Bubble Detection in Irrigation Fluid via Distal Temperature Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring irrigation fluid during invasive medical procedures fail to detect bubbles formed between the irrigation fluid pump and the probe tip, posing safety risks as these bubbles may not be detected by mechanisms at the pump.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that include a probe with a temperature sensor at its distal end to monitor temperature changes over time, establishing a temperature range and raising an alarm when a temperature exceeds the upper threshold, indicating the presence of bubbles in the irrigation fluid, and optionally using derivatives to confirm bubble presence within a predetermined time frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature sensor is placed at the distal end of the probe to detect bubbles, then bubble detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect the presence of bubbles. Instead of directly detecting bubbles, the system measures temperature changes in the irrigation fluid, which change when bubbles are present. This intermediary approach improves detection reliability while avoiding the complexity of direct bubble sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical bubble detection systems with a simpler temperature-based detection system. By substituting a temperature sensor for more complex bubble detection mechanisms, the system achieves reliable bubble detection with reduced device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature threshold is set to be highly sensitive to detect small temperature changes, then measurement precision is improved, but false alarm rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature measurements over a period of time to establish a baseline temperature range before using this range for bubble detection. This preliminary action allows the system to adapt to normal temperature variations and set appropriate thresholds, improving measurement precision while reducing false alarms caused by ambient temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature threshold is not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on the established temperature range from preliminary measurements. The system adapts the detection threshold to the current operating conditions, allowing high sensitivity for bubble detection while automatically compensating for normal temperature variations that would cause false alarms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the system waits for conclusive temperature evidence before raising an alarm, then false alarm rate decreases, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements to establish a temperature range, then uses this pre-established baseline for rapid comparison during operation. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly identify bubble conditions without extensive analysis, reducing response time while maintaining accuracy by comparing against a known baseline.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from absolute temperature to temperature change relative to an established range. This parameter transformation allows the system to detect bubbles rapidly by identifying deviations from the normal range, achieving both fast response time and low false alarm rate by focusing on changes rather than absolute values.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively detects bubbles in the irrigation fluid at the probe tip, preventing potential safety issues by identifying bubble formation beyond the irrigation fluid pump, thereby enhancing the safety of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, over a period of time, initial signals indicative of respective temperatures of the distal end, from a temperature sensor in the distal end
Data Source
AI summary
A method, including ejecting irrigation fluid from a distal end of a probe so as to irrigate tissue, and receiving, over a period of time, initial signals indicative of respective temperatures of the distal end, from a temperature sensor in the distal end. The method also includes formulating from the initial signals a temperature range between upper and lower temperature thresholds and, when a further signal from the temperature sensor, received subsequent to the period of time, is indicative of a further temperature above the upper temperature threshold, raising an alarm that a bubble is present in the irrigation fluid.