Implanted Access Port Location Detection by Material Density Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating and accessing implanted access ports are complex and require clinical training, making it difficult for patients and non-clinical caregivers to accurately identify, sanitize, and administer medications through these ports safely and effectively.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a locator assembly that includes sensors to differentiate material densities of the access port, a controller to determine its location, and an output device to provide feedback, allowing users to intuitively locate and access the port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual palpation is used to locate the access port, then the method is simple and requires no special equipment, but the location precision is insufficient and requires clinical training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical palpation system with an optical sensing system. The sensor detects optical properties (such as light reflection or absorption) of the access port materials at different depths, enabling automated identification of the port location, septum position, and even port type without requiring manual tactile exploration or clinical training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary between the user and the access port. The sensor acts as a mediator that translates physical properties of the port (material density, depth, orientation) into detectable signals, allowing indirect but precise measurement of port characteristics without direct mechanical contact or palpation.
2Reliability
If palpation with tactile markers is used to identify port type, then port identification is possible, but the markers may lead to erosion of the site and necessitate removal of the access port
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tactile markers with an optical detection system. Instead of using physical protrusions that can erode the implantation site, the system uses sensors to detect optical properties of the port housing and septum materials, enabling reliable port identification without any mechanical contact that could cause tissue erosion or port removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes differences in optical properties (analogous to color changes) of different port materials and components. The sensor detects variations in light interaction with different materials (port housing vs. septum vs. catheter), enabling identification of port type and configuration without physical markers that could cause harm.
3Measurement precision
If clinical training is required for port access, then accurate port location and needle insertion can be achieved, but the procedure becomes complex and difficult for patients and non-clinical caregivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by providing an automated locating system that guides the user directly to the correct insertion point. The sensor automatically detects the access port and provides visual or tactile feedback indicating the precise location and orientation, allowing patients or non-clinical caregivers to perform the procedure without requiring years of clinical training or supervision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously monitors the location and characteristics of the access port and provides real-time guidance to the user. The system gives visual or tactile feedback indicating when the correct location is reached, when the needle is properly oriented, and when insertion is complete, thereby simplifying the procedure while maintaining high accuracy.
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
Enables less-trained individuals to safely and reliably identify and administer medications through implanted access ports, expanding the use of these devices to less burdensome settings like home care.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to sense an aspect of the access port, wherein the aspect includes at least two different material densities of the access port
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use with an access port implanted in a living body includes a locator assembly. The locator assembly includes a sensor configured to sense an aspect of the access port, where the aspect includes at least two different material densities. The locator assembly also includes a controller configured to determine a location of the access port based on differentiating the at least two different material densities of the access port. The at least two different material densities correspond to at least two different elements of the access port including at least one of a port housing or an elastomeric pierceable port septum. The locator assembly also includes an output device configured to provide feedback to a user, and the controller is further configured to instruct the output device to provide the feedback to the user based on the determined location of the access port.