Method and device for regulating fluid pump pressures

摘要

A method is provided for regulating fluid pump pressures by detecting an elevation differential between a fluid flow control device and the distal end of a fluid line in communication with the fluid flow control device. A fluid flow control device, for instance a peritoneal dialysis device, is at a first height, a distal end of a fluid line is at a second height, and a valved outlet, when open, affords communication between the fluid flow control device and the distal end of the fluid line. The elevation differential is correlatable with a pressure measurable during a calibration procedure provided as a part of the methodology.

主权项

1. A system for controlling pressure of a liquid at a distal end of a fluid line connected to a liquid pumping apparatus comprising;
a first chamber comprising a first control region separated from a first liquid region by a first flexible membrane, the first control region having a pre-determined minimum volume when the first liquid region has a pre-determined maximum volume when filled with the liquid; a first pressure transducer configured to measure a pressure of the first control region when the first chamber is filled with the liquid; a second chamber comprising a second control region separated from a second liquid region by a second flexible membrane, the second control region configured for connection to an actuation system comprising a controllable source of positive pressure, negative pressure, or a vent for the delivery of pressure to or venting of the second control region; a first valve interposed between a first port of the first liquid region and a first flowpath connected to a source of the liquid, a second valve interposed between a first port of the second liquid region and the first flowpath, a third valve interposed between a second port of the first liquid region and a second flowpath connected to the distal end of the fluid line, and a fourth valve interposed between a second port of the second liquid region and the second flowpath; and a controller configured to receive pressure information from the pressure transducer, to control the valves, and to control the actuation system and pumping of the liquid by the second chamber, wherein the controller is configured to:
control the opening of the first and second valves, the closing of the third and fourth valves, and control the actuation system to fill the first and second liquid regions with the liquid from the liquid source;record a first pressure measurement from the first pressure transducer when said liquid regions are filled with the liquid;control the closing of the first and second valves, the opening of the third and fourth valves, and record a second pressure measurement from the first pressure transducer when said liquid regions are in fluid communication with the distal end of the fluid line; andadjust the delivery of pressure by the actuation system to the second control region based on a difference between the first and second pressure measurements.