Catheter Measurement Probe Sensor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter systems for measuring oxygen levels in urine are prone to damage due to sensor protrusion and incorrect measurement of bladder wall oxygen levels, as the sensor can come into contact with the bladder endothelium and measure the bladder wall instead of urine.
Innovation Solution
A measurement probe is designed to be inserted into a catheter with a flow path, featuring a sensor fixed to an elongated body and a sensor holding portion that maintains the sensor at a predetermined position, preventing protrusion and ensuring accurate urine measurement. The probe includes a light guide and light emitter that emits fluorescence in response to urine components, allowing for real-time oxygen and other parameter measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor protrudes from the distal end of the catheter to enable measurement, then the sensor can detect fluid parameters, but the sensor may come into direct contact with the bladder endothelium causing damage and measuring bladder wall oxygen instead of urine oxygen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a probe body as an intermediary structure that extends through the catheter. The sensor is disposed within the probe body at a position that allows it to measure urine oxygen without protruding from the catheter's distal end. This intermediary structure mediates between the need for accurate measurement and the need to prevent bladder contact damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the sensor is disposed inside the probe body, which is in turn inserted through the catheter. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to be positioned correctly for measurement while being protected within the probe structure, preventing direct contact with the bladder endothelium.
2Reliability
If the sensor is positioned to measure bladder wall oxygen, then contact with the bladder is ensured, but the measurement of urine oxygen becomes incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The probe body serves as an intermediary that positions the sensor within the urine flow path without requiring contact with the bladder wall. The sensor measures urine oxygen through the probe structure, eliminating the ambiguity between measuring urine versus bladder wall oxygen while maintaining measurement stability.
3Device complexity
If the catheter structure is simplified without a probe, then device complexity is reduced, but the sensor cannot be positioned correctly to avoid protrusion and ensure accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into distinct components: the catheter and the probe body. This segmentation allows the probe to be a separate, dedicated measurement tool that can be precisely positioned within the catheter, ensuring accurate sensor placement without complicating the overall catheter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe body serves multiple functions: it positions the sensor correctly, protects the sensor from damage, and maintains the sensor within the urine flow path. This multi-functionality achieves precise positioning without requiring complex catheter modifications.
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 solution enables safe and accurate measurement of oxygen levels in urine without damaging the bladder and provides real-time data on oxygen partial pressure and other parameters, facilitating early detection of acute kidney injury.
Implementation Method 1
The probe includes a light guide and light emitter that emits fluorescence in response to urine components, allowing for real-time oxygen and other parameter measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement probe includes: an elongated body that is insertable into a catheter having a flow path; a sensor fixed to the elongated body and capable of detecting a state of a fluid flowing in the flow path; and a sensor holding portion that holds the sensor at a predetermined position when the elongated body is inserted into the catheter. An output of the sensor changes depending on an oxygen partial pressure in the fluid, a carbon dioxide partial pressure in the fluid, a hydrogen ion index of the fluid, an amount of potassium ions in the fluid, an amount of sodium ions in the fluid, an amount of chlorine ions in the fluid, a temperature of the fluid, or a flow rate of the fluid.