Handheld Control Device for Multi-Fluid Medical Injection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current control devices for fluid injection in medical procedures, such as angiography, lack advanced digital control capabilities for precise flow rate adjustment and mixing of contrast media with saline, limiting operator control and flexibility, especially in angiographic procedures requiring frequent and variable injections.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held control device with an ergonomic design that digitally interfaces with fluid delivery systems, allowing for variable flow rate control and real-time mixing of contrast media and saline, featuring a conductive pattern for discrete flow rate settings and tactile feedback, enabling precise control and intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual actuation of syringe plunger is used for contrast media injection, then operator control over injection rate is achieved, but precision and consistency of flow rate control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical actuation of the syringe plunger with an automated linear actuator system. The linear actuator is controlled by a microprocessor that receives input from a hand-held control device, converting manual mechanical control into precise electronic control. This substitution enables accurate flow rate control through digital parameters while maintaining operator interaction through the control device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hand-held control device as an intermediary between the operator and the injection mechanism. This control device includes finger pads that translate operator intent into controlled actuation signals, serving as a mediator that bridges manual operation and automated execution. The intermediary device provides tactile feedback and precise control without requiring direct manual manipulation of the syringe plunger.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed volume and rate parameters are programmed into automatic injection mechanism, then consistent delivery is achieved, but flexibility for variable flow rates is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where flow rate parameters can be changed during the injection process. The microprocessor-controlled linear actuator can adjust injection rate in real-time based on operator input through the hand-held control device. The system transitions from static fixed parameters to dynamic adjustable parameters, allowing variable flow rates while maintaining controlled delivery through electronic regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows operators to pre-program injection parameters including volume, rate, and timing before the procedure begins. These preliminary settings provide a reliable baseline that can be executed consistently. The system combines preliminary programming with real-time adjustability, where pre-set parameters ensure consistency while allowing modifications when clinical needs require variable flow rates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single-fluid delivery system is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but mixing capability of contrast media with saline is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-fluid delivery system where a single injection mechanism can deliver multiple fluids (contrast media and saline) through the same catheter. The system uses separate syringes for each fluid, each controlled by its own linear actuator, allowing the same delivery infrastructure to handle multiple fluid types. This universal approach enables mixing capability without requiring separate delivery systems for each fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fluid delivery system into separate controllable units - individual syringes for contrast media and saline, each with its own linear actuator and control parameters. This segmentation allows independent control of each fluid while maintaining overall system integration. The separated control architecture enables flexible mixing ratios and sequences without complicating the fundamental delivery mechanism.
4Measurement precision
If frequent intermittent injections are required for optimal catheter positioning, then procedural accuracy is improved, but operator workload and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous or near-continuous injection capability through the automated linear actuator system, eliminating the need for repeated manual setup and activation. The system can maintain steady flow rates or adjust parameters smoothly between injections, reducing idle time between intermittent injection events. This continuous action capability maintains positioning accuracy while reducing the time loss associated with frequent manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the automated injection system that executes programmed parameters without continuous operator intervention. Once parameters are set and the injection is initiated, the linear actuator autonomously controls the delivery, reducing operator workload. The system serves itself by automatically managing flow rates, timing, and volume delivery, allowing the operator to focus on monitoring rather than manual manipulation during frequent injection sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
The control device is used to control delivery of fluids from a multi-fluid delivery system during a medical injection procedure. The fluid delivery system includes an injector used to deliver injection fluids to a patient. The control device is operatively associated with the injector for controlling discrete flow rates of injection fluids delivered to the patient. The control device includes first and second actuators associated with the manual control device, and an electronic substrate disposed within the manual control device and having a conductive pattern. The first actuator is operatively associated with the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern includes a plurality of predetermined digital values corresponding to discrete flow rates of injection fluids to be delivered by the injector. The second actuator is operatively associated with the electronic substrate and initiates output signals to the injector corresponding to desired mixture ratios of the injection fluids to be delivered by the injector.