Patent ID: 7905710
Filing Date: 2011-03-15
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for providing low flow continuity of a medical pump having a pump drive and a force/pressure sensor, comprising the steps of: determining a cycle start position; driving the pump drive at a drive rate which is based on a desired delivery rate; sensing a plurality of force/pressure values over time using the force/pressure sensor, which are representative of the force/pressure exerted on the force/pressure sensor as the driving of the pump drive occurs; calculating the rate of change of the sensed force/pressure values; determining in a first determination step whether the rate of change of the sensed force/pressure values meets a first rate of change value; if the first determination step is true, determining in a second determination step whether the rate of change of the sensed force/pressure values meets a second rate of change value; if the second determination step is true, calculating a remaining pump drive travel value for determining how much farther the pump drive should travel before the end of an effective pump cycle; and, completing the effective pump cycle delivery using the remaining pump drive travel value.