Post-occlusion bolus reduction system and method

Abstract

A method for regulating the distribution of pressure within an administration set to minimize the inadvertent delivery of a large bolus of infusate upon sudden release of an occlusion while ensuring that the maximum safe pressure limit of the administration set is not exceeded.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 892,707, filed August 28, 2019, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to infusion pump systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for post-occlusion bolus reduction in large-volume pumps (LVPs) and administration sets for infusion pumps. [Background technology]

[0003] Various types of infusion pumps are useful for managing the delivery and distribution of prescribed amounts or doses of medicines, fluids, fluid-like substances, or medications (collectively, "infusions") to patients. Infusion pumps offer significant advantages over manual administration by accurately delivering infusions over extended periods of time. Infusion pumps are particularly useful for treating diseases and disorders that require periodic pharmacological intervention, including cancer, diabetes, and vascular, neurological, and metabolic disorders. Infusion pumps also enhance healthcare providers' abilities to deliver anesthesia and manage pain. Infusion pumps are used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and other short- and long-term care facilities, as well as residential care settings. Many types of infusion pumps exist, including ambulatory, large-volume, patient controlled anesthesia (PCA), elastomeric, syringe, enteral, and insulin pumps. Infusion pumps can be used to administer drugs via a variety of delivery methods, including intravenously, intraperitoneally, intra-arterially, intradermally, subcutaneously, adjacent to a nerve, and intraoperatively, into the epidural or subarachnoid space.

[0004] In a particular type of infusion pump system, commonly referred to as a "peristaltic" pump system, delivery of infusion fluid to a patient is typically accomplished using an infusion administration set, which is typically disposable and may provide a fluid pathway (e.g., tubing) for the infusion fluid from a reservoir (such as an intravenous or "IV" bag) to the patient in conjunction with a pump that controls the flow rate of the infusion fluid. Peristaltic infusion pumps typically incorporate a peristaltic pumping mechanism that may function by repeatedly and temporarily occluding successive sections of the administration set tubing in a wave-like motion.

[0005] A "large volume pump" or "LVP" system is a general peristaltic pump with the associated components described above. In some publications, the term "volumetric pump" is also used variously to refer to a peristaltic pump or a large volume pump. While various LVPs have been used in medical environments for many years, these devices and their associated peristaltic control components can have limitations in their efficient, effective, and safe use. While it is common to have some measure to detect unwanted blockages to the intended flow of infusate out of the LVP, particularly those caused by kinked or otherwise unintentionally obstructed tubing, such measures often have the unintended effect of inadvertently delivering a large bolus of infusate upon relief of the blockage and / or a buildup of fluid upstream of the pump components in excess of maximum safe tubing / component pressure limits.

[0006] This disclosure describes those concerns. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for post-occlusion bolus reduction in large-volume pumps (LVPs) and infusion pump administration sets. In some embodiments, such systems and methods provide for strategically adjusting the pressure distribution within the administration set to minimize the inadvertent delivery of a large bolus of infusate upon sudden relief of an occlusion, while ensuring that the administration set's maximum safe pressure limits are not exceeded. In doing so, embodiments of the present disclosure consider both the fluid pressure within the administration set measured by a downstream pressure sensor so that relief of the occlusion can be detected, and the fluid pressure within the administration set measured by an upstream pressure sensor to ensure that maximum safe tubing / component pressure limits are not exceeded. In some embodiments, adjustment of the pressure distribution is performed through reverse motion of the peristaltic drive mechanism. Once relief of the occlusion is detected, for example, through a relatively sudden drop in downstream pressure, normal operation can be automatically restarted to resume delivery of infusate.

[0008] By way of example, the present disclosure provides an infusion pump including a pumping mechanism configured to deliver a medication to a patient via an infusion set; a downstream pressure sensor disposed between the pumping mechanism and a downstream tubing outlet connected to the infusion set, the outlet configured to be connectable to a patient; an upstream pressure sensor disposed between the pumping mechanism and a source of medication connected to the infusion set; and a controller coupled to the pumping mechanism, the downstream pressure sensor, and the upstream pressure sensor. The controller may be configured to operate the pumping mechanism in a first direction to deliver medication to the patient via the infusion set, to stop the pumping mechanism operating in the first direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor of the downstream pressure exceeding a first predetermined limit, to operate the pumping mechanism in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, to stop the pumping mechanism operating in the second direction in response to an event selected from the group including an indication from the downstream pressure sensor that the downstream pressure has returned to a safe level and an indication from the upstream pressure sensor of the upstream pressure reaching or exceeding a second predetermined limit, and to automatically resume operation of the pumping mechanism in the first direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor that the downstream pressure has returned to a safe level.

[0009] By way of example, the present disclosure provides a method of operating an infusion pump to prevent a post-occlusion bolus, the infusion pump including a pumping mechanism, a downstream pressure sensor, and an upstream pressure sensor. The method may be performed by an infusion pump and includes operating a pumping mechanism in a first direction to deliver medication to a patient; monitoring downstream pressure with a downstream pressure sensor; stopping the pumping mechanism operating in the first direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor of the downstream pressure exceeding a first predetermined limit; operating the pumping mechanism in a second direction opposite the first direction to reduce the possibility of inadvertent bolus delivery to the patient; monitoring upstream pressure with an upstream pressure sensor; comparing the downstream pressure at the downstream pressure sensor with a predetermined safety level and comparing the upstream pressure at the upstream pressure sensor with a second predetermined limit; stopping the pumping mechanism in the second direction in response to an event selected from the group consisting of an indication from the downstream pressure sensor that the downstream pressure has returned to a safe level and an indication from the upstream pressure sensor of the upstream pressure reaching or exceeding the second predetermined limit; and automatically resuming operation of the pumping mechanism in the first direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor that the downstream pressure has returned to the safe level.

[0010] By way of example, the present disclosure provides an infusion pump including a pumping mechanism, a downstream pressure sensor, and an upstream pressure sensor. The infusion pump may be configured to operate the pumping mechanism in a first direction to deliver a medication to a patient via an infusion set, to stop the pumping mechanism operating in the first direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor of the downstream pressure exceeding a first predetermined limit, to operate the pumping mechanism in a second direction opposite the first direction to reduce the possibility of inadvertent delivery of a bolus to the patient, to compare the downstream pressure at the downstream pressure sensor to a predetermined safety level, to compare the upstream pressure at the upstream pressure sensor to a second predetermined limit, to stop the pumping mechanism operating in the second direction in response to an event selected from the group consisting of an indication from the downstream pressure sensor that the downstream pressure has returned to a safe level and an indication from the upstream pressure sensor of the upstream pressure reaching or exceeding the second predetermined limit, and to automatically resume operation of the pumping mechanism in the first direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor that the downstream pressure has returned to the safe level.

[0011] The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure, and the drawings and detailed description particularly follow these exemplary embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] The present disclosure may be more fully understood by consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view depicting a peristaltic infusion pump system for use with a patient, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2A] 2 is a schematic perspective view depicting a portion of the peristaltic infusion pump of FIG. 1, particularly illustrating the assembly container and container door, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2B]2B is a schematic perspective view depicting a portion of the peristaltic infusion pump of FIG. 2A, including a portion of an administration set received by an assembly container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting various components and electronic circuitry of a peristaltic infusion pump system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart depicting a method for post-occlusion bolus reduction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 5 is a first exemplary graphical representation depicting upstream and downstream pressures during execution of the method depicted in FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] 5 is a second exemplary graphical representation depicting upstream and downstream pressures during execution of the method depicted in FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] While embodiments of the present disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof shown by way of example in the drawings will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a peristaltic infusion pump system 100 for use with a patient, which includes a peristaltic pump 102 (more specifically, an LVP pump 102) and a disposable administration set 104 constructed and configured to operably and removably couple to the pump 102. The administration set 104 is shown diagrammatically to provide a fluid passageway from an IV bag 106 to an infusion set or tubing 108 that ultimately delivers the infusion fluid to a patient 110. In FIG. 1, a container door 112 of the peristaltic pump 102 is shown in a closed configuration, and the administration set 104 is illustrated without being coupled to the pump 102.

[0016] To more fully illustrate the various components of pump 102, FIGS. 2A and 2B show a partial depiction of pump 102. In particular, only a portion of pump 102 proximate assembly receptacle 114 and receptacle door 112 is shown. Assembly receptacle 114 may be configured to receive assembly 116 of administration set 104 such that administration set 104 is operably coupled to pump 102 thereby. In particular, FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view of a portion of peristaltic infusion pump 102 of FIG. 2A , in which assembly 116 is received by or mounted within assembly receptacle 114. Receptacle door 112 may be opened or closed to permit or prevent access to assembly receptacle 114. In both FIGS. 2A and 2B , receptacle door 112 of pump 102 is in an open position.

[0017] The linear peristaltic pump drive mechanism 122 may be located in the assembly receptacle 114. The assembly 116 of the administration set 104 may be configured and constructed to place the elements of the administration set 104, including a centrally located section of tubing 120 of the assembly 116, in operation relative to the peristaltic drive mechanism 122. The centrally located section of tubing 120 may be formed of a resilient material suitable for compression (and recovery from compression) by the peristaltic drive mechanism 122 of the pump 102. The peristaltic pump mechanism 122 may include tube engaging members 118 (sometimes referred to as "fingers") configured to urge, push, force, or otherwise convey fluid through the administration set 104 by repeatedly and temporarily squeezing or occluding the centrally located section of tubing 120 in a wave-like motion.

[0018] 2A and 2B depict pump 102 including twelve tubing engaging members 118, in other embodiments there may be fewer or additional tubing engaging members. In general, the number and / or size of tubing engaging members 118 may determine, in part, the amount of liquid delivered for each pump cycle or the "packet size" of liquid being delivered. For example, in one embodiment, the liquid packet size may be 13 μL, although other packet sizes are contemplated.

[0019] The pressure of the fluid generated within the administration set 104 is generally detectable through elastic stretching or deformation of a portion of the administration set 104. For example, in one embodiment, the pressure of the fluid within the administration set 104, upstream and downstream of the tube engaging member 118, is detectable by an upstream pressure sensor 124 and a downstream pressure sensor 126. As depicted in Figures 2A and 2B, the upstream pressure sensor 124 and the downstream pressure sensor 126 may be located within the assembly vessel 114, on either side of the tube engaging member 118. Other positions, combinations, and arrangements of sensors are also contemplated.

[0020] 3 is a schematic diagram of the various components and electronics within infusion pump system 100. Tube engaging member 118 is controlled by peristaltic drive mechanism 122, which may be controlled by controller 128 having memory 129. Controller 128 may receive input from keypad 130 and other input devices, sensors, and monitors, such as upstream pressure sensor 124 or downstream pressure sensor 126. Controller 128 may also provide output and receive input from a graphical user interface 132, such as, for example, a touchscreen input and display system.

[0021] In one embodiment, controller 128 may continuously sense downstream pressure through downstream pressure sensor 126 to monitor for an occlusion. If an occlusion is detected, controller 128 may instruct peristaltic drive mechanism 122 to operate in reverse to control the buildup of infusate pressure within administration set 104 to prevent the inadvertent delivery of a large bolus of infusate due to relief of the occlusion. Simultaneously, while operating peristaltic drive mechanism 122 in reverse, controller may monitor upstream pressure through upstream pressure sensor 124 to ensure that the pressure within the upstream portion of administration set 104 remains below a predetermined maximum safe pressure limit. Once infusion pump system 100 detects that the occlusion has been relieved, for example, through a relatively sudden drop in downstream pressure, infusion pump system 100 may automatically resume normal operation to resume delivery of infusate.

[0022] 4, a method 200 for reducing a post-occlusion bolus is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In S202, the upstream pressure (P up ) and downstream pressure (P down ) can be monitored, for example, through upstream pressure sensor 122 and downstream pressure sensor 126. Pressure sensors 124 / 126 respond to increases in fluid pressure within administration set 104 and to forces caused by expansion of the flexible tubing of administration set 104. P up and P down The data measured by the upstream and downstream pressure sensors 124 / 126, such as the pressure sensor 124, may be sent to the controller 128 for evaluation. The controller 128 may also include an upper maximum predetermined occlusion pressure limit (P occ ) in a memory 129 that stores information about the

[0023] In S204, P down is P occ Compared to P down P occ If P is less than 0.05, then no occlusion has been detected and infusion pump system 100 continues to deliver normal infusion fluid. down P occIf it is greater than or equal to, the infusion pump system 100 infers that a fault has occurred in the administration set 104, which is typically caused by an obstruction in the infusate passageway downstream from the peristaltic drive mechanism 122. The downstream pressure sensor 126 thereby acts as an obstruction detector.

[0024] If an occlusion is detected, the controller 128 may stop the peristaltic drive mechanism 122 from driving in the forward direction to mitigate or prevent further harmful pressure buildup in the administration set 104. Most commonly, such an occlusion is caused by a kink in the IV line, potentially by a patient unknowingly temporarily rolling over or otherwise kinking the IV line in a manner that restricts fluid flow through the IV line. Thus, pressure within the administration set 104 upstream of the kink or occlusion will rise as long as the peristaltic drive mechanism 122 continues to operate in the forward direction. Even after an occlusion is detected and the drive mechanism 122 is stopped, the pressure within the administration set 104 between the occlusion and the drive mechanism 122 will remain at the elevated pressure (e.g., the pressure at which the drive mechanism 122 was stopped). Sudden relief of the obstruction (e.g., sudden un-kinking of an IV line) can cause the pressurized fluid to be delivered to the patient as a large bolus of infusion fluid, which can be dangerous with some types of infusion fluid.

[0025] To reduce the likelihood of inadvertently delivering a large bolus of infusate following sudden relief of the occlusion, once an occlusion is detected, embodiments of the present disclosure may reverse the peristaltic drive mechanism 122 in order to reduce the pressure within the administration set 104 between the occlusion and the tube engaging member 118. However, because the administration set 104 often includes an upstream check valve 134 (depicted in FIG. 1 ) to inhibit backflow of infusate through the administration set 104 and into the IV bag 106, the built-up pressure within the occluded administration set 104 cannot typically be relieved downstream of the check valve 134 until the occlusion is removed.

[0026] Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure attempt to rebalance the pressure distribution within the administration set 104 between the occlusion and the check valve 134. In doing so, embodiments of the present disclosure consider both the fluid pressure measured by the downstream pressure sensor 126 to detect the removal of the occlusion and the fluid pressure measured by the upstream pressure sensor 124 to ensure that maximum safety tubing / component pressure limits are not exceeded. In some embodiments, this is done via a two-step determination process as described in FIG. 4.

[0027] In particular, in S212, P down is the calculated mean downstream pressure (P ave ) plus an offset factor, which in one embodiment can be a percentage (e.g., between about 5-10% of the occlusion threshold). P ave is calculated in S210 based on data from the downstream pressure sensor 126 collected in the memory 129 of the controller 128. down P with offset ave If so, the method 200 proceeds to S202 to monitor the downstream pressure through the downstream pressure sensor 126. down P with offset ave If so, the method 200 proceeds to S214 where the upstream pressure is evaluated.

[0028] In S214, the upstream pressure (P up ) is measured, for example, by an upstream pressure sensor 124 and is in accordance with the maximum safety piping / component pressure limit (P limit ) is compared with P up P limit If P is less than 1, the method 200 proceeds to S202 to monitor the upstream and downstream pressures through the pressure sensors 124 / 126. up P limitIf P is greater than or equal to P, then at S215 the controller 128 may provide an alarm signal, such as an audible alarm and / or an indication on the graphical user interface 132. At S216, the controller 128 drives the peristaltic drive mechanism 122 in the reverse direction, thereby moving the liquid within the portion of the administration set 104 between the occlusion and the tube engaging member 118 upstream to the portion of the administration set 104 between the tube engaging member 118 and the check valve 134. According to method 200, this process comprises the steps of: (1) determining P down P ave Either the plus offset coefficient is reached or (2)P up P limit You can continue until you reach

[0029] While the peristaltic drive mechanism 122 is operating in reverse, in S202, the system 100 continues to monitor the downstream pressure through the downstream pressure sensor 126. If a relatively sudden drop in downstream pressure is detected in S204, indicating relief of the occlusion, the alarm can be silenced, and in S218 the controller 128 can automatically restart normal operation to resume delivery of infusate.

[0030] It should be understood that the individual steps used in the methods of the present disclosure may be performed optionally and / or simultaneously so long as the disclosure remains operable. Further, it should be understood that the systems and methods of the present disclosure may include some or all of the described embodiments so long as the disclosure remains operable.

[0031] Figure 5A shows the downstream pressure (P down ) and upstream pressure (P up 1 depicts a typical graphical representation of the pressure within administration set 104, where the pressure within administration set 104, following relief of the occlusion, is adjusted to prevent the inadvertent delivery of a large bolus of infusate upon sudden relief of the occlusion, while ensuring that the maximum safe pressure limit of administration set 104 is not exceeded. As can be seen in this example, the upstream pressure is adjusted to P limit It approaches but never actually reaches P aveReverse movement of the peristaltic drive mechanism 122 is permitted until downstream pressure reaches P. Relief of the occlusion is observed when the upstream pressure drops somewhat suddenly. Thereafter, normal forward movement of the peristaltic drive mechanism 122 automatically resumes, and P up gradually decreases.

[0032] Figure 5B shows the P limit is reached and control of the reverse peristaltic drive mechanism 122 is stopped. down ) and upstream pressure (P up ) is depicted. Thus, in this embodiment, P down is P with an offset ave continues to be exceeded, indicating that the size of the bolus delivered inadvertently due to relief of the occlusion is minimized as much as possible within the maximum safety tubing / component pressure limits of the administration set 104.

[0033] Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, it should be appreciated that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in various ways to create many additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations, positions, etc. are described for use in the disclosed embodiments, others other than those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter herein may include fewer features than those depicted in the individual embodiments described above. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be an exhaustive representation of ways in which various features of the subject matter herein may be combined. Thus, the embodiments do not exclude combinations of features from one another; rather, various embodiments may include combinations of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as would be understood by one of skill in the art. Moreover, elements depicted in the context of one embodiment may be implemented in other embodiments even when not depicted in such embodiments, unless otherwise specified.

[0035] However, while a dependent claim may recite a specific combination with one or more other claims within that claim, other embodiments may also include combinations of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim, or combinations of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims, and such combinations are suggested herein unless it is stated that no specific combination is intended.

[0036] Any incorporation by reference of the above documents is limited so that no subject matter contrary to the express disclosure therein is incorporated. Any incorporation by reference of the above documents is further limited so that no claims contained in such documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of the above documents is even further limited so that no definitions provided in such documents are incorporated by reference herein, unless expressly included herein.

[0037] For purposes of claim interpretation, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) not be invoked except when the specific terms "means for" or "step for" appear in a claim.

Claims

1. a pumping mechanism configured to deliver medication to a patient via an infusion set; a downstream pressure sensor disposed between the pumping mechanism and an outlet of downstream tubing connected to the infusion set, the outlet configured to be connectable to the patient; an upstream pressure sensor disposed between the pumping mechanism and a source of the medication connected to the infusion set; a controller coupled to the pumping mechanism, the downstream pressure sensor, and the upstream pressure sensor, operating the pumping mechanism in a first direction to deliver medication to the patient through the infusion set; stopping the pumping mechanism operating in the first direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor of downstream pressure exceeding a first predetermined occlusion pressure limit; operating the pumping mechanism in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; stopping the pumping mechanism operating in the second direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor that the downstream pressure has returned to a safe level below the first predetermined occlusion pressure limit and an indication from the upstream pressure sensor of the upstream pressure reaching or exceeding a second predetermined limit; a controller configured to automatically resume operation of the pumping mechanism in the first direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor that an occlusion has been relieved; an infusion pump, wherein the second predetermined limit corresponds to a safe pressure limit of the tubing of the infusion set;

2. 2. The infusion pump of claim 1, wherein the controller further comprises a memory that stores the first predetermined limit and the second predetermined limit.

3. 10. The infusion pump of claim 1, wherein the upstream pressure sensor is disposed between the pumping mechanism and a check valve disposed in upstream tubing connected to the infusion set.

4. The infusion pump of claim 1 , wherein the safety level is based on an average calculated from data received from the downstream pressure sensor.

5. The infusion pump of claim 4 , wherein the safety level includes an offset factor.

6. 10. The infusion pump of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to provide an alarm signal in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor of the downstream pressure exceeding the first predetermined limit.

7. The infusion pump of claim 1 , wherein the first predetermined limit is less than the second predetermined limit.

8. 1. A method of operating an infusion pump to prevent a post-occlusion bolus, comprising: the infusion pump includes a pumping mechanism, a downstream pressure sensor, and an upstream pressure sensor; The method comprises: performed by the infusion pump, operating the pumping mechanism in a first direction to deliver a drug to a patient; monitoring downstream pressure with said downstream pressure sensor; stopping the pumping mechanism operating in the first direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor of downstream pressure exceeding a first predetermined occlusion pressure limit; operating the pumping mechanism in a second direction to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent bolus delivery to the patient, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; monitoring the upstream pressure with the upstream pressure sensor; stopping the pumping mechanism in the second direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor that the downstream pressure has returned to a safe level below the first predetermined occlusion pressure limit and an indication from the upstream pressure sensor of the upstream pressure reaching or exceeding the second predetermined limit; automatically resuming operation of the pumping mechanism in the first direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor that the occlusion has been relieved; The method, wherein the second predetermined limit corresponds to a safe pressure limit for the tubing of the infusion set.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising providing an alarm signal in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor of the downstream pressure exceeding the first predetermined limit.

10. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the safety level is based on an average calculated from data received from the downstream pressure sensor during operation of the infusion pump.

11. The method of claim 8 , wherein the first predetermined limit is less than the second predetermined limit.

12. 1. An infusion pump comprising a pumping mechanism, a downstream pressure sensor, and an upstream pressure sensor, operating the pumping mechanism in a first direction to deliver medication to a patient via an infusion set; stopping the pumping mechanism operating in the first direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor of downstream pressure exceeding a first predetermined occlusion pressure limit; operating the pumping mechanism in a second direction to reduce the possibility of inadvertent delivery of a bolus to the patient, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; stopping the pumping mechanism operating in the second direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor that the downstream pressure has returned to a safe level below the first predetermined occlusion pressure limit and an indication from the upstream pressure sensor of the upstream pressure reaching or exceeding the second predetermined limit; automatically resuming operation of the pumping mechanism in the first direction in response to an indication from the downstream pressure sensor that an occlusion has been relieved; an infusion pump, wherein the second predetermined limit corresponds to a safe pressure limit of the tubing of the infusion set;

13. The infusion pump of claim 12 , wherein the safety level includes an offset factor.

14. 14. The infusion pump of claim 13, wherein the safety level is based on an average calculated from data received from the downstream pressure sensor during operation of the infusion pump.

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