System and method for delivering fluid from a container to an injection line

Abstract

A fluid container is surrounded by a custom fluid container compression sleeve, and the custom fluid container compression sleeve is configured to wrap around, connect to, and form against a malleable fluid container such that when the fluid container compression sleeve expands by gas, the fluid container compression sleeve applies an inward pressure from the outside of the malleable fluid container to the malleable fluid container to compress the malleable fluid container. A pump connected to the fluid container compression sleeve is actuated to supply gas to the fluid container compression sleeve to compress the malleable fluid container and direct fluid (e.g., a blood product) within the malleable fluid container into an infusion tube connected thereto and toward the infusion tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to automated blood transfusions.

Background Art

[0002] Delivering large amounts of blood in a short period of time, such as in a trauma situation, may involve the use of an in-line manual pump or, in some cases, the use of a compression sleeve around a blood intravenous (IV) bag, which is also manually pumped. This is not ergonomically ideal and is fatiguing for clinicians. Often, manual pumps are not necessarily the most efficient way to attempt to increase blood flow to a patient because they cause blood backflow as the manual pump is refilled with blood with each pump cycle.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] The technology of the present subject matter provides an IV set designed for high-flow delivery of large volumes of fluid, particularly for delivering large amounts of blood in a trauma situation. The IV set includes a malleable fluid container, particularly designed for use with blood products, a custom fluid container compression sleeve, and a mechanical or electric pump.

[0004] During the delivery phase, the malleable fluid container is surrounded by the fluid container compression sleeve, which is configured to wrap around, connect to, and form against the malleable fluid container such that when the fluid container compression sleeve is inflated with gas, the fluid container compression sleeve applies an inward pressure to the malleable fluid container from the outside of the malleable fluid container to compress the malleable fluid container. A pump connected to the fluid container compression sleeve is actuated to supply gas to the fluid container compression sleeve to compress the malleable fluid container and direct the fluid (e.g., blood product) within the malleable fluid container into the connected infusion tube and into the infusion tube towards the connected infusion tube.

[0005] According to various aspects of the subject technology, an infusion system for the intravenous delivery of fluid from a fluid container includes a malleable fluid container configured to contain the fluid and to deliver the fluid via a connected infusion tube, a fluid container compression sleeve configured to wrap around, connect to, and form on the malleable fluid container such that when the fluid container compression sleeve expands by gas, the fluid container compression sleeve applies an inward pressure to the malleable fluid container from the outside of the malleable fluid container, a pump configured to supply gas to the fluid container compression sleeve, and a pressure measurement device configured to measure the pressure associated with the malleable fluid container by the fluid container compression sleeve.

[0006] It will be understood that other configurations of the subject technology will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, and the various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of example. As will be understood, the subject technology is capable of other various configurations, and some of its details can be varied in various other respects without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0007] To better understand the various implementations described, reference should be made to the following description of the implementations in conjunction with the following drawings. Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the drawings and the description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Figure 5

[0009] Next, implementations are referred to and examples thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the various implementations described. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various implementations described can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks are not described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the implementations.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a fluid delivery system according to various implementations of the subject technology. Intravenous fluids, such as blood transfusions, are contained in a flexible (e.g., pliable) bag commonly referred to as an intravenous or "IV" bag. These bags are provided with a plurality of septa or other fluid connections that enable connection of the bag to a tube for supplying the fluid to a patient. The bags are soft and will puncture if contacted by sharp objects. Alternative containers that may be more prevalent in other countries include glass bottles and flexible plastic bottles.

[0011] The administration of these IV fluids requires that, regardless of the container, the fluid container be suspended at a certain height, usually 0.5 to 1.0 meters above the patient or the infusion pump. In that case, the container is connected directly to the patient or to the infusion pump by a flexible tube. Mounting the fluid container above the delivery point creates a positive pressure due to gravity at the connection of the infusion tube to the patient or the pump. One example of such a mounting is shown in FIG. 1, where the IV bag 102 is mounted at a high position on the support 104. The fluid delivery line 106 extends from the bag 102. The administration may include a drip chamber (not shown). Relatively inexpensive tubing such as polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") tubing or similar types of tubing may be used.

[0012] A separate infusion pump may be used to inject the fluid in the fluid container into the patient. Some infusion pumps act as flow control devices that act on each tube or fluid conduit of the fluid administration set to move the fluid from the fluid container through the conduit to the patient. Some pumps may be programmed by operating parameters to inject the fluid from each fluid container into the patient in a specific amount prescribed by the physician for that fluid. The fluids that may be injected by the subject technology include, but are not limited to, transfused blood, but may include drugs, medications, nutrients, or other therapeutic fluids.

[0013] Flow can be achieved by gravitational pressure or positive pressure. A gravity-pressure-based flow control system relies on the force of gravity for the flow of fluid. Such a system may include an "IV controller" that interfaces with an IV tube. The IV controller is a device that automatically controls the flow rate of fluid through the tube by using a clamping mechanism that clamps the tube more or less to regulate the flow of fluid through the IV tube. The IV controller can be responsive, for example, to a control signal generated by a flow sensor attached to a drip chamber. The flow sensor detects the fluid drops falling into the drip chamber and the flow rate calculated based on counting the number of drops per unit time. If the calculated flow rate is greater than the desired flow rate, the controller adjusts the clamping mechanism to reduce the flow rate by clamping the tube further. The advantages of a gravity administration set include its relative simplicity and low cost. The clamping mechanism includes a relatively simple mechanical mechanism based on electrical control. However, the IV controller can be limited by gravitational pressure and can be less than 0.07031 kgf / cm 2 (1 psi) under certain circumstances.

[0014] In certain situations, the amount of pressure provided by a weight-pressure-based flow control device may be insufficient. In other situations, higher accuracy and precision of the flow rate are required. In these situations, a positive-pressure-based flow control device is needed.

[0015] Figure 2 shows an exemplary intravenous fluid delivery system connected to a patient according to various implementations of the subject technology. The exemplary delivery system 200 includes a fluid container 102 that holds intravenous (IV) fluid and is held by an IV pole 104. According to various implementations, the fluid source is a flexible fluid container such as an IV bag or a blood product bag. For delivery of fluid to the patient, an infusion line 106 is connected to the flexible fluid container 102. The infusion line 106 may typically be a conventional IV infusion type tube used in a hospital or medical environment and may be made from any type of flexible tubing suitable for use in injecting a therapeutic fluid such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) into the patient. For delivery of fluid to the patient, a cannula 108 for insertion into the patient's blood vessel or other body site is attached to the distal end of the flexible IV tube.

[0016] Referring further to FIG. 2, the intravenous delivery system 200 includes a fluid container compression sleeve 202 configured to wrap around, connect to, and form against the flexible fluid container. When the fluid container compression sleeve 202 is inflated by gas, the fluid container compression sleeve 202 applies an inward pressure to the flexible fluid container from the outside of the flexible fluid container. According to various implementations, the gas is air, although the gas used in the subject technology may also be an inert gas such as helium, argon, neon, xenon, or a combination of several gases.

[0017] Referring further to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the fluid container compression sleeve 202 can be a wrap that is folded around the fluid container 102 and can be secured by a Velcro® fastener (e.g., incorporated into the sleeve 202) similar to a blood pressure cuff. However, the fluid container compression sleeve 202 is configured to conform to the shape of the container whether the malleable fluid container 202 is full of fluid or empty. In this regard, the fluid container compression sleeve 202 can include a fastener to maintain its fixation to the container while the fluid container is suspended as shown in FIG. 2 or otherwise moved. In some implementations, the fluid container compression sleeve 202 can maintain a substantially flat shape such that when its compression chamber expands, it does not round out but maintains its shape relative to the relatively flat fluid container it surrounds. As fluid is drained from the container, the fixation of the sleeve to the container maintains a constant flow. The sleeve can be made of a malleable and / or flexible material to prevent damage (e.g., puncture or tearing) to the fluid container.

[0018] The intravenous delivery system 200 is further connected to a pump 204 that supplies gas to the fluid container compression sleeve 202 via a gas line 205 and a pressure measurement device 206. According to various implementations, the measurement device 206 is configured to measure the pressure associated with the malleable fluid container by the fluid container compression sleeve 202. According to some implementations, the pressure measured by the pressure measurement device 206 indicates the compressive force applied to the malleable fluid container by the fluid container compression sleeve 202. According to some implementations, the pressure measurement device 206 is configured to measure the fluid pressure of the fluid within the malleable fluid container. For example, the pressure can be measured by a force sensor (not shown) connected outside the injection line 106.

[0019] According to various implementations, the fluid container compression sleeve 202 includes one or more internal gas chambers (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). Activating the pump includes flowing gas into the gas chamber(s) via a connector and expanding the compression sleeve 202, thereby compressing the fluid container and causing the fluid within the container to flow into and through the injection line. According to various implementations, the chamber(s) within the compression sleeve are configured to compress the fluid container as the compression sleeve expands inwardly when inflated.

[0020] In some implementations, the pressure measurement device includes a pressure gauge. The pressure gauge can be a mechanical instrument with a scale or mercury column. In some implementations, the pressure gauge can include a pressure circuit associated with the pump 204 and / or the gas line 205 and may include, for example, a user interface displayed on an electronic display device 207 and / or may be integrated with the user interface. For example, the pressure measurement device can include a sensor attached to the fluid container 102, the injection line 106, or the fluid container compression sleeve 202, the sensor transmitting a pressure signal that can then be interpreted by a computing device. The computing device may include an electronic display device or may be operably connected to an electronic display device and may display the pressure value on the operably connected display device. In some implementations, the computing device and the display device are the same device 207.

[0021] In some implementations, the pump is a manual pump. In some implementations, the pump is a foot-operated pump. In some implementations, the intravenous delivery system 200 includes a pump controller. The pump controller can include an electric compressor configured to supply a metered amount of gas to the fluid container compression sleeve 202 based on a signal from the pump controller.

[0022] Figures 3A and 3B show exemplary fluid container compression sleeves 202, 202' according to various implementations of the subject technology. According to various implementations, the disclosed fluid container compression sleeve includes a coiled internal gas chamber 208 such that when the fluid container compression sleeve is wound around a malleable fluid container 102, the helical axis of the coil crosses the axis of the malleable fluid container. In the exemplary implementation of FIG. 3A, the coiled internal gas chamber 208 is incorporated within the sleeve 202 and is continuous around the sleeve 202. A connection point 210 is connected to a gas line 205 that supplies gas from a pump source such as the disclosed pump(s) 204. In the exemplary implementation of FIG. 3B, the sleeve has two sides and the coiled internal gas chamber includes two coiled circuits with one coiled circuit incorporated within each side of the sleeve. As shown, the chamber can be made integral along the edge of the sleeve 202 to uniformly constrain the fluid container 102 internally. Each circuit can be connected to the same connection point 210 or can be coupled by internal connection such that one of the chambers can receive gas from the connection point and this gas can be supplied by the chamber to the other chamber.

[0023] Referring to both FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber 208 terminates at the first end 110 of the malleable fluid container, opposite the second end 112 of the malleable fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected, when the fluid container compression sleeve 202 is wound around the malleable fluid container 102, and is configured to extend along the axis of the malleable fluid container toward the second end 112 of the malleable fluid container. Referring briefly to FIG. 2, the coiled internal gas chamber 208 can be shown to terminate at the upper portion 110 of the fluid container and extend downwardly toward the lower portion 112 of the container. According to various implementations, the sleeve 202 and the internal gas chamber 208 are configured to expand inwardly toward the fluid container 102 when inflated.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the coiled internal gas chamber 208 can have a diameter that increases stepwise from one end of the coiled internal gas chamber 208, opposite the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber 208, toward the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber 208 (e.g., near the upper portion 110 of the fluid container). When the coiled internal gas chamber 208 expands, the coiled internal gas chamber applies a greater pressure to the region near or at the first end 110 of the flexible fluid container than to the region near or at the second end of the flexible fluid container where the infusion tube 106 is connected. Thus, the flow of fluid within the flexible fluid container 102 is caused to move in the direction 212 toward and through the connected infusion tube 106.

[0025] The larger diameter portion of the coiled internal gas chamber 208 bulges inwardly toward the fluid container 102, creating a pressure on the fluid container 102. Since the coil 208 has a stepwise increasing diameter toward the top of the infusion fluid bag, the bulge of the expanded coil chamber creates the maximum amount of pressure at the top (or first end 110) of the bag, directing the flow of infusion fluid downward toward the patient and optimizing the efficiency of the system.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary process for intravenous delivery of an infusion fluid from a fluid container according to various implementations of the subject technology. For purposes of explanation, the various blocks of the exemplary process 400 are described herein with reference to the components and / or processes described in FIGS. 1-3 herein. In some implementations, one or more of the blocks can be implemented by one or more different devices independently of the other blocks. Further, for purposes of explanation, the blocks of the exemplary process 400 are described as being performed sequentially or linearly. However, multiple blocks of the exemplary process 400 may be performed in parallel. Additionally, the blocks of the exemplary process 400 need not be executed in the order shown, and / or one or more of the blocks of the exemplary process 400 need not be executed.

[0027] In the illustrated example, a malleable fluid container is provided (402) that contains a fluid and is configured to deliver the fluid via a connected infusion tube. As described above, the container can include an IV bag or a blood product bag. A fluid container compression sleeve 202 is also provided (404). The compression sleeve is configured to wrap around, connect to, and form against the malleable fluid container such that when the fluid container compression sleeve 202 is inflated by gas, the fluid container compression sleeve 202 applies an inward pressure to the malleable fluid container from the outside of the malleable fluid container.

[0028] According to various implementations, the fluid container compression sleeve 202 includes a coiled internal gas chamber such that when the fluid container compression sleeve 202 is wrapped around the malleable fluid container, the helical axis of the coil crosses the axis of the malleable fluid container. The first end of the coiled internal gas chamber terminates at the first end of the malleable fluid container opposite the second end of the malleable fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected when the fluid container compression sleeve 202 is wrapped around the malleable fluid container and can be configured to extend along the axis of the malleable fluid container toward the second end of the malleable fluid container.

[0029] In some embodiments, the coiled internal gas chamber has a diameter that increases stepwise from a second end of the coiled internal gas chamber, opposite the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber, toward the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber, such that when the coiled internal gas chamber expands, it applies a greater pressure to the first end of the flexible fluid container than to the second end of the flexible fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected, so as to direct the flow of fluid in the flexible fluid container toward the connected infusion tube and into the infusion tube.

[0030] A pump (406) is provided that is configured to supply gas to the fluid container compression sleeve 202. As described above, the pump may be a manual pump or a foot-operated pump. The pump may be a positive displacement air pump. The pump may be a floor pump, a small or mini pump and / or a piston pump. In some embodiments, the pump may be an electric pump including, for example, a compressor. A pump controller may be provided that is configured to supply a metered amount of gas to the fluid container compression sleeve 202 based on a signal from the pump controller.

[0031] A pressure measurement device (408) is provided that is configured to measure the pressure associated with the flexible fluid container or the fluid container compression sleeve 202. The pressure measurement device may be operatively connected to the fluid container compression sleeve 202 and may be configured to measure a pressure indicative of the compressive force applied to the flexible fluid container by the fluid container compression sleeve 202. The pressure measurement device may be configured to measure the fluid pressure of the fluid within the flexible fluid container or the pressure applied outside the fluid container by the compression sleeve 202.

[0032] Figure 5 shows an exemplary process for performing intravenous delivery of an infusion fluid from a fluid container according to various implementations of the subject technology. For purposes of explanation, the various blocks of the exemplary process 400 are described herein with reference to the components and / or processes described in FIGS. 1-4 herein. In some implementations, one or more of the blocks can be implemented by one or more different devices independently of other blocks. For further purposes of explanation, the blocks of the exemplary process 500 are described as being performed continuously or linearly. However, multiple blocks of the exemplary process 500 may be performed in parallel. Additionally, the blocks of the exemplary process 500 need not be performed in the order shown, and / or one or more of the blocks of the exemplary process 500 need not be performed.

[0033] The exemplary process begins by surrounding (504) a malleable fluid container within a fluid container compression sleeve 202 configured to wrap around, connect to, and form against the malleable fluid container such that when the fluid container compression sleeve 202 is inflated by gas, the fluid container compression sleeve 202 applies an inward pressure to the malleable fluid container from the outside of the malleable fluid container to compress the malleable fluid container.

[0034] The next step includes operating (506) a pump connected to the fluid container compression sleeve 202 to supply gas to the fluid container compression sleeve 202 to compress the malleable fluid container and direct fluid within the malleable fluid container into the infusion tube toward the connected infusion tube. Operating the pump includes filling and expanding the gas chamber within the compression sleeve with gas, thereby compressing the fluid container and causing the fluid within the container to flow into and through the infusion line.

[0035] As described above, the fluid container compression sleeve 202 can include a coiled internal gas chamber such that when the fluid container compression sleeve 202 is wound around a malleable fluid container, the helical axis of the coil crosses the axis of the malleable fluid container. The first end of the coiled internal gas chamber terminates at (e.g., at the upper part of) the first end of the malleable fluid container opposite the second end of the malleable fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected when the fluid container compression sleeve 202 is wound around the malleable fluid container, and is configured to extend along the axis of the malleable fluid container towards the second end of the malleable fluid container. In this regard, the coiled internal gas chamber can be configured such that the diameter increases stepwise from the second end of the coiled internal gas chamber, which is opposite the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber, towards the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber.

[0036] Actuating the pump involves applying a greater pressure to the first end of the malleable fluid container than to the second end of the malleable fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected in the coiled internal gas chamber, and directing the flow of fluid in the malleable fluid container into the connected infusion tube towards the infusion tube.

[0037] The use of a manual or foot-operated pump can significantly reduce the fatigue experienced by the clinician, since the exertion is provided by the movement of the hand or foot pressing the handle / pedal of the pump rather than by the hand muscles. These movements and ways of generating pneumatic pressure make the device easy to use. This design does not require the use of electricity and is reusable, so the purchase and operating costs of this device can be as low as to be considered disposable. Furthermore, in the case of the foot-operated form, the clinician's hands are free to respond to the patient and the patient's medical needs.

[0038] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed process is an illustration of an exemplary approach. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in a process may be rearranged. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The appended method claims present the elements of the various steps in a sample order and are not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0039] Exemplification of the technology of the subject matter as a clause Various examples of aspects of the present disclosure are described, for convenience, as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided as examples and do not limit the technology of the subject matter. The identification of the drawings and reference numerals is provided below for illustrative purposes only as examples, and the clauses are not limited by their identification.

[0040] Clause 1. An infusion system for the intravenous delivery of fluid from a fluid container, comprising a malleable fluid container configured to contain fluid and to deliver the fluid via a connected infusion tube, a fluid container compression sleeve configured to wind around, connect to, and form on the malleable fluid container such that when the fluid container compression sleeve is inflated by gas, the fluid container compression sleeve applies an inward pressure to the malleable fluid container from the outside of the malleable fluid container, a pump configured to supply gas to the fluid container compression sleeve, and a pressure measurement device configured to measure the pressure associated with the malleable fluid container by the fluid container compression sleeve.

[0041] Clause 2. The infusion system according to clause 1, wherein the fluid container compression sleeve includes a coiled internal gas chamber such that when the fluid container compression sleeve is wound around the malleable fluid container, the helical axis of the coil crosses the axis of the malleable fluid container.

[0042] Clause 3. The first end of the coiled internal gas chamber terminates at the first end of the flexible fluid container, on the side opposite the second end of the flexible fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected, when the fluid container compression sleeve is wound around the flexible fluid container, and is configured to extend along the axis of the flexible fluid container towards the second end of the flexible fluid container. The infusion system according to Clause 2.

[0043] Clause 4. The coiled internal gas chamber has a diameter that increases stepwise from the second end of the coiled internal gas chamber, on the side opposite the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber, towards the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber. Thus, when the coiled internal gas chamber expands, the coiled internal gas chamber applies a greater pressure to the first end of the flexible fluid container than to the second end of the flexible fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected, so as to direct the flow of fluid in the flexible fluid container into the infusion tube towards the connected infusion tube. The infusion system according to Clause 3.

[0044] Clause 5. The pressure measurement device is configured to measure the fluid pressure of the fluid in the flexible fluid container. The infusion system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4.

[0045] Clause 6. The pressure measured by the pressure measurement device indicates the compressive force applied to the flexible fluid container by the fluid container compression sleeve. The infusion system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4.

[0046] Clause 7. The pump is a manual pump. The infusion system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6.

[0047] Clause 8. The pump is a foot-operated pump. The infusion system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6.

[0048] Clause 9. The pressure measurement device includes a pressure gauge. The infusion system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8.

[0049] Clause 10. The infusion system further comprises a pump controller, and the pump includes an electric compressor configured to supply a measured amount of gas to the fluid container compression sleeve based on a signal from the pump controller, and the infusion system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9.

[0050] Clause 11. A method for the intravenous delivery of fluid from a fluid container, comprising surrounding a malleable fluid container within a fluid container compression sleeve configured to wrap around, connect to, and form against the malleable fluid container such that when the fluid container compression sleeve expands with gas, an inward pressure is applied from the outside of the malleable fluid container to the malleable fluid container to compress the malleable fluid container; supplying gas to the fluid container compression sleeve to compress the malleable fluid container and operate a pump connected to the fluid container compression sleeve to direct the fluid within the malleable fluid container into the infusion tube toward the connected infusion tube.

[0051] Clause 12. The fluid container compression sleeve includes a coiled internal gas chamber such that when the fluid container compression sleeve is wound around the malleable fluid container, the helical axis of the coil crosses the axis of the malleable fluid container, and a first end of the coiled internal gas chamber terminates at a first end of the malleable fluid container opposite a second end of the malleable fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected and is configured to extend along the axis of the malleable fluid container toward the second end of the malleable fluid container, and operating the pump includes filling and expanding the coiled internal gas chamber with gas, and the method according to Clause 11.

[0052] Clause 13. The coiled internal gas chamber has a diameter that increases stepwise from the second end of the coiled internal gas chamber, opposite the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber, toward the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber. Operating the pump causes a greater pressure to be applied to the first end of the flexible fluid container than to the second end of the flexible fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected, within the coiled internal gas chamber, and causes the flow of fluid within the flexible fluid container to be directed into the connected infusion tube and through the infusion tube. The method according to Clause 12, including this.

[0053] Clause 14. A method for intravenous delivery of fluid from a fluid container, comprising providing a flexible fluid container configured to contain fluid and deliver the fluid through a connected infusion tube; providing a fluid container compression sleeve configured to wrap around, connect to, and form on the flexible fluid container such that when the fluid container compression sleeve expands by gas, the fluid container compression sleeve applies an inward pressure to the flexible fluid container from the outside; providing a pump configured to supply gas to the fluid container compression sleeve; and providing a pressure measurement device configured to measure the pressure associated with the flexible fluid container by the fluid container compression sleeve.

[0054] Clause 15. The fluid container compression sleeve includes a coiled coiled internal gas chamber such that when the fluid container compression sleeve is wrapped around the flexible fluid container, the helical axis of the coil crosses the axis of the flexible fluid container. The first end of the coiled internal gas chamber terminates at the first end of the flexible fluid container, opposite the second end of the flexible fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected, when the fluid container compression sleeve is wrapped around the flexible fluid container, and is configured to extend along the axis of the flexible fluid container toward the second end of the flexible fluid container. The method according to Clause 14.

[0055] Clause 16. The coiled internal gas chamber has a diameter that increases stepwise from the second end of the coiled internal gas chamber, opposite the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber, toward the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber, such that when the coiled internal gas chamber expands, it directs the flow of fluid within the malleable fluid container into the infusion tube toward the connected infusion tube. The coiled internal gas chamber applies a greater pressure to the first end of the malleable fluid container than to the second end of the malleable fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected, in accordance with the method described in Clause 15.

[0056] Clause 17. The method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 16, further comprising providing a pressure measurement device configured to measure the pressure indicating the compressive force applied to the malleable fluid container by the fluid container compression sleeve, which is operably connected to the fluid container compression sleeve.

[0057] Clause 18. The method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 16, further comprising providing a pressure measurement device configured to measure the fluid pressure of the fluid within the malleable fluid container, which is operably connected to the malleable fluid container.

[0058] Clause 19. The method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 18, wherein the pump is a manual pump or a foot-operated pump.

[0059] Clause 20. The method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 19, further comprising providing a pump controller that includes an electric compressor configured to supply a measured amount of gas to the fluid container compression sleeve based on a signal from the pump controller.

[0060] Further Considerations In some embodiments, any of the clauses herein can be made to depend on any one of the independent clauses or any one of the dependent clauses. In one aspect, any of the clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses) can be combined with any other one or more clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses). In one aspect, a claim can include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, acts, means, or components) recited in a section, sentence, clause, or paragraph. In one aspect, a claim can include some or all of the words recited in one or more sections, sentences, clauses, or paragraphs. In one aspect, some of the words in each of the sections, sentences, clauses, or paragraphs can be excluded. In one aspect, additional words or elements may be added to a section, sentence, clause, or paragraph. In one aspect, the subject technology can be implemented without using some of the components, elements, functions, or acts described herein. In one aspect, the subject technology can be implemented using additional components, elements, functions, or acts.

[0061] The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The foregoing description provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects. Accordingly, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, and references to singular elements are not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated but rather "one or more." Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention described herein.

[0062] The predicates "configured to", "operable to", and "programmed to" do not imply a particular physical or non-physical change to the subject, and are intended to be used interchangeably. For example, a processor configured to monitor and control operations may mean a processor programmed to monitor and control operations, or a processor operable to monitor and control operations. Similarly, a processor configured to execute code may be interpreted as a processor programmed to execute code, or a processor operable to execute code.

[0063] As used herein, the term "automatically" may include being performed by a computer or machine without user intervention, e.g., by instructions responsive to a predicate action by the computer or machine or other initiation mechanism. The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration". Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

[0064] Phrases such as "aspect" do not imply that such an aspect is essential to the technology of the subject matter, nor do they imply that such an aspect applies to all configurations of the technology of the subject matter. The disclosure regarding an aspect can apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "one aspect" can refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. Phrases such as "embodiment" do not imply that such an embodiment is essential to the technology of the subject matter, nor do they imply that such an embodiment applies to all configurations of the technology of the subject matter. The disclosure regarding an embodiment can apply to all embodiments, or to one or more embodiments. An embodiment can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "an embodiment" can refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. Phrases such as "configuration" do not imply that such a configuration is essential to the technology of the subject matter, nor do they imply that such a configuration applies to all configurations of the technology of the subject matter. The disclosure regarding a configuration can apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A configuration can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "a configuration" can refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0065] As used herein, "user interface" (which may also be referred to as an interactive user interface, a graphical user interface, or UI) can refer to a network-based interface that includes data fields and / or other control elements for receiving input signals, providing electronic information, and / or providing information to a user in response to any received input signal. Control elements can include dials, buttons, icons, selectable areas, or other perceptible indicia, which, when interacted with (e.g., clicked, touched, selected, etc.), initiate data exchange for the device presenting the UI, and are presented via the UI. The UI can be implemented, in whole or in part, using technologies such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), FLASH (trademark), JAVA (registered trademark) (trademark), NET (trademark), C, C++, web services, or Rich Site Summary (RSS). In some implementations, the UI can be included in a stand-alone client (e.g., a thin client, a fat client) configured to communicate (e.g., send or receive data) according to one or more of the described manners. The communication can be with a medical device or server in a communication state.

[0066] As used herein, the terms "determine" or "determining" encompass a wide variety of actions. For example, "determining" can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, generating, obtaining, retrieving (e.g., retrieving in a table, database, or other data structure), validating, etc., via a hardware element without user intervention. Also, "determining" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), etc., via a hardware element without user intervention. "Determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc., via a hardware element without user intervention.

[0067] As used herein, the terms "provide" or "providing" encompass a wide variety of actions. For example, "providing" can include storing a value at a location in a memory device for subsequent retrieval, transmitting a value directly to a recipient via at least one wired or wireless communication medium, transmitting or storing a reference value for the value, and the like. "Providing" can also include, via a hardware element, encoding, decoding, encrypting, decrypting, attesting, verifying, and the like.

[0068] As used herein, the terms "selectively" or "selective" can encompass a wide variety of actions. For example, a "selective" process can include determining one option from a plurality of options. A "selective" process can include one or more of dynamically determined input, pre-configured input, or user-initiated input to make the determination. In some implementations, an n-input switch may be included to provide a selective function, where n is the number of inputs used to make the selection.

[0069] As used herein, the terms "corresponding" or "correspond" encompass a structural, functional, quantitative, and / or qualitative correlation or relationship between two or more objects, data sets, information, and / or the like, and preferably, the correspondence or relationship can be used to transform one or more of the two or more objects, data sets, information, and / or the like to appear the same or equivalent. The correspondence can be evaluated using one or more of a threshold, a range of values, fuzzy logic, pattern matching, a machine learning evaluation model, or a combination thereof.

[0070] In some implementations, the generated or detected data can be transferred to a "remote" device or location, where "remote" means a location or device other than the location or device where the program is executed. For example, a remote location can be another location within the same city (e.g., an office, a laboratory, etc.), another location in a different city, another location in a different state, another location in a different country, etc. Thus, when an item is indicated as "remote" from another item, the two items may be in the same room but separated, or at least in different rooms or different buildings, and may be at least 1.6 km (1 mile), 16 km (10 miles), or at least 160 km (100 miles) apart. "Communicating" information refers to transmitting the data representing that information as an electrical signal via a suitable communication channel (e.g., a private or public network). "Transferring" an item refers to any means of moving the item from one location to the next, whether physically transporting the item or transporting it by other means (if possible), and includes, at least in the case of data, physically transporting the medium carrying the data or communicating the data. Examples of communication media include wireless or infrared transmission channels, as well as network connections to another computer or network-connected device, and the Internet, or include sending an email, and information recorded on a website, etc.

Claims

1. An infusion system for intravenous delivery of fluid from a fluid container, A malleable fluid container configured to contain a fluid and to deliver the fluid via a connected infusion tube, A fluid container compression sleeve configured to wrap around, connect to, and form around a malleable fluid container such that when the fluid container compression sleeve expands due to gas, the fluid container compression sleeve applies inward pressure to the malleable fluid container from the outside of the malleable fluid container, A pump configured to supply the gas to the fluid container compression sleeve, A pressure measuring device configured to measure the pressure associated with the malleable fluid container by the fluid container compression sleeve, An intravenous fluid system equipped with [the necessary components].

2. The aforementioned fluid container compression sleeve is The infusion system according to claim 1, comprising a coil-shaped coil-like internal gas chamber, wherein when the fluid container compression sleeve is wound around the malleable fluid container, the helical axis of the coil traverses the axis of the malleable fluid container.

3. The infusion system according to claim 2, wherein the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber terminates at the first end of the malleable fluid container opposite to the second end of the malleable fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected when the fluid container compression sleeve is wound around the malleable fluid container, and extends along the axis of the malleable fluid container toward the second end of the malleable fluid container.

4. The infusion system according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of the coiled internal gas chamber increases in a stepwise manner from the second end of the coiled internal gas chamber, opposite to the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber, toward the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber, so that when the coiled internal gas chamber expands, the coiled internal gas chamber applies greater pressure at the first end of the malleable fluid container than at the second end of the malleable fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected, thereby directing the flow of the fluid in the malleable fluid container toward the connected infusion tube into the infusion tube.

5. The infusion system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure measuring device is configured to measure the fluid pressure of the fluid in the malleable fluid container.

6. The infusion system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure measured by the pressure measuring device indicates the compressive force applied to the malleable fluid container by the fluid container compression sleeve.

7. The infusion system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pump is a manual pump.

8. The infusion system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pump is a foot-operated pump.

9. The infusion system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure measuring device includes a pressure gauge.

10. The aforementioned infusion system It also includes a pump controller, The infusion system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pump includes an electric compressor configured to supply a metered amount of the gas to the fluid container compression sleeve based on a signal from the pump controller.

11. A method for intravenous delivery of fluid from a fluid container, The fluid container is surrounded within the fluid container compression sleeve, which is configured to wrap around, connect to, and form around the malleable fluid container, such that when the fluid container compression sleeve expands due to gas, the fluid container compression sleeve applies inward pressure to the malleable fluid container from the outside of the malleable fluid container, thereby compressing the malleable fluid container. The gas is supplied to the fluid container compression sleeve to compress the malleable fluid container, and the pump connected to the fluid container compression sleeve is operated to guide the fluid inside the malleable fluid container into the connected infusion tube. Methods that include...

12. The aforementioned fluid container compression sleeve is The fluid container compression sleeve includes a coil-shaped internal gas chamber such that when the fluid container compression sleeve is wound around the malleable fluid container, the spiral axis of the coil traverses the axis of the malleable fluid container, the first end of the internal gas chamber is configured to terminate at the first end of the malleable fluid container opposite to the second end of the malleable fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected when the fluid container compression sleeve is wound around the malleable fluid container, and to extend along the axis of the malleable fluid container toward the second end of the malleable fluid container. The method according to claim 11, wherein operating the pump includes filling and expanding the coil-shaped internal gas chamber with the gas.

13. The diameter of the coiled internal gas chamber increases in stages from the second end of the coiled internal gas chamber, which is opposite to the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber, toward the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber. The method according to claim 12, wherein operating the pump causes a greater pressure to be applied to the first end of the malleable fluid container than to the second end of the malleable fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected, and causes the flow of the fluid in the malleable fluid container to be directed into the infusion tube toward the connected infusion tube.

14. A method for intravenous delivery of fluid from a fluid container, To provide a malleable fluid container configured to contain a fluid and to deliver the fluid via a connected infusion tube, To provide a fluid container compression sleeve configured to wrap around, connect to, and form around a malleable fluid container such that when the fluid container compression sleeve expands due to gas, the fluid container compression sleeve applies inward pressure to the malleable fluid container from the outside of the malleable fluid container, To provide a pump configured to supply the gas to the fluid container compression sleeve, To provide a pressure measuring device configured to measure the pressure associated with the malleable fluid container by the fluid container compression sleeve, Methods that include...

15. The fluid container compression sleeve includes a coil-shaped internal gas chamber such that when the fluid container compression sleeve is wound around the malleable fluid container, the helical axis of the coil traverses the axis of the malleable fluid container. The method according to claim 14, wherein the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber is configured to terminate at the first end of the malleable fluid container opposite to the second end of the malleable fluid container to which the infusion tube is connected when the fluid container compression sleeve is wound around the malleable fluid container, and to extend along the axis of the malleable fluid container toward the second end of the malleable fluid container.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the diameter of the coiled internal gas chamber increases in a stepwise manner from the second end of the coiled internal gas chamber, opposite to the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber, toward the first end of the coiled internal gas chamber, so that when the coiled internal gas chamber expands, the coiled internal gas chamber applies greater pressure to the first end of the malleable fluid container than to the second end of the malleable fluid container toward the connected infusion tube.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, further comprising providing a pressure measuring device operably connected to the fluid container compression sleeve and configured to measure a pressure indicating a compressive force applied to the malleable fluid container by the fluid container compression sleeve.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, further comprising providing a pressure measuring device configured to measure the fluid pressure of the fluid in the malleable fluid container, which is operably connected to the malleable fluid container.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the pump is a manual pump or a foot-operated pump.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, further comprising providing a pump controller which includes an electric compressor configured to supply a metered amount of the gas to the fluid container compression sleeve based on a signal from the pump controller.

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