Multi-component communication system for infusion line identification

Abstract

Disclosed is a medical line indication system comprising one or more indicator devices configured to be attached to a medical line, such as an infusion line, and a dongle connectable to a line controller, such as an infusion line pump. The one or more indicator devices are configured to provide an indicator signal, such as an optical signal. The dongle and the one or more indicator devices are wirelessly connectable. The dongle is configured to transmit indicator instructions to the one or more indicator devices in response to one or more line parameters sensed by a sensor in the indicator device or by the line controller, thereby causing the indicator signal to change.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Utility Application No. 18 / 381,567, entitled "MULTI-COMPONENT COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR INFUSION LINE IDENTIFICATION," filed October 18, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 417,280, entitled "MULTI-COMPONENT COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR INFUSION LINE IDENTIFICATION," filed October 18, 2022, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems and devices configured to enable identification of medical lines, such as infusion lines, and / or sensing of various parameters of the medical lines. [Background technology]

[0003] In certain medical settings, such as hospital environments, therapeutic fluids are often administered to patients via infusion lines, also typically referred to as intravenous (IV) lines. Infusion lines generally consist of flexible polymer tubing that is connected at one end to a fluid source and at the other end to a needle or port that provides access to the patient's blood vessels. It is not uncommon for multiple infusion lines, each connected to a different fluid source, to be used simultaneously to deliver several therapeutic fluids to a single patient at once. It is also not uncommon for the needles or ports to be located adjacent to one another, such as multiple adjacent needles that provide access to the brachial vein running through the patient's arm. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] While the simultaneous use of multiple infusion lines can offer many advantages, it can also present challenges. For example, when multiple infusion lines are used to administer multiple therapeutic fluids to a single patient, quickly distinguishing one line from another can be tedious and difficult. Thus, it can be difficult to quickly and accurately identify a particular therapeutic fluid source and its corresponding therapeutic fluid destination from other drug sources and their corresponding therapeutic fluid destinations. This problem is exacerbated by the tendency of each line to be coiled in its packaging, thereby entangling with other lines and under bed sheets or clothing.

[0005]

[0005] Rapid identification of a specific therapeutic fluid source is often necessary in emergency situations. For example, when a patient connected to multiple lines needs urgent intravenous administration of a therapeutic fluid that is not currently being administered through one of those lines, the therapeutic fluid must be administered immediately. When a blood vessel into which the therapeutic fluid can be injected cannot be quickly identified, it is common to administer the medication through an infusion line that already has the therapeutic fluid. This technique of using an existing infusion line to administer new therapeutic fluid is common even in non-emergency situations.

[0006]

[0006] The person administering the drug must ensure that the infusion line into which the new therapeutic fluid is being administered is carrying a therapeutic fluid that is compatible with the new therapeutic fluid. Injecting a new therapeutic fluid into an infusion line in which the existing therapeutic fluid is incompatible can have serious consequences. For example, if heparin is injected into an infusion line already carrying lidocaine, a flaky precipitate will form in the mixture that can be dangerous to the patient. Similarly, mixing insulin with certain chemotherapy drugs in a shared infusion line can be extremely dangerous to the patient.

[0007] Additionally, medical staff often desire to know the current status of infusion line conditions, such as line pressure, fluid flow, whether the line is restricted, and whether there are bubbles or discontinuities in the line. Some infusion line pumps are capable of detecting certain conditions, such as pressure within the line. However, with regard to the identification problem discussed above, even if such information is provided by the pump, it can still be difficult for a user to determine which line corresponds to a particular measurement. For example, if an infusion line pump indicates that the infusion line is experiencing low pressure (and / or some other type of malfunction), the user still needs to identify the end of the infusion line that belongs to the infusion line being measured by the pump. As discussed above, this can be difficult when multiple infusion lines run alongside one another and may wrap, tangle, and / or wrap around one another. Furthermore, situations can arise where the pump also fails to generate an alarm, potentially allowing a potentially dangerous condition to go unnoticed and uncorrected.

[0008]

[0008] As a result of the difficulty in distinguishing between multiple infusion lines and their associated fluid sources and destinations, and the potentially life-threatening situations that can occur when incompatible therapeutic fluids are infused through the same infusion line, there is an ongoing need for devices that allow for simple and accurate identification of individual infusion lines and their associated fluid sources and destinations. Furthermore, there is an ongoing need for systems and devices that allow for effective detection of medical lines and effective communication / indication of detected conditions (e.g., emergency situations, etc.). This need is widespread for both pump-based and pump-less systems, such as those based on traditional gravity-fed infusions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009]

[0009] A medical line indication system is disclosed that includes one or more indicator devices configured to be attached to or integrated into a medical line (such as an infusion line) and a dongle connectable to a line control. The line control can be a pump, while in other embodiments, the line control is not a pump. Thus, the system can usefully function as a "pump substitute" providing line detection and communication / indication functionality in simple gravity bag applications. Previously, such detection functionality was only available using relatively complex pump assemblies. These complex assemblies are, of course, not available in many emergency situations, third countries, etc.

[0010] The dongle may be a conventional dongle that is physically removable from the line control (e.g., via a hardware connection such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB)). Additionally or alternatively, the dongle may be fully or partially integrated into the line control, such as when the line control is already capable of wirelessly connecting to the indicator device.

[0011] While most of the examples described herein describe indicator devices that are selectively attachable to medical lines, it will be appreciated that the same principles readily apply to embodiments in which the indicator device is fully or partially integrated into the medical line. For example, the indicator device can be fully or partially integrated with the medical line during manufacture of the medical line.

[0012]

[0012] The one or more indicator devices are configured to provide an indicator signal, such as an optical signal and / or an audio signal. The dongle and the one or more indicator devices are wirelessly connectable. The dongle is configured to transmit indicator instructions to the one or more indicator devices. Additionally or alternatively, the dongle can be configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors associated with the one or more indicator devices. This enables the system to adjust the one or more indicator devices in response to a medical line condition sensed by the line controller and / or one or more sensors in the indicator devices. For example, the line controller and / or sensors can detect a medical line condition, and the dongle can receive such data and responsively alter the indicator signal by transmitting indicator instructions to the indicator devices. Thus, the disclosed embodiments can usefully display infusion status information at one or more locations along an infusion line.

[0013]

[0013] As an example, the line controller may include or be associated with a pump, and when the pump detects a low flow condition, the dongle may send a signal to one or more indicator devices to change the indicator signal (e.g., cause the indicator device to illuminate a red warning light). Other medical line conditions detected by the line controller may be associated with different indicator signals. For example, the dongle may cause one or more indicator devices to generate an off signal or a different color light (e.g., green) when a normal flow condition is detected.

[0014]

[0014] Changing the indicator signal may include changing the color and / or pattern of the light and / or turning the light signal on or off. In some embodiments, the system is configured to generate a different indicator signal in response to each different infusion condition sensed by the line controller. For example, a particular color and / or pattern may be associated with a "good" condition, and another color and / or pattern may be associated with a "bad" condition. Additionally or alternatively, a first set of colors and / or patterns may be associated with a first type of condition (e.g., pressure), a second different set of colors and / or patterns may be associated with a second different type of condition (e.g., concentration), etc.

[0015] Some embodiments of the indicator device may additionally or alternatively provide an audio indication. For example, the indicator device may emit a particular sound and / or sound pattern corresponding to the medical line condition detected by the line control.

[0016]

[0016] Medical line conditions that can be measured by the indicator device sensors and / or line controls and that can respond to changes in the indicator signals generated by one or more indicator devices include, for example, line pressure, fluid flow rate, sediment detection, gas concentration, drug concentration, bubble detection, temperature, other infusion conditions that can be sensed by an infusion pump or other line controls as known in the art or as hereafter developed, and combinations thereof.

[0017] The indicator device may include any suitable sensor known in the art for detecting such parameters. For example, the indicator device may include a flow sensor (e.g., ultrasonic, optical, and / or mechanical (e.g., impeller) sensor, etc.), a bubble or sediment sensor (e.g., optical, infrared, and / or ultrasonic sensor, etc.), a temperature sensor (e.g., infrared sensor and / or thermocouple, etc.), and / or a salinity sensor (e.g., optical, infrared, or ultrasonic sensor, etc.).

[0018] The line controller may be operable to store sensor data and / or other indicator device data (e.g., usage data, etc.) and process the received data and generate indicator indications. The line controller may also have its own indication functions (e.g., audible alarms, etc.) separate from the indicator device. In some embodiments, the line controller may be configured to utilize artificial intelligence methods, including machine learning methods known in the art, to analyze the received sensor data and / or generate indicator indications.

[0019] This Summary is provided to introduce various concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to gauge the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0020]

[0020] Various objects, features, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and will be more readily understood from the following description of embodiments, all of which form a part of this specification, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. In the drawings, like reference numerals may be utilized to indicate corresponding or similar parts in the various views, and the various elements shown are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1]

[0021] A conventional infusion line assembly is illustrated. [Figure 2A]

[0022] An infusion line assembly is shown incorporating an infusion line identification system that includes one or more indicator devices (e.g., a light source, etc.) and a pump dongle configured to be communicatively connected to a line control unit such as an infusion line pump. [Figure 2B]An infusion line assembly is shown incorporating an infusion line identification system that includes one or more indicator devices (e.g., a light source, etc.) and a pump dongle configured to be communicatively connected to a line control unit such as an infusion line pump. [Figure 3A]

[0023] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a line suggestion system that utilizes an external computing device as a line control. [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a line suggestion system that utilizes an external computing device as a line control. [Figure 4A]

[0024] 1 illustrates an example of a line indication system that operates to detect an air bubble and activate an indicator signal in response thereto. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates an example of a line indication system that operates to detect an air bubble and activate an indicator signal in response thereto. [Figure 5A]

[0025] 1 illustrates an example of a line indication system that operates to detect the formation of precipitates and activate an indicator signal in response thereto. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates an example of a line indication system that operates to detect the formation of precipitates and activate an indicator signal in response thereto. [Figure 6]

[0026] 1 illustrates an example of a line suggestion system that operates to sense and display various parameters of an infusion line. [Figure 7A]

[0027] 10 illustrates an example of a pairing method that can be used to pair a dongle with an indicator device. [Figure 7B] 10 illustrates an example of a pairing method that can be used to pair a dongle with an indicator device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Introduction

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional infusion line assembly 10 including an infusion line 12 connected to a therapeutic fluid bag 18. The infusion line 12 has a first end 14 and a second end 16. As shown, one end is connected to the therapeutic fluid bag 18, while the other end may be left free for intravenous insertion into a patient. As discussed above, difficulties in properly aligning one end of an infusion line with the other can present problems in healthcare settings. That is, when multiple infusion lines are associated with a patient, it can often be difficult to easily identify which patient-end line is attached to which therapeutic fluid.

[0023]

[0029] U.S. Patent No. 10,722,641, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes an infusion line assembly configured to enable identification of an infusion line via a plurality of indicator devices (as light sources) selectively attachable to the infusion line and coupled to communicate with each other via a wireless connection. The light sources are configured such that when a first light source is manually activated to emit a light signal, a second light source is similarly automatically activated and emits a corresponding light signal without the need for manual activation, and vice versa.

[0024]

[0030] Such selectively attachable indicator devices advantageously allow a user (e.g., medical staff, etc.) to simply attach the device to an infusion line in a conventional environment, without the need for additional attachment tools or custom manufacturing processes, and to attach multiple sets of such indicator devices to multiple respective infusion lines. Such indicator devices may be utilized in the embodiments described herein.

[0025]

[0031] Although the following illustrates an infusion line therapy device for administering a therapeutic fluid, other embodiments may be implemented for other applications, both in the medical field and other technical fields. Various components of the exemplary embodiments may be omitted or replaced with other components known and used in the art. By way of non-limiting example, some exemplary embodiments include a therapeutic fluid bag, a pump, and a connector. Each of these components could be omitted or replaced with other components. For example, various pumps could be used with the disclosed embodiments, or no pumps could be used at all. Similarly, various fluid sources and connectors other than traditional therapeutic fluid bags and Y-connectors could be employed.

[0026]

[0032] Similarly, while the specific examples described herein relate to infusion lines, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the same components and principles may be applied to adapters for other types of medical lines where detection and / or identification may be advantageous. For example, the embodiments described herein may be connected to other types of intravenous (IV) lines, such as central lines (e.g., central venous catheter lines) and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines, nasogastric tubes, arterial lines, peritoneal dialysis lines, umbilical lines (typically used in neonates), long-term indwelling catheters (e.g., Hickman or Brobbiak catheters), wound drainage lines, or any other medical line where integration of sensor and / or indicator functionality may be beneficial.

[0027] COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR CONTROL AND INDICATOR DEVICES - Patent application

[0033] 2A illustrates an infusion line indication system 100 that may be implemented with the infusion line assembly shown in FIG. The illustrated system 100 includes a pair of indicator devices 102 (including indicator device 102a and indicator device 102b) attached to the infusion line 12. The illustrated indicator devices 102 are attached at or near ends 14 and 16 of the infusion line 12. Other embodiments may include additional indicator devices and / or may position the indicator devices at different locations along the infusion line 12. The indicator devices 102 may optionally have an antimicrobial coating to help minimize the risk of spreading infection.

[0028]

[0034] The illustrated system 100 also includes a line controller, which in this embodiment is represented as an infusion line pump 104. The pump 104 may be, for example, a rotary pump, a peristaltic pump, or any other type of pump suitable for infusion line use. As will be discussed in more detail below, the line controller need not be associated with the pump, but may additionally or alternatively include, for example, an external computing device.

[0029]

[0035] The system 100 also includes a dongle 106 connectable to the pump 104 at a hardware connection location 108. The dongle 106 may be connected to the pump 104, for example, via a universal serial bus (USB), although other hardware connections known in the art and / or suitable wireless connections may additionally or alternatively be utilized. The dongle 106 may include a controller, a communications module for communicating with the pump 104, and a wireless transmitter and / or receiver for communicating with the indicator devices 102a and 102b. The communications module may include, for example, a suitable application programming interface (API) to enable communication with the pump 104.

[0030]

[0036] The dongle 106 is capable of wirelessly connecting to the indicator device 102. The wireless connection may include, for example, an ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio connection such as Bluetooth®, thereby enabling the dongle 106 to receive sensor data from the indicator device 102 and / or transmit indicator indications to the indicator device 102. The indicator indications may be responsive to one or more infusion conditions sensed by the infusion line pump 104 and / or by a sensor in the indicator device 102, and may operate to modify the indicator signal.

[0031]

[0037] As used herein, "indicator signal" refers to a signal generated by one or more indicator devices 102 and may include light and / or sound. As used herein, "indicator instruction" refers to an instruction sent by dongle 106 to one or more indicator devices 102 that causes the indicator signal to be changed. The indicator signal may be changed, for example, by turning it on or off, changing the color of the light, changing the brightness or intensity of the light, changing the light pattern (e.g., blinking vs. not blinking, etc.), and / or changing the volume, pitch, or tempo of the sound, etc.

[0032]

[0038] When multiple sets of indicator devices are used, the indicator signals may be synchronized among the multiple indicator devices so that each emits the same indicator signal at the same time. Each set of indicator devices may have, for example, two or three indicator devices, although more indicator devices could be deployed. The line indication system may be configured such that a single line controller controls a single set of indicator devices. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the line controller can be configured to control multiple different sets of indicator devices. For example, multiple sets of indicator devices may be associated with different lines of care, whether on the same patient or across multiple patients. The line controller can be configured to independently control each different set. As an example, in triage and / or war situations where multiple patients are placed in relatively close proximity, a single line controller may be utilized to control different sets of indicator devices associated with different patients.

[0033]

[0039] Examples of infusion conditions that may be measured by an indicator device sensor and / or line control (e.g., infusion pump 104) and correspond to a change in the indicator signal generated by one or more indicator devices 102 include line pressure, concentration of one or more fluid components (e.g., salts, gases, medications, etc.), air bubble detection, fluid temperature, other infusion conditions that may be detected by an infusion pump as known in the art or as developed in the future, and combinations thereof.

[0034]

[0040] As noted above, some embodiments are configured for bidirectional communication, such that dongle 106 is configured to receive data from one or more indicator devices 102 and communicate the received data to infusion line pump 104 and / or other line controls. For example, indicator device 102 can detect that medication has been infused into infusion line 12 and transmit a corresponding indication to dongle 106. Dongle 106 can then store it in its memory and / or communicate receipt of such indication to pump 104 for storage in a memory associated with pump 104.

[0035]

[0041] In some embodiments, one or more indicator devices 102 include one or more sensors, which may include sensors for the pump 104 disclosed herein, such as pressure sensors, flow sensors, concentration sensors (e.g., chemical, salinity, etc.), bubble / disruption sensors, sediment sensors, temperature sensors, etc.

[0036]

[0042] 2B illustrates an alternative configuration of system 100, in which the functionality of dongle 106 is performed by one or more integrated components 107 of pump 104. For example, pump 104 may communicate directly with indicator device 102 and be associated with a sensor without the need for a separate dongle. As used herein, the terms "integrated dongle" or "dongle integrated with line controller" are used to refer to embodiments in which the line controller includes one or more integrated components capable of performing the communication and processing functions described above for dongle 106.

[0037]

[0043] In some embodiments, the dongle 106 is primarily used to send and receive data, while the pump 104 and / or other line controllers are primarily used to process sensor data and generate indicator indications. Thus, processing and communication operations can be distributed in various ways between the dongle and one or more line controllers.

[0038]

[0044] 3A illustrates an embodiment of a line suggestion system 200 that utilizes an external computing device 204 (rather than a pump) as the line control. The external computing device 204 may include a dedicated / custom controller, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a mobile device (e.g., a tablet, a phone, etc.), other computing devices, or a combination thereof.

[0039]

[0045] System 200 includes a dongle 206 configured to wirelessly communicate with indicator device 202. System 200 may function similarly to line suggestion system 100, and therefore the relevant descriptions above also apply here.

[0040]

[0046] 3B illustrates an alternative configuration of line identification system 200 in which dongle 206 is omitted. Instead, external computing device 204 includes an "integrated dongle" and therefore includes one or more internal components that communicate with indicator device 202.

[0041]

[0047] Providing a sensor in the indicator device allows the system to provide sensing functionality (e.g., air bubble detection, sediment detection, fluid flow measurement, and / or other sensing functionality disclosed herein) without the need for a complex pump assembly or any pump assembly at all. For example, the system can include an indicator device with a sensor and a line control that is not a pump. The line control in such applications can be a dedicated controller or a standard computing device (e.g., laptop, desktop, tablet, phone, etc.) with an application that manages communication with and control of the indicator device. This allows the system to be implemented with gravity feed use cases, which may be more common in field situations, emergency situations, or third country applications.

[0042] Sensor operation and indicator activation

[0048] 4A and 4B illustrate an example of a line indication system 300 that operates to detect an air bubble and activate an indicator signal in response thereto. System 300 can have any combination of the features described in connection with line indication systems 100 or 200, and vice versa.

[0043]

[0049] As shown in Figure 4A, an air bubble 20 is placed within the infusion line 12. As the air bubble 20 travels down through the infusion line 12, it eventually reaches the indicator device 302a. As shown in Figure 4B, as the air bubble 20 passes through or past the indicator device 302a, the indicator device 302a detects the air bubble 20. The sensor signal is communicated to an external computing device 304 (e.g., directly or via an external dongle intermediary) which then receives an indicator instruction that activates the indicator device 302 (e.g., turns on a light).

[0044]

[0050] It should be noted that even if an air bubble 20 is detected by indicator device 302a, system 300 is operable to simultaneously activate both indicator devices 302. As shown, external computing device 304 can also provide indicator messages (audio and / or visual displays) corresponding to the indicator signals of indicator devices 302.

[0045]

[0051] The use of multiple indicator devices 302 on a line can provide additional benefits. For example, when an air bubble 20 is detected by an upstream indicator device 302a, the system 300 can initially issue a warning signal. As the air bubble 20 travels toward the patient, the system 300 can issue increasingly stronger warnings as it continues to be detected by downstream indicator devices. The time elapsed between detections by multiple indicator devices can also be used to calculate the flow rate of the system (i.e., given the known internal diameter of the line).

[0046]

[0052] 5A and 5B illustrate an example of a line indication system 400 that operates to detect the formation of a precipitate and activate an indicator signal in response thereto. System 400 can have any combination of the features described in connection with line indication systems 100 or 200, and vice versa.

[0047]

[0053] As shown in Figure 5A, sediment 22 is placed within infusion line 12. As sediment 22 travels down through infusion line 12, it eventually reaches indicator device 402a. As shown in Figure 5B, as sediment 22 passes through or past indicator device 402a, indicator device 402a detects sediment 22. The sensor signal is communicated to external computing device 404 (e.g., directly or via an external dongle) to receive an indicator instruction that subsequently activates indicator device 402 (e.g., turns on a light).

[0048]

[0054] It should be noted that even if a precipitate 22 is detected by indicator device 402a, system 400 is operable to simultaneously activate both indicator devices 402. As shown, external computing device 404 can also provide indicator messages (audio and / or visual) corresponding to the indicator signals of indicator devices 402.

[0049]

[0055] 6 illustrates an example line indication system 500 operative to sense various parameters of the infusion line 12. The system 500 can have any combination of the features described in connection with the line indication systems 100 or 200, and vice versa. The indicator device 502 can include various sensors as disclosed herein. The sensor data can be communicated (e.g., directly or via an external dongle intermediary) to an external computing device 504, where it can be stored and / or processed.

[0050]

[0056] In some embodiments, one or more indicator devices may include a display screen for showing line parameter information, such as flow rate and / or any of the other parameters disclosed herein, in addition to or instead of other displays, such as a display on an external computing device that functions as a line control.

[0051] Pairing the indicator device

[0057] 7A and 7B illustrate example pairing methods that can be used to pair dongles 606 with indicator devices 602. In some embodiments, indicator devices 602 are single-use, disposable components. In such cases, each new set of indicator devices 602 would need to be paired with dongles 606.

[0052]

[0058] The pairing process may utilize radio frequency identification (RFID) capabilities. For example, as shown in Figure 7A, the dongle may include an RFID reader and each indicator device 602 may include its own RFID tag 624 (i.e., indicator 602a includes RFID tag 624a, indicator 602b includes RFID tag 624b, etc.). A user may bring indicator device 602 close enough to dongle 606 to initiate pairing and establish a wireless connection.

[0053]

[0059] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7B, an RFID tag 624 can be associated with the packaging 26 of the indicator device 602. A user can then bring the packaging 26 into proximity with the dongle 606 to initiate pairing and establish a wireless connection.

[0054] Additional Computer / Controller Component Details

[0060] The indicator devices, dongles, and / or external computing devices described herein may be configured with one or more executable components to form a communications link between the devices. The term "executable component" refers to a structure that will be well understood by those skilled in the computer arts as being software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

[0055]

[0061] For example, when implemented in software, those skilled in the art will understand that the executable component structure may include software objects, routines, methods, etc. that may be executed by one or more processors on a computer system, regardless of whether the executable component resides in the computer system's heap or on a computer-readable storage medium. The executable component structure resides on a computer-readable medium in a form that, when executed by one or more processors of the computer system, is operable to cause the computer system to perform one or more functions, such as the functions and methods described herein. Such structure may be directly computer-readable by a processor, such as when the executable component is binary. Alternatively, the structure may be interpretable and / or compiled, whether in a single step or multiple steps, to generate such a binary that is directly interpretable by a processor.

[0056]

[0062] The term "executable component" will also be understood by those skilled in the art to include structure that is implemented exclusively or nearly exclusively in hardware logic components, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), program specific standard products (ASSPs), systems on a chip (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), or any other special purpose circuitry. Accordingly, the term "executable component" is a term well understood by those skilled in the computer arts for structure, whether implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

[0057]

[0063] Terms such as "component," "service," "engine," "module," "control," "generator," and the like may also be used herein. In this specification and in this case, these terms, whether expressed with or without a modifier, are also synonymous with the term "executable component," and thus are used with the intention of having a structure well understood by one of ordinary skill in the computer arts.

[0058]

[0064] The indicator device pump dongle and / or external computing device described herein may also include one or more controllers / processors and one or more computer-readable media. Computer-readable media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, solid-state drive ("SSD"), flash memory, phase-change memory ("PCM"), CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage, or any other physical or tangible storage medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed and executed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system to implement the disclosed functions of the present invention. For example, computer-executable instructions may be embodied on one or more computer-readable storage media to form a computer program product. For the avoidance of doubt, such computer-readable storage media may also be referred to as "hardware storage devices," which are physical storage media rather than communication media.

[0059] Further Terms and Definitions

[0065] Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with respect to particular configurations, parameters, components, elements, etc., these descriptions are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

[0060]

[0066] Furthermore, for any given element of the components of the described embodiments, any of the possible alternatives listed for that element or component may generally be used individually or in combination with one another, unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly stated.

[0061]

[0067] Reference numbers referring to multiple instances of the same element may be written in the form of a letter following the reference number. For example, if an embodiment includes multiple instances of component 150, such components may be referred to generally as "component 150" when referring to such components and / or the collective set of such components, while individual instances of the component may be referred to as "component 150a," "component 150b," "component 150c," etc.

[0062]

[0068] Additionally, unless otherwise indicated, numbers expressing quantities, components, distances, or other measurements used in the specification and claims are understood to be optionally modified by the term "about" or its equivalents. Terms such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially," when used in conjunction with a stated quantity, value, or condition, may be deemed to mean an amount, value, or condition that deviates by less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, or less than 0.01% from the stated quantity, value, or condition. Each numerical parameter should, at least, be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims.

[0063]

[0069] Any headings and sub-headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims.

[0064]

[0070] It should also be noted that, in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are used without excluding plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, an embodiment referring to a singular referent (e.g., a "widget") may also have two or more such referents.

[0065]

[0071] It will also be understood that the embodiments described herein may also have properties and / or characteristics (e.g., components, components, parts, elements, parts, and / or portions) described in one or more separate embodiments, and are not necessarily limited to the precise features explicitly described for that particular embodiment. Thus, various features of a given embodiment can be combined with and / or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, the disclosure of a particular feature in connection with a particular embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the application or inclusion of that feature to the particular embodiment. Rather, it will be understood that other embodiments can also have such features.

[0066] Illustrative Embodiments

[0072] The following sections provide a non-limiting list of exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure.

[0067]

[0073] Clause 1. A medical line indication system, comprising: one or more indicator devices configured to be attached to a medical line, each indicator device configured to provide an indicator signal; and a dongle configured to be in communicative connection with the one or more indicator devices and a line controller, the dongle being capable of wireless connection with the one or more indicator devices, the dongle being configured to transmit indicator instructions to the one or more indicator devices in response to one or more line conditions sensed by the line controller, thereby causing the indicator signal to be modified.

[0068]

[0074] Clause 2. The system of clause 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of indicator devices, and the indicator signals are synchronized among the plurality of indicator devices.

[0069]

[0075] Clause 3. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the indicator signal includes a light.

[0070]

[0076] Clause 4. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more line conditions include line pressure, fluid flow rate, fluid temperature, bubble or sediment detection, or fluid component concentration.

[0071]

[0077] Clause 5. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more indicator devices and the dongle are wirelessly connectable via an ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio connection.

[0072]

[0078] Clause 6. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the system is configured to generate different indicator signals in response to different respective infusion conditions sensed by the line control section.

[0073]

[0079] Clause 7. The system of clause 6, wherein the different indicator signals include different patterns and / or different colors of light.

[0074]

[0080] Clause 8. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more indicator devices comprise one or more sensors for detecting line conditions, and the dongle is further configured to receive data from the one or more indicator devices and communicate the received data with the line control unit.

[0075]

[0081] Clause 9. The system of clause 8, wherein the data from the one or more indicator devices includes an indication that a medication has been infused into the medical line.

[0076]

[0082] Clause 10. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the line control is associated with a pump.

[0077]

[0083] Clause 11. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the dongle is integrated with the line control unit.

[0078]

[0084] Clause 12. A medical line indication system, comprising: one or more indicator devices configured to be attached to a medical line, each configured to provide an indicator signal, each indicator device having one or more sensors for detecting a line condition; a line controller; and a dongle configured to be communicatively coupled to the one or more indicator devices and the line controller, the dongle being capable of wireless coupling with the one or more indicator devices, the dongle being configured to receive sensor data transmitted from the one or more indicator devices and responsively transmit indicator instructions to the one or more indicator devices, thereby causing the indicator signal to be modified.

[0079]

[0085] Clause 13. The system of clause 12, wherein the dongle is integrated with the line control unit.

[0080]

[0086] Clause 14. The system of clause 12 or 13, wherein the system comprises a plurality of indicator devices, and the indicator signals are synchronized between the plurality of indicator devices.

[0081]

[0087] Clause 15. The system of any one of clauses 12-14, wherein the indicator signal comprises a light.

[0082]

[0088] Clause 16. The system of clause 14, wherein the one or more line conditions include line pressure, fluid flow rate, fluid temperature, bubble or sediment detection, or fluid component concentration.

[0083]

[0089] Clause 17. The system of any one of clauses 12-16, wherein the one or more indicator devices and the dongle are wirelessly connectable via an ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio connection.

[0084]

[0090] Clause 18. The system of any one of clauses 12-17, wherein the system is configured to generate different indicator signals in response to different respective infusion conditions sensed by the line control section.

[0085]

[0091] Clause 19. The system of any one of clauses 12-18, wherein the line control section is not a pump.

[0086]

[0092] Clause 20. The system of clause 19, wherein the medical line is an infusion line, and the system is configured to use gravity feed for infusion.

Claims

1. A medical line suggestion system, one or more indicator devices configured to be attached to the medical line, each indicator device configured to provide an indicator signal; a dongle configured to be in communication with the one or more indicator devices and a line control; the dongle is capable of wirelessly connecting to the one or more indicator devices; the dongle is configured to transmit indicator instructions to the one or more indicator devices in response to one or more line conditions sensed by the line control unit, thereby causing the indicator signals to be modified. Medical line suggestion system.

2. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of indicator devices, and the indicator signals are synchronized among the plurality of indicator devices.

3. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the indicator signal comprises a light.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more line conditions include line pressure, fluid flow rate, fluid temperature, bubble or sediment detection, or fluid constituent concentration.

5. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more indicator devices and the dongle are wirelessly connectable via an ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio wave connection.

6. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to generate different indicator signals in response to different respective infusion conditions sensed by the line control.

7. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the different indicator signals include different patterns and / or different colors of light.

8. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more indicator devices comprise one or more sensors for detecting line conditions, and the dongle is further configured to receive data from the one or more indicator devices and communicate the received data with the line control.

9. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the data from the one or more indicator devices includes an indication that a medication has been infused into the medical line.

10. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the line control is associated with a pump.

11. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the dongle is integrated with the line control unit.

12. A medical line suggestion system, one or more indicator devices configured to be attached to the medical line, each configured to provide an indicator signal, each indicator device including one or more sensors for detecting line conditions; A line control unit; a dongle configured to be in communication with the one or more indicator devices and a line control; the dongle is capable of wirelessly connecting to the one or more indicator devices; the dongle is configured to receive sensor data transmitted from the one or more indicator devices and, in response thereto, transmit indicator instructions to the one or more indicator devices, thereby causing the indicator signal to be modified. Medical line suggestion system.

13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the dongle is integrated with the line control.

14. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the system comprises a plurality of indicator devices, and the indicator signals are synchronized among the plurality of indicator devices.

15. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the indicator signal comprises a light.

16. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the one or more line conditions include line pressure, fluid flow rate, fluid temperature, bubble or sediment detection, or fluid component concentration.

17. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the one or more indicator devices and the dongle are wirelessly connectable via an ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio wave connection.

18. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the system is configured to generate different indicator signals in response to different respective infusion conditions sensed by the line control.

19. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the line control is not a pump.

20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the medical line is an infusion line, and the system is configured to use gravity feed for infusion.

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