RFID Infusion Data Communication System for Conduit Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for intravenous fluid infusion face challenges in ensuring that the correct medical fluid is administered to the right patient at the right pumping parameters, particularly in dense infusion pump environments where fluid conduits can become tangled, leading to potential errors in matching the correct fluid conduit with the correct pump, and there is a need for automatic updating of patient medication administration records.
Innovation Solution
A communication system using low-power radio frequency signals transmitted through the IV fluid and patient's body, allowing identification of the patient and medical fluid container, and automatic programming of infusion pumps, with RFID transponders and readers integrated into the fluid containers and pumps to ensure accurate matching and update medication records.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple infusion pumps are located side by side with multiple fluid sources suspended above them, then the infusion capacity and treatment capability are improved, but the fluid conduits become intertwined and it becomes difficult to select the correct fluid conduit for the particular pump, increasing the risk of mismatch errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual identification and physical tracing of fluid conduits with an automated electromagnetic identification system. RFID tags are attached to fluid containers and readers are integrated into the infusion pump, enabling automatic identification and verification of the correct fluid-pump matching through electromagnetic fields rather than mechanical visual search, thereby resolving the conduit selection difficulty in dense pump environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary identification elements between the fluid container and the infusion pump. These tags serve as mediators that carry identification information through the fluid conduit system, allowing the pump reader to verify the correct fluid-pump association without requiring manual tracing or visual identification of tangled conduits
2Device complexity
If manual verification methods are used to ensure correct fluid-pump matching, then the system complexity is kept low, but the reliability of correct matching decreases due to human error in dense pump environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-verification where the infusion pump automatically reads the RFID tag from the fluid container and verifies the match without requiring manual intervention. The pump itself performs the identification and verification function, eliminating reliance on human operators to manually trace and verify conduit connections, thus improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the RFID reader in the pump reads the tag information and provides immediate verification feedback. The system compares the RFID information with the prescribed medication data and provides confirmation or alert signals, creating a closed-loop verification system that enhances matching accuracy without significantly increasing operational complexity
3Quantity of substance
If traditional manual tracking methods are used for medication administration records, then the equipment cost is low, but the accuracy and timeliness of record updates decrease, leading to potential medication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual paper-based or electronic record-keeping systems with an automated RFID-based tracking system. The RFID reader automatically captures and records medication administration data when the fluid is connected to or dispensed from the pump, eliminating manual data entry and providing real-time, accurate records without requiring complex separate tracking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the identification, verification, and record-keeping functions into a single integrated RFID system. The same RFID tag and reader that identify and verify the correct fluid-pump matching also automatically generate and update the medication administration records, combining multiple functions into one system rather than requiring separate manual processes
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
This system reduces the risk of medication errors by ensuring the correct fluid is administered to the correct patient with the correct parameters, simplifies the infusion process for caregivers, and automatically updates patient records, enhancing patient safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first data transmitting device located at either the medical fluid container or the patient, the first data transmitting device configured to transmit relevant administration data into medical fluid residing at its location
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion data communication system provides a communication link among a fluid container, an infusion pump, and a patient through which identification data may be communicated. Data devices are located at the fluid container and the patient and conduct low frequency RF energy at a low power level containing the data into the medical fluid. The data-laden RF energy propagates through the medication fluid to data readers at the infusion pump which receives the RF energy and reads the data. A comparison is made to verify that the right medication is mounted to the infusion pump for administration to the right patient. RFID devices may be used for the data devices and readers. Pump programming data may also be propagated to the infusion pump from the container RFID tag. The RFID device at the patient may be writable and may be used to store a patient MAR.