Patient Simulator Blood Flow With Pulsatile Arterial and Venous Purging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patient simulators lack the realism and versatility needed for comprehensive training in venous and arterial blood flows, failing to replicate dynamic physiological responses and anatomical variability, and direct practice on live patients poses ethical and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

An advanced venous and arterial flow system for patient simulators, comprising a fluid reservoir, venous and arterial pumps, and a purge pump, which mimics physiological arterial waveforms, provides adjustable flow rates, and ensures air removal, enhancing the realism and safety of medical simulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional training methods (textbooks, flash cards) are used, then safety is ensured, but realism and hands-on practice capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidhands-on practice capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a realistic copy of the human circulatory system using silicone-based vessels filled with simulated blood, allowing students to practice procedures on a lifelike model without risking harm to actual patients. The venous and arterial systems are replicated with accurate anatomical relationships and physiological flow characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If direct practice on live patients is allowed, then hands-on practice capability is improved, but safety and ethical concerns worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-on practice capabilityVSAvoidrisk to patient

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patient simulator serves as an intermediary between students and real patients, providing a middle ground where procedural skills can be developed and refined. The realistic circulatory system model allows transfer of learning to clinical practice while eliminating direct risk to patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If existing simulators are used, then basic training needs are met, but realism and physiological accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebasic training functionalityVSAvoidphysiological accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a pump system that circulates simulated blood through the venous and arterial vessels, creating realistic pulsatile flow patterns and pressure variations. This hydraulic simulation reproduces physiological conditions including arterial pressure waves and venous return, enhancing the authenticity of the training experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Reliability

If complex flow systems with multiple pumps are implemented, then physiological accuracy is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple pump systems into a unified circulation model, where the venous and arterial pumps work together to create a coordinated hemodynamic system. The pumps are synchronized to reproduce the natural coupling between cardiac output, arterial pressure, and venous return, managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables highly realistic, safe, and repeatable training environments for venous and arterial procedures, facilitating team-based training and improving educational effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The arterial pump generates pulsatile flow to mimic physiological arterial waveforms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulsatile flow:

Implementation Method 2

The purge pump enables rapid and efficient removal of air from the system, ensuring reliable operation and preventing fluid leakage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS20250384790A1Venous and arterial flow systems for patient simulators

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 GAUMARD SCIENTIFIC

AI summary

Venous and arterial flow systems for patient simulators, as well as associated devices, systems, and methods, are provided. A venous and arterial flow system may comprise: a fluid reservoir; at least one venous vessel; at least one arterial vessel; at least one venous pump configured to pump a fluid from the fluid reservoir and through the at least one venous vessel; at least one arterial pump configured to pump the fluid from the fluid reservoir through the at least one arterial vessel; and a purge pump in communication with the at least one venous vessel and the at least one arterial vessel, wherein the purge pump is configured to remove air from the at least one venous vessel and the at least one arterial vessel by pulling the fluid from the reservoir through the at least one venous vessel and the at least one arterial vessel.