Drug Delivery Transition Control via Concentration Profile Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable fluid delivery devices face challenges in seamlessly transitioning between different drug delivery sources, concentrations, or types, which can lead to inaccuracies in dosing and potential overdosing or underdosing of patients during these transitions.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines a flow rate and concentration profile to calculate an initial delivery period, allowing for precise transition between drug delivery sources or concentrations by using a processor to manage the delivery of therapeutic agents through a catheter, ensuring accurate dosing and minimizing the risk of overdosing or underdosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a patient transitions between different drug delivery sources or concentrations, then the therapy can be adjusted to meet changing medical needs, but dosing inaccuracies occur leading to potential overdosing or underdosing
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and delivers a transition dose before completing the transition between drug sources. The processor determines the volume of fluid needed to achieve the transition dose based on concentration profiles, then delivers this volume at a controlled flow rate. This preliminary action ensures the patient receives the correct cumulative dose during the transition, preventing both overdosing and underdosing while enabling flexible switching between drug sources.
2Productivity
If the flow rate is increased to reduce transition time, then productivity improves, but dosing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control to maintain dosing precision during transitions. The processor continuously monitors the delivered volume and compares it against the calculated transition dose requirement. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the flow rate dynamically - delivering at higher rates when appropriate while ensuring the cumulative dose remains accurate. This allows fast transitions without compromising precision.
3Measurement precision
If the system calculates detailed concentration profiles to ensure accurate dosing, then dosing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating concentration profiles and transition doses without requiring external intervention. The processor retrieves drug concentration information, calculates the required transition volume based on the target dose, and executes the delivery autonomously. This self-service capability maintains high dosing precision while minimizing the need for complex external programming or manual calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and techniques for transitioning between different drug delivery sources or different drug concentrations may account for diffusion and mixing of drug within the fluid. In one example, a method may include determining a flow rate for a fluid to be delivered to a patient via a drug pump and a catheter in fluid communication with a reservoir of the drug pump. The fluid includes a drug. The method also includes determining a concentration profile of the drug delivered via the catheter, wherein the concentration profile identifies a volume of delivered fluid needed to achieve a target transition dose of the drug. The method further includes determining, by a processor and based on the flow rate and the concentration profile, an initial delivery period required to achieve the target transition dose by delivering the fluid at the flow rate.