Infusion Apparatus Automatic Occlusion Threshold Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infusion devices rely on caregiver experience and 'rule of thumb' methods to set occlusion alarm pressure thresholds, often leading to false alarms or missed occlusions due to lack of precise parameters like catheter and tubing resistance, fluid viscosity, which can disrupt medication delivery and pose patient risks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically calculating occlusion pressure thresholds using a processor that receives infusion parameters, calculates flow resistance, and sets a pressure threshold based on these parameters, including dynamic measurements and user input, to provide accurate alerts during fluid infusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If caregivers manually set pressure thresholds using experience or rule of thumb, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision and reliability of occlusion detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically calculates the occlusion pressure threshold using measured parameters (flow rate, resistance, compliance) without requiring caregiver input or experience. The processor performs the calculation based on the formula P_occlusion = P_working + P_noise_margin, where P_working = Q × R and P_noise_margin = 0.05 × (P_max - P_min). This self-service approach eliminates manual setting errors while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual caregiver judgment process with an automated computational system. The processor measures physical parameters (flow rate Q, resistance R, compliance C) and computes the pressure threshold using mathematical relationships, substituting human experience-based estimation with precise mechanical measurement and calculation.
2Reliability
If the pressure threshold is set too low to detect occlusions quickly, then the reliability of occlusion detection is improved, but false alarms increase reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors pressure during infusion and compares it against the dynamically calculated threshold. The noise margin (5% of pressure range) provides a feedback mechanism that adjusts the threshold to account for normal pressure variations, reducing false alarms while maintaining reliable occlusion detection. The system adapts to the specific infusion conditions rather than using fixed thresholds.
3Productivity
If the pressure threshold is set too high to avoid false alarms, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability of occlusion detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pressure threshold parameter dynamically based on measured infusion conditions (flow rate, resistance, compliance, pressure range). Rather than using a fixed high threshold that might miss occlusions, the threshold adapts to each specific infusion scenario, ensuring both high productivity and reliable detection.
4Measurement precision
If automated calculation of pressure threshold is implemented, then the measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor performs multiple functions: measuring flow rate, measuring pressure, calculating resistance, calculating compliance, and computing the occlusion pressure threshold. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices or manual steps into a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity despite the advanced calculations performed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of infusing a fluid includes receiving values of one or more infusion parameters for an infusion of a fluid, Based on the received infusion parameter values, an occlusion pressure threshold for the infusion of the fluid is automatically calculated. During the infusion, a fluid pressure value is sensed. An indication is provided responsive to whether a value of the sensed fluid pressure is greater than the occlusion pressure threshold.