Wireless Extravasation Detection With Adjustable Reporting Rates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to efficiently detect and address changes in fluid levels in tissue, particularly during fluid infusion or injection procedures, which can lead to serious injuries such as extravasation or infiltration, especially when patients are mobile or multiple patients need monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, wearable device that detects fluid level changes using RF or ultrasonic signals, transmitting power into and receiving power from the body, with adjustable reporting rates to conserve power and provide timely alerts for extravasation or infiltration, compatible with institutional monitoring systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous monitoring is used to detect fluid level changes, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system uses periodic sampling at adjustable intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The controller can be configured to check fluid levels at specific time intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes, 15 minutes, or 1 hour), which significantly reduces power consumption while still providing reliable detection of fluid level changes. This periodic action allows the system to maintain detection capability without the energy demands of continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system dynamically adjusts its operation based on clinical needs and battery status. The reporting interval can be modified in real-time, allowing the system to switch between more frequent monitoring (when battery is充足 and clinical situation warrants it) and less frequent monitoring (when power is constrained or clinical situation is stable). This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between reliable detection and power conservation.
2Loss of time
If frequent reporting is used to provide timely alerts, then response time is improved, but device service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements configurable periodic reporting where alerts are generated at adjustable intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 1 hour, or only when fluid levels change). This allows timely detection and alerting of critical fluid level changes while avoiding unnecessary frequent transmissions that would deplete battery power. The periodic nature of reporting extends device service life while maintaining adequate response time for clinically significant events.
Solution Approach 2:
The reporting frequency parameter can be changed based on clinical context and battery status. When battery charge is high and clinical situation requires close monitoring, the system can report more frequently. When battery is low or clinical situation is stable, reporting frequency is reduced. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between response time and device service life.
3Productivity
If multiple patients are monitored simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is designed as independent wearable devices, with each device autonomously monitoring one patient. Each device contains its own controller, sensor, and communication interface, segmenting the monitoring function across multiple simple units rather than requiring one complex centralized system. This segmentation allows multiple patients to be monitored simultaneously while keeping individual device complexity low and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable monitoring device is designed with universal functionality that can be deployed across multiple patients using identical devices. The same hardware and software platform serves all patients, eliminating the need for different types of devices for different monitoring scenarios. This universality increases productivity by allowing parallel monitoring of multiple patients without increasing the complexity of individual devices.
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 timely detection of fluid level changes, reduces power consumption, and extends device service life, allowing for mobile patient monitoring and efficient use of institutional resources.
Implementation Method 1
A detecting component transmits power into and receives power from a body portion. A current received power level is determined from the received power.
Implementation Method 2
The detecting component further transmits power and receives power comprising an ultrasonic signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A System and method enhance clinical effectiveness for monitoring for a change in a level of fluid in tissue by using a device attached to a body portion that wirelessly reports to a remote apparatus or receiver power level for indications of extravasation or infiltration. Adjusting an activation rate of fluid detection, reporting or both extends service life of the device.