] The sensor module may be coupled to the cartridge itself, rather than the sensor housing, or may be integrated with the cartridge itself. The emitter and / or sensor may be coupled to the cartridge housing, channel, or another suitable structure of the cartridge, positioned adjacent to or opposite the detection window. The sensor module disposed on the cartridge may be battery powered, or electrical contacts on the cartridge may engage complementary electrical contacts on the sensor housing to establish a power circuit. The sensor module may communicate data with the controller by a wireless communication module coupled to the cartridge housing, or a data coupler on the cartridge may engage complementary data couplers on the sensor housing to establish a data circuit. The sensor module may be removably coupleable with the cartridge prior to or after insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receiver. The cartridge receiver may define inlet and outlet openings of the fluid pathway and orientation features configured to engage complementary orientation features of the cartridge. The cartridge receiver and cartridge may include components for providing selective locking of the cartridge when removably coupled to the cartridge receiver. The cartridge receiver can include an actuator configured to receive an input to move at least one component of the cartridge receiver between two positions to selectively engage a complementary geometric feature of the cartridge.

[0024] The cartridge housing of the cartridge can include an outer diameter complementary to an inner diameter of the cartridge opening. The cartridge can include a gasket coupled to the outer diameter of the cartridge housing and configured to seal the cartridge opening when the cartridge is removably coupled with the cartridge receiver. The cartridge housing can include a head separating two portions of the cartridge. Extending from the head is a shoulder defining a bore forming a portion of the fluid path. The bore can be parallel disposed and positioned in a complementary side-by-side relationship with the inlet and outlet openings of the cartridge receiver. The shoulder can define a rim configured to be positioned to form a face seal with an inner surface of the cartridge receiver. The rim can define a groove and the gasket can be disposed in the groove to facilitate the face seal.

[0025] The detection window can be defined by a spine including opposing outer sides. At least the detection window of the spine is optically transparent and the entire cartridge housing can be optically transparent. The opposing outer sides of the spine can facilitate a friction fit with a complementary opposing inner side of the sensor housing. At least the opposing inner side of the sensor housing can be formed from a resilient material to facilitate a friction fit with the spine of the cartridge. The emitter and sensor are coupled to the opposing inner sides of the sensor housing to be positioned adjacent to or opposite the detection window. The spine and / or head can form a handle for the cartridge to facilitate insertion and removal of the cartridge from the cartridge receiver. The sensor housing can be coupled to the cartridge prior to insertion and then itself provide a grip for manipulating the sensor-cartridge assembly for insertion into the cartridge receiver. The sensor housing can include a dongle that is integral or removably coupled to a data and power port on the chassis of the medical waste collection system.

[0026] The cartridge may include a channel or tube, but may otherwise lack a separate housing supporting the cartridge. A shoulder may extend from the spine to form a U-shaped or H-shaped cartridge. The shoulder may define a bore, and the gasket may be coupled near an end of the shoulder. The end of the shoulder may have an outer diameter configured to be slidably and snugly inserted into one of the respective inlet and outlet openings of the cartridge receiver such that the gasket forms a face seal with an inner surface of the cartridge receiver.

[0027] The sensor housing may include at least one post extending between opposing inner sides to enable the sensor housing to define a sensor window. The sensor window may be elongated and contoured to the cartridge. The cartridge may be removably inserted into the cartridge receiver and the effluent may be visible through the sensor window. At least one fastener or clamp may be provided to secure the sensor-cartridge assembly into the cartridge receiver. The effluent circulated through the fluid path may be visualized without requiring removal of the sensor housing.

[0028] The cartridge receiver can define an outlet port in selective fluid communication between the first or upper waste container and the second or lower waste container. The motor can be coupled to the valve to establish selective fluid communication between the upper waste container and the lower waste container. The recirculation mode includes operating the pump to draw waste liquid from the waste volume through the cartridge to be recollected in the waste volume. The transfer mode includes operating the motor to draw waste liquid from the waste volume through the outlet port to be collected in the lower waste container. Another embodiment provides at least a recirculation mode, a transfer mode, and a closed mode. The recirculation mode includes the pump drawing waste liquid from the waste volume through the cartridge to be recollected in the waste volume. The transfer mode includes operating the motor to position the valve to transfer waste liquid from the waste volume through the outlet port to be collected in the lower waste container. The closed mode includes operating the motor to close the valve, and waste liquid is collected in the waste volume without performing a QBL analysis. The sensor module can be coupled to or near the outlet port such that the emitter and sensor are positioned to detect waste liquid being transferred from the upper waste container to the lower waste container. The QBL analysis can be performed simultaneously with emptying the upper waste container.

[0029] The cartridge may define a fluid reservoir and may include means for drawing waste fluid from a waste container into the fluid reservoir to facilitate QBL analysis. The cartridge may include an actuator configured to be actuated between a closed position in which waste fluid is not permitted to flow between the waste volume and the fluid reservoir, and an open position in which waste fluid is permitted to flow between the waste volume and the fluid reservoir. Actuation of the actuator may itself urge fluid to be drawn from the waste volume into the fluid reservoir. The actuator may be pivotally coupled to the cartridge housing and may include a hub and a plunger coupled to the hub. The plunger may be arc-shaped and may include a curvature that approximates the radius of the cartridge housing. The hub may be mounted near a center of the cartridge housing to pivot about its center and move the plunger in an arc. The cartridge may include a motor coupled to the cartridge housing and configured to pivot the hub between an open position and a closed position relative to the cartridge housing. The motor can be controlled by a controller and an input to a control panel can be operated to move the cartridge between the open and closed positions. The hub of the actuator can further include at least one control surface configured to receive a manual input to move the actuator between the open and closed positions. When the actuator is moved from the closed position to the open position, the plunger can be moved in an arc to expose the fluid reservoir and the inlet to draw waste liquid into the fluid reservoir. The actuator can be actuated to draw waste liquid from the waste volume through the inlet and into the fluid reservoir under the influence of a vacuum. The sensor module detects an optical property of the waste liquid in the detection window. The actuator can further be actuated to cycle the waste liquid from the fluid reservoir through the outlet to be recollected in the waste volume. The plunger can be or include a seal to slidably or frictionally remove or wash residual amounts of waste liquid from the detection window.

[0030] The tank may define a fluid reservoir. The tank may be integral with the chassis, or may be removably coupled to the chassis, or may be removably coupled to a cradle attached to the chassis. Alternatively, the tank may be supported on a stand including wheels. The tank may include a base and a lid coupled to the base and defining the fluid reservoir. The base or lid may be at least partially or entirely transparent to define a detection window. A removable or openable cover may be coupled to or integral with the tank to limit visibility. The base may include a spine extending from a side wall of the tank. The tank may include an agitator. The base or lid may include at least one inlet fitting and at least one outlet fitting. The inlet fitting and the outlet fitting are configured to be removably coupled to a suction tube. The suction tube coupled to the outlet fitting may further be coupled to an inlet fitting of a manifold removably inserted into the manifold receiver. The vacuum provided by the vacuum source draws the waste fluid through the distal suction tube to be collected in the fluid reservoir. In another embodiment, the suction tube connected to the outlet fitting can be further connected to another vacuum source, such as a vacuum system integrated with the operating room, such that the tank is a stand-alone unit. With the waste fluid disposed within the detection window, the sensor module detects an optical characteristic of the waste fluid within the detection window. The controller determines the volume of blood loss in the fluid reservoir, and the blood loss can be displayed on the display.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the QBL analysis can be performed by connecting the sensor module to the manifold and recirculating the waste fluid from the waste volume through the manifold. The suction tube is connected to the inlet fitting and a vacuum from a vacuum source draws the waste fluid from the surgical field through the suction tube and into the manifold. The waste fluid is drawn through an initial flow path or a bypass flow path and is not directed through a detection window. The bypass flow path includes the waste fluid that is directed through a filter element disposed in the trunk and an outlet opening. Upon exiting the manifold through the outlet opening, the container inlet path includes the waste fluid that is drawn through an inlet of the manifold receiver and into a waste container. The fluid measurement system is configured to generate a level signal representative of a fluid level of the waste fluid collected in the waste container and to transmit the waste level signal to the controller. The pump can be operated to circulate the waste fluid in the container outlet path from the waste volume through an outlet of the manifold receiver and into a recirculation opening defined by the trunk of the manifold.

[0032] The effluent is directed in a recirculation flow path toward a sensor module coupled to a head of the manifold and further directed through a detection window positioned between an emitter and a sensor of the sensor module. The effluent may bypass the filter element as it is recirculated toward the sensor module. The sensor module detects an optical characteristic of the effluent in the detection window and generates and transmits an optical characteristic signal to a controller. The controller determines the blood concentration in the effluent passing through the manifold. The flow path may rejoin the bypass flow path in a location proximate to the sensor module and be redirected through the filter element and the outlet opening. The manifold may include an RFID tag including a memory storing data indicative of the suitability of the manifold and / or instructions for operating the medical waste collection system in a particular manner using the manifold to facilitate QBL analysis.

[0033] As with certain embodiments of the cartridge, the outlet opening of the manifold may be defined in a first leg of the trunk and the recirculation opening is defined in a second leg of the trunk. The outlet opening can be positioned below the recirculation opening when the manifold is oriented for insertion into the manifold opening of the manifold receiver. The first and second legs can be spaced apart from one another to at least partially define a gap sized to receive a depth element of the inlet feature. The manifold can be configured to be inserted into and removed from the manifold receiver in proximal and distal directions. The inlet feature is configured to move in proximal and distal directions opposite a direction of movement of the manifold to prevent fluid communication between the manifold and the vacuum source until the manifold is in a fully inserted, operative position.

[0034] The inlet mechanism may define a first pathway and a second pathway configured to establish fluid communication between the manifold and the waste container. The first pathway may be disposed in fluid communication with the outlet opening of the manifold, and the second pathway may be configured to be disposed in fluid communication with the recirculation opening of the manifold. The first pathway may define a portion of a container inflow pathway, and the second pathway may define a portion of a container outflow pathway. Vacuum from a vacuum source through the first pathway draws waste liquid from the surgical field through a suction tube into the manifold. The waste liquid is drawn through the first leg, the outlet opening, and the first pathway to be collected in the waste volume. The fluid measurement system is configured to generate and transmit a waste level signal to the controller. The vacuum source or pump may be operated to circulate waste liquid from the waste volume through the second pathway and into the recirculation opening defined by the second leg of the trunk of the manifold.

[0035] The manifold may include a second inlet fitting configured to be coupled with a suction tube that is itself coupled to an outlet port of the waste container. The second inlet fitting may be disposed on the head and positioned below the first inlet fitting. The second inlet fitting is configured to receive waste liquid recirculated by the pump. The sensor module may be positioned proximal to the second inlet fitting, on an opposite side of the detection window. The second inlet fitting may be arranged to provide a bypass flow path or to provide QBL analysis simultaneously through two suction tubes.

[0036] The advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a medical waste collection system with a manifold removably inserted into a receiver of the medical waste collection system, and a cartridge configured to be removably inserted into a cartridge receiver of the medical waste collection system; [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the medical waste collection system of FIG. 1 with the outer casing removed to show the cartridge receiver. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the waste container removed to show an agitator disposed within the waste container. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of certain subsystems of the medical waste collection system of FIG. 1. The inlet feature of the manifold receiver defines a passageway that provides a recirculation path between the waste volume and a manifold that is removably inserted into the manifold receiver. [Figure 4A] 1A-1C show an arrangement of a medical waste collection system in which a cartridge is configured to be removably coupled to a cartridge receiver and a sensor housing is configured to be removably coupled to the cartridge. [Figure 4B]1 is a front perspective view of a cartridge configured to be removably inserted into a cartridge opening of a cartridge receiver and a sensor housing configured to be removably coupled to the cartridge. FIG. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a rear perspective view of the cartridge and sensor housing of FIG. 4B. [Figure 4D] FIG. 13 illustrates a cartridge arrangement in which the inner housing defines an intake path and an exhaust path to provide a fluid path through the cartridge. [Figure 4E] 11 is a plan view of another cartridge including a cartridge housing configured to be removably inserted into an opening of the cartridge receiver and defining a cavity configured to receive a sensor housing within the cartridge receiver. FIG. [Figure 4F] FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional elevation view of the cartridge and sensor housing of FIG. 4E taken along section 4F-4F. [Figure 4G] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of yet another cartridge configured to be removably inserted into a cartridge opening of a cartridge receiver and including a spine defining a detection window. [Figure 4H] FIG. 4G is an elevation view of the cartridge and sensor housing. [Figure 5A] 13A-13C show another arrangement of a medical waste collection system in which the cartridge is configured to be removably coupled to the cartridge receiver and the sensor housing is configured to be removably coupled to the cartridge. [Figure 5B] 13A-13C show another arrangement of a medical waste collection system in which the cartridge is configured to be removably coupled to the cartridge receiver and the sensor housing is configured to be removably coupled to the cartridge. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 illustrates yet another arrangement of a medical waste collection system, in which the cartridge is configured to be removably coupled to the cartridge receiver and the sensor housing is configured to be removably coupled to the cartridge. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 illustrates an arrangement of a medical waste collection system in which a cartridge defines a fluid reservoir and includes means for drawing waste liquid from a waste volume into the fluid reservoir. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 illustrates an arrangement of a medical waste collection system in which a cartridge defines a fluid reservoir and includes means for drawing waste liquid from a waste volume into the fluid reservoir. [Figure 7C] FIG. 1 illustrates an arrangement of a medical waste collection system in which a cartridge defines a fluid reservoir and includes means for drawing waste liquid from a waste volume into the fluid reservoir. [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 illustrates another arrangement of a medical waste collection system in which a tank defines a fluid reservoir. [Figure 8B] FIG. 13 illustrates another arrangement of a medical waste collection system in which a tank defines a fluid reservoir. [Figure 8C] FIG. 13 illustrates another arrangement of a medical waste collection system in which a tank defines a fluid reservoir. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an arrangement in which a tank defining a fluid reservoir is supported on a stand. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates a medical waste collection system arrangement in which waste liquid is recirculated through a manifold that is removably inserted into a manifold receiver. [Figure 11A] 11 is a rear perspective view of another cartridge configured to be removably inserted into a cartridge opening of a cartridge receiver and including an arm defining a detection window. FIG. [Figure 11B] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of another cartridge configured to be removably inserted into a cartridge opening of a cartridge receiver and including a spine defining a detection window. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative manifold through which waste liquid is recirculated. [Figure 13A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor housing removably coupled to a manifold; [Figure 13B]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor housing removably coupled to a manifold; [Figure 13C] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor housing removably coupled to a manifold; [Figure 13D] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor housing removably coupled to a manifold; [Figure 13E] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor housing removably coupled to a manifold; [Figure 13F] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor housing removably coupled to a manifold; [Figure 13G] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor housing removably coupled to a manifold; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] 1 and 2 show a medical waste collection system 20 for collecting waste materials generated during medical procedures, and more particularly, surgical procedures that may require suction of waste materials. The waste materials may include smoke, body tissue, and waste liquids, such as body fluids and irrigation fluids. The medical waste collection system 20 collects and stores the waste liquids until removal and disposal of the waste liquids is necessary or desired. The medical waste collection system 20 may be transported to and operatively coupled to a docking station through which the waste liquids are emptied. The docking station may take any suitable form, such as, for example, those disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 7,621,898, issued November 24, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0039] The medical waste collection system 20 may include a chassis 22 and wheels 24 for moving the chassis 22 along a floor surface within a medical facility. The medical waste collection system 20 includes at least one waste receptacle 26 defining a waste volume 28 for collecting and storing waste fluids. With concurrent reference to FIG. 3, a vacuum source 30 may be supported on the chassis 22 and configured to draw suction to the waste volume 28 through one or more internal lines or conduits 32. The vacuum source 30 may also include a vacuum regulator 34 supported on the chassis 22 and in fluid communication with the vacuum source 30 and the waste receptacle 26. The vacuum regulator 34 is configured to adjust the level of vacuum drawn by the vacuum source 30 to the waste receptacle 26. At least one manifold receiver 42 supported on the chassis 22 defines a manifold opening 46 sized to removably receive a manifold 44 described below. During operation of the medical waste collection system 20, a suction path is established from the suction tube(s) to the waste volume 28 through a manifold 44 that is removably inserted into the manifold receiver 42. A vacuum created by the vacuum source 30 is drawn on the suction tube, causing waste fluids at the surgical site to be drawn through the manifold 44 and collected in the waste container 26.

[0040] The medical waste collection system 20 further includes a fluid measurement system 68 disposed within the waste container 26 and in electronic communication with the controller 36. One suitable fluid measurement system 68 is disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 7,612,898. The fluid measurement system 68 may include a float element configured to float on the waste liquid and move along a sensor rod. An interrogation signal is transmitted along the sensor rod and a return signal is detected based on the position of the float element along the sensor rod. The fluid measurement system 68 is configured to generate a level signal representative of the fluid level of the waste liquid collected within the waste container 26 and transmit a waste level signal to the controller 36. The controller 36 is configured to determine a volume of the waste liquid based on the waste level signal. The determined volume of the waste volume and the determined blood concentration are utilized in a QBL analysis described below to determine a volume of blood loss. Additional or alternative means for measuring and determining the volume of the waste liquid or a portion thereof are also contemplated. In one example, a flow sensor may be included and configured to measure a volumetric flow rate. Based on the volumetric flow rate over a known period of time, the volume can be determined. The volumetric flow rate can be constant, variable, averaged, etc. In another example, the pump 80, described below, can be configured to communicate with the controller 36 and generate a signal representative of the volume of effluent. For example, based on a known flow capacity, the pump 80 can include a sensor that indexes the number of revolutions of the pump rotor or measures the speed of the pump, from which the volume can be determined. The pump 80 can provide a signal to the controller 36.

[0041] A control panel 40 disposed on the chassis 22 is in communication with the controller 36. A user can select operating parameters of the medical waste collection system 20 on the control panel 40, such as the level of vacuum to be pulled on the waste receptacle 26. The controller 36 is configured to control the vacuum source 30 and / or vacuum regulator 34 to operate the medical waste collection system 20 based on the operating parameters. The control panel 40 can further display the operating parameters determined by the controller 36 and other information, such as the volume of blood loss.

[0042] The front of the chassis 22 may define a window 38 that allows a user to view the contents within the waste volume 28 of the waste container 26. Visualizing the contents of the waste container 26 may provide a qualitative assessment of the extent of blood loss, particularly if the waste material includes bodily fluids such as blood and non-blood fluids. The qualitative analysis may be performed in addition to the QBL analysis. For example, a user may visually monitor the color of the mixture of blood and non-blood fluids through the window 38, and if the color becomes too reddish, indicative of excessive blood loss, the user may choose to view a control panel 40 that displays the QBL analysis in real time.

[0043] Preferred configurations and operation of the aforementioned and additional subsystems of medical waste collection system 20 are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005 / 0171495, published August 4, 2005, WO 2007 / 070570, published June 21, 2007, WO 2014 / 066337, published May 1, 2014, WO 2017 / 112684, published June 29, 2017, and WO 2020 / 210763, published October 15, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] The medical waste collection system 20 includes a cartridge receiver 48 configured to removably receive a cartridge 50 to facilitate QBL analysis. The cartridge receiver 48 can include a cartridge opening 52 defined by a sensor housing 54 or other housing. A sensor module 56 is coupled to the sensor housing 54 and includes at least one emitter 58 and at least one sensor 60. The emitter 58 is configured to emit energy and the sensor 60 is configured to detect the emitted energy. An exemplary embodiment utilizes light energy, with the emitter 58 being a light emitting diode (LED) and the sensor 60 being a photodetector. The sensor 60 detects the emitted light, more specifically, the light after it has been transmitted through or scattered through the waste liquid. The first emitter can be an infrared LED and the second emitter can be a visible light LED, such as a green LED. The infrared LEDs can be configured to emit light having a wavelength approximately within the range of 700 nanometers (nm) to 1000 nm, more particularly within the range of 750 nm to 850 nm, and even more particularly within the range of 770 nm to 810 nm. The visible light LEDs can be configured to emit light having a wavelength approximately within the range of 400 nm to 600 nm, more particularly within the range of 550 nm to 600 nm, and even more particularly within the range of 570 nm to 580 nm. The first sensor can detect the transmitted and scattered light from the first emitter, and the second sensor can detect the transmitted and scattered light from the second emitter. Four measurements (two of the transmitted light and two of the scattered light) are provided to the controller 36 (or another processor) to perform the QBL analysis. An alternative arrangement includes two emitters 58 and four sensors 60. Each of the four sensors 60 can be configured to detect one of four measurements (two of transmitted light and two of scattered light). There can be more or less than two emitters 58, with the additional emitters configured to detect optical properties of non-blood fluids, such as amniotic fluid, bile, etc.The emitters 58 and sensors 60 may be positioned in optical communication with the fluid path in any suitable configuration.

[0045] The detected intensity of transmitted and / or scattered light can be indicative of the transmittance, opacity, and / or other physical properties of the effluent. More specifically, a measurement of infrared light absorbed by the effluent is determined by the reduction in transmitted light due to the presence of blood in the effluent. In one embodiment, this ratio of absorbance of infrared light to scattered light from visible light is calculated and used to quantify the concentration of blood in the effluent.

[0046] The emitter 58 and the sensor 60 are configured to be positioned adjacent to the fluid path 70, and more particularly, opposite a detection window 62 that defines a portion of the fluid path 70. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the sensor housing 54 includes a first sidewall 64 and a second sidewall 66 opposite the first sidewall 64, defining a cartridge opening 52 and a cavity sized to receive at least a portion of the cartridge 50. The cartridge 50 includes a detection window 62. FIG. 2 illustrates one of the emitters 58 and one of the sensors 60 coupled to the first sidewall 64. The other of the emitters 58 and the other of the sensors 60 (not shown) are coupled to the second sidewall 66. With the cartridge 50 removably inserted into the cartridge receiver 48, the detection window 62 of the cartridge 50 is positioned between the emitter 58 and the sensor 60.

[0047] The emitters 58 and sensors 60 may be positioned adjacent the fluid path in any suitable configuration. More than one emitter 58 and / or more than one sensor 60 may be coupled to the first sidewall 64 and / or the second sidewall 66 (or any other structure of the sensor housing 54 or cartridge receiver 48). It is further contemplated that more than two emitters 58 and / or sensors 60 may be provided. In an example having two emitters 58 and four sensors 60, the emitters 58 may be coupled to the same or different sidewalls 64, 66 and / or the sensors 60 may likewise be coupled to the same or different sidewalls 64, 66.

[0048] Certain known aspiration systems include a photodetector coupled to the aspiration tube. Such in-line optical systems may not provide a sufficient accuracy of the volume of blood loss because there is a time lag between the determined blood concentration value and the determined volume of the collected waste fluid. In other words, the moment when blood can be optically sensed in the aspiration tube does not coincide with the volume of the collected waste fluid in the waste container at that moment. This delay can be variable based on any number of changing factors, including vacuum level, blood clotting, blood temperature, contaminants, the blood concentration itself, and the volume of the waste fluid in the waste container, making predictive algorithmic corrections particularly difficult. The medical waste collection system 20 overcomes such technical shortcomings by circulating (also referred to herein as recirculating) the waste fluid from the waste volume 28 to be analyzed for QBL analysis. The waste fluid being recirculated is already included in the determined volume of waste fluid, thereby eliminating any time lag or discrepancy with the determined blood concentration. 2 and 3, the medical waste collection system 20 includes a fluid pathway 70 that defines an inlet 72 and an outlet 74, each in fluid communication with the waste volume 28. For example, a first conduit 76 is coupled to the exterior of the waste container 26 to define the inlet 72, and a second conduit 78 is coupled to the exterior of the waste container 26 to define the outlet 74. The first conduit 76 and the second conduit 78 may define a portion of the fluid pathway 70. A pump 80 and a valve are disposed in fluid communication with the waste volume 28 and configured to circulate waste liquid from the waste volume 28 through the fluid pathway 70 to be recollected in the waste volume 28. The pump 80 may be coupled to the first conduit 76 or the second conduit 78 to define a portion of the fluid pathway 70. The pump 80 may be further configured to provide a positive or negative pressure to circulate waste liquid from the waste volume 28 through the fluid pathway 70.

[0049] The medical waste collection system 20 may further include an agitator 126 disposed within the waste container 26. Certain points in a surgical procedure may be associated with greater or lesser blood loss relative to non-blood fluids, and thus the effluent may be collected in the waste volume 28 in a non-homogeneous manner. As a result, the portion of the collected effluent that is recirculated through the fluid path 70 may under- or over-represent the actual blood concentration of the effluent in the waste container 26. The agitator 126 is configured to promote homogenization of the effluent in the waste volume 28. The agitator 126 includes an impeller coupled to a motor (not shown) via a mechanical shaft or magnetic drive (see FIG. 8B), which mixes the effluent in the waste container 26. The agitator 126 may be in communication with the controller 36, which may selectively operate the agitator 126 based on any number of operating parameters. In one example, the controller 36 can toggle the agitator 126 off and on at regular or varying intervals. In a second example, the instantaneous blood concentration values ​​can be too unstable and indicative of non-uniformity. Therefore, if the instantaneous blood concentration values ​​deviate from one another by more than a predetermined threshold for a certain period of time, the controller 36 can initiate or accelerate operation of the agitator 126. In a third example, the controller 36 can operate or accelerate the agitator 126 for any period during which the pump 80 is operated indicating a QBL mode of operation. In a fourth example, the user can also provide input to the control panel 40 to selectively operate the agitator 126 as desired. For example, the user can visually observe through the window 38 that a pocket or portion of the waste volume 28 is noticeably redder than others and can then provide an input to operate the agitator 126 to mix the waste liquid.

[0050] It should also be appreciated that recirculating the waste liquid through fluid path 70 can itself promote homogenization of the waste liquid within waste volume 28. In other words, less homogenous portions of the waste liquid are drawn through fluid path 70 and pump 80 while turbulent or laminar flow in fluid path 70 and / or through pump 80 can cause the waste liquid to mix. Recharging the waste liquid within waste container 26, possibly from above the fluid level, can provide an additional mixing effect.

[0051] Similarly, the presence of air may affect the optical properties of the effluent fluid being circulated through the fluid path 70. Air may transmit and scatter light differently than blood, causing the emitted and scattered light detected by the sensor 60 to not accurately represent the optical properties of the effluent fluid. In certain arrangements, the inlet 72 may be located below the outlet 74 such that the pump 80 is configured to pump the effluent fluid through the fluid path 70 against gravity. The waste container 26 may be pre-filled with effluent fluid or another fluid, such as water, to a fluid level above the inlet 72 of the fluid path 70 prior to circulating the effluent fluid through the fluid path 70 using the pump 80 or activating the sensor module 56. The pre-filled fluid level may be adjusted by the fluid measurement system 68 and the controller 36. This arrangement may evacuate air from the fluid path 70 prior to or simultaneously with initiating a QBL analysis. Additionally or alternatively, the effluent may be diluted with another fluid, such as waste liquid or water, so that the blood concentration is below a predetermined blood concentration, which may itself be based on the optical capabilities or optimum conditions of the sensor 60.

[0052] The sensor module 56 is arranged to detect optical properties (e.g., transmittance, opacity, and / or other physical properties) of the effluent fluid that are indicative of the blood concentration of the effluent fluid being circulated through the fluid pathway 70. In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, this arrangement includes the sensor housing 54 being coupled to the first conduit 76 or the second conduit 78, with the cavity defined by the sensor housing 54 defining a portion of the fluid pathway 70. The sensor module 56 is coupled to the sensor housing 54 in the manner described above such that the emitter 58 and sensor 60 are positioned adjacent to or opposite the fluid pathway 70.

[0053] It is understood that, in general, the effluent should not directly contact the emitter 58, the sensor 60, and other electronic components of the sensor module 56. As such, an optically transparent channel or tube that includes the detection window 62 overcomes such concerns while facilitating QBL analysis. However, the effluent, including blood therein, may foul the transparent channel or tube over time. In particular, the transparency of the transparent channel or tube may decrease such that the emitted and scattered light detected by the sensor 60 does not accurately represent the optical properties of the effluent. It is also contemplated that the medical waste collection system 20 may include a washing system (not shown) configured to wash the fluid pathway 70 with a detergent or other fluid to restore the transparency of the transparent channel or tube.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the medical waste collection system 20 includes a cartridge 50 that itself includes a detection window 62. The cartridge 50 is removably inserted into the cartridge receiver 48 and may be disposable after a single use to eliminate the contamination concerns discussed above. The cartridge 50 includes a cartridge housing 82 that is sized to be inserted through the cartridge opening 52 and is at least partially disposed within the sensor housing 54. The cartridge housing 82 defines a passageway 84 configured to form or complete the fluid pathway 70 when the cartridge 50 is removably coupled to the cartridge receiver 48. In one example, FIG. 1 shows that the cartridge housing 82 includes shoulders 86 (one shown), each of which defines a bore 88. A channel 90 may be coupled to the shoulder 86 to define the passageway 84 in fluid communication with the bore 88. The channel 90 can itself define a detection window 62 configured to be positioned between the emitter 58 and the sensor 60 when the cartridge housing 82 is at least partially disposed in the cavity. The channel 90 can be a tube, as shown, or a member having any other suitable cross-section, or alternatively, the cartridge housing 82 can define the detection window 62 through a notch or other geometric shape formed therein. In other words, the detection window 62 can be a separate component from the cartridge housing 82 or can be an integrally formed component therewith.

[0055] The cartridge 50 may include a handle 92 having a shoulder 86 extending therefrom. The handle 92 may be positioned outside the casing of the chassis 22 to facilitate insertion and removal of the cartridge 50 from the cartridge receiver 48, respectively. Additionally, the cartridge 50 may include a retention feature (not shown) configured to releasably engage a complementary retention feature of the cartridge receiver 48. For example, the retention feature may form an interference or friction fit, or alternatively may be a movable structure configured to be actuated between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Actuation between the engaged and disengaged positions may be provided through a mechanical input on the chassis 22 or through an input on the control panel 40 where the controller 36 electronically moves the structure to the disengaged position to allow removal of the cartridge 50.

[0056] The cartridge 50 may also include an RFID tag 94, which includes a memory for storing data. The RFID tag 94 is configured to be detected by and transmit data to an RFID reader 96 coupled to the cartridge receiver 48 or another suitable component of the medical waste collection system 20. The data may be indicative of compatibility of the cartridge 50 with the medical waste collection system 20. The memory of the RFID tag 94 may store calibration data for the emitter 58 and / or the sensor 60. Additionally or alternatively, the data may be instructions for operating the medical waste collection system 20 in a particular manner with the cartridge 50 removably coupled to the cartridge receiver 48. For example, the controller 36 may receive data from the RFID reader 96 and operate the pump 80 and actuate valves to recirculate waste liquid from the waste volume 28 through the fluid path 70. As another example, the controller 36 may receive data from the RFID reader 96 and actuate the sensor module 56 to perform a QBL analysis and display output from the QBL analysis on the control panel 40. If such data is not received by the controller 36, the controller 36 may determine that the cartridge 50 is not present and may operate the medical waste collection system 20 using different operating parameters.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the sensor module 56 can be coupled to or integrated with the cartridge 50 itself, rather than the sensor housing 54. More specifically, the emitter 58 and / or sensor 60 can be coupled to the cartridge housing 82, the channel 90, or another suitable structure of the cartridge 50 so as to be positioned adjacent to or opposite the detection window 62 in the manner described above. The sensor module 56 disposed on the cartridge 50 can be battery powered, or alternatively, electrical contacts on the cartridge 50 can engage complementary electrical contacts on the sensor housing 54 to establish a power circuit. Additionally, the sensor module 56 can communicate data with the controller 36 by way of a wireless communication module coupled to the cartridge housing 82, or alternatively, a data coupler on the cartridge 50 can engage complementary data coupler on the sensor housing 54 to establish a data circuit. It is also contemplated that the cartridge 50 itself may include a controller (not shown) configured to communicate with the sensor module 56 and to perform any of the previously described functions of the medical waste collection system 20 with respect to QBL analysis.

[0058] The QBL analysis performed by the medical waste collection system 20 will now be described with continued reference to FIGS. 1-3. The manifold 44 is removably inserted into the manifold receiver 42, and an aspiration tube (not shown) is coupled to an inlet fitting 98 of the manifold 44. The cartridge 50 is removably inserted into the cartridge receiver 48. A first input is provided to the control panel 40 to operate the vacuum source 30 to establish a suction path from the aspiration tube through the manifold 44 and the manifold receiver 42 to be collected in the waste volume 28 of the waste container 26. The fluid measurement system 68 provides a waste level signal to the controller 36, which determines the waste volume of the collected waste liquid in the waste container 26. Either through the first input, or through another input to the control panel 40, or automatically upon insertion of the cartridge 50, the controller 36 operates the pump 80 to circulate the waste liquid from the waste volume 28 through the fluid path 70 to be recollected in the waste volume 28. The sensor module 56 detects the optical properties of the effluent and generates and transmits an optical property signal to the controller 36. The controller 36 determines the blood concentration of the effluent based on the optical property signal and further determines the volume of blood loss based on the waste volume and the blood concentration. The volume of blood loss can be displayed on the control panel 40 or on another display in communication with the medical waste collection system 20, such as another monitor or mobile device. The QBL analysis can be continuously repeated as desired to update the volume of blood loss in real time. When an instruction is given to stop or resume the QBL analysis, the user need only provide a subsequent input to the control panel 40 for the controller 36 to operate the subsystem accordingly. Because the waste container 26 and the sensor module 56 are supported on the chassis 22 and in communication with the controller 36, the control panel 40 can provide all the relevant information, eliminating the need for the user to divert attention to observe separate fluid containers positioned throughout the operating room. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, superior accuracy of the determined volume of blood loss is achieved by recirculating the effluent after the initial collection in the waste container 26.An audible and / or visual warning can be provided if the volume of blood loss exceeds a predetermined or selected value. The volume of blood loss can also be uploaded to the patient's electronic medical record (EMR) during or after the surgical procedure.

[0059] 4A, an alternative embodiment of the cartridge 50 includes a sensor housing 54 removably coupled to the cartridge 50 prior to or after insertion of the cartridge 50 into the cartridge receiver 48. Removable coupling of the sensor housing 54 to the cartridge 50 positions the sensor module 56 opposite the detection window 62 of the cartridge 50. A representative view of a waste container 26 is shown in which the cartridge receiver 48 is coupled to a lid or cap 100 of the waste container 26 and a pump 80 for a fluid path 70 is coupled to the cartridge receiver 48. The cartridge receiver 48 defines a cartridge opening 52, which in this embodiment is circular. The cartridge receiver 48 further defines the inlet opening 73 and the outlet opening 75 of the fluid path 70, as well as an orientation feature 102 configured to engage a complementary orientation feature 104 of the cartridge 50. The orientation feature 102 is illustrated as a semi-elliptical opening configured to receive a semi-elliptical protrusion that forms the orientation feature 104 of the cartridge 50.

[0060] The cartridge housing 82 of the cartridge 50 includes an outer diameter that is complementary to the inner diameter of the cartridge opening 52. The cartridge 50 may include a gasket 106 that is coupled to the outer diameter of the cartridge housing 82 and configured to seal the cartridge opening 52 when the cartridge 50 is removably coupled to the cartridge receiver 48. As an orientation arrangement, the cartridge housing 82 includes a head 108 that separates the two portions of the cartridge 50. Extending in a first direction from the head 108 is a shoulder 86 that defines a bore 88 that forms part of the fluid path 70. While the embodiment of FIG. 2 shows the bores 88 to be coaxially disposed with the channel 90 positioned therebetween, FIG. 4A shows the bores 88 to be parallel disposed and positioned in a side-by-side relationship that is complementary to the inlet opening 73 and the outlet opening 75 of the cartridge receiver 48. The shoulder 86 may be a cylinder having a circumference that approximates the tangent of a circle, as referred to in the art of geometry. The shoulder 86 defines a rim 110 configured to be positioned to form a face seal with an inner surface 112 of the cartridge receiver 48. The rim 110 may define a groove (not identified) and a gasket 114 may be disposed in the groove to facilitate the face seal.

[0061] Extending from the head 108 in a second direction opposite the first direction is the detection window 62. The detection window 62 may be defined by a spine 128 that includes opposing outer sides 116. The opposing outer sides 116 may include a slight taper to facilitate a friction fit with a complementary opposing inner side 118 of the sensor housing 54. At least the opposing inner side 118 of the sensor housing 54 may be formed from a resilient material to facilitate a friction fit with the spine 128 of the cartridge 50. The emitter 58 and sensor 60 of the sensor module 56 are not identified in FIG. 4, but it should be understood that they are coupled to the opposing inner side 118 of the sensor housing 54 such that they are positioned adjacent to or opposite the detection window 62 in the manner described above. The spine 128 and / or head 108 can form a handle 92 for the cartridge 50 to facilitate insertion and removal of the cartridge 50 from the cartridge receiver 48, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor housing 54 can be coupled to the cartridge 50 prior to insertion and then itself provide a grip for manipulating the sensor-cartridge assembly for insertion into the cartridge receiver 48. The sensor housing 54 can include a dongle 130 that is integral with or removably coupled to a data and power port 144 (see FIG. 6 ) on the chassis 22 of the medical waste collection system 20.

[0062] The cartridge receiver 48 and cartridge 50 may include components for providing selective locking of the cartridge 50 when removably coupled with the cartridge receiver 48. More specifically, the cartridge receiver 48 may include an actuator 120 configured to receive an input to move at least one component of the cartridge receiver 48 between two positions to selectively engage a complementary geometric feature of the cartridge 50. For example, the actuator 120 shown in FIG. 4A may be a tab configured to be rotated to engage an internal geometric feature (not shown) of the cartridge receiver 48 with a protrusion 122 or another structure on the cartridge housing 82. In other words, this configuration provides a "twist-lock" function after the cartridge 50 is directed through the cartridge opening 52 and suitably positioned.

[0063] At least the detection window 62 of the spine 128 is optically transparent, and FIG. 4A shows that the entire cartridge housing 82 is optically transparent. It should be understood that the entire cartridge housing 82 being optically transparent is an optional feature, but manufacturing may be simplified by forming the cartridge housing 82 from a single material through injection molding or other suitable manufacturing techniques. Additionally, the entire cartridge housing 82 being optically transparent may facilitate visualization of the color of effluent fluid being circulated through the fluid path 70 (either prior to or after removal of the sensor module 56, with the cartridge 50 still inserted in the cartridge receiver 48 and effluent fluid being circulated through the fluid path 70). With the cartridge 50 removably inserted into the cartridge receiver 48 and the sensor housing 54 coupled to the cartridge 50, the pump 80 is operated to establish a fluid path 70 from the waste volume 28 through the inlet 72 (not shown) of the cartridge receiver 48, the outlet opening 75 of the cartridge receiver 48, one of the bores 88 of the cartridge 50, the detection window 62, the other of the bores 88 of the cartridge 50, the inlet opening 73 of the cartridge receiver 48, and the outlet 74 (not shown) of the cartridge receiver 48, and back into the waste volume 28. The sensor module 56 detects an optical property of the waste fluid in the detection window 62 of the spine 128 and generates and transmits an optical property signal to the controller 36. The controller 36 determines the volume of blood loss in the manner described above.

[0064] 4B-4D, another embodiment of the cartridge 50 is shown. The cartridge housing 82 of the cartridge 50 includes an outer diameter or outer contour that is complementary to an inner diameter or inner contour of the cartridge opening 52, respectively. The cartridge housing 82 includes a trunk 174 and a head 108 that is removably or fixedly coupled to the head 108 to define a cartridge space. The trunk 174 of the cartridge housing 82 includes a body portion 210, a first leg 187 extending from the body portion 210, and a second leg 188 extending from the body portion 210. A void 212 is defined between the first leg 187 and the second leg 188. More specifically, each of the first leg 187 and the second leg 188 can extend proximally from the body portion 210 to define a void 212 therebetween. The gap 212 is sized to receive a depth element (not shown) or other structure of the cartridge receiver 48 .

[0065] The cartridge housing 82 may include at least one of an arm 214, a locking element 216, a spine 218, and a catch 220. The illustrated embodiment includes two arms 214, two locking elements 216, and two catches 220. The arm 214 may extend from the body portion 210 or the first leg 187 and may include a proximally directed surface configured to engage a sled assembly (not shown) of the cartridge receiver 48. The locking element 216 may extend from the body portion 210 and may include a distally directed surface configured to be engaged by a manifold lock assembly of the cartridge receiver 48. The spine 218 may extend from the body portion 210 or the first leg 187 and may include a proximally directed surface configured to engage a sled lock assembly of the cartridge receiver 48. Finally, the catch 220 may be disposed on the second leg 188 and may include a distally directed surface configured to be engaged by a tab (not shown) of the cartridge receiver 48. The distally directed surface of the catch 220 can be adjacent to the proximally directed surface of the arm 214, adjacent to the proximally directed surface of the spine 218, and adjacent to the distally directed surface of the locking element 216. Additionally, the first leg 187 can include a rim 110 that defines the outlet opening 178 and / or the recirculation opening 184, described below. The rim 110 can be positioned distal to the distally directed surface of the catch 220. The features of the head 108 and / or trunk 174 can be similar to the features of the manifold disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 10,471,188, issued November 11, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, the cartridge receiver 48 can be the same as or similar to the manifold receivers disclosed in the commonly owned patents identified above. Additionally, the cartridge 50 may lack an inlet fitting configured to receive a suction tube.Thus, cartridge 50 can be differentiated from that of a manifold by lacking an inlet fitting for receiving a suction tube, thereby providing a closed system in which waste fluid is recirculated through fluid pathway 70 for recollection in waste container 26. In embodiments in which components include an inlet fitting (see Figures 10 and 11), they can be considered to take the form of a recirculation manifold, as described below.

[0066] 4B , the cartridge housing 82 defines an optically transparent detection window 62. For example, the detection window 62 can be disposed on the head 108, which includes a ridge 128 that defines the detection window 62. The ridge 128 can be optically transparent, or alternatively, the entire head 108 can be optically transparent. The illustrated embodiment shows that the head 108 defines a circular recess 224, through which the ridge 128 extends. The ridge 128 includes opposing outer sides 116 that are at least partially transparent. The opposing outer sides 116 can include a slight taper to facilitate a friction fit with a complementary opposing inner side 118 of the sensor housing 54. At least the opposing inner side 118 of the sensor housing 54 can be formed from a resilient material to facilitate a friction fit with the ridge 128 of the cartridge 50. The emitter 58 and sensor 60 of the sensor module 56 are positioned adjacent to or opposite the detection window 62 in the manner described above. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor housing 54 may be coupled to the cartridge 50 prior to insertion and then itself provide a grip for manipulating the sensor-cartridge assembly for insertion into the cartridge receiver 48. Similarly, the cartridge 50 may include a grip 226 coupled to the head 108, trunk 174, or another suitable structure of the cartridge 50 to facilitate insertion and removal of the cartridge 50. FIG. 4B illustrates the grip 226 as a band-like structure disposed around the periphery of the head 108 and formed from a different material than that of the head 108, such as rubber, to improve handling of the cartridge 50.

[0067] As best shown in FIG. 4C, one of the first leg 187 and the second leg 188 defines the outlet opening 178, and the other of the first leg 187 and the second leg 188 defines the recirculation opening 184. Hereinafter, by convention, the first leg 187 defines the recirculation opening 184 and the second leg 188 defines the outlet opening 178, as represented by the arrows in FIG. 4D. The reverse configuration is also contemplated, where the first leg 187 defines the outlet opening 178 and the second leg 188 defines the recirculation opening 184. The first seal 114 is disposed within the outlet opening 178, and the second seal 115 is disposed within the recirculation opening 184. The first seal 114 and the second seal 115 are configured to prevent leakage of waste fluid from the outlet opening 178 and the recirculation opening 184, for example, by providing a facial and radial seal with a complementary fitting (not shown) in the cartridge receiver 48. The first seal 114 and the second seal 115 may be similar or different in size, shape, material selection, etc., with FIG. 4C showing the first seal 114 as being smaller than the second seal 115 but otherwise similar in construction. Further features of the first seal 114 and / or the second seal 115 may be the same as or similar to those disclosed in the aforementioned commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 10,471,188. The openings (e.g., slits between resilient flaps) in each of the first seal 114 and second seal 115 are positioned on parallel axes internal to the medical waste collection system 20 to provide a closed system with reduced potential exposure to waste liquids.

[0068] In one embodiment, the outlet opening 178 can be positioned below the recirculation opening 184 when the manifold 44 is oriented for insertion into the manifold opening 46 of the manifold receiver 42. The arm 214, the locking element 216, the spine 218, and the catch 220 can be positioned distal to the outlet opening 178 or the recirculation opening 184 defined in the second leg 188.

[0069] With the cartridge 50 removably inserted into the cartridge receiver 48 and the sensor housing 54 coupled to the cartridge 50, the pump 80 is operated to establish a fluid pathway 70 from the waste volume 28, through the recirculation opening 184 to the detection window 62, through the detection window 62 to the exit opening 178, and through the exit opening 178 for collection in the waste container 26. The pump 80 may be configured to pull a vacuum on the exit opening 178 to draw the waste fluid through the recirculation opening 184, or alternatively, the pump 80 may provide a positive pressure to the recirculation opening 184. The sensor module 56 detects an optical property of the waste fluid in the detection window 62 of the ridge 128 and generates and transmits an optical property signal to the controller 36. The controller 36 determines the volume of blood loss in the manner described above.

[0070] The fluid pathway 70 can further include waste fluid directed through the recirculation opening 184, the first leg 187 of the trunk 174, the detection window 62, the second leg 188 of the trunk 174, and the exit opening 178. To achieve the fluid pathway 70, the cartridge 50 can include an inner housing 228 that is coupled to or otherwise engaged with the trunk 174. As can be seen in FIG. 4D, the inner housing 228 can include contoured features that are at least partially disposed within the trunk 174 and that follow complementary features of the trunk 174. For example, the inner housing 228 can include an inner first leg 230 disposed within the first leg 187 of the trunk 174 and an inner second leg 232 disposed within the second leg 188 of the trunk 174. The first seal 114 can be coupled to the inner second leg 232 and the second seal 115 can be coupled to the inner first leg 230. With the inner housing 228 seated within the trunk 174, the first seal 114 can be compressed between the inner second leg 232 and the second leg 188 to cover the outlet opening 178 and the second seal 115 can be compressed between the inner first leg 230 and the first leg 187 to cover the recirculation opening 184. The inner housing 228 can further include a barrier 234 separating the intake path 236 and the exhaust path 238 to constrain the fluid path 70 toward and away from the detection window 62, respectively. 4D, the fluid path 70 includes the recirculation opening 184, the intake path 236 of the inner housing 228, the detection window 62, the exhaust path 238 of the inner housing 228, and waste fluid directed through the exit opening 178. As previously mentioned, the opposite configuration is also contemplated.

[0071] In alternative embodiments, cartridge 50 may not include inner housing 228, and head 108 and / or trunk 174 may be formed with internal geometries that provide fluid pathways 70 described above. Particularly in instances where cartridge 50 is manufactured through injection molding, blow molding, and three-dimensional printing, the internal geometries necessary to provide fluid pathways 70 may be readily achieved without the need for separate components.

[0072] Cartridge 50 may also include a filter element 176 disposed within cartridge housing 53, for example, within body portion 210 of trunk 174. Figure 4D illustrates filter element 176 disposed within or associated with exhaust path 238 such that waste material channeled through fluid path 70 is not subjected to filtering prior to encountering detection window 62, which may affect the composition of the effluent detected by sensor module 56. However, it is contemplated that filter element 176, or another filter element having different filtering capabilities, may be disposed within or associated with intake path 236.

[0073] 4E-4H, an alternative embodiment of the cartridge 50 is shown in which the detection window 62 may be defined by structure other than the head 108. Additionally, this embodiment includes structure in common with the embodiments described above, but provides an alternative form factor, namely a generally U-shaped cassette cartridge, described below. The cartridge housing 53 includes a body portion 210, a first leg 187 extending from the body portion 210, and a second leg 188 extending from the body portion 210. The first leg 187 and the second leg 188 may extend in the same direction from the body portion 210 to define a gap 212 therebetween. One of the first leg 187 and the second leg 187 defines a recirculation opening 184, and the other of the first leg 187 and the second leg 188 defines an exit opening 178. As indicated by the arrows in Figures 4E and 4G, the illustrated embodiment includes a first leg 187 defining the outlet opening 178 and a second leg 188 defining the recirculation opening 184, although the reverse configuration is also contemplated. A first seal and a second seal (not shown) can be coupled to the first leg 187 and / or the second leg 188 to cover the outlet opening 178 and the recirculation opening 184. An arm 214 extends from one of the body portion 210 and the first leg 187, a locking element 216 extends from one of the body portion 210 and the first leg 187, and a spine 218 extends from one of the body portion 210 and the first leg 187. Additionally, a catch 220 is disposed on the second leg 188.

[0074] 4B-4D, in which the cartridge housing 53 has a generally cylindrical form factor, the cartridge housing of FIGS. 4E-4H includes opposing flat sides 240 that are parallel and larger than opposing outer sides 242 such that the cartridge 50 is in the form of a cassette. The gap can extend inwardly at least half the length of each of the first and second legs 187, 188, or any suitable distance such that the cartridge housing 53 is U-shaped. Alternatively, it is contemplated that a protrusion (not shown) can extend from the body portion 210 in the opposite direction to the first and second legs 187, 188, such that the form factor is a generally H-shaped cassette cartridge.

[0075] 4E and 4F show the cavity 212 sized and shaped to receive the sensor module 56. In such a configuration, at least one of the first leg 187 and the second leg 188 can be considered to define the detection window 62. More specifically, the ridge 128 can extend from at least one of the body portion 210, the first leg 187, and the second leg 188 into the cavity 212. The ridge 128 defines the optically transparent detection window 62. Even more specifically, a first portion of the ridge 128 extends from the first leg 187, a second portion of the ridge 128 extends from the second leg 188, and a third portion of the ridge 128 extends from the body portion 210. With the sensor module 56 disposed within the cavity 212, the emitters 58 and sensors 60 of the sensor module 56 are configured to detect optical properties of the fluid within one or more portions of the detection window 62. The placement of the sensor module 56 along the three portions of the ridge 128 contemplates that several emitters and sensors may be placed in series to take as many measurements as desired as fluid is circulated through the cartridge 50. The potentially additional measurements may facilitate improved accuracy.

[0076] 4G and 4H show an embodiment in which the spine 218 of the cartridge housing 53 defines the detection window 62. In this embodiment, the spine 218 includes opposing outer sides 116 of the spine 218 spaced apart from one another to define a channel in fluid communication with the interior of the body portion 210 or the first leg 187, as best shown in FIG. 4H. The opposing outer sides 116 of the spine 218 are configured to be disposed between opposing inner sides 118 of the sensor module 56. Another variation in which the spine 218 of the cartridge housing 53 defines the detection window 62 is shown in FIG. 11B.

[0077] Additionally or alternatively, the arm 214 can define the detection window 62. FIG. 11A illustrates a configuration in which the arm 214 extends from the body portion 210 and the first leg 187. Similar to FIG. 4H, this configuration includes an arm 214 having opposing outer sides 116 spaced apart from one another to define a channel in fluid communication with the interior of the body portion 210 or the first leg 187. It is further contemplated that other structures of the cartridge housing 53 can define the detection window 62, including, but not limited to, the body portion 210, the first leg 187, the second leg 188, and the catch 220.

[0078] In embodiments in which the detection window 62 is associated with the arm 214, spine 218, or other structure extending from the first leg 187, the fluid path 70 may not need to circulate through the second leg 188. Rather, a simplified internal structure may be achieved by providing both the recirculation opening 184 and the outlet opening 178 within the rim 110 of the first leg 187. With continued reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the first leg 187 includes the rim 110 and a barrier 244 coupled to the rim 110 to separate the recirculation opening 184 and the outlet opening 178. The internal geometry of the first leg 187 may be provided to maintain separation of the intake and exhaust paths within the first leg 187 at least a sufficient distance for waste fluid to be detected by the sensor module 56. Additional internal geometries may be provided to route waste fluid from the recirculation opening 184 towards the arms 214, spine 218, or other structures defining the detection window 62. It should be appreciated that the embodiment shown in Figures 11A and 11B simplifies workflow by not requiring the user to separately couple the sensor module 56 to the cartridge 50, requiring merely intuitive insertion and removal of the cartridge 50 from the medical waste collection system 20.

[0079] Yet another embodiment of the cartridge 50 is shown in Figures 5A and 5B, in which a sensor module 56 is removably connectable to the cartridge 50 prior to or after insertion of the cartridge 50 into the cartridge receiver 48. A representative view of a waste container 26 is shown with the cartridge receiver 48 connected near the bottom of the waste container 26 and a pump 80 for a fluid path 70 connected to the cartridge receiver 48. The cartridge receiver 48 defines a cartridge opening 52, an inlet opening 73, and an outlet opening 75. The cartridge receiver 48 in the embodiment of Figure 5A is sized to receive a sensor housing 54. More specifically, the cartridge opening 52 defines an inner periphery that is contoured to the outer periphery of the sensor housing 54.

[0080] The cartridge 50 may include a channel 90 or tube, but may otherwise lack a separate housing supporting the cartridge 50. In other words, the tube is the cartridge 50, and the sensor housing 54 supports the tube within the cartridge receiver 48. The cartridge 50 includes a spine 128 that defines an optically transparent detection window 62, and the entire cartridge 50 may be optically transparent. A shoulder 86 may extend from the spine 128 to form a U-shaped cartridge as shown. The shoulder 86 defines a bore 88, and the gasket 114 may be coupled near an end of the shoulder 86. The end of the shoulder 86 may have an outer diameter configured to be slidably and snugly inserted into one of the inlet and outlet openings 73 and 75 of the cartridge receiver 48 so that the gasket 114 forms a face seal with the inner surface 112 of the cartridge receiver 48.

[0081] The opposing outer sides 116 of the spine 128 may be friction-fit with the opposing inner sides 118 of the sensor housing 54. At least the opposing inner sides 118 of the sensor housing 54 may be formed from a resilient material to facilitate the friction fit with the spine 128 of the cartridge 50 and to further eliminate ambient light interference. The emitter 58 and sensor 60 of the sensor module 56 are coupled to the opposing inner sides 118 of the sensor housing 54 such that they are positioned adjacent to or opposite the detection window 62. The sensor housing 54 may include a dongle 130 that is integral with or removably coupled to a data and power port 144 on the chassis 22 of the medical waste collection system 20.

[0082] The sensor housing 54 may include at least one post 132 extending between the opposing inner sides 118 to enable the sensor housing 54 to define a sensor window 134. In other words, the opposing inner sides 118 define a slot sized to receive the cartridge 50 and are spaced apart from one another to enable visualization of the cartridge 50 through the sensor window 134. The sensor window 134 may be elongated and contoured to the cartridge 50. The cartridge 50 is removably inserted into the cartridge receiver 48 and the effluent may be visible through the sensor window 134. As shown in FIG. 5B, at least one fastener or clamp 136 may be provided to secure the sensor-cartridge assembly into the cartridge receiver 48. This configuration provides visualization of the effluent being circulated through the fluid pathway 70 without requiring removal of the sensor housing 54.

[0083] In configurations in which the medical waste collection system 20 includes two waste containers, certain embodiments of the cartridge receiver 48 can facilitate the transfer of waste liquid from the first or upper waste container to the second or lower waste container. FIG. 5A shows only the upper waste container 26, with arrow 138 indicating the flow of waste liquid to the lower waste container. The cartridge receiver 48 defines an outlet port 140 that selectively provides fluid communication between the upper waste container 26 and the lower waste container. A motor 142 can be coupled to a valve (not shown) to establish selective fluid communication between the upper waste container 26 and the lower waste container. This embodiment provides at least a recirculation mode and a transfer mode. The recirculation mode includes operating the pump 80 to draw waste liquid from the waste volume 28 through the inlet 72 (not shown), the outlet opening 75, the cartridge 50, the inlet opening 73, the conduit 78, and the outlet 74 to be recollected in the waste volume 28. The sensor module 56 detects an optical property of the waste fluid in the detection window 62 and generates and transmits an optical property signal to the controller 36. The controller 36 determines the volume of blood loss in the manner described above. The transfer mode involves operating the motor 142 to draw waste fluid from the waste volume 28 through the inlet 72 (not shown) and the outlet port 140 for collection in the lower waste container. The transfer mode may or may not provide QBL analysis.

[0084] It is also contemplated that the sensor module 56 may be coupled to or proximate the outlet port 140 such that the emitter 58 and sensor 60 are configured to detect waste liquid being transferred from the upper waste container to the lower waste container. In such an embodiment, the QBL analysis may be performed simultaneously with emptying the upper waste container. The volume of waste liquid is known from the fluid measurement system 68 in the upper waste container, and thus the same technical advantages may be realized, although waste liquid is not recollected in the upper waste container.

[0085] 6, another embodiment of a cartridge 50 is shown in which a sensor module 56 is removably connectable to the cartridge 50 prior to or after insertion of the cartridge 50 into the cartridge receiver 48. A representative view of a waste container 26 is shown in which a cartridge receiver 48 is connected below the waste container 26 and a pump 80 is connected to the cartridge receiver 48. The cartridge receiver 48 defines a cartridge opening 52, and the cartridge 50 is shown already positioned within the cartridge receiver 48.

[0086] The cartridge 50 includes a spine 128 that defines an optically transparent detection window 62, and the entire cartridge 50 may be optically transparent. Certain other structures common to the above embodiments of the cartridge 50, such as the bore 88, the gasket 114, etc., are not visible in FIG. 6 but are considered incorporated by reference. Opposing outer sides 116 of the spine 128 may be positioned adjacent to opposing inner sides 118 of the sensor housing 54. At least the opposing inner sides 118 of the sensor housing 54 may be formed from a resilient material to facilitate a friction fit with the spine 128 of the cartridge 50 and to further eliminate ambient light interference. The emitter 58 and the sensor 60 of the sensor module 56 are coupled to the opposing inner sides 118 of the sensor housing 54 such that they are positioned adjacent to or opposite the detection window 62. The sensor housing 54 may include a dongle 130 configured to be removably coupled to a data and power port 144 on the chassis 22 of the medical waste collection system 20. The data and power port 144 may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

[0087] The cartridge receiver 48 of FIG. 6 can facilitate the transfer of waste fluid from the first or upper waste container 26 to the second or lower waste container. The cartridge receiver 48 defines an outlet port 140 for selectively fluidly communicating between the upper waste container 26 and the lower waste container. A motor 142 can be coupled to a valve (not shown) to establish selective fluid communication between the upper waste container 26 and the lower waste container. This embodiment provides at least a recirculation mode, a transfer mode, and a closed mode. The recirculation mode includes operating the motor 142 to position the valve and operating the pump 80 to draw waste fluid from the waste volume 28 through the cartridge 50 and into the waste volume 28 for recollection. The sensor module 56 detects an optical property of the waste fluid in the detection window 62 and generates and transmits an optical property signal to the controller 36. The controller 36 determines the volume of blood loss in the manner described above. The transfer mode involves operating the motor 142 to position the valve to transfer waste liquid from the waste volume 28 through the outlet port 140 for collection in the lower waste container. The close mode involves operating the motor 142 to close the valve so that waste liquid is collected in the waste volume 28 without performing a QBL analysis.

[0088] 7A-7C show another embodiment of the cartridge 50, where the cartridge 50 defines a fluid reservoir 146 and includes a means for drawing waste fluid from the waste container 26 into the fluid reservoir 146 to facilitate QBL analysis. The cartridge 50 includes a shoulder 86 configured to removably couple with the waste container 26 to establish selective fluid communication between the waste volume 28 and the fluid reservoir 146. The cartridge 50 includes an actuator 148 configured to be actuated between a closed position (FIG. 7B) in which waste fluid is not permitted to flow between the waste volume 28 and the fluid reservoir 146, and an open position (FIG. 7C) in which waste fluid is permitted to flow between the waste volume 28 and the fluid reservoir 146. Additionally, actuation of the actuator 148 can itself urge fluid to be drawn from the waste volume 28 into the fluid reservoir 146.

[0089] The cartridge housing 82 may be circular such that the cartridge 50 is disk-shaped for purposes of intuitive and ergonomic operation, although other suitable geometric shapes are contemplated. The cartridge housing 82 defines the inlet 72, which in this embodiment also functions as the outlet 74. In other words, waste fluid may be drawn into and expelled from the fluid reservoir 146 through the same opening. The positioning of the cartridge 50 and its functions described below may allow the opening to be large compared to the cartridge housing 82, making it less likely to become clogged by the passage of waste fluid.

[0090] The actuator 148 may be pivotally coupled to the cartridge housing 82 and may include a hub 150 and a plunger 152 coupled to the hub 150. The plunger 152 may be arcuate and may include a curvature that approximates the radius of the cartridge housing 82. The hub 150 may be mounted near the center of the cartridge housing 82 to pivot about its center and move the plunger 152 in an arc. The cartridge 50 may include a motor 154 coupled to the cartridge housing 82 and configured to pivot the hub 150 between the open and closed positions relative to the cartridge housing 82. One suitable motor is a stepper motor that requires low current. The stepper motor may be controlled by the controller 36 and an input to the control panel 40 may be operated to move the cartridge 50 between the open and closed positions. Additionally or alternatively, the hub 150 of the actuator 148 may further include at least one control surface 155 configured to receive a manual input to move the actuator 148 between the open and closed positions. When the actuator 148 is in a closed position, the plunger 152 can block the fluid reservoir 146 and the inlet 72 open to the fluid reservoir 146. When the actuator 148 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the plunger 152 is moved in an arc to expose the fluid reservoir 146 and the inlet 72 and allow waste fluid to be drawn into the fluid reservoir 146. Other suitable actuators include a squeeze valve, a manual syringe, a spring-loaded syringe, a powered syringe, a pneumatic cylinder, a vacuum source, and a peristaltic pump.

[0091] At least a portion of the cartridge housing 82 is transparent to define the detection window 62. The sensor module 56 is coupled to the cartridge housing 82 such that the emitter 58 and the sensor 60 are positioned adjacent to or opposite the detection window 62, and may be positioned adjacent to or opposite the fluid reservoir 146. FIG. 7C illustrates one suitable position of the sensor module 56. The actuator 148 may be actuated to draw waste fluid from the waste volume 28 through the inlet 72 and into the fluid reservoir 146 under the influence of a vacuum. The sensor module 56 detects an optical property of the waste fluid in the detection window 62 and generates and transmits an optical property signal to the controller 36. The controller 36 determines the volume of blood loss in the manner described above. The actuator 148 may further be actuated to urge the plunger 152 to recollect waste fluid from the fluid reservoir 146 through the outlet 74 and into the waste volume 28. Due to the relative dimensions of the plunger 152 and the fluid reservoir 146, the plunger 152 may be or include a seal (not shown) to slidably or frictionally remove or clean any residual amount of waste fluid from the detection window 62. Self-cleaning may extend the operational life of the cartridge 50 by minimizing contamination of the detection window 62, or alternatively, the functionality of the cartridge 50 may be integrated into the waste container 26 as a major component. It should be understood that the actuation of the actuator 148 between the open and closed positions may be performed quickly and repeatedly as often as desired or as directed to obtain an updated QBL analysis. Furthermore, the time to perform the QBL analysis (e.g., the time for the sensor 60 to detect the optical property and the controller 36 to process the signal) may be nearly instantaneous.

[0092] 8A-8C show another embodiment with a fluid reservoir 146 to facilitate QBL analysis. The medical waste collection system 20 can include a manifold receiver 42 in fluid communication with the waste container 26 (not identified) and can further include a tank 156 defining the fluid reservoir 146. The tank 156 can be integral with or removably coupled to the chassis 22, or can be removably coupled to a cradle 158 mounted to the chassis 22. The cradle 158 can include a retention feature (not shown) configured to releasably engage a complementary retention feature of the tank 156. The retention feature can be actuated between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Actuation can be provided through a button 160 on the cradle 158 or through an input on the control panel 40 that causes the controller 36 to electronically move the structure to a disengaged position to allow removal of the tank 156 from the cradle 158 or chassis 22.

[0093] The tank 156 can include a base 162 and a lid 164 coupled to the base 162 to define the fluid reservoir 146. The base 162 or the lid 164 can be at least partially transparent to define the detection window 62. FIG. 8C shows the base 162 including a spine 128 extending from a sidewall of the tank 156. The spine 128 being integrated into the tank 156 can eliminate clogging by eliminating waste fluid passing through a relatively small diameter opening. FIG. 8C further shows that opposing outer sides 116 of the spine 128 are coupled to opposing inner sides 118 of the sensor housing 54. At least the opposing inner sides 118 of the sensor housing 54 can be formed from a resilient material to facilitate a friction fit with the spine 128 of the cartridge 50 and to further eliminate interference from ambient light. Alternatively, the sensor housing 54 may be slidably inserted into a slot or pocket such that it is removably coupled to the base 162 at a location adjacent the detection window 62. The emitter 58 and sensor 60 of the sensor module 56 are coupled to opposing inner sides 118 of the sensor housing 54 such that they are positioned adjacent to or opposite the detection window 62. The sensor housing 54 may include a dongle 130 that is integral with or removably coupled to a data and power port 144 on the chassis 22 of the medical waste collection system 20.

[0094] The base 162 or the lid 164 may include at least one inlet fitting 166 and at least one outlet fitting 168. The inlet fitting 166 and the outlet fitting 168 are configured to be removably coupled to an aspiration tube, with the resulting inflow and outflow being represented diagrammatically by arrows in FIG. 8B. In one example, the aspiration tube coupled to the outlet fitting 168 may be further coupled to the inlet fitting 98 of the manifold 44 that is removably inserted into the manifold receiver 42 (see FIG. 1). The aspiration tube coupled to the inlet fitting 166 becomes a distal aspiration tube to which a surgical instrument may be coupled. The vacuum provided by the vacuum source 30 is configured to draw waste fluid through the distal aspiration tube for collection in the fluid reservoir 146. At a certain fluid level, the waste fluid is disposed within the detection window 62, and the sensor module 56 detects an optical property of the waste fluid within the detection window 62 and generates and transmits an optical property signal to the controller 36. The controller 36 determines the volume of blood loss in the manner described above.

[0095] A valve 170 can be positioned in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 146 to establish selective fluid communication between the fluid reservoir 146 and a waste container 26 disposed on the chassis 22. FIG. 8B illustrates a schematic representation of the valve 170 positioned below the base 162 of the tank 156, e.g., coupled to the cradle 158. The valve 170 can include at least a transfer mode and a closed mode. The transfer mode includes positioning the valve 170 to transfer waste liquid from the fluid reservoir 146 through the outlet port 140 to be collected in the waste container 26. The waste liquid can be drawn from the fluid reservoir 146 into the waste volume 28 under the influence of a vacuum from the vacuum source 30. The closed mode includes positioning the valve 170 such that waste liquid is collected in the fluid reservoir 146 for a QBL analysis to be performed. It should be understood that a QBL analysis can be performed in the transfer mode in the manner described above. For example, emitter 58 and sensor 60 may be positioned to detect waste fluid being transferred from fluid reservoir 146 to waste container 26. In such an embodiment, the QBL analysis may be performed simultaneously with emptying of fluid reservoir 146.

[0096] In certain embodiments, as seen in FIG. 8A, the entire base 162 or lid 164 may be optically clear to facilitate visualization of the color of the effluent being circulated through the fluid pathway 70. It is contemplated that a removable or openable cover may be coupled to or integral with the tank 156 to limit visibility as desired, for example, during delivery or other surgical procedures where non-medical personnel may be present. The tank 156 may include an agitator 126 configured to promote homogenization of the effluent in the waste volume 28. The agitator 126 includes an impeller in the fluid reservoir 146 that is rotated by a magnetic drive to mix the effluent in the fluid reservoir 146.

[0097] In another example, the suction line connected to the outlet fitting 168 of the tank 156 can be further connected to a separate vacuum source, such as a vacuum system integrated with the operating room. In such an arrangement, the tank 156 can be used as a stand-alone unit. FIG. 9 illustrates such an arrangement in which the tank 156 is supported on a stand 157. The stand 157 includes a cradle 158 in which the tank 156 can be removably supported. The stand 157 can also include a control panel 40. The control panel 40 can include a display, such as a touch screen display, and one or more inputs, such as knobs. The stand 157 can also support a pump 80, e.g., a peristaltic pump, disposed within the geometry defined by the cradle 158. The sensor housing 54 can also be disposed within the geometry defined by the cradle 158.

[0098] The geometry is sized and shaped to receive a detection window assembly 159, which includes a tube 161 and an optically transparent component that defines the detection window 62. The tube 161 includes opposing ends that are each coupled to a fitting (not shown) on the underside of the base 162 of the tank 156. The lid 164 of the tank 156 includes an inlet fitting 166 and an outlet fitting 168 can be disposed within the cradle 158. The inlet fitting 166 can be coupled to a suction tube configured to draw fluid from the patient, and the outlet fitting 168 can be coupled to another suction tube that is placed in fluid communication with an external vacuum source. The external vacuum source can be the vacuum source 30 described above or can be a vacuum system integrated into the facility. The vacuum source 30 draws fluid into the fluid reservoir 146 of the tank 156.

[0099] With the tank 156 supported on the cradle 158, the tube 161 is in operative communication with the pump 80. In response to an input to the control panel 40 or when otherwise instructed, the pump 80 passes waste fluid through the tube 161 and the detection window 62. The sensor module 56 operates in the manner described above to obtain the data indicated for the QBL analysis. When it is desired to empty the fluid reservoir 146, a suction tube connected to the inlet fitting 166 can be placed in fluid communication with the vacuum source 30, for example, via the manifold 44 of the medical waste collection system of FIG. 1. Waste fluid can be drawn under suction from the tank 156 into the waste container 26 of the medical waste collection system 20. Additionally or alternatively, the tank 156 can be removed from the cradle 158 and disposed of in accordance with acceptable waste practices of the medical facility.

[0100] Returning to FIGS. 1 and 3, and with further reference to FIGS. 10-12, the QBL analysis can be performed by connecting the sensor module 56 to the manifold 44 and recirculating the waste fluid from the waste volume 28 through the manifold 44. This arrangement can be an alternative or an addition to the embodiment in which the cartridge 50 is removably connected to the cartridge receiver 48. FIG. 10 shows a representative drawing of the waste container 26, where the manifold receiver 42 is connected to the cap 100 of the waste container 26 and the trunk 174 of the manifold 44 is positioned near the manifold opening 46. The dashed lines indicate the circulation and recirculation of the waste fluid through the manifold 44. The suction tube is connected to the inlet fitting 98, and the vacuum from the vacuum source 30 draws the waste fluid from the surgical field through the suction tube and into the manifold 44. The waste fluid is drawn through the bypass flow path and is not directed through the detection window 62. The bypass flow path includes the waste fluid being directed through a filter element 176 disposed within the trunk 174 and through an outlet opening 178. Upon exiting the manifold 44 through the outlet opening 178, the vessel inlet path contains waste liquid which is drawn through an inlet 180 of the manifold receiver 42 and into the waste vessel 26. The fluid measurement system 68 is configured to generate a level signal representative of the fluid level of the waste liquid collected in the waste vessel 26 and transmit a waste level signal to the controller 36. When instructed to perform a QBL analysis, the pump 80 can be operated to recirculate the waste liquid in the vessel outlet path from the waste volume 28 through an outlet 182 of the manifold receiver 42 and into a recirculation opening 184 defined by the trunk 174 of the manifold 44. FIG. 10 shows that the outlet opening 178 and the recirculation opening 184 are defined in a proximal base of the trunk 174.

[0101] The waste liquid is directed towards the sensor module 56 coupled to the head 186 of the manifold 44 and further directed through a detection window (closed in FIG. 10) positioned between the emitter 58 and the sensor 60 of the sensor module 56. The waste liquid may bypass the filter element 176 as it is recirculated towards the sensor module 56. The sensor module 56 detects an optical property of the waste liquid in the detection window 62 and generates and transmits an optical property signal to the controller 36. The controller 36 determines the volume of blood loss in the manner described above. The flow path may rejoin the bypass path in a location adjacent the sensor module 56 and be redirected through the filter element 176 and the outlet opening 178. Recirculation may be continuous, intermittent, or controlled as desired on the control panel 40. Additionally, the manifold 44 may be disposable after a single use, thereby eliminating contamination concerns and further limiting exposure to effluent through known protective features disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 7,615,037, issued Nov. 10, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The manifold 44 may include an RFID tag that includes a memory that stores data indicative of the suitability of the manifold 44 and / or instructions for operating the medical waste collection system 20 in a particular manner with the manifold 44 to facilitate QBL analysis.

[0102] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the manifold 44 in which the outlet opening 178 is defined in a first leg 187 of the trunk 174 and the recirculation opening 184 is defined in a second leg 188 of the trunk 174. Certain features of the manifold 44 of FIG. 3, particularly the arms, locking elements, spine, and catch, are further described in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 10,471,188, issued November 11, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The outlet opening 178 can be positioned below the recirculation opening 184 when the manifold 44 is oriented for insertion into the manifold opening 46 of the manifold receiver 42. The first leg 187 and the second leg 188 can be spaced apart from one another to define a gap sized to at least partially receive a depth element (not identified) of the inlet feature 190. The arm, locking element, spine, and catch can be positioned distal to the recirculation opening 184 defined in the second leg 188 .

[0103] The manifold 44 is configured to be inserted into and removed from the manifold receiver 42 in a proximal and distal direction, respectively. The inlet mechanism 190 is configured to move in a proximal and distal direction opposite to a direction of movement of the manifold 44 to prevent fluid communication between the manifold 44 and the vacuum source 30 until the manifold 44 is in a fully inserted, operative position. The inlet mechanism 190 can define a first pathway 192 and a second pathway 194 configured to establish fluid communication between the manifold 44 and the waste container 26. More specifically, the first pathway 192 is configured to be disposed in fluid communication with the outlet opening 178 of the manifold 44, and the second pathway 194 is configured to be disposed in fluid communication with the recirculation opening 184 of the manifold 44. The first pathway 192 can define a portion of a container inflow pathway, and the second pathway 194 can define a portion of a container outflow pathway. More specifically, vacuum from vacuum source 30 through first pathway 192 draws waste fluid from the surgical field through the suction tubing and into manifold 44. Waste fluid is drawn through first leg 187, outlet opening 178, and first pathway 192 for collection in waste volume 28. Fluid measurement system 68 is configured to generate and transmit a waste level signal to controller 36. When instructed to perform a QBL analysis, another pump (not identified) can be operated to recirculate waste fluid from waste volume 28 through second pathway 194 and into recirculation opening 184 defined by second leg 188 of trunk 174 of manifold 44.

[0104] The waste fluid is directed towards the sensor module 56 coupled to the head 186 of the manifold 44 and further directed through the detection window 62. The sensor module 56 detects an optical property of the waste fluid in the detection window 62 and generates and transmits an optical property signal to the controller 36. The controller 36 determines the volume of blood loss in the manner described above. The flow path may rejoin the bypass path and be redirected through the filter element 176 and the outlet opening 178 for collection in the waste container 26.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 12, another embodiment of the manifold 44 is shown in which the second inlet fitting 99 is configured to connect with a suction tube that is itself connected to an exhaust port (not shown) of the waste container 26. While FIG. 10 shows the container outlet path to be internal to or integral with the chassis 22, the embodiment of FIG. 12 can be considered a recirculation flow path that is external to the chassis 22. This arrangement can simplify the construction of the medical waste collection system 20 by eliminating the need for certain paths within the moving components of the manifold receiver 42, such as the inlet mechanism 190. FIG. 12 shows that the second inlet fitting 99 is disposed on the head 186 and positioned below the first inlet fitting 98. The second inlet fitting 99 is configured to receive waste liquid that is recirculated by the pump 80. The sensor module 56 is positioned proximal to the second inlet fitting 99 and on the opposite side of the detection window 62.

[0106] For embodiments in which the manifold 44 is configured to removably couple with the sensor module 56, Figures 13A-13G show various arrangements by which this can be accomplished intuitively and ergonomically. Beginning with Figure 13A, the sensor module 56 can be battery powered and can be either disposable or reusable. The sensor module 56 includes a wireless communication module configured to transmit data to a receiver on the chassis 22. One preferred communication protocol is Bluetooth low energy to extend the operating life of the battery. The battery is configured to power at least the emitter 58, the sensor 60, and the wireless communication module. The sensor housing 54 can include a retention feature 196 configured to engage a complementary retention feature of the manifold 44. An indicator 198 can be coupled to the sensor housing 54 and provide a visual or audible warning regarding the operation of the sensor module 56. Such warnings can be for low battery, active QBL analysis, excessive blood loss, and the like. FIG. 13B may be similar in certain respects to the arrangement of FIG. 13A and may further include a dongle 130 configured to be coupled to a data and power port 144 of the chassis or another console. The arrangement of FIG. 13B may not require a battery and / or a wireless communication module. FIG. 13C may be similar in certain respects to the arrangement of FIG. 13A and may be removably coupled to the chassis 22 instead of the manifold 44. A suitable mechanism may be included in the manifold receiver 42 to releasably secure the sensor housing 54 in a position adjacent the manifold 44. FIG. 13D illustrates an arrangement in which the sensor housing 54 includes a stirrup 200 pivotally coupled to the chassis 22. The stirrup 200 includes legs 202 configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the manifold 44. Power and data connections may be provided through the legs 202 coupled to the chassis 22.The stirrup 200 may include an actuator 204 configured to receive an input to pivot the stirrup 200 between an engaged position, in which the sensor module 56 is positioned on an opposing side of the detection window 62 (not identified), and a released position, in which the manifold 44 may be removed from the manifold receiver 42. The stirrup 200 may include mechanisms such as detents, biasing members, etc. to facilitate movement between the engaged and released positions. FIG. 13E illustrates an arrangement in which the sensor housing 54 defines an opening 206 shaped relative to the periphery of the manifold 44. The sensor housing 54 may include a retention feature 196 configured to engage a complementary retention feature of the manifold 44. The sensor module 56 may be coupled to the sensor housing 54 such that the sensor module 56 is positioned adjacent a lower side of the manifold 44. The sensor module 56 may include a dongle 130. Figures 13F and 13G show an arrangement in which the manifold 44 includes a spine 128 extending downwardly from the head 186 of the manifold 44 and the sensor housing 54 defines a slot 208 configured to slidably receive the spine 128. Figure 13F shows the sensor housing 54 integrated with the chassis 22 and Figure 13G shows a stirrup 200 supporting the sensor housing 54. The stirrup 200 is coupled to the chassis 22 and configured for an actuator 204 to receive input for pivoting the stirrup 200 relative to the chassis 22 between an engaged position, in which the sensor housing 54 is supported adjacent the manifold 44, and a released position, in which the sensor housing 54 may be removed. FIG. 13F shows a first inlet fitting 98 providing a flow path that bypasses the sensor module 56 and a second inlet fitting 99 providing another flow path through the detection window 62 of the spine 128, and FIG. 13G shows two of the second inlet fittings 99 configured to provide QBL analysis through two aspiration tubes simultaneously.

[0107] Certain implementations can be described with reference to the following exemplary items.

[0108] Item 1 - A medical waste collection system for performing quantitative blood loss analysis of waste liquid, the medical waste collection system including: a chassis; a vacuum source supported on the chassis; a waste container supported on the chassis and defining a waste volume; a manifold receiver supported on the chassis and configured to removably receive a manifold, the vacuum source configured to draw a vacuum through the manifold receiver so that waste liquid is collected in the waste volume; a cartridge receiver supported on the chassis and configured to removably receive a cartridge to form a fluid pathway through which waste liquid can be circulated from the waste volume to be recollected in the waste volume; and a sensor module including an optical emitter and an optical detector positioned adjacent to or facing a detection window of a cartridge disposed within the cartridge receiver.

[0109] Item 2 - The medical waste collection system of item 1, wherein the sensor module is coupled to the cartridge receiver.

[0110] Item 3 - The medical waste collection system of item 2, wherein the sensor module is configured to be removably coupled to the cartridge receiver.

[0111] Item 4 - The medical waste collection system of item 3, wherein the sensor module is configured to be removably coupled to the cartridge.

[0112] Item 5 - The medical waste collection system of item 4, wherein the sensor housing to which the sensor module is coupled is at least partially formed from a resilient material such that it is removably coupled to the cartridge using a friction fit.

[0113] Item 6 - A medical waste collection system for performing a quantitative blood loss analysis of an effluent, the medical waste collection system including: a waste container defining a waste volume configured to collect the effluent; a fluid pathway defining an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the waste container; a pump in fluid communication with the waste container and configured to circulate the effluent from the waste container through the fluid pathway to the waste container for recollection; and a sensor module including an optical emitter and an optical detector, the sensor module positioned to detect an optical characteristic indicative of a blood concentration of the effluent being circulated through the fluid pathway.

[0114] Item 7 - The medical waste collection system of item 6, further comprising a vacuum source in fluid communication with the waste container and configured to draw waste liquid under the influence of suction to be collected within the waste container.

[0115] Item 8 - A medical waste collection system as described in Item 6 or 7, wherein the fluid pathway further includes a conduit connected to the outside of the waste container and defining an inlet and an outlet, and the sensor module and pump are connected to the conduit.

[0116] Item 9 - A medical waste collection system for performing a quantitative blood loss analysis of an effluent, the medical waste collection system including: a waste container defining a waste volume configured to collect the effluent; a vacuum source in fluid communication with the waste container and configured to draw the effluent into the waste container under the influence of suction; a pump in fluid communication with the waste container; and a sensor module including an optical emitter and an optical detector, the sensor module positioned to detect an optical characteristic indicative of a blood concentration of the effluent during circulation of the effluent under the influence of positive or negative pressure from the pump.

[0117] Item 10 - A medical waste collection system for performing a quantitative blood loss analysis of an effluent, the system including: a waste container defining a waste volume configured to collect the effluent; a fluid pathway defining an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the waste container, the inlet being located below the outlet; and a sensor module including an emitter and a photodetector, the sensor module positioned to detect an optical characteristic indicative of a blood concentration of the effluent being circulated through the fluid pathway.

[0118] Item 11 - The medical waste collection system of item 10, wherein the waste container is configured to be pre-filled with waste liquid or another fluid to a fluid level above the inlet of the fluid path prior to operation of the sensor module.

[0119] Item 12 - The medical waste collection system of items 10 or 11, further comprising a pump in fluid communication with the waste container and configured to pump the waste liquid through the fluid path against gravity.

[0120] Item 13 - The medical waste collection system of item 12, further comprising a vacuum source separate from the pump, in fluid communication with the waste container, and configured to draw waste liquid into the waste container under the influence of suction.

[0121] Item 14 - A medical waste collection system described in any one of items 6 to 13, further comprising a level sensor coupled to the waste container and configured to measure a level of the waste liquid, and a controller in electronic communication with the sensor module and the level sensor, the controller configured to quantify a volume of blood loss in the waste liquid based on a waste volume determined from the blood concentration and the level of the waste liquid.

[0122] Item 15 - A medical waste collection system for performing a quantitative blood loss analysis of an effluent, the system including: a waste container defining a waste volume configured to collect the effluent; a level sensor coupled to the waste container and configured to measure a level of the effluent in the waste volume and generate a level signal; a sensor module including a light emitter and a light detector, the sensor module arranged to detect an optical characteristic indicative of a blood concentration of the effluent and generate an optical characteristic signal; and a controller in electronic communication with the level sensor and the sensor module, the controller configured to determine a waste volume of the effluent based on the level signal, determine a blood concentration of the effluent based on the optical characteristic signal, and determine a volume of blood loss based on the waste volume and the blood concentration.

[0123] Item 16 - The medical waste collection system of any one of items 1 to 15, further comprising an agitator disposed within the waste container and configured to promote homogenization of the waste liquid within the waste container.

[0124] Item 17 - A medical waste collection system described in any one of items 6 to 16, further comprising a cartridge receiver connected to a waste container with the sensor module connected to the cartridge receiver, and a cartridge configured to be removably connected to the cartridge receiver.

[0125] Item 18 - The medical waste collection system described in Item 17, wherein the cartridge further includes an optically transparent tube defining a detection window configured to be positioned between the light emitter and the light detector when the cartridge is removably coupled to the cartridge receiver.

[0126] Item 19 - A medical waste collection system for performing a quantitative blood loss analysis of an effluent, the system including: a waste container defining a waste volume configured to collect the effluent; a pump in fluid communication with the waste container; a sensor module including an optical emitter and an optical detector; a passageway configured to be removably coupled to the sensor module to define a fluid path; and a cartridge defining an optically transparent detection window through which the sensor module is configured to detect an optical characteristic indicative of blood concentration of the effluent during circulation of the effluent under the influence of positive or negative pressure from the pump.

[0127] Item 20 - The medical waste collection system of item 19, wherein the sensor module includes a cartridge receiver defining a cavity, and the cartridge further includes a cartridge housing sized to be at least partially disposed within the cavity.

[0128] Item 21 - The medical waste collection system of item 20, wherein the cartridge receiver is connected to a waste container.

[0129] Item 22 - A medical waste collection system described in any one of items 19 to 21, wherein the cartridge housing further includes a retaining feature configured to releasably engage a complementary retaining feature on the cartridge receiver.

[0130] Item 23 - A medical waste collection system described in any one of items 19 to 22, wherein the sensor module includes a dongle and a sensor head coupled to the dongle and including an optical emitter and an optical detector, the sensor head being configured to be removably coupled to the cartridge.

[0131] Item 24 - The medical waste collection system according to any one of items 19 to 22, wherein the sensor module is integrated with the waste container.

[0132] Item 25 - A medical waste collection system according to any one of items 19 to 24, wherein the cartridge includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including a memory that stores data indicating compatibility of the cartridge with the system.

[0133] Item 26 - A medical waste collection system for performing a quantitative blood loss analysis of an effluent, the system including a chassis, a waste container on the chassis and defining a waste volume configured to collect the effluent, a vacuum source supported on the chassis, a tank coupled to the chassis and defining a fluid reservoir and defining an optically transparent detection window, and a sensor housing configured to be coupled to the tank to position a sensor module on an opposing side of the detection window to detect an optical characteristic indicative of blood concentration of the effluent.

[0134] Item 27 - The medical waste collection system of item 26, wherein the tank is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source.

[0135] Item 28 - The medical waste collection system of item 27, further comprising a manifold receiver supported on the chassis and configured to removably receive the manifold, the tank being further configured to be placed in fluid communication with the vacuum source through the manifold.

[0136] Item 29 - The medical waste collection system of item 26, wherein the tank is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a removal vacuum source within the medical facility.

[0137] Item 30 - A medical waste collection system according to any one of items 26 to 29, wherein the tank includes a base having side walls, and a spine defining the detection window extends outwardly from one of the side walls.

[0138] Item 31 - A medical waste collection system as described in any one of items 26 to 30, further comprising a valve in selective fluid communication with the outlet port of the tank, the valve being configured to be actuated to enable the vacuum source to draw waste liquid from the fluid reservoir into the waste container.

[0139] Item 32 - The medical waste collection system of any one of items 26 to 31, further comprising a cradle mounted on the chassis, the tank being removably coupled to the cradle.

[0140] Item 33 - A medical waste collection system for performing quantitative blood loss analysis of waste fluid, the system including a chassis, a waste container supported on the chassis and defining a waste volume, a manifold receiver supported on the chassis and configured to removably receive the manifold, a vacuum source supported on the chassis and in fluid communication with the waste volume, the vacuum source configured to draw waste fluid through the manifold to be collected in the waste volume, and a cartridge receiver separate from the manifold receiver and configured to removably receive a cartridge that forms a fluid path in fluid communication with the waste volume.

[0141] Item 34 - The medical waste collection system of item 33, further comprising a pump separate from the vacuum source and configured to circulate the waste liquid from the waste volume through the cartridge to be recollected in the waste volume.

[0142] Item 35 - The medical waste collection system of item 33 or 34, wherein the cartridge receiver includes a sensor housing and a sensor module coupled to the sensor housing.

[0143] Item 36 - A manifold for performing quantitative blood loss analysis of waste fluid using a medical waste collection system including a waste container, a vacuum source, a manifold receiver, and a sensor module, the manifold including a trunk configured to be removably inserted into the manifold receiver, the trunk defining an outlet opening, a head coupled to the trunk to define a manifold space, the head including an inlet fitting configured to removably receive a suction tube and defining a detection window configured to be positioned between the emitter and the sensor of the sensor module, and a filter element disposed within the manifold space, one of the trunk and the head further defining a recirculation opening, the manifold defining an initial flow path from the inlet fitting through the filter element and the outlet opening, the manifold defining a recirculation flow path from the recirculation opening through the detection window and the outlet opening.

[0144] Item 37 - The manifold of item 36, wherein the recirculation opening is defined by a trunk.

[0145] Item 38 - The manifold of item 37, wherein the trunk further includes a first leg defining an outlet opening and a second leg defining a recirculation opening, the first leg and the second leg being separated by an air gap.

[0146] Item 39 - The manifold of item 36, wherein the recirculation opening is defined by the head.

[0147] Item 40 - The manifold of item 39, wherein the head further includes a second inlet fitting defining a recirculation opening.

[0148] Item 41 - The manifold according to any one of Items 36 to 40, wherein a waste liquid in the initial flow path does not pass through the detection window.

[0149] Item 42 - The manifold of any one of items 36 to 41, wherein the waste liquid in the recirculation path does not pass through a filter element.

[0150] Item 43 - A method for performing a quantitative blood loss analysis of effluent using a medical waste collection system including a waste container, a vacuum source, a manifold receiver, a cartridge receiver, and a sensor module, the method including: removably connecting a manifold to the manifold receiver; connecting a suction tube to the manifold; removably connecting a cartridge to the cartridge receiver to form a fluid pathway through the cartridge and the cartridge receiver, the cartridge defining a detection window; operating a vacuum source to draw effluent from the surgical site through the suction tube and manifold to be collected in the waste container; operating a vacuum source or a pump to circulate the effluent from the waste container through the fluid pathway to be recollected in the waste container; and using the sensor module to detect an optical characteristic of the effluent in the fluid pathway through the detection window of the cartridge.

[0151] Item 44 - The method of item 43, wherein the medical waste collection system includes a pump, the method including operating the pump to circulate the waste liquid from the waste container through the fluid path to be recollected in the waste container.

[0152] Item 45 - The method of any one of items 43 and 44, further comprising coupling a sensor module to the cartridge and positioning the emitter and photodetector of the sensor module on opposite sides of the detection window.

[0153] Item 46 - The method of item 45, further comprising coupling a sensor module to the cartridge prior to the step of coupling the cartridge to the cartridge receiver.

[0154] Item 47 - The method of any one of items 43-46, further comprising actuating an actuator to selectively lock the cartridge and cartridge receiver to one another.

[0155] Item 48 - A method for performing a quantitative blood loss analysis of an effluent using a medical waste collection system including a waste container, a vacuum source, a manifold receiver, a sensor module, and a controller in communication with the sensor module, the method including: collecting the effluent in the waste container under a vacuum generated by the vacuum source; determining, with the controller, a volume of the effluent in the waste container; circulating, with the vacuum source or another pump, the effluent from the waste container through a fluid path to be recollected in the waste container; detecting, with the sensor module, an optical property of the effluent in the fluid path; determining, with the controller, a blood concentration of the effluent; and determining, with the controller, a volume of blood loss based on the volume of the effluent and the blood concentration of the effluent.

[0156] Item 49 - The method of item 48, wherein the medical waste collection system further includes a cartridge receiver, and the method further includes removably receiving a cartridge in the cartridge receiver, circulating the waste liquid through the cartridge, and detecting an optical characteristic of the waste liquid in the cartridge.

[0157] Item 50 - The method of item 49, further comprising removably coupling the sensor module to the cartridge so as to position the emitter and photodetector of the sensor module on opposite sides of the cartridge.

[0158] Item 51 - The method of item 48, further comprising removably receiving a manifold in a manifold receiver, wherein waste liquid collected in a waste container under vacuum is drawn through the manifold, circulating the waste liquid through the manifold to be recollected in the waste container, and detecting an optical characteristic of the waste liquid in the manifold.

[0159] Item 52 - The method of item 51, further comprising removably coupling the sensor module to the manifold so that an emitter and a photodetector of the sensor module are positioned on opposite sides of the manifold.

[0160] Item 53 - A method for performing a quantitative blood loss analysis of effluent using a medical waste collection system including a waste container, a vacuum source, a manifold receiver, and a sensor module, the method including: removably connecting a manifold to the manifold receiver, the manifold defining a detection window; connecting a suction tube to the manifold; operating the vacuum source to draw effluent from the surgical site through the suction tube and manifold for collection in the waste container; operating the vacuum source or pump to recirculate the effluent from the waste container back through the manifold for recollection in the waste container; and detecting an optical property of the effluent through the detection window of the manifold using the sensor module.

[0161] Item 54 - The method of item 53, wherein the suction tube is a first suction tube connected to a first inlet fitting on the manifold, and the method further comprises connecting a second suction tube to a second inlet fitting on the manifold, wherein the drawing of waste liquid is through the first inlet fitting and the recirculation of waste liquid is through the second inlet fitting.

[0162] Item 55 - The method of Item 53, wherein the step of removably connecting the manifold to the manifold receiver further includes inserting the manifold proximally to establish fluid communication between the recirculation opening of the manifold and the passage of the manifold receiver.

[0163] Item 56 - A method for determining a volume of collected blood using a system including a waste container, a fluid path, a sensor module including a light emitter and a light detector, a pump in fluid communication with the waste container, a level sensor, and a controller in communication with the pump, the sensor module, and the level sensor, the method including: receiving waste liquid in the waste container; detecting a waste level of the waste liquid in the waste container using the level sensor and sending a level signal to the controller; determining a volume of waste in the waste container based on the level signal and the known volume of the waste container using the controller; circulating the waste liquid through the fluid path to be recollected in the waste container using the pump; detecting an optical characteristic of the waste liquid indicative of a blood concentration in the waste liquid using the sensor module and sending a corresponding concentration signal to the controller; and determining a volume of collected blood based on the volume of waste and the blood concentration using the controller.

[0164] Item 57 - The method of Item 56, wherein the system includes a display, and the method further includes displaying the volume of blood collected using the display.

[0165] Item 58 - The method of any one of items 56 to 57, further comprising providing an audible or visual warning if the volume of collected blood exceeds a predetermined value.

[0166] Item 59 - The method of any one of items 56-58, further comprising pre-filling the waste container with the waste liquid or another fluid to a fluid level above the inlet of the fluid pathway prior to the step of circulating the waste liquid through the fluid pathway using the pump.

[0167] Item 60 - The method of any one of items 56 to 58, further comprising diluting the blood concentration of the waste fluid to below a predetermined blood concentration by pre-filling the waste container with the waste fluid or another fluid.

[0168] Item 61 - A method of disposing a system for collecting waste fluid and determining a volume of collected blood in the waste fluid, the system including a waste container, a sensor module including a light emitter and a light detector, a pump in fluid communication with the waste container, a control panel, and a controller in communication with the pump, the sensor module, and the control panel, the method including positioning a passageway of a cartridge to complete a fluid path between the pump and the waste container such that a detection window of the cartridge is positioned between the light emitter and the light detector, and providing an input to the control panel to operate the pump to circulate the waste fluid through the fluid path to be recollected in the waste container, the sensor module being configured to detect an optical characteristic indicative of blood concentration in the waste fluid.

[0169] Item 62 - A method of disposing a system for collecting waste fluid and determining a volume of collected blood in the waste fluid, the system including a waste container, a manifold receiver, a sensor module including an optical emitter and an optical detector, a vacuum source in fluid communication with the waste container, a control panel, and a controller in communication with the vacuum source, the sensor module, and the control panel, the method including: coupling a manifold with the manifold receiver to establish a first fluid path between the manifold and the waste container, the manifold including a detection window; coupling the sensor module to the manifold such that the emitter and the optical detector are positioned adjacent to or opposite the detection window; providing an input to the control panel to operate the vacuum source to draw waste fluid through the manifold and circulate the waste fluid through the first fluid path, the second fluid path configured to recirculate the waste fluid from the waste container through the manifold to be recollected in the waste container, the sensor module configured to detect an optical characteristic indicative of blood concentration in the waste fluid.

[0170] Item 63 - The method of item 62, further comprising establishing a second fluid path between the manifold and a waste container.

[0171] Item 64 - The method of item 63, wherein the step of establishing a second fluid pathway further comprises connecting a tube to an outlet port of the waste container using an inlet fitting of the manifold.

[0172] Item 65 - The method of item 64, further comprising connecting a suction tube to another inlet fitting of the manifold.

[0173] Item 66 - A method of disposing a medical waste collection system to collect waste fluid and determine a volume of collected blood in the waste fluid, the system including a waste container, a manifold receiver, a sensor module including an optical emitter and an optical detector, a vacuum source in fluid communication with the waste container, a pump in fluid communication with the waste container, a control panel, and a controller in communication with the vacuum source, the sensor module, and the control panel, the method including: coupling the manifold with the manifold receiver to establish a first fluid path between the manifold and the waste container; positioning a passageway of a cartridge to complete a second fluid path with the waste container such that a detection window of the cartridge is positioned between the optical emitter and the optical detector of the sensor module; providing inputs to the control panel to operate the vacuum source to draw waste fluid through the manifold and circulate the waste fluid through the first fluid path and to operate the pump to move the waste fluid through the second fluid path and recirculate the waste fluid from the waste container through the cartridge to be recollected in the waste container, the sensor module being configured to detect an optical characteristic indicative of a blood concentration of the waste fluid.

[0174] Item 67 - A cartridge for a medical waste collection system including a waste container defining a waste volume for collecting waste fluid and a cartridge receiver coupled to the waste container, the cartridge including a cartridge housing defining a fluid reservoir and further defining a detection window that is optically transparent and in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, the cartridge being configured to be placed in fluid communication with the waste volume with the cartridge removably coupled to the cartridge receiver, an actuator coupled to the cartridge housing and configured to be actuated to draw waste fluid from the waste container into the fluid reservoir, and a sensor module coupled to the cartridge housing to be positioned relative to the detection window to detect an optical characteristic indicative of a blood concentration of the waste fluid in the fluid reservoir through the detection window using a light emitter and a light detector.

[0175] Item 68 - The cartridge of item 67, wherein the actuator is one of a manual actuator configured to receive input from a user and an electronic actuator configured to be operatively controlled by the system.

[0176] Item 69 - The cartridge of item 67 or 68, wherein the actuator is one of a squeeze valve, a manual syringe, a spring-loaded syringe, an electric syringe, a pneumatic cylinder, a vacuum source, and a peristaltic pump.

[0177] Item 70 - An assembly for detecting an optical characteristic of an effluent indicative of blood concentration of the effluent using a medical waste collection system including a cartridge receiver, the assembly including: a cartridge including a cartridge housing including a spine defining a detection window, the cartridge configured to be removably coupled to a cartridge receiver of the medical waste collection system; a sensor housing configured to be removably coupled to the spine; and a sensor module coupled to the sensor housing and including an emitter and a sensor configured to be positioned opposite the detection window.

[0178] Item 71 - The assembly of item 70, wherein the sensor housing includes opposing inner sides formed from a resilient material to frictionally fit with the spine of the cartridge.

[0179] Item 72 - The assembly of item 71, wherein the emitter and the sensor are coupled to opposing inner sides of the sensor housing.

[0180] Item 73 - An assembly described in any one of items 70 to 72, wherein the sensor housing further includes a post connecting opposing inner sides to define a slot sized to receive the cartridge and further defining a sensor window for visualizing the detection window without removal of the sensor housing.

[0181] Item 74 - The assembly of item 73, further comprising a fastener configured to secure the cartridge housing and the sensor housing to a medical waste collection system.

[0182] Item 75 - The assembly of any one of items 70 to 74, wherein the sensor housing is coupled to a dongle configured to be coupled to a power and data port of a medical waste collection system.

[0183] Item 76 - A cartridge configured to be removably coupled to a cartridge receiver of a medical waste collection system that collects waste fluid under suction, the cartridge including: a cartridge housing defining a passageway configured to form a fluid pathway with the cartridge receiver when the cartridge housing is removably positioned within the cartridge opening, the cartridge housing further defining a detection window that is optically transparent and in fluid communication with the passageway; and a sensor module including at least one of an optical emitter and an optical detector coupled to the cartridge housing, the optical emitter and / or the optical detector positioned relative to the detection window to provide detection of an optical property indicative of a blood concentration of the waste fluid being guided through the cartridge.

[0184] Item 77 - The cartridge of item 76, wherein the light emitter and light detector are coupled to the cartridge housing.

[0185] Item 78 - The cartridge of item 77, further comprising a controller coupled to the cartridge housing and in electronic communication with the light emitter and the light detector.

[0186] Item 79 - The cartridge described in Item 78, further comprising a terminal coupled to the cartridge housing and configured to be placed in electrical contact with a complementary terminal of the cartridge receiver, wherein power supplied from the system via the terminal is configured to power at least one of the light emitter, the light detector, and the controller.

[0187] The above description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching, and the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. 1. A cartridge configured to be removably coupled to a cartridge receiver of a medical waste collection system including a sensor housing and a sensor module for detecting an optical property of an effluent indicative of a blood concentration of the effluent, the cartridge comprising: a cartridge housing defining a passageway, the cartridge housing comprising: a head; a shoulder extending from the head, each shoulder defining a bore in fluid communication with the passageway; and a spine extending from the head, the spine being optically transparent and having opposing sides defining a detection window, the spine being configured to be positioned between an emitter and a sensor of the sensor module when the cartridge housing is removably coupled to the cartridge receiver; The cartridge comprises:

2. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the shoulder extends from the head in a first direction and the spine extends from the head in a second direction opposite the first direction.

3. The cartridge of claim 2 further comprising a gasket coupled to each of said shoulders.

4. The cartridge of claim 3 , wherein the head is circular, and the cartridge further comprises an outer gasket coupled to an outer diameter of the cartridge housing.

5. The cartridge of claim 4 , wherein the axes of the bores are parallel.

6. The cartridge of claim 2 , wherein the cartridge housing further comprises an orientation feature extending from the head in the first direction.

7. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the cartridge housing is a U-shaped tube.

8. The end of the shoulder has an outer diameter portion configured to be slidably and snugly inserted into each of the inlet and outlet openings of the cartridge receiver; The cartridge of claim 3 , wherein the gasket forms a face seal with an interior surface of the cartridge receiver.

9. A cartridge as described in claim 1, wherein the opposing sides of the spine are tapered to facilitate friction fit with complementary opposing inner sides of the sensor housing.

10. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the entire cartridge housing is optically transparent.

11. The medical waste collection system, comprising: a waste container defining a waste volume; and a cartridge receiver defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the waste volume; 11. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each of the bores is configured to engage with a respective one of the inlet and outlet openings of the cartridge receiver to establish a flow path for waste liquid from the waste volume through the cartridge and recollected within the waste volume.

12. 1. A cartridge for performing quantitative blood loss analysis of effluent using a medical waste collection system including a waste container, a vacuum source, a manifold receiver defining a manifold opening, and a cartridge receiver defining a cartridge opening, an inlet opening, and an outlet opening, said cartridge comprising: a cartridge housing sized to be removably coupled to the cartridge receiver through the cartridge opening and not sized to be coupled to the manifold receiver through the manifold opening, the cartridge housing comprising: a head; and a spine extending from the head and defining a detection window; the cartridge housing defining a first bore configured to be disposed in fluid communication with the outlet opening of the cartridge receiver; and a second bore configured to be disposed in fluid communication with the inlet opening of the cartridge receiver, the first bore and the second bore being on parallel axes. A cartridge comprising:

13. 13. The cartridge of claim 12, wherein the cartridge housing further comprises a first shoulder defining the first bore and a second shoulder defining the second bore, the first shoulder and the second shoulder configured to couple to respective ones of the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the cartridge receiver.

14. 13. The cartridge of claim 1 or claim 12, further comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprising a memory for storing data indicative of compatibility of the cartridge with the medical waste collection system.

15. 1. A cartridge configured to be removably coupled to a cartridge receiver of a system for collecting waste fluids under suction, the cartridge comprising: a cartridge housing comprising a body portion, a first leg portion extending from the body portion, and a second leg portion extending from the body portion and spaced apart from the first leg portion to define a cavity, the cartridge housing defining an optically transparent detection window; wherein one of the first leg and the second leg defines a recirculation opening and the other of the first leg and the second leg defines an outlet opening, and wherein the effluent is configured to be circulated through the recirculation opening, the detection window, and the outlet opening to perform a quantitative blood loss analysis using a sensor module. cartridge.

16. 16. The cartridge of claim 15, wherein the cartridge housing comprises a trunk and a head coupled to or extending from the trunk, the head defining the detection window.

17. The cartridge of claim 15, wherein the entire head is optically transparent.

18. The cartridge of claim 15 , wherein the cartridge housing further includes a spine extending from the body portion and the first leg portion, the spine defining the detection window.

19. The cartridge of claim 15 , wherein the cartridge housing further includes arms extending from the body portion and the first leg, at least one of the arms defining the detection window.

20. a first seal disposed within the recirculation opening; and a second seal disposed within the outlet opening; and 16. The cartridge of claim 15, further comprising: a first seal and a second seal, the openings of which are disposed on parallel axes.

21. The cartridge of claim 15 , wherein the head further defines a recess with a ridge within the recess defining the detection window.

22. 22. The cartridge of any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the cartridge housing further comprises an internal geometry configured to direct the waste liquid received through the recirculation opening distally towards the detection window and to direct the waste liquid from the detection window proximally towards the exit opening.

23. 23. The cartridge of claim 22, further comprising an inner housing coupled to the cartridge housing and defining an intake path and an exhaust path, and a filter element disposed within at least one of the intake path and the exhaust path.

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