Fluid Circulation System With In-Line Temperature Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for delivering heated therapeutic fluids to body cavities, such as the bladder or peritoneum, lack precise temperature control, risking tissue damage from excessive heat or reduced efficacy from inadequate heating, and often require complex setups for monitoring and recirculation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a heating element, pump, tubing system with in-line temperature sensors, and an integrated control unit for precise temperature adjustment (+/- 1°C) and pressure monitoring, allowing for controlled delivery and recirculation of heated fluids to body cavities, using biocompatible materials and low heat conductive tubing to minimize heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the therapeutic fluid is heated to higher temperature to improve therapeutic efficacy, then the killing effect on tumoral cells is enhanced, but the risk of tissue damage and systemic complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple temperature sensors positioned at different locations (inlet, outlet, and within the body cavity) that continuously monitor fluid temperature and provide feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment of heating power to maintain temperature within the safe therapeutic range (40-45°C), preventing both under-heating (reduced efficacy) and over-heating (tissue damage).
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating of the therapeutic fluid in a heat exchanger before delivery to the body cavity, allowing precise temperature control to be established before the fluid contacts sensitive tissues. This preliminary action ensures the fluid reaches the desired therapeutic temperature without sudden thermal shocks that could cause tissue damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the therapeutic fluid is heated insufficiently to avoid tissue damage, then patient safety is maintained, but the therapeutic efficacy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple temperature sensors provide continuous feedback to ensure the fluid reaches and maintains the minimum effective temperature (40°C) required for therapeutic efficacy. The control unit adjusts heating power based on sensor readings to prevent temperature from dropping below the effective threshold while still maintaining safety margins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual temperature monitoring and adjustment with an automated electronic control system that uses electronic sensors and programmable logic to maintain precise temperature control, eliminating human error and ensuring consistent therapeutic temperatures are maintained throughout treatment.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex monitoring and recirculation systems are implemented to improve temperature control precision, then temperature stability is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions (heating, cooling, temperature monitoring at multiple points, pressure monitoring, and recirculation control) into a single integrated control unit that manages all parameters through a unified control algorithm. This merging reduces the need for separate complex subsystems while maintaining high precision temperature control through coordinated management of all 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
Ensures safe and effective delivery of heated therapeutic fluids by maintaining precise temperature control, minimizing tissue damage and maximizing therapeutic efficacy while allowing for efficient recirculation and monitoring of fluid temperature and pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The fluids may be added to a patient's bladder or abdomen using a first catheter (one or multiple) allowed to circulate within the bladder or abdomen and then withdrawn from the bladder or abdomen using a second catheter (one or multiple). The cytotoxic drugs circulated within the bladder or abdomen may be heated to a few degrees above body temperature to make the drugs more effective in killing the cancer cells, this is known as hyperthermia.
Implementation Method 2
A system comprising a heating element, pump, tubing system with in-line temperature sensors, and an integrated control unit for precise temperature adjustment (+/- 1°C) and pressure monitoring, allowing for controlled delivery and recirculation of heated fluids to body cavities, using biocompatible materials and low heat conductive tubing to minimize heat loss.
Implementation Method 3
using biocompatible materials and low heat conductive tubing to minimize heat loss
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present application relates to a system for the delivery of heated therapeutic fluid to a patient's body cavity, said system comprising a device, said device comprising a heating element and a pump; and a tubing system, said tubing system comprising at least one length of tubing, a heat exchanger and at least one in-line temperature sensor. The present application further relates to a method of treating a patient using heated therapeutic fluids within a patient's body cavity, said method comprising the steps of heating the therapeutic fluid using a device comprising a heating element and a pump; and pumping the therapeutic fluid so that it is delivered to the patient's body cavity by means of a tubing system comprising at least one length of tubing, a heat exchanger and at least one in-line temperature sensor.