Fluid management system with vibration filtering

Abstract

Methods and systems for compensating for movement in a fluid supply source of a fluid management system. An illustrative fluid management system may comprise at least one load cell for measuring fluid supply bag weight, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) interface, a processor, and a memory. The memory may store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive digital values from the ADC interface, apply a moving average filter over a predetermined time period, determine a deviation between a current sample value and a calculated mean of the filtered digital values, compare the determined deviation to an acceptable deviation threshold, and process the filtered digital values to calculate the fluid supply bag weight when the determined deviation is less than the acceptable deviation threshold.

Description

FLUID MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH VIBRATION FILTERINGCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 713,763, filed on October 30, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure is directed to a fluid management system. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to compensation to account for movement in a fluid source in fluid management systems.BACKGROUND

[0003] Flexible ureteroscopy (fURS), gynecology, and other endoscopic procedures require the circulation of fluid for several reasons. Fluid management systems may be used to deliver fluid to an anatomical cite from a reservoir at a desired pressure and / or flow rate via a peristaltic or roller pump. Fluid management systems may adjust the flow rate and / or pressure at which fluid is delivered from the reservoir based on data collected from a procedural device, such as, but not limited to, pressure readings sensed and / or obtained by the fluid management system. The fluid management system may utilize a disposable fluid tubing set installed with a pump console to provide the fluid to the patient. There is an ongoing need to provide alternative configurations of the components of fluid management systems, to facilitate the use thereof.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for components of a fluid management system.

[0005] In an example, a fluid management system may include a fluid supply bag, at least one load cell configured to measure a weight of the fluid supply bag, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) interface configured to receive analog values from the at least one load cell, a processor operably connected to the ADC interface, and a memory storing instructions. Whenexecuted by the processor, the instructions may cause the processor to receive digital values from the ADC interface, apply a moving average fdter to the digital values over a predetermined time period, determine a deviation between a current sample value and a calculated mean of the filtered digital values, compare the determined deviation to an acceptable deviation threshold, and process the filtered digital values to calculate a weight of the fluid supply bag when the determined deviation is less than the acceptable deviation threshold.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, when the determined deviation is greater than the acceptable deviation threshold, the processor may be configured to delay determining the weight of the fluid supply bag until the determined deviation is less than the acceptable deviation threshold.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the fluid management system may further include a display, wherein the instructions may further cause the processor to update the display with the calculated weight of the fluid supply bag.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the predetermined time period for the moving average filter may be 1 second.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the digital values may be received from the ADC interface every 10 milliseconds.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the deviation may be determined and compared to the acceptable deviation threshold every 100 milliseconds.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the acceptable deviation threshold may be derived based on characterization testing performed by subjecting the fluid management system to various types of vibrations and oscillations.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the at least one load cell may include two load cells, each configured to measure the weight of a separate fluid supply bag.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the fluid management system may further include a fluid supply source hanger configured to support the fluid supply bag, wherein the at least one load cell may be operatively coupled to the fluid supply source hanger.

[0014] Tn an example, a method for compensating for swing in a fluid management system may include receiving analog values from at least one load cell configured to measure a weight of a fluid supply bag, converting the analog values to digital values using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) interface, applying a moving average filter to the digital values over a predetermined time period, determining a deviation between a current sample value and a calculated mean of the filtered digital values, comparing the determined deviation to an acceptable deviation threshold, and processing the filtered digital values to calculate a weight of the fluid supply bag when the determined deviation is less than the acceptable deviation threshold.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the method may further include updating a display of the fluid management system with the calculated weight of the fluid supply bag.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the predetermined time period for the moving average filter may be 1 second.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, receiving the digital values from the ADC interface may occur every 10 milliseconds.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, determining the deviation and comparing it to the acceptable deviation threshold may occur every 100 milliseconds.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the acceptable deviation threshold may be derived based on characterization testing performed by subjecting the fluid management system to various types of vibrations and oscillations.

[0020] In an example, a system for compensating for swing in fluid weight measurements may include a fluid management system including a fluid management console. The fluid management console may include a housing, a controller housed within the housing, a processor operably connected to the controller, a memory operably connected to the processor, a user input interface, at least one fluid supply source hanger, at least one load cell operably connected to the at least one fluid supply source hanger, and a fluid supply source removably coupled to the at least one fluid supply source hanger. The system may also include an analog- to-digital converter (ADC) interface configured to receive analog values from the at least one load cell and convert the analog values to digital values. The memory may store instructionsthat, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive digital values from the ADC interface, apply a moving average filter to the digital values over a predetermined time period, determine a deviation between a current sample value and a calculated mean of the filtered digital values, compare the determined deviation to an acceptable deviation threshold, and process the filtered digital values to calculate a weight of the fluid supply bag when the determined deviation is less than the acceptable deviation threshold.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the instructions may further cause the processor to update the user input interface with the calculated weight of the fluid supply bag.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the predetermined time period for the moving average fdter may be 1 second.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the digital values may be received from the ADC interface every 10 milliseconds.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, in another example, the deviation may be determined and compared to the acceptable deviation threshold every 100 milliseconds.

[0025] The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify some of these embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary console of a fluid management system;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an illustrative controller and load cell system; and

[0029] FIG. 3 is an illustrative flow chart of a method for determining a weight of a fluid supply source.

[0030] While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.

[0032] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the terms “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0033] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0034] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0035] It is noted that references in the specification to “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “other embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include one or more particular features, structures, and / or characteristics. However, such recitations do not necessarily mean that all embodiments include the particular features, structures, and / or characteristics. Additionally, when particular features, structures, and / or characteristics are described in connection with one embodiment, it should be understood that such features, structures, and / or characteristics may also be used connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described unless clearly stated to the contrary.

[0036] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar structures in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0037] Some fluid management systems for use in flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) procedures (e.g., ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), benign prostatichyperplasia (BPH), transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), etc.), gynecology, and other endoscopic procedures may control the flow of fluid into the body cavity and / or regulate body cavity pressure and / or the flow rate of fluid flow to the body cavity using an inflow and / or outflow pump of the fluid management system. The inflow pump may deliver fluid through inflow tubing of a fluid tubing set to the patient and / or the outflow pump may remove fluid through outflow tubing of a fluid tubing set from the patient. The fluid management system may include one or more load cells which measure a hung saline bag weight. The weight of the hung saline bag may be displayed on a display screen to inform the physician how much saline they have left before they must change the saline bag. It is important that the amount displayed on the screen is accurate so the physician can accurately predict when they need to switch out the bag and not waste precious time during a procedure. However, inaccuracies in the reported volume of fluid may occur. For example, a hanging saline bag (fluid supply source) may be bumped or moved causing the bag to oscillate. Oscillation or swinging of the bag (fluid supply source) may cause widely fluctuating weight values. Additionally, mechanical vibrations in the system can cause load cell readings to vary over time. For example, procedures requiring high pump revolutions per minute (RPMs) may cause mechanical vibrations at the hook location which can impact the load cell readings. The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for reducing noise and compensating for environmental factors that may affect the load cell readings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a fluid management system 10 that may be used in an endoscopic procedure, such as fURS procedures. The fluid management system 10 may be coupled to a medical device (not shown), such as an endoscope, that allows flow of fluid therethrough. The fluid management system 10 also includes a fluid management unit or console 20 including a controller 30 housed within a housing 22 of the console 20. In some instances, the console 20 may be portable and / or mobile such that the console 20 may be moved as desired. For instance, the console 20 may be mounted on a wheeled cart 24. For example, the wheeled cart 24 may include a pole 26 extending upward from a base 28. The base 28 may include a plurality of wheels 29 (e.g., caster wheels), allowing the cart 24 to be wheeled around to a desired location. In other instances, the console 20 may be provided with another form of cart, configured to be positioned on a flat surface, mounted to a wall, etc.

[0039] The fluid management system 10 may also include one or more user interface components such as a touch screen interface 42. The touch screen interface 42 includes a display screen 44 and may include switches or knobs in addition to touch capabilities. In some embodiments, the controller 30 may include the touch screen interface 42 and / or the display screen 44. The touch screen interface 42 allows the user to input / adjust various functions of the fluid management system 10 such as, for example flow rate, pressure, and / or temperature. The user may also configure parameters and alarms (such as, but not limited to, a max pressure alarm), information to be displayed, and the procedure mode. The touch screen interface 42 allows the user to add, change, and / or discontinue the use of various modular systems within the fluid management system 10. The touch screen interface 42 may also be used to change the fluid management system 10 between automatic and manual modes for various procedures. It is contemplated that other systems configured to receive user input may be used in place of or in addition to the touch screen interface 42 such as, but not limited to, voice commands.

[0040] The touch screen interface 42 may be configured to include selectable areas like buttons and / or may provide a functionality similar to physical buttons as would be understood by those skilled in the art. The display screen 44 may be configured to show icons related to modular systems and devices included in the fluid management system 10. The display screen 44 may also include a fluid flow rate and / or fluid pressure display. In some embodiments, operating parameters may be adjusted by touching a corresponding portion of the touch screen interface 42. The touch screen interface 42 may also display visual alerts and / or audio alarms if parameters (e.g., flow rate, temperature, etc.) are above or below predetermined thresholds and / or ranges. In some embodiments, the fluid management system 10 may also include further user interface components such as an optional foot pedal, a fluid warmer user interface, a fluid control interface, or other device to manually control various modular systems. For example, an optional foot pedal may be used to manually control flow rate. Some illustrative display screens 44 and other user interface components are described in described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0361055, titled AUTOMATED FLUID MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0041] The touch screen interface 42 may be operatively connected to or a part of the controller 30. The controller 30 may be a CPU, including a computer, tablet computer, or otherprocessing device. The controller 30 may be operatively connected to one or more system components such as, for example, an inflow pump, a fluid warming system, and a fluid deficit management system. In some embodiments, these features may be integrated into a single unit. The controller 30 is capable of and configured to perform various functions such as calculation, control, computation, display, etc. For example, the controller 30 may include a processor and a memory. The memory may store instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform one or more functions. In one example, the memory may store instructions that when executed by the processor determine a weight of a fluid supply source 33, as will be described in more detail herein. The controller 30 is also capable of tracking and storing data pertaining to the operations of the fluid management system 10 and each component thereof. In some embodiments, the controller 30 may include wired and / or wireless network communication capabilities, such as ethernet or Wi-Fi, through which the controller 30 may be connected to, for example, a local area network. The controller 30 may also receive signals from one or more of the sensors of the fluid management system 10. In some embodiments, the controller 30 may communicate with databases for best practice suggestions and the maintenance of patient records which may be displayed to the user on the display screen 44.

[0042] The fluid flow rate or the fluid pressure of fluid provided by the fluid management system 10 at any given time may be displayed on the display screen 44 to allow the operating room (OR) visibility for any changes. If the OR personnel notice a change in fluid flow rate or fluid pressure that is either too high or too low, the user may manually adjust the fluid flow rate or the fluid pressure back to a preferred level. The fluid management system 10 may also monitor and automatically adjust the fluid flow rate or the fluid pressure based on previously set parameters.

[0043] In some embodiments, the fluid management unit may include one or more collection containers (not shown), for collecting waste fluid during a medical procedure. The collection containers (e.g., canisters) may be in fluid communication with a vacuum pump to provide suction for drawing fluid into the collection containers. The vacuum pump may be operatively and / or electronically connected to the controller 30. In some embodiments, the vacuum pump may be disposed within the fluid management system 10. Other configurations are also contemplated. In some embodiments, the collection container(s) may be operativelycoupled to a collection load cell to detect placement and / or weight of fluid in the collection container(s) to contribute to a fluid deficit calculation.

[0044] The console 20 may include a door 50 hingedly attached to the housing 22 of the console 20. The door 50 may be opened to access a receptacle 52 configured to receive a fluid cassette of a single use fluid tubing set therein. The fluid management system 10 may include an inflow pump configured to operatively engage the fluid tubing set to pump and / or transfer fluid from the fluid supply source 33 (e.g., a fluid bag, etc.) through the fluid tubing set to a treatment site during a medical procedure. Some illustrative fluid cassettes are described in described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0370706, titled FLUID MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0045] An illustrative fluid management unit may include one or more fluid container supports, such as fluid supply source hanger(s) 32, each of which may support a fluid supply source (e.g., fluid bag). In some embodiments, placement and / or weight of the fluid supply source(s) hanging from the fluid supply source hanger(s) 32 may be detected using a remote sensor and / or a supply measurement load cell 31 associated with and / or operatively coupled to each fluid supply source hanger 32 and / or fluid container support for monitoring a state of a fluid supply source 33. For example, a remote sensor or supply measurement load cell 31 may be provided for each fluid supply source hanger 32. The controller 30 may be in electronic communication with the supply measurement load cell 31. The fluid supply source hanger(s) 32 may be configured to receive a variety of sizes of the first fluid supply source(s) 33 such as, for example, 1 liter (L) to 5 L fluid bags (e.g., saline bags). It will be understood that any number of fluid supply sources 33 may be used. The fluid supply source hanger(s) 32 may extend from the housing 22 of the console 20 and may include one or more hooks 35 from which one or more fluid supply sources may be suspended. In some embodiments, the fluid used in the fluid management unit may be 0.9% saline. However, it will be understood that a variety of other fluids of varying viscosities, concentrations, mixtures, and / or consistencies may be used depending on the procedure.

[0046] The weight of the hung fluid supply source(s) 33, as measured by the measurement load cell 31, may be displayed on the touch screen interface 42 to inform the physician how much fluid they have left before they must change the fluid supply source 33. It is importantthat the amount displayed on the screen is accurate so the physician can accurately predict when they need to switch out the fluid supply source 33 and not waste time during a procedure. As described herein, inaccuracies in the reported volume of fluid remaining may occur. In one example, the hung fluid supply source(s) 33 may be bumped or moved which may cause instability in the readings at the load cell 31. A widely fluctuating analog value may indicate oscillation or swinging of the hung fluid supply source(s) 33. The weights of the hung fluid supply source(s) 33 may be calculated based on the analog values at the load cell(s) 31 which may result in a widely fluctuating weight displayed on the touch screen interface 42. A widely fluctuating weight may be represented as rapidly changing numbers on the touch screen interface 42 which may cause visual discomfort to those in the operating room. Further, decisions based on the displayed weight may be affected when widely varying analog values are used for determining the weight of the hung fluid supply source(s) 33. Additionally, mechanical vibrations surrounding the system 10 can cause the readings at the load cell(s) 31 to vary over time. Certain procedures require higher pump RPMs to achieve the required pump pressure and flow. The maximum RPM limit during procedures may be approximately 1540 RPM. Such high RPMs may cause mechanically induced vibrations at the fluid supply source hanger(s) 32. These vibrations may not be visually noticeable but may have an impact on the analog values at the load cell(s) 31. It may be desirable that a steady state signal from the load cell 31 is displayed to avoid confusion.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative controller 30 and load cell 31 system that may monitor a weight of the fluid supply source 33. The controller 30 may be configured to receive an output signal from the load cell 31, analyze the data, and make decisions based on the data. For example, the controller 30 may be configured to determine whether or not to update a displayed weight of the fluid supply source 33. The controller 30 may be in communication with any number of load cells 31, as desired. While only a single load cell 31 is illustrated in FIG. 2, it should be understood that the fluid management system 10 may include a load cell 31 for each fluid supply source hanger(s) 32. Each load cell 31 may be communicatively or operably coupled to the controller 30 to provide a signal specific to the fluid supply source 33 hanging from the respective fluid supply source hanger 32. Each signal may be uniquely processed according to the systems and methods described herein. Further, a weight may be displayed for each fluid supply source 33 present.

[0048] Generally, the load cell(s) 31 may include a transducer that is used to create an electrical signal. The magnitude of the electrical signal is proportional to the force being measured. In the present disclosure, the magnitude of the electrical signal is proportional to the weight of the fluid supply source 33. The electrical signal may be output from the load cell 31 as an analog value or an analog signal. The controller 30 may be communicatively coupled with the load cell 31 via an intermediary analog to digital convertor (ADC) interface 60. The ADC interface 60 may convert the analog signals from the load cell(s) 31 into digital values that can be processed by a processor 62 of the fluid management system 10.

[0049] The controller 30 may include a processor 62 (e.g., microprocessor, microcontroller, etc.) and a memory 64. The controller 30 may take many forms, including, for example, a microcontroller or microprocessor, coupled to a memory storing readable instructions for performing methods as described herein, as well as providing configuration of the controller for the various examples that follow. The controller 30 may include one more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) to provide additional or specialized functionality, such as, without limitation a signal processing ASIC that can filter received signals from one or more sensors using digital filtering techniques. Logic circuitry, state machines, and discrete or integrated circuit components may be included as well. The skilled person will recognize many different hardware implementations are available for a controller.

[0050] In some cases, the controller 30 may include a touch screen interface 42 including a display 66 and a means for receiving user input 68 (e g., touch screens, buttons, keyboards, etc.). In some cases, the touch screen interface 42 may be integral to the controller 30. Alternatively, or additionally, the controller 30 may be operatively coupled to a remotely located user interface including a display and a means for receiving user input. For example, the remotely located user interface may be a portable device, such as, but not limited to a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, etc., or other such device. It is contemplated that a remote user interface may communicate with the controller 30 over a wired or wireless network via one or more communication ports 70.

[0051] The memory 64 may be in communication with the processor 62. The memory 64 may be used to store any desired information such as, but not limited to, control algorithms, configuration protocols, set points, and the like. In some embodiments, the memory 64 may include specific control programs or modules configured to analyze data obtained from theload cell 31 , although this is not required. For example, the memory 64 may store instructions that when executed by the processor 62 cause the processor 62 to perform a series of steps. The memory 64 may be any suitable type of storage device including, but not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, flash memory, a hard drive, and / or the like. In some cases, the processor 62 may store information within the memory 64 and may subsequently retrieve the stored information from the memory 64.

[0052] In some embodiments, the controller 30 may include an input / output block (VO block) 72 having a number of wire terminals for receiving one or more signals from the load cell 31 and / or for providing one or more control signals to the other components of the fluid management system 10.

[0053] FIG. 3 is an illustrative flow chart of a method 100 for determining when to use the analog output of the load cell 31 to determine and display a weight of the fluid supply source 33. The control algorithm for the method 100 may be stored in the memory 64 and executed by the processor 62. The output of the load cell 31 may be captured at an analog to digital convertor (ADC) interface 60, as shown at block 102. The load cell output values may be converted to digital signals and processed at the processor 62 of the controller 30. The load cell output values may be averaged using a moving average fdter for one second, as shown at block 104. The moving average fdter may work by taking the digital values from the ADC interface 60 over a specified time period (e.g., one second) and calculating the average. As new data points come in, the oldest data point is removed from the calculation, and the new one is added, creating a “moving” window of data. The time period may be less than one second or greater than one second, as desired. The processor 62 may be configured to calculate the average of the most recent one second worth of data from the load cell 31, helping to smooth out rapid fluctuations caused by vibrations or other short-term disturbances. For example, the moving average filter may remove noise from the signal due to mechanical vibrations (e.g., from the pump operating at high speeds). The moving average filter may also remove noise from the signal due to other factors. The moving average filter may be applied to the data before any further processing occurs on the data output from the load cell 31.

[0054] Next, the processor 62 may be configured to calculate a deviation of the current sample value from the calculated average value, as shown at block 106. For example, the deviation may be an absolute value of the difference between the current sample value and thecalculated average value. The processor 62 may the compare the calculated deviation to a predetermined acceptable deviation, as shown at block 108. If the calculated deviation is less than the predetermined acceptable deviation, the processor 62 may continue to process the data received from the load cell 31. For example, the processor 62 may determine the current weight of the fluid supply source 33 based on the current value output from ADC interface 60, as shown at block 110. In one illustrative example, a standard deviation of 80 may be used. However, standard deviations of less than 80 or greater than 80 may be used, as desired. The standard deviation may be selected and programmed into the controller 30 using system characterization. System characterization may include testing the system with a minimum to a maximum allowed load, testing the system with no external disturbances, and / or testing the system with plausible external disturbances like saline bags accidentally hit, touched, or moved.

[0055] Next, the processor 62 may be configured to update the touch screen interface 42 or display 66 to display the current weight of the fluid supply source 33, as shown at block 112. The user may then use displayed weight to make decisions related to the current procedure, as shown at block 114. For example, if the fluid level is low in the fluid supply source 33, the user may replace the current fluid supply source 33 with a new, full fluid supply source 33. In some cases, the user may determine that the fluid supply source 33 is overweight. In such an instance, the user may replace the current fluid supply source 33 with a smaller fluid supply source 33 or remove extra fluid supply sources 33, if present. The output values of the load cell 31 continue to be captured 102, filtered 104, and analyzed 106, 108 for the duration of the procedure.

[0056] Returning to block 108, if the calculated deviation is not less than (e.g., is greater than) the predetermined acceptable deviation, the processor 62 may determine there is too much variation in the output signal of the load cell 31 (e.g., the fluid supply source 33 is swinging or in motion). When the variation in the output signal is greater than the acceptable deviation, the processor 62 will not calculate the current weight or update the displayed weight of the fluid supply source 33 until the deviation is below the predetermined acceptable deviation, as shown at block 116. The processor 62 may be configured to continue to analyze the captured 102 and filtered 104 data for the duration of the procedure.

[0057] The ADC interface 60 may receive an output signal from the load cell 31 every 10 milliseconds. Said differently, the ADC interface 60 may provide an updated output value to the processor 62 at 10 millisecond intervals. However, the ADC interface 60 may provide an updated output value to the processor 62 at time intervals of less than 10 milliseconds or greater than 10 milliseconds, as desired. The processor 62 may be configured to calculate the deviation (block 106) of the current sample value and the calculated average value and compare this deviation to the predetermined acceptable deviation (block 108) every 100 milliseconds. However, the processor 62 may be configured to perform the deviation checks at other time intervals such as time intervals of less than 100 milliseconds or time intervals of greater than 100 milliseconds, as desired.

[0058] The predetermined acceptable deviation may be based on characterization testing, as described herein. For example, the fluid supply source(s) 33 may be hung from the fluid supply source hangers 32 and forcing probable vibrations and oscillations on the bag. This is performed by moving the console 20 at a fast rate, shaking the console 20 during procedures, hitting the fluid supply source(s) 33 to mimic an accidental strike on the fluid supply source(s), quick removal of the fluid supply source(s) 33, additional fluid supply source(s) 33 added to the fluid supply source hanger 32, or the like.

[0059] It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This may include, to the extent that it is appropriate, the use of any of the features of one example embodiment being used in other embodiments. The scope of the disclosure is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A fluid management system, comprising: a fluid supply bag; at least one load cell configured to measure a weight of the fluid supply bag; an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) interface configured to receive analog values from the at least one load cell; a processor operably connected to the ADC interface; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive digital values from the ADC interface; apply a moving average filter to the digital values over a predetermined time period; determine a deviation between a current sample value and a calculated mean of the filtered digital values; compare the determined deviation to an acceptable deviation threshold; and process the filtered digital values to calculate a weight of the fluid supply bag when the determined deviation is less than the acceptable deviation threshold.

2. The fluid management system of claim 1, wherein when the determined deviation is greater than the acceptable deviation threshold, the processor is configured to delay determining the weight of the fluid supply bag until the determined deviation is less than the acceptable deviation threshold.

3. The fluid management system of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising a display, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to update the display with the calculated weight of the fluid supply bag.

4. The fluid management system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the predetermined time period for the moving average filter is 1 second.

5. The fluid management system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the digital values are received from the ADC interface every 10 milliseconds.

6. The fluid management system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the deviation is determined and compared to the acceptable deviation threshold every 100 milliseconds.

7. The fluid management system of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the acceptable deviation threshold is derived based on characterization testing performed by subjecting the fluid management system to various types of vibrations and oscillations.

8. The fluid management system of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the at least one load cell comprises two load cells, each configured to measure the weight of a separate fluid supply bag.

9. The fluid management system of any one of claims 1-8, further comprising a fluid supply source hanger configured to support the fluid supply bag, wherein the at least one load cell is operatively coupled to the fluid supply source hanger.

10. A method for compensating for swing in a fluid management system, the method comprising: receiving analog values from at least one load cell configured to measure a weight of a fluid supply bag; converting the analog values to digital values using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) interface; applying a moving average filter to the digital values over a predetermined time period; determining a deviation between a current sample value and a calculated mean of the filtered digital values; comparing the determined deviation to an acceptable deviation threshold; and processing the filtered digital values to calculate a weight of the fluid supply bag when the determined deviation is less than the acceptable deviation threshold.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising updating a display of the fluid management system with the calculated weight of the fluid supply bag.

12. The method of any one of claims 10-11, wherein the predetermined time period for the moving average filter is 1 second.

13. The method of any one of claims 10-12, wherein receiving the digital values from the ADC interface occurs every 10 milliseconds.

14. The method of any one of claims 10-13, wherein determining the deviation and comparing it to the acceptable deviation threshold occurs every 100 milliseconds.

15. The method of any one of claims 10-14, wherein the acceptable deviation threshold is derived based on characterization testing performed by subjecting the fluid management system to various types of vibrations and oscillations.

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