Syringe pump with consumable pumping mechanism

Abstract

A syringe pump is provided with improved accuracy and ability to administer larger fluid volumes. The syringe pump includes a receptacle with a custom form-fitted recess designed to conform to, and to match, the exact shape and dimensions of at least a portion of a syringe barrel and barrel flange of a syringe that is horizontally placed within the receptacle. The custom form-fitted recess operates together with the pump's drive head to secure the syringe in a predetermined aligned position and while the plunger is advanced into the syringe barrel by the drive head. The syringe barrel may be fluidly connected to an infusion set between an upstream check valve fluidly connected to a fluid source, and a downstream check valve fluidly connected to an infusion line. The drive head automatically retracts and advances the plunger, repeatedly, to pump fluid from a fluid source to an infusion line.

Description

SYRINGE PUMP WITH CONSUMABLE PUMPING MECHANISMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure is related generally to a syringe pump for delivery of a fluid infusate.BACKGROUND

[0002] The infusion of medical fluids, such as parenteral fluids, into the human body is accomplished in many cases by means of a syringe pump in which a syringe containing the parenteral fluid is mounted. Syringe pumps typically secure the barrel in a fixed position and utilize a drive head to push or “drive” the plunger into the barrel at a controlled rate to expel the fluid. Accuracy of the syringe pump may be affected by the position and alignment of the drive head, as well as the mechanical interaction between the administration set and the pumping mechanism. Additionally, syringe pumps are typically designed only to delivery small volumes of an infusate.SUMMARY

[0003] A syringe pump is provided with improved accuracy and ability to administer larger fluid volumes. The subject technology provides a syringe pump comprising a receptacle for receiving a syringe, the syringe comprising a syringe barrel, a barrel flange integral with the syringe barrel, and a plunger, the receptacle comprising: a custom form-fitted recess designed to conform to, and to match, the shape and dimensions of at least a portion of the syringe barrel and the barrel flange when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle; and an electrically or mechanically-activated drive head configured to, when activated and the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle, mechanically advance the plunger into the syringe barrel at a controlled rate, while the syringe barrel and barrel flange are held in a fixed position by the custom form-fitted recess, to expel a fluid from the syringe barrel; and a controller configured to: receive a command for the syringe pump to perform a bolus of fluid; and activate the drive head to advance the plunger and expel the fluid from the syringe barrel, wherein drive head and the custom form-fitted recess operate together to secure the syringe in a predetermined aligned position when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle and while the plunger is advanced into the syringe barrel by the drive head. Other aspects includecorresponding methods, systems, and computer program products for implementation of the corresponding syringe pump and its features.

[0004] In seme implementations, the syringe barrel is fluidly connected to an infusion set between an upstream check valve fluidly connected to a fluid source, and a downstream check valve fluidly connected to an infusion line; wherein the controller is further configured to: activate the first syringe pump to automatically retract and advance the plunger of the syringe, repeatedly, according to a pump rate programmed into the syringe pump to produce respective negative and positive pressures within the check valves according to an automatic retracting and advancing of the plunger, whereby a fluid is withdrawn from the fluid source, through the upstream check valve, and into a chamber of a syringe barrel, horizontally placed within the receptacle, during each cycle of the automatic retracting of the plunger, and provided through the downstream check valve and into an infusion line from the chamber during each cycle of the automatic advancing of the plunger.

[0005] It is understood that other configurations of the subject technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] For a better understanding of the various described implementations, reference should be made to the Description below, in conjunction with the following drawings. Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures and description.

[0007] FIG. 1 depicts an example patient care system that includes a syringe pump mounted to a control unit, according to various aspects of the subject technology.

[0008] FIGS. 2 A and 2B depict an example syringe pump infusion device, according to various aspects of the subject technology.

[0009] FIG. 3 depicts an alternative example of the syringe pump of FIG. 2, according to various aspects of the subject technology.

[0010] FIG. 4 depicts the example syringe pump connected to a consumable pumping infusion set, according to various aspects of the subject technology.

[0011] FIG. 5 depicts an example process for providing a syringe pump with a custom form-fitted recess, according to aspects of the subject technology.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example electronic system for operating the disclosed syringe pump with consumable pumping mechanism, according to aspects of the subject technology.DESCRIPTION

[0013] Reference will now be made to implementations, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the various described implementations. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various described implementations may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the implementations.

[0014] The subject technology provides syringe pump with improved accuracy and ability to administer larger fluid volumes. The syringe pump includes a receptacle with a custom formfitted recess designed to conform to, and to match, the exact shape and dimensions of at least a portion of a syringe barrel and barrel flange of a syringe that is horizontally placed within the receptacle. The custom form-fitted recess operates together with the pump’s drive head to secure the syringe in a predetermined aligned position and while the plunger is advanced into the syringe barrel by the drive head. The syringe barrel may be fluidly connected to an infusion set between an upstream check valve fluidly connected to a fluid source, and a downstream check valve fluidly connected to an infusion line. The drive head of the syringe pump automatically retracts and advances the plunger, repeatedly, to pump fluid from a fluid source to an infusion line.

[0015] FIG. 1 depicts an example patient care system 122 that includes a syringe pump 30 mounted to a control unit 14, according to various aspects of the subject technology. According to various implementations, the control unit 14 may provide control and monitoring functionality for the syringe pump 30. In this regard, the control unit may include a display 4 for visually communicating various information, such as the operating parameters of a connected pump and alert indications and alert messages, and control keys 6 for selecting and / or setting control parameters and / or options for controlling connected modules such as syringe pump 30. The control unit 30 may also include a speaker to provide audible alerts. In some implementations, the display 4 may be implemented as a touchscreen display. In such implementations, the control keys 6 may be omitted or reduced in number by providing corresponding interactive elements via a graphical user interface presented via the display 4. In some implementations, each control key 6 may select a corresponding option displayed in display 4.

[0016] The syringe pump 30 can include a control panel 76 providing multiple buttons 78 for control of the pump 26 as well as a display 80 used to present pump-specific information to the operator (see also FIG. 2). The buttons 78 can allow the operator to program the pump 26 for the flow rate, the volume to be infused, and other pump parameters. The display 80 can present the programmed flow rate, the amount of fluid remaining to be infused, as well as alarms and other information.

[0017] The control unit 14 may include a communications system (not shown) with which the control unit 14 may communicate with external equipment such as a medical facility server or other computer and with a portable processor, such as a handheld communication device or a laptop-type of computer, or other information device that a clinician may have to transfer information as well as to download drug libraries to a control unit (such as pump 30 or, e.g., modules of FIG. 4). The communication module may be used to transfer access and interaction information for clinicians encountering the control unit or device coupled therewith (e.g., pump 30 or bar code scanner). The communications system may include one or more of a radio frequency (RF) system, an optical system such as infrared, a BLUETOOTH™ system, or other wired or wireless system. The bar code scanner and communications system may alternatively be included integrally with the infusion pump 30, such as in cases where a control unit is not used, or in addition to one with the control unit 14. Further, information input devices need not be hard-wired to medical instruments, information may be transferred through a wirelessconnection as well. Additionally, other types of modules may be connected to the pump modules or to the control unit such as a syringe pump module, patient controlled analgesic module, end tidal CO2 monitoring module, oximeter monitoring module, or the like.

[0018] In some embodiments, the pressure measurements from the upstream and / or downstream pressure sensors are transmitted to a server or other coordination device, and the methods disclosed herein are implemented on the server or other coordination device. For example, a pressure sensor may be used to determine a pressure or force within the infusion line downstream of the pump (e.g., between the patient and the pump). More sophisticated and computationally intensive approaches like machine-learning can be implemented on a server (or on a control unit with a larger memory and / or CPU resources). In some embodiments, machine learning is used to identify empty conditions based on pressure signals received from the pump.

[0019] FIG. 2 A depicts an example syringe pump 30 infusion device, according to various aspects of the subject technology. While the example syringe pump 30 is shown as a standalone device, the syringe pump may be configured as a functional module of a modular infusion system such as a syringe module for use in the patient care system 122 of FIG. 1.

[0020] When a syringe 101 is loaded in the syringe pump 30, a push button portion 105 (including, e.g., a plunger flange) at the end of a syringe plunger piston 102 is held in or against a plunger drive head 103 by a flange clamp 104. The barrel 106 is secured by a syringe clamp 108. The drive head 103 operates as a pushing surface which pushes against the push button portion 105 of the plunger 102 as the drive head 103 moves forward toward the barrel 106, pushing the plunger piston 102 into the barrel 106 of the syringe to expel the syringe contents through an administration tubing 110 to the patient. While not depicted, the drive head 103 may be connected to a screw drive mechanism, including a motor, for connecting the linear motion of the screw drive mechanism to the syringe plunger in order to empty the syringe. The rate at which the drive head moves may be controlled by the syringe pump 100 based on programmed parameters (e.g., desired rate, type of syringe). In some implementations, the drive head and / or the rate may be controlled externally and / or remotely by a computing device communicating with the syringe pump. As will be described further, the drive head may move in predetermined incremental amounts that together form a total amount to be delivered in a bolus.

[0021] Syringe pumps do not typically experience any upstream pressure conditions because the fluid to be infused is housed in the barrel 106 and is pushed into an administration set 110 by way of the plunger piston 102. Downstream pressure conditions can be detected by a force sensor housed in or upon a pump system 112. In some implementations, a force sensor measures the force exerted by the drive head 103 of the syringe pump on the syringe plunger piston 102.

[0022] In some implementations, the syringe pump 30 may include a high-resolution pressure / force sensor that interfaces with a pressure disc (not shown) on the syringe administration set. The pressure disc provides a relatively large area in contact with the pressure sensor. This allows the pressure sensor to measure the pressure inside the administration set more directly (not through the syringe plunger head) and with higher resolution and higher accuracy compared with the drive head force sensor. The measurements from this pressure sensor and the drive head force sensor can be used independently or in conjunction with each other to detect an empty condition in a syringe pump and / or, as will be described further, to detect when a bolus or bolus sub-cycle is complete.

[0023] As well as operating buttons or switches, which the operator may use to activate and program the syringe pump 100, there is a display screen 114. The display screen 114 may be an LCD (liquid crystal display) having a small number of segments, for example seven segments in a figure-of-eight configuration per character, adapted to display a small number of alphanumeric characters. The display may be monochromatic, for example, it might only display red, green, or grey / black characters. Alternatively, the display 114 can be a more complicated liquid crystal display capable of displaying more characters or more complicated characters. The LCD may be backlit, for example, using light emitting diodes (LEDs). In some implementations, the infusion pump may include a TFT LCD. A TFT is a thin-film transistorbased LCD technology. In some implementations, the display screen 114 is also a touchscreen such as a capacitive touchscreen.

[0024] When programming the syringe pump 30, the user may input the type of syringe being used. The syringe pump 100 may store in an internal memory a database of known syringe types containing information such as syringe diameter and stroke. The infusion pump firmware calculates the position of the syringe plunger and syringe piston based on movement of the syringe drive head and the type and size of the syringe. This allows the machine to display the calculation of volume infused, time elapsed, volume remaining and time remaining.As infusion continues and the drive head moves, these calculations can be updated, and the displayed information changed.

[0025] The syringe pump 30 may be provided with an input interface with controls operable to enter, increase or decrease pumping parameters, such as the mass flow rate setting shown on a display, or the VTBI (volume to be infused) setting shown on the display. In some cases, an input key may be physically present on the device (as depicted) or may be graphically displayed in a touchscreen display 114.

[0026] The syringe pump of the subject technology includes a receptacle 120 for loading (e.g., receiving) the syringe 101. According to various implementations, the receptacle 120 includes a custom form-fitted recess 122 designed to conform , and to correspond, to the shape and dimensions of at least a portion of the syringe barrel 106 and a flange of the barrel 124 (barrel flange) when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle 120 (e.g., within a predetermined tolerance). FIG. 2B depicts the syringe 101 being loaded into the example receptacle 120. In some implementations, the custom form-fitted recess 122 may be formed to exactly match shape and dimension of at least a portion of the syringe 101 when received in the receptacle 120. Some portions of the recess may correspond to but not exactly match a portion of the syringe. This can allow certain areas to have tighter securement than others thereby enabling more precise exercise of control over the movement of certain syringe parts while delivering medication therefrom.

[0027] The custom form-fitted recess 122 is designed to conform to a particular syringe barrel 106 and flange 124. The recess may be molded into the overall syringe pump housing (e.g., using an injection mold process during manufacturing of the housing) to correspond to the exact shape and dimensions of a specific syringe it is intended to secure to the pump 30 (e.g., within a predetermined tolerance). In other words, the custom form-fitted recess 122 may be recessed into a surface of the syringe pump housing. The custom form-fitted recess 122 may be designed with specific contours and recesses to cradle each part of the syringe securely. For example, there may be cutouts for the flange 124, and a slot for the infusion line. In some implementations, there may be spaces for accessories or attachments.

[0028] The custom form -fitted recess 122 is engineered to create a snug and secure fit for the given syringe. The center of the drive head is aligned with the center of the outlet of the form-fitted recess 122 (e.g., where the output of the syringe sits in FIG. 2A). The crest or baseof the curved portion of the recess in which sits the syringe barrel is also centered with the center of the drive head and the center of the outlet. In this regard, the recess 122 facilitates and / or provides proper alignment of the syringe (plunger and barrel) with the drive head 103 to provide a more accurate administration of fluid. The recess also prevents any movement or shifting during administration of the fluid within the syringe, transportation of the pump, as well as reducing the risk of damage to the syringe caused by impacts or vibrations. Moreover, the design of the recess 122 takes into account the ease of access to the syringe. Cutouts, slots, contours, and / or recesses are strategically placed to allow for effortless insertion and removal of the syringe, ensuring that it can be quickly and conveniently inserted, removed, and / or accessed when needed.

[0029] The drive head 103 may be electrically or mechanically-activated, and is configured to, when activated and the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle, mechanically advance (e.g., drive or push) the plunger into the syringe barrel at a controlled rate, while the syringe barrel and barrel flange are held in a fixed position by the custom form-fitted recess 122. According to various implementations, the drive head 103 and the custom form-fitted recess 120 operate together to secure the syringe in a predetermined aligned position when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle and while the plunger is advanced into the syringe barrel by the drive head 103.

[0030] To deliver fluid, a drive mechanism may provide a force to advance the drive head 103. However, during loading of a syringe, the drive head 103 may need to be adjusted to the length of the syringe to be received. In some implementations, the syringe pump 100 may include a disengagement mechanism that includes a latch configured to disengage the drive mechanism and allow the drive head 103 to be freely moved within the custom form-fitted recess. For example, when activated, the drive head 103 may be disengaged from the motor of the syringe pump and allowed to be freely moved within the plunger recess. The release mechanism may include, for example, releasing a clutch or, as another example, separating halves of a nut in a screw drive system. The disengagement mechanism may include, for example, a button or other physical control element to disengage the drive mechanism. In some implementations, a virtual disengagement control element displayed on the display screen may activate the release mechanism. For example, the control element may be presented on a user interface and, once selected, cause the syringe pump 100 to disengage the drive mechanism.

[0031] In some implementations, the control element may be the barrel clamp 108 and releasing the barrel clamp causes disengagement of the drive mechanism. The barrel clamp may be configured to disengage the drive head from the motor of the syringe pump and allow the drive head to be freely moved within the plunger recess when released from the syringe barrel and to engage the drive heat with the motor to constrain the drive head when securing the syringe barrel.

[0032] According to various aspects, the syringe pump 30 includes a controller. The controller provides computerized and programmatic operation of the pump. The controller may include microprocessors and / or other circuitry that is external or internal to the pump (not shown). The controller may be configured to receive various commands, either via a communication interface, a master controller, or via the user interface of the pump. Such command may, for example, include a command for the syringe pump to perform a bolus of fluid or otherwise begin an infusion from the syringe. In this regard, the controller may activate the drive head 103 to advance the plunger 102 and expel a fluid from the syringe barrel 106. As will be described further, the syringe may also be used as a driving mechanism to drive fluid from an external fluid source to the connected infusion line 110.

[0033] In some implementations, as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the receptacle 120 includes a plunger recess 126 integral with the custom form-fitted recess 122. The plunger recess 126 includes inner walls 128 that encompass the drive head 103 and the plunger 102 when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle 120. In such implementations, the drive head is configured to slide within the plunger recess 126, as depicted in FIG. 2. The plunger recess may also include one or more guides 130 for alignment and advancement of the drive head within plunger recess 126. The one or more guides 130 may operate to maintain alignment of the drive head when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle and while the plunger is advanced into the syringe barrel by the drive head. In some implementations, the one or more guides 130 may include the previously described screw drive mechanism or other track mechanism to facilitate movement of the drive head by the motor.

[0034] According to some implementations, as depicted in FIG. 2A, the drive head 103 is configured to conform to or grip a push button portion 105 of the plunger 102 when the syringe 122 is placed horizontally within the receptacle 120 such as to push against the push button portion 105 when the plunger 102 advanced by the drive head 103 (e.g., along the one or moreguides 130). In this regard, the drive head 103 may include a groove 132 for receiving a plunger flange at the push button portion of the plunger, as depicted in FIG. 2A.

[0035] It is understood that the custom form-fitted recess 122 may be various depths in different implementations. In the depicted example, the custom form -fitted recess 122 has a depth of at least a radius of the syringe barrel such that, when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle 120, less than or equal to half of the syringe is exposed above the custom form -fitted recess. The barrel clamp 108 may operably coupled to the surface and adjacent the custom form-fitted recess 122. The barrel clamp may be configured to slide over or clamp onto the syringe barrel while the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle to immovably secure the at least the portion of the syringe barrel and the barrel flange within the custom formfitted recess. A portion of the barrel clamp 108 that faces the syringe when within the receptacle may include an anti-skid material such as rubber, polyvinyl chloride, or similar material with a high coefficient of friction to inhibit unintended movement of the syringe while received and secured. In some implementations, wherein the depth of the recess 122 is the same as a diameter of the barrel, the barrel clamp 108 may include a door that slides horizontally over the barrel 106 (e.g., to cover at least a portion of the barrel) when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle 120.

[0036] In some implementations, the syringe pump 30 includes an alignment sensor configured to detect whether the syringe 101 is in the previously described predetermined aligned position when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle 120. In this regard, the controller may be configured to display on a display (e.g., display 4 and / or 114) a notification concerning the alignment of the syringe when the syringe is not in the predetermined aligned position when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle 120.

[0037] As depicted in FIG. 1, the syringe pump 30 can be mounted to a control unit 14, together forming a modular patient care system. The control unit may perform various functions for the pump such as programming and communications. Control elements and functions can be included with and performed, at least in part, by the control unit 14. In addition to the syringe pump 30 mounted to the control unit 14, other modules, such as those providing patient monitoring or therapies, can also form part of the patient care system. The control unit 14 can provide a centralized interface for the various attached modules. One or more syringe pumps can be mounted to the control unit 14 and / or each other.

[0038] FIG. 3 depicts an alternative example of the syringe pump 30 of FIG. 2, according to various aspects of the subject technology. In the depicted example, the receptacle 120 and custom form-fitted recess 122 have a shorter profile (e.g., length with respect to a syringe). That is, when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle, the receptacle and the custom form-fitted recess terminates before an end portion of the syringe barrel, such that the end portion is exposed above the syringe pump adjacent to the receptacle. In this regard, the output of the syringe through which the fluid is expelled is exposed.

[0039] In some implementations, the syringe pump 30 may perform electro-mechanical measurements on the loaded syringe to identify certain characteristics about the loaded container. For example, a syringe pump may include a sensor that measures the length of the syringe inserted into the pump, for example, wherein the receptacle 120 and recess 120 terminates before an end portion of the syringe barrel. Based on the measurements made by the pump, the pump may determine a list of possible candidate syringes. The device may then request confirmation via the display (on a display 4 and / or 114) whether the container is within that list. During the infusion, volume infused and / or flow rate may be calculated based on the syringe type (e.g., based on the size of the barrel).

[0040] FIG. 4 depicts the example syringe pump 30 connected to a consumable pumping infusion set, according to various aspects of the subject technology. According to various implementations, the syringe pump 30 may be connected to a specialized administration set 402 containing two single direction flow valves 404a, 404b and a coupler 406 (e.g., a syringe luer coupler) to connect to the end of the syringe. The specialized administration set 402, together with specific programmed operation of the pump, allows the syringe 30 to pump infusate (e.g., fluid such as saline or a medication) continuously to the patient from a fluid source 408.

[0041] In the depicted example, the syringe barrel 106 is fluidly connected to an infusion set 402 between an upstream flow valve 404a (e.g., a single direction check valve) fluidly connected to a fluid source 408, and a downstream flow valve 404b (e.g., a single direction check valve) fluidly connected to an infusion line 110. In some implementations, a drip chamber 410 may be inserted between the fluid source 408 and the infusion set 402.

[0042] According to various implementations, the pump controller is configured to activate the syringe pump 30 to automatically retract and advance the plunger 102 of the syringe 101,repeatedly, according to a pump rate programmed into the syringe pump 30 (e.g., in a memory of the controller) to produce respective negative and positive pressures within the flow valves 404a, 404b according to an automatic retracting and driving of the plunger 102.

[0043] During operation, the syringe may be filled by pulling in upstream infusate during the upstroke while the downstream valve 404b prevents backflow. As the syringe empties on the downstroke, infusate is pushed downstream to the patient and the upstream valve 404a prevents infusate from returning to the IV bag or source container 408. In this manner, the fluid infusate is withdrawn from the fluid source 408, through the upstream valve 404a, and into a chamber of the syringe barrel 106 (horizontally placed within the receptacle) during each cycle of the automatic retracting of the plunger 102 (by the drive head), and provided through the downstream valve 404b and into the intravenous transfusion line 110 from the chamber during each cycle of the automatic advancing of the plunger 102.

[0044] The syringe 101 may be cycled repeatedly until the desired volume of infusate is delivered. The rate and duration of the infusion is controlled via the connected digital display (e.g., display 4 or 114) which serves as the interface with the infusion pump 30.

[0045] In the depicted implementation, the system includes a single syringe pump 30 as the pumping mechanism. In some implementations, the system may leverage two or more syringe pumps 30 to establish a more uniform pressure profile. Each syringe pump 30 could be designed to be horizontally or vertically oriented, or in a modular configuration as depicted in FIG. 1. Additionally, the specialized administration set 402 could include a single device, or it could include an adapter that connects the syringe to other upstream and downstream administrations sets.

[0046] Current large volume infusion devices rely on mechanical interactions between the administration set and a pumping mechanism to control the flow rate of the infusate to the patient. Such devices are complex, costly, and generally aren't as accurate as syringe pumps. While syringe pumps are designed to deliver small volumes (e.g., the volume of the syringe), the repeated cyclical pumping of the syringe pump allows the disclosed system to operate more accurately than traditional large volume infusion devices.

[0047] FIG. 5 depicts an example process 500 for providing a syringe pump with a custom form-fitted recess, according to aspects of the subject technology. For explanatory purposes, the various blocks of example process 500 are described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-4,and the components and / or processes described herein. The blocks of example process 500 need not be performed in the order shown and / or one or more of the blocks of example process 500 need not be performed.

[0048] The depicted process includes providing a syringe receptacle, for a syringe pump, with a custom form-fitted recess formed (e.g., molded) within a housing of the syringe pump (502). The recess is designed to conform, and to correspond, to the shape and dimensions of at least a portion of a syringe barrel and a barrel flange when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle. In some implementations, the custom form-fitted recess may be formed to exactly match shape and dimension of at least a portion of the syringe when received in the receptacle. Some portions of the recess may correspond to but not exactly match a portion of the syringe. This can allow certain areas to have tighter securement than others thereby enabling more precise exercise of control over the movement of certain syringe parts while delivering medication therefrom.

[0049] The depicted process further includes providing an electrically or mechanically- activated drive head within or proximate to the receptacle (504). In this manner, the drive head may be configured to, when activated and the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle, mechanically advance the plunger into the syringe barrel at a controlled rate, while the syringe barrel and barrel flange are held in a fixed position by the custom form-fitted recess, to expel a fluid from the syringe barrel.

[0050] The depicted process further includes providing a controller configured to operate the syringe pump, including the drive head (506). The controller, may be configured to, for example, receive a command for the syringe pump to perform a bolus of fluid and activate the drive head to advance the plunger and expel the fluid from the syringe barrel. As described previously, the drive head and the custom form-fitted recess operate together to secure the syringe in a predetermined aligned position when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle and while the plunger is advanced into the syringe barrel by the drive head.

[0051] In some implementations, the process includes providing a plunger recess integral with the custom form-fitted recess and comprising inner walls that encompass the drive head and the plunger when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle (508), wherein the drive head is configured to slide within the plunger recess.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example electronic system 600 for operating the disclosed syringe pump with consumable pumping mechanism, according to aspects of the subject technology. Electronic system 600 may be a computing device for execution of software associated with operating the syringe pump 30, or components and methods provided by FIGS. 1-5, including but not limited to computing hardware within syringe pump 30, control unit 14, and / or any computing devices or associated terminals associated with the syringe pump 30 and / or associated control unit or controller to control and / or operate the same. In some implementations, electronic system 600 may be a personal computer or a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop, PDA, an augmented reality device, a wearable such as a watch or band or glasses, or combination thereof, or other touch screen or television with one or more processors embedded therein or coupled thereto, or any other sort of computer-related electronic device having network connectivity.

[0053] Electronic system 600 may include various types of computer readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer readable media. In the depicted example, electronic system 600 includes a bus 608, processing unit(s) 612, a system memory 604, a readonly memory (ROM) 610, a permanent storage device 602, an input device interface 614, an output device interface 606, and one or more network interfaces 616. In some implementations, electronic system 600 may include or be integrated with other computing devices or circuitry for operation of the various components and methods previously described.

[0054] Bus 608 collectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipset buses that communicatively connect the numerous internal devices of electronic system 600. For instance, bus 408 communicatively connects processing unit(s) 612 with ROM 610, system memory 604, and permanent storage device 602.

[0055] From these various memory units, processing unit(s) 612 retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of the subject disclosure. The processing unit(s) can be a single processor or a multi-core processor in different implementations.

[0056] ROM 610 stores static data and instructions that are needed by processing unit(s) 612 and other modules of the electronic system. Permanent storage device 602, on the other hand, is a read-and-write memory device. This device is a non-volatile memory unit that storesinstructions and data even when electronic system 600 is off. Some implementations of the subject disclosure use a mass-storage device (such as a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding disk drive) as permanent storage device 602.

[0057] Other implementations use a removable storage device (such as a floppy disk, flash drive, and its corresponding disk drive) as permanent storage device 602. Like permanent storage device 602, system memory 604 is a read-and-write memory device. However, unlike storage device 602, system memory 604 is a volatile read-and-write memory, such a random access memory. System memory 604 stores some of the instructions and data that the processor needs at runtime. In some implementations, the processes of the subject disclosure are stored in system memory 604, permanent storage device 602, and / or ROM 610. From these various memory units, processing unit(s) 612 retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of some implementations.

[0058] Bus 608 also connects to input and output device interfaces 614 and 606. Input device interface 614 enables the user to communicate information and select commands to the electronic system. Input devices used with input device interface 614 include, e.g., alphanumeric keyboards and pointing devices (also called “cursor control devices”). Output device interfaces 606 enables, e.g., the display of images generated by the electronic system 600. Output devices used with output device interface 606 include, e.g., printers and display devices, such as cathode ray tubes (CRT) or liquid crystal displays (LCD). Some implementations include devices such as a touchscreen that functions as both input and output devices.

[0059] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, bus 608 also couples electronic system 600 to a network (not shown) through network interfaces 616. Network interfaces 616 may include, e.g., a wireless access point (e.g., Bluetooth or WiFi) or radio circuitry for connecting to a wireless access point. Network interfaces 616 may also include hardware (e.g., Ethernet hardware) for connecting the computer to a part of a network of computers such as a local area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), wireless LAN, or an Intranet, or a network of networks, such as the Internet. Any or all components of electronic system 600 can be used in conjunction with the subject disclosure.

[0060] These functions described above can be implemented in computer software, firmware or hardware. The techniques can be implemented using one or more computerprogram products. Programmable processors and computers can be included in or packaged as mobile devices. The processes and logic flows can be performed by one or more programmable processors and by one or more programmable logic circuitry. General and special purpose computing devices and storage devices can be interconnected through communication networks.

[0061] Some implementations include electronic components, such as microprocessors, storage and memory that store computer program instructions in a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (also referred to as computer-readable storage media, machine- readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Some examples of such computer- readable media include RAM, ROM, read-only compact discs (CD-ROM), recordable compact discs (CD-R), rewritable compact discs (CD-RW), read-only digital versatile discs (e.g., DVD- ROM, dual-layer DVD-ROM), a variety of recordable / rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD cards, mini-SD cards, micro-SD cards, etc.), magnetic and / or solid state hard drives, read-only and recordable Blu-Ray® discs, ultra density optical discs, any other optical or magnetic media, and floppy disks. The computer- readable media can store a computer program that is executable by at least one processing unit and includes sets of instructions for performing various operations. Examples of computer programs or computer code include machine code, such as is produced by a compiler, and files including higher-level code that are executed by a computer, an electronic component, or a microprocessor using an interpreter.

[0062] While the above discussion primarily refers to microprocessor or multi-core processors that execute software, some implementations are performed by one or more integrated circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some implementations, such integrated circuits execute instructions that are stored on the circuit itself.

[0063] As used in this specification and any claims of this application, the terms “computer”, “server”, “processor”, and “memory” all refer to electronic or other technological devices. These terms exclude people or groups of people. For the purposes of the specification, the terms display or displaying means displaying on an electronic device. As used in this specification and any claims of this application, the terms “computer readable medium” and “computer readable media” are entirely restricted to tangible, physical objects that storeinformation in a form that is readable by a computer. These terms exclude any wireless signals, wired download signals, and any other ephemeral signals.

[0064] To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; e.g., feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is used by the user; e.g., by sending web pages to a web browser on a user’s client device in response to requests received from the web browser.

[0065] Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), an internetwork (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

[0066] The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and may interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. In some embodiments, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a client device (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving user input from a user interacting with the client device). Data generated at the client device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can be received from the client device at the server.

[0067] Those of skill in the art would appreciate that the various illustrative blocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms described herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative blocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. The described functionality may be implemented in varying ways for each particular application. Various components and blocks may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or partitioned in a different way) all without departing from the scope of the subject technology.

[0068] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0069] Illustration of Subject Technology as Clauses:

[0070] Various examples of aspects of the disclosure are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples, and do not limit the subject technology. Identifications of the figures and reference numbers are provided below merely as examples and for illustrative purposes, and the clauses are not limited by those identification

[0071] Clause 1. A syringe pump, comprising: a receptacle for receiving a syringe, the syringe comprising a syringe barrel, a barrel flange integral with the syringe barrel, and a plunger, the receptacle comprising: a custom form-fitted recess designed to conform to, and to match, the exact shape and dimensions of at least a portion of the syringe barrel and the barrel flange when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle; and an electrically or mechanically-activated drive head configured to, when activated and the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle, mechanically advance the plunger into the syringe barrel at a controlled rate, while the syringe barrel and barrel flange are held in a fixedposition by the custom form-fitted recess, to expel a fluid from the syringe barrel; and a controller configured to: receive a command for the syringe pump to perform a bolus of fluid; and activate the drive head to advance the plunger and expel the fluid from the syringe barrel, wherein drive head and the custom form-fitted recess operate together to secure the syringe in a predetermined aligned position when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle and while the plunger is advanced into the syringe barrel by the drive head.

[0072] Clause 2. The syringe pump of Clause 1, wherein the receptacle further comprises: a plunger recess integral with the custom form-fitted recess and comprising inner walls that encompass the drive head and the plunger when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle, wherein the drive head is configured to slide within the plunger recess.

[0073] Clause 3. The syringe pump of Clause 2, wherein the plunger recess comprises one or more guides for alignment and advancement of the drive head within plunger recess, wherein the drive head is configured to conform to or grip a push button portion of the plunger when the syringe is placed horizontally within the receptacle such as to push against the push button portion when advanced alone the one or more guides, wherein the one or more guides operate to maintain alignment of the drive head when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle and while the plunger is advanced into the syringe barrel by the drive head.

[0074] Clause 4. The syringe pump of Clause 3, wherein the drive head comprises a groove for receiving a plunger flange at the push button portion of the plunger.

[0075] Clause 5. The syringe pump of Clause 2, further comprising a disengagement mechanism configured to, when activated, disengage the drive head from a motor of the syringe pump and allow the drive head to be freely moved within the plunger recess.

[0076] Clause 6. The syringe pump of Clause 5, further comprising a button configured to activate the disengagement mechanism.

[0077] Clause 7. The syringe pump of Clause 1, further comprising: an alignment sensor configured to detect whether the syringe is in the predetermined aligned position when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle, wherein the controller is further configured to: display on a display a notification concerning the alignment of the syringewhen the syringe is not in the predetermined aligned position when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle.

[0078] Clause 8. The syringe pump of Clause 1, further comprising: a display screen positioned parallel to the custom form-fitted recess and parallel to the syringe when the syringe is placed horizontally within the receptacle.

[0079] Clause 9. The syringe pump of Clause 1, wherein the custom form-fitted recess has a depth of at least a radius of the syringe barrel such that, when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle, less than or equal to half of the syringe is exposed above the custom form-fitted recess.

[0080] Clause 10. The syringe pump of Clause 9, wherein the custom form-fitted recess is recessed into a surface of the syringe pump, the syringe pump further comprising: a barrel clamp operably coupled to the surface and adjacent the custom form -fitted recess, the barrel clamp configured to slide over or clamp onto at least a portion of the syringe barrel while the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle to immovably secure the syringe barrel and the barrel flange within the custom form-fitted recess.

[0081] Clause 11. The syringe pump of Clause 10, wherein a portion of the barrel clamp that slides over or clamps onto the syringe barrel includes an anti-skid material.

[0082] Clause 12. The syringe pump of Clause 10, wherein the barrel clamp is configured to disengage the drive head from a motor of the syringe pump and allow the drive head to be freely moved within the plunger recess when released from the syringe barrel and to engage the drive heat with the motor to constrain the drive head when securing the syringe barrel.

[0083] Clause 13. The syringe pump of Clause 1, wherein the syringe barrel is fluidly connected to an infusion set between an upstream check valve fluidly connected to a fluid source, and a downstream check valve fluidly connected to an infusion line; wherein the controller is further configured to: activate the first syringe pump to automatically retract and advance the plunger of the syringe, repeatedly, according to a pump rate programmed into the syringe pump to produce respective negative and positive pressures within the check valves according to an automatic retracting and advancing of the plunger, whereby a fluid is withdrawn from the fluid source, through the upstream check valve, and into a chamber of asyringe barrel, horizontally placed within the receptacle, during each cycle of the automatic retracting of the plunger, and provided through the downstream check valve and into an infusion line from the chamber during each cycle of the automatic advancing of the plunger.

[0084] Clause 14. The syringe pump of Clause 1, wherein, when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle, the receptacle and the custom form-fitted recess terminates before an end portion of the syringe barrel comprising an output through which the fluid is expelled, such that the end portion is exposed above the syringe pump adjacent to the receptacle.

[0085] Clause 15. An infusion system, comprising: the syringe pump of any one of Clauses 1-14; and a control unit comprising a display and configured to communicate with the syringe pump and to display operational parameters associated with the syringe pump on the display.

[0086] Clause 16. The infusion system of Clause 15, wherein the syringe pump is a module removably coupled to the control unit.

[0087] Further Consideration:

[0088] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0089] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The previous description provides various examples of the subj ect technology, and the subj ect technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine(e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention described herein.

[0090] The predicate words “configured to”, “operable to”, and “programmed to” do not imply any particular tangible or intangible modification of a subject, but, rather, are intended to be used interchangeably. For example, a processor configured to monitor and control an operation or a component may also mean the processor being programmed to monitor and control the operation or the processor being operable to monitor and control the operation. Likewise, a processor configured to execute code can be construed as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code.

[0091] The term automatic, as used herein, may include performance by a computer or machine without user intervention; for example, by instructions responsive to a predicate action by the computer or machine or other initiation mechanism. The word “example” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

[0092] A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as an “embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an “embodiment” may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as a “configuration” may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

[0093] As used herein a “user interface” (also referred to as an interactive user interface, a graphical user interface or a UI) may refer to a network based interface including data fields and / or other control elements for receiving input signals or providing electronic information and / or for providing information to the user in response to any received input signals. Control elements may include dials, buttons, icons, selectable areas, or other perceivable indicia presented via the UI that, when interacted with (e.g., clicked, touched, selected, etc.), initiates an exchange of data for the device presenting the UI. A UI may be implemented in whole or in part using technologies such as hyper-text mark-up language (HTML), FLASH™, JAVA™, .NET™, C, C++, web services, or rich site summary (RSS). In some embodiments, a UI may be included in a stand-alone client (for example, thick client, fat client) configured to communicate (e.g., send or receive data) in accordance with one or more of the aspects described. The communication may be to or from a medical device or server in communication therewith.

[0094] As used herein, the terms “determine” or “determining” encompass a wide variety of actions. For example, “determining” may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, generating, obtaining, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like via a hardware element without user intervention. Also, “determining” may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory) and the like via a hardware element without user intervention. “Determining” may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like via a hardware element without user intervention.

[0095] As used herein, the terms “provide” or “providing” encompass a wide variety of actions. For example, “providing” may include storing a value in a location of a storage device for subsequent retrieval, transmitting a value directly to the recipient via at least one wired or wireless communication medium, transmitting or storing a reference to a value, and the like. “Providing” may also include encoding, decoding, encrypting, decrypting, validating, verifying, and the like via a hardware element.

[0096] As used herein, the term “message” encompasses a wide variety of formats for communicating (e.g., transmitting or receiving) information. A message may include a machine readable aggregation of information such as an XML document, fixed field message, comma separated message, JSON, a custom protocol, or the like. A message may, in some implementations, include a signal utilized to transmit one or more representations of theinformation. While recited in the singular, it will be understood that a message may be composed, transmitted, stored, received, etc. in multiple parts.

[0097] As used herein, the term “selectively” or “selective” may encompass a wide variety of actions. For example, a “selective” process may include determining one option from multiple options. A “selective” process may include one or more of: dynamically determined inputs, preconfigured inputs, or user-initiated inputs for making the determination. In some implementations, an n-input switch may be included to provide selective functionality where n is the number of inputs used to make the selection.

[0098] As user herein, the terms “correspond” or “corresponding” encompasses a structural, functional, quantitative and / or qualitative correlation or relationship between two or more objects, data sets, information and / or the like, preferably where the correspondence or relationship may be used to translate one or more of the two or more objects, data sets, information and / or the like so to appear to be the same or equal. Correspondence may be assessed using one or more of a threshold, a value range, fuzzy logic, pattern matching, a machine learning assessment model, or combinations thereof.

[0099] In any embodiment, data generated or detected can be forwarded to a “remote” device or location, where “remote,” means a location or device other than the location or device at which the program is executed. For example, a remote location could be another location (e.g., office, lab, etc.) in the same city, another location in a different city, another location in a different state, another location in a different country, etc. As such, when one item is indicated as being “remote” from another, what is meant is that the two items can be in the same room but separated, or at least in different rooms or different buildings, and can be at least one mile, ten miles, or at least one hundred miles apart. “Communicating” information references transmitting the data representing that information as electrical signals over a suitable communication channel (e.g., a private or public network). “Forwarding” an item refers to any means of getting that item from one location to the next, whether by physically transporting that item or otherwise (where that is possible) and includes, at least in the case of data, physically transporting a medium carrying the data or communicating the data. Examples of communicating media include radio or infra-red transmission channels as well as a network connection to another computer or networked device, and the internet or including email transmissions and information recorded on websites and the like.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A syringe pump, comprising: a receptacle for receiving a syringe, the syringe comprising a syringe barrel, a barrel flange integral with the syringe barrel, and a plunger, the receptacle comprising: a custom form-fitted recess designed to conform to, and to match, the shape and dimensions of at least a portion of the syringe barrel and the barrel flange when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle; and an electrically or mechanically-activated drive head configured to, when activated and the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle, mechanically advance the plunger into the syringe barrel at a controlled rate, while the syringe barrel and barrel flange are held in a fixed position by the custom form-fitted recess, to expel a fluid from the syringe barrel; and a controller configured to: receive a command for the syringe pump to perform a bolus of fluid; and activate the drive head to advance the plunger and expel the fluid from the syringe barrel, wherein drive head and the custom form-fitted recess operate together to secure the syringe in a predetermined aligned position when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle and while the plunger is advanced into the syringe barrel by the drive head.

2. The syringe pump of Claim 1, wherein the receptacle further comprises: a plunger recess integral with the custom form-fitted recess and comprising inner walls that encompass the drive head and the plunger when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle, wherein the drive head is configured to slide within the plunger recess.

3. The syringe pump of Claim 2, wherein the plunger recess comprises one or more guides for alignment and advancement of the drive head within plunger recess, wherein the drive head is configured to conform to or grip a push button portion of the plunger when the syringe is placed horizontally within the receptacle such as to push against the push button portion when advanced alone the one or more guides,wherein the one or more guides operate to maintain alignment of the drive head when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle and while the plunger is advanced into the syringe barrel by the drive head.

4. The syringe pump of Claim 3, wherein the drive head comprises a groove for receiving a plunger flange at the push button portion of the plunger.

5. The syringe pump of Claim 2, further comprising a disengagement mechanism configured to, when activated, disengage the drive head from a motor of the syringe pump and allow the drive head to be freely moved within the plunger recess.

6. The syringe pump of Claim 5, further comprising a button configured to activate the disengagement mechanism.

7. The syringe pump of Claim 1, further comprising: an alignment sensor configured to detect whether the syringe is in the predetermined aligned position when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle, wherein the controller is further configured to: display on a display a notification concerning the alignment of the syringe when the syringe is not in the predetermined aligned position when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle.

8. The syringe pump of Claim 1, further comprising: a display screen positioned parallel to the custom form-fitted recess and parallel to the syringe when the syringe is placed horizontally within the receptacle.

9. The syringe pump of Claim 1, wherein the custom form-fitted recess has a depth of at least a radius of the syringe barrel such that, when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle, less than or equal to half of the syringe is exposed above the custom form-fitted recess.

10. The syringe pump of Claim 9, wherein the custom form-fitted recess is recessed into a surface of the syringe pump, the syringe pump further comprising:a barrel clamp operably coupled to the surface and adjacent the custom form -fitted recess, the barrel clamp configured to slide over or clamp onto at least a portion of the syringe barrel while the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle to immovably secure the syringe barrel and the barrel flange within the custom form-fitted recess.

11. The syringe pump of Claim 10, wherein a portion of the barrel clamp that slides over or clamps onto the syringe barrel includes an anti-skid material.

12. The syringe pump of Claim 10, wherein the barrel clamp is configured to disengage the drive head from a motor of the syringe pump and allow the drive head to be freely moved within the plunger recess when released from the syringe barrel and to engage the drive heat with the motor to constrain the drive head when securing the syringe barrel.

13. The syringe pump of Claim 1, wherein the syringe barrel is fluidly connected to an infusion set between an upstream check valve fluidly connected to a fluid source, and a downstream check valve fluidly connected to an infusion line; wherein the controller is further configured to: activate the first syringe pump to automatically retract and advance the plunger of the syringe, repeatedly, according to a pump rate programmed into the syringe pump to produce respective negative and positive pressures within the check valves according to an automatic retracting and advancing of the plunger, whereby a fluid is withdrawn from the fluid source, through the upstream check valve, and into a chamber of a syringe barrel, horizontally placed within the receptacle, during each cycle of the automatic retracting of the plunger, and provided through the downstream check valve and into an infusion line from the chamber during each cycle of the automatic advancing of the plunger.

14. The syringe pump of Claim 1, wherein, when the syringe is horizontally placed within the receptacle, the receptacle and the custom form-fitted recess terminates before an end portion of the syringe barrel comprising an output through which the fluid is expelled, such that the end portion is exposed above the syringe pump adjacent to the receptacle.

15. An infusion system, comprising: the syringe pump of any one of Claims 1-14; and a control unit comprising a display and configured to communicate with the syringe pump and to display operational parameters associated with the syringe pump on the display.

16. The infusion system of Claim 15, wherein the syringe pump is a module removably coupled to the control unit.

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