Infusion Pump Common-Line Auto Flush for Accurate Fluid Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Infusion pumps face challenges when switching between therapeutic fluids, as residual fluid in the common line is not accurately cleared, leading to delayed administration, incorrect fluid delivery rates, and potential errors in fluid accounting.

Innovation Solution

The infusion pump system incorporates a method to automatically flush the common line by monitoring and adjusting the fluid flow rates, ensuring complete clearance of the first fluid before initiating the second fluid, thereby maintaining accurate and efficient delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If therapeutic fluid is switched between reservoirs through a common line, then multiple therapeutic fluids can be administered alternately, but the remaining therapeutic fluid in the common line causes delays and incorrect delivery rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to administer multiple therapeutic fluidsVSAvoidfluid delivery accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary flush action by driving a predetermined volume of second fluid through the common line at a first rate before switching to the second rate. This preliminary action clears the remaining first fluid from the common line, ensuring that only the intended second fluid reaches the patient at the correct dosage rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual flushing operations with an automated electronic control system that monitors fluid volume and automatically adjusts pump rates. The control system calculates and executes the flush volume based on programmed parameters, eliminating manual intervention and improving precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If the remaining therapeutic fluid is cleared from the common line before switching, then fluid delivery accuracy is improved, but the next therapeutic fluid administration is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid delivery accuracyVSAvoiddelay in therapeutic fluid administration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the flow rate parameter during the transition period. The pump first operates at a first rate to clear the common line, then automatically transitions to a second rate for normal administration. This parameter change allows the system to balance flushing requirements with timely drug delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the therapeutic fluid remaining in the common line is administered at the new fluid's rate, then the common line is utilized continuously, but the patient receives incorrect dosage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous fluid deliveryVSAvoiddosage accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the volume of fluid driven through the common line. By tracking the cumulative volume and comparing it against the predetermined flush volume, the system ensures that the common line is adequately cleared before resuming normal infusion, preventing dosage errors while maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual monitoring and adjustment of common line flush volume is performed, then fluid delivery can be customized, but the complexity of operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable flush volumeVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically calculating and executing the required flush volume based on programmed parameters. The control system monitors fluid delivery in real-time and automatically adjusts pump operation to achieve the desired flush, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining customization capabilities through programmable parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11246985B2Infusion pump system and method with common line auto flush

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 ICU MEDICAL INC

AI summary

An infusion pump system and method with common line auto flush, wherein the infusion pump system has a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a junction, a common line having one end in fluid connection with the junction and having a terminal fluid delivery end, and an infusion pump. The method includes infusing the first fluid at a first rate along a first flow path; entering a common line flush volume value for the common line; switching from the first flow path to a second flow path; driving the second fluid at the first rate along the second flow path; monitoring volume of the second fluid driven at the first rate; and driving the second fluid at a second rate along the second flow path when the monitored volume is equal to or greater than the common line flush volume value.