Pump, system, and method

Abstract

This pump feeds a liquid to a living body. The pump comprises a drive unit that drives the liquid feed, a communication unit that communicates with an external information terminal, a control unit that controls the drive unit, a first sensor that detects a condition of the pump, and a notification unit that outputs an alarm for providing notification of an abnormality in the pump. A range that includes the value of the first sensor includes a normal range that includes the value of the first sensor when the pump is in a normal condition, a first range that is different from the normal range, and a second range that is closer to the normal range than the first range. When the value of the first sensor is within the first range, the control unit outputs an alarm, and when the value of the first sensor is within the second range, the control unit sets the pump to a standby condition and transmits, to an information terminal, information that the pump is in the standby condition.

Description

Pumps, systems and methods

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to pumps, systems and methods, and more particularly to techniques for monitoring the condition of pumps.

[0002] Pumps such as syringe pumps and infusion pumps are known as devices for administering liquids such as medicinal solutions and blood to patients. These pumps use technology that outputs an alarm if an abnormality occurs, such as a tube being bent and becoming blocked, or air bubbles being generated, during the delivery of the liquid. For example, the syringe pump disclosed in JP-A-2007-528236 (Patent Document 1) is configured to sound an alarm to notify of blockage.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2007-528236

[0004] However, with conventional pumps, if an abnormality occurs in the pump, an alarm is immediately output, and a nurse may be required to take immediate action even if they are busy with other tasks.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a system that can take action before an alarm indicating a pump abnormality is output.

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a pump that delivers liquid to a living organism. The pump includes a drive unit that drives the delivery of the liquid, a communication unit that communicates with an external information terminal, a control unit that controls the drive unit, a first sensor that detects the state of the pump, and an alarm unit that outputs an alarm to notify the user of an abnormality in the pump. The ranges that include the value of the first sensor include a normal range that includes the value of the first sensor when the pump is in a normal state, a first range that differs from the normal range, and a second range that is closer to the normal range than the first range. The control unit outputs an alarm when the value of the first sensor is within the first range, and when the value of the first sensor is within the second range, puts the pump into a standby state and transmits information that the pump is in a standby state to the information terminal.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring the status of a pump that delivers liquid to a living organism. The pump includes a drive unit that drives the delivery of the liquid, a communication unit that communicates with an external information terminal, a control unit that controls the drive unit, a first sensor that detects the status of the pump, and an alarm unit that outputs an alarm to notify of an abnormality in the pump. The ranges that include the value of the first sensor include a normal range that includes the value of the first sensor when the pump is in a normal state, a first range that is different from the normal range, and a second range that is closer to the normal range than the first range. The method includes the steps of: outputting an alarm when the value of the first sensor is within the first range; and putting the pump into a standby state and transmitting information that the pump is in the standby state to the information terminal when the value of the first sensor is within the second range.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a system that can take action before an alarm indicating a pump abnormality is output.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a system including a pump and an information terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a door of a pump according to an embodiment is open. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a pump according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process for monitoring the status of a pump according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for monitoring the status of a pump according to a first modified example. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a monitoring process by a sensor that includes a process for outputting an alarm without going through a standby state according to a second modified example. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the process for each sensor mounted on an infusion pump according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the process for each sensor mounted on a syringe pump according to an embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Furthermore, in the embodiments described below, when numbers, quantities, etc. are mentioned, the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to those numbers, quantities, etc., unless otherwise specified.

[0011] <Overall System Configuration> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a system 100 according to an embodiment, which includes a pump 1 and a terminal 2. The system 100 is used by a user who uses the pump 1 to deliver fluid to a living body AN1, such as a patient. The user may be, for example, a medical professional such as a nurse or a doctor.

[0012] The pump 1 is a pump that delivers a liquid to the living body AN1. More specifically, the pump 1 delivers a liquid, such as a medicinal solution or blood, stored in the bottle Bt1 to the living body AN1 at a constant flow rate. In one embodiment, the pump 1 is an infusion pump. Infusion pumps are often used, for example, for general infusions in hospital wards, etc. An embodiment in which the pump 1 is a syringe pump will be described later. Syringe pumps are often used, for example, for more precise infusions in intensive care units, operating rooms, etc.

[0013] The pump 1 includes a door portion 80 and a housing 52. As will be described later, the door portion 80 is configured to be able to be opened and closed from the housing 52, and Fig. 1 shows the pump 1 when the door portion 80 is in a closed state.

[0014] In the following description, the direction along the long side of the front surface Sf1 of the door section 80 is referred to as the "Z-axis direction," the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and along the short side of the front surface Sf1 is referred to as the "X-axis direction," and the direction perpendicular to both the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is referred to as the "Y-axis direction." In the following, the positive direction of the Z-axis in each drawing may be referred to as the upper side, and the negative direction may be referred to as the lower side.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the pump 1 delivers liquid stored in the bottle Bt1 to the living body AN1 via the tube T1. The tube T1 is hollow inside. The liquid in the bottle Bt1 passes through the hollow portion of the tube T1 and is delivered to the living body AN1 via the pump 1. In other words, the tube T1 constitutes an infusion line L from the bottle Bt1 to the living body AN1.

[0016] In the infusion line L, the pump 1 is disposed between the bottle Bt1 and the living body AN1. Hereinafter, the direction in the infusion line L when looking at the bottle Bt1 from the pump 1 will be referred to as the "upstream direction." Also, in the infusion line L, the direction in the infusion line L when looking at the living body AN1 from the pump 1 will be referred to as the "downstream direction."

[0017] The pump 1 includes a sensor 7, an alarm unit 15, and an input unit 16. The sensor 7 detects the status of the pump 1. More specifically, the sensor 7 detects problems such as abnormalities and malfunctions of the pump 1. The sensor 7 is, for example, an air bubble sensor 7A that detects air bubbles in the tube T1, an upstream occlusion sensor 7B1 and a downstream occlusion sensor 7B2 that detect occlusions in the tube T1, an impact sensor 7C that detects an impact to the pump 1, and / or a door sensor 7D that detects the opening and closing of a door (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The air bubble sensor 7A, the upstream occlusion sensor 7B1, and the downstream occlusion sensor 7B2 each correspond to an example of a "first sensor." The impact sensor 7C and the door sensor 7D each correspond to an example of a "second sensor." Each of the sensors will be described in detail below.

[0018] The notification unit 15 notifies the outside of the system of information. For example, the notification unit 15 outputs an alarm to notify the user of an abnormality in the pump. The notification unit 15 includes, for example, a display 151, a speaker 152, and / or a lamp 153.

[0019] The input unit 16 accepts external input. The input unit 16 includes, for example, a start button 161, a stop button 162, an adjustment button 163, an alarm reset button 164, and a standby release button 165. The start button 161, when pressed, starts the pump 1 from delivering fluid. The stop button 162 stops the pump 1 from delivering fluid. The adjustment button 163 adjusts the flow rate of the delivered fluid. The alarm reset button 164 is used to cancel an alarm. For example, the alarm reset button 164 is pressed by a user after the user has resolved an abnormality in the pump 1, thereby stopping the alarm. The standby release button 165 is used to cancel a standby state. For example, the standby release button 165 is pressed by a user in a standby state after the user has resolved a malfunction of the pump 1, thereby canceling the standby state and starting normal fluid delivery. The input unit 16 may include a touch panel overlaid on the display 151, and each of the start button 161, the stop button 162, the adjustment button 163, the alarm cancel button 164, and the standby cancel button 165 may be a physical button or a software button configured on the touch panel. The alarm cancel button 164 and the standby cancel button 165 may be the same button, and may be configured to cancel the alarm when pressed during alarm output, and to cancel the standby state when pressed during standby.

[0020] In one embodiment, the alarm unit 15 and the input unit 16 are provided on the front surface Sf1 of the door unit 80. This configuration makes it easy for the patient and / or user to recognize the alarm and to cancel the alarm and / or standby state as necessary.

[0021] Terminal 2 corresponds to one example of an "information terminal" that communicates with pump 1. In one example, terminal 2 is a general-purpose information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet that is carried by a user, or an information terminal specialized for medical care. In another example, terminal 2 is a display device installed in a location that can be seen by a user, such as a nurse's station.

[0022] The terminal 2 typically communicates wirelessly with the pump 1. This makes it easy to continue communication from the pump 1 to the terminal 2 even if the pump 1 and / or the terminal 2 are moved.

[0023] Although the terminal 2 can be configured to receive communications from a single pump 1, it typically receives communications from multiple pumps 1. This configuration makes it easy for one user to simultaneously monitor the status of multiple pumps 1. Alternatively, multiple terminals 2 may be configured to receive communications from the same pump 1. This makes it easy for multiple users to cooperate and monitor the status of multiple pumps 1.

[0024] The terminal 2 includes an alarm unit 25 and an input unit 26. The alarm unit 25 notifies the user of information. For example, when the alarm unit 25 receives information that the pump 1 is in a standby state, the alarm unit 25 notifies the user that the pump 1 is in a standby state (details will be described later). The alarm unit 25 includes, for example, a display 251 and / or a speaker 152. The terminal 2 may include a lamp 253 that indicates the state of the pump 1 (for example, an abnormal state, a standby state).

[0025] The input unit 26 receives input from the user and includes, for example, a touch panel 261 disposed over the display 251 and buttons 262 independent of the display 251.

[0026] <Detailed Configuration of Pump and Sensor> Next, the detailed configuration of the pump and sensor will be described with reference to FIG.

[0027] Fig. 2 is a view of the pump 1 as viewed from the positive side of the Y axis when the door 80 is in an open state. Fig. 2 shows the pump 1 with the door 80 in an open state and the housing 52. The housing 52 and the door 80 are connected by a hinge 81.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows the back surface Sf2 of the door unit 80. The back surface Sf2 and the front surface Sf1 are back to back. FIG. 2 shows the front surface Sf3 of the housing. The door unit 80 opens and closes around a point where it is fixed by a hinge 81. When the door unit 80 is in the open state, both the back surface Sf2 and the front surface Sf1 are exposed on the positive side of the Y axis. When the door unit 80 is in the closed state, the back surface Sf2 and the front surface Sf1 face each other.

[0029] The front surface Sf3 is formed with a tube mounting portion 57 for vertically storing a tube constituting the infusion line L. The tube mounting portion 57 is, for example, a groove capable of fixing the tube.

[0030] A drive unit 9 for driving the liquid delivery is provided near the center of the tube attachment portion 57. The drive unit 9 starts when the start button 161 is pressed and stops when the stop button 162 is pressed. In one embodiment, the drive unit 9 is a liquid delivery pump and has a finger unit 91. The finger unit 91 performs a reciprocating motion with respect to the tube T1, pressing the tube T1 from the outside from the upstream direction to the downstream direction. This delivers the liquid in the bottle Bt1 to the living body AN1 at a predetermined flow rate. Note that the drive unit 9 may be a pump with fingers or another type of pump. The drive unit 9 is controlled by the control unit 10, and delivers liquid at a normal speed (normal liquid delivery) in a normal state where no abnormalities, malfunctions, or other problems are occurring. On the other hand, the drive unit 9 is stopped or controlled to deliver liquid at a slower speed in a standby state. As a result, the pump 1 completely stops delivering liquid in a standby state or delivers a smaller amount of liquid than normal delivery. Therefore, the "standby state" in this specification refers to a state in which the pump 1 has stopped normal fluid delivery, and more specifically, a state in which the pump 1 has completely stopped delivering fluid or is delivering a small amount of fluid compared to normal fluid delivery. This small amount is the minimum amount necessary to prevent blood from drying out, for example, approximately 1 ml per hour. During normal fluid delivery, the control unit 10 may appropriately adjust the fluid delivery rate based on a user's input to the adjustment button 163. In one embodiment, the pump 1 is placed in standby state when a malfunction has occurred in the pump 1 but has not yet reached an abnormal state that would trigger an alarm.

[0031] A hook 56 is formed on the positive side of the X-axis of the housing 52. A door lever 84 formed on the back surface Sf2 of the door portion 80 is engaged with the hook 56, thereby maintaining the door portion 80 in a closed state. The pump 1 is provided with a sensor (door sensor 7D in FIG. 3 ) not shown in FIG. 2 that detects whether the door portion 80 is open or closed. The door sensor 7D detects whether the door lever 84 is engaged with the hook 56.

[0032] In the infusion line L, an upstream occlusion sensor 7B1 is disposed upstream of the drive unit 9, and a downstream occlusion sensor 7B2 is disposed downstream of the drive unit 9. The upstream occlusion sensor 7B1 detects occlusion in the tube T1 upstream of the drive unit 9. The downstream occlusion sensor 7B2 detects occlusion in the tube T1 downstream of the drive unit 9. Hereinafter, the upstream occlusion sensor 7B1 and the downstream occlusion sensor 7B2 will be collectively referred to as "occlusion sensor 7B."

[0033] More specifically, the occlusion sensor 7B is a sensor for determining whether the inside of the tube T1 is occluded. In this specification, the occlusion state includes not only a state in which the tube T1 is completely occluded, but also a state in which a small amount of liquid is being delivered. In other words, the occlusion state is a state in which the flow of liquid passing through the tube T1 is stagnant. The occlusion sensor 7B acquires the pressure value inside the tube T1, for example, as follows.

[0034] In one embodiment, the occlusion sensor 7B may include a Hall sensor, a permanent magnet, and a pickup for analog detection of the position of the permanent magnet, which changes depending on the occlusion state of the tube T1. Thus, the occlusion sensor 7B can detect the pressure inside the tube T1 in response to the change in the position of the permanent magnet.

[0035] As the degree of blockage in the tube T1 increases, the pressure value inside the tube T1 changes. When the acquired pressure value inside the tube T1 exceeds (is above or falls below) a predetermined threshold, the blockage sensor 7B determines that the flow of liquid passing through the tube T1 is stagnating.

[0036] Clamps CL1 and CL2 are mechanisms that press against the tube T1 from the outside of the tube T1 to halt the flow of the medicinal solution within the tube T1. Clamps CL1 and CL2 are configured to open when the door 80 closes and close when the door 80 opens. Clamp CL1 is disposed between the bottle Bt1 and the drive unit 9, more specifically, upstream of the upstream occlusion sensor 7B1 of the housing 52. Clamp CL1 is disposed between the drive unit 9 and the living body AN1, more specifically, downstream of the downstream occlusion sensor 7B2 of the housing 52.

[0037] An upstream blockage in the tube T1 may occur, for example, when the clamp CL1 is not open and liquid cannot flow into the portion of the tube T1 downstream of the clamp L1 even when the drive unit 9 is driven. Alternatively, the needle may not reach the rubber stopper of an infusion bag (not shown) containing liquid upstream of the bottle Bt1, preventing liquid from flowing into the tube T1 even when the drive unit 9 is driven. When liquid does not flow into the tube T1, the tube T1 collapses, creating negative pressure within the tube T1. The upstream blockage sensor 7B1 detects the negative pressure within the tube T1 to detect an upstream blockage in the tube T1.

[0038] A downstream blockage in the tube T1 may occur, for example, when the clamp CL2 is not open and liquid cannot flow downstream of the clamp L2 even when the drive unit 9 is driven. Alternatively, the tube T1 may be bent and liquid cannot flow downstream of the bent portion of the tube T1 even when the drive unit 9 is driven. When liquid cannot flow out of the tube T1, the tube T1 expands, creating a positive pressure inside the tube T1. The downstream blockage sensor 7B2 detects the positive pressure inside the tube T1 to detect a downstream blockage in the tube T1.

[0039] The pump 1 of this embodiment also includes an air bubble sensor 7A upstream of the drive unit 9. The air bubble sensor 7A detects, for example, the amount and / or size of air bubbles. In one embodiment, the air bubble sensor 7A detects the length of air bubbles in the tube T1 as an indicator of the size of the air bubbles in the tube T1. When the door 80 opposite the air bubble sensor 7A is closed, the tube T1 is immobilized, enabling accurate air bubble detection.

[0040] 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the pump 1. The pump 1 includes a control unit 10, a communication IF (Interface) 13, a drive unit 9, a sensor 7, a notification unit 15, and an input unit 16. The control unit 10 includes a processor 11 and a memory 12.

[0041] The processor 11 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 11 reads and executes a program stored in the memory 12.

[0042] The memory 12 is configured from a storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a solid state drive (SSD), or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0043] The communication IF 13 is an interface for communicating with an external device (for example, the terminal 2) of the pump 1. The communication IF 13 corresponds to one example of a "communication unit."

[0044] 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the terminal 2. The terminal 2 includes a control unit 20, a communication IF 23, a notification unit 25, and an input unit 26. The control unit 20 includes a processor 21 and a memory 22.

[0045] The processor 21 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 21 reads and executes a program stored in the memory 22.

[0046] The memory 12 is configured from a storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a solid state drive (SSD), or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0047] The communication IF 23 is an interface for communicating with an external device (for example, the pump 1) of the terminal 2.

[0048] <Conventional Pump Status Monitoring> Conventionally, pumps such as infusion pumps and syringe pumps that administer liquids to living organisms are configured to immediately output an alarm if an abnormality such as blockage or the generation of air bubbles occurs. As a result, the user is required to take immediate action. Furthermore, the alarm continues to be output until the user resolves the abnormality and presses the alarm cancellation button, which can cause annoyance or anxiety to the patient receiving the liquid from the pump and / or nearby patients, or may even wake up a sleeping patient. As a result, patients may press the nurse call button to call the user. However, in many medical settings, users are busy and often away from the pump 1, so they prefer to avoid being required to take immediate action as much as possible.

[0049] <Pump Status Monitoring Process According to the Embodiment> The pump according to the embodiment can reduce the number of situations where an alarm is sounded by putting the pump into standby mode before an alarm is issued and prompting the user to take action, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

[0050] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a pump status monitoring process according to an embodiment. The process in Figure 5 is performed by the processor 11 of the pump 1. The process in Figure 5 starts when the pump 1 starts operating and continues until the standby release button is pressed or an alarm is output. The "sensor" in the process in Figure 5 corresponds to an example of a "first sensor" whose sensor value range includes a normal range, which is a range that includes the sensor value when the pump 1 is in a normal state, a first range that is different from the normal range, and a second range that is closer to the normal range than the first range.

[0051] In this specification, the range in which the sensor value is included is not necessarily limited to a numerical range having an upper limit and a lower limit, but may be a numerical range having only one of the upper limit and the lower limit. In one embodiment, the normal range and the second range are numerical ranges having an upper limit and a lower limit, and the first range is a numerical range having only one of the upper limit and the lower limit.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first range is a value exceeding a first threshold, and the second range is a value exceeding a second threshold without exceeding the first threshold. "Exceeding the threshold" may mean either "above the threshold" or "below the threshold." "Above the threshold" may mean either "equal to or greater than the threshold" or "a value greater than the threshold." "Below the threshold" may mean either "equal to or less than the threshold" or "a value less than the threshold."

[0053] In step (hereinafter, ST) 02, the processor 11 determines whether the sensor value is within a first range. A state in which the sensor value is within the first range indicates that the pump 1 is in an abnormal state (abnormal state). Therefore, when the pump 1 is in the abnormal state within the first range, it is preferable that the user respond to the abnormality promptly.

[0054] In one embodiment, the sensor is an air bubble sensor 7A, and the processor 11 determines whether the sensor value is equal to or greater than a first threshold value corresponding to a predetermined first amount A1 of air bubbles. "Above the first threshold value" corresponds to one embodiment of "within a first range." More specifically, the processor 11 determines whether an air bubble having a length equal to or greater than a predetermined first length L1 is detected in the tube T1. Here, A1 and L1 are positive values. The values ​​of A1 and L1 are set appropriately, and are, for example, approximately 0.08 cc and approximately 10 mm.

[0055] If the sensor value is within the first range (YES in ST02), in ST12, the processor 11 causes the notification unit 15 to output an alarm and terminates the process. As one example, the speaker 152 plays a sound indicating that an abnormality has occurred. As another example, the display 151 displays visual information indicating that an abnormality has occurred. As yet another example, the lamp 153 lights up to indicate that an abnormality has occurred.

[0056] If the sensor value is outside the first range (NO in ST02), in ST04, the processor 11 determines whether the sensor value is within a second range.

[0057] In one embodiment, the sensor is an air bubble sensor 7A, and processor 11 determines whether the sensor value is greater than or equal to a second threshold corresponding to a second amount A2. In consideration of ST02, processor 11 determines whether the sensor value is less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to a second threshold. This less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to the second threshold corresponds to one embodiment of "within a second range." More specifically, processor 11 determines whether an air bubble is detected in tube T1 whose length is less than a first length L1 and greater than or equal to a second length L2. Here, A2 is a positive value less than A1. L2 is a positive value less than L1.

[0058] If the sensor value is outside the second range (NO in ST04), the processor 11 returns the process to ST02.

[0059] If the sensor value is within the second range (YES in ST04), in ST06, the processor 11 puts the pump 1 into a standby state. Then, in ST08, the processor 11 transmits information that the pump 1 is in a standby state to the terminal 2 via the communication IF 13.

[0060] Next, in ST10, processor 11 determines whether the period during which the sensor value is within the second range has exceeded a predetermined period. In other words, processor 11 determines whether the period during which pump 1 is in a standby state (standby period) has elapsed. Furthermore, the "period during which the sensor value is within the second range" is, more specifically, the period during which the sensor value remains within the second range without falling outside the second range.

[0061] If the period during which the sensor value is within the second range does not exceed the predetermined period (NO in ST10), the processor 11 returns the process to ST02.

[0062] If the period during which the sensor value is within the second range exceeds the predetermined period (YES in ST10), in ST12, the processor 11 causes the notification unit 15 to output an alarm, and ends the process.

[0063] According to the method for monitoring the state of a pump according to the embodiment, before an alarm is output from the pump 1, the pump 1 is put into a standby state and the user is notified that the pump 1 is in a standby state via the terminal 2. This allows the user to go to the patient and resolve the malfunction of the pump 1 by removing air bubbles or the like before the alarm is output. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the pump 1 sounds an alarm.

[0064] This reduces the number of alarms that can cause anxiety, annoyance, or awakening for the patient receiving fluid from the pump 1 and nearby patients, and also reduces the number of times the user is called to request that an alarm be cleared.

[0065] Furthermore, since the user has time before the pump 1 goes into an abnormal state and an alarm is output, the user can prioritize tasks.

[0066] In one embodiment, when a user has resolved a malfunction of pump 1 in standby mode, the user presses standby release button 165 on pump 1, which causes processor 11 to start normal fluid delivery from pump 1 and resume the monitoring process of Fig. 5. When pressing standby release button 165, the user may also operate adjustment button 163 to increase the fluid delivery speed according to the standby time, thereby adjusting the delivery of fluid to the living body to finish at the scheduled time.

[0067] Generally, the sensor 7 value should fall within the second range before falling within the first range. However, if for some reason the sensor 7 value falls within the first range without passing through the second range, the pump 1 also outputs an alarm. Furthermore, while it is generally unlikely that the sensor 7 value will fall within the first range while in standby mode, the pump 1 also outputs an alarm if the sensor 7 value falls within the first range while in standby mode for some reason. The "some reason" may be, for example, the sudden generation of large bubbles, causing the sensor 7 value to rise sharply. Thus, the pump 1 can appropriately output an alarm even when a sudden, large change occurs in the pump 1, resulting in an abnormal state, even if a problem with the pump 1, which normally changes continuously, occurs. In this case, the user resets the abnormality in the pump 1 and then presses the alarm reset button 164 on the pump 1. This causes the processor 11 to stop the alarm, perform normal fluid delivery, and resume the monitoring process shown in FIG. 5 .

[0068] The "sensor value" in ST02 and ST04 does not necessarily mean the value detected by the sensor (sensor detection value) itself, but may be a value calculated based on the value detected by the sensor.

[0069] In ST04, the second range is set to include values ​​slightly closer to the normal range than the first range. The second threshold value is set to a value slightly closer to the normal range than the first threshold value. With this configuration, it is possible to stop the liquid delivery just before an alarm is output.

[0070] In ST06, the processor 11 puts the pump 1 into a standby state, but it is preferable to set the pump 1 to send a small amount of fluid compared to normal fluid delivery rather than completely stopping the delivery of fluid. This prevents the blood from drying out. However, in a situation where the blood drying out is not a problem, the processor 11 may completely stop the pump 1 from sending fluid. The "situation where the blood drying out is not a problem" is, for example, a situation where the predetermined period of ST10 is short enough that the blood drying out is not a problem.

[0071] In ST08, the processor 11 preferably transmits information identifying the pump 1 in addition to the information that the pump 1 is in a standby state. The information identifying the pump 1 may be, for example, a number assigned to the pump 1, the name of the patient receiving the fluid, or the number of the room in which the pump 1 and the patient are located. With this configuration, even when a user is monitoring the status of multiple pumps 1, it is easy to identify which pump 1 is in a standby state.

[0072] Furthermore, the processor 11 preferably also transmits details of the malfunction occurring in the pump 1. For example, the processor 11 may transmit the type of sensor (e.g., an air bubble sensor) that indicates a value within the second range, the type of malfunction (e.g., the occurrence of air bubbles), the time the standby state occurred, the time remaining until an alarm is sounded, and the like, and display them on the terminal 2. This makes it easier for the user to prioritize responses according to the urgency of the standby pumps 1. For example, when multiple pumps 1 are in standby, the user can efficiently respond to tasks by responding to the pump 1 with the least time remaining until an alarm is sounded, or by responding to the pump 1 that is in standby due to a more serious malfunction.

[0073] The predetermined period in ST10 is set to a length of time that the user can safely ignore the malfunction of the pump 1. This predetermined period is, but is not limited to, for example, several minutes to one hour, and more specifically, several minutes to 30 minutes. This predetermined period may be changed appropriately depending on the type of malfunction of the pump 1, the type of liquid, the age, height, weight, medical condition, and constitution of the patient, the user's tolerance, etc.

[0074] If the user fails to cancel the standby state within the predetermined period in steps ST10 to ST12, an alarm is also output from pump 1. This encourages the user to resolve the malfunction within the predetermined period and prevents the malfunction of pump 1 from being forgotten and left unattended for an extended period of time.

[0075] In one aspect of this embodiment, when the sensor value reaches a warning range that is closer to the normal range than the first range, the processor 11 may transmit information to the terminal 2 indicating that the pump is in a warning state. The warning range may include, for example, a value that is closer to the first threshold value than the upper limit of the normal range by a fraction of the difference between the upper limit of the normal range and the lower limit of the first range (first threshold). This configuration allows the user to predict an impending malfunction in the pump 1 and notify the user in advance. This configuration allows the user to resolve the malfunction of the pump 1 before the pump 1 enters a standby state. Therefore, since the malfunction of the pump 1 can be resolved while continuing normal fluid delivery, fluid delivery to the living body can be completed at the scheduled time without having to readjust the fluid delivery rate.

[0076] <Modification 1> Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the pump status monitoring process according to Modification 1. The process in Figure 6 is performed by the processor 11 of the pump 1. The monitoring process shown in Figure 6 starts when the pump 1 starts to operate, and continues until the standby release button is pressed or an alarm is output. The "sensor" in the process in Figure 6 corresponds to one example of the "first sensor."

[0077] ST02 to ST04 and ST06 to ST12 in FIG. 6 correspond to ST02 to ST04 and ST06 to ST12 in FIG.

[0078] 6 , if the sensor value is outside the second range in ST04 (NO in ST04), or if the sensor value is outside the first range and outside the second range in consideration of ST02 (i.e., if it is within the normal range), in ST05, the processor 11 cancels the standby state and resumes normal fluid delivery. That is, if the sensor value returns from the second range to the normal range, the pump 1 automatically returns to the normal fluid delivery state (automatic return). After ST05, the processor 11 returns the process to ST02. Note that in ST05, the processor 11 continues normal fluid delivery if the pump 1 is performing normal fluid delivery.

[0079] In one embodiment, the sensor is an occlusion sensor 7B, and if the degree of occlusion is outside the second range in ST04, the processor 11 performs (resumes or continues) normal fluid delivery in ST05. For example, if the occlusion caused by a bent tube T1 is resolved by unbending the tube T1, the processor 11 releases the standby state of the pump 1 and resumes normal fluid delivery.

[0080] In the first modification, when the sensor is the downstream occlusion sensor 7B2, the first range is a value equal to or greater than the first threshold, and the second range is a range less than the first threshold and equal to or greater than the second threshold. On the other hand, when the sensor is the upstream occlusion sensor 7B1, the first range is a range equal to or less than the first threshold, and the second range is a range greater than the first threshold and equal to or less than the second threshold.

[0081] In addition to the effects of embodiment 1, the method for monitoring the pump status according to modification 1 allows the pump 1 to automatically return to a normal fluid delivery state if a malfunction of the pump 1 is resolved while the pump 1 is in a standby state. Therefore, compared to embodiment 1, the period during which the pump 1 is in a standby state can be shortened, thereby reducing the delay in the completion of fluid delivery to the living body. Furthermore, this eliminates the need for the user to confirm a malfunction of the pump 1 and then press the standby release button 165 to release the standby state.

[0082] If automatic recovery is performed in ST05, it is preferable that processor 11 transmits information indicating that automatic recovery has been performed to terminal 2. This allows the user to immediately know that the malfunction of pump 1 has been resolved and the standby state has been released.

[0083] <Modification 2> Unlike the sensor that performs the process of embodiment 1 ( FIG. 5 ) and the process of modification 1 ( FIG. 6 ), the pump 1 may also include a sensor that performs a process of outputting an alarm without going through a standby state. The pump 1 according to modification 2 includes a sensor that performs a process of outputting an alarm without going through a standby state, in addition to the sensor that performs the process of embodiment 1 or modification 1. FIG. 7 shows a monitoring process by the sensor that performs a process of outputting an alarm without going through a standby state. The sensor in FIG. 7 corresponds to one example of a "second sensor that detects an abnormality in the pump."

[0084] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a monitoring process by a sensor that includes a process for outputting an alarm without going through a standby state according to Modification 2. The monitoring process shown in Fig. 7 starts when the pump 1 starts to operate and continues until an alarm is output. ST12 in Fig. 7 corresponds to ST12 in Fig. 5.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 7, in ST22, the processor 11 determines whether the sensor value is within a third range.

[0086] If the sensor value is outside the third range (NO in ST22), the processor 11 returns the process to ST02.

[0087] If the sensor value is within the third range (YES in ST22), the processor 11 proceeds to ST12.

[0088] According to the process of FIG. 7 , if the sensor value is within a third range (e.g., equal to or greater than a predetermined third threshold), an alarm can be output immediately. The sensor of FIG. 7 detects an abnormality of a type that requires immediate action when an abnormality occurs. One example of the sensor of FIG. 7 is an "impact sensor" that detects an impact to the pump 1 due to the pump 1 being dropped or tipped over. Another example is a "door sensor" that detects when the door 80 is opened. With this configuration, if the pump 1 is dropped or tipped over, or if the door 80 is opened for some reason, an alarm can be output immediately to request immediate action.

[0089] 7 does not necessarily have to be a continuous value, and may be zero or one. For example, if the sensor is a door sensor, it may not be a sensor that detects the degree to which the door is open, but a sensor that detects whether the door is open regardless of the degree to which the door is open. For a sensor that detects whether the door is open regardless of the degree to which the door is open, in ST22, if the door is closed, it is determined to be outside the third range, and if the door is open, it is determined to be within the third range.

[0090] In the pump 1 according to the second modification, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, an alarm is output immediately for an abnormality that requires immediate response, thereby enabling appropriate processing to be performed for each type of problem with the pump 1 corresponding to the type of sensor.

[0091] <Infusion Pump Sensors> Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the processing for each sensor mounted on an infusion pump in one embodiment. In the infusion pump shown in Figure 8, processing is performed for each sensor according to the type of sensor and the type of problem detected by that sensor. Naturally, the values ​​of the first to third ranges, the warning range, and the predetermined period are also appropriately set for each sensor according to the type of sensor and the type of problem detected by that sensor. The infusion pump shown in Figure 8 can reduce the number of times an alarm is issued for air bubble and blockage problems, which are frequent problems in medical settings, thereby significantly reducing the burden on the user.

[0092] In addition to the processing shown in FIG. 8, when a system runaway occurs, the processor 11 may be configured to immediately output an alarm by processing similar to that shown in FIG.

[0093] As described above, the infusion pump according to the embodiment of Fig. 8 performs the process of Fig. 6, including the standby state and automatic return, depending on the values ​​of the upstream occlusion sensor and the downstream occlusion sensor. However, infusion pumps according to other embodiments can be configured to perform the process of Fig. 5, which includes the standby state but does not include automatic return, depending on the value of at least one of the upstream occlusion sensor and the downstream occlusion sensor. However, the embodiment of Fig. 8 is more convenient than the other embodiments because it performs not only the standby state but also the automatic return.

[0094] <Sensor of Syringe Pump> Although the above description has been primarily based on an embodiment of an infusion pump, in one embodiment, the pump 1 may be a syringe pump.

[0095] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the processing for each sensor mounted on the syringe pump in one embodiment.

[0096] The syringe pump includes a remaining amount sensor as a sensor for performing the process of Fig. 5. The remaining amount sensor is a sensor that detects the amount of liquid remaining in the syringe pump.

[0097] The sensors that perform the process of Fig. 6 also include an occlusion sensor that detects occlusion. The occlusion sensor of the syringe pump uses a strain gauge or the like to detect the pressure (reaction force) applied to the plunger when the plunger is moved in the direction to push out the liquid.

[0098] Furthermore, the sensors that perform the process of FIG. 7 include a syringe sensor, a flange sensor, a plunger sensor, and a clutch sensor in addition to the impact sensor. The syringe sensor is a sensor that detects syringe removal. The flange sensor is a sensor that detects flange removal. The plunger sensor is a sensor that detects plunger removal. The clutch sensor is a sensor that detects clutch removal.

[0099] 9, processing is performed for each sensor according to the type of problem detected by that sensor. Naturally, the values ​​of the first to third ranges, the caution range, and the predetermined period are also set appropriately for each sensor according to the type of sensor and the type of problem detected by that sensor.

[0100] For example, when the value of the remaining amount sensor is within a first range (less than or equal to the first threshold), the control unit 10 outputs an alarm, and when the value is within a second range (greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold), the control unit 10 puts the syringe pump into standby mode and transmits information that the syringe pump is in standby mode to the terminal 2. By appropriately setting the first threshold (for example, about 1 ml), it is possible to output an alarm just before the liquid in the syringe runs out (for example, 3 minutes before). Then, by setting the second threshold to a value slightly greater than the first threshold, it is possible to put the syringe pump into standby mode just before the liquid in the syringe runs out and notify the terminal 2 of the standby mode.

[0101] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 10 outputs an alarm when the occlusion sensor value (e.g., internal pressure) is within a first range (greater than or equal to a first threshold), and when it is within a second range (less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to a second threshold), it puts the syringe pump into standby mode and transmits information that the syringe pump is in standby mode to the terminal 2. Then, when the occlusion sensor value returns from the second range to the normal range, it releases the syringe pump from standby mode and resumes normal liquid delivery. The first and second thresholds are appropriately set based on the viscosity of the liquid and the diameter of the tube.

[0102] The syringe pump of FIG. 9 can reduce the number of times an alarm is output regarding remaining volume and blockage, which are problems that frequently occur in medical settings, thereby significantly reducing the burden on the user.

[0103] In addition to the process shown in FIG. 9, if a system runaway occurs, a warning may be immediately output by the same process as in FIG.

[0104] It should be noted that the syringe pumps according to the other embodiments may be configured to perform the process shown in Fig. 5, which includes a standby state but does not include automatic recovery, depending on the value of the occlusion sensor. However, the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 is more convenient than the other embodiments because it not only switches to a standby state but also automatically recovers depending on the value of the occlusion sensor.

[0105] <Aspects> (Configuration 1) A pump for delivering liquid to a living organism. The pump includes a drive unit for driving the delivery of the liquid, a communication unit for communicating with an external information terminal, a control unit for controlling the drive unit, a first sensor for detecting the state of the pump, and an alarm unit for outputting an alarm to notify the user of an abnormality in the pump. The range in which the value of the first sensor falls includes a normal range, which is a range in which the value of the first sensor falls when the pump is in a normal state, a first range different from the normal range, and a second range closer to the normal range than the first range. The control unit outputs an alarm when the value of the first sensor falls within the first range, and puts the pump into a standby state when the value of the first sensor falls within the second range, and transmits information that the pump is in a standby state to the information terminal.

[0106] (Configuration 2) In the pump of configuration 1, the standby state is a state in which the pump delivers a small amount of liquid compared to normal liquid delivery.

[0107] (Configuration 3) In the pump of configuration 1 or 2, the control unit outputs an alarm when the period during which the value of the first sensor is within the second range exceeds a predetermined period.

[0108] (Configuration 4) The pump of any one of configurations 1 to 3 further includes a tube through which the liquid is pumped. The first sensor is an air bubble sensor that detects air bubbles in the tube. The first range is a range equal to or greater than a first threshold. The second range is a range less than the first threshold and equal to or greater than a second threshold.

[0109] (Configuration 5) In the pump of any one of Configurations 1 to 3, the first sensor is a remaining amount sensor that detects the amount of liquid remaining in the pump. The first range is a range equal to or less than a first threshold, and the second range is a range greater than the first threshold and equal to or less than a second threshold.

[0110] (Configuration 6) In any of the pumps of configurations 1 to 3, when the value of the first sensor returns from the second range to the normal range, the pump is released from the standby state and resumes normal liquid delivery.

[0111] (Configuration 7) The pump of Configuration 6 further includes a tube through which the liquid is pumped. The first sensor is an occlusion sensor that detects occlusion in the tube. The first range is a range equal to or greater than a first threshold. The second range is a range less than the first threshold and equal to or greater than a second threshold.

[0112] (Configuration 8) The pump of Configuration 6 further includes a tube through which the liquid is pumped. The first sensor is a downstream occlusion sensor that detects occlusion in the tube downstream of the drive unit 9. The first range is a range equal to or greater than a first threshold. The second range is a range less than the first threshold and equal to or greater than a second threshold.

[0113] (Configuration 9) The pump of Configuration 6 further includes a tube through which the liquid is pumped. The first sensor is an upstream occlusion sensor that detects occlusion of the tube upstream of the drive unit 9. The first range is a range equal to or less than a first threshold, and the second range is a range greater than the first threshold and equal to or less than a second threshold.

[0114] (Configuration 10) The pump of any one of configurations 1 to 9 further includes a second sensor for detecting an abnormality in the pump. When the value of the second sensor is within a third range, the control unit immediately outputs an alarm.

[0115] (Configuration 11) In the pump of Configuration 10, the second sensor is an open / close sensor that detects the open / close state of the door, a syringe sensor that detects detachment of the syringe, a flange sensor that detects detachment of the flange, a plunger sensor that detects detachment of the plunger, a clutch sensor that detects detachment of the clutch, or an impact sensor that detects an impact to the pump.

[0116] (Configuration 12) The pump of any one of configurations 1 to 11 is a syringe pump or an infusion pump.

[0117] (Configuration 13) A system including a pump according to any one of configurations 1 to 12 and an information terminal. When the information terminal receives information indicating that the pump is in a standby state, the information terminal notifies the user that the pump is in a standby state.

[0118] (Configuration 14) A method for monitoring the status of a pump that delivers liquid to a living organism. The pump includes a drive unit that drives the delivery of the liquid, a communication unit that communicates with an external information terminal, a control unit that controls the drive unit, a first sensor that detects the status of the pump, and an alarm unit that outputs an alarm to notify of an abnormality in the pump. The ranges that include the value of the first sensor include a normal range that includes the value of the first sensor when the pump is in a normal state, a first range that is different from the normal range, and a second range that is closer to the normal range than the first range. The method includes the steps of: outputting an alarm when the value of the first sensor is within the first range; and, when the value of the first sensor is within the second range, putting the pump into a standby state and transmitting information that the pump is in a standby state to the information terminal.

[0119] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0120] 1 Pump, 2 Terminal, 7 Sensor, 7A Air bubble sensor, 7B1 Upstream occlusion sensor, 7B2 Downstream occlusion sensor, 7C Impact sensor, 7D Door sensor, 9 Drive unit, 10 Control unit, 11 Processor, 12 Memory, 15 Alarm unit, 16 Input unit, 20 Control unit, 21 Processor, 22 Memory, 25 Alarm unit, 26 Input unit, 52 Housing, 56 Hook, 57 Tube attachment unit, 80 Door unit, 81 Hinge, 84 Door lever, 91 Finger unit, 100 System, 151 Display, 152 Speaker, 153 Lamp, 161 Start button, 162 Stop button, 163 Adjustment button, 164 Alarm release button, 165 Standby release button, 251 Display, 253 Lamp, 261 Touch panel, 262 Button, AN1 Living body, Bt1 Bottle, CL1, CL2 clamps, IF communication, IF13 communication, IF23 communication, L infusion line, Sf1 front, Sf2 back, Sf3 front, T1 tube.

Claims

1. A pump for delivering liquid to a living organism, comprising: a drive unit for driving the delivery of liquid; a communication unit for communicating with an external information terminal; a control unit for controlling the drive unit; a first sensor for detecting the state of the pump; and an alarm unit for outputting an alarm to notify of an abnormality in the pump, wherein the range within which the value of the first sensor falls includes a normal range, which is a range within which the value of the first sensor falls when the pump is in a normal state, a first range different from the normal range, and a second range closer to the normal range than the first range, and wherein the control unit outputs the alarm when the value of the first sensor falls within the first range, and puts the pump into a standby state when the value of the first sensor falls within the second range, and transmits information that the pump is in the standby state to the information terminal.

2. The pump according to claim 1, wherein the standby state is a state in which the pump delivers a small amount of liquid compared to normal liquid delivery.

3. A pump as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit outputs the alarm when the period during which the value of the first sensor is within the second range exceeds a predetermined period.

4. A pump as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a tube through which the liquid is pumped, the first sensor being an air bubble sensor that detects air bubbles in the tube, the first range being a range equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and the second range being a range less than the first threshold value and equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

5. A pump as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sensor is a remaining amount sensor that detects the remaining amount of liquid in the pump, the first range is a range equal to or less than a first threshold value, and the second range is a range greater than the first threshold value and equal to or less than a second threshold value.

6. A pump as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the value of the first sensor returns from the second range to the normal range, the standby state of the pump is released and normal fluid delivery is resumed.

7. The pump of claim 6, further comprising a tube through which the liquid is delivered, the first sensor being an occlusion sensor that detects occlusion in the tube, the first range being a range equal to or greater than a first threshold, and the second range being a range less than the first threshold and equal to or greater than a second threshold.

8. The pump of claim 6, further comprising a tube through which the liquid is delivered, the first sensor being a downstream occlusion sensor that detects occlusion of the tube downstream of the drive unit, the first range being a range equal to or greater than a first threshold, and the second range being a range less than the first threshold and equal to or greater than a second threshold.

9. The pump of claim 6, further comprising a tube through which the liquid is delivered, the first sensor being an upstream occlusion sensor that detects occlusion in the tube upstream of the drive unit, the first range being a range equal to or less than a first threshold value, and the second range being a range greater than the first threshold value and equal to or less than a second threshold value.

10. A pump as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pump further comprises a second sensor that detects an abnormality in the pump, and the control unit immediately outputs the alarm when the value of the second sensor is within a third range.

11. The pump according to claim 10, wherein the second sensor is an open / close sensor that detects whether the door is open or closed, a syringe sensor that detects whether the syringe is detached, a flange sensor that detects whether the flange is detached, a plunger sensor that detects whether the plunger is detached, a clutch sensor that detects whether the clutch is detached, or an impact sensor that detects an impact to the pump.

12. The pump of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pump is a syringe pump or an infusion pump.

13. A system comprising the pump according to claim 1 or 2 and the information terminal, wherein when the information terminal receives information that the pump is in the standby state, it notifies the user that the pump is in the standby state.

14. A method for monitoring the status of a pump that delivers liquid to a living organism, the pump including: a drive unit that drives the delivery of liquid; a communication unit that communicates with an external information terminal; a control unit that controls the drive unit; a first sensor that detects a first state of the pump; and an alarm unit that outputs an alarm to notify of an abnormality in the pump, wherein the range within which the value of the first sensor falls includes a normal range that is a range within which the value of the first sensor falls when the pump is in a normal state, a first range that is different from the normal range, and a second range that is closer to the normal range than the first range, the method including the steps of: when the value of the first sensor falls within the first range, putting the pump into a standby state and transmitting information that the pump is in the standby state to the information terminal, when the value of the first sensor falls within the second range.

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