System and method for delivering a target volume of fluid

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 601371,894 filed Apr. 11, 2002, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to fluid delivery systems, and in particular to systems and methods for accurately delivering a target volume of fluid to a destination.

[0003] Such systems regulate the rate of flow of fluid through a line. Some examples of fluid delivery systems are peritoneal dialysis machines and intravenous fluid delivery systems. These systems may include a permanent housing which does not come into direct contact with the transporting fluid and into which a fluid-exposed disposable cassette is placed. The disposable cassette includes flexible membranes, or other structures that respond to pressure and that separate the permanent components from the fluid being delivered. Examples of such fluid delivery systems and their sub-components (e.g., pressure conduction chambers, flow measurement systems and valves) are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,778,451, 4,826,482, 4,976,162, 5,088,515, 5,178,182 issued to Kamen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,423 issued to Kamen et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,503,062 issued to Gray et al. These patents are all hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] One problem with respect to fluid delivery systems, such as in peritoneal dialysis, arises when treating subjects with low fill volume capacities, such as a child. For example, in peritoneal dialysis systems, a fill volume of 1000 mL or less generally indicates a low fill volume while fill volumes of greater than 1000 mL are typical for an average adult's fill volume. Thus, a single fluid delivery system may not be appropriate for treating both an average adult and a child.

[0005] Another problem arises with respect to fluid delivery systems when two or more fluids from two or more sources must be delivered to a subject or patient simultaneously and in a particular ratio. It is difficult to maintain a consistent ratio of the different fluids for simultaneous delivery to the subject because each source may deliver its solution to the system at different rates and/or in different volumes. Consequently, it is difficult to maintain a consistent ratio of the different fluids in the fluid delivery system at any one time.

[0006] In a first embodiment of the invention, a method for delivering a target volume of fluid to a destination includes delivering a first volume of fluid to the destination in increments each having approximately a first incremental volume, the first volume of fluid being less than the target volume. A second volume of fluid is then delivered to the destination in increments each having approximately a second incremental volume. The second incremental volume is less than the first incremental volume, and the sum of the first volume and the second volume is approximately equal to the target volume. Delivering the first and second volumes of fluid to a destination may include delivering the first and second volumes of fluid parenterally to a human subject. Similarly, delivering the first and second volumes of fluid to a destination may include delivering the first and second volumes of fluid to a fluid reservoir and/or delivering the first and second volumes of fluid to a container. Such a container may be a heating bag, such as may be used in conjunction with a peritoneal dialysis system, and/or a pump chamber. In accordance with a related embodiment, the first volume may be approximately equal to the target volume minus a finish volume and the second incremental volume may be less than the finish volume. In a related embodiment, the second incremental volume may be less than one third the finish volume.

[0007] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a system for delivering a target volume of fluid to a destination includes a fluid control module for delivering a first volume of fluid to the destination in increments each having approximately a first incremental volume, the first volume of fluid being less than the target volume. The fluid control module also delivers a second volume of fluid to the destination in increments each having approximately a second incremental volume, the second incremental volume being less than the first incremental volume. The sum of the first volume and the second volume is approximately equal to the target volume. The system also includes a valve arrangement for controlling fluid communication to the destination and a controller for determining the volume of fluid delivered to the destination and for controlling the valve arrangement and the fluid control module. The fluid control module may deliver the first and second volumes of fluid to a human subject and the first and second volumes of fluid may be delivered parenterally. Similarly, the fluid control module may deliver the first and second volumes of fluid to a fluid reservoir and/or a container such as a heating bag and/or a pump chamber.

[0008] In accordance with related embodiments, the first volume may be approximately equal to the target volume minus a finish volume and the second incremental volume may be less than the finish volume. For example, the second incremental volume may be less than one third the finish volume.

[0009] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, a method for simultaneously delivering a target volume of fluid from two sources in a desired ratio to a common destination includes delivering a first volume of fluid from a first source and a second volume of fluid from a second source to the destination in increments each having approximately a first incremental volume, the first incremental volume of fluid being substantially less than the target volume. After delivery of a first incremental volume of fluid from the first source and the second source, the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the first source and the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the second source is measured. Delivery of the first volume of fluid to the destination is suspended when the first volume exceeds the second volume by a fraction, which may be a predetermined fraction, of the first incremental volume. A first incremental volume of fluid from the second source is delivered to the destination, and delivery of the first volume of fluid to the destination is resumed.

[0010] In accordance with related embodiments, the first incremental volume of fluid may be less than one quarter of the target volume. In accordance with further related embodiments, the desired ration may be 1:1 and the predetermined fraction may be one half. Delivering the first and second volumes of fluid to a destination may include delivering the first and second volumes of fluid parenterally to a human subject. Similarly, delivering the first volume and second volumes of fluid to a destination may include delivering the first and second volumes of fluid to a fluid reservoir and/or container, and such a container may be a heating bag and/or a pump chamber.

[0011] In accordance with other related embodiments, the method may include determining that approximately the target volume of fluid has been delivered to the destination and measuring the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the first source and the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the second source. A third volume of fluid from the source that has delivered a smaller volume of fluid to the destination may then be delivered in increments each having approximately a second incremental volume, the second incremental volume being less than the first incremental volume, such that the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the first source and the volume of fluid delivered from the second source are in approximately the desired ratio. The sum of the first volume and the second volume may be approximately equal to the target volume minus a finish volume, and the second incremental volume may be less than the finish volume. In one related embodiment, the second incremental volume is less than one third the finish volume.

[0012] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a system for simultaneously delivering a target volume of fluid from two sources in a desired ratio to a common destination includes a first fluid source, a second fluid source, and a fluid control module. The fluid control module delivers a first volume of fluid from the first fluid source and a second volume of fluid from the second fluid source to the destination in increments each having approximately a first incremental volume, the first incremental volume being substantially less than the target volume. The fluid control module also measures the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the first source and the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the second source, suspends delivery of the first volume of fluid to the destination when the first volume exceeds the second volume by a fraction, which may be a predetermined fraction, of the first incremental volume, and resumes delivery of the first volume of fluid to the destination. The system also includes a valve arrangement for controlling fluid communication between the destination and first and second fluid sources and a controller for determining the first and second volumes of fluid, the first incremental volume of fluid, and for controlling the valve arrangement and the fluid control module.

[0013] In accordance with related embodiments, the first incremental volume may be less than one quarter of the target volume. Additionally, the desired ratio may be 1:1 and the predetermined fraction may be approximately one half. In accordance with yet further related embodiments, the fluid control module may deliver the first and second volumes of fluid to a human subject, and the fluid control module may deliver the first and second volumes of fluid parenterally. Similarly, the fluid control module may deliver the first and second volumes of fluid to a fluid reservoir and/or to a container. Such a container may be a heating bag and/or a pump chamber. The controller may also determine that approximately the target volume minus a finish volume of fluid has been delivered to the destination. Further, the fluid control module may measure the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the first source and the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the second source and deliver a third volume of fluid from the source that has delivered a smaller volume of fluid to the destination. The third volume of fluid may be delivered in increments each having approximately a second incremental volume. The second incremental volume may be less than the first incremental volume, such that the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the first source and the volume of fluid delivered from the second source are in approximately the desired ratio. Further, the sum of the first and the second volumes may be approximately equal to the target volume minus a finish volume and the second incremental volume may be less than the finish volume. For example, the second incremental volume may be less than one third the finish volume.

[0014] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, a system for delivering a target volume of fluid to a destination includes fluid delivery means for delivering a first volume of fluid to the destination in one or more first incremental volumes, the first volume of fluid being less than the target volume, and delivering a second volume of fluid to the destination in one or more second incremental volumes, the second incremental volume being less than the first incremental volume. The system also includes measuring means for measuring the volume of fluid delivered to the destination and control means for controlling the fluid delivery means.

[0015] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a system for simultaneously delivering a target volume of fluid from two sources in a desired ratio to a common destination includes a first fluid source and a second fluid source. Fluid delivery means delivers a first volume of fluid from the first fluid source and a second volume of fluid from the second fluid source to the destination in one or more first incremental volumes, the first incremental volume being substantially less than the target volume. Measuring means measures the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the first source and the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the second source. Control means suspends delivery of the first volume of fluid to the destination when the first volume exceeds the desired ratio with respect to the second volume by a fraction, which may be a predetermined fraction, of the first incremental volume and then resumes delivery of the first volume of fluid to the destination.

[0016] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, a system for simultaneously delivering a target volume of fluid from two sources in a desired ratio to a common destination includes a first fluid source and a second fluid source. The system also includes fluid delivery means for delivering a first volume of fluid from the first fluid source and a second volume of fluid from the second fluid source to the destination in one or more first incremental volumes, the first incremental volume being substantially less than the target volume, and measuring means for measuring the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the first source and the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the second source. The control means suspends delivery of the first volume of fluid to the destination when the first volume exceeds the second volume by a fraction, which may be a predetermined fraction, of the first incremental volume and resumes delivery of the first volume of fluid to the destination. In accordance with related embodiments, the desired ratio may be 1:1 and the predetermined fraction may be approximately one half.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automated fluid management system that may be used in conjunction with the present invention. The system 100 includes a liquid supply and delivery set 102, a fluid control module 104 that interacts with the delivery set 102 to pump liquid through it, and a controller 106 that governs the interaction to perform a selected procedure. In the depicted embodiment, the fluid control module and controller are located within a common housing 182.

[0024] The fluid control module 104 utilizes a pneumatic pumping action to emulate gravity flow, regardless of the position of the source solution bags 184. The pumping action may be the result of pressurizing one or more fluid chambers through use of a control gas or liquid, or other methods known in the art, such as pumps, pistons, piezoelectric mechanisms, pressurized reservoirs, valves, clamps and vents. As noted above, these pressurizing devices are explained in greater detail in the patents referenced above and incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] The controller 106 carries out process control and monitoring functions for the fluid control module 104. The controller includes a user interface 167 with a display screen 137 and control pad. The interface 167 presents menus, sub-menus and status information to the user during a therapy session. The interface 167 also allows the user to enter and edit therapy parameters, and to issue therapy commands. In one embodiment, the user interface 167 receives characters from a keypad, displays text to the display screen 137 and sounds an alarm when appropriate. The control pad may include a “Go” key 135, which when pressed causes the interface 167 to display a main menu on the display screen 137 for initiating a therapy session, and a “Stop” key 139 which when pressed causes a therapy session to cease. The interface 167 may also include keys 133 for traversing through the information and menus displayed on the display screen 137 and an “Enter” key 134 for causing data to be input to the system or for selecting an entry from the menus.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 106 comprises a central processing unit. The central processing unit may employ conventional real time multi-tasking to allocate tasks. The central processing unit may itself be programmable or alternatively, it may run under the direction of a software, middle-ware or hardware program external to the system.

[0027] In use, for example as a peritoneal dialysis system, the user connects the set 102 to his/her indwelling peritoneal catheter 108. The user also connects the set 102 to individual bags 184 containing peritoneal dialysis solution for infusion. The set 102 also connects to a heating bag 180 in which the dialysis solution is heated to a desired temperature. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention described in more detail below, two or more fluids from different sources may be simultaneously pumped to the heating bag in a desired ratio.

[0028] The controller 106 paces the fluid control module 104 through a prescribed series of fill, dwell, and drain phases typical of an automated peritoneal dialysis procedure. During the fill phase, the fluid control module 104 infuses the heated solution through the set 102 and into the patient's peritoneal cavity. Following the dwell phase, the fluid control module 104 institutes a drain phase, during which the fluid control module 104 discharges spent dialysis solution from the patient's peritoneal cavity through the set into a nearby drain.

[0029] The delivery set 102 includes a cassette (not visible) which mounts inside a holder in the fluid control module 104. The cassette serves in association with the fluid control module 104 and the controller to direct liquid flow among multiple fluid sources and destinations that an automatic peritoneal dialysis procedure requires. The cassette forms an array of interior cavities in the shapes of wells and channels. The interior cavities create one or more pump chambers and one or more paths to convey fluid. The interior cavities also create one or more valve stations to interconnect the fluid paths with the pump chambers and with each other. The number and arrangement of pump chambers, liquid paths and valve stations can vary. Such a cassette is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,423 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,182 both of which, as noted above, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0030] In order to accommodate patients with small abdominal cavities, a new process and system is presented that limits the available fill volume. A clinician will be able to select a “low fill mode” from among the modes available on the fluid delivery system. For example, when the low fill mode is on, the fill volumes available will be limited to a range of 60-1000 mL.

[0031] Since the fill volumes for the low-fill mode may be as small as 60 mL, it is necessary to achieve a high level of targeting accuracy for these applications. An acceptable range of accuracy may be, for example, +5 mL/−10 mL. It may also be desirable that conforming to this accuracy specification does not take substantially longer than a standard fill.

[0032] The targeting accuracy is improved by executing a more intermittent fill during the last phase, in which the incoming flow is stopped one or more times to perform a volume measurement and assess progress. The nominal operation of this fill routine does not result in fills that consistently stop at the low end of the tolerance; instead the nominal operation should fill to the mid-point of the tolerance range. This fill routine especially improves performance for low-fill applications.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a method (i.e., a fill routine) for delivering a target volume of fluid to a destination in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Such a destination may be a human subject, the heating bag 180, a reservoir, a fluid container or pump chamber as illustrated with respect to FIG. 5. The fluid may further be delivered to the human subject parenterally. The method includes delivering 201 a first volume of fluid to the destination in increments each having approximately a first incremental volume. The first volume of fluid is less than the target volume by an amount at least as large as the first incremental volume. For example, if the target volume is 500 mL, the first incremental volume may be 10 to 50 mL. A second volume of fluid is then delivered 202 to the destination in increments each having approximately a second incremental volume. The second incremental volume is less than the first incremental volume, and the sum of the first volume and the second volume is approximately equal to the target volume. For example, if the first incremental volume is 15 mL, then the second incremental volume may be 1 to 3 mL. Note that a plurality of first incremental volumes may be delivered before delivering the second volume. Thus, to achieve a target volume of 500 mL, the first volume may be approximately 485 mL, delivered in thirty or more first incremental volumes of approximately 15 mL each, before the second volume of fluid is delivered in the second incremental volumes of approximately 1 to 3 mL each. Thus, the first volume may approximately equal the target volume minus a finish volume (i.e., the second volumes) and the second incremental volume may be less than the finish volume. For example, the second incremental volume may be one third the finish volume

[0034] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for simultaneously delivering a target volume of fluid from two sources in a desired ration, in this case in a 1:1 ratio, to a common destination. Again, such a destination may be a human subject, the heating bag 180, a reservoir, a fluid container or pump chamber. Further, the fluid may be delivered to a human subject parenterally. In a first step, a first volume of fluid from a first source and a second volume of fluid from second source is delivered 301 to the destination in increments each having approximately a first incremental volume. The first volume may be measured in one or more of the pump chambers discussed above in connection with the fluid delivery system of FIG. 1 and in connection with the system FIG. 5. In one embodiment, for example, the volume measurement systems of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,976,162 and 4,826,482 (incorporated herein above) are employed. The first incremental volume of fluid is substantially less than the target volume. In one embodiment, the first incremental volume is less than one quarter of the target volume. However, the first incremental volume may be less than the target volume by any desired fraction, such as one eighth, one third, one half, two thirds, etc.

[0035] After delivery of a first incremental volume of fluid from each of the first source and the second source, the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the first source and the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the second source is measured 302. Such delivery may occur simultaneously and such measurements may be performed by the controller 106 by using pressure transducers contained in the fluid control module 104 or other fluid volume measuring apparatuses. Delivery of the first volume of fluid to the destination is suspended 303 when the first volume exceeds the second volume by a fraction, which may be a predetermined fraction, of the first incremental volume. For example, delivery of the first volume of fluid to the destination may be suspended when the first volume exceeds the second volume by approximately one half of the first incremental volume in order to attain a 1:1 one ratio. A first incremental volume of fluid is then delivered 304 to the destination from the second source, and delivery of the first volume of fluid to the destination is resumed 305. It will be appreciated that this process may be adapted for a desired ratio other than one-to-one. In such a case, the fluids from different sources may be delivered by incremental volumes that are the same or that are different from each other. It will also be appreciated that this process may be adapted for use with fluids from more than two different sources.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for simultaneously delivering a target volume of fluid from two sources in a desired (such as a one-to-one) ratio to a common destination in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. The procedure begins in a manner similar to that shown with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 3. That is, a first volume of fluid from a first source and a second volume of fluid from second source is delivered 401 to the destination in increments each having approximately a first incremental volume. The first incremental volume of fluid is less than the target volume. In this case the first incremental volume is less than one quarter of the target volume. However, as noted above the first incremental volume may be less than the target volume by any desired ratio. After delivery of a first incremental volume of fluid from each of the first source and the second source, the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the first source and the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the second source is measured 402. Again, such measurements may be performed by the controller 106 by using pressure transducers contained in the fluid control module 104 or other fluid volume measuring means. Delivery of the first volume of fluid to the destination is suspended 403 when the first volume exceeds the second volume by a fraction, which may be a predetermined fraction, of the first incremental volume, in this case by one half the first incremental volume. A first incremental volume of fluid is then delivered 404 to the destination from the second source, and delivery of the first volume of fluid to the destination is resumed 405.

[0037] In order to assure that the target volume is delivered in the desired ratio, a determination is made 406 when approximately the target volume of fluid has been delivered to the destination. The volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the first source and the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the second source are then measured 407. Following this measurement, a third volume of fluid from the source that has delivered a smaller volume of fluid to the destination is delivered 408 in increments each having approximately a second incremental volume. The second incremental volume is less than the first incremental volume. As a result of delivering the third volume of fluid, the sum of the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the first source and the volume of fluid delivered from the second source are in approximately the desired ratio, in this case a one to one ratio. The first volume and the second volume may each be approximately equal to the target volume minus a finish volume. Similarly, the second incremental volume may be less than the finish volume by any desired fraction. For example, in this embodiment, the second incremental volume may be one third the finish volume.

[0038] A system similar to the one described with respect to FIG. 1 may incorporate the processes described above. In this case the fluid control module 104 or other fluid delivery means such as those disclosed in the patents incorporated above, delivers a first volume of fluid to the destination in increments each having approximately a first incremental volume, the first volume of fluid being less than the target volume. The fluid control module 104 will also deliver a second volume of fluid to the destination in increments each having approximately a second incremental volume. Here again, the second incremental volume is less than the first incremental volume, such that the sum of the first volume and the second volume is approximately equal to the target volume. The system additionally includes a valve arrangement, shown generally at 105 for controlling fluid communication between the fluid source or sources and the destination as well as a controller, such as controller 106 or other control means such as a microprocessor or computer. The controller 106 determines the volume of fluid delivered to the destination and for controls the valve arrangement 105 and the fluid control module 104. The controller 106 may also determine when approximately the target volume minus a finish volume of fluid has delivered to the destination. In addition, the fluid control module 104 may measure the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the first source and the volume of fluid delivered to the destination from the second source. The fluid control module 104 may then deliver a third volume of fluid from the source that has delivered a smaller volume of fluid to the destination in increments each having approximately a second incremental volume.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system for employing the methods of FIGS. 3 and 4 above. The system includes a first fluid source 501 and a second fluid source 502. The first fluid source 501 is in fluid communication with a first pump chamber 507 via valve 503 and the second fluid source 502 is in fluid commumcation with a second pump chamber 510 via valve 505. pump chamber 507 is also in communication with a volume measurement system 508 and pump chamber 510 is in communication with volume measurement system 509. Alternatively, each pump chamber 507 and 510 may be in communcation with a common volume measurement system. Each of the pump chambers 507 and 510 may include flexible membranes as described in the above referenced and incorporated patents. Similarly, each of the volume measurement systems 508 and 509 may include pressure transducers and positive and/or negative pressure reservoirs as are also described in the aforementioned incorporated patents. Each of the pump chambers 507 and 510 is in fluid communication with a destination 511 via valves 504 and 506 respectively. As noted above, the destination 511 may be a human subject, a reservoir, a container, such as a heating bag, or another, perhaps larger, pump chamber.

[0040] In accordance with one embodiment, the goal is to separately track the volumes moved from each fluid source 501 and 502 and to ensure that the difference between the fluid delivered from each of the two fluid sources never varies by more than half the volume of a pump chamber. This is achieved by performing in-phase pumping such that both pump chambers 507 and 510 fill and deliver in sync. For example, if each pump chamber holds 15 mL, and it is determined that one pump chamber, for example pump chamber 507, has delivered at least 7.5 mL more fluid to the destination 511 than the other pump chamber 510, then fluid delivery from pump chamber 507 will be suspended while pump chamber 510 performs a catch-up stroke. Such a determination is made by measuring the fluid volumes of each pump chamber 507 and 510 for each pumping stroke via volume measurement systems 508 and 509 respectively. (It should be noted that while each pump chamber 507 and 510 may have a capacity of 15 mL, somewhat less than 15 mL of fluid may be delivered to and by each pump chamber during any single pumping stroke.)

[0041] When the target volume (the volume of fluid intended to be delivered to the destination) has been delivered to the destination 511, the pump chamber, perhaps pump chamber 510, that has delivered the most fluid to the destination 511 will stop pumping. The pump chamber which has delivered the least amount of fluid, in this case pump chamber 507, will then switch to a “targeting mode” in which a maximum of 3 mL of fluid is delivered to the destination 511 per pump chamber stroke. This targeting mode insures that a 1:1 ratio (or other desired ratio) between fluid delivered to the destination 511 from the first fluid source 501 and fluid delivered to the destination 511 from the second fluid source 502 is achieved to within approximately plus 2 mL or minus 1 mL.

[0042] While the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification. This application is intended to cover any variation, uses, or adaptations of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains.