Infant Heel Warming Booty for Capillary Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining blood samples from infants, such as heel puncture, often result in discomfort, capillary rupture, hemorrhage, and compromised sample quality due to inadequate capillary dilation, leading to repeated punctures and increased pain, with existing heating devices being either ineffective or uncomfortable for infants.
Innovation Solution
A flexible booty with a closure system and integrated warming device that securely fits around the infant's heel, using polymeric compounds and adjustable straps to ensure comfort and effective heating for capillary dilation, thereby improving sample quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lancet is used for heel puncture without adequate warming, then the puncture procedure can be performed, but capillary action is insufficient leading to poor blood flow and compromised sample quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by warming the heel area before performing the lancet puncture. The heating element is activated prior to sampling to dilate capillaries and increase blood flow, ensuring that when the puncture occurs, adequate blood is already available for sampling, thereby improving both sample quality and blood flow efficiency simultaneously
2Productivity
If rubbing or massaging the heel is performed to increase blood flow, then capillary action improves, but hemolysis and tissue injury occur compromising sample quality and causing pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of rubbing or massaging the heel with a thermal system. Instead of applying mechanical force that causes tissue injury and hemolysis, a heating element is used to dilate capillaries and increase blood flow through thermal energy, achieving the same blood flow enhancement without the harmful mechanical effects
3Quantity of substance
If repeated punctures are performed to obtain adequate blood sample, then sample quantity may be sufficient, but pain and discomfort increase significantly for the infant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-warming the heel to maximize capillary dilation and blood flow before the puncture. This ensures that the first puncture yields adequate blood sample quantity, eliminating the need for repeated punctures and thereby reducing pain and discomfort for the infant
4Temperature
If bandage type patches or disposable cloths are used to warm the heel, then capillary dilation is achieved, but the devices are uncomfortable or annoying causing infants to attempt removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible bootie that conforms to the infant's foot shape, providing a comfortable and non-irritating interface. The bootie is made of soft, flexible material that does not restrict movement or cause discomfort, unlike rigid bandages or cloths, while still effectively transmitting thermal energy to warm the heel and achieve capillary dilation
5Productivity
If heating devices are applied to the heel, then capillary dilation and blood flow increase, but if overly heated, burns can occur to the delicate skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback through a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the temperature of the heating element. When the temperature reaches a predetermined safe threshold, the controller automatically deactivates or modulates the heating element, preventing overheating and burns while maintaining adequate capillary dilation and blood flow
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 booty effectively warms the infant's heel, enhancing capillary dilation and reducing the need for repeated punctures, thereby minimizing discomfort and improving the quality and ease of blood sampling.
Implementation Method 1
warming up the skin in the heel area to be punctured increases the capillary action by vessel dilation or vasodilation. Warming up the skin in this location increases blood flow in the area that is punctured
Data Source
AI summary
A booty for an infant that heats the heel of the infant while preventing potential bruising, infection or cartilage damage caused by frequent heel sticks from blood tests being taken at the heel of the infant. The booty has a flexible body with a closure opening to allow the booty to be placed on the foot of the infant. The booty also has a closure device to adjust the size of the closure opening and further secure the booty to the foot of the infant. A warming device is included to heat the heel of the infant. The booty includes an attachment device to securely attach the warming device to the booty.