Thermal Control Unit with Medication Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal control systems face challenges in accurately controlling patient temperature due to extraneous events such as medication administration, which can affect temperature readings from patient temperature probes, leading to inefficient thermal treatment and potential delays in reaching target temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A thermal control unit with a controller that can differentiate between actual and assumed patient temperature readings, allowing for automatic adjustments in temperature control based on event data, such as medication administration, to maintain accurate temperature management and prevent delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the thermal control unit uses patient temperature readings to control the temperature of circulating fluid, then accurate temperature control is achieved, but temperature control accuracy deteriorates when extraneous events such as medication administration affect the temperature readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting extraneous events (medication administration) before they corrupt the temperature readings. When such events are detected, the system proactively switches to using circulating fluid temperature as a proxy for patient temperature, preventing the corrupted readings from affecting control decisions. This anticipatory approach maintains control reliability during periods when direct temperature measurement would be unreliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulating fluid temperature serves as an intermediary variable when direct patient temperature measurement is compromised. Instead of relying on potentially corrupted patient temperature readings during medication administration, the system uses the temperature of the circulating fluid (which is under direct control and can be accurately measured) as a substitute indicator of patient thermal state, allowing continuous and reliable temperature control.
2Speed
If the thermal control unit continuously adjusts fluid temperature based on patient temperature readings, then temperature control responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases during periods when readings are unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively using patient temperature readings only when they are reliable (when no extraneous events are detected). During periods when readings are unreliable, the system reduces control activity to maintenance mode, adjusting fluid temperature only minimally to preserve energy. This selective application of control action optimizes the balance between responsiveness and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from event detection to modulate control intensity. When extraneous events are detected, the feedback loop switches from aggressive temperature adjustment (based on potentially corrupted patient temperature readings) to conservative adjustment (based on stable circulating fluid temperature measurements). This feedback mechanism prevents excessive energy consumption during periods when rapid temperature changes would be unnecessary or counterproductive.
3Measurement precision
If the thermal control unit uses assumed patient temperature readings during medication administration, then temperature control accuracy is maintained, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the measurement parameter from patient temperature (when unreliable) to circulating fluid temperature (when reliable). This parameter substitution allows the system to maintain control accuracy without complex algorithms for estimating patient temperature from indirect measurements. The control logic simply switches between two well-defined temperature parameters based on the detection of extraneous events, keeping the control system relatively simple while maintaining accuracy.
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 effectively mitigates the impact of extraneous events on temperature control, ensuring more efficient and accurate patient temperature management by using assumed readings during medication administration, reducing energy waste and thermal treatment delays.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal control unit includes one or more heat exchangers for controlling the temperature of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a pump that pumps the temperature controlled fluid to the pad(s) and/or catheter(s)
Implementation Method 3
one or more thermal pads positioned in contact with a patient
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal control unit supplies temperature controlled fluid to a patient to control the patient's temperature. The thermal control unit includes a fluid outlet, fluid inlet, heat exchanger, pump, patient temperature probe port, user interface, and controller. The controller receives patient temperature readings from the patient temperature probe port and controls a temperature of the circulating fluid in a first manner when no event data is received regarding treatment of the patient. The controller controls a temperature of the circulating fluid in a second and different manner when event data is received. The event data may relate to medication and/or fluid administered to the patient. The different manners include determining a target fluid temperature in using different inputs and/or alarming in different manners. In some cases, the controller pauses the use of the patient temperature readings while continuing to deliver temperature controlled fluid to the patient.