Vascular Dimension Sensing for Real-Time Fluid Therapy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical treatment systems lack accurate and real-time monitoring of patient fluid status, leading to inefficiencies and potential complications such as hypovolemia or hypervolemia, as they rely on indirect surrogates like urine output or weight measurements, which do not accurately reflect intravascular fluid balance.
Innovation Solution
An integrated patient fluid management system with a vascular dimension monitoring sensor and control system that provides real-time, continuous monitoring of intravascular fluid status, allowing for precise modulation of interventional therapies like diuresis and sodium removal by communicating with infusion pumps and other therapeutic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indirect surrogates like urine output or weight measurements are used to monitor fluid status, then the system is simpler to operate, but the measurement precision is insufficient leading to inaccurate fluid balance assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical measurement methods (urine output collection, weight scales) with an optical sensing system. The optical sensor measures vascular dimension changes caused by fluid status, converting a biological parameter into an optical signal that can be continuously and non-invasively monitored, thereby achieving high measurement precision without complex mechanical infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vascular dimension as an intermediary parameter to indirectly assess fluid status. Instead of directly measuring fluid volume, the system measures changes in vascular dimension caused by fluid status changes, providing a reliable proxy that simplifies the monitoring approach while maintaining accuracy
2Productivity
If real-time continuous monitoring of intravascular fluid status is implemented, then treatment optimization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical sensing function with the fluid management control system into an integrated unit. The optical sensor, processor, and control algorithms are combined in a single implantable device that continuously monitors vascular dimension and automatically adjusts fluid therapy, eliminating the need for separate complex monitoring and control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation by automatically adjusting fluid therapy based on real-time vascular dimension measurements. The integrated control algorithm continuously processes sensor data and modulates the infusion pump without external intervention, enabling autonomous treatment optimization that reduces overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If integrated fluid status sensing is employed, then measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical parameters (light transmission/reflection characteristics) that are inherently insensitive to manufacturing variations. The optical sensor measures changes in light properties caused by vascular dimension changes, a measurement approach that is robust to manufacturing tolerances and allows for standard manufacturing processes while maintaining high measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
Patient fluid management systems, particularly for use in treating patients at various stages of heart failure, are disclosed. Disclosed systems employ vascular dimension monitoring sensors to provide accurate, early, real-time estimation of circulating blood volume as an input metric to the system control, allowing for more accurate modulation of treatment based on the patient's current fluid volume state.