Powered Injector Feedback and Pressure Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid delivery systems for medical procedures, such as angiography, lack effective feedback mechanisms for operators, leading to fatigue and variability in fluid pressure and flow rates, and often result in suboptimal injection bolus and excessive contrast usage.
Innovation Solution
A powered injector system with a manual control mechanism that provides tactile and audible feedback of fluid pressure, allowing operators to control flow rates and enter high-pressure injection modes, while isolating pressure sensors from excessive pressures using a pressure isolation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual syringe injection is used, then operator control over fluid delivery is achieved, but operator fatigue and variability in pressure/flow occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms including pressure sensors that provide real-time pressure information to the operator, and flow sensors that monitor fluid delivery rates. This feedback loop allows the operator to maintain consistent pressure and flow rates without manual adjustment, reducing fatigue while improving reliability of fluid delivery parameters.
2Ease of operation
If pressure transducer is connected to monitor blood pressure, then patient monitoring is enabled, but damage to pressure transducer occurs during high-pressure injection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure isolation valve as an intermediary component between the high-pressure injection line and the pressure transducer. This valve automatically isolates the transducer from high-pressure injection bursts while maintaining connection during normal monitoring, allowing continuous patient monitoring without exposing the transducer to damaging pressures.
3Reliability
If automated injector is used, then consistent fluid delivery is achieved, but lack of operator feedback occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates multiple feedback mechanisms including pressure sensors that display real-time pressure readings to the operator, flow sensors that monitor delivery rates, and audible/visual alarms that alert the operator to abnormal conditions. This maintains operator awareness and control while benefiting from automated delivery consistency.
4Device complexity
If manual valve control is used, then fluid path isolation is achieved, but operator effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve control functions into integrated systems. The pressure isolation valve automatically performs isolation based on pressure conditions without manual intervention. The syringe mechanism integrates positioning and injection control, reducing the number of separate manual operations required while maintaining fluid path isolation capabilities.
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 reduces operator fatigue, provides precise control over fluid delivery, minimizes contrast waste, and ensures safer injection procedures by offering real-time feedback and precise pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
A check valve arrangement may be disposed in the lumen of one of the first and second connector members for limiting fluid flow to one direction through the medical connector
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid path for use in a fluid delivery system is described. The fluid path may have a connecter member having a lumen, a luer member connected to the lumen, and an annular member around the luer member. The fluid path may further have a check valve in the lumen to limit fluid flow in one direction. The check valve may have a deformable stopper element and a retaining sleeve disposed in the lumen of the connecter member. The retaining sleeve may have a central bore and a distal end against which the stopper element sits to prevent fluid flow through the lumen until a sufficient fluid pressure is present to deform the stopper element and unseat the stopper from the retaining sleeve. One or more grooves may be present in the receiving cavity. The fluid path may further have a drip chamber, a second tubing section, and a spike.