Thermal Imaging Detection for Perfusion Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal detection methods are inadequate for accurately monitoring temperature changes during medical procedures, particularly in open-heart surgeries, where proper perfusion of cardioplegia drug is critical to prevent tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A thermal imaging detection system that includes a detection unit capable of capturing thermal changes with high precision, coupled with a computing device for image processing and analysis, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of perfusion pumps to ensure proper drug delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermal imaging is used for industrial/commercial applications, then thermal detection capability is achieved, but medical application suitability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies thermal imaging parameters specifically for medical use by adjusting temperature sensitivity ranges, spatial resolution, and frame rates to match physiological conditions. The system adapts detection parameters to monitor subtle temperature changes in living tissue during surgical procedures, making industrial thermal imaging suitable for medical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal imaging system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can detect temperature distributions, monitor perfusion of cardioplegia solution, identify areas of inflammation, and track tissue temperature during various surgical procedures. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address diverse medical needs while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If conventional temperature measurement methods are used during surgery, then simplicity is maintained, but monitoring accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional contact-based mechanical temperature probes with non-contact thermal imaging cameras. This substitution eliminates the need for physical insertion into tissue, simplifying the measurement process while providing comprehensive two-dimensional temperature mapping that greatly exceeds the accuracy and detail of single-point conventional measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional point measurements using conventional probes to two-dimensional spatial temperature distributions captured by thermal imaging. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple tissue regions, providing both high precision and comprehensive coverage without increasing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If thermal imaging system is implemented for medical procedures, then monitoring precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the thermal imaging camera, image processing unit, and perfusion pump control into a unified system. By merging these components and their functions, the system achieves high monitoring precision while reducing the number of separate devices and interfaces that would otherwise increase complexity. The integrated architecture allows coordinated operation of imaging and fluid delivery subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback by continuously monitoring temperature distributions and using this information to automatically adjust perfusion pump parameters. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of cardioplegia delivery based on real-time thermal data, maintaining high measurement precision while automating complex control decisions that would otherwise require manual intervention.
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 precise monitoring of temperature gradients during medical procedures, providing alerts for improper perfusion and enabling timely adjustments, thus reducing the risk of tissue damage and improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
detecting thermal changes in an organ or tissue
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to an apparatus, system, and method of thermal detection during surgical or medical procedures. These procedures can include open-heart surgery with a pump (114; 214; 314; 414; 514; 614) connected to a thermal detection unit (102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602) and a computing device (106; 206; 306; 406; 506; 606) for sending and receiving signals to control the pump(114; 214; 314; 414; 514; 614). Detecting thermal changes with a thermal detection unit (102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602) in an organ or tissue (320) and controlling a pump (114; 214; 314; 414; 514; 614) based on the analysis of the image generated with a thermal imager unit (104; 204; 304; 404; 504; 604) from the detected thermal changes. The thermal detection system (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) has a detection (102; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602) and imaging unit (104; 204; 304; 404; 504; 604), coupled to a computing device (106; 206; 306; 406; 506; 606) for processing and analysis and utilized as a part of a control system for a perfusion pump (114; 214; 314; 414; 514; 614).