Infusion Set Pressure Sensing for Early Occlusion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion pumps, particularly those used for insulin delivery, frequently experience malfunctions such as improper needle/cannula insertion, kinks, blockages, and leaks, leading to adverse outcomes for diabetic patients.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system integrated into the infusion pump or infusion set that monitors fluid delivery and tissue counter pressure to detect malfunctions, providing real-time alerts and predictive analytics to prevent failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If infusion pumps are used for repeated needle/cannula insertions and chronic insulin exposure, then fluid delivery function is maintained, but skin tissue is compromised leading to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs preliminary detection of tissue counter pressure and fluid flow characteristics before malfunctions occur. By monitoring these parameters continuously during the infusion period, the system can identify early signs of tissue compromise, kinks, or blockages and alert users before delivery failure occurs, thereby maintaining reliability throughout the intended duration of use.
2Productivity
If repeated needle/cannula insertions are performed, then continuous insulin delivery is achieved, but infusion site tissue degrades causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of tissue counter pressure and fluid flow characteristics at the infusion site. The sensor detects changes in these parameters that indicate tissue degradation, kinks, or blockages, and provides real-time feedback to alert users. This enables early intervention to maintain insulin delivery continuity while preventing the harmful effects of tissue degradation from causing malfunctions.
3Measurement precision
If sensor system is integrated to monitor fluid delivery and tissue counter pressure, then malfunction detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated platform. The same sensor assembly monitors both tissue counter pressure and fluid flow characteristics, while the processing system handles detection, analysis, and alert generation. This multi-functional approach achieves high measurement precision for malfunction detection without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 effectively detects and alerts users to infusion site malfunctions, reducing waste and improving safety by ensuring proper medication delivery and identifying healthy tissue for injection.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured for measuring a value associated with the fluid in the sampling cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system capable of detecting tissue counter pressure from patients that utilize infusion pumps to administer their medication is provided. Embodiments include a retrofitted piece that is placed between the user's infusion set and pump, as well as a “smart” infusion set configured for measuring characteristics of a fluid traveling therethrough. Hardware is provided that couples with the sensor to store, analyze, and compare data to distinguish between normal and non-normal injection/infusion profiles. An alert system notifies the user of a malfunction within the pump, within the infusion set, or at the injection/infusion site.