Intravenous Catheter Wave Detection for Early Occlusion Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
IV catheters can become occluded due to thrombotic or non-thrombotic factors, leading to complications such as infection and pulmonary embolism, necessitating early detection to prevent removal and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A system with a wave transmitter and transducers to detect catheter occlusion by transmitting and reflecting energy waves, converting them to electrical signals, and comparing against a baseline to alert clinicians of potential occlusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a catheter is used for extended periods, then the duration of action increases, but the reliability decreases due to occlusion risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of catheter occlusion by transmitting waves through the catheter and analyzing reflected waves before complete occlusion occurs. This allows early identification of thrombus formation or precipitate accumulation, enabling timely intervention while the catheter is still functional, thus extending reliable usage duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop by continuously monitoring wave reflections from the catheter and comparing them to baseline values. When deviations indicate occlusion, the system provides feedback to alert clinicians, allowing them to assess catheter status and make informed decisions about continuation or replacement, thereby maintaining reliability over extended periods.
2Reliability
If catheter occlusion is detected early, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection components
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system utilizes the existing catheter structure itself as the wave transmission medium, making the catheter serve dual functions: fluid delivery and occlusion detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate, complex detection apparatus while improving reliability through continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system performs self-diagnosis by using its own structure to transmit and reflect waves for occlusion detection. The catheter essentially monitors itself for blockages, eliminating the need for external, complex detection equipment and simplifying the overall system while maintaining high reliability.
3Measurement precision
If wave transmission is used for occlusion detection, then the measurement precision improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits waves through the catheter periodically rather than continuously, analyzing reflections at intervals to detect occlusion. This periodic operation maintains high measurement precision for occlusion detection while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous wave transmission, as the catheter requires minimal energy to maintain patency between detection cycles.
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
Enables early detection of catheter occlusion, allowing timely intervention to prevent complications and reduce the need for catheter replacement.
Implementation Method 1
one or more wave transmitters, which may transmit electromagnetic or energy waves along a length of the catheter of the catheter adapter
Implementation Method 2
one or more transducers, which may detect a portion of the energy waves that are reflected back from the catheter
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A system to detect occlusion of an intravenous catheter may include a housing, which may include a distal end configured to couple to a proximal end of a catheter adapter and an inner lumen forming a fluid pathway. The system may also include a wave transmitter, a transducer disposed within the fluid pathway, a processor coupled to the transducer, and an indicator unit coupled to the processor. The wave transmitter may transmit energy waves along a length of an intravenous catheter of the catheter adapter. The processor may receive an electrical signal corresponding to the portion of the energy waves that are reflected back from the intravenous catheter and may determine a difference between the electrical signal and a baseline signal. In response to the difference between the electrical signal and the baseline signal meeting a threshold value, the indicator unit may alert a user.