Air Entrainment in Intravenous Drip Lines is a worldwide medical safety issue which affects between 30-50% of drip admissions. Air Entrainment, is the phenomenon of air being drawn into the infusion line forming bubbles. This causes staff distraction, wasted removal time, interruption to patient drug supply and can lead to fatal Air Embolism.
The simple solution to this problem has been realised through an iterative process centred around first hand research at RHSC Yorkhill & hands on prototyping: making use of modern rapid prototyping techniques and hands on silicone moulding to yield a fully functional and tested solution.
Air Free is a redesigned IV Drip Chamber. Within the conical lower section is a floating silicone seal. The seal floats at the height of the liquid, and as the chamber empties descends creating a low pressure seal, preventing air entrainment from rigid fluid containers. It also serves as a novel visual warning, notifying medical staff that infusion has ceased and a bottle needs changed.
1. The infusion starts as normal, by spiking bottle, priming line and hanging
2. When the fluid container runs dry, the line is held primed by the buoyant seal preventing entrainment
3. This allows medical staff to connect a new drug bottle, without re-priming or expelling air, hence saving time and increasing patient safety
Throughout my academic career I have pursued other creative activities which have allowed me to gain many transferable skills, all valuable design tools. A big role outwith of University has been working as Graphic Designer for Subcity Radio over the past year. I have worked on print/web media and visual installations for events, which has been stressful, yet highly rewarding.
