Access disconnection system and methods
AssigneeBaxter International Inc.
InventorsRamesh Wariar, James Han, George Lamberson, Thomas P. Hartranft, Thore Falkvall
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Abstract
Apparatuses, devices, systems and methods for detecting access disconnection are provided. The present invention includes electrical contacts in fluid and electrical communication with a fluid passing between a patient and a medical system during therapy. In this regard, the present invention can use a direct-contact measurement to detect access disconnection, such as dislodgment of an access device from the patient through which fluid can flow during therapy including, for example, medication delivery, dialysis therapy and the like.
Claims24
A medical device configured to detect an access disconnection during medical therapy comprising
- a plurality of electrical contacts in fluid contact with a fluid and spaced apart from an access device insertable within a patient such that the electrical contacts define a conductor loop that detects a change in an electrical value responsive to access disconnection as the fluid flows between the patient and a fluid treatment system connected to the patient via the access device, wherein the conductor loop bypasses the fluid treatment system;
- and
- a controller configured to correct for a deviation from a baseline measurement of the electrical value detected within the conductor loop due to variations in the fluid during the medical therapy.
A method of controlling blood loss due to dislodgment of an access device inserted within a patient during medical therapy comprising the steps of:
- connecting a patient to a blood treatment circuit;
- creating a conductor loop within the blood circuit such that the conductor loop electrically bypasses the blood treatment circuit, the conductor loop having a pair of electrical contacts in fluid contact with blood as it flows through the blood circuit;
- passing an at least substantially constant electrical signal through the blood treatment circuit via the electrical contacts thereby defining a signal loop along the blood treatment circuit allowing an electrical value to be measured;
- detecting a disconnection between the patient and the blood treatment circuit in response to a change in the electrical value;
- producing a signal based on the detectable change in the electrical value and correcting for a deviation from a baseline measurement of the electrical value detected within the conductor loop due to variations in the fluid during the medical therapy;
- and
- processing the signal to minimize blood loss from the patient due to the disconnection.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.