Did You Know LabVIEW Could Improve Nursing Efficiency?
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The LabVIEW Embedded Module for Blackfin Processors helped Fluidnet and Boston Engineering develop the firmware for this innovative IV Drip Infusion Pump.
Did you know that NI LabVIEW could deliver an entirely new and innovative infusion drip pump specifically designed to improve nursing efficiency and patient safety? According to Fluidnet, nurses report that 15 to 60 percent of their time is consumed supporting IV therapy-related issues. Using the NI LabVIEW Embedded Module for ADI Blackfin Processors, Fluidnet and Boston Engineering developed a family of simple-to-use infusion devices to address this drain on nursing resources. These new devices are more accurate and safer, and they offer a wider flow-rate range while delivering a completely continuous flow – all at a significantly lower price than existing infusion devices.
LabVIEW was at the very heart of this device – implementing the firmware for the primary controller. Fluidnet took advantage of the LabVIEW platform to design the first closed-loop control infusion system with proprietary real-time flow and automatic volume sensing capabilities. The company performed “algorithm engineering” on a desktop PC, using NI data acquisition (DAQ) devices for analog I/O. When it came time for deployment into the final form factor, Fluidnet turned to the Boston Engineering FlexStack – a tiny, rugged deployment platform that combines the flexibility of LabVIEW Embedded technology with the power of the ADI Blackfin Processor. With this platform, Fluidnet reused a significant amount of code developed in the design phase while shrinking the size to a 2.5 by 2.5 in. footprint. Because the Blackfin Processor has extensive power management features, Fluidnet delivered a two-week run time on off-the-shelf, rechargeable batteries.
Fluidnet added other features to increase the usability and usefulness of the pump. For example, radio frequency identification (RFID) labels instantly recognize the medicine, providing pharmacy-to-bedside pump programming and audit trails. Nurses can remotely monitor and alter the pump operation via Bluetooth. Also, a low-power electronic ink display provides a near-powerless user interface.
NI Community Member Reaches Milestone
Dennis Knutson recently became the first NI discussion forum enthusiast to reach 10,000 posts. Along with a congratulatory thread started by “Father of LabVIEW” Jeff Kodosky, NI created a new discussion forum rank, Knight of NI, in honor of the occasion. The NI discussion forums provide an online venue for supplying and finding solutions to real-world problems using NI products. Congratulations, Dennis!
This article first appeared in the Q4 2007 issue of Instrumentation Newsletter.
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