Method and apparatus for heating solutions within intravenous lines to desired temperatures during infusion

摘要

An IV line temperature controlled warming device includes a housing and a fluid cassette or cartridge that receives fluid from an IV line and includes intravenous line tubing arranged in a preformed configuration. The configuration includes tubing sections arranged in generally circular and concentric portions and a central serpentine tubing section that basically reverses fluid flow and facilitates flow in opposing directions within adjacent tubing sections. The fluid cassette is retained within the device on a base plate partially disposed within a device housing interior, while a housing cover is selectively opened and closed to permit access to the base plate. The base plate includes a heater plate disposed thereon, while the cover and heater plate each include heating elements to apply heat to opposing surfaces of the tubing cassette. The heating elements are controlled by a controller in response to measured temperatures of the heater plate and fluid.

主权项

1. A fluid cassette to receive fluid from a fluid line and facilitate heating of said fluid to a desired fluid temperature within an intravenous fluid warming device having a base plate and a lid, said fluid cassette comprising:
an elongated portion of flexible tubing constructed from an intravenous fluid line and including an inlet tubing portion with an inlet terminal to receive fluid into said fluid cassette from said fluid line and an outlet tubing portion with an outlet terminal to release fluid from said fluid cassette to said fluid line; and a conductive contact encircling a substantially central portion of said flexible tubing and completing an electrical connection between the lid and the base plate when the lid is in a closed position to indicate a presence of said fluid cassette within the intravenous fluid warming device and control device operation; wherein said elongated portion of flexible tubing is manipulated to form and maintain a spiral portion including a plurality of nested tubing sections in fluid communication with said inlet and outlet tubing portions and arranged adjacent each other, each said tubing section defining a path for said fluid from said fluid line to flow in a particular direction, and wherein said fluid flow direction within each tubing section is opposite the fluid flow direction within each tubing section adjacent that section.