Dressing and integrated system for detection of fluid loss
OwnerKenneth Shawn McCallinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fluid loss detection device for dressings at pre-existing port sites, catheter sites, operative sites, ostomy sites, drain sites, line sites such as those utilized in hemodialysis, wound sites, or other areas for which monitoring of fluid or blood loss is medically indicated. The detection device includes a patch having a primary loop circuit and an early warning alarm circuit loop. In one embodiment, closure of the early warning alarm circuit loop activates an alarm. The alarm may be connected directly to the patch and sound locally or may be activated remotely via radio transmission. The detection device may additionally cause a medical device such as a hemodialysis system to shut down.
Claims10
A fluid loss detection device, comprising:
- a patch;
- a central opening through said patch so that said patch surrounds said central opening;
- a boundary edge of said patch circumnavigating said patch;
- a slit through a portion of said patch, wherein said slit originates at said boundary edge of said patch and terminates approximately at said central opening of said patch;
- a primary circuit loop within said patch and defining a first perimeter therein, wherein said primary circuit loop surrounds said central opening, which forms a target for receipt of a return access site;
- an early warning alarm circuit loop within said patch and defining a second perimeter therein, wherein said first perimeter is contained within said second perimeter;
- an alarm activated by a status change in properties of said early warning alarm circuit loop, wherein said early warning alarm circuit loop is activated by a small blood leak and wherein said emergency shut-down circuit loop is activated by a larger blood loss;
- and
- an emergency shut-down circuit loop within said patch and defining a third perimeter therein, wherein said second perimeter is contained within said third perimeter and wherein said primary circuit loop, said early warning alarm circuit loop, and said emergency shut-down circuit loop are in a radial plane formed by said patch.
A method of fluid loss detection, comprising the steps of:
- placing a patch having an external boundary edge circumnavigating said patch and a central opening through said patch so that said patch surrounds said central opening;
- adhesively securing said patch to a patient;
- sensing if fluid causes a change in electrical properties of a primary circuit loop and an early warning alarm circuit loop and thereafter activating an alarm;
- and
- sensing if fluid causes a change in electrical properties of an emergency shut-down circuit loop independent from said early warning alarm circuit wherein said primary circuit loop, said early warning alarm circuit loop and said emergency shut-down circuit loop are in a radial plane formed by said patch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.