Closed-Loop Subcutaneous Infusion Control for Edema Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional subcutaneous infusion systems deliver medical fluids at a fixed rate or constant pressure, leading to excess fluid accumulation, swelling, pain, and discomfort due to inefficient absorption, requiring frequent clinician intervention and being unsuitable for non-acute settings.

Innovation Solution

A closed-loop infusion control system with sensors to monitor subcutaneous fluid levels and a controller to adjust infusion rates dynamically, preventing edema by comparing fluid levels and rates against predefined thresholds, providing feedback for manual or automated adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional infusion systems deliver medical fluid at a fixed rate or constant pressure, then the infusion administration is simple, but excess fluid accumulation, swelling, pain, and discomfort occur due to inefficient absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfusion administration simplicityVSAvoidexcess fluid accumulation, swelling, pain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor continuously monitors the subcutaneous fluid level and provides real-time information to a controller. The controller adjusts the infusion rate based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that prevents excess fluid accumulation while maintaining ease of operation through automated control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static fixed-rate infusion to dynamic rate adjustment. The infusion rate is continuously modified based on real-time fluid level measurements, allowing the system to adapt to changing absorption conditions and prevent harmful fluid accumulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If conventional infusion systems use fixed rate delivery, then the device complexity is low, but frequent clinician intervention is required to manage complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfusion system structureVSAvoidclinician intervention frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through automated feedback control. The sensor continuously monitors fluid levels and the controller automatically adjusts infusion rates, eliminating the need for frequent manual intervention by clinicians and reducing time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If conventional infusion systems deliver fluid at constant pressure, then the operation is straightforward, but absorption efficiency is poor leading to edema

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfusion delivery simplicityVSAvoidabsorption efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor provides continuous feedback on subcutaneous fluid levels, allowing the controller to adjust infusion pressure and rate dynamically. This feedback loop ensures reliable absorption efficiency by preventing fluid overload while maintaining straightforward operation through automated control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260014317A1Subcutaneous infusion control system

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 CAREFUSION 303 INC

AI summary

Control systems for infusions are described herein. An infusion control system includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to measure a subcutaneous fluid level. The control is configured to monitor the subcutaneous fluid level during a subcutaneous fluid infusion provided by an infusion system. Further the controller is configured to provide a feedback signal if the measured subcutaneous fluid level exceeds a subcutaneous fluid level threshold.