Syringe pump rapid occlusion detection system

Abstract

An apparatus and method for detecting an occlusion in a downstream fluid line of a medical pump in relation to increased pressure in the downstream fluid line between the beginning and the end of each interval of a series of intervals of operation of the pump even if one or more intervals between the first and last intervals does not reflect such an increase in pressure in the downstream fluid line.

Having described the invention, what is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of automatically detecting an occlusion in a downstream fluid line of a medical pumping system, the downstream fluid line being configured to carry fluid under pressure between a fluid source and a patient, the method comprising:
 initiating a pumping sequence to cause the fluid to flow into the downstream fluid line with the patient at an elevation;   during the pumping sequence, using a sensor to determine a first force value indicative of force in the fluid line at a first time;   during the pumping sequence, determining a second force value indicative of force in the fluid line at a second time; and   providing an indication of the occlusion if a relationship between the first and second force values departs from an expected relationship unless the relationship departs from an expected relationship as a result of a change in elevation of the patient.   
     
     
         2 . A medical pumping system for pumping fluid under pressure through a downstream fluid line being configured to carry fluid under pressure between a fluid source and a patient at an elevation, the system comprising:
 a pump configured to force fluid from a fluid source under pressure into a downstream fluid line;   a sensor for determining a first force value indicative of the force in said downstream fluid line at a first time, and second force value indicative of the force in said downstream fluid line at a second time;   a processor in communication with the pump, the processor being configured to execute program code that operates the pump to force fluid under pressure in said downstream fluid line; and   wherein the processor is further configured execute program code to declare an occlusion if a relationship between the first and second force values departs from an expected relationship, unless the relationship departs from an expected relationship as a result of a change in elevation of said patient.