Infiltration detection system that uses a pressure measurement

摘要

A system for detecting the presence of infiltration of fluid being delivered through a line (14) to a patient (12). Stepping means (161, 163, 162, 17) subjects the fluid in the line (14) to a negative pressure step. Pressure monitoring means (15) monitors fluid pressure in the line (14). Processing means (18), in communication with the pressure monitoring means (15) and the stepping means (161, 162, 163, 17) activates the stepping means (161, 162, 163, 17) and determines whether the function of line pressure over time in response to the occurence of a negative pressure step (21, 22) exhibits a relatively slow return (22) to the pre-step pressure, such relatively slow return (22) being characteristic of the presence of infiltration.