| abstract |
An infusion leak detection system indicates that a fluid to be delivered into an individual's body has leaked near an infusion site. The infusion site is at a location where a delivery element (14), such as a cannula, needle, penetrates an individual's body. Preferably, one end of the delivery element is attached to a delivery device (10) and the other end is inserted through an individual's skin (16) terminating in an individual's subcutaneous tissue. The delivery device is attached to the surface of the individual's skin. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the detection system includes a chemical positioned near the infusion site the reacts with preservatives in the leaking fluid to generate a highgly visible, brightly colored, chemical complex. In alternative embodiments, mechanical, electro-optical, electrochemical, electrical or other chemical systems may be used to detect the presence of fluid that is leaking near the infusion site. |