H2O15 PET Injection Valve Venting for Gas Infusion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for preparing and injecting H215O for PET face challenges in ensuring patient and medical personnel safety due to the risk of accidental infusion of radioactive gas, manual handling of radioisotopes, and the need for precise timing of radioactivity extraction and injection, which limits routine use.
Innovation Solution
A safety valve with overflow recesses and multiple configurations to prevent undesired fluid from entering unintended openings, combined with a system for continuous production and injection of H215O, eliminating manual handling and enabling precise control of radioactivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a semi-permeable membrane and sterile filter are used to prevent gas passage, then patient safety is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to pressure buildup that can cause fatal air embolisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rupture disc positioned upstream of the sterile filter that acts as a pressure relief mechanism. This rupture disc is designed to burst at a predetermined pressure threshold, preventing dangerous pressure buildup before it can compromise the sterile filter or cause air embolisms. This beforehand cushioning approach addresses the vulnerability by providing a fail-safe pressure relief mechanism that activates before critical failure occurs.
2Reliability
If manual transfer of radioisotopes is performed by medical personnel, then patient safety is improved by avoiding direct connection, but radiation exposure to medical personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where a computer-controlled pump and valve mechanism perform the transfer of H215O from the reservoir to the patient without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the injection process, including automatic priming of tubing, control of flow rate, and monitoring of injection parameters. This eliminates the need for medical personnel to manually handle radioactive materials, thereby reducing their radiation exposure while maintaining patient safety through precise automated control.
3Productivity
If compressed radioactive gas is delivered at high pressure, then production efficiency is improved, but the risk of accidental infusion into the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple intermediary components between the high-pressure gas source and the patient: a pressure regulator that reduces and stabilizes gas pressure, a rupture disc that provides pressure relief, and a sterile filter that prevents gas passage. These intermediaries act as safety barriers that decouple the high-pressure production side from the patient injection side, allowing efficient gas delivery while preventing accidental high-pressure infusion into the patient.
4Measurement precision
If the valve is configured to require manual turning to vent excess fluid, then valve control precision is improved, but the system loses automatic safety functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual valve configuration with an automated pressure relief system featuring a rupture disc that automatically bursts when pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. This self-activating mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention while providing reliable automatic safety functionality. The rupture disc works in conjunction with a pressure sensor and computer control system that can detect pressure changes and trigger appropriate responses, ensuring both precision and automatic safety.
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 system ensures safe and precise preparation and injection of H215O, reducing radiation exposure for medical personnel and enhancing patient safety by preventing accidental infusion of radioactive gas, allowing for continuous operation and time-critical studies.
Implementation Method 1
the overflow recesses are positioned to establish an interruption of the contact area so as to establish safety relief vents that vent overflow fluid, which in case of overpressure passes through the contact area fluid block
Implementation Method 2
the contact area forms a fluid block preventing fluid flow into the at least one valve opening not connected to the flow channel
Implementation Method 3
the valve element and valve housing are connectable to form an assembled valve, the valve element and the valve housing being in contact with each other in a contact area, wherein the assembled valve can be arranged in at least two, different open configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A method for safe radioisotope preparation and injection of H215O for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The disclosure also relates to a safety valve for controlling a flow of H215O for use in PET, to a use of said safety valve and to a method for preparing and injecting H215O.