Optical Sensor for Therapeutic Fluid Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapeutic apheresis procedures rely on operator experience to select the correct replacement fluid, risking adverse consequences due to potential incorrect fluid loading.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that automatically detect the type of replacement fluid using a reusable hardware component and single-use kit, with a programmable controller and sensor to verify the fluid's identity based on optical properties, providing a warning for incorrect fluid loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operator experience and training are used to select replacement fluid, then the system remains simple and easy to operate, but the risk of incorrect fluid loading increases leading to adverse consequences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual operator-based fluid selection process with an automated optical detection system. A sensor detects optical properties of the replacement fluid container, and a controller automatically verifies fluid identity, substituting human judgment with mechanical/optical detection to eliminate errors while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of fluid identity through automatic optical detection and controller verification. The apparatus independently confirms fluid correctness without requiring operator expertise, enabling the system to self-check and prevent incorrect fluid loading
2Reliability
If automatic detection system is implemented, then fluid selection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor and controller are integrated into the existing apheresis system, serving multiple functions including fluid verification, procedure monitoring, and system control. This multi-functionality approach adds verification capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary between the fluid container and the controller. The sensor detects optical properties and translates them into verification signals, acting as a mediator that simplifies the interaction between the complex verification system and the user
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
Ensures accurate selection and use of replacement fluids during therapeutic exchange procedures, preventing errors and ensuring patient safety by automating the fluid verification process.
Implementation Method 1
The replacement fluid is flowed through a segment of the kit in proximity to a sensor associated with the durable separation device that detects the type of fluid flowing through the segment based on optical properties
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for automatically detecting the type of replacement fluid loaded by the operator during a therapeutic exchange procedure and to provide a warning alarm if an incorrect fluid is used. After the operator connects the container of replacement fluid to the replacement fluid line of a single-use kit and enters into the controller an identification of the exchange procedure to be performed, the replacement fluid is flowed through a segment of the kit in proximity to a sensor associated with the hardware component that detects the type of fluid flowing through the segment. The controller verifies whether the replacement fluid detected in the segment corresponds to that appropriate for the selected exchange procedure, and notifies the operator in the event that an incorrect replacement fluid has been loaded.