Pediatric IV Infiltration Sensor Tape for Continuous Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting pediatric IV infiltration in hospitals are inadequate, often leading to delayed diagnosis and potential life-threatening complications due to the inability to provide continuous monitoring and early detection of fluid leaks into surrounding tissues.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device embedded in pressure-sensitive adhesive tape detects changes in resistance due to deformation and force, triggering an alert when IV infiltration occurs, without direct skin contact, and includes a processing unit to analyze data and sound alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nurses monitor the IV site every few hours for symptoms of swelling, blanching, and change in temperature, then the monitoring process is simple and does not require complex equipment, but the detection is delayed and cannot catch the onset of complications prior to life threatening damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual monitoring system with an electronic sensor system. The sensor detects IV infiltration through electrical resistance changes in the tissue, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and enabling continuous automated monitoring that catches infiltrations early before they become life-threatening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous monitoring through an always-active sensor system that continuously detects resistance changes at the IV site. This continuous detection capability ensures that infiltrations are caught immediately at onset, rather than only during periodic manual checks every few hours when damage may already occur.
2Reliability
If a sensor device is embedded in adhesive tape to provide continuous monitoring, then early detection of IV infiltration is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the adhesive tape serve multiple functions: it provides the familiar bonding function for securing IV tubing while simultaneously serving as the sensing medium for detecting infiltrations. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate monitoring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the adhesive tape and sensor into a single integrated unit. The sensor is embedded within the adhesive tape structure, combining the bonding function and detection function into one component that simplifies application and reduces the number of separate devices needed.
3Ease of operation
If the sensor is embedded in the adhesive patch, then direct skin contact is avoided and the device is easier to apply, but the sensor must detect changes through the adhesive tape material
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive tape serves as an intermediary medium between the sensor and the skin. The sensor detects electrical resistance changes in the tissue through the adhesive tape, allowing the sensor to remain embedded in the tape without direct skin contact while still 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
The device enables early detection of IV infiltration, reducing the risk of complications by providing continuous monitoring and timely alerts, suitable for pediatric patients with minimal disruption and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to detect changes in resistance based on length
Implementation Method 2
detects changes in resistance due to deformation and force
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device, according to the present invention, is designed to detect an intravenous therapy (IV) infiltration. The device includes a pressure and/or force sensor placed in between two pressure sensitive adhesive tapes. The sensor is then applied over the IV site to detect IV infiltration. During an IV infiltration, the pressure sensitive adhesive tape will experience force, stretch and/or deform. Stretching is registered as an increase in resistance, because the individual units are spread apart, and electrical continuity is lowered. When the sensor detects a change in resistance, the sensor triggers an alert to a health care provider to check the patient's IV.