Infusion State Detection via Periodic Pump Pausing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion state detection systems face challenges in accurately detecting liquid leakage or occlusion in infusion lines due to pressure changes that are similar to those caused by posture changes or venous pressure fluctuations, leading to unreliable detection and potential misreporting or overlooking of extravasation events.
Innovation Solution
An infusion state detection system that includes a pump unit, a pressure detector, and a determination processing unit which stops the pump and determines the infusion state based on pressure values during a stop period, allowing for accurate detection of leakage or occlusion by measuring pressure changes and time thresholds, enabling early notification and countermeasures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure monitoring is performed during continuous infusion, then infusion state can be monitored in real-time, but detection reliability decreases due to pressure changes from posture changes, venous pressure fluctuations, or other factors that mask extravasation signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic pause operations during infusion, temporarily stopping the pump to create observation windows where pressure changes from extravasation can be distinguished from normal infusion pressure fluctuations. This periodic interruption allows the system to compare pressure behavior under different flow conditions, improving detection reliability while maintaining overall continuous monitoring capability.
2Measurement precision
If flow rate is changed during infusion to detect pressure changes, then liquid delivery resistance can be distinguished from other pressure changes, but constant flow rate control required for certain medications cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pause operations at predetermined intervals during infusion. These planned interruptions are built into the infusion protocol, allowing pressure measurements to be taken under known, controlled conditions (zero flow) before resuming normal infusion. This eliminates the need for unexpected flow rate changes while still enabling accurate detection of liquid delivery resistance through comparison of pressure values before, during, and after the pause.
3Quantity of substance
If pressure sensor is attached to infusion pump, then pressure in infusion line can be detected, but small pressure increases from extravasation cannot be distinguished from larger pressure increases from occlusion or other factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically evaluates pressure changes by comparing pressure values across different operational states (infusion running vs. paused). Instead of relying on absolute pressure thresholds, the system analyzes the pattern and rate of pressure change, allowing it to distinguish between the gradual pressure increase from extravasation and the sudden pressure spike from occlusion. This dynamic assessment improves reliability by considering the context of pressure changes rather than their magnitude alone.
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 system achieves high accuracy in detecting infusion state abnormalities, such as leakage or occlusion, with enhanced reliability and usability, allowing for constant flow rate delivery of medicinal solutions and improved liquid supply control.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure detector arranged in the infusion line and configured to detect a pressure in the infusion line
Data Source
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AI summary
An infusion state detection system (10) includes a liquid delivery pump (20) configured to deliver a medicinal solution inside the infusion line (12), and a pressure sensor (40) arranged in the infusion line (12) and configured to detect a pressure inside the infusion line (12). The liquid delivery pump (20) internally includes a control unit (54) configured to stop driving of the liquid delivery pump (20) and determine whether an infusion state is normal or abnormal on the basis of a pressure value detected by the pressure sensor (40) during the stop period in a case where the pressure value of the pressure sensor (40) becomes a threshold pressure value (Ps) for stopping liquid delivery or above.