Automated Blood Loss Quantification via Scale and Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing postpartum hemorrhage risk and quantifying blood loss are inaccurate and inefficient, relying on visual estimates and clinician experience, which can lead to delayed and inadequate interventions during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a computing device and scale to measure the mass of items saturated with blood, determining quantitative blood loss, and providing real-time hemorrhage stage identification and intervention recommendations based on patient data and medical history, reducing human error and improving clinical decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual visual assessment is used to determine blood loss, then the method is simple and requires no additional equipment, but the accuracy and reliability of blood loss quantification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual assessment mechanism with an automated image processing and analysis system. The system captures images of blood-stained items and uses computer vision algorithms to automatically quantify blood loss, substituting human visual estimation with mechanical/optical measurement systems that provide objective and precise measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image analysis system between the blood-stained items and the clinician's assessment. This intermediary automatically processes images, identifies blood regions, and calculates blood loss volume, serving as a mediator that transforms raw visual information into quantified measurement data without requiring direct human visual estimation.
2Device complexity
If manual calculation methods are used during postpartum hemorrhage emergency, then no additional technology is required, but the speed and timeliness of assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automated assessment system where the image analysis system independently performs blood loss quantification without requiring clinician intervention in the calculation process. The system automatically captures images, processes them through algorithms, and generates blood loss measurements, enabling the assessment to serve itself rather than relying on manual clinician calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual calculation mechanism with automated image processing and computational algorithms. The system uses computer vision and machine learning models to rapidly analyze blood-stained item images and calculate blood loss volume, substituting slow manual arithmetic with high-speed mechanical computation.
3Ease of operation
If visual inspection is used to assess gynecological bleed, then the method is accessible and requires no special equipment, but the reliability and accuracy of hemorrhage assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated image analysis system between the blood-stained items and the assessment process. This intermediary objectively measures blood loss from images, eliminating the subjectivity and variability inherent in human visual inspection while maintaining accessibility through standard imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the automated system provides objective measurement data back to clinicians, allowing them to verify and adjust assessments based on quantitative evidence. The system creates a feedback loop between visual inspection and automated measurement, improving overall reliability through cross-validation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and a system are provided for assessing postpartum hemorrhage risk and postpartum hemorrhage stages in a clinical setting. Generally, a clinician may indicate that the mass of several bloody items, indicated in type and quantity, is to be measured using a scale. The mass of bloody items is compared to the known unused dry mass of such items in order to accurately determine the quantitative blood loss (QBL) of a patient at the bedside. The cumulative QBL can be updated by weighing additional items. Based on the cumulative QBL, the patient's vital signs, and other factors, a corresponding hemorrhage stage is identified and communicated to the clinician. Recommendations specific to the hemorrhage stage are provided to a clinician. Some recommendations are selectable actions that trigger automatic placement of medical orders and notifications to relevant medical services, such as a blood bank or anesthesia.