Method and apparatus for controlling blood volume and hydration and for indicating resuscitation status of a patient using peripheral venous pressure as a hemodynamic parameter

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling fluid volume in a patient includes a fluid source ( ) and a fluid conduit ( ) for carrying fluid from the fluid source to the patient ( ). A controllable infusion pump ( ) pumps fluid from the fluid source to a peripheral vein of the patient through the fluid conduit. An occluder ( ) for blocks fluid communication between the fluid source and the patient through the fluid conduit. A fluid pressure sensor ( ) periodically senses fluid pressure in the fluid conduit. The apparatus further includes a controller ( ) for determining a peripheral venous pressure value from the sensed fluid pressure in the fluid conduit after the infusion pump is stopped and the occluder blocks the fluid communication between the fluid source and the patient through the fluid conduit. The peripheral venous pressure is indicative of the patient's means systemic pressure and the fluid volume of the patient.