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Abstract

A configuration for a drug delivery system which offers significant advantages over presently available systems. The system provides redundant protection against overdelivery of drug, increased accuracy of delivery, reduced energy requirement, increased capability to clear a blocked catheter, and alarms signifying catheter blockage or valve leakage. The system comprises the series combination of a reservoir, low power electromagnetic pump having spring-biased magnetically actuated piston/plunger and a check valve, pressure sensor, pressure regulator and a catheter. The reservoir supplies a drug at greater than ambient pressure, e.g. 18.7 psia or 4 psi above normal sea level ambient pressure. The pump increases the pressure by 3 psi to 21.7 psia. The pressure sensor tracks the pressure at this location and triggers suitable action by the pump. The pressure regulator downstream of the pressure sensor is configured to hold the pressure at the regulator inlet at a desired level such as 21.7 psia. The catheter at the regulator exit delivers fluid to the patient at a pressure which is normally close to that of the patient's environment.

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First Claim