Infusion Pump In-Cycle Air Detection via Pressure Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion pumps lack an effective method to detect air in the fluid line during operation, which can lead to air embolism in patients, and existing solutions require separate components for pressure measurement and air detection, making them inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
An infusion pump design that combines pressure measurement and air detection using a single detector, where pressure is created in the infusion tube during a special mode of operation within each cycle, utilizing an inlet valve, outlet valve, and a squeezing element to measure pressure changes and detect air accumulation between intake and delivery phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate dedicated components are used for detecting occlusion and monitoring air in the line, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure measurement function and air detection function into a single pressure sensor. The pressure sensor measures pressure during infusion cycles to detect both occlusions and air bubbles in the fluid line, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each detection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects occlusions by monitoring pressure changes during infusion, detects air bubbles by analyzing pressure patterns during the squeeze element operation, and provides information for controlling the infusion pump. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pressure measurement is performed during infusion pump operation, then air detection capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to dynamic cycle conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs pressure measurements at specific periodic intervals within the infusion pump cycle, specifically during the intake phase when the squeeze element is not squeezing the fluid line. By measuring pressure during this specific phase of the periodic cycle, the system can detect air bubbles while minimizing interference from the dynamic squeezing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pressure measurements during each infusion cycle and uses this feedback to detect air bubbles. The controller analyzes the pressure data in real-time, comparing it against expected patterns, and can alert the user or adjust pump operation when air is detected, maintaining measurement precision despite dynamic conditions.
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 continuous monitoring of air content during infusion cycles, preventing air delivery to patients by using the same components for valve operation checks and air detection, distinguishing between incomplete valve sealing and air presence, and performing in-cycle pressure measurements, thus ensuring safe fluid delivery.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the pressure or pressure change resulting from the squeezing, using a pressure sensor positioned between the inlet and outlet valves
Data Source
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AI summary
An infusion pump (100) includes inlet (110) and outlet (120) valves and a squeezing element (130) configured to squeeze a fluid line (150) coupled to the infusion pump. A method includes at least one round of valve operation check prior to initiation of a delivery session of fluid to a subject, and subsequently, after an intake phase and before a delivery phase of at least one infusion pump cycle, determining for the at least one pump cycle, an absolute amount of air in the fluid line. The valve operation check and the determining of the amount of air each include: (A) closing the inlet valve to confine a section of the fluid line between the inlet and outlet valves; (B) squeezing the confined section; (C) measuring the pressure within the confined section; and (D) subsequently, relieving the pressure in the confined section. Other applications are also described.