Patent Application
20100060463
The present invention generally relates to a head gatch alarm system, more specifically, relates to a device, methods and system for a head gatch alarm system that triggers an operational response and an alert of a medical risk for aspirational pneumonia when an enteral pump is delivering liquid nutrients to a patient and an angle of the head gatch section is outside a predetermined range.
While the use of an enteral feeding pump is a common device for delivering a liquid nutrient to a patient, complications can arise during the feeding. In particular, one of these complications is aspirational pneumonia. Typically, aspirational pneumonia occurs when a patient's bed is positioned at an angle sufficient to allow the patient's gastric fluids to ascend the esophagus and be inhaled into the lungs. When the bed angle reaches this point, the stomach contents are able to percolate up through the esophagus and down into the lungs. When the enteral feeding pump continues to deliver liquid nutrients, despite the undesired low bed angle, it increases the medical risk of aspirational pneumonia.
Therefore, there remains a need in the prior art for a head gatch alarm system that reduces the risk of aspirational pneumonia with minimal false alarms or errors. More importantly, there is a need for a head gatch alarm system that alerts of a medical risk of aspirational pneumonia while allowing a medical professional to determine when to shut off a pump delivering vital liquid nutrients to a patient.
The invention preserves the advantages of prior head gatch alarm systems. In addition, it provides new advantages not found in currently available head gatch alarm systems and overcomes many disadvantages of such currently available head gatch alarm systems. The present invention provides a head gatch alarm system that triggers an alert of a medical risk for aspirational pneumonia when an enteral pump is delivering liquid nutrients to a patient and an angle of the head gatch section is outside a predetermined range.
A head gatch alarm system triggers an operational response and an alert of a medical risk for aspirational pneumonia when an enteral pump is delivering liquid nutrients to a patient and an angle of the head gatch section is outside a predetermined range. The system may include a bed frame having a head gatch section, an inclinometer, a pump, and a means for triggering an alert. An inclinometer is removably or permanently attached to the head gatch section for sensing an angle of the head gatch section. The inclinometer includes an RF receiver and RF transmitter for sending and receiving RF or wireless signals to a pump. An example of a means for triggering an alert is an alarm or display of the operational status of the pump or the inclinometer. An alarm is in electrical or wireless communication with the inclinometer or the pump. An example of an operational response is the shutting off of the pump or other means for prevention of flow of liquid nutrients to the patient. The pump includes an RF transmitter and RF receiver for two way RF communication between the pump and the inclinometer. In operation, the alarm is triggered and the pump is turned off when the head gatch section is positioned outside a predetermined range.
The present invention includes a device for triggering an operational response and an alert of a medical risk of aspirational pneumonia which can be attached or retrofitted to an existing bed frame. The device includes an inclinometer, pump, and a means for triggering an alert. The inclinometer is used for sensing an angle of the head gatch section. The inclinometer includes an RF receiver and RF transmitter for sending and receiving RF signals to a pump. The means for triggering an alert, by example, may include an alarm or display is in electrical communication with the pump, the inclinometer, or both. An example of a means for triggering an alert is an alarm or display of the operational status of the pump or the inclinometer. The pump includes an RF transmitter and RF receiver for two way RF communication between the pump and the inclinometer. In operation, the alarm is triggered and pump is turned off when the head gatch section is positioned outside a predetermined angle range.
The present invention also includes a method for triggering an operational response and an alert of a medical risk of aspirational pneumonia. First, an inclinometer is removably or permanently attached to a head gatch section of a bed frame. The inclinometer includes an RF transmitter and RF receiver for sending and receiving RF signals to a pump. Second, a pump for delivery liquid nutrient to a patient is provided which includes an RF transmitter and RF receiver for sending and receiving signals from the inclinometer. Third, the pump and the inclinometer are activated for operation. Fourth, the angle of the head gatch section of the bed frame is sensed by the inclinometer automatically. Fifth, an RF signal is sent from the pump to the inclinometer when the pump is delivering a liquid nutrient to a patient. Sixth, an alarm is triggered and the pump is turned off when an RF signal from the pump is received by the inclinometer indicating the enteral pump is delivering the liquid nutrient and the angle sensed by the inclinometer is positioned outside a predetermined range.
It is therefore an object to provide an alert of a medical risk for aspirational pneumonia.
It is another object to control the operation of a pump when a patient has a medical risk for aspirational pneumonia.
A further object is to deliver nutrients to a patient when the head gatch section is within a predetermined angular range to reduce the risk of aspirational pneumonia.
Another object is to provide a safe and effective way for feeding patients using an enteral pump.
The novel features which are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention's preferred embodiments, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
In accordance with the invention of
In accordance with the present invention, a new head gatch alarm system 10 is disclosed that triggers an alert of a medical risk for aspirational pneumonia and an operational response when an enteral pump is delivering liquid nutrients to a patient and an angle of the head gatch section is below a predetermined range. The head gatch alarm system 10 reduces the risk of aspirational pneumonia with minimal false alarms or errors. More importantly, the head gatch alarm system 10 alerts of a medical risk for aspirational pneumonia while allowing a medical professional to determine when to attend to a pump delivering vital liquid nutrients to a patient. Also, the operational response may include shutting off the pump, shutting off the inclinometer, or both when the angle of the head gatch section is below a predetermined range.
As illustrated in
The head gatch alarm system 10 triggers an alert of a medical risk for aspirational pneumonia and an operational response when an enteral pump 30 is delivering liquid nutrients to a patient and an angle of the head gatch section 105B is outside a predetermined range, which will be discussed further below. The head gatch alarm system 10 may include a bed frame 105 having a head gatch section 105A. An inclinometer 20 is attached to the head gatch section 105A for sensing an angle of the head gatch section 105A relative to the base section 105B. The inclinometer 20 may be permanently attached or removably attached. As illustrated in
Referring to
The pump 30 of the head gatch alarm system 10 includes a controller 32, a RF transceiver 31, a power source 34, a pump 35 including a pump motor, and a pump display 33 for indicating status of operation. The RF transceiver 31, or RF transmitter/receiver, is configured for two way RF communication between the pump 30 and the inclinometer 20. The pump display 35 is in electrical communication with the controller 32. When an RF signal is received from the inclinometer 25 that the head gatch section 105A is positioned outside a predetermined range, the pump 30 is turned off. Also, when an RF signal is received by the inclinometer 20 that the head gatch section 105A is positioned outside a predetermined range and the pump 30 is no longer in operation, the inclinometer 20 may be shut off.
A device for triggering an alert of a medical risk of aspirational pneumonia can be attached to existing bed frames. The device includes an inclinometer 20 for sensing an angle of the head gatch section 105A, a pump 30, and a means for an operational response and alerting a medical professional. The inclinometer 20 includes a transceiver 21 for sending and receiving RF signals to a pump 30. An alarm 23 and display 26 is in electrical communication with the controller 22. A pump 35 is in communication with the controller 32. The pump 30 includes an RF transceiver 31 for two way RF communication between the pump 30 and the inclinometer 20. In operation, the alarm 23 is triggered and pump 30 is turned off when the head gatch section 105A is positioned outside a predetermined angle range.
With regard to a bed module of the inclinometer 20, as shown in
The inclinometer 20 is preferably attached to the bed frame at a position sufficient for communicating with an enteral pump 30. It is possible that the inclinometer 20 is also attached directly or indirectly to the patient alone, or directly or indirectly to the patient and the bed frame 105. The inclinometer 20 comprises any mechanism for sensing an angle of a bed, patient, or both a bed and a patient simultaneously. The inclinometer 20 may be adjustable to select the predetermined range that is desirable for the angle of the head gatch section 105A. A wide range of inclinometers known in the prior art may be used in the present invention. The inclinometer 20 may sense the actual angle of the bed frame 105, or alternatively, identify when the bed frame 105, patient, or both is below a desired angle. In one embodiment, the inclinometer 20 is attached to the side bed rails of the head gatch section 105A or the underside of the head gatch section 105A.
As indicated, the inclinometer 20 may be wireless and contain a wireless transmission devices for sending and receiving a signal from other devices, including a pump 30. In one embodiment, the inclinometer includes a RF (radio frequency) receiver and RF transmitter for sending and receiving signals from other devices, such as an enteral pump 30. It is also contemplated that a transceiver, capable of both transmitting and receiving signals, may be used in the inclinometer. Also, an RF signal is representative of one form of wireless communication. Some other forms of wireless communication may include microwave communication, infrared (IR) short-range communication, WIFI, and Bluetooth. The RF communication between the pump 30 and the inclinometer 20 may be facilitated by use of a WAN, LAN, or other type of network, computer, or electrical device for communication.
The inclinometer 20 may have a power source 24, such as a battery, integrated within the central housing 20B making the inclinometer 20 cordless. Alternatively, it may have an external source of power, such as a power outlet, which is connected via a cord. Also, the inclinometer 20 may be powered by wireless energy transfer whereby energy is transmitted from a power source 24 to the inclinometer 20, without interconnecting wires or batteries.
The means for alerting a medical professional or patient is in response to when the head gatch section 105A is positioned outside a predetermined range and the pump is delivery fluid to the patient. The alerting mechanisms may be contained within the inclinometer 20 or, alternatively, separate and apart from the inclinometer 20 but in communication with the inclinometer 20. Preferably, the alarm 23 or display 26 is contained within the inclinometer 20. For example, an alarm 23 may sound when a medical risk occurs. The alarm may include a bell, whistle, horn, blinking light, textual display on a monitor, or other sounding or visual device. Alternatively, the means for alerting may include a remote signal communicated via computer, phone, electronically, radio signal, network device, or wirelessly that provides notice of a medical risk of aspirational pneumonia. The alarm 23 or display 26 may be in electrical or wireless communication with the inclinometer 20 to provide a local alarm, audio or visual, to alert an on-site medical professional when the head gatch section 105A is outside a predetermined range. Alternatively, the alarm 23 may be a remote alarm, audio or visual, to alert an off-site medical professional when the head gatch section 105A is outside a predetermined range. It should be noted that these are merely examples of alarms and displays and there are many more options that may be utilized.
The means for alerting a medical professional or patient may be directed or specially configured for a person or device, which monitors or responds to a medical risk of aspirational pneumonia. For example, the person alerted may include a nurse, doctor, patient, spouse, family member, or other types of caregivers. The device may include other computers which monitor and alert others of a medical risk, or alternatively, respond directly to the medical risk by taking action with regard to the bed, alarm, enteral pump, or other devices connected to or contacting the patient. For example, the means for alerting may include alerting a remote monitoring device or computer. It should be noted that these are merely examples and not intended to be exhaustive list of all possible ways of responding to medical emergencies.
The head gatch alarm system 10 also contains an enteral pump 30 positioned about the bed frame, and in particular, in a position that facilitates proper communication between the enteral pump 30 and the inclinometer 20. In one embodiment, the enteral pump 30 is attached to a wall above the bed and the inclinometer 20 is attached to the underside of the head gatch section of the bed frame. Of course, there are multiple positions for arranging the enteral pump 30 and inclinometer 20 beyond those mentioned above.
The enteral pump 30 is one known in the prior art which pumps liquid nutrients from a liquid supply, through a tubing set, and into a patient. Many means for connecting the patient to the enteral pump 30 is known in the art. The enteral pump 30 may also include a display 33 for indicating operational status, visually, of the enteral pump 30. The pump 30 may also include an alarm 36 or display 33, audio or visual, to alert a medical professional or patient when the head gatch section 105A is outside a predetermined range as directed by the controller 32. In one embodiment, the display 33 includes a status of “ready” or “not ready” for the medical professional or patient.
The enteral pump 30, in one embodiment, is in communication with an electrical controller for controlling the operation of the pump 35. The pump 30 includes an RF transmitter and RF receiver or transceiver 31 for two-way RF communication between the pump 30 and the inclinometer 20. The pump 30 may also communicate wirelessly using infrared, Bluetooth, or other wireless methods. The pump 30 has a transceiver 31 for sending signals to the transceiver 21 of the inclinometer 20 when the enteral pump is delivering a liquid nutrient to a patient. The pump 30, when not delivering liquid nutrients to the patient, communicates the wireless or RF signal to the transceiver 21 of the inclinometer 20. Also, it should be noted that the pump 30 may transmit a signal to the transceiver 21 of the inclinometer 20 when the enteral pump 30 is turned on, or not transmit a signal to the transceiver 21 of the inclinometer 20 when the enteral pump 30 is turned off. Alternatively, the inclinometer 20 may transmit a continuous wireless signal requesting status of the pump 30. It is contemplated that the pump 30 and the inclinometer 20 are in continuous wireless communication to provide relevant information concerning the pump 30, the inclinometer 20, the head gatch section 105A, and fluid flow and delivery rates of liquid nutrients to the patient via the tube delivery set connected to the pump 30. The inclinometer 20 may also awaken or activate the pump 30 when the inclinometer power button 20B is turned on.
Referring to
If the enteral pump 30 is delivering liquid nutrient, when the head gatch section 105A is positioned outside a predetermined range, then the means for alerting of a medical risk of aspirational pneumonia will be triggered 42. The enteral pump 30 transmits RF signals or other wireless signals to the inclinometer 20 when the enteral pump 30 is delivering liquid nutrient. When the inclinometer 20 receives the RF signal from the pump 30 and senses that the head gatch section 105A is positioned outside a predetermined range, and then the means for alerting of a medical risk will be triggered. It is contemplated that the system may be adjusted to allow for triggering an alert when the head gatch section or position 105A alone is outside the predetermined range.
If the enteral pump 30 is not delivering liquid nutrient, when the head gatch section 105A is positioned outside the predetermined range, then the means for alerting of a medical risk may not be triggered. When the enteral pump 30 is not delivering liquid nutrient, the pump 30 is not transmitting an RF signal to the inclinometer 20. In the absence of an RF signal from the enteral pump 30, the means for alerting of a medical risk will not be triggered. Alternatively, the inclinometer 20 may send an RF signal to the controller requesting the status of the pump 30 on a continuous basis and when the pump 30 is not operational, the means for alerting of a medical risk may not be triggered 44.
Referring to
The present invention also includes a method for alerting of a medical risk for aspirational pneumonia. The method includes sensing the angle of a head gatch section 105A of a bed frame using an inclinometer 20 having an RF transmitter and receiver removably or permanently attached to the bed frame 105. Next, an RF or wireless signal is transmitted from an enteral pump 30 having an RF transmitter and RF receiver to the inclinometer 20 having a RF transmitter and RF receiver when the enteral pump 30 is delivering a liquid nutrient to a patient. When a wireless or RF signal from the pump 30 is received by the inclinometer 20 indicating the enteral pump is delivering the liquid nutrient and the angle of the head gatch section 105A is positioned outside a predetermined range, as noted above, a means for alerting of a medical risk of aspirational pneumonia or operational response, such as an alarm or display or shutting of pump 30, is triggered. When the RF or wireless signal from the enteral pump 30 to the inclinometer 20 has stopped, indicating that enteral pump 30 is not delivering a liquid nutrient, the means for alerting of a medical risk is stopped. Also, when the head gatch section 105A is positioned within a predetermined range, preferably between 45 degrees and 90 degrees, the means for alerting of a medical risk for aspirational pneumonia is stopped.
Referring to
The method of the present invention includes an operational response. The operational response occurs when the head gatch section 105A is positioned outside a predetermined range. An operational response may include shutting off pump 30 when RF signal from said inclinometer 20 indicates the angle sensed by the inclinometer 20 is positioned outside a predetermined range. Another operational response is an RF signal sent from said inclinometer 20 to the pump 30 instructing said pump 30 to shut off. A further operational response is an RF signal sent from the pump 30 to the inclinometer 20 instructing the inclinometer 20 to shut off.
The method of the present invention further includes a means for alerting a medical professional or patient. The means for alerting may include a display 26, 33 in communication with the pump 30 or inclinometer 20 indicating the operational status of the pump 30, the inclinometer 20, or both. A further alert may include an alarm 23, 36 in communication with the pump 30, the inclinometer 20, or both.
The method of the present invention further includes turning off the alarm 23, 36 and turning on the pump 30 when the head gatch section is positioned at an angle with a predetermined range. The alarm 23, 36 may be turned off when RF signal from the pump 30 to the inclinometer 20 indicates that the pump 30 is not delivering a liquid nutrient. The alarm 23, 36 may be turned off when the inclinometer 20 senses that the head gatch section 105A is within a predetermined range. The pump 30 is turned on when an RF signal from said inclinometer 20 to said pump 30 indicates that said head gatch section 105A is positioned within a predetermined range.
The activation, awakening, or powering on of the inclinometer 20 and the pump 30 may occur by a variety of manual or automatic methods. The inclinometer 20 may be activated by manually switching the power on. The inclinometer 20 may be activated by automatically when an RF signal is received from the pump 30 indicating that the pump 30 is delivering liquid nutrients to the patient. The pump 30 may be activated by manually turning the power on. The pump 30 may be automatically turned on or activated when an RF signal from the inclinometer 20 indicates that said head gatch section 105A is within a predetermined angular range.
In view of the foregoing, a new and novel head gatch alarm system 10 is provided that triggers an alert of a medical risk for aspirational pneumonia and an operational response when an enteral pump 30 is delivering liquid nutrients to a patient and an angle of the head gatch section 105 is below a predetermined range. The head gatch alarm system 10 of the present invention reduces false alarms.
It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.
This application is related to and claims priority from earlier filed provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/095,646 filed Sep. 10, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61095646 | Sep 2008 | US |
