Capacitive Blood Reservoir Level Sensor for Perfusion Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current perfusion systems for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery are time-consuming to set up and require significant manual input, lacking efficient methods to monitor blood volume within the blood reservoir.
Innovation Solution
A perfusion system incorporating a blood reservoir with a capacitive sensor and a controller that uses spaced apart electrodes to detect capacitance and calculate blood volume, providing an electrical signal proportional to the blood level, allowing for automated monitoring and adjustment of blood volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration and monitoring methods are used in perfusion systems, then system setup and operation can be performed with simple components, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and requires significant manual input
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting blood volume and level using the capacitive sensor and controller, eliminating the need for manual setup and monitoring adjustments by medical personnel
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical monitoring methods are replaced with an automated electrical sensing system that uses capacitive electrodes to detect blood volume and level, converting a manual process into an automated electronic measurement system
2Extent of automation
If no automated blood volume monitoring is implemented, then the system structure remains simple, but significant manual input is required for monitoring blood volume
Solution Approach 1:
Manual blood volume monitoring is replaced with an automated capacitive sensing system that uses electrical fields to detect blood level and calculate volume, eliminating the need for manual measurement while providing continuous automated monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor serves multiple functions: it detects blood level, calculates blood volume, and provides continuous monitoring, allowing a single component to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate monitoring devices and manual operations
3Measurement precision
If manual blood volume measurement methods are used, then the system requires fewer sensors and electronics, but monitoring efficiency and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Manual blood volume measurement is replaced with electrical capacitive sensing that provides precise, continuous measurement of blood level and volume, significantly improving measurement precision while enabling automated monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback on blood volume and level through automated sensing and calculation, allowing real-time monitoring and adjustment without manual intervention, thereby improving measurement precision and operational safety
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
The system simplifies setup and monitoring by automating blood volume measurement, reducing manual input and enhancing operational efficiency during bypass procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive sensor that is secured to the side wall is configured to provide an electrical signal proportional to a level of blood within the blood reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure pertains to a perfusion system that is easy to set-up, use and monitor during a bypass procedure. In some embodiments, the disclosure pertains to a perfusion system in which at least some of the disposable components used with the perfusion system are configured to be able to communicate set-up and/or operational parameters to the perfusion system. In some embodiments, the disclosure pertains to a blood level sensor that can be used to monitor a blood level or volume within a blood reservoir. The blood level sensor may be utilized in an integrated perfusion system in which the disposable components are configured, as noted above, to communicate with the perfusion system. In some embodiments, the blood level sensor may be utilized with a perfusion system lacking communication with disposables.