Source: http://www.freshpatents.com/-dt20121101ptan20120277551.php
Timestamp: 2014-07-31 13:44:42
Document Index: 250414697

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61', 'Application No. 61']

Intersession Monitoring For Blood Fluid Removal Therapy FreshPatents Stats n/a views for this patent on FreshPatents.comUpdated: July 25 2014 TOP 200 Companies filing patents this week
Intersession monitoring for blood fluid removal therapy Intersession monitoring for blood fluid removal therapyMethods for monitoring patient parameters and blood fluid removal system parameters include identifying those system parameters that result in improved patient parameters or in worsened patent parameters. By comparing the patient's current parameters to past parameters in response to system parameters or changes in system parameters, a blood fluid removal system may be able to avoid future use of parameters that may harm the patient and may be able to learn which parameters are likely to be most effective in treating the patient in a blood fluid removal session.
Inventors: Martin Gerber, SyPing Lyu, Bryant PudilUSPTO Applicaton #: #20120277551 - Class: 600309 (USPTO) - 11/01/12 - Class 600 Surgery > Diagnostic Testing >Measuring Or Detecting Nonradioactive Constituent Of Body Liquid By Means Placed Against Or In Body Throughout Test The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20120277551, Intersession monitoring for blood fluid removal therapy.
The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems and methods for monitoring parameters of patients that receive blood fluid removal therapy.
Patients who undergo hemodialysis or other procedures that remove fluid from blood often die of cardiac complications. Many factors may contribute to such death, including stress placed on the heart due to increased blood fluid volume in these patients. Increased fluid concentrations and inability to appropriately remove waste products from the blood can also contribute to electrolyte and pH imbalance that can affect cardiac contractility and efficiency. Further, rapid changes in fluid volume or pH or electrolyte concentration of the blood during hemodialysis or other fluid removal processes may place additional stress on the heart and may contribute to the high rate of morbidity for patients who undergo blood fluid removal procedures.
While such monthly examinations somewhat provide for blood fluid removal sessions tailored according to the patient\'s needs, it may be desirable to provide a more systematic evaluation of the patient and the blood fluid removal session parameters to achieve a more patient-specific therapy.
This disclosure, among other things, describes devices, systems and methods for monitoring patient parameters and blood fluid removal system parameters and identifying those system parameters that result in improved (more effective) patient parameters or in worsened (less effective) patent parameters. By comparing the patient\'s past responses to system parameters or changes in system parameters, a blood fluid removal system may be able to avoid future use of parameters that may harm the patient and may be able to learn which parameters are likely to be most effective in treating the patient in a blood fluid removal session. Further, by monitoring the patient\'s response between sessions, those system parameters that result in lasting improvement or worsening of patient variables may be tracked so that future blood fluid removal sessions may be appropriately tailored to effectuate good lasting outcomes for the patient. In addition or alternatively, tracking patient variables leading up to a blood fluid session may allow proper conditions to be set for the upcoming session based on patient response to prior system parameters when the patient presented with similar variables.
In various embodiments described herein, a method includes (i) storing system parameters from a first blood fluid removal session in memory; (ii) acquiring a first set of data regarding one or more patient parameters following the first session but before a second session; (iii) storing the first data set in a “most effective to date” data set memory; (iv) associating the first system parameters in an increased effectiveness lookup table with the first data set; (v) storing system parameters from the second blood fluid removal session in memory; (vi) acquiring a second set of data regarding the one or more patient parameters following the second session; and (vii) if at least one value of the second data set is closer to the target value than a corresponding at least one value of the first data set: replacing the first data set in the most effective to date data set memory with the second data set; storing in the increased effectiveness lookup table data regarding the second data set; and associating data regarding the second system parameters with the second data set.
In embodiments, a method includes (i) acquiring data regarding one or more of one or more patient physiological parameters and time since last blood fluid removal session; (ii) acquiring data regarding one or more target outcomes of a blood fluid removal session; (iii) comparing the data regarding at least one of the one or more target outcomes of the blood fluid removal session to corresponding data regarding at least one prior target outcome stored in a lookup table, wherein the lookup table comprises data regarding system parameters used in one or more prior blood fluid removal sessions of the patient and comprises patient data prior to the previous session regarding one or more of the one or more patient physiological parameters and the time since last blood fluid removal session; (iv) comparing the data regarding the one or more of the one or more patient physiological parameters and the time since last blood fluid removal session to corresponding patient data prior to the previous session stored in the lookup table; and (v) initiating a blood fluid removal session employing the system parameters used for the prior blood fluid removal session if the at least one of the one or more target outcomes is within a predetermined range of the corresponding data regarding the at least one prior target outcome stored in the lookup table and the data regarding the one or more of the one or more patient physiological parameters and the time since last blood fluid removal session is within a predetermined range of the corresponding patient data prior to the previous session stored in the lookup table.
Blood fluid removal systems configured to carry out the methods described herein are also presented, as are computer readable medium that, when executed, cause a blood fluid removal system to carry out the methods described herein.
FIGS. 1-7 are flow diagrams illustrating methods in accordance with various embodiments described herein.
FIG. 8 is a schematic graphical representation of monitored data (not actual data) shown for purposes of illustration.
FIGS. 9-11 are schematic block diagrams showing interaction of blood fluid removal devices with a patient showing flow of blood (dashed arrows) and fluid (solid arrows), which blood fluid removal devices may be used in various embodiments described herein.
FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing flow paths and some control mechanisms for controlling flow of concentrate into fluid for use in a blood fluid removal process.
FIGS. 13-14 are schematic block diagrams of some components of blood fluid removal devices that are configured to various system parameters.
As used herein, “effective” or the like, as it relates to patient parameters, refers to the how close one or more patient parameters are to one or more target for the one or more parameters. Thus, a “most effective” patient parameter to date is a patient parameter at a given time that is closer to the target than the same parameter measured at any previous time. A “more effective” patient parameter is a parameter measured at a given time that is closer to the target than the same parameter measured at another time. A “least effective” patient parameter to date is a patient parameter at a given time that is farther from the target than the same parameter measured at any previous time. A “less effective” patient parameter is a parameter measured or observed at a given time that is farther from the target than the same parameter measured at another time.
This disclosure, among other things, describes devices, systems and methods for monitoring patient physiological parameters and blood fluid removal system parameters and identifying those system parameters that result in improved physiological parameters or in worsened physiological parameters. By comparing the patient\'s past responses to system parameters or changes in system parameters, a blood fluid removal system may be able to avoid future use of parameters that may harm the patient and may be able to learn which parameters are likely to be most effective in treating the patient in a blood fluid removal session.
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/480,539, entitled ADAPTIVE SYSTEM FOR BLOOD FLUID REMOVAL, having attorney docket no. P0041918.00, filed on Apr. 29, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to the extent that it does not conflict with the present disclosure. While the present disclosure includes much of the discussion and drawings presented in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/480,539, the present application enhances the disclosure with regard to inter-session parameters and learning.
Referring to FIG. 1, a high level schematic overview of embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown in FIG. 1, a learning algorithm 520 is employed to determine what system parameters work well to produce desired patient physiological results based on input. Any suitable input variable 500 may be considered by the algorithm 520 in the learning process. For example, variables such as how long it has been since the patient\'s last blood removal session may be input. Such input could be important as patients undergoing, for example, hemodialysis on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule are more likely to suffer an adverse cardiac event just before, during or after the Monday blood fluid removal session. Accordingly, the algorithm 520 may consider whether a different set of system parameters should be employed when the patient has not undergone a session in 72 hours relative to when the patient has not undergone a session in 48 hours. Input variables 500 may also include whether the patient has limited time to undergo a blood fluid removal session. The algorithm 520 can determine whether a faster fluid removal rate should be used or whether a partial session at a reduced fluid removal rate would likely be more effective based on the patient\'s history of response to fast fluid removal rates. Alternatively, the patient may have additional time to undergo a blood fluid removal session, and the algorithm 520 can take such input 500 into account to determine whether there may be an advantage to slower fluid removal rates or slower adjustment of a concentration of an electrolyte based on the patient\'s history. Of course, it will be understood that any other suitable input variables 500 may be entered regarding target outcomes (e.g., quick session, long session, etc.), patient history (e.g., time since last session), or the like. In embodiments, input that takes into account future patient behavior or needs may be entered into the system. For example, if a patient knows that they will miss a session or the time until their next session will be delayed from normal, time until next session may be entered, which may affect the system parameters (e.g., may remove additional fluid, etc.). By way of another example, if the patient knows that they will eat or drink an amount more than optimal before the session, expected consumption levels may be input in the system.
As shown in FIG. 1, the algorithm 520, based on input variables 500, and patient physiological variables 510 may determine appropriate system variables 530 to employ based on the patient\'s history with blood fluid sessions under the algorithm. During a blood fluid session, system variables 530 may be changed and the patient physiological response may be monitored in response to the changed system variables. If one or more of the patient\'s physiological variables 510 improve, the algorithm 530 can associate the changed system variables 530 with the improved patient outcome so that the changed system variables 530 may be used later in the session or in a future session when the patient has a similar set of physiological variables 510. If one or more of the patient\'s physiological variables 510 worsen, the algorithm 530 can associate the changed system variables 530 with a worsened patient outcome so that the changed system variables 530 may be avoided later in the session or in a future session when the patient has a similar set of physiological variables 510.
In embodiments, the input variables 500 include patient physiological variables that have occurred in a time period preceding a blood fluid removal session. For example, the time period may be a period of time (e.g., all or one or more portions of time) since the patient\'s last session. In embodiments, the input variables include input indicating (i) how long favorable patient variables 510 (e.g., above or below a predetermined threshold) were observed after the last session; (ii) the rate of change of patient variables 510 following the last session, (iii) etc., all of which may be compared against system parameters 530 used in the previous session. If the patient physiological 510 or other variables (e.g. patient input regarding how the patient has felt), were favorable since the last session, the system may employ similar variables in future sessions. It may also or alternatively be desirable to monitor patient physiological or other variables in a time period leading up to a session and input such variables into the algorithm 520 or system before the session. The system or algorithm 520 can then determine whether the patient has presented with similar symptoms or parameters in previous sessions and employ system variables 530 to which the patient responded favorably, either in the session, after the session, or both in the session and after the session. Accordingly, the system or algorithm 520 may monitor patient well-being, which may be derived from patient physiological variable 510 or input variables 500, within a session and between sessions to determine which system variables should be employed and changed based on the patient response to previous sessions. As indicated by the dashed lines and arrows in FIG. 1, patient physiological variables 510 obtained between sessions and system variables 530 used in a prior session may be input variables 500 in a current or upcoming session.
In embodiments, the physiological variables 510 are monitored by sensors that feed data regarding the variables directly into the algorithm 520 or electronics running the algorithm. The sensors may monitor fluid volume in the patient\'s blood; fluid volume in the patient\'s tissue; concentrations of electrolytes in the patient\'s blood; pH of the patient\'s blood; one or more cardiovascular parameter of the patient, such as blood pressure, heart rhythm, heart rate; or combinations or indicators thereof. The sensors may monitor the patient physiological parameters before, during or after a blood fluid removal session.
Any suitable senor may be employed. Examples of sensors and systems that may be employed with regard to blood fluid volumes and tissue fluid volumes are discussed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/480,528, filed on Apr. 29, 2011, entitled FLUID VOLUME MONITORING FOR PATIENTS WITH RENAL DISEASE and having attorney docket no. P0041416.00; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/480,530, filed on Apr. 29, 2011, entitled MONITORING FLUID VOLUME FOR PATIENTS WITH RENAL DISEASE, and having attorney docket no. P0041417.00, which applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties to the extent that they do not conflict with the present disclosure. Sensors for monitoring tissue fluid volume, blood fluid volume, fluid flow or volume diverted from blood and the like typically monitor fluid indirectly, and directly monitor an indicator of fluid volume, flow or the like. For example, a sensor may indirectly monitor hematocrit (the portion of the blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells). Any suitable hematocrit sensor, such as a CRIT-LINE monitor from HEMA METRICS (see, HEMA METRICS, CRIT-LINE hematocrit accuracy, Vol. 1, Techn Note No. 11 (Rev. D) Feb. 24, 2003), may be used and may serve as an indicator of blood fluid volume. A sensor configured to monitor hemoglobin levels may also be used as an indicator of blood fluid volume, as hemoglobin concentration is typically proportional to red blood cell concentration. Thus, lower the hemoglobin concentrations may be indicative of higher blood fluid volume. Any suitable sensor may be used to measure hemoglobin concentration, such as sensors used in pulse oximeters which measure adsorption of red and infrared light to determine concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin, respectfully. The sensors (which may include the associated light source(s)) may be placed in any suitable location, such as around tubing that carries blood from the patient to the blood fluid removal device or from the blood fluid removal device to the patient, within the blood fluid removal device, or the like. In addition or alternatively, a sensor may be implanted in a patient and disposed about a blood vessel to measure hemoglobin levels, and thus hematocrit and blood fluid levels. By way of further example, total blood protein or albumin concentrations and blood pressure, alone or in combination, can be used to evaluate blood volume. High blood pressure combined with low hematocrit or low blood protein may indicate a higher possibility of blood fluid overloading. Alternatively or additionally, blood viscosity may be used as an indicator of blood fluid volume and may be measured by pressure or flow. Impedance, capacitance, or dialectic constant sensors may be employed to monitor fluid volume. For example, impedance may be monitored between two electrodes. The electrodes may be operably coupled to control and processing electronics via leads. The electronics are configured to generate a voltage differential between the electrodes, current may be measured, and impedance calculated. The measurement may be done in either DC or AC mode. Impedance or phase angle may be correlated to tissue fluid volume. Tissue impedance sensing for purposes of monitoring tissue fluid volume has been well documented. One example of a well studied system that may be used or modified for use herein is Medtronic, Inc.\'s OptiVol® fluid status monitoring system. Such a system, or other similar systems, have well-documented procedures for determining acceptable ranges of tissue impedance and thus fluid volume. See, e.g., (i) Siegenthalar, et al. Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing (2010): 24:449-451, and (ii) Wang, Am. J. Cardiology, 99(Suppl):3G-1-G, May 21, 2007. Alternatively or in addition, tissue impedance may be monitored for a suitable period of time to establish as suitable baseline, and patient markers or clinician input may be used to instruct whether the patient is fluid overloaded or under-loaded. The data acquired by impedance sensor and input data regarding fluid status of the patient at the time the sensor data is acquired may be used to establish suitable ranges for impedance values.
Examples of sensors and systems for monitoring pH and electrolyte concentration are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/480,532, filed on Apr. 29, 2011, entitled ELECTROLYTE AND pH MONITORING FOR FLUID REMOVAL PROCESSES and having attorney docket no. P0041418.00, which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to the extent that it does not conflict with the present disclosure. Of course, any suitable sensor or systems for monitoring pH and electrolyte concentration may be used. For example, a transducer may be employed to detect pH or electrolytes. Suitable transducers may include an ion selective electrode configured to detect H+ ions, K+ ions, Na+ ions, Ca2+ ions, Cl− ions, phosphate ions, magnesium ions, acetate ions, amino acids ions, or the like. Such electrodes, and components of sensors employing such electrodes, are known in the art and may be employed, or modified to be employed, for use in the monitoring described herein. One or more sensors may be employed to detect one or more ions to gauge pH or electrolytes in the blood. In some embodiments, a sensor may have more than one transducer, even if leadless, that may monitor more than one ionic species. By measuring more than one ionic species, a more detailed understanding of the levels of various electrolytes or blood components may be had. For example, in some patients in some situations, one electrolyte may be at elevated levels while another may be at reduced levels. In some embodiments, more than one sensor for the same ion is employed for purposes of result confirmation and redundancy, which can improve reliability and accuracy. In some embodiments, sensors for the same ion may be configured to accurately detect different ranges of concentrations of the ion. In embodiments, more than one transducer is present in a single unit. This allows for convenient data collection and circuitry, as all the data may be collected in one place at the same time. Further, the multiple transducers may share the same fluid collection mechanism (e.g., a microdialyzer in the case of an implant), and if needed or desired, may share the same data processing and memory storage components. A sensor (or transducer) for detecting pH, electrolyte concentration, or the like may be placed at any suitable location for purposes of monitoring electrolytes or pH. For example, the sensor may be implanted in the patient, located external to the patient an upstream of a blood fluid removal device, located external to the patient and downstream of the blood fluid removal device, or the like.
Examples of sensors and systems for monitoring cardiovascular parameters are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/480,535, filed on Apr. 29, 2011, entitled CARDIOVASCULAR MONITORING FOR FLUID REMOVAL PROCESSES and having attorney docket no. P0041857.00, which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to the extent that it does not conflict with the present disclosure. Of course, any suitable sensor for monitoring cardiovascular parameters may be used. In embodiments, pH or electrolyte sensors; e.g., as described above, may be used to monitor cardiovascular parameters. Sensors for monitoring heart rate or heart rhythm may be used. One suitable implantable sensor device that is configured to monitor a patient\'s ECG signals is a Medtronic, Inc.\'s Reveal® series insertable cardiac monitor. In embodiments, the sensor device may be a suitably equipped pacemaker or defibrillator already implanted in the patient. Monitored cardiac signals from such a device may be transmitted to a blood fluid removal device or intermediate device for use in the blood fluid removal session or for setting the prescription for the blood fluid removal session. Blood pressure monitors, which may be external or implantable (such as Medtronic Inc.\'s active leadless pressure sensor (ALPS), which generally takes the form of a stent to anchor the device within a vessel, may be employed. Such a device may be placed in any suitable blood vessel location, such as in a femoral artery or pulmonary artery. A wearable sensor system, such as a Holter sensor system, may be used to monitor ECG activity of the patient. Regardless of whether the sensor or sensor system employed, or components thereof, is implantable, wearable, part of a larger stand-alone device, or part of a blood fluid monitoring device, the sensor may monitor any suitable cardiovascular parameter of a patient. In various embodiments, the sensors or monitoring systems are configured to monitor one or more of heart rate, heart rhythm or a variable thereof, or blood pressure. Examples of variables of heart rhythm that may be measured are heart rate variability (HRV), heart rate turbulence (HRT), T-wave alternans (TWA), P-wave dispersion, T-wave dispersion, Q-T interval, ventricular premature depolarization (VPD), or the like.
As indicated above, sensors for monitoring patient physiological parameters may be, or may have components that are, implantable or wearable. In embodiments, multiple sensors may be connected via telemetry, body bus, or the like. The connected sensors may be of the same or different type (e.g., pH or impedance). Such connected sensors may be placed (e.g., internal or external) for purposes of monitoring at various locations of the patient\'s body.
Monitoring may occur during a blood removal session or between blood removal sessions. In embodiments, blood fluid removal is chronically performed, such as when a blood fluid removal device or a component thereof is wearable or implantable, and monitoring is chronically performed. Chronic monitoring in association with blood fluid removal is described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/480,544, filed on Apr. 29, 2011, entitled CHRONIC pH OR ELECTROLYTE MONITORING and having attorney docket no. P0041857.00, which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to the extent that it does not conflict with the present disclosure.
Monitoring may alternatively or additionally include receiving patient or physician feedback regarding the patient\'s state. For example, the patient may indicate a point in time when cramping begins, which often happens when too much fluid is removed. The blood fluid monitoring device may include an input, such as a keyboard or touch screen display for entering such data. Alternatively, a separate device such as a patient programmer, laptop computer, tablet computer, personal data assistance, smart phone or the like may be used to input the data; or the like.
Any suitable system variable 530 may be adjusted. FIGS. 10-15, and the associated text below, describe some suitable blood fluid removal systems and variables that may be adjusted. In many cases, fluid removal rate, blood flow rate, or concentration of electrolyte or composition of pH buffer in replacement fluid or dialysate may be adjusted. It may be desirable to monitor blood fluid removal system parameters to ensure that the system is performing in an expected manner For example, it may be desirable to monitor fluid rate removal rather than merely adjusting a system variable related to fluid removal rate to ensure that the adjusted system variable actually adjusted the fluid removal rate in the expected manner Any suitable system and method may be employed to monitor such system performance.
Examples of systems and methods for monitoring system performance are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/480,541, filed on Apr. 29, 2011, entitled BLOOD FLUID REMOVAL SYSTEM PERFORMANCE MONITORING and having attorney docket no. P0041858.00, which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to the extent that it does not conflict with the present disclosure. For example, flow sensors such as an acoustic Doppler velocimeter, an optical flow meter, a thermal flow meter, a Venturi meter, in-fluid paddle type meter, or the like may be used upstream or downstream of blood fluid removal device to monitor system performance. Sensors configured to monitor an indicator of a compound in blood or in fluid removed from the blood may be used to monitor system performance. The sensors may be configured to monitor components of blood that are configured to be removed during some blood fluid removal processes, such as hemodialysis. Examples of such compounds include urea, creatinine, sulfate, phosphate, β-2-microglobulin, or the like. Sensors capable of measuring such compounds are known in the art and can be readily adapted for used herein. For example, Nova Biomedical manufactures a variety of sensors capable of detecting components in blood such as creatinine, phosphate, urea and the like, which sensors can be employed or adapted for use herein. Other urea sensor detection technology that may be employed or adapted for used herein is described by Zhong et al., Clin. J. Biotechnol. 1992; 8(1):57-65. β-2-microglobulin sensor detection technology that may be employed or adapted for used herein is described by Brynda et al., Biosens Bioelectron. 1999; 14(4):363-8 and by Nedelkov et al., Proteomics. 2002; 2(4):441-6. Of course, any suitable sensor technology may be employed. By way of further example, pressure sensors may be employed to monitor pressure differential across a blood fluid removal membrane to monitor system performance.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a high level flow diagram of a method is described. The method includes providing input (600), such as input variables discussed above with regard to FIG. 1, to a blood fluid removal system. The method also includes initiating or starting (700) a blood fluid removal session, and learning (800) from the session. The learning (800) may be as discussed above with regard to FIG. 1 with system parameters being varied and patient physiological parameters being monitored to determine which system parameter adjustments result in desirable patient physiologic outcomes. The learning may also occur over multiple sessions by monitoring patient variables within the sessions or by monitoring patient variables between sessions to determine how well the patient responded prior sessions to predict how well a patient will respond to future sessions (or to set initial parameters for future sessions based on prior experiences).
For example and with reference to FIG. 3A, additional detail regarding an embodiment of a learning process that may occur during a blood fluid removal session is shown. The blood fluid removal session is started (700) and the patient is monitored (810). Monitored patient parameters, such as patient physiological variables as discussed above, are stored (820); e.g., in memory of the blood fluid removal system. The system parameters, such as system variables described above, which may include rate of fluid removal from the blood or electrolyte concentration of a dialysate or replacement fluid, are adjusted (830) and the system parameters are stored (840); e.g., in memory of the blood fluid removal system, and patient monitoring (810) continues. The set of stored patient parameters (820) are associated (850A) with a set of stored system parameters (840) so that the system may recall particular system parameters that were employed at the time the patient had a given set of parameters. The data regarding the stored patient parameters (820) and the stored system parameters (840) may be tagged with, for example, a time event to associate the two sets of data. Of course any other suitable method or mechanism for associating the data sets may be employed. In some embodiments, the associated data, or a portion thereof, is placed in a lookup table tracking the patient\'s history of physiological response to changing system parameters (860A).
Referring now to FIG. 3B, an overview of a learning process that may occur with monitoring between blood fluid removal sessions is shown. Before, during or after a blood fluid removal session is ended (899), system parameters used in the session are stored (840). The system parameters, such as system variables described above, which may include rate of fluid removal from the blood or electrolyte concentration of a dialysate or replacement fluid, as well as any adjustments made during the session that has just ended may be stored in memory and associated with the patient. During one or more time periods between the end of the session (899) and the start of the next session (700), the patient is monitored (810). Monitored patient parameters, such as patient physiological variables as discussed above, are stored (820); e.g., in memory of the blood fluid removal system or in memory of a device capable of communicating with, or a part of, the blood fluid removal system. For example, if monitoring (810), or a portion thereof, occurs via an implanted device, the implantable monitoring device may be configured to wirelessly communicate with a blood fluid removal system or a device capable of communicating with the blood fluid removal system. If monitoring includes assays or other diagnostic procedures for which data is presented to a user, such as a health care provider, the data may be entered into a blood fluid removal system or device in communication with the blood fluid removal system. The set of stored system parameters (840) are associated (850B) with a set of patient system parameters (820) so that the system may recall particular system parameters that were employed in prior sessions that resulted in a given set of patient parameters. The data regarding the stored patient parameters (820) and the stored system parameters (840) may be tagged with, for example, a time event to associate the two sets of data. Of course any other suitable method or mechanism for associating the data sets may be employed. In some embodiments, the associated data, or a portion thereof, is placed in a lookup table tracking the patient\'s history of physiological response to system parameters (860B). Depending on the patient\'s response (patient monitoring 810) to the prior sessions, the system parameters may be adjusted (830) prior to beginning the next session (700). The patient\'s responses between sessions may also affect changes made during a session.
Referring now to FIG. 3C, an overview of a learning process that accounts for both inter-session and intra-session patient monitoring is shown. The process depicted in FIG. 3C is mainly a composite of the processes depicted and described above with regard to FIGS. 3A-B. As depicted in FIG. 3C, the process or algorithm may include associating (850A) system parameters (840), and adjustments thereof (830), that result in good or bad outcomes with regard to patient parameters (820) and may recall those associations for later use, e.g. in the form of a lookup table (860A) for purposes of making future adjustments to system parameters (830) based on patient response (810) within a session. Prior patient responses occurring between prior sessions (i.e., between end of session 899 and beginning of session 700) may also be taken into account (e.g., associated parameters (850B) that include patient parameters obtained between sessions) by, for example, referring to lookup table 860B. If, for example, changes in systems parameters (830) within a session are associated with good (effective) or bad (ineffective) patient responses (810) between sessions, similar changes may be made or avoided, as relevant, within a session. In addition, the patient response (810) to a prior session or the patient\'s condition (810) before a session may warrant adjustment of system parameters (830) prior to beginning a session (700). The patient response (810) within prior sessions may also be taken into account (e.g., by reference to history table 860A) in making system adjustments prior to beginning a session.
A more detailed embodiment of a within-session learning algorithm, or method is presented in FIG. 4A. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4A, patient is monitored (810) during a blood fluid removal session. It may be desirable to determine whether data acquired from patient monitoring is out of range (813). As used herein, “out of range” means that a value of a monitored parameter exceeds (ie., is above or below) a predetermined range of values. The predetermined range of values may be indicative of a patient safety concern. If the data is out of range, an alert may be issued (815) or the session may be stopped (817). In some cases, it may be desirable to continue with the session, even if the monitored data, or some aspect thereof is out of range. In the depicted embodiment, if the session is continued, (e.g., due to choice or to the monitored data not being out of range), data regarding the monitored patient parameters is stored (820) and is compared to stored patient data previously obtained (e.g., in a prior session or earlier in the session). A determination may be made as to whether the present patient parameter data is less effective (823) than stored patient parameter data resulting from system parameter adjustments (830) that occurred just prior to the current set of system parameters. If the data is determined to be less effective (823), the stored current patient parameters (820) may be associated (851) with stored current system parameters (840); e.g., as discussed above. In some cases, it may be desirable to determine whether the current patient parameter data, or a portion or aspect thereof, is the least effective that has been detected in the patient in a current or previous blood fluid removal session (825); e.g. by comparing the current patient data to a history of collected patient data. If the current patient data is the least effective observed (825) to date, the stored current patient parameters (820) may be associated (851) with stored current system parameters (840). In this way, only the “least effective” patient conditions are tracked, as opposed to all patient conditions, which can save on memory and processing power. In any case, once the patient and system parameter data is associated (851), the system parameters may be adjusted (830) and the process repeated.
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Patent InfoApplication # US 20120277551 A1Publish Date 11/01/2012 Document # 13424429 File Date 03/20/2012 USPTO Class 600309 Other USPTO Classes 600300, 600483, 600485, 600508, 604503 International Class / Drawings 17 Follow us on Twitter@FreshPatents