Method and apparatus for leak detection in blood circuits combining external fluid detection and air infiltration detection
US7040142B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/15
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
One of the most significant safety concerns in the automation of extracorporeal blood treatments such as dialysis is the risk of blood leakage. Extracorporeal blood treatment systems draw blood at such a high rate that a loss of integrity in the blood circuit can be catastrophic. There are a number of mechanisms for detecting and preventing leaks and/or air infiltration, but none is perfect. According to the present invention, multiple inputs are combined to provide greater security against leakage and/or air infiltration by providing sensors for external presence of liquid (plasma, replacement fluid, blood, etc.) outside a fluid circuit and infiltration of air or bubbles into the fluid circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.