Importance

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Abstract

An infusion leak detection system indicates that a fluid to be delivered into an individual's body has leaked near an infusion site. The infusion site is at a location where a delivery element, such as a cannula, needle, or the like, penetrates an individual's body. Preferably, one end of the delivery element is attached to a delivery device and the other end is inserted through an individual's skin terminating in an individual's subcutaneous tissue. The delivery element establishes fluid communication between the delivery device and the individual's subcutaneous tissue. In alternative embodiments, the delivery element may terminate in an other tissue such as, muscle, organ, inter-peritoneal, intra-peritoneal, or the like. The delivery device is attached to the surface of the individual's skin. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the detection system includes a chemical positioned near the infusion site that reacts with preservatives in the leaking fluid to generate a highly visible, brightly colored, chemical complex. In alternative embodiments, mechanical, electro-optical, electrochemical, electrical or other chemical systems may be used to detect the presence of fluid that is leaking near the infusion site. Preferred embodiments are for use with human beings; however, alternative embodiments may be used with animals or fluid flow applications where detection of small amounts of a leaking fluid is important.

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First Claim