Automated syringe pump near empty alarm threshold programming

Abstract

Disclosed herein are exemplary systems, methods, and devices for automatic programming of near-empty alarm activation thresholds based on a user-selected infusion therapy type on a syringe pump. The exemplary systems, methods, and devices are configured to use a preloaded drug library to determine whether the selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus and to define appropriate time- or volume-based alarm activation thresholds accordingly. The disclosed systems, methods, and devices prevent human programming errors by minimizing the need for extensive user interaction with the syringe pump. Furthermore, the disclosed systems, methods, and devices enable automatic programming to increase efficient infusion administration and prevent programming errors that could result in patient discomfort or even injury.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Priority claims and cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to Indian Patent Application No. 202241075890, entitled "AUTOMATIC SYRINGE PUMP NEAR EMPTY ALARM ACTIVATION THRESHOLD PROGRAMMING," filed on December 27, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] background Syringe pumps are commonly used to administer pain medications intravenously. Syringe pumps can be programmed to deliver infusions at a continuous, constant rate or can include a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) bolus. During an infusion that requires multiple syringes to deliver the full amount of medication in succession, the active syringe will become empty, requiring the user to insert a new syringe to continue the infusion. Ordering, checking, and loading the new syringe can take some time, during which the pump is not injecting and the patient experiences discomfort (pain). Currently, to prevent interruptions to the infusion, a pump control system threshold alarm (the "syringe almost empty alarm") warns the user before the volume in the syringe reaches zero.

[0003] The syringe-near-empty alarm can be triggered when the calculated remaining infusion time or the sensor-monitored volume remaining in the syringe reaches a threshold. Both triggering thresholds pose problems for users. First, a time-based threshold is accurate for continuous infusions without a bolus because the remaining time during the infusion can be easily calculated. However, the calculated time threshold is inaccurate for infusions with a bolus because the syringe pump control system cannot predict when the bolus will be initiated by the patient, and the alarm is therefore triggered too early or too late. Second, a volume-based threshold overcomes some of the problems of a time-based threshold. In that case, the user sets a high volume threshold for infusions with a PCA bolus. However, the user must set a low volume threshold for continuous infusions.

[0004] Problems can occur if a user incorrectly programs the time-based threshold for an infusion that includes a PCA bolus, or if a user sets a low volume threshold for an infusion that includes a PCA bolus. In a stressful hospital setting, the potential for human error also increases, especially as users become more accustomed to programming pump control systems in a medical environment.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a syringe pump that minimizes user interaction with the syringe pump control system and automatically sets time and / or volume-based activation thresholds for a near-empty syringe alarm based on a user-entered infusion therapy type. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] overview Disclosed herein are exemplary systems, methods, and devices for automatic programming of near-empty alarm activation thresholds based on a user-selected infusion therapy type on a syringe pump. The exemplary systems, methods, and devices are configured to use a preloaded drug library to determine whether the selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus and to define appropriate time- or volume-based alarm activation thresholds accordingly. The disclosed systems, methods, and devices prevent human programming errors by minimizing the need for extensive user interaction with the syringe pump. Furthermore, the disclosed systems, methods, and devices enable automatic programming to increase efficient infusion administration and prevent programming errors that could result in patient discomfort or even injury.

[0007] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, which in no way limits the scope of the present invention in light of the disclosure herein and may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, a syringe pump includes an actuator, a syringe holder, a display screen, a memory, and a processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a user-selected infusion therapy type; determine whether the selected user-selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus or a continuous infusion without a bolus; determine a volume-based threshold when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus; determine a time-based threshold when the infusion therapy type includes a continuous infusion without a bolus; calculate or determine infusion therapy progress data related to administration of the infusion therapy, the infusion therapy progress data including at least one of a total time of infusion or a volume remaining in the syringe; compare the total time of infusion with the time-based threshold when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes a continuous infusion without a bolus; compare the volume remaining in the syringe with the volume-based threshold when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus; and generate a message on a display screen indicating a user warning when a syringe holder on the syringe pump reaches the time-based or volume-based threshold.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspects recited herein unless otherwise specified, a method for operating a syringe pump based on user input includes: a unit selecting an infusion therapy type from a pre-loaded drug library displayed on a display screen; transmitting the selected infusion therapy type to a processor, the processor communicating with a memory to determine whether the selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus or a continuous infusion without a bolus; if the infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus, transmitting instructions from the memory to the processor defining a volume-based threshold; and if the infusion therapy type includes a continuous infusion without a bolus, transmitting instructions from the memory to the processor defining a time-based threshold, the control system automatically converting the user-inputted volume threshold to a time-based threshold for continuous infusion without a bolus; generating a message on the display screen indicating a user alert when a syringe holder on the syringe pump reaches the time-based or volume-based threshold; and enabling a user to control an actuator for the syringe pump based on the user input.

[0009] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, the preloaded drug library includes information regarding whether the infusion therapy type is delivered as a PCA bolus or a continuous infusion without a bolus.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, the user input is a volume-based threshold.

[0011] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, the user input is a time-based threshold.

[0012] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, the infusion therapy type is a drug or supplement, a syringe volume, a syringe type, a time threshold, a volume threshold, and a bolus volume.

[0013] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, the preloaded drug library includes names of infusion therapy types.

[0014] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, the memory matches an infusion therapy type selected from a preloaded drug library displayed on the display screen with an entry in the preloaded drug library to retrieve information regarding whether the infusion is delivered as a PCA bolus or a continuous infusion without a bolus.

[0015] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, the processor determines whether a time-based threshold has been reached by calculating a total injection time based on a syringe volume, a syringe type, and an injection rate, monitoring the active injection time, and recognizing when the active injection time is equal to the difference between the total injection time and the time-based threshold.

[0016] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, the processor determines whether a volume-based threshold has been reached by calculating a total injection volume using a syringe volume and a syringe type, calculating a syringe volume displaced by a plunger using the syringe type, receiving data from a volume sensor that tracks the position of the plunger relative to the syringe, calculating a remaining syringe volume by comparing the difference between the total injection volume and the displaced syringe volume, and recognizing when the remaining syringe volume is equal to the volume-based threshold.

[0017] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited in this specification unless otherwise specified, the processor determines whether the volume-based threshold has been reached by calculating the bolus administration time using the syringe volume, syringe type, and bolus volume, determining at the start of the bolus whether the syringe volume after the bolus is below the volume-based threshold, and calculating the specific time of the bolus administration time at which the syringe volume is equal to the volume-based threshold.

[0018] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, a message is sent to a clinician device.

[0019] In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, the clinician device is one of a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a workstation, or a pager.

[0020] In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, a syringe pump includes an actuator, a syringe holder, a display screen, a memory, and a processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a user-selected infusion therapy type, determine whether the selected user-selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus or a continuous infusion without a bolus, determine whether the selected user-selected infusion therapy type includes a volume-based threshold or a time-based threshold, and generate a message on the display screen indicating a user alert when a syringe holder on the syringe pump reaches the time-based or volume-based threshold.

[0021] In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless otherwise specified, the processor determines a volume-based threshold when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus.

[0022] In a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, the processor calculates or determines the remaining volume in the syringe on the syringe holder.

[0023] In a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless otherwise specified, the processor compares the remaining volume in the syringe with a volume-based threshold when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus.

[0024] In an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless otherwise specified, the processor determines a time-based threshold when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes continuous infusion without a bolus.

[0025] In a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, the processor calculates or determines the total time of the infusion.

[0026] In a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect enumerated herein unless otherwise specified, the processor compares the total time of infusion with a time-based threshold when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes a continuous infusion without a bolus.

[0027] In a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, any of the structures, functions, and alternatives disclosed in association with any one or more of Figures 1-5 may be combined with any other structure, function, and alternatives disclosed in association with any other one or more of Figures 1-5.

[0028] Therefore, in light of the present disclosure and the above aspects, it is an advantage of the present disclosure to minimize user interaction with the syringe pump control system, thereby minimizing human error.

[0029] Another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a syringe pump control system that automatically sets the time and / or volume thresholds for the near empty syringe alarm based on a user-entered infusion therapy type.

[0030] Additional features and advantages are described in, and will be apparent from, the following detailed description and drawings. The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive, and in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the drawings and description. Moreover, it is not necessary for any particular embodiment to possess all of the advantages enumerated herein, and it is expressly contemplated that each advantageous embodiment may be separately claimed. Furthermore, it should be noted that the language used herein has been selected primarily for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system level diagram of a syringe pump within a hospital information system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary syringe pump comprising a Baxter® Novum pump that may be included within the hospital system of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a software component diagram of the operations performed by the syringe pump of FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram of a pump control system process for activating a syringe near empty alarm based on user input, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sample illustration of a user interface for use with the display screen of the syringe pump of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Detailed Description Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for a syringe pump that define a time- or volume-based near-empty alarm activation threshold based on a user-selected infusion therapy type (drug name, syringe volume, syringe type, and bolus volume, if applicable). The exemplary methods, systems, and devices are configured to automatically select a time- or volume-based alarm activation threshold after a user selects the drug being infused into a patient. Thus, the user has minimal interaction with the syringe pump control system. Rather, the user selects the drug to be infused, and the processor and memory within the syringe pump communicate this information to each other. The processor matches the user-selected drug with entries in a preloaded drug library. The entries from the preloaded drug library include information about whether the drug's infusion protocol includes a PCA bolus or is continuous without a PCA bolus. If the infusion protocol includes a PCA bolus, the processor selects a volume-based near-empty alarm activation threshold, finds the associated instructions, and sends them to the processor. Alternatively, if the infusion protocol does not include a PCA bolus, the processor selects a time-based near-empty alarm activation threshold, finds the associated instructions, and sends them to the processor. The processor executes the instructions it receives from memory, monitoring the time or volume in the syringe pump and activating the near-empty alarm when the appropriate threshold is met. Thus, the user does not need to decide whether to program a time- or volume-based threshold, as the syringe pump control system programs it automatically after the user selects the drug being infused.

[0037] Reference is made herein to memory. As disclosed herein, memory refers to a device that holds electronic data and / or instructions for immediate use by the processor and / or pump control system. Memory can receive and transmit data.

[0038] Reference is made herein to a processor. As disclosed herein, a processor refers to a device that executes instructions stored by a memory. The memory receives and transmits data.

[0039] Reference is made herein to infusion. As disclosed herein, infusion refers to the introduction of a fluid into the bloodstream intravenously using a needle or catheter. The fluid may be a drug, a supplement, or a mixture thereof.

[0040] Reference is made herein to a drug library. As disclosed herein, a drug library refers to an indexed list of drugs and supplements. Each entry includes the name of the substance (both scientific and brand names), important parameters such as maximum and minimum dosages, concentration information, infusion rate, and whether the drug is administered with or without a PCA bolus. It should be noted that additional information can be included in a drug library entry.

[0041] Although exemplary methods, devices, and systems are disclosed herein as operating with syringe pumps, it should be understood that the methods, devices, and systems may be operable with other pumps. For example, the methods, devices, and systems may provide for automatically setting a near-empty alarm threshold in a PCA pump based on a user-entered infusion therapy type.

[0042] (Medical environment embodiment) FIG. 1 is a system-level diagram of a syringe pump within a hospital information system 100. The exemplary system 100 includes a syringe pump 125, a network 115, a gateway 110, and an electronic medical record ("EMR") server 105. The syringe pump 125 can deliver intravenous infusion therapy to a patient 130 via one or more intravenous ("IV") line sets based on inputs entered by a user 120. The syringe pump 125 connects to the network 115. The gateway 110 and the EMR server 105 also connect to the network 115. Thus, the syringe pump 125 is communicatively coupled to the gateway 110 and the EMR server 105 via the network 115. In some embodiments, multiple syringe pumps 125 connect to the network 115, the gateway 110, and the EMR server 105. It should be noted that these connections may be wireless, such as via Bluetooth, or may be wired via serial, Ethernet, CAN, or USB connections.

[0043] Gateway 110 is configured to receive infusion therapy type data (e.g., drug name, syringe volume, and bolus volume, if applicable) from syringe pump 125 and route the data to EMR server 124. In some embodiments, gateway 110 is configured to convert the data, for example, from an EXTCOM message to an HL7 message. In yet other embodiments, network 115 and gateway 110 are omitted from system 100.

[0044] Gateway 110 may also be configured to send operating or prescription parameters to syringe pump 125. For example, gateway 110 may send an electronic prescription (or software update) to syringe pump 125 at a predetermined time and / or when syringe pump 125 is available to accept the prescription. In another example, syringe pump 125 may be configured to periodically poll gateway 110 to determine whether an electronic prescription (or software update) is waiting to be downloaded to the pump.

[0045] In this regard, syringe pump 125 transmits infusion therapy progress data to network 110, which then converts the therapy progress data into a protocol for transmission over network 115 via Ethernet to gateway 110, which may include, for example, a Baxter® IQ Enterprise® gateway. As such, gateway 110 may be configured to integrate with EMR server 105 or other hospital systems to facilitate transmission of infusion therapy progress data from syringe pump 125 to, for example, a hospital electronic medical record (“EMR”) associated with patient 130.

[0046] In one embodiment, the EMR server 105 is also communicatively coupled to a pharmacy server (not shown), which is configured to create and / or transmit a pharmaceutical order, for example, corresponding to a prepared pharmaceutical (not shown). The pharmaceutical order includes an electronic record or entry identifying the patient (e.g., a patient identifier) ​​and infusion parameters for administration. The pharmaceutical order is assigned a unique identifier. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical order may be printed on a label attached to a pharmaceutical container that is fluidly coupled to the syringe pump 125. The pharmaceutical order itself associates a patient identifier with a pharmaceutical identifier. The EMR server 124 is configured to use the patient identifier in the pharmaceutical order to store or otherwise associate the pharmaceutical order with the patient's EMR.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, the system 100 may also include a clinician device (not shown; e.g., a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, workstation, pager, etc.) to enable the user 120 to monitor patient data.

[0048] 2 is a perspective view of an example syringe pump 125. The illustrated infusion pump 125 is a Baxter® Novum IQ syringe pump. The syringe pump 125 uses a motor connected to an actuator 145 to actuate a plunger 170 within a syringe 160. In this embodiment, the syringe pump 125 includes a volume sensor 175 configured to monitor the position of the plunger 170 relative to the syringe 160. The illustrated syringe pump 125 includes a display 150 with an interface 165 and a keypad 155 to allow a clinician to specify or program an infusion regimen.

[0049] Syringe pump 125 also includes memory 135 and processor 140. Memory 135 stores one or more drug libraries that include specific program parameter limits based on care area, dose change, change rate, drug type, concentration, patient age, patient weight, etc. The limits are configured to ensure that a received prescription or entered infusion regimen is within tolerances and / or limits established by a medical facility, physician, or clinician. The drug library also includes information regarding whether the infusion regimen includes a PCA bolus or is administered at a continuous constant rate without a PCA bolus.

[0050] Processor 140 is configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in memory 135. Execution of the machine-readable instructions by processor 140 causes syringe pump 125 to perform the operations described herein.

[0051] As previously mentioned, syringe pump 125 is connected to and communicates with gateway 110 (FIG. 1) via network 115 (FIG. 1). As also noted, syringe pump 125 is configured to monitor the progress of an infusion therapy and periodically transmit infusion therapy progress data (e.g., medical device data) to gateway 110 (FIG. 1). Therapy progress data may include, for example, infusion rate, dose, total amount infused, time remaining in therapy, drug concentration, rate changes, amount remaining in the drug container, drug name, patient identifier, titration information, bolus information, care area identifier, timestamp when the data was generated, alarm conditions, warning conditions, events, etc. Syringe pump 125 may transmit data continuously, periodically (e.g., every 30 seconds, every minute, etc.), or upon request by gateway 110 (FIG. 1).

[0052] In some embodiments, syringe pump 125 may also be communicatively coupled to one or more physiological sensors. For example, syringe pump 125 may be connected to a pulse oximetry sensor, a blood pressure cuff, an access disconnection device, and / or a weight scale. First pump 125 may be configured, for example, to integrate or otherwise include data from the pulse oximetry sensor in the treatment progress data or to separately transmit the pulse oximetry data to gateway 110 (FIG. 1). Gateway 110 (FIG. 1) can then access EMR server 105 (FIG. 1) to record this data in the patient's electronic medical record.

[0053] (Alarm threshold setting) As previously mentioned, the near-empty alarm may be activated based on a time-based or volume-based activation threshold. If the user knows or wants to define a time-based or volume-based near-empty alarm activation threshold, the user can enter it into syringe pump 125 using a user interface (described below) and keypad 155. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the user can enter the infusion therapy type (drug name, syringe volume, syringe type, and bolus volume, if applicable) into syringe pump 125, and syringe pump 125 will automatically define a time- or volume-based threshold based on the drug.

[0054] 3 is a software component diagram of operations 200 performed by the syringe pump of FIG. 1 to define a near-empty alarm threshold based on user input. As shown, initially, processor 205 receives user-entered infusion therapy type (drug name, syringe volume, syringe type, and bolus volume, if applicable) data (201). The drug name is received in the form of a drug or supplement identifier. Processor 205 then transmits data including the user-entered drug name 215 to memory 210. Memory 210, in cooperation with processor 205, receives the drug name data and searches a drug library for matching entries (225). More specifically, memory 210, in cooperation with processor 205, indexes its drug library and compares drug library entries with the drug or supplement identifiers it receives.

[0055] If a match is found, processor 205 determines whether the infusion protocol for the selected drug includes a PCA bolus (220). More specifically, processor 205 accesses the matching drug library entry and retrieves data indicating whether the infusion protocol includes a PCA bolus or not. If the infusion protocol includes a PCA bolus, processor 205 selects a volume-based threshold (235); otherwise, it selects a time-based threshold (230). If processor 205 selects a volume- or time-based threshold, processor 205 locates a volume-based threshold command (245) or locates a time-based threshold command in memory 210 (250). Memory 210 then communicates with processor 205 to send the command to processor 205 (240).

[0056] The processor 205 receives and executes instructions transmitted by the memory. If the instructions are to implement a time-based threshold, the processor may monitor the infusion time and, at the time threshold, send a warning message to the syringe pump's display screen and sound an audio alarm. More specifically, to implement the time-based threshold, the processor calculates the total infusion time using the syringe volume and syringe type entered by the user and the infusion rate it locates in the drug library. The processor may monitor the infusion time at a predetermined time threshold throughout the infusion protocol and send a warning message to the syringe pump's display screen and sound an audio alarm. In embodiments in which the system includes a clinician device, the processor may also send a warning message to the clinician device. It should be noted that the specific time threshold (i.e., when 4 minutes remain in the infusion) can be determined by the user when entering the infusion therapy type or can be predefined in the drug library entry for the infusion therapy type selected by the user.

[0057] If the instructions are to implement a volume-based threshold, the processor monitors the amount remaining in the syringe and, at the volume threshold, may send a warning message to the syringe pump's display screen and sound an audible alarm. More specifically, to implement the volume-based threshold, the processor calculates the total injection volume using the syringe volume and syringe type entered by the user. The processor also calculates the volume displaced by movement of plunger 170 using the syringe type (FIG. 2). Additionally, the processor calculates the time it takes to administer the bolus using the syringe volume, syringe type, and bolus volume entered by the user. Throughout the injection protocol, the processor monitors the amount remaining in syringe 160 (FIG. 2) by consistently receiving data from volume sensor 175 (FIG. 2) as the position of plunger 170 (FIG. 2) relative to syringe 160 (FIG. 2) and calculates the difference between the initial drug amount and the drug amount administered by movement of plunger 170 (FIG. 2). When the syringe reaches a predetermined volume threshold, the processor may send a warning message to the syringe pump's display screen and sound an audible alarm. In embodiments in which the system includes a clinician device, the processor may also send a warning message to the clinician device. At the initiation of any bolus, the processor determines whether the remaining volume after the bolus is lower than the volume threshold. If the bolus is lower than the volume threshold, the processor uses the time it takes to administer the bolus to calculate the exact time the syringe will reach the volume threshold and sends a warning message at that time. It should be noted that the specific volume threshold (i.e., when 10 mL remains during the infusion) can be determined by the user entering it when entering the infusion therapy type, or can be predefined in the drug library entry for the infusion therapy type selected by the user.

[0058] It should also be noted that the user can directly input a volume or time-based threshold rather than having the syringe pump control system define it based on the input of the infusion therapy type (drug). However, if the user inputs a volume-based threshold and the infusion protocol for the drug being administered is continuous without a PCA bolus, the control system will automatically convert the near-empty alarm activation threshold to time-based.

[0059] 4 shows a diagram of the pump control system process for activating a near-empty alarm based on user input. As shown, the user inputs the desired infusion therapy type (block 305). The user does this, for example, by selecting a drug (infusion therapy type) using the keypad and screen display on the syringe pump.

[0060] The data corresponding to the user input, i.e., the unique drug name, is then sent to the processor (block 310). Once the data arrives at the processor, the processor sends the user input data to memory (block 315).

[0061] Upon arrival, the memory receives the user-entered data, locates the unique drug name identifier, and accesses its preloaded drug library to find a matching entry. Upon locating a match, the memory retrieves all data associated with the matching entry. The memory then determines whether the matching entry corresponding to the selected drug (infusion therapy type) has an infusion protocol that includes a PCA bolus, or whether it is continuous without a PCA bolus. To accomplish this, the memory retrieves data from the matching entry that indicates whether the infusion protocol includes or does not include any PCA bolus (block 320).

[0062] If the data indicates that the infusion protocol for the selected drug includes a PCA bolus, the memory then retrieves instructions defining a volume-based near-empty alarm activation threshold and transmits these instructions to the processor (block 330). On the other hand, if the data indicates that the infusion protocol for the selected drug does not include a PCA bolus, the memory then retrieves instructions defining a time-based near-empty alarm activation threshold and transmits these instructions to the processor (block 325).

[0063] Upon receiving the instruction from memory, the processor executes the volume-based or time-based threshold instruction (block 335). More specifically, for a time-based threshold instruction, the processor calculates the time it will take to infuse the entire syringe at the commanded infusion rate. The processor monitors the remaining time of the infusion by constantly communicating with the syringe pump (block 340). Thus, the processor recognizes when the infusion reaches the time threshold (total time of infusion minus the desired time for a near-empty alarm) (block 345). At this point, the processor generates a warning message and / or an audible alarm command for the syringe pump (block 350). The processor then displays the warning message and / or the audible alarm command and / or sends the warning message to the server. The syringe pump then displays the warning message on the display screen and / or sounds an audible alarm at the syringe pump (block 355).

[0064] For volume-based threshold commands, the processor monitors the volume in the syringe (block 340). The processor receives initial volume data from volume sensor 175 (FIG. 2) related to the initial position of plunger 170 (FIG. 2) relative to syringe 160. The processor assigns this initial volume data as equal to the total volume of the injection. Throughout the injection, the processor continues to communicate with volume sensor 175 (FIG. 2) and calculates the remaining volume in the syringe as the difference between the initial volume and the equivalent change in movement of plunger 170 (FIG. 2). The processor then recognizes when the injection reaches the volume threshold (block 345). At this point, the processor generates a warning message and / or an audible alarm command for display on the syringe pump (block 350). The processor may also send the warning message to a server. The syringe pump then displays the warning message on a display screen and / or sounds an audible alarm at the syringe pump (block 355).

[0065] (User Interface) 5 shows a diagram of a user interface for use with the display screen of the syringe pump of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the user interface has three different stages: locked 401, unlocked 402, and overview 403.

[0066] The locked interface 401 displays a "Syringe Near Empty" or similar warning message 435, a yellow banner 465 to attract the user's attention, and an icon 455 to indicate the locked screen state. The interface 401 also displays the name of the drug infusion (infusion therapy type) 430, with the concentration 470 below it. The interface 401 also displays the remaining infusion volume 440, if applicable, as well as the continuous infusion rate 405 and total bolus volume 410. Additionally, a syringe identifier 460 is displayed on the interface 401. Finally, the interface 401 displays a mute digital button 420.

[0067] When the user unlocks keypad 425, interface 401 changes to unlocked interface 402, and the user can use the keypad to select digital mute button 420. Unlocked interface 402 mirrors locked interface 401 with two exceptions: it includes alarm icon 475 instead of locked icon 455, and it includes digital quit button 445, which appears after the user uses the keypad to select mute button 420. The user can use the keypad to select quit button 445 to quit the alarm.

[0068] At this point, the user interface changes to a summary stage 403. The summary interface 403 shows the name of the drug infusion (infusion therapy type) 430, along with the concentration 470 below it. The interface 403 also shows the continuous infusion rate 405 and total bolus amount 410, if applicable. The interface 403 shows the total drug infusion administered 450 as well as the infusion protocol administered (i.e., continuous with PCA bolus) 480. Finally, the summary interface 403 shows an end button 485 that the user can select using the keypad.

[0069] Thus, the user interface provides the user with a comprehensive overview of the infusion protocol being administered by the syringe pump. Furthermore, the syringe pumps disclosed herein provide various benefits to users and patients. The syringe pumps minimize user interaction with the syringe pump, thereby reducing the possibility of human error that can lead to patient discomfort. Furthermore, the syringe pumps improve infusion efficiency and ease of use by automatically defining time- or volume-based near-empty alarm activation thresholds based on the user-entered infusion therapy type.

[0070] (Conclusion) It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A syringe pump comprising: An actuator; a syringe holder; A display screen; a processor; A memory for storing instructions Equipped with The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receiving a user-selected infusion therapy type; determining whether the selected user-selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus or a continuous infusion without a bolus; determining a volume-based threshold when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus; determining a time-based threshold when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes a continuous infusion without a bolus; calculating or determining infusion therapy progress data related to administration of the infusion therapy, the infusion therapy progress data including at least one of a total time of infusion or a volume remaining in the syringe; when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes the continuous infusion without a bolus, comparing the total time of the infusion to the time-based threshold; comparing the remaining volume in the syringe with the volume-based threshold when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus; generating a message on the display screen that displays a user alert when the syringe holder on the syringe pump reaches the time-based or volume-based threshold; A syringe pump is used to perform this.

2. 1. A method for operating a syringe pump based on user input, comprising: selecting an infusion therapy type from a preloaded drug library displayed on a display screen; sending the selected infusion therapy type to a processor, the processor communicating with a memory to determine whether the selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus or a continuous infusion without a bolus; If the infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus, sending instructions from the memory to the processor defining a volume-based threshold; sending instructions from the memory to the processor defining time-based thresholds when the infusion therapy type includes a continuous infusion without a bolus, wherein the control system automatically converts user-entered volume thresholds to time-based thresholds for a continuous infusion without a bolus; generating a message on the display screen that alerts a user when a syringe holder on the syringe pump reaches the time-based or volume-based threshold; enabling a user to control an actuator for said syringe pump based on user input; A method comprising:

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the preloaded drug library includes information regarding whether the infusion therapy type is delivered as a PCA bolus or a continuous infusion without a bolus.

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

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

6. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the infusion therapy type is a medication or supplement, a syringe volume, the syringe type, a time threshold, a volume threshold, and a bolus volume.

7. The method of claim 2 , wherein the preloaded drug library includes names of infusion therapy types.

8. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the memory matches the infusion therapy type selected from a preloaded drug library displayed on a display screen with entries in the preloaded drug library to retrieve information regarding whether the infusion is delivered as a PCA bolus or a continuous infusion without a bolus.

9. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the processor determines whether the time-based threshold has been reached by calculating a total injection time based on a syringe volume, a syringe type, and an injection rate, monitoring an active injection time, and recognizing when the active injection time equals the difference between the total injection time and the time-based threshold.

10. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the processor determines whether the volume-based threshold has been reached by calculating a total injection volume using a syringe volume and a syringe type, calculating a syringe volume displaced by a plunger using the syringe type, receiving data from a volume sensor that tracks a position of a plunger relative to a syringe, calculating a remaining syringe volume by comparing the difference between the total injection volume and the displaced syringe volume, and recognizing when the remaining syringe volume is equal to the volume-based threshold.

11. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the processor determines whether the volume-based threshold has been reached by calculating a bolus administration time using the syringe volume, the syringe type, and the bolus volume, determining at the start of the bolus whether the syringe volume after the bolus is below the volume-based threshold, and calculating a specific time in the bolus administration time at which the syringe volume equals the volume-based threshold.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising sending a message to a clinician device.

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

14. 1. A syringe pump comprising: An actuator; a syringe holder; A display screen; a processor; A memory for storing instructions Equipped with The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receiving a user-selected infusion therapy type; determining whether the selected user-selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus or a continuous infusion without a bolus; determining whether the selected user-selected infusion therapy type includes a volume-based threshold or a time-based threshold; generating a message on the display screen that displays a user alert when the syringe holder on the syringe pump reaches the time-based or volume-based threshold; A syringe pump is used to perform this.

15. 15. The syringe pump of claim 14, wherein the processor determines a volume-based threshold when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus.

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

17. 17. The syringe pump of claim 16, wherein the processor compares the remaining volume in the syringe to the volume-based threshold when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes a PCA bolus.

18. 15. The syringe pump of claim 14, wherein the processor determines a time-based threshold when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes a continuous infusion without a bolus.

19. 20. The syringe pump of claim 18, wherein the processor calculates or determines a total time for the infusion.

20. 20. The syringe pump of claim 19, wherein the processor compares the total duration of the infusion to the time-based threshold when the user-selected infusion therapy type includes the continuous infusion without a bolus.

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