Infusion Device Spectroscopy for Fluid Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an accurate method to identify the infusate and its concentration in infusion devices to prevent the delivery of incorrect medications, which can be critical in medical settings, especially with the use of pre-filled and packaged reservoirs that may contain different medications or incorrect concentrations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a spectroscopy-based system that uses a transmitter and receiver pair to direct a beam of energy, such as UV, NIR, or IR, into the infusate, analyzing the interaction to identify the fluid and detect any foreign matter or bubbles, ensuring the proper infusate and concentration are used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If pre-filled and packaged reservoirs are used, then preparation time is reduced and convenience is improved, but the risk of delivering incorrect medication increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreparation timeVSAvoidmedication accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of the infusate using spectroscopy before the infusion pump delivers the medication. This advance verification ensures that pre-filled reservoirs contain the correct medication and concentration, eliminating the risk associated with convenient pre-packaging while maintaining quick preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by comparing the spectral signature of the infusate against known reference spectra to confirm correct medication identity and concentration. This closed-loop verification ensures that only the correct infusate is delivered, resolving the reliability concern while preserving the time-saving benefit of pre-filled reservoirs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If spectroscopy-based identification is implemented, then medication identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfusate identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spectroscopy device serves multiple functions: identifying medication type, verifying concentration, detecting foreign matter, and checking for bubbles. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive verification in a single integrated system rather than requiring separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual visual inspection and manual preparation procedures with automated spectroscopy-based identification. This substitution reduces the need for complex manual operations and provides more reliable, consistent identification regardless of user skill level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If manual syringe preparation is used, then flexibility in medication selection is maintained, but preparation time increases and error risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically identifying and verifying the infusate without requiring manual preparation steps. The spectroscopy device autonomously confirms medication identity and concentration, eliminating the need for users to manually draw, transfer, and verify medications while maintaining flexibility in medication selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This method provides reliable identification of the infusate and concentration, preventing incorrect medication delivery by analyzing the energy interaction and comparing it to known spectra, thus ensuring patient safety.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting an initial beam of energy from the transmitter element into contact with the first fluid, altering the initial beam of energy through interaction with the first fluid by absorbing, refracting and/or reflecting the beam of energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption Spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

altering the initial beam of energy through interaction with the first fluid by absorbing, refracting and/or reflecting the beam of energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

altering the initial beam of energy through interaction with the first fluid by absorbing, refracting and/or reflecting the beam of energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

spectroscopically analyzing the first altered beam to identify the first fluid with the spectroscopy device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS11672910B2Infusion devices and fluid identification apparatuses and methods

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC

AI summary

Medical devices and methods and apparatuses for identifying fluids in a conduit of a device are provided. An exemplary medical device includes a reservoir for holding a fluid and a conduit for dispensing the fluid from the reservoir. Further, the medical device includes a spectroscopy device for examining the fluid.