Heat Exchange Catheter System Self-Test Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchange systems for indwelling catheters lack a reliable method to test and ensure proper functioning, particularly in maintaining the temperature of the heat exchange fluid within a target range, which is crucial for effective cooling or heating of patients, especially in critical medical conditions such as brain trauma or post-CABG surgery.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and device that utilize a processor-controlled system to determine if the temperature of the heat exchange fluid is within a predetermined range, stopping the pump if not, and measuring temperature changes to identify errors, ensuring the heat exchanger functions correctly by assessing temperature equalization and changes over set periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heat exchange system continuously monitors temperature to ensure proper functioning, then the reliability of temperature regulation is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a power-on self-test before normal operation to verify heat exchange functionality. The processor executes test logic that circulates fluid through the heat exchange catheter and measures temperature changes to confirm the system can achieve proper heat transfer before clinical use, ensuring reliability without requiring continuous complex monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors to monitor heat exchange fluid temperature and provides feedback to the processor. The processor compares measured temperatures against expected values and adjusts pump operation or alerts operators to abnormalities, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliability through automated feedback rather than complex manual monitoring
2Measurement precision
If the system performs comprehensive temperature testing and monitoring, then the measurement precision of temperature regulation is improved, but the time required for testing and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a focused power-on self-test that checks critical heat exchange functionality rather than exhaustive continuous testing. The test circulates fluid for a predetermined period and measures temperature at key points to verify proper heat transfer, providing sufficient precision for clinical safety without requiring excessive testing time that would delay patient treatment
Solution Approach 2:
Comprehensive temperature testing is performed as a preliminary power-on self-test before clinical operation begins. The processor executes test logic that verifies heat exchange functionality and measures temperature changes to ensure proper system operation, so that when normal clinical use begins, the system is already validated and ready for immediate use without repeated testing delays
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 effectively tests and ensures the heat exchange system's functionality, preventing errors by determining if the temperature of the heat exchange fluid reaches and maintains the target range, thereby ensuring accurate patient temperature regulation.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchange system engageable with an indwelling heat exchange catheter to circulate working fluid therein
Implementation Method 2
temperature of heat exchange fluid in a chamber through which the working fluid is circulated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2
AI summary
A heat exchange system (10) for an indwelling catheter (12) is tested for proper operation by observing whether a fluid temperature is within a command zone range and if not whether temperature moves toward the range or equalizes with it within predetermined parameters after a pump (18) has stopped, and only if temperature exhibits none of the tested-for conditions indicating an error.