Piezoresistive Sensor Patch for Extravasation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for detecting extravasation during intravenous cannulation are expensive, cumbersome, and not suitable for routine use, lacking sensitivity and specificity, which can lead to delayed detection and increased severity of tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A portable, conformal sensor patch with a piezoresistive strain sensor embedded in an elastic film that detects skin stretching and swelling, triggering an alarm when extravasation occurs, independent of infusion rate and without skin contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional extravasation detection devices are used, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential sensing function from complex conventional devices by using only a simple strain sensor attached to the infusion pump. This isolated approach detects skin stretching caused by extravasation without requiring sophisticated imaging or multiple sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical detection systems with a simple strain-based sensing mechanism. The strain sensor measures mechanical deformation of the pump body caused by skin stretching at the infusion site, substituting complex detection technology with a straightforward mechanical measurement approach
2Measurement precision
If sensitive detection methods are used, then early extravasation detection is improved, but false alarms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring strain measurements and comparing them against threshold values. The system provides real-time feedback through visual or audible alarms when predetermined strain thresholds are exceeded, allowing adjustment of sensitivity thresholds based on clinical observations to reduce false alarms while maintaining early detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic threshold adjustment where the alarm thresholds can be modified based on infusion rate and patient-specific factors. The system adapts its sensitivity dynamically rather than using fixed thresholds, balancing early detection with false alarm reduction by adjusting the detection criteria according to changing clinical conditions
3Ease of operation
If portable sensing devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but detection sensitivity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible strain sensor that can be easily attached to the infusion pump body. This thin-film sensor maintains high sensitivity to skin stretching while being portable and easy to apply, resolving the contradiction between portability and detection sensitivity by using a flexible, adhesive sensing element that conformally contacts the pump surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection function into a separate, portable sensor module that can be independently attached to the infusion pump. This modular approach allows the sensing device to be simple and portable while maintaining detection sensitivity through dedicated sensor design, separating the sensing function from the complex infusion pump system
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 sensor patch effectively detects early extravasation, reducing tissue damage and injury severity by providing timely warnings, and is cost-effective and universally applicable.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensing electrode is a single layer of piezoresistive material, the piezoresistive material being a metal, printed on the elastic film
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
According to embodiments of the present invention, a sensor patch for detecting extravasation is provided. The sensor patch includes an elastic film, and at least one sensing electrode disposed on the elastic film, wherein an electrical resistance of the at least one sensing electrode is changeable in response to a force acting on the at least one sensing electrode. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a sensing device is also provided.