Device and method for safe access and automated therapy

Abstract

An automated therapy system having an infusion catheter; a sensor adapted to sense a patient parameter; and a controller communicating with the sensor and programmed to control flow output from the infusion catheter into a patient based on the patient parameter without removing fluid from the patient. The invention also includes a method of controlling infusion of a fluid to a patient. The method includes the following steps: monitoring a patient parameter with a sensor to generate a sensor signal; providing the sensor signal to a controller; and adjusting fluid flow to the patient based on the sensor signal without removing fluid from the patient.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for accessing a body space within a body, comprising:
 an elongate device configured for insertion into the body;   one or more sensors positioned on the elongate device such that the sensors define a plane which is perpendicular relative to an axis defined by the elongate device, wherein the one or more sensors are positioned to contact tissue adjacent to the elongate device during advancement into the body;   a controller in communication with the one or more sensors, wherein the controller is configured to receive one or more signals from the tissue in contact with the one or more sensors and detect a change in a property of the tissue as the elongate device is advanced, and   wherein the controller is further configured to determine a position of the elongate device relative to the body space based upon the change detected in the property as the elongate device is advanced.   
     
     
         2 . A method for accessing a body space within a body, comprising:
 advancing an elongate device into the body while contacting tissue adjacent to the elongate device during advancement via one or more sensors positioned on the elongate device, wherein the one or more sensors define a plane which is perpendicular relative to an axis defined by the elongate device;   receiving one or more signals from the tissue in contact with the one or more sensors;   detecting a change in a property of the tissue via a controller in communication with the one or more sensors as the elongate device is advanced; and   determining via the controller a position of the elongate device relative to the body space based upon the change detected in the property as the elongate device is advanced.