Optical Sensor Fluid Infiltration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for detecting fluid infiltration during medical injections are intrusive, prone to dislodgment, and require single-use components, making them inefficient and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fluid delivery cannula with an optical sensor and controller that detects fluid infiltration by analyzing light characteristics reflected from the injection site, allowing for non-intrusive and reusable detection of fluid pooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional intrusive detection systems are used, then fluid infiltration can be detected, but the system is prone to dislodgment and requires single-use components
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is extracted from the cannula and positioned remotely, connected via optical fiber. This separates the detection function from the injection component, eliminating dislodgment risks while maintaining detection capability. The sensor is now a separate monitoring device rather than an integrated part of the cannula.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber serves multiple functions: transmitting light to the target site, carrying reflected light back to the sensor, and enabling reusable detection infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows a single optical fiber to replace multiple single-use components.
2Measurement precision
If intrusive detection components are placed at the injection site, then detection accuracy is improved, but the components require disposal after single use
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber acts as an intermediary, allowing the reusable sensor to indirectly measure conditions at the injection site without physical contact. This mediator enables precise measurement while eliminating the need for disposable components at the sensitive injection location.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber creates an optical copy of the light conditions at the target site, transmitting this information back to the sensor. This copying mechanism allows remote sensing without requiring physical presence of the sensor at the injection site, enabling reusable components.
3Ease of repair
If optical sensor is positioned remotely from the distal end, then component reuse becomes possible, but detection of fluid pooling at the distal end must be achieved indirectly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical pressure - the reflected light intensity serves as an optical signal indicating fluid presence. By measuring changes in light characteristics (optical pressure equivalent), the system detects fluid pooling remotely without mechanical contact, enabling reusable components while maintaining detection capability.
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 quick and accurate detection of fluid infiltration events, preventing unnecessary fluid distribution and allowing for immediate remedial action without the need for disposable components.
Implementation Method 1
analyzing light characteristics reflected from the injection site
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for detecting a fluid infiltration event. A system includes a fluid delivery cannula having a distal end and a proximal end, a fluid source fluidly coupled to the proximal end of the fluid delivery cannula, and an optical sensor optically coupled to an interior of the fluid delivery cannula. The optical sensor is disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the fluid delivery cannula and configured to generate an electronic signal based on one or more characteristics of light sensed in the interior of the fluid delivery cannula when fluid from the fluid source is passed therethrough. The system further includes a controller configured to receive the electronic signal from the optical sensor and determine a fluid infiltration event based on the electronic signal.