Patient Simulator Blood Pressure Waveform Control With Membrane Transmitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient simulators fail to realistically replicate physiological parameters such as pulsatile blood flow and pressure waveforms, lacking the dynamic responses necessary for effective procedural learning and posing ethical and safety concerns in direct patient practice.
Innovation Solution
An advanced invasive blood pressure system for patient simulators, comprising a pump that delivers pressurized air to an air chamber through a flexible membrane, controlled by a microcontroller to simulate realistic pulsatile pressure profiles, compatible with standard monitoring devices, and featuring a pressure sensor for closed-loop feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional training methods (textbooks, flash cards, static models) are used, then safety and ethical concerns are avoided, but realism and dynamic physiological responses are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a realistic copy of physiological blood pressure systems using simulated vessels, fluids, and pressure generation mechanisms that replicate actual human vascular responses without using real patients. The system copies the dynamic behavior of arterial and venous systems through controlled fluid circulation and pressure regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary simulated physiological system that mediates between the safety of static models and the realism of live patient practice. The simulator acts as a bridge, providing tactile and visual feedback that mimics real physiological responses while maintaining patient safety through complete simulation.
2Ease of operation
If direct practice on live patients is allowed, then hands-on experience is gained, but patient safety and ethical concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a complete copy of the clinical procedure environment with realistic vessels, monitoring equipment, and physiological responses, allowing students to practice invasive blood pressure procedures on simulated patients that replicate all tactile and visual aspects of real patient care.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the limitation of not being able to practice on real patients into a benefit by creating a simulated system that provides even better learning opportunities without patient risk. The simulation environment allows repeated practice, error-making, and learning without any harm to actual patients.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing simulators are used, then basic training is provided, but realistic pulsatile blood flow and pressure waveforms are not replicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static simulation models into dynamic systems that replicate the time-varying nature of physiological blood pressure. The system generates realistic pulsatile waveforms through controlled fluid circulation, mimicking the cardiac cycle's effect on arterial and venous pressure with accurate amplitude and frequency characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic principles to generate realistic pulsatile blood flow through a closed-loop fluid circulation system. Pumps and pressure regulation mechanisms create physiological pressure waveforms that replicate the mechanical forces present in actual vascular systems, providing authentic tactile feedback to students.
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
Provides highly accurate, adjustable, and repeatable simulation of arterial and venous pressures, enhancing the realism and safety of clinical skills training.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pump configured to deliver pressurized air to an air chamber within a transmitter... generating realistic pulsatile pressure profiles
Implementation Method 2
the flexible membrane is configured to impart a force on a simulated blood, generating realistic pulsatile pressure profiles
Implementation Method 3
A pressure sensor monitors the actual pressure within the vessel, enabling closed-loop feedback and precise replication of physiological conditions
Data Source
AI summary
Invasive blood pressure systems for patient simulators, as well as associated devices, systems, and methods, are provided. An invasive blood pressure system may comprise at least one pump configured to provide pressurized air to an air chamber of a transmitter based on an input signal associated with a blood pressure profile; the transmitter, the transmitter including the air chamber, a fluid chamber, and a flexible membrane between the air chamber and the fluid chamber, wherein the flexible membrane is configured to impart a force on a fluid in the fluid chamber based on the pressurized air provided to the air chamber by the at least one pump; and a vessel in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.