Infusion Set Priming With Separate Flow-Path Liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing priming methods for infusion sets expose operators to hazardous medical solutions by requiring the use of a single priming solution for both main and side-injection lines, increasing the risk of leakage and exposure.
Innovation Solution
A method and infusion set design that allows separate priming of each flow path using distinct liquids stored in connected containers, with air from one path being directed to a collection container, minimizing exposure by containing hazardous liquids within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single priming solution is used for both main and side-injection lines, then the priming operation is simplified, but the operator is exposed to hazardous medical solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the priming process into separate operations for the main line and side-injection line. The main line is primed first with a non-hazardous solution, then the side-injection line is primed separately with its own solution, eliminating the need for operators to handle hazardous solutions during priming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary priming of the main line before connecting the side-injection line. This preliminary action ensures that the main line is ready and isolated, allowing subsequent priming of the side-injection line without exposing operators to hazardous solutions that may be present in the side-injection line's infusion bag.
2Device complexity
If the same priming solution is used for all flow paths, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing leakage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow paths into the main line and side-injection line, allowing each to be primed with appropriate solutions. This segmentation enables better control over solution containment and reduces the risk of leakage by preventing mixing of different solutions in a single flow path.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate priming solutions are used for main and side-injection lines, then operator safety is improved, but the priming procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the priming procedure into distinct steps: first priming the main line with a non-hazardous solution, then priming the side-injection line separately. This segmentation, while adding procedural steps, eliminates operator exposure to hazardous solutions by ensuring that operators only handle non-hazardous solutions during the priming operation.
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 method effectively primes each flow path using its respective liquid, reducing the risk of leakage and exposure to hazardous medical solutions, ensuring safe operation by containing air and vapor within the infusion set.
Implementation Method 1
the second liquid moves air that has been present in the second flow path toward the collection container through the gas storing portion in the drip chamber, and the collection flow path
Data Source
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AI summary
A first open/close valve (12a), a drip chamber (14), and a variable valve (17) are provided in this order on a first flow path (10a) from a first connector (11a) side toward a downstream connector (19) side. A second flow path (10b), on which a second open/close valve (12b) is provided, is connected to a section of the first flow path between the first open/close valve and the drip chamber. A priming method includes a first step of causing the first liquid to flow from a first container (20a) into the first flow path and priming the first flow path using the first liquid, and a second step of causing the second liquid to flow from a second container (20b) into the second flow path and priming the second flow path using the second liquid. In the second step, the second liquid moves air that has been present in the second flow path toward the first container (20a).