Method and apparatus for preparing and monitoring an intravenous fluid bag

US9814828B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Aesynt Incorporated · US

Inventors

• Jeff Thompson · Lewisville, US
• David Deutsch · Monroeville, US
• Preeti Churbock · Pittsburgh, US
• Kevon Garrison · Castle Hayne, US
• John Barickman · West Chester, US
• Bruce Thompson · Granbury, US
• Randy Rossi · Greensburg, US
• Gregoire Aby-Eva · Pittsburgh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 15, 2013
• Grant date: Nov 14, 2017
• Expiry date: Jul 27, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2205/3561
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An intravenous (IV) fluid monitoring system and method are provided to facilitate notification that a replacement IV fluid bag should be prepared. In this regard, an IV fluid monitoring system includes a bag sensing element carried by an IV fluid bag. The IV fluid monitoring system further includes first and second sensing elements positioned on opposite sides of the IV fluid bag and configured to interact with the bag sensing element. The first and second sensing elements are physically separate from the IV fluid bag. The bag sensing element and the first and second elements are positioned such that a line of sight between at least the first sensing element and the bag sensing element extends through the IV fluid within the IV fluid bag while the IV fluid bag is in a filled state. A method and apparatus are also provided to facilitate preparation of an IV fluid bag.