Lavage Catheter Temperature Sensor Lumen Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheters with temperature sensors for fluid measurement in body cavages are prone to failure, leading to inaccurate temperature readings, potential thermal shock, and increased patient discomfort and risk of infection, especially due to the compact design and contamination risks of redundant sensors.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design with an integrated temperature sensor lumen positioned closer to the outflow lumen than the inflow lumen, allowing for indirect and accurate temperature measurement without direct contact with the fluid, reducing contamination risks and enhancing precision and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is integrated directly into the fluid path of the catheter, then temperature measurement is enabled, but the sensor is prone to contamination and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into separate functional lumens: an inflow lumen for fluid delivery, an outflow lumen for fluid drainage, and a separate temperature sensor lumen for temperature measurement. This segmentation isolates the temperature sensor from direct fluid contact, preventing contamination while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor measures temperature indirectly through the catheter wall rather than direct contact with the fluid. The catheter wall acts as an intermediary medium, allowing thermal energy transfer from the fluid to the sensor while preventing contamination and sensor failure.
2Reliability
If redundant temperature sensors are used to prevent failure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is positioned closer to the outflow lumen than the inflow lumen, placing it in a location where fluid dynamics and thermal conditions provide inherent protection and stability. This strategic positioning cushions the sensor against extreme thermal shocks and contamination risks from the inflow side.
3Loss of time
If the temperature sensor is positioned closer to the inflow lumen, then early temperature detection is achieved, but contamination risk and measurement accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is positioned in a third spatial dimension relative to the inflow and outflow lumens, closer to the outflow lumen. This positioning optimizes the sensor's location within the catheter body to balance early detection with measurement accuracy and contamination protection.
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 catheter provides accurate temperature measurements within +/-0.1°C to +/-1°C, minimizing patient risk and improving treatment efficiency while maintaining a compact and safe design for easy insertion and use.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor comprising a sensing element positioned in the temperature sensor lumen at the tip of the distal end, wherein the sensing element is configured to measure a temperature of a fluid in a body cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
A catheter (1) for measuring temperature of a fluid (2) in a body cavity (10), wherein said catheter (1) comprises a catheter body (100) comprising a proximal end (101) and an opposite distal end (102) comprising a tip (103); and - an inflow lumen (11); - an outflow lumen (12); and - a temperature sensor lumen (13) comprising a temperature sensor (130); wherein said temperature sensor lumen (13) is arranged closer to said outflow lumen (12) and to said inflow lumen (11) in said catheter body (100); and wherein said temperature sensor (130) comprises a sensing element (131) positioned at said tip (103) of said distal end (102) to measure a temperature of a fluid (2) in a body cavity (10) when said distal end (102) of said catheter body (100) is inserted into a body cavity (10).