Continuity circuits for detecting access disconnection
US8696571B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/3592
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A monitor for an extracorporeal therapy access site is disclosed. The monitor includes a bandage atop or adjacent the access site and a sensor for monitoring the bandage. The bandage includes a layer of polymer that expands when wetted with blood. The expansion causes a break in continuity of the sensor, or in an alternate embodiment, causes a sensor to cease detecting a target. When the break occurs, the control circuit monitoring the bandage sends a signal that a break has occurred, and a remote monitor then takes appropriate action, such as ceasing therapy, sending an alert, or sounding an alarm. In another embodiment, connecting wires in a continuity circuit are held apart by a polymer that dissolves when contacted by blood. If a leak occurs and a small portion of the polymer dissolves, the wires make contact, thus detecting a blood leak.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.