Multi-Channel Infusion Pump Fluid Sequencing Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering multiple fluids to patients using infusion pumps are either complex, costly, or require excessive user intervention, such as the piggyback method or multi-channel infusion pumps that need to be programmed and started individually, lacking flexibility in fluid delivery sequences and requiring manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling at least one infusion pump with multiple channels that allows for programming and simultaneous or sequential delivery of fluids from separate channels, using a processor to manage channel sequence data and delivery data, enabling concurrent or sequential fluid delivery with optional time offsets, and displaying infusion data, which can include fluid identification, dosage, rate, volume, and delivery time, and allowing for keep vein open therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the piggyback method is used to deliver multiple fluids, then fluid delivery flexibility is improved, but device complexity and manual intervention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control (clamps, valves, Y-sites) with an automated microprocessor-based system that electronically controls fluid delivery sequencing through multiple channels, eliminating the need for manual mechanical intervention while maintaining delivery flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion pump is designed with multiple channels that can be programmed to deliver different fluids sequentially or concurrently, allowing a single device to perform multiple fluid delivery functions that previously required separate devices or manual manipulation
2Productivity
If a multi-channel infusion pump is used to deliver multiple fluids simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to individual channel programming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual channel programming operations into a single unified programming interface, allowing users to program and sequence multiple channels simultaneously through one user interface rather than programming each channel individually
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows preliminary configuration of multiple channels and their sequencing before execution, enabling users to set up complex fluid delivery sequences in advance through a simplified programming interface that automatically manages the complexity of multiple channels
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex pump cassette with multiple valves is used to sequence fluids, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical valve systems with an electronic microprocessor control system that manages fluid sequencing through software, reducing the physical complexity of the pump while maintaining sophisticated fluid delivery sequencing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses programmable parameters and electronic control signals to manage fluid sequencing, allowing flexible configuration of delivery sequences through software parameters rather than requiring complex physical valve mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program for controlling at least one infusion pump wherein the system comprises a first channel for delivering a first fluid, a second channel for delivering a second fluid, a first input for receiving channel sequence data wherein the channel sequence data identifies the sequence for delivering the first fluid from the first channel and the second fluid from the second channel, a second input for receiving first delivery data for the first channel and the second delivery data for the second channel, and a processor for controlling delivery of the first fluid from the first channel and the second fluid from the second channel according to the channel sequence data, the first delivery data, and the second delivery data.