Optical Follicle Fluid Level Detection in IVF Test Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
During IVF procedures, doctors performing oocyte recovery have their hands occupied, making it difficult to continuously monitor the level of follicle fluid in a test tube, which can lead to delays and potential spills due to the need for manual communication with a nurse.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a test tube, a casing with optical devices, and signal processing circuitry that detects the level of follicle fluid by comparing the intensity of a light beam emitted and received, generating alerts when the pre-defined level is reached, allowing for real-time feedback to the doctor without interrupting their focus on the ultrasound monitor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nurse manually monitors the follicle fluid level and communicates with the doctor, then the fluid level can be monitored, but it results in communication delays and interrupts the doctor's focus on the ultrasound monitor
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-monitoring of the follicle fluid level through automatic optical detection. The sensor continuously measures the fluid level in the test tube and triggers an alarm automatically when the threshold is reached, eliminating the need for manual monitoring by the nurse and instantaneous communication with the doctor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback by continuously monitoring the fluid level and providing real-time alerts to the doctor through an alarm mechanism when the pre-defined threshold is reached, eliminating communication delays associated with manual monitoring.
2Reliability
If the doctor divides attention between the ultrasound monitor and the test tube, then the fluid level can be monitored, but it reduces the quality of ultrasound monitoring and increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system performs self-service by automatically detecting the fluid level using optical sensors and triggering alarms without requiring the doctor's direct intervention or attention, thus maintaining simple operational procedures while ensuring reliable monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor acts as an intermediary device that automatically detects the fluid level and communicates this information to the doctor through an alarm system, eliminating the need for the doctor to visually monitor the test tube while maintaining simple operational complexity.
3Device complexity
If manual monitoring is used, then the system remains simple, but it causes delays in detecting when the fluid reaches the threshold level
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor continuously monitors the fluid level without interruption, ensuring immediate detection when the threshold is reached. This continuous automatic monitoring maintains simple system operation while dramatically improving detection speed compared to intermittent manual monitoring.
4Reliability
If the doctor focuses solely on the ultrasound monitor, then the quality of ultrasound monitoring is maintained, but the fluid level cannot be monitored in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback about the fluid level status to the doctor through real-time alarms, allowing the doctor to maintain full focus on the ultrasound monitor while still receiving timely information about when the fluid reaches the threshold level.
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
Enables uninterrupted and accurate monitoring of follicle fluid levels, preventing spills and ensuring efficient oocyte extraction by providing immediate alerts when the fluid reaches a pre-defined threshold, thus improving the precision and safety of the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
The first optical device emits beam of a pre-defined intensity, through the test tube, towards the second optical device. The signal processing circuitry facilitates to detect the level of the follicle fluid by monitoring intensity of the beam received by the second optical device.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an apparatus and a method for detecting level of the follicle fluid falling into a test tube during an aspiration process. The apparatus may be configured for detecting the level of the follicle fluid falling into the test tube. Upon detecting that the level reaches the pre-defined threshold level in the test tube, the apparatus may be further configured to notify a doctor about the level of the follicle fluid into the test tube via an audio alarm or visually through the ultrasound monitor. The notification enables the doctor to concentrate on the aspiration process and further facilitates to prevent spilling of the follicle fluid from the test tube, once the follicle fluid reaches the pre-defined threshold level of the test tube.