Patent ID: 6824528
Filing Date: 2004-11-30
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An apparatus for facilitating pressurized infusion of liquid from a liquid-filled container through a tube into a patient, wherein said liquid-filled container includes proximal and distal portions and permits liquid to flow from said container at a container distal end, and wherein said liquid-filled container is suspended from a support and said tube extends between said liquid-filled container and an infusion site on said patient, said apparatus comprising:an inflatable pressure device for applying pressure to and compressing said liquid-filled container to facilitate a desired flow rate of liquid from said liquid-filled container through said tube to the infusion site, wherein said inflatable pressure device includes a tapered portion; a receptacle for receiving said liquid-filled container and said inflatable pressure device and engaging said support, wherein said inflatable pressure device is placeable within said receptacle adjacent said liquid-filled container such that the tapered portion engages the liquid filled containter to facilitate greater compression of said container proximal portion than of said container distal portion; and a pressure controller for regulating fluid pressure within and expansion of said inflatable pressure device to control liquid flow rate through said tube, wherein manipulation of said pressure controller regulates pressure applied by said inflatable pressure device to said liquid-filled container to generate said desired liquid flow rate through said tube from said liquid-filled container to the infusion site.