Importance

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Abstract

An infusion pump for infusing solutions from IV bags, particularly large one liter bags, through tubing to patients includes housing that has a compartment to receive an IV bag in a solution-dispensing position. The bag rests over a bladder within the compartment, and the bladder is expanded by a pressurized fluid to apply a pushing force against the bag to force solution through the tubing at a prescribed pressure. The fluid for the bladder is pressurized by a pump controlled by a control circuit that includes a pressure sensor sensing pressure of the fluid in the bladder. A preferred form of the infusion pump includes a high-pressure gas cartridge in a parallel and redundant system for applying pressure in the bladder. The fluid pump for the bladder preferably is powered by batteries, and in the event battery power is lacking, the gas cartridge (which may be CO.sub.2), which is regulated down in pressure, can be used to supply the needed pressure (if a small auxiliary battery is included to operate valves and circuitry). Another feature is a universal solution bag spike/port adapter, with a 'bag/spike present' switch that is operable when a bag with a port in any of a plurality of different positions is placed in the compartment, accommodating the bags of nearly all manufacturers. When a new solution bag is to be placed in the housing's compartment, an external vent port may be opened manually for quick venting of the bladder. In addition, the unit preferably includes an exterior indicator of pressure level in the gas cartridge, for easy reference as to whether this redundant system is operable.

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First Claim