Hands-Free Infusion Pump Control With Pressure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for administering regional anesthesia require multiple individuals to operate the needle and fluid flow device, increasing the risk of nerve damage due to subjective pressure monitoring and lack of objective measurement during fluid injection.
Innovation Solution
A system with a hands-free switch and a pump mechanism that includes a foot-operable switch to control fluid flow, featuring a pressure sensing device to prevent excessive pressure, allowing a single operator to manage fluid injection and aspiration safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individuals operate the needle and fluid flow device, then the control of fluid administration is more manageable, but the risk of nerve damage increases due to subjective pressure monitoring and lack of objective measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pressure sensing device that provides real-time feedback on fluid injection pressure to the operator. This objective pressure monitoring allows for safe fluid administration by alerting the operator when pressure exceeds predetermined thresholds, eliminating the need for subjective manual monitoring while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical control of fluid flow with an automated pump system. The pump mechanism provides precise, controlled fluid delivery with integrated pressure sensing, substituting the need for multiple operators to manually coordinate needle control and fluid flow while reducing nerve damage risk through objective pressure monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If a pump mechanism with pressure sensing is implemented, then objective pressure monitoring is achieved and nerve damage risk is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump mechanism and pressure sensing device into an integrated fluid delivery system. This merging of functions allows the pump to both deliver fluid and monitor pressure simultaneously, achieving precise objective pressure monitoring while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate manual control systems.
3Reliability
If hands-free switch and foot-operable switch are used, then single-operator control is enabled and operation safety is improved, but the ease of operation may be reduced due to the learning curve of new controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hands-free switch as an intermediary control mechanism that allows the operator to control fluid flow without manually manipulating the device. This foot-operable or hands-free switching system enables safer single-operator control by freeing the operator's hands for needle management while maintaining intuitive control over fluid delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for controllably administering and/or withdrawing fluid from a patient. In one embodiment, the system may include an infusion needle, a pump adapted to be operably coupled to the infusion needle for creating fluid flow through the infusion needle, and a hands-free switch for activating and/or deactivating the pump.