Epidermal Dressing Links Sensor to Cannula for Perivascular Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current intravascular infusion systems face challenges in detecting unintended infusion of fluids into perivascular tissue, leading to infiltration or extravasation, which can cause skin reactions, nerve compression, and other complications due to improper cannula placement or excessive fluid flow rates.

Innovation Solution

An appliance that links an electromagnetic spectrum sensor with a cannula, featuring a fitting to retain and release the sensor for monitoring fluid in perivascular tissue, with a foundation to minimize engagement with the epidermis and distribute forces, allowing for continuous monitoring of fluid infusion and reducing tissue distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the cannula is inserted through the epidermis for intravascular infusion, then fluid can be administered into the blood vessel, but the cannula may cause unintended infusion into perivascular tissue leading to infiltration or extravasation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid administration efficiencyVSAvoidcannula placement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The appliance is applied to the epidermis at the insertion site before or during cannula insertion, establishing a predetermined sensor position that will detect infiltration or extravasation if the cannula is improperly placed or if fluid leaks from the vessel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic spectrum sensor acts as an intermediary between the cannula infusion and the perivascular tissue, detecting the presence of infused fluid in the tissue through near-infrared signal changes that indicate infiltration or extravasation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the infusion pump administers fluid at a high flow rate, then fluid administration efficiency is improved, but the risk of extravasation and tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flow rateVSAvoidtissue damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic spectrum sensor provides real-time feedback on fluid presence in perivascular tissue by detecting changes in near-infrared signal transmission or reflection, allowing immediate detection of infiltration or extravasation even during high-rate infusion, enabling prompt intervention to prevent tissue damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the sensor is retained in continuous contact with the epidermis for monitoring, then detection sensitivity is improved, but tissue distortion and discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid detection sensitivityVSAvoidepidermis distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The appliance separates the sensor from direct contact with the epidermis by positioning it on the appliance body that is attached to the epidermis, allowing the sensor to monitor perivascular tissue through the appliance structure without the sensor itself causing distortion or discomfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 appliance effectively diagnoses infiltration or extravasation by emitting and detecting near-infrared signals, providing real-time monitoring and reducing the risk of cannula displacement and tissue damage, thus minimizing complications associated with fluid infusion.

Implementation Method 1

The appliance effectively diagnoses infiltration or extravasation by emitting and detecting near-infrared signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-infrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3851140A1Appliance for an electromagnetic spectrum sensor monitoring an intravascular infusion
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 IVWATCH LLC
  • EP3851140A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3851140A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3851140A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An epidermal dressing includes an appliance for linking an electromagnetic spectrum sensor with a cannula administering an intravascular infusate. The appliance includes a body and a fitting coupled to the body. The body is configured to space the connector from the epidermis. The fitting includes a first arrangement that is configured to retain the electromagnetic spectrum sensor for sensing the infusate in perivascular tissue, and a second arrangement that is configured to release the electromagnetic spectrum sensor from the first arrangement.