Hydrophilic Membrane Infusion Set for Air-Free IV Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravenous infusion sets face issues with air embolism due to air bubbles entering the infusion line, which can lead to serious health complications, and existing solutions like air stop membranes and roller clamps are ineffective in preventing air entry during improper priming or fluid depletion.
Innovation Solution
An intravenous infusion set with a drip chamber featuring a hydrophilic membrane at the outlet and a connector with distal slits to prevent air bubbles, ensuring continuous air-free delivery by automatically stopping fluid flow when the chamber is empty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a roller clamp is used to regulate fluid flow, then the flow rate can be controlled, but air bubbles may be sucked into the infusion line during roller clamp adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydrophilic air stop membrane as an intermediary component between the fluid source and the infusion line. This membrane allows fluid to pass through while blocking air bubbles, serving as a mediator that prevents air contamination without interfering with the roller clamp's flow control function. The membrane is positioned such that it remains wetted by fluid, creating a seal that air bubbles cannot penetrate.
2Speed
If the drip chamber is placed at a slant position during emergency, then quick access is enabled, but air bubbles enter the infusion line
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophilic air stop membrane is pre-installed and pre-wetted in the system before use. This preliminary action ensures that the membrane is already in its functional state (wetted and sealed) before any potential air bubble entry risk occurs. Even when the drip chamber is rapidly tilted during emergency situations, the pre-positioned membrane immediately blocks air bubbles from entering the infusion line.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the infusion process continues after fluid depletion, then treatment continuity is maintained, but air embolism occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophilic air stop membrane performs its air-blocking function automatically without requiring external monitoring or intervention. As fluid flows through the system, it continuously wets the membrane, maintaining its air-blocking capability. When fluid depletes, the membrane automatically stops fluid flow and prevents air backflow into the infusion line, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for constant medical staff monitoring.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If manual air bubble removal is performed frequently, then air embolism is prevented, but medical staff time is consumed and catheter infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophilic air stop membrane provides continuous passive protection against air bubble entry without requiring any manual intervention. The membrane's hydrophilic properties cause it to remain wetted by the infusion fluid, creating a natural seal that air bubbles cannot penetrate. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for medical staff to repeatedly check for and remove air bubbles, freeing up their time and reducing the risk of catheter infections associated with frequent line manipulations.
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
The solution effectively prevents air embolism by ensuring air-free infusion, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies installation and use, while minimizing the risk of infections and clinical waste.
Implementation Method 1
The flow regulating and stopping member is a hydrophilic membrane which is permeable to fluid and impermeable to air
Implementation Method 2
a particular connector provided with an outlet, said outlet comprising a distal extension with one or more slits configured to prevent air bubbles from entering the infusion line
Implementation Method 3
The whole assembly comprising the fluid source, the spike and the drip chamber is hung on a hanger to provide sufficient height so that the infusion fluid is driven by gravitational force allowing the infusion fluid to flow downward towards the patient
Data Source
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AI summary
An intravenous infusion set (10) to administer continuous air free delivery of intravenous fluid to a patient, said intravenous infusion set (10) comprising: a drip chamber (12), a flexible infusion line (22) of sufficient length connecting a lower end (20) of the drip chamber (12) to a standard connector (24) at the patient end so that a needle or a catheter could be connected to the patient; a roller clamp (26) arranged between the drip chamber (12) and the standard connector (24) being movable along the length of the flexible infusion line (22), said drip chamber (12) provided with a spike (14) on the upper end (16) and a flow regulating and stopping member (18) at its lower end (20) configured to administer continuous air free delivery of intravenous fluid to patients.