Optical Blood Reservoir Level Control for Small Perfusion Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional perfusion systems for cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries lack effective continuous monitoring and control of blood reservoir levels, especially in small reservoirs, leading to manual intensive labor and potential errors in fluid management.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device is integrated into the perfusion system to provide real-time visualization of the blood reservoir level and volume on a graphical user interface, allowing for user interaction to set desired fluid levels and automate adjustments using venous clamps, vacuum regulators, or arterial pumps, ensuring precise fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional level sensors (ultrasonic, capacitive, or pressure) are used to monitor blood reservoir levels, then emergency shut-off function is provided, but the sensors are too large for very small reservoirs and cannot provide continuous monitoring over the whole reservoir volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an imaging device (camera) to create a visual copy or representation of the blood reservoir and its fluid level. Instead of using physical sensors that would occupy space in the reservoir, the system captures optical images of the reservoir and processes them to determine fluid level and volume information, thereby avoiding the size and coverage limitations of conventional sensors.
2Reliability
If the perfusionist manually regulates venous blood flow and monitors the reservoir continuously, then blood reservoir level control is maintained, but constant attention and manual labor are required throughout the case
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic monitoring and control of blood reservoir levels through the imaging device and control unit. The perfusionist sets desired working values on the control panel, and the system automatically maintains the fluid level by acting on venous clamps, vacuum regulators, or arterial pumps, freeing the perfusionist from constant manual monitoring while ensuring reliable level control.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device continuously captures images of the blood reservoir, and the control unit processes these images to determine current fluid levels. This information is fed back to the control panel display and used to automatically adjust blood flow regulation mechanisms to maintain the desired reservoir level, creating a closed-loop feedback control system.
3Measurement precision
If conventional level sensors are used, then pump emergency shut-off is enabled, but the sensors cannot translate the measured level into volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional point-level measurement by conventional sensors to two-dimensional area-based measurement using an imaging device. By capturing images of the entire reservoir cross-section and analyzing pixel data, the system can calculate both the height of the fluid column and the surface area, thereby deriving the total volume of blood in the reservoir rather than just a single level point.
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
This solution enables continuous, accurate monitoring and control of blood reservoir levels, reducing manual labor and minimizing errors, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device (e.g., optical sensor, camera, etc.) configured to reproduce an image and/or shape of the reservoir
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A perfusion system includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold a portion of fluid, the portion of fluid having a volume, the fluid reservoir having a total capacity that is greater than the volume; an imaging device, the imaging device configured to obtain image data corresponding to the fluid reservoir; and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the image data from the imaging device; determine the volume based on the image data; and facilitate control, in response to at least one of a user input and the determined volume of the portion of fluid, of an operating parameter corresponding to the fluid reservoir to facilitate changing or maintaining the volume of the portion of the fluid.