Dual mode I.V. infusion device.

摘要

An improved dual mode peristaltic device (22) is provided for infusing I.V. solutions to a patient through an I.V. tube (16). In a first mode of operation, the device functions as a peristaltic pump and in the second mode of operation it functions like a controller. Included in the device (22) and associated with the I.V. tube (16) is a pressure sensing strain gauge assembly (44) that monitors dimensional changes in the outer diameter of the I.V. tube (16) as an indication of fluid pressure changes in the tube (16). The strain gauge assembly (44) is positioned relative to the device's peristaltic means (42) to alternately monitor fluid pressure in a patent I.V. tube (16) upstream and downstream from the gauge assembly (44). A pair of stationary fingers surround the strain gauge assembly (44) to isolate it from the pulsitile nature of the peristaltic action of the device (22). In the first mode (pump mode), the device (22) is programmed to alarm and cease operation when fluid pressure downstream from the gauge assembly (44) reaches a preselected value. In the second mode (controller mode), the device (22) is programmed to alarm and cease operation when there is no differential between fluid pressure upstream and downstream from the gauge assembly (44).