Centralized Intravascular Device Control With Modular Data Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Healthcare facilities face high capital costs and space constraints due to the need for multiple intravascular guidance technologies, which are typically deployed as separate systems, and there is a need for a centralized system that can accommodate different types of intravascular guidance devices based on patient needs.

Innovation Solution

A customizable medical device monitoring system with a data collection module and central computing platform that supports connectivity to various intravascular guidance technologies, allowing interchangeable data collection modules to enhance functionality and accommodate different medical devices based on patient needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple medical devices are operated independently without centralized control, then each device can function autonomously, but the overall system complexity increases and coordination between devices becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of operationVSAvoidSystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent medical devices into a unified networked system where devices communicate through a common interface. The system integrates pump controller, infusion pump, and scale into a coordinated network, allowing centralized management while maintaining individual device functionality. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity by providing unified control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed with universal communication protocols and interfaces that can work with multiple different medical devices. The system uses standardized data structures and communication methods that allow different device types to be managed through a common platform, enhancing ease of operation across diverse medical equipment.

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

2Reliability

If real-time monitoring and coordination of multiple devices is implemented, then system coordination improves, but communication overhead and data management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSystem coordinationVSAvoidCommunication complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a central controller or gateway device that acts as an intermediary between multiple medical devices. This mediator handles communication protocols, data formatting, and coordination logic, simplifying the communication burden on individual devices while ensuring reliable system-wide coordination. The intermediary manages data flow and reduces direct device-to-device communication complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters such as data transmission frequency, message priority, and update intervals based on operational context. This allows the system to optimize communication overhead by reducing unnecessary data exchanges while maintaining reliable coordination when needed, balancing reliability with communication efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If centralized control system is implemented to manage multiple devices, then coordination improves, but system failure risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSystem coordinationVSAvoidSystem failure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a segmented architecture where the control system is divided into modular components distributed across different devices. Each medical device maintains its own local control logic and can operate independently if needed, while contributing to overall system coordination. This segmentation prevents single-point failures from cascading through the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates redundancy and fail-safe mechanisms that cushion against potential failures. Critical functions have backup pathways, and the system monitors for failure conditions in advance, allowing graceful degradation or safe shutdown before complete system failure occurs. This prior cushioning approach maintains reliability while managing failure risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4117516B1System and method for controlling operability of multiple medical devices
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 BARD ACCESS SYSTEMS INC
  • EP4117516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4117516B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4117516B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An apparatus device features a housing; an input/output (I/O) interface, and one or more control logic units deployed to operate within the housing and communicatively coupled to the I/O interface. Each of the one or more control logic units can be configured to (i) control operations of at least one medical device controlled by a control logic unit of the one or more control logic units when the medical device is communicatively coupled to the EO interface, and (ii) collect a subset of data acquired at least during placement of a vascular access device within a vasculature of a patient.