Implantable Infusion Sensor for Fluid Flow Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Clinicians face difficulties in determining whether the source of therapeutic shortcomings in implantable infusion devices is related to the infusible substance or the device itself, as diagnosing issues with implanted pumps and catheters is invasive and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of sensor devices capable of wireless communication with external devices, which can determine fluid flow through the catheter, allowing clinicians to differentiate between substance-related and device-related issues, and optionally locate the catheter outlet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If clinicians perform invasive procedures to diagnose infusion device problems, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient discomfort and procedure time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidprocedure invasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical diagnostic procedures with a sensor device that uses electromagnetic fields to detect fluid flow characteristics. The sensor device wirelessly transmits flow data to external devices, eliminating the need for physical intervention while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through electronic measurement of pressure and flow rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor device acts as an intermediary between the infusion device and the clinician. It continuously monitors fluid flow characteristics and wirelessly transmits this information to external devices, providing real-time diagnostic data without requiring direct clinician intervention or invasive procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If clinicians perform time-consuming diagnostic procedures, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but treatment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiddiagnosis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device performs preliminary diagnostic measurements continuously in the background, so that when a diagnostic evaluation is needed, the data is already available. This eliminates the need for time-consuming diagnostic procedures at the time of clinical assessment, as the sensor has been continuously monitoring fluid flow characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor device provides continuous feedback on fluid flow characteristics to external devices through wireless communication. This real-time feedback mechanism allows clinicians to immediately assess device performance without waiting for or performing time-consuming diagnostic procedures, as the diagnostic information is continuously available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20200147302A9Implantable Infusion Devices Including Apparatus For Confirming Fluid Flow And Systems, Apparatus And Methods Associated With Same

Publication Date: 2020.05.14 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC

AI summary

Implantable infusion apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of a sensor that is associated with the catheter outlet.