Patient Hydration System with Redundant Fluid Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydration systems for patients undergoing procedures with radiocontrast media lack accuracy in maintaining fluid balance, leading to dehydration or overhydration, which increases the risk of radiocontrast nephropathy, especially in patients with preexisting renal issues, due to unpredictable urine output and the inability to adjust infusion rates in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A patient hydration system that automatically adjusts the rate of hydration fluid delivery based on real-time urine output measurement, using a controller that monitors both the infusion pump's operation history and the weight of the hydration fluid source, ensuring a zero, positive, or negative net fluid balance, thereby preventing dehydration and overhydration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydration fluid is infused at a fixed conservative rate, then the risk of overhydration (pulmonary edema) is reduced, but the patient may become dehydrated due to unpredictable urine output
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures urine output and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the hydration fluid infusion rate. The controller receives real-time urine output data and modifies the infusion rate accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing patient conditions while maintaining fluid balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion rate is transformed from a fixed static value to a dynamic value that continuously adjusts based on measured urine output. The system enables real-time adaptation of hydration rates to match actual fluid loss, allowing the infusion parameters to change dynamically throughout the procedure.
2Measurement precision
If a catheter is placed to accurately measure urine output, then dehydration can be prevented, but the complexity and invasiveness of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the patient's own urinary system to provide measurement data. By collecting and measuring urine output directly from the patient's bladder through a catheter, the system obtains accurate physiological data without requiring external measurement devices or complex sensing technology.
3Device complexity
If manual urine output measurement by nurses is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy and real-time monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The manual visual inspection and estimation method is replaced with an automated electronic weighing system. A load cell continuously measures the weight of the urine collection bag, providing precise quantitative data without requiring nurse intervention. This substitution of mechanical/Manual measurement with automated sensing enables accurate real-time monitoring.
4Reliability
If hydration rate is increased to prevent dehydration, then fluid balance is improved, but the risk of overhydration and pulmonary edema increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time urine output measurement as feedback to precisely control the hydration infusion rate. By matching infusion rates to actual fluid loss measured through urine collection, the system maintains fluid balance without exceeding safe limits, preventing both dehydration and overhydration.
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion rate parameter is continuously adjusted based on measured urine output. The system dynamically changes the flow rate parameter to match physiological needs, transitioning from fixed conservative rates to variable rates that prevent dehydration while avoiding overhydration through precise control.
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 system effectively maintains a balanced fluid status, reducing the risk of radiocontrast nephropathy by accurately adjusting hydration rates, ensuring safe and effective fluid management during medical procedures, particularly for patients at high risk.
Implementation Method 1
The controller monitors the operation of the infusion pump and the weight of the source of hydration fluid using a strain gauge
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient hydration system including an infusion device for administering hydration fluid to a patient, and a hydration fluid measurement device responsive to a source of hydration fluid, a patient urine output measurement device. A controller is responsive to the hydration fluid measurement device and the patient urine output measurement device. The controller operates the infusion device, in response to the patient urine output measurement device and the hydration fluid measurement device, to hydrate the patient based on the patient's urine output. The controller also monitors the operation history of the infusion device thereby providing redundancy in the measurement of the amount of hydration fluid administered to the patient.