Optical Infusion Line Identification via LED Light Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and managing IV administration lines in healthcare settings are labor-intensive and prone to errors, leading to potential misconnections and incorrect infusion rates, especially with multiple lines involved, which can result in accidental line swaps and incorrect medication administration.
Innovation Solution
An infusion set with a light array coupled to the tubing, a pump interface, and a controller that displays a light pattern representative of pumping parameters along the tubing, helping to accurately identify and manage IV lines, reduce labor, and prevent errors by visually communicating infusion line conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If tape or tags are attached to IV lines with written information, then identification of the line and its associated fluid source is enabled, but the tape can fall off, be difficult or unintelligible to read, or have information recorded incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tape/tag system with an optical system. Light sources are coupled to the IV line to emit light signals that identify the line and its associated fluid source. This optical system eliminates the problems of tape falling off, illegibility, and recording errors by using light-based identification that remains stable and readable throughout the infusion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different colored light sources to provide additional identification information. The light sources can be colored to distinguish between different IV lines, fluid sources, or infusion conditions, enabling quick visual identification and reducing errors in a multi-line setting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple IV administration lines are used, then comprehensive patient treatment is enabled, but the risk of misconnections or incorrect infusion rates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the identification system into segments corresponding to each IV line. Each IV line has its own light source or light sources that can be independently controlled and identified. This segmentation allows clinicians to easily distinguish between multiple lines and their associated fluid sources, reducing misconnection risks while maintaining the ability to provide comprehensive multi-line treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through light signals that indicate the status and identity of each IV line. This feedback mechanism helps clinicians verify correct connections and infusion parameters, reducing errors when managing multiple infusion lines simultaneously.
3Reliability
If line tracing is conducted manually by clinicians, then verification of correct fluid connection is achieved, but substantial time and labor are required
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are pre-coupled to the IV lines and fluid sources before the infusion begins. This preliminary setup creates automatic visual identification markers that remain in place throughout the infusion process, eliminating the need for manual line tracing and verification by clinicians during routine checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the IV lines self-identifying through the coupled light sources. The lines effectively identify themselves and their associated fluid sources through the emitted light signals, removing the burden of manual identification and verification from clinicians and reducing the time required for line tracing.
4Ease of manufacture
If tape or tags are used for IV line identification, then basic labeling is achieved, but the information may be incorrect or difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual tape/tag labeling system with an automated optical identification system. The light sources are electronically controlled and can display accurate, pre-programmed identification information without manual writing or labeling errors. This substitution maintains the simplicity of implementation while dramatically improving identification accuracy.
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 solution enhances the accuracy of IV line identification and management, reducing the risk of misconnections and errors, improving efficiency, and ensuring that the correct medication is administered at the correct rate, thereby enhancing patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
a light array coupled to the fluid-carrying tubing at a plurality of fastening points along a length of the fluid-carrying tubing
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for optically communicating infusion line conditions is disclosed. An infusion line light array includes a plurality of LEDs in a light string configuration. The light array is configured to couple to a fluid-carrying tubing at a plurality of fastening points along a length of the fluid-carrying tubing. A control unit operably coupled to the light array, receives a pumping parameter from a pump interface, the pumping parameter being generated by an infusion pump providing a fluid to a patient through the fluid-carrying tubing, and causes, responsive to receiving the pumping parameter, the light array to display, along the length of the fluid-carrying tubing, a light pattern representative of the pumping parameter.