Multi-Syringe Valve System for CO2 Flooding Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical fluid delivery systems for radiological imaging are prone to air introduction and CO2 flooding, posing safety risks due to the need for frequent disconnection and reconnection of components, which can lead to dangerous and potentially fatal outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part valve system with first and second syringes and a control valve assembly that allows for controlled, sequential delivery of medical fluids, preventing direct connection of the fluid source to the patient and minimizing air intrusion by isolating the source from the patient throughout the administration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a closed delivery system with a bag containing CO2 is used to reduce air introduction, then air contamination is reduced, but potentially dangerous volumes of air are still trapped within the bag requiring multiple manipulations and flushes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid delivery path into multiple isolated chambers (first chamber with first syringe, second chamber with second syringe, third chamber with catheter) separated by valve assemblies. This segmentation allows each chamber to be independently filled and manipulated without risking air contamination of the entire system, eliminating the need for repeated bag manipulations and flushes.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the CO2 source, the syringes, and the catheter. It provides controlled, sequential connection and isolation, allowing the system to transition smoothly between filling phase (source to first syringe), transfer phase (first syringe to second syringe), and delivery phase (second syringe to catheter) without exposing the system to air contamination.
2Ease of operation
If a stopcock valve is used to control fluid delivery, then fluid flow can be controlled, but incorrect operation can inadvertently connect the CO2 source directly to the patient catheter causing dangerous CO2 flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly segments the fluid delivery path into distinct stages with isolated chambers. The first chamber holds CO2 under pressure, the second chamber holds the syringe, and the third chamber connects to the catheter. The valve controls sequential activation, ensuring CO2 can only reach the patient through the controlled path via the second syringe, never directly from the source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a failsafe design where the second syringe acts as a buffer chamber between the CO2 source and the patient. Even if the valve is malfunctioned or operated incorrectly, the syringe can only deliver the volume already contained within it, preventing sudden CO2 flooding from the pressurized source.
3Quantity of substance
If the syringe is disconnected from the catheter and reattached to the cylinder for refilling, then additional CO2 can be obtained, but the procedure becomes tedious and time consuming while presenting serious risk of introducing air
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous connection between all components (CO2 source, first syringe, second syringe, and catheter) through the valve assembly throughout the entire procedure. The first syringe can be refilled from the CO2 source while the second syringe remains connected to the catheter, eliminating the need to disconnect and reconnect components multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves as a permanent intermediary connection point that allows the first syringe to be disconnected from the CO2 source for refilling without affecting the connection between the second syringe and the catheter. This enables independent refilling operations while maintaining continuous fluid delivery capability.
4Quantity of substance
If the syringe is disconnected from the catheter and reattached to the cylinder, then additional CO2 can be delivered, but the procedure is tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous CO2 delivery through the second syringe to the catheter while the first syringe is being refilled from the CO2 source. The valve assembly allows simultaneous operations in different chambers, so refilling and delivery occur concurrently rather than sequentially, significantly improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlled delivery of medical fluids to a patient includes an inlet conduit attached to a source of a medical fluid and an outlet conduit connected to the patient. The inlet and outlet conduits are interconnected by a multiple stage control valve assembly and a pair of syringes. The control valve assembly is alternated between a first state wherein the inlet conduit communicates with a first syringe for transmitting fluid from the source to the first syringe, a second state wherein the first syringe communicates with a second syringe and is isolated from the inlet conduit and the outlet for transmitting fluid from the first syringe to the second syringe, and a third state wherein the second syringe communicates with the outlet and is isolated from the inlet and the first syringe for transmitting fluid from the second syringe to the patient through the outlet.