Foley Catheter Removal Device Using Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for determining whether to remove a Foley catheter from a patient rely on subjective judgment, leading to potential pain and delayed urine discharge, as they lack objective numerical values for determining readiness for catheter removal.
Innovation Solution
A device coupled to the Foley catheter that includes a pressure sensor to measure the pressure of urine discharged through the catheter, a processor to compare this pressure with a predetermined threshold value, and a display unit to indicate whether the catheter should be removed, allowing for objective determination and quick decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Foley training method is used to determine catheter removal, then the determination process is simple, but the accuracy is low due to reliance on subjective patient judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/subjective assessment method (Foley training based on patient sensation) with a sensor-based measurement system that objectively detects bladder pressure and urine flow characteristics, thereby improving determination accuracy without requiring complex medical equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables the patient's own physiological signals (bladder pressure, urine flow) to provide the determination data automatically, eliminating the need for subjective patient reporting and medical staff interpretation while maintaining simplicity
2Reliability
If Foley catheter is removed based on subjective urge to urinate, then the decision-making is quick, but patient pain occurs and urine discharge is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through sensors that continuously monitor bladder pressure and urine flow characteristics, providing immediate objective data that confirms when the patient is truly ready for catheter removal, preventing premature removal and ensuring reliable urine discharge capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary assessment of urine discharge capability through objective pressure and flow measurements before catheter removal, ensuring that the patient has developed sufficient bladder function to discharge urine reliably after removal, thereby preventing pain and discharge delays
3Measurement precision
If urodynamic test is performed to measure urine form, then measurement accuracy is high, but the time required for filling and measuring is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement parameters (bladder pressure and urine flow characteristics) needed for catheter removal determination from the complete urodynamic test protocol, eliminating unnecessary measurement steps while retaining the critical data needed for accurate assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs partial measurement by focusing only on the specific pressure and flow parameters relevant to catheter removal readiness, rather than conducting a comprehensive urodynamic evaluation, thereby achieving sufficient measurement precision in reduced time
4Object-affected harmful factors
If Foley catheter remains in place longer, then patient pain is reduced, but discharge is delayed and complications may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective pain assessment with objective sensor measurements of bladder pressure and urine flow, enabling accurate determination of the earliest safe removal time, thereby minimizing catheter retention time and associated complications while preventing premature removal that would cause pain
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
Enables immediate, objective, and simple determination of Foley catheter removal based on measured pressure values, reducing patient discomfort and shortening the time required for assessment, and is applicable to various types of Foley catheters.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor connected to a urine outlet of the urine passage and configured to measure a pressure value of the urine discharged through the urine outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A device can be coupled to a foley catheter inserted into the bladder of a patient, where the foley catheter includes a urine passage through which urine can be drained from the bladder. The device includes a pressure sensor that is connected to a urine outlet of the urine passage and configured to measure a pressure value of the urine being drained through the urine outlet, a processor connected to the pressure sensor and configured to determine whether the foley catheter can be removed by comparing the pressure value and a predetermined threshold value, and a display unit connected to the processor and displaying whether the foley catheter can be removed according to the control of the processor.