Active Pressure Regulation for Vacuum-Assisted Venous Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VAVD controllers rely on mechanical proportional pressure regulators, which lack dynamic regulation, leading to risks such as excessive negative pressures and pressure fluctuations, especially when aspirators are used, and do not provide real-time monitoring or control of the actual pressure in the cardiotomy reservoir, posing risks of air embolisms and hemodilution.
Innovation Solution
A system with an active pressure regulating valve and integrated pressure sensor that automatically adjusts to maintain a desired negative pressure, incorporating a presence detection unit to verify correct placement and fluid aspiration, and mechanical vacuum safety valves to prevent excessive pressure, along with a graphical user interface for user input and error prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical proportional pressure regulators are used to control negative pressure in the cardiotomy reservoir, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to lack of dynamic regulation and real-time monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where a pressure sensor continuously monitors the actual negative pressure in the cardiotomy reservoir and feeds this information back to a control unit. The control unit automatically adjusts the proportional pressure regulator based on the deviation from the target pressure, ensuring reliable pressure control while compensating for disturbances such as aspirator usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical pressure regulation with an electromechanical system that uses an electric motor to drive the proportional pressure regulator. This substitution enables dynamic and automated pressure control, improving reliability by allowing real-time adjustments without manual intervention.
2Productivity
If manual adjustment of the pressure regulator opening angle is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity deteriorates due to repeated manual corrections during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-service by automatically monitoring pressure and adjusting the regulator without requiring manual intervention. The system detects pressure deviations caused by aspirator usage or other disturbances and autonomously corrects them, maintaining optimal drainage flow throughout the operation and eliminating the need for repeated manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous pressure regulation by maintaining constant monitoring and adjustment capabilities throughout the surgical procedure. The control unit continuously compares actual pressure with target pressure and makes real-time adjustments, ensuring uninterrupted and optimal venous drainage flow without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If high negative pressure is applied to increase drainage flow rate, then the productivity is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen due to risk of air embolisms and excessive drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor continuously monitors the actual negative pressure and provides feedback to the control unit. When the pressure approaches dangerous levels that could cause air embolisms or excessive drainage, the system automatically reduces the vacuum strength, maintaining safe operating parameters while still achieving effective drainage flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the negative pressure level based on real-time conditions rather than maintaining a fixed high vacuum. The control unit modulates the vacuum strength according to actual drainage needs and safety parameters, allowing high flow rates when safe and reducing pressure when risks are detected, thus preventing air embolisms while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for vacuum-assisted venous drainage (VAVD), comprising at least one pressure regulation module, at least one active pressure regulating valve having at least one supply line and at least one discharge line, wherein further at least one pressure sensor is provided such that the pressure in the region of the pressure regulating valve can be monitored and an actual pressure value can be detected, and wherein the pressure regulating valve is designed and set up such that the negative pressure generated by the pressure regulating module can be actively regulated by the pressure regulating valve on the basis of the actual pressure value. The present disclosure further relates to an assembly comprising a system for vacuum-assisted venous drainage and a medical device as well as to a method for operating the system for vacuum-assisted venous drainage.