Synovial Fluid Extraction and Analysis Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current extraction and analysis systems for synovial fluid face challenges such as contamination, fluid loss, and the inability to provide real-time reliable diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infections, particularly during surgical interventions.
Innovation Solution
A device for real-time analysis of synovial fluid that includes an extraction line with a needle, syringe, and an analysis unit connected via a fluid-dynamic duct, featuring three-way valves, air filtering means, and receptacles with reagents like leukocyte esterase, CRP, and glucose, allowing for sterile collection and immediate infection assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synovial fluid is transferred into vacutainers or tubes for later analysis, then the fluid can be analyzed in a laboratory setting, but contamination and loss of fluid occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid collection and analysis functions into a single integrated system. The extraction syringe connects directly to the analysis device through a fluid-dynamic connection, eliminating the intermediate transfer step to vacutainers. This merging of collection and analysis functions prevents contamination while enabling real-time diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sterile connection system as an intermediary between the extraction syringe and analysis device. This includes sterile adapters and fluid-dynamic connections that maintain sterility while enabling direct fluid transfer, thus preventing external contamination during the transition from collection to analysis.
2Reliability
If synovial fluid is transferred into vacutainers or tubes for later analysis, then the fluid can be analyzed in a laboratory setting, but loss of fluid occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid collection and analysis functions into a single integrated system. The extraction syringe connects directly to the analysis device through a fluid-dynamic connection, eliminating the intermediate transfer step to vacutainers. This merging of collection and analysis functions prevents contamination while enabling real-time diagnosis.
3Loss of time
If traditional extraction and analysis systems are used, then fluid can be collected for later analysis, but real-time diagnosis is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the analysis reagents and device in advance, connected and ready for immediate use. The extraction syringe is pre-assembled with sterile components, and the analysis device is pre-loaded with appropriate reagents. This preliminary preparation enables immediate analysis upon fluid extraction, achieving real-time diagnosis without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a continuous workflow from fluid extraction through analysis. The fluid-dynamic connection allows uninterrupted flow of synovial fluid from the extraction syringe directly to the analysis device, eliminating pauses and transfer steps. This continuous action enables real-time diagnosis while maintaining sample integrity and diagnostic reliability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If sterile collection is performed in vacutainers for later laboratory analysis, then contamination can be avoided, but real-time analysis cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid collection and analysis functions into a single integrated system. The extraction syringe connects directly to the analysis device through a fluid-dynamic connection, eliminating the intermediate transfer step to vacutainers. This merging of collection and analysis functions prevents contamination while enabling real-time diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a continuous workflow from fluid extraction through analysis. The fluid-dynamic connection allows uninterrupted flow of synovial fluid from the extraction syringe directly to the analysis device, eliminating pauses and transfer steps. This continuous action enables real-time diagnosis while maintaining sample integrity and diagnostic reliability.
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
Enables immediate and reliable diagnosis of infection by detecting leukocyte esterase, CRP, and glucose levels in synovial fluid, reducing contamination and fluid loss, and allowing for both real-time analysis and subsequent laboratory testing without external contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The esterases are enzymes belonging to the class of hydrolases, which catalyze the hydrolysis reaction of the ester bond. In particular, the leukocyte esterase has the function to degrade proteins that act as a support to the connective tissue matrix.
Implementation Method 2
The leukocyte esterase, also known as neutrophil elastase, or granulocyte elastase, is an enzyme synthesized by white blood cells, particularly by activated neutrophils, often found within infected body fluids.
Implementation Method 3
said extraction duct (21) comprising a first three-way valve (23), having a first port (231), connected to said needle (22), a second port (232), connected to said inlet/outlet mouth (241) of said extraction syringe (24), and a third port (233), connectable to said analysis device (3), each of said ports being selectively opened or closed independently of the other
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention concerns a device for extraction and analysis (1) of anatomical tissues, such as synovial liquid and the like, comprising an extraction line (2, 21, 211, 212) of said tissue to be analyzed, having a needle (22), for the withdrawal of said tissue to be analyzed, an extraction duct (21, 211, 212), an extraction syringe (24), having an inlet/outlet mouth connected fluid-dynamically to said needle (22) by means of said extraction duct (21, 211, 212), and an analysis device (3), fluid-dynamically connected to said inlet/outlet mouth of said extraction syringe (24) by means of said extraction duct (21, 211, 212), said analysis device (32) having one or more receptacles (321, 322, 323), in each of which a respective reagent is arranged, and reading means (33), for detecting possible alterations of said reagents.