Integrated Fiber Optic Catheter for Continuous Blood Gas Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring methods for arterial blood gases in neonates are inadequate, providing only intermittent and delayed measurements, causing pain, infection risk, blood loss, and long-term developmental issues, with existing continuous and non-invasive systems failing to meet accuracy, precision, and safety needs.
Innovation Solution
An Integrated Fiber Optic Sensor Umbilical (ISUM) Catheter that combines intravascular catheterization with embedded blood gas sensors for continuous, non-invasive monitoring, using distributed fiber optic sensors to minimize the 'wall effect' and ensure accurate readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional intermittent blood gas monitoring methods are used, then the monitoring procedure is simple and equipment requirements are low, but the monitoring is non-continuous and provides delayed results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated catheter system. The umbilical catheter is merged with fiber optic sensors, pressure transducers, and temperature sensors to provide continuous blood gas monitoring, hemodynamic monitoring, and temperature monitoring simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate monitoring devices and procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system is designed with multi-functionality to perform various monitoring tasks through a single device. It can measure blood gas parameters (pH, pCO2, pO2), blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, making it a universal monitoring solution that replaces multiple specialized devices
2Measurement precision
If repeated blood draws are performed for blood gas analysis, then blood gas parameters can be monitored, but pain, infection risk, and blood loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system performs self-monitoring by continuously measuring blood gas parameters directly from the umbilical artery through embedded sensors. The system eliminates the need for external blood draws by using the catheter itself as the sensing platform, with sensors that directly detect pH, pCO2, and pO2 in the blood flowing through the catheter lumen
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical blood drawing procedures with optical and electrochemical sensing mechanisms. Fiber optic sensors and electrode-based sensors substitute for the mechanical act of withdrawing blood samples, enabling continuous measurement without repeated invasive punctures
3Duration of action of moving object
If point fiber optic sensors are used in the radial artery, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but the wall effect causes frequent and unpredictable drops in PaO2 readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function across multiple sensor types and locations within the catheter. Instead of relying on a single point sensor that is susceptible to wall effect, the system uses distributed fiber optic sensors along the catheter length and combines readings from multiple sensing points to eliminate the impact of any single point contacting the arterial wall
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter lumen acts as an intermediary medium between the blood and the sensors. Blood flows through the catheter lumen, providing a stable and consistent interface for sensor measurement, eliminating the need for direct contact between sensors and the pulsing arterial wall that causes the wall effect
4Ease of operation
If extracorporeal in-line optical sensors are used, then continuous non-invasive monitoring is achieved, but the separate procedure requirement makes it impractical for most neonates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the extracorporeal sensor functionality with the already-necessary intravascular catheter. The fiber optic sensors and processing equipment are integrated into the catheter assembly, eliminating the need for separate extracorporeal monitoring setups and making the system practical for routine neonatal care
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 ISUM Catheter provides reliable, real-time blood gas monitoring, reducing pain, infection, and blood loss, while enhancing patient safety and reducing long-term developmental risks, with improved accuracy and precision, and potential cost savings through batch production.
Implementation Method 1
various gas or other types of sensors can be calibration-free... distributed fiber optic sensors to minimize the 'wall effect' and ensure accurate readings
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a catheter configured to detect at least one blood gas parameter present in blood in an artery of a patient, including, but not limited to, a catheter wall forming at least one lumen configured for umbilical arterial catheterization, at least one optical fiber incorporated in the catheter wall, wherein the at least one optical fiber is configured to detected the at least one blood gas parameter.