Merit Medical

Steve R Taylor

Gregory R McArthur

Jerrold L Foote

Thomas D Stout

Garlyn W Hendry

Christopher L Durham

Ronald L Stoker

Darryl Kent Backman

Jon Rhees

William Woelper

A system and method for electronically monitoring and displaying digital flow data relevant to the administration of a parenteral fluid, such as a contrast medium, to a patient is disclosed. The system includes a disposable fluid flow indicator, adapted to be detachably connected in fluid communication with a contrast media source. The fluid flow indicator measures the amount of contrast media dispensed from the source and administered to a patient, and provides an indication of the amount dispensed based on the movement of a displacement indicator. Also disclosed is an electronic controller, which is adapted to be detachably connected to the fluid flow indicator. The controller includes a sensor interface circuit, which operably interfaces the electronic controller circuitry with the fluid flow indicator so that the fluid flow measurement indicator is optically detected by the sensor circuit, which in turn generates a representative electrical flow signal. The electrical flow signal is received and processed by a programmable digital processor contained within the electronic controller in a manner so as to continuously track and generate digital flow data. The digital flow data includes information regarding the amount of contrast medium remaining within the contrast source, and the amount of medium that has been delivered to the patient. The electronic controller also includes a digital display, which continuously displays the digital flow data. The controller also includes a series of user actuable switches, which permit the user to select various functions to be performed by the digital processor, including the ability to display digital flow data for prior patients, and the ability to select various operating parameters. Since the electronic controller is detachably connected to the flow indicator, the controller can be reused at the completion of a monitoring procedure. Also disclosed is a method for safely and efficiently monitoring and displaying the amount of contrast medium administered to a patient by using a programmable digital processor.

System for electronically monitoring the delivery of contrast media

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Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America

Steve R Taylor