Gas Concentration Verification via Thermal Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ophthalmic procedures, such as retinal detachment repair, lack an accurate and efficient mechanism to verify the concentration of mixed gases like SF6 and perfluorinated carbons before administration, which is crucial for ensuring proper treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
The development of apparatus and methods that utilize thermal conductivity measurements to verify the concentration of mixed gases by introducing the gas into a chamber with a heater and temperature sensor, allowing for the determination of temperature changes indicative of gas parameters like density, ensuring the gas meets predetermined values before administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual mixing of intraocular gas is performed based on calculated volumes, then the procedure can be completed with simple equipment, but the concentration accuracy cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mixing and estimation with thermal conductivity-based measurement. A temperature sensor detects temperature changes in the gas sample, and these thermal measurements are converted into concentration data, substituting mechanical verification methods with thermal-field-based detection to achieve accurate gas concentration verification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal conductivity measurement system as an intermediary between gas preparation and administration. The temperature sensor and heating element serve as mediators that indirectly measure gas concentration through thermal properties, providing verification without requiring direct chemical analysis or complex spectroscopic equipment
2Measurement precision
If thermal conductivity measurement is implemented to verify gas concentration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system uses the gas sample itself as the measurement medium. The intraocular gas being prepared is directly introduced into the measurement chamber for verification, eliminating the need for separate calibration gases or reference standards. The system self-verifies the concentration of the actual clinical sample
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures thermal conductivity by introducing a controlled heating element and detecting temperature changes in the gas. By monitoring how the gas conducts heat from the heating element to the temperature sensor, the system derives concentration information from thermal parameter changes rather than requiring direct optical or chemical measurement methods
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
This approach provides a reliable method to accurately verify the concentration of mixed gases, ensuring the correct dosage and improving the efficacy of ophthalmic procedures by ensuring the gas parameters meet predetermined standards, thus enhancing treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus and methods described herein can be used with ophthalmic procedures such as retinal detachment repair. Typically, the intraocular gas is drawn into a syringe, diluted with air, and mixed manually prior to the retinal detachment repair procedure. The volumes of gases to achieve the appropriate concentrations (or dilution ratios) are calculated based on varying syringe sizes. Achieving appropriate concentrations, however, remains a challenge.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein generally relate to apparatus and methods for verifying the concentration of mixed gas to be used for ophthalmic administration. In an embodiment is provided a method that includes introducing a first portion of mixed gas into a chamber, determining a temperature change of the first portion which is indicative of a parameter of the first portion, determining that the parameter satisfies a predetermined value, and introducing a second portion of mixed gas into a patient's eye. In another embodiment is provided a method that includes exposing an element inside a chamber to a first portion of mixed gas, determining a change in a physical characteristic of the element that changes in response to a stimulus, the physical characteristic indicative of a parameter of the first portion, determining that the parameter satisfies a predetermined value, and introducing a second portion of mixed gas into a patient's eye.