U.S. patent application number 12/639449 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-16 for methods and apparatus for displaying flow rate graphs and alarms on a dialysis system.
This patent application is currently assigned to BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.. Invention is credited to Charles Dalesch, Ashok Darisipudi, Gabriel Gutierrez, David H. Hoffmiester, Cristina Illiescu, Deanna N. Pilling, Philip Pupa, Alex Reidiboim, William Joseph Thomas, Kiril Vasilev.
Application Number | 20110141116 12/639449 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44142390 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110141116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dalesch; Charles ; et
al. |
June 16, 2011 |
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING FLOW RATE GRAPHS AND ALARMS ON
A DIALYSIS SYSTEM
Abstract
The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for
displaying flow rate graphs and alarms on a dialysis system. The
disclosed methods and apparatus allow a user to simultaneously view
a normal flow rate graph, one or more abnormal flow rate graphs, an
actual flow rate graph, and an alarm type. Preferably, the three
graphs are at the same scale and time-aligned so the user can
quickly diagnose issues associated with drain and catheter
problems.
Inventors: |
Dalesch; Charles; (Palm
Harbor, FL) ; Reidiboim; Alex; (Toronto, CA) ;
Gutierrez; Gabriel; (Don Mills, CA) ; Vasilev;
Kiril; (Oakville, CA) ; Illiescu; Cristina;
(Vaughan, CA) ; Thomas; William Joseph; (Tarpon
Springs, FL) ; Hoffmiester; David H.; (Grayslake,
IL) ; Darisipudi; Ashok; (Bartlett, IL) ;
Pilling; Deanna N.; (Palatine, IL) ; Pupa;
Philip; (Libertyville, IL) |
Assignee: |
BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.
Deerfield
IL
BAXTER HEALTHCARE S.A.
Glattpark (Opfikon)
|
Family ID: |
44142390 |
Appl. No.: |
12/639449 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/440 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 40/63 20180101;
A61M 1/367 20130101; G16H 20/40 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/440 |
International
Class: |
G06T 11/20 20060101
G06T011/20 |
Claims
1. A method of displaying flow rate graphs and alarms on a dialysis
system, the method comprising: selecting a normal flow rate graph;
determining an abnormal flow rate graph associated with the
selected normal flow rate graph; and simultaneously displaying the
normal flow rate graph, the abnormal flow rate graph, an actual
flow rate graph, and an alarm type, wherein each of the normal flow
rate graph, the abnormal flow rate graph, and the actual flow rate
graph are time-aligned with each other.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the dialysis system is a
peritoneal dialysis system.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the dialysis system is a
hemodialysis dialysis system.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the normal flow rate
graph includes selecting a graph image.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein selecting the graph image
includes selecting the graph image using a touch screen.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the normal flow rate
graph includes selecting a graph name.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein selecting the graph name includes
selecting the graph name using a touch screen.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the abnormal flow
rate graph associated with the selected normal flow rate graph
includes a database lookup.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising allowing a user to
scroll through a plurality of abnormal flow rate graphs while still
displaying the normal flow rate graph.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising allowing a user to
scroll through a plurality of abnormal flow rate graphs while still
displaying the actual flow rate graph.
11. An apparatus for displaying flow rate graphs and alarms on a
dialysis system, the system comprising: a processor; an input
device operatively coupled to the processor; an output device
operatively coupled to the processor; and a memory device
operatively coupled to the processor, the memory device storing a
software program to cause the processor to: receive a selection of
a normal flow rate graph; determine an abnormal flow rate graph
associated with the selected normal flow rate graph; and
simultaneously display the normal flow rate graph, the abnormal
flow rate graph, an actual flow rate graph, and an alarm type,
wherein each of the normal flow rate graph, the abnormal flow rate
graph, and the actual flow rate graph are time-aligned with each
other.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the dialysis system is a
peritoneal dialysis system.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the dialysis system is a
hemodialysis dialysis system.
14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein receiving the normal flow
rate graph selection includes receiving a graph image
selection.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein receiving the graph image
selection includes receiving the graph image selection via touch
screen.
16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein receiving the normal flow
rate graph selection includes receiving a graph name selection.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein receiving the graph name
selection includes receiving the graph name selection via touch
screen.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein determining the abnormal
flow rate graph associated with the selected normal flow rate graph
includes a database lookup.
19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the software program causes
the processor to allow user scrolling through a plurality of
abnormal flow rate graphs while still displaying the normal flow
rate graph.
20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the software program causes
the processor to allow user scrolling through a plurality of
abnormal flow rate graphs while still displaying the actual flow
rate graph.
21. A memory device storing software instructions to cause a
processor in a dialysis system to: receive a selection of a normal
flow rate graph; determine an abnormal flow rate graph associated
with the selected normal flow rate graph; and simultaneously
display the normal flow rate graph, the abnormal flow rate graph,
an actual flow rate graph, and an alarm type, wherein each of the
normal flow rate graph, the abnormal flow rate graph, and the
actual flow rate graph are time-aligned with each other.
22. The memory device of claim 21, wherein the dialysis system is a
peritoneal dialysis system.
23. The memory device of claim 21, wherein the dialysis system is a
hemodialysis dialysis system.
24. The memory device of claim 21, wherein the dialysis system is a
peritoneal dialysis system.
25. The memory device of claim 21, wherein the dialysis system is a
hemodialysis dialysis system.
26. The memory device of claim 21 wherein receiving the normal flow
rate graph selection includes receiving a graph image
selection.
27. The memory device of claim 26, wherein receiving the graph
image selection includes receiving the graph image selection via
touch screen.
28. The memory device of claim 21 wherein receiving the normal flow
rate graph selection includes receiving a graph name selection.
29. The memory device of claim 28, wherein receiving the graph name
selection includes receiving the graph name selection via touch
screen.
30. The memory device of claim 21, wherein determining the abnormal
flow rate graph associated with the selected normal flow rate graph
includes a database lookup.
31. The memory device of claim 21, wherein the software
instructions causes the processor to allow user scrolling through a
plurality of abnormal flow rate graphs while still displaying the
normal flow rate graph.
32. The memory device of claim 21, wherein the software
instructions causes the processor to allow user scrolling through a
plurality of abnormal flow rate graphs while still displaying the
actual flow rate graph.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates in general to dialysis
systems and more specifically to methods and apparatus for
displaying flow rate graphs and alarms on a dialysis system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Due to disease, insult or other causes, a person's renal
system can fail. In renal failure of any cause, there are several
physiological derangements. The balance of water, minerals and the
excretion of daily metabolic load is no longer possible in renal
failure. During renal failure, toxic end products of nitrogen
metabolism (urea, creatinine, uric acid, and others) can accumulate
in blood and tissues.
[0003] Kidney failure and reduced kidney function have been treated
with dialysis. Dialysis removes waste, toxins and excess water from
the body that would otherwise have been removed by normal
functioning kidneys. Dialysis treatment for replacement of kidney
functions is critical to many people because the treatment is life
saving. One who has failed kidneys could not continue to live
without replacing at least the filtration functions of the
kidneys.
[0004] Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are two types of
dialysis therapies commonly used to treat loss of kidney function.
Hemodialysis treatment utilizes the patient's blood to remove
waste, toxins and excess water from the patient. The patient is
connected to a hemodialysis machine and the patient's blood is
pumped through the machine. Catheters are inserted into the
patient's veins and arteries to connect the blood flow to and from
the hemodialysis machine. As blood passes through a dialyzer in the
hemodialysis machine, the dialyzer removes the waste, toxins and
excess water from the patient's blood and returns the blood back to
the patient. A large amount of dialysate, for example about 120
liters, is used to dialyze the blood during a single hemodialysis
therapy. The spent dialysate is then discarded. Hemodialysis
treatment lasts several hours and is generally performed in a
treatment center about three or four times per week.
[0005] Peritoneal dialysis utilizes a dialysis solution or
"dialysate," which is infused into a patient's peritoneal cavity
through a catheter implanted in the cavity. The dialysate contacts
the patient's peritoneal membrane in the peritoneal cavity. Waste,
toxins and excess water pass from the patient's bloodstream through
the peritoneal membrane and into the dialysate. The transfer of
waste, toxins, and water from the bloodstream into the dialysate
occurs due to diffusion and osmosis, i.e., an osmotic gradient
occurs across the membrane. The spent dialysate drains from the
patient's peritoneal cavity and removes the waste, toxins and
excess water from the patient. This cycle is repeated.
[0006] However, continuing needs exist to provide improved dialysis
systems. For example, needs exist to provide simplified dialysis
systems that are easier for patients to use and operate. In
particular, a need exits for an improved display of flow rate
graphs and alarms on dialysis systems to ease diagnosis of problems
during dialysis such as catheter occlusion problems, blocked
catheters, occurrences of peritonitis or constipation, etc.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for
displaying flow rate graphs and alarms on a dialysis system. The
disclosed methods and apparatus allow a user to simultaneously view
a normal flow rate graph, one or more abnormal flow rate graphs, an
actual flow rate graph, and an alarm type. Preferably, the three
graphs are at the same scale and time-aligned so the user can
quickly diagnose issues associated with drain and catheter
problems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example dialysis system.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example process for
displaying flow rate graphs and alarms on a dialysis system.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a screen shot of an example user interface for
simultaneously displaying a normal flow rate graph, one or more
abnormal flow rate graphs, an actual flow rate graph, and an alarm
type.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, a
typical therapy performed by the system 10 of the present system
begins by draining dialysis solution that is already in the
patient's peritoneal cavity 12. The system 10 pumps fresh dialysate
from one of a plurality of supply bags 14, through an in-line
heater 16 to the patient or peritoneal cavity 12. After a dwell
period in the peritoneal cavity 12, the spent dialysate in the
cavity is pumped out of the patient or cavity 12 to a drain 18 or
other disposal means. The system 10 then pumps fresh dialysate from
the supply bags 14 to the patient or peritoneal cavity 12 and the
procedure is repeated as defined in the therapy protocol. The
system 10 in an embodiment pumps a last bag of dialysate (usually,
a dialysate having a different formulation than the dialysate in
the other supply bags) to the peritoneal cavity 12 for an extended
dwell, such as a daytime dwell.
[0012] In an embodiment, the system 10 includes a mechanically
operated diaphragm pump 20. The mechanically operated diaphragm
pump 20 employs a pump motor 22 and a linear pump actuator 24. A
vacuum may also be used with the mechanical actuator for the
diaphragm pump 20. In another embodiment, the pump is completely
fluidly activated.
[0013] In FIG. 1 the system 10 also includes a valve actuator 26,
which mechanically actuates valves V1 to V5. A controller 30
controls the valve actuator 26 to open valves V1 to V5 as necessary
to achieve the desired direction of dialysate fluid flow. In an
embodiment, the valve actuator 26 includes a valve motor 28 and a
camshaft, which opens one or more of the valves V1 to V5 to achieve
the desired dialysate flow.
[0014] The controller 30 includes a plurality of processors and a
memory device for each processor. The processors include a main
microprocessor and a number of delegate processors. The main
microprocessor runs certain higher level tasks such as the
graphical user interface ("GUI") described below. The delegate
processors perform lower level tasks, such as moving valves,
reading sensors, controlling heater duty cycle, etc. An additional
processor is provided solely for the purpose of tracking safety
parameters, such as heater plate and medical fluid temperature. For
purposes of the present system, except where otherwise specified,
the term "processor 34" refers collectively to all of the
processors and the term "memory device 32" refers collectively to
all of the corresponding memory devices.
[0015] The controller 30 also includes an input/output ("I/O")
module 36. The device memory device 32 stores a computer program
that contains a step by step sequence for the system 10 and
configures certain outputs to occur upon specified inputs. The
processor 34 runs the program in the memory 32. The I/O module 36
accepts signal lines from various sensors. The I/O module 36 also
connects to power lines including input power lines (including if
battery powered) and power lines outputted to the various
electrical components.
[0016] The controller 30, in an embodiment, includes a video
controller 38, which may be a video card. The controller 30 also
includes a display device or video monitor 40 that displays medical
treatment or dialysis information to a patient or operator. In an
embodiment, the controller 30 further includes a touch screen 42
that interfaces with the video monitor 40 and electrically
communicates with the I/O module 36. The touch screen 42 enables
the patient or operator to input medical treatment or dialysis
information into the controller 30.
[0017] The controller 30 controls the heater 16, the pump 20 and
the valve actuator 26 in a number of different phases that make up
a single medical or dialysis treatment. In a first pump fill phase,
controller 30 activates the pump 20 to pump medical fluid or
dialysate from one of the supply bags 14. In FIG. 1, the controller
30 commands a vacuum source 44, including an air pump motor 46, to
pull a vacuum on both sides of the pump 20 through a first vacuum
line 48 and a second vacuum line 50. The vacuum lines 48 and 50
pull respective vacuums through first and second pump chamber walls
to suction one of a pair of opposing membranes inside the pump
chamber against the interior of the pump chamber. The other
membrane is held against a piston head in the pump 20. The other
membrane alternatively temporarily or permanently mechanically
attaches to the piston head, rendering the vacuum on the piston
side of the pump 20 unnecessary.
[0018] With the membranes maintained against the interior of the
pump chamber and the piston head, the controller 30 commands the
linear actuator 24 to withdraw within the pump 20. The withdrawal
causes the membranes inside the pump chamber to pull further apart.
At this time, the controller 30 controls the valve actuator 26 so
that only valve V1 is open. The pulling apart of the membranes
causes a negative pressure to occur in fill line 52, wherein the
negative pressure pulls medical fluid or dialysate from the supply
bag 14, through the fill line 52, into a receptacle created by the
opened membranes inside the pump chamber of pump 20.
[0019] In a patient fill phase, with the negative pressure still
maintained by the vacuum source 44, through the pump chamber walls,
on the interior membranes, the controller 30 causes the linear pump
actuator 24 to move upwards within the pump 20. The upward movement
of the actuator 24 and an attached piston head provides a positive
mechanical pressure that closes the membrane receptacle and thereby
pumps the medical fluid out of the pump 20. At this time, the
controller 30 controls the valve actuator 26 so that only valves V2
and V3 are open. Consequently, all of the fluid exiting pump 20 is
pumped through a heater line 54, past the in-line heater 16,
through a catheter line 56, and into the patient, for example, the
patient's peritoneal cavity 12. The catheter line 56 in an
embodiment connects to a single lumen catheter, which is implanted
into the patient 12. Although, in other embodiments, the system 10
can employ a multi-lumen catheter.
[0020] The heater 16 in an embodiment includes one or more
electrical heating plates, which heat the medical fluid to roughly
body temperature. The controller 30 energizes and de-energizes the
heater 16 as necessary to obtain the proper fluid temperature. The
controller 30 can close valves V2 and V3, located on opposing sides
of the heater 16 in the heater line 54, if the medical fluid is too
hot or too cold. The improperly heated dialysate does not enter the
peritoneal cavity 12.
[0021] The controller 20 repeats the pump fill phase and the heater
fill phase until the patient's the peritoneal cavity 12 becomes
full of fluid according to the therapy protocol. In an embodiment,
the volume inside the pump is about thirty to fifty milliliters,
and an adult patient typically uses about two liters of dialysis
fluid. Accordingly, the pump fill phase and the heater fill phase
can be repeated on the order of fifty times. In an embodiment, the
pump actuator 24 maintains a fluid pressure at the pump 20 of about
three pounds per square inch ("psi").
[0022] The system 10 provides a fluid volume sensor 60, which
measures the actual volume of medical fluid that has been forced
through the pump 20. By summing multiple individual pump volumes,
the controller accurately knows how much medical fluid or dialysate
has been delivered to the patient 12. The system 10 in an
embodiment repeats the pump fill phase and the heater fill phase
until the pump 20 has delivered a predetermined volume of medical
fluid. The predetermined volume can be inputted into the controller
30 by a patient or operator via the touch screen 42.
[0023] In a dwell phase, the controller 30 lets the medical fluid
or dialysate remain within the patient 12 for an amount of time,
which can be controlled by the controller 30, the patient 12 or an
operator. In an embodiment, the controller 30 determines the dwell
time, but the patient 12 or operator can override the system 10 and
command that the system 10 remove the medical fluid from the
patient 12.
[0024] In a second pump fill phase, the medical fluid is removed
from the patient 12. The controller 30 and the actuator 26 open
valve V4, while shutting the remaining valves. With the vacuum
source still maintaining a negative pressure on the membranes
inside the pump 20, the linear actuator 24 withdraws the pump
piston within the chamber of pump 20 and reopens the receptacle
between the membranes. The negative pressure created by the opening
receptacle pulls the medical fluid from the patient 12, through the
catheter line 56 and into the membrane receptacle formed inside the
pump 20.
[0025] In a drain phase, with the negative pressure still
maintained by the vacuum source 44, through the pump chamber walls,
on the interior membranes, the controller 30 causes the linear pump
actuator 24 to move upwardly within the pump 20. The upward
movement of the actuator 24 causes a positive mechanical pressure
to close the membrane receptacle and thereby pump the medical fluid
out of the pump 20. At this time, the controller 30 controls the
valve actuator 26 so that only valve V5 is open. Consequently, all
of the fluid exiting pump 20 is pumped through a drain line 58 and
into the drain 18. Drain 18 can be a drain bag or a drain pipe
inside a home, a hospital or elsewhere.
[0026] The system 10 includes temperature sensors 62, such as the
sensors T1 to T4, which measure the temperature at relevant places
within the system 10. In an embodiment, the sensors 62 are
non-invasive, however, any other types of temperature sensors may
be employed. As illustrated in FIG. 1, sensors T1 and T2 provide
redundant post heater feedback of the fluid temperature to the
controller 30. Sensor T3 provides a temperature of the medical
fluid prior to heating. Sensor T4 provides the ambient
temperature.
[0027] The system 10 also provides temperature sensors 62 that
monitor the temperature of the heater 16. In an embodiment, the
heater 16 is an in-line plate heater. The in-line plate heater 16
can have one or more heater plates, for example, two heater plates
having a disposable unit placed between same. Separate temperature
sensors PT1 and PT2 are provided to monitor the temperature of each
of the plates of the plate heater. The system 10 can thereby
control each plate heater individually.
[0028] The system 10 includes one or more air sensors 64, such as
the sensor AS1, placed directly at the throat of the inlet and
outlet of the pump 20. Another air sensor AS2 monitors air in the
medical fluid after it leaves the heater 16 and just before the
final shut-off valve V3 leading to the catheter line 56. The
controller 30 monitors the air content sensed by the air sensors 64
and thereby controls the system 10 to perform any necessary air
purge. The system 10 can separate and discharge the air from the
fluid or simply convey the air to the drain 18. The system 10 also
includes an air vent solenoid 66, which is operated by the
controller 30. The air vent solenoid 66 enables the system 10 to
relieve the vacuum applied to one or both of the membranes in the
pump 20.
[0029] The system 10 can accumulate air for various reasons. For
example, the valves V1 to V5 and fluid lines, such as lines 52, 54,
56 and 58 may contain air prior to priming the system 10. The
supply bags 14 may also introduce air into the pump 20. The patient
12 can also produce certain gasses, which become entrained in the
dialysate and enter the pump 20. Further, if minor leaks exist in
the fluid disposable or the connections to the supply bag 14, the
catheter at the patient 12, or the drain bag, the pump 20 can draw
air in through the leaks.
[0030] The system 10 provides various fluid pressure sensors 68.
Fluid pressure sensors FP1 and FP2 provide a redundant pressure
reading of the fluid in the fill line 52 leading to the pump 60.
The fluid pressure sensors 68 provide a signal to the controller 30
that indicates the respective fluid pressure at that location.
Based on the signals from the pressure sensors FP1 and FP2, the
controller 30 operates the fluid pumps and valves to obtain and
maintain a desired fluid pressure. As stated above, the system 10
maintains the pump pressure, for example, at about three psi.
[0031] The system 10 also provides various valve pressure sensors
70. Valve pressure sensors VP1 to VP5 detect the fluid pressure at
the valves V1 to V5. The system 10 further provides one or more
vacuum pressure sensors 72, for example, at the vacuum source 44,
to ensure that a proper vacuum is maintained on the membrane
receptacle within the pump 20.
[0032] In an embodiment, the fluid pressure, valve pressure and
vacuum sensors 68, 70 and 72, respectively, are non-invasive
sensors. That is, the sensors do not physically contact (and
possibly contaminate) the medical fluid or dialysate. Of course,
the system 10 can include other flow and pressure devices, such as
flow rate sensors, pressure gauges, flowmeters, or pressure
regulators in any suitable quantity and at any desired
location.
[0033] The system 10 also includes various positioning sensors. In
an embodiment, the positioning sensors include a linear encoder 74
that monitors the position of the linear pump actuator 24 and a
rotary encoder 76 that monitors the angular position of the valve
actuator 26 or camshaft. An encoder is one type of positioning
feedback device that can be employed. Other types of positioning
feedback systems include proximity sensors and magnetic pick-ups
that sense a pulse, e.g., a gear tooth of a gear attached to the
camshaft, and output the pulse to a counter or microprocessor.
[0034] The encoders 74 and 76 also typically provide a pulsed
output, which is sent to the controller 30. The pulsed output tells
the controller 30 how many steps or how far the linear pump
actuator 24 or the valve actuator 26 is from a home position or
home index 78. For example, the home position 78 can be the pump
fully open or pump fully closed position for the linear encoder 74
and the zero degree position for the rotary encoder 76.
[0035] In an embodiment, the encoders 74 and 76 are absolute type
encoders that know the location of the home position 78 even after
a power loss. In another embodiment, the encoders 74 and 76 are
incremental encoders and a battery back-up is provided to the
controller so that the system 10 can maintain the location of the
home position 78 even when no external power is applied. Further
alternatively, system 10 can be programmed to automatically move
the pump actuator 24 and the valve actuator 26 upon power-up until
a home position is sensed, wherein the system 10 can begin to run
the main sequence.
[0036] During the operation of the system 10 an event may occur
that requires high priority information to be displayed to the
operator, for example, an alarm and corresponding message either on
the display device 40 or on a separate dedicated alarm display.
Example problems that may generate an alarm include catheter
occlusion problems, blocked catheters, occurrences of peritonitis
or constipation, etc.
[0037] A flowchart of an example process 200 for displaying flow
rate graphs and alarms on a dialysis system is presented in FIG. 2.
Preferably, the process 200 is embodied in one or more software
programs which are stored in one or more memories and executed by
one or more processors. Although the process 200 is described with
reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 2, it will be
appreciated that many other methods of performing the acts
associated with process 200 may be used. For example, the order of
many of the steps may be changed, some of the steps described may
be optional, and additional steps may be included.
[0038] In general, and as shown in FIG. 3, the process 200 allows a
user to simultaneously view a normal flow rate graph 302, one or
more abnormal flow rate graphs 304, an actual flow rate graph 306,
and an alarm type 308. Preferably, the three graphs are at the same
scale and time-aligned so the user can quickly diagnose issues
associated with drain and catheter problems.
[0039] More specifically, the process 200 begins when the user
selects a normal flow rate graph 302 (block 202). The normal flow
rate graph 302 represents the physician's intended flow rate for
the patient based on the patient's age, weight, etc. For example,
the user may scroll through various normal flow rate graphs by
selecting an arrow button 310. Alternatively, the user may select
the normal flow rate graph 302 by touching an image and/or name of
the normal flow rate graph 302 on a touch screen 42. Once selected,
the normal flow rate graph 302 is displayed (block 204).
[0040] Based on the selected flow rate graph 302, the system 10
determines one or more common abnormal flow rate graphs 304
associated with the selected normal flow rate graph 302 (block
206). For example, the system 10 may lookup one or more common
abnormal flow rate graphs 304 in a database. The database may be
static or dynamic. For example, the database may be updated by
insertion of a memory device and/or remotely via a network. In
addition, the system 10 may learn what abnormal flow rates are
associated with selected normal flow rate and update its own
database.
[0041] Next, the system 10 displays the abnormal flow rate graph(s)
304 on the same screen as the normal flow rate graph 302 (block
208). Preferably, the graphs are time-aligned as shown in FIG. 3.
In an embodiment, the user may scroll through multiple abnormal
flow rate graphs 304 using arrow buttons 312 while still viewing
the normal flow rate graph 302.
[0042] Finally, the system also displays the actual flow rate graph
306 associated with the patient (block 210) and any alarms 308
(block 212) associated with the dialysis. Preferably, the actual
flow rate graph 306 is time-aligned with the normal flow rate graph
302 and the abnormal flow rate graph(s) 304 as shown in the example
of FIG. 3. In an embodiment, the user may scroll through multiple
actual flow rate graphs 306 using arrow buttons 314 while still
viewing the normal flow rate graph 302 and the abnormal flow rate
graph(s) 304. For example, historical flow rate graphs may be
viewed in this manner.
[0043] In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, at the point in time
reached by the actual flow rate graph 306 (e.g., 7 minutes in to a
20 minute treatment), the actual flow rate graph 306 appears more
similar to the abnormal flow rate graph 304 than it does to the
normal flow rate graph 302 due to the steeper decline. Accordingly,
this issue may be visually diagnosed as an occlusion. If the user
was uncertain, the user may scroll through other possible abnormal
flow rate graphs 304 using arrow buttons 312. In an alternate
embodiment, the system 10 may offer diagnosis recommendations based
on a mathematical comparison of the shape of the curves as well as
indications of patient usage error such as drain bypasses.
[0044] In summary, persons of ordinary skill in the art will
readily appreciate that methods and apparatus for displaying flow
rate graphs and alarms on a dialysis system have been provided. The
foregoing description has been presented for the purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the exemplary embodiments disclosed.
Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the
above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the invention be
limited not by this detailed description of examples, but rather by
the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *