Fluid Injector Air Detection Using Compressibility Baselines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical fluid injectors struggle to accurately detect and remove small amounts of air, which can lead to complications during procedures like angiography, even when using systems designed for fluid lines or infusion pumps, as they do not account for variations in compliance and component deflection.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for detecting and removing air in fluid injectors and reservoirs by determining baseline compressibility data, performing an air check pressurization sequence, and comparing it with air check compressibility data to determine and purge air volumes, using processors to account for compliance and deflection variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing air detection systems are used in fluid injectors, then air detection capability is provided, but detection accuracy is insufficient for small air volumes (0.1 mL to 20 mL) due to compliance and component deflection variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical air detection methods with a pressure-based detection system that measures pressure changes in the fluid reservoir to detect air bubbles. The system uses a pressure sensor to monitor pressure variations caused by air compression, eliminating reliance on mechanical components that are affected by compliance and deflection variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical displacement or flow rate to pressure. By monitoring pressure changes in the reservoir during fluid delivery, the system can accurately detect air bubbles based on the compressibility difference between air and fluid, making the detection independent of compliance and component deflection variations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air detection and purging procedures are implemented, then patient safety is improved, but procedure time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs air detection before fluid delivery begins, during the reservoir filling or priming phase. By detecting air bubbles early in the process, the system allows for purging to be performed before the actual medical procedure starts, minimizing impact on procedure time while ensuring patient safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the pressure sensor continuously monitors the fluid reservoir during filling and delivery. When air is detected, the system provides immediate feedback to alert the operator and can automatically control purging operations, streamlining the process and reducing the time required for air removal.
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
Effectively detects and removes air from 0.1 mL to 20 mL, reducing the risk of air injection during medical procedures, ensuring accurate fluid delivery and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
determine a baseline value comprising baseline compressibility data for the at least one syringe and associated components of the injector system... gather air check compressibility data... compare the air check compressibility data
Data Source
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AI summary
An injector system for delivering a medical fluid may include at least one syringe defining a reservoir operatively connected to a piston; and at least one processor programmed or configured to, based on an air check protocol for detecting air in the reservoir, determine a baseline value comprising baseline compressibility data for the at least one syringe of the injector system, deliver the first amount of the medical fluid from the reservoir; refill the reservoir with a second amount of the medical fluid; based on the air check protocol, perform an air check pressurization sequence by gathering air check compressibility data for the at least one syringe of the injector system; and based on the air check protocol, compare the air check compressibility data with the baseline compressibility data to determine a volume of air present in the reservoir.