Integrated Infusion Cannula Electrodes for Single-Puncture Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices for diabetes management require separate insertion of glucose sensors and infusion cannulas, increasing the risk of infection and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

An integrated drug infusion device where the infusion cannula functions as both a detection and infusion mechanism, utilizing conductive areas as electrodes for simultaneous analyte detection and drug delivery through a single puncture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glucose sensor and infusion cannula are separately inserted at different positions, then detection and infusion functions are achieved, but the risk of infection increases and user discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfection riskVSAvoidnumber of insertion points
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the glucose sensor and infusion cannula into a single integrated device that performs both detection and infusion functions through one insertion point into the subcutaneous tissue, thereby reducing the number of punctures and lowering infection risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single inserted device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a glucose sensor for analyte detection and an infusion cannula for drug delivery, eliminating the need for separate devices and insertion points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate glucose sensor and infusion cannula are used, then detection and infusion can be performed, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation processVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the sensor and cannula into one integrated unit, the installation process requires only a single insertion action rather than multiple separate insertions, significantly reducing installation time and simplifying the procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the infusion cannula serves as the detecting electrode, then the device structure is simplified, but the electrode design becomes more integrated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidelectrode design process
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The infusion cannula is designed to serve dual purposes: as the physical conduit for drug infusion and as the electrode for electrochemical glucose detection, reducing the overall number of components while maintaining detection functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cannula wall is designed with specific electrochemical properties in the region where analyte detection occurs, allowing it to function as an electrode while maintaining its infusion function in the same structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Reduces the risk of infection and simplifies the installation process by allowing simultaneous detection and infusion with a single puncture, improving user experience and accuracy through multiple electrode combinations.

Implementation Method 1

The conductive area is directly used as the detecting electrode, so that the infusion cannula performs analyte detection and drug infusion at the same time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction:

Data Source

PatentEP3999144B1Integrated drug infusion device
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 MEDTRUM TECH
  • EP3999144B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP3999144B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3a
  • EP3999144B1 patent drawingFigure 3b~4a

AI summary

The invention discloses an integrated drug infusion device, comprising: infusion unit configured to deliver drugs; program unit comprising input end and output end, and the input end comprises a plurality of electrically connective regions for receiving signals of analyte data in the body fluid, after the output end is electrically connected to the infusion unit, according to the received signals of analyte data in the body fluid, the program unit controls whether the infusion unit delivers drugs; an infusion cannula with conductive area (s), the infusion cannula is the drug infusion channel; and a plurality of electrodes for detecting analyte data in body fluid, the electrode comprising conductive-area electrode (s) and cannula-wall electrode (s), the conductive area of the infusion cannula being at least as a conductive-area electrode, and one or more cannula-wall electrodes being located on/in the wall of the infusion cannula. It takes only one insertion to perform both analyte detection and drug infusion.