Compact Sensor Device for Early Detection of Blockages in Intravenous (IV) Lines

Academic Program: Medical Engineering

Purpose/Essence of the Project

Developing an external, compact, non-invasive sensor system to monitor flow within an IV line, enabling the early real-time detection of partial and full occlusions (blockages). The system is intended to improve patient safety and serve as a complementary protective layer in existing IV systems.

Describe the Product/Project

The product is a compact external device that clips onto a standard IV line, with no contact with the fluid or change to the existing system. The device is based on an optical sensor that identifies droplets in the drip chamber and analyzes the flow rate in real time. Using a signal processing algorithm, the system identifies flow anomalies and distinguishes between normal flow, a partial occlusion, or a full occlusion. The data is transmitted to an external interface (in the future also wirelessly), and allows for early warning to the medical team and improved treatment safety.

How Was the Idea Born?

The idea was recommended by our supervisor, based on recognizing the gap in existing IV systems’ ability for early detection of blockages, and the need to improve patient safety through a simple, external, and non-invasive solution.

Why Did You Choose This Project?

We chose this project out of interest in the world of medical devices and a wish to develop a solution with real impact on patient safety. The project combines engineering, medicine, and systems thinking, and allowed us to deal with a genuine clinical problem and create a practical, applicable solution.

Is the Project Connected with a Personal Story of Yours or of Someone You Know?

Yes. Liat’s cousin has a history of protracted treatments that include numerous infusions in hospitals. The exposure to the complexity and risks involved in IV therapy, including flow and blockage problems, heightened the need for a solution that would allow for reliable monitoring and early failure detection to improve patient safety.

What Need Does It Address and for What Population?

The system provides reliable early detection of blockages and flow disruption in intravenous infusion, thus allowing for rapid warning and prevention of risk to the patient. It is designed for medical teams in hospitals, home care, emergency care, and field medicine, as well as for patients requiring prolonged infusion.