Patent ID: 8197431
Filing Date: 2012-06-12
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An access disconnect detector for use with an extracorporeal circuit, the detector comprising: an acoustic transmitter for producing an acoustic signal and configured for mounting on a venous side of the extracorporeal circuit; an acoustic sensor for sensing a signal from the acoustic transmitter, the acoustic sensor mounted on the venous side of the extracorporeal circuit; and a controller configured for (i) sensing a signal from the acoustic transmitter and the acoustic sensor and for sending an alert upon a change in the signal detected from the acoustic transmitter or the acoustic sensor, (ii) calculating a baseline acoustic reflection coefficient for the signal, wherein the reflection coefficient includes a reflected acoustic pressure divided by an incident acoustic pressure, and (iii) calculating a change from the baseline coefficient to determine when a leak or a disconnect has occurred, wherein the controller is in communication with or is part of a therapy machine for receiving blood and returning blood to the venous access site.