Oral Contrast Dispensing Device with Integrated Patient Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for administering oral contrast agents for X-ray, CT, and MR imaging face challenges in ensuring proper concentration, palatability, and monitoring consumption, particularly due to the need for dilution and the difficulty in tracking patient-specific information during the administration process.
Innovation Solution
A device with a chamber for mixing and dispensing oral contrast agents with beverages, featuring a liquid volume scale, time scale, and patient information surface to monitor consumption and track relevant details, ensuring accurate and timely administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If oral contrast agents are diluted with water or beverages to achieve proper concentration, then the concentration becomes suitable for imaging, but the taste becomes more unpleasant and palatability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the contrast agent by incorporating flavoring agents, sweeteners, and masking compounds to modify the taste profile while maintaining the required imaging concentration. This allows the same diluted solution to be both medically effective and palatable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances such as flavoring agents and sweeteners that act as mediators between the contrast agent and the patient's taste receptors. These intermediaries mask the unpleasant taste of the contrast agent while not interfering with its imaging function.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple cups are used to dispense diluted oral contrast agent, then the total volume can be administered, but monitoring consumption rate and tracking patient information becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single dispensing system: volume measurement, time tracking, patient information recording, and consumption monitoring are all integrated into one device. This eliminates the need for multiple separate cups and manual tracking methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through scales and timers that provide real-time information about consumption rate and volume remaining. This allows continuous monitoring and adjustment to ensure the patient consumes the required amount within the specified time frame.
3Ease of manufacture
If a pitcher is used to mix and dispense oral contrast agent, then mixing is simplified, but monitoring individual patient consumption and tracking patient-specific information becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single pitcher system into individualized dispensing units, each with its own measurement and tracking capabilities. This allows simplified mixing at the source while maintaining precise monitoring at the point of administration for each patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service functionality where the dispensing device automatically tracks and records consumption data without requiring external monitoring. The device itself performs the measurement and information tracking functions that would otherwise require manual intervention.
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
The device allows for precise monitoring of oral contrast agent consumption and easy labeling of patient information, ensuring proper quantities are consumed within established time frames, enhancing the administration process for imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Barium sulfate and iodinated contrast media are the two primary pharmaceutical oral contrast agents used for X-ray gastrointestinal studies to visualize the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Such gastrointestinal oral contrast agents increase the density inside the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine
Implementation Method 2
Such gastrointestinal oral contrast agents also distend the bowel lumen allowing better evaluation of bowel wall structures, including abnormalities such as wall thickening or luminal obstruction
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method are provided for storing a prefilled liquid beverage, receiving an oral contrast imaging agent that is mixed with the prefilled liquid beverage, and dispensing a resulting beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture. The device has a body defining a chamber for storing the prefilled liquid beverage. A closure is movable between a closed position for sealing the prefilled liquid in the chamber, and an open position for (i) introducing the oral contrast imaging agent into the chamber for mixture with the prefilled liquid beverage, and (ii) dispensing the beverage/oral contrast imaging agent mixture. The device may include first graduations, a time scale and second graduations. The body defines a substantially smooth, axially extending patient information surface including thereon a plurality of marking spaces and respective patient information indicia associated with each marking space for marking thereon information relating to a respective patient.