Wearable Medication Pump for Periodic Infusion Pain Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for administering local anesthetics for pain management, such as bolus injections and continuous infusions, often result in inefficient drug delivery due to diffusion issues and side effects, and existing infusion devices lack precision and portability, making them unsuitable for home care.
Innovation Solution
A time-controlled periodic infusion regimen using a wearable medication pump system that delivers local anesthetics through a catheter with preset infusion sequences of 1-20 mL over 1-20 minutes at flow rates between 30 mL/h and 150 mL/h, separated by 1-24 hours, allowing for precise and portable pain management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large bolus of medication is infused to ensure proper nerve blocking, then the blocking effect is improved, but the risk of toxicity and side effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by delivering medication in repeated bolus doses through a catheter at scheduled intervals (e.g., every 4-6 hours) rather than as a single large bolus. This periodic delivery maintains adequate nerve blocking效果 while keeping each individual dose below toxic thresholds, thereby resolving the contradiction between ensuring reliable blocking and avoiding toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by placing a catheter into the vicinity of the nerve before surgery or during the procedure, allowing for controlled periodic delivery of medication. This preliminary placement enables precise targeting of the nerve with small doses over time, rather than requiring a large bolus that would be needed for less precise delivery methods.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a continuous infusion of medication is used to maintain pain relief, then the duration of action is improved, but the concentration gradient to the nerve is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by administering repeated bolus doses through the catheter at intervals (e.g., q4h, q6h) rather than continuous infusion. Each bolus creates a high concentration gradient that facilitates efficient drug transport to the nerve, while the periodic repetition maintains adequate pain relief duration without diluting the concentration gradient.
3Measurement precision
If a stationary pumping device is used for medication infusion, then the precision of dosing is improved, but the portability and ease of home care is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable single-use catheters that are pre-filled or can be filled with medication and discarded after use. These disposable catheters integrate precise dosing mechanisms (such as pre-marked volumes or integrated infusion pumps) while eliminating the need for complex stationary equipment, thereby enabling patients to receive precise dosing at home without requiring sophisticated infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by designing catheter systems that can be easily operated by patients themselves at home. This includes catheters with simple infusion mechanisms, clear dosing indicators, and straightforward administration procedures that do not require trained personnel or complex stationary equipment, thus maintaining dosing precision while enabling portability and home care.
4Ease of operation
If simple single-use devices are used for medication delivery, then the ease of operation is improved, but the precision of dosing volume and flow consistency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable catheters that incorporate pre-marked volume indicators, pre-filled reservoirs, or integrated flow control mechanisms. These design features enable simple single-use operation while maintaining precise dosing volume and flow consistency through manufacturing precision and built-in measurement markers, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to administration of fluid medication, in particular medication and dosing regimen for management of pain, more specifically to an anesthetic and dosing regimen for anesthetic for perioperative pain management and/or for palliative care. The present disclosure relates further to a medication pump and a method for delivering medication using the medication pump.