Adaptive Epidural Infusion Pump for Dynamic Labor Pain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional labor drug delivery methods, such as constant background infusion, are not responsive to the dynamic nature of labor pain, and the optimal settings for Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesia (PCEA) have not been elucidated despite extensive research.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for controlling the dispensing of combined spinal-epidural analgesia in intermittent doses, adjusting the dosage rate based on input signals from a signaling device, allowing for variable-frequency automated mandatory boluses to match the patient's analgesic needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If constant background infusion is used for labor drug delivery, then the delivery system is simple and reliable, but it is not responsive to the dynamic and progressive nature of labor pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic dosing system that automatically adjusts the background infusion rate based on real-time patient signals. The system transitions from a static constant infusion to a dynamic variable infusion that responds to patient needs, adjusting parameters such as infusion rate and bolus frequency to match the progressive nature of labor pain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where patient signals (such as pain indicators or demand button presses) are continuously monitored and fed back to the infusion pump. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically modify dosing parameters, ensuring the drug delivery remains responsive to the dynamic conditions of labor pain.
2Reliability
If Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesia (PCEA) is implemented to enable patient autonomy, then patient satisfaction and analgesic efficacy improve, but the complexity of controlling and monitoring dosing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patient self-service by allowing the patient to control their own analgesia through a user-friendly interface. The patient can initiate bolus doses according to their pain needs, and the system automatically manages the background infusion and lockout intervals, reducing the need for clinical monitoring while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion pump system is designed with multi-functionality, integrating both patient-controlled bolus administration and automated background infusion control within a single device. This universal system handles multiple dosing modes and monitoring functions, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate systems.
3Ease of operation
If intermittent dosing in discrete predefined time periods is used, then the system is easier to control and monitor, but it may not fully capture the dynamic nature of patient analgesic needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through discrete predefined time periods for dosing intervals. The system uses locked-out intervals and periodic background infusion cycles that are easy to program and monitor. These periodic structures provide simplicity in control while still allowing adaptation through signal-responsive adjustments within each period.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a computer-implemented method for controlling dispensing of at least one biologically active agent in intermittent doses over discrete predefined time periods, comprising the steps of: (i) initiating the dispensing of the biologically active agent in intermittent doses at a first background dosage rate; and (ii) adjusting to a background dosage rate according to the number of input signals received over each predefined time period from a signalling device.