Centralized Infusion Pump Control for Coordinated Drug Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current infusion pump systems require separate operation and lack centralized control, leading to human error risks and inefficiencies in managing multiple infusion substances, particularly in critical care settings where precise and coordinated administration of medications is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A device that enables automatic data exchange between infusion pumps for coordinated activation and deactivation of infusions, allowing for simultaneous administration of multiple substances with consideration of pharmacokinetic models and patient physiological data, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If infusion pumps are operated separately and independently, then each pump can be controlled individually, but the coordination between multiple pumps becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndividual pump controlVSAvoidCoordination between multiple pumps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of multiple infusion pumps into a single centralized control unit that manages all pumps simultaneously. This unified control approach simplifies the coordination between pumps while maintaining individual pump functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of individual control and complexity of multi-pump coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized control unit serves multiple functions: it controls activation/deactivation of infusions, monitors physiological data, adjusts infusion rates, and coordinates between different pumps. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms for each pump, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual conversion between different infusion solutions is performed, then concentration changes can be adjusted, but human error and operational delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveConcentration adjustmentVSAvoidError risk in conversion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors infusion parameters and physiological data, then self-adjusts infusion rates and concentrations without manual intervention. The control unit detects when concentration changes are needed and executes the conversion automatically, eliminating human error while maintaining adaptability to patient needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback loops where physiological data from sensors is monitored and fed back to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of infusion parameters based on real-time patient response, ensuring reliable concentration changes without manual intervention and reducing operational delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If multiple infusion substances are administered simultaneously, then comprehensive therapy can be provided, but the risk of adverse reactions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTherapy delivery efficiencyVSAvoidAdverse reactions from multiple substances
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors physiological data and detects potential adverse reactions to multiple infusion substances. When interactions are detected, the system automatically adjusts infusion rates or pauses administration, enabling comprehensive therapy while mitigating harmful effects through real-time feedback and automatic response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessments of potential drug interactions before administering multiple substances simultaneously. The control unit evaluates physiological parameters and medication combinations in advance to prevent adverse reactions, cushioning against harmful effects before they occur while maintaining efficient therapy delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP1881858B1Device for controlling several infusion pumps
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 B BRAUN MELSUNGEN AG
  • EP1881858B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1881858B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1881858B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for controlling several infusion pumps (2-10), a respective infusion substance being allocated to each infusion pump (2-10). Said infusion substance is fed to a living thing as an infusion with a predeterminable infusion rate, over a predeterminable assigned period. The infusion pumps (2-10) automatically exchange control data with each other in order to co-ordinate the activation and deactivation times of the different infusions.