Automated optical detection of air leaks in chest tube drainage system
Inventors
Benharash, Peyman • Cameron, Robert • Zhu, Allen
Assignees
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Publication Number
US-11464894-B2
Publication Date
2022-10-11
Expiration Date
2037-07-24
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
An air leak detection system for chest tube collection systems includes a light emitting element, such as an LED, and a photodetector that can detect reflected light emission generated by the light emitting element. The air leak detection system can include a securement component, such as a transparent clip or adhesive, so that the air leak detection system is compatible with any conventional chest tube collection system. In certain embodiments, the light emitting element is positioned closer to the bottom portion of the water seal tube than the photodetector. In certain embodiments, the photodetector is positioned closer to a bottom of the water seal chamber than the light emitting element. In certain embodiments, the air leak detection system is part of a chest tube drainage system. A method of detecting an air leak in a chest tube collection system is also disclosed.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an automated optical air leak detection system for chest tube drainage systems. This system includes a light emitting element, such as an LED, and a photodetector that detect reflected light emissions from bubbles or fluid within the water seal chamber. The system can be secured as an add-on component to any conventional chest tube collection system using a transparent clip or adhesive. Strategic placement of the light emitting element and photodetector near the bottom portion of the water seal tube or water seal chamber enables detection of air leaks via optical reflection changes caused by bubbles.
The problem addressed is the subjective and variable nature of detecting air leaks in chest tube drainage systems. Current detection relies on trained observers who are only intermittently available, leading to inconsistent monitoring and potentially prolonged hospital stays due to uncertainty in leak resolution. Existing electronic systems require full replacement of drainage systems and extensive staff training, limiting adoption. Furthermore, conventional in-line flow meters cannot reliably distinguish between water level oscillations and actual air bubble leaks. Therefore, there is a need for an automatic, objective, compatible, and discriminating device and method to detect air leaks specifically in the water seal chamber of chest tube drainage systems.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims pertaining to a chest tube drainage system with an air leak detection system and to a method of detecting air leaks using this system, each describing inventive features of a securement device and optical detection setup.
Detachable air leak detection system with securement device having opposing arms
The system comprises a securement device with first and second opposing arms that releasably attach to the front and back surfaces of the water seal chamber. A light emitting element is disposed only on the first arm, accompanied by a first photodetector adjacent to it, and a second photodetector on the opposite arm across from the light emitting element. The first photodetector detects reflected light from the light emitting element, while the second photodetector detects interruptions or refraction of the light emission.
Optical detection using reflected and refracted light from bubbles and fluid
The system detects light reflected off fluid and one or more bubbles within the water seal chamber, enabling bubble detection through same-side (reflection) and opposite-side (refraction or interruption) light detection modes.
Strategic placement of light emitting element and photodetectors relative to the water seal chamber
The light emitting element is positioned closer to the bottom portion of the water seal chamber than the adjacent photodetector, or vice versa, for optimal detection near the bottom of the chamber when the securement device is attached.
Transparent securement device with clip or adhesive attachment
The securement device is transparent and configured for releasable attachment using at least one of a clip or adhesive, allowing compatibility with existing chest tube collection systems.
Signal processing with fast Fourier transform and bandpass filters
The air leak detection system performs fast Fourier transform on signals from the photodetectors and includes high and low bandpass filters passing frequencies of 20-30 Hz and 70-90 Hz to discriminate bubble events indicative of air leaks.
Alert module for signaling when bubble event threshold is reached
The system includes an alert module configured to send a signal when a plurality of detected bubble events corresponding to detected light emissions meets or exceeds a threshold, enabling notification of air leak presence.
Method of detecting air leaks using the securement device and optical detection
The method involves attaching the securement device to front and back surfaces of the water seal chamber, emitting light from the light emitting element towards bubbles generated by air leaving the water seal tube, and detecting reflected or refracted light with respective photodetectors. It includes positioning the light emitting element and photodetectors near the bottom of the water seal chamber, detecting bubble events based on threshold frequency rises in the 20-30 Hz and 70-90 Hz bands, detecting multiple bubble events, and signaling an alert when the event threshold is reached.
The inventive features include a detachable, optically based air leak detection system employing a transparent securement device with opposing arms holding a light emitting element and photodetectors arranged for reflected and refracted light detection, enabling accurate bubble detection near the bottom of the water seal chamber. The system integrates signal processing with specific frequency filters and an alert mechanism to objectively detect and notify air leaks in conventional chest tube drainage systems.
Stated Advantages
The device automatically and objectively detects air leaks with high specificity by detecting changes in light refraction caused by bubbles, reducing reliance on subjective visual assessment.
It is compatible as an add-on with existing chest tube drainage systems, avoiding the need for full system replacement and extensive personnel training.
The system effectively distinguishes actual bubble leaks from oscillations in water level, which conventional in-line flow meters cannot discriminate.
The detection system exhibits high predictive power and discriminant capability under both high and low bandpass filters, enhancing monitoring accuracy.
Use of the system could potentially lead to decreased hospital length of stay, reduced costs of care, and improved patient health outcomes.
Documented Applications
Monitoring air leaks in chest tube drainage systems post-surgical procedures such as pulmonary resections.
Objective detection of pulmonary air leaks by detecting bubbles within the water seal chamber of chest tube collections.
Integration with clinical electronic health information systems for continuous 24-hour monitoring of air leaks and bubble events.
Use in hospital settings to provide alerts to medical personnel of irregular air leak behavior needing intervention.
Interested in licensing this patent?