Differential occlusion sensing method and apparatus

Abstract

Abstract Method and apparatus to sense the downline pressure variations in the infusion tubing of a fluid infusion system on a differential basis. The sensor (12) includes a fixed block (22), against which the tubing (16) is pressed by a location indicator (24). The indicator (24) can be pneumatic, hydraulic or electronic, but functions to transmit the location or swelling of the tubing (16) to a transducer (26). The transducer (26) transmits a signal indicating the sensed location to a controller (28), such as a microprocessor. The controller (28) converts the location of the indicator (24) to a value indicative of the pressure in the tubing (16). In operation, the initial location of the tubing (16) is sensed a set time period after initiation of the infusion. If it is within a predetermined allowable range, the initial location is utilized as the base value. If the pressure changes by a preset differential amount from the base value, as determined by the sensor (12), the system will alarm.

Inventors

• 👤 Michael O Pekkarinen

Bibliographic Details