A Method for Monitoring the Working States of Drainage Tubes Based on the Principle of Capacitance Sensing

The real-time monitoring of the working status of drainage tubes is crucial for successful surgical drainage and for informing clinicians of the drainage conditions of patients at different stages, to enable objective diagnosis and treatment. In this study, a method for monitoring the drainage condition of drainage tubes was proposed. The method was based on the principle of capacitance and was developed by analyzing the major states of drainage tubes in the process of drainage. Meanwhile, the principle of interdigital capacitance monitoring drainage was analyzed, and an interdigital capacitance device for the real-time monitoring of the working status of drainage tubes was designed. Ultimately, an experimental system for drainage simulation was established on the basis of the interdigital capacitance device and method for drainage monitoring. Results showed that the interdigital capacitance device for drainage monitoring can identify unobstructed or blocked drainage tubes effectively in real time. The device has a hydrophobic surface, so its electrodes do not undergo electrolysis and pollution due to adhesion. Hence the proposed capacitance-based method for monitoring the working states of drainage tubes has good application prospects in the postoperative drainage of abdominal and thoracic cavities.