Implantable Vascular Access Port With Electronic Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vascular access devices are bulky and lack electronic components, making them difficult to accurately access and requiring palpation for localization, and they do not provide remote patient monitoring or data communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implantable vascular access devices equipped with electronic components, including sensing elements and controllers, for remote patient monitoring and data communication, which can detect physiological parameters and provide early indications of medical conditions, and include data storage and wireless communication capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional vascular access devices are made bulky to allow clinician palpation for localization, then ease of access is improved, but device size and patient comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical palpation system with an electronic localization system. The vascular access device includes electronic components such as sensors, transmitters, and localization markers that enable clinicians to locate the device using electronic signals (e.g., electromagnetic fields, optical signals) rather than manual palpation. This substitution allows the device to be smaller while maintaining ease of access through electronic guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary electronic components between the vascular access device and the clinician. These intermediaries (sensors, transmitters, localization markers) facilitate device localization and monitoring without requiring the device itself to be bulky. The intermediary systems transmit information about device location and patient status to clinicians, enabling accurate access and continuous monitoring with a compact device design.
2Device complexity
If conventional vascular access devices include no electronic components to simplify design, then device complexity is reduced, but monitoring and data communication capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vascular access device multi-functional by integrating electronic monitoring and communication capabilities into the existing device structure. The device not only provides vascular access but also monitors patient physiological parameters, stores data, and communicates with external systems. This universal approach allows a single device to perform multiple functions without requiring separate bulky components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (vascular access, physiological monitoring, data storage, and wireless communication) into a single integrated device. The electronic components are merged with the vascular access port structure, creating a unified system that provides both access and monitoring capabilities. This integration reduces the need for separate devices and enables comprehensive patient care through one implanted device.
3Volume of moving object
If vascular access devices are made smaller to improve patient comfort, then patient quality of life is improved, but ease of localization and access by clinicians deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical palpation with electronic localization systems. Small electronic components (sensors, transmitters, markers) embedded in the compact device emit detectable signals that guide clinicians to the exact device location. This substitution allows the device to remain small while maintaining ease of localization through electronic rather than mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs detectable signal changes (analogous to color changes in optical systems) for device localization. The electronic components emit or reflect specific signals (electromagnetic, optical, or other detectable waves) that change or vary in a detectable manner, enabling clinicians to locate the small device through signal detection rather than physical palpation. This principle allows compact device design while maintaining ease of access.
Data Source
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AI summary
An implantable vascular access device includes a fluid reservoir, a self-sealing cover disposed over the reservoir, and an outlet port configured to mate with a catheter, the outlet port fluidically coupled to the fluid reservoir. One or more sensors coupled to the device are configured to capture physiological data while the device is implanted within a patient. The device can also include a data communications unit configured to receive physiological data from the one or more sensors and transmit the physiological data to one or more remote computing devices. The device may also be inductively powered and/or can emit a localization signal in response to wireless interrogation.