Automated Fluid Bolus Detection Using Flow Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for tracking and managing fluid boluses in medical settings are prone to errors due to manual tracking and lack of integration with physiological monitors, limiting the ability to accurately compare fluid delivery with physiological changes, and are not configured for simultaneous or intermittent delivery through multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a flow probe for measuring fluid flow, a processor for calculating and generating administration protocols based on flow-related and physiological data, and a flow controller for automating fluid delivery, providing a user-interactive interface for recommendations and controlling fluid administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual tracking of fluid administration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of fluid bolus tracking deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and tracks fluid boluses without requiring manual clinician input. The flow probe continuously monitors fluid flow and the processor automatically identifies bolus events, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring external manual tracking while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with electronic detection systems. Flow probes electronically measure fluid flow rates and processors automatically analyze the data to detect bolus events, substituting human manual operations with automated electronic measurement and analysis systems
2Device complexity
If conventional fluid infusion pumps are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and fluid delivery speed deteriorate due to 1 L/hr limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The flow controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it can deliver both standard low-flow maintenance infusions (up to 1 L/hr) and high-flow fluid boluses (exceeding 1 L/hr) using the same device. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different clinical needs without requiring separate equipment for different flow rate requirements
3Measurement precision
If integration with physiological monitors is added, then measurement precision of physiological responses improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid delivery system with physiological monitoring capabilities into an integrated system. The flow controller and physiological monitor work together as a unified system, allowing simultaneous measurement of fluid administration and physiological responses without requiring separate independent systems, thereby managing complexity through consolidation rather than addition
4Reliability
If automated detection systems are implemented, then reliability of fluid bolus detection improves, but loss of time for setup and configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration and setup in advance, establishing the automated detection parameters and flow probe connections before clinical use. Once configured, the system requires minimal additional setup time for each patient, as the automated detection algorithms and hardware are pre-established and ready for immediate use
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems that include a flow probe that senses fluid flow or mass flow of fluid delivery to a patient. Based at least in part on the sensed fluid or mass flow, the flow probe provides flow-related data (e.g., volume or mass flow rate) that the system uses to derive a volume of fluid being delivered. The fluid can be delivered from an IV bag, another in-line port, or a combination of the two. The disclosed systems provide fluid volume and/or fluid rate for display to a clinician and an informative understanding of what volume of fluid/mass a patient has received.