Automated Fluid Injection System with Rotary Valve Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid injection systems for medical procedures require manual manipulation of multiple stopcock valves, making them difficult to operate and prone to errors, especially in high-pressure applications, and lack efficient means for mixing contrast and saline for safe and cost-effective imaging.
Innovation Solution
An automated fluid injection system with a multi-use subassembly, single-use subassembly, and a user interface that allows for controlled and simultaneous injection of saline and contrast at high pressures, featuring a rotary valve for automated fill and injection, and a portable design for easy setup and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of multiple stopcock valves is used for fluid injection, then fluid flow control is achieved, but operator complexity and error risk increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides fluid management into separate functional modules: syringe drivers for injection, mixing module for contrast/saline mixing, and Y-connector for fluid path selection. Each module handles a specific task independently, eliminating the need for manual stopcock manipulation while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces automated control systems and pre-configured fluid pathways as intermediaries between the operator and the complex fluid management tasks. The system automatically routes fluids through predetermined paths and mixes contrast with saline before injection, removing the need for manual valve operations.
2Reliability
If multiple stopcock valves are used for fluid management, then fluid path control is achieved, but operator training requirements and error potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated fluid path management. The pre-configured Y-connector and mixing module automatically direct fluids to the correct destinations without requiring operator intervention. The system self-regulates contrast-to-saline mixing ratios and automatically selects injection pathways, eliminating human error in fluid management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring fluid pathways and mixing proportions before the procedure begins. The contrast and saline are pre-positioned in separate syringes with predetermined mixing ratios, and the fluid routing is pre-established through the Y-connector design, eliminating the need for real-time manual valve adjustments during the procedure.
3Reliability
If contrast concentration is diluted for patient safety, then patient safety improves, but imaging quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the contrast-to-saline mixing ratio as a controllable parameter. The automated mixing module allows precise adjustment of contrast concentration percentages (e.g., 50:50, 75:25, or higher contrast concentrations) based on patient-specific requirements and imaging protocol demands, optimizing both safety and image quality through parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors injection pressure, flow rate, and contrast delivery to ensure the mixed contrast solution achieves the desired imaging effect. Real-time feedback allows adjustment of mixing ratios to maintain optimal contrast concentration for image quality while staying within safe limits for the patient.
4Productivity
If high pressure injection is used for adequate contrast delivery, then imaging effectiveness improves, but risk of catheter or vessel damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical plunger manipulation with automated motorized syringe drivers that provide precise electronic control of injection pressure and flow rate. The automated system maintains pressure within safe predetermined limits while ensuring adequate contrast delivery, eliminating the tactile variability and potential for excessive force application by manual operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Automated injection system disclosed in this application advantageously provides physicians with a simplified interface for selecting fluid sources, such as saline, contrast, or a mixture of both, to inject at high pressures. The injector system may comprise a multi-use subassembly, a single-use subassembly, a fitting to fluidly connect the multi- use and single-use subassemblies, a hand held controller, a user interface, and an injector housing.