Infusion system and method of controlling an infusion system

Abstract

An infusion system (1) comprises a control device (10) and one or more infusion pumps (11A, 11B) connectable to a patient (2) by means of an infusion tubing network (12), the control device (10) being configured to: determine an arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12); determine at least one physical parameter describing a current status of the infusion tubing network (12); and calculate at least one property of the infusion tubing network (12) using the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12) and the at least one physical parameter

Description

[0001] Infusion System and Method of Controlling an Infusion System

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to an infusion system, to a method of controlling an infusion system and to a computer-readable storage medium.

[0004] For administering drugs to a patient in many situations defined amounts of one or more types of drugs have to be provided to the patient in a defined time period. One challenge in the use of infusion systems is the detection of potential occlusions in lines conveying the drugs. In this regard, EP 1 136 089 A2 describes a solution for analysing a pressure variation in a perfusion apparatus comprising several units.

[0005] Further, in case of an application of a channel relay with different concentrations between a currently infusing master pump and a relay pump scheduled for a subsequent infusion, dead volumes in the lines can pose other challenges. WO 20171012781 A1 describes a system for performing a continuous infusion process.

[0006] WO 2023 / 014605 A1 relates to infusion pumps and more specifically to systems and methods for providing flow-rate compensation to one or more infusion pumps with respect to a head height pressure of a fluid supply container. This allows to improve the precision of the infusion.

[0007] However, nowadays setting up and overlooking an infusion process can be relatively complex and laborious. It is an object of the instant invention to simplify a correct administration of drugs.

[0008] This object is achieved by means of an infusion system comprising the features of claim 1.

[0009] Accordingly, an infusion system comprises a control device and one or more infusion pumps connectable to a patient by means of an infusion tubing network, the control device being configured to: determine an arrangement of the infusion tubing network; determine at least one physical parameter describing a current status of the infusion tubing network; and calculate at least one property of the infusion tubing network using the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network and the at least one physical parameter.

[0010] This is based on the idea to record the (hardware) arrangement of the infusion tubing network by (e.g., software of) the control device of the infusion system. This enables the control device to use the at least one determined physical parameter to calculate one or more properties that would otherwise be difficult to determine or would normally need a high level of work to be performed by medical personnel. By this, the infusion system allows to provide more precise and meaningful results while at the same time simplifying the correct administration of drugs to a patient. Just to provide an example, by knowing the arrangement and which lines are interconnected with one another allows avoiding mixing the drugs in an occlusion event by stopping all connected infusion pumps and reverse pumping those pumps before the occlusion is solved. As another example, if one of the infusion pumps is a master pump and one of the infusion pumps is a relay pump, and the relay pump provides fluid with a lower concentration than the master pump, then it will be configured to pump at a higher flow rate after transitioning from the master pump to the relay pump. However, when transitioning between the pumps, the drug previously provided by the master pump is still present in the line and would be too concentrated for this higher flow rate. Thus, by knowing the arrangement of the infusion tubing network, the control device can determine the interconnection and dead volume in the connected lines to correctly configure the relay pump to pump the dead volume with the initial concentration at the previous flow rate before applying the flow rate corresponding to the drug provided by the relay pump.

[0011] The infusion tubing network comprises at least one infusion tube. It may comprise a plurality of infusion tubes. The infusion tubing network may particularly comprise a plurality of tubes in fluid connection with one another. The infusion tubing network may comprise several branches of infusion tubes. For example, the infusion tubing comprises a fluid path that branches (in upstream or downstream direction) at a branching point. The at least one property for example comprises at least one (or two or more, or all) of a flow rate at a predefined location in the infusion tubing network, a pressure at a predetermined location in the infusion tubing network, a pressure threshold setting for at least one of the one or more infusion pumps, an occlusion in the infusion tubing network, and a dead volume in the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network. For example, a dead volume may be a volume of a fluid path between two locations, e.g., between a branching point and a needle or other device. Particularly such properties can be used by the control device to effectively control the one or more infusion pumps to perform an exact infusion, to detect a problematic status and / or to control the one or more infusion pumps to counteract a detected problematic status automatically.

[0012] The at least one physical parameter may comprise at least one (or two or more, or all) of a flow rate provided by at least one of the one or more infusion pumps, a height difference of at least one of the one or more infusion pumps to a component (or another infusion pump) of the infusion tubing network, a fluid density of a fluid conveyed by at least one of the one or more infusion pumps, and a pressure measured by a pressure sensor. These physical parameters allow to effectively determine the one or more properties.

[0013] For example, the infusion tubing network comprises a plurality of components in fluid connection with one another. The fluid connection may be via one or more tubes. The components allow to set up a plurality of different arrangements to enable various different types of infusion.

[0014] The plurality of components may comprise at least one (e.g., two or more, or all) of a needle, a tube, a stopcock, a hub, a catheter, and a Y connector. These components provide a large flexibility in the setup of the infusion tubing network.

[0015] The step of calculating the at least one property of the infusion tubing network may comprise applying a model with a system of one or more equations relating the at least one property with the at least one physical parameter. Therein, the model may be selected and / or adapted based on the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network. This allows a precise and quick determination of the at least one parameter.

[0016] The control device may be further configured to control at least one of the one or more infusion pumps based on the calculated at least one property and / or to output a message based on the calculated at least one property. As such, the control device can react to a detected problematic property (e.g., one or more determined properties within or outside a predetermined parameter range and / or threshold), and to indicate such a problematic property to medical personnel.

[0017] For example, the step of controlling at least one of the one or more infusion pumps based on the calculated at least one property comprises reverse pumping with at least one of the one or more infusion pumps and / or transitioning between a first infusion pump and a second infusion pump of the infusion pumps based on the at least one property. Therein, the at least one property may comprise a dead volume in the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network. By reverse pumping, an occlusion in a tube or component of the infusion tubing network may be resolved. Transitioning between two infusion pumps allows a continuous infusion using more than one infusion bag or the like. In case that the two conveyed liquids have different concentrations of a drug, taking into account the dead volume allows to maintain a constant dose rate even during the transitioning process.

[0018] The control device may comprise a display and / or a (e.g., user-actuatable) interface. The control device may be configured to receive an information indicative for an arrangement of the infusion tubing network via the interface, wherein to determine an arrangement of the infusion tubing network comprises to determine the arrangement of the infusion tubing network based on the information received via the interface. Alternatively, or in addition, the control device may be configured to display the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network on the display.

[0019] According to an example, the control device comprises a component library with a plurality of entries. Therein, each entry may represent one of a plurality of different predefined components of the infusing tubing network and comprising at least one parameter of the respective component. This allows to mirror the actual physical arrangement of components by software, and to calculate properties of the physical arrangement based on the stored parameters and measured and / or input values such as a flow rate, a pressure or the like. Each available type of a provided set of components may have its corresponding entry in the component library.

[0020] For example, the control device is configured to indicate at least a part of the plurality of different components of the component library on the display. The different components indicated on the display may be selectable. Therein, the information indicative for an arrangement of the infusion tubing network may comprises a selection of a plurality of the components and / or an arrangement of a plurality of the components (e.g. , the selected plurality of components) on the display via the interface. This allows a particularly simple, intuitive and quick reproduction of the physical arrangement. Another advantage is that by doing so, a double-check of the correctness of the arrangement is performed and, additionally, the control device may check whether the input arrangement is suitable for one or more drugs that are to be infused.

[0021] According to an aspect, an infusion system is provided, comprising a control device and one or more infusion pumps connectable to a patient by means of an infusion tubing network, the control device comprising a display and a user-actuatable interface and being configured to receive an information indicative for an arrangement of the infusion tubing network via the interface; to determine the arrangement of the infusion tubing network based on the information received via the interface; to display the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network on the display; and to operate the one or more infusion pumps in accordance with the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network. The infusion system of this aspect may be configured in accordance with the infusion system as described above.

[0022] According to an aspect, a method of controlling an infusion system (e.g., according to any aspect or embodiment described herein) comprising a control device and one or more infusion pumps connectable to a patient by means of an infusion tubing network is provided. The method comprises determining, by means of the control device, an arrangement of the infusion tubing network; determining, by means of the control device, at least one physical parameter describing a current status of the infusion tubing network; and calculating, by means of the control device, a property of the infusion tubing network using the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network and the at least one physical parameter. Regarding the advantages of the method, reference is made to the infusion system described above.

[0023] According to an aspect, a method of controlling an infusion system (e.g., according to any aspect or embodiment described herein) comprising a control device and one or more infusion pumps connectable to a patient by means of an infusion tubing network, in particular in accordance with the method described above, is provided. The method comprises receiving, by means of the control device, an information indicative for an arrangement of the infusion tubing network via a user-actuatable interface; determining, by means of the control device, the arrangement of the infusion tubing network based on the information received via the interface; displaying, by means of the control device, the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network on a display; and setting up for operation (and / or operating), by means of the control device, the one or more infusion pumps in accordance with the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network. Regarding the advantages of this method, reference is made again to the infusion system described above. According to an aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer- readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a control device of an infusion system (e.g., according to any aspect or embodiment described herein), cause the control device to perform the method of any aspect or embodiment described herein.

[0024] The idea underlying the invention shall subsequently be described in more detail by referring to the embodiments shown in the figures. Herein:

[0025] Fig. 1 shows an infusion system for administering a fluid to a patient, the infusion system comprising a control device and a plurality of infusion pumps;

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a part of a graphical user interface of the control device of the infusion system of Fig. 1 ;

[0027] Fig. 3 schematically shows a possible physical setup of the infusion system of

[0028] Fig. 1 ;

[0029] Fig. 4 schematically shows the control device of the infusion system of Fig. 1 ; and

[0030] Fig. 5 shows a method of controlling an infusion system.

[0031] Subsequently, particularly an infusion system, a method of controlling an infusion system and a computer-readable storage medium shall be described. The embodiments described herein shall not be construed as limiting for the scope of the invention.

[0032] Fig. 1 illustrates an infusion system 1 for administering one or more drugs to a patient 2. On the left-hand side of Fig. 1 , a control device 10 and several infusion pumps 11A, 11 B of the infusion system 1 are shown by way of example. As shown, the control device 10 and the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B are mounted on a rack 15, but this is only an example. As another example, only the infusion pumps 11A, 11 B could be mounted on the rack 15 while the control device 10, or parts thereof are arranged displaced therefrom. On the rack 15, the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B are arranged at different heights with respect to one another (and with respect to the level of a ground the rack 15 is placed on). Here, the infusion pumps 11A, 11 B (and the control device 10) are arranged one over the other along a pole of the rack 15. The rack 15 provides several slots for mounting an infusion pump 11A, 11 B at a predefined position (and height). According to Fig. 1 , not all slots of the rack 15 are occupied, so the rack 15 comprises a free slot 16.

[0033] Notably, some of the infusion pumps 11A of Fig. 1 are syringe pumps, wherein a syringe containing a medical liquid, e.g., with a drug or nutrition, is loaded in the infusion pump 11 A. A pusher device is urged against a piston of the syringe by means of an electric actuator to provide the liquid. Another one of the infusion pump 11 B is a volumetric pump which is connected, via a tube, to an infusion bag or other container containing a medical liquid. Notably, the infusion system 1 may comprise more or less of the infusion pumps 11A and of the infusion pumps 11 B.

[0034] The control device 10 is communicatively connected with each of the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B, e.g., by means of cables connecting the control device 10 with each of the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B, wirelessly, or, as in the present example, via the rack 15, e.g. by means of a communication system of the rack 15. Here, the control device 10 is communicatively connected with the rack 15 by means of a cable.

[0035] The control device 10 is configured to control the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B. For example, the control device 10 is configured to control the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B to start or stop pumping and / or to adjust a flow rate. Depending on the type of therapy, a relatively simple, or a more complex infusion process is needed. In some applications, it is necessary to first administer a predefined amount of a first liquid to a patient and afterwards to continue with administering a second liquid (e.g., with a different drug and / or concentration or the like) to the patient. It might be necessary to administer the liquids via the same needle or port. In some applications, it is necessary to administer two liquids at the same time. For this purpose, the liquids may be mixed. Therefore, the infusion system 1 is connected with an infusion tubing network 12. The infusion tubing network 12 comprises a plurality of tubes being in fluid connection with the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B. The tubes are connected with one another by means of a hub or Y connector, for example.

[0036] The infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B are connectable to the patient 2 by means of the infusion tubing network 12. Via the infusion tubing network 12, the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B are in fluid connection with a needle, catheter or port that can be introduced to the patient 2. Thus, the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B are connectable to the patient 2 by means of the infusion tubing network 12. The control device 10 further comprises a display 100 and a user-actuatable interface 101. The control device 10 is configured to receive an information indicative for an arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 via the interface 101. The control device 10 is further configured to determine said arrangement of the infusion tubing network based on the information received via the interface 101 , and to display the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 on the display 100. As such, the control device 10 is configured to mirror or represent the determined actual physical arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 on the display. That is, the control device 10 displays a graphical representation representing the determined physical arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12. Like this, the medical personnel can directly check on the display whether the arrangement is suitable for the planned infusion process. Moreover, the planned infusion process may be indicated to the control device 10, and the control device 10 may be configured to perform an analysis of the correctness of the determined infusion tubing network 12 for the planned infusion process.

[0037] Further, the control device 10 is configured to operate the one or more infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B in accordance with the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12. For example, the control device 10 may start operation of the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B in response to determining that the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network is correct, or it may refrain from starting the infusion pumps 11A, 11 B (e.g., and display a warning message) in response to determining that the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network is incorrect. Further, the control device 10 may control properties, such as flow rates, of the individual infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B.

[0038] In the present example, the control device 10 is also configured to (after determining the arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 as described) determine at least one physical parameter describing a current status of the infusion tubing network 12. The at least one physical parameter may comprise one or more flow rates of the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B and / or one or more pressures of the infusion system 1 , as will be described in more detail below.

[0039] The control device 10 is further configured to calculate at least one property of the infusion tubing network 12 using the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 and the at least one physical parameter. As an example, the property may be a flow rate or a pressure at another location or the occurrence of an occlusion in the infusion system 1 , as will also be described in more detail further below. Such control and calculations are possible by the control device 10 that determines the arrangement of the infusion tubing network, in this example by providing the information indicative for the arrangement to the control device 10 via the interface 101.

[0040] Here, the interface 101 is a touchscreen. The touchscreen is arranged over the display 100. The display 100 displays a graphical user interface. The display 100 and an exemplary content displayed on the display is shown on the right-hand side of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1 , the display 100 shows a selection area 104 and an arrangement area 105. In the selection area 104, selections can be made as will be described in further detail with reference to Fig. 2 below. In the arrangement area 105, the actual or planned physical arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 can be represented.

[0041] In the arrangement area 105, a graphical representation of the patient 2 is depicted. Further, a graphical representation of the infusion tubing network 12 and of the connected infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B (as well as of the empty slot 16) is depicted.

[0042] Turning now to Fig. 2, it can be seen that the selection area 104 depicts several selectable components 14A-14H as well as several selectable accesses of the patient 2.

[0043] More specifically, the selection area 104 depicts a component 14A in the form of a 3-ways stopcock, a component 14B in the form of a 4-ways stopcock, a component 14C in the form of a 5-ways stopcock and a component 14D in the form of a 6-ways stopcock. Further, the selection area 104 depicts a component 14E in the form of a long extension line (here, a flexible tube), in this example of 1 ,5 m. The selection area 104 also depicts a component 14F in the form of a short extension line (shorter than the long extension line), in this example of 0,5 m. The selection area 104 also depicts a component 14G in the form of a Y connector. The selection area 104 also depicts a component 14H in the form of a needle. Notably, the components 14A-14H are by way of example only, and the selection area 104 may depict more or less components. For example, the selection area 104 may also depict a hub, a catheter, an implantable port or the like. Further, additional components may be provided for extension lines with different diameters, and / or for catheters with different lengths and / or diameters. The components 14A-14H have predetermined connection points for connection with other components 14A-14H.

[0044] The infusion tubing network 12 may comprise some or all of the components 14A-14H shown in the section area 104. In the physical infusion tubing network 12, the components 14A-14H are in fluid connection with one another. Further, several possible accesses A1-A4 of the patient 2 are depicted in the selection area 104. A user may select any of the components 14A-14H and accesses A1-A4 in the selection area 104 using the interface 101 to arrange the respective component 14A-14H as in the physical infusion tubing network 12. The user may also connect the components 14A-14H with one another, with the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B and with the accesses A1-A4 as in the physical infusion tubing network 12 using the interface 101. In this example, the control device 10 provides for drag-and-drop selection from the selection area 104 and arrangement (including the connections) in the arrangement area 105. The inputs made via the interface 101 to resemble the physical infusion tubing network 12 comprise said information indicative for the arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12.

[0045] The control device 10 of the present example is configured to automatically determine which of the slots are provided with an infusion pump 11 A, 11 B (and the type of the infusion pump 11 A, 11 B). The control device 10 is further configured to depict the determined infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B on the display, as illustrated in Fig. 1. Furthermore, an operational setup of the infusion process can be input to the control system 10. The operational setup may include an infusion profile indicating which fluid is administered at which flow rate (e.g., also at what time).

[0046] Fig. 1 illustrates an operational setup wherein the flow rates of the connected 4 infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B is depicted at their output lines. In this example, the flow rates are 1 ml / h, 3 ml / h, 5 ml / h and 35 ml / h. The infusion pumps have been connected via short and long extension lines and with a Y connector to a 4-ways stopcock. The 4-ways stopcock is connected via a short extension line to an access A4 of the patient 2. By having the information of this arrangement and the flow rates provided by the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B as physical parameters, the control system 10 is able to determine a property of the infusion tubing network. In this example, the control system 10 is able to determine the flow rate at the line connected to the patient 2. Here, this property is calculated as the sum of individual flow rates of the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B, so in this example the combined flow rate is 44 ml / h. Analogously, when the infusion system 1 is set up with a infusion tubing network 12 having the same arrangement as set up in the arrangement area 105, the real fluid flow to the patient can be determined in the way as described. Alternatively or in addition to the flow rates, other information may be output on the display 100, such as a theoretical pressure in some or all of the segments of the infusion tubing network 12.

[0047] In one example, the user can first set up the physical infusion tubing network 12, and then resemble it in the control device 10 using the interface 101. Alternatively, the user can select a predefined arrangement (e.g., for a predefined therapy) via the interface 101 , and then set up the physical infusion tubing network 12 in accordance with the depicted infusion tubing network 12.

[0048] Thus, the control device 10 is further configured to: receive an information indicative for an arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 via the interface 101 (e.g., via drag-and-drop), wherein to determine an arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 comprises to determine the arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 based on the information received via the interface 101 ; and display the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 on the display 100.

[0049] That is, the user may be invited to create their network on the infusion system 1 depending on the actual setup with the patient 2. Based thereon, the control device 10 is configured to apply a model to calculate and anticipate events like occlusion detection, channel relay dead volume, pressure knowledge at all nodes of the infusion pumps 11 A.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows the infusion system 1 with a different exemplary selection of infusion pumps 11A and a differently arranged infusion tubing network 12. The infusion tubing network 12 comprises components 14D-14F, 14H including several extension lines, a stopcock, which is a 6-ways stopcock in this example, and a needle 14H. Medical fluid F is pumped into the infusion tubing network 12 by one or more of the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B.

[0051] Further, several pressure sensors 13 are provided. Here, one pressure sensor 13 is arranged at the outlet of each infusion pump 11A for measuring the pressure inside the fluid line at locations L1 , L2 at the outlets of the respective infusion pumps 11 A. Another pressure sensor 13 is arranged at one connection of the (6-ways) stopcock. This pressure sensor 13 is arranged so as to measure the pressure at a different location L4, namely at a component of the infusion tubing network 12, i.e. , the (6-ways) stopcock in this example.

[0052] Here, the infusion system 1 further comprises a valve 17 for each of the infusion pumps 11 A. The respective valve 17 is arranged in the line starting at the infusion pump 11 A, in this example at a location L3 downstream the pressure sensor 13. By means of the valve 17, the fluid flow through the respective line can be stopped. Further, the infusion system 1 comprises air sensors 18. Here each one air sensor 18 is arranged in the respective line starting at the infusion pump 11 A, in this example at a location L5 downstream the pressure sensor 13 and the valve 17. By means of the respective air sensor 18, air present in the respective line can be detected. It is worth noting that the pressure sensor(s) 13, valve(s) 17 and air sensor(s) 18 may be provided for setups in which one or more thereof may be used or may, alternatively, be omitted. Thus, the infusion system 1 may, or may not, comprise the pressure sensor(s) 13, valve(s) 17 and air sensor(s) 18. Further, pressure sensor(s) 13, valve(s) 17 and / or air sensor(s) 18 may be included in one or more of the infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B.

[0053] The control device 10 is communicatively connected to the pressure sensors 13 and to the air sensors 18. The pressure sensors 13 and air sensors 18 provide physical parameters to the control device 10. Further, the control device 10 determines the height difference H1 , H2, H3, H4 of each infusion pump with respect to a predefined reference height based on the slot occupied by the respective infusion pump 11 A. The reference height may be, e.g., the height of the needle or other component 14H (e.g., extending into the patient 2). This height difference H1-H4 may be used by the control device 10 to adjust the operation of the infusion pumps 11A to provide a predetermined pressure and / or fluid flow in the infusion tubing network 12, e.g., at the stopcock or the needle.

[0054] The at least one physical parameter comprises flow rates provided by the infusion pumps 11 A, the height differences H1-H4 the infusion pumps 11A to the component 14H of the infusion tubing network 12, alternatively or in addition a fluid density of the fluids F conveyed by the infusion pumps 11A, and the pressures measured by the pressure sensors 13.

[0055] The at least one property comprises at least one of a flow rate at a location in the infusion tubing network 12, a pressure at a location L1-L5 in the infusion tubing network 12, a pressure threshold setting for at least one of the one or more infusion pumps 11 A, an occlusion in the infusion tubing network 12, and a dead volume DV in the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12.

[0056] Controlling the infusion pumps 11A based on the calculated at least one property comprises stopping and reverse pumping with at least one of the one or more infusion pumps 11 A when the property indicates an occlusion. This can be based on the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 by stopping and reverse pumping with all infusion pumps 11A that have a fluid line being interconnected with the line having the detected occlusion.

[0057] Alternatively or in addition, controlling the infusion pumps 11A based on the calculated at least one property comprises transitioning between a first infusion pump 1A and a second infusion pump 11A of the infusion pumps 11 A based on the at least one property, wherein the at least one property comprises a dead volume DV in the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12. The dead volume DV may be determined based on the arrangement of the infusion tubing network as the sum of inner volumes of all components downstream a branching point.

[0058] Using a theoretical pressure calculated based on the arrangement of the infusion tubing network and one or more determined physical parameters, allows the control device 10 to calculate an adapted occlusion threshold, updated pressure thresholds, an early occlusion detection, and an improved coordination of an occlusion release. The control device 10 may be configured to determine a pressure evolution at a specific location.

[0059] To calculate at least one property of the infusion tubing network 12 comprises to apply a model with a system of equations relating the at least one property with the at least one physical parameter. The model is selected and / or adapted based on the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12. As such, the height differential pressure dP is determined as dP = r*g*h, wherein r is the fluid density in kg / mA3, g is the gravity acceleration and h is the height difference (m).

[0060] The pressure loss in a tube or needle or the like is modelled with the Poiseuille law: dP = (8*n*L*Qv) I (pi*RA4), wherein n is the fluid viscosity, L is the channel length, Qv is the flow rate and R is the channel radius. Here, no turbulence is taken into account, since the Reynolds number is much smaller than 2000 for most cases.

[0061] The model may further comprise the following equations, wherein the external pressure may be defined as equalling 0 (Pext = 0) for reference:

[0062] Pext = 0

[0063] PA-Pext = (Q1+Q2+Q3+Q4)*Rhn

[0064] PB-PA = (Q1+Q2+Q3+Q4)*Rhl

[0065] P1-PB = Q1*(Rh1+Rhs)-r1*g*h1

[0066] P2-PB = Q2*(Rh2+Rhs)-r2*g*h2

[0067] P3-PB = Q3*(Rh3+Rhs)-r3*g*h3

[0068] P4-PB = Q4*(Rh4+Rhs)-r4*g*h4

[0069] P01-P1 = Q1*Rh01

[0070] P02-P1 = Q2*RhO2

[0071] P03-P1 = Q3*RhO3

[0072] P04-P1 = Q4*RhO4 wherein PA is the pressure at a location upstream the needle, Q1-Q4 are flow rates in the respective lines of the infusion pumps 11 A, Rhn is the flow loss in the needle, Rhl is the flow loss in the line between the locations of the differential pressure determination, PB is the pressure at the location L4, Rh1-Rh4 is the flow loss in the respective pump line between the stopcock component 14D and the pressure sensor 13, r1-r4 is the respective fluid density, h1- h4 is height difference between the respective infusion pump 11 A and the stopcock, Rhs is the flow loss in the stopcock, P01 is the pressure at the respective infusion pump 11A and Rh01- Rh04 is the flow loss in the respective pump line between the pressure sensor 13 and the infusion pump 11A.

[0073] That is, a set of equations is provided, relating pressure differences with flow rates, flow losses, fluid densities and height differences in the given example. More generally, a set of equations may be provided (and / or determined by the control device 10) that relates pressures and / or pressure differences with known values (such as flow rates, flow losses, fluid densities and / or height differences). The known values may be provided to the control device 10 and / or determined (e.g., measured) by the control device 10.

[0074] A matrix A is defined as an n x n matrix where n is the number of equations of the set of equations. The matrix A only comprises entries “-1”, “0” and “1”. The entries of the matrix A are chosen such that multiplying the matrix A with a vector B comprising the unknown pressure values produces a vector comprising the left-hand sides of the above set of equations as n entries. Therefore, the product of the matrix A with the vector B equals the right-hand sides of the above set of equations arranged in a vector C, A * B = C. In the present example the matrix A comprises the following entries: The unknown pressures can therefore be determined by matrix inversion and a matrix product for solving B. Thus, from A * B = C it follows B = A'1* C.

[0075] For other arrangements of the infusion tubing network, other sets of equations may be set up accordingly. The control device 10 may store all possible arrangements and the corresponding equations in a memory, or it may dynamically determine the set of equations. For example, the control device 10 determines pressure differences in the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12, e.g., pressure differences between some or all points of connection of components 14A-14H of the infusion tubing network 12. The control device 10 may then determine the corresponding set of equations as described above, based on known properties of the components 14A-14H and their connection according to the determined arrangement. Then, the control device 10 may determine the corresponding matrix A, perform a matrix inversion and solve the vector B.

[0076] Thus, to calculate the at least one property of the infusion tubing network 12 comprises to apply a model with a system of (particularly linear) equations relating the at least one property with the at least one physical parameter, wherein the model is selected and / or adapted based on the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12.

[0077] For using the calculated property, the control device 10 is further configured to control at least one of the one or more infusion pumps 11A based on the calculated at least one property and / or to output a message based on the calculated at least one property.

[0078] Fig. 4 shows the control device 10 in more detail. The control device 10 comprises a processor assembly 106 and a storage medium 107. The storage medium 107 stores instructions 108 that, when executed by the processor assembly 106 of the control device 10, of the infusion system 1 , cause the control device 10 to perform the method of Fig. 5.

[0079] The storage medium 107 further comprises a component library 102 with a plurality of entries 103. Therein, each entry 103 represents one of the plurality of different components 14A-14H of the infusing tubing network 12 and comprising at least one parameter of the respective component 14A-14H (e.g., length, diameter etc.). For example, for each type of component of the physical infusion tubing network 12, the component library 102 comprises a corresponding entry 103. The control device 10 is configured to indicate at least a part of the plurality of different components 14A-14H of the component library 102 on the display 100 (in the selection area 104), the different components 14A-14H indicated on the display 100 being selectable. Therein, the information indicative for an arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 may comprise a selection of a plurality of the components 14A-14H and / or an arrangement of a plurality of the components 14A-14H on the display 100 via the interface 101.

[0080] Fig. 5 shows a method of controlling an infusion system 1 (e.g., the infusion system described above) comprising a control device 10 and one or more infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B connectable to a patient 2 by means of an infusion tubing network 12, the method comprising the following steps:

[0081] Step S10: Receiving, by the control device 10, an information indicative for an arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 via a user-actuatable interface 101.

[0082] Step S11 : Determining, by the control device 10, the arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 based on the information received via the interface 101.

[0083] Step S12: Determining, by the control device 10, at least one physical parameter describing a current status of the infusion tubing network 12.

[0084] Step S13: Calculating, by the control device 10, a property of the infusion tubing network 12 using the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 and the at least one physical parameter.

[0085] Step S14: Displaying, by the control device 10, the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12 on a display 100. This step may be performed earlier or later, e.g., directly after step S11. Optionally, the control device 10 is configured to request a confirmation that the displayed arrangement is correct.

[0086] Step S15: Operating, by the control device 10, the one or more infusion pumps 11 A, 11 B in accordance with the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network 12.

[0087] The idea of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but may be implemented in a different fashion. List of Reference Numerals

[0088] 1 Infusion system

[0089] 10 Control device

[0090] 100 Display

[0091] 101 Interface

[0092] 102 Component library

[0093] 103 Entry

[0094] 104 Selection area

[0095] 105 Arrangement area

[0096] 106 Processor assembly

[0097] 107 Storage medium

[0098] 108 Instructions

[0099] 11A, 11 B Infusion pump

[0100] 12 Infusion tubing network

[0101] 13 Pressure sensor

[0102] 14A-14H Component

[0103] 15 Rack

[0104] 16 Free slot

[0105] 17 Valve

[0106] 18 Air sensor

[0107] 2 Patient

[0108] A1-A4 Access

[0109] DV Dead volume

[0110] F Fluid

[0111] H 1 -H4 Height difference

[0112] L1-L5 Location

Claims

Claims1. An infusion system (1) comprising a control device (10) and one or more infusion pumps (11 A, 11 B) connectable to a patient (2) by means of an infusion tubing network (12), the control device (10) being configured to: determine an arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12); determine at least one physical parameter describing a current status of the infusion tubing network (12); and calculate at least one property of the infusion tubing network (12) using the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12) and the at least one physical parameter.

2. The infusion system (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one property comprises at least one of a flow rate at a location in the infusion tubing network (12), a pressure at a location (L1-L5) in the infusion tubing network (12), a pressure threshold setting for at least one of the one or more infusion pumps (11A-11 B), an occlusion in the infusion tubing network (12), and a dead volume (DV) in the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12).

3. The infusion system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one physical parameter comprises at least one of a flow rate provided by at least one of the one or more infusion pumps (11A, 11 B), a height difference (H1-H4) of at least one of the one or more infusion pumps (11 A, 11 B) to a component (14A-14H) of the infusion tubing network (12), a fluid density of a fluid (F) conveyed by at least one of the one or more infusion pumps (11 A, 11 B), and a pressure measured by a pressure sensor (13).

4. The infusion system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the infusion tubing network (12) comprises a plurality of components (14A-14H) in fluid connection with one another.

5. The infusion system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the plurality of components (14A-14H) comprises at least one of a needle, a tube, a stopcock, a hub, a catheter, and a Y connector.

6. The infusion system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that to calculate at least one property of the infusion tubing network (12) comprises to apply a model with a system of equations relating the at least one property with the at least one physical parameter, wherein the model is selected and / or adapted based on the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12).

7. The infusion system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (10) is further configured to: control at least one of the one or more infusion pumps (11 A, 11 B) based on the calculated at least one property and / or output a message based on the calculated at least one property.

8. The infusion system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that to control at least one of the one or more infusion pumps (11 A, 11 B) based on the calculated at least one property comprises at least one of: reverse pumping with at least one of the one or more infusion pumps (11 A, 11 B) and transitioning between a first infusion pump (1A, 11 B) and a second infusion pump (11 A, 11 B) of the infusion pumps (11 A, 11 B) based on the at least one property, wherein the at least one property comprises a dead volume (DV) in the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12).

9. The infusion system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (10) comprises a display (100) and a user-actuatable interface (101) and is further configured to: receive an information indicative for an arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12) via the interface (101), wherein to determine an arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12) comprises to determine the arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12) based on the information received via the interface (101); and display the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12) on the display (100).

10. The infusion system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the control device (10) comprises a component library (102) with a plurality of entries (103), each entry (103) representing one of a plurality of different components (14A-14H) of the infusing tubing network (12) and comprising at least one parameter of the respective component (14A- 14H).

11. The infusion system (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the control device (10) is configured to indicate at least a part of the plurality of different components (14A- 14H) of the component library (102) on the display (100), the different components (14A- 14H) indicated on the display (100) being selectable, wherein the information indicative for an arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12) comprises a selection of a plurality of the components (14A-14H) and / or an arrangement of a plurality of the components (14A- 14H) on the display (100) via the interface (101).

12. An infusion system (1) comprising a control device (10) and one or more infusion pumps (11 A, 11 B) connectable to a patient (2) by means of an infusion tubing network (12), the control device (10) comprising a display (100) and a user-actuatable interface (101) and being configured to: receive an information indicative for an arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12) via the interface (101); determine the arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12) based on the information received via the interface (101); display the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12) on the display (100); and operate the one or more infusion pumps (11 A, 11 B) in accordance with the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12).

13. A method of controlling an infusion system (1) comprising a control device (10) and one or more infusion pumps (11A, 11 B) connectable to a patient (2) by means of an infusion tubing network (12), the method comprising: determining (S11), by the control device (10), an arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12); determining (S12), by the control device (10), at least one physical parameter describing a current status of the infusion tubing network (12); andcalculating (S13), by the control device (10), a property of the infusion tubing network (12) using the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12) and the at least one physical parameter.

14. A method of controlling an infusion system (1) comprising a control device (10) and one or more infusion pumps (11A, 11 B) connectable to a patient (2) by means of an infusion tubing network (12), in particular in accordance with claim 13, the method comprising: receiving (S10), by the control device (10), an information indicative for an arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12) via a user-actuatable interface (101); determining (S11), by the control device (10), the arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12) based on the information received via the interface (101); displaying (S14), by the control device (10), the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12) on a display (100); and operating (S15), by the control device (10), the one or more infusion pumps (11A, 11 B) in accordance with the determined arrangement of the infusion tubing network (12).

15. A computer-readable storage medium (107) storing instructions (108) that, when executed by a control device (10) of an infusion system (1), cause the control device (10) to perform the method of claim 13 or 14.

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