Pressure Sensor Fluid Flow Detection for Implantable Pumps

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a system capable of detecting the flow of therapeutic substances into and out of the reservoir of an implantable infusion device and indicating when the reservoir is full or empty, as existing technologies lack effective monitoring mechanisms for implanted devices.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the port chamber of the implantable infusion device, coupled with electronics that detect pressure changes to determine fluid flow status and generate sensory cues for the user, indicating when the reservoir is full or empty.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a pressure sensor is added to monitor fluid flow in the implantable infusion device, then the ability to detect fluid flow status is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical monitoring methods with a pressure sensor-based electrical sensing system. The pressure sensor detects fluid flow status through pressure changes in the port chamber, converting a mechanical/fluid problem into an electrical measurement, thereby improving detection capability while keeping the added complexity manageable through standard sensor technology integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If continuous monitoring of reservoir status is implemented, then the reliability of therapeutic substance management is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereservoir status monitoring accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption of monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic pressure sensing rather than continuous high-power monitoring. The pressure sensor takes measurements at intervals during fluid withdrawal and filling operations, providing reliable status information while minimizing energy consumption. This periodic sampling approach maintains monitoring reliability without requiring continuous high-energy operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 effectively monitors fluid flow into and out of the reservoir, providing accurate status updates on the filling and emptying of the device, ensuring proper management of therapeutic substances.

Implementation Method 1

sensing a pressure change in the port chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS8535280B2Pressure based refill status monitor for implantable pumps

Publication Date: 2013.09.17 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

The present invention includes systems and methods for detecting fluid flow into or out of a port chamber or a reservoir of an implantable medical device utilizing a pressure sensor. The system detects characteristic pressure profiles associated with fluid flowing into the medical device, out of the medical device, and also whether one or both of the port chamber or reservoir are substantially empty or substantially full. In addition, the present invention may generate a sensory cue to a clinician to indicate the fluid status.