Femoral Compression Device Electronic Pressure Gauge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Femoral compression devices with mechanical pressure gauges are insensitive to small pressure changes, making it difficult to determine when blood flow through the femoral artery has been cut off, which can lead to excessive pressure application and discomfort for patients.
Innovation Solution
A femoral compression device equipped with an electronic pressure gauge featuring a digital display and a mechanical actuator that prevents zeroing unless the pressure is equal to ambient air pressure, ensuring accurate pressure measurement and minimizing patient discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical pressure gauge with an analog pointer is used, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient to detect small pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure gauge with an electronic pressure sensor system. The electronic sensor detects pressure changes through electrical signals, eliminating the mechanical pointer and scale. This substitution enables precise detection of small pressure variations (as little as 1 mmHg) that would be imperceptible to the human eye on an analog gauge, directly resolving the measurement precision issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microprocessor as an intermediary between the pressure sensor and the display. The microprocessor processes the raw electrical signals from the sensor, applies calibration factors, and converts them into meaningful pressure readings. This intermediary layer enables sophisticated measurement capabilities while keeping the overall system architecture manageable and modular.
2Reliability
If the air cushion is inflated to a pressure 10-20 mmHg above systolic pressure, then blood flow cessation is ensured, but excessive pressure causes patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the electronic pressure sensor continuously monitors the pressure inside the air cushion and provides real-time readings to the operator. This feedback enables the operator to observe the cessation of systolic pressure variations (pulses) and immediately adjust the pressure downward to the minimum level required for blood flow cessation, thereby eliminating the need to apply excessive pressure and preventing patient discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the operator to apply only the partial action necessary (minimum pressure for blood flow cessation) rather than the excessive action traditionally required (10-20 mmHg above systolic). The precise electronic measurement allows the operator to stop inflation exactly when blood flow cessation occurs, as indicated by the disappearance of pressure pulses, avoiding any unnecessary excess pressure that would cause discomfort.
3Measurement precision
If a mechanical manometer is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it cannot detect small pressure variations induced by systolic pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manometer with an electronic pressure sensor that uses electrical fields rather than mechanical components to detect pressure. This substitution enables the detection of small pressure variations (1 mmHg or less) induced by systolic pulses, as electronic sensors can resolve much finer changes than mechanical pointers. The manufacturing complexity is managed through modular design and integration of standardized electronic components.
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 electronic pressure gauge provides precise pressure readings, allowing for fine-tuning of compression pressure to ensure effective blood flow cessation without excessive force, thereby reducing patient discomfort and expediting treatment.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic circuit with at least one pressure-sensitive element
Data Source
AI summary
A femoral compression device (1) for compressive bearing against the femoral artery of a patient, comprising a base plate (2), an inflatable air cushion (4), and an electronic manometer (8) connected to the inflatable air cushion for measurement of the current pressure difference between the pressure prevailing inside the inflatable air cushion and the ambient air pressure. The femoral compression device can further comprise a mechanical device (11; 46) which prevents an air opening leading to the inflatable air cushion from being closed before the manometer is zeroed. In another embodiment, an electronic manometer is provided such that a current characteristic of an electric signal representing the current pressure difference can be compared with a corresponding characteristic which was obtained at zero pressure difference and which was stored in the electronic manometer, wherein the manometer cannot be zeroed as long as the current characteristic deviates more than a predetermined amount from the stored characteristic.