Surgical Drain System with Sensor-Based Clog Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical drain systems, such as Jackson-Pratt drains, are prone to clogging and require manual handling, which can lead to inaccuracies in fluid measurement and increased risk of infection, as patients or caregivers must manually assess and manage fluid collection, potentially resulting in premature drain removal and complications like seromas.
Innovation Solution
A portable surgical drain system equipped with sensors to detect fluid color, volume, and orientation, coupled with a processing circuit that can infer clog presence and operate a clog remover, and features wireless communication for remote monitoring and notification, allowing for automated fluid collection and clog management without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual handling and monitoring of the drain system is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of fluid volume and the reliability of infection detection deteriorate due to patient or caregiver error
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system performs self-monitoring of fluid volume, color, and orientation through integrated sensors, eliminating the need for manual measurement by patients or caregivers. The system automatically detects fluid characteristics and communicates this information, ensuring accurate measurement without human error.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical measurement of fluid volume is replaced by electronic sensors and processing circuits that automatically detect and quantify fluid characteristics. The mechanical act of measuring and recording is substituted with automated electronic detection systems.
2Device complexity
If manual examination of fluid is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of infection detection deteriorates due to susceptible to error
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors fluid characteristics including color, volume, and orientation through integrated sensors, eliminating manual examination. The processing circuit continuously analyzes sensor data to detect signs of infection, ensuring reliable detection without human error.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual visual examination of fluid for infection signs is replaced by electronic sensors and processing circuits that objectively detect fluid characteristics and identify potential infections through continuous monitoring.
3Device complexity
If the drain system is manually managed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to the need for daily monitoring and intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system performs self-monitoring and self-alarm functions, automatically detecting when fluid collection reaches certain thresholds or when orientation changes occur. This eliminates the need for daily manual checking and enables timely intervention without consuming patient or caregiver time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback through sensors and processing circuits that monitor fluid volume, color, and orientation in real-time. This automated feedback loop enables timely detection and intervention without requiring manual assessment, reducing the time loss associated with daily monitoring.
4Device complexity
If the drain system lacks automated clog detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of fluid drainage deteriorates due to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects clogging conditions through sensors that monitor fluid flow and drainage characteristics. The processing circuit identifies clog presence and can trigger alarms or activate clog removal mechanisms, ensuring drainage reliability without manual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual inspection for clogging is replaced by electronic sensors and processing circuits that continuously monitor drainage patency and detect clog conditions, ensuring reliable fluid drainage through automated detection and response.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable drain system having a subdermal drain and a container in fluid communication with the subdermal drain is disclosed. The subdermal drain is configured to drain fluid from a surgical site. The container provides a negative pressure to the subdermal drain. The container draws and receives the fluid. The container includes at least one sensor in which the at least one sensor is configured to detect at least one of fluid color, fluid volume in the container, and orientation of the container.