Patent Application
20230364327
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to an infusion system and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to an infusion device for infusing warmed fluid to a subject.
Background art includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,533,109, 10,485,921, 10,747,241, and 4,657,160.
Following is a non-exclusive list including some examples of embodiments of the invention. The invention also includes embodiments which include fewer than all the features in an example and embodiments using features from multiple examples, also if not expressly listed below.
Example 1. A device for preparation of infusion fluid comprising:
Example 2. The device according to example 1, wherein said fluid conduit is elongated, having a shape including one or more change in direction and following a path around an internal volume.
Example 3. The device according to example 2, wherein said fluid conduit is a coil of tubing, said fluid conduit coiling around said internal volume.
Example 4. The device according to example 2 or example 3, wherein said second portion includes a body sized and shaped to fit into said internal volume and wherein said mechanical coupling comprises inserting said body into said internal volume.
Example 5. The device according to example 4, wherein said body fits into said internal volume through an opening to said internal volume and wherein said second portion includes a base portion larger than said opening.
Example 6. The device according to example 3, wherein said first portion is sized and shaped to fit into a lumen of said second portion.
Example 7. The device according to example 6, wherein said second portion lumen comprises a cover, which is closed to hold said first portion in position within said second portion lumen.
Example 8. The device according to any of examples 1-7, wherein said second portion comprises at least one second portion electrical contact;
wherein said first portion comprises electrical circuitry comprising at least one first portion electrical contact where, when mechanically coupled said at least one second portion electrical contact contacts said second portion electrical contact.
Example 9. The device according to example 8, wherein said first portion comprises at least one electrical connector electrically connecting said conduit to said first portion electrical contact.
Example 10. The device according to example 9, wherein said electrical connector comprises a portion configured to be slid onto said conduit.
Example 11. The device according to example 10, wherein said portion is an electrical contact between said connector and said conduit.
Example 12. The device according to example 11, wherein said portion comprises a lumen sized and shaped to receive said conduit and form electrical contact with said conduit.
Example 13. The device according to example 12, wherein said portion is a loop which extending around at least 50% of a circumference of said conduit.
Example 14. The device according to any of examples 1-13, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a non-contact sensor, a non-contact infrared (IR) temperature sensor or a contact temperature sensor.
Example 15. The device according to any of examples 1-14, wherein said sensor is configured to remain outside of said first portion when said second portion is mechanically coupled to said first portion.
Example 16. The device according to any of examples 1-15, wherein said second portion comprises a housing, wherein said at least one sensor is disposed within said second portion housing, wherein upon connecting of said first portion to said second portion said at least one sensor is positioned, adjacent to a portion of said conduit.
Example 17. The device according to example 16, wherein said housing encloses circuitry of said second portion.
Example 18. The device according to example 16 or example 17, wherein said at least one sensor senses said conduit through a window in said second portion housing.
Example 19. The device according to example 18, wherein said window comprises material transparent to IR radiation.
Example 20. The device according to example 19, wherein said window comprises germanium.
Example 21. The device according to any of examples 1-20, wherein said first portion comprises a housing which extends around said conduit while having one or more openings to the conduit, where, when said first portion and said second portion are coupled said one or more sensor is adjacent to said one or more openings.
Example 22. The device according to any of examples 1-21, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a contact sensor, where said contact sensor makes contact with said conduit for sensing thereof, upon coupling of said first portion and said second portion.
Example 23. The device according to any of examples 1-22, wherein said electrical power supplied by said power supply to said fluid conduit acts to heat said conduit.
Example 24. The device according to any of examples 1-23, comprising a processor configured to:
Example 25. The device according to any of examples 1-24, wherein said second portion comprises at least one electrical contact housed in a removable portion of said second portion.
Example 26. The device according to any of examples 1-25, comprising a microswitch activated by coupling of said first portion and said second portion.
Example 27. The device according to example 26, wherein activating of said microswitch enables power transfer from said power supply to said conduit.
Example 28. The device according to example 27, wherein said microswitch is housed within a removable portion of said second portion with electrical contacts of said second portion.
Example 29. The device according to any of examples 1-28, wherein one or more portion of said conduit is covered with an infrared absorptive material.
Example 30. The device according to any of examples 1-29, wherein said power supply is external to said device and connected to said second portion.
Example 31. The device according to any of examples 1-30, wherein said first and second portions are configured for a fast pressure-based connection to provide said mechanical coupling and electrical connection.
Example 32. The device according to any of examples 1-31, wherein said second portion comprises at least one connector configured to electrically and mechanically engage said conduit.
Example 33. The device according to example 32, wherein said at least one connector comprises an elastic clip sized and shaped to directly and stably clamp on said conduit.
Example 34. A method of infusion fluid preparation comprising:
Example 35. The method according to example 34, wherein said sensing comprises sensing of infrared light.
Example 36. The method according to any one of examples 34-35, wherein said one or more non-contact sensor is located within a housing, where said conduit is outside of said housing.
Example 37. The method according to example 36, wherein said power supply or connectivity to said power supply is located within said housing.
Example 38. A base of an infusion device comprising:
Example 39. The base according to example 38, comprising a processor or connectivity to a processor configured to:
Example 40. The base according to any of examples 38-39, comprising at least one connector for attaching to a hollow metallic conduit.
Example 41. A device for preparation of infusion fluid comprising:
Example 42. The device according to example 41, wherein one or both of said first contact and said second contact are sized and/or shaped to be deflected by a contact electrically connected to a power supply.
Example 43. The device according to any one of examples 41-42, comprising a housing which covers an outer surface of said conduit, while leaving an inner surface open to an internal volume.
Example 44. The device according to example 43, wherein said conduit has a coil shape including at least two turns and coils around said internal volume.
Example 45. The device according to example 44, comprising a second portion selectively couplable to the first portion and comprising:
Example 46. An electrical connector for connection of an infusion conduit to a power supply comprising:
Example 47. A device for preparation of infusion fluid comprising:
Example 48. A disposable component of an infusion heater, comprising:
Example 49. A base of an infusion device comprising:
Example 50. A base according to example 49, wherein said at least one connector comprises at least two connectors, each comprising an elastic clip section for directly clipping around a body of said conduit.
Following is an additional non-exclusive list including some examples of embodiments of the invention. The invention also includes embodiments which include fewer than all the features in an example and embodiments using features from multiple examples, also if not expressly listed below.
Example 1. A device for preparation of infusion fluid comprising:
Example 2. The device according to example 1 wherein said at least one connector connects said first portion to said second portion by pressing said portions together.
Example 3. The device according to example 2, wherein said first portion and said second portion are connectable and de-connectable at least 10 times without reducing a quality of said electrical connecting or said mechanical connecting.
Example 4. The device according to any of examples 1-3, wherein said at least one connector is a permanent part of said second portion.
Example 5. The device according to any examples 1-4, wherein said at least one connector comprises an elastic clip.
Example 6 The device according to any of examples 5, wherein said elastic clip elastically grips said fluid conduit with enough force to both provide mechanical stabilization and ensure good electrical connection through a contact therebetween.
Example 7. The device according to example 5 wherein said elastic clip comprises a base and at least one side wall, wherein said base is configured for permanent attachment to said second portion.
Example 8. The device according to example 5, wherein said elastic clip is coated on an outside surface thereof with an electrically insulating layer.
Example 9. The device according to example 5, wherein said elastic clip comprises a contact sensor.
Example 10. The device according to example 9, wherein said contact sensor is a temperature sensor.
Example 11. The device according to examples 10, wherein said contact sensor is integrated in a layer between said at least one wall and said conduit.
Example 12. The device according to example 1, wherein said at least one connector comprises two connector parts, a first connector part and a second connector part, configured for selectively couplable and decouplable therebetween, wherein said first connector part is attached to said fluid conduit and said second connector part is a permanently part of said second portion.
Example 13. The device according to example 12, wherein said first connector part comprises a first contact, configured to connect to said fluid conduit and a second contact configured to connect to said second connector part.
Example 14. The device according to example 13, wherein said first contact and said second contact are high-power contacts.
Example 15. The device according to example 13, wherein said first contact and said second contact are configured to pass power of at least 10 amperes over the at least one connector at a voltage of at least 24 volts.
Example 16. The device according to example 13, wherein a body connecting said first contact and said second contact,
Example 17. The device according to example 13, wherein said first contact electrically contacts said fluid conduit by extending around a portion of said conduit.
Example 18. The device according to example 13, wherein said first contact comprises a lumen sized and shaped to receive said fluid conduit.
Example 19. The device according to example 18, wherein said first contact comprises a slot parallel to the longitudinal axis of said lumen.
Example 20. The device according to example 19, wherein said first contact is configured to be snapped onto said fluid conduit through said slot.
Example 21. The device according to example 16, wherein said body comprises a conductive material, and wherein said conductive material of said body is insulated from non-attached portions of said fluid conduit by a separator disposed between said body and said fluid conduit.
Example 22. The device according to example 4, wherein said at least one connector is a pair of connectors, wherein said pair of connectors are positioned side by side on said second portion, and is configured to close an electrical circuit with said conduit.
Example 23. A method for assembling a device for preparation of infusion fluid, comprising:
Example 24. The method according to example 23 comprises heating said fluid conduit by providing current from said power supply through said conductive material.
Example 25. The method according to example 23 wherein said at least one connector comprises a contact attached to said power supply portion and connector attached to said fluid conduit, wherein said connector attached to said fluid conduit comprises a second contact, wherein the method comprises pushing said second contact into said contact attached to said powers supply portion, and releasing said fluid conduit portion, whereby said second contact pressed inner walls of said contact attached to said powers supply portion.
Example 26. The method according to example 23 wherein said at least one connector comprises an elastic clip attached to said power supply portion, wherein the method comprises pushing a section of said fluid conduit into said elastic clip, whereby forcing apart two walls of said at least one elastic clip connector, and releasing said fluid conduit within said elastic clip, wherein said elastic clip grips said fluid conduit.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.
Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof using an operating system.
For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.
As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, some embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, some embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon. Implementation of the method and/or system of some embodiments of the invention can involve performing and/or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of some embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware and/or by a combination thereof, e.g., using an operating system.
For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to some embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to some embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to some exemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.
Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized for some embodiments of the invention. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
Program code embodied on a computer readable medium and/or data used thereby may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.
Computer program code for carrying out operations for some embodiments of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).
Some embodiments of the present invention may be described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
Some of the methods described herein are generally designed only for use by a computer, and may not be feasible or practical for performing purely manually, by a human expert. A human expert who wanted to manually perform similar tasks, such inspecting objects, might be expected to use completely different methods, e.g., making use of expert knowledge and/or the pattern recognition capabilities of the human brain, which would be vastly more efficient than manually going through the steps of the methods described herein.
Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.
In the drawings:
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to an infusion system and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to an infusion device for infusing warmed fluid to a subject.
A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to preparation of infusion fluid, where a conduit through which infusion fluid flows to prepare the fluid for infusion is disposable, and where circuitry for preparation (e.g. heating) of the infusion fluid, for example, including sensors and/or sensor circuitry is hosted by a separate, re-usable portion which is selectively attachable to the conduit (e.g. to a portion hosting the conduit).
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an infusion device including a first portion (e.g. lacking sensor/s) hosting a conduit for infusion fluid and a second portion optionally hosting one or more sensors for measuring parameter/s of the infusion fluid. Optionally, in some embodiments, the second portion hosts a power supply and/or connectivity to a power supply for supply of electrical power where, in some embodiments, mechanical coupling of the portions electrically connects the power supply to the first portion, for treatment of infusion fluid.
In some embodiments, fluid treatment and/or preparation includes temperature control (e.g. heating and/or cooling and/or maintaining the fluid at a desired temperature and/or temperature range) of the fluid and/or a conduit through which the fluid flows. Where, in some embodiments, the fluid is heated, for example, by heating of one or more portion of the conduit. In some embodiments, the conduit includes conductive material and current passing through the conduit (and supplied by the power supply) heats the conduit and/or infusion fluid therewithin.
In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid temperature is controlled to be within a range around normal human body temperature (37 degrees centigrade), for example, 36-39 degrees Centigrade, or within 30%, or 20%, or 10%, or 5% or lower or higher or intermediate percentages of body temperature. In some embodiments, control allows temperatures to fall to below body temperature by a larger proportion than above body temperature, for example, maintained to between 35-37 degrees Centigrade.
In some embodiments, the fluid temperature is controlled as part of treatment of a condition. For example, in some embodiments, fluid temperature is controlled to be above normal human body temperature, for example, to treat hypothermia. For example, controlled to be between 37-42 degrees Centigrade, or 38-42 degrees Centigrade, or 40-42 degrees Centigrade, or about 42 degrees Centigrade, or lower or higher or intermediate temperatures or ranges. For example, in some embodiments, fluid temperature is controlled to be below normal human body temperature, for example, as part of treatment for one or more of; head injury, oxygen deprivation, fever. For example, controlled to be between 30-36 degrees Centigrade, or 32-34 degrees Centigrade, or about 33 degrees Centigrade, or lower or higher or intermediate temperatures or ranges.
In some embodiments, measured body temperature of the subject is used as feedback to control of temperature of the fluid. Where, for example, the processor generating control signals receives measurement/s from one or more sensor collecting body temperature measurement/s of the patient.
Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, measurement/s of air temperature of the surroundings (e.g. as supplied to the processor generating control signals by one or more sensor e.g. positioned externally on one or more of the device portion/s e.g. an external sensor providing data to the processor) of the patient is used as a feedback to control of temperature of the fluid.
In some embodiments, fluid is treated and/or prepared alternatively or additionally to temperature control. For example, one or more of filtered, electrically charged, agitated, flow rate is controlled.
In some embodiments, infusion fluid includes one or more of blood, blood product/s, medication, hydration fluid.
Although, in this document, description is generally with referent to supply of infusion fluid other fluid supplies to a patient are envisioned and/or encompassed. For example: In some embodiments, supply and/or preparation (e.g. heating) of fluid is for irrigation fluid e.g. during a medical procedure e.g. during surgery. In some embodiments, supply and/or preparation is of fluid for tube feeding and/or hydration, for example, through one or more of a tasogastric tube, a nasojejunal tube, a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, and a jejunostomy tube.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, the infusion fluid comprises contrast material, for example, for x-ray, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and/or MRI imaging. In some embodiments of the invention, the device is made part of the imaging system or of a fluid pumping system (e.g., syringe pump, food pump). For example, in a two portion device, the disposable heating tube may be selectively attached directly to a control portion which is part of the imager or syringe pump.
In some embodiments of the invention, the device includes an input for indicating the fluid being heated. This may be used to better control the heating (e.g., by heater control circuitry), using the fluid identification as an indication of its specific heat capacity constant. Fluids with a lower heat capacity constant may benefit from more gentle heating. Other optional inputs include desired temperature, desired effect (e.g., body temp, cooling, heating) and desired flow rate (e.g., best temperature control, fastest flow).
In some embodiments of the invention, such contrast material is injected as a bolus, for example, between 50 and 100 ml at 4 mL/sec. Smaller or later boluses may be provided and the volume may be greater or small. In one embodiment, the bolus material is heated as a whole (inside the heating coil conduit) and injected as soon as hot enough. In other embodiments the contrast material may be delivered on a more continuous basis, for example, over a period of between 1 and 20 minutes, for example, between 3 and 9 minutes.
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to attaching the first portion and the second portion to accurately align and/or maintain alignment of sensors of the second portion with the conduit of the first portion.
In some embodiments, the attachment includes locking the portions together, once they are connected.
In some embodiments, mechanical connection of the two portions closes a switch. Where, in some embodiments, power is supplied to circuitry of the portion/s only when the switch is closed.
In some embodiments, housing of the first and/or second portions, maintains the conduit and/or sensors in a fixed spatial relationship with each other.
A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an easily constructed and/or inexpensive first portion. In some embodiments, the first portion includes a conduit, and a housing for the conduit where the housing holds the conduit in position. In some embodiments, the first portion includes connectors for connection of the conduit to a power supply. In some embodiments, a first portion with a small number of parts (e.g. housing, conduit, and optionally connectors) is easily constructed and/or cleaned and/or tested. A potential benefit of reduced circuitry e.g. no sensors is lack of requirement, in some embodiments, of electrical testing e.g. safety testing.
In some embodiments, the first portion includes a housing which has at most 2 portions, or at most 1-4 portions, or lower or higher or intermediate numbers of portions. In some embodiments, the housing does not enclose the conduit, allowing portion/s of the conduit (e.g. inner portions of the conduit adjacent to an inner space delineated by the shape of the conduit) to be in close contact with other portion/s of the device e.g. sensor/s of the second portion.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, the first portion includes no specific connectors and optionally no housing. Rather, one or more connectors on the second portion attach directly, mechanically and electrically to the conduit. Optionally, the connector are snap connectors, for example, an elastic, normally closed clip, which includes two or more spreading apart lips. When the conduit is pushed against the lips, the clip is forced open and the conduit may be pressed down and into the clip, optionally lodging in a widened portion of the clip. Such clip provides electricity as well as mechanical coupling and/or alignment. In some embodiments of the invention, the first portion includes a housing, for example, formed of a polymer material, such as Nylon. The coil may define a lumen into which a second portion is inserted. Alternatively, the second portion may include a hollow into which at least part, or all, of the first portion is inserted. Alternatively, the two portions interlock, but optionally part of one portion remains outside part of the other portion and vice versa.
In use, the following procedure may be used in the field or clinic, for example. The first portion is attached to an infusion system, e.g., via infusion tubes. Then it is attached to a second portion (which may be provided in a separate packaging and/or otherwise unattached to the first portion), for example, using a snap connection or other type of geometric interference based connection or press fitting, with elastic or plastic deformation, or other connection which, for example, requires at most 30 seconds and optionally 10 or fewer to perform manually. Optionally, the connection aligns a sensor, for example an IR sensor, of the second portion with a specific part of the conduit. Optionally or additionally, the connection provides both mechanical connection and electrical connection of power from the second portion to the first portion. Optionally, a user indicates to the second portion one or more parameters, such as desired temperature. If needed, the device (second portion) may be attached to a power supply, such as a mains power supply or a portable power supply. After infusion, the first portion may be removed from the second portion and disposed of or sterilized. As can be seen the first portion is optionally easily and detachable connected in the filed without using permanent-type connectors such as adhesive, screws or bolts. In some embodiments of the invention, the first portion is repeatedly attachable and detachable. Alternatively, the first portion (e.g., housing) may include one or more tab which is broken when the first portion is detached from the second portion.
In some embodiments of the invention, the second portion, which includes the senor, executes a calibration process, for example, heating a known amount and measuring a change in signal by the sensor. Such measurement can be used to determine a correction to, for example, baseline or slope of the sensor.
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a disposable fluid heating component comprising an elongated and folded conduit of an inner diameter less than 1 cm, for example, between 4 and 6 mm, a length of between 30 and 300 cm, for example, between 150 and 250 cm or less than 1 meter and having connectors to medical tubing (e.g., infusion line) at either end. In some embodiments of the invention, the component comprises a metal or other material, for example, stainless-steel to form a conductive tube, with an inherent resistance. Optionally, the tube is coated with a biocompatible layer inside. Optionally or additionally, the tube is coated with an electrical isolator on the outside. Optionally, isolation is avoided at mechanical griping locations. Optionally or additionally, there is no sensor attached to the tube, though in use a sensor may be in contact with or aimed thereat. Optionally, one or more part of the conduit are treated to better work with an external (e.g., part of the second portion), contact or non-contact, sensor.
In some embodiments of the invention, electrical circuitry, such as wires, couple the tube to a connector which provides electrical connection. In some embodiments, no connectors are used. Instead, one or more designated parts of the tube are predefined to act as combined electrical and mechanical connections.
A housing protecting the conduit from the outside (and vice versa) is optionally provided.
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a mechanical and electrical connector for a heating conduit, formed of a folded sheet of material, optionally conductive and/or elastic, such as steel or copper, with the fold defining a lumen which surrounds at least 70% of a circumference of a target conduit. The conduit can be, for example, stainless steel tubing with a diameter between 3 and 8 mm. In some embodiments of the invention, the connector extends away from the defined lumen and terminates in an electrical connector, for example, in the shape of a flat flange. In some embodiments of the invention, the electrical connector also acts as a mechanical connector, and includes a width and optionally a geometry to assist in locking to a matching connector.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.
In some embodiments, system 100 includes an infusion device 102 which prepares fluid for infusion into a subject 104. In some embodiments, fluid is received from a fluid reservoir 106, passing through infusion device 102, where the fluid is treated and/or prepared for infusion before being delivered to subject 104.
In some embodiments, infusion device 102 includes a fluid conduit 108 through which fluid to be prepared for infusion flows.
In some embodiments, fluid passing through fluid conduit 108 is heated by heating of the fluid conduit 108 itself. In some embodiments, fluid conduit 108 includes conductive material and heating of conduit 108 is by passing an electrical current through material of conduit 108.
In some embodiments, system 100 includes one or more power supply 110, 110a which supply current to conduit 108 for heating of conduit 108.
In some embodiments, infusion device 102 itself includes a power supply 110. For example, in some embodiments, second portion 114 includes a power supply. Alternatively or additionally, to including power supply 110, in some embodiments, infusion device 102 includes connectivity to an external power supply 110a.
In an exemplary embodiment, infusion device 102 itself does not include a power supply, but includes connectivity to an external power supply 110a.
In some embodiments, infusion device 102 includes at least two connectable portions 112, 114, a first portion 112 including conduit 108, and a second portion 114 including power supply 110 (e.g., a rechargeable and/or non-rechargeable battery). In some embodiments, connection of the two portions 112, 114, connects power supply 110 (and/or connectivity to a power supply) to conduit 108 for heating of the conduit 108.
In some embodiments first portion 112 includes a housing 120. In some embodiments, second portion 114 includes a housing 122. Where, in some embodiments, portions 112, 114 are connected by connection of their housings 120, 122 e.g. by one or more housing connector (e.g. housing connector 466
In some embodiments, first portion 112 is single use (and/or configured to be sterilized), and in some embodiments, second portion 114 is multi-use, for example, does not contact infusion fluids.
In some embodiments, first portion 112 includes electrical circuitry 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134 electrically connecting conduit 108 to power supply 110 e.g. via electrical circuitry 136, 138, 140 of second portion 114.
In some embodiments, first portion conduit contacts 126, 128 connect conduit 108 to first portion connector contacts 132, 134 e.g. by first portion connectors 128, 130.
In some embodiments, first portion contacts 132, 134 connect to second portion contacts 136, 138. Where, in some embodiments, first portion contacts 132, 134 electrically (and optionally, mechanically) connect to second portion contacts 136, 138.
Optionally, in some embodiments, second portion 114 includes one or more sensor 116, 118. In some embodiments, sensor/s 116, 118 measure one or more feature of conduit 108, for example conduit temperature, for one or more portion of conduit 108.
In some embodiments, sensors 116, 118 include one or more contact and/or non-contact sensor. Where contact sensors contact a portion of the device to be measured e.g. conduit 108. In some embodiments, sensors 116, 118 include one or more temperature sensor e.g. IR sensor e.g. thermistor.
In some embodiments, connecting of first portion 112 and second portion 114 brings contact sensor/s into contact with portion/s to be measured. For example, in some embodiments, a contact sensor of second portion 114 is brought into close enough contact with conduit 108 (e.g. by sizing and/or shaping and/or elastic and/or plastic deformation of one or more portion) for the sensor to measure conduit 108. For example, in some embodiments, contact sensor/s are spring biased to contact portion/s to be measured. For example, in some embodiments, after and/or as part of connecting of portions 112, 114, contact sensor/s are moved into contact with portion/s to be measured.
In an exemplary embodiment, sensor/s 116, 118 include non-contact sensor/s e.g. infrared (IR) sensor/s (and/or which sense temperature of conduit 108 through housing 112 (e.g. through hole/s and/or transparent window/s in housing 112 e.g. windows 482, 484, 486, 488, 490
In some embodiments, conduit 108 includes material which is non IR-reflective. A potential advantage being increased accuracy of measurement of temperature of the conduit by IR sensors. In an exemplary embodiment, at least portion/s of the conduit adjacent to IR sensors include (e.g. are coated and/or covered) e.g. with IR absorptive material e.g. coated in a non-glossy (e.g. matt) and/or black colored material. In some embodiments, the coating is thin (e.g. less than 0.5 mm thick, or less than 0.1 mm thick, or lower or higher or intermediate thicknesses a potential benefit being reduced insulation of the conduit by the coating and/or potentially increased accuracy of temperature measurement).
In some embodiments, the non-reflective material is located only on region/s of the conduit being sensed, for example, where patch/es of the conduit include the material. For example, where, in some embodiments, non-reflective material is adhered to portion/s of the conduit e.g. sticker/s are applied.
Optionally, in some embodiments, device 102 includes additional or alternative sensor/s to temperature sensor/s. For example, a flow rate sensor to sense flow within conduit 108. For example, an ultrasound sensor to sense flow rate within conduit through one or more ultrasound transparent (e.g. with low enough attenuation) portion of conduit 108. Where the ultrasound sensor, in some embodiments, is hosted by the second portion e.g. measuring conduit 108 through one or more window or hole in the second portion housing.
In some embodiments, flow rate of fluid and/or a volume of fluid supplied (e.g. in a given time) is determined using supplied power to the conduit, over time. Where, in some embodiments, processor/s 150, 152, record power supplied by power supply/s 110, 110a e.g. over time. In some embodiments, measured temperature of one or more portion of the conduit (e.g. as measured by one or more of sensors 116, 118.
In some embodiments, flow rate is determined using equation 1 below:
Q=mCΔT equation 1
Where Q is the heat energy supplied, m is the mass of fluid, C is the specific heat capacity of the material being heated, and ΔT is the change in temperature in the material being heated.
Where, in some embodiments, ΔT is determined using measurement/s (e.g. sensor measurement/s 116, 118 of the conduit at one or more portion of the conduit) and/or an assumption (e.g. regarding input and/or output fluid temperature).
Where, in some embodiments, if Q (e.g. via power supplied), C (e.g. about 4 for blood where, in some embodiments, specific heat capacity of the material of the conduit and/or responsiveness of the material of the conduit to power changes, are taken into account), and ΔT (e.g. measured using sensor/s of the device) are known then the mass per time period (e.g. determined using density of the fluid), in some embodiments, is used to determine flow rate of the fluid and/or a volume supplied in a given amount of time.
A potential benefit of being able to determine volume supplied is increased information to a caregiver regarding a quantity of fluid delivered. Where, in some embodiments, user interface/s 154, 156 are used to display fluid flow and/or total volume infused for a time period. Where, in some embodiments, a user specifies (e.g. selects at a user interface) which portion/s of the data to be displayed, for example, flow rate and/or volume, and optionally for a specified (e.g. selected at a user interface) time period. Such extraction of flow rate may be useful for manual delivery systems, for automated systems and/or for gravity based systems. For example, the rate of an injection of a contrast material bolus may be extracted. Optionally, the device includes a human-perceptible display, such as an audio display or a visual display for indicating operation within desired parameters and/or outside of such parameters. Optionally or additionally, a data feed to an external device is provided, to transmit such information and/or meeting of desired parameters.
In some embodiments, fluid reservoir 106 connects to conduit 108 via an input fluid connector 144 which, in some embodiments, is an air sealed connection. In some embodiments, fluid reservoir 106 connects to connector 144 via tubing 142.
In some embodiments, an infusion apparatus 146 (e.g. transferring fluid to subject 104) is connected to conduit via an output fluid connector 148 which, in some embodiments, is an air sealed connection.
In some embodiments, system 100 includes one or more processor 150, 152. Where, in some embodiments, processor 150 receives sensor measurement signals from sensors/116, 118.
In some embodiments, processor/s 150, 152, sends control signals to power supply 110 to control flow of current from power supply 110 to conduit 108, for example, based on the sensor measurements. In some embodiments, system 100 includes a device processor 150 hosted by second portion 114.
In some embodiments, sensor/s 116, 118, are digital sensors, providing a digital output. In some embodiments, this digital measurement signal is converted to an analog signal e.g. by processor 150, 152.
Alternatively or additionally to having a device processor 150, in some embodiments, system includes an external processor 152 e.g. hosted by an external electrical device/s and/or the cloud. For example, in some embodiments, device 102 itself does not include a processor and processing is provided by an external processor 152.
In some embodiments, system 100 includes one or more user interface 154, 156. For example, one or more device user interface 154 e.g. hosted by second portion 114. For example, one or more external user interface 156 e.g. hosted by an external electronic device. In some embodiments, a user inputs control command/s and/or receives communication/s (e.g. measurement data and/or alert/s) through user interface/s 156, 154.
In some embodiments, system 100 includes one or more memory 158, 160. For example, a device memory 158 e.g. hosted by second portion 114. For example, one or more external memory 160 e.g. hosted by an external electronic device.
In an exemplary embodiment, second portion 114 hosts sensors 116, 118 but lacks a processor and/or power supply, hosting connectivity to power supply 110a and/or processor 152. In some embodiments, an additional portion, a third portion, hosts power supply 110a and processor 152.
At 200, in some embodiments, a fluid conduit is connected to heating circuitry. For example, referring to
At 202, in some embodiments, temperature of the fluid flowing through the fluid conduit and/or the fluid conduit temperature is controlled while fluid flows through the conduit.
In some embodiments, a temperature of the fluid conduit and/or infusion fluid is controlled using feedback measurements of sensor/s sensing the conduit and/or fluid (e.g. sensor/s 116, 118
In some embodiments, based on sensed temperature power supplied to the conduit is controlled.
In some embodiments, a value of current supplied to the conduit is controlled, based on the sensed temperature. For example, where current is supplied to the conduit in pluses, the current supplied is adjusted, based on the sensed measurements (e.g. the duty cycle of the pulses remains the same but the magnitude is adjusted).
In some embodiments, pulse width modulation (PWM) is employed in temperature regulation control, for example, a duty cycle is adjusted, based on the sensed measurements (e.g. the magnitude of pulses remains the same, but the duty cycle is adjusted).
In some embodiments, both pulse width and magnitude are adjusted.
In some embodiments, one or more other method e.g. in the field of temperature control is employed, for example, for control of the power supplied for heating of the conduit, based on sensed temperature of the conduit (and/or fluid there within).
In some embodiments,
In some embodiments, first portion 312 (e.g. of
In some embodiments, first portion 312 includes a conduit 308 which, in some embodiments, includes one or more feature of conduit 108
In some embodiments, conduit 308 includes electrically and/or thermally conductive material. For example, is made of electrically and/or thermally conductive material (for example, metal e.g stainless steel, aluminum and/or combinations thereof). In an exemplary embodiment, conduit 308 includes (e.g. is formed of) stainless steel. In some embodiments, the conduit 308 includes electrically conductive material (e.g. a conductive coating e.g. an electrically conductive wire) attached to a tubular structure.
In some embodiments, conduit 308 is an elongate structure having a lumen (e.g. is tubing) which has a shape including one or more change in direction. In some embodiments, a shape of conduit 308 delineates an inner space 331 also herein termed a first portion lumen 331.
In some embodiments, conduit 308 is a coil of tubing. In some embodiments, the coil has at least one turn, for example, 1-20 turns, or 5-15 turns, or 8-12 turns, or about 9 turns, or lower or higher or intermediate numbers of turns.
In some embodiments, a total length for conduit 308 is selected based on a desired impedance of conduit 308. In some embodiments, conduit 308 lacks coils. In an exemplary embodiment, coiling of the conduit is defined by a minimum coil size allowed by the material of conduit 308 e.g. a minimum coil size allowed without risk of cracking and/or other mechanical failure of the tube in a manufacturing coiling process. A potential benefit of an increased number of coils (e.g. for a given conduit length) is reduced size of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, conduit 308 is a stainless steel tube coil, where the tube cross section (inner and/or outer cross sectional dimension) is 0.5-10 mm, or 1-5 mm, or 2-4 mm or about 3 mm, or lower or higher or intermediate ranges or diameters. In some embodiments, walls of the conduit are sufficiently thin and/or the conduit material is sufficiently thermally conducting that measurements of the temperature of the conduit sufficiently accurately portray a temperature of the fluid within the conduit. In some embodiments, a thickness of walls of conduit is 0.01-1 mm, or 0.05-1 mm, or 0.1-0.7 mm, or 0.2-0.5 mm, or lower or higher or intermediate ranges or thicknesses. In some embodiments, (for example, for tube cross section of 0.5-10 mm, or 1-5 mm, or 2-4 mm or about 3 mm, or lower or higher or intermediate ranges or diameters) a total length of the conduit e.g. as measured along a central longitudinal axis of the coil is 1000-5000 mm, or 1000-3000 mm, or 2000-3000 mm, or 2100-2300 mm, or about 2200 mm or lower or higher or intermediate lengths or ranges.
In some embodiments, a wider cross section for the conduit is employed. For example, where high fluid supply rate/s are desired (e.g. blood supply during hemorrhage e.g. irrigation). In some embodiments, tube cross section is 2-15 mm, or 3-6 mm, or 4-5 mm, or lower or higher or intermediate cross sections or ranges. Where, for example, for this cross section, in some embodiments, total length of the conduit is 2000-4000 mm, or 2500-3500 mm, or about 3000 mm, or lower or higher or intermediate lengths or ranges.
In some embodiments, first portion 312 includes a housing 376, 378 (including one or more feature of housing 120
In some embodiments, housing 376, 378 covers outer portions of conduit 308 while leaving inner portion/s of conduit uncovered. A potential benefit being the ability to position sensor/s of the second portion in close proximity to the conduit potentially increasing accuracy of sensing of the conduit (e.g. conduit temperature).
In some embodiments, housing 376, 378 mechanically supports conduit 308 e.g. coil structure of conduit 308 e.g. additionally or alternatively to covering the coil. For example, in some embodiments, housing 376, 378 includes protrusions 392 which, in some embodiments, protrude inwards from the housing body 376, 378 towards, and optionally, past, the coil into a central region of space defined by the coil structure. Where, in some embodiments, protrusions 392 are aligned with and/or at least partially enter into spaces 317 between turns of the coil of conduit 308. In some embodiments, housing 376, 378 has a protrusion 392 for each space 317 of conduit 308. A potential benefit of protrusions 392 is mechanical strengthening of conduit 308 e.g. potentially reducing risk of shape deformation and/or breakage and/or electrical short-circuiting of conduit 308. In some embodiments, protrusions 392 are electrically and/or thermally insulating. For example, formed of insulating plastic. Electrical insulation potentially preventing short-circuits between turns of conduit 308.
In some embodiments, housing 378 includes one or more support for a connection to a fluid reservoir and/or a connection to an infusion apparatus. For example, in some embodiments, housing In some embodiments housing 378 includes a guide 370 sized and/or shaped to receive tubing and/or other connecting element/s for connection to a fluid reservoir (e.g. the fluid reservoir and/or tubing including one or more feature of fluid reservoir 106 and/or connecting element/s 142, 144 of
In some embodiments, when housing 378 is in position over conduit 308, guide/s 370, 372 are aligned with conduit openings 321, 323 (e.g. a conduit inlet 321 and a conduit outlet 323 respectively). Where in
In some embodiments, the first portion housing includes more than one housing portion 376, 378 (e.g. two housing portions 376, 378). Where, in some embodiments, the housing portions connect around conduit 308. Where connection between housing portions 376, 378, is, for example, by interlocking of connecting portion/s at one or more connection region 380. In some embodiments, each housing portion 376, 378 includes at least one connector portion (connector portion/s including, in some embodiments, protrusions and recessions) on each side of the housing.
For example, referring to connection region 380, front housing portion 378 includes at least one notch into which a protrusion 319 of back housing portion 376 fits into to connect the portions 376, 378. In an exemplary embodiment e.g. as illustrated in
In some embodiments, housing 376, 378 includes insulating material e.g. electrically insulating material e.g. thermally insulating material. In some embodiments, housing (optionally, including protrusions 392) is insulating (e.g. electrically and/or thermally insulating). For example, includes and/or is formed of an insulating material e.g. polymer.
In some embodiments, first portion 312 includes one or more electrical connectors 333, 329. For example, in some embodiments, a first electrical connector 333 connected to a beginning region of the coil of conduit 308 and a second electrical connector 329 connected to a final region of the coil. Where, in some embodiments, voltage applied (e.g. through connection of connectors 333, 329 to second portion 414) results in current flowing through conduit 308 which heats the conduit 308.
Additional exemplary details regarding connectors 333, 329 are described regarding
In some embodiments, second portion 414 includes one or more feature as described and/or illustrated regarding second portion 114
In some embodiments, second portion 414 includes a housing 422 (e.g. including one or more feature of housing 122
In some embodiments, second portion 414 hosts one or more sensor. Where, in some embodiments, one or more sensor senses conduit (e.g. conduit 308
A potential benefit of window/s e.g. as opposed to holes is sealing of the second portion to entry of dirt and/or dust and/or fluids and/or increased ease of cleaning of the second portion (e.g. for re-use).
Where, in some embodiments, the window/s are transparent to the sensed radiation by the sensor/s. For example, where sensing is of infrared (IR) radiation by IR sensor/s, in some embodiments, the window covering material is transparent to IR (e.g. minimally attenuating e.g. by less than 20%). For example, the material includes one or more of silicon, and germanium, Poly(methyl methacrylate), polycarbonate, Zinc Selenide (ZnSe), Zinc Sulfide (ZnS), Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) and Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2). In an exemplary embodiment, the window/s include and/or are formed of germanium.
In some embodiments, housing 422 includes a base 423 and a body 425. In some embodiments, body 425 is sized and/or shaped to fit into an space delineated by the conduit 308
In some embodiments, step 427 hosts electrical connection between first and second portions 414, 312. For example, hosts a electrical connection housing 401 which, in some embodiments, is a portion of base 423 which extends away from step towards body 425.
In some embodiments,
In some embodiments, electrical connection housing 401 is a separate unit which is removable and/or replaceable. A potential benefit being potential extension of lifetime of second portion 414 when connections are worn (e.g. associated with the connections being open and potentially exposed to dirt and/or fluid) but other portion/s of second portion 414 remain functional.
Optionally, in some embodiments, second portion 414 includes a switch 491 (e.g. a microswitch) which is engaged when first portion 312 (
Optionally, in some embodiments, housing 401 hosts a sensor 490 and/or a window 491 to sensor 490. Where, in some embodiments, sensor 490 is an IR sensor, for example, an analog IR sensor.
Referring back now to
Optionally, in some embodiments, an opposing end of latch 466, to that overlapping the first portion housing, fits into a notch 480 in second portion 414 housing 425. The double-sided latch connection between the portions, in some embodiments, potentially increasing strength of attachment and/or potentially reducing movement between the portions. Where reduced movement between the portions potentially reduces movement between sensors and the conduit a potential advantage being increased measurement accuracy of measurements acquired by the sensor/s.
In some embodiments, 466 latch is a pivot latch pivoting around a connector 469 allowing connection and disconnection of the portions by rotation of the latch. In some embodiments, notch 480 is provided underneath a protrusion 483 in housing of second portion 414.
In some embodiments, pivoting of latch 466 out from notch 480 and/or away from overlapping with first portion 312 allows connection and/or dis-connection of the portions 312, 414.
In some embodiments, second portion 414 includes a handle 462. In some embodiments, handle 462 is sized and/or shaped (e.g. a lumen of the handle 463) to connect the device to a pole e.g. an infusion pole. In some embodiments, handle 462 includes flexible and/or elastic material, the handle, in some embodiments, being opened by deforming the handle to increase a size of an opening 467 for insertion of a pole, the handle then being returned to its previous position to close opening 467.
A potential advantage of being able to connect the second portion e.g. to a pole is the ability to position the infusion device with respect to the fluid reservoir and/or subject e.g. to control pressure on fluid within the device.
In some embodiments, an inner side 465 of handle is textured, texture potentially reducing likelihood of slipping of the device on a pole to which it is attached. The texture e.g. increasing friction between the pole and the handle. In some embodiments, texture includes protrusions e.g. ridges, where texture protrusions are 0.1-3 mm in height above a surface of a body of handle 462.
In some embodiments, second portion 412 includes cable electrical and/or data connection to one or more external device. In some embodiments, the connection/s (not illustrated) exit second portion housing 423 through a strain relief 474. In some embodiments, strain relief 474 reduces strain on the flexible attachment to housing 423 which is, in some embodiments, rigid.
In some embodiments, housing 422 (e.g. including body 425 and base 423) includes and/or is formed of plastic (e.g. molded plastic). In some embodiments, connection of portions of housing/s are by metal attachments e.g. screws and/or nuts. In an exemplary embodiment, housing 422 includes and/or is formed of reinforced nylon, e.g. glass fiber reinforced nylon.
In some embodiments, first portion 312 includes one or more feature as described regarding and/or illustrated for first portion 312
In some embodiments, first portion 312 fits onto second portion 414. Where, in some embodiments, first portion 312 includes a lumen sized and/or shaped to receive body 425 of housing of second portion 414.
For example, as described regarding
In some embodiments, connector 466 spans an opening to first portion lumen 331, preventing movement of first portion 312 away from second portion 414.
In some embodiments, when first portion 312 is in position with respect to second portion 414 (e.g. as illustrated in
Referring back now to
At 600, in some embodiments, a conduit is provided.
At 601, optionally, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the conduit is coated and/or covered e.g. in IR absorptive material (e.g. as described elsewhere in this document).
At 602, in some embodiments, power connectors are slid onto two ends of the conduit.
At 603, in some embodiments, connective tubing is attached to the conduit. For example, an tube for connection of a fluid reservoir to the conduit inlet. For example, a tube for connection of an infusion apparatus is connected to the conduit outlet. In some embodiments, the tube connected is PVC tubing, where, in some embodiments, elastic deformation of the tubing seals connection between the tubing and the conduit.
At 604, in some embodiments, portions of a conduit housing are connected over the housing.
At 606, in some embodiments, a safety inspection is performed. For example, including a visual inspection. For example, including a fluid conduit check, where fluid is passed through the conduit to check that fluid flow is suitable e.g. no blockage/s and/or no leaks.
At 608, in some embodiments, one or more portion is sterilized. Alternatively, in some embodiments, at least the conduit is provided sterile and sterility is maintained during assembly.
At 700, in some embodiments, an upper portion of a housing is provided. Where, referring back to
At 702, optionally, in some embodiments, a handle is attached to the upper portion of the housing. For example, by a connector from within the housing extending to the handle disposed externally on the housing. Where, exemplary connectors include, for example, a screw, a screw and a bolt, snap fit portions connecting from either side of the housing.
At 704, in some embodiments, electrical circuitry is attached. For example, by being placed within the housing. In some embodiments, one or more circuit board is positioned within the housing and/or attached to the housing. Where, in some embodiments, supports assist in positioning and/or preventing movement of the circuitry and/or circuit board/s. In some embodiments, element/s are attached to the support/s e.g. by adhesive and/or connecting element/s. In some embodiments, for example, alternatively or additionally to attaching of circuitry and/or circuit boards to the upper portion of the housing, circuitry and/or circuit board/s are attached to a base of the second portion housing (referring back to
At 806, in some embodiments, the base to the second portion housing is attached to the upper portion of housing, for example, closing the housing. Optionally, in some embodiments, prior to closing of the housing (e.g. with the base) a power supply is inserted into the space defined within the housing. Where the power source is electrically connected to circuitry within the housing prior to and/or after insertion of the power source into the housing.
At 800, in some embodiments, a subject is assessed. For example, by a medical professional. The assessment, in some embodiments, determining whether the subject requires fluid infusion and/or what condition/s are required of a fluid infusion for the subject.
Where conditions include one or more of, fluid type, fluid flow rate, fluid temperature, location on the patient for infusion, infusion apparatus (e.g. size of infusion tubing)
At 802, in some embodiments, a fluid conduit is coupled to a base unit. For example, where the fluid conduit is provided by a “first portion”, for example, as described elsewhere within this document (e.g. first portion 112
In some embodiments, the fluid conduit is coupled to the base unit e.g. by being placed on and/or around and/or over a portion of the base unit. In some embodiments, the fluid conduit is connected to the base unit e.g. by one or more connector.
At 804, in some embodiments, a fluid reservoir is fluidly connected to the fluid conduit. For example by attaching a tubing of an infusion bag to an inlet of the fluid conduit. Where, in some embodiments, tubing is flexible and/or elastic, appropriate sizing of the conduit inlet and/or tubing enables a sealed fluid connection.
At 806, in some embodiments, the fluid conduit is fluidly connected to a subject. For example, by attaching an infusion apparatus inlet to the conduit and an infusion apparatus outlet to the subject. Where, in some embodiments, infusion apparatus is flexible and/or elastic, appropriate sizing of the conduit outlet and/or tubing of the infusion apparatus enables a sealed fluid connection.
In some embodiments, one or more of steps 804, 806, 808 are performed in a different order.
At 808, optionally in some embodiments, one or more parameter for fluid conditions is received by the base unit e.g. according to the assessment performed in step 800. For example, inputted to the unit by a user through a user interface (e.g. 154
At 810, in some embodiments, a controller (e.g. hosted by the base unit) controls fluid flowing through the conduit according to the fluid condition/s parameter/s. For example, the fluid conduit is heated while fluid flows through the conduit according to required temperature of fluid to be infused.
At 812, optionally in some embodiments, measurements are collected during control of the fluid by the base unit, and, in some embodiments, the measurements are used to verify that fluid conditions have been met.
At 814, in some embodiments, the subject receives infusion fluid, optionally after measurement/s verifying that required fluid parameter/s are fulfilled.
At 816, in some embodiments, fluid is monitored, where measurement/s (e.g. collected by the base unit) are used as feedback e.g. to the base unit and/or user interface. For example, in some embodiments, temperature measurement feedback is used as an input to heating circuitry of the base unit. For example, measurement/s are used as feedback to a user interface e.g. to indicate that a user needs to perform an action e.g. to supply another fluid reservoir.
At 818, optionally, in some embodiments, the subject is re-assessed (e.g. periodically).
At 820, optionally, in some embodiments, the re-assessment is used in one or more of steps 808-814. For example, in some embodiments, the re-assessment is used to update (e.g. change) the fluid condition parameter/s at the base unit e.g. as described regarding step 808.
In some embodiments,
In some embodiments, connector 333 includes a first contact 924 and a second contact 932 connected by a body 928, 935. In some embodiments, first contact 924 electrically contacts a conduit (e.g. conduit), for example, by extending around a portion of the conduit.
In some embodiments, one or both of contacts 924, 926 are configured to be slid onto the conduit (e.g. conduit 308
In some embodiments, first contact 932 and/or second contact 937 of connector 333 (and/or contact 934 of connector 329) are standard high power contacts which are, in some embodiments, connectable and de-connectable a large number of times e.g. at least 5-1000 times, or at least 20-100 times, or lower or higher or intermediate numbers or ranges. Where contacts 924, 926, 436, are high power as defined as being able to pass power of at least 100 W-2 kW, or 100 W-1 kW, or 600-800 W, or lower or higher or intermediate ranges or powers.
In some embodiments, the connector body includes at least one side which extends from first contact 924 to second contact 932. Optionally, in some embodiments, the connector body includes two sides 928, 935, where each part 928, 935 extends from a different side of first contact 924. Optionally, in some embodiments, second contact 932 includes two contact sides, 932, 937. Where, in some embodiments, each side 932, 937 extends from a side of connector body 928, 935 respectively.
In some embodiments, contact side/s 932, 937 include one or more portion which is deflected (e.g. elastically) when contact sides/s 932, 937 are in position on second portion contact 436 e.g. as illustrated in
In some embodiments, a shape of a contact (e.g. both of contacts 932, 937) includes one or more a narrowing 939, 939a where one or both of contacts 932, 937 includes portion/s of the contact which is closer (e.g. veers towards) towards a center of a space defined by connector body portion/s 928, 935 and/or contact side/s 932, 932.
In some embodiments, narrowing/s 939, 939a have a smaller dimension in one or more dimension than second portion contact 436. Where, in some embodiments, connecting the connectors 333, 436 deflects (e.g. elastically) at least portion/s of contact/s 932, 937 at narrowing 939.
In some embodiments, conduit contact/s 924, 926 itself provides both electrical and mechanical connection to the conduit. Where, in some embodiments, contact 924 surrounds the conduit for at least 10-95%, or 30-70%, or 40-60%, or lower or higher or intermediate ranges or percentages of a circumference of the conduit cross section. In some embodiments, for example, as illustrated in
A potential benefit of contact/s surrounding and/or encircling the conduit and/or being wide being mechanical strength and/or quality of electrical connection between contact 924 and conduit 308 (electrical connection quality e.g. associated with surface area of the contact and conduit in contact with each other).
In some embodiments, conductive material of body 935 is insulated from non-attached portion/s of the conduit. For example, by an insulating separator 994 disposed between body 935 and the conduit. Where, in an exemplary embodiment, separator 994 attaches to connector 333 by fitting around at least a portion of body 928, 935.
Referring now to conduit connector 329 e.g. as illustrated in
Referring now to second portion contact 436, which, in some embodiments, also illustrates a contact for connection to connector 329. In some embodiments, contact 436 includes a body 943 to which a first portion connector connects. In an exemplary embodiment, contact 436 is attached to a circuit board via pins 945 e.g. for connection to a power supply via the circuit board.
In some embodiments,
Visible in
In some embodiments, sensor/s 1016, 1017, 1018 are positioned at, at most, 0.5-5 mm away from window/s 482, 484, 486 respectively. In some embodiments, one or more sensor is in direct contact (e.g. adhered to) a respective window. In some embodiments, sensors 1016, 1017, 1018 are held in position by being mounted to an element 1047 which is, in some embodiments, held in position by second portion housing 422. In some embodiments, element 1047 is a circuit board which provides connection of sensors 1016, 1017, 1018 to other electrical circuitry e.g. to a processor and/or power supply. In some embodiments, additional electrical circuitry of the second portion is mounted to one or more additional circuit board 1049 housed by the second portion housing 422.
In some embodiments, the infusion system (e.g. system 100) includes one or more safety feature.
For example, referring back to
In some embodiments, system 100 includes one or more safety feature which is independent of processor 110. A potential benefit being control of circuitry in the case of failure and/or malfunction of processor 110.
In an exemplary embodiment, infusion device 102 includes a cut-off circuit which, in some embodiments, disconnects power supply 110 from conduit. In some embodiments, the cut-off circuit is hosted by second portion 414. In an exemplary embodiment, cut-off circuit is independent of a processor (e.g. processor 150, 152). Where, for example, in some embodiments, the cut-off circuit is configured to act independent of control and/or electrical circuitry e.g. of other part/s of the second portion.
Referring now back to
In some embodiments, calibration of sensor measurements and/or verification that a sensor is operational is performed (e.g. by a processor e.g. processor 150 and/or 152
In some embodiments, an infusion device system includes a cover 1111 for one or more portion of the device. In some embodiments, covers contact opening/s (e.g. contact openings 403, 405
In some embodiments, cover 1109 is part of a base connector 1109 where cover 1111 is disposed on a first side of base connector 1109. Cover element 1109, in some embodiments, including a base 1115 connecting, in some embodiments, cover 1111 to a housing connector 1113. In some embodiments, base connector 1115 is used as handle, for example, for connecting second portion 414 e.g. to a pole or hook
In some embodiments, base connector 1109 includes flexible and/or elastic material. In an exemplary embodiment, cover element 1109 includes silicone rubber. For example, in some embodiments, cover 1111 attaches to the contact housing by elastic deformation of the cover material. In some embodiments, elasticity and/or flexibility of base 1115 enables the base to deform around another element (e.g. pole between the base and housing underside 431) e.g. to hold the infusion device onto the element.
In some embodiments, housing connector 1113 extends upwards from underside 431 and, in some embodiments, onto a recession 1151 in second portion 414 housing 422. In some embodiments, connector 1113 is attached to housing 422 by insertion of one or more connector (e.g. screw) into channels 1153 in housing e.g. passing through channels 1153 and extending into aligned channels 1155 in housing 422 e.g. channels 1155 in recession 1151.
In some embodiments, attachment of housing connector 1113 to the housing reduces likelihood of dislodgement of cover 1111 and/or loss of the cover element 1109.
In some embodiments,
In some embodiments, first portion 1212 and/or second portion 1214 include one or more feature as described and/or illustrated regarding first portion 112 and/or second portion 114 of
In some embodiments, first portion 1212 and second portion 1214 are coupled by placing first portion 1212 is inserted into a lumen 1251 of a housing 1222 of second portion.
In some embodiments, for example, as opposed to e.g. as illustrated in
In some embodiments, housing 1222 hosts a switch (e.g. including feature/s of switch 491
In some embodiments, lumen 1251 is closed by a cover portion 1253 of housing 1222. Where, in an exemplary embodiments, cover portion 1253 is attached by hinges 1255 to housing 1222.
In some embodiments, second portion 1214 includes a connector 1266 which holds cover portion 1253 in position, for example, thereby holding first portion 1212 in position within lumen. A potential benefit being aligning of the conduit of first portion 1212 with sensors of the second portion.
Optionally, in some embodiments, device 1202 includes a clip 1263 e.g. for attachment of device 1202 e.g. to a pole e.g. IV pole. In some embodiments, clip 1263 is attached to housing 1222 of second portion 1214.
In some embodiments, device 1202 includes connectivity to external power and/or data e.g. through a cable 1275. In some embodiments, cable 1275 extends through a strain relief 1274 (which, in some embodiments, includes one or more feature of strain relief 474
In some embodiments, first portion 1212 includes a handle 1271 in a housing 1276 of first portion 1212. Where, in some embodiments, a user grasps handle 1271 to insert first portion into lumen 1251 e.g. to engage first portion 1212 with second portion 1214 e.g. contacts and/or microswitch.
As noted above, connection circuitry in the first portion is optional.
In some embodiments of the invention, ends 1306, 1304 of coil heater 1302 include connectors for attaching infusion tubes. Optionally, coil heater 1302 is provided with short sections of infusion tubing already attached (e.g., using adhesive or a press-fitting), the short sections themselves terminating in a standard infusion tubing connector (not shown, optionally plastic polymer connectors). Such connectors can be used in other embodiments described herein.
A hollow 1308 is optionally sized and shaped to fit around a smart second section, for example, as described above here and/or to be inserted into such a smart section.
A potential benefit of using such connectors is that coil heater 1302 can be encased in a housing to prevent/reduce electrical and/or thermal contact with the world, with only the short infusion tubing sections exiting the housing. The housing is, however, optional in some embodiments. Electrical and/or thermal insulation may be provided directly onto coil heater 1302, for example, by spray-on. Such insulation may be useful to prevent shorting between different coils of the heater. Optionally or additionally, an external electrical insulating housing (e.g., of plastic) is used.
In some embodiments of the invention, coil heater 1302 is attached to the second portion (e.g., which includes, power, control, and/or sensors) using a single connector or pair of connectors.
In some embodiments of the invention, the connectors 1312, 1314 are snap clip connectors. Referring in detail to connector 1312 (connector 1314 can be identical), a base 1320 is optionally used to attach to the second portion and may include one or more screw holes to connect to an electrical wire. Reference 1310 indicates a side wall, of which two are optionally provided and which are optionally elastically predisposed to bend towards each other. In other embodiments, the two walls intersect and then pass each other to so that what was the outside wall becomes an inside wall that engages the conduit. Wall 1310 optionally includes three sections, a wide portion 1318 near base 1320, where width refers to the distance from the facing wall. The width may provide stability in attachment to the second portion. A narrower section 1322 and a wider section 1316 above it, so that a tube inserted form above with force apart the two walls and lodge in the wider section 1316 and be stopped by narrower section 1322. Optionally, a top flaring portion 1328 is wide enough, at a resting state to allow coil heater 1302 and in particular section 1324 of coil heater 1302 to be placed in side and then pushed down (towards base 1320), thereby forcing aside wall 1310 so that section 1324 of coil heater 1302 can reach widened section 1316 of connector 1312 (and then be elastically gripped thereby). The length of section 1316 (along the tube axis) can be, for example, between 0.5 and 3 cm, for example, between 8 and 15 mm. Section 1316 is optionally rounded and with a curving radius like that of heater coil 1302 so that it contacts coil heater 1302 over at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% or more of its circumference.
Connector 1312 is optionally maybe of elastic metal, such as steel and optionally is smooth. Alternatively, it may include one or more protrusions or abrasions to improve gripping of section 1324. Optionally, connector 1312 is coated on an outside surface thereof with an electrically insulating layer.
In some embodiments of the invention, alignment between coil heater 1302 and the second section is via hollow 1308. Optionally or additionally, the alignment is provided by the (axial) length of connectors 1312, 1314. It is noted that one connector may be used if it includes separate pathways for electricity for each end of the coil. Such a connector may be formed of two separated connected attached by a non-conducting layer, such as adhesive or may be non-conducting and have conducting pathways provided thereon as layers, so that each end of the conduit contacts a different electrical polarity.
In some embodiments of the invention, one or more bumps are provided at sections 1324, 1326 to align these sections with connectors 1312, 1314. For example, a plastic protrusion may be molded onto and at either end of section 1324 so that connector 1312 is guided to and/or fits better over the non-protrusion sections of section 1324.
A potential advantage of the design of
In some embodiments of the invention, a contact temperature sensor is integrated into the clip, for example, in a layer between wall 1310 and the conduit. The elasticity of the clip may be used to ensure consistent and repeatable thermal contact so that the measurement is correct after removal and insertion of a tube.
As noted above, various types of fluids provided to the body may be heated using a device as described herein. A particular example is contrast material.
In some embodiments of the invention, the second portion is provided as part of an imaging system (e.g., CT machine, x-ray machine) or as part of a contrast material pumping system, e.g., a syringe pump. Per patient, contrast material is loaded into the pump and also a disposable first portion is attached to the optionally integrated second portion. Alternatively, a standalone heater may be provided.
It should be noted that flow in a contrast injection system is often not continuous. Optionally, the heater controller is notified when flow stops and/or when flow is expected to start, so that the energy delivered for heating may be modified and/or times. Due to generally lower flow rates and/or the possibility that the contrasts material is of relatively low volume, it may be possible to contain all the contrast material within the coil heater, so loading includes a step of advancing the contrast material into the heater and attaching a saline source for flushing the contrast material out of the heater. In some embodiments of the invention, the flow rate depends on the heating rate. Optionally, the system is configured so heating can be provided at the desired delivery rate, for example, 4-8 mL/sec. In another example, the contrast material is heated and the pump is activated to deliver the material into the body only once it reaches a set temperature. This may be useful for delivery of a bolus that can fit in the volume of the lumen of the coil.
In some embodiments of the invention, the heater is attached to two fluid sources, one for the contrast material and one for purging material (e.g., saline). Optionally, this connection is upstream of the system.
It is noted that contrast material may have a lower heat capacity than water, allowing a lower energy and/or heating rate to be used. Optionally, the second portion includes an input for indicating the heated material, maximum flow rate and/or other heating parameters.
In one example, the contrast material is Iomeron (Iomeprol solution), with concentration available at 150, 250, 300, 350 and 400 mg iodine per ml.
The specific heat (cp) value of Iomeprol at 37° C. is 1.15 J/g° K. The Iomeprol cp variations with temperature & concentration are minimum. On the other hand, the specific heat (cp) value of water at 37° C. is 4.178 J/g° K. If one gram of Iomeron 400 solution contains: 0.565 g Iomeprol+0.435 g water, then the specific heat (cp) of Iomeron 400 solution at 37° C.=2.47 J/g° K (e.g., about 75% that of water).
In some embodiments of the invention, specific heat is ignored in use (but may be used for designing power and heating capacities) and, instead, temperature sensing and responsive power control is used for a wide range of heat capacities. Actual heating behavior can be extrapolated based on the measurement to predict future temperature (e.g., in effect extracting the heat capacity from the behavior).
Some specific properties of heating contrast material which are providable by a system as described herein are:
In some embodiments, connector/s 1433,1429 comprises a first contact/s (e.g., conduit contact) 1424, 1426 which typically function as contact/s 924, 926 of connector/s 333, 329.
In some embodiments, connector/s 1433,1429 (as well as connector/s 333,329) comprises a conductive metal such that contct/s 1424, 1426 (as well as 924, 926) which mechanically grips the fluid conduit (e.g., conduit 308
In some embodiments, first contact 1424, 1426 (as well as first contact 333,329) allows electrical contact with the fluid conduit without requiring a wiring connection between the fluid conduit and the second portion (e.g., second portion 414
In addition, the electrical contact obtained by first contact 1424, 1426 (as well as first contact 333,329) mechanically gripping first contact/s 1424, 1426 (as well as first contact/s 333,329) potentially increases the quality of the electrical connection between the contact/s and the fluid conduit and/or reduces the likelihood of dislodgement and/or disconnection between the first contacts 1424, 1426 and/or 924, 926 and the fluid conduit.
In some embodiments, at least one of contact 1424 and/or 1426 comprises a slot 1440,1442 extending along the longitudinal axis of contact 924,926. In some embodiments, contact/s 1424, 1426 comprises a lumen sized and/or shaped to receive the fluid conduit, defined by walls 1425, 1427 of contact/s 1424, 1426.
In some embodiments, slot 1440,1442 is sufficiently wide for the fluid conduit to be pressed thereinto, and sufficiently small for conduit contact 1424,1426 to grip the conduit. In some embodiments, the opening of slot/s 1440,1442 is about 25% of the circumference of walls 1425, 1427. For example, 20%-30%, or 15%-25%, or 15%-35%, or lower or higher or intermediate percentages of the contact circumference.
In some embodiments, the lumen of contact/s 1424,1426 (as well as the lumen of contact/s 924,926) is at least partially shaped as a cylinder, potentially allowing close contact with the fluid conduit placed therewithin. This close contact has the potential advantage of minimizing electrical energy losses and/or undesired heat production in the connector.
In some embodiments, a rim of slot/s 1440,1442 comprises flaring lips, potentially directing the entrance of the fluid conduit into the lumen thereof, having the potential advantage of simplifying the assembly of connector/s 1433,1492 to the fluid conduit.
In some embodiments, contact/s 1424,1426 comprises a conductive metal having some level of elasticity, which allows the inner lumen to expand upon pressing the fluid conduit thereinto and/or upon containing the fluid conduit.
In some embodiments, the width of conduit contact 1441 is sufficient to obtain a large enough contact area between the inner surface of contact/s 1433,1429 and the conduit, to potentially meet the requirement of high-power connector. In some embodiments, contact/s 1424,1426 has a width of 1-20 mm, or 5-15 mm, or 7-15 mm, or about 8 mm or about 9 mm, or at least 5 mm, or lower or higher or intermediate widths or lengths. In some embodiments, connector/s 1433,1429 (as well as 333, 329) meet the requirement of at least about 10 ampers, in a voltage of than 72V or less, for example power of 20 amperes at voltage of 48V.
In some embodiments of the invention, connector/s 1433, 1429 comprises a second contact, as second contact/s 932,934 of connector/s 333, 329, shown in
Alternatively, or additionally, connector/s 1433, 1429 comprises a second contact/s 1432, 1434, which includes two contact sides, 1439, 1437 at least partially connected 1444, 1446 at the end thereof, providing structural support to connector/s 1433, 1429.
In some embodiments, connector/s 1433, 1429 comprises a connection point 1448,1450 (not shown), distally from first contact/s 1424, 1426, for potentially stabilizing the structure of connector/s 1424,1426, and/or potentially allowing the opening of slot/s 1440,1442 under applied pressure. In some embodiments, connector 1433 comprises at least one connection point 1448 between the two sides 1435 and 1494 of body 1428. In some embodiments, connector 1426 comprises at least one connection point 1450 at the connection of first contact 1426 with second contact 1434 and/or 934.
In some embodiments, connector/s 1433, 1429 are configured to be snapped onto the fluid conduit optionally, by snapping contact 1424,1426 onto the conduit. Alternatively, or additionally, contact 1424,1426 can be slid on the conduit.
Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, connector/s 1433,1429 which comprises second contact 932,934 (as shown in
The snap connection has the potential advantage of simplifying the electrical connection of the fluid conduit to the second portion and/or avoiding the need for a wired electrical connection.
In some embodiments, the electrical and/or mechanical connection between contact/s 932, 934 (shown in
In some embodiments, the connection of first contact/s 1424, 1426 and/or contacts 924,926 to contact 436 provides enough force to both provide mechanical stabilization and ensure a good electrical connection between the fluid conduit and the second portion
In some embodiments, second contact/s 932, 934 (shown in
In some embodiments, second contact/s 932, 934 (shown in
It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant infusion technologies will be developed and the scope of the terms “infusion”, “infusion device” are intended to include all such new technologies a priori.
As used herein the term “about” refers to ±20%.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.
The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.
The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.
As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.
Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.
As used herein the term “method” refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical arts.
As used herein, the term “treating” includes abrogating, substantially inhibiting, slowing or reversing the progression of a condition, substantially ameliorating clinical or aesthetical symptoms of a condition or substantially preventing the appearance of clinical or aesthetical symptoms of a condition.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
It is the intent of the applicant(s) that all publications, patents and patent applications referred to in this specification are to be incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually noted when referenced that it is to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety.
This application is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/IL2023/050273 having International filing date of Mar. 15, 2023, which is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/694,881 filed on Mar. 15, 2022. The contents of the above applications are all incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/IL2023/050273 | Mar 2023 | US |
| Child | 18225331 | US | |
| Parent | 17694881 | Mar 2022 | US |
| Child | PCT/IL2023/050273 | US |
