Catheter system clamp, system, and method

Abstract

A method for managing flushing of a catheter assembly may include providing a clamp for a fluid tube configured to couple to the catheter assembly. The clamp may include a sensor configured to detect that the clamp is closed. The method may include starting a timer in response to the sensor detecting that the clamp is closed. The method may include providing an alert in response to the timer reaching a predetermined period. The alert may indicate to a clinician that the catheter assembly should be opened and flushed, which may prevent blockage of the catheter assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a catheter system clamp, system, and method.

Background Art

[0002] Catheters are commonly used in various infusion therapies. For example, a catheter can be used to inject fluids such as saline, various drugs, and total parenteral nutrition into a patient. A catheter can also be used to draw blood from a patient.

[0003] A common type of catheter is an over-the-needle peripheral intravenous catheter (“PIVC”). As its name indicates, an over-the-needle PIVC can be attached over an introducer needle having a sharp distal end. The sharp distal end can be used to pierce the patient's skin and vascular system. Insertion of the PIVC into the vascular system can follow puncture of the vascular system by the needle. The needle and PIVC are generally inserted at a shallow angle through the patient's skin into the vascular system such that the bevel of the needle faces the opposite side of the patient's skin. Once placement of the needle within the vascular system is confirmed, the clinician can temporarily occlude the flow within the vascular system, withdraw the needle, and leave the PIVC in place for future access and / or fluid injection.

[0004] In some cases, the PIVC may become blocked over time, rendering it unusable or posing a risk. If the PIVC becomes blocked, it may be necessary to remove it and replace it with a new catheter. Catheter blockage can be thrombotic, resulting from the formation of a thrombus within or around the distal end of the catheter. Catheter blockage can also be non-thrombotic, resulting from deposits, mechanical blockage, and other factors. Furthermore, catheter blockage can lead to catheter infection, pulmonary embolism, post-thrombotic syndrome, and other adverse health effects. Clinicians are instructed to regularly flush the PIVC to prevent blockage and extend its lifespan, although some people do not follow the flushing procedure.

[0005] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that resolve any disadvantage or embodiments that operate only in a given environment, such as those described above. Rather, this background art is applied only to illustrate an example of a technical area in which some of the embodiments described herein may be implemented. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] This disclosure generally relates to vascular access systems, as well as related devices and methods. In some embodiments, a method for managing the flushing of a catheter assembly may include providing a clamp for a fluid tube configured to be coupled to the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the clamp may include a sensor configured to detect when the clamp is closed. In some embodiments, this method may include starting a timer in response to the sensor detecting that the clamp is closed. In some embodiments, this method may include providing an alert in response to the timer reaching a predetermined period. In some embodiments, the alert may indicate to a clinician that the catheter assembly should be opened and flushed. This can prevent occlusion of the catheter assembly.

[0007] In some embodiments, providing an alert may include transmitting an alert signal over a network to a monitoring device, such as a clinician's monitoring device. In some embodiments, the alert signal may indicate to the monitoring device that an alert should be provided. In some embodiments, the alert may include sound, tactile vibration, or a visual cue. In some embodiments, the visual cue may include a change in the state of light. In some embodiments, the indication may be provided to an electronic health record of the patient in response to a sensor detecting that the clamp is closed.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sensor may be configured to detect when the clamp is open. In some embodiments, the timer may be stopped and / or reset in response to the sensor detecting that the clamp has been open for another predetermined period. In some embodiments, an additional alert signal may be sent over the network to a monitoring device to stop an alert or to provide another alert in response to the sensor detecting that the clamp has been open for another predetermined period. In some embodiments, an additional display may be provided in the patient's electronic health record in response to the sensor detecting that the clamp has been open for another predetermined period.

[0009] In some embodiments, other sensors may be provided that can be configured to detect fluid flowing through a fluid tube. In some embodiments, the other sensors may include a flow sensor. In some embodiments, the timer may be stopped and / or reset in response to the sensor detecting that a clamp is open and the other sensor detecting fluid flowing through the fluid tube.

[0010] The objectives and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and achieved by at least the elements, features, and combinations specifically indicated in the claims. It should be understood that both the general description above and the detailed description below are typical and illustrative, and do not limit the invention described in the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] Exemplary embodiments are described and illustrated with the accompanying drawings, along with additional characteristics and details.

[0012] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is an overhead perspective view of an exemplary catheter system according to several embodiments. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is an exemplary top perspective view of a clamp in the open position, according to several embodiments. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C is an overhead perspective view of the clamp in Figure 1B, showing the clamp in the closed position according to several embodiments. [Figure 1D] Figure 1D is an overhead perspective view of an exemplary clinician's monitoring device according to several embodiments. [Figure 1E] Figure 1E is an illustrative diagram of an electronic health record that may be presented on the display screen of a clinician's monitoring device, according to several embodiments. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary flash management system according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Referring now to Figure 1A, an exemplary catheter system according to several embodiments. 10 This is shown. In some embodiments, a catheter system 10 is a catheter assembly 14 This may include a catheter assembly. In some embodiments, 14The catheter adapter 18 may include a catheter adapter 18 and a catheter 20 extending distally from the catheter adapter 18. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 18 may include a side port 22 that is in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter adapter 18. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 18 may include a proximal end 23, a distal end 24, and a lumen extending between them. In some embodiments, the catheter 20 may include a PIVC.

[0014] In some embodiments, catheter assembly 14 The introducer needle may be removably coupled to a needle assembly that may include a needle hub 26 and an introducer needle 28. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 28 may include a sharp distal end 30. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the introducer needle 28 may be fixed within the needle hub 26. In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 1A, the catheter assembly 14 When the introducer needle 28 is in an insertion position ready for insertion into the patient's vascular system, the introducer needle 28 may extend through the catheter 20. In some embodiments, as the introducer needle 28 is inserted into the patient's vascular system, a backflow of blood may flow through the sharp distal end 30 of the introducer needle 28, between the introducer needle 28 and the catheter 20 and / or the catheter assembly. 14 It may appear to the clinician in a different location within the organization.

[0015] In some embodiments, depending on whether the catheter 20 is positioned within the patient's vascular system, the needle assembly is located within the catheter assembly. 14 It can be removed from the catheter assembly. In some embodiments, the needle assembly is removed from the catheter assembly. 14 When coupled, as shown in Figure 1A for illustrative purposes, the introducer needle 28 of the needle assembly may extend through a partition located within the lumen of the catheter adapter 18.

[0016] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include one or more fluid tubes. In some embodiments, the fluid tube may include any suitable tube through which fluid can flow into the catheter assembly 14 . In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 may include a clamp 𝟑𝟔 through which a particular fluid tube may extend. In some embodiments, the fluid tubes may be connected to each other and / or to one or more other elements to form a fluid path extending between an IV bag or fluid delivery device and the catheter assembly 14 .

[0017] In some embodiments, the fluid tube may include an extension tube 𝟑𝟒 that may be coupled to the catheter assembly 14 . More particularly, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1A for example, the distal end of the extension tube 𝟑𝟒 may be integrated with the catheter adapter 𝟏𝟖. For example, the extension tube 𝟑𝟒 may be integrated with the side port 𝟐𝟐 of the catheter adapter 𝟏𝟖. In some embodiments, the extension tube 𝟑𝟒 may be removably coupled to the catheter adapter 𝟏𝟖. In some embodiments, the fluid tube may include another tube that may be disposed proximal to the extension tube 𝟑𝟒. For example, the other tube may be coupled to an IV bag or fluid delivery device. In some embodiments, the other tube may include an IV line that may extend between the IV bag and the extension tube 34 .

[0018] In some embodiments, the clamp 𝟑𝟔 may selectively close the particular fluid tube on which the clamp is disposed to prevent blood or another fluid from flowing through the particular fluid tube. In some embodiments, a clinician may operate the clamp 𝟑𝟔 by removing the battery isolator 𝟑𝟕 or by switching a switch.

[0019] In some embodiments, adapter 38 can be coupled to the proximal end of extension tube 34. In some embodiments, adapter 38 can include a Y-adapter or another suitable connector. In some embodiments, needleless connector 40 can be coupled to adapter 38. In some embodiments, adapter 38 and / or needleless connector 40 can be used to connect catheter 20 to a medical device for fluid administration or blood sampling. The medical device can include a transfusion bag, a syringe, or any other suitable medical device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the catheter system 10 can include any suitable catheter assembly, and clamp 36 can be coupled to any suitable fluid tube. In some embodiments, extension tube 34 can extend from proximal end 23 of catheter adapter 18. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 14 can include a peripheral, central, or midline catheter assembly. In some embodiments, a peripherally inserted central catheter (「PICC」) assembly can include a pigtail extension tube, and a particular clamp 36 can be coupled to one or more pigtail extension tubes.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1B, in response to clamp 36 being open, fluid can flow through fluid tubes such as, for example, extension tube 34 and / or other fluid tubes, and through the catheter assembly 14 . For example, fluid can be injected into a patient via a medical device coupled to adapter 38, and blood can be drawn from the patient into a blood sampling device coupled to adapter 38. In some embodiments, clamp 36 can include a sensor 42 configured to detect whether clamp 36 is closed and / or open. In some embodiments, sensor 42 can be positioned to detect movement of clamp 36.

[0022] In some embodiments, the sensor 42 may include an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, an electromechanical sensor, or another suitable type of sensor. For example, an optical sensor may include a light-emitting diode or laser diode and an optical barrier which can be realized by an optical transistor. For example, a magnetic sensor may include a reed relay or a Hall sensor. For example, an electromechanical sensor may include a switch or a potentiometer.

[0023] Referring here to Figure 1C, in response to the clamp 36 being closed, fluid may be prevented from flowing through a particular fluid tube in which the clamp 36 is located. In some embodiments, the clamp 36 may include a pinch clamp that can clamp a particular fluid tube in response to the clamp 36 moving to the closed position. In some embodiments, the clamp 36 may include an arm 44 that may include a projection that contacts and clamps a particular fluid tube. In some embodiments, the clamp 36 may include any suitable clamp, and the sensor 42 may include any suitable sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor 42 may be positioned in various locations.

[0024] In some embodiments, the clamp 36 may provide an alert that may include sound, tactile vibration, or a visual signal. In some embodiments, the visual signal may include a change in the state of light. Figures 1A to 1C show an illustrative light 48 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the state of the light 48 may change in response to the clamp 36 being closed for a predetermined period of time. For example, the light 48 may turn on or change color in response to the clamp 36 being closed for a predetermined period of time. As another example, the light 48 may flash or change flashing speed in response to the clamp 36 being closed for a predetermined period of time.

[0025] In some embodiments, a predetermined period is used for the catheter assembly. 14The alert may be time earlier than the clinically recommended time for flushing the catheter assembly. In these embodiments, the alert will be time earlier than the time recommended for flushing the catheter assembly. 14 This may include a warning that can indicate to the clinician that the clinically recommended time for flushing is approaching. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 14 The clinically recommended time to flush the catheter assembly is 14 This can be between approximately 6 and 8 hours since the previous flushing. In some embodiments, the predetermined period is between approximately 6 and 8 hours. 14 This may correspond to the clinically recommended time for flushing. In some embodiments, the first alert is triggered by the catheter assembly. 14 A second alert may be provided by clamp 36 in response to approaching a clinically recommended time for flushing (e.g., 30 minutes, 10 minutes, or 5 minutes), and the catheter assembly 14 The flashing may be provided by the clamp 36 in response to the arrival of a clinically recommended time for flashing. In some embodiments, the first alert may include a yellow or orange light, and the second alert may include a red light.

[0026] In some embodiments, the lights 48 can be positioned at various locations on the clamp 36 that are visible to the clinician. In some embodiments, the clamp 36 may include multiple lights 48. In some embodiments, the lights 48 may extend around the curved edge of the clamp 36, as shown for illustrative purposes in Figures 1A–1C.

[0027] Referring now to Figure 1D, several embodiments of a clinician's monitoring device 40 Examples are shown. Clinician monitoring devices 40Examples may include computing devices, mobile phones, smartphones, tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, medical devices, or connected devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart glasses, or other connected devices). In some embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to the clamp 36, a clinician's monitoring device may be used. 40 This may provide an alert.

[0028] In some embodiments, the clinician's monitoring device 40 This may include a display screen 50 that can provide alerts. In some embodiments, the alert may include a phrase such as, for example, "Flush Due". In some embodiments, the alert may include a visual signal on the display screen 50, such as a portion 51 of the display screen 50 that lights up or changes color. In some embodiments, the portion 51 of the display screen 50 may flash or change flashing speed to provide an alert. In some embodiments, this may be a clinician's monitoring device. 40 This may include a light 48, as illustrated with respect to Figure 1C for illustrative purposes.

[0029] Referring here to Figure 1E, exemplary electronic health records 52 that may be presented on the display screen 50 of a clinician's monitoring device 46 according to several embodiments are shown. In some embodiments, a display may be provided on the display screen 50 in response to the opening and closing of a clamp 36. In some embodiments, a display may be provided on the display screen 50 in response to the clamp 36 being open for a specific predetermined period of time and / or the clamp 36 being closed for a specific predetermined period of time.

[0030] In some embodiments, the display may include one or more of the following: time 56, state 58, and period 60. In some embodiments, period 60 may include the period during which the clamp 36 is closed. In some embodiments, state 58 may include "open" and may be adjacent to time 56, which indicates to the clinician the time the clamp 36 was opened. In some embodiments, state 58 may include "closed" and may be adjacent to time 56, which indicates to the clinician the time the clamp 36 was closed.

[0031] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary flash management system (FM system) 62 arranged according to at least one embodiment described herein. In some embodiments, the FM system 62 may include a clamp 63. In some embodiments, the clamp 63 may include or correspond to the clamp 36 described with respect to Figure 1. In some embodiments, the clamp 63 may include a computing system 64.

[0032] In some embodiments, the computing system 64 may include a processor 66, memory 68, data storage 70, and a communication unit 72. In some embodiments, the processor 66, memory 68, data storage 70, and communication unit 72 may be communicatively coupled by a bus 74. The bus 74 may include, but is not limited to, a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, a memory bus, a storage interface bus, a bus / interface controller, or an interface bus, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the processor 66 may include a timer. 86 It may include a timer. In some embodiments, a timer 86 This could be a separate component linked to processor 66.

[0033] Generally, the processor 66 may include any suitable dedicated or general-purpose computer, computing entity, or processing device including various computer hardware or software modules, and may be configured to execute instructions stored in any applicable computer-readable storage medium. For example, the processor 66 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other digital or analog circuit configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data. Although shown as a single processor in Figure 2, the processor 66 may include any number of processors configured to individually or collectively perform any number of operations described in this disclosure. Furthermore, one or more processors 66 may reside on one or more different electronic devices.

[0034] In some embodiments, the processor 66 may interpret and / or execute program instructions stored in memory 68, data storage 70, or both memory 68 and data storage 70, and / or process data. In some embodiments, the processor 66 may fetch program instructions from data storage 70 and load them into memory 68. In some embodiments, after the program instructions have been loaded into memory 68, the processor 66 may execute the program instructions.

[0035] For example, in some embodiments, the flash module 76 may be included in the data storage 70 as program instructions. In some embodiments, the flash module 76 may be included in the catheter line 32 and catheter assembly 14The processor 66 may be configured to manage the flashing. The processor 66 may fetch program instructions for the flash module 76 from the data storage 70 and load the program instructions for the flash module 76 into memory 68. After the program instructions for the flash module 76 are loaded into memory 68, the processor 66 may execute the program instructions so that the computing system 64 can perform operations related to the flash module 76 according to the instructions.

[0036] The memory 68 and data storage 70 may include computer-readable storage media that carry or have computer-executable instructions or data structures stored therein. Such computer-readable storage media may include any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, such as a processor 66. Examples, but not limited to, such computer-readable storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory devices (e.g., solid-state memory devices), or any other storage media that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures, and can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. Combinations of the above may also be included in the scope of computer-readable storage media. Computer-executable instructions may include, for example, instructions and data configured to cause the processor 66 to perform a particular operation or group of operations.

[0037] In some embodiments, one or more clinician monitoring devices 73 may be connected to a computing system 64 via a network 78. In these and other embodiments, the network 78 may include a wired or wireless network and may have any suitable configuration such as a star configuration, a token ring configuration or other configuration. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the network 78 may include an Ethernet network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), and / or other interconnected data paths through which multiple devices can communicate. In some embodiments, the network 78 may include a peer-to-peer network. In some embodiments, the network 78 may also be coupled to or include a part of a telecommunications network that can enable the communication of data in various different communication protocols. In some embodiments, the clinician monitoring device 73 is the clinician monitoring device described with respect to Figure 1. 40, It may include or correspond to any of the 46.

[0038] In some embodiments, network 78 may include a Bluetooth® communication network and / or a cellular communication network for sending and receiving data via Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Direct Data Connection, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), email, etc. Network 78 may enable communication via standards-based protocols such as Smart Energy Profile (SEP), ECHONET Lite, OpenADR, or another suitable protocol (e.g., Wireless Fidelity®, ZigBee®, HomePlug Green, etc.).

[0039] In some embodiments, the communication unit 72 may be configured to transmit and receive data to and from the clinician's monitoring device 73 via the network 78. In some embodiments, the communication unit 72 may also transmit data to and from the display. face or electronic health record 88 It can be configured to send and receive data between it and the display. The surface , may include or correspond to the display screen 50 described with respect to Figure 1D or Figure 1E. In some embodiments, electronic health records 88 This may include or correspond to the electronic health record 52 shown in Figure 1E. In some embodiments, the flash module 76 may be configured to transmit and receive data via the communication unit 72.

[0040] In some embodiments, the communication unit 72 may include ports for direct physical connection to the network 78 and / or another communication channel. For example, the communication unit 72 may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a Secure Digital (SD) port, a Category 5 Cable (CAT-5) port, or a similar port for wired communication with another device. In some embodiments, the communication unit 72 may use one or more wireless communication methods, including IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, Bluetooth®, or another suitable wireless communication method, to connect to a clinician's monitoring device. 40, 46 may include a wireless transceiver for exchanging data with other communication channels.

[0041] In some embodiments, the communication unit 72 may include a cellular communication transceiver for sending and receiving data over a cellular communication network, including via SMS, MMS, HTTP, Direct Data Connection, WAP, email, or another suitable type of electronic communication. The communication unit 72 may also provide other conventional connections to the network 78 for delivering files or media objects using standard network protocols, including Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), HTTP, HTTP Secure (HTTPS), and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).

[0042] Examples of how the flash module 76 may manage the flushing of the catheter assembly are provided here. In some embodiments, the flash module 76 may be configured to start a timer 86 in response to a sensor 84 detecting that the clamp is closed. In some embodiments, the sensor 84 may include or correspond to the sensor 42 described with respect to Figure 1. In some embodiments, in response to the timer 86 reaching a predetermined period, the flash module 76 may be configured to generate one or more alerts at the clamp and / or send an alert signal to a clinician monitoring device 73 via the network 78 that may provide one or more alerts. In some embodiments, the alerts may include any of the alerts described with respect to Figure 1. In some embodiments, the alerts may indicate to the clinician that it is or is approaching the clinically recommended time to flush the catheter assembly.

[0043] In some embodiments, the flash module 76 may be configured to provide a display to the patient's electronic health record 88 in response to the sensor 84 detecting that the clamp 63 is closed. In some embodiments, the electronic health record 88 may be stored and / or displayed on the clinician's monitoring device 73. In some embodiments, the electronic health record 88 may include or correspond to the electronic health record 52 described with respect to Figure 1. In some embodiments, the display may correspond to the table described with respect to Figure 1. Show It may include, or may correspond to.

[0044] In some embodiments, the flash module 76 may be configured to stop and / or reset the timer 86 in response to the sensor 84 detecting that the clamp 63 is open or has been open for any other predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, the flash module 76 may be configured to stop the timer 86 only after the clamp 63 has been open for any other predetermined period of time, in order to prevent the clamp 63 from opening when proper flashing has not occurred.

[0045] In some embodiments, in response to sensor 84 detecting that clamp 63 is open for another predetermined period, flash module 76 may be configured to stop the alert on clamp 63 or to provide a different alert on clamp 63. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, in response to sensor 84 detecting that clamp 63 is open for another predetermined period, flash module 76 may be configured to send another alert signal via network 78 to a clinician's monitoring device 73 to stop the alert or to provide a different alert.

[0046] In some embodiments, the flash module 76 may be configured to provide an additional display to the patient's electronic health record 88 in response to the sensor 84 detecting that the clamp 63 is open for another predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, the additional display is the table described with respect to Figure 1. ShowIt may include, or may correspond to.

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more other sensors 90 are, for example, the catheter assembly described with reference to Figure 1. 14 Extension tube 34 or catheter assembly 14 It may be configured to detect fluid flowing through a fluid tube, such as another fluid tube that is in fluid contact with it. In some embodiments, other sensors may include flow sensors and / or pressure sensors. Examples of devices including flow sensors and / or pressure sensors are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 830,707, filed April 8, 2019, Attorneys Reference No. P-16330@, titled “OCCLUSION DETECTION DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS,” and U.S. Patent No. 5,533,412, filed June 7, 1995, titled “PULSED THERMAL FLOW SENSOR SYSTEM,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, in response to sensor 84 detecting that clamp 63 is open and other sensors 90 detecting fluid flowing through the fluid tube, the flash module 76 may be configured to stop and / or reset timer 86. Although shown outside of clamp 63 in Figure 2, it is understood that other sensors 90 may be part of clamp 63.

[0048] In some embodiments, the external server may include one or more components of the computing system 64. In some embodiments, the external server may be connected to the clamp 63 and / or the clinician's monitoring device 73 via the network 78 or another network. The FM system 62 may be modified, added to, or omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0049] All examples and conditional statements set forth herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the concepts provided by the inventors to advance the invention and the art, and should be construed as not being limited to the examples and conditions specifically listed herein. Although embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for managing the flushing of a catheter assembly, To provide a clamp for a fluid tube, wherein the fluid tube is configured to be coupled to a catheter assembly, and the clamp includes a sensor configured to detect whether the clamp is closed. In response to the sensor detecting that the clamp is closed, the timer is started. In response to the timer reaching a first predetermined period, a first alert is provided. The system includes providing a second alert in response to the timer reaching a second predetermined period, The second predetermined period is longer than the first predetermined period and corresponds to the time for flushing the catheter assembly. The sensor is configured to detect that the clamp is open, and the method further includes stopping or resetting the timer in response to the sensor detecting that the clamp has been open for a third predetermined period of time.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein providing the first and second alerts includes transmitting an alert signal to a monitoring device over a network, the alert signal indicating to the monitoring device to provide the first and second alerts.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second alerts include sound, tactile vibration, or visual signals.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising providing a display in the patient's electronic health record in response to the sensor detecting that the clamp is closed.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising transmitting an additional alert signal to a monitoring device via a network in response to the sensor detecting that the clamp is open for a third predetermined period of time, the additional alert signal instructing the monitoring device to stop the alert or to provide a third alert.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising providing a display in the patient's electronic health record in response to the sensor detecting that the clamp is open for the third predetermined period of time.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising providing a display in the patient's electronic health record in response to the timer reaching the first predetermined period.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second alerts include sounds heard from the clamp or changes in the state of light coupled to the clamp.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second predetermined period is between approximately 6 hours and approximately 8 hours.

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