Processing device, extracorporeal circulation system, processing method, program, and storage medium

Abstract

A processing device (22) comprises: an image acquisition unit (60) that acquires an image (48) indicating the liquid level of blood (26) stored in a blood storage tank (12); a display control unit (62) that displays an image acquired by the image acquisition unit on a display screen (57) and displays, superimposed on the image, graphics (72, 74, 76) indicating setting parameters pertaining to the liquid level; and a setting unit (64) that sets the setting parameters in accordance with the setting of the position of the graphics performed by operator's operations.

Description

Processing apparatus, extracorporeal circulation system, processing method, program and storage medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing apparatus, an extracorporeal circulation system, a processing method, a program and a storage medium.

[0002] During surgery, when it is necessary to assist or substitute for the cardiopulmonary function of a patient, extracorporeal circulation, in which the patient's blood is circulated outside the human body, is performed using an extracorporeal circulation system including a heart-lung machine or the like. Extracorporeal circulation systems include, for example, an artificial lung system, an anesthesia system, an infusion pump system, a blood transfusion circuit, a renal dialysis system, an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system, an extracorporeal circuit for cardiopulmonary bypass, and the like. Among these, in an extracorporeal circulation system including an artificial lung used during surgery or the like, carbon dioxide is removed from the patient's blood by the artificial lung, oxygen is added to the blood, and then the blood is returned to the patient's body again. In addition, in an extracorporeal circulation system, the patient's blood is collected in a blood reservoir before being sent to the artificial lung. Blood removed from the patient and blood bleeding during surgery is filtered to remove solids, gas, and the like, and then sent to the blood reservoir. Through the process of temporarily storing and managing the patient's blood in the blood reservoir, it becomes easy to maintain a state in which the patient's blood stably flows through the blood circuit of the extracorporeal circulation system. In addition, an operator who manages and operates the extracorporeal circulation system during surgery monitors the liquid level management of the blood reservoir in addition to the patient's condition, the progress of surgery, and the condition of the device. In situations where an extracorporeal circulation system is used, reliable device control and reduction of the operator's workload are required.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7038698 discloses that when performing surgery on a patient, extracorporeal circulation of the patient's blood is performed using an extracorporeal circulation apparatus including an artificial lung. In addition, Japanese Patent No. 7038698 also mentions the importance of stably managing the amount of blood stored in a blood reservoir.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 7038698

[0005] There is a long-felt need for a better extracorporeal circulation system.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems.

[0007] (1) One aspect of the present disclosure is a processing device comprising: an image acquisition unit that acquires an image showing the liquid level of blood stored in a blood reservoir provided in an extracorporeal circulation system for circulating blood outside the human body; a display control unit that displays the image acquired by the image acquisition unit on a display screen and superimposes a figure indicating a setting target related to the liquid level onto the image; and a setting unit that sets the setting target according to the setting of the position of the figure in response to an operation by an operator.

[0008] With this configuration, the target liquid level and other settings can be set by the operator, and the blood level and other settings can be automatically controlled according to the set settings. Therefore, this configuration can reduce the operator's monitoring burden regarding the blood level and other settings. Moreover, since the position of the superimposed shapes on the image can be set through intuitive operation, it contributes to improved operability.

[0009] (2) In the processing apparatus described in item (1) above, the target of setting may be the target liquid level or the warning liquid level.

[0010] (3) In the processing apparatus described in item (2) above, the warning liquid level may be the upper liquid level or the lower liquid level.

[0011] (4) In the processing apparatus described in any one of the above items (1) to (3), the display screen is a touch panel screen which is a screen provided on a touch panel, and the position of the figure may be set according to the operation of the operator on the touch panel screen.

[0012] With this configuration, operators can easily set the position of shapes through intuitive operation. This makes setting the target even simpler.

[0013] (5) The processing apparatus described in any one of the above items (1) to (4) further comprises a blood volume determination unit that determines the amount of blood stored in the blood reservoir based on the liquid level and determines the amount of blood for the target set based on the setting of the target set, and the display control unit can perform control on the display of the amount of stored blood determined by the blood volume determination unit and the amount of blood for the target set.

[0014] With this configuration, the operator can check the liquid level, the shape indicating the target, the amount of stored blood, and the target blood volume.

[0015] (6) The processing apparatus described in any one of the above items (1) to (5) may further include an information generation unit that generates information for notifying the operator when the liquid level reaches the warning liquid level which is the target of the setting.

[0016] (7) The processing apparatus described in any one of the above items (1) to (6) may further include an information generation unit that generates information for notifying the operator according to the state of bubble generation at the liquid surface of the blood stored in the blood reservoir.

[0017] (8) The processing apparatus described in any one of the above items (1) to (7) may further include an information generation unit that generates information for notifying the operator according to the inclination of the liquid level of the blood stored in the blood reservoir.

[0018] (9) The processing apparatus described in any one of the above items (1) to (8) may further include an information generation unit that generates information for notifying the operator in response to an abnormality in the color of the blood stored in the blood reservoir.

[0019] According to the configurations described in (6) to (9) above, the operator will be able to take appropriate action upon receiving notification from the processing unit.

[0020] (10) The processing apparatus described in any one of the above items (1) to (9) may further include a pump control unit that controls a pump provided in the extracorporeal circulation system so that the liquid level becomes the target liquid level to be set.

[0021] This configuration makes it possible to appropriately control the flow rate of blood circulating outside the human body.

[0022] (11) Another aspect of the present disclosure is an extracorporeal circulation system comprising: a processing device described in any one of items (1) to (10) above; an extracorporeal circulation circuit for circulating blood outside the human body; a blood reservoir provided in the extracorporeal circulation circuit; a pump provided in the extracorporeal circulation circuit; and an artificial lung provided in the extracorporeal circulation circuit.

[0023] (12) A further aspect of the present disclosure is a processing method comprising: an image acquisition unit operating to acquire an image showing the liquid level of blood stored in a blood reservoir provided in an extracorporeal circulation system for circulating blood outside the human body; a display control unit operating to display the image acquired by the image acquisition unit on a display screen, and a figure indicating a setting target related to the liquid level superimposed on the image; and a setting unit operating to set the setting target according to the position of the figure in response to an operation by an operator.

[0024] (13) Another aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to perform the processing method described in item (12) above.

[0025] (14) Another aspect of the present disclosure is a computer-readable non-transient storage medium on which the program described in item (13) above is stored.

[0026] According to the present invention, a better processing device, an extracorporeal circulation system, a processing method, a program, and a storage medium can be provided.

[0027] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an extracorporeal circulation system equipped with a processing device according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a processing device according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a processing device according to one embodiment.

[0028] Extracorporeal circulation systems, which circulate blood outside the human body, are equipped with a blood reservoir for temporarily storing blood. Conventionally, when an extracorporeal circulation system was in operation, the operator had to constantly monitor the blood level in the reservoir to determine whether or not there was a malfunction in the system. This placed a significant burden on the operator. The following embodiment makes it possible to reduce the burden on the operator.

[0029] A processing device, extracorporeal circulation system, processing method, program, and storage medium according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an extracorporeal circulation system equipped with the processing device according to this embodiment.

[0030] The extracorporeal circulation system 10 according to this embodiment is used to circulate a patient's blood outside the human body. The extracorporeal circulation system 10 comprises a blood reservoir 12, a pump drive unit 14, a blood pump (pump) 16, an artificial lung 18, an imaging device 20, and a processing device 22.

[0031] The blood reservoir 12 is provided in the circulatory circuit (extracorporeal circulation circuit) 24 that circulates blood outside the human body. The blood reservoir 12 temporarily stores the blood circulating in the circulatory circuit 24 inside the reservoir 12. The blood reservoir 12 is made of a transparent or translucent resin material. Therefore, the operator of the extracorporeal circulation system 10 can confirm the liquid level 28 of the blood 26 stored inside the blood reservoir 12 and the position (liquid level) of the liquid level 28.

[0032] A scale 30 (see Figure 3) is provided on the outer wall of the blood reservoir 12. The scale 30 is provided on the outer wall of the blood reservoir 12, for example, on the front wall of the blood reservoir 12. The scale 30 has multiple scale lines 30a. The multiple scale lines 30a are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The scale lines 30a indicate the amount of blood stored in the blood reservoir 12. The operator can read the amount of blood stored in the blood reservoir 12, which is the amount of blood stored, from the positional relationship between the scale lines 30a and the liquid level of the blood 26. Note that letters, marks, etc., not shown, such as numerical values ​​indicating blood volume, may be attached near the multiple scale lines 30a. This can improve the identifiability of the scale lines 30a in the processing device 22, which will be described later. Alternatively, the processing device 22 may be programmed to identify specific signs among the letters, marks, etc., not shown.

[0033] A blood withdrawal cannula 32 is connected to the blood introduction port 121 of the blood reservoir 12 via a blood withdrawal tube 32a. The blood withdrawal cannula 32 is in communication with the blood introduction port 121 via the blood withdrawal tube 32a. The blood withdrawal cannula 32 is a cannula inserted into the human body (HM) to extract blood from the heart (HT) of the human body (HM). Blood is introduced from the heart (HT) into the blood reservoir 12 via the blood withdrawal cannula 32 and the blood withdrawal tube 32a.

[0034] Furthermore, blood aspirated or recovered from the surgical field during cardiac HT surgery is also introduced into the blood reservoir 12. Specifically, an aspiration circuit 31 and a vent circuit 33 are connected to the other blood introduction ports 123 of the blood reservoir 12.

[0035] The suction circuit 31 comprises a suction cannula 31a, a suction tube 31b, and a suction pump 31c. The suction cannula 31a is connected to another blood introduction port 123 of the blood reservoir 12 via the suction tube 31b. The suction pump 31c is located in the middle of the suction tube 31b. The suction cannula 31a is a cannula inserted into the human body HM to aspirate blood bleeding from the surgical field in a sterile condition. When the suction pump 31c is operating, the blood aspirated from the surgical field is collected in the blood reservoir 12 via the suction cannula 31a and the suction tube 31b.

[0036] The vent circuit 33 comprises a vent cannula 33a, a vent tube 33b, and a vent pump 33c. The vent cannula 33a is connected to another blood introduction port 123 of the blood reservoir 12 via the vent tube 33b. The vent pump 33c is located in the middle of the vent tube 33b. The vent cannula 33a is a cannula inserted into the human body (HM) to extract blood from the cardiac HT to secure a view of the surgical field. When the vent pump 33c is operating, the blood extracted from the cardiac HT is collected into the blood reservoir 12 via the vent cannula 33a and the vent tube 33b.

[0037] The blood reservoir 12 is positioned lower than the surgical field of the human body muscle (HM). Blood taken from the cardiac HT is introduced into the blood reservoir 12 via the blood withdrawal cannula 32 and the blood withdrawal tube 32a. The blood is not limited to being drained from the human body HM by gravity. Blood may also be introduced into the blood reservoir 12 by VAVD (negative pressure aspiration-assisted blood withdrawal), which creates negative pressure inside the blood reservoir 12 to drain blood from the human body HM.

[0038] A relay tube 34 is connected to the blood outlet port 122 of the blood reservoir 12. The relay tube 34 extends toward the artificial lung 18. The relay tube 34 connects the blood outlet port 122 of the blood reservoir 12 to the blood inflow port 181 of the artificial lung 18.

[0039] The pump drive unit 14 is a drive unit for rotating the blood pump 16. The pump drive unit 14 has a motor 36. The motor 36 generates a rotational driving force for rotating the blood pump 16. The pump drive unit 14 is controlled by the processing unit 22.

[0040] The blood pump 16 is a pump for circulating blood within the circulatory circuit 24. The blood pump 16 is installed in the middle of the relay tube 34. The blood pump 16 can be, for example, a peristaltic pump or a centrifugal pump. An example of a peristaltic pump is a roller pump in which a rotating pressing part squeezes the tube to press and deliver the fluid. When the blood pump 16 is driven, the blood stored in the blood reservoir 12 is introduced to the artificial lung 18 via the relay tube 34 from the blood outlet port 122.

[0041] The artificial lung 18 performs gas exchange with the blood. The artificial lung 18 has a housing 40 and a gas exchange section 42. The artificial lung 18 may also have a heat exchange section (not shown). In this case, the artificial lung 18 uses the heat exchange action in the heat exchange section to adjust the temperature of the blood, and then supplies the temperature-adjusted blood to the gas exchange section 42. The housing 40 has a blood inlet port 181 and a blood outlet port 182. A relay tube 34 is connected to the blood inlet port 181. A blood delivery cannula 44 is connected to the blood outlet port 182 via a blood delivery tube 44a. The blood delivery cannula 44 is a catheter inserted into the human body to return the gas-exchanged blood to the heart HT of the human body.

[0042] The gas exchange section 42 is located inside the housing 40. The gas exchange section 42 has a gas exchange membrane (not shown). The gas exchange membrane is composed of a number of hollow fiber membranes (not shown). Gas is blown into the hollow parts of the hollow fiber membranes, and blood flow channels (not shown) are formed around the periphery of the hollow fiber membranes. Gas exchange takes place between the blood flowing through the blood flow channels and the oxygen-containing gas via the gas exchange membrane. More specifically, oxygen is supplied to the blood and carbon dioxide is removed from the blood via the gas exchange membrane. The arrangement of the blood and gas flow channels with respect to the hollow fiber membranes may be reversed.

[0043] Blood is introduced from the relay tube 34 through the blood inflow port 181 to the gas exchange section 42 of the artificial lung 18. In the gas exchange section 42, the gas exchange described above takes place. The blood that has undergone gas exchange flows out from the blood outflow port 182 of the artificial lung 18 and is returned to the heart HT of the human body HM through the blood delivery tube 44a and the blood delivery cannula 44.

[0044] The imaging device (camera) 20 is connected to the processing device 22 via a signal line 46. The imaging device 20 is fixed at a position where it can capture images of the blood reservoir 12.

[0045] The imaging device 20 is preferably fixed so that unintended movement and vibration can be prevented. The imaging device 20 may be fixed to an imaging holder connected to the blood reservoir 12. The imaging device 20 may be disposed on a fixing portion provided in an operating room where the extracorporeal circulation system 10 is installed.

[0046] Furthermore, it is desirable that the imaging device 20 faces the wall portion (front face) provided with the scale 30 (see FIG. 3) of the blood reservoir 12, and is disposed so as to be capable of capturing an image of the wall portion. When the imaging device 20 is disposed so as to face the wall portion provided with the scale 30, the scale 30 can be easily read, so that the scale lines 30a can be accurately read.

[0047] In addition, when the imaging device 20 cannot be disposed so as to face the wall portion provided with the scale 30, it is desirable that edge marks are provided at at least three of the four corners of the wall portion provided with the scale 30. Thereby, the processing device 22 can correct the captured image into a corrected image of a composition captured as if facing the wall portion provided with the scale 30, based on the edge marks in the image of the blood reservoir 12 captured by the imaging device 20. Note that the edge marks may be printed on the wall portion of the blood reservoir 12 in advance. Alternatively, a sticker of an edge mark may be adhered to the outer wall of the blood reservoir 12 when the blood reservoir 12 is in use.

[0048] Furthermore, the imaging device 20 may be configured to be capable of changing its magnification in conjunction with the operation of the extracorporeal circulation system 10. In addition, the imaging device 20 may be fixed such that operations such as lighting switching can be performed.

[0049] The imaging device 20 can acquire an image 48 (see FIG. 3) of the blood reservoir 12. The liquid level (liquid surface 28) of blood 26 stored in the blood reservoir 12 is shown in the image 48. In addition, the scale 30 provided on the blood reservoir 12 is also shown in the image 48. The imaging device 20 outputs the acquired image 48 to the processing device 22.

[0050] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the processing device 22 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the processing device 22 includes a display unit 50, an operation unit 51, a calculation unit 52, and a storage unit (storage medium) 54.

[0051] The operation unit 51 can be used by an operator to operate the processing unit 22. The display unit 50 is equipped with a display element (not shown). Examples of display elements include liquid crystal display elements and organic electroluminescent display elements. The display unit 50 and the operation unit 51 can be configured by a touch panel 56 (see Figure 3) equipped with such a display element.

[0052] The arithmetic unit 52 is composed of a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), i.e., a processing circuit.

[0053] The calculation unit 52 includes an image acquisition unit 60, a display control unit 62, a setting unit 64, a blood volume determination unit 66, an information generation unit 68, and a control unit (pump control unit) 70. The image acquisition unit 60, the display control unit 62, the setting unit 64, the blood volume determination unit 66, the information generation unit 68, and the control unit 70 can be realized by the calculation unit 52 executing a program stored in the storage unit 54. At least a part of the image acquisition unit 60, the display control unit 62, the setting unit 64, the blood volume determination unit 66, the information generation unit 68, and the control unit 70 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). At least a part of the image acquisition unit 60, the display control unit 62, the setting unit 64, the blood volume determination unit 66, the information generation unit 68, and the control unit 70 may be configured by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0054] The image acquisition unit 60 acquires an image 48 (see Figure 3) using the imaging device 20 (see Figure 1). The display control unit 62 displays the image 48 acquired by the image acquisition unit 60 on the display screen (touch panel screen) 57 of the touch panel 56. The display control unit 62 also superimposes figures 72, 74, 76, and 78 (see Figure 3) related to the liquid level of the blood 26 onto the image 48 displayed on the display screen 57. As will be described later, figures 72, 74, and 76 are figures that indicate the setting targets related to the liquid level of the blood 26. Figure 78 is a figure that indicates the liquid level of the blood 26.

[0055] The settings for the blood level 26 are the target level or the warning level. The target level is the target height of the blood level 26 stored in the blood reservoir 12 when the blood circulates in the circulation circuit 24 (see Figure 1). The warning level is a level threshold that indicates that some abnormality has occurred in the extracorporeal circulation system 10. Specifically, the warning level is the upper limit level or the lower limit level.

[0056] The upper fluid level is the upper threshold for the fluid level of the blood 26 stored in the blood reservoir 12. The upper threshold may be determined, for example, based on the patient's weight, but is not limited to this. The upper fluid level may be set appropriately to prevent excessive blood withdrawal from the human body mass (HM). The lower fluid level is the lower threshold for the fluid level of the blood 26 stored in the blood reservoir 12. The lower fluid level is set appropriately to ensure that air is not introduced into the human body mass along with the blood.

[0057] Figure 3 shows an example of the display screen 57. The display screen 57 may display an image 48 acquired using the imaging device 20 (see Figure 1). More specifically, the display screen 57 may display an image 48 of the blood reservoir 12. The liquid level (liquid surface 28) of the blood 26 stored in the blood reservoir 12 is shown in the image 48. The scale 30 provided on the blood reservoir 12 is also shown in the image 48. Figures 72, 74, 76, and 78 are superimposed on the image 48 acquired using the imaging device 20. More specifically, the figure 72 indicating the target liquid level, the figure 74 indicating the upper liquid level, the figure 76 indicating the lower liquid level, and the figure 78 indicating the liquid level of the blood 26 are superimposed on the image 48.

[0058] Figure 78, which indicates the liquid level of blood 26, includes a line 78a and a mark 78b indicating the liquid level. The mark 78b is displayed next to the line 78a. Figure 72, which indicates the target liquid level, includes a line 72a and a mark 72b indicating the target liquid level. The mark 72b is displayed next to the line 72a.

[0059] The figure 74 indicating the upper liquid level includes a line 74a and a mark 74b. The mark 74b is displayed next to the line 74a.

[0060] Figure 76, which indicates the lower liquid level, includes a line 76a and a mark 76b. The mark 76b is displayed next to line 76a.

[0061] The figure 72 indicating the target liquid level, the figure 74 indicating the upper liquid level, and the figure 76 indicating the lower liquid level can be moved in the direction of increase or decrease (up and down) along the direction of increase or decrease of the scale 30 by the operator operating the touch panel 56. The operator can set the positions of figures 72, 74, and 76 by moving them.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 3, the case where both lines 72a, 74a, 76a, and 78a and marks 72b, 74b, 76b, and 78b are displayed on the display screen 57 is explained, but it is not limited to this. Only one of the lines 72a, 74a, 76a, and 78a or marks 72b, 74b, 76b, and 78b may be displayed on the display screen 57. Also, the shape of marks 72b, 74b, 76b, and 78b is not limited to the shape shown in Figure 3. For example, other marks such as arrows may be displayed.

[0063] The setting unit 64 (see Figure 2) sets the target parameters according to the positions of the shapes 72, 74, and 76 when the operator sets the positions of the shapes 72, 74, and 76 by operating the touch panel 56. Specifically, when the operator sets the position of the shape 72 indicating the target liquid level, the setting unit 64 sets the target liquid level according to the position of the shape 72 that was set. Furthermore, when the operator sets the position of the shape 74 indicating the upper limit liquid level, the setting unit 64 sets the upper limit liquid level according to the position of the shape 74 that was set. In addition, when the operator sets the position of the shape 76 indicating the lower limit liquid level, the setting unit 64 sets the lower limit liquid level according to the position of the shape 76 that was set.

[0064] The blood volume determination unit 66 determines the amount of blood stored in the blood reservoir 12 based on the liquid level of the blood 26. More specifically, the blood volume determination unit 66 determines the amount of stored blood based on the positional relationship between the scale line 30a and the liquid level of the blood 26, using the image 48 acquired using the image acquisition unit 60.

[0065] Furthermore, the blood volume determination unit 66 determines the target blood volume, which is the blood volume corresponding to the target, based on the setting of the target by the setting unit 64. Specifically, the blood volume determination unit 66 determines the target blood volume, which is the target blood volume according to the target liquid level. The blood volume determination unit 66 also determines the upper limit blood volume, which is the target blood volume according to the upper limit liquid level. Furthermore, the blood volume determination unit 66 determines the lower limit blood volume, which is the target blood volume according to the lower limit liquid level.

[0066] The display control unit 62 can control the display of the stored blood volume and the set blood volume (target blood volume, upper limit blood volume, lower limit blood volume) determined by the blood volume determination unit 66. The stored blood volume and the set blood volume may be displayed on a separate display screen from the display screen 57 of the touch panel 56, or they may be displayed on the display screen 57 of the touch panel 56.

[0067] The information generation unit 68 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the extracorporeal circulation system 10 (see Figure 1). When the information generation unit 68 determines that an abnormality has occurred, it generates information for notifying the operator. The display control unit 62 notifies the operator of the occurrence of the abnormality by displaying the occurrence of the abnormality on the display screen 57 or the like, based on the information generated by the information generation unit 68. The operator may perform an operation to terminate the extracorporeal circulation operation in response to the notification. The information generation unit 68 may also notify the operator of the occurrence of the abnormality by outputting an alert sound via a speaker (not shown).

[0068] Specifically, the information generation unit 68 determines whether the blood level 26 has reached the warning level. When the information generation unit 68 determines that the blood level 26 has reached the warning level, it generates information to notify the operator.

[0069] Furthermore, the information generation unit 68 determines the state of bubble generation at the liquid surface 28 of the blood 26 stored in the blood reservoir 12 based on the image 48 acquired by the image acquisition unit 60. The information generation unit 68 generates information for notification to the operator according to the state of bubble generation. Specifically, the information generation unit 68 generates information for notification to the operator when the proportion of the straight portion of the entire liquid surface 28 is below a threshold.

[0070] Furthermore, the information generation unit 68 determines whether or not the liquid surface 28 of the blood 26 stored in the blood reservoir 12 is tilted, based on the image 48 acquired by the image acquisition unit 60. The information generation unit 68 generates information for notification to the operator according to the tilt of the liquid surface 28. Specifically, the information generation unit 68 generates information for notification to the operator when the liquid surface 28 is tilted by a predetermined angle or more.

[0071] Furthermore, the information generation unit 68 determines whether there is any abnormality in the color of the blood 26 stored in the blood reservoir 12 based on the image 48 acquired by the image acquisition unit 60. If there is any abnormality in the color of the blood 26, the information generation unit 68 generates information to notify the operator.

[0072] The control unit 70 controls the blood pump 16 by controlling the pump drive unit 14. Specifically, the control unit 70 controls the pump drive unit 14 so that the liquid level of the blood 26 stored in the blood reservoir 12 reaches the target liquid level. More specifically, the control unit 70 controls the rotation of the blood pump 16 by controlling the pump drive unit 14 so that the amount of stored blood determined by the blood volume determination unit 66 reaches the target blood volume.

[0073] In this embodiment, if the positional relationship between the imaging device 20 and the blood reservoir 12 shifts due to misalignment of the optical axis of the imaging device 20, the display control unit 62 may correct the positions of figures 72, 74, 76, and 78 according to the misalignment of the optical axis.

[0074] Next, the operation of the processing device 22 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the processing device 22 (see Figure 1) according to this embodiment.

[0075] In step S1, while the extracorporeal circulation system 10 is performing extracorporeal circulation, the image acquisition unit 60 uses the imaging device 20 to acquire an image 48 (see Figure 3) that includes the liquid level and scale 30 of the blood 26 stored in the blood reservoir 12.

[0076] In step S2, the display control unit 62 displays the image 48 acquired by the image acquisition unit 60 on the display screen 57 of the touch panel 56. The display control unit 62 also superimposes figures 72, 74, 76, and 78 (see Figure 3) onto the image 48 displayed on the display screen 57.

[0077] In step S3, the operator sets the positions of figures 72, 74, and 76 by operating the touch panel 56. The setting unit 64 sets the target to be set according to the positions of figures 72, 74, and 76 set by the operator.

[0078] Thus, according to this embodiment, since the target liquid level and other settings can be set by the operator, the liquid level of the blood 26 can be automatically controlled according to the set settings. For this reason, this embodiment reduces the burden on the operator to monitor the liquid level of the blood 26. Moreover, according to this embodiment, the positions of the figures 72, 74, and 76 superimposed on the image 48 can be set by intuitive operation, thus contributing to improved operability.

[0079] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the stored blood volume and the set target blood volume can be displayed, the operator can easily confirm the stored blood volume and the set target blood volume.

[0080] Furthermore, since abnormalities in the extracorporeal circulation system 10 can be reported to the operator, the operator can take appropriate action.

[0081] Furthermore, since the fluid level of the blood 26 is controlled to reach the target fluid level, the flow rate of blood circulating outside the human body can be appropriately controlled.

[0082] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the intent of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are given as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A processing device comprising: an image acquisition unit that acquires an image showing the liquid level of blood stored in a blood reservoir provided in an extracorporeal circulation system for circulating blood outside the human body; a display control unit that displays the image acquired by the image acquisition unit on a display screen and superimposes a figure indicating a setting target related to the liquid level onto the image; and a setting unit that sets the setting target according to the setting of the figure in response to an operation by an operator.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting target is a target liquid level or a warning liquid level.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the warning liquid level is the upper limit liquid level or the lower limit liquid level.

4. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display screen is a touch panel screen provided on a touch panel, and the position of the figure is set according to the operation of the operator on the touch panel screen.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a blood volume determination unit that determines the amount of blood stored in the blood reservoir based on the liquid level and determines the amount of blood for a set target corresponding to the set target based on the setting of the set target, wherein the display control unit can control the display of the amount of stored blood and the amount of blood for a set target determined by the blood volume determination unit.

6. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an information generation unit that generates information for notifying the operator when the liquid level reaches the warning liquid level which is the target of the setting.

7. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an information generation unit that generates information for notifying the operator according to the state of bubble generation at the liquid surface of the blood stored in the blood reservoir.

8. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an information generation unit that generates information for notifying the operator according to the inclination of the liquid level of the blood stored in the blood reservoir.

9. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an information generation unit that generates information for notifying the operator in response to an abnormality in the color of the blood stored in the blood reservoir.

10. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pump control unit that controls a pump provided in the extracorporeal circulation system so that the liquid level becomes the target liquid level to be set.

11. An extracorporeal circulation system comprising: a processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; an extracorporeal circulation circuit for circulating blood outside the human body; a blood reservoir provided in the extracorporeal circulation circuit; a pump provided in the extracorporeal circulation circuit; and an artificial lung provided in the extracorporeal circulation circuit.

12. A processing method comprising: an image acquisition unit operating to acquire an image showing the liquid level of blood stored in a blood reservoir provided in an extracorporeal circulation system for circulating blood outside the human body; a display control unit operating to display the image acquired by the image acquisition unit on a display screen, and superimposing a figure indicating a setting target related to the liquid level onto the image; and a setting unit operating to set the setting target according to the position of the figure set in response to an operation by an operator.

13. A program for causing a computer to execute the processing method described in claim 12.

14. A computer-readable, non-transient storage medium on which the program described in claim 13 is stored.

Images