Infusion Pump Parameter Display and Remote Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programming and managing medical infusion pumps is cumbersome due to the need for manual reentry of data and difficulty in monitoring pump status and location, especially since they often have small displays and are not always in close proximity to caregivers.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a memory for storing original and current pump parameters, with a programmable circuit to display these parameters on a monitor, allowing for easy comparison and management of pump operations, and a networked infrastructure for remote access and protocol management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pump parameters are stored and displayed with visual comparison indicators, then parameter comparison becomes easier and programming efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to additional memory and display circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the original pump parameters alongside current parameters on the display. This copying approach allows caregivers to directly compare parameter changes without manual recollection or separate documentation, improving programming efficiency while using standard display components rather than adding complex hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores original pump parameters in memory before they are changed. This preliminary action of preserving parameter history enables automatic comparison functionality that reduces programming time for future parameter changes, as the system proactively maintains the data needed for efficient parameter management
2Ease of operation
If pump status is monitored remotely through networked systems, then caregiver access to critical information improves, but loss of information increases due to potential transmission errors or system failures
Solution Approach 1:
The networked monitoring system provides real-time feedback about pump status, alarms, and parameter changes to caregivers. This continuous feedback loop ensures that critical information is transmitted and displayed, allowing remote monitoring while maintaining data integrity through established communication protocols that verify information transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to handle multiple functions including status display, alarm notification, and parameter tracking through a unified networked interface. This multi-functional approach consolidates information transmission channels, reducing the risk of information loss by using standardized, reliable communication infrastructure rather than separate specialized systems
3Device complexity
If manual data entry is required for each pump programming, then device complexity remains low, but loss of time increases due to repetitive data reentry
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically retrieves and displays original pump parameters from stored memory when needed for programming. This self-service capability eliminates the need for caregivers to manually reenter data that the system already possesses, significantly reducing programming time while using standard memory and display components that do not substantially increase device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for indicating a change in operation of a medical infusion pump. The apparatus includes a memory configured to store an original pump parameter and a current pump parameter. The apparatus further includes a programmable circuit in electrical communication with the memory, the programmable circuit programmed to display the original pump parameter and the current pump parameter. A method indicates a change in operation of a medical infusion pump.