Pressure-Sensor Fluid Volume Assembly for Real-Time Blood Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring fluid volumes, particularly blood loss during surgeries, are inaccurate and cumbersome, often requiring manual intervention and sophisticated systems that are difficult to set up and maintain, leading to potential under- or over-transfusion risks.
Innovation Solution
A disposable fluid volume measuring assembly comprising a first perforated tube with a membrane sack and pressure sensor, and a second perforated tube with a filter paper and pressure sensor, connected to an electronic device that calculates blood loss by subtracting non-blood fluid volume from total fluid volume, providing real-time estimates and alarms for critical blood loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used for measuring fluid volumes, then measurement can be performed, but accuracy is poor and the process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically measures fluid volume using pressure sensors and electronic calculation, eliminating the need for manual measurement. The electronic device continuously monitors pressure changes and computes volume based on predefined relationships, making the system self-sufficient and removing manual intervention from the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an electronic system using pressure sensors and computational algorithms. The mechanical act of manual volume assessment is substituted by electronic pressure detection and automated calculation, improving both accuracy and ease of operation.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated measuring systems are used, then measurement capability is enhanced, but setup complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring system is divided into simple, modular components: pressure sensors placed in the suction canister, a fluid collection chamber, and an electronic device for calculation. Each component performs a single function, making the overall system easier to set up and maintain while achieving accurate blood loss measurement through their coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable components such as the suction canister liner and filter elements, which are inexpensive and single-use. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning and maintenance of sensitive parts, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy through consistent, factory-calibrated disposable components.
3Ease of operation
If total fluid volume is measured without differentiation, then measurement is simple, but blood loss accuracy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different measurement approaches to different fluid components. Total fluid volume is measured using pressure sensors in the main chamber, while non-blood fluid volume is measured separately using a filtered pressure measurement. This localized differentiation allows simple overall operation while achieving accurate blood loss calculation by subtracting the two measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system using a filter and separate pressure sensor to measure non-blood fluid volume. This intermediary measurement acts as a mediator between the simple total volume measurement and the accurate blood loss calculation, enabling the system to maintain both operational simplicity and measurement precision.
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
Accurately measures blood loss in real-time, eliminating manual interventions and reducing setup complexity, while offering cost-effective and reliable volume estimates and alerts for quick decision-making.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure sensor positioned at least partially in the membrane sack
Implementation Method 2
a second perforated tube covered by a filter paper and positioned in the first perforated tube
Implementation Method 3
a second pressure sensor positioned in the second perforated tube
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for measuring fluid volumes are provided. An example fluid volume measuring assembly includes a first perforated tube, a total fluid volume measuring device, and a non-blood fluid volume measuring device. In some examples, the total fluid volume measuring device includes a membrane sack positioned in the first perforated tube and a first pressure sensor positioned in the membrane sack. In some examples, the non-blood fluid volume measuring device includes a second perforated tube covered by a filter paper and positioned in the first perforated tube and a second pressure sensor positioned in the second perforated tube.