Visual Status Indicator for Patient Circuit Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods require medical caretakers to divert attention from patients to obtain status information about fluid transport in patient circuits, posing risks and inconvenience, as this information is typically displayed on ventilator systems rather than being readily visible near the patient.
Innovation Solution
A visual status indicator affixed to the patient circuit, such as a respirator hose, uses a light source to provide status information through varying color, intensity, and position based on measured parameters like flow rate, direction, pressure, and composition, allowing caretakers to obtain critical information without looking away from the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If status information is displayed on the ventilator system, then the information can be obtained from the medical device, but the caretaker must divert attention from the patient to check the ventilator system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual status indicator as an intermediary device that transfers status information from the ventilator system to the patient circuit. This mediator allows the caretaker to obtain status information by looking at the patient circuit rather than the ventilator system, eliminating the need to divert attention from the patient while maintaining full information availability.
2Ease of operation
If the ventilator system is placed away from the patient, then the patient can be monitored directly, but the status information becomes inaccessible to the caretaker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the status indication function with the patient circuit by integrating the visual status indicator into the circuit itself. This combination allows the caretaker to view status information while maintaining direct visual contact with the patient, as both the patient and status indicator are in the same field of view.
3Ease of operation
If the caretaker focuses entirely on the patient, then direct patient care is optimized, but status information about fluid transport may be neglected
Solution Approach 1:
The patient circuit performs self-monitoring by incorporating the visual status indicator that automatically displays fluid transport status without requiring caretaker intervention. The system serves itself by providing continuous visual feedback about its own operational state, ensuring reliable status monitoring while the caretaker maintains focus on direct patient care.
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
This solution enables caretakers to conveniently and safely obtain status information about fluid transport directly from the patient circuit, reducing the risk of neglecting vital signs and improving workflow by integrating status indicators into the patient's immediate environment.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (102) for providing at said portion (110) a light signal in dependence on a measured status of the fluid (111) transported through the patient circuit (110)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a visual status indicator (100) for providing a status indication of a fluid (111) transported through a patient circuit (110) between a medical device (120) and a patient (130), the visual status indicator comprising an affixing means for affixing the visual status indicator along a portion of the patient circuit, and a light source (102) for providing at said portion a light signal in dependence on a measured status of the fluid transported through the patient circuit.