Implantable Venous Access Port with Integrated Physiological Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring physiological parameters in chronically ill patients, particularly cancer patients receiving cytotoxic therapies, primarily rely on external devices, which are inadequate for continuous inpatient and outpatient monitoring, leading to potential delays in detecting adverse effects.
Innovation Solution
An implantable venous access port (IVAP) with integrated sensors for continuous physiological parameter monitoring, a microprocessor for data collection and analysis, and wireless transmission to a secure computing device for real-time patient data access and alerts to healthcare providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external devices are used for monitoring physiological parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but continuous monitoring capability and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monitoring functions (physiological parameter sensing, data processing, wireless communication, and alert generation) into a single integrated implantable venous access port device. This merging of functions into one compact unit enables continuous monitoring while managing device complexity through integration rather than multiple separate external devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable venous access port is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides venous access for chemotherapy administration and continuous physiological monitoring. This universal design eliminates the need for separate external monitoring devices, improving measurement precision while the integrated architecture manages complexity through a single platform.
2Loss of time
If external monitoring devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but response time for detecting adverse effects worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system performs self-service by automatically detecting physiological parameters, analyzing data for adverse effects, and generating alerts without requiring patient intervention. This automation reduces response time for detecting adverse effects while the system handles operational complexity internally, eliminating the need for patients to manually operate monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors physiological parameters and provides immediate feedback through automated alerts when adverse effects are detected. This real-time feedback mechanism reduces the time loss associated with manual monitoring, while the automated nature of the feedback eliminates operational complexity for the patient.
3Reliability
If continuous in vivo monitoring is implemented, then reliability of patient monitoring is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system into distinct functional modules: physiological parameter sensors, data processing unit, wireless communication module, and alert generation system. This segmentation enables continuous in vivo monitoring reliability while simplifying manufacturing by allowing each module to be developed, tested, and assembled independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable venous access port employs a nested architecture where sensing elements are positioned within the catheter lumen, the data processing unit is integrated within the port body, and the wireless communication module is embedded in the subcutaneous reservoir. This nesting enables continuous monitoring reliability while managing manufacturing complexity through hierarchical integration.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated with the access port, then measurement precision for physiological indicators is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor types (e.g., temperature sensors, physiological parameter sensors) are merged into a single integrated sensing array within the catheter or port structure. This combining approach improves measurement precision for multiple physiological indicators simultaneously while managing device complexity through unified sensor architecture and shared signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with universal functionality to measure multiple physiological indicators (temperature, pH, oxygenation, etc.) using integrated sensing elements. This multi-functional sensor design improves measurement precision across different parameters while the shared sensor platform manages complexity by using a common detection and processing architecture.
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
Enhances patient self-efficacy, improves health literacy, reduces healthcare costs, and optimizes treatment adherence by providing continuous, in vivo monitoring and timely intervention, reducing the need for unnecessary clinical visits.
Implementation Method 1
an autofluorescence sensor including a source configured to generate and emit excitation light within a predefined light wavelength and two or more photosensors configured to detect, record, and quantify autofluorescence emitted by the red blood cells, the white blood cells, and/or the platelets
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An apparatus (300) for an implantable venous access port (102) with remote physiological monitoring capabilities is disclosed. A system (100, 101) and method (700, 800) also perform the functions of the apparatus (300). In one embodiment the apparatus (300) includes a chemotherapy access port (166), a plurality of sensors (180, 182, 302, 304) integrated with the chemotherapy access port (166), where the plurality of sensors (180, 182, 302, 304) determine one or more chemotherapy-related physiological condition indicators (501) and the one or more physiological condition indicators (501) include at least parameters selected from red blood cell count (510), white blood cell count (512), platelets (518), and/or ejection fraction (520). The apparatus (300) includes a communications module (147) integrated with the chemotherapy access port (166), where the communications module (147) is configured to communicate the one or more chemotherapy-related physiological indicators (501) to a computing device (106a, 106b, 110).