Infusion device

Abstract

An infusion device (1) comprises an infusion set (100) and an infusion stand (200). The infusion set comprises: a flow path switching unit (140); a first flow path (101) connected to a first port of the flow path switching unit; a second flow path (102) connected to a second port of the flow path switching unit; and an infusion tube (130) provided on the second flow path. The infusion stand comprises: a connector holder (220) that holds an upstream-side connector (110) provided at an upstream end of the first flow path; a container holder (210) that can hold a plurality of containers (950); a connector holder drive device (227) that drives the connector holder so that the upstream-side connector is connected to and disconnected from the containers; a flow path switching unit drive device (230); a variable-volume unit (240) in communication with a third port of the flow path switching unit; a variable-volume unit drive device (250); a liquid level sensor (263); and an electric clamp (265) that adjusts the cross-sectional area of the second flow path.

Description

infusion device

[0001] The present invention relates to an infusion device that can sequentially administer liquids stored in multiple containers to a patient.

[0002] In the medical field, intravenous fluid administration (also called IV drip), which involves administering liquids containing drugs, nutrients, electrolytes, etc. (also called medicinal solutions) into a patient's veins, is widely practiced. The liquid administered to the patient is stored in a container (e.g., an IV bag).

[0003] Intravenous fluid administration is performed using an infusion set (see, for example, Figures 1 and 13 of Patent Document 1, and Figure 12 of Patent Document 2). The infusion set includes a flexible, hollow tube. The upstream end of the tube is provided with an upstream connector that connects to the port of a container holding the fluid, and the downstream end of the tube is provided with a downstream connector that connects to a needle (also called an indwelling needle) inserted into the patient's vein. A drip chamber and a clamp (sometimes called a clamp) are provided on the tube between the upstream and downstream connectors. The container is suspended from an infusion stand with its port facing downwards. The upstream connector of the infusion set is connected to the port of the container, and the downstream connector of the infusion set is connected to the needle. The needle is inserted into the patient. When the clamp is opened, infusion begins.

[0004] For example, when administering an anticancer agent to a patient, in addition to the chemical solution containing the anticancer agent, it is necessary to administer a plurality of liquids such as a pre-medication and physiological saline for washing out to the patient in a predetermined order. The plurality of liquids are stored separately in a plurality of containers. In this case, it is necessary to sequentially switch the containers to which the upstream connector of the infusion set is connected. Specifically, the operation of switching the container to which the upstream connector is connected is generally performed as follows. First, with the upstream connector of the infusion set connected to the port of the first container, the first liquid in the first container is administered to the patient. When the first container becomes empty, the clamp is closed, the upstream connector is detached from the port of the first container, and connected to the port of the second container. After adjusting the liquid level in the drip chamber of the infusion set to a predetermined height (this operation is called "restoring the liquid level"), the clamp is opened, and the second liquid in the second container is administered to the patient. When the second container becomes empty, the clamp is closed, the upstream connector is detached from the port of the second container, and connected to the port of the third container. Subsequently, the same operation is sequentially performed for all the remaining containers. These operations are performed manually by an operator (e.g., a nurse). During the period from the start to the end of the infusion, each time the liquid in each container runs out, the operator is called by the nurse call for the container switching operation. The workload of the operator is large.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes an infusion device including an infusion set having a plurality of upstream connectors and one downstream connector. The plurality of upstream connectors are respectively connected to a plurality of containers used for infusion. Since this infusion device can automatically perform operations such as switching of the plurality of containers, the workload of the operator can be reduced.

[0006] International Publication No. 2014 / 021390 Pamphlet Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-041685 Gazette International Publication No. 2018 / 074294 Pamphlet Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-350787 Gazette International Publication No. 2014 / 061661 Pamphlet Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-147668 Gazette Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-234805 Gazette International Publication No. 2010 / 023913 Pamphlet Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-051720 Gazette

[0007] The infusion set described in Patent Document 3 is equipped with multiple upstream connectors. The flow path of the infusion set branches according to the number of upstream connectors. Therefore, this infusion set has a special and complex configuration. Furthermore, the number of upstream connectors and the number of branching flow paths of the infusion set must correspond to the number of containers. Since the number of containers required for infusion differs for each infusion, it is necessary to prepare and store in advance multiple types of infusion sets with different numbers of upstream connectors and branching. For this reason, the infusion device described in Patent Document 3 cannot use commonly used infusion sets, and has the problem of making the management of infusion sets complicated.

[0008] The first objective of the present invention is to reduce the workload on workers in intravenous fluid administration. The second objective of the present invention is to enable the use of an intravenous fluid set with a simple configuration, regardless of the number of containers.

[0009] The first infusion device of the present invention comprises an infusion set and an infusion stand.

[0010] The infusion set comprises a flow path switching unit having a first port, a second port, and a third port; a first flow path having an upstream connector at one end connected to the first port of the flow path switching unit and the other end connected to a container for storing liquid; a second flow path having a downstream connector at one end connected to the second port of the flow path switching unit and the other end connected to a downstream connector; and a drip chamber provided on the second flow path.

[0011] The infusion stand comprises a connector holder for holding the upstream connector; a container holder capable of holding a plurality of containers; a connector holder drive device for driving the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to and disconnected from one of the plurality of containers; a flow path switching unit drive device for driving the flow path switching unit so that the communication state between the first port, the second port, and the third port is switched; a volume variable unit communicated with the third port; a volume variable unit drive device for driving the volume variable unit so that the volume of the volume variable unit changes; a liquid level sensor for detecting the position of the liquid level in the drip chamber; and an electric clamp for adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path at a position downstream of the drip chamber on the connector side.

[0012] The second infusion device of the present invention comprises an infusion set and an infusion stand.

[0013] The infusion set comprises a flow path switching unit having a first port, a second port, and a third port; a first flow path having an upstream connector at one end connected to the first port of the flow path switching unit and the other end connected to a container for storing liquid; a second flow path having a downstream connector at one end connected to the second port of the flow path switching unit and the other end connected to a downstream connector; and a drip chamber provided on the second flow path.

[0014] The infusion stand comprises a connector holder for holding the upstream connector, a container holder capable of holding a plurality of containers, a connector holder drive device for driving the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to and disconnected from one of the plurality of containers, a flow path switching unit drive device for driving the flow path switching unit so that the communication state between the first port, the second port, and the third port is switched, a volume variable unit communicated with the third port, a volume variable unit drive device for driving the volume variable unit so that the volume of the volume variable unit changes, a liquid level sensor for detecting the position of the liquid level in the drip chamber, and an infusion pump for sending the liquid in the second flow path toward the downstream connector at a position downstream of the drip chamber toward the downstream connector.

[0015] The first and second infusion devices of the present invention can reduce the workload on operators during infusion.

[0016] The configuration of the infusion sets provided in the first and second infusion devices of the present invention is simple. Furthermore, since the same infusion set can be used regardless of the number of containers, the management of the infusion sets is easy.

[0017] Figure 1 shows an infusion set according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and a container and syringe used with the infusion set. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the three-way stopcock and its surrounding area of ​​the infusion set shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of an infusion stand according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of the upper part of the infusion stand shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a perspective view from below of the upper part of the infusion stand shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a perspective view of an infusion device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention with the infusion set mounted on the infusion stand. Figure 7 is a perspective view from above of the upper part of the infusion device shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the infusion device shown in Figure 6 along the axis of the upstream connector. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the infusion device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, where the upstream connector is separated from the container. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the infusion device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, where the upstream connector is connected to the container. Figure 11 is a perspective view of an infusion device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an infusion device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in which the upstream connector is separated from the container. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an infusion device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in which the upstream connector is connected to the container.

[0018] (1) The infusion apparatus of the present invention comprises an infusion set and an infusion stand.

[0019] The infusion set comprises a flow path switching unit having a first port, a second port, and a third port; a first flow path having an upstream connector at one end connected to the first port of the flow path switching unit and the other end connected to a container for storing liquid; a second flow path having a downstream connector at one end connected to the second port of the flow path switching unit and the other end connected to a downstream connector; and a drip chamber provided on the second flow path.

[0020] The infusion stand comprises a connector holder for holding the upstream connector; a container holder capable of holding a plurality of containers; a connector holder drive device for driving the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to and disconnected from one of the plurality of containers; a flow path switching unit drive device for driving the flow path switching unit so that the communication state between the first port, the second port, and the third port is switched; a volume variable unit communicated with the third port; a volume variable unit drive device for driving the volume variable unit so that the volume of the volume variable unit changes; a liquid level sensor for detecting the position of the liquid level in the drip chamber; and an electric clamp for adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path at a position downstream of the drip chamber on the connector side.

[0021] (2) In the infusion device described in item (1) above, the container holder may be configured to change the position of the plurality of containers such that any of the plurality of containers held in the container holder is positioned above the upstream connector held in the connector holder.

[0022] The infusion apparatus described in item (1) above may automatically perform the following in this order: drive the container holder so that the first container, which is one of the plurality of containers, is positioned above the upstream connector; the flow path switching unit is in a first state in which the third port is in communication with the second port and the first port is not in communication with the second port and the third port, and the connector holder drive device raises the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to the first container; increase the volume of the variable volume unit while the electric clamp is blocking the second flow path; drive the flow path switching unit to a third state in which the first port is in communication with the second port and the third port is not in communication with the first port and the second port; and when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the first liquid that has flowed from the first container into the drip chamber has reached a predetermined reference height, the electric clamp opens the second flow path.

[0023] The infusion device described in item (2) can automatically perform the priming operation, which involves introducing the first liquid from the first container into the infusion set. The infusion device also performs the process of storing a predetermined amount of liquid in the drip chamber. Therefore, the infusion device described in item (2) is advantageous in reducing the workload on the operator during the priming operation.

[0024] (3) In the infusion device described in item (1) or item (2) above, the container holder may be configured to change the position of the plurality of containers such that any of the plurality of containers held in the container holder is positioned above the upstream connector held in the connector holder.

[0025] The infusion device described in item (1) or item (2) above is configured such that the upstream connector is connected to a first container which is one of the plurality of containers, the flow path switching unit is in a third state in which the first port is in communication with the second port and the third port is not in communication with the first port and the second port, the first liquid is introduced from the first container into the first flow path, the drip chamber, and the second flow path, and the electric clamp is blocking the second flow path, the electric clamp opens the second flow path, the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the first liquid in the drip chamber has fallen to a predetermined lower limit height, the electric clamp blocks the second flow path, the flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a first state in which the third port is in communication with the second port and the first port is not in communication with the second port and the third port, and the connector holder drive device lowers the connector holder so that the upstream connector is separated from the first container. The following may be performed automatically in this order: the container holder is driven so that a second container, which is another of the plurality of containers, is positioned above the upstream connector; the connector holder drive device raises the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to the second container; the volume of the variable volume section is increased; the flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a third state in which the first port is connected to the second port and the third port is not connected to the first and second ports; when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the second liquid flowing from the second container into the drip chamber has reached a predetermined reference height, the electric clamp opens the second flow path; and when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the second liquid in the drip chamber has fallen to a predetermined lower limit height, the electric clamp closes the second flow path.

[0026] The infusion device described in item (3) automatically administers the infusion to the patient by gravity (drop method) after priming the infusion set with the first solution from the first container and the second solution from the second container. Therefore, the infusion device described in item (3) is advantageous in reducing the workload of the operator when administering multiple fluids by gravity.

[0027] (4) The infusion device described in item (1) or item (2) above, wherein the upstream connector is connected to a first container which is one of the plurality of containers, the flow path switching unit is in a third state in which the first port is in communication with the second port and the third port is not in communication with the first port and the second port, the first liquid is introduced from the first container into the first flow path, the drip chamber and the second flow path, and the electric clamp is blocking the second flow path, the flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a second state in which the first port is in communication with the third port and the second port is not in communication with the first port and the third port, increases the volume of the variable volume unit so that the first liquid in the first container flows into the variable volume unit, and the flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a first state in which the third port is in communication with the second port and the first port is not in communication with the second port and the third port, The following may be performed automatically in this order: the electric clamp opens the second flow path; the volume variable unit drive device reduces the volume of the volume variable unit, causing the first liquid to flow out of the volume variable unit; and the electric clamp closes the second flow path.

[0028] The infusion device described in item (4) automatically performs an infusion by priming the infusion set with the first solution from the first container and then administering the first solution from the first container to the patient in a manner similar to that of a syringe pump. Therefore, the infusion device described in item (4) is advantageous in reducing the workload of the operator when performing an infusion in a manner similar to that of a syringe pump.

[0029] (5) In the infusion device described in item (4) above, the container holder may be configured to change the position of the plurality of containers such that any of the plurality of containers held in the container holder is positioned above the upstream connector held in the connector holder.

[0030] The infusion apparatus described in item (4) above comprises: the connector holder drive device lowering the connector holder so that the upstream connector is separated from the first container; the container holder being driven so that a second container, which is another of the plurality of containers, is positioned above the upstream connector; the connector holder drive device raising the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to the second container; the flow path switching unit drive device driving the flow path switching unit to a second state in which the first port is connected to the third port and the second port is not connected to the first port and the third port; increasing the volume of the variable volume unit so that the second liquid in the second container flows into the variable volume unit; the flow path switching unit drive device driving the flow path switching unit to a first state in which the third port is connected to the second port and the first port is not connected to the second port and the third port; and the electric clamp opening the second flow path. The variable volume drive device may further automatically perform the following actions in this order: reducing the volume of the variable volume unit to cause the second liquid to flow out of the variable volume unit, and the electric clamp closing the second flow path.

[0031] The infusion device described in item (5) above automatically administers the second liquid from the second container to the patient in the same manner as the syringe pump type infusion of the first liquid from the first container described in item (4) above. Therefore, the infusion device described in item (5) is advantageous in reducing the workload of the operator when administering multiple liquids in the same manner as the syringe pump type infusion.

[0032] (6) The infusion device according to any one of the above items (1) to (5) may, in the following order, have the upstream connector connected to one of the plurality of containers, the liquid stored in one of the plurality of containers introduced into the first channel, the drip chamber, and the second channel, the electric clamp occluding the second channel, and the needle connected to the downstream connector puncturing the patient's vein, drive the channel switching unit to drive the channel switching unit to a first state in which the third port is connected to the second port and the first port is not connected to the second port and the third port; the electric clamp opens the second channel; the volume of the variable volume unit is increased to aspirate the patient's blood through the needle toward the second channel; and the volume variable unit drive unit is decreased to return the aspirated blood to the patient's vein.

[0033] The infusion device described in item (6) holds the container in a container holder and mounts the infusion set on an infusion stand, thereby generating the necessary blood backflow for confirming blood backflow. Therefore, the infusion device described in item (6) is advantageous in reducing the workload of the operator when confirming blood backflow.

[0034] (7) The infusion apparatus of the present invention comprises an infusion set and an infusion stand.

[0035] The infusion set comprises a flow path switching unit having a first port, a second port, and a third port; a first flow path having an upstream connector at one end connected to the first port of the flow path switching unit and the other end connected to a container for storing liquid; a second flow path having a downstream connector at one end connected to the second port of the flow path switching unit and the other end connected to a downstream connector; and a drip chamber provided on the second flow path.

[0036] The infusion stand comprises a connector holder for holding the upstream connector, a container holder capable of holding a plurality of containers, a connector holder drive device for driving the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to and disconnected from one of the plurality of containers, a flow path switching unit drive device for driving the flow path switching unit so that the communication state between the first port, the second port, and the third port is switched, a volume variable unit communicated with the third port, a volume variable unit drive device for driving the volume variable unit so that the volume of the volume variable unit changes, a liquid level sensor for detecting the position of the liquid level in the drip chamber, and an infusion pump for sending the liquid in the second flow path toward the downstream connector at a position downstream of the drip chamber toward the downstream connector.

[0037] (8) In the second infusion device of item (7) above, the container holder may be configured to change the position of the plurality of containers such that any of the plurality of containers held in the container holder is positioned above the upstream connector held in the connector holder.

[0038] The second infusion apparatus in item (7) above may automatically perform the following in this order: drive the container holder so that the first container, which is one of the plurality of containers, is positioned above the upstream connector; the flow path switching unit is in a first state in which the third port is in communication with the second port and the first port is not in communication with the second port and the third port, and the connector holder drive device raises the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to the first container; increase the volume of the variable volume unit while the infusion pump has stopped supplying fluid; drive the flow path switching unit to a third state in which the first port is in communication with the second port and the third port is not in communication with the first port and the second port; and when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the first fluid that has flowed from the first container into the drip chamber has reached a predetermined reference height, the infusion pump starts supplying fluid.

[0039] The infusion device described in item (8) can automatically perform the priming operation, which involves introducing the first solution from the first container into the infusion set. The infusion device also performs the process of storing a predetermined amount of liquid in the drip chamber. Therefore, the infusion device described in item (8) is advantageous in reducing the workload on the operator during the priming operation.

[0040] (9) In the infusion device described in item (7) or (8) above, the container holder may be configured to change the position of the plurality of containers such that any of the plurality of containers held in the container holder is positioned above the upstream connector held in the connector holder.

[0041] The infusion device described in item (7) or item (8) above is configured such that the upstream connector is connected to a first container which is one of the plurality of containers, the flow path switching unit is in a third state in which the first port is in communication with the second port and the third port is not in communication with the first port and the second port, the first liquid is introduced from the first container into the first flow path, the drip chamber, and the second flow path, and the infusion pump stops supplying the liquid, at which point the infusion pump starts supplying the first liquid, the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the first liquid in the drip chamber has fallen to a predetermined lower limit height, the infusion pump stops supplying the liquid, the flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a first state in which the third port is in communication with the second port and the first port is not in communication with the second port and the third port, and the connector holder drive device lowers the connector holder so that the upstream connector is separated from the first container. The following may be performed automatically in this order: the container holder is driven so that a second container, which is another one of the plurality of containers, is positioned above the upstream connector; the connector holder drive device raises the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to the second container; the volume of the variable volume section is increased; the flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a third state in which the first port is connected to the second port and the third port is not connected to the first and second ports; when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the second liquid that has flowed from the second container into the drip chamber has reached a predetermined reference height, the infusion pump starts pumping the second liquid; and when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the second liquid in the drip chamber has fallen to a predetermined lower limit height, the infusion pump stops pumping.

[0042] The infusion device according to item (9) automatically performs infusion in which, after priming the infusion set using the first liquid in the first container, the first liquid in the first container and the second liquid in the second container are sequentially administered to a patient in a pumping manner using an infusion pump. Therefore, the infusion device according to item (9) is advantageous in reducing the workload of an operator in the pumping infusion of a plurality of liquids.

[0043] (10) In the infusion device according to any one of items (1) to (9) above, the container holder may include a plurality of mounting portions capable of mounting the plurality of containers. The container holder may have a disk shape with a substantially circular shape in plan view. The plurality of mounting portions may be arranged along the outer periphery of the container holder.

[0044] The infusion device according to item (10) is advantageous in miniaturizing the container holder and is also advantageous in installing the infusion device in a limited narrow space.

[0045] (11) In the infusion device according to item (10) above, the container holder may be capable of rotating about its center.

[0046] The infusion device according to item (11) is advantageous in installing the infusion device in a limited narrow space.

[0047] (12) In the infusion device according to item (10) or item (11) above, the container may be attached to and detached from each of the plurality of mounting portions by moving the container along the radial direction of the container holder.

[0048] The infusion device according to item (12) is advantageous in simplifying the configuration of the mounting portion. When the mounting portion includes a container detection device and a container movement restriction mechanism, the infusion device according to item (12) is advantageous in simplifying the configurations of the container detection device and the container movement restriction mechanism.

[0049] (13) In the infusion device according to any one of the above items (1) to (12), the container holder may be provided with a plurality of mounting parts on which the plurality of containers can be attached. Each of the plurality of mounting parts may be provided with a container detection device for detecting when a container is attached. When the container detection device detects that a container has been attached to the mounting part on which the container detection device is provided, it may emit a container detection signal.

[0050] With the infusion device described in item (13), even if the operator attaches the container to any of the multiple attachment points, the infusion stand can recognize which attachment point the container is attached to. This makes the process of preparing infusions using the infusion device more efficient for the operator. This is advantageous in reducing the workload of the operator.

[0051] (14) In the infusion apparatus described in item (13) above, the infusion stand may further include an identification information reading device capable of reading drug solution identification information attached to a container. After the identification information reading device has read the drug solution identification information, the infusion stand may recognize that a container having the drug solution identification information has been attached to the attachment part of the plurality of attachment parts where the container detection device that issued the container detection signal is provided.

[0052] According to the infusion device described in paragraph (14), regardless of which of the multiple attachment points the container is attached to, the infusion stand recognizes the attachment point to which the container is attached, along with the drug identification information of the container. This is advantageous for the infusion device to automatically perform priming and infusion.

[0053] (15) In the infusion device described in item (14) above, the identification information reading device may further read patient identification information attached to the patient. The container holder may be driven so that, from among the plurality of containers held in the container holder, a container selected based on information regarding the administration order of a plurality of drug solutions associated with the patient identification information read by the identification information reading device is positioned above the upstream connector held in the connector holder.

[0054] The infusion device described in item (15) automatically administers fluids by switching between multiple containers held in a container holder based on an infusion plan created for the patient. Therefore, the infusion device described in item (15) is advantageous in reducing the workload of the operator when administering multiple fluids.

[0055] (16) In the infusion device described in item (14) or (15) above, the identification information reader may further read patient identification information assigned to the patient. If the drug solution identification information read by the identification information reader differs from the drug solution identification information associated with the patient identification information read by the identification information reader, the reader may issue a warning that the container having the drug solution identification information read by the identification information reader is not to be used for the patient's infusion.

[0056] Such infusion devices described in item (16) are advantageous in preventing medical errors such as mistakenly attaching a container not intended for infusion to the container holder.

[0057] (17) In an infusion device according to any one of the above items (1) to (16), the container holder may be provided with a plurality of mounting parts on which the plurality of containers can be attached. Each of the plurality of mounting parts may be provided with a container movement limiting mechanism that restricts the container from moving vertically relative to the container holder.

[0058] According to the infusion device described in (17), the upstream connector can be connected to and disconnected from the container stably and with high reliability. This is advantageous for the infusion device to perform priming and infusion automatically.

[0059] (18) In an infusion device according to any one of the above items (1) to (17), the connector holder may be provided with an upstream connector movement limiting mechanism that restricts the upstream connector from moving vertically relative to the connector holder.

[0060] According to the infusion device described in (18), the upstream connector can be connected to and disconnected from the container stably and with high reliability. This is advantageous for the infusion device to perform priming and infusion automatically.

[0061] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. The figures referenced in the following description are simplified representations of the main components constituting embodiments of the present invention for the sake of clarity. Therefore, the present invention may include any components not shown in the following figures. Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, the components shown in the following figures may be modified or omitted. In the drawings referenced in the description of each embodiment, components corresponding to components shown in drawings referenced in a prior embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in the drawings of the prior embodiment. For such components, redundant explanations have been omitted, and the descriptions of the prior embodiments should be considered as appropriate.

[0062] In the following description, “up,” “down,” “up and down direction,” and “horizontal direction” are defined based on the normal usage conditions of the infusion device of the present invention. “Plan view” means viewing from above. “Upstream” and “downstream” are defined based on the direction of flow of the liquid (medicine) flowing from the container toward the patient through the infusion set. The “axis” of a component means the central axis of the component. The “axis” passes through the center of a figure (e.g., a circle) contained in the component and / or coincides with the central axis of a column (e.g., a cylinder) or conical surface (e.g., a tapered cone) contained in the component. The direction parallel to the axis is called the “axial direction.” The direction along a straight line perpendicular to the axis is called the “radial direction.” In the radial direction, the side closer to the axis is called the “inside” side, and the side farther from the axis is called the “outside” side. The direction of rotation around the axis is called the “circumferential direction.” Since a person skilled in the art can easily and uniquely identify the axis, the drawings cited in the following description omit the illustration of the axis for the sake of simplicity.

[0063] (Embodiment 1) 1.1. Configuration of the Infusion Device The infusion device 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises an infusion set 100 and an infusion stand 200.

[0064] Figure 1 is a front view of the infusion set 100. A container 950 and a syringe 240 are also shown in Figure 1. The infusion set 100 constitutes a flow path for administering the liquid stored in the container 950 to the patient. The infusion set 100 includes a three-way stopcock 140, a first flow path 101, a second flow path 102, and a third flow path 103.

[0065] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the three-way stopcock 140 and its surrounding area of ​​the infusion set 100. The three-way stopcock 140 comprises a first port 141, a second port 142, a third port 143, and a handle 145. The first, second, and third ports 141, 142, and 143 are arranged along a common plane and extend radially outward from a hollow, substantially cylindrical base tube 144. The first port 141 and the second port 142 are arranged along a common straight line, and the third port 143 is arranged along a straight line perpendicular to that straight line. The handle 145 is provided with a substantially cylindrical cock (not visible in Figure 2) inserted into the base tube 144. The handle 145 is rotatable integrally with the cock around the axis of the base tube 144. The cock has a flow path (hole) formed in it that, when viewed through to the axis of the base pipe 144 (i.e., the axis of the cock), is roughly "T" shaped. Two of the first, second, and third ports 141, 142, and 143 can communicate with each other through this flow path. When the handle 145 is rotated, the flow path rotates with the handle 145, and the communication state between the first, second, and third ports 141, 142, and 143 can be switched. Specifically, when the handle 145 is in the first position (first state), the second port 142 and the third port 143 are in communication with each other, and the first port 141 is not in communication with either the second port 142 or the third port 143. When the handle 145 is in the second position (second state), the first port 141 and the third port 143 are in communication with each other, and the second port 142 is not in communication with either the first port 141 or the third port 143. When the handle 145 is in the third position (third state), the first port 141 and the second port 142 are in communication with each other, and the third port 143 is not in communication with either the first port 141 or the second port 142. The configuration of the three-way stopcock 140 is arbitrary as long as the communication state of ports 141, 142, and 143 can be switched in this manner. Three-way stopcocks are well known in the medical field (see, for example, Figure 1 of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 4). A known three-way stopcock can be used as the three-way stopcock 140. The three-way stopcock 140 functions as a flow path switching unit that can switch the communication state of ports 141, 142, and 143.

[0066] The first, second, and third channels 101, 102, and 103 are all composed of flexible, transparent, hollow tubes. The material of the tubes constituting the channels 101, 102, and 103 can be the same material used for tubes in known medical infusion sets. Specifically, the material of the tubes constituting the channels 101, 102, and 103 is not limited, but for example, flexible polyvinyl chloride, polybutadiene, polyethylene, etc. can be used.

[0067] One end of the first channel 101 is connected to the first port 141 of the three-way stopcock 140. An upstream connector 110 is provided at the other end of the first channel 101. Therefore, the upstream connector 110 is in communication with the first port 141 via the first channel 101. The upstream connector 110 can be connected to the container 950 via an adapter 960.

[0068] The container 950 is a sealed infusion bag made of two flexible sheets joined together at their outer edges, although this is not a limitation. The container 950 stores the fluid to be administered to the patient. The container 950 is equipped with a port 951 for withdrawing the fluid from the container 950. Referring to Figure 2 and also to Figure 8 described later, the opening of the port 951 is sealed with a rubber stopper. Any container commonly used for infusions can be used as the container 950.

[0069] The adapter 960 has a puncture needle 961 at one end with a sharp tip capable of puncturing the rubber stopper of the port 951, and a self-closing injection port 962 at the other end having an elastic partition member called a septum (see Figure 8). The elastic partition member has a slit (notch) formed in the thickness direction that penetrates the elastic partition member. Multiple arms 964 surround the puncture needle 961, spaced radially apart from it. Each arm 964 extends approximately parallel to the puncture needle 961 and is cantilevered. The free end (tip) of each arm 964 is positioned towards the tip of the puncture needle 961. The arms 964 are elastically bendable so that their tips can move closer to and further away from the puncture needle 961. The tip of each arm 964 is provided with a claw (not visible in Figures 2 and 8) that protrudes toward the puncture needle 961. Adapter 960 is not limited, but an adapter described in Patent Document 5 may be used.

[0070] Figures 2 and 8 show the adapter 960 attached to the port 951. In this state, the puncture needle 961 of the adapter 960 punctures the rubber stopper of the port 951, and the claws of the adapter 960 are engaged with the port 951. Because the claws are engaged with the port 951, it is difficult to separate the adapter 960 from the port 951 even if a tensile force is applied between the container 950 and the adapter 960.

[0071] The upstream connector 110 comprises a rod-shaped male member 111, a substantially cylindrical hood 113 surrounding the male member 111, a lock lever 115 positioned substantially parallel to and opposite the male member 111, and a shield 118 covering the male member 111 (see Figure 8). A liquid flow channel 112 is formed inside the male member 111. An opening communicating with the flow channel 112 is provided near the tip of the male member 111. The shield 118 has a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape overall. The shield 118 is made of a flexible material and can be elastically compressed and deformed along the longitudinal direction of the male member 111. When the shield 118 is in its initial, undeformed state (see Figure 8), the male member 111 is housed inside the shield 118, and the shield 118 closes the opening of the male member 111. A hole is formed at the tip of the shield 118 through which the male member 111 can pass. The lock lever 115 extends substantially parallel to the male member 111 and is cantilevered. The free end (tip) of the lock lever 115 is positioned on the tip side of the male member 111. The lock lever 115 is elastically bendable so that its tip (upper end in Figure 8) can move closer to and further away from the male member 111. The tip of the lock lever 115 is provided with a claw 116 that protrudes toward the male member 111. An operating lever 117 extends from the side of the lock lever 115 opposite to the male member 111. When the end of the operating lever 117 is pushed radially inward, the lock lever 115 elastically bends so that the claw 116 moves away from the male member 111. In Figure 8, the lock lever 115 is in a bent state. Such an upstream connector 110 is known as a lever-lock type male connector (see, for example, Figures 2 to 6 of Patent Document 1). The upstream connector 110 can be repeatedly connected to and disconnected from the injection port 962 of the adapter 960.

[0072] Returning to Figure 2, one end of the second channel 102 is connected to the second port 142 of the three-way stopcock 140. As shown in Figure 1, a downstream connector 120 is provided at the other end of the second channel 102. Therefore, the downstream connector 120 is in communication with the second port 142 via the second channel 102. The downstream connector 120 can be directly or indirectly connected to a needle 980 (indwelling needle, see Figure 9 below) that is inserted into the patient's vein.

[0073] On the second channel 102, a drip chamber 130, a roller clamp (variable clamp) 134, a clamp (one-touch clamp) 136, and an injection port 138 are provided in this order from the second port 142 side to the downstream connector 120 side. The drip chamber 130 makes the liquid flowing through the second channel 102 visible as droplets. The roller clamp 134 makes it possible to arbitrarily adjust the flow rate (velocity) of the liquid flowing through the second channel 102. More specifically, the roller clamp 134 can deform the tube constituting the second channel 102 in the diametrical direction. The roller clamp 134 can adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel 102 by adjusting the amount of deformation of the tube. The clamp 136 makes it possible to switch between allowing or not allowing the flow of liquid through the second channel 102. More specifically, the clamp 136 can open and close the second channel 102 by deforming the tube constituting the second channel 102 in its diametrical direction. The injection port 138, like the injection port 962 of the adapter 960, is a self-closing port equipped with an elastic partition member called a septum. A rod-shaped male Luer can be inserted into the injection port 138 to inject a desired liquid (e.g., a drug solution) into the liquid flowing through the second channel 102. The drip chamber 130, roller clamp 134, clamp 136, and injection port 138 are all well-known in the medical field. There are no restrictions on the configuration of the drip chamber 130, roller clamp 134, clamp 136, and injection port 138. Known components can be used as the drip chamber 130, roller clamp 134, clamp 136, and injection port 138. In this invention, it is sufficient that a drip chamber 130 is provided on the second flow path 102, and all or any of the roller clamp 134, clamp 136, and injection port 138 may be omitted. Another component other than the drip chamber 130, roller clamp 134, clamp 136, and injection port 138 (for example, a filter) may be provided on the second flow path 102.

[0074] As shown in Figure 2, one end of the third flow path 103 is connected to the third port 143 of the three-way stopcock 140. The other end of the third flow path 103 is connected to a syringe 240. Therefore, the syringe 240 is in communication with the third port 143 via the third flow path 103. The syringe 240 comprises a barrel (outer cylinder) 241 and a plunger (pushing part) 245. The barrel 241 has a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape as a whole. The tip of the barrel 241 is connected to the tube that constitutes the third flow path 103. The base end of the barrel 241 is provided with a finger-grip flange 242 that protrudes radially outward. The plunger 245 has a straight, elongated, substantially rod shape. The plunger 245 is inserted into the barrel 241 so as to be removable from the opening at the base end of the barrel 241. The base end of the plunger 245 is provided with a flange 246 that protrudes radially outward. In this invention, there are no restrictions on the configuration of the syringe 240. A known syringe can be used as the syringe 240. The volume of the syringe 240 changes by inserting and removing the plunger 245 from the barrel 241. The syringe 240 functions as a variable volume unit whose volume can be changed.

[0075] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the infusion stand 200. The infusion stand 200 includes a container holder 210, a connector holder 220, a connector holder drive device 227, a three-way stopcock drive device 230, a syringe 240 (not shown in Figure 3; see Figures 1 and 2), a syringe drive device 250, a liquid level sensor 263, and an electric clamp 265. The infusion stand 200 further includes a trolley 270, a support column 275, a control box 280, a touch panel 285, a code reader 287, and a handle 290.

[0076] The trolley 270 is equipped with a plurality of casters (wheels) 271. The casters 271 allow the infusion stand 200 (and furthermore, the infusion device 1) to move in any direction on the floor surface (not shown).

[0077] The control box 280 is mounted on the trolley 270. Although not shown in the illustration, the control box 280 houses a power supply, a control device, a communication device, a container holder drive device, etc. The power supply provides power for the infusion stand 200 to perform the desired operations. The power supply may have a battery such as a secondary battery, or it may have a power circuit (e.g., AC / DC power supply) that converts power from commercial power. The control device includes a processor (arithmetic unit) that processes (calculates) information and a memory (storage device) that stores (or records) various information. The control device receives signals (information) from various devices of the infusion stand 200 and also controls the operation of the various devices. The communication device is for wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi communication) to devices outside the infusion device 1 (e.g., personal computer, server), and includes, for example, an antenna. The container holder drive device is for rotationally driving the container holder 210, and includes, for example, a motor and a reduction gear.

[0078] The support column 275 extends upward from the center of the trolley 270, passing through the control box 280. The support column 275 is a hollow columnar body (a cylinder in this embodiment). Inside the support column 275 are the drive shaft that connects the container holder drive device in the control box 280 to the container holder 210, and the electrical wiring that connects the control box 280 to various devices of the infusion stand 200 (none of which are shown).

[0079] The handle 290 is located in the middle of the support column 275. The handle 290 can be grasped by an operator (e.g., a nurse) using the infusion device 1 when moving the infusion device 1 (or infusion stand 200).

[0080] The touch panel 285 has both a display function (display function) for displaying various information to the operator and an input function (input function) for inputting various information and instructions to cause the infusion device 1 to perform desired actions. The touch panel 285 exchanges information with the control device in the control box 280. The touch panel 285 is mounted on the support column 275 via the handle 290, although this is not limited to the touch panel 285. The touch panel 285 may be detachable from the infusion stand 200 (handle 290) and may be able to communicate wirelessly with the communication device in the control box 280.

[0081] The code reader (sometimes called a code scanner, barcode reader, or barcode scanner) 287 can optically read barcodes attached to patients or containers 950. The barcode may, without limitation, be printed on or affixed to a wristband worn on the patient's wrist or to the container 950, or printed on a tag attached to the patient or container 950. In this invention, barcodes include both one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes, and there are no restrictions on their specifications. The barcode is an identifier obtained by converting information for identifying a patient (patient identification information, patient ID) or information for identifying a container 950 (medicine solution identification information, medicine solution ID) in accordance with a predetermined standard. The patient identification information and medicine solution identification information may, without limitation, consist of numbers or a combination of numbers and letters. The code reader 287 functions as an "identification information reading device" that reads patient identification information and medicine solution identification information by optically reading barcodes. The code reader 287 sends the read identification information (ID) to the control device in the control box 280. The code reader 287, as an identification information reading device, is advantageous in reducing the effort required for information input via the touch panel 285 and in preventing mix-ups of patients or containers (medication solutions). In this invention, the identification information reading device (code reader 287) can be omitted.

[0082] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the upper part of the infusion stand 200, viewed from a different direction than in Figure 3. The container holder 210 has a thin, circular disc shape in plan view. The container holder 210 is mounted on the top of the support column 275, parallel to the horizontal plane. The container holder 210 can be rotated in the horizontal plane around its center. The container holder drive device that rotates the container holder 210 is housed in the control box 280. A drive shaft (not shown) that transmits the rotational driving force output from the container holder drive device to the container holder 210 is built into the support column 275. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the container holder drive device may be located between the upper end of the support column 275 and the container holder 210. In this case, the drive shaft inside the support column 275 can be omitted. The operation of the container holder drive device (i.e., the rotation of the container holder 210) is controlled by a control device in the control box 280.

[0083] Multiple recesses (12 in this embodiment) extending toward the center of the container holder 210 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the circular outer edge of the container holder 210. Each recess constitutes a mounting portion 211 for mounting the container 950. Each mounting portion 211 has an upper plate 212 and a bottom plate 213 that are spaced apart in the vertical direction and face each other. The upper plate 212 and the bottom plate 213 each have a notch that is open radially outward and has a roughly "U" shape in plan view.

[0084] Each mounting portion 211 further has a touch switch 214. The touch switch 214 has a rod-shaped contact. The contact extends along the radial direction of the substantially circular container holder 210. In Figure 4, only the tip portion of the contact is visible. The contact protrudes into a recess (notch) of the mounting portion 211 at a position lower than the bottom plate 213. The contact is biased toward the tip of the contact (i.e., radially outward) by an elastic member (e.g., a coil spring) not shown. When the contact is pushed radially inward (towards the center of the container holder 210), the touch switch 214 detects this and outputs a signal (container detection signal) to the control device in the control box 280. As the touch switch 214, a known mechanical switch (sensor) that detects the displacement of the contact caused by the object being detected pushing the contact can be used.

[0085] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the upper part of the infusion stand 200, taken from a different direction than in Figure 4. Referring to both Figure 5 and Figure 8, a connector holder 220 is positioned below the container holder 210. The connector holder 220 has a hollow shape with a through-hole extending in the vertical direction. This through-hole constitutes a connector housing section 221 for housing the upstream connector 110 of the infusion set 100. One of the multiple mounting sections 211 provided on the container holder 210 is located above the connector housing section 221. Below the connector housing section 221, the connector holder 220 further has a connector lock bar 223 extending horizontally. The connector lock bar 223 has a locking section 224 at one end and an operating section 226 at the other end. The connector lock bar 223 can reciprocate along its longitudinal direction (the direction connecting the locking section 224 and the operating section 226).

[0086] Returning to Figure 5, the connector holder 220 is mounted on the support column 275 via the connector holder drive unit 227. The connector holder drive unit 227 includes a linear drive unit. The configuration of the linear drive unit is not limited, but any single-axis actuator such as an electric cylinder may be used. The connector holder drive unit 227 can move the connector holder 220 in the vertical direction (i.e., in the direction toward and toward the container holder 210).

[0087] Referring to Figure 4 and also to Figure 7 described later, the three-way stopcock drive device 230 is installed on the support column 275 at a lower position than the connector holder 220, preferably below the connector holder 220. The three-way stopcock drive device 230 comprises a rotor 231, a retaining member 233, and a drive device 235. The rotor 231 and the retaining member 233 are horizontally opposed to each other and spaced apart. The surface of the rotor 231 facing the retaining member 233 is provided with an engagement shape (a recess in this embodiment 1) that can engage with the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140. The surface of the retaining member 233 facing the rotor 231 is provided with an engagement shape (a recess, i.e., a groove, in this embodiment 1) that can engage with the first port 141 and the second port 142 of the three-way stopcock 140. The drive device 235 rotates the rotor 231 and includes, but is not limited to, a motor and reduction gears. The three-way stopcock drive device 230 can hold the three-way stopcock 140 between the rotor 231 and the holding member 233, with the handle 145 engaged with the engaging shape of the rotor 231 (fitted into the recess), and the first port 141 and the second port 142 engaged with the engaging shape of the holding member 233 (fitted into the recess). In this state, when the drive device 235 rotates the rotor 231, the handle 145 rotates integrally with the rotor 231. The rotation axes of the rotor 231 and the handle 145 are parallel to the horizontal direction. The holding member 233 holds the main body portion of the three-way stopcock 140, including the first, second, and third ports 141, 142, and 143 and the base pipe 144, so as not to rotate when the rotor 231 rotates the handle 145. The configuration of the rotor 231 is arbitrary as long as it can apply rotational force to the handle 145. In this embodiment 1, the engagement shape on the rotor 231 that can engage with the handle 145 is a recess into which the handle 145 can be fitted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the engagement shape may be, for example, a projection that can engage with the handle 145. The engagement shape provided on the rotor 231 can be appropriately changed according to the handle 145. Similarly, the configuration of the holding member 233 can be arbitrarily changed as long as it can hold the main body portion of the three-way stopcock 140 so that it does not rotate.

[0088] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the syringe drive unit 250 is installed on the support column 275 at a lower position than the connector holder 220 and in the vicinity of the three-way stopcock drive unit 230. The syringe drive unit 250 comprises a barrel holder 251 for holding the barrel 241 (see Figure 2), a plunger holder 255 for holding the plunger 245 (see Figure 2), and a plunger drive unit 257. The barrel holder 251 includes, but is not limited to, a barrel holding portion 253 for holding the outer circumferential surface (cylindrical surface) of the barrel 241 and a slot-shaped groove (flange holder) 252 into which a finger-grip flange 242 (see Figure 2) provided at the base end of the barrel 241 is fitted. The plunger holder 255 includes, but is not limited to, a slot-shaped groove (flange holder) 256 into which a flange 246 (see Figure 2) provided at the base end of the plunger 245 is fitted. The plunger drive unit 257 moves the plunger holder 255 linearly back and forth relative to the barrel holder 251. The configuration of the plunger drive unit 257 is not limited, but any single-axis actuator such as an electric cylinder can be used.

[0089] In this embodiment 1, the liquid level sensor 263 and the electric clamp 265 are provided on the infusion controller 260. The infusion controller 260 is installed on the support column 275 at a lower position than the three-way stopcock drive device 230, preferably below the three-way stopcock drive device 230. The infusion controller 260 has a groove that runs vertically. The drip chamber 130 (see Figure 2) and the tubing nearby are fitted into this groove such that the longitudinal direction of the drip chamber 130 runs vertically (see Figure 7, described later). The liquid level sensor 263 and the electric clamp 265 are embedded in the side wall of the groove. For this reason, the liquid level sensor 263 and the electric clamp 265 are not clearly shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0090] The liquid level sensor 263 detects the position (height) of the interface between the liquid and gas in the drip chamber 130 (i.e., the liquid level). The liquid level sensor 263 may, but is not limited, include a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit arranged opposite each other on either side of the drip chamber 130. The liquid level sensor 263 may have two pairs of such light-emitting and light-receiving units spaced apart vertically. One pair of the two (the first pair) may detect that the liquid level is at a reference height. The other pair of the two (the second pair) may be installed at a lower position than the first pair and may detect that the liquid level is at the lower limit height.

[0091] The electric clamp 265 can adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path 102 by deforming the tube constituting the second flow path 102 in its diametrical direction downstream of the drip chamber 130 (or liquid level sensor 263) (downward, downstream connector side). This allows the electric clamp 265 to adjust the flow rate (velocity) of the liquid flowing through the second flow path 102. There are no limitations on the configuration of the electric clamp 265. For example, the electric clamp may include a pressing member and a drive device. The pressing member may be provided on one of a pair of opposing side walls defining a groove into which the tube constituting the second flow path 102 is fitted, facing the tube, and may be movable to move toward and away from the tube. The drive device may drive the pressing member so that it can crush the tube in its diametrical direction or move away from the tube. The drive device is not limited, but may include, for example, a motor and reduction gears.

[0092] The infusion stand 200 may further include a droplet sensor (not shown) for detecting droplets dripping in the drip chamber 130. The droplet sensor may generally be positioned higher than the liquid level sensor 263. The droplet sensor may also be provided on the infusion controller 260. The droplet sensor may, but is not limited, include a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit positioned opposite each other on either side of the drip chamber 130.

[0093] Infusion controllers equipped with a liquid level sensor, an electric clamp, and a droplet sensor are known as gravity-feed (or drop-type) infusion controllers (sometimes called infusion devices) (see, for example, Patent Documents 6 and 7). As the infusion controller 260 equipped with a liquid level sensor 263 and an electric clamp 265 (and further a droplet sensor), any known gravity-feed (or drop-type) infusion controller (infusion device) can be used, but are not limited.

[0094] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the infusion device 1, in which an infusion set 100 (see Figure 1) is attached to an infusion stand 200 (see Figure 3).

[0095] In Figure 6, three containers 950 (950a, 950b, 950c) are held in the container holder 210 with their ports 951 (see Figure 2) facing downwards. In the following description, when it is necessary to distinguish between the three containers 950 held in the container holder 210, one of the subscripts "a", "b", or "c" will be added to the container designation "950".

[0096] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the upper part of the infusion device 1, viewed from a different direction than in Figure 6. The adapter 960 (see Figure 2), attached to the port 951 of the container 950, is housed in the mounting portion 211 of the container holder 210. As can be seen by comparing Figure 7 with Figure 4, by inserting the adapter 960 into the mounting portion 211 radially inward (towards the central axis of the container holder 210) of the disc-shaped container holder 210, the container 950 can be held in the container holder 210 as shown in Figure 7. In the state of Figure 7, if the adapter 960 is pulled radially outward from the mounting portion 211, the container 950 can be separated from the container holder 210. In this way, the container 950 can be repeatedly held and separated from the container holder 210. In Figure 7, the container 950a is attached to the mounting portion 211 located above the connector holder 220. The container holder 210 can be intermittently rotated in the horizontal plane such that, with the container 950 mounted, one of the multiple mounting portions 211 is positioned above the connector housing portion 221 (and further above the upstream connector 110 held by the connector holder 220, see Figure 8).

[0097] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the infusion device 1 shown in Figures 6 and 7, along a plane containing a common axis to the port 951 of the container 950a, the adapter 960, and the upstream connector 110. In Figure 8, some of the components visible behind the cross-section have been omitted for simplification of the drawing. An arm 964 (see Figure 2), extending substantially along the vertical direction of the adapter 960, is positioned between the upper plate 212 and the bottom plate 213 (see Figure 4) of the mounting section 211. The arm 964 faces the upper plate 212 in the vertical direction. The arm 964 also faces the bottom plate 213 in the vertical direction. That is, the arm 964 engages with the upper plate 212 and the bottom plate 213 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the adapter 960 and the port 951 (and furthermore, the container 950) to which the adapter 960 is attached are restricted from moving vertically relative to the mounting section 211 (and furthermore, the container holder 210). The upper plate 212 and the lower plate 213 constitute a "container movement limiting mechanism" that restricts the movement of the container 950 relative to the container holder 210 in the direction (up and down) in which the upstream connector 110 is connected to and disconnected from the container 950 (adapter 960).

[0098] When the adapter 960 is attached to the mounting section 211, the injection port 962 of the adapter 960 pushes the contact of the touch switch 214 (see Figure 4) radially inward. When the touch switch 214 detects that the contact has been pushed in, it sends a signal (container detection signal) to the control device in the control box 280. The touch switch 214 constitutes a "container detection device" that detects that the container 950 has been attached to the mounting section 211. A touch switch 214 is provided for each of the multiple mounting sections 211. When the control device receives a signal (container detection signal) from the touch switch 214, it recognizes that the container 950 has been attached to the mounting section 211 on which the touch switch 214 that sent the signal is provided. Each time the control device receives a container detection signal, it updates the information regarding the attachment / non-attachment of the container 950 for each of the multiple mounting sections 211 and stores it in memory. Furthermore, the control device may display the information on the touch panel 285, or it may transmit it to a controller outside the infusion device 1 (for example, a personal computer) via a communication device.

[0099] The upstream connector 110 is housed in a vertically extending through-hole (see Figure 5) of the connector housing portion 221 of the connector holder 220. The connector holder 220 includes an upper plate 222 with a circular opening formed at the upper end of the connector housing portion 221. The circular end (opening end) defining the opening of the upper plate 222 protrudes radially inward from the vertically extending side wall that defines the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole of the connector housing portion 221. The hood 113 of the upstream connector 110 is fitted into the opening of the upper plate 222. As a result, the upstream connector 110 is positioned horizontally within the connector holder 220.

[0100] The side wall of the through-hole in the connector housing 221 pushes the end of the operating lever 117 of the upstream connector 110 toward the male member 111 (towards the shaft of the male member 111). As a result, the lock lever 115 is elastically bent and deformed so that the claw 116 separates from the male member 111. The tip (upper end) of the lock lever 115 protrudes radially outward from the hood 113 and faces the upper plate 222 of the connector holder 220 in the vertical direction. Also, the end of the operating lever 117 faces the tip (locking portion) 224 of the connector lock bar 223 in the vertical direction. That is, the lock lever 115 engages with the upper plate 222 of the connector holder 220 in the vertical direction, and the operating lever 117 engages with the locking portion 224 of the connector lock bar 223 in the vertical direction. As a result, the vertical movement of the upstream connector 110 relative to the connector holder 220 is restricted. The upper plate 222 and the connector lock bar 223 constitute an "upstream connector movement limiting mechanism" that restricts the upstream connector 110 from moving relative to the connector holder 220 in the direction (up and down) in which the upstream connector 110 is connected to and disconnected from the container 950 (adapter 960).

[0101] The connector lock bar 223 can move back and forth along its longitudinal direction (along the left-right direction in Figure 8). The connector lock bar 223 is biased by an elastic member (e.g., a coil spring; not shown) such that the lock portion 224 at its tip protrudes below the connector housing portion 221 (to the right in Figure 8). An inclined surface 225 is formed on the lower surface of the lock portion 224 of the lock bar 223, which slopes upward as it approaches the tip of the lock bar 223. When the upstream connector 110 is held in the connector holder 220, the upstream connector 110 is inserted into the connector housing portion 221 from below. At this time, the upstream connector 110 comes into contact with the inclined surface 225, moving the lock bar 223 toward the operating portion 226 against the biasing force of the elastic member. When the upstream connector 110 is housed in the connector housing portion 221, the elastic member returns the lock bar 223 to its initial position so that the lock portion 224 is positioned below the end of the operating lever 117. Subsequently, when separating the upstream connector 110 from the connector holder 220, the operating part 226 is pulled to the left in Figure 8, against the biasing force of the elastic member. The locking part 224 retracts, making it possible to pull the upstream connector 110 downward from the connector housing part 221.

[0102] As described above, the connector holder drive device 227 (see Figures 4 and 5) can move the connector holder 220 vertically. The upstream connector 110 moves integrally with the connector holder 220. Figure 8 shows the state when the connector holder 220 is in the lowered position (lowest position). When the connector holder 220 is in the lowered position, the upstream connector 110 is separated vertically from the adapter 960 (particularly its injection port 962). The shield 118 of the upstream connector 110 is extended to its initial state, and the male member 111 is housed within the shield 118. The opening at the tip of the male member 111 is closed by the shield 118. The slit provided in the elastic partition member of the injection port 962 of the adapter 960 is closed. Also, when the connector holder 220 is in the lowered position, the connector holder 220 and the upstream connector 110 are separated vertically from the container holder 210. Therefore, the container holder 210 is rotatable around its center.

[0103] Although not shown in the diagram, when the connector holder 220 is raised from the lowered position in Figure 8 to the raised position (uppermost position), the upstream connector 110 is connected to the injection port 962 of the adapter 960. More specifically, the injection port 962 is inserted into the hood 113 of the upstream connector 110, compressing and deforming the shield 118. The male member 111 penetrates the hole at the tip of the shield 118, protrudes from the shield 118, and is inserted into the slit of the elastic partition member of the injection port 962. The flow path 112 inside the male member 111 is connected to the injection port 962. As a result, the container 950, port 951, adapter 960, upstream connector 110, and first flow path 101 are connected in order.

[0104] Subsequently, when the connector holder 220 is lowered to the lowered position, the male member 111 is withdrawn from the injection port 962, and the upstream connector 110 is separated from the injection port 962. The shield 118 returns to its initial state, closing the opening at the tip of the male member 111. The slit in the elastic partition member of the injection port 962 closes immediately after the male member 111 is withdrawn. Thus, the state shown in Figure 8 is returned.

[0105] In this way, the connector holder drive device 227 raises and lowers the connector holder 220, thereby connecting and disconnecting the upstream connector 110 to the adapter 960 (and further to the container 950). The operation of the connector holder drive device 227 is controlled by a control device in the control box 280.

[0106] The upstream connector 110 is a self-closing male connector in which the shield 118 immediately closes the opening at the tip of the male member 111 when it is disconnected from the injection port 962 of the adapter 960. The injection port 962 is a self-closing female connector in which the slit of the elastic partition member immediately closes when it is disconnected from the upstream connector 110. The provision of a self-closing upstream connector 110 at the upstream end of the first flow path 101, and the attachment of an adapter 960 equipped with a self-closing injection port 962 to the port 951 of the container 950, are advantageous in reducing the possibility of dangerous drugs such as anticancer drugs in the first flow path 101 and the container 950 leaking into the outside world and exposing workers to drugs when connecting and disconnecting the first flow path 101 to the container 950.

[0107] As described above, when the upstream connector 110 is held in the connector holder 220, the claws 116 move away from the male member 111. For this reason, the claws 116, which are normally configured to engage with the injection port 962, are disabled in the infusion device 1 of this embodiment 1. When the upstream connector 110 is held in the connector holder 220, even if the upstream connector 110 is connected to the injection port 962, the claws 116 cannot engage with the injection port 962. For this reason, the upstream connector 110 can be connected to and disconnected from the injection port 962 (and even the container 950) simply by raising and lowering the connector holder 220 holding the upstream connector 110. For this reason, for example, when disconnecting the upstream connector 110 from the injection port 962, no action is required to release the engagement of the claws 116 with respect to the injection port 962. This eliminates the need for a mechanism to move the claws 116 in conjunction with the raising and lowering of the connector holder 220, which is advantageous for simplifying the configuration of the connector holder 220.

[0108] Furthermore, as described above, the mounting portion 211 of the container holder 210 is configured to restrict the vertical movement of the adapter 960 (and furthermore, the container 950) relative to the mounting portion 211 (and furthermore, the container holder 210). Also, the connector holder 220 is configured to restrict the vertical movement of the upstream connector 110 relative to the connector holder 220. Therefore, when the connector holder 220 moves up and down relative to the container holder 210 (mounting portion 211), the upstream connector 110 can be connected to and disconnected from the adapter 960 (and furthermore, the container 950) stably and with high reliability.

[0109] As can be seen by comparing Figure 7 with Figure 4, the three-way stopcock 140 is held between the rotor 231 and the retaining member 233 with its handle 145 (see Figure 2) engaged (fitted) into an engaging shape (recess) provided on the rotor 231. The first port 141 (see Figure 2) of the three-way stopcock 140 faces upward, its second port 142 (see Figure 2) faces downward, and its third port 143 (see Figure 2) is aligned horizontally. The three-way stopcock drive device 230 can rotate the handle 145 integrally with the rotor 231 by the drive device 235 rotating the rotor 231. The operation of the three-way stopcock drive device 230 (especially the drive device 235) is controlled by a control device in the control box 280.

[0110] The syringe 240 is held by the syringe drive unit 250. More specifically, the barrel 241 of the syringe 240 is held by the barrel holder 251 with its outer circumferential surface held by the barrel holding portion 253 and its finger-grip flange 242 (see Figure 2) fitted into the groove 252. The plunger 245 of the syringe 240 is held by the plunger holder 255 with its flange 246 (see Figure 2) fitted into the groove 256. The syringe drive unit 250 allows the plunger 245 to be moved (inserted and removed) relative to the barrel 241 by the plunger drive unit 257 moving the plunger holder 255 relative to the barrel holder 251. The operation of the syringe drive unit 250 (especially the plunger drive unit 257) is controlled by a control device in the control box 280. Note that the syringe 240 is shown together with the infusion set 100 in Figures 1 and 2, but is not shown in the infusion stand 200 in Figures 3 to 5; this is merely for the sake of explanation. Generally, the infusion set 100 does not include the syringe 240. In this invention, the syringe 240 is a component of the infusion stand 200.

[0111] The drip chamber 130 is held by the infusion controller 260. The infusion controller 260 includes a liquid level sensor 263 for detecting the position (height) of the liquid level in the drip chamber 130, and an electric clamp 265 for adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. The infusion controller 260 may further include a droplet sensor for detecting the droplets being dripped into the drip chamber 130.

[0112] Although not limited, the operation of the electric clamp 265 may be controlled by a control device in the control box 280. In this case, the control device may control the electric clamp 265 based on signals from the liquid level sensor 263 or the droplet sensor. For example, information regarding the liquid level height detected by the liquid level sensor 263 is sent to the control device in the control box 280. Based on the information detected by the liquid level sensor 263, the control device may drive the electric clamp 265 to adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path 102. Specifically, when the liquid in the container 950 is being administered to the patient, if the container 950 becomes empty and the liquid level in the drip chamber 130 falls to a predetermined height (lower limit height), the liquid level sensor 263 detects this and sends a signal to the control device in the control box 280. The control device then uses the electric clamp 265 to block the second flow path 102 and stop the infusion. Subsequently, when the liquid level in the drip chamber 130 rises to a predetermined height (reference height), the liquid level sensor 263 detects this and sends a signal to the control device in the control box 280. The control device causes the electric clamp 265 to open the second channel 102 and start the infusion. Information regarding the droplets detected by the droplet sensor is also sent to the control device in the control box 280. The control device may calculate the infusion rate based on the frequency of droplets detected by the droplet sensor and cause the electric clamp 265 to adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel 102 to achieve the desired infusion rate.

[0113] Contrary to the above, the operation of the electric clamp 265 may be controlled by the infusion controller 260. In this case, the infusion controller 260 may control the electric clamp 265 based on signals from the liquid level sensor 263 and the droplet sensor. For example, the infusion controller 260 may cause the electric clamp 265 to close or open the second flow path 102 based on information about the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor 263. Alternatively, the infusion controller 260 may cause the electric clamp 265 to adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path 102 to achieve a desired infusion rate based on information about droplets detected by the droplet sensor. The infusion controller 260 may transmit the information detected by the liquid level sensor 263 and the droplet sensor, as well as information about the operation of the electric clamp 265, to the control device in the control box 280.

[0114] Furthermore, when any instruction is input via the touch panel 285, the control device in the control box 280 may directly or indirectly via the infusion controller 260 control the electric clamp 265 so that the electric clamp 265 performs the desired operation.

[0115] The control device may determine the progress of the infusion based on the information detected by the liquid level sensor 263 and / or the droplet sensor, and may display the progress on the touch panel 285, or transmit it to a controller outside the infusion device 1 (for example, a personal computer) via a communication device.

[0116] 1.2. Method of Using the Infusion Device The method of using the infusion device 1 configured as described above will be explained using the example of administering the first to third solutions stored in the first to third containers 950a to 950c to a patient.

[0117] 1.2.1. Priming 1.2.1.1. Priming Procedure First, prepare the first to third containers 950a to 950c. For example, the first liquid stored in the first container 950a may be a drug solution containing premedication, the second liquid stored in the second container 950b may be a drug solution containing an anticancer drug, and the third liquid stored in the third container 950c may be saline solution for washout. Adapters 960 are attached to the ports 951 of containers 950a to 950c. Furthermore, prepare the infusion set 100 (see Figures 1 and 2) and the infusion stand 200 (see Figures 3 to 5) of this embodiment 1. The infusion set 100 is unused and has no liquid introduced into it.

[0118] Next, a worker (e.g., a nurse) may use a code reader 287 to read patient-specific patient identification information. Patient identification information may be recorded on a barcode attached to a wristband worn on the patient's wrist. The code reader 287 sends the patient identification information to a control device in the control box 280. The control device reads the infusion information associated with the patient identification information. The infusion information is an infusion plan created by a physician for the patient, and includes, for example, information about the patient (e.g., patient identification information (patient ID), patient's name, etc.) and information about all the medications to be administered to the patient via infusion (e.g., medication identification information (medication ID), drug name, administration order, infusion method (gravity or pump), infusion rate (flow rate), dosage, administration time, etc.). A regimen in cancer drug therapy corresponds to the infusion information. The infusion information may be pre-stored in the control device's memory, or it may be downloaded to the control device from a device outside the infusion device 1 (e.g., a personal computer, server). The control device may display the infusion information on the touch panel 285.

[0119] If the infusion stand 200 is not equipped with a code reader 287, the operator may input patient identification information via the touch panel 285.

[0120] Next, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, the first to third containers 950a to 950c are held in the container holder 210.

[0121] The operator can attach the first to third containers 950a to 950c to any three of the multiple mounting sections 211 of the container holder 210.

[0122] The operator may use the code reader 287 to read the drug identification information of the first container 950a before attaching the first container 950a to the container holder 210. The drug identification information is recorded in the barcode attached to the first container 950a. The code reader 287 sends the drug identification information to the control device in the control box 280.

[0123] Next, the operator attaches the first container 950a to any of the multiple attachment points 211 of the container holder 210. The adapter 960 attached to the port 951 of the first container 950a pushes the contact of the touch switch 214 (see Figure 4) provided on the attachment point 211 in a radially inward direction. The touch switch 214 sends a signal (container detection signal) indicating that the contact has been pushed in to the control device in the control box 280. The control device recognizes that a container (first container 950a) containing the above-mentioned drug solution identification information has been attached to the attachment point 211 where the touch switch 214 that emitted the container detection signal is provided, and stores this information in its memory.

[0124] Furthermore, if the drug identification information read by the code reader 287 differs from any of the drug identification information included in the infusion information, the control device may determine that the container with the drug identification information read by the code reader 287 is not to be used for the patient's infusion and may issue a warning to that effect. The warning is not limited, but may be displayed on the touch panel 285 or may be a predetermined alarm sound. This prevents medical errors such as mistakenly placing a container not used for infusion into the container holder 210.

[0125] If the infusion stand 200 is not equipped with a code reader 287, the drug identification information for the first container 950a may be entered via the touch panel 285 before the first container 950a is mounted on the container holder 210. For example, the control device may display the first to third containers 950a to 950c (and furthermore, the drug names contained in the first to third containers 950a to 950c) to be used for infusion on the touch panel 285 based on the infusion information associated with the patient identification information. In this case, the operator selects the first container 950a on the touch panel 285. Subsequently, the operator mounts the first container 950a to any of the multiple mounting sections 211 of the container holder 210. The contact of the touch switch 214 (see Figure 4) provided on the mounting section 211 is pressed. The touch switch 214 sends a signal (container detection signal) indicating that the contact has been pressed to the control device in the control box 280. The control device recognizes that the first container 950a, selected via the touch panel 285, has been attached to the mounting unit 211, which is equipped with a touch switch 214 that emits a container detection signal, and stores this information in memory along with the drug solution identification information of the first container 950a.

[0126] Similarly, the operator then attaches the second container 950b and the third container 950c to any mounting section 211 of the container holder 210. Thus, the control device's memory stores which of the multiple mounting sections 211 each of the first to third containers 950a to 950c, each having unique drug solution identification information, was attached to.

[0127] Next, the infusion set 100 is attached to the infusion stand 200 (see Figures 6 to 8). Note that the attachment of the infusion set 100 to the infusion stand 200 may be performed before the attachment of the first to third containers 950a to 950c to the container holder 210.

[0128] Thus, an infusion device 1 (see Figures 6 to 8) is obtained in which the first to third containers 950a to 950c are held in the container holder 210. In the initial state (before operation), the connector holder 220 is in the lowered position. Also, the plunger holder 255 of the syringe drive device 250 is in the position where the plunger 245 is inserted as deeply as possible into the barrel 241. The electric clamp 265 is in the open position of the second flow path 102.

[0129] Figure 9 is a diagram showing only the main parts of the infusion device 1 in its initial state (see Figures 6 to 8) to illustrate the operation of the infusion device 1. In Figure 9, the liquid level sensor 263 and the motorized clamp 265 are shown in a simplified manner (the same applies to Figure 10, which will be described later). As shown in Figure 9, the operator connects the downstream connector 120, located at the downstream end of the second flow path 102 of the infusion set 100, to a flexible, transparent, hollow tube 981 connected to a needle (indwelling needle) 980 that will be inserted into the patient's vein. The needle 980 has not yet been inserted into the patient. The roller clamp 134 and clamp 136 are open. The first to third containers 950a to 950c are positioned higher than the needle 980 and the patient's vein.

[0130] Next, the operator instructs the infusion device 1 to begin priming the infusion set 100. Specifically, the operator can select "Start Priming" from the operation selection menu displayed on the touch panel 285 (see Figure 6). The infusion device 1 automatically performs the following priming operations.

[0131] First, the three-way stopcock drive device 230 (see Figures 6 and 7) rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a first position where the third channel 103, to which the syringe 240 is connected, communicates with the second channel 102, to which the drip chamber 130 is provided, and the first channel 101, to which the upstream connector 110 is connected, does not communicate with the second channel 102 and the third channel 103. The container holder 210 is rotated so that the mounting portion 211, to which the first container 950a is attached, is positioned above the upstream connector 110 held in the connector holder 220 (see Figure 8).

[0132] Next, the connector holder drive device 227 (see Figures 6 and 7) raises the connector holder 220. As shown in Figure 10, the upstream connector 110 is connected to the adapter 960 (and further to the first container 950a). In Figure 10, as in Figure 9, only the main parts of the infusion device 1 (see Figures 6 to 8) are shown. Since the first flow path 101 is closed by the three-way stopcock 140, the first liquid in the first container 950a cannot flow into the first flow path 101.

[0133] Next, the electric clamp 265 closes the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. The syringe drive device 250 (see Figures 6 and 7) pulls the plunger 245 out of the barrel 241. The syringe 240 is connected to the drip chamber 130 via the three-way stopcock 140, and since the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130 is closed by the electric clamp 265, negative pressure is generated inside the drip chamber 130.

[0134] Next, the three-way stopcock drive device 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a third position where the first flow path 101, to which the first container 950a is connected, communicates with the second flow path 102, to which the drip chamber 130 is located, and the third flow path 103, to which the syringe 240 is connected, does not communicate with the first flow path 101 and the second flow path 102. As described above, there is negative pressure inside the drip chamber 130. Therefore, the first liquid in the first container 950a flows into the drip chamber 130 in the order of the first flow path 101, the three-way stopcock 140, and the second flow path 102. Since the electric clamp 265 is blocking the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130, the first liquid begins to accumulate inside the drip chamber 130.

[0135] When the liquid level sensor 263 detects that the liquid level of the first liquid in the drip chamber 130 has reached a predetermined height (reference height), the electric clamp 265 opens the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. The first liquid flows through the second flow path 102 toward the needle 980.

[0136] If the liquid level of the first liquid in the drip chamber 130 does not reach the reference height, the following sequence of operations can be repeated: the electric clamp 265 keeps the second flow path 102 blocked, the three-way stopcock drive unit 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to the first position, the syringe drive unit 250 pulls the plunger 245 out of the barrel 241 to generate negative pressure in the drip chamber 130, and the three-way stopcock drive unit 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to the third position.

[0137] The operator visually observes the first fluid flowing through the second channel 102. Once the operator confirms that the first fluid has reached the needle 980, they instruct the infusion device 1 to "end priming" via the touch panel 285. The electric clamp 265 closes the second channel 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. The flow of the first fluid within the infusion set 100 stops. Thus, the pathway connecting the first container 950a, the first channel 101, the three-way stopcock 140, the second channel 102, the tube 981, and the needle 980 in that order is filled with the first fluid. Priming of the infusion set 100 is completed.

[0138] In the priming described above, the flow path from the first container 950a to the needle 980 was filled with the first fluid while the needle 980 had not yet been inserted into the patient. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in some cases, an infusion may be performed using an unused infusion set 100 in which no fluid has been introduced, while the needle 980 has already been inserted into the patient. In this case, the needle 980 and tube 981 are usually already filled with saline solution or the like. Therefore, priming can be performed in the same manner as above, filling the flow path from the first container 950a to the downstream connector 120 with the first fluid while the downstream connector 120 is not connected to the tube 981. After that, the downstream connector 120 is connected to the tube 981.

[0139] In the above example, priming was performed with the first liquid in the first container 950a, out of the first to third containers 950a to 950c mounted on the container holder 210. Priming is generally performed with the liquid to be administered to the patient first in the subsequent infusion (the first liquid in this embodiment). As described above, when patient identification information is input to the infusion device 1, the infusion information associated with the patient identification information is read into the control device in the control box 280. The infusion information includes information on the order in which multiple drug solutions are administered to the patient (administration order). Based on the information on the administration order, the control device selects the first container 950a, which contains the liquid to be administered to the patient first in the infusion (the first liquid), from among the first to third containers 950a to 950c, and controls the rotational position of the container holder 210 so that the first container 950a is positioned above the upstream connector 110 at the start of priming.

[0140] 1.2.1.2. Mechanism of Operation In the priming process for introducing liquid into conventional infusion sets (see, for example, Figures 1 and 13 of Patent Document 1, and Figure 12 of Patent Document 2), the operator needs to connect the infusion set to the container, open the clamp, and introduce the liquid into the infusion set. Furthermore, with the infusion set connected to the container, the operator also needs to crush the drip chamber with their fingers to fill the drip chamber with approximately half of its capacity (pumping operation). This pumping operation requires a certain level of skill and is also cumbersome.

[0141] In contrast, the infusion device 1 of this embodiment 1 can automatically perform a series of priming operations, such as connecting the infusion set 100 to the container 950 and opening the electric clamp 265 to introduce the liquid into the infusion set 100. The infusion device 1 also performs the process of storing a predetermined amount of liquid in the drip chamber 130. The operator only needs to instruct the infusion device 1 to start and end the priming. The infusion device 1 can accurately and efficiently prime the infusion set 100 regardless of the operator's skill level. The infusion device 1 is advantageous in reducing the workload on the operator during the priming operation.

[0142] 1.2.2. Gravity-fed Infusion 1.2.2.1. Infusion Procedure Figure 10 illustrates the procedure of sequentially administering the first to third fluids stored in the first to third containers 950a to 950c to the patient using gravity-fed infusion equipment 1.

[0143] The infusion device 1 is in a state where the priming described above, which fills the infusion set 100 with the first fluid from the first container 950a, has been completed. When priming is complete, the upstream connector 110 is connected to the first container 950a (more precisely, to the adapter 960 connected to the first container 950a). The handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 is in a third position in which the first flow path 101, to which the first container 950a is connected, communicates with the second flow path 102, to which the drip chamber 130 is provided, and the third flow path 103, to which the syringe 240 is connected, does not communicate with the first flow path 101 and the second flow path 102. The electric clamp 265 is blocking the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130.

[0144] First, the worker inserts needle 980 into the patient's vein.

[0145] Next, the operator instructs the infusion device 1 to start the infusion via the touch panel 285. Specifically, the operator can select "Start Infusion" from the operation selection menu displayed on the touch panel 285. The infusion device 1 automatically performs the following operations.

[0146] The electric clamp 265 opens the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. The electric clamp 265 may adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path 102 to suit the infusion rate of the first solution. The first solution in the first container 950a flows sequentially through the first flow path 101, the three-way stopcock 140, the drip chamber 130, the second flow path 102, the tube 981, and the needle 980, and is administered to the patient. Infusion of the first solution is started. The start of infusion of the first solution may be displayed on the touch panel 285. The liquid level sensor 263 continues to monitor the liquid level of the first solution in the drip chamber 130.

[0147] When the first container 950a is empty, the air inside the first container 950a flows into the drip chamber 130 through the first flow path 101 and the three-way stopcock 140, causing the liquid level of the first fluid in the drip chamber 130 to drop. When the liquid level sensor 263 detects that the liquid level in the drip chamber 130 has dropped to a predetermined height (lower limit), the electric clamp 265 closes the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. The flow of the first fluid stops before the drip chamber 130 is empty. The completion of the infusion of the first fluid may be displayed on the touch panel 285.

[0148] Next, the three-way stopcock drive device 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a first position where the third channel 103 to which the syringe 240 is connected communicates with the second channel 102 to which the drip chamber 130 is provided, and the first channel 101 does not communicate with the second channel 102 and the third channel 103.

[0149] Next, the connector holder drive device 227 lowers the connector holder 220. The upstream connector 110 is separated from the adapter 960 (and further from the first container 950a).

[0150] Next, the container holder 210 is rotated so that the second container 950b is positioned above the upstream connector 110 held by the connector holder 220.

[0151] Next, the connector holder drive device 227 raises the connector holder 220. The upstream connector 110 is connected to the adapter 960 (and further to the second container 950b) (see Figure 10). Since the first flow path 101 is closed by the three-way stopcock 140, the second liquid in the second container 950b cannot flow into the first flow path 101.

[0152] Next, the syringe drive unit 250 pulls the plunger 245 out of the barrel 241. The syringe 240 is connected to the drip chamber 130 via the three-way stopcock 140, and the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130 is blocked by the electric clamp 265, so negative pressure is generated inside the drip chamber 130.

[0153] Next, the three-way stopcock drive device 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a third position where the first channel 101, to which the second container 950b is connected, communicates with the second channel 102, to which the drip chamber 130 is located, and the third channel 103, to which the syringe 240 is connected, does not communicate with the first channel 101 and the second channel 102. As described above, there is negative pressure inside the drip chamber 130. Therefore, the second liquid in the second container 950b flows into the drip chamber 130 in the order of the first channel 101, the three-way stopcock 140, and the second channel 102. Since the electric clamp 265 blocks the second channel 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130, the second liquid begins to accumulate inside the drip chamber 130.

[0154] When the liquid level sensor 263 detects that the liquid level of the second fluid in the drip chamber 130 has reached a predetermined height (reference height), the electric clamp 265 opens the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. The electric clamp 265 may adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path 102 to suit the infusion rate of the second fluid. The second fluid in the second container 950b flows sequentially through the first flow path 101, the three-way stopcock 140, the drip chamber 130, the second flow path 102, the tube 981, and the needle 980. The second fluid is administered to the patient following the first fluid that remained between the drip chamber 130 and the needle 980. Infusion of the second fluid is started. The start of infusion of the second fluid may be displayed on the touch panel 285. The liquid level sensor 263 continues to monitor the liquid level of the second fluid in the drip chamber 130.

[0155] When the second container 950b becomes empty, the air inside the second container 950b flows into the drip chamber 130 through the first flow path 101 and the three-way stopcock 140, causing the liquid level of the second fluid in the drip chamber 130 to drop. When the liquid level sensor 263 detects that the liquid level in the drip chamber 130 has dropped to a predetermined height (lower limit), the electric clamp 265 closes the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. The infusion flow of the second fluid stops before the drip chamber 130 becomes empty. The completion of the infusion of the second fluid may be displayed on the touch panel 285.

[0156] Subsequently, the infusion of the third solution in the third container 950c is started and then stopped, in the same manner as the infusion of the second solution described above. As described above, the start and end of the infusion of the third solution may be displayed on the touch panel 285.

[0157] With the above steps completed, the infusion of the first to third fluids is finished. The control device in the control box 280 may display on the touch panel 285 that the infusion of the first to third fluids has been successfully completed, or it may notify the operator via a communication device. The operator separates the first, second, and third containers 950a, 950b, and 950c from the container holder 210. After that, the operator may, if necessary, withdraw the needle 980 from the patient, or separate the downstream connector 120 from the tube 981 while leaving the needle 980 and tube 981 in the patient.

[0158] In the example above, we showed an example of automatically administering the first to third solutions to the patient in succession. However, the number of solutions administered to the patient is not limited to three; it may be more or less. The maximum number of solutions that can be automatically administered to the patient in succession using the infusion device 1 (i.e., the number of containers 950) is equal to the number of mounting parts 211 provided on the container holder 210.

[0159] As described above, when patient identification information is input to the infusion device 1, the infusion information associated with the patient identification information is read into the control device in the control box 280. The infusion information includes information on the order in which multiple drug solutions are administered to the patient (administration order) and information on the infusion rate of each drug solution. The control device selects from among the multiple containers 950 held in the container holder 210 the container 950 containing the drug solution to be administered to the patient next, based on the infusion information (particularly information on the administration order of multiple drug solutions), and drives (rotates) the container holder 210 so that the container 950 is positioned above the upstream connector 110 held in the connector holder 220. As a result, the containers 950 to which the upstream connector 110 is connected are sequentially switched according to the above administration order. Furthermore, based on the infusion information (particularly information on the infusion rate of each drug solution), the control device controls the electric clamp 265 to adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path 102 so that the drug solution in each container 950 is administered to the patient at a predetermined infusion rate. In this way, the infusion device 1 can automatically and sequentially perform infusions into multiple containers 950.

[0160] 1.2.2.2. Operation As described above, according to the infusion device 1 of this embodiment 1, after priming the infusion set 100, if the operator instructs the infusion device 1 to start infusion (for example, via the touch panel 285), the infusion device 1 will automatically perform gravity-feed infusion of multiple liquids (first to third liquids in this embodiment 1). The operator does not need to be involved in the infusion until the administration of all multiple liquids to the patient is complete.

[0161] As described above, in conventional intravenous infusions that administer multiple fluids to a patient using a typical infusion set (see, for example, Figures 1 and 13 of Patent Document 1, and Figure 12 of Patent Document 2), each time a container holding a fluid becomes empty, it is necessary to perform a series of operations for each fluid (i.e., each container): closing the clamp to interrupt the infusion, switching the connection destination of the upstream connector of the infusion set (corresponding to the upstream connector 110 in this embodiment 1) from the empty container to a new container, adjusting the fluid level in the drip chamber (restoring the fluid level), and opening the clamp to resume the infusion. In this embodiment 1, the infusion device 1 performs all of these operations.

[0162] In conventional infusion sets (see, for example, Figures 1 and 13 of Patent Document 1, and Figure 12 of Patent Document 2), if the operator fails to notice that the container (e.g., the first container) is empty after starting to administer the liquid, the drip chamber will become empty, and air will enter the flow path downstream of the drip chamber. In this case, to prevent air from being injected into the patient, the operator must perform a degassing operation to remove the air from the flow path. Degassing is a cumbersome process and hinders efficient infusion. To avoid degassing, the operator must periodically check the progress of the infusion to prevent the drip chamber from becoming empty, which places a significant burden on the operator. The infusion device 1 of this embodiment 1 introduces liquid from a new container into the drip chamber 130 before the drip chamber 130 becomes empty, so air does not enter the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. In this embodiment 1, degassing is unnecessary. Furthermore, there is no need to adjust the liquid level in the drip chamber (liquid level restoration) when switching containers.

[0163] Therefore, according to this embodiment 1, the workload on the worker can be significantly reduced in gravity-fed infusion of multiple liquids.

[0164] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the same infusion set 100 can be used regardless of the number of liquids administered to the patient (i.e., the number of containers 950; 3 in the above example). The infusion set 100 is not a special infusion set as described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 3. As the infusion set 100, a general infusion set that has been conventionally used in infusions can be used as is or with only minor modifications. In this embodiment 1, an infusion set 100 with a simple configuration can be used. Such an infusion set 100 is inexpensive. Also, since the same infusion set 100 can be used regardless of the number of containers 950 used in the infusion, the management of the infusion set 100 is easy.

[0165] The infusion device 1 can be applied to infusions using containers 950 that are less than or equal to the number of mounting sections 211 on the container holder 210. During infusion, there may be mounting sections 211 that do not have containers 950 attached. If the container holder 210 has mounting sections 211 that are greater than or equal to the number of containers 950 used in a typical infusion, there is no need to replace the container holder 210 or the infusion stand 200 even if the number of containers 950 changes in each infusion. Therefore, the infusion device 1 is highly versatile.

[0166] Some anticancer drugs used in cancer chemotherapy are necrotizing agents that cause necrosis not only in cancer cells but also in normal cells. When administering a drug solution containing such necrotizing agents (necrotizing anticancer drug solution) intravenously to a patient, if the drug solution leaks outside the blood vessel due to the displacement of the needle 980, it can cause adverse effects on the patient, such as necrosis of the tissue surrounding the blood vessel. In gravity-fed infusion, if the outlet for the drug solution at the tip of the needle 980 becomes blocked due to, for example, the displacement of the needle 980, this reduces the flow rate of the drug solution and eventually stops the infusion. Therefore, when administering necrotizing anticancer drugs, gravity-fed infusion is often chosen from the perspective of preventing unnecessary necrosis of normal cells. The infusion device 1 of this embodiment 1 can perform gravity-fed infusion. When gravity-fed infusion is performed using the infusion device 1, if the outlet for the drug solution at the tip of the needle 980 becomes blocked, the infusion stops, just as with general gravity-fed infusion. Therefore, the infusion device 1 can be preferably used for infusing multiple liquids, including necrotizing anticancer drug solutions.

[0167] The container holder 210 is provided with a plurality of mounting portions 211. A container 950 can be attached to each mounting portion 211. In this invention, the shape of the container holder 210 and the arrangement of the plurality of mounting portions 211 on the container holder 210 are arbitrary.

[0168] Unlike Embodiment 1, for example, the container holder may have an elongated, roughly rectangular plate shape extending horizontally, and the multiple mounting parts 211 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the container holder. In this case, the container holder may be moved along its longitudinal direction in order to switch the container 950 to which the upstream connector 110 held by the connector holder 220 is connected. To install an infusion device equipped with such a container holder, a large space is required to allow the container holder, which has a large longitudinal dimension, to move along its longitudinal direction. Therefore, preferably, as in Embodiment 1, the container holder 210 has a roughly circular, roughly disc shape in plan view, and the multiple mounting parts 211 are arranged along the circular outer circumference of the container holder 210. To switch the container 950 to which the upstream connector 110 held by the connector holder 220 is connected, the container holder 210 rotates around its center. Such an infusion device 1 is advantageous for miniaturizing the container holder 210 and is also advantageous for installing the infusion device 1 in a limited, narrow space such as a hospital room or chemotherapy room.

[0169] In the present invention, there are no restrictions on the direction in which the container 950 moves relative to the mounting portion 211 when attaching or detaching the container 950 to the mounting portion 211. Unlike in this embodiment 1, the mounting portion 211 may be configured such that, for example, the container 950 can be attached to the mounting portion 211 from above, and the container 950 can be separated from the mounting portion 211 upward. However, preferably, as in this embodiment 1, the mounting portion 211 is configured such that the container 950 can be attached to and detached from the mounting portion 211 by moving the container 950 along the radial direction of the container holder 210. In this configuration, the direction in which the container 950 is attached to and detached from the mounting portion 211 (horizontal direction) is perpendicular to the direction in which the upstream connector 110 is attached to and detached from the container 950 (vertical direction). This is advantageous for simplifying the configuration of the mounting portion 211, including the container detection device (touch switch 214) and the container movement limiting mechanism (upper plate 212 and bottom plate 213).

[0170] Each mounting section 211 is equipped with a "container detection device" that detects when a container 950 is mounted on the mounting section 211. When the container detection device detects that a container 950 is mounted on the mounting section 211, it sends a container detection signal to the control device in the control box 280. Even if an operator mounts the container 950 on any of the multiple mounting sections 211, the control device can recognize which mounting section 211 the container 950 is mounted on. This makes the preparation work for infusion using the infusion device 1 more efficient. This is advantageous in reducing the burden on the operator. In this embodiment 1, the container detection device was composed of a touch switch 214, but the container detection device of the present invention is not limited to this. The container detection device may be either a contact type that detects the mounting of the container 950 by contacting the container 950 (or adapter 960) in the same way as the touch switch 214, or a non-contact type that detects the mounting of the container 950 without contacting the container 950 (or adapter 960). Examples of contact-type container detection devices include mechanical switches such as microswitches and limit switches, in addition to the touch switch 214. Examples of non-contact-type container detection devices include an optical sensor comprising a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, wherein the light-receiving unit detects when light from the light-emitting unit is blocked or reflected by the container 950 (or adapter 960).

[0171] The infusion device 1 (particularly the infusion stand 200) may be equipped with a droplet sensor that detects droplets being dispensed in the drip chamber 130. The droplet sensor may be provided in the infusion controller 260.

[0172] The control device (or infusion controller 260) in the control box 280 calculates the infusion rate based on the frequency of droplets (number of droplets per unit time) detected by the droplet sensor. The control device (or infusion controller 260) may control the electric clamp 265 to adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path 102 so that the infusion rate calculated via the droplet sensor becomes a predetermined infusion rate suitable for the liquid in each container 950. This predetermined infusion rate may be included in the infusion information associated with patient identification information.

[0173] Abnormalities in the infusion rate may be detected using a droplet sensor. For example, if the tube bends due to the patient turning over in bed, the infusion rate will decrease as the flow path of the fluid narrows. Alternatively, as described above, if the outlet for the drug solution at the tip of the needle 980 is blocked due to the needle 980 shifting, the infusion rate will also decrease. If the infusion rate calculated via the droplet sensor falls outside a preset normal range, the control device may display the abnormality in the infusion rate on the touch panel 285, emit an alarm sound, or notify the operator via a communication device.

[0174] 1.2.3. Syringe Pump Type Infusion 1.2.3.1. Infusion Procedure In the gravity-fed infusion described above, infusion is performed using the height difference (drop) between the container 950 and the needle 980. The infusion device 1 of this embodiment 1 can also perform infusion by using the syringe 240 and syringe drive device 250 as a syringe pump. This infusion procedure will be explained using Figure 10. Here, we will explain the case in which the first solution in the first container 950a is administered to the patient using a syringe pump.

[0175] Prior to administering the first solution, as described above, the infusion device 1 is used to prime the infusion set 100 with the first solution from the first container 950a. When priming is complete, the upstream connector 110 is connected to the first container 950a (more precisely, to the adapter 960 connected to the first container 950a). The handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 is in a third position where the first channel 101, to which the first container 950a is connected, communicates with the second channel 102, to which the drip chamber 130 is located, and the third channel 103, to which the syringe 240 is connected, does not communicate with the first channel 101 or the second channel 102. The electric clamp 265 is blocking the second channel 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130.

[0176] First, the worker inserts needle 980 into the patient's vein.

[0177] Next, the operator instructs the infusion device 1 to start the infusion via the touch panel 285. Specifically, the operator can select "Start Infusion" from the operation selection menu displayed on the touch panel 285. The infusion device 1 automatically performs the following operations.

[0178] The three-way stopcock drive device 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a second position in which the first flow path 101, to which the first container 950a is connected, communicates with the third flow path 103, to which the syringe 240 is connected, and the second flow path 102, to which the drip chamber 130 is provided, does not communicate with the first flow path 101 and the third flow path 103.

[0179] Next, the syringe drive device 250 pulls out the plunger 245 from the barrel 241 by a predetermined amount. The syringe 240 is connected to the first container 950a via the three-way stopcock 140, and the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130 is blocked by the electric clamp 265, so a predetermined amount of the first liquid flows from the first container 950a through the first flow path 101, the three-way stopcock 140, and the third flow path 103 in that order into the syringe 240.

[0180] Next, the three-way stopcock drive device 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a first position where the third channel 103 to which the syringe 240 is connected communicates with the second channel 102 to which the drip chamber 130 is provided, and the first channel 101 to which the first container 950a is connected does not communicate with the second channel 102 and the third channel 103.

[0181] Next, the electric clamp 265 opens the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130.

[0182] Next, the syringe drive unit 250 pushes the plunger 245 into the barrel 241. The first fluid in the syringe 240 flows sequentially through the third channel 103, the three-way stopcock 140, the drip chamber 130, the second channel 102, the tube 981, and the needle 980, and is administered to the patient. Infusion of the first fluid is started. The start of infusion of the first fluid may be displayed on the touch panel 285. Preferably, the speed at which the syringe drive unit 250 pushes the plunger 245 into the barrel 241 is adjusted to suit the infusion rate of the first fluid. The liquid level sensor 263 may continue to monitor the liquid level of the first fluid in the drip chamber 130. When all of the first fluid in the syringe 240 has flowed out of the syringe 240, the syringe drive unit 250 stops pushing the plunger 245. The electric clamp 265 occludes the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. The infusion of the first fluid is completed.

[0183] The control device in the control box 280 may display on the touch panel 285 that the infusion of the first fluid has been completed, or it may notify the operator via a communication device.

[0184] Furthermore, after completing the syringe-pump infusion of the first solution, the infusion device 1 can automatically perform the syringe-pump infusion of the second solution from the second container 950b. The operation in this case is as follows.

[0185] After the syringe pump infusion of the first solution described above is completed, the connector holder drive device 227 lowers the connector holder 220. The upstream connector 110 is separated from the adapter 960 (and further from the first container 950a).

[0186] Next, the container holder 210 is rotated so that the second container 950b is positioned above the upstream connector 110 held by the connector holder 220.

[0187] Next, the connector holder drive device 227 raises the connector holder 220. The upstream connector 110 is connected to the adapter 960 (and further to the second container 950b) (see Figure 10). Since the first flow path 101 is closed by the three-way stopcock 140, the second liquid in the second container 950b cannot flow into the first flow path 101.

[0188] The three-way stopcock drive device 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a second position where the first channel 101, to which the second container 950b is connected, is in communication with the third channel 103, to which the syringe 240 is connected, and the second channel 102, to which the drip chamber 130 is provided, is not in communication with the first channel 101 and the third channel 103.

[0189] Next, the syringe drive device 250 pulls the plunger 245 out of the barrel 241 by a predetermined amount. The syringe 240 is connected to the second container 950b via the three-way stopcock 140, and the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130 is blocked by the electric clamp 265, so a predetermined amount of the second liquid flows from the second container 950b through the first flow path 101, the three-way stopcock 140, and the third flow path 103 in that order into the syringe 240.

[0190] Next, the three-way stopcock drive device 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a first position where the third channel 103 to which the syringe 240 is connected communicates with the second channel 102 to which the drip chamber 130 is provided, and the first channel 101 to which the second container 950b is connected does not communicate with the second channel 102 and the third channel 103.

[0191] Next, the electric clamp 265 opens the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130.

[0192] Next, the syringe drive unit 250 pushes the plunger 245 into the barrel 241. The second fluid in the syringe 240 flows sequentially through the third channel 103, the three-way stopcock 140, the drip chamber 130, the second channel 102, the tube 981, and the needle 980, and is administered to the patient. Infusion of the second fluid is started. The start of infusion of the second fluid may be displayed on the touch panel 285. Preferably, the speed at which the syringe drive unit 250 pushes the plunger 245 into the barrel 241 is adjusted to suit the infusion rate of the second fluid. The liquid level sensor 263 may continue to monitor the liquid level of the second fluid in the drip chamber 130. When all of the second fluid in the syringe 240 has flowed out of the syringe 240, the syringe drive unit 250 stops pushing the plunger 245. The electric clamp 265 occludes the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. The infusion of the second fluid is completed.

[0193] The control device in the control box 280 may display on the touch panel 285 that the infusion of the second fluid has been completed, or it may notify the operator via a communication device.

[0194] Furthermore, although a detailed explanation will be omitted, after the syringe pump infusion of the second solution described above is completed, the infusion device 1 can also automatically infuse the third solution in the third container 950c using a syringe pump, in the same manner as the infusion of the second solution.

[0195] After the syringe pump infusion is completed, the control device in the control box 280 may display on the touch panel 285 that the predetermined syringe pump infusion has been successfully completed, or it may notify the operator via a communication device. The operator separates the containers 950 (950a, 950b, 950c) from the container holder 210. After that, the operator may take measures such as withdrawing the needle 980 from the patient, or separating the downstream connector 120 from the tube 981 while leaving the needle 980 and tube 981 in the patient.

[0196] In the example above, we showed an example of automatically administering the first to third solutions to the patient in succession. However, the number of solutions administered to the patient is not limited to three; it may be more or less. The maximum number of solutions that can be automatically administered to the patient in succession using the infusion device 1 (i.e., the number of containers 950) is equal to the number of mounting parts 211 provided on the container holder 210.

[0197] The infusion device 1 (particularly the infusion stand 200) may be equipped with a droplet sensor that detects droplets being dispensed in the drip chamber 130. The droplet sensor may be provided in the infusion controller 260. The control device (or infusion controller 260) in the control box 280 calculates the infusion rate based on the frequency of droplets (number of droplets per unit time) detected by the droplet sensor. The control device may control the syringe drive device 250 to adjust the pushing speed of the plunger 245 against the barrel 241 so that the infusion rate calculated via the droplet sensor becomes a predetermined infusion rate suitable for the liquid in each container 950. The predetermined infusion rate may be included in the infusion information associated with patient identification information.

[0198] The fact that all the liquid has flowed out of the syringe 240 can be detected by any method. For example, the amount the plunger 245 is pushed into the barrel 241 by the syringe drive device 250, the decrease in the liquid level in the drip chamber 130 detected by the liquid level sensor 263, the droplet frequency detected by the droplet sensor, etc., can be used to detect that all the liquid has flowed out of the syringe 240.

[0199] In the above example, all of the liquid drawn into the syringe 240 was administered to the patient, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, while administering the liquid in the syringe 240 to the patient using the syringe drive device 250, the amount of liquid being administered to the patient (or the liquid flowing through the second channel 102) may be continuously measured by a droplet sensor. When the amount of liquid reaches a predetermined dose (for example, the dose included in the infusion information associated with patient identification information as described above), the three-way stopcock drive device 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a second position where the third channel 103 to which the syringe 240 is connected communicates with the first channel 101 to which the container 950 in which the liquid was stored is connected, and the second channel 102 to which the drip chamber 130 is provided communicates with the first channel 101 and the third channel 103. Thereafter, the liquid in the syringe 240 is pushed out using the syringe drive device 250. This allows any liquid exceeding the predetermined dosage to be returned to the container 950.

[0200] The infusion device 1 can also automatically administer the liquids from multiple containers 950 to the patient sequentially, switching the infusion method (gravity flow or syringe pump) for each liquid. For example, the first liquid from the first container 950a can be administered to the patient by gravity flow, the second liquid from the second container 950b by syringe pump, and the third liquid from the third container 950c by gravity flow, in this order, continuously and automatically. Information regarding which method (gravity flow or syringe pump) to use to administer the liquid from each container 950 to the patient (infusion method) may be included in the infusion information associated with the patient identification information. Based on the infusion information associated with the input patient identification information, the infusion device 1 can select the infusion method and set the infusion rate for each of the multiple containers 950, and automatically administer the liquids from the multiple containers 950 to the patient sequentially.

[0201] 1.2.3.2. Operation According to the infusion device 1 of this embodiment 1, after priming the infusion set 100, if the operator instructs the infusion device 1 to start infusion (for example, via the touch panel 285), the infusion device 1 will automatically perform syringe pump infusion of multiple liquids (first to third liquids in this embodiment 1). The operator does not need to be involved in the infusion until it is completed.

[0202] In the administration of drug solutions, including investigational drugs and molecularly targeted drugs, it is necessary to strictly control the flow rate (infusion rate) and administration time of the drug solution. Such infusions are performed not by gravity flow, but by syringe pump or infusion pump (collectively referred to as pump type) as described later. Pump-type infusions use syringe pumps or infusion pumps, while gravity-flow infusions use gravity-flow infusion devices (e.g., infusion controller 260).

[0203] In cancer chemotherapy, multiple types of drug solutions are administered to the same patient in combination. For example, when a molecularly targeted drug and a necrotizing anticancer drug are administered together, the molecularly targeted drug is administered using a pump, while the necrotizing anticancer drug is administered using gravity flow. Traditionally, pump-type infusion required a syringe pump or an infusion pump with an infusion set incorporated into it, and gravity-flow infusion required a gravity-flow infusion device with an infusion set incorporated into it. Because different infusion devices are required depending on the infusion method, there is a significant workload for the operator.

[0204] In this embodiment 1, both gravity-fed and pump-type (syringe pump type) infusions can be performed using the same infusion device 1. There is no need to prepare different infusion devices depending on the infusion method (gravity-fed or pump-type). For this reason, the infusion device 1 is advantageous in reducing the burden on the worker.

[0205] Both containers 950 containing drug solutions to be administered by gravity and containers 950 containing drug solutions to be administered by pump can be mixed in the container holder 210. Regardless of the method of infusion, the containers 950 can be attached to any of the multiple attachment parts 211. As described above, by reading the drug solution identification information of the container 950 with the code reader 287 and then attaching the container 950 to the attachment part 211 of the container holder 210, the control device recognizes that a container 950 with the drug solution identification information has been attached to the attachment part 211. The same applies when the drug solution identification information is input via the touch panel 285. Based on the infusion information associated with the patient identification information, the control device controls each part of the infusion stand 200 to perform infusion. The infusion information includes information on the administration order of the drug solutions in the multiple containers 950, and information on the infusion method and infusion rate for each drug solution. As described above, after priming, the operator only needs to instruct the infusion device 1 to "start infusion" (for example, by selecting from the operation selection menu displayed on the touch panel 285). Based on the infusion information, the control device 1 moves the container holder 210 to sequentially switch the containers 950 to which the upstream connector 110 is connected. Furthermore, based on the infusion information, the control device 1 selects the infusion method and infusion rate according to the drug solution in each container 950 and administers the drug solution from each container 950 to the patient. In this way, the infusion device 1 can sequentially and automatically perform infusions for multiple containers 950. Using the same infusion device 1, multiple drug solutions with different infusion methods can be administered to the patient continuously and automatically in the desired order. The operator does not need to be involved in the infusion until the administration of the liquid from all containers 950 is complete. The infusion device 1 is advantageous in reducing the burden on the operator.

[0206] 1.2.4. Backflow Confirmation As mentioned above, when administering a drug solution containing necrotizing anticancer drugs (necrotizing anticancer drug solution) into a patient's vein, leakage of the drug solution outside the blood vessel can cause adverse effects on the patient, such as necrosis of the surrounding tissue. One reason for leakage of the drug solution outside the blood vessel is that the needle is not properly inserted into the vein, such as being partially dislodged. A method to confirm whether the needle is properly inserted into the vein is called "backflow confirmation." Backflow confirmation is a method in which, with the needle inserted into the vein, negative pressure is applied to the upstream side of the needle (the infusion set side), and it is visually confirmed whether the patient's blood flows back through the needle to the infusion set side. If blood flows back to the infusion set side, it means that the needle is properly inserted into the vein.

[0207] In conventional methods of confirming blood return, a needle inserted into a vein is connected to a container via an infusion set (see, for example, Figures 1 and 13 in Patent Document 1, and Figure 12 in Patent Document 2). The container is then moved to a position lower than the needle, and the difference in height is used to cause the patient's blood to flow back towards the infusion set (gravity-based blood return confirmation). In conventional infusions, the container is suspended from an infusion stand. Therefore, blood return confirmation can be performed using an extremely simple method: simply remove the container from the infusion stand and move it to a lower position.

[0208] However, in the infusion device 1 of this embodiment 1, the container 950 is mounted on the container holder 210, and the infusion set 100 is incorporated into the infusion stand 200 with the upstream connector 110 held by the connector holder 220 and the three-way stopcock 140 mounted on the three-way stopcock drive device 230. For this reason, in embodiment 1, it is extremely difficult in practice to perform a blood return confirmation using the same method as the conventional gravity-type blood return confirmation, which involves moving the container 950 to a position lower than the needle 980 while keeping the upstream connector 110 connected to the container 950.

[0209] The infusion device 1 can perform blood return confirmation using a method different from the gravity-feed method described above. The operation of blood return confirmation by the infusion device 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 10.

[0210] As described above, the infusion device 1 is used to prime the infusion set 100 by filling it with the first fluid from the first container 950a. When priming is complete, the upstream connector 110 is connected to the first container 950a (more precisely, to the adapter 960 connected to the first container 950a). The handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 is in a third position where the first flow path 101, to which the first container 950a is connected, communicates with the second flow path 102, to which the drip chamber 130 is provided, and the third flow path 103, to which the syringe 240 is connected, does not communicate with the first flow path 101 and the second flow path 102. The electric clamp 265 is blocking the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130.

[0211] Next, the worker inserts needle 980 into the patient's vein.

[0212] At this stage, it is possible to confirm blood return, that is, whether or not the needle 980 has been properly inserted into the vein.

[0213] The operator instructs the infusion device 1 to begin blood return confirmation via the touch panel 285. Specifically, the operator can select "Start blood return confirmation" from the operation selection menu displayed on the touch panel 285. The infusion device 1 automatically performs the following blood return confirmation operations.

[0214] The three-way stopcock drive device 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a first position where the third channel 103 to which the syringe 240 is connected communicates with the second channel 102 to which the drip chamber 130 is provided, and the first channel 101 does not communicate with the second channel 102 and the third channel 103.

[0215] Next, the electric clamp 265 opens the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130.

[0216] Next, the syringe drive unit 250 slowly withdraws the plunger 245 from the barrel 241. The syringe 240 is connected to the drip chamber 130 via the three-way stopcock 140, and the three-way stopcock 140 also blocks communication between the syringe 240 and the first flow path 101 (and further to the container 950a), so air in the drip chamber 130 is drawn into the syringe 240. As a result, the liquid (first liquid) in the second flow path 102 moves (backflows) towards the syringe 240. If the needle 980 has properly punctured the vein, the patient's blood will flow (backflows) from the needle 980 into the tube 981. When the operator visually confirms the blood (backflow) in the tube 981, they input (touch) "Backflow Confirmation" via the touch panel 285.

[0217] The syringe drive unit 250 slowly inserts the plunger 245 into the barrel 241. The air that was drawn into the syringe 240 is returned to the drip chamber 130, and consequently, the blood in the tube 981 is returned to the patient's vein. Once the operator visually confirms that there is no more blood in the tube 981, they instruct the infusion device 1 to "end blood return confirmation" via the touch panel 285. The electric clamp 265 occludes the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. The blood return confirmation operation of the infusion device 1 is completed.

[0218] Afterward, intravenous fluid administration (gravity-feed or syringe-pump infusion) can be initiated.

[0219] The above describes an example of checking for blood return after priming is complete but before infusion begins. However, the infusion device 1 can check for blood return at other times. For example, when the first, second, and third solutions are infused continuously by gravity or syringe pump, blood return can be checked at any time (for example, after the first solution has been infused but before the second solution is infused, or during the second solution is infused). When checking for blood return, the operator instructs the infusion device 1 to begin the check, as described above. The infusion device 1 interrupts the infusion process up to that point and performs the actions required for checking for blood return as described above. Specifically, the three-way stopcock drive device 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to the first position, the electric clamp 265 opens the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130, and the syringe drive device 250 slowly pulls the plunger 245 out of the barrel 241. Once the operator confirms backflow, the syringe drive unit 250 pushes the plunger 245 into the barrel 241. The electric clamp 265 occludes the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. Subsequently, when the operator instructs the infusion device 1 to resume infusion, the infusion device 1 performs the remaining infusion process.

[0220] As described above, the infusion device 1 of this embodiment 1 allows for confirmation of blood return when the container 950 (950a, 950b, 950c) is attached to the container holder 210 and the infusion set 100 is assembled into the infusion stand 200.

[0221] In order to perform blood return confirmation using the conventional gravity method, rather than the above method, after priming with the infusion device 1 and inserting the needle 980 into the patient, it is necessary to remove the container 950a from the container holder 210 and remove the infusion set 100 from the infusion stand 200. These operations are extremely complicated, and furthermore, there is a possibility that air may be introduced into the flow path of the infusion set 100 during these operations.

[0222] When the operator instructs the infusion device 1 to start checking for blood return (for example, via the touch panel 285), the infusion device 1 will generate the necessary blood backflow for checking for blood return, even with the container 950 and infusion set 100 still attached to the infusion stand 200. According to this embodiment 1, the workload of the operator in checking for blood return can be significantly reduced.

[0223] (Embodiment 2) 2.1. Diagram 11 of the infusion device configuration is a perspective view of the infusion device 2 of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The infusion device 2 comprises an infusion set 100 and an infusion stand 300. The infusion set 100 is the same as the infusion set 100 of Embodiment 1 (see Figures 1 and 2). The infusion stand 300 differs from the infusion stand 200 of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 3) in that it is equipped with an infusion pump 350 below the infusion controller 260. The infusion pump 350 is installed on the support column 275. The infusion pump 350 is located downstream of the drip chamber 130 (further downstream of the infusion controller 260) and upstream of the roller clamp 134 in the second flow path 102.

[0224] The infusion pump 350, although not shown in the figure, includes an openable and closable front door and a pump unit. The pump unit includes a row of fingers positioned opposite the inner surface of the front door. When the front door is closed, a tube oriented vertically, constituting the second flow path 102, is positioned between the front door and the row of fingers. The row of fingers consists of a plurality of fingers arranged vertically. Each finger is capable of reciprocating horizontally to move forward and backward relative to the tube. A finger that moves forward toward the tube (advancing finger) presses the tube against the front door, compressing and deforming the tube radially and closing the flow path within the tube. When the finger retracts, the tube elastically returns to its initial state, and the flow path within the tube opens. From among the plurality of fingers constituting the row of fingers, a finger that moves forward toward the tube (advancing finger) is selected. The plurality of fingers are driven by a drive mechanism including a cam so that the advancing finger changes (moves) sequentially from top to bottom. When the advancing finger moves from top to bottom, the radially compressed portion of the tube moves from top to bottom. This allows the fluid in the tube to move downward (i.e., toward the patient) (i.e., be delivered). By changing the speed at which the forward fingers move from top to bottom, the flow velocity of the fluid flowing through the tube (i.e., the delivery speed) can be changed. Infusion pumps that deliver fluid by compressing and deforming the tube radially in this manner are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 8 and 9). A known infusion pump can be used as the infusion pump 350.

[0225] The infusion pump 350 is controlled by a control device in the control box 280. The control device may control the infusion pump 350 based on a signal from the liquid level sensor 263. For example, when administering liquid from container 950 to a patient, if the liquid in container 950 becomes empty and the liquid level in drip chamber 130 falls to a predetermined height (lower limit height), the liquid level sensor 263 detects this and sends a signal to the control device in the control box 280. The control device stops the fluid delivery by the infusion pump 350. Specifically, the movement of the forward finger of the infusion pump 350 stops. The flow path of the tube constituting the second flow path 102 is blocked by being sandwiched between the stopped forward finger and the front door. Infusion is stopped. Subsequently, when the liquid level in drip chamber 130 rises to a predetermined height (reference height), the liquid level sensor 263 detects this and sends a signal to the control device in the control box 280. The control device starts the fluid delivery by the infusion pump 350. The forward finger of the infusion pump 350 begins to move from top to bottom. Infusion begins.

[0226] The infusion device 2 (particularly the infusion stand 300) may be equipped with a droplet sensor that detects droplets being dispensed in the drip chamber 130. The droplet sensor may, but is not limited, be provided in the infusion controller 260. In this case, information regarding the droplets detected by the droplet sensor is sent to the control device in the control box 280. The control device may calculate the infusion rate based on the frequency of droplets detected by the droplet sensor and adjust the delivery rate by the infusion pump 350 to achieve the desired infusion rate.

[0227] As shown in Figure 11, when the tube constituting the second flow path 102 is attached to the infusion pump 350, the flow path of the tube is closed by being sandwiched between the forward finger and the front door of the infusion pump 350. That is, when the tube is attached to the infusion pump 350, the infusion pump 350 closes the flow path of the tube even when the infusion pump 350 is not pumping fluid (non-driven state). Therefore, when the tube is attached to the infusion pump 350, the electric clamp 265 of Embodiment 1, which is located downstream of the drip chamber 130, cannot perform its intended function. For this reason, the electric clamp 265 is unnecessary in Embodiment 2. However, the infusion stand 300 is equipped with the same infusion controller 260 as the infusion stand 200 of Embodiment 1, which has the electric clamp 265. In this case, the electric clamp 265 of the infusion controller 260 is controlled to keep the second flow path 102 open at all times, regardless of whether the infusion pump 350 is driven or not.

[0228] 2.2. Method of Using the Infusion Device The method of using the infusion device 2 configured as described above will be explained using the example of administering the first to third solutions stored in the first to third containers 950a to 950c to a patient.

[0229] 2.2.1. Priming 2.2.1.1. Priming Procedure First, prepare the first to third containers 950a to 950c. For example, the first liquid stored in the first container 950a may be a drug solution containing premedication, the second liquid stored in the second container 950b may be a drug solution containing an anticancer drug, and the third liquid stored in the third container 950c may be saline solution for washout. Adapters 960 are attached to the ports 951 of containers 950a to 950c. Furthermore, prepare the infusion set 100 (see Figures 1 and 2) and the infusion stand 300 of this embodiment 2. The infusion set 100 is unused and has no liquid introduced into it.

[0230] Next, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, a worker (e.g., a nurse) may use the code reader 287 to read patient-specific patient identification information. The code reader 287 sends the patient identification information to the control device in the control box 280. The control device reads the infusion information associated with the patient identification information. The infusion information is an infusion plan created by a physician for the patient, and includes, for example, information about the patient (e.g., patient identification information (patient ID), patient's name, etc.) and information about all the medications to be administered to the patient via infusion (e.g., medication identification information (medication ID), medication name, administration order, infusion method (gravity flow or pump), infusion rate, dosage, etc.). The control device may display the infusion information on the touch panel 285. If the infusion stand 200 is not equipped with a code reader 287, the worker may input the patient identification information via the touch panel 285.

[0231] Next, the first to third containers 950a to 950c are held in the container holder 210 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. The control device's memory stores which of the multiple mounting sections 211 each of the first to third containers 950a to 950c, each having unique drug solution identification information, is mounted to.

[0232] Next, the infusion set 100 is attached to the infusion stand 300 (see Figure 11). Note that the attachment of the infusion set 100 to the infusion stand 300 may be performed before the attachment of the first to third containers 950a to 950c to the container holder 210.

[0233] Thus, an infusion device 2 (see Figure 11) is obtained in which the first to third containers 950a to 950c are held in the container holder 210. In the initial state (before operation), the connector holder 220 is in the lowered position. The plunger holder 255 of the syringe drive device 250 is in the position where the plunger 245 is inserted as deeply as possible into the barrel 241. The tube constituting the second flow path 102 is attached to the infusion pump 350. The flow path of the tube is blocked by the forward finger of the infusion pump 350. The electric clamp 265 of the infusion controller 260 is in the open position of the second flow path 102.

[0234] Figure 12 is a diagram showing only the main parts of the infusion device 2 in its initial state (see Figure 11) to illustrate the operation of the infusion device 2. In Figure 12, the liquid level sensor 263 and the infusion pump 350 are shown in a simplified manner (the same applies to Figure 13, which will be described later). As shown in Figure 12, the operator connects the downstream connector 120, located at the downstream end of the second flow path 102 of the infusion set 100, to a flexible tube 981 connected to a needle (indwelling needle) 980 that will be inserted into the patient's vein. The needle 980 has not yet been inserted into the patient. The roller clamps 134 and 136 are open. The first to third containers 950a to 950c are positioned higher than the needle 980 and the patient's vein.

[0235] Next, the operator instructs the infusion device 2 to begin priming the infusion set 100. Specifically, the operator can select "Start Priming" from the operation selection menu displayed on the touch panel 285 (see Figure 11). The infusion device 2 automatically performs the following priming operations.

[0236] First, the three-way stopcock drive device 230 (see Figure 11) rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a first position where the third channel 103, to which the syringe 240 is connected, communicates with the second channel 102, to which the drip chamber 130 is provided, and the first channel 101, to which the upstream connector 110 is connected, does not communicate with the second channel 102 and the third channel 103. The container holder 210 is rotated so that the mounting portion 211, to which the first container 950a is attached, is positioned above the upstream connector 110 held in the connector holder 220.

[0237] Next, the connector holder drive device 227 (see Figure 11) raises the connector holder 220. As shown in Figure 13, the upstream connector 110 is connected to the adapter 960 (and further to the first container 950a). In Figure 13, as in Figure 12, only the main parts of the infusion device 2 (see Figure 11) are shown. Since the first flow path 101 is closed by the three-way stopcock 140, the first liquid in the first container 950a cannot flow into the first flow path 101.

[0238] Next, the syringe drive unit 250 (see Figure 11) pulls the plunger 245 out of the barrel 241. The syringe 240 is connected to the drip chamber 130 via a three-way stopcock 140, and the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130 is blocked by the infusion pump 350, so negative pressure is generated inside the drip chamber 130.

[0239] Next, the three-way stopcock drive device 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a third position where the first channel 101, to which the first container 950a is connected, communicates with the second channel 102, to which the drip chamber 130 is located, and the third channel 103, to which the syringe 240 is connected, does not communicate with the first channel 101 and the second channel 102. As described above, there is negative pressure inside the drip chamber 130. Therefore, the first liquid in the first container 950a flows into the drip chamber 130 in the order of the first channel 101, the three-way stopcock 140, and the second channel 102. Since the infusion pump 350 blocks the second channel 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130, the first liquid begins to accumulate inside the drip chamber 130.

[0240] When the liquid level sensor 263 detects that the liquid level of the first fluid in the drip chamber 130 has reached a predetermined height (reference height), the infusion pump 350 is activated. The infusion pump 350 starts delivering the fluid. The first fluid flows through the second channel 102 toward the needle 980.

[0241] If the liquid level of the first fluid in the drip chamber 130 does not reach the reference height, the infusion pump 350 remains in a non-operating state, and the three-way stopcock drive unit 230 rotates the three-way stopcock 140 to the first position, the syringe drive unit 250 pulls the plunger 245 out of the barrel 241 to generate negative pressure in the drip chamber 130, and the three-way stopcock drive unit 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to the third position. This sequence of operations can be repeated.

[0242] The operator visually observes the first fluid flowing through the second channel 102. Once the operator confirms that the first fluid has reached the needle 980, they instruct the infusion device 2 via the touch panel 285 to "end priming". The infusion pump 350 stops the fluid delivery and blocks the second channel 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. The flow of the first fluid within the infusion set 100 stops. Thus, the channels connecting the first container 950a, the first channel 101, the three-way stopcock 140, the second channel 102, the tube 981, and the needle 980 are filled with the first fluid. Priming of the infusion set 100 is completed.

[0243] In the priming described above, the flow path from the first container 950a to the needle 980 was filled with the first fluid while the needle 980 was not yet inserted into the patient. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in some cases, intravenous fluid administration may be performed using an unused infusion set 100 in which no fluid has been introduced, while the needle 980 has already been inserted into the patient. In this case, the needle 980 and tube 981 are usually already filled with saline solution or the like. Therefore, priming can be performed in the same manner as above, filling the flow path from the first container 950a to the downstream connector 120 with the first fluid while the downstream connector 120 is not yet connected to the tube 981. After that, the downstream connector 120 is connected to the tube 981.

[0244] 2.2.1.2. Operation The infusion device 2 of this embodiment 2, like the infusion device 1 of embodiment 1, can automatically perform a series of priming operations, such as connecting the infusion set 100 to the container 950 and driving the infusion pump 350 to introduce liquid into the infusion set 100. The infusion device 2 also performs the process of storing a predetermined amount of liquid in the drip chamber 130. The operator only needs to instruct the infusion device 2 to start and end the priming. The infusion device 2 can perform priming of the infusion set 100 accurately and efficiently, regardless of the operator's skill level. The infusion device 2 is advantageous in reducing the workload on the operator during priming operations.

[0245] 2.2.2. Pump-type infusion 2.2.2.1. Infusion procedure Using the infusion device 2, the procedure of sequentially administering the first to third fluids stored in the first to third containers 950a to 950c to the patient using the infusion pump 350 will be explained with reference to Figure 13.

[0246] The infusion device 2 is in the state where the priming described above, which fills the infusion set 100 with the first fluid from the first container 950a, has been completed. When priming is complete, the upstream connector 110 is connected to the first container 950a (more precisely, to the adapter 960 connected to the first container 950a). The handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 is in a third position where the first flow path 101, to which the first container 950a is connected, communicates with the second flow path 102, to which the drip chamber 130 is provided, and the third flow path 103, to which the syringe 240 is connected, does not communicate with the first flow path 101 and the second flow path 102. The infusion pump 350 has stopped delivering fluid and is blocking the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130.

[0247] First, the worker inserts needle 980 into the patient's vein.

[0248] Next, the operator instructs the infusion device 2 to start the infusion via the touch panel 285. Specifically, the operator can select "Start Infusion" from the operation selection menu displayed on the touch panel 285 (see Figure 11). The infusion device 2 automatically performs the following operations.

[0249] First, the infusion pump 350 is activated to begin fluid delivery. The delivery speed of the infusion pump 350 may be set to suit the first fluid. The first fluid in the first container 950a flows sequentially through the first channel 101, the three-way stopcock 140, the drip chamber 130, the second channel 102, the tube 981, and the needle 980, and is administered to the patient. Infusion of the first fluid is started. The start of infusion of the first fluid may be displayed on the touch panel 285. The liquid level sensor 263 continues to monitor the liquid level of the first fluid in the drip chamber 130.

[0250] When the first container 950a becomes empty, the air inside the first container 950a flows into the drip chamber 130 through the first flow path 101 and the three-way stopcock 140, causing the liquid level of the first solution in the drip chamber 130 to drop. When the liquid level sensor 263 detects that the liquid level in the drip chamber 130 has dropped to a predetermined height (lower limit height), the infusion pump 350 stops the fluid delivery and closes the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. The infusion of the first solution is completed before the drip chamber 130 becomes empty. The completion of the infusion of the first solution may be displayed on the touch panel 285.

[0251] Next, the three-way stopcock drive device 230 (see Figure 11) rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a first position where the third channel 103 to which the syringe 240 is connected communicates with the second channel 102 to which the drip chamber 130 is provided, and the first channel 101 does not communicate with the second channel 102 and the third channel 103.

[0252] Next, the connector holder drive device 227 (see Figure 11) lowers the connector holder 220. The upstream connector 110 is separated from the adapter 960 (and further from the first container 950a).

[0253] Next, the container holder 210 is rotated so that the second container 950b is positioned above the upstream connector 110 held by the connector holder 220.

[0254] Next, the connector holder drive device 227 raises the connector holder 220. The upstream connector 110 is connected to the adapter 960 (and further to the second container 950b). Since the first flow path 101 is closed by the three-way stopcock 140, the second liquid in the second container 950b cannot flow into the first flow path 101.

[0255] Next, the syringe drive unit 250 pulls the plunger 245 out of the barrel 241. The syringe 240 is connected to the drip chamber 130 via the three-way stopcock 140, and the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130 is blocked by the infusion pump 350, so negative pressure is generated inside the drip chamber 130.

[0256] Next, the three-way stopcock drive device 230 rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a third position where the first channel 101, to which the second container 950b is connected, communicates with the second channel 102, to which the drip chamber 130 is located, and the third channel 103, to which the syringe 240 is connected, does not communicate with the first channel 101 or the second channel 102. As described above, there is negative pressure inside the drip chamber 130. Therefore, the second liquid in the second container 950b flows into the drip chamber 130 in the order of the first channel 101, the three-way stopcock 140, and the second channel 102. Since the infusion pump 350 blocks the second channel 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130, the second liquid begins to accumulate inside the drip chamber 130.

[0257] When the liquid level sensor 263 detects that the liquid level of the second fluid in the drip chamber 130 has reached a predetermined height (reference height), it drives the infusion pump 350 and starts the delivery of the fluid by the infusion pump 350. The delivery speed by the infusion pump 350 may be set to suit the second fluid. The second fluid in the second container 950b flows sequentially through the first channel 101, the three-way stopcock 140, the drip chamber 130, the second channel 102, the tube 981, and the needle 980. The second fluid is administered to the patient following the first fluid that remained between the drip chamber 130 and the needle 980. The infusion of the second fluid is started. The start of the infusion of the second fluid may be displayed on the touch panel 285. The liquid level sensor 263 continues to monitor the liquid level of the second fluid in the drip chamber 130.

[0258] When the second container 950b becomes empty, the air inside the second container 950b flows into the drip chamber 130 through the first flow path 101 and the three-way stopcock 140, causing the liquid level of the second fluid in the drip chamber 130 to drop. When the liquid level sensor 263 detects that the liquid level in the drip chamber 130 has dropped to a predetermined height (lower limit), the infusion pump 350 stops the fluid delivery and blocks the second flow path 102 downstream of the drip chamber 130. The infusion of the second fluid is completed before the drip chamber 130 becomes empty. The completion of the infusion of the second fluid may be displayed on the touch panel 285.

[0259] Subsequently, the infusion of the third solution in the third container 950c is started and then stopped, in the same manner as the infusion of the second solution described above. As described above, the start and end of the infusion of the third solution may be displayed on the touch panel 285.

[0260] With the above steps completed, the infusion of the first to third fluids is finished. The control device in the control box 280 may display on the touch panel 285 that the infusion of the first to third fluids has been successfully completed, or it may notify the operator via a communication device. The operator separates the first, second, and third containers 950a, 950b, and 950c from the container holder 210. After that, the operator may, if necessary, withdraw the needle 980 from the patient, or separate the downstream connector 120 from the tube 981 while leaving the needle 980 and tube 981 in the patient.

[0261] In the example above, we showed an example of automatically administering the first to third solutions to the patient in a continuous manner. However, the number of types of solutions administered to the patient is not limited to three; it may be more or less. The maximum number of solutions that can be automatically administered to the patient in a continuous manner using the infusion device 2 (i.e., the number of containers 950) is equal to the number of mounting parts 211 provided on the container holder 210.

[0262] 2.2.2.2. Operation As described above, according to the infusion device 2 of this embodiment 2, after priming the infusion set 100, if the operator instructs the infusion device 2 to start the infusion (for example, via the touch panel 285), the infusion device 2 automatically performs pump-type infusion of multiple liquids (first to third liquids in this embodiment 2) using the infusion pump 350. The operator does not need to be involved in the infusion until the administration of all multiple liquids to the patient is complete. Therefore, according to this embodiment 2, the workload of the operator can be greatly reduced in pump-type infusion of multiple liquids.

[0263] Furthermore, similar to Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 2, the same infusion set 100 can be used regardless of the number of liquids administered to the patient (i.e., the number of containers 950; 3 in the above example). The infusion set 100 is not a special infusion set as described in Patent Document 3 mentioned above. A general infusion set that has been conventionally used in infusions can be used as is or with only minor modifications. In Embodiment 2, an infusion set 100 with a simple configuration can be used. Such an infusion set 100 is inexpensive. Also, since the same infusion set 100 can be used regardless of the number of containers 950 used in the infusion, management of the infusion set 100 is easy.

[0264] Since the infusion device 2 uses an infusion pump 350 to deliver the fluid, it is easy to precisely control the flow rate (infusion rate) and administration time of the drug solution. Therefore, similar to the syringe pump type infusion described in Embodiment 1, the pump type infusion using the infusion device 2 can be preferably used for infusing drug solutions containing investigational drugs, molecular targeted drugs, and the like.

[0265] The infusion device 2 of Embodiment 2 is the same as the infusion device 1 of Embodiment 1, except as described above. The description of Embodiment 1 applies to the parts of Embodiment 2 that are common to Embodiment 1.

[0266] (Modified Embodiments) Embodiments 1 and 2 described above are merely illustrative. The present invention is not limited to Embodiments 1 and 2 described above and can be modified as appropriate.

[0267] In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the syringe 240 was held in the syringe drive device 250 with the tip of the barrel 241 facing upward and the longitudinal direction of the barrel 241 parallel to the vertical direction (see Figure 7), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the orientation (posture) of the syringe 240 can be set arbitrarily. For example, the syringe 240 may be held in the syringe drive device 250 with the tip of the barrel 241 facing downward and the longitudinal direction of the barrel 241 parallel to the vertical direction. Alternatively, the syringe 240 may be held in the syringe drive device 250 with the longitudinal direction of the barrel 241 parallel to the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the syringe drive device 250 may be mounted on a movable stage that rotates around an axis parallel to the horizontal direction so that the orientation of the syringe 240 can be changed as needed (for example, switching the tip of the barrel 241 between upward and downward). The rotation of the movable stage may be controlled by a control device in the control box 280. When the plunger 245 is pushed into the barrel 241 with liquid and air stored in the syringe 240, if the nozzle of the barrel 241 is facing upward, air is discharged first, and if the nozzle of the barrel 241 is facing downward, liquid is discharged first. While a detailed explanation is omitted, for example, when performing syringe pump-type infusion with the infusion device 1, the nozzle of the barrel 241 may be facing downward. When the plunger 245 is pushed into the barrel 241 with liquid and air stored in the syringe 240, liquid is discharged from the syringe 240 first, followed by gas. The liquid from the syringe 240 is administered to the patient through the second flow path 102. Subsequently, when gas is discharged from the syringe 240, the liquid level in the drip chamber 130 decreases. When the liquid level sensor 263 detects a drop in the liquid level, it rotates the handle 145 of the three-way stopcock 140 to a second position where the third channel 103, to which the syringe 240 is connected, communicates with the first channel 101 connected to the container 950. Then, by pushing the plunger 245 into the barrel 241, the air in the syringe 240 can be collected into the container 950. This prevents air from being injected into the patient.

[0268] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the syringe 240 (the tip of the barrel 241) is connected to the third port 143 of the three-way stopcock 140 via a third channel 103, which is a flexible tube, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the third channel 103 may be a tubular body made of a rigid material that is substantially immovable. Alternatively, the syringe 240 may be directly connected to the third port 143.

[0269] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, a syringe 240 was used as the variable-volume part, but the variable-volume part of the present invention can use any member whose volume can change. For example, the variable-volume part may be a member having a variable shape part, such as a dropper, and whose volume can be changed by deforming the variable shape part. If the variable-volume part has a different configuration from the syringe 240, the syringe drive device 250 may be changed to a variable-volume part drive device that can drive the variable-volume part so that its volume changes. For example, the variable-volume part drive device may have a movable part that elastically deforms the variable shape part so that the volume of the variable-volume part decreases. In this case, when the force applied by the movable part to the variable shape part is released, the variable shape part returns to its initial shape by its own elastic recovery force, and the volume of the variable-volume part increases and returns to the initial state.

[0270] In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, a three-way stopcock 140 was used as a flow path switching unit to switch the flow path of the infusion set 100, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The flow path switching unit of the present invention may have any configuration that includes a first port, a second port, and a third port, and can switch the communication state of these ports 141, 142, and 143. Similar to the three-way stopcock 140 in embodiments 1 and 2, the flow path switching unit can switch between a first state in which the second port and the third port are in communication with each other and the first port is not in communication with either the second port or the third port; a second state in which the first port and the third port are in communication with each other and the second port is not in communication with either the first port or the third port; and a third state in which the first port and the second port are in communication with each other and the third port is not in communication with either the first port or the second port. If the flow path switching section has a different configuration from the three-way stopcock 140, the three-way stopcock drive device 230 may be changed to a flow path switching section drive device corresponding to the configuration of the flow path switching section. The flow path switching section drive device drives the flow path switching section so that the flow path switching section selectively switches to one of the first to third states described above.

[0271] The infusion stands 200 and 300 of the above embodiments 1 and 2 were equipped with an infusion controller 260 having a liquid level sensor 263, an electric clamp 265, and a droplet sensor. Generally, known gravity-feed (or drop-type) infusion controllers (sometimes called infusion devices) are equipped with a liquid level sensor, an electric clamp, and a droplet sensor. Therefore, using such an infusion controller in the infusion stands 200 and 300 is advantageous in simplifying the configuration of the infusion stands 200 and 300 and in improving the efficiency of the work of attaching the infusion set 100 to the infusion stands 200 and 300. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the infusion stand 200 may be equipped with a liquid level sensor 263, an electric clamp 265, and a droplet sensor as separate devices instead of the infusion controller 260, and the infusion stand 300 may be equipped with a liquid level sensor 263 and a droplet sensor as separate devices instead of the infusion controller 260. In this invention, the droplet sensor may be omitted.

[0272] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the downstream connector 120 of the infusion set 100 was connected to a tube 981 connected to a needle 980 that is inserted into a patient's vein, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the downstream connector 120 may be connected directly to the needle 980. Alternatively, the downstream connector 120 may be connected to the tube 981 or needle 980 via another flexible tube (sometimes called an extension tube). The configuration of the downstream connector 120 is not limited and can be appropriately modified depending on what the downstream connector 120 is connected to.

[0273] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the upstream connector 110 is a self-closing male connector equipped with a shield 118 and is connected to the port 951 of the container 950 via an adapter 960 (see Figure 8). However, the configuration of the upstream connector 110 and the connection between the upstream connector 110 and the port 951 are not limited to these. The configuration of the upstream connector 110 is not limited to embodiments 1 and 2 and is arbitrary. For example, the upstream connector 110 may be equipped with two or more locking levers 115, or it may not be equipped with locking levers 115. The upstream connector 110 may not be equipped with a shield 118. The configuration of the adapter 960 is also not limited to embodiments 1 and 2 and is arbitrary. Furthermore, the upstream connector 110 may be connected directly to the port 951 of the container 950 without using the adapter 960. In this case, the upstream connector 110 may be equipped with a puncture needle with a sharp tip capable of puncturing the rubber stopper of the port 951 (see, for example, Figure 12 of Patent Document 2). The configuration of the connector holder 220 may be modified as appropriate depending on the configuration of the upstream connector 110. Furthermore, the configuration of the mounting portion 211 of the container holder 210 may also be modified as appropriate depending on the configuration of the adapter 960 or if the adapter 960 is not used.

[0274] The container 950 may have a configuration other than the one shown in Embodiments 1 and 2, which is made by bonding two flexible sheets together. The container 950 may be a bottle made of a substantially rigid material that does not deform. The port 951 of the container 950 may have a configuration other than being sealed with a rubber stopper. The configurations of the adapter 960 and the upstream connector 110 can be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the port 951.

[0275] In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, each mounting portion 211 of the container holder 210 is equipped with a container movement limiting mechanism that restricts the vertical movement of the container 950 mounted on the mounting portion 211 relative to the container holder 210. The connector holder 220 is equipped with an upstream connector movement limiting mechanism that restricts the vertical movement of the upstream connector 110 held by the connector holder 220 relative to the connector holder 220. Therefore, the upstream connector 110 can be connected to and disconnected from the container 950 stably and with high reliability simply by raising and lowering the connector holder 220. This is advantageous for the infusion device of the present invention to automatically perform priming, infusion, backflow confirmation, etc.

[0276] The container movement restricting mechanism in Embodiments 1 and 2 consists of an upper plate 212 and a lower plate 213 arranged to sandwich the arm 964 of the adapter 960 in the vertical direction (see Figure 8), but the container movement restricting mechanism of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the container movement restricting mechanism may consist of a thin plate having a substantially "U" shaped notch into which the relatively small diameter neck portion of the injection port 962 fits and engages. The configuration of the container movement restricting mechanism can be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the adapter 960. The container movement restricting mechanism may engage with the container 950 (e.g., port 951) instead of the adapter 960.

[0277] Furthermore, while the upstream connector movement limiting mechanism in embodiments 1 and 2 consists of an upper plate 222 that engages vertically with the lock lever 115 and a connector lock bar 223 (particularly its locking portion 224) that engages vertically with the operating lever 117 (see Figure 8), the upstream connector movement limiting mechanism of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the upstream connector movement limiting mechanism may consist of a member that engages vertically with the hood 113 of the upstream connector 110. The configuration of the upstream connector movement limiting mechanism can be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the upstream connector 110.

[0278] In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the container holder 210, which holds multiple containers 950, moved in order to switch the containers 950 to which the upstream connector 110 held in the connector holder 220 is connected. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the connector holder 220, which holds the upstream connector 110, may move horizontally relative to the stationary container holder 210 so that the upstream connector 110 held in the connector holder 220 is positioned below one of the multiple containers 950 held in the container holder 210.

[0279] The infusion devices 1 and 2 in the above embodiments 1 and 2 were equipped with a touch panel 285 that had both a display function and an input function, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the infusion devices 1 and 2 may be equipped with a simple display that has only a display function and no input function instead of the touch panel 285. In this case, the infusion devices 1 and 2 may be equipped with a known input device such as a keyboard or mouse for inputting information or instructions.

[0280] The infusion devices 1 and 2 of the above embodiments were equipped with a code reader 287 as an identification information reading device for reading patient identification information and drug solution identification information. However, the identification information reading device of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the identification information reading device may be an RFID reader that reads information recorded on an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag (sometimes called an IC tag or RF tag) via wireless communication. The RFID tag may be attached to a wristband worn on the patient's wrist or to a container 950, or it may be attached to a hang tag attached to the patient or container 950. Similar to the code reader 287, when the RFID reader reads patient identification information and drug solution identification information via the RFID tag, it sends this identification information (ID) to the control device in the control box 280.

[0281] There are no restrictions on the liquid administered to a patient using the infusion device of the present invention. The liquid may be a drug solution containing a drug that poses a risk of radiation exposure, such as an anticancer drug, or it may be a liquid that does not pose a risk of radiation exposure, such as a nutritional supplement or electrolyte.

[0282] The infusion device of the present invention can be preferably used in the medical field when administering multiple types of liquids to a patient. In particular, the infusion device of the present invention is suitable when administering multiple types of drug solutions to a patient sequentially, such as in cancer chemotherapy.

[0283] 1,2 Infusion device 100 Infusion set 101 First channel 102 Second channel 103 Third channel 110 Upstream connector 120 Downstream connector 130 Drip chamber 140 Three-way stopcock (channel switching section) 141 First port 142 Second port 143 Third port 200,300 Infusion stand 210 Container holder 211 Mounting section 212 Top plate (container movement restriction mechanism) 213 Bottom plate (container movement restriction mechanism) 214 Touch switch (container detection device) 220 Connector holder 222 Top plate (upstream connector movement restriction mechanism) 223 Connector lock bar (upstream connector movement restriction mechanism) 227 Connector holder drive device 230 Three-way stopcock drive device (channel switching section drive device) 240 Syringe (volume variable section) 241 Barrel 245 Plunger 250 Syringe drive unit (volume variable unit drive unit) 263 Liquid level sensor 265 Electric clamp 287 Code reader (identification information reading device) 350 Infusion pump 950 Container

Claims

1. An infusion apparatus comprising an infusion set and an infusion stand, wherein the infusion set comprises: a flow path switching unit having a first port, a second port, and a third port; a first flow path having an upstream connector at one end connected to the first port of the flow path switching unit and the other end connected to a container for storing liquid; a second flow path having a downstream connector at one end connected to the second port of the flow path switching unit and the other end connected to a downstream connector; and a drip chamber provided on the second flow path, wherein the infusion stand comprises: a connector holder for holding the upstream connector; a container holder capable of holding a plurality of containers; a connector holder drive device for driving the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to and disconnected from one of the plurality of containers; a flow path switching unit drive device for driving the flow path switching unit so that the communication state between the first port, the second port, and the third port is switched; a volume variable unit communicating with the third port; and a volume variable unit drive device for driving the volume variable unit so that the volume of the volume variable unit changes. An infusion device comprising a liquid level sensor for detecting the position of the liquid level in the drip chamber, and an electric clamp for adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path at a position downstream of the drip chamber on the connector side.

2. The container holder is configured to change the position of the plurality of containers such that one of the plurality of containers held in the container holder is positioned above the upstream connector held in the connector holder, and the infusion device is configured to drive the container holder so that a first container, which is one of the plurality of containers, is positioned above the upstream connector, and the flow path switching unit is in a first state in which the third port is in communication with the second port and the first port is not in communication with the second port and the third port, and the connector holder drive device raises the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to the first container, and the electric clamp is in a state in which the second flow path is blocked, and the volume of the variable volume unit is increased, and the flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a third state in which the first port is in communication with the second port and the third port is not in communication with the first port and the second port, The infusion apparatus according to claim 1, which automatically performs the following in this order: when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the first liquid flowing from the first container into the drip chamber has reached a predetermined reference height, the electric clamp opens the second flow path.

3. The container holder is configured to change the position of the plurality of containers such that one of the plurality of containers held in the container holder is positioned above the upstream connector held in the connector holder, the infusion device is configured such that the upstream connector is connected to a first container which is one of the plurality of containers, the flow path switching unit is in a third state in which the first port is in communication with the second port and the third port is not in communication with the first port and the second port, the first liquid is introduced from the first container into the first flow path, the drip chamber and the second flow path, and the electric clamp is in a state in which the second flow path is closed, the electric clamp opens the second flow path, and when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the first liquid in the drip chamber has fallen to a predetermined lower limit height, the electric clamp closes the second flow path. The flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a first state in which the third port is connected to the second port and the first port is not connected to the second port and the third port; the connector holder drive device lowers the connector holder so that the upstream connector is separated from the first container; the container holder drive device drives the second container, which is another of the plurality of containers, to be positioned above the upstream connector; the connector holder drive device raises the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to the second container; the volume of the variable volume unit is increased; the flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a third state in which the first port is connected to the second port and the third port is not connected to the first port and the second port; and when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the second liquid flowing from the second container into the drip chamber has reached a predetermined reference height, the electric clamp opens the second flow path. The infusion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the second fluid in the drip chamber has fallen to a predetermined lower limit height, the electric clamp closes the second flow path, and the above steps are performed automatically in this order.

4. The upstream connector is connected to a first container, which is one of the plurality of containers, and the flow path switching unit is in a third state in which the first port is in communication with the second port and the third port is not in communication with the first port and the second port, and the first liquid is introduced from the first container into the first flow path, the drip chamber, and the second flow path, and the electric clamp is blocking the second flow path, the flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a second state in which the first port is in communication with the third port and the second port is not in communication with the first port and the third port, increases the volume of the variable volume unit so that the first liquid in the first container flows into the variable volume unit, the flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a first state in which the third port is in communication with the second port and the first port is not in communication with the second port and the third port, and the electric clamp opens the second flow path, The infusion apparatus according to claim 1, which automatically performs, in this order, the following: the volume variable unit drive device reduces the volume of the volume variable unit so that the first liquid flows out from the volume variable unit; and the electric clamp closes the second flow path.

5. The container holder is configured to change the position of the plurality of containers such that one of the plurality of containers held in the container holder is positioned above the upstream connector held in the connector holder, the infusion device is configured such that the connector holder drive device lowers the connector holder so that the upstream connector is separated from the first container, the container holder is driven so that a second container, which is another of the plurality of containers, is positioned above the upstream connector, the connector holder drive device raises the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to the second container, the flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a second state in which the first port is connected to the third port and the second port is not connected to the first port and the third port, and the volume of the variable volume unit is increased so that the second liquid in the second container flows into the variable volume unit. The infusion apparatus according to claim 4, which further automatically performs in this order: the flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a first state in which the third port is in communication with the second port and the first port is not in communication with the second port and the third port; the electric clamp opens the second flow path; the volume variable unit drive device reduces the volume of the volume variable unit so that the second liquid flows out from the volume variable unit; and the electric clamp closes the second flow path.

6. The infusion device according to claim 1, wherein, with the upstream connector connected to one of the plurality of containers, a liquid stored in one of the plurality of containers introduced into the first channel, the drip chamber, and the second channel, the electric clamp occluding the second channel, and a needle connected to the downstream connector puncturing a patient's vein, the channel switching unit drive device drives the channel switching unit to a first state in which the third port is connected to the second port and the first port is not connected to the second port and the third port; the electric clamp opens the second channel; the volume of the variable volume unit is increased to aspirate the patient's blood towards the second channel through the needle; and the volume variable unit drive device decreases the volume of the variable volume unit to return the aspirated blood to the patient's vein, in this order.

7. An infusion apparatus comprising an infusion set and an infusion stand, wherein the infusion set comprises: a flow path switching unit having a first port, a second port, and a third port; a first flow path having an upstream connector at one end connected to the first port of the flow path switching unit and the other end connected to a container for storing liquid; a second flow path having a downstream connector at one end connected to the second port of the flow path switching unit and the other end connected to a downstream connector; and a drip chamber provided on the second flow path, wherein the infusion stand comprises: a connector holder for holding the upstream connector; a container holder capable of holding a plurality of containers; a connector holder drive device for driving the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to and disconnected from one of the plurality of containers; a flow path switching unit drive device for driving the flow path switching unit so that the communication state between the first port, the second port, and the third port is switched; a volume variable unit communicating with the third port; and a volume variable unit drive device for driving the volume variable unit so that the volume of the volume variable unit changes. An infusion device comprising: a liquid level sensor for detecting the position of the liquid level in the drip chamber; and an infusion pump for sending the liquid in the second flow path toward the downstream connector at a position downstream of the drip chamber toward the downstream connector.

8. The container holder is configured to change the position of the plurality of containers such that one of the plurality of containers held in the container holder is positioned above the upstream connector held in the connector holder, and the infusion device drives the container holder so that one of the plurality of containers, the first container, is positioned above the upstream connector, the flow path switching unit is in a first state in which the third port is in communication with the second port and the first port is not in communication with the second port and the third port, and the connector holder drive device raises the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to the first container, the infusion pump is in a state in which the fluid delivery is stopped, and the volume of the variable volume unit is increased, and the flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a third state in which the first port is in communication with the second port and the third port is not in communication with the first port and the second port, The infusion apparatus according to claim 7, which automatically performs the following steps in this order: when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the first liquid that has flowed from the first container into the drip chamber has reached a predetermined reference height, the infusion pump starts to deliver the liquid.

9. The container holder is configured to change the position of the plurality of containers such that one of the plurality of containers held in the container holder is positioned above the upstream connector held in the connector holder, the infusion device is configured such that the upstream connector is connected to a first container which is one of the plurality of containers, the flow path switching unit is in a third state in which the first port is in communication with the second port and the third port is not in communication with the first port and the second port, the first liquid is introduced from the first container into the first flow path, the drip chamber, and the second flow path, and the infusion pump stops supplying the liquid, the infusion pump starts supplying the first liquid, the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the first liquid in the drip chamber has fallen to a predetermined lower limit height, the infusion pump stops supplying the liquid, and the flow path switching unit drive device drives the flow path switching unit to a first state in which the third port is in communication with the second port and the first port is not in communication with the second port and the third port. The infusion apparatus according to claim 7, which automatically performs the following in this order: the connector holder drive device lowers the connector holder so that the upstream connector is separated from the first container; the container holder is driven so that a second container, which is another of the plurality of containers, is positioned above the upstream connector; the connector holder drive device raises the connector holder so that the upstream connector is connected to the second container; the volume of the variable volume section is increased; the flow path switching section drive device drives the flow path switching section to a third state in which the first port is connected to the second port and the third port is not connected to the first port and the second port; when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the second liquid that has flowed from the second container into the drip chamber has reached a predetermined reference height, the infusion pump starts pumping the second liquid; and when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the second liquid in the drip chamber has fallen to a predetermined lower limit height, the infusion pump stops pumping the liquid.

10. The infusion device according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the container holder comprises a plurality of mounting portions on which the plurality of containers can be attached, the container holder has a substantially circular disc shape in plan view, and the plurality of mounting portions are arranged along the outer circumference of the container holder.

11. The infusion device according to claim 10, wherein the container holder is rotatable around its center.

12. The infusion device according to claim 10, wherein the container can be attached to and detached from each of the plurality of mounting parts by moving the container along the radial direction of the container holder.

13. The infusion device according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the container holder comprises a plurality of mounting sections on which the plurality of containers can be attached, each of the plurality of mounting sections is equipped with a container detection device for detecting when a container is attached, and the container detection device emits a container detection signal when it detects that a container has been attached to a mounting section on which the container detection device is provided.

14. The infusion stand further comprises an identification information reading device capable of reading drug solution identification information attached to a container, wherein, after the identification information reading device has read the drug solution identification information, the infusion stand recognizes that a container having the drug solution identification information has been attached to the attachment part of the plurality of attachment parts on which the container detection device that issued the container detection signal is provided.

15. The infusion apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the identification information reading device can further read patient identification information attached to a patient, and the container holder is driven such that a container selected from among the plurality of containers held in the container holder is positioned above the upstream connector held in the connector holder, based on information regarding the administration order of a plurality of drug solutions associated with the patient identification information read by the identification information reading device.

16. The infusion device according to claim 14, wherein the identification information reading device can further read patient identification information attached to a patient, and if the drug solution identification information read by the identification information reading device differs from the drug solution identification information associated with the patient identification information read by the identification information reading device, the device issues a warning that the container having the drug solution identification information read by the identification information reading device is not to be used for the patient's infusion.

17. The infusion device according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the container holder comprises a plurality of mounting parts on which the plurality of containers can be attached, and each of the plurality of mounting parts comprises a container movement limiting mechanism that restricts the vertical movement of the container relative to the container holder.

18. The infusion device according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the connector holder is provided with an upstream connector movement limiting mechanism that restricts the upstream connector from moving vertically relative to the connector holder.

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