Differential Pressure Sensor Catheter Without Air Bubble Blockage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure measurement devices for compartment syndrome and other medical applications are prone to inaccuracies due to air bubbles and blockages, require complex calibration, and are unsuitable for dynamic pressure measurements during patient movement or activity, leading to potential false positive or negative diagnoses and complications.
Innovation Solution
A device with a closed insertion portion and internal bore communicating with ambient pressure, featuring a pressure sensor that measures pressure differential through resonant frequency, allowing self-calibration and accurate static and dynamic pressure measurements without air bubbles or blockages, suitable for use during patient activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a needle connected to a manometer line is used for pressure measurement, then the device can measure compartment pressure, but the device is prone to blockages and air bubbles that cause inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the manometer line from the measurement system and replaces it with a pressure sensor that directly measures compartment pressure through a catheter tip. This extraction of the manometer line eliminates the problem of blockages and air bubbles that occur in traditional manometer lines, while maintaining the ability to measure compartment pressure accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manometer system with an electronic pressure sensor. The pressure sensor converts mechanical pressure into electrical signals, eliminating the need for fluid columns and manometer lines that are susceptible to blockages and air bubbles. This substitution provides more reliable measurements.
2Measurement precision
If the device requires purging of air and calibration at a specific angle, then the device can provide pressure measurements, but the calibration process is complex and measurements may be inaccurate if not properly calibrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration functionality where the pressure sensor automatically calibrates itself by measuring known reference pressures. The system includes calibration modes that allow automatic zeroing and calibration without requiring manual intervention or specific positioning angles. This self-service approach eliminates complex calibration procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors and adjusts pressure measurements based on reference values. The processor compares measured pressures against expected values and makes automatic corrections, ensuring accurate measurements without requiring complex manual calibration procedures.
3Reliability
If the device is designed for static pressure measurement, then the device can measure compartment pressure, but the device cannot accurately measure pressure during patient activity or movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measurement system to be dynamic rather than static. The pressure sensor and catheter assembly are positioned to remain stable during patient movement, and the system is capable of measuring pressure changes in real-time during activity. The device transitions from measuring only static pressures to measuring both static and dynamic pressures, improving adaptability to various clinical scenarios.
4Productivity
If a false positive diagnosis is made, then intervention can be initiated, but unnecessary operations and additional patient risk occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure measurement systems with electronic pressure sensors that provide more accurate and reliable measurements. This substitution reduces measurement errors and false positives, allowing for more accurate diagnosis while maintaining rapid measurement capability. The improved measurement accuracy helps distinguish between true compartment syndrome cases and false positives.
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 provides reliable, infection-resistant, and accurate pressure measurements, reducing the risk of false diagnoses and enabling timely interventions for compartment syndrome and other medical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor located in or on the insertion portion, the pressure sensor comprising an internally facing region which is in communication with the internal bore and an externally facing region which is in communication with an exterior of the tube; and a processor configured to provide a stimulus to the pressure sensor so that when the stimulus is provided, the pressure sensor provides a measurable response
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring a pressure differential comprises a tube, at least one pressure sensor and a processor. The tube comprises a closed insertion portion for insertion into a body, the insertion portion having an insertion end and an internal bore in communication with ambient pressure via an opening in the tube. The sensor is located in or on the insertion portion and comprises an internally facing region in communication with the bore and an externally facing region in communication with an exterior of the tube. The processor is configured to provide a stimulus, which may be an electrical stimulus, to the pressure sensor so that when the stimulus is provided, the pressure sensor provides a measurable response wherein the processor correlates the response with the pressure differential between the exterior of the tube and the bore. The measurable response may be indicative of a change in pressure differential between the exterior of the tube and the bore. There may be a plurality of pressure sensors, in which case at least two of the sensors may have different resonant frequencies at the same pressure differential. The insertion portion may comprise at least one aperture sealed by at least one pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may comprise an electromechanical or micro-electromechanical material and may comprises a piezoelectric and/or electrocapacitive sensor. The externally facing region of the pressure sensor may comprise a coating, which may be electrically insulative.